“Since Parliament has a break now, I thought we’d return to Kent,” Arthur said.
A thousand emotions flowed through Charles. He did want to go to the country. He could ride or take long walks. He just wouldn’t be able to call on Lady Cathryn like he wanted, though he wasn’t sure exactly how to go about it.
“Does everyone go to their country homes?” Charles inquired.
“For the most part, yes,” Arthur replied. “I’ll show you around the estate once we arrive.”
“That would be nice.”
Finally, the carriage came to a stop as they waited to exit. Looking outside, Charles could see a throng of people talking and walking into the grand manor. A footman opened the carriage door, and Charles stepped down and waited for his brother to assist his wife. He had to admit Daphne looked very much a duchess in her deep-purple gown. He knew very little about women or their fashions, but comparing her to other ladies around her, she certainly stood apart from them.
“Remember what I said,” Arthur whispered near his ear. “Deep breaths. You’ll be fine.”
Charles nodded and followed Arthur and Daphne into the marquess’s home. The musicale was being held in the ballroom in order to seat all the people invited. It seemed the marquess knew a lot of people. Daphne had told him the marquess’s wife had died three years prior and he was just now looking for a wife to bear him an heir. Surely, he wouldn’t have any problems finding a woman, just gauging on how women seemed to react tohim. Why shouldn’t they? He was wealthy, handsome, and had a way with women.
The trio took their seats and waited for the music to begin. First, though, their host introduced each young lady. He was far too familiar with Lady Cathryn and personally made sure she was comfortable as she waited her turn. From the paper they’d been given, she was to be the last one to play. Charles noted that rather than the usual composers pianists went to, Lady Cathryn had chosen Handel, a German-British Baroque composer. The man had left behind a large catalog of music, and Charles found himself curious which pieces Lady Cathryn would play.
The first pianist began to play Bach. Charles sat back in his chair, closed his eyes and listened to the music. She was good, but she didn’t seem to bring much emotion to her playing. Still, with a good tutor she would easily overcome her shortcomings. The next two young women were similar. One played Mozart and the other Beethoven. Both unique composers and each of the pianists played them well, but again with little emotion.
He sucked in a breath as the marquess reintroduced Lady Cathryn. She made herself comfortable before launching into her music. Her fingers flew over the keyboard, leaving everyone in the room speechless. If they’d been whispering before, Lady Cathryn had them eating out of her hand as she magnificently played. By the time she ended, she had applause from the audience that lasted well over two minutes.
The marquess invited everyone to stay for refreshments and to meet the young ladies. From the looks of the room, it appeared that’s what most were doing.
“Why don’t we congratulate Lady Cathryn? She was by far the best performer,” Daphne said to both him and Arthur.
“That’s an excellent idea,” Arthur said. “What do you think, Charles?”
“I concur.”
The trio neared Lady Cathryn. She looked away from the couple she was talking with to smile and nod to Charles. He smiled at her, noting an older couple nearby. He took them to be her parents as they never let her out of their sight.
Arthur and Daphne spoke to all three, then introduced Charles to her parents. He didn’t panic but began to carry out a short conversation with Lady Daphne.
“You said you played, but I was surprised at how well you play.”
“Thank you, Lord Charles. As I mentioned, it’s a passion of mine.”
He nodded. “It’s obvious in your playing.” He was about to say something more when the marquess interrupted.
“Lady Cathryn, let me find you somewhere comfortable to sit.” He stared at Charles as though he expected Charles to make his leave, but Charles stood his ground.
Remembering not to make a scene, he relented—sort of. “I look forward to continuing our conversation, Lady Cathryn.” He watched as the marquess took her arm and began leading her away. She glanced back at him and smiled at him.
Charles turned back to Lady Cathryn’s parents and Arthur and Daphne. They were talking among themselves, but Charles had a distinct feeling they’d all been observing what had just played out and it made him uneasy. Another couple approached and Charles backed away a few feet.
Everyone said their acknowledgments and then Arthur took the lead, seeing Charles’s uncomfortable look. “This has been a most enjoyable evening. I’m afraid we need to take our leave.”
Charles walked behind Arthur and Daphne all the way to the carriage. The evening was pleasant, cool, with a quarter moon lighting the sky. He climbed into the carriage last and sat across from the pair. He wasn’t good at small talk and hesitated to eventry. But the only way he would get comfortable in society would be to try it.
“Thank you for including me. It was quite enjoyable, though I didn’t care much for the marquess.”
Arthur gave him a lopsided smile. “He’s one of those people who takes some time to get to know. He’s an odd duck.”
“He’s more than that. From the gossip I heard this evening, he’s looking for a wife and what he wants he will get,” Charles said solemnly.
“A young lady who has a sizeable dowry,” Daphne added.
“Why would a man do that unless he’s broke?”
