To Bed or to Wed Read Free

he’s merely lonely.”
    “And he’s invited you along because?” If there was one thing Roberta Darrington was good at, it was picking at an issue until a confession was forthcoming. She kept on until she had answers. “Does he harbor a tendre for you? He’s more suited to your sister than you, though she’d still be his senior by eight years.”
    Charlotte grinned, but turned away before her prying parent could question her further. “I’m willing to wager he most certainly does not. He and I are merely friends.” Jamie Grantley, though he would inherit the title someday, was not interested in female bed partners. He wished the secret to remain private at all costs. How she’d stumbled upon it, she had no idea. Males of all ages simply enjoyed talking to her, perhaps because she wasn’t a threat of tricking them into parson’s mousetrap. “He’s asked me there as moral support, and perhaps as a blind to discourage fortune hunters.”
    In the future, he’d need to learn how to avoid such pitfalls by himself , though the sad fact remained, he’d have to marry a woman eventually, simply to silence gossip mongers and keep up appearances. His match would be for name and connections only. I cannot be flitting off to hither and yon whenever he’s feeling threatened. But, he was young yet with the world at his feet.
    “I’m not sure how I feel about having you go to the Ravenhurst country estate. The rumors surrounding him are vague at best, but they say he has a vile temper and is prone to yelling at everyone without provocation.”
    “I shall mind my steps.” But the pull of the mystery sent little chills of excitement up her spine. “Never fear, Mother. I shall be home in a week, and back in your clutches.”
    A frown creased Roberta’s face. “Please promise you’ll settle down soon. I want grandchildren.”
    “ There’s more to life than marriage and offspring.” When her parent didn’t comment, Charlotte sighed. “I’m sure Felix is anxious to give them to you. He’s well enough enamored of his wife.” Really, it was scandalous how much her brother was devoted to Claire already.
    “Yes, but that doesn’t remove your responsibility. I want many grandchildren. When I’m old and at death’s door, I want to look around at a wealth of my children’s children and know I’ve succeeded.”
    “In manipulating our lives.”
    “If you wish to put it like that.” Roberta nodded and instructed the maid to include a ruby-hued riding habit.
    Why can’t she remember I do not ride ? Charlotte frowned. Just another thing she wasn’t skilled, or even interested, in. Lauren was the outdoor enthusiast. She was adept at riding, archery and generally running neck-or-nothing through the countryside.
    “I can promise you this, Mother.” Charlotte held her mother’s hazel gaze. “When I return to London, I will make more of an effort to find someone I can tolerably get on with.”
    “Well, it’s more than I had from you ten minutes ago.”
     

     
    Two days later , outside of Northampton, England
    Charlotte patted Jamie’s arm yet again in attempt to calm him. The chilly temperature combined with the snow showers invigorated her. There simply wasn’t such clear air in London like in the country. “I promise you’ll enjoy the tryst.” All around them the crunch of their boots in the layer of snow that had fallen days ago filled the air. Thousands of stars twinkled in the night sky overhead. Without the glow of the gaslights of Town, they appeared brilliant. How lovely being away from the noise and pollution is, but I do so miss London.
    “If you think to trap me, I must tell you I’d rather not put you in such a position.” When he would have disengaged her hand from his arm, she merely gripped him tighter.
    She pressed the handle of a lantern into his free hand. “Silly boy. I’m well aware of your tastes, and have no fear. I do not fancy you. I only wish to help you find happiness.”