So when I found out that she, too, loves me as much as I do her, I had no other option, Charlotte dearest, we are going away! I cannot tell you more, not when nor where. Suffice to say that I have taken every precaution to make sure that my actions will not harm you or father.
If father asks my whereabouts, tell him that I have run off to join the Navy. Perhaps it is a lie he will believe, for, in his current condition, I dare not tell him the truth.
Sooner or later, I will come back, and hopefully, we will meet again.
Love
Ludlow.”
How could he! Charlotte groaned again to herself. Olivia was still young, barely seventeen and Ludlow himself was only eighteen. He had made a severe error in judgment and surely, he would live to regret it.
Eaglehook Manor, as her aunt had predicted, was picture perfect. Lit up with Chinese paper lanterns, it seemed to cast an ivory glow under the lights of a thousand moons. Silk banners were unfurled against the walls, and the central fountains splashed with wine instead of water. The ballroom itself was tiled with marble from India, and scented with sandalwood. Oriental rugs with gold threading lay underneath, while a sculpture rumored to have been made by Michelangelo himself stood in the center.
Charlotte, in her green velvet dress, felt almost out of place. Unlike the other women here, she had worn not a single diamond, nor any fine laces. Yet, unbeknownst to her, more than one man had been captivated by the emerald of her eyes and the way her sleek black hair fell around her shoulders.
As she wandered about listening to conversations and making the odd remark, she felt relief take a burden off her shoulders. Her brother’s antics had not yet been discovered or else it would have been all that people could talk about. Perhaps he had failed and his plans foiled?
Then, suddenly, she heard it, a whisper, and the name Olivia.
The heat and noise of the ballroom were suddenly far too much for Charlotte. She had to take her leave before the scandal broke. Slipping away into a stairwell, she crept up and sank down on the steps, burying her head in her hands. Any moment now, the Denbrough name would be mixed in mud. The worst part was her poor father, he was ailing, and the news might…
“Well, here you are.” A smooth voice said in the darkness. “Charlotte Denbrough herself.”
Looking up, she saw a man with leathery skin and a false eye leering down at her. His dark hair was slicked back across his forehead, hiding a bald spot underneath, and even the fine cut of his clothes could not conceal his belly. Yet he had powerful arms and trunk-like legs; a man who had fought hard in his time.
“You do not know me, I perceive.” He said. “Allow me to introduce myself. I am Marquis Saddlebrook, heir to the Saddlebrook Estate, and ex-commander of the battleship Leopard.”
“Marquis.” She bowed. “I’m afraid you’ve caught me at a time when I rather value privacy. Would you allow me to leave, My Lord?” For his form was blocking her way, and she now wished that she had never left the comfort and crowd of the ballroom. This man looked decidedly evil, and she did not wish to be in his presence a moment longer.
“Leave?” The marquis chuckled. “Do you fear me, My Lady? Are you afraid? You must not! After all, you and I are practically related.” He paused and looked deep into her eyes. “Ask me how, My Lady. Ask me how we are related. Ask me what bonds us.”
“Sir, you are most unchivalrous.” She said, trying to make her way past him, refusing to indulge any longer.
A hand shot out and dragged her backward so that she stumbled. Truly frightened now, Charlotte gazed up at him, prepared to scream for help.
“We are united by your brother.” The marquis said. “Your imbecile brother who has run away with my betrothed!”
Charlotte’s breath caught. So this was the man that Ludlow had chosen to cross! As her eye roamed over his face, she felt pity for poor Olivia. She’d known Olivia too, as they were neighbors. The marquis was supposed to be her guardian. How could he think of wanting to marry her? No wonder Ludlow had wanted to run away with her. Yet, the marquis was not a good enemy to make. He could quite readily make life disastrous for Ludlow if he chose to.
“Yes, your brother has run away, but he will not escape for long.” The marquis said. “I will capture him, you see, and I will ensure he regrets it. I will tear apart every aspect of his life that he once loved, and perhaps I shall make my start with you, precious one.” So saying, he reached out his hand, running it ever so slightly along her collarbone. Unable to bear it, Charlotte pushed him away and opened her mouth to scream.
