“At this hour?” he asked coolly.
“Yes, Your Grace. He insists the matter cannot wait.”
Charlotte’s fingers tightened around the drawing.
The fragile illusion of peace shattered at once.
The forest. The music. The way Edward had looked at her—unguarded, almost hopeful.
Suddenly, it all sounded foolish. Reality returned with sharp edges.
Edward met her gaze briefly before turning toward the door.
“Show him to the study,” he instructed the servant.
The door closed behind him.
Charlotte remained still for the space of a breath, with the drawing pressed lightly to her chest. The fire crackled beside her, warm and steady, mocking the sudden chill beneath her skin.
Stay here, he had not said it—but he had not asked her to come, either.
This was about her.
About her father. Her mother. Her life before Ashford.
And William.
She set the portrait carefully upon the table by the hearth, smoothing the fabric as though the small, deliberate gesture could steady her hands.
Then she followed.
The corridor felt longer than usual. The house quieter. Every step echoed too loudly in her ears.
Charlotte did not hesitate.
She pushed the door open and stepped inside.
Chapter 24
Edward did not rush.
Annoyance burned clean and sharp beneath his ribs, but he would not give William the satisfaction of seeing it. He paused only long enough in the corridor to compose his features before entering the study.
He heard the door behind him open again—but did not turn.
Of course, she would follow.
When he stepped fully inside, William was already there.
He stood near the fireplace with an air of careless ease, gloved hands clasped behind his back, posture relaxed as though he had been invited to warm himself rather than forced upon the household at an improper hour.
Charlotte entered a heartbeat later.
William’s gaze flicked to Edward first—and then, with unmistakable satisfaction, to Charlotte.
“Well,” William drawled lightly, the faintest curve to his mouth. “I did not expect to find you both in such domestic comfort.”
Edward closed the door behind him with deliberate calm.
