by Dawn Brower
She shook her head. “I have not. The silence is worse than anything. They didn’t even yell at me after the incident. The disappointment in their gazes hurt far worse than anything I’ve ever experienced.” She took a deep breath. “I did write to them a few days ago. After I wrote to Elizabeth…I wanted to invite them to Aunt Seraphina’s birthday celebration.”
“So there is a chance they will be here soon.” Collin wasn’t certain how he felt about that. He hadn’t officially courted Lady Charlotte though he did want to. Meeting her parents might change everything. Would she be different with them around? Intimate moments between him and Charlotte might not happen as often. He enjoyed their solitary encounters. He would miss the quiet moments with her. “Will you return with them when they leave?”
“I couldn’t say,” she told him. “They may want me to stay here longer. It hasn’t been that long since my scandalous behavior.” Lady Charlotte wrinkled her nose. “In retrospect, that hadn’t been wise.”
He chuckled. “I have to concur; however, I did enjoy watching you ride through the park.”
“I don’t recall anyone from that day.” She picked at a blade of grass and pulled it from the ground. “My friend was with me. Then my parents, and aunt and uncle… After that, it was all a blur.”
Collin remembered that day with perfect clarity. It was when he realized how dire the estate manager had left his estate. “Lady Pearyn,” he said absentmindedly.
“Yes,” she said a little startled. “Are you acquainted with her?”
He shook his head. “Not at all. I’m more familiar with her fiancé.”
She let his jacket fall from her shoulders, and around her arms. “Pardon me,” she began. “You actually know the Duke of Partridgdon? I didn’t think anyone had an intimate acquaintance with His Grace.”
He should not have imparted that bit of information. As far as the ton was aware, the duke hadn’t come to England and didn’t correspond with anyone either. How would he explain his relationship to Cameron? Perhaps it was best to impart as much of the truth as possible. “We attended Eton together. He’s my earliest childhood friend, and we have been close since then.” He remembered when the duke had been forced into that engagement. It was the first time Cameron had gotten foxed, and then sick from all the brandy he’d imbibed. “I miss him.”
“I’m sorry,” Lady Charlotte said. “It must be difficult to have a friend absent from your life. I couldn’t imagine not having Lady Pear within reach. Perhaps he will return to England soon. Surely he must honor his engagement at some juncture.”
Not if Cameron could help it… “I suppose he must.” He’d likely stay hidden as long as he possibly could. “What does Lady Pearyn believe?”
Lady Charlotte shrugged. “I’m not certain if it matters to her. She’s lived her life as she pleases. She doesn’t need him for support. Her grandmother ensured she inherited a fortune in her own right. If she has her way, she’ll never marry, and she has no desire to be a duchess. So if the duke wishes to remain on a permanent tour of the world, she won’t much care.”
“How odd they both are.” Collin frowned. Perhaps he’d relay that information to Cameron the next time they crossed paths. The duke might be relieved to know his fiancée didn’t want to marry him any more than he wished to marry her. It might also have the opposite effect. It might irritate him enough to pursue her. It would be interesting to see what his friend might do with the information. “Do you wish to marry one day or do you have a similar belief as your friend.”
She didn’t answer right away. He held his breath, awaiting her reply. Collin hadn’t realized how important her answer was until that moment.
“I suppose one day, with the right gentleman, I’d be happy to be a wife.” She met his gaze and held it. “Until then, I’ll be like Lady Pear and enjoy my life as it is.” Lady Charlotte picked up his jacket and handed it to him. Then she stood. “This has been pleasant, and I hope we can do something similar in the future, but I’ve been away long enough. My aunt will be worried.”
Collin stood and folded his jacket over his arm. “Give her my regards.”
She nodded and then walked away. Collin glanced over at the swans. He’d have to order a book about them. He wanted to know if it was true they mated for life. A part of him also hoped Lady Charlotte was his swan, the one he’d been meant to find and give his heart to forever.
