“Yes. Much to my surprise, I find marriage agrees with me. Once we are passed the blasted court hearing—which is tomorrow—my wife and I will be able to return to Bath where we both prefer to be.”
“I find I must agree with you. I was never fond of London, and only come during the Season to make a necessary appearance in Parliament.”
The waiter approached their table, pen and pad in hand. “What will please you this morning, gentlemen?”
“I will have a full breakfast. With plenty of tea.” Carter nodded at Grayson. “Same for you, I assume?”
“Yes. I am quite hungry this morning. Except make mine coffee instead of tea.”
Once the waiter was on his way with their order, Grayson said, “Anything of interest pop up while I was on my wedding trip?”
“No. I have the papers with me that my man of business drew up for our consideration on this new shipping contract.” Carter leaned over and picked up his satchel and withdrew several papers. “It’s all there.” He handed the papers to Grayson.
Grayson looked over the documents, asking a question or two as the waiter placed two plates of beans, eggs, sausage, bacon, fried tomatoes, fried mushrooms, and toast in front of them. The aroma from the food smelled wonderful and Carter was anxious to partake.
The papers were put aside as the men dug into their food, the conversation consisting of compliments on their meal. Once they were finished, and the empty plates removed, Carter pulled his teacup closer, rested his forearms on the table, and looked over at Grayson. “Tell me what you know about Miss Danvers.”
Carter noted that Grayson did not seem surprised. “Addie’s friend?”
“Yes.”
Grayson leaned back in his chair. “So, my wife was correct. There is interest there on your part.”
Carter sighed. “Yes. I am not afraid to state there is a great deal of interest. The woman fascinates me, and after all these years of dodging the marriage-minded mamas, I think wedding bells are on the horizon for me. At least I hope so.”
“My goodness,” Grayson said, a grin growing on his face. “It sounds as though you have it bad, my friend.”
Carter shrugged. “Indeed. It is a bit funny when you recall how adamant I’ve been about love at first sight and romance in general. However, I am not having an easy time of it with the young lady.”
Grayson swallowed a sip of coffee. “What seems to be the problem? Is the lady not interested?”
Carter shook his head. “That’s the issue. I’m quite certain there is interest there, but she is skittish, almost as if there is something in her background that frightened her.”
Grayson nodded his thanks at the waiter who poured more coffee into his cup. “I wish I could tell you more about Miss Danvers, but the only thing Addie has shared with me is that Miss Danvers had some sort of a break with her mother, who lives in London, and moved to Bath shortly thereafter.
“My wife also tells me that Miss Danvers is quite reluctant to attend any sort of public event, which Addie thinks has to do with her not wanting to be recognized.”
Carter leaned back; his brows drawn together. “How odd. Recognized, eh? She is a beautiful woman, and the time I’ve spent with her proves her to also be kind, witty, and quite intelligent. She was well educated in a private school in France.”
Grayson spread his fingers on the table and shrugged. “I wish I could give you more information, but that is all I know. To be honest, I don’t know for sure if Addie knows any more than that, either. Miss Danvers is a bit of an enigma.”
Carter finished his tea and placed his napkin on the table. “I am off this morning to catch the mid-morning rail back to Bath.” He pushed his chair back and stood.
“I wish I could have given you more information, but I’m afraid there isn’t much more to give. I agree that she is quite lovely, and her personality does seem charming. All I can say is that I wish you the best of luck with your pursuit of Miss Danvers.”
“Thank you. I really dislike going behind the woman’s back to gather information, but she is reluctant to discuss her personal life.”
They walked to the door and took their coats and hats from the doorman. Once they stepped out into the London foggy air, Carter said, “I wish you well with the hearing.” He finished buttoning his coat against the cold December air.
“As I wish you well with your courtship of Miss Danvers,” Grayson added.
On those words, they parted, and Carter hailed a hackney to take him to Paddington Station. Normally he would walk the less than three miles, but he didn’t want to miss the rail.
