Charlie furrowed his brow. “I am afraid to ask.”
I mentally checked my schedule to be certain. The duke would not arrive for another five days. This one would be risky, but I’d known as much when I’d written it on my list.
“Charles Winston, would you like to run away with me tomorrow?”
ChapterNineteen
Charlie looked as though he were facing down the barrel of a loaded gun. “We? You mean,us. Together?”
“And with Liza,of course.”
He let out a heavy breath and placed his hands on his hips. “Of course.” He cleared his throat and shook his head, and I pinched my lips to keep from laughing. “But where shall we go?”
“To your grandparents. We shall be perfectly safe there.”
His face grew serious. “Ros, I cannot think they will be pleased to see me at present.”
I cast him a frown. “Whyever not?”
“We have hardly spoken since we laid Henry to rest. Per their last letter, which I did not return, they are just as disappointed in my neglecting my father’s estate as my parents are.”
“Then what a perfect opportunity for you to make amends. You shall need to prepare the carriage here, or else Mama will know and stop us before we’ve even begun.” Distracted by my thoughts, I quickened my pace.
“Rosalind,” Charlie called. “As much as I support your list, this idea will not suit me.”
“Are you afraid?” I taunted.
He drew back and swallowed. “Of course not. After everything that happened at the picnic, I question the propriety of myself as a companion for you ... and Liza. Not to mention the fact that your brother said—”
I waved a hand in the air. “I shall manage Benjamin.”
“I have only just earned back his trust,” Charlie argued. “Perhaps we should tell him about the list. He could come along.”
“I love Ben, but he is my little brother. If I tell him about my list, he’ll ruin it with ridicule. Besides, he has too many responsibilities on the estate to run away.” And I simply did not want him there.
“But Ipromisedhim—”
“He does not want us to be alone, and we shan’t be,” I said. “Liza is of age, and I am not far behind. It is perfectly reasonable. Pack for overnight. I shall leave a letter for Ben, and he will tell my parents.”
“—such short notice—” Charlie muttered.
“Running away is thrilling, is it not?” I smiled.
But Charlie frowned back, stopping me in my tracks. “You expect Liza will come willingly? And that your brother will not have my head upon our return?”
“Why would Liza not want to visit your grandparents? Besides, the two ofyoudo not have to tiptoe around to get yourselves there. Make your arrangements, and I shall simply sneak inside your carriage as you set your course. No harm will come from it. I promise, Charlie.”
He licked his lips. “You could go anywhere. Choose anything. Why my grandparents’ estate?”
Well, I wanted to see Charlie amongst his family, for one. I wanted to help him heal his family relationships. I wanted togivehim something after he had given me so much. I could stand beside him while he faced his fears. It would be a small step forward—incredibly small—but it was something.
“I simply wish to be with my friends for a time.”
He looked heavenward and back down to me. “How can I say no to that?”
“You cannot,” I said matter-of-factly.
“All right then. Let us go and convince my cousin.”
