“I have work to attend to,” he said at last, stepping back slightly.
Charlotte inclined her head. “Of course, Your Grace.”
As she turned to go, Victor allowed his gaze to follow her, noting the determined set of her shoulders and the quiet strength in her step. She was not at all what he had anticipated, and he suspected she would not be easily dismissed or ignored.
“Well,” he murmured to himself, a faint smirk touching his lips, “this may prove to be a pleasure… or a disaster in the making.”
* * *
Charlotte returned to the parlour with a steadiness she did not entirely feel, though the moment Arabella rose at her entrance, her composure softened into something warmer.
“Well?” Arabella asked at once, her eyes bright with anticipation.
Charlotte allowed herself a small smile.
“I have been hired,” she said simply. “And I am to begin immediately; the duke has already ordered that my trunk be fetched.”
Arabella clasped her hands together in delight.
“I knew it,” she said triumphantly. “I knew you would prevail, Charlotte, though you insisted on looking as though you were marching to your doom.”
Charlotte let out a quiet laugh.
“I may yet regret that I did not,” she replied dryly. “The interview was… unconventional.”
Arabella’s curiosity sharpened at once.
“You must tell me everything,” she said, leaning forward eagerly.
Charlotte hesitated only a moment.
“I was interviewed by the duke himself,” she said. “And I suspect he enjoys unsettling people far more than is strictly necessary.”
Arabella’s brows lifted.
“How intriguing,” she murmured. “And is he as formidable as rumour suggests?”
Charlotte considered this carefully.
He is more handsome than any rumour could allow for, but I must not tell Arabella this. My low station does not allow such thoughts.
“He is… difficult to ignore,” she admitted. “And entirely too certain of his own authority.” She paused, then added, “I do not think I will get on with him at all.”
Arabella smiled knowingly. “That sounds promising,” she said.
“It sounds troublesome,” she corrected. “Which is quite enough for me at present.”
Arabella rose then, reaching for her gloves.
“Troublesome or not, you have secured the position,” she said warmly. “And I am exceedingly proud of you.”
“Thank you,” she said. “For everything.” They embraced briefly before parting, and Charlotte watched as Arabella departed, feeling both grateful and suddenly very alone.
With a quiet breath, she turned and made her way back upstairs, pausing only briefly before knocking on the dowager duchess’s door.
“Enter,” came the gentle reply.
Charlotte stepped inside, offering a polite curtsey. “Your Grace,” she said, “I wished to introduce myself properly. I am Charlotte Brown, and I have been engaged as your companion.”
