Caroline Linden by What A Woman Needs Read Free Book Online

Kildair was following exactly where Charlotte was trying oh-so-subtly to lead her.
    “Yes, we were all of us taken in,” said Lady Kildair a moment later, her voice growing shrill. “He seemed so charming and genuine! He was received by the best families in Tunbridge Wells, particularly those with marriageable daughters. And all this time, he was nothing but a common fortune hunter! My dear Madame Griffolino, we owe you a great debt for exposing him.”
    “Yes.” Charlotte dabbed at her eyes and sat up straighter. “Why, I never thought of that—but of course, now that I have refused to allow him to see Susan again, who knows where he may turn his attentions? He must be quite desperate for funds, and will likely not scruple to seduce his next target.”
    Louise Kildair swelled with outrage, rising to her feet. “Never fear, Contessa; we shall make known his perfidy. I wager he’ll not find a friendly reception in this town again.”
    “But he will say I am blackening his name because I did not approve his suit of Susan. And my poor niece is still upset over the whole affair,” Charlotte protested. “I would rather have nothing more to do with that man.”
    She watched with immense relief as her hostess smiled. Smugly. “Why, of course I understand. I would be only too happy to relate what you have told me.” No doubt , thought Charlotte, you ceaseless gossip . Lady Kildair’s left hand would tattle on her right, if it could.
    And thank goodness for it. Charlotte rose and let Lady Kildair take her hands again. “I cannot thank you enough. It has been a great relief to unburden myself to a sympathetic ear, and you will do a service to every female in town if you warn them of Mr. Drake’s intentions.”
    “Now, now.” Louise patted her hand as she led Charlotte to the door. “It is all thanks to you.”
    Charlotte smiled back. “You are too kind.”
    Lady Kildair pressed her hand; Charlotte interpreted it as thanks for depositing the season’s most delicious scandal right in her lap. With another effusive thanks, Charlotte left, confident Stuart Drake would be rumored a liar, a rogue, and even worse before the end of the week. And all Charlotte would be guilty of was repeating gossip, somewhat dramatically, but she had indeed heard everything just as she had told Lady Kildair. Stuart Drake could blame no one but himself for his own behavior, which was reprehensible if the gossips were even half right. With no one willing to receive him, he would have no choice but to leave, and then Susan would realize how shallow his affections had been.
    Poor Susan. Charlotte wished there were any way to prevent her inevitable hurt at that discovery. She would take Susan shopping, she decided, and even allow her to choose the colors. A few new gowns wouldn’t ease the ache, but they would at least give her something else to think about, and perhaps it would signal a new beginning to the relationship Charlotte was trying to build with her niece. They would begin anew, Charlotte decided, and this time she would stay close enough to nip any more unfortunate attachments in the bud before they had the chance to blossom into trouble.
    Lost in plans to win Susan’s trust and friendship, Charlotte didn’t notice her carriage was no longer in front of the Kildair house until she reached the walk. She stopped short with a frown, glancing up and down the street.
    “Lost something?” She started violently at the low voice behind her. She whirled around to see Stuart Drake standing less than a foot away, so close she had to tip her head back to look him in the face.
    And what a face it was. Last night, she had been focused on crushing his designs on Susan, and while she had noticed he was a handsome man, she hadn’t really recognized how handsome. Dark blue eyes looked out from under arching brows the same midnight black as his hair. His cheekbones were wide and flat, and though his nose was a bit long, his sensual mouth more