A Gentleman's Promise Read Online Free Page B

please let me forget my cares for a little while. ”
    Amelia kissed her cheek. “Of course, darling. Whatever you wish, I’m just concerned for your wellbeing, that’s all.”
    Charlotte smiled. “I know you are. Now, tell me,” she said, changing the subject. “How are you feeling? Are the mornings still the worst for you?”
    “Yes,” Amelia said, placing her hand discreetly on her belly, as if to guard the little life that grew inside. “The mornings are terrible. Thank goodness I’m well enough in the evenings to attend the season’s entertainments. I don’t know how I’d survive otherwise.”
    Charlotte smiled while a pang of envy shot through her. Not once in the two years she’ d been married had she bore a living child . It was another reason why James abhorred her. In his eyes , she was a ba r r e n, useless piece of common baggage that he should never have marr ied.
    When Charlotte had reminded him her common class had saved his estate and him against his debtors , she’d paid for it by being bedridden for a week. The belting he’d inflicted had been one of the worst she’d ever had. And she’d learnt to curb her tongue from that point onwards. As much as doing so irked her greatly.
    “Charlotte are you well?”
    She started out of her musings and smiled. “Of course, just lost in thought, that’s all. What were you saying? ”
    “Only that Lord Helsing has arrived. And that he’s looking directly at you.”
    Char lotte looked up and locked eyes with Mason immediately. It was almost as if a n invisible line connected them across the sea of heads. She smiled and watched as he nodded in greeting before moving off to join another party his side of the room.
    “He’s as handsome as ever. Why did you never tell me you were neighbors as children? I had to find out about it by Lady Sisily.”
    Charlotte started at the question having never thought to tell Amelia of their childhood friendship . It was bad enough just to think about Mason and the silly passion she’d once held for him .
    “I’m sorry, Amelia. I suppose it slipped my mind. It’s been, after all, two years since I saw him last.”
    Amelia cast her a speculative look , then turned her attention back to the th r ong. “Well, I suppose you’ll be able to cat ch up tonight. And without Lord Remmick here , I’m sure you’ll be able to relax a little and enjoy your reunion.”
    Charlotte swallowed. It was silly real ly to be nervous about talking to Lord Helsing again. Granted, they hadn’t been close for many years, but after that one day near the lake, everythin g had changed for Charlotte. He’d been kind and attentive like the old days , something that she longed for her husband to be now. Not that he ever would be.
    S he caught sight of his lordship strolling through the throng before he asked a young debutante with doe eyes to dance. A pang of jealousy shot through her and Charlotte chastised herself. She was married and he was not. Of course, he could dance with whom so ever he wished.
    She watched as he waltzed about the room with the beautiful, young woman, his grace and ease o bvious to any who observed. Lord Helsing seemed much broader across the shoulders and his hair was a little less tidy, and yet, to Charlotte, he was the handsomest man present.
    “Perhaps it is best that yo u stop your inspection of Lord Helsing, dearest as your husband just stumbled through the door.”
    Charlotte watched in horror as James staggered into the room, needing the wall and a few guests for support. His cravat hung about his neck and his shirt gaped open at his throat. He looked sweaty and not at all well. People gasped and moved out of his way as James looked about the room.
    For her.
    Charlotte stepped away from Amelia and started to walk toward him, thankful the minstrels continued to play and people danced. He stood upright as she came to his side.
    “ I’m so pleased to see you, dear James.” She smiled to hide her distaste.