Waltzing With The Earl

‘You let me win!’ she accused the Captain, as Lord Shalford reached them, two lengths behind. Joseph, on his Buxted hack, was last to catch up.

‘I? No!’ The Captain laughed.

‘I wish you hadn’t. I do like to win, but only when I play fair.’ She turned to the Earl, tilting her head to one side. ‘Don’t you think it’s terrible when someone lets you win?’

‘It depends,’ he said, giving her question serious consideration. ‘For example, just now I let both of you win.’

His eyes were definitely smiling. Charlotte noticed they crinkled up at the sides in a most interesting manner. She frowned—she didn’t want to find anything likeable about the Arrogant Earl.

‘Adam, you wretch,’ said the Captain. ‘You just won’t admit you couldn’t catch me.’

The men continued with their light-hearted banter as they all picked their way back through the grasses, evoking childhood contests lost and won, and Charlotte felt amused—and a little envious—as she listened.

‘How I should have loved to have a brother or sister, to tease and be teased like this!’ she said as they paused in their recollections. ‘Do you have any other brothers and sisters?’

‘We have a sister—Olivia,’ said Lord Shalford. ‘She is seventeen, and not yet out. She lives quietly at Chadcombe. That is one of the reasons why I have invited you all to stay. I believe she needs the company of women.’

‘My papa said the same to me, when we talked about my visit to London. I have no sisters, although my school friend Juliana is almost like a sister to me.’

‘Olivia has friends too, but I think—I hope—she will enjoy the company of other ladies. Ladies younger than my great-aunt, who is a most admirable lady, but...’ He hesitated.

‘She is not the best companion for a seventeen-year-old girl,’ finished the Captain.

Charlotte reminded herself of the other reasons the Earl had for inviting the Buxted family. This would be a test—to assess Henrietta as a possible bride. Her substantial dowry—and Monkton Park—would surely assist his restoration of the family’s estates.

The Earl clearly felt a strong sense of duty to his heritage. Marrying well was a logical step. Henrietta was the right age, of good family, and had a handsome dowry. It was a sensible match, Charlotte thought wistfully. An exceptionally sensible match.

* * *

Arriving back at the house after their ride, Charlotte was rather alarmed to find Henrietta waiting for her. Her cousin’s expression was grim.

‘A word with you, if you please!’ she said, turning on her heel and making for the drawing room.

Charlotte followed her up the wide staircase, feeling like a naughty child. She lifted her chin.

Aunt Buxted and Faith were already in the room. Faith looked uncomfortable, but she sent Charlotte a tremulous smile. Mrs Buxted, who was mending a petticoat, lifted her eyes briefly to acknowledge Charlotte, then returned to her work.

‘Good day,’ said Charlotte, generally. ‘Did you enjoy your shopping trip while I was riding?’

‘Charlotte!’ Henrietta’s voice was sharp. She stood before the door, tapping one small foot in an agitated way. ‘The servants have let slip that you were out riding with Lord Shalford and the Captain.’

‘Indeed I was. There is no secret about it. You heard the Captain arrange it yesterday. I confess I did not realise Lord Shalford would be there.’

Henrietta pursed her lips.

Charlotte removed her hat. There was a gilded mirror above the fireplace. She walked across and smoothed her hair, checking her reflection in the glass. Unfortunately, she had to stand on tiptoes in order to do so, which perhaps spoiled the impression of calm poise.

‘I had a most enjoyable time,’ she continued. ‘They are well-informed and pleasant gentlemen, I think.’ She turned to face the ladies. ‘You should come next time. You would enjoy the conversation, I believe.’

‘You went out riding with two men!’ Two spots of unbecoming colour had appeared on Henrietta’s cheeks and her breathing had quickened. ‘I do not know—nor do I wish to know—what customs prevail in Spain, or France, or any other heathen, uncivilised place, but in London you would do well to avoid seeming fast.’

Charlotte raised her eyebrows, but answered calmly. ‘My dear Henrietta, I appreciate your concern, but I was very properly accompanied by my groom, so I believe my reputation is intact.’

‘Your—your groom?’ Henrietta’s mouth opened, then closed again. ‘I—I see. I did not know...’

Her eyes darted around the room as she searched for something to say.

‘Hrmmph! Well, on this occasion—with your groom—you may have managed to stay on the right side of acceptable maidenly behaviour... But you know I am only trying to help you.’

She smiled weakly, but her eyes told a different story.

Charlotte moved away, placing her hat upon an ornate side table. Her hand shook a little. There was no point in arguing with Henrietta—much as she longed to do so.

‘The gentlemen were most disappointed you did not ride today.’

‘They were? What did he—they—say? Did he—they—mention me?’ Henrietta’s voice was small.

‘The Earl talked about his sister, Olivia. He hopes for female companionship for her, I think.’

Mrs Buxted, who had held her tongue during Henrietta’s outburst, spoke dispassionately to her elder daughter. ‘My love, you must befriend the sister. And you should have gone riding today. But there is no need to worry about competition from your cousin.’

Charlotte blinked. She knew—and did not mind—that Henrietta was the prettiest young lady in the household. Her golden hair and deep blue eyes captivated attention wherever they went. Strangers sometimes turned their heads in the street when Henrietta passed by. At present, though, her cousin’s beauty was somewhat marred by her petulant expression. And for Aunt Buxted to speak so plainly was, Charlotte thought, unnecessary—though hardly surprising.

‘I will certainly go next time.’ Mollified, Henrietta patted her side-curls, eyeing Charlotte’s fashionable habit. ‘I need a new habit from Milton’s, Mama. Can they make it up in a week?’

‘I’m sure they can, if I require it. We shall go tomorrow.’

‘Mama,’ said Faith tentatively, ‘you said I was to get a new habit, for my old one is now a little too small. Should I go with Henrietta?’

‘No, I do not want her distracting them. My habit must be perfect!’ said Henrietta.

‘But, Mama—’

‘Don’t listen to her, Mama. I missed the ride today and everything. I must have a perfect habit!’

‘I will take you another time, Faith.’

‘Yes, Mama,’ Faith submitted, though her voice trembled a little.

Charlotte threw her a sympathetic look.

‘Did you arrange to ride with them again?’ Henrietta asked Charlotte sharply, oblivious to her sister’s disappointment.

‘Yes—next Tuesday morning. I said I hoped you would both also ride then.’

‘Well, at least you did something right.’ Henrietta was back at the glass, turning her head this way and that, preening slightly. ‘And we shall see them at Lady Cowper’s ball on Friday. Oh, but of course—you can’t come, Charlotte.’ She smiled sweetly. ‘What a pity you have not been presented at Court. You miss all the most exciting parties! It must be so dull—being limited to small gatherings. No routs, no balls, no Almack’s.’

‘Oh, it is perfectly fine.’ Charlotte smiled through gritted teeth. ‘I have much to amuse myself with. I shall probably write another letter to Papa.’