Chapter 1 #2
Doubling over, Charlotte buried her face in her hands, dropping her head toward her lap until her corset threatened her breath.
“Oh, Abigail. I cannot believe this is happening. How can they just marry me off like some prized mare? Am I to just go along with their schemes with no say at all?” She felt herself trembling slightly as the reality of her father’s words sank in.
“Charlotte…” Abigail let out a breath and stood, coming to her friend’s side, where she took a seat.
“I know this isn’t what you want to hear, but marriage might not be the worst thing in the world.
For all you know, the man could be a wonderful gentleman.
Did your father mention the man’s name?” She reached out and gently tugged Charlotte’s hand, coaxing her to let go of her face.
Giving in, Charlotte sat up straight. “Some earl; Lord Ashford, I think he said. William Armitage. I guess I should get used to the name since it will be mine soon enough.”
Stiffening a little, Abigail sat up straight.
“What is the matter? Do you know the man?” Charlotte felt the pit of her stomach clench at her friend’s reaction.
“Not personally, no.” Abigail quickly shook her head.
“Abigail, if you know something about him, I implore you to tell me. If I am to spend the rest of my life by his side, then I should know what kind of reputation he has.” She braced herself for the news.
Chewing the inside of her cheek, Abigail seemed reluctant sighing hesitantly. “I have never spoken to the man, but I have seen him at times in places like Hyde Park or entering White’s. He is quite… reserved,” she said tactfully.
Groaning, Charlotte buried her face once again. “That is just what I need, someone as cold as my father. What am I to do?”
The sound of laughter, like the chortling of a dove, filled the air. “I just said he was reserved. There is no need to liken him to your father. He is quite handsome, you know. His eyes are quite striking, and his features have been likened to those of a Greek God.”
Rolling her eyes, Charlotte sat up straight just as Georgina entered with a tray of tea.
“That is wonderful, my future husband will have the face of a Greek God, but the humor of one of their statues. And what if he is as handsome as you say? Does he not have enough debutants to occupy his time? Why would marrying me be something he considered?”
Chuckling at the remark, Abigail shook her head. “All I am saying is that you should give the man a chance before writing him off as a cold and humorless rake. And as for your last question, you are just as beautiful as he is handsome. In that regard, the two of you are evenly matched.”
“In looks but not in humor, wit, or anything that truly matters?” Charlotte placed her hands on her hips and gave her friend a pointed look, lifting her eyebrows as she pursed her lips.
Returning her look, Abigail placed her hands in her lap and met her gaze. “You will never know unless you meet the earl and get to know him. Just because my impression of him was not a shining one does not mean he is someone detestable.”
She lowered her arms and took a deep breath. What if her friend was right? What if the earl was everything that she had ever wanted? There was every possibility that he was just as charming and intelligent as the rumors of his looks.
The thought scared her more than she cared to admit. What if she got everything that she had ever dreamed of and more?
Coming to her feet, Abigail drew Charlotte from her thoughts as she poured them both a cup of tea. “Why do you not go for a ride this afternoon? You know you always think more clearly after being out for a while. There is no point in overthinking things when the matter has already been settled.”
“I guess,” Charlotte agreed reluctantly, shaking off the thoughts.
“I suppose the worst that could happen is we meet and absolutely detest each other. I… I had just always hoped that I would someday marry for love, if not affection. The last thing I want for my future is to sit on a shelf and become some man’s prize or the means to building his bloodline.
” Her expression sobered as she thought of the miserable life that some of the ladies of the ton were forced to live.
She longed for a life of freedom where her husband would cherish and take an interest in her as a person, not just the value of her beauty or ability to bear children. More than anything, she longed for a man who would allow her to be herself; a man of her own choosing.
The room grew quiet for a moment as Abigail seemed to be contemplating her words.
“I doubt the two of you will detest each other, My Lady,” Georgina remarked as the women took their seats once again.
“And how do you know that?” Charlotte asked her maid as she accepted a cup of tea.
Smiling mischievously, Georgina straightened. “Because you have always had a weakness for a handsome face, My Lady.”
Abigail smiled over the rim of her cup, coaxing Charlotte to do the same.
“Very well, the two of you win. I shall give Lord Ashford a chance, but I am warning you both. I shall not like him just because duty dictates that I do. I shall show him just who he is marrying, and then he can decide whether he still wishes to go ahead with the match.”
“And if he falls in love with you and steals your heart?” Abigail asked, raising an eyebrow conspiratorially.
“Then he shall be far more talented than any other man in London,” Charlotte said firmly, pushing aside the question in her heart.
What if he does steal my heart?