Robert could tell that not all the paintings were original to the gallery. Faded marks on the wall were visible behind smaller artwork where large-scale paintings once hung. He wondered if Lord Destonbury was quietly selling off his family heirlooms to keep his creditors at bay. The ton knew Phillip to be a gambling man, but the extent of his debt was unknown.

“Excuse me for a moment,” Lord Destonbury said, exiting the gallery and leaving Charlotte and Robert very much alone.

Charlotte turned to Robert, not appearing the least bit surprised. “Clearly, my father isn’t the most effective chaperone.”

“Chaperoned or not, you have nothing to fear from me.”

Charlotte looked at Robert with an assessing eye. “Nor you from me.” She turned and continued along the gallery, Robert following her with a grin. They had only walked a few feet when she turned on her heels to face him once more.

“Forgive me for being so direct, Lord Stratton, but I don’t understand why you’re still here. You seem a decent sort of man. I’m sure you have friends. No doubt there are women in London who would be all too glad for your company. I told you I won’t marry you, so why do you remain?”

Robert closed the distance between them. He did not touch her, though his eyes revealed just how badly he wanted to. Restraint had never been difficult for him. Until now. Charlotte gulped but held her ground. It affected him more powerfully than he cared to admit.

“I remain here because I care for you,” he said after a moment. “Do you think you could ever care for me?”

“I...don’t know. But even if I did, it wouldn’t change my mind.”

“How about we make a bargain? I will refrain from making you an official offer of marriage until I depart in a month. If you do not love me by then, I will go and never return.” Robert reached out his hand, waiting for Charlotte to accept the wager.

A moment later, she confidently placed her hand in his. “Done. Shall I send a servant to help you pack at once or must we really wait until the end of your stay?”

“I’ll take my chances,” Robert said with a smirk. “Though, for an agreement such as ours, a handshake seems rather formal. Let’s seal it with a kiss, instead.”