Read To Bed or to Wed for Free Online

what she’d seen last night. It wasn’t her business. She wouldn’t have been there at all if it hadn’t been for his aggravating uncle.
    “You seem well rested, Charlotte,” he rejoined, standing, then resumed his seat when she sat. “Did you have pleasant dreams?” He grinned as a petite maid refilled his tea cup.
    “None that I can remember.” Charlotte busied herself with accepting tea then directing the maid into filling a plate from the sideboard. Normally, she’d do it herself, but the staff at the Manor was so efficient at their job, she had no time to protest.
    “Ah, too bad. I, for one, had very pleasant dreams and remember them vividly.”
    Across the table, the other woman present uttered a most unladylike snort. “I’m sure you do. Plus, you’re altogether too vulgar for breakfast conversation, Jamie.”
    Charlotte slid a glance to her and offered a smile. “Hello. I suppose since Jamie won’t introduce us, I shall. I’m Lady Charlotte Darrington. Please call me Charlotte.”
    She nodded. “I like that you extended that invitation when you don’t even know me.” A tendril of blonde hair fell loose from its bun and lent an air of soft elegance to her long face. “I’m Bethany Starkton.”
    “Well, how awkward would it be if Jamie calls me by my given name while you couldn’t as we dine this intimately?” Charlotte waved a hand. “I’d rather have contemporaries than acquaintances.” Why does that name sound familiar? She searched the depths of her mind then sucked in a small breath when she found the answer. “Starkton. You must be related to Jamie’s baronet friend.” Her cheeks heated as she realized she’d broken her promise not to refer to Jamie’s transgression.
    “Yes, exactly.” Her grin revealed slightly crooked front teeth, but they didn’t detract from her twinkling eyes or rosy cheeks. “I’m his sister. He asked me to accompany him to the party as he thought Jamie and I might suit.”
    Charlotte stifled a groan. Poor girl. She has no idea how the wind blows. “Oh. Where is your brother this morning?” To stave off an inappropriate comment, she shoved a bit of ham steak into her mouth and chewed.
    “Peter is either still abed or out riding. He enjoys taking in the early morning air.” Beneath the table, Jamie kicked her shin. When Charlotte glanced up, he sent her a roiling glance. “She’s two years older than me, but that’s all to the good, and she’s intelligent besides. From good family.” The young man sent Bethany a grin that had the girl tittering. “Her brother was smart to bring her. Quite a fitting woman for a future marquess, eh?”
    “Sounds like it.” Charlotte gulped down a mouthful of tea then winced at the slight sting of the hot liquid. The games those two men were playing with Bethany as collateral. Annoyance warmed her chest at their treating the girl like property. “So, is an announcement in the offing then?”
    Bethany blushed. She glanced at her plate. “We’ve talked about it, but nothing is definite yet. Peter—my brother—says he’ll make the arrangements.”
    Of course he will and no doubt move himself right in with an excuse of easing the transition or helping her with her new responsibilities while all along, he and Jamie would be indulging in passion’s embrace behind closed doors. Bethany would be none the wiser, especially if she became pregnant shortly after the ceremony.
    Charlotte’s respect for Jamie faltered even as her mind was gripped with thoughts of just how Jamie would accomplish that feat. She’d thought he had a good head on his shoulders, thought he’d be at least honest about his affairs. Unbidden, the words from Ravenhurst sprang to mind. What matters is seeing him properly trained to inherit the title and all of its demands. Would the marquess expect Jamie to conduct himself in this very manner? Of course he would.
    She huffed. Men were such a bother at times.
    “Jamie, how does your uncle feel