Stolen by the Cursed Duke (Stolen by the Duke #3)

Chapter 7

Chapter Seven

“ T he storm has passed,” Magnus murmured as he sat before the polished wood and the neatly set delicate china.

The storm had ended, leaving the skies a clear, brilliant blue. The castle was quiet, save for the faint clinking of his teacup against its saucer and the rustle of his newspaper.

Magnus appreciated the stillness. It gave him time to think—to put the events of the past two days into some semblance of order. Or at least, that’s what he told himself as he picked at the untouched eggs on his plate.

The truth was that his thoughts were a mess, each one inevitably leading back to Lady Charlotte.

And I would far rather they didn’t.

He heard the sound of footsteps before the door opened, and he looked up just as she entered. Her auburn hair was pinned back with a few loose curls framing her face, and she wore a simple day dress that—thank the Heavens—fit her properly.

Yet even in her modest attire, she carried herself with that same defiance and fiery determination that had both captivated and infuriated him since the moment they met.

And even now, she is beautiful.

“Good morning, Your Grace,” she said, her voice clipped. She stood a few steps into the room, her arms crossed.

“Lady Charlotte,” he replied, his tone neutral.

She straightened her shoulders, as if bracing herself for a confrontation. “The skies are clear now. I believe it’s time I returned to London.”

Magnus nodded, taking a measured sip of his tea. “Mhm. I will have a carriage prepared.”

Her eyes narrowed, and she took a step closer. “That’s it? No objection? No farewell speech about how reckless I am or how I have somehow disrupted your perfectly ordered life?”

He raised an eyebrow, setting down his cup. “Would you like an objection, Lady Charlotte? Or are you looking for compliments?”

Her cheeks flushed, but she didn’t look away. “I’m not looking for anything but passage home, Your Grace. I simply expected… Never mind.”

Magnus allowed a faint smirk to tug at the corner of his mouth. He was pleased to see that her thoughts were in as much turmoil as his own.

“I would have thought you’d be relieved to escape Thornvale. And my company.”

She opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, the door swung open, and a familiar voice filled the room.

“Magnus! There you are.”

Magnus turned in his chair, his eyes rolling as Lady Galbury, his paternal grandfather’s youngest sister, swept into the room, her presence as commanding as ever.

That was just what he needed.

She was a tall woman with a sharp gaze and an air of perpetual mischief, and she had something of a soft spot for Magnus. He’d always assumed it was pity after all he’d been through in his life.

“Lady Galbury,” he said, rising to greet her, “I wasn’t expecting you.”

“Yes, well, I wasn’t expecting to hear that you left Arkley’s wedding early without so much as a word of explanation,” she replied, her tone brisk.

Her eyes darted to Lady Charlotte, and her brows lifted slightly.

“And I certainly wasn’t expecting to find you… entertaining guests,” she added.

Magnus sighed inwardly. He could see the playful light in his aunt’s eyes, and he knew he would likely never hear the end of this.

“Lady Charlotte is here as a result of unforeseen circumstances,” he said. “She will be leaving shortly.”

Lady Galbury’s gaze lingered on Lady Charlotte for a moment, her sharp eyes taking in every detail.

“Unforeseen circumstances,” she repeated, her tone carefully neutral. “How intriguing.”

Charlotte stepped forward then.

“It’s true, My Lady,” she said. “Your nephew was kind enough to offer me shelter during the storm. I am most grateful for his hospitality. I dread to think what might have happened to me otherwise.”

Magnus glanced at her, surprised by the sincerity in her voice. Lady Galbury, however, looked amused.

“Sheltering a young lady in a storm?” Lady Galbury mused. “How very heroic of you, Magnus. Surely there’s more to the story. You have never been one to act on a whim.” Her gaze flicked to Charlotte, a spark of curiosity in her sharp eyes.

“I assure you, there are none, aunt.”

“Your nephew is quite capable of acting on a whim when the situation calls for it,” Lady Charlotte said smoothly, surprising Magnus yet again with her boldness.

Lady Galbury blinked in surprise. She hadn’t expected that kind of answer from Lady Charlotte. It seemed that she was in for a treat.

“Is that so?” she asked and then looked him up and down, as if trying to prize the truth from him with her gaze alone.

“Even so, I can’t imagine what would have prompted you to leave a wedding early, Magnus. I know you have always liked to shirk your social obligations, but I equally know how much you value Viscount Arkley’s friendship.”

Magnus straightened, resisting the urge to look at Charlotte and give the game away. Why he should want to protect her, he had no idea, but he couldn’t stop himself from shielding her from gossip.

“I had my reasons.”

He shifted uncomfortably as the two women turned their attention to one another. He had expected Lady Galbury’s usual pointed remarks, her talent for prying and provoking, but instead, her expression softened into something close to delight.

“Lady Charlotte,” Lady Galbury said warmly, clasping her gloved hands before her. “How rude of me not to greet you properly. It is wonderful to see you again. I believe we were introduced at the Hargreaves’ ball last season, were we not?”

“You know one another?” Magnus asked, eyebrows raised though neither of the ladies paid him any attention at all.

