Follow Charlotte

Charlotte could barely think as Randy Fuller disappeared into the thick foliage. Were it not for the volume of sonnets that she held in her hand she could imagine the entire encounter was nothing more than a delusional fantasy caused by her recent fall. And yet, her lips still tingled from her captor's kiss.

Wait? Was he really a captor? Aside from the initial seizure when he lifted her in his arms and carried her across the brook, and pressed her to the ground covering her body with his - she could feel her cheeks flush as she remembered his great frame pressing firmly against hers - aside from that initial transgression, he had been completely unworthy of his reputation as a merciless highwayman. Charlotte turned the book of sonnets again in her hands. Mr. Fuller seemed far more interested in finding out about the book then in her as a woman. Did his kiss mean anything at all to him? Would he try to kiss her again if she met with him at Saint Teresa's? Perhaps take advantage of the privacy of the ruins to claim her lips for his pleasure, demanding her surrender as he molded her soft curves against his hard body?

Charlotte could feel her cheeks flush at the immodest thought, she should be outraged by his improper treatment, but in her heart she knew that for the first time in her life she had felt like a woman. Not a child, or even a rich heiress to be wooed, Mr. Fuller's kiss had been like nothing she had ever experienced, so different from the clumsy attempts of the suitors she was used to. He had desired her as a woman, not just a stepping stone in a great climb to power.

Charlotte found herself smiling as she walked back to her family estate, she wasn't sure if she'd help the outlaw or not, but she had escaped this adventure with only a few minor bruises and she now knew the identity of Black Brand. Her reception back at Marlton Manor was far more grueling than her captivity at his hands.

"You must learn to restrain your wild instincts milady." Jason Worthington chided her petulantly. "In the future I suggest you ride with Beatrice and Priscilla if you wish to see the end of the hunt." The bloody dénouement of the hunt was her least favorite part of the ride, but Jace would never understand that no matter how she tried to explain it to him. Jace was interested only in the kill, not the hunt. Even in his courting of her it was clear that he was more interested in her as a suitable wife than in the rituals of courtship and romance.

His attitude had always irked Charlotte, but after her hearing his cruel words by the brook she refused to accept his arrogant chastisement. She wanted nothing more than to throw the pig off her property, however Jason Worthington was a favorite of her father. More often than not it was assumed that their engagement announcement was just a matter of time.

Of course, Jace was not the only suitor that pressed hard for her hand in marriage and the considerable estate that came with it. She was the only daughter of Lord Marlton, her half-brother, John was from her father's previous marriage and the title and estate came from her mother's side of the family. Her father brought a great deal of wealth from his assorted business dealings, but the title that went with her hand could only come with her marriage.

Beatrice and Priscilla took her away from the criticism of the men and expressed admiration at her courage walking back alone from the hunt after Copper had run off. The two women meant well, but they irritated Charlotte with their constant chatter and complete lack of understanding. What would their reaction have been if she told them what had really happened after her fall.

Soon enough the women's conversation turned to the six young men who had ridden on the hunt. As always their talk involved speculation about which of the eligible gentlemen would make the most suitable husband. Twice Beatrice tried to solicit Charlotte's input but compared to the excitement of Randolf Fuller, Charlotte found all six to be duller than dull.

"I'd rather become a nun than marry any of these pompous fops!" She finally announced when her frustration overcame her common sense. Charlotte regretting the words as soon as they escaped her lips, neither of her two companions were more than acquaintances and she knew that the gossip mongers would delight in such an indiscreet comment.

Her lack of discretion was due at least in part to her dread of what was yet to come, she'd still have to get through tonight's dinner as all her father's guests teased her about her poor judgment at attempting the hedge. Still more **** awaited after that as surely Priscilla would want to enchant the group with her mastery of the piano-forte and her warbling soprano arias.

Later though, when the men retreated to Lord Marlton's den to smoke and sample his fine scotch she'd be able to escape to her room and decide what she was going to do with her newfound knowledge about Black Brand's true identity. She also needed time to consider why after kissing her and inflaming desires that she didn't even think she had, why had he sent her away? And finally, she needed to decide how to deal with his book and the completely inappropriate invitation to meet at Saint Theresa's Chapel.