Isabel’s mother snickered and then covered it with a light cough. Isabel could not agree with her mother more; when had her father ever been interested in visiting India?
“If you do indeed decide to go,” Lord Charmain replied, “inform me. I can offer you safe passage on one of my ships, and of course, Mrs. St. Clair and your daughter are welcome aboard, as well.”
The idea of traveling excited Isabel, and she could easily imagine herself on a ship, surrounded by ocean waves and then visiting a foreign land. “One day I would enjoy traveling,” she said. “I must admit that it is something I have wanted to do for some time now.”
Her father’s laughter made her face heat. “There will be no time for travel once you are wed; you will have too many obligations. Besides, it is not becoming of a lady to do such a thing.”
Isabel looked down at her plate, pretending to be interested in her food. Even though she was not yet married, her parents had already planned out her life for her. If a woman wished to travel to foreign destinations, exotic or otherwise, she should be able to do so. However, as usual, Isabel did not argue. How she wished she had the courage to speak her mind!
“Are you to be married, Miss St. Clair?” Lord Charmain asked.
Isabel glanced up and noticed that Miss Miriam was glaring at her, as if she had done something terrible! Isabel had spoken no more than a few words to the woman, but for whatever reason, she did not seem to like Isabel, and that baffled her.
“No, she is not to be married as of yet,” her father answered for her. “However, that day is soon approaching if I have anything to do with it.”
“I will be looking to wed once I return,” Lord Charmain said, his gaze moving to Isabel.
“Oh?” Isabel asked, though she found her mouth overly dry. “And what type of a woman will you marry?”
“I hope to find a lady full of wonder and curiosity. One who will enjoy adventure as much as I.”
Her father laughed. “As if that type of woman is truly what a husband desires.” He shook his head. Did he not realize it was likely he had just insulted a baron? Apparently not, for he continued without waiting for comment. “It makes no difference anyway,” he said, “I believe women have too many more important things on which to focus than travel. Take my wife, for example. She runs our home very well, and I find us both happy in our lives together. I, in turn, provide for the home through my many business ventures. And speaking of business, had you heard that…”
Her father turned the conversation to some sort of men’s style of gossip about what one member or another of the ton was doing, and Isabel turned her attention to her lamb. Or rather she looked down at her plate, but her mind thought on more important things. The weeks ahead would be full of parties, outings, and entertaining events, yet what she wanted was to find that perfect gentleman. Oh, the London Season promised great fun, but it would be there every year; the perfect gentleman, however, would not. Lord Charmain had said that no such man existed in London, and she would find a way to prove him wrong.
As she pushed the remainder of her food on her plate, the conversation had changed back to the trip Lord Charmain was to take to India.
“I shall only stay a month this time,” he was saying. “I love the country, but I find more important matters of business await me here and beyond.”
Not able to resist, Isabel said, “What matters of business would that be?”
Her mother gasped. “Isabel, that is no concern of yours.”
“No, it is a worthy question,” Lord Charmain replied. “I would be happy to answer.” He turned to Isabel and smiled. “I control a vast sum of sheep in Scotland. A portion of the sale of the animals goes to an orphanage I sponsor.”
“A true gentleman,” Isabel’s father said as he lifted his glass in a toast to the Baron.
Isabel wanted to laugh. The man boasted of travels that included tigers in villages, and now he included orphans in Scotland? Truly no man living or dead had done that which Lord Charmain claimed. It was all too suspect in her opinion.
“Yes,” Isabel said, trying to keep her face smooth. “A rare sight in London to find such a gentleman.” She raised her own glass to the man. “I know I am honored to sit here in his company.”
The man must have heard the gibe behind her words, for he frowned at her, but then it was gone, replaced with a smile.
Although he said nothing in response to her veiled mocking, Miss Miriam did not remain silent. “My cousin is the finest of gentlemen,” she said. “Though I believe he is finally taking my advice concerning his travels, have you not, Daniel?”
