To Bed or to Wed
She’d seen how the young man interacted with his guests upon arrival yesterday and had quickly confirmed how the wind blew concerning his preferences. “Once we’re in the evergreen maze, you’ll have enough privacy for a light dalliance if your heart desires it.”
    “Wait. You know?” He drew her to a halt and pulled her around to face him. “How?”
    “I suspected. I’ve heard rumors.” Charlotte smiled. His slim build and angular jaw proclaimed him still more of a youth than a man. He’d need to grow into his presumptive title. His saving grace for the moment, and the one thing—besides his coming inheritance—was his soft brown hair. He wore in a bit of a longish fashion with a lock falling romantically over one brow to highlight his handsome face. No doubt countless ladies on the Marriage Mart swooned over that lock, or more to the point, a few enamored gentlemen.
    “Please don’t tell anyone. If my uncle were to find out—”
    “Put your mind at ease.” She linked their arms once more. “I have no intention of telling your secret to anyone.”
    “Truly?”
    “Yes, of course. We’ve been friends for a few years now. Why wouldn’t I help?”
    He shrugged. “Friendship—or even familial ties—don’t count for much in a matter such as mine. My uncle will have my head. All he ever talks about is training me for his title.”
    “Pish posh, Jamie. That’s absurd. I want you to be happy, and if my involvement will help you out, it’s all for the best.” She tugged him into the evergreen maze. “I put a bug in your young man’s ear—”
    “Sir Starkton. He has a barony a few counties over. We met at Tattersalls last summer over the same bit of horseflesh.” His eyes twinkled.
    Charlotte bit her bottom lip to hide her smile. Oh yes, he was young yet. So gushing and in love with love. “Yes, Sir Starkton.” She stifled a laugh as they followed a path littered with the detritus of dead flowers and twigs from the growing season. “I let it slip you’d be here while the rest of the house party is involved in charades or other mindless business. No one will note your absence as long as you keep the dalliance to a reasonable length.”
    “Why would you do this?” Wonder wove through Jamie’s voice.
    “Helping matches along is a particular interest of mine. I may not have personal experience, but I have flawless judgment in other people’s affairs.” Another two turns in the maze then she drew to a halt. “This is as far as I’ll go. I wish you well in this endeavor.” Knowing there was no one around to witness their activities she threw her arms around his neck and hugged him. “Enjoy.”
    “Thank you.” He grinned and shrugged deeper into his greatcoat. “I appreciate your discretion.”
    “And I appreciate you letting me in on a bit of your adventure.” Charlotte waved then retreated around the next couple of turns in the maze. She couldn’t contain her grin. Assisting him with his affair made her warm inside. Her chest bubbled with joy that Jamie would enjoy love—however brief—with his gentleman. So great were her imaginings that she didn’t watch her footing. Her whole body slammed into a hard wall. She gasped. The obstruction was not a wall at all. It was a man. A very solid, very angry man who smelled of apples and cedar.
    “You, madam, are exactly the reason I dislike holding house parties or events of any kind at my estate. I don’t appreciate inappropriate, older women chasing my nephew’s tailcoat.” His deep voice held the ring of authority, and its timbre resonated through her very bones. He gripped her upper arms and gave her a shake that rattled her teeth. Her hood slid from her head. “What have you to say for yourself?”
    She stamped a foot. “I cannot very well say anything with you shaking me like a dog with a bone.” When he released her, she straightened her fur-lined cloak. “And please, endeavor to keep your voice down. I’d rather not have my

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