Page 98 of How to Wed a Courtesan

She looked up at him, letting herself become lost in his handsome green eyes.

‘Lady Westix,’ a shrill voice called. ‘Oh, my dearest Lady Westix.’

Lottie and Evander both turned to find Lady Cotsworth hurrying towards them at a pace that set her ample bosom swaying. She huffed as she caught up and lightly fanned herself, smiling despite her ability to breathe properly in that moment.

‘It has come to my attention that the invitation I sent you for our ball this Saturday was somehow lost in delivery.’ Lady Cotsworth pouted. ‘I wanted to smooth over the offence of our footman’s carelessness by extending you a personal invitation to our ball.’

‘I see,’ Lottie replied slowly.

‘Well?’ Lady Cotsworth dabbed at her broad forehead. ‘Do you think you’ll be able to attend?’

‘We have a prior engagement,’ Evander said.

Disappointment was evident on Lady Cotsworth’s face. ‘Oh. I see. Well, you needn’t worry. I have a soiree coming up as well. I’ll ensure that you receive—’

‘While it’s kind of you to consider us, Lady Cotsworth,’ Lottie said, as gently as possible, ‘we are removing to our country estate.’

‘Why on earth would you do such a thing?’ The older woman was flustered.

‘Because we prefer to be where people are kind,’ Lottie replied.

Lady Cotsworth’s flushed cheeks went redder still.

‘Good day, Lady Cotsworth.’

Evander steered Lottie away from the vile woman.

‘You, my dear, were far kinder to her than she deserved,’ he said to Lottie when they were out of earshot.

‘I don’t wish to be cruel,’ Lottie replied. ‘But nor will I lower myself to feign friendship.’

‘Your strength is one of the many traits of yours I find so admirable.’ Evander smiled down at her. ‘You were worth waiting six years for, Charlotte Murray.’

‘I’m only sorry I put you off for so long.’ She moved her fingers over his forearm and held on to him, caressing him tenderly. ‘To think we could have been so happy for all that time when we were otherwise so miserable.’

‘But it wouldn’t be as sweet as it is now.’ He stopped and gazed down at her. ‘Because now I know what I lost before and I will never, ever let you go.’

‘Don’t you dare even try,’ she teased. ‘Or you will find I can be just as persistent as you when it comes to something that I want.’

A wicked gleam shone in his eye. ‘And you want me?’

Desire pulsed through her at the suggestion in his tone. ‘Oh, I do.’

‘Do you feel we’ve accomplished our goal in this promenade?’ Evander began to steer her in the opposite direction.

‘Quite,’ she replied. ‘I believe I should like to return home.’

And that was exactly what they did, where they loved one another in the light of day and lay abed dreaming of a future together. A future neither one of them ever thought they would have.

Lost and finally found once more.

Epilogue

August 1820, Huntly Manor

Everything was in order. Or so Lottie hoped.

Sarah took one look at her and chuckled. ‘Don’t you worry, my lady, everything has been seen to.’