Chapter 8
The first day of May brought sunshine and warm breezes. It was a perfect day for a celebration. The entire village came to the Frossly estate to see the festivities. All the unmarried girls over ten and six could participate in the Maypole dance. Charlotte would be one of those girls. She couldn’t wait to participate in the spring ritual. The ladies in the sewing circle had assured her that she would have her requested red ribbon to dance with.
She dressed carefully in her gown for the event. It was a light red gown, so pale the color could be considered blush, and made of muslin. The skirt was free flowing so it wouldn’t get tangled in her legs as she danced. Her shoes were flat black slippers that had ribbons that laced up her ankles.
After she finished preparing for the festivities, she left her bedchamber and descended the stairs. She went into the sitting room. Her Aunt Seraphina was already seated and sipping a cup of tea. “There you are, dear,” she greeted Charlotte. “Have some tea and scones before we depart.”
“I don’t think I could eat a bite.” She held her hand over her stomach. “I’m too nervous.” The sensations dancing in her stomach had been present since she had awakened. “I will have some tea though. It might soothe me.” Charlotte picked up the teapot and filled a cup. She took a sip and sighed. “This is perfect.”
“Pardon me, Lady Seraphina,” Mrs. Simms, the housekeeper said. “But there is someone here to see Lady Charlotte.”
Who could it possibly be? Lord Frossly? No, she’d see him later at the ceremony. Everything was being held on his estate, after all. Though she couldn’t help hoping the earl had come to see her. They had grown closer over the past several weeks, and she had feelings for him she no longer could deny.
“Bring them in,” her aunt told the housekeeper. “They may as well have tea before we leave as well.”
“Very well, my lady,” Mrs. Simms said. She curtsied and then left the sitting room.
After a few moments, Mrs. Simms led a lady to Charlotte and her aunt. A lady that Charlotte was happy to see... “Pear,” she exclaimed, and then rushed to her friend’s side. “Why didn’t you tell me that you planned to visit?” Charlotte had intended to invite her, but had forgot to send it in all the preparations. Her friend wore a dark green day gown trimmed in white lace. Pear’s dark hair was pinned in a simple knot at the back of her head. She hadn’t bothered with a bonnet. Something she might regret later after she was out in the hot sun all day.
“I wished to surprise you,” Pear said and then hugged Charlotte. She stepped back. “This dance you’re participating in sounds riveting. I don’t suppose I can join in on the fun.”
“I’m afraid not,” Aunt Seraphina said. “We don’t have a ribbon on the pole for you to claim. Perhaps next year you can visit again and participate.”
Pear turned to Lady Seraphina and smiled. “I may do that. Is that tea?” she asked and rushed over to the tea cart.
“It is,” Lady Seraphina replied. “Would you like a cup?”
“I’m parched,” Pear said. “I swear nothing but dust filled the air on the way over here. Is it always so dry here in Peacehaven?” She picked up a cup and filled it with tea. She downed it in one gulp. “Oh, that is good. Excellent tea.”
“Did you even taste it?” Charlotte asked, a little appalled at her friend’s lack of manners.
“Of course I did,” she replied. “I said it was excellent, didn’t I?” Pear lifted a brow. “Why are you acting so…judgmental?”
Charlotte didn’t know what was wrong with her. The anxiety flowing through her was making her
a little shrewish. She would have to rein in the desire to snap at everyone. The dance would be fine. She would do all right. There was no need to worry about how it would all turn out. She’d ridden through Hyde Park in breeches. This couldn’t be any worse than that. If she could handle the stares during that scandalous behavior, surely she could make it through something not nearly as disreputable.
“Please accept my apology. I am glad you are here, and I don’t mean to be sharp with you. Sit. Drink more tea and eat some scones. Cook makes wonderful pastries too. I can see if she has more of them prepared.”
“No,” Pear said and waved her hand dismissively. “I do not wish to eat. The tea will suffice for now.” She poured more into her cup and then took a seat. “Now, tell me more about these May Day celebrations.”
