Chapter 7

CHAPTER 7

OCTOBER 31, 1814, THE DAY OF THE BALL

" T hese are the most beautiful gowns I have ever seen!" exclaimed Rose, as she sat on the bed and touched the dress Millie had laid out.

"Grandmama has certainly outdone herself," Charlie said.

"How will I ever be able to thank the dowager for her kindness and generosity?" Rose said, her eyes brimming with tears.

"By being happy and enjoying yourself and dancing with every handsome young man who asks you. And they will all ask you, mark my words." Charlie hugged her friend close.

"That would be lovely, but I hope Caden will be among them."

"I am certain he will," Charlie said, "or I'll wring his neck." She pantomimed her hands around an imaginary Caden, making Rose burst into giggles.

Charlie encouraged Rose to look at herself in the mirror. Rose held the gown up over her dress, her face glowing with excitement as she swished this way and that. "I love the deep blue color…I simply love it!"

"You look beautiful, Rose. The color suits you to perfection."

"Thank you. But now it's your turn," Rose said.

Charlie's dress was comprised of several layers of delicate silver fabric. The silver threads intricately woven into the gauzy material caught the light as she moved. She hadn't been able to get a good look at the dress during their fittings while Madame Soyeuse and her assistant fussed over the alterations, measuring, tucking, and pinning. But as she twirled in front of the looking glass, the silvery confection seemed to twinkle back at her.

"You must try this," Charlie said, swishing the skirt. "Look at what happens when I move the skirt. It's almost like it leaves a shimmering blur in its wake!"

"I love the way it almost blurs behind me," Rose gushed, as she tried hers in front of the mirror.

"These will be the most beautiful dresses at the ball. We'll look grand on the dance floor," Charlie said, still fingering the fabric. "I'm certain no one will wear anything that could possibly compare!"

"If I make it to the dance floor," Rose lamented. "I was tempted to ask Mr. Grindle to accompany me to the ball. That way I'd be assured not to hold up the wallflower wall."

Charlie gave Rose a reassuring smile. "Pish! I know my brother and he will be there." Charlie was only half-kidding when she said she'd wring her brother's neck. She was disappointed with her brother's treatment of Rose by sneaking off to go fishing instead of attending their dance lesson as he'd promised their grandmother.

The dowager gave him a full dressing down, I assure you , Chapelle piped up, reading her thoughts. I was taking my morning bacon…from under the table at the time.

You're lucky Caden didn't catch you there, Charlie countered, glancing at her feline friend, who was stretched out at the end of her bed. He knows you tell me everything.

I was as quiet as a mouse, Chapelle shot back.

Charlie ignored Chapelle's comment and turned to her friend. "You have nothing to worry about," Charlie said aloud to Rose, who'd begun to pace from one end of the room to the other.

"You have more faith than I do, I'm afraid," Rose said.

Charlie was doing her best to calm her friend, but inside, her stomach was full of fluttering butterflies. Charlie had taken the plunge in asking Logan to join them. It was lovely to be on a first-name basis with him, even if only in private.

Charlie had been thrilled that Logan had accepted her invitation, but then the doctor had stopped by the evening of their dance lessons and found two of the stitches had come undone, making the earl's wound tear and bleed again. The doctor repaired the stitches and warned the earl about over-exerting himself.

Charlie had been beside herself with worry. She'd heard nothing since the doctor's last visit. He was due to check on Logan again today. Charlie hoped the earl would be well enough to attend, but she would rather he forgo the ball than risk re-opening his wound.

He'll be fine, Chapelle reassured, holding her nails up to the light of the window. Darn it! I think I broke a nail grabbing that last piece of bacon this morning. I really need to fix this. I need to find a scratching post. I'll be right back. She climbed onto the windowsill and pushing open the window with her paw, gracefully leaped onto the closest branch of the nearby oak tree.

Charlie heard her cat furiously scratching the tree limb and shook her head. When Chapelle wanted something, she had no patience.

I heard that! Chapelle thought. No need to put off until tomorrow what I can do today. I appreciate expediency.

Charlie rolled her eyes.