“Indeed.”
Miss Miriam smiled at Lord Charmain, a much too familiar smile in Isabel’s opinion. Then she turned to Isabel’s father. “This wine is the finest I have ever tasted, Mr. St Clair. May I ask where you purchased it? I have been thinking of adding to my collection.”
Her father’s face lit up, and the topic changed. Isabel stopped listening and considered the short exchange she and Lord Charmain had undergone. She could not rid herself of the feeling that the Baron was hiding something. Plus, the quickness of Miss Miriam to leap to his defense was very odd. Yes, she was his cousin, and family was known to defend one another, but to the extent this woman did? Very odd indeed.
Not until everyone pushed back their chairs and rose from the table did Isabel realize that the conversation had ended, as had dinner.
“The River Thames at night is a sight to see,” Lord Charmain said. “Mr. St. Clair, with your permission, might Miss St. Clair join Miriam and myself for a stroll?”
Isabel forced herself to swallow. What was this man up to? Her mother went to interject, but her father clapped the man on the back and replied, “Why, yes, of course. I see no harm in a stroll.”
Isabel’s mother, however, had an uncertain look. “Is it truly safe to go out after dark? I do worry about the characters who prowl at night.”
It was Miss Miriam who answered. “I can assure you that it is safe, and although Miss St. Clair may be a bit…delicate, no harm will come to her while in Daniel’s company, I assure you. I will be with them, as well, so she will have two to protect her.”
Anger rose in Isabel as the woman gave her a smile that none could consider friendly. Did no one else see the mocking behind her words and that smile?
Apparently no one did, for her mother breathed a sigh of relief. “Very well, then. I suppose it will be acceptable.”
Isabel’s father leaned in and whispered in Isabel’s ear. “He is a fine gentleman, one worthy of consideration.” Isabel did not miss the urging behind his words. So, that was why the man had been invited to dinner; her father had his eye on him as a possible suitor for her. Well, that would not happen if Isabel had anything to do with it. Perhaps this would open up the first opportunity for her to stand up to her parents and tell them what she thought.
However, she said nothing and instead allowed the butler to place a wrap on her shoulders and that was how Isabel found herself, Lord Charmain, and Miss Miriam out in the slightly chilled air in a carriage heading toward the River Thames.
***
Isabel was surprised at the number of people out for a stroll this night. They laughed and talked amongst themselves and sent greetings in passing to those they encountered. Like her mother, Isabel had been worried that the banks of the River Thames would be full of thieves; however, that was not the case, and this pleased her.
Lord Charmain had offered her his arm, which Isabel took with reluctance. Miss Miriam walked behind them, and she did not appear much pleased, for she said nothing during the short distance from her family’s townhouse to the river. This was the first year her father had been able to rent a property so close to Regent Street, even if it was a mile away, which probably played a part in the Baron’s invitation to dinner; more than likely her father wished to make a show of what he had accomplished as a member of the gentry.
“I am happy you came out this evening,” Lord Cha
rmain said.
“It was not that I had a choice,” Isabel replied. “My father gave his agreement; you should thank him.” Upon hearing the man sigh, Isabel knew she had gone too far. The problem was not this man, not exactly, but her parents and their constant control over her. Lord Charmain might be a man who told grand stories, but he did not deserve to be treated with such disrespect. A bit of rebuke, perhaps, but not outright discourtesy. “I must apologize. That was most uncalled for and very unladylike. Forgive me.”
A small bench sat on a patch of winter grass, and they walked to it. “You are right, of course. I should thank him. He has done me a great honor,” Lord Charmain said in reply. “However, I must ask. If you were able to speak for yourself, would you have accepted my invitation? Outside of the possibility of thieves and brigands, of course.”
Isabel considered this for a moment. “Yes, I believe I would have accepted; though I must admit that I do not know why.”
