Page 24 of A Perfect Engagement
Charlotte’s glance darted over his shoulder. “I’m fine. Is everyone talking about it?” Her fingers squeezed his.
He had no idea what everyone was talking about, and he couldn’t care less. But clearly, Charlotte cared, so he lied. “Not at all. Apparently, everyone is talking about how excellent my backside looks in wet trousers.”
Charlotte gasped. Then her eyes narrowed as she looked over his shoulder again. “I am going to murder Lucius,” she muttered.
He turned, tucking her arm in his, glad he could distract her for a moment. “Can I get you a glass of wine?”
“Yes, please.”
A footman with a tray of wine approached them almost immediately, and Daniel passed a glass to Charlotte, who took a large gulp. Taking one for himself, they continued to move toward a knot of people standing near the pianoforte. Charlotte’s friends, Lady Susanna and Miss Spencer greeted them with smiles. They stood with Lord Haverty and Mr.—what was the chap’s name? Pearson, yes, Mr. Pearson.
“Good evening, ladies.” Daniel gave each of the men a nod. “Pearson, Haverty.”
“Lord Hawksridge, we heard your brother would be joining the party. When will he arrive?” Miss Spencer asked.
“Hopefully, tomorrow,” he replied. He cast a sideways glance at Charlotte.
“Wonderful,” Lady Susanna said. “I look forward to meeting him.”
“I would rethink that, Lady Susanna,” a snide voice interjected. Two young women joined the group. Next to him, Charlotte stiffened. The woman continued, “Pardon me, my lord, but your brother has a reputation for being a terrible rake.”
“And there was the nasty business with the duel.” Haverty bobbed his head. “Nearly killed Lord Rawlings.”
Daniel couldn’t believe the audacity of these people. He would hardly call himself a rake. He’d always enjoyed the company of women. They were complicated creatures. He enjoyed figuring out what made women tick and what unraveled them. But most of the women of his acquaintance were just friends. He took a sip of wine.
The business with Rawlings had indeed been nasty. Lady Hillshire had needed his help. The only way to unshackle her from her impending marriage to Rawlings, a man thirty years her senior, was to ruin her in the eyes of society. He hadn’t thought the old codger would challenge him to a duel.
Everyone turned to him to see how he would respond. “He didn’t come close to killing him. He merely grazed his shoulder. The way Rawlings dramatized the incident is embarrassing.” He rolled his eyes.
Haverty and Pearson both laughed, and Miss Snooty gave a sniff of disdain. Daniel hoped Miles would stand up for him if he were here, although it had been his brother’s idea for Daniel to take time to travel on the continent while the scandal died down. Perhaps he’d felt embarrassed by the incident. No, Miles had supported him, acted as his second. Daniel sighed; he didn’t even know what his brother thought anymore. Between the two years he had spent traveling and the upheaval of learning he had a daughter, he and his brother hadn’t really spent any time together recently.
In fact, where were Miles’s friends? All the old chaps they used to run around with? Hadn’t Miles invited any personal friends to his engagement party? Did Miles even keep in touch with his friends any longer? Daniel tucked his worries away for another time. He schooled his features into his haughtiest expression.
“Besides, I wouldn’t pay attention to the nattering of scandal-mongers. Gossip is a particularly unflattering shade on you, Miss—I’m sorry, who are you again?”
“Hawksridge dear, this is Miss Thornton. You met her the other night.” Charlotte laid her hand on his arm.
“Oh yes, of course.” He turned his back to Miss Thornton and her friend. Then he addressed Lady Susanna. “My brother is interested in purchasing a couple of mares to breed with his stallion. I’m told you are quite knowledgeable about horses. I’m sure he would love to garner your opinions.”
A gasp of outrage came from behind them, and he smiled with satisfaction. Charlotte gave his arm a small squeeze and laying his hand on hers, he squeezed her hand back. The dinner bell rang out.
“Ladies, may I escort you into dinner?”
Chapter Eleven
Charlotte sat ensconcedin her favorite stuffed chair in the library. During the day, the spot flooded with sunlight from the tall window nearby, and late at night, she could look out the same window at the stars twinkling in the night sky. Not too far from the warmth of the fireplace, the chair was the ideal spot even in winter. Tonight, she had the window cracked open to let fresh air into the room.
She glanced down at the letters in her lap and smiled. The recipient of these letters had hidden them among her books—a kindred spirit. If Charlotte were ever to receive love letters from an admirer, she would do exactly the same. The library was her sanctuary.
The flames on her candelabra flickered. Charlotte glanced up as the library door opened. Silhouetted in the doorframe stood Daniel. He paused.
“I’m sorry to disturb you. I didn’t think anyone would be in here so late.”
“Come in. I’m happy for some company.” She motioned with one hand.
Loud male laughter rang out from behind him. Daniel stepped inside and closed the door shutting out the noise. “The card room is becoming quite raucous the more they drink. I thought to find some quiet. Perhaps grab a book to take to my room.”
She stood and moved forward to the seating area in front of the fireplace. Even though there was no fire burning, all the sconces had been lit, giving the room a soft glow. She gestured again for Daniel to join her. “I also was not tired enough to head to bed when most of my friends excused themselves.” She shrugged. “I’m a night owl.”
