by Abigail Agar
“I know we agreed we wouldn’t tell anyone, but Everett and Josie don’t count, right?”
“Charlotte can never find out. Think about how that would make her feel.”
Mercy winced. “I agree.” She put her hand on her chest and smiled. "I’m sorry Phin, but this is going to be fun.”
The following evening, Phin, Everett, Silas (who knew nothing of the plan), Mercy, and Josie attended a ball at the Cornwell residence. Silas furrowed his brow more than once over the ebullient spirits in the carriage on the way to the ball.
Phin leaned in, close to Mercy’s ear, “We need to adopt a more sober attitude. Silas won’t be the only one questioning our mien.”
She nodded and gave a piercing look at Josie. Everett hadn’t been swept up in the moment, so he had no need for scolding.
After he heard his family announced, they entered and scattered. Phin chose to stand with Everett and scan the ballroom to see how Charlotte decided to handle her new task. Phin’s good mood vanished the moment he saw Charlotte with Bernard by her side. He would make it difficult for Phin to converse with and dance with Charlotte.
He saw Elizabeth walking away from Bernard as if just having had a conversation. Phin would have to keep an eye on that.
Later in the evening, Phin approached Charlotte and asked her to dance. Bernard practically stood in front of Phin, making it difficult for Phin to talk with Charlotte unless he bent to the side of Bernard. He felt like part of a cuckoo clock or a child putting his hands over his eyes to say peekaboo.
After the waltz was over, Phin reported to Mercy that Charlotte never mentioned a word about matchmaking. However, she did ask more than once why he wasn’t dancing with other young ladies. He gave a vague answer then changed the subject.
Mercy invited Charlotte over for tea three days later, and Genevieve came in looking like the cat that ate the canary.
Mercy poured tea and talked about the Cornwell ball, then sat back and sipped her tea. Her guests were practically jumping out of their skin. Aunt Genevieve, in particular, cleared her throat both before and after her sip of tea.
Mercy took pity on them. “Tell me, Charlotte, have you thought any more about finding a matchmaker for my brother?”
Aunt Genevieve gave out a long breath. Charlotte leaned in and spoke, “Well, I have given it thought, but honestly, Mercy, I don’t believe you need a matchmaker. What do you think would happen if His Grace found out?”
“Oh, Charlotte, this must be kept confidential. My brother wouldn’t be able to show his face in the House of Lords if word got out. And he would be furious with me.
Aunt Genevieve cleared her throat again, “If I may, My Lady, I advised Charlotte to keep your confidence instead of discussing this matter with a matchmaker, or anyone else. I think it’s best to speak of it infrequently and only in a private setting.”
“My aunt and I have been discussing the best way to accomplish your goal. We have come up with a short list of possible partners. If you could introduce them to your brother, he might have interest in dancing with them, and one might meet his fancy,” Charlotte said, handing Mercy the list.
She glanced at it knowing every name, noting none of the women mentioned were of interest to Phin.
“Since we had tea the other day, I’ve been thinking about something.” Mercy tapped her index finger to her lips. “Phin wants a shy, quiet girl, right?” Both Charlotte and Genevieve gave a sober nod. “What if it’s not a shy, quiet girl he wants but a girl that won’t pester him about the dinner menu or the colour she wants to redecorate the parlour? What if what he really wants is a smart, self-sufficient wife? A wife who entertains tea in the afternoon but doesn’t insist he attend?
Both Genevieve and Charlotte gasped. Charlotte and Mercy had come to the same conclusion.
Charlotte recovered first. “I see, Mercy. This may be an easier quest. But how would he be convinced to give up on shy and quiet to go for smart and self-sufficient? You know your brother, Mercy. Will he be able to broaden his search? Cast a wider net?”
Charlotte needed to be seen as smart and self-sufficient. She was smart and self-sufficient. She just needed to make sure others knew it. To be the wife of Phineas Collins would be a dream come true. A wonderful, kind man would never pick a fight with anyone. He even ran away from them, which Charlotte happened to think was a wonderful quality.
Wealthy. Properties in London and Exeter, member of the House of Lords. Everything needed redecorating. She would be required to travel in the House wives circle.
Marrying the Duke of Exeter was more than marrying the Duke. It was also playing a demanding role with enormous responsibility.
Mercy grinned. She couldn’t help it. She meant to give Charlotte and Genevieve a small smile. This was coming together so well. “I think if I phrase it right, he may come around. It just occurred to me – what if we held a house party at Collinswood and invited a few of the women? You could supply the names, and we can watch them with my brother. How do you like that idea?”
Charlotte slumped in her chair. She had no intention of competing for Phin’s affection with a houseful of others doing the same. It was not the reaction Mercy expected. “You don’t like the idea?”
Charlotte looked at Mercy, then at Genevieve, who didn’t seem to like Charlotte’s reaction any more than Mercy.
