Morgan looked offended. “In my defence, the geese were magnificent competitors.”
Charlotte laughed despite herself.
Lionel shook his head. “And this is why I avoid your company.”
“You adore my company,” Morgan replied cheerfully. “Everyone does eventually.”
Victor muttered to Charlotte, “That is unfortunately true.”
The supper bell rang shortly after, drawing guests toward the dining room. Charlotte paused briefly at the doorway, taking in the sight before her. The long dining table gleamed beneath silver candleholders and arrangements of white roses. Crystal glasses sparkled beside fine china while servants moved efficiently placing dishes before the guests.
Charlotte’s heart filled with happiness.
Victor noticed her expression instantly. “What is it?”
She smiled softly. “Nothing.”
“Liar.”
“It is simply…” She hesitated softly. “I am happy.”
Victor’s expression gentled immediately.
“As am I,” he murmured.
Charlotte glanced around the table. Her sisters were already bickering over seating arrangements while Harriet scolded them both without success. Morgan entertained Elizabeth with an outrageous story involving a French opera singer and a broken chandelier. Lionel looked horrified while Gerald laughed openly beside him.
And Victor sat beside Charlotte, watching her as though she were the center of the entire room.
Supper passed with endless conversation and laughter. Roast duck, buttered asparagus, potatoes with herbs, fresh bread, and rich soups were followed by lemon cakes, syllabub, sugared fruits, and trifles layered with cream.
Morgan somehow managed to flirt shamelessly with all her sisters.
“You are dreadful at this game of flirtations,” Lionel informed him.
Morgan sighed dramatically. “I prefer to lose beautifully.”
“That is because you always lose,” Victor said.
Charlotte laughed so hard she nearly spilled her drink.
Later, after supper, casual dancing began again near the pianoforte while Bridget played another lively tune. Joan immediately dragged Lionel into a dance despite his visible confusion. Irene danced with Morgan.
“You are impossible,” Penelope informed him.
Morgan grinned. “And yet charming.”
“Debatable,” she teased.
Charlotte stood near the edge of the room, watching everyone with overwhelming affection. The sight of her family mingling so naturally with Victor’s filled her with warmth she could scarcely describe. For so many years she had worried endlessly over survival, finances, and uncertainty.
Now there is laughter. Security. Love.
Victor appeared beside her quietly and slipped an arm around her waist. “You are staring again.”
“I cannot help it.”
“At what?”
