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about this proposed match?” Charlotte cut her remaining ham steak into small, bite-sized pieces though her appetite had fled, especially now that he’d be the topic of discussion.
    Bethany’s eyes rounded. “We shouldn’t discuss the marquess.” The tendons in her neck worked with a hard swallow. “He’s already taken Jamie to task this morning. It would seem the gossips are correct.”
    This time Charlotte snorted. “It’s not gossip. To my way of thinking, the man is afflicted of a bad mood all the time. Why is he grumpy today?”
    Jamie rolled his eyes. “I accidentally broke a vase in the drawing room by bumping into it late last night. Apparently, the trinket had been in the family for generations.” He shrugged. “An apology wasn’t enough, so I was made to endure a two minute tirade before he took himself off.”
    “Ah. I see.” Perhaps the marquess had been right about Jamie’s lack of respect. She took a sip of tea while ignoring the girl and pinned Jamie with a glare. “I’m curious about your sudden impending nuptials, Jamie.”
    He shrugged, his expression neutral. “I’ve mentioned the situation to him. He told me to do what I must in order to appear above reproach. My reputation needs to be sterling once I take the title.”
    “ If you take it,” she reminded him. “Your uncle is youngish yet, and from the looks of things, still vital.” She fought off a blush as she remembered how his hard body had felt against hers or how warm and commanding his lips had been those heart-stopping seconds when he’d forgotten himself and returned her impromptu kiss.
    “Oh please, do you really think Ravenhurst will tolerate a woman long enough to wed her and get her with child?”
    “Stranger things have happened,” Charlotte defended. “Suppose he meets someone soon. If he’s well and truly enamored with her and falls madly in love, he can be married within six months.” Why she felt compelled to defend the boorish man, she couldn’t fathom. “Sooner if he’s truly motivated.”
    Jamie’s hazel eyes went cold. “The man is a beast. He’s better off alone.” He waved a hand in dismissal. “No woman has wanted him thus far. He’ll die alone, and of his own fault and choosing.”
    “No matter how unsavory a person is, they are still capable of love—giving or receiving it.” Except, the marquess might just be the exception to that rule.
    “ He’s ever so attractive. Perhaps Charlotte is correct. He may yet find a match.” Bethany sipped her tea.
    “Not my uncle.” Jamie narrowed his eyes , and then an expression of disbelief crossed his face. A smile curved his lips and gave life to his boyish face. “Don’t tell me you think you can tame the savage beast, Charlotte. I thought you had more common sense than that. At least self-preservation.” The incredulity in his voice caused Charlotte’s stomach to quiver.
    Why not? It could be a challenge full of adventure and excitement—not that she wanted to take up such a thing at the moment. “I don’t know what I think of him at this moment, other than he’s aggravating and quite stubborn.” And rude. And stormy. And slightly mysterious. And definitely had a story to tell…
    Bugger it. Maybe she did.
    Jamie chuckled and brushed a lock of hair from his forehead. “If anyone could manage him, it would be you, Charlotte.”
    She frowned. “What does that mean?”
    “Just what I said. In this instance, perhaps your penchant for bossing would be just the thing in this situation.”
    Before Charlotte could respond, Bethany cut in. “Oh, did you meet the marquess?” Wonder hung on her question as she set her teacup in its saucer with a decided clink.
    “I did, Miss Starkton. Last night.” Charlotte refused to spill the details on what transpired in the maze as it was hers alone to ponder. Her lips tingled from the fleeting remembrance of the kiss. “I also met Jamie’s mother, although briefly.” That one gave her chills of