Chapter 25
Chapter Twenty-Five
“What a night this promises to be,” Edmund said, with an eager smile on his face. Charlotte clasped her hands together, her furtive gaze flicking around the room, scared to meet the Duke’s gaze. The kiss continued to haunt her. Sometimes it felt as though his lips were still pressed against hers.
“I’m not sure I will stay all night. I am still feeling rather faint,” Charlotte confessed.
“You can rest after the ball. These are the moments that we need to enjoy the most. This is what life is all about. Everyone is dressed up, looking their best. There are smiles everywhere, and there’s a sense of wonder in the air.
Anything might happen.” Edmund rubbed his hands together with anticipation.
“I’m not sure His Grace would welcome that,” Lydia said. “He doesn’t strike me as the type to enjoy the unexpected.”
I wouldn’t be so sure about that, Charlotte thought. She just managed to stop herself from giving voice to these words. Her cheeks took on a rosy glow, so she bowed her head. A servant passed. Edmund stopped him and picked out glasses of champagne for Charlotte, Lydia, and himself.
“I’m sure his attention will be focused on his intended bride. I did catch a glimpse of her just then. She is certainly the star of this ball,” Edmund observed, craning his neck to try to see her again.
“You’ve certainly changed your opinion of her,” Charlotte remarked.
Edmund looked away, raising his eyebrows.
“I’m not sure what you mean by that. She seems lovely, if a little quaint.”
“You did call her boring, Edmund, no matter how much you try to deny it,” Charlotte reminded him.
Lydia gasped in horror.
“That’s awful! She’s not boring; she’s just traditional.”
“I call many people many things; you should have learned by now not to take me so seriously,” Edmund said with a dismissive wave of his hand.
“Anyway, with all this talk of marriage in the air, I think it is a prime opportunity for you two to meet people. Lydia, why don’t you go and stand with Grandmother?
She can start a conversation with anyone,” Edmund suggested.
Lydia smiled brightly and veered off toward Agatha, who was currently speaking with a group of people. Charlotte watched as Agatha’s face lit up, reaching out her hand for Lydia’s, her eyes shining with pride.
“As for you, dear sister,” Edmund said with a mischievous smile.
Charlotte held up her hand.
“We have had this conversation many times before, Edmund.”
“And we shall have it many times again. Look around you, Charlotte. There are so many people, and meeting each one is an adventure! If the Iron Duke can find his match, then why can’t you? Oh, look, here comes someone now.” Edmund chuckled to himself, gesturing beyond Charlotte’s shoulder.
Charlotte turned and blanched as she saw a stranger approaching her. Or was he a stranger? There was something familiar about him. He was of medium height and had a distinguished look. His hair was graying at the temples, and he had bushy mutton chops sweeping along his cheeks. He smiled.
“Who is he?” Charlotte said under her breath, turning toward Edmund, but he was already moving toward the stranger.
“Duke of Stonewood, but you can call me Edmund. I have the pleasure of introducing my sister, Lady Charlotte Hartley. And you are?”
Edmund shook the man’s hand. Charlotte cringed inside and wished for the floor to open up and swallow her whole.
“It’s an honor to meet you, Your Grace. I’m Baron Winstanley, and forgive me, but I am already acquainted with Lady Charlotte, at least from afar,” Baron Winstanley said, arching his eyebrow playfully and smiling in Charlotte’s direction.
“Oh, how intriguing! Charlotte, you are being coy,” Edmund teased, standing between Charlotte and Baron Winstanley.
“Forgive me, Lord Winstanley, but I’m afraid I do not recall the circumstances of our acquaintance.”
“I wouldn’t expect you to, My Lady,” he said, nodding in deference and showing that he took no offence. “As I said, I know you from afar. We have both attended lectures on botanical matters. We share a keen interest.”
“I see. I apologize for not recognizing you at first. Now that you mention it, I do recall seeing you.”
“What a strange coincidence,” Edmund said, far too happy for his own good in Charlotte’s opinion. Still, she thought, it was pleasing to meet someone with a similar interest to her own. Perhaps speaking about these matters would help take her mind off Nathaniel.