Charlotte hoped Pear wouldn’t start talking about the ball and birthday plans they had for later. She wanted to ensure Aunt Seraphina would be surprised. “There are games, booths with food, and of course the Maypole dance. Oh, and there will also be a play enactment for everyone, though I’m not certain what type of performance they will have for us.”
“I’m sure it will be entertaining, whatever it is,” Pear replied. She sipped her tea. “You look lovely and that dress is quite pretty. Did you have it made for the dance?”
She reminded herself to breathe. Pear was not referring to the ball but the Maypole dance. “I did.” She twirled around. “It’s so light and the skirt floats nicely don’t you think?”
“It is beautiful, and so are you, dear,” Aunt Seraphina said. “You will dance wonderfully today.”
Charlotte smiled at her aunt. “Thank you.”
“When do we have to leave?” Pear asked. “I must admit I’m getting a bit excited myself. I don’t usually venture to far from London. There is so much to do there. I am glad I came though. I missed my friend and if I didn’t make the trip I wouldn’t see you for months.”
“I missed you too.” Charlotte hadn’t realized how much until that moment. “We have to leave soon. I planned on walking over, but Aunt Seraphina is taking the carriage. It’s too far for her. Would you rather ride in the carriage or leave with me?”
Pear set her empty teacup down. “I’d prefer to stroll. The exercise will do me good.” She stood. “Why don’t we leave now? It will give us time to talk.”
“Go ahead, dear,” Aunt Seraphina said. “I’ll join you later.”
Charlotte hugged her aunt and then turned to Pear. “I’m ready.”
They left the sitting room and started the trek to the Frossly estate. She couldn’t help wondering what the earl was doing. Would he be outside? What would he think of Pear? She shook all thoughts of him out of her mind. She intended to focus her attention on her friend. Lord Frossly had no place in her mind at the moment.
Collin stared at the stage the workers were putting the final touches on. The rest of the structures were complete for the May Day celebrations. Long ribbons had been tied to the pole for the dance later that afternoon. The kitchen had been bustling with activity for the past few days, preparing for the dinner. His ballroom had been completed the day before and the musicians had come to set up for the evening’s activities. He couldn’t wait to see Lady Charlotte and show her everything he’d managed to finalize before the May Day festivities. He hoped she would arrive early.
His fascination with her had become close to an obsession. When he woke each morning, his first thoughts were of her, and at the end of each day he wished she was with him. Collin had wanted her since the moment she first came to his attention. That day in Hyde Park, she’d piqued his interest and had remained there. He had wanted to wait to court her properly; however, he realized fast that he couldn’t. Collin feared if he didn’t act soon he could lose her. She wouldn’t be in Peacehaven forever. She’d return home or to London and then… What if she decided to allow another gentleman to court her? He couldn’t allow that to happen if he could help it.
“Pardon me, milord,” Mr. Robbins said as he approached. “The stage is completed. Everything is ready for the celebration, and the men wish to know if they can have the rest of the day off to participate.”
“Of course,” he said. There could be no more construction work with all the villagers at his estate. “Tell them to enjoy the day.”
Mr. Robbins nodded and then left to tell the men the good news. Though Collin should have told them himself earlier. He was becoming lax in his duties. The men all dispersed, leaving the area clear of activity, but not for long. Some of the villagers wandered over in groups. Several of them were girls that would be participating in the Maypole dance. They had their heads together as they talked and occasionally erupted in giggles. Sometimes he didn’t believe he’d ever been that young.
“Lord Frossly,” Mrs. Simpson, one of the town’s matrons said she walked toward him. “Everything looks wonderful. I wanted to tell you again how much we appreciate you doing this.”
“It was my pleasure,” he replied cordially. The yearly festival had been one of the better memories from his childhood. “This is my home, and I want to continue the traditions my family had always honored in the past.”
“You are a good man,” Mrs. Simpson said, and patted him on the arm. “Now I must go supervise the young girls and prepare them for the dance.”
Most of the ladies had congregated around the pole. A few gathered nearby the pole but hadn’t moved over yet. In the distance, he noticed two ladies heading toward it but at a leisurely pace. He narrowed his gaze and smiled. One of those two ladies wasn’t far from his thoughts—Lady Charlotte.
