“It’s where anyone of consequence gets married,” Papa said. “I’ll meet with the vicar and find out which date suits best so I’m able to offer advice.”
“Hopefully, before you send out invitations,” Charlotte told him dryly.
“What?” Her father looked momentarily startled. And then he relaxed. “Oh yes. Right you are.”
“Naturally, the wedding breakfast will be hosted here,” her mother continued. “If the weather is good we can have a small reception outside in the garden. The flowers are lovely this time of year. It would be quite romantic.”
“Indeed,” Charlotte said. “Provided there will be a wedding.”
Her mother frowned while squeezing her lips together in what looked like severe disgruntlement.
“Of course there will,” Papa said. All agreeability had vanished from his face. “Mr. Cooper merely desires to give you time to recover from the MacNeil incident before taking over the role of your fiancé, which is mighty considerate of him.”
“I agree,” Charlotte said without bothering to hide her displeasure. “Which is why I am so overjoyed.”
“There’s no need for sarcasm,” Mama chastised. “Rather, I would expect a bit more gratitude on your part.”
Unwilling to argue, Charlotte kept quiet and did her best not to scream in frustration.
“Now,” her father continued, “I was going to keep this a surprise, but maybe this is a good time to let you know that your mother and I plan to visit you in New York for Christmas. So it shan’t be too long before you see us again – just a few months.”
As things stood right now, Charlotte wouldn’t mind never having to be in the same room with either of them ever again. She sighed and hoped dinner would be ready soon so she could drown herself in a large glass of wine.
A knock sounded and Everet entered. “Mr. Cooper is here.”
What now? Charlotte wondered.
“Do show him in,” Papa said. “It will be a pleasure to have him join us. We’ve much to discuss.”
“I already made the suggestion, sir, but it would appear he wishes to speak with Miss Russell in private.”
Charlotte blinked.
“Well don’t keep the man waiting,” Mama hissed. “I’m sure there’s something very important he wants to ask you.”
Charlotte sent her a glare, but got up and moved to the door. This couldn’t be happening. Surely Mr. Cooper did not mean to deny her the last two days he’d promised. Apprehensive, she followed Everet to her father’s study where Mr. Cooper stood waiting.
“Miss Russell.” He dipped his head in greeting. “I thought it correct to speak with you first.”
“About what?” she asked while her stomach proceeded to turn itself inside out.
“Apparently, I underestimated you.”
“No more than I underestimated you, I’m sure,” she said, more clueless than ever.
He grinned. “I should thank you though.”
“Thank me?”
“For informing the Earl of Dervaine of my interest in finding a bride. His youngest daughter will suit me very well.”
Charlotte stared at him while trying to grapple with what he was saying and what it meant. This was what she’d wanted, what she’d prayed for, but the chance of it actually happening had been so slim. In fact, it had been so thoroughly unlikely, it might as well have been totally impossible.
“Naturally, I won’t be able to increase your father’s return on investment like I’d initially promised, but as his friend, I’ll be happy to advise him on how to increase his wealth.” He grinned. “My company’s not the only one with the promise of good returns.”
“I…um…” Stunned, Charlotte wasn’t sure what to say. She’d no idea how any of this had come about, but it did appear as though she was free from her attachment with him.
“Well. I just thought to let you know what the situation is before I speak with your father.”
