“That explains the arrogance,” Charlotte murmured before she could stop herself.
Morgan’s grin widened instantly. “Oh, I begin to understand why Mulford looks permanently irritated lately.”
Charlotte’s cheeks warmed. “I assure you, Your Lordship, I have done nothing to irritate him.”
“Then you perform miracles accidentally.”
Joan suddenly burst into laughter while Harriet tried and failed to look scandalized.
Morgan turned back toward Charlotte with a small bow. “Miss Brown, might I have the honour of this dance?”
Charlotte opened her mouth politely to refuse, mostly because she suddenly felt very aware of Victor somewhere in the ballroom.
Unfortunately, Harriet spoke first. “Charlotte would be delighted.”
Charlotte stared at her mother in horror.
Harriet smiled brightly while giving her daughter a subtle but firm shove forward. “Go on, dear.”
“Mother,” Charlotte hissed under her breath.
“Dance,” Harriet hissed back sweetly.
Morgan offered his arm with entirely too much amusement dancing in his eyes. “I promise to return her unharmed.”
“No promises are necessary,” Harriet replied happily. “Only make certain she enjoys herself.”
Charlotte wanted the floor to swallow her whole as she placed her hand upon Morgan’s arm. “You appear to enjoy chaos, my lord.”
“I adore it,” Morgan answered honestly.
He led her toward the dance floor while couples moved gracefully around them beneath glittering chandeliers. The orchestra swelled into a lively tune just as Morgan settled a hand carefully at her waist. Charlotte lifted her chin with determination, refusing to let herself feel nervous.
“You dance as though you are preparing for battle,” Morgan remarked.
“I merely prefer not embarrassing myself publicly.”
“Then you are already succeeding better than most gentlemen here,” he said with a polite smile.
Charlotte laughed despite herself as they moved together through the steps of the dance.
Morgan studied her openly. “Mulford neglected to warn me you were this lovely.”
Charlotte nearly missed a step. “Your friend discusses me far too much apparently.”
“Oh no,” Morgan replied lightly. “That is precisely what makes this interesting.”
“What is interesting?”
“He never discusses ladies. I had to pry the information out of him against his will,” he said.
Charlotte frowned faintly. “Surely that cannot be true.”
“It is entirely true.” Morgan spun her smoothly beneath his arm. “Victor discusses politics, estates, gambling, horses, and occasionally wine. Women are usually… temporary.”
Charlotte hated the strange disappointment that twisted briefly in her chest at the word temporary.
Am I also temporary?
