Harriet looked marginally relieved, though only for a moment.
“We simply had… a disagreement.”
“A disagreement,” Harriet repeated slowly. “That word covers everything from burned toast to murder.”
Charlotte rubbed her forehead.
“Charlotte Brown, if you do not explain yourself this instant, I shall expire from curiosity.”
Charlotte hesitated. The words lodged painfully in her throat because speaking them aloud would make them real. She had tried convincing herself during the carriage ride to her uncle’s house that perhaps she had overreacted. Yet every time she remembered Victor calmly saying he never wanted children, something inside her ached all over again.
She lowered her voice carefully. “You must promise not to tell my sisters.” Harriet immediately sat straighter.
“I mean it, Mother.” Harriet placed a hand over her chest with exaggerated dignity. “Very well.”
“I shall guard the secret with my life,” Harriet said solemnly. Then she added, “Unless it is particularly entertaining.”
Charlotte groaned softly.
“Oh hush and continue.”
Charlotte twisted her fingers together tightly. “Victor said he does not wish to have children.” Harriet blinked once. Then twice. The embroidery hoop slid directly from her lap onto the carpet.
“He what?” Harriet whispered in horror.
Charlotte nodded miserably. “He said he never intends to have any.” Harriet looked genuinely scandalised now. “We argued about it the other evening.”
“The duke does realize heirs are rather important for dukes,” Harriet said faintly. “That is practically the entire purpose of aristocratic marriages.”
Charlotte gave a weak shrug.
“Good Lord, the man truly has lost his senses,” Harriet said.
Charlotte looked down at her clasped hands. “I did not know what to say.” Her voice softened further. “I have always wanted children, Mother.” Harriet’s expression immediately gentled. “And hearing him speak so firmly against it made me feel… foolish somehow.”
“Oh, my darling.” Harriet moved beside her and squeezed her hand tightly. “You are not foolish.” Charlotte swallowed hardagainst the tightness in her chest. “Did you tell him how much this upset you?”
“I tried,” Charlotte admitted quietly. “But Victor becomes so closed whenever the subject arises.” Harriet frowned thoughtfully. “It is as though something frightens him about it.”
Harriet scoffed loudly. “Men are frightened by all sorts of nonsense.” Charlotte could not help laughing softly at that. “Your father once refused to enter the dairy for an entire month because a goose hissed at him.”
Charlotte smiled despite herself. “Papa claimed the creature was possessed.” Harriet waved dismissively. “Your father was dramatic.” Then her expression sharpened again. “Still, this matter with the duke cannot simply be ignored.”
Charlotte leaned back against the settee with a tired sigh. “I know.” Her gaze drifted toward the rain outside. “That is why I needed time away from him to think.”
Harriet squeezed her hand again. “And perhaps for him to think as well. Oh, you are absolutely doing the correct thing,” Harriet announced.
Charlotte blinked at the abrupt confidence in her tone.
Harriet’s eyes gleamed mischievously now. “Leave that scoundrel husband of yours alone long enough to realize what he is missing.”
Charlotte stared at her mother in disbelief. “Mother.”
“What?” Harriet asked innocently. “Men become entirely unreasonable once they are in love. Trust me, your absence shall torment him magnificently.”
Charlotte laughed softly despite her sadness. “You speak as though this is warfare.”
Harriet lifted her chin proudly. “Marriage is warfare, darling, only with better clothing.” Charlotte shook her head helplessly. “Besides, if the duke truly cares for you, he shall come around.”
