Loving Lord Bridgerton

Chapter Thirteen

I spent my time reading in the garden, looking at flowers, and thinking about things I'm going to demand from my husband. Complete control of the house, six kids— no, six kids means I would have to lay with him at least six times. Two. I'll brace it for two. I don't know exactly what happens, but from what I've seen on my uncle's farm...I don't want to do that more than what I must. "Miss. Charlotte!" I heard Dorota call my name. I'm sure it's to get me to eat lunch around people instead of being on my own. I was getting used to be on my own, which is a good still to work on until I have children. Pray I have at least one daughter and one son. One son to make sure I don't have to do it more than twice and a daughter so I won't have to be alone when my son goes to school. The fact my daughter can't go to school is a different problem, but until that's fixed there's nothing I can do about it.

"This lunch better be worth it." I stated, walking into the house.

"Lunch is not finished yet."

I stopped, looking at her confused. "Then why are you calling me in the house?"

"You are requested in the downstairs drawing room before lunch."

I wanted to ask some more questions, but instead I bit my tongue and walked into the house. Dorota was following me, but she wasn't talking to me. Doesn't usually doesn't stop walking. I felt myself fill with dread and I stopped once I hit the doorway. I turned around to look at Dorota and I think she could see my fear. "Please tell me I'm not walking into a trap."

"Honestly," Dorota paused, her face not giving me any more confidence. "I do not know."

I held my breath, straightening my back and walking into the drawing room. I felt myself stop in my tracks when I saw Violet and Anthony sitting with my mother. Why are they both sitting with my mother? Please tell me no one died. I wanted to say that out loud, but my mother would not approve of that, and I'm already scared.

"Charlotte, have a seat." Violet said and I walked over sitting with my mother on the sofa. My entire body was as tense as statue. It was a miracle I was still breathing.

"Lord Bridgerton and I worked out an arrangement. He has offered you a proposal." My mother explained and my mouth instantly went dry. "Because Lord Pettaton has already made a promise, we had to work out a way to get him to step aside if that is not what you wish."

It took me a minute to process everything that she was saying. I glanced at Anthony, and I couldn't tell if he was okay about this. I doubt it was part of his plan, but I know how much he loves his mom and if his mom pushed...he'd cave. He'd cave and then resent me for the rest of his life.

I quickly stood up from the couch. "Mother, a word," I said not bothering to wait for her to say anything before I was out the door.

I heard her excuse my behavior before following me out of the room. I walked her into a separate room, shutting the door behind her. "What is the matter with you?" My mother asked, looking as if I was the unreasonable one. "It's rude to leave the room especially when the subject of conversation is surrounding you and marriage."

I paused for a moment looking for the best words, but... "What is this?" I asked and she just looked at me confused.

"What do you mean?"

I sighed, "One day you are trying to force me into a marriage with Lord Pettaton like it's my only option and now you are just jumping on the Bridgerton train?"

"Lord Bridgerton is a Viscount which is much better than the mister you've been giving your attention to."

I shook my head, pointing my finger at her. "No, you don't work like that."