I started to tell him that perhaps he ought to consider a profession in the clergy if he wanted to preach, but his eyes closed, and he crossed his arms over his chest again. So instead, I let out a heavy breath through my nose.
Where was Liza with our carriage?
There must have been a rock under my side of the blanket, for I suddenly could not get comfortable in any position. I turned to one side, then the other. If I hadn’t nearly perished in Charlie’s presence for the second time, I’d be more worried about my reputation. But anyone with eyes could see that he and I were miserable.
I settled on my back, turning my gaze to the treetops in the distance. The leaves swayed and danced in the light breeze, almost yearning to break free and fly away. What they could not know in their haste was that every good thing came to an end. Their flight would result in certain descension, but where they’d land, no one could be sure.
Perhaps Charlie understood that part of me. Perhaps he saw the dreaming girl who wanted to float away on an adventure. I wanted my life to be interesting, but that did not also mean I wanted it to be free of responsibility like he did. A dukedom would give my family unimaginable opportunities. My life would be filled with them.
But I also wanted a family of my own—a husband who loved me, whoIloved, and children for us both to adore. Could I have that with the duke?
Charlie’s breaths evened out, and a light snore escaped him. As did all his mightiness. As much as I wanted to be put out with him for his hypocrisy, and for his declaration of mine, he looked so peaceful and calm asleep. Without sorrow or burden. His lips barely parted, and the breeze brushed through his hair. So handsome, despite his scars; even I had to admit. To think he’d intimidated me at first.
My eyelids grew heavy. I was so warm and comfortable. But I shouldn’t give in. One of us had to maintain some semblance of propriety.
Charlie could not care less, obviously.
I blinked, but this time, my eyes stayed shut.
ChapterSixteen
“Rosalind.”
I tried to swallow, but I felt like my throat was full of sand. I blinked once against the sunlight and stretched out an arm. Then I turned on my side and dug my face into my pillow.
Only it wasn’tmypillow.
“Rosalind! Quickly!”Charlie.
I pushed up on my hand and sat up, finding his gaze already on mine. His eyes were frantic. But why? I searched his face. His disheveled hair. A pink spot on his cheek where he’d slept. Why was he crouched in the grass? My heart started to thrum.
“What in theblazesis going on?”
Benjamin? I spun around on my knees and froze in place. No, no, no. Charlie and I were on a picnic blanket, with pillows, alone in the middle of the pasture. Ben stomped toward us with purpose, shoulders squared and fire raging in his eyes.
I stood too quickly, and my head swirled. My breaths came fast, and I could not speak; my throat had altogether closed with panic, and my body felt fuzzy from sleep. How could I talk my way out of this? What excuse could we make for this incriminating display?
Charlie jumped up and created distance between us. “Newbury,” he said calmly, but his voice was all wrong. Pinched. Guilty. “Good to see you.”
Benjamin was already upon us, charging straight for Charlie with fists at the ready. “You right devil. You dirty, bird-witted scoundrel!”
“Benjamin!” I cried, reaching out to stop his pursuit.
But he pushed past my outstretched hand and shoved Charlie’s chest so hard he stumbled back.
“She is mysister!” Ben growled.
“Newbury, you misunderstand,” Charlie hurried to say. He raised his hands in surrender. “I know what this must look like to you, you coming upon us in such a state, but we were ill—”
Benjamin strode to my side and took my shoulders in his hands. “Did he touch you?” His eyes were a fierce storm. His breaths came fast. “Did he hurt you in any way? You told me not to trust him, but I had no idea—”
“Nothing happened between us, Ben.” My voice was hoarse, and my face burned hot, but I held his stare, enunciating my words with seriousness. “You must believe me.”
Charlie’s face fell. He looked pained, as though he’d betrayed a true friend. “I give you my word, I would never harm your sister. What you saw looked far worse than it actually was. I fell asleep—”
“You are shockingly loose in the haft!”
“But so did I!” I interjected, stepping between them.
