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

to protect her reputation, surely he wasn’t completely in the wrong.

“Explain yourself,” Edward demanded.

“She was in need of assistance, and I aided her, which caused us to spend time together.” He drew a deep breath. “I deeply admire and respect Charlotte, and I very much want to court her.”

“She's practically betrothed.” Edward studied him as if he'd lost his mind. “You already know that.”

“To a man for whom she has no regard. Nor do you. Surely, I would make a better brother-in-law than Lord Samuelson.” James lifted a brow, hoping his friend would agree.

Edward blinked. “I suppose I never considered that.” Then he slowly smiled. “Yes, I would prefer you as a brother-in-law. But I fear my approval won’t aid you. Not after the disagreement Father and I just had.”

“We shall see. But your approval means much to me, and I know it will to Charlotte as well.” James smiled, filled with relief and even more hope. He held out his hand and shook Edward’s. “Thank you.”

“I hope you know what you’re getting into by wanting to join my family.” Edward sighed as a waiter served them drinks.

“Charlotte was well when you left?” James couldn’t help but worry about what had happened after Edward left.

“Yes, though I'm certain Father continued his rant. I should’ve remained. Hopefully, all is well.” Yet his brow puckered as if he doubted his own statement.

James needed to know for sure. He could only hope his aim was on target this evening.

Chapter Seventeen

An unexpected clink echoed in the darkness of Charlotte’s bedchamber, causing her to catch her breath. She stilled beneath the covers, a book in hand, trying to determine from where the sound had come. She had been attempting to read for the past few hours, something that would surely appall Lord Samuelson. However, concentrating was a challenge when all she could think about was James.

She had remained in her bedchamber since the disastrous dinner. Much to her relief, no shouts or the thud of objects being thrown against a wall had rent the air, which had occurred on more than one occasion in the past. While tempted to offer her mother support and see how she fared, Charlotte hesitated. The situation felt as if it were between her mother and father, and therefore one they needed to resolve.

She would be happy to comfort her mother in the unlikely event that she sought her out. How sad to think they didn't have the sort of relationship that encouraged confidences.

Charlotte waited another moment, listening closely. Sure enough, another clink sounded, seeming to come from her window.

James?

She set aside her book and threw off the bedclothes to rush to the window and look out. The garden below was dark, but she was certain something moved in the shadows. It had to be James. Rather than bothering to open her window, she put on her robe and slippers then retrieved the candle from her bedside table and quietly opened her door.

Much to her relief, no one stirred. She made her way down the stairs, to the garden door, and stepped outside. A cool evening breeze nearly extinguished her candle, so she cupped her hand over the flame as she moved forward.

“James?” She kept her voice low as she searched for him.

“Over here.”

Heart thudding, Charlotte moved along the path in the direction of the voice until she was rewarded when a tall figure emerged from beside a tree.

“What are you doing here?” she asked as she searched his familiar features just visible in the glow of the candle flame.

“I had to make certain you were well. I spoke with Edward, and he mentioned that dinner didn’t go well. How are you faring?”

“Fine, thank you.” Warmth spread through her to think he cared enough to come to see her. “Though I wish I could have left with Edward.”

“What happened?” James shifted closer, his broad-shouldered form blocking the light breeze as he reached for her hand.

She sighed, thinking again about how wrong the conversation had gone. “I only wanted to suggest to Father that you might—” She hesitated, uncertain how to explain. It wasn’t as if James had proposed. He’d only mentioned calling on her.

“That I might be a potential suitor?” He smiled as he ran the back of one finger along her cheek, and her chest tightened at his gentle touch. “Because that is my intention.”

“It is?” Her heart fluttered at his words then beat wildly.

“Charlotte, by now you must know how deeply I care for you.”

“I care for you as well. So much.” The urge to say more gripped her, bringing tears to her eyes. She loved him with all her heart. Yet she feared telling him when so much stood in their path would be foolhardy.

“We will find a way to overcome your father’s objections.”

“I’m not certain that’s possible. My attempt didn't proceed according to plan. Mother and Father were arguing. While I hate to think anything I said caused it, I’d prefer they clear the air than continue to live in misery.”

James nodded. “That must’ve been an uncomfortable conversation.”

“I just hope I didn't make matters worse. Father is stubborn and unwilling to listen to anyone but himself. The situation is incredibly frustrating.”

“I wonder why he is so set on Lord Samuelson when you’ve expressed your dislike of the man.”

“He mentioned a plot of land he’ll receive upon our marriage.” She shook her head. “But it's difficult to believe the land is so dear to him. More dear than—” A lump filled her throat at the thought that she meant so little to her father.

“In all honesty, I don't care what the reason is behind it. I only want their agreement to end.” James lifted her free hand to brush a kiss along her knuckles, sending awareness shooting all the way to her toes.

“I'm so pleased you came by,” Charlotte said. Being with him was a balm to the evening’s turmoil.

“I had to see how you fared.” He turned her hand to kiss