"Comin' back from the village, he found me near the same spot the day the two of you came upon me." Farmer Gilbert paused to take a breath. "I was in the briars good-don't know what I would've done if it weren't for him. My plow horse come up lame, you see? Picked up a stone."
If Sir Philip had taken advantage of this man, Muriel would take his fully packed leather trunk and toss it into the pond herself.
"Wanted to know what I did with my lower pasture. Graze my dairy cows, I say to him. He asks me if I'd pasture his horses alongside them. Willin' to pay me, he is. I don't need the blunt-what I need is a horse to hitch to my plow. `Done,' he says."
"He bought you a horse?" Muriel could not conceive of a thoughtful Sir Philip, much less a magnanimous one.
"Nah, don't know where he got the horse, but it wasn't his. `On loan,' he says, and wanted me to take good care of him." Farmer Gilbert puffed out his chest, showing pride in his integrity. "I'm an honest man, I am. Don't 'spect no charity, neither."
How had Sir Philip managed that? That was far more than an act of kindness. Muriel glanced around, not wishing to be caught gossiping about Sir Philip.
"I'm to use the horse as a favor to him. That's when we strike a deal-a gentleman's agreement, as Sir Philip says. He knows there's been more than 'spected callers here at Faraday Hall. He wants to help and asks me to contribute on his behalf."
That appeared to be a reasonable solution, and it originated from Sir Philip himself.
"Sir Philip says he leaves it up to my good judgment to decide how much is fair." The farmer waggled his index finger to stress his point. "I ain't gonna take advantage of some city swell. 'N' I'm not about to let him down-he knows that, he does."
"I'm sure he does." Muriel smiled, not quite sure what to think of this newly revealed side of the baronet.
Somehow Charlotte had managed to see this attribute among his exaggerated manners and foppery. Perhaps her sister had been correct about his character. That was too bad. Muriel rather enjoyed thinking Sir Philip wretched.
After much aimless wandering, for she did not know how long she ambled about without Sir Philip, Charlotte approached the double glass doors outside the Music Room. She pressed a dainty handkerchief to her moist nose. Her tear-filled eyes seemed on the verge of overflowing.
Muriel threw the doors open and Susan immediately ran to her side, lending comfort. "Oh, Char-Char, what is wrong?"
"I do wish Gusta was here. She would know what to do," Charlotte's voice barely choked out.
"You must face facts-Gusta is not here," said Muriel, pulling her sister's hands from her face. "Sukey and I will do what we can. Please tell us. What has happened?"
"Him," Charlotte managed to squeak out.
"I am sorry, to whom do you refer?" Susan could not be faulted for not knowing who might cause Charlotte to weep.
"Sir- Sir- Sir ..." She could not bear to say his name and uttered simply, "the baronet "
"Tell us which baronet," Susan urged. "Half the eligibles here are baronets. You need to be a bit more specific, my dear."
"There is not a day, an hour, that passes that I do not think of him, wish to see him," Charlotte uttered in hopeful longing, and then paused before managing to allow his name to pass through her lips. "Sir Philip."
Muriel nearly groaned with dread. Charlotte knew her sister did not care for him and, as expected, there would be no sympathy found in that quarter.
"I did not have the pleasure of dancing with him last night as I had hoped." Unable to control her sobs, she wept harder. "He was not meant to be here at all. He does not care for me, you see, Sukey."
"I do not believe there is a single gentleman who would not think you-"
"He was never invited," Charlotte uttered in a soft voice. "Why did he ever come to Faraday Hall? Why did I ever make his acquaintance?" she asked no one in particular.
"Goodness, Charlotte, I have never seen you in such a state," said Susan.
"It is far too clear that he does not have the least bit of interest in me. He has just told me the repair of his curricle is complete and his accounts have been settled. He can think of no reason to remain. As we speak he is making preparations to leave us in the morning." Charlotte could not continue and held her breath to gather her composure. "Do not dare say you are glad of it, Moo"
"I've done no such thing." Muriel must have felt her sister's annoyance.
