“Come, everything has a price. What do you want for this?”
“It is not available,” Melcombe insisted in a stronger tone. “This material was created for a specific customer and cannot be sold to another.”
“They will never know. Simply make another bolt,” Maria stated in her ignorance.
“The dye can be used for only one customer.”
“This is so unfair.” Maria stamped her foot. “Nobody could possibly wear this color as well as I.” She held the material to her face in order to convince Melcombe how well it matched her hair and eyes.
“I am sorry, Lady Kingsley but I cannot sell you this bolt. You may choose any other.”
Maria turned in a huff. “Never mind. If I can’t have that one, then I don’t want any.” Without a backward glance she marched from the building, leaving behind a stunned Charlotte, irritated Victor and dumbfounded Melcombe. Only Kingsley went after her, apologizing for the injustices in her life.
“Thank you.” Charlotte turned to Melcombe.
“Do not thank me. It was your husband who was already shaking his head before I could answer.”
Charlotte turned to Victor. Rising on her toes, she placed a kiss on his cheek. “Thank you.”
Chapter 24
Mariawasstillinill-humor the following morning for not getting what she wanted, but Charlotte, on the other hand, was in excellent spirits. Once again, she had awakened in Victor’s arms. There was no more perfect place on earth.
“Victor, do you keep a full stable?” Maria asked as she set her cup on the table.
“I have two horses for riding,” he answered.
“It has been ages since I have ridden. Perhaps Charlotte would like to ride with me.”
“I am afraid that is not possible,” Charlotte answered. “I do not ride.”
“Then I shan’t ride either,” Maria announced. “I would much rather remain here with you so that we can come to know each other better.” She turned to Victor. “Why don’t you and Kingsley ride?”
“I need to remain here today, but you and Kingsley are welcome to borrow the horses.”
“Thank you.” Maria forced a smile. “I am certain that Kingsley and I will enjoy your hospitality.”
Victor had told Charlotte not to trust his sister, and therefore she didn’t. However, whether she could trust her or not, Charlotte did not like Victor’s sister. She was rude, condescending, arrogant and selfish.
Thank goodness they would be riding after breakfast, which allowed her some peace, but she really did wish they would leave.
Not only did she want to find out what Victor meant by claiming her, but Maria gave her a headache.
Unfortunately, Maria sought her out later in the afternoon, when Charlotte just happened to be alone.
She supposed that it was bound to happen sooner or later.
Charlotte had just closed the book on the household accounts when Maria entered and closed the door behind her.
Charlotte sat back in her chair, a little alarmed.
“I need your help,” Maria blurted out, tears coming to her eyes.
“What is wrong?” Charlotte sat forward.
“You need to swear that you will not say anything to Victor.”
Charlotte already knew the damage keeping secrets from her husband could cause.