He watched with careful fascination as they easily fell into conversation, as if they were old friends.

Lady Charlotte blinked then a faint smile spread across her lips. “Indeed, Lady Galbury. I remember now. We had a brief conversation about your travels in Italy if I recall correctly.”

“Ah, yes,” Lady Galbury said, her tone light and animated. “How rare it is to find someone so genuinely interested in art and architecture. Most young ladies prefer to talk of fashion or the latest gossip. I remembered our conversation for some time after.”

Charlotte’s smile grew, and she tilted her head modestly. “I find there’s far more to learn from history than from lace and ribbons.”

“Precisely,” Lady Galbury said with a laugh, clearly charmed. “I must say, you have made quite the impression on me. I don’t often encounter young ladies with such a keen appreciation for cultural matters. I recall mentioning your curiosity to my good friend Catherine—she agreed it was a breath of fresh air and to my surprise, she revealed that you are her granddaughter.”

“That’s correct, Lady Galbury,” Lady Charlotte replied, blush coloring her cheeks. “Though your words are too kind.”

“Nonsense,” Lady Galbury said. “If Lady Clifton claims you as family, then you must be as wonderful as you appear.”

Magnus watched, the ease of their conversation unsettling him.

“My grandmother is quite something,” Lady Charlotte agreed. “Though I admit, I found our conversation equally memorable. Your insights on the architecture of Venice were fascinating. The way you described the Doge’s Palace, I felt as though I had walked through its halls myself.”

Lady Galbury’s face lit up with delight. “Oh, you must visit it someday! There’s nothing quite like standing beneath those vaulted ceilings, the history almost tangible in the air. I recall thinking the same of the Colosseum in Rome. Perhaps your future husband will take you.”

Her gaze flicked to Magnus, but Magnus looked pointedly away, and Lady Galbury continued, “Have you read Addison’s remarks on it?”

“I have,” Charlotte said, her eyes brightening. “Though his descriptions hardly compare to seeing it in person.”

“Exactly!” Lady Galbury said, her enthusiasm evident. “You have an excellent mind, Lady Charlotte. The world could use more young women with such an eagerness to learn.”

Charlotte offered a modest smile. “Not everyone finds such pursuits engaging, but I have always been encouraged to explore them.”

“That encouragement has served you well,” Lady Galbury said, studying her thoughtfully. “You must allow me to show you my travel journals sometime. I have kept them since I was a girl, sketching and writing wherever I went. I believe you’d enjoy them.”

Charlotte’s face lit up with genuine excitement. “I would be honored, Lady Galbury. To see your firsthand impressions would be a privilege.”

Magnus shifted in his chair, his patience wearing thin.

“Lady Galbury, as fascinating as I’m sure Lady Charlotte finds your journals, she is due to return home today.”

Lady Galbury turned to him, her brow arching in amusement. “Of course, Magnus. I wouldn’t dream of keeping her from her plans.” She glanced back at Lady Charlotte, her smile returning. “But another time, perhaps. I would very much like to continue this conversation.”

“As would I,” Charlotte replied graciously.

“And it seems you have also made quite the impression on my nephew,” Lady Galbury continued. “It’s not every day he opens his doors to anyone, let alone a young lady.”

“As I said, she is in a hurry to return to London. I believe the butler has already arranged for the carriage to be readied,” Magnus said, clearing his throat.

Charlotte turned to him.

“Yes,” she said softly, her voice steady but laced with tension. “Thank you, Your Grace, for your hospitality. It has been most enlightening.”

Magnus inclined his head stiffly, avoiding her gaze. “Safe travels, Lady Charlotte.”

She curtsied, her movements graceful but not without an air of finality.

“Lady Galbury,” she said, turning back to his aunt with a genuine smile, “it was a pleasure to meet you again. I hope we might have the chance to continue our conversation.”

“Oh, I certainly hope so,” Lady Galbury replied, her tone warm but her sharp eyes flicking briefly to Magnus. “Do take care, my dear.”

The butler appeared at the doorway, bowing low. “Lady Charlotte, the carriage is ready.”

“Thank you,” she said, giving a polite nod before glancing once more at Magnus.

Their eyes met for the briefest of moments, and though no words passed between them, the tension in the air was palpable. She turned and followed the butler out, her steps light but deliberate.

The door closed behind her, and the silence that followed was deafening.

Magnus stood motionless, his gaze fixed on the spot where she had been, his thoughts a tangled mess.

Lady Galbury broke the silence with a quiet hum of amusement. “Well,” she said, folding her hands neatly, “that was interesting.”

“Was it?” he asked, doing his best to feign disinterest.

“You seemed rather eager to see her on her way,” Lady Galbury teased, her tone innocent but her eyes sharp. “One might think you were trying to avoid something.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said with a sigh.

“Of course, you do,” she retorted. “It’s pleasing to see you… being more social, shall we say?”

Her eyes glimmered with interest, and Magnus glanced at her sharply. “What, exactly, are you implying?”

“Oh, nothing at all, dear nephew,” she said, her smile sly. “Nothing at all.”