Edmund’s flirting usually never caused trouble, but then again, the judgment of the Iron Duke didn’t usually loom over them like a gathering storm.
Charlotte had to be the shield here, for nobody could be given reason to warn the Duke about the Hartley family. Their name had to be beyond reproach; otherwise, Mary would be left in ruin.
Chapter Two
Charlotte smiled politely and asked for pardon as she maneuvered through the crowd. Music filled the hall, and people had already started dancing. The event was in full swing, and a layer of excitement fizzed in the air, but Charlotte did not feel any of this herself. Her heart thumped against her ribs, and there was an incessant throb behind her eyes from the fear that Edmund was going to ruin everything.
She slipped out of a side door and found herself in a corridor. Paintings hung on the walls, and the light was dim. The sounds of the party became muffled the further she moved away from it.
‘You’re not spying. You’re just making sure that nobody sees anything inappropriate. If Edmund were more responsible, then you wouldn’t have to resort to these measures,’ she thought.
Her brother was a good man, but sometimes, he allowed himself to get carried away and had a form of tunnel vision where he forgot that his actions had consequences for others.
Since she didn’t know where Edmund was, she had to try every room. She came to the first door and pressed her ear against it. Although she did not hear any sounds emanating from the room, she still pushed it open and peered inside. It was dark and empty. She backed away, turning to continue her path along the corridor, but as soon as she did, she collided with a stranger.
It was as though she had walked into a stone wall. The impact made her stagger back, and she had to take a moment to steady herself. The gentleman standing before her was tall, stiff, and imposing. He possessed a commanding aura that made it seem as though the rest of the world melted away, as if the only thing that mattered was him.
There was not a strand of hair out of place on his head. His eyes were gray and mysterious, while his jaw was strong. He was the kind of man that one never forgot they encountered.
Charlotte took a breath to compose herself as her mind swirled due to the sheer power of the stranger’s aura. Those gray eyes narrowed toward her. The voice that flowed from his lips was commanding and low, rumbling like a promise of thunder before a storm.
“My apologies. I did not see you there.” He caught himself for a moment, tilting his head. “I am unaccustomed to seeing a woman without a chaperone.” His suspicious gaze passed over her shoulder, looking for someone who wasn’t there.
“My brother is nearby. I am waiting for his return.” The words were a little too quick, her breath a little too frantic. While itstung to lie for someone devoted to truth, desperation forced her tongue. Her gaze was darting furtively around the corridor, praying that Edmund would not choose this moment to reveal himself.
She wasn’t sure she could think quickly enough to explain that awkward situation away.
The stranger’s eyes narrowed, and the weight of his gaze was palpable. Charlotte’s throat tightened. Usually, she was adept at verbal sparring, but there was something about this man and the situation that made her feel uneasy.
“Are you lying to me?” His voice was thick with accusation.
“Do you often accuse people you have just met of deceit?”
“I notice that you chose not to answer the question.”
“Because it is less a question and more an insult,” Charlotte replied, regaining some of her usual resolve.
“I do not wish to insult you. You have a second apology from me, yet I am still waiting for an answer.”
Charlotte pressed her lips together. His eyes were unblinking, his gaze unwavering. She didn’t wish to be a liar, but how was she supposed to tell him the truth? She cringed, knowing that the longer she remained here, the greater the chance there was of Edmund appearing.
While she was taking her time, the stranger sighed.
“I fear I know exactly why you are here,” he said, almost sounding disappointed.
Charlotte’s heart caught in her throat. Had he glimpsed Edmund? Is that why he had been distracted enough to bump into her?
“There is no chaperone, is there? You sought me out, as so many others have done before.” As he said this, there was no sense of boastful arrogance. In fact, he almost seemed resigned.
“And why would I wish to do that?”
“For marriage.”
Charlotte had to stop herself from laughing in shock.
“I…” She trailed away. He leaped upon her hesitation like a predator.
“Sadly, you would not be the first woman to try to corner me like this. I will tell you the same as I have told all the others. I will not be trapped in marriage.”
