Her hair had been expertly curled by Maggie and ringlets allowed to fall, framing her face and tickling her neck. Maggie had a wonderful technique of arranging her hair, so that it bounced as she walked. Elizabeth had given her a small necklace of silver chain with an emerald droplet. It was perfect for a girl not long into Society. Her apparel was completed with the pale green ribbon that secured her hair.
Charlotte smiled at herself; she looked every inch the lady, not a young girl virtually on her own in the world, and lucky to be in such fine surroundings. It still made her shudder to think how different her life could have been but for Lord Halkyn’s help. He would never realise how much happiness he had inadvertently brought her, she had never experienced family life such as she was now involved with every day, and she loved every moment.
She thanked Maggie and left her bed chamber. It was time to join Elizabeth, Michael, Violet and Edward in greeting the guests. She was nervous, but excited too. Her first ball, in such a fine house, with nearly all of the people she cared about most gathered around her.
*
The music struck up for the first dance and Charlotte was approached by Mr O’Hara. He led her onto the ballroom floor and they began their journey down the long set. They chatted when they met in the dance, mainly about the ball and those present. Charlotte knew her moment had to be chosen well. When they reached the bottom of the set and waited to rejoin the dance, Mr O’Hara changed the tone of the conversation slightly.
“You look beautiful tonight Miss Webster,” he said with a smile. He was dressed finely himself, a dark frock coat, contrasting with a royal blue waistcoat. His cream breeches and white stockings set off his outfit. With his dark hair and dark eyes, set against his pale complexion he looked every inch the fine gentleman he was.
“Thank you,” Charlotte said demurely. Compliments were always something she did not quite know how to respond to, not being used to receiving them.
“I am the luckiest man here tonight,” Mr O’Hara continued his flattery. “I can see all the others glaring daggers at me as we dance.”
Charlotte laughed. “I think you exaggerate, Mr O’Hara,” she said, dismissing his words.
“I don’t think so, I can almost hear their mutterings!” Mr O’Hara continued determined to woo his chosen one.
They rejoined the set and Mr O’Hara continued his bantering, sometimes making Charlotte laugh, sometimes making her groan at him. He pretended to take offence, but laughed when she appeared concerned that she had insulted him.
As the dance came to an end, he took Charlotte’s hand. “We have the next dance, but could I persuade you to miss it?”
“Of course, are you unwell?” Charlotte asked with concern.
“No, I would like to speak with you. I realise that I can’t take you out of the ballroom, but if we could sit by this window, I shall obtain some refreshments and we can take the opportunity of speaking without the interruption of the other dancers,” Mr O’Hara said, leading her to an empty chair.
Charlotte did not want a tete-a-tete, but she realised it may be the only opportunity to speak to him in relative privacy. The windows along the ball room were slightly inset, creating a small seating area in front of each window. As it was the early part of the evening, some of the windows were still closed, something that would change as the heat increased.
Charlotte sat compliantly and waited while Mr O’Hara gave instructions to a footman to bring them some wine. Charlotte was not sure about drinking wine, but the footman had disappeared before she could utter any objections. Mr O’Hara sat in the chair next to her; they were in full view of the ballroom, so it was perfectly acceptable.
“You do know that I want to take your hands, no I want to take you into my arms at this moment,” Mr O’Hara said, quietly enough that no one passing could overhear.
Charlotte blushed, but her voice was firm, “Mr O’Hara, I am not used to such talk, please let us not be silly and spoil what is promising to be a lovely evening.”
Mr O’Hara smiled, “You wish me to hide my feelings? Miss Webster ever since I have met you, I have wanted to shout them to the whole world, and I am not a man who is used to feeling so strong an emotion as this.”
They were interrupted by the footman returning with two glasses of wine. Charlotte grasped hers gratefully, all worries gone of drinking something that she was unused to, as she took a large gulp. Mr O’Hara’s words were making her slightly uncomfortable and panicked.
“Mr O’Hara, please do not utter such things!” she pleaded, after allowing herself a moment to get over the burning of the wine as it travelled down her throat.
