“Steady on!” A hand appeared in her line of vision, and she looked up. The man’s back was to the sun, obscuring his features, though she could guess his identity. Ignoring his outstretched hand, she stood and climbed out of the stream. She twisted as much water as she could from her sodden skirts and shook them so they would not cling to her legs.
“Are you well? Miss Lucas, correct?”
“Yes, Sir Andrew, I am well.” Charlotte sighed and moved to a log situated in the sun. She hoped she could dry out before Elizabeth returned. Her friend’s questions would be uncomfortable.
“You remembered my name!” The pleasure and teasing in Sir Andrew’s voice held equal importance.
“It would be hard to forget after your entrance yesterday.” Charlotte smirked and looked at him. Sir Andrew stood next to the log, hands behind his back and a cheeky grin on his face. His dark hair was tousled in a deliberate way, and his impeccable attire flattered his figure. His hat was under his arm, gloves inside, and a walking stick swung from his free hand.
“Yes, Grandmother does like to make an impression.” He sat, straddling the log so he could face her. “What brings you here this morning?”
“Miss Bennet and I were taking our morning constitutional,” she replied.
“I do not see Miss Bennet.”
“No. My friend is a great walker, and I am afraid I haven’t the stamina, let alone the temperament, to keep up with her. She is to return soon.” Charlotte shrugged.
“Is that your way of warning me?” Sir Andrew cocked an eyebrow and regarded her.
“Warning you of what?” Charlotte furrowed her own brows in confusion.
“Why, that I must escape lest you be declared compromised! I do appreciate your consideration, though a lady of your years must surely wish for such, if only to get herself off the shelf and into a home of her own.”
She felt the sting of his words and scoffed in offense. “I am not the sort of lady to entrap a respectable man, sir,” she said stiffly. “Though I am now uncertain whether that application can be applied to you.”
Her words, rather than censuring him, seemed to spur his amusement. “You speak your thoughts with no hesitation. Are you so content to be a spinster?”
“Is this how you have managed to remain a bachelor, despite needing an heir? Insulting any lady that you meet to ensure they hold no expectations?” Charlotte’s retort was sharp, though she attempted to keep the hurt she endured from coloring her words.
“Ladies ceased having designs upon me almost five years ago. No, I am a confirmed bachelor, or so the matrons of thetonsay.” He puffed his chest out proudly as if he were some conceited popinjay.
“Then is this attack your way of ascertaining my interest? I can assure you that I will not trouble you with flirtatious behavior or with attempts to gain your attention.” She sucked in a breath and continued. “I am aware that what little physical beauty I had faded long ago, and that my station is so beneath yours so as to not gain your notice.”Where is Lizzy?“This conversation has been both improper and invasive, and I must beg you to desist.”
Elizabeth came through the trees just then and Charlotte scrambled from the log. Her pride was injured, and she did not look at Sir Andrew as her friend approached.
“There is Miss Bennet. Miss Lucas said you were about.” Sir Andrew stood from the log and bowed to Elizabeth.
Elizabeth curtseyed in return, though her gaze stayed on Charlotte. “What has happened?” she asked in surprise. “You are soaked.”
“A little mishap in the stream.” Charlotte attempted to maintain her nonchalance and looped her arm through Elizabeth’s. “Let us return to the parsonage. Jane will be wondering where we are and I wish to change into something dry.”
She turned, determined to ignore Sir Andrew. He had made his position very clear, disabusing Charlotte of any hopes she might have developed in that direction. Not that she would have; Mr. Collins might have been perfectly suitable for the daughter of a knighted tradesman, but a baronet was too far to reach.
“Until next time, Miss Lucas,” Sir Andrew said. His voice lacked the dismissiveness and pride from his earlier speech. He sounded calm and courteous.Of course, he must behave in front of Elizabeth. He is old enough to be her father, and so she likely has no interest in him.His harsh words stung still, and she hurried Elizabeth back toward the parsonage.
“When did Sir Andrew appear?” Elizabeth kept pace with Charlotte easily. Her words were curious but not probing.
She likely does not imagine anything improper could have taken place. Who would want poor, plain Charlotte Lucas?“He came soon after you left,” she said aloud. “He startled me, and I slipped from my rock into the stream.”
“Goodness! Did he help you out?”
“I had no need of his aid.” Charlotte’s damp clothing stuck to her legs as they walked. “It was not deep.”
“But a gentleman—”
“He is no gentleman.” Charlotte’s words burst forth and she bit her lips to prevent further pique from spewing forth. “He made that quite clear. Do all men who have been long pursued by ladies seek to destroy any hopes before they even form?”
“Charlotte?” Elizabeth’s confusion was apparent.
