It was her. Lady Charlotte. Along with her sister and her brother. She was watching the swans. Just like he always knew she would, if she ever ventured here. He hesitated for a moment, then picked up his pace, striding towards them.
***
He saw her dark eyes widen as he approached the trio. And her blush. He liked it when she blushed. The colour seemed to travel up over her collarbones, infusing her face. She was normally so milky pale that the colour seemed almost an assault upon her skin.
He still remembered what she had felt like in his arms when he had waltzed with her at the assembly rooms. How she had trembled, hardly daring to look at him. That had been the first indication. The second had been the night at the opera. He had known she was staring at him from her own box. Lady Charlotte Lumley was not indifferent to him. Far from it.
But as he gazed on her now he could still sense the resistance. She had been mortally embarrassed when he had referred to her emotion at the opera, the single tear he had seen sliding down her cheek. And then, of course, Miss Drake had to interrupt, as always. He had not seen her in the days since, even though he had looked for her on his forays into town and at the assembly rooms.
And now she was here, in this section of Hyde Park. As if God himself had placed her before him.
“My lord.” It was Castlereagh, her brother. “This is a surprise.”
Sebastian smiled. “A fortuitous encounter, Castlereagh.” He stared at Charlotte, bowing slightly. “Lady Charlotte, and Lady Diana.”
The two ladies curtseyed, staring at him.
“Are you taking a stroll?” asked George. “Jolly good weather for it. My mother insisted I take the ladies out to get some air.”
Sebastian smiled. “It is perfect weather,” he said slowly. “My family and I are picnicking, just over the knoll. Would you care to join us?”
George’s eyes widened. “We wouldn’t want to intrude …”
“I can assure you, there would be no intrusion.” Sebastian’s smile broadened. “In fact, you would all be saving me from death by boredom. The ladies can take some refreshment and respite from the heat of the day. What say you?”
George turned to his sisters. “Charlotte? Diana?”
“I would be honoured,” said Diana.
Sebastian saw Charlotte hesitate for a moment. She glanced at him, dark eyes flashing. Then she tilted her chin slightly.
“A little refreshment would be welcome.” She inclined her head. “Thank you, my lord.”
They followed him up over the knoll. In the distance he could see his mother and Lady Hastings watching them keenly, then turn to each other, speaking in whispers. Percy looked pleased that more company was coming. And Miss Alicia Drake was staring straight at them. Her mouth was pursed slightly, as if she were tasting something disagreeable.
Sebastian made the introductions, then invited the trio to partake of the food and drink. They each took a plate, picking out the food they wanted, and fresh glasses of lemonade. Then they all sat down on the picnic rug. For a moment, there was an awkward silence.
“A good set up you have here,” declared George, nodding his head. “Thank you again for the invitation.”
The duchess smiled, a little sourly. “My eldest son is impetuous, to say the least.” She eyed Charlotte. “You are the older daughter, are you, Lady Charlotte? It seems barely possible, but I have not heard mention of you at all.”
Charlotte took a bite of some cheese. “I am sorry, your grace. I prefer the country life on my family’s Devonshire estate and rarely leave it.”
The duchess’s eyes sharpened. “A country mouse, then? Your parents have been too indulgent with you.” She wrapped her shawl tighter around her shoulders. “That is what is wrong with the youth of today. They are coddled and wrapped tighter than an infant’s swaddling rags. Wouldn’t you agree, Lady Hastings?”
Lady Hastings hastily swallowed a strawberry she had just placed whole in her mouth. “Absolutely, madam. Now, take my Alicia. She is her parents’ only child, but we have never spoilt her. She knows her duty and she never shirks it. She has accompanied us to London for the seasons every year since her debut.” She turned to Alicia, eying her keenly. “And you enjoy it, don’t you, my pet? Much better than being tucked away in the country, fading away to a shadow with each passing year.”
“Yes, Mama.” Alicia’s blue eyes flickered. “I will always do my duty, as you require.”
Lady Hastings beamed. “She is a good girl, and the apple of her father’s eye. We have never had a moment of disobedience or insolence from her.”
“Lucky you,” muttered the duchess, staring at her own children. “Although Percy has always been obedient to his parents. Haven’t you, Percy?”
Percy looked alarmed for a moment. “Of course, Mother. I do my duty.”
“So much easier for the younger son,” said the duchess, turning to Lady Hastings. “So much rests on the shoulders of my Sebastian. He will be the duke one day, and he must take that seriously.”
“I am here, Mother,” said Sebastian, in a bored voice. “Right here. You can speak to me directly, you know.”
