by Kira Stewart
“Well, he seemed a perfect gentleman to me, and I think him still a handsome man. As for his drinking and gambling, I cannot comment.”
The old man narrowed his eyes once more.
“Well, Miss Thompson, you have certainly put me in my place. I feel almost jealous of the young man. I wish that I had a lovely young woman to champion me. Now, come along, your mother is waiting.”
The rest of the evening, Charlotte spent looking for the young man, but she did not see him again. She could not even find out his name. No one seemed to know who he was. It was almost as if she had dreamt him.
Sir Harvey Lloyd did not stray far from the group, and before he left, he issued an invitation.
“You must all come to tea this Saturday, what say you all? You and your husband, Mrs. Thompson, and of course Miss Thompson, and you, too, Mrs. Langton. I believe I know your husband. Now, what say you all?”
Having agreed to the visit, it was time to leave. Mrs. Thompson looked around for her husband.
“Wait here, my dear, and I will fetch your father. He is still in the Card Room, I expect. Wait for us by the fire in the Octagon Room, Charlotte. It is turning quite chilly and I will go and fetch him.”
Charlotte did as she was bid. Now that the rooms were emptying, and the main doors constantly open, she could feel the chill in the air and shivered slightly. It would be good to warm herself by the fire. As she moved into the Octagon Room, she felt someone move beside her. It was him, her mysterious stranger.
“We meet again Miss ...?”
“Thompson, Charlotte Thompson.”
“Then it is a pleasure to finally be acquainted with you, Miss Thompson. As we have already danced together, I believe formal introductions are no longer necessary?”
The handsome stranger gave a small formal bow.
“You are cold, my dear. Let us move to the fire. Perhaps my cloak would keep you warm, whilst you are waiting?”
Before she could answer, he had removed his cloak and wrapped it around her shoulders. Charlotte was touched by the act of kindness, and she felt herself blushing under his gaze.
“That is most kind of you, sir.”
“Excuse me, sir?”
A man appeared at the door and beckoned the young man over, his brow furrowed.
“Forgive me, Miss Thompson. I will return shortly.”
Charlotte was left alone once again.
“My dear, here you are. Now, come along, the carriage is waiting. Whatever have you got around your shoulders?”
Charlotte explained the best she could.
“Well, my dear, there is no sign of your young man now. Your father is waiting in the carriage for us and is impatient to be off. He is in a foul mood; I think he must have lost at cards again. You will just have to leave the cloak here. I am quite sure the young man in question will return to claim it. Now, do come along, before we all catch a chill. I am sure he will understand, my dear.”
Reluctantly, Charlotte removed the cloak from around her shoulders. It was still warm from his body and she had felt strangely comforted by wearing it, and was now loathed to remove it so quickly. She hoped that he would soon return and took her time in removing the cloak, but he did not return, and her mama grew impatient.
“Now, come along, Charlotte, you can leave the cloak on the chair.”
Taking her daughter by the arm, Mrs. Thompson bustled her daughter away from the room and outside into the awaiting carriage.
Charlotte’s heart was heavy. There had been so much she had wanted to say to the kind stranger and she did not even know his name.
Back in the carriage, her father was rather ill tempered. He had lost heavily at cards and was not in the best of moods.
“My dear, it is a fool’s game. You should not play if it puts you in such a foul mood.”
Mr. Thompson, a man of very few words, made a harrumphing sound.
“Hmmm, at least I did not lose as much as the other fellow. Cleared the poor chap out. I almost felt sorry for the man, being an Army veteran and all that.”
Charlotte’s ears pricked up.
“Who was it, Papa?”
“Oh, I do not know the chap’s name. Only that he must have been a soldier at one time. Great scar across his face. He must have lost several hundred pounds this evening. I am surprised that he could afford it.”
The young girl’s face fell.
“Why are you so interested in the man, Charlotte?”
Nothing escaped her mother’s gaze.