"I'm sorry. I don't mean to go on about me," said Rose with a sigh. She kissed Charlie on the cheek. "You are such a dear friend."

Ashamed, Charlie realized Rose had seen her roll her eyes. She really needed to be more careful with her conversations with her kitty. "Rose, I'm the one who should apologize. I rolled my eyes. But not at you. At Chapelle. She broke a nail and had to fix it immediately."

Rose chuckled. "It's all right. But I realize that I'm being a tad silly and seem to overreact to every little thing. It's my nerves."

"Everything will be right as rain, I promise," Charlie said.

"Thank you. But I must accept the challenges of life without turning into a ninny. Caden's regard is important to me, but I can't allow it to supersede everything else." She hugged Charlie. "You and your grandmama are the only ones that care about whether I even make it to the ball—any ball."

"I know how difficult it's been for you because of your father's illness," Charlie said.

"Thank you, but it's been harder on Mama. Papa requires so much care and attention." She expelled a deep breath. "That was not the case when I was a child. Mama was the most attentive mother in the world. She lavished me with birthday parties, trips to the park, and stories at bedtime. She always had a smile on her face and would go about her day humming and singing. And you know how lovely Mama's voice is. Like an angel. Now, I'm lucky to see her at mealtimes." Her lips trembled as she spoke. "I do what I can to help her, but she is always so tired."

Charlie knew that was an understatement. Rose was just as caring as her mother was. Rose took breakfast to her father every morning, feeding him so that her mother could have an extra hour of sleep. And Rose also sat with her father every evening, reading to him so that her mother could take some much-needed time for herself. That was why Charlie's grandmother had been so insistent that Rose come for a visit and that Aunt Agnes should accompany her as chaperone. That way, Rose could attend the ball with them under Grandmama's protection.

A brief tap at the door announced Millie, and she entered the room, holding the door open, as two maids followed with buckets of warm water. "The dowager asked me to attend you both. Lady Rose, the other maids have already filled the tub in your room. If you leave your dress here, I will bring it to you when you are finished bathing."

"That is so kind. Thank you, Millie. I'll see you soon, Charlie," Rose said as she left the room.

"I hope you don't mind, my lady. You were both in here admiring the dresses, and I didn't wish to intrude. But the dowager wishes to be one of the first to arrive, so it's time to get ready," the maid explained.

Charlie rolled her eyes and meant it this time. She hated arriving early. Those that walked in later barely got noticed, and that's how she preferred it.

"Come. We must hurry," Millie urged, lightly touching her arm.

I'll just stay out here and watch for that annoying owl, if it's all the same to you. It would make my day if I caught him , sighed Chapelle, perched on the branch outside the window.

"Please don't latch the window, Millie," Charlie instructed as the maid reached up to secure the window sashes. "Chapelle is still out there."

"Ah! Yes, my lady. I see she is still trying to snare the owl. She might find that owl is more than she bargained for, should she get too close."

"Yes! I quite agree. All that bacon is bound to slow her down," Charlie said. Both women laughed.

"The doctor approved your attending the ball if you avoid the dances that require exertion. He had to replace a few stitches and worries you will risk an infection if you are not cautious, my lord," Bronson said, concerned. "Are you sure this is a good idea?"

"I wouldn't miss this ball for the world," Logan replied. "I cannot think of any event I have looked more forward to in years."

"Listen to you! Your mother would be most pleased to see you putting yourself in the center of all the matchmaking mamas. She's made no secret of wanting grandchildren," Bronson teased.

"True. But I assure you, there is only one reason I am attending."

"Aye! I am guessing that's Lady Charlotte. A most unusual young lady, indeed," Bronson said with a wink. "In that case, you're fortunate to have some of your dress clothes with you, or attending the ball would have been difficult." The valet spread the clothing out on the bed. "I prepared your bath."

"And it is that thoroughness that I truly appreciate," Logan said. "I can count on having an outfit for any unplanned event. The best decision I ever made was asking you to accompany me home from the continent. I appreciate you, Bronson."

"Thank you, my lord. But we were friends long before I was your employee. When you offered, I had nowhere else to go and snatched the opportunity. You and your family have become my family," Bronson said, sounding a little melancholy.