"You are thinking it, no doubt " Charlotte's anger kept the tears at bay. "I do not think I can bear not seeing him tomorrow, or the next day, or the next ..." Charlotte didn't know what she was going to do. To tell the truth, she was beginning to feel a bit desperate.
"Your flaw, if I may say, dearest, is that you fall in love too easily," Susan stated.
It was too true. Charlotte gazed at her friend without a smile. "And that is a flaw of such magnitude, I cannot recover."
"But Char-Char, only consider, there are so many other gentlemen who would gladly take his place," Susan suggested, trying to point out the good fortune that lay before her.
"Yes, I know. And each of those gentlemen is splendid in his own way. I'm sure it would not matter whom I chose." Charlotte sighed. "But the manner in which I care for Sir Philip is quite different. There is a hidden kindness to him. It is very subtle and one I am unable to ignore."
"I completely agree. I am not likely to forget the likes of him," Muriel added. "Let us go to the Blue Parlor and see who remains."
"I think I ought to tell you both," said Susan, her voice growing timid. "The other gentlemen, they've all gone. Shortly after Lord Wentworth returned, they gathered around him and there was a great commotion before they all left."
Muriel, followed by Charlotte and Susan, headed for the Blue Parlor. There was no one in the corridor, the Grand Foyer stood vacant, and the Blue Parlor was completely deserted.
At one time, the two dozen calling cards from Sir Samuel's hat lay upon the large inlaid rosewood table in the Grand Foyer. Presently, only three remained.
Where were the others? And with the removal of their cards, had those gentlemen withdrawn their interest in Charlotte as well?
"Only three remain." Susan read each: "Mr. Atwater, Lord Stanton, and Sir Hugh Linville."
"That is more than enough. She can marry only one," Muriel reminded them both.
This ruse Charlotte played wasn't supposed to be a game but a means to an end. Not to test them to find the smartest, strongest, bravest man among them, but to find the one man who loved Charlotte for herself.
"But not the one she truly wishes," Susan said with regret.
"I am not sorry in the least for inventing flaws for myself if it has proved that these are the only gentlemen who care for me." Charlotte collected the three cards from the table. "The decision is mine. Allow me to give it some thought" And without another sad sentiment or shed tear, Charlotte climbed the stairs.
"Is she going to be alright?" Susan whispered, sounding concerned for her friend.
"I hope so," Muriel replied with caution. Secretly she hoped her sister would keep her head and not do anything foolish.
Charlotte could clearly hear Sir Samuel and Aunt Penny when she came down the corridor.
"The rate at which the gentlemen callers rush and flee Faraday Hall is alarming," Sir Samuel commented. "I must confess, I've never seen anything like it."
Rounding the corner, Charlotte remained quiet.
Aunt Penny searched the surface of the large round table. "Despite the concerns we discussed, His Grace has instructed me to plan a dinner party for those few who remain." She remained oblivious to her niece's arrival. The search continued around the vase filled with flowers and the small side table next to the Sheraton chairs that lined one wall, and ended at the top of the marble-topped entry table.
"It is understandable," Sir Samuel agreed. "The London Season has been relocated here. I expect one must do their best to replicate the festive atmosphere."
Aunt Penny straightened and appeared
confused. "I was certain a few calling cards remained."
Charlotte stepped forward with Huxley following in her wake. "Now that the letters are delivered, we can expect those gentlemen to arrive within the hour. Please have them directed to the hedge maze."
"As you wish, my lady." Huxley acknowledged her instructions with a bow and departed, attending to her request.
Charlotte set the three calling cards upon the circular table and took a moment to move them apart.
"Do I understand correctly that these gentlemen are returning to Faraday Hall?" Aunt Penny asked Charlotte.
"Yes, Aunt Penny." Charlotte stood with an unnaturally stiff bearing. She needed to remain strong. "I have written to each and told them I shall marry the first one who finds me in the center of the maze."
