Chapter 6 #2
“Of course I don’t want to,” Charlotte said firmly.
“Which brings me to the real reason I asked you here.” She hesitated, looking between them all.
“I’m not the only one of us who’s facing a grim prospect.
We’ve each endured at least one unsuccessful season.
In truth, I’m worried that if we leave everything up to luck—or our parents—we’ll all end up like Victoria: Betrothed to someone who isn’t right for us and forced into a marriage we despise. ”
There was another moment of hush as they all thought about their own pending fates. None of them could deny the truth of Charlotte’s words.
“So we have to do something,” Miranda announced, setting her shoulders back. “What are you thinking, Charlotte? How do you—any of us—escape this?”
Charlotte drew a breath and summoned whatever scrap of boldness she possessed. “I think we should join forces. Help each other ensure we find the right matches, or at least avoid the worst ones.”
Miranda crossed her arms over her chest, clearly intrigued.
Felicity’s eyes grew even wider. “But… how, exactly?”
“I don’t know,” Charlotte admitted. “But I refuse to continue to stand by and let my future, or any of yours, be decided by society and at our parents’ convenience. I propose we take control in whatever small ways we can.”
“Such as?” Adeline prompted.
Charlotte shrugged. “We have intelligence, combined social connections, and a certain cunning if we put our minds to it. Why can’t we join forces and support one another?
If we make a plan, an… alliance, if you will, we might just secure more suitable matches—or at least find ways to stave off unwanted suitors. ”
“This idea has merit.” Miranda tapped a pen on her notebook as she spoke, her voice brightening with interest. “If we each gather what we hear in the ballrooms, drawing rooms, and at the promenade, we can compare notes. We can identify which men are respectable, which are rakes, which have secrets or debts. We can strategize who should dance with whom, how to encourage or discourage a suitor. In essence, we’d be turning the season into a… well, an organized campaign.”
Despite the gravity of the topic, the corners of Charlotte’s mouth lifted.
That was exactly the sort of language she expected from Miranda, who adored structure.
“Yes. Organized. We could be more effective together than alone. I know it sounds a bit mad, but it’s better than waiting around for whatever fate befalls us. ”
Helena lifted her chin. “The idea is brilliant, but I’m not sure how I fit into it.
If I’m honest, I do not seek a match at all.
I fancied myself in love once but I learned from that mistake.
Now, I’d prefer to focus on my music, if only my parents weren’t so determined I bring our family into the ton. ”
“Then we shall do our best to help you remain unwed,” Charlotte assured her.
Felicity fiddled nervously with a lace cuff. “And what of me? I’m hardly a shining star on the dance floor, or a master of drawing-room conversation. How could I help?”
Miranda reached across and patted her hand. “You have a sweet disposition, Felicity. People trust you. And you’re more observant than you realize.”
Genevieve cleared her throat. “Well, I can’t say I’m brimming with suitors, either, but I do talk to people at these dreadful balls. My mother insists on parading me everywhere; I pick up pieces of gossip. It might be useful.”
Charlotte’s shoulders lost a fraction of their tension as the group reached a semblance of consensus. “So we’re agreed, then?” she asked, carefully scanning each face. “We’ll help one another navigate this marriage market—on our own terms?”
Adeline smirked. “And if we’re lucky, we might avoid these dreadful Leonard types altogether.”
“Precisely.” Charlotte’s smile was genuinely warm now.
“Goodness,” Genevieve breathed, leaning forward. “It sounds almost… devious. I’ve never been devious in my life.”
Miranda patted her hand, too, still holding on to Felicity’s with the other. “It’s more practical than devious, Genevieve. We’re merely looking out for one another in a society that often pits women against each other.”
At the mention of the unspoken rule that young women were in constant competition for the most eligible suitors, a somber mood briefly settled in.
Yet the notion of banding together felt both exciting and subversive.
They were taught to be polite, sparkling, and grateful for any decent proposal.
But here they were, talking about daring to change the rules.
“So, how do we start?” Felicity asked.
“I propose we focus on one of us at a time, and given recent events with Sir Roger”—Miranda wrinkled her nose as though at a bad smell—“we need to start with Charlotte.”
