“Where are you intending to go then?” Stephen asked. She had already said there were no other relatives.
“I will go to Manchester. I believe it is a large city,” Charlotte explained. “If I can borrow the money from you to help with my travel costs, I am sure that in such a city it wouldn’t be too long before I found some employment.”
Stephen’s heart sank. “And what type of work would you be hoping to get?” he asked, trying his hardest to keep the sarcasm out of his voice.
“I would look for a position as a governess,” Charlotte replied.
“Without a reference?” Stephen asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Well if not, there are the new mills. I believe they require large workforces, I’m willing to work hard,” Charlotte responded becoming defensive at Stephen’s tone.
“Have you ever spun cotton?” Stephen asked the sarcasm fully evident now.
“No, but I can learn!” Charlotte responded tartly. “I will do anything I have to until I am established.”
“I’ll tell you what you’ll do, you foolish chit. You will be turned away from every decent establishment because you have no references. You will be turned away from every mill because you have no experience and the only option that will be left open to you will be to join an establishment such as Kersal’s!” Stephen almost shouted at her.
Charlotte fired up at Stephen’s words. “Oh, so what should I do? Accept my fate, and return to the Baron and say ‘Oh sorry, your offer isn’t too bad after all.’? If you think I’m going to roll over and let that immoral criminal win, you have underestimated me. I will find decent work. Now, will you lend me the money to leave London?” She almost shouted in return.
Stephen smiled, “Not until you have come up with a realistic plan.”
Charlotte almost growled with frustration. “Mine is the only plan there is, and I am determined to carry it to fruition.” If Stephen did not help her, she was actually at a loss as to what to do, but she did not want him to know that.
Stephen stood and started to pace the room. Charlotte watched him, hoping that it meant he was going to help her after all, although he looked angry rather than helpful. Minutes passed before he spoke.
“Damn my parents!” he muttered.
“Your parents?” Charlotte asked in wonder. “What on earth have they got to do with this?”
“If they had been decent they would have supplied me with a convenient sister, who could offer you protection and a home until a solution could be found. As it is I’m their only child, as far as I know anyway, although I’m sure my father must have produced a number of illegitimates along the way,” Stephen said darkly.
Charlotte was fascinated, she had known him for such a short period of time and yet she had so many questions that she wanted to ask. There was so much in what he said that increased her curiosity about him, but at the moment, she had to worry about her own predicament.
“Of course your sister would have married by now, to a respectable gentleman who lived a hundred or more miles from London. Two hundred miles would be preferable,” she replied archly.
Stephen laughed, “Two hundred miles would be best, yes.” He became serious, “You picked the wrong man Charlotte; I do not have the respectability that can protect you. I do not have a network of close friends that I could be honest with, who would offer you protection because of my connection with them. They are more likely to condemn you because of your association with me.”
The words had been said without any emotion, but Charlotte wanted to wrap her arms around him in comfort. His life must be lonely, she thought. She ached to make him feel better, was she being truly altruistic she pondered, or was it that he reminded her of herself?
“You were the one that got me out of that den of iniquity, and for that I will be eternally grateful,” she responded honestly. “I created the situation, I have only myself to blame. I foolishly thought I was in love, but now I know how wrong I was.”
“Yes, love can cause more problems than it is worth, which is why I’ve always stayed away from it. Although in your defence it is sometimes surprising how many intelligent people can long for it.” Stephen seemed to suddenly be struck by a thought, “Oh, this is priceless!” He chuckled to himself.
“What is?” Charlotte asked.
“I have just thought of a perfect solution,” Stephen said smugly. “One that will give you the protection of not only one Lord of the realm, but two. He won’t be happy about it though, which is even better.”
Charlotte was not reassured by Stephen’s words, “What are you suggesting?”
“An acquaintance of mine has recently married a young lady who would love you. She is out of the ordinary, but I know she would be willing to help. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it sooner, Elizabeth would be perfect, or Lady Dunham as she is now,” Stephen said. He was confident that Elizabeth would lend her support to the situation; she was the only genuinely decent person he knew.
“And Lord Dunham?” Charlotte asked, referring to Stephen’s glee about his acquaintance not liking the scheme.
“Oh, he’ll do whatever Elizabeth wants, he’s besotted with her!” Stephen responded dismissively.
“I don’t know....” Charlotte said, not convinced by Stephen’s words.
“It’s the best option you have and they live in Somerset, on the Dunham estate. Elizabeth hates London, so they rarely visit and the friends they have do not mix in the usual circles,” Stephen explained patiently. “It will take us a few days to get there; I shall write and let them know of your predicament.”
“Are you sure?” Charlotte was still unconvinced, but was interrupted by a sudden outburst from Stephen.
“Oh damnation!” He said roughly.
“For someone who criticised my language last night, you are doing a good job of being gutter mouthed in my presence sir,” Charlotte said primly, but there was a twinkle in her eye.
Stephen grinned at her words. “It’s not becoming for a young lady to use foul language, but as there is no hope for me, it’s irrelevant.”