Logan felt a wave of guilt wash over him at his thoughtlessness. His friend had lost his wife and children to influenza while they had been away at war. It was what had made Logan offer him the position of valet. Knowing that Bronson had lost his entire family in one fell swoop. What a nightmare for Bronson to have faced. Logan cleared his throat. "You're a good man, Bronson, and as strong and affable as you are, I'm certain that one day, love will find you again." Indeed, Bronson was only ten years his senior, and Logan noticed the appreciative looks his valet received from women when they traveled. He had also noticed the appreciative smiles Rose's Aunt Agnes had given Bronson. "You never know when that person will come into your life." As soon as he'd said it, he realized it also applied to him. He had never expected to meet anyone like Lady Charlotte Penrose— Charlie .

"I will leave you to bathe. The water is warm, and the soap and towel are next to the tub. I will return in twenty minutes and help you dress," Bronson said, stepping from the room.

Logan lay back in the tub and thought about the dance lesson the other day. He couldn't fathom what had gotten into him. Considering no alternative, he'd asked Lady Charlotte to dance, just as Viscountess Wilburn had suggested—silently reminding himself not to call her Aunt Agnes at the ball. Who am I fooling? I was looking for an excuse to dance with Charlie.

As he remembered holding her, familiar waves of warmth shot through him. Never had a woman affected him so. His time on the continent had placed him in the company of plenty of women, with social events before battles that were, oddly, commonplace.

Attending a ball had been the furthest thing from his mind; however, the thought of her dancing with other men tormented him with jealousy. He'd never felt a jealous streak in his life! He couldn't make sense of it. Charlie so taunted his dreams, he'd dragged himself from his bed to attend breakfast the past two days—craving even a few minutes of her company. He only agreed to take dinner in his room, so Bronson would stop harassing him about the dangers of infection.

He leaned back and closed his eyes, thinking back to holding her in his arms and breathing in her essence. She smelled of jasmine and vanilla. The memory of it dulled the twinges of pain in his chest—and apparently his senses.

"Rose, you look like you were born to wear that dress. It's truly lovely on you!" exclaimed Charlie. "I wish your parents could see you in it. They would be so proud of you."

"Do you think so?" Rose asked.

"Of course, they would! You both look lovely!" the dowager said, walking into the parlor.

"My dear, your mother and father want you to be happy," Aunt Agnes said as she followed the dowager into the room. "Your parents gave me something special for you." Reaching into her pocket, she withdrew a silver necklace with a heart-shaped sapphire. "Your mother asked that I give you this for the ball. She had planned to give it to you herself, but when your father took a bad turn before we left, she lost track of time. But she made me promise. It was a necklace your father had given your mother when they became engaged. She wanted you to have it."

Rose wiped tears away from her cheeks. "I recognize it. It's the necklace she often wears. I've always loved it."

"Well, she wanted you to wear it and asked me to tell you she will be thinking of you, and wishing she could have gone with you to the ball."

Charlie wiped tears from her face and realized she was also crying. "That's lovely, Rose. It will suit your dress perfectly."

"I told her your mother the color before we left, Rose, and yesterday she saw the dress—with her looking glass," the dowager whispered, and then put her finger to her mouth. "I hear someone coming."

Men's heavy footsteps sounded in the hall.

"Speaking of parents, your mother and father had planned to join us at the ball," the dowager said, looking at Charlie, and loud enough for whoever was approaching to hear. "But I received a message that they cannot attend. Caroline went into labor and was expected to deliver twins, and they felt they could not leave her. I'm very sorry, my dear. I know you had looked forward to their being here."

Charlie choked back her disappointment. She had hoped to introduce Logan to them, hoping they approved. And she missed them. "I understand. Carrie needs to have them with her at this delicate time." Silently, she sent a petition that everything would go well for her sister.

Before anything else could be said, Logan appeared in the doorway. "Are we all assembled and ready?"

Charlie's heart did a dozen somersaults as she beheld how handsome Logan looked. She was thrilled that the doctor had allowed Logan to attend, provided he was careful, of course. But seeing him standing before her, she'd never felt such anticipation.