“It was the same man who gave me his cloak, Mama. A most kind man, and I never even had the chance to say thank you.”
“Well, thank goodness for that, Charlotte. You must be careful, my dear, with whom you speak. He does not sound like the kind of man you should be acquainted with. Probably a bounty hunter, looking for an eligible young girl with a fortune he can squander. Do not waste your time thinking about him, my dear. Now, we must turn out attentions to dear Sir Harvey Lloyd and his kind invitation. He seems most taken with you, Charlotte. Most taken, indeed.”
“But he is old, Mama, older even than Papa. You cannot be serious?”
Mrs. Thompson frowned. She was deadly serious.
“Sometimes we have to be grateful for what is out in front of us, Charlotte, dear. Sir Harvey is a very eligible and wealthy man. His age is unimportant. We have to be realistic. You do not have the charms of the likes of Rebecca Malvern, and there are very few eligible men around, what with the war and everything.”
“But Mama, there are plenty of young officers, even for me.”
Her mother scoffed.
“Officers, oh my dear, you cannot live in comfort on an officer’s wages. You have led a very comfortable life up until now, Charlotte, and you will have a most handsome payment when you reach twenty-one, but that will not last forever. I have been talking with your father, and Sir Harvey Lloyd is a very wealthy and well-respected business man. He has a fine house in Bath and one in London, too. You are a very lucky girl, Charlotte.”
The girl’s heart sank. When her mother’s mind had been made up, there was very little that could sway her.
“But Mama, we have only just met him and we have no idea of the man’s intentions. I am sure you are wrong, Sir Harvey was just being kind.”
Mrs. Thompson smiled with a knowing glint in her eyes.
“We shall see, Charlotte, we shall see.”
3.
By the time Charlotte had awoken the very next day, an invitation from Sir Harvey Lloyd had already been delivered to the house. A very grand calling card, edged in gold leaf, with a note attached had been delivered stating that Mr. and Mrs. Thompson and Charlotte were invited to ride out with him that very afternoon to the Great Park. His carriage would call at 2 p.m. sharp.
Mrs. Thompson clapped her hands with glee across the breakfast table.
“You see, Charlotte, my dear. I told you that there was more to Sir Harvey Lloyd. You seem to have made a very good impression on the man. This is most fortuitous, is it not, Mr. Thompson?”
Charlotte’s father peered over the top of his newspaper.
“It is indeed, Mrs. Thompson. Just think what the patronage of someone like Sir Harvey Lloyd could do for my business, not to mention his friends and acquaintances. You have done very well, Charlotte, dear, very well, indeed. Now, you must give my apologies to Sir Harvey, as I have business to attend this afternoon that will not keep, but that does not stop the two of you joining him.”
The young girl pulled a face.
“But I have done nothing, Papa, nothing at all, to encourage him. I never sought the attentions of that particular gentleman.”
“Well, it does not matter, my dear. All the better for you, if Sir Harvey is doing the chasing. You have far exceeded our expectations. Is not that right, Mrs. Thompson?”
Charlotte dropped the bread and butter she was eating back onto her plate.
“Because I am plain, you mean. You did not expect me to bag myself a go
od husband, because I am plain and not beautiful, like Roberta Malvern. Instead, I am expected to marry a man who is old enough to be my grandfather!”
With tears in her eyes, Charlotte fled from the room.
A few minutes later, Mrs. Thompson stepped quietly into her daughter’s bedroom. The girl was lying across her bed and still crying. The mother’s heart went out to her daughter, and she sat silently beside her on the bed and stroked the girl’s hair. She, herself, had been a very beautiful young woman and had many suitors in her day, but unfortunately, her daughter had taken after her father’s side of the family.
“There, there, Charlotte. Do not take on so, your father did not mean what you think. He only means that there are so few eligible men about at the moment, what with most of our young men away, busy keeping Napoleon from our door. Sir Harvey Lloyd is a well-respected man, Charlotte.”
The young girl sat up and sniffled.
