“I believe he was distracted by the preparations for dinner in the kitchen. Food is always paramount in his mind.”
“And what about yourself?”
“Excuse me?”
“What is paramount in your mind?”
Charlotte abandoned her idea of taking notes for the moment and instead sank into the armchair opposite Nathaniel. She was aware of the impropriety of the moment and found it interesting that he was willing to go against the rules he held so dear. She placed her candlestick on a small table beside the chair and then rested her hands in her lap, over her notebook.
“This book at the moment.”
“I see. Not the imminent arrival of your bride?”
Nathaniel was in the process of turning the page, but as Charlotte uttered these words, she noticed how he hesitated. His gaze lifted, and his jaw tensed. He turned his head to the side and winced as if he had just eaten a slice of lemon.
“I did not realize you were aware of Lady Honoria Everstone’s arrival.”
Charlotte nodded as she noted the name. She did not recognize the name and chastised herself for not paying more attention at social events. She assumed Edmund would know of her. Edmund knew everyone.
“I became aware of it today. Congratulations are in order.”
“Thank you, Lady Charlotte, although the sentiment may be presumptuous. Nothing has been agreed yet. We have simply arranged a meeting to see if we will suit one another.”
“I hope that she is as voiceless and obedient as you would like.”
His grip tightened on his book.
“I never said I wanted a wife to be voiceless. You have a strange tendency to twist my words into their worst interpretation.”
“I feel it was an entirely reasonable interpretation. I wonder if Lady Honoria will agree.”
“I can’t imagine she would, and asking her is not high on my list of priorities.”
“I just hope she does not inadvertently break a vase. I would hate to hear you scold her.”
“Clearly, I would not do such a thing. She is not a child nor an animal. She is a lady, and I assume she has mastered the art of behaving as such.” He leaned back. A sneering expression came onto his face.
“Perhaps I should ask her to spend time with you. Her manner may provide a good influence.”
Charlotte rolled her eyes and raised her hand, scratching the underside of her chin.
“I, of course, would be honored to spend time with her. Perhaps I can test her skills at cribbage to see if she is worthy of sitting at the same table as you.”
“Cribbage skills are not what I look for in a wife. I have my gentleman friends for that.”
“No, I suppose you just want her to manage the household for you. What if she has wishes of her own?”
“My wishes shall become her wishes, as is the case in any good union.”
“I’m not sure that’s the case with Lord Blackwood and my cousin.”
Nathaniel pursed his lips.
“Alfred does not have the same pressure on his shoulders. I am the eldest. I am the Duke. There are more expectations for me to fulfill.”
“Does that not vex you? Do you not feel constrained by them?”
Nathaniel gave her a blank look and shook his head.
