Just a Kiss (5 page)

Sebastian leaned forward, narrowing the distance between them. “I thought we might find time to slip away and discuss your prospects. I don’t want to throw you to the wolves. There are gentlemen among the
ton
that are to be avoided at all costs. I would be remiss in holding up my end of our bargain if I didn’t offer you guidance.”

She nodded. Though he wasn’t a member of the
ton
, Horace was likely just the sort of man he was thinking of.

“You will attend the ball?” He snatched one of the daisies from her bouquet and slid it into the pocket of his coat.

Still disconcerted by his casual reference to their slipping away, Charlotte had difficulty deciding how to respond. Surely he did not mean for them to be alone together. “Um…Elizabeth has been handling all of our invitations, but I expect so. She’s quite eager to be rid of me.”

He grasped both of her hands and gazed into her eyes. “Very well then. It is time for me to take my leave.” He drew a hand to his lips and placed a scorching kiss on the inside of her wrist, just above her glove.

Her heart thumped unevenly as he turned to mount his horse. His breeches stretched taut across his backside, emphasizing his long, powerful legs as he swung into the saddle. She blew out a breath and reminded herself that Sebastian might be her savior, but he wasn’t an option for her. Her lone option for now was Horace, who was likely already at the house waiting for her. Waiting to aggravate her. Waiting to marry her. Unless Sebastian’s plan worked.

Charlotte’s pace slowed as they neared the house. There was no chance of hiding her arrival with the children accompanying her. Her only hope was that Horace had already come and gone. But as soon as they burst through the front door, Elizabeth appeared from the parlor.

“Charlotte, Horace has been waiting for some time.” She crossed her arms. “I told you not to dillydally in the park.”

“Please convey my apologies. I will go make myself more presentable and be with you shortly.” Charlotte turned and headed upstairs, barely stifling a laugh at the startled expression on Elizabeth’s face. During the walk home, she had decided that it would be better to give the appearance of cooperating with Elizabeth than continuing to fight her. If she could convince Elizabeth that she was trustworthy, perhaps she would cease her constant meddling.

After washing her hands and face, Charlotte did her best to repair her appearance before heading downstairs. She took a deep breath and reminded herself to trust that she would find another suitor. The heavy scent of hothouse flowers blanketed the parlor. There were at least ten bouquets of flowers set about as well as several cards sitting on a tray near the window.

Horace scowled at her and then at the small stack of calling cards. “It seems you were quite popular at the ball last night.”

Charlotte sank into the nearest chair, too shocked to respond to Horace’s taunt. Sebastian’s plan had definitely worked, and they hadn’t really begun yet. If only Horace and Elizabeth would disappear, she could read through the cards and find out who had called. Since that was unlikely, she focused on her plan to make them think she was cooperating.

“You’ve had many callers this afternoon. It’s too bad you didn’t return home promptly as I advised. I had to send them all away, and there’s no telling whether they’ll bother to call again.” Elizabeth smoothed her skirt.

Charlotte produced a fake smile for Elizabeth. “My apologies. The children were having so much fun in the park I hated to make them return.” Almost as much as she hated spending time near Horace. She turned to her suitor. “My apologies for your long wait. It was kind of you to stay.”

Elizabeth and Horace exchanged a glance, and Charlotte busied herself with an invisible piece of lint on her skirt so they wouldn’t see her expression. There was still the hint of bruising around his eye where she had struck him. She debated whether to apologize, but surely Elizabeth would recognize she was up to something if she took things that far. Besides which, she wasn’t sure she could live with herself if she did. He was a nasty, unpleasant person and no one should have to put up with him, least of all her.

“Princess Tarasova came by as well, though I can’t imagine why she would want to call on you. I asked her forgiveness for your absence and assured her you would be at home tomorrow.” Elizabeth’s lips pinched in disapproval.

A lump formed in her throat. “Thank you,” she forced out. The princess was the only one she had wanted to see.

Horace checked the clock on the mantle and widened his eyes at Elizabeth.

Elizabeth stood. “I must go consult with Cook about the dinner she is preparing for our guests this evening. Please excuse me.”

Charlotte clenched her jaw to keep her mouth from dropping open. It was highly improper of Elizabeth to leave her alone with Horace. Twice. The only conclusion she could draw was that they actually were trying to compromise her so she would have to marry him. She walked over to one of the vases and fiddled with the flowers while she waited for him to engage.

He stood and touched his fingertips together. “Charlotte, I am concerned for your well-being. You are an innocent, naive girl and have no defenses against the rakes who populate the
ton
.”