“I would prefer to call it good fortune, Your Grace. Lady Charlotte, might I ask your opinion of Professor Hamway’s most recent lecture?”
“Excuse me, but I believe an old friend is calling me. I’ll be within sight if you need me, Charlotte,” Edmund said, and moved away a short distance.
Charlotte sighed and shook her head.
“I don’t believe there is an old friend. He simply doesn’t want to listen to a conversation about botany.”
“Few do; more’s the pity. It’s why I sought you out when I saw you. I find these events rather trying, in truth.”
“As do I. As for your question, I thought he made some excellent points, but I think he relied too heavily on using examples from his travels. Unfortunately, we do not have access to as many plants as he did.”
“I felt the same way,” Baron Winstanley leaned closer and lowered his voice. “If you ask me, I felt as though he took the opportunity to boast about his exploits. The lecture seemed as much about his pride as it did anything else.”
There was a pleasing twinkle in his eye, and Charlotte appreciated his candor, so she did not seek to escape their conversation.
“I much preferred Professor McFadden’s lecture. I enjoyed the way he found such beauty in his native Highland plants.”
“Oh yes, although we had to battle through his accent to understand him.” He had a pleasant laugh, and Charlotte found herself quite at ease in his company.
“It’s the kind of spirit I hope to emulate in my work,” she ventured, curious to see his reaction.
His eyebrows arched, but he appeared to be more curious than shocked.
“Oh, are you giving a lecture as well?”
“Perhaps one day, but no, I am writing a book. I hope to educate people about the kind of herbs and plants they can find in common locations and about the various uses.”
“That sounds remarkable. I’ve often thought about doing something like that myself, but every time I sit down to write, I am filled with a terrible sense of dread. I’m certain I would get something incorrect. I am an amateur at best.”
“I’m sure you do yourself a disservice, My Lord.”
Baron Winstanley waved a hand in the air.
“I wish that were the case, but as a man grows older, he begins to understand his limitations. However, I think it’s marvelous that you are willing to contribute to the sum of human knowledge.”
“Thank you,” Charlotte said with genuine appreciation and some surprise as well. “I wish more people felt as you do. I know it may not be traditional, but I am trying to do something worthwhile.”
“Indeed, and you should be congratulated for it. Imagine all the people you might help! I should be honored to read your book once it is completed.”
“Please, and I would welcome any notes.”
“I’m sure the only note I would have is to write more,” he said, and Charlotte found herself blushing.
However, her eyes drifted past Baron Winstanley’s shoulder as a murmur arose in the crowd.
She caught sight of the host taking to the dance floor, holding Honoria’s hand high in the air.
Everyone basked in their glory. Charlotte overheard a few whispers commenting on Honoria’s beauty and how well the two of them fit together.
“Now the party is beginning in earnest,” Baron Winstanley remarked.
Charlotte was still staring at Nathaniel. He looked handsome in his tunic. His face was stoic, as though he felt no emotion at all, but Charlotte knew this was a lie. The way he kissed her hinted at an unbidden passion beneath the surface. Could he kiss Honoria like that?
The irony of Nathaniel’s actions did not escape her. After all this time, he was the one who had been improper and had not even offered an explanation. But still, she would not raise the subject with anyone. Mary still needed to be protected.
“They are to be married soon, I believe,” Edmund said, appearing from nowhere.
“He hasn’t proposed yet,” Charlotte pointed out, a little too sharply and a little too quickly.
She cleared her throat and spoke again, attempting to cover the emotions she revealed.
“It wouldn’t be right to presume anything at this stage, especially when we know His Grace respects the proper procedure.
Edmund, weren’t you speaking to a friend? ”
Charlotte glared at Edmund, irked by his ill-timed return.
“I couldn’t stray too far, dear sister. I am your chaperone after all. Although I’m sure Baron Winstanley here is beyond reproach.” Edmund nudged Baron Winstanley in the ribs and winked at him. Baron Winstanley laughed. Charlotte almost envied the way Edmund could make friends with anyone.
“All this talk of marriage—why, it gets one thinking. Did you know my cousin is to be wed soon?” Edmund continued. Charlotte turned her head a little and widened her eyes, giving Edmund one of those silent looks that warned him to stop.
Of course, he did not.
