How the Lady Charmed the Marquess

by Laura A. Barnes

  Charlie sighed. The worst part of having a twin was that her sister always knew when she lied.

  “All right. There was no pebble. But I only stopped because Lucas was shouting at Uncle Theo. I grew concerned. They were discussing Uncle Theo’s promise to our debut into London society this year, so I decided to listen. In all fairness, it concerned us. I believe Uncle’s offer is only a façade.”

  Each girl glanced at the other in question before returning their focus on Charlie. She saw their questions, but only had a few answers for them. The rest they would need to learn on their own. Between the five of them, they would have no trouble in discovering their uncle’s agenda.

  “What makes you think he plays us false?” asked Jacqueline.

  “Well for starters, before we travel to London, he plans on hosting a house party where we can practice our social skills. Or in Uncle Theo’s words, our flirtation skills.” Charlie rolled her eyes.

  “That sounds marvelous. Who does he plan to invite?” asked Gemma.

  “He did not say.”

  “Charlie, if you are going to listen to other people’s conversations, you need to learn to do a better job of it,” Gemma scoffed.

  “Well I learned ...” Charlie began, watching Abigail sneak toward the door.

  “What did you learn?” Evelyn asked.

  “You may wish to stay, Abigail. This concerns you too.”

  Abigail paused with a hand on the doorknob. “I do not see how?”

  “Why would it not?” Gemma asked Abigail.

  Abigail sighed. “Gemma, I cannot be presented into society. I am not one of you.”

  “What nonsense. You are family.”

  Abigail smiled patiently, waiting for someone to explain to Gemma what she couldn’t. She wouldn’t embarrass Gemma with an explanation now. Abigail would explain later. When no one spoke, Abigail sat next to her friend on the bed and offered a hand. When Gemma clasped it, Abigail turned her attention to Charlie.

  “Continue with your explanation, Charlotte,” Abigail urged.

  “Abigail, Uncle Theo’s offer extends to you too. When Lucas objected to Uncle’s plans for our entrance into society, he clarified that you would be included.”

  “Why would Lucas object?” asked Jacqueline.

  “First, he mentioned the cost of financing a new wardrobe for each of us. Then he made a comment to what a disaster it would be, considering our personalities.”

  “What is wrong with our personalities?” asked Abigail.

  “He did not go into detail. Then Uncle Theo implied that if his house party were a success, not all of us would have a London season. Why would he imply that?”

  “Because it would appear our uncle plans on playing matchmaker. He plans on us making matches with his guests. The sneaky devil,” said Jacqueline.

  “Why would he offer each of us a chance at a London season, if he did not mean it?” asked Evelyn.

  “Because he wishes to trick us into believing the house party was an introduction of what we would expect once we reach London. He plans on our excitement of entertaining his guests and throwing a ball, all the while manipulating us into marriages,” Jacqueline explained.

  They each sat, pondering the implications, helpless if that were the case, their doubts and insecurities rising to the surface. None of them had parents who would object for them. They were at the mercy of Uncle Theodore. Not that their uncle’s actions were an act to relieve himself of their care. No, Uncle Theo’s actions were of an old man who wanted his wards secured in the world before anything happened to himself. After his bout with pneumonia last year, he worried that their futures weren’t settled. Yes, Lucas would see to their care, but not with the same heart Uncle Theo had. Uncle had spoiled them, catering to their every whim. While Lucas, once he married Selina, would still be generous toward their care, his wife would find a reason to remove each lady from the estate at the earliest convenience.

  “This is even more splendid. Eligible bachelors at our beck and call. We will not have to compete with any other ladies. And Uncle Theo will only invite the very best,” said Gemma.

  Leave it to Gemma to find a positive outlook for this affair. Although outwardly reserved, she also looked on everything in life as a grand adventure. To her, every cloud had a silver lining.

  “Gemma has a point. We should all approach this house party as a chance to step out of our comfort zone and indulge in a gentleman’s attention. A little light flirtation will be great practice for when we take London by storm. When I mean a gentleman’s attention, I am only implying conversation and nothing else. Do you understand? We will not put ourselves in situations that we cannot undo. Also, we will only consider marriage if it is a love match and nothing less. If it does not happen, then Uncle Theo will take us to London. Do we agree on this?” asked Jacqueline.