“Why not? Why can I not be honest before the woman who I wish to address as something more than Miss Webster?” Mr O’Hara said.
“Because I do not return those feelings!” Charlotte said bluntly.
Mr O’Hara looked surprised, but not disheartened. “I realise I am being forceful with you, we have barely known each other more than a few weeks, but in time you could develop feelings for me. If we could make things more official, we don’t need to marry immediately, we could take our time.”
Charlotte finished off her wine quickly and placed her glass down on a conveniently placed side table. “Mr O’Hara, I’m flattered, I truly am, but I don’t wish to marry you, not now, or at any time in the future.”
“Give me time, that’s all I ask,” Mr O’Hara persisted.
Charlotte frowned, he was being too insistent, too intense for such a location, they were in a public place. People may notice. Her fears were confirmed when they were interrupted by Violet.
“Ah there you are my dear,” she said speaking to Charlotte. “Elizabeth would like to introduce you to a latecomer; he is hoping that you still have room on your dance card.”
Charlotte rose, feeling the effects of drinking a glass of wine quickly, but managed to remain composed. She was grateful for the opportunity to leave Mr O’Hara, she had been dismayed when she had seen his frown at the information that a guest wanted to dance with her. “Of course, please excuse us Mr O’Hara, I hope you enjoy the remainder of your evening.” She hoped by her words that he would get the message that she would not be seeking out his company again.
Violet linked her arm through Charlotte’s as they skirted the dancers. “I thought it time to intervene,” she said smiling at people as they passed.
“Thank you, it was most opportune,” Charlotte responded gratefully. “Mr O’Hara was becoming a little intense.”
“Yes, it looks like you have made a conquest there my dear,” Violet said happily.
“Unfortunately, he is not listening to the fact that I do not wish for him to be anything more than an acquaintance!” Charlotte said firmly.
“Oh, that’s a shame,” Violet replied. “He would have been such a suitable young man.”
“It appears that I still prefer someone who is most unsuitable,” Charlotte said sadly.
Violet patted her hand in sympathy. “Work hard to forget him, let the others have a chance to show what happiness they can offer. Excitement is fine, but marriage needs to be based on trust and affection. To not be happy in a marriage can make the soul wither and die; I have seen it happen time and again, please don’t let me see that happen with you, my dear.”
Charlotte sighed, “I know, I am trying honestly, just no one seems to compare to him.”
Violet handed Charlotte over to Elizabeth and was introduced to Mr Dawson, an old friend of Lord Dunham’s and a very dear one of Elizabeth’s. He seemed a pleasant gentleman and offered to take Charlotte in to supper when he realised her dance card was full. She agreed to this, as she had immediately warmed to this gentleman who would be staying with them for the coming week.
Charlotte put Mr O’Hara to the back of her mind as she danced with her other partners. They flirted and she laughed, not taking their words seriously, but in the spirit most of them had been given. She was realistic, she was not an heiress, so although she was a
popular dance partner, she would not been seen as a serious consideration by many of those gathered here. That was perfectly acceptable, she was not looking to marry. At least, no one from Somerset anyway.
Mr O’Hara appeared by her side when the supper gong was rung and was deeply offended that Charlotte would not be going into supper with himself, even though no arrangement had been made to this end previously. He glared at Mr Dawson as he held out his arm for Charlotte.
“It seems I should watch my behaviour tonight, or I am liable to be called out by your young man,” Mr Dawson said, good naturedly as they entered the crush of the supper room.
“He is not my young man,” Charlotte replied. “Until tonight, I thought he was very pleasant and amenable, but he is rapidly becoming the annoyance of the night,” she said with feeling.
Mr Dawson chuckled and shook his head. It seemed that Elizabeth had found herself a like minded friend, one who said exactly what she was feeling. When he had made sure that Charlotte was seated comfortably, he offered to get her a drink.
“Would you be kind enough to bring me a glass of wine?” Charlotte asked, with a faint blush at Mr Dawson’s raised eyebrow. “I really feel I need one after Mr O’Hara’s behaviour.”