“A poor response, sir, if I may say so! I’ve already come to expect so much more of you,” Charlotte replied. She was not truly offended; in fact it was a compliment that he was comfortable enough to say such things to her.
“Sorry to have disappointed you, but you need to be aware that I try my best to disappoint when possible. I’ve always found that life is far easier if people have few expectations of one,” Stephen responded lightly.
Charlotte guessed that the words held a lot of information about the way this man lived. He seemed to want to make sure that no one was close to him. It was an odd way to live, a trifle cold perhaps, but she only had to remember that kiss for all thoughts of him being cold to fly out of her head. She tried to get herself back under control.
“So why the outburst?” she asked.
“We shall have to travel on the road for days. We can take the maid with us for respectability, but we need a story, and you need clothes,” Stephen explained.
“Oh,” Charlotte responded dejectedly. The reality of travelling half way across the country and needing to show respectability sinking in.
Walter had entered the room, bringing a morning tea tray as was usual. Stephen usually needed numerous cups of tea before being able to face the world; he swore tea helped him combat the excesses of his evening pursuits. The conversation had increased the butler’s curiosity even more, but he was a servant employed to help, not ask questions.
When the conversation seemed to grind to a halt, the butler coughed slightly, unable to stop himself being of help. “If I may interrupt my Lord?”
“You’ve never asked permission before, go ahead,” Stephen responded. Charlotte glared at him for his sharp words. “Oh don’t worry about Walter; he has the hide of a rhinoceros, don’t you?” Stephen asked pleasantly.
“I find it serves me well in the more difficult employment I have undertaken over the years,” Wal
ter replied straight faced.
“See?” Stephen asked Charlotte. “No respect at all.”
Charlotte was reassured that Stephen was not mistreating his staff. “I’ve always believed that respect has to be earned,” she responded, for which she received a smile from both Stephen and Walter.
“Right! Now that my character has been destroyed by you both, would you like to get to the point, Walter?” Stephen asked pleasantly.
“Certainly sir. I was just going to suggest that Lord Dunham had perhaps asked you to escort Lady Dunham’s cousin to their abode.”
Stephen thought through the proposal and then smiled at the butler. “I knew there was a reason I employed you. Excellent idea Walter! No one knows Lady Dunham well; she was raised in the north, so they won’t know her family. We can say I collected you from school; even those who think the worst of me would know I wouldn’t prey on a schoolgirl,” Stephen mused.
Charlotte’s heart sank a little at Stephen’s words, but she spoke normally. “That would make a good story, but it doesn’t solve the problem about my luggage.”
Walter coughed a little again.
“Go on,” Stephen said, rolling his eyes at his butler.
“If you would excuse me again my Lord, you have, ahem, used the services of modistes in the past, for, ahem, gifts for some of your friends. Perhaps one would care to visit and obtain Miss Webster’s measurements. Usually there are some items that can be obtained quickly.” It was obvious that Walter was uncomfortable betraying some of his master’s lifestyle in front of Charlotte, but he had offered another solution.
Stephen looked stony faced, but responded calmly, “Yes, another good idea. Could you send for the most discreet of them, and arrange for a full respectable wardrobe to be provided?” Walter nodded and left the room to send a message.
Charlotte had no right to be annoyed or jealous. He was a grown man, who hardly knew her. She knew she did not have any rights, but if that was the case, why did she feel so desolate, annoyed and jealous at the same time? She could not stop herself making a comment. “I would prefer not to receive the services of a modiste who is used to supply ladies of a certain profession, if you don’t mind!” she said haughtily.
Stephen had not wanted his life aired in front of Charlotte like that, even though it was for a good enough cause. For some strange reason, he wanted her to think well of him. Her words angered him though and he responded sharply. “I’m a single man, who enjoys the single life to the full. Something which you should be thankful for, or else you would be on your way to a forced marriage by now!” he snapped.
Charlotte flushed. “I shall always be grateful for what you have done, and are doing to help me, but don’t expect me to rejoice when I am put in the same category as a lightskirt!” she snapped in return, sounding as angry as Stephen had.
“No, you are better than that,” Stephen sneered. “No lightskirt I have ever known has dragged me into a room and demanded to be kissed. You my dear, are definitely from a different category.”
Charlotte gasped and flushed a deep red. Her eyes stung because Stephen had voiced the sentiments which had haunted her before she had even carried them out. She was a doxy, and pretending otherwise left her open to such ridicule, as had just been shown.
Charlotte stood with as much grace as she could muster, she did not look at Stephen, but said “Excuse me please, My Lord,” in a shaking voice and left the room.
Chapter 5
Stephen did not see Charlotte for the remainder of the morning. He was aware that a modiste had arrived, but confined himself to his study. He was angry with himself at his outburst. He had had no right to have responded to her like that, and she had not deserved it. She was a young girl and he had to keep reminding himself of that. Her verbal sparring made him forget it; she seemed so much older than her years. Yes, that had been explained with her being brought up with her uncle, but that did not excuse Stephen for forgetting just how young she actually was.