The duchess’s nostrils flared slightly, but she didn’t answer, pointedly turning away from him.
“Lady Charlotte.” Alicia stared at her coldly. “You look flushed. Have you had too much sun today? Mama always tells me that it is not advisable for a lady to stroll too long at such a time of day.”
Charlotte smiled. “Thank you for your concern, madam, but I am perfectly well. My sister and I have parasols, and we do not venture too far.” She paused. “You do not like to stroll yourself, Miss Drake?”
Alicia wrinkled her nose. “I most certainly do not. A lady must protect her complexion.” She sniffed. “And even with a parasol, the sun can do damage. I do not want to end up looking weather-beaten, like a servant.”
Sebastian stared at the fastidious Miss Drake, perched uncomfortably on the picnic rug. Then he turned and stared at Lady Charlotte. She was at ease here, despite his family’s prickliness, and the obvious enmity of Miss Drake. As if she belonged outdoors.
He knew which woman he would rather have by his side, despite his mother’s obvious preference for the golden-haired Alicia.
***
They were just thinking of packing up when Sebastian spotted a familiar figure striding towards them. He jumped to his feet. “Burrows! By my word, this is a pleasant surprise.”
Lord Freddie Burrows laughed. “I thought I would surprise you all.” His gaze swept over the newcomers, lingering on Lady Charlotte. “Marvellous day for it.”
Diana turned to George. “Brother, we should leave. We told Mama we would only be a half hour, and it is already past that time.”
George sprang to his feet. “Indeed! I will never hear the end of it.” He turned to Sebastian. “Thank you for the food and company, my lord. But my sisters and I must be on our way.”
Diana and Charlotte stood up, and the trio said their farewells.
“There is a performance at Vauxhall Gardens,” said Sebastian, gazing at Charlotte. “In two nights’ time. Perhaps you and your brother and sister would enjoy it?”
Charlotte blushed faintly. “Perhaps, my lord. I shall speak of it with my parents.”
There was a short silence, as they continued gazing at each other.
“I haven’t had the pleasure,” said Freddie, his eyes studying the sisters carefully.
“Oh, Lord, I forgot,” said Sebastian. “Lord Frederick Burrows, this is the Viscount Castlereagh, and his two sisters, Lady Charlotte Lumley and Lady Diana Lumley.”
The ladies curtseyed and the gentlemen bowed.
“Lady Charlotte.” Freddie’s voice was even. “I don’t believe I have seen you on the circuit before.”
“No, my lord,” she replied. “I prefer the country, but my family persuaded me to accompany them this year.” She turned to her siblings. “We should not tarry.”
They departed. Sebastian stared af
ter them until they were black dots in the distance.
“Wharton.” Freddie’s voice made him jump. “Could I have a private word?”
They wandered off toward the river. When they were almost to the river bank, Sebastian turned to Freddie. “What is it, old fellow? Why did you need to speak to me privately?”
Freddie sighed. “Wharton, your preference for the Lady Charlotte is obvious. Since we last spoke, I have been making discreet enquiries about her.” He hesitated. “It is worse than I thought. While no one has information on what assails her, they all agree that there is something not quite right. Her parents have taken pains to hide her away, and most were surprised that I mentioned her at all. They had quite forgotten that she even existed.”
Sebastian frowned, staring over the water. “I cannot believe it. She is all charm and seems in blooming health. As for it being a mental affliction … well, she is the sharpest woman I have ever spoken with and has informed opinions on many a great matter.”
Freddie gazed on him. “Wharton, you know as well as I do that you cannot afford to be associated with such a woman. You are to be the Duke of Richley one day, and your reputation must be spotless. I think that the Lady Charlotte is deceiving you as to her true nature, and what assails her. Tell me, does she ever talk of it?”
Sebastian’s frown deepened. “No, never.”
Freddie sighed. “Another indication that she is hiding something, and that it must be significant. Why else would she not mention that she has been ill, or suffers from some ailment? If there was no cause for concern, she would surely speak of it in passing, as people do.”
Sebastian kept gazing out over the water. There was truth in Freddie’s words. Yet he couldn’t just avoid her and forget about her. Not now. Besides, he had never been one to put much faith in scurrilous gossip.
“I will speak to her of it,” he said, turning to Freddie. “When I see her next. Hopefully she will come to Vauxhall Gardens and I shall have a chance.”
Freddie sighed again. “I suppose you can, Wharton. But if she is still reluctant and does not tell you the truth of the matter, then I fear you should disassociate from her before your reputation is tainted. For your sake, and for the sake of your family.”