Charlotte flushed slightly. This was precisely what she had wanted; but now she had to admit the most embarrassing part of all.
She had an ideal suitor in mind.
Of course, Felicity and Miranda would not be at all surprised. Indeed, Miranda gave her a knowing look.
“Charlotte,” Adeline said, “Miranda’s right; I think we should start with you. You have an odious suitor sniffing around, and”—she paused, exchanging a glance with the others—“there’s also the matter of the Duke of Arundel.”
Heat flooded Charlotte’s face. Was everyone aware of her feelings for the duke?
“Have I been so obvious?” She groaned, raising her hands to her cheeks.
“Well,” Genevieve said carefully. “I’ve seen how you sometimes peek in his direction at balls.”
“You don’t always hide it well,” Helena added “Sorry.”
Charlotte was mortified. “I—he’s an old friend of my brother’s,” she murmured, fumbling for composure. “I’m sure he only sees me as William’s little sister.”
“Oh, I wouldn’t be so certain,” Miranda mused. “We’ve all seen him dancing with you more than once. He rarely dances at all. He’s famously aloof. So perhaps there’s hope.”
“If we succeeded in matching you with the duke, Charlotte, think what that would mean for all of us,” Genevieve chimed in, excitement edging her voice. “Having a duchess among our number would open doors to so many events and connections. We might all benefit from that influence!”
Charlotte’s embarrassment grew. “You’re all so kind, but I don’t want us to only focus on me. This was meant to be a collective effort.”
Adeline gave a wry smile. “But your situation is urgent. We can’t leave you to the attentions of that awful Leonard man.
And Genevieve’s right; if we can encourage the Duke of Arundel to take more of an interest, then it would help us all.
Plus you’d be safe from lesser suitors like Leonard. It solves two problems at once.”
As they all nodded eagerly, a riot of emotions swirled in Charlotte. The truth was, she desperately did dream of catching Henry’s eye. But even thinking about it felt presumptuous.
“I… I’m not sure he feels any particular way about me,” she said, picking at the trim of her dress. “I’m sure I’m only a convenient dance partner when he wishes to avoid pushy mothers and their eager daughters.”
Felicity piped up then, sympathy in her gaze. “That might be true,” she admitted, “but I’ve seen the way he looks at you sometimes. There’s a definite warmth there.”
Charlotte’s cheeks colored slightly. “You really think so?”
“There will be by the time we’ve finished.” Helena grinned.
A gentle laugh spread through the group, and Charlotte was touched by her friends’ support. The nerves fizzing inside her turned to excitement. Perhaps this could really work.
“I can’t thank you all enough,” she said, her voice soft. “This is more support than I ever imagined. Truly.”
Miranda tilted her head. “We have to set some sort of plan, though. The next ball is Friday at the Wentworth estate, is it not?”
Everyone murmured in affirmation. Charlotte had nearly forgotten about the invitation, although her mother had insisted they attend.
“Then let’s make that our first observation post,” Genevieve said.
“We’ll watch how the Duke and Leonard each approach you, or if they do at all.
Helena can conveniently step in if Leonard becomes too forward.
Adeline and I can linger near the refreshments and see what gossip we overhear about both men.
” She paused, a conspiratorial glint in her eyes.
“I’m sure someone will be talking about who’s courting whom. ”
Miranda nodded. “Meanwhile, Felicity and I can stay near Charlotte, ensuring she’s never truly alone and that we note any signs of the duke’s interest.”
“You won’t find it terribly tedious?” Charlotte asked.
“No more tedious than enduring a ball where everyone expects us to make small talk about the weather, the pianoforte, or the latest fashion,” Miranda assured her.
A ripple of shared amusement softened the tension in the air, and Charlotte let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. “Thank you. I don’t know how to repay you for this.”
“By letting us do it,” Adeline said simply. “And by being our ally in turn when it’s our moment of crisis.”
“Yes,” Helena added. “We’ll all take turns. We’re in this together.”
And so they huddled close while Miranda made notes on their plans.
Adeline proposed they arrive in staggered intervals so as not to appear suspiciously huddled.
