Charlotte was spared from replying as the carriage came to a halt before the manor. A footman opened the door at once, and to Charlotte’s surprise, Victor himself stood waiting in the foyer beyond the opened door.
“That,” she murmured under her breath, “cannot possibly be a good sign.”
Victor stepped forward as they entered, impeccably dressed and entirely composed.
“Lady Arabella,” he said smoothly, inclining his head toward Arabella before turning his gaze to Charlotte. “Miss Brown.”
“Your Grace,” Charlotte replied politely.
Arabella’s eyes danced with amusement as she curtsied. “Your Grace, how kind of you to receive us personally.”
Victor’s expression remained unreadable. “My grandmother is taking tea in the parlour,” he said. “I came to intercept you to see if you would both join us?”
Charlotte hesitated briefly before nodding. “Of course.”
Victor offered his arm with maddening ease. “Excellent,” he said.
Charlotte stared at it for one dreadful second too long before accepting, acutely aware of Arabella watching the exchange with poorly concealed delight.
“You appear remarkably comfortable with deception,” she murmured under her breath as they walked.
“I prefer efficiency,” he replied lightly.
They entered the parlour to find Lionel seated beside Elizabeth, tea already arranged elegantly upon the table. The dowager brightened at once upon seeing Charlotte.
“There she is!” Elizabeth exclaimed warmly. “I told you she would return.”
Charlotte forced a pleasant smile. “Your Grace,” she said, crossing to her.
Elizabeth clasped her hands together happily. “And looking lovelier than ever,” she declared. “Victor, you truly have excellent taste.”
Charlotte nearly choked on absolutely nothing.
Lionel coughed discreetly into his hand, though his eyes gleamed suspiciously with amusement. Victor, infuriatingly, remained perfectly composed.
“I do my best,” he said smoothly.
Charlotte shot him a look sharp enough to wound lesser men. He merely gestured for her to sit beside him.
Arabella settled gracefully into a nearby chair, clearly enjoying herself far more than propriety allowed.
“I confess,” she said lightly, “I was quite surprised to hear of the engagement.”
“As was I,” Charlotte muttered before she could stop herself.
Victor’s mouth twitched faintly. “Miss Brown was overwhelmed by happiness,” he said solemnly.
Lionel laughed outright at that. “I begin to understand the appeal,” he remarked.
Elizabeth smiled dreamily at Charlotte. “You shall make such handsome children,” she said.
Charlotte inhaled sharply into her tea.
Victor reached over, taking her cup before she could spill it. “Careful, darling,” he said smoothly.
Darling. The nerve of this man.
Charlotte stared at him in horror while Arabella looked moments away from collapsing with laughter.
