Formal. Controlled.
Lady Victoria had stopped walking.
She was watching. Not with accusation, but with what appeared to be understanding.
That, somehow, was worse.
A moment later, she gathered Arthur gently and announced that she ought to return before supper preparations called her away.
There was no reproach in her tone. No visible displeasure.
Only distance.
Ashford felt different the moment they stepped inside.
The laughter from the walk had barely faded when Charlotte saw him.
Christopher stood near the hearth in the entrance hall, his posture deceptively relaxed—but his expression was not. He was speaking quietly with Clara Bennet, their proximity closer than propriety allowed, though neither seemed to notice.
Or perhaps they noticed and no longer cared.
When Christopher saw Edward, he straightened at once.
“Your Grace,” he said, the levity absent from his tone. “A word.”
Edward did not hesitate. One look passed between the two men—silent, heavy—and they strode toward the study without explanation.
Charlotte felt her pulse quicken.
Clara watched them go, something like worry flickering across her face.
“They look grave,” Charlotte murmured.
Clara nodded slowly. “He would not come at this hour without reason.”
The study doors closed, and the house seemed to hold its breath.
For a moment, neither woman spoke. Then Clara’s fingers brushed Charlotte’s sleeve.
“There is something I must tell you,” she said, voice softer now. Not anxious. Not afraid.
Hopeful.
Charlotte turned toward her fully. Clara’s cheeks were flushed—not with embarrassment, but with something warmer.
“We are in love,” she said simply.
The words landed gently—and yet with enormous weight.
Charlotte blinked. “You and—?”
“Christopher.” Clara did not even try to hide her smile now. “He told me today. Properly. Not in jest. Not in half-measures.”
Charlotte felt a rush of relief and disbelief all at once. “Clara …”
“He means to leave,” Clara continued, her voice trembling slightly with conviction. “After this is settled. After Liam is dealt with. He says he will not remain bound to a life that does not belong to him.”
Charlotte stared at her.
