“Well, I can’t allow you to accompany me. It’s not proper.” I whirled around fast.
I heard his approach from behind, and a surge of frustration rose in my throat. “Do not follow me.” I turned, glaring up at him.
“Being alone in my house is more proper than this?” He raised an eyebrow.
I released a huffed breath. “It was a matter of business.”
“Ensuring your safe return home is a matter of business for me.” He extended his arm with an expectant look.
I hesitated for a long moment before taking it. “I am still cross with you.”
“You have made that quite clear.”
I eyed him carefully as we started our walk, then turned my gaze forward. I did not need to explain my emotions or reasoning to him. He knew he had done something wrong by driving a wedge between Clara and Lord Trowbridge.
We walked in silence for a long moment before James spoke again. “My brother is stubborn. Even if I did try to change his mind now, he will not forget what I told him about the fortune hunting.”
My jaw tightened. I couldn’t blame him for trying to protect his brother. I was trying to do the same for my sister. “I will not ask you to involve yourself further on the subject. Clara and I will sort this out.”
James sighed. We were approaching my cottage now, so I dropped my grip on his arm and marched toward the front door. I rotated to face him one last time.
He stood several paces back. I felt strangely vulnerable under his gaze. His features were exasperated, yes, but also warm and soft. Perhaps he liked when I ran away from him. He seemed amused by it, at least.
“I’m sorry, Charlotte,” he said. “I am sorry for my interference. If you are telling the truth, then I wouldn’t wish to separate Thomas and Clara.”
I lifted my chin, a jolt of surprise passing through me. If only I found it so easy to apologize. My pride was like a stone wall in front of my heart. “I am glad you recognize your folly.”
James gave a grim nod, but his lips twitched. “The damage can be undone. Love is quite stubborn, like my brother.” He paused, meeting my gaze. “And like you.”
My jaw lowered, and I tried to plan a retort, but he had already turned around.
“Good day, Charlotte,” he said over his shoulder.
I did not wish him a good day. I stared at his back as he walked away. Did he think he had insulted me? In truth, I took being stubborn as a compliment. It meant I would not compromise on my ambitions and dreams. It meant I would not allow anyone to ruin my plans. I took a deep breath to calm my vexation and turned toward the cottage door.
I would do well not to focus on James any longer. I had goals to achieve.
A new confidence soared within me, and I made the decision not to run from him any longer. I would go to the Christmastide parties and have a wonderful time, and James would have no effect on me. I would keep myself from falling in love with him or anyone else. I was strong and would achieve every single one of my dreams.
Nothing could stop me now. Not a deformed hand, not a cottage in the North, and most certainly not Mr. James Wortham.
Chapter Twenty-One
“The course of true love never did run smooth.”
Ilit the fire in our cottage and warmed myself, waiting for Clara to return home. When she did, I met her at the door, eager to relay my exchange with James. I had to be discreet, especially with Miss Bentford still cooking in the nearby kitchen. She likely wouldn’t approve of what I was about to suggest.
“I spoke with Mr. Wortham today. He did tell Lord Trowbridge why we came here. But there is still hope.” I gripped Clara’s hand. “You must tell him how much you love him!”
Her eyes flew open wide. “No! A woman should never declare her feelings first.”
“But he doubts that your attachment is genuine. The only way to convince him now is to tell him. He has seen it, surely, but you must find the courage to say the words.”
She pulled her hand away and moved to the chair in the sitting room. She fiddled with a loose strand of hair, deep in thought. “I cannot.” She sat up straight. “No. I could never.”
“You must.” I handed her the cloak she had discarded at the door. “Go back this instant and tell him that you love him.”
She was clutching her face now, shaking her head. “I can’t.”
