What the Duke Wants (11 page)

“Don’t ruin it.”

“And our sentimental moment is over.”

“Why don’t you make yourself useful and order the carriage be brought about. I’m quite weary and wish to depart. One can only survive so many assaults on their intelligence when so many others are found severely lacking.”

“Your wish, my command.”

Charles left to notify the footman. In short order, they were heading off into the lamplight of Mayfair.

Yet all Charles could think of was how much longer he had to wait until they left for Bath.

****

Greenford Waters, the Duke of Clairmont’s estate in Bath, was beautiful and everything that Mrs. Pott promised. The gardens extended for miles, and past them was a wood complete with several fishing ponds and creeks. The girls could wander for days and not reach the end of the property. And the house, rather castle, was breathtaking. The large stone building had several wings that held a myriad of rooms and multiple ballrooms as well. There was a complete Nursery for the girls with a separate schoolroom that had a piano in the corner. Each girl had their own private chambers, but Carlotta noted that they usually spent the night all together, rotating rooms each night.

Life settled into a routine and Carlotta began to feel more like herself. The girls were disappointed that his grace hadn’t tried to contact them, or inquire about their welfare. Carlotta tried to allay their disappointment by reminding them just how important and busy their guardian was. In truth, she shouldered the blame herself, more than she cared to admit. After all, he admitted to sending them all away because of her. Did that imply that if she
weren’t
the girls’ governess that they would have been able to stay with the duke?

Yet as she looked through the leaded glass window at the back gardens, she found comfort in the truth that the girls were far better off in the country than in the stifling city. Originally from Norfolk, the girls had been begging to see the city of Bath, one of the largest in the country.

“Good morning, girls.” Carlotta spoke pleasantly to the young ladies as they sat to break their fast.

“Good morning,” they murmured collectively. Berty was stifling a yawn and Beatrix was gazing longingly out the window.

“It’s quite a lovely day, is it not? Carlotta commented lightly as she buttered a square of toast.

“Indeed.” Bethanny smiled sweetly.

“Since it looks as if it might
not
rain… would you girls like to head to town today?”

Three gasps met her ears. “Truly? Truly Miss Lottie?” Berty bounced in her seat, all traces of her lethargy gone.

“Yes. It’s a fine day and you’ve been very patient to wait till we were settled in.”

“Can we see the Crescent? And the baths?” Beatrix asked.

“I don’t see why not.”

“Can we perhaps shop?” Bethanny inquired.

“And have a picnic?” Berty asked, her voice a high pitch in her excitement.

“We shall see. I’ll give you an hour after breakfast to ready yourselves. Wear sturdy shoes. While we will be given the convenience of his grace’s carriage, we will also be walking quite a bit.”

“Yes, Miss Lottie.” The girls nodded.

Breakfast was finished in record time and soon they were making their way to the city.

The air was thick with moisture and heavily scented with salt. They crossed the Avon River and clipped their way into the bustling city.

“Where are we to go first?” Bethanny asked excitedly.

“I asked the coachman to drive us around a bit. There’s a few places I’d like to show you. Just because were taking a break from your usual studies, doesn’t mean we’re skipping our lessons entirely.”

The girls groaned but it was halfhearted, they were far too delighted to take in all the sights.

As for Carlotta, her heart pinched yet soared at seeing someplace so familiar. Bath was the closest and largest city to Garden Gate. She couldn’t count the times she visited. There were a few shops she’d have to avoid for risk of being recognized, as far as beyond that, she was quite certain she would blend in.

“Girls, look to your right. That is the Abby. It was once a Norman church that was built up on a pre-existing foundation. As you can see, most of the buildings are a golden brown color. That’s the bath stone, quarried locally. You’ll also see your fair share of limestone.” Carlotta spoke in her best governess voice, watching her charges eyes widen as they studied the flying buttresses and piercing parapets of the golden colored Abby.

“It’s quite fascinating,” Beatrix stated. “History and architecture is far more interesting when you can actually
see
it.”

“Yes,” Berty agreed. “Now where are we going?”

