How the Lady Charmed the Marquess

by Laura A. Barnes

Charlotte watched her sister break into a million pieces at Worthington’s declaration. Evelyn’s skin paled, but she bit her lower lip from expressing her distress. But still Charlotte watched Evelyn’s body shake. From hurt or anger, Charlotte didn’t know.

  “I am truly sorry, my lord.”

  “Sorry?” Worthington snapped. “You owe me a horse, Colebourne. Since Sinclair won the foal, you are going to sell me Sapphire for your niece’s duplicity.”

  “Sapphire is not mine to sell,” said Colebourne.

  “Gray?”

  Lucas shook his head.

  “She is mine.” Charlie stood.

  “What?” Both Sinclair and Worthington asked.

  Charlie nodded.

  Sinclair started laughing. Of course, his love owned the horse. He should have known. All the signs were there. The duke had never even shown interest in Sapphire, leaving Charlie to make all the decisions for the animal. At first it frustrated Sinclair, then he grew to admire Charlie’s talent when dealing with the temperamental horse. Charlie beamed at him, and Sinclair pulled her to him and kissed her in front of her family. Life with Charlie would never be boring.

  “Then the foal you dangled in our faces was not yours to give,” Worthington said.

  “It was mine. Charlie promised Sapphire’s first born to me,” Colebourne answered.

  Worthington looked at them with disgust before he turned to stride toward the door.

  “Lord Worthington, where are you going?”

  “I am returning to my estate and escaping this madness.”

  “I shall have Evelyn pack her bags.”

  Worthington turned, “Whatever for?”

  “You made a promise to marry my niece.”

  “Your niece deceived me.”

  “Yes, she did. However, it does not take away your actions or your promise. Since I wish for no scandal to ensue, and I am sure you wish the same, considering your current circumstances, a swift ride to Gretna Green will solve this particular problem. Or else you can return to your current state of affairs before this house party began.”

  “You leave me no choice in the matter. I leave here not gaining a horse, but a bride. Could I ask for anything more?”

  “You could, but I see no reason you would need to. Evelyn is worth so much more than a simple horse. One day you will realize that. I only hope for your sake it is not too late.”

  Worthington didn’t answer the duke. He turned toward Evelyn. “I will give you two hours to pack and to say your goodbyes. I will make the arrangements for our travels.” With a bow, he left the study.

  Jasper whispered to Charlie that he would meet her later. Lucas left to inform Jacqueline, Gemma, and Abigail to meet in the twin’s bedroom. They remained with Uncle Theo, whose smile was mixed with happiness and a twist of sadness.

  “I wish your parents were alive to be here.”

  “We are sorry, Uncle Theo,” Charlie said.

  “Why? Life has not been so exciting for such a long time.”

  “You are not mad?” asked Evelyn.

  “No. However, I will be if you do not bring that man around.”

  “It is hopeless. He does not love me. Hell, he still confuses me with Charlotte.”

  “Evelyn! Such language,” said Charlie.

  Uncle Theo laughed. “Worthington will be a challenge, but one that you need. It is time for you to live again, my dear. It will not be easy, but love never is. I will miss both of you in my life every day, but I look forward to your little miniature versions running around soon. Now off to your room, you have bags to pack.”

  Charlotte and Evelyn wrapped their arms around Uncle Theo for a hug, and they both kissed him on the cheek like they did when they were young. He never judged them and always accepted them for who they were, even when they disappointed him. However, he never let his disappointment rule the love he held for them.

  When they reached their room, it was to find Jacqueline, Gemma, and Abigail waiting with Lucas. They were crying and laughing their enjoyment at the wonderful news. Lucas spun a tale of Evelyn and Worthington’s courtship. He hid the cruelty of Worthington’s words from the rest of the family. Evelyn’s marriage to him would be hard enough without having the wrath of her family fighting against them. After Lucas spoke a few quiet words to Evelyn, he departed, but not before sharing a lingering glance with Abigail.

  Once they'd packed Evelyn’s chest and the footmen carried it, she hugged her family goodbye, promising to write once she arrived at her new home. After everyone left, Evelyn hugged Charlie, hanging on tightly.

  “Will you ever forgive me for wearing your dress after you left?”

  “There is nothing to forgive. If our situation were reversed, I would have done the same. Are you certain you want to marry Worthington? You can change your mind. Say the word. Jasper and I will hide you until the scandal passes.”

  “No. Jasper and you are going to start your marriage with happiness, not dread. I have made my bed, now I must lie in it.”

  “A cold one. Worthington gives me the shivers.”

  “Then I will have to warm it up, will I not?” Evelyn arched her brow.

  Charlie laughed. Evelyn had come into herself this last week. A wicked self at that. Perhaps she should feel sorry for Worthington instead. The look in Evelyn’s eyes gave Charlotte the chills.

  “I love you, sis.”

  “I love you, Charlotte. Now, write to me all the details of your lovely wedding. I wish I could be here, but I know I cannot. So I want to hear all the delicious details later. Promise?”

  “Promise.”

  JASPER STOOD BY CHARLIE’S side, watching the carriage carrying Worthington and Evelyn depart along the long driveway. His own happiness didn’t keep Jasper from holding pity for Worthington. Jasper saw the determination in Evelyn’s eyes at Worthington’s disregard and knew that if she was anything like her sister, Worthington didn’t stand a chance. Charlie sniffed at his side. He looked down at his love and knew losing her sister under these circumstances would put a damper on their own plans.

  After the rest of the family scattered away, Jasper guided Charlie toward her favorite tree. The one place Charlie always felt safe from changes. He sat against the tree trunk and held his hand out for her to sit. She lowered herself and Jasper settled Charlie in between his legs and pulled her back against his chest. They sat there silently, letting the peacefulness of the scenery quiet their thoughts. From time to time Jasper would place soft kisses on the top of Charlie’s head.

