Page 43 of Charlotte's Kisses

“’Tis not gossiping if you tell me. I am the lady of the house.” She refused to admit that her stepmother was officially the lady of the house.

Lucy’s chin bobbed up and down. “True. You should know what the staff are saying.”

“Precisely.”

“Well—” Lucy peered around the room, which was silly indeed since they were alone. Then she leaned close to Charlotte. “They say he is the Duke of Astleyshire’s cousin. He was injured in a fight and is working for Lord Chesterhill.”

Here was Charlotte’s chance to discover the truth of what was going on. “What kind of work is he doing for my father?”

Lucy’s eyes grew wide. “I do not know, my lady. But…well, there are such rumors.”

“What rumors?” Unfortunately, the tittle-tattle was probably about her, and not hearsay at all. Charlotte held her breath and waited.

“I cannot say. They are much too indecent for a lady like yourself to hear.”

Why had she thought she could keep her indiscretion with Hugh a secret? If Lady Chesterhill had discovered it, others would also know. Besides, Lucy was aware that she had notcome home last night. The girl was not daft. Obviously, she could fit the pieces together.

Still, Charlotte needed to know the details. “Please tell me what is being said,” she pleaded.

Lucy squeezed her eyes closed and spoke quickly. “The man in the cottage tried to force himself on Lady Chesterhill.” She exhaled and opened her eyes.

For the third time that day, it felt as if a knife was shoved into Charlotte’s heart.

“What?”

“It seems they were once lovers, but Lady Chesterhill ended their relationship. Is that not why you are upset? Finding out that your stepmother had a lover besides your father?”

“Nay.” Charlotte stood and paced.

Lucy wrung her hands, and a few tears dripped down her cheeks. “I told you that I did not want to tell you untoward things.”

Charlotte halted in front of Lucy. “’Tis lies. All lies.”

“You would know, my lady,” Lucy said, her voice quivering.

Charlotte would know—and she did know. Hugh would not force himself on any woman. Why would he need to? He was the most handsome, desirable man in the world. Every woman with blood coursing through her veins would find him attractive.

Charlotte’s lungs seized, making it impossible to take in a full breath. “Please excuse me,” she called over her shoulder as she escaped the suffocating confines of her chamber.

As usual, watching Cricket munch on her apple calmed Charlotte’s frazzled nerves.

“She is having a good day, she is,” Billy stroked the goat’s back. “Of course, she is happy every day.”

Despite her dejected mood, Charlotte smiled.

“You do not have to pretend to be happy if you are sad,” Billy said. “Not around me, my lady. I am a good listener if you would like to talk.”

“You are a good friend.” Charlotte must stop feeling sorry for herself and remember that Billy and Lucy cared for her. As did Papa and Alexander despite their preoccupation with other things. “I find myself much cheered after spending time with you and Cricket,” she said, because it was indeed true.

Billy beamed at her.

“Thank you for all you do,” Charlotte said. “I must return to the main house.”

“Of course, my lady. Enjoy your dinner. I will see you tomorrow.”

“Until tomorrow.” She kissed Cricket on the forehead and waved goodbye to Billy.

Enough of your gloomy moods, Charlotte,she chided herself as she trekked across the lawn to the servant’s entrance.