“Next, we’ll go through the Circus. Its design was inspired by the Roman Colosseum, but differs in one unique way. While the Colosseum was intended to be seen from the outside, the Circus was intended to be viewed from the inside. It’s built in a circular shape with three entrances. Upon entering, you’ll notice that the façade of the building is exactly the same no matter where you look.”

“How do you know so much about this, Miss Lottie?” Berty asked, her nose scrunched up as she asked.

“I grew up not too far from here,” Carlotta answered honestly. She had no need to hide that information from the girls.

“You did? Where?”

“Perhaps I’ll take you there to visit sometime, but not today. Now, let’s talk about the Crescent.”

Carlotta spoke about all the different buildings, their stone and history, until they came to Sydney Park.

“How beautiful!” Berty exclaimed as they alighted from the carriage. Carlotta waited for the footman accompanying them to carry the picnic hamper. Ducks called as they made their way to a grassy spot near the river.

“Look at the ducks!” Beatrix called out, waving her hand for her sisters to join her at the edge of the river. Carlotta noticed how they were very careful not to get their shoes muddy.

“Here, try this.” Carlotta reached into the hamper and pulled out a biscuit. She broke off a piece and handed a portion to each girl. “Toss it in.”

The girls obeyed then squealed with delight when the ducks splashed and quacked, trying to get the free food before their comrades did.

“They must not like each other,” Bethanny teased. Her beautiful face lighting up in a smile.

Carlotta tilted her head slightly, studying the young lady. She was not much younger than herself. With soft chestnut hair and beautifully deep eyes, Bethanny would draw the attention of many suitors. But not just yet, and for that, Carlotta was thankful, as she imagined the duke should be also. The young woman needed time to mend, to find herself after the painful loss of her parents. Time would help her heal, and then she’d have the strength to take London by storm.

After their lunch, they wandered Pultney Bridge and the shops that lined it. Careful to avoid the particular shops that could potentially recognize her, Carlotta steered her charges to different venues.

On their way back to Greenford Waters, Berty fell asleep, her sweet body resting against Carlotta as she rested peacefully.

“Thank you,” Bethanny said quietly, her eyes sliding over to her sister’s sleeping form.

“For?” Carlotta whispered.

“For today. I—I’ve had a governess before, Miss Lottie. Believe me when I say that none of them ever treated me as you do. For that I’m thankful.”

“Of course… I’m happy to. But I don’t think I’m any different from another governess.” Carlotta spoke humbly.

“Yes, yes you are,” Bethanny whispered, looking to Beatrix.

“Miss Lottie, our other governesses taught us well, just as you do. It’s more of the way you are when you are
not
teaching us,” Beatrix explained.

“Oh? And how is that?”

“You treat us as family.”

Chapter Seven

“Charles, are you ready yet? I do think you take longer to depart than a green debutante. If I hadn’t been suspicious that you fancied this governess of yours, I’d be convinced now.” Lady Southridge spoke dryly as she waited in the library and Charles gave his footmen final instructions.

“Just because you arrive early doesn’t give you the right to cast judgment,” he ground out.

All morning his nerves had been frayed, his mind overworked with the anticipation and anxiety of seeing Carlotta again. His lack in ability to control his emotions was testing his patience and the last thing he needed was the dry sarcasm of Lady Southridge.

“I’m not an advocate of drinking spirits before noon, but I do think that perhaps you should have a glass of brandy, your eyes look positively wild.”

“If I need brandy it’s because I’ll be in a carriage for the next two days with you,” Charles muttered, but nevertheless poured himself a glass of brandy. Sipping it, he felt its warming trail to his stomach profoundly comforting. Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes and forced his mind to focus.

“See? I knew it would help.”

“Remind me again why you are coming?” Charles asked as he turned to face Lady Southridge.

“I was invited.”

“I don’t remember that part of our conversation.” Charles raised an eyebrow. “I rather thought you invited
me
to my own estate. But that can’t be accurate,” he replied wryly.

“I distinctly remember my presence being necessary.” She sniffed delicately.