“But he is so old, Mama.”
“But he is rich, Charlotte, and you would never be wanting for anything ever again. Surely that is much better than marrying a young man with no fortune?”
The girl shook her head.
“But what about love, Mama? Surely I should love a man I am going to marry? You loved my father.”
Her mother laughed.
“Love is a fickle thing, my dear. True love does not last—it is a temporary madness, that is all. True love comes from respect and understanding—from friendship. Your father was not the first man I fell in love with you know. As a girl of sixteen, I almost eloped with a most unsuitable boy. Fortunately, my father found out and stopped the whole affair, before it could even start. I cried my heart out for weeks, but within six months, I had met your father and soon forgot all about the poor boy. So you see, love is not everything it first appears to be. Now, dry your eyes, my dear. Let us give Sir Harvey Lloyd a chance, eh? Perhaps we can call into the Reading Rooms on the way home and you can borrow the latest novel. You would like that.”
It was blackmail, but Charlotte wiped her eyes. It was no use arguing with her mother, once her mind had been made up.
The weather was fine and Mrs. Thompson ensured that her daughter looked the best she possibly could. The color white drained any color from her daughter’s pale cheeks, and so she wore a light blue muslin dress that brought out the blue within her eyes. She wore a new bonnet with matching blue ribbon, and all in all, looked a pleasing sight.
As the clock in the hall struck two, the sound of a carriage could be heard pulling up on the gravel outside the main door.
“Now pinch your cheeks, my dear, to add a little color.”
Her mother fussed as she hurried Charlotte to the front door, so Sir Harvey would not be kept waiting.
Sir Harvey’s carriage was very grand indeed—an open top landau pulled by two fine chestnut mares. The gentleman inside beamed as the carriage door was opened. Sir Harvey Lloyd was a very dapper man for his age, and he wore a silver cravat, the same color of his hair. His grey blue eyes twinkled.
Extending out his hand, he helped the two ladies into his carriage.
“It is such a fine morning, I thought we should take the open carriage. The air will definitely do me some good. I thought we might take a ride through the park? I shall let you two ladies sit together opposite me, and then I shall have the pleasure of viewing the both of you.”
Mrs. Thompson giggled like a schoolgirl, as she took the proffered hand of Sir Harvey, and although Charlotte smiled sweetly, she thought he held onto her hand perhaps a little too long.
“You look beautiful today, my dear.”
His words made the poor young girl blush, but not for the reasons intended.
The sun was bright and high in the heavens, and Charlotte opened up her little light blue parasol to block out the dazzling rays. She also hoped that it would block out Sir Harvey Lloyd, so she could avoid talking to him. It did not really matter, as her mother was quite capable of speaking for both of them.
She let their voices drift over her as she watched the houses disappear, as they drove leisurely into the countryside.
The park stood on the very outskirts of Bath, and was very popular with young and old alike.
“Now, is this not splendid, my dears? Although, I must say that the little park here in Bath is nothing as grand as those in London. There we have music and fireworks, and even hot air balloon rides on offer. Now, you must all come and stay with me in London for the weekend, and you will be able to see for yourself. What do you say, Miss Thompson?”
Charlotte was daydreaming and she had just been thinking about her handsome stranger. The sound of her name jolted her from the reverie.
“What do you say, Charlotte? A most generous offer from Sir Harvey, now, what do you say?”
The girl had not heard a word, but nodded pleasantly.
“Yes, that would be very agreeable, sir.”
“Capital. Now, let’s say we stop the carriage and take a stroll. The exercise will do me good.”
It was Sunday, and the park was full of ladies and gentlemen parading through the pretty gardens.
Charlotte and her mother took their positions on either side of the gentleman and set off down the tree-lined path that led down to the lake.
It was a pleasant place—men and women sat on the seats placed around the water’s edge, and already, there were a number of small rowing boats bobbing up and down in the water.
A man standing on a wooden jetty at the edge of the water shouted over to them.