The Baron let out a laugh, and Isabel had expected it to be mocking, but it was not. “Your honesty intrigues me. Please, I need to know. What is it about me that you find so repulsive?” She went to speak, but he raised his hand and added, “Speak from your heart, for I will not judge you on what you say.”
Isabel nodded. “Very well.” She glanced around to see if anyone was nearby, but only Miss Miriam was there, sitting on the opposite side of Lord Charmain and looking none too happy. Isabel ignored the woman. “I do not believe your tales of tigers in Indian villages, nor do I believe you have anything to do with orphans. In fact, I think you a scoundrel with a title and nothing more.” Would he be angry she had spoken truthfully? In a way, she hoped he would not, but it was the only way she could respond—with honesty and forthrightness. If she could not be so with her parents, at least she could be herself with a man with whom she had no likelihood of spending much more time than necessary.
His reaction was much milder than she had expected. A single raised eyebrow and an expectant look made her feel as if he wanted to hear more. Therefore, she obliged him. “Do not deny it. You boast of your adventures and lap up the praise as a cat does fresh cream. I fear for the woman you wed, for her ears will surely fail after listening to your stories!”
The Baron roared with laughter. “I must admit that you are correct in your analysis, for I do adore the attention I receive.” He took in a deep breath and then let out a sigh. “I am a gentleman with faults, that I do not deny. However, I can assure you I tell no lie concerning the orphanage.”
“Well, that is a fine start,” Isabel said. “But you still have a long way to go.”
“Yes, well, speaking of a long way to go, perhaps we should continue our stroll?” So, the man wished to avoid her comments? Perhaps she had gotten too close to the truth.
The trio stood and returned to their leisurely stroll. The air was cooler there, and Isabel wished she had worn something warmer as she pulled the wrap in closer.
Lord Charmain glanced at her. “You mentioned that you are in search of the perfect gentleman.”
“I am.”
Miss Miriam gave a sniff, but Isabel ignored her. It was a shame the woman had to come as a chaperone; for some odd reason, Isabel would have preferred to stroll alone with this man.
She almost stopped short. What a strange thought! Again, she was reminded of his earlier question as to whether she would have gone with him if she had been the one to make the choice. There was no more explanation for this passing thought concerning her wish that Miss Miriam had not accompanied them than for why she would have accepted his invitation in the first place. None of it made sense; the man for whom she searched was most certainly not the man at her side. Was he?
“Imagine for a moment,” Lord Charmain said, breaking her from her thoughts, “before you stands the perfect gentleman. How would you describe him?”
Isabel shook her head. “Have I not already explained this? Have you forgotten?”
“I did not forget. I only wish to know so I can be that man.”
For a brief moment, her head felt full of feathers, and she stumbled, the only thing keeping her upright her hand on his arm. That did little to relieve that heady feeling—the muscles beneath his coat sleeve were well-formed.
“Are you unwell?” he asked. Even Miss Miriam looked concerned, which surprised Isabel.
“No, I am fine,” Isabel replied. “There was a small hole in the ground.” Perhaps a small lie from time to time was acceptable. “Lord Charmain, why did you ask me to walk with you? Does this have something to do with what you wanted to tell me the night during the party of Lord Sherman?”
“Nothing escapes you,” the man said with a light chuckle. “And now, with no one to interrupt,” he gave a strange, but pointed look at Miss Miriam, “I shall tell you what I wished to say.” He cleared his throat and glanced around. Was the man nervous? How strange! He did not seem the nervous type. “I do not know you, but the truth is that I find you beautiful, smart, and full of wonder. I believe I am the gentleman you seek.” He said the last in a rush, so quickly that Isabel was not sure she understood him correctly. Yet, no, she had understood him quite well, and now she was unsure how to react. On one hand, his words were moving and pierced her heart, for to have any man say such words was a dream any woman would have.
On the other hand, he did not meet her requirements of what a gentleman should possess. If anything, his boasting negated any of the attributes he did have. If not for that, she would have considered allowing him to call on her.