Charlotte nearly burst out laughing. “I thank you for your concern, but I am confident that Richard and Elizabeth are qualified to guide me.”

He took her hand, and it required all of her willpower not to cringe at his clammy touch. “There is no need to continue to burden them with your guardianship. I am prepared to marry you now.”

Apparently he thought that sufficed as a proposal. “I hadn’t realized I was such a burden. Still, I prefer to consider all of my options before making a decision. After all, spending the rest of your life with someone is not a decision to be taken lightly.”

His eyes narrowed to serpentine proportions. “I am family, Charlotte. Stop this game now, while I am still willing to take you.” He waved toward the flowers. “Do you honestly think that any of these men will want you once they discover your circumstances?”

Instead of waiting for her to reply, his palm covered her breast. Revulsion engulfed her. When he leaned in as if to kiss her, she smashed her forehead against his nose, heedless of any damage to herself. To hell with feigning cooperation.

Horace growled and clutched at his face, blood streaming from between his fingers.

She brushed her fingers over the tender spot on her forehead and ground out, “Do not touch me again,” pausing between each word for emphasis.

Their eyes met, his clouded by malice. “Don’t think I will forget this once we are married.”

She bolted from the parlor and took the stairs two at a time, needing to get as far from him as possible, no longer caring what Richard or Elizabeth thought. She would not marry Horace. Especially not when there was a chance she might receive another offer to save her from a lifetime of misery.

Chapter Five

After her encounter with Horace, Charlotte slept fitfully, waking only when a knock on the door roused her. The chamber was overly bright, the sun having crested in the sky, and she squinted.

“Who is it?” she called. After everything that had happened, she wouldn’t be surprised to find Horace on the other side of her door, and that certainly wouldn’t do.

“I have a missive for you, Miss Charlotte,” said Mary.

“Do come in.” Charlotte arranged herself in bed as Mary entered, and when the maid gave her the note, she smiled. “Is Elizabeth about?”

Mary shook her head and went to adjust the curtains. “No, Miss Charlotte. She’s taken Miss Amelia to purchase new gloves.”

Good. Charlotte had a bit of a respite from the barrage of questions and accusations she imagined Elizabeth had prepared.

She broke the seal and read the note from Princess Tarasova asking for permission to call on her before normal visiting hours. Once she’d jotted down a quick reply and instructed Mary to have it delivered at once, she readied herself quickly and went down to the parlor to await the princess’s arrival.

Charlotte paced the perimeter of the floor, rushing to the window each time the clatter of hooves or rattle of carriage wheels passed by. It seemed wise to conclude her visit with the princess before Elizabeth returned from shopping. There was no telling how Elizabeth would behave in front of the princess after Charlotte’s confrontation with Horace.

Her mind swirled with indecision. Sebastian. Her heart made a happy little leap just thinking about him. He had already delivered on his promise to draw attention to her, so she owed him information about Princess Tarasova. Surely it wouldn’t be a betrayal of her trust if Charlotte simply told him about her family, her favorite flowers, perhaps a favorite food. The sort of things he could find out easily enough on his own. She rubbed the back of her neck. Although Charlotte knew Sebastian had set his sights elsewhere, part of her rebelled at helping him pursue someone else.

The front door creaked, and the soft lilt of feminine voices wove amidst Adams’s deep tones. She fumbled around for her embroidery and dropped into a red and gold silk armchair that faced the door. She had already instructed Adams to show Princess Tarasova to the parlor without announcing her since Charlotte would not exercise the option of turning her away.

Adams showed the princess and her aunt, the Duchess of Chadwick, into the parlor.

Charlotte set aside her embroidery and stood to greet them.

Princess Tarasova acknowledged Charlotte with a welcoming smile. “Miss Lightwood, I was sorry to have missed you yesterday, but I am delighted you are available today.”

“I must apologize. I had every intention of being home for callers yesterday, but I took my nephews to the park and lost track of time.” Charlotte held her hand out to the duchess. “Your Grace, how kind of you to call.”

“Not at all.” The older woman motioned to a chaise lounge in the back near the game table. “If you don’t mind, I’ve brought a book to read. I’ll absent myself in the corner and allow you girls to talk.”

Charlotte waited for Princess Tarasova to select a seat near the door and sat across from her.

“How nice to have family to spend time with,” the princess said as she watched her aunt settle in and open her book. “I’m certain you’ve heard that I am from Russia, though my mother was English. My sister is here with me, and of course my aunt and uncle, but aside from my cousin, who is away at school, there is no one.”

