Ginny raised her eyebrows and stared back. When he still didn't complete his sentence, she asked, “What?”
Oliver turned his head and covered his eyes in dismay. If they were to be partners, Sarah definitely needed to learn to help him out.
“What were the two of you discussing?” Lady Weston asked, a touch of impatience in her voice.
Oliver continued to look at her imploringly. Finally, after she felt he'd been tortured enough, she said, “Honestly, mother, we were discussing our marriage. As in, where we should get married. Oliver here wants some huge affair, where we invite half of London. I, on the other hand, wished for something smaller, more intimate.” At the last part, she looked at her fiancé, smiling the whole time.
His murderous look was worth every word. Clearing his throat, he said, “But, in light of the situation, I am afraid that a huge affair would be out of the question. I shall obtain a special license this week and we can be married as soon as we return to London.”
Lady Weston, who had perked up at the mention of a huge wedding, suddenly looked down-trodden. “But, my lord, is that really necessary? After all, it was only I who witnessed you leaving Sarah's room. We can keep it all hushed up until the Banns are read and a proper wedding is planned.”
Looking appropriately contrite, Oliver said, “I am ever so sorry, my lady, but I have already informed Lord Townshend of the circumstances. He will be speaking to his dear mother about it soon enough, as he has already left for London. And even if he does not give her the details, I am sure she will surmise something about it. You know how Lady Townshend loves a juicy bit of gossip.”
“But... but...” was all Lady Weston could manage. Her dreams of a large society wedding were slipping through her fingertips. “You must formally ask Sarah's father before any wedding can take place. You need to decide on the settlement.”
“Indeed I do. I was going to return to London a couple of days early and discuss the particulars with your husband.” Leaning forward conspiratorially, Oliver added, “A woman of your grace could easily put together a beautiful wedding in no time at all, my lady. I have all the faith in the world that you will make our wedding the special day it deserves to be.”
A snort sprang from Ginny's mouth that she easily covered into a cough. The truth was she could care less, even more than at any other time in this storyline. Grand wedding or small chapel, it made no difference. Either way, she was going to have to sleep with the man sitting next to her. And after the garden the night before and their moment at the lake, she knew it wouldn't be too difficult.
“I am sure that your friend would not reveal such a confidence to his gossiping mother, my lord. I would wager that Lady Townshend will not even be surprised by the announcement of your wedding.”
“You are most likely correct, my lady, but what if someone else had spied us in the hallway? If we are not married immediately, it could spell certain doom for your daughter's reputation.”
“But... but...” Sarah's mother was back to sputtering, so Ginny took that as her cue to leave.
“Well, mother, if you don't mind, I'm going to find Charlotte and Penelope and deliver the news. Good day, Lord Conway .” Her returned emphasis brought a small giggle to her lips. There was just something so fun about baiting someone else's mother. Standing to leave, Oliver stood as well and followed her out of the room.
When they were a safe distance away, he whispered, “I desire a large wedding, do I?”
Laughing, Ginny replied, “Yeah, that was pretty great, huh? I imagine that next time you'll not try to put me on the spot, will you?”
Pulling his fiancée into a dark corner where no one would see them, he promptly covered her mouth with his own. It didn't take much coaxing before Ginny was running her hands up his soft, blue coat and around his neck. When her tongue participated with the same vehemence as his own, he knew he was in serious trouble. His denied passion was coming back to life. As much as he wanted to, Oliver knew he would not take her in the open hallway.
Before he could lose all sense and control, he pulled away, shaking a finger before her face. Tsking his beautiful bride, he said, “Shame on you, my sweet. Tempting me could get you in a great deal of trouble.”
“Oooh, my lord. Do you mean that we might have to get married?” she asked, with a sweet voice she would normally reserve for babies and animals.
Brushing her cheek with his hand, he asked desperately, “Do you think I may come to your room again tonight?”
Feeling particularly naughty, Ginny brushed his obvious erection with her hand as she sidled past him. Over her shoulder, she whispered, “Perhaps,” before continuing down the hallway in search of her friend and sister.
In response, Oliver banged his head against the wall, nearly unsettling a painting hanging there. Whispering to himself, he said, “That girl will be my death, I swear.” When she was out of sight, he walked back to his room to try and control his baser self. Not to mention, avoid any contact with anyone who would witness his obvious shame.
********
Ginny found Charlotte and Penelope among the rose vines. Although they walked together, they seemed separate. Neither spoke to the other, as if they only tolerated each other until Sarah arrived. And when she did, both seemed to come to life.
“Sarah, wherever have you been?” came from Charlotte.
“We have combed the gardens and house looking for you,” said Penelope, her words tripping over Charlotte's.
Looking from one to the other, Ginny said, “I went riding with Lord Conway this morning. We only got back a few minutes ago. We had to talk to mother and now here I am.”
