Page 39 of A Perfect Engagement
“I don’t know what he was thinking muddying his line with a common strumpet. I would have had his babies with pleasure.”
Charlotte placed her palms on the table and stood abruptly. That last comment was so vulgar she could not sit silently a moment longer. She needed to get Olivia out of the room before the poor lady was forced to endure any more insults. She whirled to face the vile women.
“I doubt he would have considered having his children turn out looking like horse-faced harridans like you!” Charlotte blurted out before her better sense could kick in.
Then she reached behind the curtain, grabbed Olivia’s arm, and pulled her through the room. They exited to gaping mouths and hands held to bosoms. They didn’t stop when they gained the corridor but held hands as they fled down the stairs.
“That was the most magnificent thing anyone had ever done for me.” Olivia reached for Charlotte’s hand. “You are braver than you think, Charlotte.”
“I never heard this story,” Susanna said.
Charlotte squeezed Olivia’s hand. “They shouldn’t have said those things about you. Those girls were ugly on the inside, and it showed through when they opened their mouths.”
Perhaps she could have the courage to go face Daniel in the morning. It would be better to speak with him than to wonder endlessly what the kiss meant to him. She definitely had feelings for him she’d never felt for his brother. She stood to pace across the carpet to the mirrored dressing table. She may be shy, she may be cautious, but she was always straightforward. She needed to speak to Daniel. She didn’t know what she would say yet, but she had what was bound to be a long, sleepless night ahead to figure it out.
She walked back to the settee. “Susanna, could you cover for me if I go see him there?”
Her friend nodded. “Shall I say you’re sick?”
“No, then my mother will come looking for me. Instead, if my mother asks where I am, just tell her, you saw me down by the lake or upstairs or anywhere else. She will think I am entertaining guests, and hopefully, I will be back before she can track me down. Tell Ellie what’s going on and enlist her help.”
“I will help too,” Sophia said.
“You will? I thought you disapproved?” Charlotte replied.
“I don’t want you to get into trouble. If you need time to settle things with this brother, then you should go do it.” Sophia smiled at her.
“Thank you.” She paused, realizing tomorrow was already Friday. “Actually, can you keep an eye out for my real fiancé? Hawksridge may arrive tomorrow at any time. He will introduce himself as Lord Weston. Can you keep him distracted if I am not back yet?”
Sophia nodded. “All right, this I can do.”
*
The next morningCharlotte called for her maid, Lizzie, to help her dress in her favorite riding habit. The vibrant plum color complemented her dark hair. The color told the world she was confident, brave even. She ran her hands down her jacket, smoothing it over her hips. She checked that the matching box hat, adorned with silk flowers, was pinned firmly in place. Her dark hair was pulled back into the practical bun she preferred for riding. Wait, where was her pendant watch? She would need to keep track of the time today. She must be home by three in the afternoon. Charlotte walked into her dressing room to retrieve the pendant.
A knock sounded at the door. A moment later, Lizzie called out, “Miss Charlotte, you’ve received a present.” Her voice was filled with excitement.
“Who is it from?” Charlotte asked. She closed the top to one of her jewelry boxes. Where was her watch?
“I don’t know. It was delivered by William. It came with a note, though.”
Charlotte flicked open the top to a second velvet-lined box. “Go ahead and read it to me.”
“The card says ‘Sweets for my sweetheart.’ Oooh, I wonder what type of sweets.”
Aha! Charlotte lifted out the gold and pearl pendant with the small watch face. She held it to her ear, and the soft tick-tock made her smile. Lizzie really was the most efficient lady’s maid. She walked back to where her maid stood with a small white box in her hands.
“Let’s see what Lord Hawksridge has sent, shall we?” Charlotte lifted the top, and her nose immediately told her the contents was marzipan. The scent of almonds was unmistakable. Why would Daniel send her sweets? Was it meant to be an apology for what happened last night? Did he regret their kiss? Was the note meant to be ironic? This was all the more reason to go see him and speak to him about what happened. She shoved the box back at Lizzie.
“I don’t care for marzipan, Lizzie. You may eat them or share them. Whatever you like.”
“Oh, thank you, miss!” Lizzie hugged the box to her chest.
“But first, could you help me pin this watch on my jacket?”
“Yes, miss, of course.”
Charlotte went downstairs to beg Mr. Greer for some breakfast in the kitchen. Mrs. Brewster frowned in disapproval. “What would your mother say if she knew you were down here having breakfast in the kitchen?” She shook her head. “She’d have a fit, I tell you.”