They were deep in thought, Lady Charlotte and her companion. Collins wasn’t certain who the other lady was. He probably wouldn’t have known Lady Charlotte if he hadn’t memorized every detail about her. They walked over to the pole and Lady Charlotte lifted a bright red ribbon. The other lady threw her head back in a loud throaty laugh. It was then he recognized her….Lady Pearyn Treedale. At least this time he wasn’t in the company of her absent fiancé, so he could meet her properly. Lady Charlotte dropped the ribbon, and they wandered away from the pole.
Collin strolled over to their side. He stopped when he reached them. “Lady Charlotte,” he said as he nodded at her. “Are you ready for the dance?”
“I am,” she answered. Lady Charlotte turned to her friend. “Have you been introduced to Lady Pearyn Treedale? Pear, this is Lord Frossly. The festivities are being held on his estate.”
“I haven’t had the pleasure.” He met Lady Pearyn’s gaze. “I hope you are enjoying your visit to Peacehaven.”
“My closest friend is here,” Lady Pearyn said. Her tone had a matter-of-fact lilt to it. “Any place she is, I’m bound to like. It couldn’t be any other way.”
Up close, Lady Pearyn was quite lovely. She had inky black hair and eyes that nearly sparkled with mischief. He didn’t know much about her, but the little he did he couldn’t help thinking his friend was missing something extraordinary. The next time he spoke with the duke he’d tell him that too.
More villagers had wandered over to the pole. They were all preparing to watch the dance. Mrs. Simpson clapped her hands. “Girls,” she yelled. “It’s time. Please come to the pole and pick up your designated ribbon.”
“That would be me,” Lady Charlotte said. She focused her attention on Collin. “Please stay with Lady Pearyn while I am dancing. She doesn’t know anyone here, and I’d hate for her to be alone.”
“You need not worry about me,” Lady Pearyn told her. “I’m all right by myself. It wouldn’t be the first time.” How often was she forced to be alone? That was…sad. Cameron was an arse. He should have come home and claimed his fiancée a long time ago, or at least set her free. Collin felt bad for Lady Pearyn.
Lady Charlotte hugged her friend. “Stay with Lord Frossly. I’ll be back here before you have time to miss me.”
With those words, she wandered off to take her place around the pole. Lady Pearyn came to stand directly b
eside him. “You have feelings for her,” she said.
“Pardon me?” he asked, startled by her words.
“You don’t need to confirm them.” She folded her arms over her chest. “It is enough that you realize I recognize it.” Lady Pearyn glanced at him. “Don’t wait to tell her. Charlotte had this idea that she needs to be independent. She wouldn’t survive alone, and I believe she returns your feelings. It might not be overly obvious, but I know my friend. Give her the freedom to love you and pursue her dreams, and you both will have happy lives.”
Collin wasn’t certain what to make of her advice. He wanted to marry Lady Charlotte, had grown fond of her over the past several weeks, but he couldn’t be certain she felt the same. “I’ll consider it.” He couldn’t say anything else.
They both turned their attention to the dance. Lady Charlotte laughed as she pranced and twirled with the red ribbon in her arms. Collin prayed Lady Pearyn was right. He couldn’t imagine not having Lady Charlotte in his life.
Chapter 9
The dance around the pole had invigorated Charlotte. She couldn’t recall the last time she’d enjoyed something that much. Now it was evening and the ball would commence. She’d had a dress made special for that night. The seamstress in town had to work all week to complete it in time. It was a vibrant red silk with a lace ribbon embroidered with flowers around the waist. The bodice hugged her bosom and had been trimmed with tiny seed pearls. She’d styled her blonde locks in a loose knot and let some of her curls lay lose to frame her face. She borrowed a long rope of pearls from her Aunt Seraphina and looped them around her neck. She slipped on her matching red slippers, and then slid on her white gloves. Charlotte was ready. She wanted to arrive early to ensure everything was ready for Aunt Seraphina’s birthday celebration.