“Talk to mother? About what?” Charlotte asked, her eyes brightened by the possibility that her little sister might finally be getting married.
Rolling her eyes again, demonstrating that part of Sarah's eighteen year old personality still existed, Ginny said, “As if you couldn't guess.”
A bright smile beamed across Charlotte's face for the first time that day. Her own petty problems were so insignificant when compared to her sister's happiness. “I am overjoyed to hear it, dearest.”
Penelope, who was also happy for her friend, said, “That is joyous news, Sarah. Will you have a grand affair, do you think?”
Spotting some of the other guests close by, Ginny directed both girls along the path to talk in private. “It will be a quick wedding, since mother caught Oliver leaving my room last night.”
Both girls stopped and stared at her in utter amazement. It was one thing to be caught in a scandalous position, but to be so open about it was unheard of. Sarah didn't even sound contrite, as though that kind of thing happened all the time. Which it did, but the victims of the scandal would rarely talk so much about it.
“Are you... Did he... Are you...” Charlotte kept beginning questions, but wasn't able to finish them. Penelope, who knew of Sarah's original plans, merely stood and remained silent. She still felt guilty for having ruined the evening for her friend, but now it appeared that she hadn't ruined it.
“No, Charlotte, we didn't share a bed. We were merely talking. When he left, neither of us was smart enough to check the hallway for other guests.” Ginny shrugged her shoulders as if it were no big deal and began walking again.
Penelope cast a glance to the ground and asked, “So, I did ruin your evening, didn't I?”
Putting an arm around her friend's shoulders, Ginny set out to ease her dismay. “Don't worry, Penelope. I was still pretty mad last night, but we talked it out today and everything is settled. We agreed to disagree over some things and he acknowledged my feelings on others. And he said that he wants to come back tonight.”
Gasping, Charlotte said, “You shall be married shortly, surely you can wait.”
“Relax, Charlotte. Don't have a cow or anything over it.”
“What?” she asked at Ginny's vernacular.
“Don't let my impetuous behavior upset you. We will be married soon so no one will be the
wiser.”
Before Charlotte could respond, Penelope's father walked over and retrieved Penelope for her mother. Ginny called out that they would talk later. Penelope was barely able to acknowledge her reply as her father dragged her back toward the house. Alone with her sister, Ginny was finally able to question her about what happened with her and Mr. Richter.
Blushing, Charlotte responded, “I will not discuss anything specifically, but...” The flush to her cheeks deepened and she looked away from her sister before saying, “It was truly magical.”
Ginny held her tongue. There was no doubt that the sex was good, but magical? One of the best things about romance novels was their ability to make everything magical.
“So, you and Mr. Richter are planning another night,” Ginny asked, wrapping her arm around her sister's and continuing their journey through the garden.
“I have yet to see him this morning, so I cannot say.”
Ginny heard a vulnerable tone to her sister's voice. Could it be that she feared that he didn't enjoy it as much as she did?
“I have no doubt that Mr. Richter has overslept this morning after such an evening. I'm sure you'll see him soon. Maybe he's in the music room practicing for his performance this week.”
“Perhaps,” she said, while avoiding looking at her sister.
“What's really bothering you, Lottie?”
Charlotte dragged her sister to a small bench in the garden. Considering her thoughts carefully, she said, “Do you think less of me for this, Sarah?”
Scrunching her face, Ginny answered, “Do I think less of you for taking a small piece of joy for yourself? For taking advantage of the attentions of a nice looking gentleman, who you also have something in common with? No, of course I don't, Lottie.”
Looking at her sister, Charlotte knew that Sarah was sincere, but she still couldn't shake her feeling of shame. She and Mr. Richter were not married, but had engaged in acts that were very specifically reserved for married couples.
“Do you think mother would be ashamed of me?” she asked, her voice meek.
Ginny, her ever honest self, replied, “Who cares?”
Looking shocked, Charlotte asked, “How can you say that?”
Ginny looked away for a moment, considering the best way to not only make her sister understand, but to get her to believe her as well. “Lottie, our mother has made a certain kind of life for herself. I don't know how she felt about your father, but I know how she feels about mine. Who would want to live like that? It must be unbearable at times, and yet, there she is, all smiles and charm. She's an actress, stuck in a crappy marriage where her only joy comes from trying to set me up in a marriage that she considers worthy. Why would I care what she thinks about how I live my life when I have absolutely no respect for how she lives hers?”
Glancing at her hands, Charlotte said, “She never forgave me for marrying Mr. Stevens. She had always wanted more for me.”
“And yet you were happy in the time you had together, right? You never regretted marrying him, did you?”
“No. I did love him. But he is so different from Wilhelm. Last night was like nothing I had ever had with my husband.” The honesty in her voice betrayed her. Ginny could clearly hear the pain there as well.
