Chapter 40 #2
After a few more turns around the dance floor, Charlotte was satisfied that most of their observers had enjoyed the show put on by the earl and countess.
Incapable of keeping her emotions hidden, the ton would know that she admired her husband very much.
Judging by the barely hidden heat in his gaze, the same might be perceived in Perry.
Though it was their plan to project the image of a happily married couple—madly in love—Charlotte suspected that their closeness was no fa?ade.
The way he touched her when they were alone, away from prying eyes, was no illusion.
He wanted her as much as she craved him.
When the orchestra paused the music, Perry took her hand and swept her off the dance floor.
He changed directions when he noticed Viscount Witney signaling to them.
“It is lovely to see you again, my lord,” she said, giving Michael a small nod.
“Apologies for interrupting your evening, Countess, but I need a word with your husband,” Michael spoke quietly, his eyes surveying the area to ensure they were not overheard. “Please, let me introduce you to some of my cherished friends.”
Guiding Charlotte and Perry toward a cluster of women, her curiosity piqued as she took in the three stunning ladies, each unique in their beauty.
“Let me introduce you to Lady Katherine Waring, the daughter of the Covingtons.”
Lady Katherine reached out a hand and surprised Charlotte by squeezing hers.
She was unused to any kind of familiar touch in such a formal setting.
The lady shone in her sparkling cream dress that could be compared to frothy champagne in the way it shimmered in the warm candlelight.
Her dark brown hair was arranged artfully in big curls on top of her head, with a sprinkling of diamonds that shone like stars.
Charlotte admired her lovely skin. The kind of smooth perfection her mother would love for her to have.
“Please, call me Kitty,” she said, her rich brown eyes sparkling with mischief. “I believe we shall be great friends, Countess.”
“You must use my given name, Charlotte. It is my pleasure.”
Next, Michael flicked his gaze to another stunning woman, who stood tall next to Kitty, with startling green eyes that stood out against her tawny skin. “This is Lady Annabelle Pensfield.”
“Pleased to make your acquaintance, please call me Belle,” the woman said, with a tip of her head. Her apple-green satin dress shimmered, and she clutched her green lace-gloved hands before her.
Charlotte’s mouth curved into a smile as she was introduced to the last woman in the group, Lady Jane Starling.
A shy smile curved the woman’s lips, her appearance rather muted with her light brown hair and hazel eyes.
Lady Jane’s cheeks flushed as she nodded at Charlotte.
Her stunning periwinkle gown with delicate inlaid flowers of lavender, pink, and light blue enhanced her curvaceous figure.
Charlotte noted that Jane was afflicted with the same freckles as she.
It somehow made her immediately connect with the woman.
Society would have deemed them both rather plain, but Charlotte could see how Jane held an inner beauty that radiated from her.
It was delightful to find some friendly faces among the strangers in the ballroom.
“Please, call me Jane. It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Spencer.”
Michael introduced Perry, then whispered a message into his friend’s ear. Perry’s eyes widened. “Darling, I must leave you for a moment; you will be well cared for by these ladies,” Perry said.
Smiling despite her nerves, Charlotte nodded, watching her husband walk away.
Her face fell, the mask of serenity dropping for a moment, aware that she was being excluded their conversation.
Perhaps this had something to do with the Viscount Witney’s mysterious reputation.
Or he had information regarding Perry’s attacker.
Eyeing the two men as they disappeared into the crowd, Charlotte turned back to the group of women.
“Are you enjoying yourself, Charlotte? I am told you spent a lot of time in the country,” Kitty asked, waving a delicate fan in front of her face.
“Oh, that must be a very quiet life indeed,” Belle added. “I fear I am addicted to the pleasures of the city.”
Charlotte gave a small smile. “Yes, I am not quite used to all the excitement yet.”
Tilting her head, Jane seemed to notice her nervousness. “I believe life in the country is sublime. None of the pressures we face in the city. Personally, I love it.”
“I enjoyed it very much,” Charlotte admitted, wringing her hands.
Glancing over her shoulder, she spotted a familiar voluptuous blonde in the sparkling golden dress and excused herself from her new friends, eager to catch up with Louisa.
“There you are, sister,” Charlotte placed a hand on the woman’s shoulder, realizing immediately she had made a mistake. It was not Louisa, but another similarly dressed woman she had never met. The woman glared daggers at her and turned back to her conversation.
Mortified, she strode briskly away, putting space between her and the woman she had interrupted. Needing to catch her breath, she tucked herself next to a large pillar with perfumed florals twined all along its length.