The Secrets of a Lady (37 page)

Nothing.

He leaned back with a small sigh. “When I return, I will be making an appointment with your father. Then I’d like to speak to you about a matter of great importance.”

A blush tinged her pale cheeks pink. It was clear they both knew the subject of which he spoke.

“
I look forward to that discussion then, my lord.”

“
As do I.” He hoped he sounded sincere. This assignment would mark the end of his previous life. When he’d done his duty for Lord Golding he would settle into his life as Marquis. One that included a new wife.

He smiled and was surprised when she didn’t return it, but instead seemed distant. “Is there something troubling you about my news?”

She snapped her gaze back to his immediately. “I have no right to question your decisions.”

He arched an eyebrow. “But I value your opinion. Over the past few months I’ve come to rely on your counsel. Tell me what it is that worries you.”

She stood and wrung her hands. “My lord, for the past few months you have courted me in every way that is proper and decent. And I have looked forward to your presence in the ballroom and in this drawing room. But…”

He frowned at her hesitation. Here Charlotte was about to say the only thing that had ever interested him and she paused. “But?”

“
You do have a reputation, my lord, that is hard to ignore,” she finished, almost apologetically. “And I wouldn’t like to look the fool in front of my friends or society.”

His frown deepened. Of course Charlotte knew of his reputation, who didn’t? He’d never made it any secret that he enjoyed the entertainments of London, from horses to drink to beautiful women. Enjoyments made more accessible by his life as a secret agent.

“
I would never make you look a fool,” he said. “Have I behaved in some way that has done so?”

“
No, at least not yet. But I wonder if this trip to your shire is really a way to… to finish off your days as a rake and a bachelor.”

He leaned back in surprise. He hadn’t thought Charlotte would even have such observant thoughts in her pretty head, let alone dare to voice them.

“My dear Lady Charlotte…” Standing, he dared to lean over and touch her hand. “You believe I’m off to carouse in the country as a last-ditch celebration of my bachelorhood?”

She delicately pulled her hand away. “Perhaps. My lord, I am not as naïve as I may appear. I realize after you marry… whomever you marry… you will have your dalliances. But they will be private, not something that would shame your wife. But a public display when it is well-known you seek my attentions could lead to embarrassment. And I do fear that is what you seek while you travel.”

He smiled his reassurance. “I am going to Woodbury to take care of some business for a friend, a man who has helped me in more ways than I can ever repay. I assure you my visit is not to sow any wild oats.”

At least not the kind she meant. Instead, he was sowing the wild oats of adventure. He could only hope one last turn as an unofficial spy would help him shake his for excitement from his blood so he could be a good Lord and Master to his estate and family.

“
And what if I hear otherwise, my lord?” Her voice was suddenly very soft.

“
You won’t,” he guaranteed. “My days as a rake are over, and my days as a respectable Marquis have begun.”

She nodded slowly. “I hope that is so, my lord.”

Then her directness faltered and she dipped her head again to return to the subservient miss who he’d courted over the past few months. “And now our allotted visit has passed. I wish you good fortune on your trip to Woodbury and a swift return to London.”

“
Charlotte, if you wish I could stay and we could talk more about this.” Somehow he hoped she would say yes and perhaps hold his interest.

Instead, she crinkled her eyes as if confused by such a request. “And why would I wish such an improper thing?”

It was clear she truly didn’t want him to remain. With a sigh, he bowed deeply and wished her a good day.

The moment he was back in his carriage and speeding toward his London estate, he dismissed Charlotte from his thoughts. Already his mind spun on the mission ahead of him. A simple one really.

One of his tenants had been married to a much younger woman who was the only daughter of an associate of the head of the War Department. The woman had died under strange circumstances, and her father wished to know if she’d been murdered. Though it wasn’t a matter of national security, Lord Golding had taken an interest in helping his friend and called on Noah. He was the natural choice of investigator. He could return to Woodbury and ask questions without raising suspicions.

As Noah swung down from the carriage and strode into his house to make the final preparations for his departure, the last wisps of concern over Charlotte Ives and the prison of marriage faded from his mind.

For now he was totally focused on solving a murder.