Speaking with Lieutenant Easton

Charlotte tried not to think about what Lieutenant Easton might be thinking as she stepped past the uniformed man. She could feel the **** of his intense stare even though she didn't dare meet his gaze.

"Lady Marlton?" Easton's smooth tenor stopped her as she reached the bottom of the steps.

Ever since that private encounter in the gardens with the somber young officer, Charlotte felt uncertain about how she should interact with the man. On one hand, the private bargain made in the nighttime garden walk was just that, a private arrangement between two consenting adults and by allowing Charlotte to treat Mr. Fuller alone in his cell that arrangement had been completed. However, that was a gross oversimplification; she knew, as surely Lt. Easton knew, that they were bound together by the nature of that deal. Charlotte turned slowly to face the somber-faced Lieutenant.

"Yes, Lt. Easton?" Charlotte tried to keep her tone neutral, but her heart raced with the uncertainty of the situation as the dark-haired officer approached her slowly. Did he suspect the reason Charlotte wanted to meet with Mr. Fuller? If either her aunts or father learned of this private meeting, or for that matter what had transpired on that secluded garden bench, she would be a virtual prisoner in her house until a convenient marriage could be arranged for her. Of course, if Colonel Touring discovered Easton's had made a secret deal in order to capture Black Brand, the young officer's future might by equally compromised.

"We need to talk, my Lady." Charlotte licked her lips nervously as she waited to hear why Easton had stopped her. The pair were linked together, he knew that as well as her.

"I want to thank you, Sir." Charlotte began, all too conscious of how close Lt. Easton was standing. "You are an honourable officer, and you have fulfilled your part of our arrangement admir-."

"Miss Marlton," Easton interjected uncharacteristically, "I am not at all comfortable with leaving you with Mr. Fuller."

"I assure you, Lieutenant, chained as he is, I am perfectly safe."

"I have no doubt about your safety, Lady Marlton." Easton hesitated, "I am troubled instead by what I sense are your feeling for this man, and I confess, by my feelings for you."