"You did no such thing!" her aunt cried, unable to control her outburst. Sir Samuel caught Aunt Penny's arm, keeping her steady.
"I have," Charlotte insisted. "Since the one gentleman I wish will not have me, it does not matter who else I marry." She glanced down, indicating the three cards on the table with the splayed fingers of her right hand. "I am confident that any one of these more than worthy gentlemen would make a fine husband."
"But Charlotte, this is impossible-" Aunt Penny, who had been robbed of all expression, could not think of what to say to dissuade her. "This cannot be true. You do not mean what you're saying."
"Your sister, Augusta"-Sir Samuel began with complete calm-"had very wise words for me when I found myself in despair after she refused my proposal. At the time, I felt as if I would never find another to return my affection. For I believed myself to be completely ..
The emotion that choked his voice came as a surprise. Charlotte had not known he held such esteem for her elder sister.
"I still hold great affection for her, but I do not think I could have made her happy. She assured me that I would someday find someone who would return my regard, and I should not give up hope. I might suggest the same would apply to you." He gazed at Charlotte with heart-wrenching sincerity. "She was quite reassuring and I found myself grateful to her for speaking her mind. It was a difficult subject to broach."
"And how have Gusta's words served you?" Charlotte's voice, although firm, held a small tremor.
"What's that?" he replied, apparently unprepared for her question. He must have been expecting a response from the kind, compassionate Charlotte, not this strongwilled, decisive version.
Charlotte stared at him. She could not see how his circumstance applied to hers. "I believe you find yourself still unattached."
"Well, yes." He glanced at Aunt Penny, who remained silent. "I do, however, expect that someday-"
"Yes, I am sure you shall encounter this woman of mutual affection someday. I tell you now, Sir Samuel, I have met the man I love, and if he cannot declare himself, then it does not matter whom I marry." Charlotte remained adamant and headed for the corridor, toward the rear of the house.
"You cannot mean this." Aunt Penny blanched and clutched onto Sir Samuel's arm even tighter.
Charlotte had not come to this decision lightly. If she did not take this opportunity to choose among the three remaining men, she would never marry. "The letters have already been sent. I shall make my way to Mother's statue in the center of the maze and await my fiance" Charlotte turned and left.
Sir Samuel stood, supporting Mrs. Parker. "What are we to make of that?" Both of them looked absolutely stunned. "Is there no stopping her? Clearly she is unhappy about her predicament."
Philip heard raised voices, three distinct ones. He moved down the corridor to the staircase, descended the stairs, and joined the two who remained.
"Unhappy? Charlotte has become unreasonable." Mrs. Parker appeared as if she were trying very hard to keep control over her emotions. "I cannot think what to do, Sir Samuel. If you were so good as to help-"
"Anything," he promised. "I am at your service, Mrs. Parker."
Mrs. Parker stepped away from Sir Samuel. "I must inform His Grace at once."
"Is there something amiss?" Philip inquired, revealing his presence in case he had not been noticed. "Might I lend aid?"
There was no disguising her relief at his appearance, or had it been his offer? "I beg your indulgence, Sir Philip. I ask only because we must act quickly." She glanced at Sir Samuel, as if wishing he could explain in her stead. "I am afraid Charlotte has done something-"
"She has promised to marry the first to find her in the center of the maze," Sir Samuel supplied with a succinct expression. "Those gentlemen must not be allowed to enter."
"Yes, that is it exactly," Mrs. Parker agreed.
The news stunned Philip. "Lady Charlotte usually seems most sensible. I do not understand why she would-"
"She is feeling desperate!" Mrs. Parker pulled out a handkerchief to blot her eyes.
Again Sir Samuel intervened. "I believe Lady Charlotte despairs that the man she loves does not return her affection, and therefore it matters not whom she marries."
Philip's brows rose and kept his face impassive so as not to show his surprise. The man she loves? So none of the remaining suitors she wrote were men Charlotte loved.