“I am honored,” Isabel finally replied after careful consideration. “However, I believe you make such a situation impossible.”
He gave her a nod, but his eyes were filled with pain, and Isabel felt a pang of regret. Perhaps she was acting in haste…but no, she had to stand her ground, for her future was much too important for such mistakes. In this, if in nothing else in her life, she would have her way.
“I understand,” he said as he turned toward the river. “You make a good point. What good is a gentleman who is oftentimes absent?” He let out a sigh. “Like your father, my mother wishes that I wed soon.” He laughed. “They act as if it is akin to going to a butcher and selecting a portion of meat, yet it is far more important than that. Would you not agree?”
Isabel nodded. “I could not agree with you more,” she replied, relieved to see the pain now gone. “Lord Charmain, may I ask you something at the risk of sounding forward?”
“Please,” he replied. “Whatever you have to say, I’m sure I can manage it.”
“You seem to be holding a secret, one that plagues you. I believe it is the reason why your tales are…well, might I say less than truthful?” There really was no way to be more delicate and still be honest.
He stared out across the River Thames for several moments before responding. “I must admit that I do carry a secret that is quite heavy.”
She placed a reassuring hand on his arm. “You may tell me,” she said. “Like you, I swear I will not hold you in judgment.”
When he gazed down at her, she felt a tightness in her chest, a feeling of overwhelming compassion, and she willed him to comply.
“I believe you,” he replied quietly. “I realize I drive you mad, but I trust you to keep my secrets close at heart.”
Isabel smiled encouragement to the man. At that moment, and despite his propensity to lie, she could not help but feel the same for him and would trust him. Even with her life, if that need ever arose.
He took a deep breath and then said, “You see, it is…”
“I do not feel well,” Miss Miriam interrupted. She had her hand on her stomach and appeared pale beneath the lamplight. “Perhaps it was the wine or the lamb; I’m unsure. Might we return home soon, cousin?”
Lord Charmain sighed, but he wore a look of concern. “Yes.” Then he turned to Isabel. “I am sorry that our conversation has been cut short. Perhaps we can resume it at another time?” He offered her one arm and the other to Miss Miriam,
who took it readily.
Isabel, however, was much more reluctant. If it had not been for the security it gave her, she would have refused. How silly for a man to have two women on his arms! Yet, here they were, looking like fools before everyone.
“I do hope you find the gentleman you want here in London, Miss St. Clair,” Lord Charmain said. “For if anyone deserves the best of everything, it most certainly is you.”
Isabel could not stop the blush that crept onto her cheeks and was glad the light was low enough to keep anyone from being able to see it. “Thank you. And may your journey bring you happiness, as well.”
The trio returned to the carriage in silence. When they arrived at the townhouse, Lord Charmain said, “Please send our regrets for rushing off in such a rude manner, but I believe getting Miriam home as soon as possible would be best.”
“No, of course. I’m sorry to hear you are unwell,” Isabel said, though something inside suspected that Miss Miriam was not as ill as she pretended to be. However, it was not up to her to decide how well the woman truly felt. “I hope you feel better soon.” When did I become so suspicious of people? she wondered.
Lord Charmain lifted her hand to his lips. “Until we meet again,” he whispered. Then, with Miss Miriam in the carriage beside him, he disappeared into the night.
Chapter Eight
A fortnight had passed since Daniel last saw Miss St. Clair, though it felt like years. He yearned to hear her voice and to see her smile but had made no attempt to contact her. He was supposed to be on his way to India, so to call upon her would be idiotic. He had too much to lose.
As he took a sip of his brandy, rain pelted against the window and lightning lit up the sky. London was a majestic city, the finest in the world, and he could not help but wonder if Miss St. Clair was also gazing out her own window, dreaming of that gentleman she so wanted to find.
The Baron's Charade (Regency Stories Book 3) Page 5