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

on another adventure.” She raised a brow. “Or have you given up on those?”

Charlotte sighed. “I know I should, but how can I when in a few weeks’ time, I will be married to a man I can’t abide? Nor do I want to even try given how I already feel about him. That makes me want to gather as many memories as possible.” Yet what was the point without James?

Margaret tapped the table with a gloved finger as if deep in thought. “There is one way you could get out of the marriage.”

“How?” Charlotte was certain Margaret couldn't come up with any idea that she hadn't already considered herself.

“You merely need to be caught in a compromising situation. The key would be to make certain it was with someone you like. Such as Viscount Redmond.” A smile played about Margaret's lips as her gaze shifted to Charlotte.

“No. Absolutely not.” Charlotte shook her head for emphasis. Of course, the idea had already crossed her mind. But she would never do that to James. Not after all he’d done for her. He was a man of honor and the least she could do was act the same way.

“It seems as though he enjoys your company. I think the two of you would make a fine pair.”

“He obviously has no interest in courting me or he would already be doing so.” Never mind the kisses they had shared which he seemed to enjoy as much as she had. Those didn't mean he wanted to marry her. Nor did she think her father would approve of him. Lord Wynn seemed convinced that only he knew best, which meant Lord Samuelson would soon be her husband.

“If not him then perhaps someone else.” Margaret glanced about the room as if she intended to select someone.

Charlotte squeezed her friend's arm. “Stop. I am not going to trick someone into being forced to offer me marriage. That would be trading one set of problems for another.”

“Well, I hope at the very least you won't be going anywhere else with Lord Palmer or his sister. I still can't believe he did that.”

“Nor can I.”

“Did you at least tell your brother?”

“No. That would mean admitting I’d been to the party.” Thank goodness he hadn’t recognized her from his carriage. “Nor do I want to mention James’ part in it.”

“But he came to your rescue.”

“Yes, but I'm sure Edward would think James should’ve involved him in the situation.” It seemed neither of them had any desire to tell Edward what happened. “I'm just lucky Edward didn't see me.”

“Yes, you are. Each new outing places you in danger. You do realize that, don't you?”

“I have only been in danger when I went on an adventure without James. But I can’t count on him for further assistance.” She had to think about how to proceed with her quest. Over the past two days, she’d decided she wasn’t ready to give up on it.

“I’m sorry you’re facing this.” Margaret’s expression was filled with sympathy.

“Thank you. While I know other women face the same dilemma without such a fuss, I don’t seem to be able to.”

“Understandable. Lord Samuelson is not a man I would choose either. The good news is that you are not yet betrothed. Perhaps something will change. Perhaps Lord Samuelson will decide he’d prefer someone else.”

“Hmm.” That would be one way to avoid the marriage. “But who?”

“Lady Barbara,” Margaret suggested, causing them both to erupt into giggles. The sound gained more frowns from the other patrons reading or speaking quietly among the tables and chairs. “I can’t believe I said that.”

“Nor can I,” Charlotte agreed as her breath caught. “But maybe they would suit. Surely an introduction wouldn’t hurt.”

“That means speaking with the woman again.” Margaret lifted her nose into the air. “I’m not certain I can forgive her.”

“I don’t know whether she’s guilty of anything.”

“She ignored your distress. That makes her as bad as your brother.”

“What do you mean?” Charlotte didn’t follow Margaret’s logic in the least.

“How can he not know what you’ve been doing? It’s as if he’s deliberately looking the other way rather than aiding you.”

“I, for one, am glad he isn’t looking. I wouldn’t have gone on any of my adventures if he were paying close attention.” Charlotte was ready to think about something else other than her problems for a time. “May I say your attire is delightful? Your cleverness with fashion never fails to amaze me.”

“Thank you. I do enjoy it.” Margaret glanced down at her gown. “Now that funds are less tight, it’s even more fun. So many possibilities.”

“Will you accompany me to the dressmaker’s next week? Mother doesn’t care to go, and I have a difficult time deciding on my own.”

“Of course.” Light sparkled in Margaret’s eyes. “I have a bit of news to share.”

“What might that be?”

Margaret glanced about as if to make certain no one could overhear them. “Can you keep a secret?”

“You know I can.” Charlotte leaned closer.

“I’m working on a set of fashion plates for a magazine.”

“That’s wonderful.” Charlotte patted Margaret’s arm. “How did that come about?”

“You remember that Annabelle’s husband, Mr. Raybourne, has a publishing house. He’s asked me to draw a few designs for his publication. Anonymously, of course.”

“Of course. What a thrill it will be to see your creations displayed for all to see.”

“It would be a bigger thrill if I could tell everyone they’re mine.” She shrugged, her smile still in place. “This will have to do. I’m having so much fun.”

“No wonder you haven’t been anywhere of late. You’re busy.”

“I am. I want them to be perfect. I only wish Mother was more pleased about it. But she is worried someone will find out and I’ll be ruined.”

“That seems to be a worry among most mothers, doesn’t it?” Charlotte didn’t think her own mother had the same concern.

“So what will you do?” Margaret asked. “Plan another adventure?”

“Yes.” But only if James agreed to accompany her. Mayhap all that had happened would change his mind