by Dawn Brower
“Well if you don’t mind…”
“I do not,” Pear reassured Charlotte, then pressed a knee into the side of her horse and guided the mare into a walk. Charlotte did the same and then they started on their path to Hyde Park.
They did not converse for most of the trek to the park. Charlotte was too nervous to find words. So far everything had gone as planned. The rest had to follow suit. Otherwise the entire scheme would have been for nothing. She pressed her lips into a line as she anxiously rode beside Pear. Finally they reached the park and steered the horses to the correct path. Hyde Park was the place to be seen and a large portion of the ton showed up to walk or ride in the late afternoon. There were perhaps not as many in the park as usual, but that was in large because it was not yet the full season. Early in spring was still early for the Season, as the gentry would not start to fully return to town until May. Still, there was enough of the upper crust in Hyde Park for Charlotte’s purpose.
“Are they all looking at us?” she said in a loud whisper to Pear.
“Oh, yes,” she reassured her. “There are quite a few discussions, and a few pointed glances, and fingers in your direction.
She hated being the center of attention. Charlotte had never wanted to be the belle of the ball. It would be much more to her liking if she could dance a couple times, then retreat to the library. Occasionally a ball could be fun, but more often than not she’d hated them. “Good.” The influx of gossipmongers would ensure that she would be at Seabrook by the end of the week…maybe sooner.
“You were right,” Pear said. “Wearing men’s clothing certainly caught their attention. Probably more than you anticipated.” There was a bit of awe in her voice as she glanced around the park. “You still want to do one full round around the loop?”
“Yes,” she said. “It has to be complete.”
Though she was starting to wonder if she had lost her mind. The more they moved through the park the more the members of the ton started to talk…and loudly. She heard several unkind words she had wished she hadn’t. Charlotte reminded herself that this had been what she wanted. It didn’t hurt any less…
Finally they reached the end of the path and the exit to the park was in sight. She froze. Her parents were strolling into the park with the Duke and Duchess of Weston. Charlotte had not anticipated that outcome. She thought she’d have time to go home and change. Then let the gossip come to them. Her mother’s eyes widened, and her father turned toward her. His eyes glittered with disappointment. That hurt more than the harsh words. She hated displeasing her father…
Charlotte swallowed hard and held her head high. The time for turning back had passed the moment she left the townhouse in men’s breeches. She had done this on purpose and now she had to pay the price for it…whatever that may be.