Being remorseful was new to him; he normally didn’t care enough about anyone for remorse to ever have an impact. There were few people around him with whom he was very friendly, and even fewer that he would make any effort for. He had once tried to get close to his friend, Elizabeth, but she had wanted more than he could give her. She was one of those fools looking for love. Stephen checked himself, he did not think she was a fool; she was one of the brightest people he knew. She could make any evening interesting, and he knew that she would welcome Charlotte into her home without judgement.
The pair met for their evening meal. Stephen had considered going out, but then acknowledged that he would be acting like a petulant child, going to his club to sulk. The reality was he did not want to eat humble pie, but knew he must.
Charlotte came into the room in the same outfit that she had worn all day. “Please excuse my lack of an evening dress,” she said apologetically. “Madame DuPont says that she will have everything sent around first thing in the morning.”
“Good,” Stephen responded. “Charlotte....”
“Before you say anything,” Charlotte interrupted. “I have an apology to make. I should not have said what I said this morning. You were right, you are single and entitled to live your life as you please, I had no reason to react the way that I did, especially as your lifestyle has saved me from being forced into a life I could not have borne.”
Stephen laughed, “I can’t cope with the reasonable, understanding Charlotte. I do not know what to say to her when she appears. I much prefer the fiery Charlotte. I also have to admit my own wrongdoing this morning. I behaved like a brute and I apologise. Now can I have the bane of my life back? I have missed her today,” he said with one of his winning smiles. His words were true though, he had missed her company.
Charlotte grinned at him, “Oh she’s never far from the surface.”
“Excellent,” Stephen responded. “Now if we get your clothes tomorrow morning, we can leave before lunchtime.”
“I will need to pay you back at some point. I would be grateful if you kept a record of all the expense I incur and when I secure a position I will repay you every farthing,” Charlotte said with a blush. Stephen was a stranger to her after all and it embarrassed her to owe him so much.
Stephen grunted, “Let’s just say that to have spoiled Kersal’s scheme, of which I will do more once I see you settled and out of his reach, will enough recompense for me.”
“But....” Charlotte responded.
“No buts, I have enough money to be able to afford a few dresses and a trip to Somerset. Ask one of my lightskirts if you don’t believe me,” Stephen responded in a way that would hopefully kill any argument. It did, all Charlotte wanted to do was pour her food over his head for reminding her that he had been with other women, many other women, but she forced herself to sit still.
*
The following day, they set-off as planned, with Stephen and Charlotte in the first carriage. The luggage, Maggie and Stephen’s valet Lowe, in the second carriage. Charlotte had insisted that they did not need two carriages, the thought of the expense shocked her, but Stephen had told her quite firmly that on no account was he going to travel in anything but his usual style.
The further they travelled from London, the more lightheaded with relief Charlotte felt. She had thought she had been relaxed while in Stephen’s house, but as they travelled she realised she had still been on edge. It was not that she doubted Stephen; it was just being in the same city as Baron Kersal and his acquaintances had preyed on her mind.
Stephen was perfectly at ease on the journey. He had good company, a vision of beauty to look at, and was in good spirits because of the anticipation that he was going to annoy Lord Dunham immensely. He had been an acquaintance of Dunham’s for a few years, since Dunham had unexpectedly come into his title. He had become friends with Stephen because they had both been chased by women who wanted become their respective wives. They also had similar cynical outlooks on life. He did wo
nder if Dunham had mellowed since his marriage. He had been handy with his fists in the past, something of which Stephen still had all too clear memories. If Michael became very upset at Stephen’s sudden arrival he would have to brace himself for another fight. This time though the shoe was on the other foot, it was Stephen who was protecting the girl, not Michael.
The thought struck Stephen as hilarious. Who would have ever thought he would be acting as a self-appointed protector to an innocent? Certainly not anyone in his circle of acquaintance. It even struck Stephen as strange, but he was not prepared to let her put herself at risk. He would be fine once he knew she was safe, then he would return to London and everything would return to normal, he hoped.
Each night that they stopped at an inn, separate rooms were obtained, as was proper. Maggie slept in the same room as Charlotte; Stephen had given her strict instructions that she was not to leave her alone, no matter what the reason was. He wanted to make ensure her reputation was intact and although he thought that she was safe from any of Baron Kersal’s cronies, he wanted to be sure.
On the fourth day of travel, when Stephen was questioning his sanity, they entered the drive of Dunham Park. Charlotte became fidgety. “Are you sure this is the right thing to do?” she asked looking out of the window.
“Shouldn’t you have asked me that before we set-off from London?” Stephen asked dryly.
“Oh, be quiet with your smart retorts, you know what I mean!” Charlotte responded in exasperation.
“You will like Elizabeth and she will like you. There is no need to worry,” Stephen reassured her, suppressing the grin that her words had caused.
They were greeted at the door by a footman and then the butler took them into the large Jacobean building. Its deep red brick looked warm in the afternoon sunshine, but the large building did nothing to calm Charlotte’s nerves. She felt Stephen’s hand on the small of her back.
“Relax, tiger; it will be fine,” he assured her in a quiet voice.
An Inconvenient Trilogy - Three Regency Romances: Inconvenient Ward, Wife, Companion - all published separately on Kindle and paperback Page 24