Charlotte turned, surprised again. “What did you say?”
Arabella held her gaze. “Stop speaking about the Duke of Langford as though he is some gullible man you can insult behind his back.”
Charlotte’s mouth curved. “Oh? And why not?”
Arabella’s chin lifted. “Because if His Grace heard you, he would not be amused.”
Charlotte’s smile faltered, almost imperceptibly.
Arabella pressed on, voice calmer now, controlled. “You are very brave when you believe no one powerful is listening. But the Duke of Langford is not Father. He will not indulge you. He willnot excuse you. And I suspect he would find it… unwise to allow someone who disrespects his duchess to remain under his roof.”
Charlotte went very still.
Eleanor watched her half-sister’s throat work as she swallowed.
For the first time, Charlotte looked uncertain.
It was only a flicker. A shadow.
But it was there.
Charlotte’s cheeks colored, then paled. “Do not be ridiculous.”
“Am I?” Arabella asked softly. “Our sister will marry him within the week, and what is said behind closed doors, between a married couple, well…”
Charlotte pushed back from the table, rising quickly. “You think you can frighten me with a man you have never met?”
Arabella’s expression did not change. “No. I think you frighten yourself.”
Charlotte’s hands trembled as she smoothed her robe. “This house – ismine.Youlive here bymygrace and good will.”
Eleanor’s gaze lifted. “It is Father’s house.”
Charlotte flinched. “You do not think he would turn you out in a moment if I were to ask of it?”
“You are just jealous that we were here before you,” Arabella said, without missing a beat.
Charlotte’s eyes narrowed, furious. “Enjoy your duke,” she snapped, voice strained. “If he truly is what they say, you will regret every moment of it.”
She swept from the room, robe trailing behind her like a banner of retreat.
The door slammed.
Silence followed.
Eleanor stared at the closed door for a long moment, her breath shallow.
Arabella exhaled shakily and turned toward her. “I am sorry.”
Eleanor blinked. “For what?”
“For not doing that sooner,” Arabella whispered.
Eleanor’s chest tightened. “Arabella…”
Arabella’s eyes shimmered. “I cannot stop thinking about it. About what he said. A week.”
Eleanor forced herself to remain steady. “I know.”
