Page 40 of The Virgin Duchess (Unwanted Brides #2)

Chapter Thirty-Seven

“ D arling, I can get myself into the bed. I assure you that?—”

“Absolutely not.” Charlotte glared, that serious face of hers making Frederick fight back a grin. “You will allow me to help you just as the physician ordered.”

He couldn’t contain the chuckle at that, remembering how kind Dr. Brown had been when he had dismissed Frederick back to his estate after waiting the entire day to be approved for travel. Frederick knew that it was better safe than to injure himself or prolong the healing, but he had been so very ready to get home. And now, he was so very ready to get into his bed.

“Alright, dear.” Frederick gave up his bid for independence and allowed Charlotte to pull back the covers and help him into the bed. “Thank you.”

Resting against the soft pillows, Frederick let out a heavy sigh. His side still throbbed, along with his skull, but it was manageable, particularly when he was at home in his bed with his dear Charlotte. He reached for her hand when she began to walk away, keeping her right there.

“Stay with me.” He looked up into Charlotte’s eyes, a teasing plea in his tone. “I need you.”

She scoffed, rolling her eyes at him. “Frederick, you are the worst. Now you want my help?”

He grinned back at her, pulling her closer. “Who said anything about help. I simply want you, Charlotte.”

Kissing her, Frederick felt Charlotte’s resistance melt away as their lips danced together. She gave into the embrace, leaning against the bed as she stood over him. It was several moments before he let her go, allowing Charlotte to straighten while his head spun slightly.

“Frederick, you need your rest. As much as you may wish for certain…things right now. You are in no condition.”

He had half a mind to convince his wife otherwise, but considering how his vision wavered, it was probably wise to listen to her.

“Very well.” He nodded gently. “I shall behave…for now.”

Winking at her, Frederick relished the way Charlotte rolled her eyes, grinning, nonetheless. She patted his cheek and then started toward the door.

“I shall have a bit of food prepared for. You haven’t eaten in several hours. I’m sure you’re famished.”

He wasn’t really, but Frederick only nodded at Charlotte, letting her lead. In truth, he was mostly exhausted. Even though he’d been unconscious for so much of the past handful of hours, sleep was still the thing his body demanded the most. Aside from Charlotte, of course.

With her hand on the knob, a knock came, and Charlotte jumped back slightly. When she pulled it open, Diedre stood in the hall with a gentle smile. The maid curtsied quickly before straightening and staring back at his wife expectantly.

“Your Grace.”

“Diedre,” Charlotte nodded, “what is it?”

“There are some guests who have come to see the Duke. I understand that he is to recover, so I wished to check with you first before allowing them up to see him.”

“Oh.” Charlotte’s brows rose, and she looked back at Frederick; he simply nodded at her, suggesting that he was capable of receiving the visitors. “Thank you, Diedre. We shall keep the time brief, but by all means, please show them up.”

It was only a few moments before Frederick’s room was flooded with guests. Charlotte took care of greeting Selina and Amelia, who came over to his bedside afterward, offering their sympathies.

“Oh, Frederick. I cannot believe the Baron attacked you!” Selina looked as distressed by the thought as Charlotte had, which was a bit hilarious considering, but he appreciated her concern. “I hope he rots in a cell somewhere.”

“Thank you, Selina. I am grateful for your visit.” He turned to Amelia, who looked over her shoulder to ensure that Richard was coming along after her. “And you, Amelia. Thank you for visiting.”

Richard pulled up alongside his bed, reaching out for Frederick’s hand. They clapped their palms together, and Richard put his other hand on top, patting Frederick’s.

“Glad to see you still creating such a fuss. And the Baron? It is a miracle that you were able to get out of there.”

Frederick glanced over to where Charlotte was now receiving Cordelia and Kitty, both of whom offered him a smile and wave. She was effortlessly graceful, still looking as beautiful as ever, even though he knew that she had been up at his bedside since she’d taken him to the physician.

“Not a miracle. Her .”