He considered his courtship of Miss Danvers. If it could be termed that. It was definitely a two steps forward, one step back situation. He knew without a doubt that she was attracted to him. Life experience had taught him that. But why she was holding back, and at times seemed almost frightened, baffled him, while at the same time raised his indignation on her behalf.
No matter how many times he considered her behavior, he always came back to members of the nobility. Something must have happened to her and another ‘gentleman’ that sent her running to Bath and hiding from the public. Perhaps the next time he was in London, he would drop her name and see if he could gather any information that way.
He was looking forward to the next day when he was to meet with Lottie and two of her students, Miss Waverly and Miss Dobson, both daughters of barons. They would be making their come-out in a couple of months when the Season began in London. Playing host to two giggling young ladies was not his idea of an interesting way to spend his afternoon, but if it gave him more time with Lottie, then he was happy to do it.
He spent the rail ride home to Bath thinking of various ways he could maneuver Lottie into attending a few social occasions. He didn’t mind biding his time if that’s what she needed to feel comfortable with him.
If only he knew what plagued the poor girl.
Lottie inspected Miss Dobson and Miss Waverly as they waited for Carter to arrive. He would escort them to the tea shop on Milsom Street. “Now remember all the etiquette I taught you, and please make polite conversation with Mr. Westbrooke.”
“Is he your beau, Miss Danvers?” Miss Waverly asked.
“Heavens, no.” Lottie felt a blush rise from her middle all the way to her hairline. “He is just a friend.”
“Mama said men and women could not be friends.” Miss Dobson added.
“I don’t wish to disparage your mother, Miss Dobson, but men and women can be friends. Mr. Westbrooke and I prove that.” She hated that she sounded so supercilious, but she did not want to think of Carter in any other role, and truth be known, she wasn’t entirely comfortable in the role of friends.
Before they could continue the discussion on male and female friends, there was a slight knock on her door. “That must be Mr. Westbrooke now. Remember your manners, girls. I will be watching you, and when it’s over I will let you know how you did.”
Lottie opened the door and as always, took in a deep breath at the sight of Mr. Carter Westbrooke. Handsome as ever, he wore a light charcoal pair of trousers, with a deep blue vest, white shirt, and black ascot. Over his jacket, he wore a warm dark coat of superfine wool.
Miss Dobson and Miss Waverly both giggled. Lottie shot them a stern look and they immediately stiffened and assumed the stance ladies of the ton were expected to affect in public. Aloof and a bit of ennui. But not too much for young ladies. They were still supposed to be excited about being at all the events they’d been banned from before they debuted.
“Ladies, you look wonderful.” Carter bowed and took Lottie’s hand first, then looked expectantly at the two girls.
“Ladies, may I make known to you, Mr. Westbrooke.” He bowed and Lottie continued. “Mr. Westbrooke, may I present Miss Dobson and Miss Waverly.” Both girls did a respectful curtsy which made Lottie very happy. She noticed they both blushed furiously when Carter took their hands and kissed the backs.
“Ladies, my car
riage awaits you. Shall we proceed?” Carter took Lottie’s arm and proceeded down the stairs with the two girls following behind them to his carriage.
He helped each woman in, then climbed in and tapped the ceiling of the carriage to signal the driver. Lottie nodded to Miss Waverly.
“Mr. Westbrooke, have you lived in Bath long?” The young girl managed to ask the question without blushing or giggling. Well done.
“Yes, Miss Waverly. I have been a resident of our fair town for quite some time. I assume this has been your home all your life?”
“Yes. My parents preferred to keep my sisters and myself away from the London air.”
Lottie mouthed ‘well done’ to Miss Waverly and then turned toward Miss Dobson.
“Um, Mr. Westbrooke.” Deep breath. “Do you have a dog?” Miss Dobson blushed furiously and gulped as Lottie looked in her direction, her brows raised.
Carter, thankfully, did not laugh at the poor girl, but merely said, “No. I do not have a dog. Do you, Miss Dobson?”