“No one will hear you over the music.” Laughed the marquis, covering her mouth with his hand. Bending down, he tried to kiss her.
“Marquis!” A commanding voice rang out, echoing across the dark stairwell. Charlotte twisted to see a figure climbing down. Her eyes filled with tears as she beheld her savior. Though it was too dark to make out more than the golden mane of his hair, or the broad shoulders that stretched out beneath them, she could tell by his voice that this was a man accustomed to being obeyed.
“Morgan.” The marquis said, his voice a dark warning, “You should leave here and let us alone.”
“You know perfectly well that I will not do that.” The man said. “This is my home, Marquis, not one of the clubs you so love to visit. You and your lady friend may leave the ball if you so desperately wish to continue.”
For a moment, Charlotte saw the marquis finger his sword. Then, as if he had reconsidered, his hand dropped away, and he gave a bow. “Very well.” He said. “I will leave. For now. She’s all yours, Earl Eaglehook.”
Chapter 2
The Despicable
Marquis
Still shaking with trepidation, Charlotte found herself giddy with relief as the marquis retreated. The man who had saved her walked over and offered her his hand. Hastily, she took it and pulled herself up. Unfortunately, she stumbled over her own dress and found herself tipping over. With a cry, she realized that she was about to fall.
A strong hand wrapped around her and warm breath fell on her neck as the man rescued her once again. Lifting her easily, he had her pinned to the wall, as he plucked the errant thread that had caught against the banisters.
“Careful.” He said. “Don’t stumble again.”
Flushing, Charlotte felt like a fool, and she felt even more humiliated at his next words.
“Unless of course, tripping over in stairwells is how you attract men.” He said roughly. “In which case, well done.”
What was he saying! Surely he was not implying that she and the marquis were having some sort of clandestine meeting here in the stairwell! Too late, she remembered his words to the marquis, you and your lady friend.
She looked up at his face, which was now half lit by the lights from the ballroom. He had a square jaw, and thick, almost feminine lips. But the look he gave her from his hooded liquid topaz eyes was purely masculine. A grin slowly crept up his face as he bowed his head down towards her.
“My Lady, surely you have nothing to be ashamed of.” He said. “A temptress like you should know that better men than the marquis would give their life for you.” He smiled fully, “Or if lives are not valuable to you, then surely jewels.”
“Sir!” She said, shocked, “I wish to be back in the ballroom at once! There has been an unpardonable misunderstanding.”
“Come now, my dear, do you think this is the first time the marquis has been caught with one of his dubious friends? Believe me, many a woman has fallen for his charms, though I myself cannot imagine what they are.” He released her, leaning away.
Almost violet with shame, Charlotte realized that her dress had slipped down one shoulder. Adjusting it back, she stared up at him. His eyes seemed to heat her very blood.
As her shame turned to fury, she said, “I’ll thank you, Earl Eaglehook, for saving me from the marquis’ clutches and I’ll thank you even more if you never speak to me again. Not every…”
But her words remained in
complete as a party of giggling men and women stumbled out of the ballroom. They raised a lantern high, and gasps rang out as they saw Charlotte and the earl together.
Instantly, it dawned on Charlotte that she did not need to wait on Ludlow to ruin the family honor anymore. She had, within the space of minutes, managed to do so herself. For seeing her on a dark stairwell with the earl, naturally, the others would assume the worst. Before she could explain, however, they had retreated back into the ballroom.
“This is a horrible entrapment.” The earl said, his jaw clenching with rage. “You have plotted this, haven’t you? You and the marquis!”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Charlotte said.
“I recognized the men and women in that party.” said the earl. “They will spread news of this throughout the ton; I may well be expected to marry you or never hear the last of this!”
“With all due respect, My Lord, your reputation will be unharmed. It is I who must suffer the brunt of their vicious whispers.” Charlotte said. “Fear not, I will not force you to marry me. I could not bear to, in any case. But once again, I thank you for saving me from the marquis.” With that, she tore away from him and hurried back into the ballroom.
