15. The Unspoken Claim

As the evening wore on, whispers drifted like soft melodies through the grand ballroom. The guests observed with keen interest as Lord Tarquin Ashford led Duchess Charlotte to a quiet, semi-secluded corner. The young lord, enamoured, watched carefully as Charlotte, weary and distracted, leaned gently into his arm. Her thoughts, clouded with the weight of the information she carries, her growing exhaustion and hunger left her oblivious to the subtle shift in their dynamic.

When Tarquin brought her refreshment and food, the act appeared innocent—a mere gesture of kindness to a fatigued lady. But to the Ton, the implications were much more. Their eyes followed every movement, noting how Charlotte didn’t resist the young lord’s guiding touch. The gossips murmured—how bold he was, staking his claim without words. Yet, Charlotte, lost in thought, failed to realize she is falling into a trap of her own making, her inattention speaking volumes to those who watched.