Chapter Thirty-Three
It was late afternoon by the time Constantine’s carriage rolled into Berkeley Square. Merton’s coach would not be far behind. No sooner had Constantine lifted her down from the phaeton, than small arms grabbed onto her legs.
“We missed you,” Mary said.
Surprisingly, Theo merely nodded.
“Please, my lady, come into the house.” Royston held the door open, and a footman held Daisy.
“Yes, of course.” Charlotte stepped across the threshold, Constantine and Jemmy close behind her, and the butler shut the door. “Good afternoon, Daisy. I missed you as well.”
The Dane wrapped herself around Charlotte. A chirp sounded from the basket, and Collette jumped out, rubbing herself around Daisy’s legs.
“I am not sure we are going to actually get all the way into the house,” Constantine commented.
“It just takes a bit sometimes,” Jemmy said.
Gradually, Charlotte pushed her way farther into the hall. “Dotty and Merton will be here soon. Let’s go to the morning room. Have you had tea yet?”
“Hours ago,” Theo said. “Dinner will be soon.”
“Goodness, is it that late already?”
Mary nodded. “You have enough time to wash up and change. That’s what Matt and Grace are doing. We saw you come down the street.”
That answered that question, Charlotte thought. She had wondered where everyone else was.
“If his lordship is joining us, I shall escort him to a chamber,” Royston volunteered.
“Thank you.” Constantine grinned at her. “I’ll meet you in the drawing room.”
She shook dog hair from her skirt. “Until then.”
As soon as she got to her room, May began unlacing her gown. “The house was at sixes and sevens when I got here.”
“How so?” Charlotte stepped into the warm bath water May had waiting for her. “This feels good.”
“Lady Worthington got your letter and sent a message to the modiste. Lord Worthington dashed off to the church and had just got back when I arrived.” Charlotte washed quickly and stood for May to rinse her. “He had the special license and you are to wed at nine in the morning. But he said the day you wanted was full, so you’re getting married in three days instead of four.” That was even better than Charlotte had hoped. “They told me in her ladyship’s study so the children wouldn’t hear.”
“That was clever.” If any of the younger children knew about Charlotte’s wedding, they would be bound to let it slip and Constantine would know.
“Lord Worthington said he never knew you were as managing as Lady Louisa, I mean her grace, and Lady Worthington just laughed and told him he hadn’t been paying attention.”
“I think it is just that Louisa has a different way.” Charlotte grinned. “Has he never noticed how my sister manages everything?”
“That’s men for you, my lady. My mother says they can’t see what’s in front of their faces unless you hit them in the nose.”
She laughed at that. “I have a feeling my mother might have said the same thing at times.” She thought about how quiet Theo had been earlier. “Can you talk to one of the nursery maids and find out how Lady Theo has been doing? I am a bit concerned. She was very subdued when I arrived home.”
“I’ll do it after the little ones go to bed, my lady.”
“Thank you.” Charlotte recalled how Louisa’s maid was concerned about being a duchess’s dresser. “How are you doing? Are you looking forward to the changes that are about to happen?”
“Couldn’t be happier, my lady.” May’s grin was as broad as Charlotte had ever seen it. “I had a good talk with Polly, I should say Miss Franks, and she told me when she went to Merton House, she made her place right away, and I should do the same. So I did. His lordship’s valet calls me Miss Walker, as will the other servants. Truth to tell, when we got here Bolton took me in hand. That was a great help.”
By this time Charlotte was dressed and her maid was closing the clasp on a strand of pearls around Charlotte’s neck. She would have to refer to her maid as Walker, as well. It would not do for Charlotte to show a lack of respect for her personal servant.
“I’m glad you had someone to show you the way.”
“Yes, my lady.” Walker stood back. “I’ll try to have something about Lady Theo when you return.”
“Thank you, again.” Charlotte stood as her maid placed her silk shawl around her shoulders. “I am lucky to have you, Walker.”
May glowed with pride. “I’m lucky to have a mistress as fine as you, my lady.”
A knock came on the door and Charlotte answered, “Come.”
Grace floated into the bedchamber. Someday, Charlotte vowed, she would learn to do that. Her sister hugged her tightly. “You must realize you are driving Matt absolutely mad.”
“Actually, I didn’t consider him at all.” She gazed into her sister’s eyes. “I suppose I should have. I just want to be married.”
“I know.” Grace chuckled lightly. “I have to tell you that I let Lady Kenilworth in on the secret. It would not have been fair not to.”
Charlotte could understand that. “I suppose I am having a wedding breakfast.”
“Naturally. However, none of the invitations will state that it is a wedding breakfast.” Her sister chuckled. “We are calling it an End-of-Season breakfast.”
“What a brilliant idea.” She had not expected a wedding breakfast at all.
“Lady Kenilworth thought of it.” Grace grinned like she had when she had planned surprises for their parents.
“So Kenilworth will not know what is going on until Matt takes him to the church?” The more Charlotte thought of surprising him, the more excited she became.
