Chapter 14

CHAPTER 14

“ A ball,” Charlotte murmured as she studied the invitation Mr. Lloyd had just handed her. “Truly?”

He studied her thoughtfully. “Are you not excited?”

“I… I suppose. Yes. Yes, I am. I have always wished to attend a proper ball,” she admitted before hesitating. “I’m only… Well, I hardly know what to say. Did the Duke say anything when he asked you to bring this to me?”

The butler seemed to weigh his words before he gave a shake of his head. “I’m afraid not. If you want, I would gladly deliver a message to him.”

Feeling the warmth begin to creep up her cheeks, Charlotte turned away so he wouldn’t see it. “I appreciate it, but I think I’ll be just fine. Thank you, Lloyd, for the invitation.”

He murmured a farewell and bowed before closing the door on his way out of her bedchamber.

Abigail was in front of her in a heartbeat. She’d opened the door in the first place before hurrying off to tend to the wardrobe, so she wouldn’t hover during their conversation. That concept was out the window as she entered Charlotte’s space with a light in her eyes.

“A ball! A London ball,” she gushed. She clapped her hands together giddily. “Oh, we shall have a splendid time. What a delight! Your new dresses have just arrived. I just learned a new hairstyle, and I’m certain we can make it work. You will look like Royalty, I swear it.”

Forcing a smile, Charlotte nodded. Her stomach was in knots. She felt her anxiety growing. But why? She didn’t understand. She didn’t like it. Though she lifted her head to look for support, she knew exactly why Adrian came to mind.

He could have brought this up to me. It would have only taken a minute. We have to talk about the ball. Why, he could have sent for me. Instead, he sent Lloyd to deliver the invitation to me. Did I do something to upset him?

Confused as to why she cared, Charlotte put the invitation away to smile at Abigail. The invitation was exciting. She didn’t need to be nervous. It would all go well. It had to.

Though she enjoyed her evening, come morning, she wound up anxious and jittery as she went to the Duke’s study. Her heartbeat was erratic. It annoyed her. She liked feeling comfortable, confident. Especially around him. What would he do if he knew she was nervous?

He wasn’t that awful yesterday at the garden party. But that was probably only because we were in public. I just need to remind him that he promised to teach me sword fighting. I won’t be nervous about that.

“You knocked. How quaint. Come in.” Adrian eyed her up and down before turning back to return to his desk.

Inhaling deeply, Charlotte nodded and obeyed. She moved to her usual chair. It was the older of the two chairs in front of the desk with a higher back and strong arms. There was an extra cushion she had put there, and he hadn’t removed it, so that was appreciated. It was probably her favorite chair in the entire house.

Not that I would ever tell him.

“Charlotte?”

She jerked her head up to find him staring at her with a raised eyebrow. Swallowing loudly, she said, “I’m fine.”

“Glad to hear it. That wasn’t the question I asked you, but it will be acceptable, for now.” He pulled out a piece of paper before reaching over the desk to hand it to her. Hopefully, he wasn’t looking at the flush in her cheeks. “With the ball tomorrow night, I have a few things for us to work on today.”

She surveyed the piece of paper. “Fans again. That’s rather tedious.”

Leaning back in his chair, he shrugged a shoulder. The man looked at home. She supposed he should, since this was his home more than it was hers. How long had this study been his?

It was easy in the next moment to recall the sixteen-year-old she had seen in the gardens that summer day. He had been so handsome then that she had wondered if he was an angel or a fairy. Then he had helped her. Now, Charlotte knew he had just lost his parents at that time. But their adventure that day so many years ago had been so innocent.

“Where is your head today?” She clutched the paper before looking up. “Charlotte, come now. We have work to do.”

“Work, work, work,” she muttered. “This is more tedious work than everything I did to manage my father’s household.”