“I did not; that is wonderful news. My congratulations to them,” Baron Winstanley said graciously.
“Is your wife in attendance tonight?”
Baron Winstanley hesitated. Charlotte felt an uncomfortable twinge inside again. She turned away, hoping for a moment’s respite, but that did not help either. She was faced with the sight of Nathaniel dancing with Honoria, and everyone watching on, impressed.
Honoria was everything Charlotte wasn’t.
Perhaps that was the appeal.
“My wife died of illness some years ago now,” Baron Winstanley replied quietly.
“Ah, I’m sorry,” Edmund said, placing a hand on the Baron’s shoulder as though they had known each other for years. The Baron’s head dropped while Edmund quickly looked toward Charlotte. He smiled, and she scowled, for she knew the machinations turning in his mind.
“Speaking of proper procedures, would you do me a kindness?” Edmund asked.
“Of course, what favor do you ask?”
“My sister enjoys dancing, and she has yet to be asked tonight. Would you escort her to the floor?”
“It would be my pleasure,” Baron Winstanley said. The delight on his face was flattering and unnerving. He stepped aside and gestured for Charlotte to join him.
It would have been rude to refuse his invitation. Charlotte gave a savage look to Edmund, who simply waved her goodbye.
The dance floor was wide and long. They took their place on the left side while Nathaniel and Honoria were in the middle, the focus of attention. Everything seemed to flow around them. Charlotte made a point of standing with her back turned so that she wouldn’t have to witness their dance.
While Charlotte did not make a habit of dancing, she had been schooled in the art of it and so was familiar with all the steps. Baron Winstanley’s movements were stilted but adequate.
“You are a wonderful dancer, Lady Charlotte. You put me to shame,” he said.
“I am nothing compared to my younger sister—dancing comes quite naturally to her—but thank you for the kind words.”
“You are welcome. I hope that it is not too much of an ordeal to dance with me. I am more comfortable sitting in a reading chair beside a warm fire.”
“As am I,” Charlotte said with a warm smile.
“I must say that I find your company most refreshing. It seems we have much in common.”
“Indeed.”
Charlotte couldn’t help but turn her head slightly, giving herself the opportunity to look over her shoulder at Nathaniel and Honoria. For a moment, she thought he was looking directly at her, but then all the bodies and the faces undulated and came between them like a great tide.
“Have you got any suitors?” he asked.
The question took Charlotte by surprise. She almost lost her footing but managed to recover at the last moment.
“Suitors?”
“Yes, for your hand. I can imagine a woman of your intellect and beauty must have many offers for marriage.” He punctuated his words with a kind smile.
“I do not. Although it is unconventional, I have chosen to focus on my research rather than marriage.”
“I do find that most intriguing. I feel as though you are a woman who appreciates openness, My Lady. I would like to be married again. To the right person. One who shares my interest in academic pursuits. We could attend lectures together, and I would be happy to support your research in any way I can.”
“That… that is most unexpected and most kind, My Lord,” Charlotte stammered. The last thing she had anticipated tonight was an offer like this.
“Then please think of the possibility. Would you mind if I discussed the matter with your brother?”
“You are free to discuss whatever you like,” Charlotte replied. She intended this to be a simple declaration of a fact, for she was still attempting to process his words. However, the look of delight on Baron Winstanley’s face suggested that he took it as encouragement.
Had Charlotte just invited a proposal?
Well, she had always said that she would be married if she met the right man, and from what she had seen so far, Baron Winstanley was far more suitable than any other man she had met.
He was intelligent, courteous, and respectful of her interests.
He was eager to read her research and did not intend for her to sacrifice her ambitions for his sake.
He was not unattractive to look at, although he was a little older than she would have preferred.
She estimated him to be in his late thirties or early forties.
A marriage to him would probably be satisfactory.
But there was a flaw, one that was entirely out of Baron Winstanley’s control. It was a flaw that Charlotte wished she could ignore, but it pulsed in her mind.
He wasn’t Nathaniel.
It shouldn’t have mattered, but it did. She turned her head again, instinctively looking for the Duke. He was no longer on the dance floor. She supposed she would have to get used to not seeing him soon enough, and the thought filled her with melancholy.