  “Will they find happiness?” Charlie asked.

  “Yes. I believe they will.”

  “So do I.”

  “Since I got the girl, and she owns the horse, maybe we can gift the foal to Worthington.”

  “For a wedding present?”

  “Yes.”

  Charlie squealed, turning in his arms. “That is a wonderful idea, my love. You are an amazing generous man.”

  “Would you like me to show you how amazing?” Jasper placed a kiss on Charlie’s neck.

  “Mmm. I would, but I do not think Uncle Theo and your mother watching from the veranda would care to see,” Charlie teased.

  Jasper looked up to find the Duke of Colebourne and his mother staring fondly at them. He rose quickly, dumping Charlie on the ground. At Charlie’s laughter, he dragged her up and then stood a respectable distance away.

  “You are a devilish minx,” Jasper growled.

  “And you are a devilish rake.”

  “Shall we share our news with my mother?” Jasper offered his arm.

  “Only if you promise to visit me in my room after everyone retires for the evening to show me how amazing. I will be so lonely sleeping by myself.” Charlie pouted.

  “Not for long, my dear. Before the month is out, you will be mine.”

  “Must we wait that long?”

  “Yes, it will draw the scandal away from Evelyn. Also, Mother will never forgive us if we do not marry in the village church.”

>   “Then let us tell her quick. So we can plan a wedding. I am eager to become Lady Sinclair.”

  Jasper stopped and kissed Charlotte, soft and slow. He didn’t care who saw them. He only cared that he held Charlotte in his arms. Her kisses were a fuel to the fire of her soul. However, if he didn’t stop, they would have more to explain away to her uncle and his mother. With a laugh, he pulled away. Charlie tilted her head and then joined in with his laughter.

  Epilogue

  Jasper watched his wife stroke the foal and talk softly. Only it was more for her comfort than for Cobalt. Even though they'd decided to give the colt to Worthington and Evelyn for a wedding present, Jasper knew Charlie would miss Sapphire’s first offspring. Just as she missed her sister. Jasper decided now was the time to surprise Charlie with his news.

  “Good morning, love.”

  “Morning, Jasper. Sorry I rose early. I wanted to say goodbye to Cobalt one last time.”

  “That is a relief.”

  “What is a relief?”

  “As I ate breakfast in bed alone, I began to have doubts that you no longer enjoyed our marital bed considering how early you rose and how fast you fell asleep last night.”

  Charlie blushed. “You know darn well why I fell asleep last night. ‘Twas almost dawn before we ... well, you know.” Charlie’s hand fluttered in the air.

  Jasper advanced on her with the same determination he held in bed during the night. His desire was never satisfied with a simple kiss. No, Jasper had to consume Charlie with his overpowering love. Her husband still left her in a state of muddled confusion every time he glanced her way. With every caress. With every kiss upon her lips.

  “Before we finished making love?” Jasper asked, stealing a kiss from Charlie.

  “Mmm.” Charlie moaned.

  “Before you distract me again with your uncontrollable passion, I have a surprise for you.”

  “My uncontrollable passion? Why, my lord ... You have a surprise?”

  “My, how one can get distracted from an adoring husband for a surprise,” Jasper teased.

  “Perhaps, if said husband stops with his tormenting, his wife would adore him again.”

  “Mmm, you do not say?”

  “Spill the surprise, Sinclair.”

  “How would you like to travel with Cobalt to Worthington’s estate on our way to London? Perhaps stay a few days and visit with Evelyn.”

  Charlie shouted her excitement, jumping on Jasper. She wrapped her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck. She showered kisses all over his face with her pleasure. Then she took his lips under hers and kissed her love for him. Each kiss built their passion to a level of uncontrollable desire. Charlie still didn’t understand how they ignored what was always before their eyes. It no longer mattered, because every day they basked in the glory of the love they discovered.

  “Is that a yes?”

  “Yes, my adoring husband. Now if you are finished with your teasing, I shall show you how much I adore you.”

  Charlie didn’t give Jasper time to tease her again, before her lips descended to his neck and her fingers made quick work to unbutton his shirt. Jasper groaned and backed them into an empty stall. He sunk them down onto the blanket and pillows that he kept for this very purpose.

  They spent the morning showing how much they adored each other with every caress and kiss. Each time they made love it was a discovery into the depth of their love for one another. There was nothing more perfect for them than making love slowly, then holding each other whispering of their plans for the future. While most of their time they spent loving each other, there were the few times when their tempers exploded around them. Which only made their love-making explosive when they made up. Life spent as Lord and Lady Sinclair was never boring, but an adventure to enjoy for years to come.

  The End

  Look for Evelyn & Reese’s story in early 2021!

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  Author Laura A. Barnes

  International selling author Laura A. Barnes fell in love with writing in the second grade. After her first creative writing assignment, she knew what she wanted to become. Many years went by with Laura filling her head full of story ideas and some funny fish songs she wrote while fishing with her family. Thirty-seven years later, she made her dreams a reality. With her debut novel Rescued By the Captain, she has set out on the path she always dreamed about.

  When not writing, Laura can be found devouring her favorite romance books. Laura is married to her own Prince Charming (who for some reason or another thinks the heroes in her books are about him) and they have three wonderful children and two sweet grandbabies. Besides her love of reading and writing, Laura loves to travel. With her passport stamped in England, Scotland, and Ireland; she hopes to add more countries to her list soon.

  While Laura isn’t very good on the social media front, she loves to hear from her readers. You can find her on the following platforms:

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