Mr Dawson nodded and brought over two glasses and then returned to bring some food. Charlotte picked at the food while being entertained by Mr Dawson. He was very fond of Elizabeth and Lord Dunham, and took pleasure in telling Charlotte some of their earlier escapades, those which were suitable for a lady’s ears. She drank the wine and asked for another; the wine and Mr Dawson’s charm were making the night seem pleasant once more.
The dancing started again and Charlotte was entertained by her partner, she felt light headed, but freer, more open to the compliments and empty flirting, she found everything very funny. After two dances, she needed to sit down. She excused herself and sat in one of the window bays and watched the dancing. It was a lovely evening. She felt in need of something to drink, so skirted the edge of the dancing and made her way to the refreshment room. She could have sent a footman, but wanted to move around. The table was laid out, with a footman busy serving. She obtained a glass of wine and moved out of the room. She drank quickly; she was due to start another dance when the music ended.
Drinking the wine quickly soon turned out to be a mistake; Charlotte felt a little dizzy and instead of drawing attention to herself moved out into the hallway. She needed to sit were she could let the dizziness pass and compose herself, ready for her next partner.
She made her way to the morning room and was about to close the door when Mr O’Hara pushed his way in and closed the door behind him. Charlotte exclaimed in surprise, but Mr O’Hara spoke quickly.
“Shh, unless you want to bring half the house running,” he said quietly. “I just wanted to talk to you.”
Charlotte was silent, she was a little afraid. Her lack of experience putting herself at a disadvantage against an amorous man.
“I can’t leave you tonight with no hope of there being something between us,” Mr O’Hara said, touching Charlotte’s cheek gently. “I want to marry you Miss Webster; I want to spend the rest of my days looking after you.”
Charlotte closed her eyes; it would be so easy to say yes. She was sure that he meant his words; he was such a steady young man. She would be secure, she would be looked after, why could she not agree to the match and be done with it all?
Charlotte’s action of closing her eyes must have appeared as an encouragement because Mr O’Hara moved towards her, taking her in his arms. He bent his head to touch her lips with his, just as Charlotte opened her eyes in surprise at his movement. She stilled as he bent to kiss her, he was gentle, reverent almost, his eyes closed, savouring the moment.
The first instinct Charlotte had was to pull away with indignation at such forward behaviour, but she paused. Everyone was telling her to forget, to marry someone more suitable, to put her happiness first. So, instead of pulling away, she moved her arms around Mr O’Hara’s neck and pulled him towards her; just had she had done on that fateful day at Baron Kersal’s. Mr O’Hara groaned with pleasure at her movement and pulled her tightly to him, her breasts were pressed into his chest and he held onto her as if he would never let go. Charlotte responded to his kiss for a few moments and then slowly her movements stilled. She let go of his hair that she had been grasping and let her hands fall by her side.
Mr O’Hara pulled away at the change and rested his forehead on Charlotte’s, he was breathing deeply and his pupils were dilated. “What’s wrong?” he asked gently. “Have I pushed you too fast? You have made me so happy in the way you have responded, I hope you will see know how well we suit.”
Charlotte pulled away. “I am truly sorry,” she said simply. She was. She should not have used him in such a way, she had responded to his kiss to compare it to another’s and there could be no comparison. She had been completely spoiled by Stephen for anyone else.
Mr O’Hara looked confused. “I don’t understand, you acted as if you wanted my advances. Are you teasing me Miss Webster?” His tone had changed slightly, he sounded angry.
“I’m sorry,” Charlotte repeated. “I was not teasing; I was trying to force myself into liking you.”
Mr O’Hara flinched at her words. “You were trying to force yourself into liking me?” He said incredulously.
“I’m sorry,” Charlotte repeated quickly. “I’m not saying this correctly, I can’t seem to explain myself, but I didn’t want to hurt you.”
Mr O’Hara looked as if he was going to burst, but the morning room door opened and Lord Dunham and Mr Dawson walked in.
Lord Dunham took in the pair, a frown developing as he noticed Charlotte’s obvious distress and Mr O’Hara’s barely suppressed anger. “May I ask what is going on here?” he asked in general.
“I was making an offer, but I’ve been told clearly that it’s not welcome!” Mr O’Hara said bitterly.
