“Your…needs?” Charlotte said in a voice that was barely above a whisper.

“Mine and the children’s, of course.”

Lady Melton managed a smile. “I thought the children would be going to live with Lady Putney.” She looked at Lady Putney as if seeking assurance.

It was not far in coming. “I’d love to have the children live with me once Greyley’s married! Charlotte could never handle all five of them.”

“She’ll have plenty of help from the servants,” Anthony said. “And once we have a few children of our own, five or six perhaps, then she’ll—”

“Five or six…” Charlotte stood, one hand pressed to her stomach. “My lord, may I speak with you in private?”

Lady Melton looked astounded. “Charlotte, that is highly improp—”

“Mama,” Charlotte said, an unexpectedly firm light in her eyes. “I will speak with Lord Greyley on the terrace. We will remain in sight at all times, but I must have private speech with him.”

Anthony raised his brows. He’d never heard Charlotte speak with such resolution. Perhaps it was a good sign. He wasted no more time. “We will stay within sight of this window.”

Lady Putney immediately chimed in, “An excellent idea, Greyley.” She turned to Lady Melton and said in a smooth voice, “The impetuousness of youth! I daresay Lord Melton was just as impatient a suitor, wasn’t he?”

Lady Melton nodded, though she looked far from assured. “I suppose.”

Anthony went to the door that led to the garden and opened it. Charlotte passed by in a nervous rustle of lace.

The last thing Anthony heard as he shut the door was Lady Putney’s pleased titter. “Such love birds,” she said.

Anthony stifled a spark of annoyance and walked quickly to the nearest bench, careful to remain in sight of the terrace door. He had no wish to be forced to wed Charlotte because of a breach of etiquette.

As soon as they reached the bench, he motioned for Charlotte to sit. Instead of taking his place beside her, he remained standing. “What did you wish to say?”

Charlotte twisted her hands together. “My lord, I…” She swallowed as if unable to go on.

“Yes,” Anthony said, a bit more kindly now. This was certainly awkward, and he felt a momentary pang to cause the child such discomfort. But it really was for the best. “Charlotte, if there is something you wish to tell me that is difficult, perhaps I can guess—”

“No,” Charlotte said quickly. “I have something very important to say and I will say it now.” She took a deep breath, lifted her eyes to his. “My lord, I am very glad we are to wed.”

Anthony almost recoiled a step. “You won’t mind living away from your parents?”

“I-I shall miss Mama. But it is my duty as your wife to live where you will.”

“And the children? You would take care of them all? If we have six of our own, it will make eleven in all.”