“So what, Lottie? They were different men. Of course they were going to be different in bed. That doesn't mean you didn't love your husband, just because you may have enjoyed how Wilhelm handles himself in bed.”
A bitterness crept into her voice when Charlotte responded. “It must have been from all the practice.”
Ginny laughed and Charlotte shot her a look of pure contempt. Enough so that Ginny immediately stopped. “Charlotte, he's a man. All they think about is sex. It's hormonal. They can't help it. So if some woman, and really, just about any woman, says she's willing, they will take advantage of it.”
“That's preposterous. What of love and tender feelings?”
If Ginny hadn't been so shocked, she would have laughed out loud again. Instead, she stared wide eyed at her older sister over her incredible naiveté. Biting her lip to prevent the giggle, Ginny set out to make her understand. “I have no doubt that there is something more than a biological need between you and Wilhelm, Lottie. But if you think that every man needs to have some sort of... connection to have sex with a woman... well... why would there be prostitutes?”
“What do you think he feels for me, Sarah?” Charlotte's eyes were searching hers, her voice was desperate.
“I don't know for sure, but I've seen the way he looks at you. And with so many willing rich women literally throwing themselves at him, he still took the time to seek you out. You weren't easy, Lottie, but he still wanted you.”
A small smile came upon her face slowly. Sarah was right. Wilhelm could have taken a easier path if all he wanted was sex. But he didn't. He took the time to woo her and spend time with her. As much as she enjoyed his touch, maybe there was something more between them.
Taking her sister's hand and giving it a tight squeeze, Charlotte said, “Thank you, Sarah. That does make me feel better.”
Returning her sister's smile, Ginny caught movement from the corner of her eye and turned her head to see the man himself approaching them. His face was pinched in what looked like worry and his steps were quick and sure. Ginny knew immediately that something was wrong.
Bowing before the two women, Wilhelm asked, “Pardon me, ladies, but may I have a private word with you, Charlotte?”
Before her sister could answer, Ginny jumped to her feet and said, “Yes, of course. I'll just pop back into the house and search out Penelope. I'll see you later, Charlotte. Good day to you, Mr. Richter.”
He bowed his head once more as Ginny walked back toward the house. Taking her seat, Wilhelm held a tattered letter in his hand. He was trying to smooth the missive out, with little success. Finally, when Charlotte thought she'd burst with curiosity, she asked, “What is it, Wilhelm? Not bad news, I hope.”
“Unfortunately, it is very bad news, Charlotte. My mother has written to say that my father is very ill. He could already be gone for all I know. I have arranged for passage out of Dover and will be leaving on high tide this evening.”
“Tonight?” she asked, her tone dire.
“Yes, Charlotte. You must see that I cannot stay. He is my father.” Wilhelm's voice was quiet, but desperate.
Suddenly, Charlotte realized how selfish she was being. “Of course you need to go, Wilhelm. If my father were still alive, I would feel the same way.”
It looked as though he wanted to ask her something, but before the words could leave his mouth, he turned away. Instead, he asked, “Did you enjoy last night, Charlotte?”
Nearly laughing, if only to keep from crying, she said, “I shall cherish the memory for the rest of my life.”
“As will I, Darling.”
Silence fell between them, both wanting to touch and be touched, but it wasn't possible with so many witnesses nearby. Putting on a brave face, Charlotte asked, “Will you not return someday? With your talent, many still clamor for your attention.”
Looking away, he answered, “It is uncertain. As I told you before, I hope to open a school. If my father dies, I will need to care for my mother.”
At that moment, Charlotte was certain she heard her heart breaking. Though she would not admit it, she had fallen in love with the man before her. And now, she would never see him again.
Standing up, she looked down at him as he slowly rose to his feet as well. “Goodbye, Wilhelm. I wish you safe travels.”
“Thank you, Charlotte.” Before walking away, he handed her a piece of paper. “This is my parent's address. It would mean much to me if you wrote. I shall like to know how you are doing?”
“I shall. I promise,” she said, praying that he would walk away before he saw her break down. As it was, she was trying to plan her escape to a quiet corner of the garden, so she could cry in peace.
As if he'd read her mind, he turned on
his heels and walked back toward the house. With each step he took, Wilhelm felt he'd missed a great opportunity. He would have asked her to join him, but she was a proper lady and he wouldn't ruin her reputation by allowing her to travel with him alone. She deserved more than Wilhelm had to offer.
Charlotte simply watched him disappear into the house. Turning around herself, she found a small shed in the corner of the garden, where she disappeared behind it and cried until she had no tears left.
********
Ginny found Penelope in the middle of a group of old ladies, looking miserable and bored. It was a classic scene of desperate dowagers discussing how to get their daughters married off. Why Penelope was being made to suffer through it was beyond Ginny's understanding.
A Lesson in Friendship Page 22