  “Agreed.” Every girl nodded except for Abigail. Charlie noticed Abigail still didn’t believe Uncle Theo included her in his invitation. Or else she refused to take part. Either way, Charlie would make it a goal to find somebody worthwhile for Abigail to love. She had thought, at one time, that gentleman would be Lucas. However, with his betrothal he couldn’t throw Selina to the side. After hearing Lucas’s remarks from the previous evening about Abigail, Charlie realized she had been mistaken about her cousin’s regard toward Abigail.

  “Now, what else did you overhear?” asked Jacqueline.

  “Yes, well, I was unable to hear the rest of the conversation. More like, someone interrupted me.”

  “Oh no. Did Lucas and Uncle Theo catch you?” asked Evelyn.

  “No, not them,” Charlie sighed.

  “Then who?”

  “Sinclair,” Charlie growled.

  A hush fell over the room. All eyes stared at Charlotte again. Each lady held a different meaning with their look. Not wanting to wonder what they might all suggest, Charlie rose from the chair and walked to the window. She knew Jacqueline’s stare was one of a parental sort that implied at the inappropriate nature of Charlie being alone with Sinclair in the dark. The smirk from Gemma was one of envy. Every girl in the county wanted to be alone with the rake. Everyone except Charlie. Evelyn had tilted her head with a questioning stare. Charlie could explain away every look, but one. Evelyn’s stare was the only one that made Charlie uneasy. There was too much truth in her twin’s gaze. One that Charlie didn’t want to analyze. To do so would open Charlie to emotions she didn’t want to discuss with a soul, even with Evelyn.

  “That overbearing man moved me out of the way, so he could listen himself. Then he refused to tell me what he overheard. He only laughed. And to make matters worse, Sinclair is one of the gentlemen Uncle Theo extended an invitation to. Now I will have to suffer through his annoying company for the next week. Why does he even need to stay here? His home is only a half-hour ride away.”

  “Perhaps he wishes to win your hand?” Gemma teased.

  Charlie snarled.

  “Or maybe mine,” Gemma said wistfully.

  Charlie shook her head at the foolishness. Every gentleman within a one-mile radius, Gemma sighed over. Jasper Sinclair was no exception. And Gemma was no exception to Jasper Sinclair. He always flirted shamelessly with her cousin. Gemma enjoyed the attention and flirted back. Was he joining the house party for a chance to win Gemma? The thought didn’t sit well with Charlie. Not that she wanted him for herself.

  “This is the exact behavior that must not happen when this house party is in full swing. I understand Uncle Theo has been lenient with our behavior over the years. However, we must not bring shame on our family. I know Sinclair is a regular staple in our lives. But during this time, we will all behave differently toward him. No more private moments with Jasper Sinclair. And that includes you too, Charlotte,” Jacqueline ordered.

  “I do not wish to be alone with that man,” Charlie said.

  While the rest of the ladies discussed their plans for the house party, Charlie reflected on the certain gentleman. Did she se
cretly wish to be alone with Jasper Sinclair? Did Charlie want Jasper to scandalously flirt with her too? Charlie touched her waist and remembered how his touch last night, but for a brief moment, had affected her. Did Sinclair wish to be alone with her?

  Chapter Three

  The bark of the oak dug into Charlie’s arm. She wanted to sink into the lush green grass and lean against the tree, but that would only ruin the new day dress and send Aunt Susanna into a fit. She wasn’t really her aunt, but all the girls addressed her as such. Aunt Susanna was Lucas’s aunt, his mother's sister. When they had first come to live with Uncle Theo, she stayed for a while, helping everyone adjust to their new lives. Throughout the years, she had been a comfort, always holding her arms open to cry in, answering questions none of them wanted to address with Uncle Theodore, and offering advice. Aunt Susanna was the closest they had to a mother. Charlie didn’t want to upset her, when Aunt Susanna had worked so hard to make the house party a success. Charlie knew they were searching for her right now, but she didn’t want to leave this sanctuary. This old oak tree had been her salvation whenever she needed to gather her thoughts and build confidence.