“The children are a great comfort, especially my eldest niece, Amelia. She is but two years younger than I and anxious to come out.” Charlotte spotted her abandoned embroidery on the settee and moved it to a side table.

The princess glanced at the snarl of thread on the cloth and raised her brows, but was too polite to comment. “She is of an age with my sister, who is also anxious to make her debut, but Uncle Henry insists she wait until I am married.”

“If she is anything like Amelia, I expect she resents having to wait. Perhaps we should introduce them.”

The princess beamed. “That is a wonderful idea. Natalya would be thrilled to have someone with which to commiserate about her mistreatment.” They both laughed.

She leaned toward Charlotte. “Would you mind terribly if I asked you to call me Anna? I do tire of the formality.”

“I would be delighted, as long as you’re willing to return the favor and call me Charlotte.”

“Of course.” Anna picked up her reticule and loosened the string. “This is the snood I mentioned the other night.” She pulled out a small, delicate net that glistened with diamonds. “I know it appears quite delicate, but the thread is strong. I think if you wore this underneath the flowers in your hair, everyone would take notice.”

Charlotte straightened in her chair. “Oh, Anna, I’m certain you are correct, but I cannot borrow that from you.”

“Good, because I don’t want you to borrow it. I want to give it to you.”

Charlotte shook her head in disagreement. “You are very kind to offer, but I cannot accept such a gift.”

Anna smiled. “Let’s try it and see how it looks.” She stood and walked behind Charlotte. “May I?”

“If you insist.”

“We don’t need to worry about securing it properly. I just want to see if it will match your style.” Anna slipped the snood over Charlotte’s chignon and secured it with a few pins she pulled from elsewhere in Charlotte’s hair. She went to the vase of flowers on the mantle and selected a few.

“Let’s put one here,” she said as she slipped it into Charlotte’s hair, “and here.” She fiddled a bit more before pulling a small looking glass from her reticule and passing it to Charlotte, who was convinced that Anna’s bag must have been bewitched. She sat frozen. The transformation was amazing. Tiny diamonds sparkled when the light caught them, lending her an enchanted air.

Anna added a few more flowers and repositioned others. She met Charlotte’s eyes in the looking glass. “What do you think?”

“You mean aside from the fact that there appears to be a camellia growing out of my head?”

“Yes, aside from that,” Anna said with a straight face.

“It’s even more beautiful than I imaged, but I cannot accept such a generous gift.” Charlotte turned to meet her gaze.

“Nonsense. It’s not as valuable as you might think. The diamonds are very small, and I haven’t worn it in many years.”

“I must insist,” Charlotte said firmly.

“Charlotte, please let me make this small gesture. My family owns several gemstone mines, so it is really of no matter. I would try to give you some of my jewelry as well if I thought you would accept it.” Anna squeezed her shoulder, and Charlotte returned her smile.

“Thank you.” Tears threatened to spill. No one had been this kind to her in such a long time. Anna’s wealth and status were beyond the realm of Charlotte’s imagination, and yet she was kind and considerate and so unlike the women who had spoken ill of her at the ball. She blinked back her tears and stood. “I’m being a wretched hostess. Would you like tea?”

“Thank you, but we’ve come so early, I’m not yet hungry. Perhaps later.” Anna waved toward the duchess. “Aunt Sarah? Would you like some tea?”

“No, thank you, dear,” she responded without glancing away from her book.

They settled onto the settee. “Have you decided what to wear to the Paddon ball?” Anna asked.

“Well, I only have three ball gowns, and I don’t want to wear the same gown twice in a row, so my choices are limited to a pale pink gown that Elizabeth wore before she married my brother and an unadorned light blue gown.” Charlotte fiddled with the fringe of the pillow next to her. Elizabeth would be enraged that she was sharing her circumstances with Anna, but she didn’t see any point in trying to hide them.

“I’m being terribly forward, but would you be willing to let me see your gowns? Perhaps we could come up with a plan to make them more stylish. It only takes a few accessories to transform a gown.” Anna tilted her head and widened her eyes in an imploring look.

Charlotte laughed. “All right, you’ve convinced me.” As if it was a hardship for her. She glanced toward the duchess, who was engrossed in her book. “Would you like to come to my bedchamber, or shall I have the gowns brought down here?”

“No need to inconvenience anyone else. Let’s go to your chamber.” Anna glanced at the duchess. “Aunt Sarah, we’re going to Charlotte’s bedchamber to inspect her gowns. Would you like to join us?”

