𝐈 𝐖𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐀 𝐁𝐄 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐒, 𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐲 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐨𝐧

tangled fates.

The morning sun filtered through the lace curtains, casting delicate patterns on the walls of the Hamilton residence. Charlotte stirred from her sleep, the memories of the Danbury ball still vivid in her mind. She stretched and rose from her bed, her thoughts immediately drifting to the various encounters of the previous night. Her reflection in the mirror showed a girl who had danced with Anthony Bridgerton and found a strange comfort in his arms. Yet, the confusion of her feelings for him lingered, unresolved and gnawing at her peace.

As she dressed for the day, the sound of carriage wheels on gravel reached her ears. Peeking out of her window, Charlotte saw a familiar figure stepping out of a sleek, black carriage. Lord Ashford had arrived, his presence unexpected but not unwelcome. Her heart fluttered as she quickly descended the stairs, curiosity and a hint of trepidation mingling in her chest.

In the drawing-room, Lord Ashford stood with an air of quiet dignity, his hands clasped behind his back as he admired a painting on the wall. He turned as Charlotte entered, offering her a warm smile that did little to mask the seriousness in his eyes.

"Good morning, Lord Ashford," Charlotte greeted, trying to read the emotions playing across his features. "To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?"

"Good morning, Miss Hamilton," he replied, bowing slightly. "I apologize for calling on you so early, but there is a matter of some importance that I wish to discuss."

"Of course," Charlotte said, gesturing for him to take a seat. "Please, have a seat."

They settled into chairs opposite each other, the morning light casting a soft glow around them. For a moment, silence hung in the air, each waiting for the other to speak.

"Charlotte," Lord Ashford began, his voice gentle but firm, "I must confess something that has been weighing on my mind since our last conversation in the gardens."

Charlotte's heart skipped a beat, her thoughts racing to the conversation they had shared about courtship and hidden feelings.

"You see," he continued, "I hold you in the highest regard, and it is my sincere wish to court you. However, I find myself in a rather difficult position."

Charlotte frowned slightly, her confusion evident. "Difficult position? Whatever do you mean?"

Lord Ashford took a deep breath, his gaze steady on hers. "I have observed the interactions between you and Lord Bridgerton. There is a connection between you two, something that goes beyond mere acquaintance or friendship. It is a connection that I cannot ignore."

Charlotte's eyes widened, her heart pounding. "Lord Ashford, I assure you, Anthony and I are—"

"Charlotte," he interrupted gently, "please, allow me to finish. I see the way you look at each other, the way your eyes seek him out even in a crowded room. It is a hidden love, perhaps even one you have yet to fully acknowledge."

She opened her mouth to protest, but his earnest expression stopped her. Her mind raced back to the ball, to the moments she had shared with Anthony, the unspoken words and the lingering touches. Could Lord Ashford be right? Was there something more between her and Anthony?

"I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge these feelings," Lord Ashford said softly. "To pursue a courtship with you under these circumstances would be unfair to both of us. You deserve a love that is unencumbered by doubt or divided loyalties."

Tears pricked at the corners of Charlotte's eyes. She had not anticipated such honesty and selflessness from Lord Ashford. "You are a noble man, Lord Ashford," she said, her voice trembling. "I did not realize how perceptive you were to my...conflicted feelings."