To Dare a Rogue - Lana Williams (novels for beginners TXT) 📗

to finish that sentence.” Not for one moment did she want to involve him in any way.

“Of course.” Margaret nodded. “How silly of me. Let us think about who we know.” Margaret smiled as she gave Charlotte's arm an excited squeeze. “I shall start with Aberland.”

Charlotte gasped. “That is an excellent idea. Do you think he would help us?”

“If he knows the duke well enough, I am certain he would.”

The Earl of Aberland had married Margaret's eldest sister, Caroline, several years ago. He was well connected and well respected among the ton.

“I hate to have you ask a favor on my behalf,” Charlotte said. Though Charlotte wanted to be alone with James, she didn’t want to do so at Margaret’s expense. “Why don’t you accompany us as well if he can garner an invitation?”

“Think nothing of it. My brother-in-law is always willing to help. If he doesn't know the duke, he might know someone who does.”

Hope filled Charlotte for the first time since the idea had come to mind. She couldn't wait to see the look on James’ face if Aberland was able to manage this. This outing might provide the perfect opportunity for her to ask about his experiences in battle. She’d longed to do so during their ride in Hyde Park, but the moment hadn't seemed right.

“Aberland and Caroline are coming by on the morrow. I shall be sure to ask him and keep you apprised.”

Charlotte grinned. “I can't thank you enough, Margaret. James seemed highly doubtful it would be possible. In fact, we have a small wager on the outcome. I look forward to winning it.”

But not as much as she looked forward to spending more time with him. With luck, another kiss might be in her future.

~*~

James couldn't believe his eyes as he looked outside his carriage window. The Duke and Duchess of Willingham’s estate was even more impressive than he’d expected.

“Isn't it beautiful?” Charlotte asked.

He turned to look at her where she sat on the opposite bench along with her maid, both staring out the window with awe. Charlotte was the one who was beautiful, but he refrained from saying so.

“I still can't believe you managed to garner an invitation for us.” James shook his head.

“We have Margaret to thank. Her brother-in-law, the Earl of Aberland, is on good terms with the duke, who said he’d be pleased to allow us to look inside. His steward is to provide us a tour.”

“I just hope none of those involved in the planning of this feel the need to discuss it with others.” He didn’t care for the idea of Edward or Lord Wynn discovering what he and Charlotte were doing.

“According to what Aberland told Margaret, the duke and duchess receive many requests for visitors to tour the conservatory, so it isn’t unusual. Hopefully, that means it would be unlikely for the subject to arise.”

“That is good to hear.” His nerves eased slightly.

James had picked up Charlotte just off Bond Street where her mother thought she was shopping. He could only hope no one had witnessed her getting into his carriage. As with any of these outings, a multitude of things could go wrong.

But another look out the window at the impressive estate with its long, tree-lined drive and the imposing facade had him setting aside some of his worries. Charlotte’s excitement eased the rest. She was the reason he was here. It didn’t seem to matter how many times he told himself to stay away from her. Something about her pulled at him, allowing him to ignore the shadows and focus on the light—her light.

Nothing eased his emotional angst the way she did. Not drinking or gambling or gaming hells. Living as a rogue was losing its appeal and Charlotte was to blame. Even now, he couldn’t help but watch her as she took in the scenery. Viewing the world through her eyes lifted his spirits, making him feel hopeful.

Per the instructions Aberland provided, the carriage passed by the front steps of the house and moved towards the west wing where the conservatory stood.

The day was a fine one with the sun shining bright and the air relatively warm. It seemed a shame to spend hours inside, but perhaps they would be permitted to walk through the extensive gardens as well.

A liveried footman awaited them and came forward to lower the steps and open the door after the carriage halted.

“Good day, my lord, my lady.” The footman bowed. “Welcome to Balston Park Conservatory.”

“Thank you.” James stepped out then helped Charlotte to alight.

“If you will follow me,” the footman said.

James offered his arm to Charlotte and glanced over his shoulder to make certain the maid followed. She seemed as much in awe at the structure as they were.

The footman led them to a door set among the numerous glass panes of the building which were interspersed with open windows. “Mr. Ruxton, the steward, is waiting inside for you.” He held open the door with another bow.

James followed Charlotte through the door and breathed in the humid air heavy with the scents of moist earth, the tang of exotic flowers, and a mix of other lush vegetation.

The steward greeted them with a smile. “Welcome. I’m Mr. Ruxton. Have either of you visited before?”

“We have not yet had the pleasure,” James advised him as he took in the bountiful foliage with flowers he’d never seen before. A glance at Charlotte showed her as fascinated as he was.

“I have no doubt you will enjoy your visit. Allow me to share a little bit about its history and how it’s organized. Then you may wander the various paths as you wish.” He escorted them deeper into the large building, explaining how swampland had been cleared to build the estate in the thirteenth century, then expanded in the past decade.

Charlotte appeared to drink in every word, and James hid a smile. Her thirst for knowledge was one of the many reasons he admired her.

“The latest innovations in construction techniques allowed