“It’s a wonderful idea. I would very much like to go to Collinswood. If we invited a handful of possible matches for His Grace, and he rejects them all on the first or second day, the party might become uncomfortable to the remaining guests.”
“I see,” Mercy said, nodding. Was Charlotte worried Phin would fall for one of her suggestions? They would have ten days to build a relationship. Phin was no fool. They could follow him around for ten days, not making a dent in his resolve. But it would prove awkward. Charlotte was right.
“Why don’t you come up with a few names of women that fit the description? We will test out our theory at the next ball.”
“Charlotte, I bring this up only because our answer might be staring us in the face.” Mercy breathed deep and hoped this question was not going to backfire on her. “Do you think you could develop feelings for my brother or do you have an understanding with Lord Bernard?
Charlotte sat back in her seat, looking surprised Mercy would ask such a thing. She spoke slowly. “I have no understanding with Lord Bernard. He is the only gentleman courting me. Aunt Genevieve says Lord Bernard may offer for me at any time. While I am not betrothed, other gentlemen, like your brother, are always welcome to call on me.
“It’s early in the season, and Lord Bernard vied for my attention from the start. I have been thinking of opening myself to other gentlemen if only to know I did not make a mistake by not considering other suitors.”
Chapter 7
“Good morning, Aunt Genevieve.”
“Good morning, Charlotte,” Genevieve said and then looked up from breaking her fast with a smile. Her smile immediately faded. “What’s wrong, Charlotte? Are you ill?”
Charlotte sat and received a cup of tea from a footman. “I’ve been up most of the night. My mind was racing as it does when I’m on Minerva and going too fast. I can’t get it to stop.”
“Charlotte, I’ve told you time and again not to drive that horse to the limits. You could fall off and then where would you be? Tell me what has you in such a state?”
“I’m hesitant to bring it up with you. I don’t want you to feel disappointed in me.”
“That would never happen, Charlotte. Now, is this about Collins and Bernard?”
Charlotte’s eyes went wide. “How did you know?”
Aunt Genevieve’s duty as Charlotte’s only living relative and her sponsor for her season was to sit in on every conversation Charlotte had. She was her chaperone. She had seen other girls, also in their first season, befriend Charlotte. It was easy to see which ones were sincere.
The same was true with the gentlemen they entertained, either a
t a ball or another social event or at their home. The gentlemen were a little more entertaining to watch than the girls. Their silver tongues amused Genevieve. The topics of conversation, from hunting to the killing and preparing of dead animals for a meal were ill-advised.
All in all, it had been most amusing. But conversations that hit the mark stood out. Watching two young people talking naturally, with a flow of topics that was not forced was a conversation to behold.
“I would have to be blind not to see your compatibility with the Duke. I am surprised it took you so long to figure it out.”
“But what am I going to do? Bernard is a very nice man, who seems to care for me. He pays attention to me, enjoys my company. He’s a respectable man who I could see spending my life with.
“Then there is Collins. He is also very nice, but there is something more to him. It’s as though my heart and my body are as involved as my head in any conversation I have with him. There is something exciting about being around him.”
“Then why don’t you concentrate on Collins?”
“I’m afraid, Aunt Genevieve. What if I decide I want Collins, and Bernard searches elsewhere? Then Collins decides he’s not ready to marry?”
“Oh, he’s ready to marry.”
“I think so too. But what if he isn’t interested in me? Then, I’ve lost him and Bernard. I’m left with nothing. I stayed up last night wondering if I was going to do the right thing or the smart thing.”
“Can I give you some advice, Charlotte?” Genevieve moved her hand over Charlotte’s. “Do the thing your heart tells you to do. If the two men were standing in front of you, which one would you walk towards?”
***
Phin paced the parlour. Mercy, Josie, and Everett watched. “That’s your best idea?” he asked to no one in particular.
“It’s time, Phin. Couples have been married having spent fewer hours together than you and Charlotte have managed,” Everett said, his hands fisted so he didn’t strangle Phin.
“I know you want my opinion, so I’ll give it to you.”
Phin hooted. “Please, Mercy. Give me your opinion that I’m dying to hear.”
“My opinion is what have you got to lose? That’s it,” she said as she pretended to brush off her hands.
Everett stood in front of Phin and put a hand on each shoulder. He adopted a singsong voice. “Hello, Lady Charlotte. Would you like to accompany me to the British Museum, a walk down Rotten Row, a ride in the park, Gunther's, the theatre? You would? Let’s get married!”
Phin pushed Everett out of the way. “I know how to ask a woman out,” he growled.
“Then do it, by God. I don’t want to have this conversation tomorrow,” Everett said, his tone serious.
Two days later, Phin was led into the sitting room where Charlotte and Genevieve sat. He breathed deep.
“Good afternoon, ladies,” he said. “I have a very unorthodox request.” Phin turned to Charlotte’s aunt. “Lady Genevieve. May I see you alone for just a few minutes?”
As he anticipated, Charlotte was surprised, but Genevieve smiled.