A wry smile graced his lips as he brought over the ridiculously large fan with only a handful of feathers still hanging on it. It had been his aunt’s, he had told her many years ago. But the colors were long out of fashion, and it wasn’t to be brought out in public events. If Charlotte could work with something this outrageous, then she could surely manage with a beautiful and smaller fan fit for Society.

“There’s the Charlotte we all know so well. Keep that tongue sharp.” The fan landed heavily in her lap. “Walk through the motions. I won’t tell you everything again.”

Huffing, Charlotte pulled herself together and obeyed. She opened the fan with her left hand so she might begin her movements. The first one was an invitation with the fan spread to reveal her eyes. She gave a gentle flutter while Adrian scrutinized her.

“Next,” he ordered.

Moving the fan to the other hand, she lifted it to the side, which was a specific invitation for someone to come to her instead of a mere introduction.

“Higher,” Adrian instructed. “And who is this used for?”

“Appropriate and respectful suitors. And friends,” she added after a heartbeat.

“Good. Show me the next one.”

Charlotte gave a slight nod and began to close the fan. But she had been so focused on the movements that she only looked at Adrian again. His gaze was fixed on her every move. Those eyes followed her hands as they lowered and shifted the weight of the fan around.

For the next movement, she couldn’t exactly recall how high to lift her fan. It was supposed to be a motion to say thank you from a distance, but she didn’t recall every part of it.

She waited for Adrian to tell her that she was doing something wrong. She had to be. She didn’t remember everything and was surely doing it incorrectly, yet he said nothing. All he did was watch her movements. Slow and careful, she tried to be as graceful as she had seen him in the past. It took more effort than she cared to admit.

His eyes followed her every move. What was he thinking? She couldn’t read him. Even though she tried to find the words to ask him, Charlotte didn’t know what he would say. She didn’t know what she wanted him to say.

What am I, the flame to his moth? And yet I can hardly look away either.

Slowly, she worked through the motions as best as she could, moving carefully and studying him in return. Those deep green eyes that mocked her and helped her. His wide mouth and playful grin and stern frowns. That strong chin and those high cheekbones. He was wearing another green cravat pin that made his eyes sparkle.

When she moved the fan to her left hand again, her grip faltered. The heavy fan clattered to the floor so loudly that they both jumped.

“Charlotte.”

“I’m sorry,” she said before bending down to collect it. She shook her head, feeling like she was coming out of a daze. “No, I’m not. It’s too big for me. Of course, I was bound to drop it. I drop it every time. And you were just…”

She decided not to mention the staring, since she had done it too. An accident, she decided to call it.

Clearing her throat, Charlotte straightened up before offering a tight smile. “Well? Have I satisfied you?”

His eyes widened, and then he turned back toward his desk. It took him a minute until he faced her again. “No. Do it thrice more. And straighten your shoulders.”

Although she shot him an annoyed look, he didn’t react as he took his seat. Whatever had happened to him a moment ago had passed—a moment she began to doubt had even happened.

The rest of the day dragged on. Charlotte went through her training. There was practice with another fan, more curtsy practice, and then they moved into the grand hall to practice her dancing. Except Adrian wouldn’t dance with her. Nor would he find her a dancing master, like the one she had when her father was still alive. The Duke said he needed to be able to see her from all angles to ensure that every movement was correct.

It was a long day of practice. She wound up taking supper in her bedchamber, worn out and eager to read a book and not move until she couldn’t keep her eyes open a minute longer.

When morning came, she felt much better. Charlotte finished her book, broke her fast with Theodosia, and then began the long preparations for the ball.

“I don’t think it should take so long to get ready,” she said for the eleventh time that evening once she was finally dressed.

Her maid chuckled as she brought over the gloves that matched the beautiful pale green gown. “Perhaps not, but you certainly look worth the trouble. How beautiful you are, Your Grace. Everyone will be twice as green as you tonight––green with envy!” She laughed giddily.

