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

Her best hope was to plant a seed about how wonderful James was and see if she could convince her father and mother to think about him in a new light. Perhaps that would be enough for them to start to seriously consider him as a suitor.

Small steps, she told herself. Each one leading to her goal. She would start with Edward. She would speak to him before dinner and advise him of her feelings for James. Surely he would then support her when she mentioned James at dinner.

Yet as the dinner hour approached and Edward did not appear, her spirits sank. Little purpose would be served in her proceeding without his assistance.

She entered the dining room reluctantly to find her mother and father taking their seats. They had long ago given up the practice of convening in the drawing room beforehand.

“Good evening.” She forced a smile as she joined them.

Nerves continued to dance in her stomach, making her wonder if she'd be able to eat anything. But the thought of James bolstered her courage. The butler was serving their first course of Lorraine soup made of chicken broth, egg yolks, ground almonds, and cream when Edward entered the room.

“Good evening,” he said as he took his chair. “My apologies for the delay in my arrival.”

Lord Wynn merely glared at him.

Relief filled Charlotte at his presence, and she smiled brightly.

He frowned as if confused by her response. “What has you all smiles this evening?”

“I’m just pleased you’re here.” And greatly relieved.

“Mother, how was your day?” Edward asked as he studied her. Charlotte didn't miss how his gaze shifted to the half-empty wine glass by her plate though they’d only just begun the meal.

“Well enough, I suppose.” No smile accompanied her statement. Of late, it seemed she wore a perpetual frown.

Witnessing her unhappiness made Charlotte even more determined to raise the subject of James. The sooner the better. She did not want her future to mirror her mother’s.

“What are your plans for this evening?” she asked Edward, gripping tight to her courage. “Will you be spending it with Viscount Redmond by chance?”

Edward raised a brow as he lifted his spoon. “Since when have you taken an interest in my social activities?”

“I think it's lovely that you and he have rekindled your friendship.” She plowed forward, feeling much like an ox pulling a disc and harrow through impossibly hard ground. “He has always been very kind to me.” She resisted the urge to grit her teeth at her inane description. How was discussing his kindness going to aid her cause?

“Kind?” Edward looked at her as if she spoke an unfamiliar language.

The discussion wasn’t going according to plan in the least. Yet what else could she do but persist?

“Don't you think Viscount Redmond is a kind gentleman?” she asked her mother, hoping she would agree.

Her mother blinked several times then reached for her wineglass, leaving her soup untouched. “I suppose he's kind enough. Then again, most gentlemen are upon first acquaintance. It’s only with the passing of time that their true character is revealed.”

“Why are we discussing the kindness of Viscount Redmond?” her father asked as he gestured for Gordon to remove his empty bowl. “Surely there's something more interesting for our dinner conversation.”

Charlotte wanted to stomp her foot in protest. “I find him much nicer than Lord Samuelson.” She stared at the creamy soup, wondering why she had mentioned him. Comparing the two would only raise her father’s ire.

“Kindness has no bearing on being a good husband.” Her father glared at her, causing her stomach to lurch.

She needed to answer carefully or risk angering him further. She started to respond only to be interrupted by her mother.

“Of course kindness is important for a good marriage. Not everyone wants to be married to someone as difficult as you.” Lady Wynn emptied her wineglass in one swallow.

Charlotte gasped, shocked that her mother had said such a thing. A glance at Edward showed he was stunned as well.

Even the butler stilled in surprise for a moment before slowly moving toward the door as if hoping to escape. Charlotte wished she could follow him.

“Your opinion is of no consequence,” her father began. “Have you ever stopped to consider that one of the reasons for my poor mood is due to you?”

“Well, perhaps I would be in improved spirits if you weren't so irritable. Spending any time with you is a miserable experience.”

Charlotte gave up all pretense of eating and watched her parents glare at each other. While it was no surprise that neither of them was happy with the other, they had never before vocalized their disagreements. At least not in front of her. Though she applauded her mother for speaking out, she also worried for her. Her father's anger was nothing to dismiss. He’d made all of their lives miserable in the past.

“That is certainly food for thought,” Edward said as he returned his attention to his soup. “Perhaps we could conduct an experiment and have you both be kind to one another and monitor the results.” He appeared amused by the idea.

“You will refrain from offering your opinion. I find your remarks rude and insufferable not to mention disrespectful.” Lord Wynn’s lips tightened as if to keep himself from saying more.

Edward ignored him and finished his soup before nodding at the butler who had returned to the dining room. No doubt Gordon wished he were invisible, but he bravely came forward to take Edward’s bowl.

Charlotte cleared her throat unable not to speak. “Considering the fact that we are family, I, for one, should very much like to see us be kind to one another. Surely that isn't too much to ask.” She directed the last at her father and braced herself for his response.

“Your expectations do not matter.” Her father slapped his hand on the table, rattling the crystal.

Charlotte jolted at the sound, but oddly enough her mother didn't.

“You will all do as I say or suffer the consequences,” her father demanded, his angry