to VisualIDentificationZeta: Thank you!!! I also agree with Roxton, but I think Marguerite will do her best to change his opinion. Or re-change it. :)

to Phenomina: You're too kind to me, but I'm glad. Hope this chapter will grow up to your expectations. :)

Chapter 6

In the meantime Charlotte was busy in the ballroom. It wasn't a surprise for her, but she found it suspicious that a man called Lionel asked her many times to dance. It annoyed her that he chooses exactly those dances she wanted to dance with Richard, but she couldn't find him all night. Lionel fluently complimented her and talked about common memories from her childhood. She found out that he was an old family friend and she must know him for a long time. He also talked about his career as a politician, and because she didn't know much about politic, she politely smiled and nodded. The man was handsome, tall, charming and she couldn't dismiss the envy stares of the ladies in the room during their dances. Her uneasiness was doubled when he led her to the balcony away from the army of guests.

"A little fresh air will be heavenly." He stood, taking her hand on his arm than leading her toward the gardens. "It's too sultry and hot inside."

There was a moment awkward silence until Charlotte spoke.

"We should go back. I'm sure they're missing us."

"Oh, I'm sure they don't." Smiled Lionel as he stepped closer. "You've grown to a beautiful woman little Charlotte." He continued touching her arm.

"In my opinion our missing is surely clear now."

"It can be, but people are indulgent if it comes to engaged couples."

The girl's eyes suddenly became huge and she felt like she couldn't breath. The man caught this moment and bent his head to capture her lips in a kiss, but she could get out of the way in time.

"You're losing your self-control!" She cried.

"Oh, my dear! Don't pretend yourself. I know it's some kind of fashion between young ladies, but in reality it's simple business. John is your guardian and you have nobody except him. I like you, I want you and I get what I want. But you have to know that I respect you and I'll make a good husband to you."

Charlotte couldn't react soon enough and he tried to kiss her again. This time she needed to push him away in order to avoid him. Lionel become angrier and his eyes spread lightning. Charlotte started to fear.

The unpleasant scene was finished by a form coming from the darkness.

"Richard!" Greeted him Lionel with a forced smile.

"Blacky" He nodded.

"We're getting to know each other with my beautiful fiancée." He continued and took her hand, but in an instant she pulled it away angrily and stepped next to Richard.

"What does that mean?"

"Blacky, would you leave me with my sister alone for a moment?"

"Sister? Of course." He grinned sarcastically and turned to go, but on his way added over his shoulder. "But don't take it too long, I don't want my intended to be the subject of gossips." And with that he disappeared, leaving an angry Charlotte and a powerless Richard behind.

Marguerite's attempts to find out what is the cause of this unblessed situation seemed to be unsuccessful. The man, she spent her night with, was not even the slightest shadow of the Roxton she knew and loved. "Oh Roxton, where are you? What would you do in my place?" She sighed inside, but in this moment an idea came to her mind.

As soon as she found the time perfect, she acted as she felt herself ill and helping her, the lord led her into his silent study, where he sat her into one of his huge armchairs and hurried to get her a glass of brandy. Behind her half closed eyes Marguerite studied the nervous man. As soon as he turned back, she closed her eyes again, and waited till he came closer. Roxton kneeled down in front of her and started to wake her. When he bent so close she could feel his breath on her face, she suddenly opened her eyes, and sliding her arms around his neck slowly kissed him. Marguerite didn't thought of anything but him, the first day, they've met, their first kiss, the times he saved her physically and emotionally, and she could hear him saying: I love you Marguerite. All this fed her love for him and she didn't want anything more than him back again.

After a time seemed like forever, both of them parted breathing heavily and Roxton looked at her bewitched.

"Do you remember?" Whispered the woman.

"Miss Krux, I…" He started, but he couldn't finish, because the door opened and Lord Blackwell stormed in.

"John, we must speak!"

"Blacky, it's not the time..." Stood up Roxton.

"Why doesn't know Charlotte that we're engaged. We agreed on this, didn't we?""She only needs time. She's so young." He started.

"I don't care. She is mine. Don't want me to become your enemy John!"

"But Blacky, please calm down!"

"I won't calm down. Announce the engagement now! I'll wait for you outside."

And as suddenly as he came, he went away. Roxton and Marguerite could just stare after his retreating form.

to be continued...

Hope you enjoyed redading it. :) Please wrote a review!!!!