Seeing such excitement on Abigail’s face, Charlotte swallowed down her nerves. She wanted this. At least she had some time ago. A Season, a chance to debut in London. It was time she tried.

Not for marriage, of course, but for myself. For Lady Theodosia. Being a proper lady will be necessary to travel the globe once the Season is over.

Charlotte tried to be patient as Abigail helped her put on her gloves and then her jewelry. She had a pearl necklace of her mother’s that gave her courage. By the time she was ready, she was feeling excited as well.

She left her room soon after and hurried down the stairs.

To her surprise, Adrian stood at the bottom, along with Lloyd. Both men were talking quietly but nodded frequently, making her curious. She tried to remember everything she had learned about being a lady as she saw the Duke start to turn toward her.

Shoulders back, chin up, mouth closed but teeth not touching, and graceful like calm water. She clutched the railing tightly to steady herself. All of this required such concentration that she was almost to the bottom step when she finally looked back at Adrian.

“Good evening,” she said, deciding to be polite.

Only because Lloyd is here, of course.

There was no response. The Duke slowly smoothed a hand over his waistcoat. It was very fine, a dark blue that matched the rest of his clothes very well. She wondered what fabric it was made of, for it shone so well. Maybe that was the reason why Adrian just stared at her.

Say something, won’t you? Or perhaps this is his way of saying I’ve failed before we even made it to the ball. If he doesn’t let me go after all of this preparation, then perhaps I shall challenge him to a duel. That would make him question his choices.

“What a star you are this evening,” the butler said with a broad smile. He turned to the Duke. “Your Grace, would you not agree?”

She eyed the silent man between them. His clothes were perfectly tailored as always, the fabric luxurious and the design fashionable. It drove her mad the way he always looked so presentable and debonair. It seemed to come to him so naturally.

The way her heart skipped a beat annoyed her. She told herself it was only because he wasn’t insulting or teasing her at the moment.

A short cough escaped Adrian. “Right. Yes, Lloyd, how right you are. Very nice, Charlotte. Shall we leave?”

He glanced at her before looking away. If he couldn’t bear to look at her, was she really presentable at all?

“Yes, thank you. Is Lady Theodosia joining us tonight?”

“I’m afraid not.” They glanced at the butler, who furrowed his brow. “Her Grace has retired early this evening due to a migraine. She’s just taken some powder, so that should help her.”

Charlotte frowned before she nodded. “That’s terrible to hear, Lloyd. Will she be all right?”

“Just fine, My dear Lady. She wishes for you to enjoy yourself tonight,” the butler added.

“Send for us if it worsens,” Adrian requested and then took Charlotte’s hand. “It would seem it is just us this evening. We don’t want to be late.”

The ride to the ball was tense. Although the Duke pretended to be bored, he still quizzed her on everything she might anticipate this evening. After he asked the same question three times, however, she cut his instruction short. He rolled his eyes but accepted it, and the rest of the ride was spent in silence.

And then they arrived.

“Oh my,” Charlotte murmured as Adrian led her into the ballroom after they had greeted their hosts in the receiving line.

It had taken them a long time, as Lord and Lady Hustons took an immediate liking to her and began introducing her to everyone around them. She forgot everyone she’d met moments ago as she looked over the ballroom drenched in gold.

“This is… incredible. Gaudy but stunning,” she added under her breath.

What sounded like a snort escaped her escort. He cleared his throat noisily, but she glimpsed a smile before it faded. “That is certainly one way to describe it. All right, let us see who has come tonight. I should like to see whom to introduce you to.”

“Charming new friends?” she muttered under her breath.

“Ah, there we are.” He tucked her hand in the crook of his arm and steered her through the crowd until she stood in front of five gentlemen and two ladies. “Good evening, friends. I would like to introduce my dear aunt’s goddaughter. This is Lady Charlotte Whitmore. She is the daughter of the late Earl of Stanton and is staying with my aunt this Season.”