“We shall keep our fingers crossed.” Grace hugged Charlotte again. “I am so glad you found your love.”
She blinked as tears of joy threatened to fill her eyes. “As am I.”
When Charlotte entered the drawing room that evening, Constantine was waiting for her. He handed her a glass of sherry. “I didn’t expect to see you so soon.”
“I had no idea I would be the first, but I’m very glad I am.” She pressed her lips against his. “I have a surprise for you, but I cannot tell you yet.”
His arms went around her, tugging her to him. “That, my lady, is not fair.”
“Oh, I believe you will enjoy it a great deal when you find out what it is.”
“Minx.” His mouth came down on hers, and she opened to him, tangling her tongue with his.
Charlotte drew back. The children she would hear come down the stairs, but Matt could move quietly when he wanted to. Despite knowing she and Constantine would be married in three days, she did not want to risk her brother being upset with them, especially after all he was doing. “I shall miss sleeping with you, and spending my days with you.”
Con’s fingers tightened. “I am meeting with your brother tomorrow about the settlement agreements. I shall press for an early marriage.”
Feet pounded on the stairs, the door opened, and the children rushed into the room. “Charlotte, you’re home!” The twins and Madeline threw their arms around Charlotte’s waist and she returned their hugs. “We missed you.”
“I missed you too. Mind your manners and say good evening to Lord Kenilworth.”
The three girls curtseyed. “Good evening, Lord Kenilworth.”
He bowed, then rubbed his chin. “I believe that under the circumstances, you should call me Constantine, and I like hugs as well.”
The girls stared at him for a moment before embracing him. “We like you the best.”
“You do?” His eyes widened. “Why is that?”
“We have to call Louisa’s husband Rothwell,” Madeline said. “Because he’s a duke.”
“And Dotty’s husband, Merton,” Eleanor added. “Because he’s a bit stuffy.”
“We like Constantine,” Alice said. “When are you and Charlotte getting married?”
“As soon as I can convince your brother to let me.” He practically growled and she hid a smile.
Grace and Matt strolled in at that moment. “About that,” Matt said. “I shall meet with you tomorrow morning to discuss the settlement agreements.”
“I’ll see you at nine if that is not too early.”
Matt poured glasses of sherry for himself and Grace. “Not at all.”
A few minutes later, the Mertons arrived with Susan and joined the pandemonium in the drawing room. Con wanted to find out if anyone had been able to contact the girl’s family, but there was no way to have a private word. A few minutes later, the butler announced dinner.
He placed Charlotte’s hand on his arm. “I promise you, I will make your brother agree to let us marry next week.”
“I am positive you will succeed.” Her countenance was too serene. Did she not care how soon they wed? Or was she certain he would prevail?
Dinner was as lively as he thought it would be, and it occurred to him how lonely he had been as the last child. He glanced at Mary and wondered how she would feel when her brothers and sisters were gone. Then he remembered that Grace—she had asked him to call her that before dinner—was expecting a child in late December. Next to him, Charlotte was talking to her brother Walter, and Con marveled at how easily they got along. Of course, he got on well with his sister Annis, but it was nothing like Charlotte’s family.
The sound of a door opening and closing filtered through the air. A few seconds later, a young man with the Carpenter coloring entered the room. “Is there a place for me?”
Chairs scraped back, and the children rushed forward en masse.
“Charlie!” someone called.
“You’re home!” a few others said.
“We missed you.” Con recognized Theo’s voice.
Worthington rose. “You made good time.”
“Half-term began today. I was eager to be here.” He finished hugging the younger children and was halfway to Charlotte’s chair when she rose. “I hear you are getting married.”
Her eyes filled with tears, and she smiled at him. “I am.” She took his hand. “Come and meet him.”
Con pushed his chair back and stood, waiting.
“Constantine, this is my brother Charlie, Earl of Stanwood. Charlie, the Marquis of Kenilworth.”
The young man had what Con thought of as the Carpenter look, and it was clear by the way he held himself that he cared deeply about his sisters and brothers, even his new sisters. His throat tightened. Soon he would join this family who loved each other so fiercely. “Stanwood.”
“Kenilworth.” The younger man clasped his hand. “Welcome to the family.”
“You can call him Constantine,” Phillip called out.
“And you can call him Charlie,” Alice said.
A place was set, and everyone went back to their seats. Charlie glanced around the table and greeted Dotty and Merton. Then his gaze stopped on Miss Susan. “I believe someone forgot to introduce us.”
“Miss Susan,” Dotty said, casting a sparkling look at Charlotte, “may I introduce, my brother, the Earl of Stanwood? Charlie, this is Miss Susan Merryville. She is visiting me for the nonce.”
He bowed. “My pleasure, Miss Susan. I hope you are enjoying your visit.”
The minute Charlie had looked at her, Susan’s eyes had rounded, her lips formed an O, and Con was sure she had forgotten all about Sir Reginald. “I am, my lord. Very much.”
Charlie sat next to Grace, and for the rest of the meal conducted a low-toned conversation with her. He glanced at Charlotte once or twice and Worthington another time.