Could it be ... ? he wondered.
"I must find the Duke immediately." Mrs. Parker turned to quit the room. "If you gentlemen will do what you can to prevent those men from entering the maze."
Performing a swift bow, Sir Samuel then headed for the front door.
Philip rose from his somewhat subdued display and replied, "I assure you I shall do my utmost to see these men are prevented from being the first to find Lady Charlotte."
Charlotte walked from the back of the manor toward the maze. Her steps grew less purposeful and her determination faded when she realized what she had done.
What madness had come over her to promise matrimony to the first man who found her in the center of the maze?
Stopping to lean against the dense privet wall, she pressed her tightly clenched fist to her forehead and closed her eyes.
She had been frustrated and angry at Sir Philip. She'd wished to have him look upon her as her other suitors had ... not the ones frightened away, but the three who'd remained despite her imaginary flaws.
Then there was her inexcusably childish behavior when she confessed her dissatisfaction to Aunt Penny, right in front of Sir Samuel.
Charlotte tilted her head back and gazed wide into the sky above. As things were, Sir Philip would never know how she felt. He would be long gone by the time she and her new fiance strolled arm in arm to her father's study to ask permission to marry.
She pushed off the stiff hedge and continued on her way with far less haste, refusing to cry over Sir Philip. Contemplating her remaining suitors, Charlotte decided that any of the three would make a more than acceptable husband. They varied in age and station, but all were from established, wealthy families. All had some pleasing quality to recommend them.
Mr. Atwater was tall with straight brown hair that touched his collar. He had the most delightful twinkle in his eyes when he laughed and enjoyed making her giggle as well.
Lord Stanton enjoyed many of the arts: painting, sculpture, architecture, and music. He delighted in taking walks and admiring the flora as much as she. Charlotte had been introduced to his lordship two years earlier when he came to Faraday Hall for a house party soon after her sister Augusta's first Season. He'd waited for Charlotte to arrive on the social scene, and then stood in her long line of suitors for a chance to pay his addresses.
The green-eyed, fair-haired Sir Hugh Linville, youngest of the three, was the most handsome and had a very charming smile. She adored his constant optimistic outlook. His dancing skills were exceptional. She recalled that he'd been the first to arrive with a filled pail of gooseberries.
Finally reaching the center of the maze, Charlotte settled onto the stone bench. She busied herself by arranging her skirts to make a favorable impression. When regret slowly seeped into her heart and soul, she then
allowed her eyes to close. No matter how good, kind, or agreeable those men were, they were simply not meant for her.
Charlotte pressed her hand to her mouth and choked back a sob, realizing she should not have written those letters.
In times when she felt in particular need of her mother, Charlotte would come to this place, wishing the late duchess were still with her. A mother she barely remembered. But the words came to her as if her maternal parent had said them herself.
Make it right.
Yes, Charlotte vowed. Perhaps she would break one more heart before the day was through. She would explain to him, when he arrived ... whoever he should be, that she had made a mistake. She would offer a most sincere apology to him, hope he would understand, and confess that she had no intention of marrying.
Settled in her favorite chair in the Librarium, Muriel expected Susan's arrival at any moment. A knock sounded at the open door, echoing off the book lined walls of the room before someone entered. Not Susan, but to Muriel's great surprise, there stood Sir Philip.
"I beg your pardon, Lady Muriel." He stepped forward, dressed for travel in a brown frock coat, buck skins, shiny top boots, and if she was not mistaken, a bit of humility. "I must speak to you on a matter of some urgency. This is in regard to your sister."
Muriel could not believe he was here, in her private sanctuary.
"It seems that in her distress, Lady Charlotte had penned some letters to her remaining suitors, agreeing to marry the first to find her in the center of the maze."
"That is not true." Muriel launched to her feet. It could not be. She moved around the table and made to dash past the baronet, out the door, to find Charlotte and hear it for herself.
"Not so fast " Sir Philip put up his arm, blocking the doorway and preventing her exit.
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