It took courage for Charlotte to step back into the room. Indeed, every face that pointed at her seemed to have a smirk on it and while every eye in the room seemed to focus on her tousled hair. Her heart raced as she moved to leave, only to have her hand caught in a strong male grasp.
The earl bowed. “My Lady, will you do me the honor of granting a dance?” He asked. Biting her lips, she was about to refuse, but his grip on her hand tightened. “Yes, of course.” She said simply.
As a waltz began, he took her in his arms, and she sought refuge from the eyes of others by burying her head in his shoulder and squeezing her eyes shut. For a minute, she felt strangely comforted by the solidity and warmth of his body. As she opened her eyes and gazed up at him, she felt a pit open up in her stomach.
In the half-light on the stairwell, she had guessed that the earl was handsome, but in the center of the glitzy ballroom, she truly saw him for the powerful man that he was.
A faint scar stretched from under his right eye to his cheekbone, but that was the only flaw in an otherwise effortlessly perfect face. Golden hair flowed in waves almost to his collar, while topaz eyes captivated any who looked into them. His smile was gentler this time, and his eyes reflected that kindness.
“I’m afraid that I’ve been hasty in judging you.” He said. “If we could start over again, I shall introduce myself. My name is Morgan Eaglehook, Heir to the Estate of Eaglehook.”
“I… I know who you are, My Lord.” She said, unable to say more.
“It is customary, you know, for the other party to introduce themselves.” He smiled.
“Charlotte.” She bit out, once again feeling a flush climb her cheeks. “Charlotte Denbrough, oldest daughter of Viscount Denbrough.”
“Viscount Hugo Denbrough?” His eyes widened. “You’re Hugo Denbrough’s daughter?”
The music ended as she nodded, and the two were swept apart. Her aunt had caught hold of Charlotte’s arm and was busy dragging her away.
“What did you do, you shameless girl!” Her aunt cried as soon as they were in a corner alone. “I have never been so ashamed in my life! When the marquis told the others what he had seen, I…!”
“The marquis!” Charlotte exclaimed. “So that’s why he retreated so easily! What did he say, Aunt?”
“It does not bear repeating.” Aunt Agatha said. “I’m ashamed of you, Charlotte. I’ve bought you up to be a good Christian, and this is how you repay me? This is how you repay your father, the finest of men!”
“Aunt Agatha, I promise you, I have done nothing disrespectful to deserve this. I made a grave mistake. I was very upset, and I wandered off to think alone, as I often do in our own house, forgetting that this was not the place for it.” Charlotte said. “But I have not looked at any man with sinful intention.”
Her aunt looked deep into her eyes and saw only sincerity reflected in them. With a sigh, she said, “Perhaps so, child, but it does not matter what your intention was, or even why you were upset. Your reputation is gone now, my dear, and perhaps with it, the honor of our house is gone too. Unless of course…”
“Unless I propose.” A voice said. The earl stood beside them, his eyes gleaming. “After all, it is my fault that you are in this position.”
“It is no fault of yours, My Lord.” Charlotte said, “I beg you, do not…”
But he was already on one knee, and a golden ring had appeared in his hand. “Charlotte Denbrough.” He said as gasps rose up from all around them. “Will you do me the honor of taking my hand in marriage?”
“Say yes.” Her aunt hissed. “Say yes or I will…”
“Earl Eaglehook, you are far too kind,” Charlotte said. “But, I…”
From behind her, Aunt Agatha gave Charlotte a little push, propelling her forward into the earl’s arms. To all those watching, it appeared as though she had rushed into an embrace.
“It’s a yes!” The earl cried, taking advantage of the moment, even as a confused Charlotte stood herself up hurriedly. Blinking, she saw the ring being slipped onto her finger and wondered if she was in a dream of some sort. But the earl’s face, as it smiled down at her, and the cheers of the crowd all around, reminded her that this was no dream. This was her new reality.
