These rules had been memorized and when Victor arrived, it is what she would present to him. At least, she hoped he believed her ruse.
Charlotte hated that she had to become someone else, but these changes were not just for him—they were for her and completely selfish.
She couldnotlose her home and the freedom she enjoyed. Charlotte would do everything possible within her control to remain exactly where she was. She hoped that her husband never learned her secrets and that those who did know them did not tell Victor or everything would be ruined.
Her stomach twisted just thinking about it. “Blast!”
She’d gotten so nervous about Victor visiting that she had nearly ruined her painting.
Taking a rag, Charlotte delicately wiped away the smudge then reapplied the paint and frowned. There would be a mark, but it was unlikely anyone would notice. Though, she would know and remember how it had gotten there.
Chapter 6
Thedooropeneduponhis approach, but the servant, who Victor assumed was the butler simply stared and waited for an introduction. This wasn’t the man he had hired four years ago.
“Viscount Blackmar, to see my wife,” he announced.
The butler’s eyes grew wide, and his mouth slightly opened.
He had flummoxed the man, Victor chuckled to himself.
“Um, well, . . .yes, ah, very good, Lord Blackmar.” The butler stepped back and opened the door wider, allowing Victor to enter his own house.
“Is my wife at home?”
“Yes,” he answered much to Victor’s surprise. “I will advise Lady Blackmar of your arrival.” The man quickly disappeared.
If Charlotte was a governess, why was she here?
Perhaps she wasn’t a governess every day? His sister had one, but the woman lived with them, and Victor hadn’t paid any attention to how often there were lessons.
Then he remembered, it was also Sunday, which was likely her free day.
Victor took a deep breath. He would learn his answers soon.
“Goodness, you startled me, Lord Blackmar,” the housekeeper said as she rounded the corner and nearly ran into him. “My apologies.”
“Good day, Mrs. Davis. Do you know where my wife might be?”
“She is in the ballroom,” the woman answered. “I will see to having tea prepared for you right away and your trunks taken to your set of rooms. We have been expecting you, so all is ready.”
Victor thanked her then made his way to the ballroom at the back of the house. Soon, he could hear voices.
The nameless servant had stopped just inside the wide entry to the ballroom. Victor peered over the man’s shoulder but did not find his wife.
“What did you say, Walters?” Charlotte’s voice squeaked.
“I said,” the butler spoke louder. “Viscount Blackmar, your husband, has arrived.”
Silence followed.
“Shall I serve him tea?” Walters prompted.
“Yes. Or something stronger.”
“Anything else?”
“Just keep him away from here. He cannot see me like this.”