“You have made a proposal to Miss Webster without seeking my consent first?” Lord Dunham asked calmly, but there was a reprimand in the words.
Mr O’Hara flushed. “I was going to seek your approval tomorrow!” he snapped.
“I suggest you visit me tomorrow, at the earliest opportunity,” Lord Dunham said.
Charlotte gasped at Lord Dunham’s words; he surely wouldn’t force her into a marriage with Mr O’Hara? The gentleman nodded his assent and left the room. Lord Dunham turned to Charlotte and although he noticed how pale she had gone, he was annoyed that she had put herself in such a position.
“I would have expected you of all people to be more aware of the dangers of putting yourself into a compromising situation, Charlotte,” Lord Dunham said with reproach.
Charlotte’s pale face was suffused with a blush of mortification. “I came in here because I was feeling dizzy. He forced his way in, but I did not insist he leave, and for that I am truly sorry.”
“You would have been if anyone else had seen you,” Lord Dunham said.
“Please my Lord, M-Michael,” Charlotte stuttered at the look she received from the man before her. “You aren’t going to force me to marry him are you? I know you could, but please.....”
“I suggest you return to the ball and enjoy the remainder of the evening, if you can,” Lord Dunham said with a more gentle tone. “We shall talk again in the morning.”
“That’s what worries me!” Charlotte said, but left the room.
Mr Dawson and Michael were left looking at each other; Mr Dawson had the ghost of a smile, hovering around his lips. Michael groaned, “Don’t you dare laugh John!” he said with feeling.
“It reminds me of when Elizabeth was introduced into your life,” John smiled at his friend.
“Yes, but this is worse, Charlotte is in love with Halkyn. I had hoped that Halkyn would come to his senses and realise what he had and make up for his previous mistakes, but it seems he is a bigger fool than I thought. He refuses to change his ways and the one he has hur
t is the one who cares for him the most. We’ve been hoping that for her sake she would be tempted by someone more suitable, but after tonight it doesn’t seem so,” Michael said with feeling.
“Oh good God, you’d better tell me more!” John said in mock horror.
Chapter 14
Laura came into the room looking wary and afraid. Stephen felt sorry for the woman, partly because of the support she had given to Charlotte. He walked across the room and embraced her, while he was holding her stiff body, he whispered in her ear.
“Do not worry, we are not going to harm you, but we need to speak to you, so please play along.” Laura relaxed into him at his words and Stephen let her go. He took her by the hand and made a big show of introducing her to Peters. “This is my relative, Alfred. He seems to think that we have been boring in our previous rendezvous my dear, I hope you will show him the contrary is true.” He squeezed her hand in reassurance and Laura seemed to understand.
She approached Alfred and wrapped her arms around his neck, nibbling on his jaw. “Oh yes, my Lord, we will certainly make sure that he goes out of here knowing exactly what sort of pleasure is available here.”
She started to unfasten Alfred’s frock coat and then helped him out of it. She lay the coat over the chair and then turned to Stephen. “You too my sweet,” she said playfully and helped him out of his frock coat. Both men were helped out of their waistcoats and then she took off their cravats. Both men allowed her to do as she wished. Once their cravats were gone, Alfred turned to Laura.
“On the bed, wench!” he said, not unkindly, but firmly. Laura looked a little worried, but Alfred moved across to her. He took her hands in his and pulled her towards him; he whispered something and then kissed her fully on the lips. Laura relaxed into Alfred and allowed herself to be picked up and carried to the bed. She opened the curtains slightly and clambered onto the mattress.
“Come on boys,” came the muffled voice behind the thick drapes. “Come and show me what you are made of.”
Both men climbed onto the bed and without making it obvious, made sure that the curtains were closed, ensuring no one could see in through them. The three made sure they moved around to create the illusion that they were engrossed in carnal pleasure. Stephen left it to Alfred to whisper to Laura the reason they were there. Her eyes had widened at the information, but she had turned to Stephen immediately.
An Inconvenient Trilogy - Three Regency Romances: Inconvenient Ward, Wife, Companion - all published separately on Kindle and paperback Page 31