“You are enjoying this far too much,” Charlotte whispered furiously.
“Immensely,” Victor replied.
Lionel regarded his brother thoughtfully. “I confess,” he said, “I had long assumed Victor incapable of courtship.”
Victor raised a brow. “You mistake disinterest for inability.”
“No,” Lionel replied calmly.
Elizabeth waved a dismissive hand. “Nonsense,” she said. “Victor has always been charming. There was no doubt in my mind that he would find the right woman.”
Charlotte nearly laughed aloud at the irony of the statement. Charming was certainly one word for him, though she suspected dangerous might be more accurate.
The conversation continued with surprising ease after that, though Charlotte remained painfully aware of every glance Victor sent her way. He played his role with effortless confidence, occasionally resting his hand against the back of her chair or leaning slightly closer than necessary whenever Elizabeth looked particularly emotional.
The worst part, Charlotte thought bitterly, was that he was very good at it.
He almost has me convinced that his feelings are real.
By the time tea concluded, she felt thoroughly exhausted by pretending not to notice him. Arabella rose at last, announcing that she ought to return home before evening.
Charlotte seized the opportunity eagerly. “I shall walk you out,” she said at once.
Victor looked entirely too amused by her haste. Outside, the cool air felt like freedom itself. Charlotte escorted Arabella toward the waiting carriage, only for her cousin to burst into laughter the moment they were beyond earshot.
“Oh, Charlotte,” Arabella gasped, fanning herself dramatically, “that was magnificent.”
“There was nothing magnificent about it,” Charlotte hissed. “It was dreadful.”
Arabella grinned. “You have such a strong tongue of wit.”
“He deserved it,” Charlotte replied.
“I believe he rather enjoyed it,” Arabella said knowingly.
Charlotte froze briefly, then dismissed the thought at once. “Do not be absurd.”
Arabella stepped closer, lowering her voice conspiratorially. “You realize he scarcely looked at anyone else the entire afternoon.”
Charlotte’s cheeks warmed irritatingly. “That is only because he was maintaining the charade,” she said firmly.
“Of course,” Arabella replied in a tone that suggested she believed no such thing.
Charlotte groaned softly. “You must promise me something.”
Arabella’s smile widened. “How ominous, go on.”
“You must not tell anyone about this false arrangement,” Charlotte said seriously. “Not Margaret, not your husband, no one.”
Arabella placed a hand dramatically over her heart. “I swear absolute secrecy,” she declared. Then she laughed again. “Though it is unquestionably the most amusing secret I have ever kept.”
Charlotte pointed a warning finger at her. “Arabella.”
“Very well,” she said, still smiling. “Your scandalous false engagement remains safe with me.”
Charlotte exhaled slowly. “Thank you.”
Arabella squeezed her hand warmly before stepping into the carriage. “Do try not to fall in love with him,” she said lightly.