His visitors followed his stare to Charlotte, and Frederick heard Richard hum in understanding. The room devolved into delightful chaos until Charlotte hurried everyone away, insisting that he needed his rest. As it quieted once more, Frederick couldn’t fight the droop to his eyelids or the yawn that broke free.

“Perhaps you are right.” He looked up at her, reaching to stroke her cheek. “But you will stay?”

Charlotte chuckled, shaking her head before taking his hand and pressing her lips to his knuckles.

“I think you know me well enough now, Frederick.” She smiled at him, easy and real. “Of course I will.”

Frederick relaxed into the bed, allowing his eyes to close as he began to drift off to sleep.

“Do not skip supper, darling,” Frederick mumbled, exhaustion tugging so hard on his mind. “Be sure to take care of yourself before you return to me.”

“If you insist,” Charlotte whispered, pressing a kiss to his cheek.

And then he was asleep, warm and content in his bed.

Charlotte was careful with the door as she left Frederick to sleep. She would return as soon as she had filled her belly. Truthfully, she was the one who was starving, having not eaten a stitch of food at the physician’s office. It closed gently, and she tiptoed down the hall to the stairs. The kitchen would prepare her something, and for now, she could enjoy a bit of tea while she waited.

At the bottom of the stairs, Charlotte came to an abrupt stop in front of the main entrance, her halted steps echoing in the foyer. She couldn’t believe her eyes. Was she dreaming?

“Magnus?”

Her brother stood just inside the house, holding his hat and walking stick tightly in his grip. Magnus’s stare was pinned to the floor, only brief seconds of him flicking them up to see her there, and his expression was dower.

“Lotte. It is good to see you.”

Charlotte stepped forward, unable to think of anything to say in the face of such surprise. She had genuinely believed that she might not see her brother again, and Charlotte was confident that played openly across her features.

“What are you?—”

“Doing here? I understand. I know we did not part well when we saw each other last. I…I have come to apologize.”

If it was possible, Charlotte was even more shocked, her eyes flying up to her hairline.

“I was rude and disrespectful. You deserve better than the assumptions I levied at you. And…so does your husband.”

She shook herself out of her stupor and crossed her arms over her chest. “Magnus, I appreciate that very much. But you have to understand that I am a bit wary, considering that Frederick has just been injured. If you only feel this way because of guilt?—”

“It is not that,” Magus cut in. “Though, I will admit to feeling a great deal of regret over my words. When I heard about Frederick’s tussle with Halfacre, about what had happened between them, I could see that I was wrong about him, yes. But in truth, it was how I harmed you that I first realized. You are my sister, Lotte, and you have never given me cause to doubt your judgment. I should have been more supportive.”

Charlotte wanted to be angry with him. She wanted to still be furious with Magnus because of everything he did not understand. But…she couldn’t. She could tell that her brother was trying, and that was something right there.

“Thank you, Magnus.” She chuckled briefly, shrugging a shoulder. “It is a shame. Frederick has fallen asleep, and Cordelia and Kitty just left. You might have had the opportunity to greet them.”

“Actually,” Magnus stepped further into the house, his shoulders relaxing some, “I saw them on their way out. We spoke for a moment, and I was happy to see how well they are both doing. I have invited them to a family dinner in the coming weeks. You and Frederick are, of course, invited as well. It would mean so much if you came.”

That was indeed a shock but undoubtedly a pleasant one.

Charlotte smiled, walking up to her brother and placing her hand on his. “I would love that. I am sure Frederick will as well.”

Magnus sagged under Charlotte’s touch, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

“Thank you.” He smiled, chuckling as the relief visibly washed over him. “Excellent.”

“Would you care to join me, Brother?” She gestured toward the dining room. “I have yet to eat since being with the physician, and I am famished.”

Smiling even bigger, Magnus wrapped an arm around Charlotte’s shoulder and nodded.

“Nothing sounds better. Thank you.”

“Of course, Magnus.” She grinned back at him, hope brimming inside her stronger and stronger. “After all, we’re family.”