Charlotte worked harder this time to remember everyone’s names. To her surprise, all five gentlemen asked her to dance. She ended up with a nearly full dance card in moments. Her heart pounded as she studied the card and then returned her attention to the group.

“Oh, you are such a cheat,” Lady Wurst said to Adrian while she patted her husband’s hand. “Your Grace, we all know how you adore your horses. My husband here has looked in the sheets daily to see who might be your next purchase.”

Adrian offered a half bow. “I’m afraid that is something I was cheated out of, so we shall have to see.”

“What a shame,” Charlotte couldn’t resist teasing. “I suppose that means your presence may be required at more of these social events until then.”

The Wursts laughed as Adrian gave her a rueful grin and nodded. “I fear you may be right. Everyone shall be blessed with my presence more than they have in years.”

“I believe we shall bear it,” Charlotte quipped.

“What a charming young lady we have this evening,” noted one of the other men in their group. “Your Grace, where has your aunt been hiding such a delightful treasure?”

“Indeed,” said the young woman at his side before Adrian could respond. “What a splendid surprise to begin this Season with. I feared we would be trapped in the same boredom as last year.”

Adrian glanced at Charlotte with an amused smile. For a moment, she felt as though they were friends. They had been tensely conversing only an hour ago. But the heat of the ballroom and the eager welcome of these people had her relaxing and enjoying herself.

“She’s an absolute surprise, indeed. It seems she was lost out in the country for some time. But worry not, as you can see, she’ll be here for the Season. And perhaps longer if we can convince her that London is the place to be,” he added playfully.

“Then allow me,” announced Lord Wurst as he offered Charlotte his arm. He was the only married man in the group, which she supposed was why Adrian had led her over to the group. “I believe it is time for our dance, my dear.”

While her first dance at her first ball in London would be with a man twice her age and graying hair, Charlotte found herself twirling around the dance floor with a smile on her face. Lord Wurst was a friendly fellow who spoke fondly of his wife and six children. When the dance ended, he brought her a drink and introduced her to a new group of people.

“Enjoying yourself?” Adrian found her not long after while she conversed with several young women much kinder than Lady Eloise. He nodded to the group, as he appeared to know most of them already.

Charlotte opened her mouth and paused when she saw the redhead eyeing the Duke like she wished to eat him up. The lady, a flirtatious third daughter of an earl, licked her lips.

“Yes,” she finally responded. “Very much so.”

“Good.”

He said nothing more for several minutes except to give short answers to those asking him questions. There was something about him that Charlotte noticed, a tension in him that seemed to crackle. She could practically feel it, though they were an appropriate distance apart.

But how could she bring it up in the middle of a conversation?

“Lord Remold is coming to ask you for a dance. I told him the next one might be available. He’s not the brightest fellow, but he’s just inherited the barony. A very wealthy baron, indeed.”

She leaned in to whisper to him, “I don’t care about money. I told you I’m not here to marry.”

He took her empty glass from her and handed it to a nearby footman. “You’re here to dance and still make the attempt. You’re charming everyone now, Charlotte, so don’t give up now,” he added sardonically.

Before Charlotte could frown at him and tell him he was speaking balderdash, Adrian stepped back as Lord Remold arrived, requesting an introduction. And then a dance.

I think I shall be one of the only young ladies dancing this much tonight. This is a good thing, I believe, based on everything I’ve been taught. But no one talks about how tiring it is. My feet will fall off by the end of the night!

Charlotte glanced at Adrian, who nodded. He didn’t look particularly proud or relieved about this like she had expected. She brushed away the disappointment. While her gut told her something was going on with him, she didn’t know what to say about it or what to ask him.

So she didn’t.

She gave the Baron a practiced smile before accepting his arm and allowing him to lead her to the dance floor so she might enjoy another dance.

Perhaps that is what I will do. This is a ball, and more than anything, I am determined to enjoy myself. He won’t decide everything for me.