Charlotte felt herself shrinking, aware of every detail of her plain gown, her position, the way she stood just slightly apart from the noble cluster.
Lady Amelia clasped her gloved hands lightly. “I am hosting a small gathering tomorrow afternoon. Nothing formal. I would be delighted if you joined us.”
Her gaze rested pointedly on Edward.
“And of course,” she added with graceful emphasis, “the children are welcome. One must think of their happiness, after all. The governess may attend to them.”
Charlotte felt the words like a soft dismissal.
The governess may attend to them.
Lady Victoria hesitated. Edward opened his mouth.
Amelia pressed on before either could demur. “It would be unkind to refuse. We shall expect you.”
There were witnesses. Members of the ton. Smiling faces and raised brows.
Declining would be a statement.
Edward inclined his head. “Very well.”
Lady Victoria gave her agreement a breath later.
Charlotte smiled as required. Inside, she felt cornered.
The walk resumed, though the ease had fractured.
They turned back toward Ashford not long after. The path narrowed, damp leaves slick beneath their feet.
Charlotte’s thoughts churned. Lady Victoria’s composure. Lady Amelia’s calculated invitation. Edward’s praise.
She did not see the root until it was too late.
Her foot slipped. The world tilted.
A hand caught her wrist—firm, immediate.
Edward.
His grip steadied her before she could fall. His other hand came instinctively to her waist, anchoring her fully upright.
For one suspended second, she was entirely held.
Her breath caught.
His hand was warm through the thin fabric of her sleeve. She could feel the strength in it, the restraint in the way he did not pull her closer than necessary.
“Careful,” he murmured.
Their eyes met.
Not employer and governess. Not duke and servant.
Something far more intriguing flickered between them—concern, awareness, something almost tender.
Charlotte felt it like heat along her skin. Then she remembered where they were.
She stepped back at once. “Thank you, Your Grace.”
