Before Charlotte could answer, a noise came from the hallway outside the door, and she turned to see what caused the commotion.
“Andrew!” Amelia cried delightedly. “You rascal. You did not say you were coming. I thought you meant to go to Briar Court until autumn.”
Sir Andrew swooped down and kissed his grandmother’s cheek affectionately. “My business at Rosings Park is complete, and after a few days at home, I grew restless for company. There is nothing at Briar Court that cannot wait until September.” He turned and bowed to Charlotte. “Miss Lucas, it is good to see you again. How have you enjoyed London?”
Charlotte felt unaccountably anxious at Sir Andrew’s appearance. She had not expected to see him again, even as a guest of Lady de Bourgh. Her heart fluttered, and she mentally silenced it.He is not for you,she told herself for the millionth time.
“I am well, Sir Andrew. Welcome.” She smiled and turned her attention back to her meal.
“We are going to picnic in the park, Andrew,” Amelia said, gesturing for him to sit down. He did so and began filling a plate with food. “What say you to accompanying us?”
“A picnic sounds delightful. I have no other engagements and am happy to do whatever you desire.” Sir Andrew smiled at his grandmother and Charlotte admired how attractive it rendered him.
“Shall we go around noon? The weather is not yet too hot during that time of day.” Amelia turned to Charlotte. “Do you not agree, my dear?”
“The weather has been very pleasant these last few weeks.” Charlotte groaned internally.Speaking of the weather. How very trivial. What must he think of me?She had never been prone to embarrassment and cursed the blush that she could feel creeping upon her cheeks.What is it about Sir Andrew that discomposes me so?She did not know, but she knew she held him in esteem and that his good opinion mattered to her.You are not romantic. Practical, pragmatic Charlotte’s head is never in the clouds.
“Noon sounds delightful. Have you notified the cook yet? Perhaps I can make a few requests.” Sir Andrew smiled again, and her heart did a flip.
“We had only just settled the matter when you arrived. What sort of things do you wish to enjoy?” Amelia looked at Charlotte and then Sir Andrew, awaiting their answers.
“I believe I can say with certainty that Miss Lucas would like strawberry tarts and fresh berries. Scones, biscuits, and rolls as well.” Sir Andrew’s eyes sparkled as he regarded her, and Charlotte glanced away, uncertain what he meant by his display.
“Well, Charlotte? Has Andrew guessed correctly?” Amelia sounded amused and she felt like as if she were the butt of some secret joke.
“He has,” she said finally. Turning to Sir Andrew, she continued, “I did not realize you had become so familiar with my preferences.”
His gaze turned serious as he replied. “I have, indeed, Miss Lucas. I know you prefer honey to sugar, and milk instead of cream. You favor quiet pursuits to loud gatherings, and cats to dogs.” Suddenly, his expression changed from sober topompous. “I am nothing if not attentive,” he said in a passable imitation of his aunt Lady Catherine.
Amelia laughed and Charlotte joined her, chuckling quietly. Privately, she wondered what Sir Andrew meant by flaunting his knowledge.
“What of you, grandson?” Amelia returned to the topic of their picnic. “What will you have in the basket?”
“I believe it is Miss Lucas’s turn to speakmypreferences,” he answered, smirking. “Let us see if she can make proper work of them.”
Charlotte’s eyes narrowed.What is he about?she wondered. Keeping her eyes on her plate as she cut up a piece of ham, she considered her reply. “You prefer lemon or raspberry tarts,” she said with certainty. “You also like biscuits, scones, and rolls with butter instead of honey. And you prefer coffee to tea.”
Sir Andrew did not respond, and Charlotte glanced up. He watched her closely, an unfathomable expression on his face. Their gazes locked and she lost herself in the depths of his brown eyes. Finally, he broke away.
“You are correct, Miss Lucas. Well played.” Clearing his throat, he turned to Amelia. “And you, Grandmother? What is it that you want in the basket?”
Amelia chuckled. “Nothing that you have not already mentioned, except perhaps a beverage.”
“I shall see it done,” Sir Andrew replied. He rose from his chair leaving his half-eaten plate of food behind and left the room. Charlotte continued to eat though she did not feel much like finishing her breakfast.
“What a welcome surprise to have Andrew here!” Amelia grinned and tapped Charlotte’s hand. “I had not expected to see him until September. He usually spends the summer in the countryside. Are you not pleased, Charlotte?”
“I am happy that his company brings you so much joy.” In truth, Charlotte did not know how she felt. Sir Andrew’s arrival would change the dynamic of things in the house. Perhaps Amelia would tire of her company and send her back to Meryton. The baronet’s presence in London discomposed her; he stirred feelings in her that were better left unexplored, for he had already declared his confirmed bachelor status and she doubted he planned to change that.
Amelia eyed her shrewdly, and Charlotte had the impression that her hostess could see right through her paltry reply to the heart of the matter. “Yes, my grandson is a good man and a good master. If only he would find a lady and settle down.” She raised an eyebrow and Charlotte shook her head.
“Sir Andrew has no interest in me, not in a romantic sense,” she insisted. “I am pleased that he has joined us, since it has brought you so much joy, but do not presume there is more to his arrival than what it appears.”Shewould certainly not presume. Her heart could not bear to hope only to have those feelings dashed.
“Whatever his purposes, the house will be far livelier with him here.” Amelia set her fork down and stood. “I believe I shall go to my chambers and see to a few household matters.” She took up her ever-present walking stick and left the room, leaving Charlotte to finish her breakfast alone.
After pushing her food around on her plate for a few more minutes, she rose from the table and left the room. Making her way to the library, Charlotte determined to find a book to occupy her morning until they departed for their picnic. She did not feel equal to spending time with Sir Andrew until she had a chance to regain her equanimity. Her composure had suffered with his unexpected arrival, and she needed time to marshal her defenses against his charm.
Sir Andrew had been unfailingly polite during their shared walks in Kent, and whenever they had been in company at Rosings Park. Never had he done anything to raise her expectations, and despite his insulting insinuations when they met the second time, Charlotte had grown fond of him. Yet, she knew there would be no future in that quarter. She had much better take this opportunity in London to find a husband and put aside the silly dreams of a love match that she had buried years ago.