Charlotte leaned closer to Con. “Grace is telling him what has been going on. After dinner or tomorrow, he will spend most of the day with Matt. When the children have finished their lessons, he’ll be with them.”
“How old did you say he was?”
“Sixteen. He takes his responsibilities seriously.”
“I can see that.” Charlie’s attitude, his whole bearing almost made Con feel as if he was lacking. Or had somehow neglected his duties. That was ridiculous, of course. He always took care of his land and dependents. “He will be a force to be reckoned with some day.”
Under the table, Charlotte slipped her hand in his. “As you are now.”
As he would damn well make sure he was. “Have you noticed how Miss Susan looks at him?”
She grinned and nodded. “An infatuation with a younger man might be just what she needs. And Charlie is safe. He will be kind, but treat her as he would one of us.”
“Do you know if Worthington was able to contact her parents?”
Charlotte shook her head. “No one has said anything. I do hope they come soon.”
An hour later, Grace rose from her chair. “Let us leave the gentlemen.”
The gentlemen and footmen assisted the other ladies. Charlotte squeezed Con’s hand. “I’ll see you soon.”
The door closed behind his beloved, and the males all moved to the head of the table. Footmen brought lemonade, brandy, and port. The younger boys and Charlie had lemonade, Con and Worthington selected brandy, Merton chose port. The talk turned to sports and, at an elementary level, politics. Yet all Con wanted to do was join the ladies and spend time with Charlotte.
The clock struck eight, and Worthington stood. “Gentlemen, shall we join the ladies? Walter and Phillip, it’s time for bed.”
Con was surprised at how quickly the boys left the room. Yet once the door closed behind them, Charlie said, “I heard you rescued Char not once but twice. I owe you my thanks.”
“I can assure you, it was my pleasure. To be completely honest, she had rescued herself the first time. All I did was provide the carriage. The second time, I can take some credit for.”
Charlie grinned. “I hope you decide to have the ceremony before I go back to school.”
Con glanced at Worthington. “That will be discussed in the morning. Shall we join the ladies?”
* * *
A half hour later, the butler entered the drawing room and spoke in a low tone to Worthington. He motioned to Con and Charlotte.
“I think the Merryvilles might be here.”
“I hope that’s what it means. I cannot think of anything else.” She placed her hand on his arm. “We shall find out soon.”
Merton caught Con’s eye as they followed Worthington out of the room. Con shrugged and the other man nodded.
They crossed the square to Worthington House. “How did your family come to be living in two houses?” Con asked Charlotte.
“As you know, Stanwood House belongs to Charlie. Before Matt and Grace married, he, his step-mother, and his sisters lived with him in Worthington House. When he and Grace married she suggested they live at Stanwood House as well, but Matt would not even consider taking Charlie’s bedchambers and none of the other beds fit him. But Worthington House was too small for all of us, and Dotty came to us for the Season.” By God! Con could not imagine having eleven children, one’s step-mother, and an extra young lady in a town house. “There was a great deal of discussion, but in the end, Matt and Grace decided that they would sleep at Worthington House, and everyone else, including his step-mother would live at Stanwood House. It gives them more privacy than they would have with all the children about.” Con had no doubt that was Worthington’s idea. “They are renovating Worthington House, and next Season, Charlie will lease this house to Matt’s step-mother and her new husband. That was part of the arrangement when they wed.”
“Who did Lady Worthington marry?”
“Viscount Wolverton. They were childhood sweethearts. I don’t know why they didn’t wed when she came out.”
Con found he’d had to listen carefully to keep all the parts of what Charlotte had said from getting muddled. “You have a complicated family.”
“I have a large family with many different needs.” She slid him a look as they walked up the steps to Worthington House. “Will that be a problem for you?”
Con tugged her closer to him. “Absolutely not. I am coming to care deeply for your family, and I hope our children will be close to their aunts, uncles, and cousins.”
Charlotte relaxed against him. “I’m glad.”
Charlotte entered a parlor on the right side of the hall first, followed by Matt and her betrothed. Her brows rose. “I didn’t even know this room was completed.”
The parlor held two sofas. A low table stood between them. Two wide cane-backed chairs were positioned at the end of the long table between the sofas. The walls were lined with yellow silk printed with small violet flowers and green leaves, and botanical paintings hung on the walls. The effect was bright but soothing, and a brightly colored carpet covered most of the floor.
It was a comfortable room, but impersonal. One where people who were not friends or family would be shown.
A man and a woman, who could only be the Merryvilles, stood when they entered. They were well dressed in the current mode. The man was tall and loose-limbed. His hair a dark blond. The woman was an older version of Susan. Currently, their faces were lined with worry.
Charlotte stepped forward. “Mr. and Mrs. Merryville?” The man inclined his head. “I am Lady Charlotte Carpenter.” She motioned toward Worthington. “This is my brother, Lord Worthington, and my betrothed, the Marquis of Kenilworth. Lord Kenilworth was with me when we rescued Susan.”