“Shilling for a boat ride, sir?”
Harvey Lloyd was about to wave the man away, when an idea crossed his mind.
“I say, would you ladies care for a boat ride? The water is very still today and I must say it looks rather pleasant in the sunshine?”
Charlotte wrinkled her nose, but her mother spoke, before she was able to do so herself.
“Oh, not for me, sir. I get quite sea sick just even looking at the water, but I am sure that Charlotte would enjoy the experience. Is that not right, my dear?”
Charlotte eyed her mother warily.
“But we cannot leave you on your own, Mama. Whatever would you do?”
“Oh, do not bother about me. I can sit here and watch you by the side of the lake. It is a pleasant afternoon and I shall enjoy the sunshine. Now, off you go, you two, and do not think about me.”
“Well, if you are sure, Mrs. Thompson, it would be a pleasure to accompany Miss Thompson.”
Her plan had worked. She had been wondering how to get the two alone, and it was the ideal opportunity.
With a glance at her mother, Charlotte took the arm of Sir Harvey and the two walked across to the jetty.
“Now, my dear, do not worry. You will be in safe hands. I used to row for my college, you know. Now, let me help you aboard.”
The little wooden rowing boat rocked from side to side, as Charlotte stepped inside and carefully sat down. Soon, Sir Harvey Lloyd had taken the oars and they were quickly heading out across the lake.
For a man in his sixties, he was very fit, and with seemingly little effort, he rowed quickly towards the centre of the lake.
The lake was not large, but several little features had been added to give interest. There were several small islands with bridges connecting them, where rowers could alight and enjoy some solitude away from the main park.
It was to one of these small islands that Sir Harvey headed, much to the chagrin of the poor girl, who dreaded the thought of being alone with the man. It was not that the gentleman was unpleasant, but she feared a close intimacy with him, dreading what he might say.
“Now, my dear, there is quite a lovely viewing point on the top of the small island in front of us. There is a camera obscura in that little tower, you can see above the trees. I am sure you will find it fascinating.”
Before she had time to protest, they had reached the bank of the little island, and Harvey Lloyd quickly jumped out and tied the small wooden boat to one of t
he moorings.
“Now, my dear, let me help you.”
Taking his proffered hand, Charlotte stepped steadily out of the boat and once again onto dry land.
Much to her consternation, Sir Harvey kept hold of her hand as the two walked up the path towards the tower.
“Well, my dear, it is lovely to get you on your own at last. It will give me a chance to get to know you a little better. I hardly know a thing about you.”
Charlotte could feel herself blush under his gaze. She hated to be the centre of attention, and she could feel herself start to panic. What if he proposed to her? If she appeared dull, then perhaps he would have second thoughts about her.
“I am afraid that there is nothing to tell, sir. I lead a very boring life.”
The old man laughed.
“I doubt that very much, my dear, and do call me Harvey. Now, tell me what hobbies do you have? All the ladies I know have many accomplishments. No need to hide your light under a bushel, my dear.”
“I am afraid I am terribly dull, Harvey. I have no talent for needlework, and I play extremely badly on the pianoforte. You see, not all young ladies are accomplished.”
“But what do you enjoy doing, my dear? There must be something.”
Charlotte did not have to think twice.
“Reading is my greatest pleasure, sir. My mother says I read too much and calls me a bookworm, but it is the one thing that I really enjoy.”
“Splendid, simply splendid, my dear. I, too, enjoy a good book. And do you know, I think that your mother is quite wrong. You can never read enough in my opinion. Now, what kind of books do you like to read?”
Her heart sank. She had hoped to discourage the man, rather than encourage him.
“Well, I enjoy adventure novels, sir. At the moment, I am reading ‘The Forest of Montelbano,’ by Kitty Cuthbertson. I am hoping to borrow her new book, ‘Adelaide,’ today. Mother promised we could visit the Circulation Library today, as soon as our excursion with you is finished.”