To VisualIDentificationZeta: I'm glad you like my fic. Your comments give me energy. Well, the story continues, and this time Charlotte's situation will be explained.

Enjoy it!!

Mathilde Egyed


Chapter 4

Lord John Roxton's study was huge. He sat at his writing table, which stood in front of the big French doors and waited until Richard and Charlotte took place in front of her.

"The theme, we have to discuss today is really important. " Started the lord. "But before I start, you have to know, that you're and you'll be my only family. We all lost our parents too early and too suddenly, and William didn't survive the war as I did. After the death of the Lord and Lady Redgrave, who was my aunt I become your rightly trustee and I loved you always like my siblings or sometimes like my children."

"We know that John. You always took care of us in the past 10 years. We are one family." Said Richard.

Charlotte was still sitting unmoving and she only allowed herself one simple nod, as she slowly found out the answers of her many questions. Richard' parent's died. But what about her? How can she be his sister?

"I'm glad that you feel this way. We always will be one family. That's the most important." Roxton took a big breath then continued. "10 years ago, when your parents died, they left me with a great secret. I think today is the day I can and I must share it with you.

Everything started when an old friend of Lord Redgrave asked him to help him. The man became bankrupt and he wanted to save his family by going to America in a hope of a better future. Although the Lord was against the dangerous journey and asked him to stay, he wasn't successful and he went away with his wife. He only asked Lord Redgrave of take care of their only daughter until they find a new home. So he took in the little one. But the day when the parents would get her back never came. The ship they traveled on sank and no one survived. Your parents Richard raised and loved the girl as their own. And that little girl was Charlotte."

At his last sentence Roxton looked at Charlotte. The pieces suddenly stood together and she was shocked at the mention of her parents' death. That and all that have happened to her in a few hours were too much and she started to cry.

For one moment both men were staring at her, not knowing what to do with a crying woman, than slowly Richard kneeled down in front of her and hugged her.

"Don't cry. We still love you. Oh, please don't cry. Shhhh…"

But the girl just held her arms around his neck and buried her face into his shoulder.

"Now, Now… I'll take you to your room, and a good cup of tea will help. You'll sleep a bit, than we'll go get your gown. Come on." The man stood up and helped the girl stand up too. Roxton couldn't do anything but called for Cartwright.

"Please, escort Miss Redgrave to her room and bring her tea."

"I'll go with her." Said Richard.

"I don't think that according to these surroundings it would be a wise decision to…"

"Richard…" Hiccupped the girl and slipped closer to him.

"All right." Agreed he. "Then I'll speak with you in five minutes here."

The boy nodded and with Charlotte in his arms left the room. Lord Roxton turned to the window with a troubled expression on his face.


Richard not five, but ten minutes later returned. Surprisingly he didn't seem shocked; moreover he seemed like a big rock rolled down from his heart. He sat down with a big sigh.

"I allowed you exactly five minutes." Said the Lord still staring out.

"It doesn't matter. I'm her brother."

"No. You're not. "He turned back. "That does why I have to ask you that in the future be more careful around her. I don't want gossips. Why do you think I've sent her away to schools in the past years?"

"But why? No one else knows it. How could they?"

"Her future husband must know the truth."

"Husband? John, what do you want to tell me?"

Roxton sat next to him, and looked at him.

"I need your help. You're the closest friend of Charlotte, and that's why you have to tell her this. I'm afraid I've given her already too much news."

"John, split it out!"

"She was asked by Lord Blackwell."

"Blacky? But he was your schoolmate!!! Don't take this the wrong way, but the age difference is … How did he get the refusal?"

"You know him; he's not the one, who accepts no for an answer." Richard froze. "We have numerous common interest not to mention co-ownership, and I don't have to tell you that he's really influential, a great politician. It's not good to be his enemy." He straightened as he continued. "I feel that I made a good decision. Lord Blackwell is from a well respected family with serious wealth. I'm sure he'll treat her good. Naturally I told him everything that I told you. Hope you understand me."

Richard didn't say a word. He couldn't.

"And it's me who has to tell her?"

"Yes. For her sake. I'll let you think it trough and take Charlotte to get her gown.

Richard nodded, than stood to leave when Roxton started to speak.

"And Richard" He turned. "Thank you for your understanding."

"What else did you wait from me?" He answered. "In our family no one went ever against the rules."

to be continued...


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