“Are they all looking at us?” she said in a loud whisper to Pear.
“Oh, yes,” she reassured her. “There are quite a few discussions, and a few pointed glances, and fingers in your direction.
She hated being the center of attention. Charlotte had never wanted to be thebelleof the ball. It would be much more to her liking if she could dance a couple of times, then retreat to the library. Occasionally, a ball could be fun, but more often than not, she’d hated them. “Good.” The influx of gossipmongers would ensure that she’d be at Seabrook by the end of the week…maybe sooner.
“You were right,” Pear said. “Wearing men’s clothing certainly caught their attention. Probably more than you anticipated.” There was a bit of awe in her voice as she glanced around the park. “You still want to do one full round around the loop?”
“Yes,” she said. “It has to be complete.”
Though she was starting to wonder if she had lost her mind. The more they moved through the park, the more the members of thetonstarted to talk…and loudly. She heard several unkind words she had wished she hadn’t. Charlotte reminded herself that this had been what she wanted, but it didn’t hurt any less…
They reached the end of the path, and the exit to the park was finally in sight. She froze. Her parents were strolling into the park with the Duke and Duchess of Weston. Charlotte had not anticipated that outcome. She’d thought she would have time to go home and change, then let the gossip come to them. Her mother’s eyes widened, and her father turned toward her. His eyes glittered with disappointment. That hurt more than the harsh words. She hated displeasing her father…
Charlotte swallowed hard and held her head high. The time for turning back had passed the moment she left the townhouse in men’s breeches. She had done this on purpose, and now she had to pay the price for it…whatever that may be.
Chapter 2
The commotion in the park should have drawn Collin, the Earl of Frossly’s, attention. It normally would have, but he had too much on his mind. He’d rode into the park more out of habit than because he had any desire to do so. His stallion blew out a breath and lifted his head as if nodding at a nearby horse. That amused him. Were the two exchanging some sort of greeting?
Collin pulled on the reins and brought his horse to a halt. His good friend, Cameron, the Duke of Partridgdon, came to a stop beside him. They had been riding together in communicable silence. Neither one of them had much to say and seemed to have found comfort in not having to carry a conversation. The duke had returned to England for a short trip. Cameron stayed out of the country more often than not—his way of avoiding the marriage his family had forced him to agree to. If he hadn’t, the dukedom would have been in ruins. The betrothal had guaranteed early funds from the chit’s dowry to sustain it. Cameron hated the contract and the idea of marrying a woman he’d been tied to for almost two decades. She’d been a mere child when the agreement had been signed.
Collin’s situation didn’t appear to be much better…
“What do you suppose that is all about?” Cameron broke the silence.
He shrugged. “I’m sure we don’t wish to know. It is probably riddled with drama neither one of us particularly need to become embroiled with.”
“You’re probably correct,” Cameron agreed. He narrowed his gaze and stared across the park. “The one chit looks familiar.”
Collin turned to glance in the direction of the commotion. He didn’t recognize the two ladies. He frowned. “Is the blonde chit wearing breeches?”
What had the lady been thinking? He could not ascertain one reason for a woman to dress so brazenly. Although, he had to admit he was rather curious about her now. Had that been her purpose? Did she hope to attract a gentleman’s attention? It was still not the correct way to behave. If she’d hoped to gain notice, she had certainly done so, but he doubted it would be the kind she wanted. She would attract every rakehell and scoundrel thetonboasted.
“She is,” Cameron said. “Do you know them?”
He shook his head. “I try to stay out of polite society. My sister would probably recognize them. If she were here, I’d ask.” His sister, Kaitlin, had been happily married to the Earl of Shelby more than fifteen years now. She had three children that kept her occupied…two sons, and a precocious daughter. “But as she isn’t available, I do not dare to guess.” He turned to Cameron. “Why, are you interested?”
Cameron frowned. “The other lady,” he began. “Not the one in the breeches,” he clarified. “She might be my fiancée.”
“Ah,” Collin said, suddenly understanding. “We should make haste then. Wouldn’t do for her to realize you’re in England, would it?”
“No,” he agreed, then frowned again. “She’s lovelier than I remember.” The last bit was spoken in a mere murmur, but Collin had heard it, nonetheless.
Had this little outing given Cameron something to consider? The dark-haired lady was indeed beautiful. At least what he could see of her. The blonde though…the daring one…something about her interested him. The fact that he could see every one of her curves outlined in those breeches certainly didn’t leave much to the imagination either. She hadn’t thought this scheme of hers through. Any red-blooded male would find her attributes appealing, and Collin was far from saintly.
“Oh, no,” Collin said as the Duke and Duchess of Weston, along with the Marquess and Marchioness of Seabrook, strolled into the park. Only then did he realize exactly who the blonde chit was, or more importantly, who her parents were. “The commotion is about to take a turn for the worse.”
Cameron lifted a brow. “I do not understand.”
He gestured toward the front of the park. “I do believe the Marchioness of Seabrook is about to strangle her only daughter.” Cameron glanced at the two couples then over to the two vixens causing the uproar.
“Ah,” his friend said, and then grinned. “It might be worth it to sit back and witness the scene unravel.” He shook his head. “Not sure if I want to risk it though. It’s a pity we cannot stay.”
“True,” Collin agreed. “The Duchess of Weston may prove to be the voice of reason. She is teaching some medicinal practices to my cousin, Marian, and she’s not what one might consider a typical lady of theton. She has more…progressive ideas.”
Cameron sighed. “It’s best we make haste. Thetonis too busy gossiping over what’s before them, and we can make a quick exit.”
“Lead the way,” Collin told him.