“Which is far different than an invitation.”

“Do you want me to explain, again, why I want to spend time with your wards? Because I’m surely able to list the reasons both you and Graham should have married by now producing Lord knows how many heirs given both your reputations,” she challenged.

“I do believe I hear Murray. He must be coming to tell us the carriage is ready.” Charles cleared his throat, his cravat seeming oddly tight. Lady Southridge’s threat had hit its mark. The last thing he wanted to do was find himself in the middle of one of her matchmaking schemes.

Hearing about his ability to procreate was quite low on the list as well. Especially when approaching the topic with one viewed as a parent figure. Scratch that. It was definitely at the top of the list of things he never wanted to discuss, ever, with Lady Southridge.

Ever,
ever
.

However, he wouldn’t mind discussing the topic with Carlotta.

He swallowed as he ducked into the hall. Murray wasn’t anywhere to be found, but he hadn’t expected to see him. He’d only mentioned him in desperation to change the subject of conversation.

He only hoped Lady Southridge didn’t bring up the topic once they were in the carriage. He’d have no escape but to fling himself from the moving carriage.

But if she began speaking about his ability to produce offspring, he would be sorely tempted.

Charles walked a few steps down the hall, his mind wandering. It would take them almost two days to get to Greenford Waters. It was one of his favorite estates and its large landholding was the reason he sent the girls to that location. He had spent most of his boyhood in that home, and it carried fond memories for him still. It had been too long since he’d returned and he found himself anticipating their departure even more.

Of course, that Carlotta was in residence was an added siren call that couldn’t be denied. He’d have to watch himself, closely. Not only did he not want to repeat the same mistakes he made earlier, but he’d have a witness: Lady Southridge.

The woman had a memory like an elephant.

Good Lord, this was going to be a nightmare.

“Your grace? The carriage is ready.” Murray approached him from behind, bowing slightly.

“Very well. Please attend Lady Southridge. I’ll meet her at the carriage.”

Murray nodded and left, his back straight and tall as he walked to the library to alert Lady Southridge.

Charles strode to the circular drive where the carriage waited, pulled by his prized Blood Bays. The horses waited patiently, shaking their heads and chewing the bit.

Once seated in the well-sprung carriage, he closed his eyes.

“You’re not fooling me. I know you’re not asleep already. You aren’t
that
old.” Lady Southridge commented as she settled on the plush bench.

“Not sleeping, praying.”

“For?”

“Deliverance.”

She snorted.

“I do believe that was a snort. How unladylike,” Charles commented, opening his eyes and regarding her.

“When one speaks something so absurd, sometimes the only polite thing to do
is
snort. Any words I would have said would have been far less lady like.” She shot back, a grin teasing her lips.

“Very well.”

She leaned forward, as if about to disclose a great secret. “And for the record. I’ve been praying for deliverance as well… God keeps telling me to wait. At this point, I’m sure I’ll be near death. But I have hope for you still.”

“My heart beats with joy at your faith in me.”

“Someone has to hold on to hope for your blackened soul,” she quipped.

“How far is it to Bath, again?” Charles sighed heavily, glancing heavenward.

“As if you don’t have the miles counted already. Less than two days, darling. If I were you, I’d worry less about enjoying my pleasant company and more about important matters.”

“Such as?” Charles felt his eyebrow raise, his tone dubious.

“Such as whom you shall marry this season.” She beamed and leaned back, her eyes bright with hope.

Bloody blooming damning hell.

“Swearing in your mind is just as much of a sin as speaking it out loud Charles,” Lady Southridge chided. “Besides, do you really think I’m going to let you and Graham get away with your bachelor status for much longer? Both of you have a responsibility to produce an heir. I’ve reminded you both often enough that there is not a possible way you’ve forgotten, so I must simply assume that you need help.” She leaned back, her expression full of assurance and… pity.

When one thought of hell, certainly fire, brimstone, and torture sprang to mind. The torture was indeed correct, but Charles was sure that hell looked a lot like his carriage and the devil looked like Lady Southridge.