Chapter 3
Unexpectedly
Engaged
“Why did you do it?” She demanded. “Why did you propose to me?”
“What other choice did I have?” The earl asked. “I knew that was the only honorable thing to do.”
The two of them had retreated to a private room to talk, while Aunt Agatha sat sewing quietly in the corner, acting as chaperone.
After he had asked for her hand, the evening seemed to have flown by in a whirl. Every man in the room had congratulated the earl personally, while Charlotte’s emerald and gold ring was admired by all the women. More than one had made jealous remarks about providential outsiders. Then, encouraged by the others, the earl had made a long toast claiming that he had loved Charlotte all along, had become entranced by her beauty that day, and proposed to her.
“You lied,” Charlotte said. “You certainly did not love me all along. We’ve never even met before today!”
“Haven’t we?” He smiled. “Haven’t we met before, Charlotte?”
“Not that I remember,” Charlotte said. “And I certainly would recall.”
“Well let me tell you a little story, then.” The earl said. “A long time ago, there was a lonely little boy whose father had far too much debt.”
“Earl Eaglehook, I really don’t…”
“Hear me out,” The earl said. “Then tell me you don’t remember.” With a smile, he began again. “So. This boy was a lonely little fellow. His mother had died young, and his father had decided to drown his sorrows at the card table. One day, the father sent the little boy away to live with his uncle and his cousin Olivia.”
With a start, Charlotte raised an eyebrow. “Cousin Olivia?”
“That’s right.” Earl Eaglehook smiled. “Cousin Olivia, who lived in Sussex. A fine family, with even finer neighbors. Little Ludlow, who had a habit of tearing every shirt he ever wore, and quiet little Charlotte, who spent her days buried in the library under a mountain of books.”
“Oh,” Charlotte said. “Morgan. That Morgan. But how…?”
“Ah, ah, let me finish my story.” The earl smiled. “See this little boy was a very angry fellow. He was angry at the world for losing his mother and angry at his father for being so far away. He wasn’t a very good boy, either. He spent all his time getting into mischief, and being rescued by Charlotte, who often took the blame upon herself to help him avoid punishment.”
“He wasn’t a naughty boy,” Charlotte said, her eyes softening. “Just a very confused one. Oh, Morgan, I’
m so sorry. I didn’t recognize you at all.”
“At any rate I did,” Morgan said. “A little late, but I recognized you indeed. I owe you my life, Charlotte. When my father’s debts piled up, he was ready to send me away to a factory or trade. We were both dreadfully close to financial ruin. Then you appealed to your father, and somehow, the debts vanished. Thanks to you, I got a real education and escaped the misery of being a chimneysweeper. Don’t you remember?”
“I remember my father promising to help you,” Charlotte said. “But it wasn’t my pleas that moved him. You were an angry boy, Morgan, but you were also brilliant. You were a quick shot and a quicker learner. You outstripped us all in games and study alike.”
Morgan smiled. “Say what you will, I only remembered that I owed you a great debt. Somehow, after my father died, and I was sent into the guardianship of his older brother, I drifted away from Olivia’s side of the family.”
“But how did you become earl?” Charlotte asked.
“My father’s older brother was the earl, and he died with no family,” Morgan said. “It seems that I will not repeat his mistake.”
“Morgan, I’m so very glad to meet you again,” Charlotte said. “But, marriage means something very special to me. It means a lifetime commitment with a man I love. Don’t you see that this is far too hasty? You’ve been hard-pressed into this without considering what could happen.”
“I’ve done what I need to.” The earl said. “I am an Eaglehook, Charlotte and we repay our debts. I am not such a cad as to leave you with your reputation in shreds. Besides, what happened on that stairwell was my fault for I kept you longer than a respectable gentleman should have. It’s just that...”
Charlotte blushed and turned away. She could not bear to hear this. It was just that he had thought of her as a loose woman who was cavorting with the marquis. The very memory of that incident made her feel dizzy. Thoughts of the marquis had Charlotte panicking again.
Regency Romances Page 69
