“Oh no,” she blurted instantly. “I am not…”
But unfortunately, Elizabeth continued speaking loudly over her. “She has been such a comfort to Victor,” Elizabeth declared happily. “And naturally they are terribly devoted.”
The Holly sisters erupted immediately. “Engaged to the Duke of Mulford?”
“How romantic!”
“Congratulations, Miss Brown!”
Charlotte attempted desperately to interrupt. “There has been some confusion…”
“How exciting!”
“When is the wedding?”
“What a magnificent match!”
The women's questions came pouring out in such a frenzy. Each one suddenly vying for Charlotte's attention and acceptance. One demanded that she tell Charlotte the best place to have her gown made, while the other mentioned an engagement party to start the season.
Charlotte’s mind spun in horror as they spoke. Their words blurred together, and she felt nearly faint.
No, no, no. This is catastrophic.
She needed to pull them aside privately and explain everything immediately, but how exactly was she supposed to confess that the engagement was entirely fictional without also exposing Elizabeth’s condition?
Mrs. Holly clasped Charlotte’s hands warmly. “You must allow us to call upon you.”
Charlotte smiled weakly, feeling faint. “How very kind.”
“We are thrilled for you both,” another sister declared.
Elizabeth positively beamed beside her. “Aren’t they lovely together?”
Charlotte made one final desperate attempt. “Actually, His Grace and I merely…”
But the sisters were already moving onward down the path, their excited voices carrying clearly behind them.
“The Duke of Mulford is engaged!”
“To Miss Brown!”
“She seems very pretty!”
Charlotte stared after them in utter despair. It had happened so quickly she had not managed a single word of proper damage control.
Beside her, Elizabeth looked delighted. “Well,” she said happily, “that went wonderfully.”
Charlotte forced a smile so strained it nearly hurt. “Yes,” she said faintly. “Wonderfully.”
Panic immediately flooded her thoughts. By this evening, half of London would likely believe she was genuinely betrothed to the duke. By tomorrow morning, society would probably have selected wedding flowers.
Victor is going to be furious.
Actually, furious might be preferable. He might simply toss her directly out into the Serpentine.
“Your Grace,” Charlotte said quickly, “I fear I am suddenly feeling rather unwell.”
Elizabeth’s expression shifted instantly to concern. “Oh, dear.”
