“Good, because the man clearly adores you.”
Mary smiled at this. “That is good to hear. I would hate to think I am deluding myself. No, it’s about everything else.”
“By everything else you mean…”
“The stares. The judgment. The pressure to be perfect.” She took a breath. “The family.”
“The Duke does have strict standards.”
“Indeed. Some may call me foolish, but I believe that the only standard that matters in marriage is love. At least, that is the wayfor me and Alfred. I know that I am not as desirable a match as the Duke and his mother would like?—”
“You speak nonsense, Mary; you are a perfect match. There are countless men in the country and beyond who would consider themselves to be fortunate to marry you.”
“You are too kind, cousin.”
“I speak only the truth.” Charlotte bowed her head and opened her palms.
“If we must speak plainly, then I cannot ignore the ramifications. If this marriage should not go ahead… I’m not sure what I’m going to do.” Tears filled her eyes, and her head dropped. She clasped her hands together.
Charlotte grabbed her hands and squeezed them, directing an imploring look toward Mary.
“There is no need to think of such things. You and Alfred are meant to be together. There is nothing that can stop you from being married.”
“Nothing apart from the Duke,” Mary replied in a hollow voice.
“And he shall see that you are a worthy addition to this family. We shall do all we can to impress that upon him.”
“You are so kind to me, cousin. I know I can rely on you. With everything that’s happened, my life feels precarious. My heart is filled with happiness at your presence and the others, of course. You can help me maintain my equilibrium.”
“I shall endeavor to give you as much support as I can.”
“Good, for there is one matter that I wish to speak to you about, and I fear it may cause offence.”
“Oh?” Charlotte leaned back a little.
“I fear that there has already been an incident between our families, and animosity has arisen. I’m sure you must have noticed the tension in the drawing room.”
“Was it that obvious?” Charlotte asked, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear.
“I know you were standing beside the window, but you must have noticed. It was as plain as day to everyone present.”
“It was?” Charlotte gasped. Her mind raced with different explanations, trying to think of some way to salvage the situation.
“Of course, it was. You must do something about it, Charlotte. I hate to ask something so daunting of you, but I believe you are the only one who can hold things together.”
“Oh… ah… may I ask how the truth was revealed to you?” Charlotte stammered. She thought she had been so careful. She had purposefully turned her back to Nathaniel and remained by the window. She felt tension in the air with Nathaniel, but she had assumed it was only noticeable by her.
Mary leaned toward her and choked out a laugh. “It hardly seemed to be a secret. The way she looked.”
“She?” Charlotte asked.
“Yes, Grandmother and Her Grace. Did you not notice how Her Grace was hovering by the chair? She seemed to take great offence at the mess.”
A wide smile spread over Charlotte’s face. She was so relieved she could have jumped for joy, although her reaction was met with bewilderment from Mary.
“Why are you amused? This is my life.”
The smile immediately fell from Charlotte’s face. “I apologize, cousin. I am of course taking this seriously, but I do not believe you need to be so alarmed. Grandmother can be a…”
