He also felt like a villain of the worst kind.
Chapter 9
Sacked
As soon as the music room door closed behind her, Charlotte pressed her back against the wall and covered her face with her hands. Hints of lemon oil scented the rag she still clutched, which oddly enough, soothed her.
What had he been offering her? But she knew the answer without having to even think about it. He’d suggested harboring her in secret.
As his mistress.
One moment she’d been caught up in a romantic dream. The way he touched her. His questions about her father… She hadn’t imagined his affection.
He’d trembled in her arms.
A groan escaped her lips. Why had he asked her that? Was it only for him? She’d thought he saw her as more than that. She’d suspected that he pitied her, but she’d also thought he… respected her.
The sounds from within reminded her that she could be discovered at any moment. She dropped her hands from her face and found herself staring into very angry eyes.
Lady Denton.
“I don’t think I’m wrong that you are not happy at Glenstone Hollow.” She narrowed her eyes. “Because you think yourself above your station. Did you think no one would see you sitting in the garden last night with my daughter’s intended?”
Charlotte opened her mouth to make some sort of denial or explanation, but no sound emerged.
“My husband hired you as a favor to the Vicar and so I cannot simply sack you. I’ve an aunt in Scotland, however, who has never been able to retain a steady companion. I believe you might be the perfect person for the position.”
Scotland? All sorts of emotions rushed through Charlotte. But before she could examine any of them, the viscountess continued.
“Aunt Constance won’t put up with your behavior. You’ll mind yourself with her or live to regret it.”
“But I don’t want to go to Scotland.” The words flew out unheeded. Surely, the woman wouldn’t expect her to leave everything she knew? “I––”
“I couldn’t care less what your inclinations are, young woman. Whether you go to Scotland or all the way to America, it’s little matter to me. But I’ve arranged for you to be gone first thing in the morning. As soon as this blasted storm moves out. Be thankful I’m not a cruel woman, lest you find yourself trekking off my husband’s property on foot, and without references.”
“Thank you, my lady.” Charlotte murmured, stunned at this dizzying change of her circumstances. Her circumstances were becoming all too real. Nothing Charlotte said or did right now could change the fact that she was utterly dependent upon this woman. A woman who would do anything necessary to protect her daughter, and rightly so.
If Lady Denton decided to send her packing tonight, Charlotte was doubtful she could survive.
Without her father’s protections, her life held little value to anyone. She’d run out of choices and it was no one’s fault but her own.
“You’re relieved of your position as of now. I’ll have a more experienced servant assist her in dressing for this evening.”
Charlotte’s heart sunk.
She could not return to her brother’s home and yet she had nowhere else to go. But… Scotland?
In that moment she blinked and nodded. “Yes, my lady.” She wanted to turn and flee ––find somewhere to hide and allow herself a long pitying cry.
But this was not her home. She resided here only so long as she fulfilled her duties to her employer’s expectations.
Which she apparently had not. “Will that be all?” She studied the floor, unwilling to meet Lady Denton’s gaze.
“Be prepared to depart at dawn.” The woman’s voice held no uncertainty.
Charlotte nodded again and then turned to leave.
“Unless you’re willing to be his whore.” The bitter words landed like a knife between her shoulders.