She let out a deep breath. “Yes. I do. His name is Walter and he is a Pekingese. His name is Walter. Oh, yes I already said that.” Her voice faded away as she grew a deeper shade of red.
Carter kept his expression pleasant, but Lottie could almost see his shoulders shaking, trying to hold in the laugh that she had a hard time controlling herself.
“Mr. Westbrooke is a fan of history, which I know you enjoy quite a bit, Miss Waverly.”
Both Lottie and Carter turned toward the girl who just looked back. Finally, she said, “I know all the kings and queens. Would you care to have me recite them?”
Thankfully the coach came to a stop and Lottie let out a sigh of relief. “Here we are girls.”
Carter jumped out and turned to assist Lottie first, then the two girls. They proceeded into the tearoom. Once they were seated, each girl watched Lottie as she took her napkin and placed it on her lap. They copied her movements while Carter looked on with amusement.
They placed an order for tea, sandwiches, and biscuits and Lottie carried the conversation, including the two girls. She was startled by the arrival of a gentleman at their table. It didn’t take her long to recognize Lord Sterling, the man she’d met at the Assembly who thought she looked so familiar.
Her breathing immediately sped up and she knew her face flushed. It appeared Carter noticed it, as well.
“Good afternoon, Westbrooke, ladies.” Sterling glanced at them all, but his attention swung directly to Lottie. “It’s is nice to see you again, Miss Danvers.”
“Thank you.” Her voice was clipped, and she knew the girls were confused as to why she didn’t return his statement with a similar one of her own. Her leg began to jump as she waited for him to say something in front of everyone.
“What brings you here, Sterling?” Carter had been watching her closely and attempted to bring Sterling’s attention back to him. Thankfully, her two charges were busy with pouring their tea and passing the plate of offerings. If they noticed anything odd about their teacher, they didn’t show it.
“I like to stop for a bit of tea in the afternoon. I would ask to join you, but I’ve just finished and am on my way now to my club.”
Lottie kept her eyes downcast, studying her cup of tea as if she’d never seen one before.
“I say, Miss Danvers, I continue to believe I know you from somewhere.” Lord Sterling studied her in a way that made her extremely uncomfortable.
A quick glance at Lottie and Carter jumped in. “If you will excuse us, Sterling, the ladies and I are about to enjoy our tea. Nice of you to stop by.”
“Yes. Just so. I will see you around.” Lord Sterling made a slight bow and with one final look at Lottie turned and left the tearoom.
Any appetite Lottie had for the tea and biscuits walked out the door with Lord Sterling.
Although Carter didn’t question her, he continued to watch her throughout their time there. He kept up a steady chatter with the girls, for which Lottie was thankful, since she seemed to have lost her ability to conduct a conversation.
The girls, however, did not seem to notice for which she was grateful. Whatever was she going to do about that man? It would be only a matter of time before he realized who she was. She would have to leave Bath. That thought almost reduced her to tears.
Not only did she not want to give up her lovely flat and her friends but starting over again would be difficult. Is that something she would have to do for the rest of her life? If she had to leave Bath, it would be best to move to Wales or Scotland. It was highly unlikely anyone in those places would know her mother.
Once again, the anger at her mother and what she did to ruin Lottie’s life rose to the surface. Would she never get over that? She startled when Carter called her name. “Are you well, Miss Danvers?”
Both girls stared at her and she looked down at her plate, it was still full of the small sandwiches and biscuits. “Yes. I am fine, Mr. Westbrooke. I am afraid I was woolgathering. Please excuse my poor manners.”
It appeared while she was wallowing in self-pity, the other three had finished their tea and were ready to leave.
“I guess it is time for us to depart,” she said. She patted her mouth and placed her napkin alongside her plate. Lottie gracefully rose and the two girls and Mr. Westbrooke followed.
They made their way to the carriage with Carter taking her arm and tucking it alongside his body. He leaned in close to her and spoke softly. “Miss Danvers, sometime soon I would like to have a conversation with you. I know something is bothering you and even frightening you. I want to help.”
