Page 62 of Unmasking the Diamond
Rupert only shrugged, rolling the pouch beneath his arm. “Suit yourself. But I think it wise I accompany you. Just in case.”
Luca narrowed his eyes. “In case of what? Do you think I cannot manage an elderly woman?”
Rupert’s smirk was infuriating. “I do believe that ‘elderly woman’ fooled you once. Did she not?”
Luca bit back a retort, his jaw tight. Rupert wasn’t wrong. And that rankled more than he cared to admit. “Very well. We can go together, after we see Miss Winslow home.”
“Do I not get a say in this?” Charlotte asked, her voice sharp with defiance.
Luca turned to her, taking in the set of her shoulders, the flash in her eyes. Beautiful and infuriating in equal measure.“No,” he said firmly. “I will not put you in harm’s way. It is far safer for you at home.”
Her lips pressed together in a thin line. “I thought we were working on this investigation together.”
“We are,” he conceded, softening his tone just slightly, “but that does not mean I will be cavalier with your safety.” He forced himself to keep his voice steady, though inside, frustration and worry clashed. Did she not understand? He couldn’t focus on this investigation if he had to guard her every moment. “Besides, we have already been gone longer than is wise. You would not want your family to begin asking questions.”
For a moment, she looked as though she might argue again. Luca held her gaze, willing her to see reason. At last, she exhaled, though the stubborn spark in her eyes did not dim.
He extended his arm, half-expecting her to refuse. She placed her hand lightly atop his sleeve and that small acceptance steadied something inside him. He had meant every word: her safety was paramount.
As he led her towards the door, he felt the weight of responsibility settle over him more heavily than the ledger tucked beneath his arm. He could not, would not, allow Charlotte to be placed in danger. The truth he sought was important, but she… she was starting to become irreplaceable.
11
Charlotte sat across from Luca and Lord Rupert, her back rigid, and her hands clasped tightly in the open-air carriage. None of them seemed inclined to speak, the silence made all the more deafening by the rhythmic rattle of the wheels. It seemed absurd, after interrogating a man only moments earlier, to pretend at polite conversation, but her genteel training took over before her sense could intervene.
“Lovely day, is it not?” she blurted, the words sounding brittle even to her own ears.
Good heavens. She had just asked about the weather. Of all things.
Luca’s eyes warmed with amusement as he caught her gaze. “It is quite lovely.”
But Lord Rupert’s gaze flicked between them, a scowl tugging at his mouth. “Am I mistaken, or are you two engaged?”
“We are,” she confirmed, though her voice lacked the enthusiasm such an admission ought to carry.
“Do you even tolerate one another?” Rupert pressed, his tone sharp with incredulity.
Charlotte shifted, heat creeping up her neck. “I… tolerate Lord Luca.”
“And you?” Rupert’s gaze landed squarely on Luca. “Do you tolerate Miss Winslow?”
Luca leaned back, his expression unreadable but his voice steady. “I more than tolerate her.”
Charlotte’s heart tripped over itself at his words. What did that mean, exactly?
“Do you, now?” Rupert drawled. “Then why aren’t you sitting beside her?”
Luca’s reply was a careless shrug. “I didn’t want to crowd her.”
Rupert snorted. “No one will believe this engagement is genuine. Not theton, and certainly not the Duke of Brackenford. Isn’t that why you offered for her in the first place?”
Luca’s jaw tightened. “Yes, but?—”
Rupert cut him off with a raised hand. “It is none of my business, but if you mean to convince anyone, you must show a shred of affection towards each other. A coy smile here, a lingering look, a touch of the hand. Otherwise, the Duke of Brackenford will swoop in with another offer.”
“I do not want that,” Charlotte asserted.
“Of course not. Then make others believe you do want him,” Rupert said, nodding towards Luca. “A smile. Bat your lashes. Surely not beyond you.”