"We are waiting for Caden," her grandmother said, clearly pleased as she regarded the earl. "You look very debonair, don't you think so, ladies?"

"No, need to flatter me, I'm here," Caden said, grinning as he walked in behind Logan. "And I must say, I have never been in more resplendent company."

"Grandmama was speaking of the earl," Charlie blurted. Her face heated as she realized she'd made yet another faux pas. She glanced at Rose, who was gazing up at Caden and beaming from ear to ear. I hope Caden dances with Rose tonight. If he doesn't, it'll break her heart.

"I'm glad to see you are honoring us with your presence, Caden," the dowager said in a wry tone.

Caden smiled. "I wouldn't dream of missing it, Grandmama." He turned to Rose. "I hope you will hold the first waltz for me, Rose," Caden said, affirming he'd heard Charlie's thoughts. He leaned over Rose's hand and kissed it. Then he straightened and turned to Charlie. "And you, as well, little sister."

They often heard each other's thoughts. It was a twin thing with them. But Charlie also knew Caden practiced selective hearing because he also ignored her when he didn't want to "hear" her thoughts. As kids, they used to share thoughts and tease those around them with antics. The smirk on his face told her he was still reading her thoughts, and she fought the urge to stick out her tongue. Apparently, he thought this last-minute gesture would place him back in Grandmama's good graces—a thought she dearly hoped he heard!

"And you both must save me a waltz," Logan said, bowing over Charlie's hand and giving it a light kiss.

"Of course! I'd be honored," Charlie enthused, praying there would be more than one dance with him.

Of course, you would. You've thought of the handsome earl so often, you've got me seeing him in my dreams , Chapelle meowed loudly, as she sauntered into the room.

They must be preferable to dreams of chasing mice , Charlie countered, still smiling in Logan's direction.

"And I will save you a place," chimed in Rose, obviously still beaming over Caden's request.

"The carriages are waiting in the drive," the dowager announced. "While Nightshade Manor is in Boca Morrow, it is at the far end of the village and will take time to get there. I thought two coaches would be more comfortable for our party."

"Thank you for the thoughtfulness. It'll be nice to stretch out my legs," said Caden.

Ha! You are not out of trouble yet, dear brother. Try harder. Perhaps, promise two dances to Rose! She suppressed a chuckle as she heard Caden's sigh from behind her, signaling her brother had gotten that message.

The party made their way down the front steps of the townhouse to the two waiting coaches. Logan and Caden helped the ladies into the front coach before taking their places in the second, smaller coach. Charlie saw Chapelle sneak in and hide beneath her skirts before the door to the coach closed. She felt sure her grandmother wouldn't have said anything since the men were riding separately. Besides, Chapelle typically remained in the carriage.

"I thought this would be the best arrangement," the dowager said, as the door shut to the ladies' carriage. "Everyone can stretch their legs and the men can have their own carriage."

"I concur," Aunt Agnes agreed. "It would have been tighter quarters, and those beautiful dresses would have gotten wrinkled. This is far more preferable."

Three-quarters of an hour later, the coach rumbled off the main road onto a long gravel drive, signaling they were now on the Drakos estate. Charlie peered out her window, hoping to catch the first glimpse of the well-hidden mansion, Nightshade Manor. It was built by the Drakos family centuries ago as a refuge from the witchfinders, who, at the time, had hunted down and tortured to death, so many witches. The mansion was hidden behind a rambling mass of dark, foreboding woodlands—so dense that the only light that could be seen was from the lamp on the front of the coaches or from the moon and the stars.

The four-storied stone mansion finally came into view as the drive curved around colorful flowerbeds, bursting with color, and illuminated by tall gas lamps. With its massive Corinthian pillars, Charlie was reminded of its resemblance to a Greek temple, rather than a typical English estate. All the windows were ablaze with light and music could be heard from the ballroom within. As the coaches came to a stop, they were met by liveried footmen.

"I'm just tingling with excitement," exclaimed Rose, as she stepped from the vehicle and gazed up at the impressive mansion.

"Me too," Charlie said, realizing she truly was. It was because he was here. For the first time since she'd attended her first Society event, she sensed this would be a very special night.