Sebastian’s face tightened. He didn’t need to be reminded of his duty. It had been drilled into him since he was born. He was to be a duke some day, and he must remain above reproach. The family reputation was always the priority. There could never be the slightest whiff of scandal.
He sighed deeply. Sometimes, just sometimes, he wished the burden of being the son and heir had fallen on Percy, not he.
Chapter 9
Sebastian jumped out of the boat as soon as it moored at Vauxhall Gardens, gazing around keenly. It was crowded, as always. A throng of people walked up the path towards the supper boxes, in anticipation of the evening’s entertainment. In addition to the usual fashionable crowd, there were people of all social classes milling around, dressed in their best clothes. Vauxhall Gardens catered to all.
“Sebastian,” barked his mother, behind him. “The ladies require some assistance.”
He turned, startled. He had forgotten all about the others, still disembarking from the boat, in his eagerness to find Lady Charlotte and her siblings in the crowd. Sighing, he held out his arm to his mother, helping her across. As soon as she had found her footing, he turned back to help Lady Hastings and Miss Drake. The latter smiled prettily at him as she took his hand, squeezing it hard. He smiled back quickly, then turned to Percy, who was still on the boat.
“Require a hand, old boy?” he asked mildly, making a show of extending his arm.
“You are hilarious,” drawled Percy, jumping from the boat. “I swear that if you ever decide to give up your claim to the dukedom you shall surely find work as a court jester, brother.”
“It might be a good life,” replied Sebastian thoughtfully. “No responsibilities. Making people laugh. Yes, I could definitely be persuaded along those lines. Then you could become the duke, brother of mine.”
Percy gazed at Alicia, who was chatting with the other ladies on the path. “You know, I might just keep trying to persuade you. If it could win me the heart of a certain young lady.”
Sebastian followed his gaze. “Are you still enamoured of her, Percy?”
Percy swallowed hard. “I have tried to reconcile myself to the fact she has no interest in me. She has eyes only for you. But it is hard, I must say.”
Sebastian sighed. “She is not interested in me, brother. It is only the prize of becoming a duchess that spurs her on. I have little doubt her mother is egging her on in that regard.” He paused. “We have nothing in common, and still Mother insists that they accompany us everywhere.”
“I do not mind,” said Percy, in a small voice. “The chance to be close to her, even if she never turns my way, is reward enough for me at the moment.”
Sebastian stared at his brother closely. Poor Percy really did have it bad. He had assumed that his brother’s admiration for Miss Drake would fade, as all his previous amours had done. But it seemed it was only growing stronger the more that he was in her company.
Sebastian frowned. He couldn’t understand what his brother saw in her, besides her obvious golden beauty. As far as he was concerned, she was a run of the mill lady, with no particular charm or intelligence. She was ignorant on just about all subjects that interested him. Perhaps Percy was not bothering to look beneath the façade.
“We should make haste,” called his mother. “It is quite a walk to the supper boxes.”
Sebastian nodded, scanning the crowd again. He had hoped to spot Lady Charlotte before they arrived and the performance started. That was if she and her siblings had decided to come, of course. He had extended the invitation, but that didn’t mean that they were going to take it up.
His heart sank. Maybe she wasn’t coming at all.
But just as he was about to join the duchess and the other ladies, he saw her, in the distance, chatting with her brother and sister. His eyes registered her cerulean blue silk gown with matching bonnet. A white lace shawl hung over her shoulders, perfectly matching the colour of her gloves. The outfit was understated, as always, and yet he thought he had never seen a lady dressed so fine. Miss Alicia Drake’s gaudy Pomona green frilled gown and elaborate bonnet, both designed specifically to draw attention, seemed garish in the extreme by comparison.
“Can you escort the ladies?” he whispered to Percy. “I’ll meet you all at the supper box.”
Without waiting for a reply, he strode off. His heart started to thump wildly. He had to be close to her. And it was time to find out what the mystery was in her past, once and for all.
***
She was quiet as she allowed him to take her arm and lead her along the path. Her brother and sister followed at a polite distance, allowing them some privacy.
He gazed at the lights flanking the path, wavering slightly in the breeze. It was a truly beautiful evening. The sun had already set and the sky was the colour of a just ripening plum. He could see the moon, full and luminous, hanging in the sky above the water, its reflection shimmering on the surface. He didn’t think he wanted to be anywhere else in the world than here, with her on his arm, on this night.
His heart tightened. There was something marring the perfection of the evening: the question mark over the lady herself. He had promised Freddie that he would ask her about it and he was determined that tonight would be the time. Yet he resisted it as much as he was determined that it was necessary.
Lords to Be Enamored With: A Historical Regency Romance Collection Page 63