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

mother’s comment. “Yes, we spoke.” He filled his plate while his mother poured tea.

“Lady Charlotte?” His father’s eyes narrowed as he searched his memory. “Lord Wynn’s daughter? How old is she?”

“Twenty years, I believe.” Lady Redmond filled a modest plate for her husband and passed it to him before placing a single cake on her own plate. “Certainly of marriageable age.”

James was torn between nipping the conversation in the bud and ignoring it in favor of eating another cake. With a sigh, he set down his plate on the low table before them. “You remember her brother, Edward, and I are good friends.”

“Oh, of course. From your university days. I’d forgotten,” his mother said though James knew she never forgot such things. “Lady Charlotte is lovely, isn’t she? And very kind. I had the chance to visit with her at the Countess of Aberland’s last week as well. Such a nice girl.”

“Yes, she is.” James felt compelled to agree. Especially when she was all of that and more. So much more. He had yet to adjust to the idea that their adventures were truly over and that she didn’t want to see him again. How ironic when he’d decided he wanted to spend more time with her. Yet he had no one to blame but himself.

“Is she someone who...interests you, James?” his father asked.

James hid a smile, guessing his parents had rehearsed the conversation prior to his arrival. He could imagine his mother coaching his father on how to say what she wanted to know.

“Not that we wish to pry, dear,” his mother quickly added when he didn’t respond.

Though tempted to tell them his plans for his future and how he didn’t intend to marry, one look at his mother’s gentle eyes held him back. It wasn’t fair to keep them in the dark, but neither did he want to hurt them. And he had no doubt his plan to forfeit the title and not marry would hurt them both.

“I believe her father is arranging her marriage as we speak.” He clenched his jaw, tortured by the fact. Lord Samuelson was all wrong for her. Even he could see that. Why couldn’t her father? She needed someone adventurous. Someone who would make her smile and laugh. Someone who appreciated the fresh way she looked at the world, would encourage her love of learning, and adore her optimism. She needed someone like—

He blinked, realizing where his thoughts were leading. His heart thudded dully, his mouth suddenly dry.

Like him.

The thought finished before he could stifle it. Where had that come from? While he enjoyed spending time with her and the kisses they’d shared had been... Unbelievable? Amazing? There was no one word to properly describe them.

“James?”

He looked blankly at his mother, realizing she’d asked another question.

“I asked if you knew to whom?” She frowned as if puzzled by his silence.

“I’m not certain. Viscount Wynn didn’t mention it.” He didn’t want to lie, but he feared discussing Lord Samuelson would reveal more of his feelings for Charlotte than he cared to admit.

“I hope it’s a love match.” His mother smiled dreamily. “She deserves one.” She glanced at her husband. “Though I know few are as lucky as we were.”

“Indeed.” His father reached for her hand with a smile.

James’ heart warmed at the tender look they shared. They had found love soon after being introduced. Even better, their families agreed they’d suit. That was exactly how marriage should be, in his opinion.

Edward should pay a visit so he could see how husbands and wives should get along. Lord and Lady Wynn were a poor example for both Edward and Charlotte. Maybe then Edward would protest Lord Wynn’s plans for him and his sister.

“Yes, you two are very lucky,” James agreed as he reached for his tea. “Which makes me lucky to have you as my parents.”

The fact that his mother had only been able to have him and never conceived again had placed a certain pressure on him in his youth. He’d felt the need to try to be the perfect son since he was their only child. That had been part of the reason he’d bought his commission—to make them both proud.

But he feared their pride in him would quickly slip away if they realized how much he’d struggled with his memories now that he’d returned. He couldn’t bear their disappointment if they learned the truth. Better to keep it all locked away and hope they never knew. Let them think he was a better man—a stronger one—than he truly was.

He drew a long breath, hoping to keep the darkness ever at the edge of his thoughts at bay. A new topic of conversation was in order. Preferably one of which he wasn’t the center.

“We missed you at Aunt Prudence’s.” James looked at his father who scowled before quickly hiding it when his mother glanced at him. Lord Redmond wasn’t fond of parties in general, but avoided garden parties at all cost.

“Yes, well, I had a meeting with the barrister that couldn’t be changed.” His father tore his gaze from the cakes still on the table and leveled him a pointed look. “Speaking of which, we are meeting again next week. I’d like you to join us.”

James hesitated. This was the perfect opening to explain his plan for his future. Perhaps the time had come to tell them the truth after all. Wasn’t it better to have the deed over and done with?

“I am happy to join if you require my assistance.” He set down his cup and saucer, noting how his hands trembled. “However, I’ve been doing some thinking. Cousin Marcus seems as if he would make a much better earl than I could ever be.”

His mother gasped with horror and stared at her husband.

“I don’t understand.” His father looked perplexed rather than angry.

Heat crept into James’ cheeks even as shame filled him to admit the truth. “I fear my mind isn’t what it used to be. Since the war.” He brushed