“No thank you, dear. I’ll be fine here by myself. You go ahead.” She waved them away.

Charlotte took Anna up the back staircase to her bedchamber. Her chamber was located away from the other family apartments, in a corridor that led to the chambers belonging to the butler and housekeeper. Perhaps she should have insisted the gowns be brought to them in the parlor, but it seemed pointless to think that Anna wasn’t already aware of her circumstances. She led Anna into the chamber and removed her three gowns from the wardrobe. “This is the blue silk.” She unfolded it and laid it on the bed.

Anna ran her fingers across the fabric and studied the bodice. “All it needs is a few embellishments. We want the men to notice you, not your gown.” She tapped a finger to her chin. “You have the snood… What we need is a sash that coordinates with the flowers in your hair. Yes, that’s it. Simple, but elegant.” She turned to Charlotte. “Do you have any sashes?”

Charlotte mentally ran through the contents of her wardrobe, which didn’t take long. “No, nothing that would match this gown.”

Anna’s tilted her head to the side. “What color flowers will you use in your hair?”

While chewing her bottom lip, Charlotte considered the flowers currently blooming in the garden. “What do you think of yellow? We have some lovely jessamine.”

Anna smiled. “I have a gold sash that will complement the flowers. I’ll have it delivered to you first thing tomorrow.”

Charlotte started to object. Elizabeth might have a yellow sash that would complement her dress, but she would never let Charlotte borrow it. In any case, it would be impolite to turn down Anna’s kind generosity. She tucked the gown she held back in the wardrobe.

Anna folded the blue gown. “Is there anyone in particular you’re hoping to dance with at the ball?”

“No.” She wanted to tell Anna about her predicament, but she was afraid sharing too much about her circumstances might frighten her off. “What about you?”

Anna placed the gown in the wardrobe. “No. There is no one in particular who has caught my attention.” She perched on the edge of Charlotte’s bed. “My father sent my sister and me here to live with my aunt and uncle because he believes Napoleon plans to invade Russia. I’m not certain I want to marry an Englishman and commit myself to staying in England forever, but if the war continues for several years, I cannot very well wait until I return to Russia to marry either.”

Charlotte put the last gown away and sat next to Anna on the bed. She did not envy her friend’s situation, though it was still preferable to her own. “That is a conundrum. But surely you can wait a year or two and see how the war progresses. And you never know. A dashing nobleman may swoop in and capture your heart when you least expect it.” She smiled wistfully.

“I don’t anticipate that happening, but you are correct that it isn’t necessary for me to decide now.” Anna stood and shook out her skirts. “We’d better return before Aunt Sarah wonders where we are.”

When they descended the stairs, Elizabeth’s voice carried out the open door of the parlor. Charlotte silently cursed her ill timing before entering.

“There you are.” The duchess stood. “I trust you girls have been enjoying yourselves, but it is time for us to take our leave.”

Elizabeth looked daggers at Charlotte before turning to smile at the duchess. “I regret our visit was so short. If Charlotte will condescend to share information with me, I will make certain I am at home the next time you visit.”

The duchess smiled and shooed Anna toward the door.

“I’ll have the sash delivered in the morning,” Anna whispered to Charlotte as the duchess towed her out of the parlor.

Elizabeth rounded on Charlotte, her stance unquestionably threatening. “It is inexcusable that you didn’t inform me the duchess and her niece would call this morning.”

Charlotte half listened to Elizabeth while focusing on the way Anna’s shoulders stiffened, a clear indication she could hear Elizabeth’s rant from the stoop.

Elizabeth took a step toward her, narrowing the distance between them to mere inches. “How do you think I felt when I walked into my parlor and found the duchess alone, reading a book? What were you thinking?”

Charlotte bowed her head, knowing the discussion would end sooner if she didn’t challenge Elizabeth. “Anna wanted to see the gown I’m wearing to the Paddon ball, so we went to my bedchamber—”

“You took the princess to your bedchamber?” she asked, squeezing the words out between her clenched teeth.

Charlotte stood still, focusing on the pattern of the carpet, working hard to keep her own anger in check.

Elizabeth closed her eyes. “Go. Just get away from me.”

Charlotte stormed out to the garden to examine the jessamine and calm her nerves before she told Elizabeth what had danced on the tip of her tongue.

If her deceitful sister-in-law was embarrassed by Charlotte’s accommodations, she had only herself to blame.