Waiting for Willard: A Saddles & Scoundrels Novella by Chalon Linton

Author:Chalon Linton [Linton, Chalon]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Carpe Vitam Press
Published: 2024-06-11T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 8

Willard knew Charlene was upset. The set of her shoulders, the heated look in her eyes, and the way she fled the room confirmed as much, but he did not know what had instigated such a response. Charlene and Miss Hartford had appeared to be getting on well.

The mystery plagued Willard for the next hour until he also retired to his room. He paced, questioning if he should follow George’s advice and reveal his heart to Charlene. She deserved every happiness, and while he longed to be a part of her future, he had no wish to impede it.

He eventually settled into a restless sleep, rising with the first rays of the sun. He quickly dressed, called for his horse and ran the beast hard enough to empty his mind. Upon returning to the house, Willard asked for an audience with Mr. Trimble.

The butler led Willard to Mr. Trimble’s study, a room filled with leather, solid wood, and the smell of a smoked pipe. “Morning, Willard,” Mr. Trimble said upon his entrance. He set aside his quill and stood, motioning to a set of chairs near the fireplace.

“I apologize for taking your time, sir,” Willard said.

“Nonsense.” Mr. Trimble sat and lazily rested his arms on the armrests of his chair. “What can I do for you?”

Willard sat and his pulse quickened. “George suggested . . .” He glanced around the room and blinked a few times before returning his gaze to Mr. Trimble’s interested expression. “I wanted to talk about⁠—”

“Charlene?” Mr. Trimble guessed. A wide smile filled his face.

Surprised at the man’s forwardness, Willard nodded deftly.

With a chuckle, Mr. Trimble leaned back comfortably. “It’s high time. The two of you have danced this charade long enough.”

“You know of my desire to court Charlene—Miss Trimble?” Willard quickly corrected.

Mr. Trimble laughed again. “I cannot recall a time when you were not besotted with Charlene.” He scratched his head and continued to grin. “And you have been calling her by her Christian name for a long while. There is no need to change that now. At least not around family.”

Willard rubbed his clammy hands on his thighs. “You knew of my feelings?” he asked.

“Not only yours, but Charlene’s as well. The connection the two of you share is palpable.”

“Truly?” Willard could not believe George was correct. Did Charlene really care for him? As more than a family acquaintance or a schoolmate of her brother’s?

Mr. Trimble sighed with a flair of dramatics. “Why do you think Mrs. Trimble insisted on this house party?”

Willard could hardly believe Mr. Trimble’s insinuation. “She’s always been fond of social gatherings,” he answered.

“Yes, but she did not gather her acquaintances, instead she insisted this was an opportunity for Charlene to secure a match.” Mr. Trimble narrowed his eyes. “And yours was the first name on the guest list.”

“It was?” The revelation blindsided Willard. How had he not seen the connection between his invitation and the other guests? Perhaps because the Trimbles had always included him in their gatherings and festivities.

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