“Someone on His Grace’s staff. He probably went directly to your dressmaker to have something new made.” Mary’s eyes met Charlotte’s. “You’re a fortunate woman. He does not take lovers casually, despite his reputation. He sees something in you.”
“You saw something in me,” Charlotte prompted hesitantly.
She tweaked her nose. “Because you’re something special to see.”
When Charlotte was all dressed, she spun to face the looking glass. “Do I look all right for him?”
“You look beautiful.” Mary bobbed a quick curtsy. “Thank you for letting me serve you tonight, my lady,” she said with a cheeky grin.
“Have you any idea where he’s taking me?”
But Mary didn’t answer. Instead, she slipped out the door as though she’d never been there. Only the smile on Charlotte’s face was evidence. A moment later, a knock sounded on the door. “ I’m here to dress your hair, miss,” a maid called out. She didn’t enter the room. Perhaps she knew what had been going on in the room. Charlotte hoped not.
“Enter,” Charlotte called absently. The girl dressed her hair, fluffed her dress and informed her that His Grace was waiting below stairs for her.
When she opened the door, she went to the top of the stairs, and found His Grace standing at the bottom, glancing at his time piece with a worried expression. “I hope you enjoyed your bath,” he said revealing none of the mirth or scorn she’d expected to see on his face. “And that everything was to your agreement.”
Heat suffused her face. “It was.”
He held out his crooked arm.
“Your Grace,” she began.
“Trent,” he said with a small smile. “I give you leave to use it.”
“Where are we going, Trent?”
“The Duke and Duchess of Charburton are having a gathering.”
Charlotte tripped over her own slipper. “The duke and duchess?”
“Yes,” he teased. “Don’t worry. It’s very informal.”
When arrived at the duke’s manor house, the duke and duchess met the hosts at the door. Her Grace was a regal creature, with her tumbling golden curls piled high atop her head. Her neck arched delicately to reveal naked shoulders and a beautiful dip in her bodice. It wasn’t until she l ooked directly into the duchess’ s eyes that she got the shock of a lifetime. “Your Grace,” Charlotte sputtered. She dropped into a quick curtsy.
“Call me Mary, dear. We’ll be great friends, I’m certain.” Her eyes sparkled and shone. And Charlotte’s heart flipped over in her chest.
Trent chuckled lightly from behind her. “Great friends, indeed.”