Page 39 of A Stranger’s Promise

Chapter Ten

Charlotte stood rooted to the spot, her lips still burning from his touch. What was he doing to her? Their social positions set them worlds apart. He knew that. Why toy with her like this? He was tempting her because he was a man. Jane and Oliver were evidence of his rakish ways. Her heart softened. Yet, time and again, she’d witnessed his honorable, gentle side and, unlike many men of his station, he was taking responsibility for his illegitimate offspring, even if it was late in the game.

She was honestly surprised he hadn’t fathered more than these two children. He had merely to walk into the room and her heart skipped a beat. He’d turned her insides molten hot when he’d waltzed her across the nursery room floor. Just the memory of his lips on her forehead sent butterflies skittering across the insides of her stomach.

She released a sigh. Why torture herself like this? The devil with that. She wanted him to kiss her, crush her to his chest, and… Her head whirled with thoughts of him gently laying her on his bed and coming down on top of her. Her heart beat fast. This had to end. He was her employer.

Charlotte tucked the covers more closely around Oliver before checking on Meg and Jane. She found them fast asleep. She straightened the nursery, then banked the fire for the night. When she was done, she dusted her hands and started toward her room, but stopped when the nursery door creaked open.

Her heart leapt. Alistair? Unable to stop the smile, she took a step toward the door. The smile died on her lips.

Captain Edwards, coatless and swaying on his feet, entered.

“Sacre-bleu,” she swore. “Why are you here?”

“Why elshe?” he slurred the word.

“You’re drunk,” she said in disgust.

As he stumbled toward her, she retreated. “Leave, now.” She pointed to the door.

“Leave? You need me.”

“The devil I do. Get out.”

He lurched forward and seized her by the waist.

“Get your hands off me!” Charlotte batted his chest.

He drove her backwards. Her back hit the wall. Pain lanced through her left shoulder blade. Fear spiked, but she forced a hard voice. “Don’t be a fool.”

“You want me,” he whispered hoarsely. “You’re my mistress, Charlotte. Come to bed.”

“Your mistress?” He’d gone mad. “I am not your mistress.”

His fingers dug into her shoulders. Charlotte twisted in an effort to break free. He grabbed her chin and forced her face upward, then mashed his mouth against hers. Bile rose. Tears threatened.

Think, she ordered herself. Think. Charlotte willed her muscles to relax and she started to fall. She ripped her mouth from his and drove her forehead into his nose. A sharp pain stabbed deep into her skull. The captain yowled and stumbled back, clutching his nose.

Charlotte’s vision blurred. She glimpsed the poker leaning against the hearth. Ignoring the pulsing pain in her head, she grabbed it and brandished it like a sword. “Leave, before I give you a solid drubbing.”

“Losh, what’s happening?” Meg’s sleepy voice sounded from the door.

Captain Edwards staggered sideways, blood seeping between his fingers from his nose. He swung his gaze onto Meg, then spun and lurched out the door.

Charlotte dropped the poker, rushed to the door and shoved it closed. She stood with her weight against the wood and drew a long, shaky breath.

“Did the man threaten you, now?” Meg demanded.

Charlotte turned, but didn’t leave the door. Meg stood in the doorway to her room, a shawl tossed over her nightdress and her big eyes filled with concern.

“No harm was done.” Charlotte smoothed her dress to calm her nerves. “He was drunk. Most likely, he’ll never remember the incident.”

Meg’s eyes narrowed. “We should tell his lordship. He’ll boot the man straight out.” She crossed to the hearth and picked up the skeleton key on the mantle, then went to the door. Charlotte stepped aside and she locked the door.

Meg straightened and handed her the key. “We should keep the door locked until the man is gone. Are you sure you’re all right, Miss?”

Charlotte gave her a shaky smile. “I’m fine. You go to bed. We’re perfectly safe now.”