  Charlie tugged on the material, trying to raise the dress higher. The front of the dress, while demure and perfectly acceptable for a lady, displayed more skin than she usually preferred. When Charlotte had dressed along with Evelyn in their bedroom, the transformation was astounding. She had stood in front of the mirror regarding the miss staring back, while Polly dressed Evelyn’s hair. Polly had given Charlotte a simple up-sweep with a few tendrils hanging loose. Now Charlotte's cheeks were flushed, and she appeared to be a beauty. Charlotte frowned.

  A beauty, she scoffed. Who did she fool? Now, Evelyn, she was a beauty, and a natural-born lady. Charlie was unpredictable, no one ever knowing what fool thing she would attempt next, and there were the unrefined conversations. She questioned everything. In contrast, Evelyn was quiet, demure, polite, and very much predictable. They may have been identical in looks, but their personalities were at opposite ends.

  Charlie watched the carriages arrive in the drive. Aunt Susanna and Uncle Theo greeted them, and Gemma, Abigail, and her sisters were waiting in the parlor to meet the guests. Where she should be at this moment, but Charlie couldn’t bring herself to leave this one safe place where she could be herself.

  Lucas stood correct. Uncle Theo was mad. Oh, Charlie knew his full intention for this house party. Did he expect they could charm the gentlemen he invited into offering for their hands? Especially her? The idea only made Charlie want to cringe. Even the house party was out of the norm. No one hosted house parties in the spring—the summer or early fall were the appropriate times. However, no one would speak otherwise against Uncle Theo, because of his eccentric ways. No one dared to cross the powerful duke. If he wanted to have a house party in the spring, then it would be the talk of the ton on what a grand notion it was. His peers probably tried any means to receive an invitation. Only to be disappointed, because Uncle Theo had already made his guest list and sent the invitations before gossip spread.

  The pounding of horse hooves thundered closer. Charlie pressed closer to the tree, trying to hide behind the enormous trunk. Only one man would come from that direction. Perhaps he wouldn’t notice her and continue on to the house. The one man she didn’t wish to converse with, let alone see. Lord Jasper Sinclair. The marquess whose property bordered Uncle Theo’s. The same gentleman who infuriated Charlie, then in the next minute left her in a muddled state of confusion. Sinclair could provoke her into outlandish acts, then seduce Charlotte with a calming voice like he had done the evening outside the study. Yes, the last gentleman she wished to deal with.

  “Hiding again, are we?” asked Sinclair.

  Charlie closed her eyes and started counting to ten. Once she reached ten, she continued to count. There wasn’t a number high enough that would ever give her the patience to deal with Sinclair. With a deep breath Charlie opened her eyes and addressed him with polite indifference.

  “No, Lord Sinclair. I am only taking a breath of fresh air before welcoming Uncle Theo’s guests.”

  “Lord Sinclair? I quite like the sound of that from your lips,” he whispered, brushing a stray curl from her cheek.

  Charlotte tried to back away from his touch, but only pressed closer to the tree. She narrowed her eyes at his cryptic reply. What did he imply? He arched his eyebrows and smiled his devilish charming smile. Sinclair laid his palm above her head and leaned in closer. Charlie didn’t trust the look in his eyes and darted under his arm, putting much needed distance between them. Why was he toying with her? The insufferable brute. She needed to control her temper. She had made a promise to Jacqueline and Aunt Susanna that she would act like a proper lady this week. Charlie wouldn’t ruin the other girl’s chances at finding a suitable mate. She had no intention of falling for Uncle Theo’s matchmaking, but she wouldn’t be the reason if they didn’t find their true love.

  Jasper chuckled to himself. He enjoyed teasing Charlotte Holbrooke. In the past, he teased her to get a rise out of her temper and to provoke Charlotte into taking a dare. Every single time she would try to prove Jasper wrong. Sometimes she did—and then there were other incidents that landed Charlotte in trouble. He took much pleasure from those. Lately, his teasing had turned into more of a flirtation. He held no intention of taking it any further, but when her cheeks flushed pink as they did now and she became flustered, not knowing how to respond, Jasper’s fascination grew. His scandalous remarks confused the innocent miss. Jasper wondered how Charlie would react if he ever took them further. Would she sigh against his lips, or would she rain on him with a tirade that blistered his ears?

