“True, but hardly enough to become friends. I do so want to come to know my sister better,” Maria implored.
“How long are you staying?” Victor asked with no warmth.
Again, Charlotte turned to him with a look of surprise.
“Just a few days,” Maria answered, before turning to Charlotte. “I know this must be a great inconvenience. If you can put us up for two or three days, it would give us a chance to get to know one another.”
In truth, Charlotte didn’t want Maria and her husband here any more than Victor, but she certainly couldn’t voice her concerns. His mother thought poorly enough of her as it was, and she would not give further cause for Maria to add to their dislike.
“I look forward to having you as guests.”
Maria smiled and relaxed.
Charlotte stood, wishing to be alone before needing to provide entertainment. “I will advise Cook then instruct Polly to have a room prepared.”
“A room? We need two,” Maria said in surprise. “How can one sleep with another beside them. No husband and wife in Society share a chamber, Charlotte.”
While she had never shared a chamber with her husband, Charlotte assumed it was because of the circumstances of their marriage. How could she know how marriages were in Society? She couldn’t even remember her own mother, let alone recall if her parents had shared a chamber.
Victor stood and walked over to place a hand at the small of her back. “Charlotte does not know how Society sleeps because when I am in residence, separate bedchambers have never been an issue.”
Charlotte looked up at him gratefully for smoothing over herfaux pas. She just didn’t understand why he would want his sister to believe otherwise, and he hadn’t exactly lied. Separate chambers had never been an issue with the exception of when Victor first suggested she sleep in his until her room was complete.
“I will see that chambers are prepared so you can rest before dinner.” Charlotte pulled away from her husband and left the room.
Victorstudiedhissisterover dinner. He knew Maria too well. She was here for reasons that had nothing to do with meeting Charlotte, but he had yet to determine what those reasons were. She was being so sweet that his teeth nearly ached. Maria was never this sweet unless she needed something.
Thank goodness he was in residence so that he could keep an eye on her because no doubt Maria would likely take advantage of Charlotte.
As for Kingsley, he was tense, but also overly friendly. Was that his sister’s influence or were they both alike?
Maria went on and on about the Season and her grand wedding, which wouldn’t have been possible had Victor not married Charlotte. Of course, his sister never offered a thank you. Not that Victor expected her to. Too often Maria and Mother forgot how it was possible that they enjoyed a Season at all, but Victor had reminded them often, which they also dismissed.
As the meal came to an end, Charlotte rose so she and Maria could excuse themselves, leaving the gentlemen with their port and cigars. Victor was not going to allow them to be alone for even a moment if he could help it.
“We will join you ladies.” Victor offered his arm to Charlotte.
“If that is your wish.” Maria’s sweetness slipped, but only for a moment.
After they were seated in the parlor once again, a footman rolled in the tea cart. While they enjoyed the after-dinner refreshments, Maria and Kingsley prattled on about their trip so far. Charlotte offered nothing but the occasional, appropriate comment. Victor could also tell that she was growing tired. She had spent yesterday in bed and in pain, and today had been a strain. “You should rest.”
“I am fine,” she returned with a smile.
“It is growing late. Perhaps we should all retire,” Maria suggested then turned to Charlotte. “Might I bother you for the use of a maid? I did not bring one and would dearly love some assistance this evening.”
“I will have Polly attend you.” Charlotte stood. “If you will excuse me, I will send her to your room.”
“Thank you,” Maria gushed, overly so.
Victor watched as Charlotte walked from the room. She had limped before they went into dinner, and it was heavier now. He would need to see that she took something for her pain.
“Charlotte, are you injured?” Kingsley asked, and at least sounded as if he cared.
“My wife fell the other day and is still recovering.”
“Oh, do take care, dear Charlotte,” Maria called.
Victor in turn, waited, knowing that he would now see the Maria he knew all too well.
