Page 41 of Always the Chaperone
“If you loved me, you would trust me, and a few weeks would be more than enough,” he continued in a low voice, dropping his hands from her shoulders.
Charlotte did not speak for a long moment. “I cannot make the promise you want.”
She looked torn, genuinely unable to decide, and it pained William far greater than anything had before.
“You do not have to be afraid,” he whispered, taking a step toward her, so she tilted her head to keep looking into his eyes. “Ignore Society’s gossips. You must get accustomed to receiving attention after fading into the background for so long! Do you truly hide from the fact there may be someone out there who truly cares for you and wants to spend each day of their life with you?”
Charlotte dropped her gaze to her hands. His whole body burned. If she wanted him, if she loved him, then she would know. This was not something in your life you could be unsure of, could it?
William sighed. “God, Charlotte, I want you so badly. But I will not rush you. Your good opinion is something I will continue to seek. I will give you every proof I can of my honesty. Why would I want to speak to other ladies? You are the one who makes my heart sing.”
She looked at him, evidently unsure whether to believe him.
Words were not going to be enough. Pulling her into his arms, he placed a reverential kiss on her lips filled with passion and worship.
When the kiss ended, he held her tight. “I mean it, Charlotte. I intend to earn you, even if you cannot see it.”
Her eyes were bright. “I do not believe I fully understand you.”
“Good,” he breathed. “I never understand myself when I am with you.”
After several minutes of stolen kisses, he finally released her. “We should return to the recital, or I shall absolutely ruin your reputation.”
“Out in the dark, alone, with William the Womanizer?” she teased.
He groaned. “Please do not allow that to become your nickname for me, I could not bear it. Here.”
He offered her his arm, and with just a moment of hesitation, she took it. His heart swelled as they walked up the steps into the Assembly Rooms, and they found two seats near the back as the conductor led the musicians into a swelling sonata.
Charlotte was quickly lost by the performance. William hardly remembered a moment of it; he was captivated by her.
Chapter Eleven
It was theheat, Charlotte told herself. Sunday had brought the first proper sunshine of the year, and she had not accounted for this in her wardrobe. The organ music rose as the congregation filed into the church.
Her cheeks heated at the memory of those words. Why was she so afraid? Why did she shy away like a wild horse any time William mentioned marriage?
Someone coughed near the back of the church, which she ignored. She had found a seat in a pew near the front, as was befitting her status, and stared at the altar while Reverend Michaels prepared himself.
Was this not exactly what she had wanted, what she had given up hope of ever receiving? Attention from a gentleman? A man, moreover, who was handsome, charming, and titled? Someone who cared for her?
There was another cough from the other side of the pews, but Charlotte did not look around, too overwhelmed by her thoughts.
She swallowed. It always happened without warning, the overwhelming emotions for her mother. Four years. Sometimes she could go an entire week without thinking of her, and all of a sudden, she remembered. If her mother had been alive, she could have asked her for advice. What would she have said? She would have liked William, that was certain.
“Lady Charlotte.”
She jumped. The gentleman on whom her thoughts had been so eagerly running was standing right beside her.
He looked dashing in his tailored coat, embroidered waistcoat peeking through. He smiled faintly, and all Charlotte’s worries and concerns melted. He did something wild to her, and she was about to return the smile when her gaze shifted.
William was not alone. On one side of him stood his brother, John, waving at someone else. On the other side of him was a young woman—very young. She could only be fifteen or so and dressed in a fine muslin dress with pearls decorating her bonnet.
The girl caught Charlotte’s eyes and blushed. Tugging at William’s coat sleeve, she whispered something in his ear. Charlotte wanted to turn away, but she seemed unable to. William nodded, and the girl giggled, eyes flashing toward Charlotte.
How dare he. After their conversation just a few nights ago, after she had been so open, so vulnerable! To attend church with a girl young enough to be her daughter.
“Why, Lady Charlotte!”