Dear God. No.
8
Carter dropped the knocker on the front door of the building where Lottie had her flat. Since the rooms were only let to women, there was a man who monitored the outside door, which made Carter extremely happy to know that Lottie was safe.
“Good afternoon, sir. May I ask who you are visiting?” The older man wore a simple footman’s uniform. He stepped back to allow Carter to enter.
Carter removed his hat and nodded to the man. “I would like to visit with Miss Danvers.”
“Very good, sir. However, I must ask you to wait in the parlor and I will fetch Miss Danvers. We do not allow gentlemen above the ground floor.” The man waved toward a room to the right side of the entrance hall.
Carter did not avail himself of a seat, but as he wandered the room, he took note of the well-decorated space that was obviously meant to provide a place for a woman to meet with a guest. He was feeling even better about Lottie’s building.
Within five minutes, Lottie entered the room. “Good afternoon, Mr. Westbrooke. To what do I owe this surprise—she emphasized the word—visit?”
Her words might have been terse, but the look on her face was anything but annoyed. In fact, he could say that she almost seemed happy to see him.
“I’m sorry I didn’t send a note around, but I happen to find myself near your flat and thought you might want to join me for tea. Or a ride in the park. Or a stroll around the neighborhood.” Hopefully, he didn’t sound as desperate as he felt, waiting for her to frown and refuse.
She hesitated for a few moments and then, to his utter surprise, said, “Yes. I think I would enjoy a stroll. So far, I’ve been cooped up here for the entire day with one student after another. It will be good to have a bit of fresh air.”
Since it would be the epitome of inelegance to hop into the air and shout with glee, Carter merely smiled and bowed. “Thank you.”
“Just let me get my cape.” And with those few words, Lottie was back out the door, leaving him with a warm feeling, mixed with excitement at how well his request had gone.
Luckily, it was a rare sunny day and even though they were nearing the end of winter, the air wasn’t too unpleasant. They strolled the area around her neighborhood, making light conversation.
“Were you pleased with your students’ performance at tea the other day?” Carter stopped their stroll as they ap
proached the end of the pavement. With no vehicles headed their way, they crossed the street and continued.
“Yes. For the most part, I thought they did quite well. Poor Miss Dobson was near tears when she arrived the next day for her lesson. Her question about whether you owned a dog was certainly not the sort of thing I teach as a method to employ while making polite conversation. I had to assure her more than once that it was not a major faux pas since you were, for the most part, a test subject.”
“Both young ladies seemed to be very sweet. I am sure they will do well with you leading them.” He looked in her direction, waiting for her reaction to his next question. “Will you be acting as their chaperone, then, when they make their debut in London?”
Lottie sucked in a deep breath and shook her head furiously. “No. Not at all. My time with them ends right before they leave for London.”
He placed his hand on hers, hoping to keep her from bolting since her reaction to his question was what he’d expected. “How odd. I would think their parents would continue your employment when they entered the Marriage Mart.”
“No. I made it quite clear when they engaged me that I would not act as a chaperone.” She glanced at him sideways. “After all, I have other students who need my services here in Bath.”
Good response, my dear Miss Danvers. One point for you.
“And, of course, you dislike London.” He looked at a store window, attempting to appear as though this was merely conversation and he was not looking for information.
Again, the stiffening of her body. “Yes. I dislike London.”
He took a deep breath, deciding in for a penny, in for a pound. “And you don’t wish to be recognized in London, either.”
Lottie came to an abrupt stop. He attempted to look innocent, but he doubted he’d succeeded.
“What do you mean?” Her breathing had increased, and her face was growing redder by the moment. “Why would you say that?”
“Hmm. Maybe because you haven’t worn your spectacles since our return to Bath.” He grinned at her, hoping to restore some calm. “I assume you don’t need spectacles to see.”
The Courtesan’s Daughter and the Gentleman: The Merry Misfits of Bath ~ Book Two Page 7