Page 62 of Charlotte's Kisses

Papa hummed in appreciation. “I like this one, Alexander. I do hope you plan to do the right thing by her.”

Lady Chesterhill tensed. “You cannot expect Alexander to marry a woman that has been overlooked by every eligible bachelor in theton. How unfair. I will not have my stepson treated thusly.”

Teeth-clenched, fists balled at his side, Alexander growled.

Miss Coldpepper was the picture of stoicism. She met Alexander’s gaze, her lips forming a soft smile.

Hugh cleared his throat. “Shall we get back to discussing Lady Chesterhill’s devious machinations and her henchman’s lies?”

“Everyone, out,” said Doctor Wellington as he entered the chamber and hurried to her father’s side. “I need to attend to my patient.”

Tears stinging her eyes, Charlotte kissed her father on the forehead. “Papa, please get well. I love you.”

“I will be fine, Charlie, my darling girl. This is not my day to visit our lord. I still have many tasks I must attend to.”

“Promise?” It was a silly request, but she was desperate for something to hold on to.

“I promise. And I love you, too, my darling girl,” Papa said.

Hugh pressed his hand against the small of her back and escorted her from the room.

Time seemed to stand still as the six of them stood in the hall, their emotions raw as they awaited the doctor’s opinion. Meanwhile, Papa’s words echoed in Charlotte’s mind. “I will be fine, Charlie, my darling girl. This is not my day to visit our lord. I still have many tasks I must attend to.”

Despite the anxiety zinging through her, she knew with all her heart that he would live another day. What the next few months held… Well, she could not think about that without her breath catching in her lungs.

“Emily Coldpepper, wait until word of this gets out,” Lady Chesterhill announced out of nowhere. “Did your parentsthink to leave you here, ruining your reputation so that Alexander would have to marry you?”

“Cease with the shite,Mother.Say anything, and I shall roast your heart on a spit. That is if you have one.” Alexander’s jaw clenched, and he huffed. “And if you must know, she left with her parents, and I went after her, and begged her to come back.”

Where had this bold side of her brother come from? Charlotte rather liked it. And how lovely that he had feelings for a woman who had cared more about her father’s health than her own reputation. Charlotte wrapped her arm around his waist and together they faced their stepmother.

“Let us get some things out in the open right now,” Alexander said. “You shall no longer torture Charlie or threaten me.” He slid his gaze to Emily. “I have never had an affair with this woman, despite any rumors she may start.”

Was their stepmother threatening to spread rumors about an affair with Alexander? The very notion was repulsive.

“Why would she do such a thing?” Charlotte asked.

Lady Chesterhill lifted her chin. “Because it is indeed true. The young lordling seduced me.”

Hugh huffed. “Even I do not believe that falsehood, my lady. That story will not guarantee you a Chesterhill inheritance. Obviously, your stepson has no intention of marrying you once his father dies. Try another.”

“Huh.” Alexander nodded. “Now I see your game,mother.Do not think for a second that when I inherit the marquessate, I will share any part of it with you. I will see you hanged first. From the absolute disgust apparent in his continence every time he looks at her, I doubt Hugh Fletcher has had an affair with you either, and I suspect you are also threatening him?” Alexander scowled at Hugh. “Not that I admire you in any way.But my sister and father hold you in high regard, so I will honor their sentiments.”

Hugh grunted. “The feeling is mutual. I would love to kick your arse to kingdom come. But even more than that, I hope to eventually see your stepmother locked in a prison cell for the rest of her days—until she is a haggard old shrew without a pinch of her former beauty. However, mere brick and mortar may not be strong enough to cage an evil beldam.”

Alexander sniggered.

“You may have won this battle, Hugh Fletcher, but you have not yet won the war.” Lady Chesterhill’s pupils narrowed until she resembled a cobra preparing to spit venom in its prey’s eyes. Her gaze darted back and forth between Charlotte and Alexander. “Just try to turn your father’s affections from me. I dare you.”

“I relish the battle, my lady,” Alexander said.

Charlotte did not desire conflict, but she would fight this woman with every tool at her disposal—just as soon as her father was well.

Lady Chesterhill crooked a finger at Leon, whose gaze had been glued to his boots the entire exchange. “Come.” She turned on her heel.

“Yes, my lady.” Like a naughty puppy awaiting his punishment, his shoulders slumped as Leon shuffled after her.

Alexander sighed.