“I am certain that it is nothing.”
“You will not know until you break the seal.”
Of course, she was correct, so Charlotte opened and read the missive. Then read it a second time.
“My father is dead,” she muttered, her voice sounding strange. “They are not certain of the cause, but suspect his heart gave out.”
“Oh, Charlotte, I am so sorry.” Monique set her tea aside.
“Thank you,” she answered as she realized that she wasn’t certain how she felt about this news. There should be sadness or mourning, but she was empty of those emotions. Nor was she glad for the death of the man she had so disappointed.
No, the only mourning in her soul was for her child.
“I am needed at Hartfield Hall.”
“What of Lord Blackmar? Should I ask a servant to find him?”
“He is not here but in Shropshire, at his family estate.” Had word been sent to Victor there?
It was likely. She had received a letter from her father just yesterday demanding to know why Victor was back at Thornhill Park. How Father always knew where Victor resided was beyond her, but he knew.
Except, her father was now dead.
It was likely the solicitor knew where Victor could be found and just as likely word had been sent to him there.
Charlotte looked to Monique. “I do not own anything black.”
Monique offered a sympathetic smile. “I can have something for you in a few days, or we can dye your clothing.”
Charlotte rejected the idea. “Those dresses were created only a few months ago. I am not going to dye them.” Perhaps it was wrong of her, but her father would have considered it a waste to have spent so much to see it ruined. “I do not have time to wait for a dress or two to be made either. But, if you could have them ready for when I return, it would be greatly appreciated.” It went against custom not to dress in black right away, but Charlotte truly didn’t care.
“I will have dresses waiting for when you return,” Monique promised.
“I suppose that I should see to having my things packed and the carriage prepared.” She would also send a letter to Victor to advise him that she would be traveling to Hartfield Hall so he would know to expect her. As she wasn’t certain how soon he would travel to Cheshire, she had a missive sent to both locations.
Chapter 31
Thereasontherewaspeace in the house, Victor came to learn, was because his mother had gone to visit a friend, as had Maria and her husband. All left the day of the fire and the damage to the dam, along with Marcus, so it would be impossible that they would have any information.
Had someone been waiting until almost everyone was gone so that he wouldn’t be caught? Or, had his family up and vacated after the destruction?
As he descended the stairs, looking forward to a peaceful meal, Victor was brought up short when his mother breezed in and began ordering the butler about.
“Victor, you have returned.” Then she quickly glanced about. “What of that girl you married?”
“Charlotte remained in Willanton, and she is no longer a girl.”
“She is still common.”
Victor almost informed his mother that there wasn’t anything common about his wife but knew that such would develop into an argument that he wanted no participation in, nor would she change her mind. All he could hope was that she chose a more pleasant topic to discuss at dinner.
“Victor, when did you return?” Maria asked from the entry.
Now he knew that there would be no hope for peace.
“I have been here a few days. When did you return?”
“Oh, not long ago. Kingsley is back as well.”