Genevieve turned towards her. “Charlotte, dear, would you please supervise our tea tray? I think I’ll have cake today. Thank you, dear.”
Charlotte left the room with no idea what her aunt and Phineas were up to. She decided to sit on the kitchen stool to give them more time to talk. She knew Genevieve would tell her about it later. As soon as Phineas left.
“You don’t seem too surprised that I wanted to speak with you,” Phin said as Genevieve motioned him to sit.
“I’m not. I was expecting you sooner. But, you are careful and deliberate. Good qualities, I should say. Now. Enough about you, I’m guessing you want to talk about my niece?”
“Yes, My Lady. I have come seeking your permission to court your niece. Mind you, I would like to be seeking permission to marry your niece, but I’m afraid she may be reluctant to agree to such a request at this time,” he gave a short laugh.
“That niece of mine has no idea what’s good for her. I only hope, Your Grace, you have better luck than I do. And when you are married, give her as few choices as possible.”
Phin was laughing when Charlotte walked in, followed by the teacart. She sat and poured tea. There was silence all around. Phin grinned.
After Charlotte’s initial awkwardness, she joked with Phin and her aunt. Phin told her a little about India. Genevieve seemed to be astonished at what he ate.
“All your meals were served cold? How could that be?”
“A deep hole is dug. It’s covered with a piece of wood. That way, the sun and air temperature are kept at bay. When the lid comes off, and we go into the hole, you’d be surprised at how cool and dry it is down there.
“It’s refreshing to eat something cold after a long day in the heat. I would never have . . .”
“Lord Jasper Bernard to see you, My Lady.”
Bernard came in and bowed to all. Charlotte and Phin rose to greet him and then sat.
“Tea, Lord Bernard?”
Phin knew he’d see Bernard at tea but, even so, his heart dropped when he saw him walk in.
“Yes, thank you.” He turned to Phin. “I would have thought you would be with one of your prize horses on a beautiful day like today.”
Phin leaned back in his seat and crossed his legs. He looked at Charlotte. “No, there is no place I would rather be right now than here.”
“Well, don’t let me stop you if you need to leave.”
“Not to worry, Bernard. I’ll be staying.” If he thinks I’m going to get up and leave so he can be alone with Charlotte, he’s out of his mind.
Bernard looked up to Charlotte who gave a weak smile.
“Genevieve, Charlotte,” Phin began, “I meant to ask you earlier, but I’d love it if you could join me at the theatre tonight. A new play has opened, and I am curious to see it.”
Charlotte sat a little straighter in her chair as Aunt Genevieve responded, “We would love to join you, Your Grace. When we were last there, watching the play from your box was delightful.”
“Thank you. I plan to redecorate the box. I hadn’t been in it in a year. It seems somewhat dated. I hope it will be soon, but I haven’t been home long enough to accomplish everything on my list.”
Bernard looked at Charlotte. “What a coincidence. I too am going to see the new play this evening. I look forward to seeing you there.” His voice didn’t betray him, but his fists, with their white knuckles, gave away how Bernard felt about the play arrangements.
“And while we’re talking about our social schedules,” Phin cut in, “would you ladies like to join me for a reception at the British Museum? The museum will be closed to the public. The evening includes a guided tour of the museum, an experience I for one have always wanted.”
Genevieve nearly jumped out of her chair. The British Museum was such a destination for her. If Charlotte didn’t like it, Phin would take Genevieve. My, she had a barrel full of enthusiasm.
Bernard changed the subject to his observance on the dock of the British East India Company cargo ship. “The sailors unloaded bolt after bolt of silk fabric in every colour imaginable. You ladies will be glad to know that the bolts of fabric were well protected against the filth of the dock.”
Genevieve spoke, “Oh, Your Grace, was that your cargo at the port?”
“Yes, Genevieve, it was. I’m glad Bernard here was able to confirm my cargo has landed and is in good shape.”
Bernard shifted in his chair, and while keeping his face blank, Phin wondered what he was thinking. He wondered if he was trying to decide whether to stay or go.
“As it turned out, both Phin and Bernard wouldn’t let the other stay alone, so they left at the same time.
They stepped outside and descended the granite stairs together. Just as Phin was about to give his regards and be on his way, Bernard asked him for a moment of his time.
Surprised, Phin nodded.
“I’ve been c
ourting Charlotte for months, and you came here and tried to worm your way in. I won’t have it. If you don’t back off Charlotte, I’m going to discredit you until she will want nothing to do with you.
“I suggest you take the easy way out and back off. It could get very ugly for you, Collins.”
Phin turned and walked the other way. He wasn’t going to get into it with Bernard, but he knew Bernard wasn’t kidding. Bernard fully planned to discredit Phin.
The real question was what was behind his threat? Phin had been in the same room enough with Charlotte and Bernard to know he cared little for the woman. Which begged the question, what was in it for Bernard? He walked straight to Everett’s.