Felicity surprised everyone by suggesting Charlotte feign a fainting spell if she needed to escape a tight spot with Sir Roger.
They all laughed at the notion, but no one doubted it might be necessary.
Soon the tea service had been well used, and the plates of biscuits were reduced to crumbs. Eventually, Miranda checked her watch and murmured that she had an errand to run before teatime. One by one, the others realized they, too, had obligations.
Flushed with a newfound purpose, Charlotte stood to escort them out. “Let’s gather again soon to share anything we learn after Friday,” she said. “Perhaps next week, once we’ve had time to observe the ball’s aftermath.”
They rose from their seats, Adeline smoothing her skirts, Genevieve dusting off crumbs from her gloves, and Helena taking one last sip of now-cold tea. Felicity picked up her shawl, a new glint of determination in her eyes. Miranda gave Charlotte a thoughtful look.
“Remember,” Miranda said quietly, “be calm at the ball. Don’t appear anxious. We’ll do the groundwork around you.”
“I’ll do my best.” Acting naturally around the duke was going to be her biggest challenge.
Charlotte reached for the door just as the handle twisted on its own, and the door swung open to reveal Lady Fitzgerald.
Charlotte’s heart lurched into her throat. “Mother!”
Lady Fitzgerald’s gaze swept the scene as she took in the empty cups, the nearly consumed plate of biscuits, the ring of chairs. One eyebrow rose in question. “Ladies,” she said smoothly. “What a lovely gathering. Charlotte, you didn’t tell me you expected quite so many callers today?”
Charlotte opened and closed her mouth, at a loss for an excuse.
Helena suddenly dipped into a respectful curtsy. “We do apologize for any inconvenience, Lady Fitzgerald,” she said in a cheery tone. “We promised Charlotte we would meet to rehearse a small piece for a charitable event.”
Charlotte prayed her mother wouldn’t pry further. She pressed her lips together, trying not to look as guilty as she felt.
“A charitable event?” Lady Fitzgerald repeated, glancing from Helena to the others. “How generous of you, my dears.”
Helena smiled, weaving her fib with surprising ease.
“Yes, I thought we might combine our talents to raise funds for… oh, let’s say to send blankets to orphans.
I had the notion that each of us, having some skill or other, could perform something small.
Charlotte’s role,” she continued, flashing Charlotte a meaningful look, “is to organize the refreshments and the guest list. That’s why we’re gathered here, to discuss some of the details in private. ”
Charlotte had to fight not to gape. She recognized the quick cunning in Helena’s improvised excuse. Her mother, after all, was known for charitable committees and gatherings, so a philanthropic cause was less likely to arouse suspicion.
Lady Fitzgerald’s expression remained politely inquisitive. “How commendable. May I ask which orphans’ home you intend to support?”
Helena’s eyes widened. “I…. Well, we’ve not finalized it yet, my lady. We were considering a few. I believe Miranda suggested a home in the west of Town.”
Miranda, catching Helena’s cue, nodded earnestly. “The… the St. Agnes Foundling House, I believe. I read about it in the papers. They do admirable work.”
Charlotte resisted the urge to breathe a sigh of relief as her mother’s suspicion seemed to waver in the face of such philanthropic zeal.
“Indeed. That is an excellent institution,” Lady Fitzgerald said, inclining her head. “Very well. As long as you’re not tiring yourselves out with too much excitement.”
Genevieve bobbed a curtsy in turn. “We’re just on our way out, Lady Fitzgerald. Thank you for allowing us to visit.”
A small pause hung in the air, and Charlotte braced for more questions.
But Lady Fitzgerald stepped aside, letting the group file past into the corridor.
She turned to Charlotte with a frown, though her voice remained pleasant.
“You must let me know if you require any help organizing this performance. You know I do like to support our local charities.”
“Of course, Mother,” Charlotte managed, matching Helena’s confident tone as best she could. “We will be sure to consult you if we need advice.”
At least for now, Lady Fitzgerald seemed placated.
All that remained was to see if their plan would hold firm once the swirl of the ballroom engulfed them on Friday night.
It must. Charlotte’s future had to hold more than Mr. Roger Leonard.