  Once Charlie escaped under his arm, he leaned against the tree, crossing his ankles. While she nuzzled his horse, whispering to the stallion, he noticed her unsettled state. Poor Charlotte. Her uncle’s machinations made her vulnerable. A characteristic very becoming on her, even though Charlie would disagree. He decided to take pity.

  “Are you nervous?” he asked.

  Charlie glared at him. “Of course not.”

  So she wanted to act defensive with him. Jasper wouldn’t react to her ire. Instead, he continued his flirtation. He saw the effect of his charm on Charlie and wanted to see more blushes.

  “You look lovely today.”

  Charlie felt her cheeks grow warm. She couldn’t blame it on the weather, because the sun hid behind the clouds. Charlie knew it was from Jasper’s voice deepening while he complimented her. She should thank him for the compliment, but felt herself falling into that muddled state.

  “May I offer some advice on how to survive this ordeal?”

  “How?” Charlie asked before she could stop herself.

  “I can be your confidant, if any of the gentlemen piques your interest, and if you wish for them to pursue you. I can advise you on how to win them over and offer my opinion on their character.”

  “Why would you offer to do this?”

  Jasper shrugged. “Because I do not agree with your uncle’s plan. You will be out of your elements with the gentlemen in attendance. They can be a predatory sort.”

  Charlie lifted her chin and pushed her shoulders back.

  “I can handle any gentleman Uncle Theo has invited.”

  Jasper groaned at the sight of an agitated Charlie with her breasts pressing tight against the gown. A gown that plunged lower than the usual dresses she wore. Was he the mad one proposing his assistance on finding Charlie a match? He took a step closer, still keeping a respectable distance between them. However, Charlie retreated a step anyway.

  “I agree, my dear. I am only implying they are jaded and might corner you in an inappropriate situation. There are ways you can tempt them while still keeping your innocence, and I am willing to teach you how.”

  “But if I tempt them, will they not try even more to corner me?”

  “Not if you imply certain aspects to your temptation.”

  “What i
f I choose not to entice these gentlemen? What if my only goal is to fool my uncle into believing I attempted to find myself a husband?”

  Again, Jasper took a few steps forward. Only this time Charlie remained planted in the same spot. His intense gaze kept her from moving.

  “Is that your intention?” Jasper asked.

  “Yes,” Charlie whispered.

  “Perhaps we can strike a deal then?”

  “And what might that be?”

  “I can pretend an interest in you in return for a favor.”

  “What favor might that be?”

  “If we can convince your uncle that I am smitten with you, then you will convince him to sell me Sapphire’s offspring.”

  “No,” Charlie snapped.

  “Then I shall leave you at the mercy of the attending gentlemen.”

  Jasper gathered the reins to his horse, ready to finish the ride to the Colebourne estate. He dangled the offer, knowing that Charlie wouldn’t agree right away. She would stew over his proposal, weighing all the options before committing herself. Charlie was always known to make rash choices, but she at least waited a few moments to ponder them. Sinclair knew how to manipulate her, for he had been doing it for years. He wouldn’t have to wait long. She would come to him begging for his help.

  Once he sat astride his horse, he nodded to Charlotte and rode off. He smiled when she could no longer see his expression. Yes, this would be an enjoyable house party after all.

  Charlie fumed when Jasper rode away, not giving her a chance to reply. There had to be a way to accept his offer without selling Sapphire’s foal. Charlie had planned to train the foal herself and had convinced Uncle Theo into allowing her.

  Seeing Jasper approach the house and get off his horse, Charlie’s temper rose to a degree in which she would need to remain there longer. When he turned to her and tipped his hat, Charlie uttered every name a proper lady would never speak. She didn’t need Jasper Sinclair’s assistance. She would get through this week without incident and once everyone left, she would resume a normal life. One without a groom.