Jameson noticed the way that Lord Reginald Grey kept observing his niece’s interactions with the man. It made him wonder if there wasn’t a potential match between Charlotte and Lord Dunham that Charlotte’s uncle was hoping for. His left hand kept fidgeting with the tip of his cane as his beady eyes shifted from Charlotte to the rest of the room.
A wave of jealousy washed over Jameson as he took in the interaction between Charlotte and Lord Dunham; he had wanted to talk to her alone. Yet the man was making it nearly impossible for him.
Seeing that Charlotte had made her excuses and stood, Jameson took a step in her direction.
“How can I ever repay you for saving the evening in such a wonderful manner?” Lady Thornton bounded towards him, blocking his path to Charlotte.
“Please, do not even mention it, Lady Thornton. I’m only glad that I could have been of assistance.” Jameson tried his best to end the conversation but was held firmly in place by his mother, who came to congratulate him on his performance.
“I had a feeling that you and Lady Charlotte would make a lovely duet. I once heard her sing at a ball held by her mother when she was merely sixteen. I see that time has only proven to sweeten her voice.” The duchess winked at her son and lovingly looped her arm into his.
“Thank you, Mama. If you would excuse me now, Ladies, I must pay my compliments to Lady Charlotte.” Jameson gently removed his arm from his mother’s in an attempt to make his way to Lady Charlotte.
“By all means.” Lady Thornton seemed pleasantly surprised as she exchanged a look with the duchess and stepped aside.
Keeping his eyes fixed on Charlotte and Lord Dunham, Jameson started in the direction before being stopped by an eager Henrietta and his sister.
“I want to be one of the first to congratulate you on your performance, even if it wasn’t me that you chose to sing with.” Lady Henrietta’s voice dripped with disdain that reflected the disappointment in her expression.
“It was truly a magnificent performance, My Lord. You must promise to sing with Lady Henrietta sometime,” Lady Elizabeth spoke slowly, discreetly nodding her head in her friend’s direction.
Having had enough of the unwanted attention, Jameson pursed his lips and stood his ground. “I thank you for your compliment, Lady Henrietta. Lady Charlotte does indeed have a spectacular voice. I hope that in time you will find a young gentleman that will be able to harmonize with you just as efficiently.”
He said the words with enough conviction in the hopes that the message would finally be conveyed.
Lady Henrietta’s mouth hung open for a few seconds before she began to stammer. “Well, I … I.”
“I think we should get some air; my brother isn’t quite himself right now.” Elizabeth narrowed her eyes at Jameson before leading her friend away.
Shaking his head, Jameson looked up to see that Lady Charlotte had disappeared from view.
Chapter 10
Breathing in the cool night air, Charlotte gently rubbed the back of her neck. The myriad of questions that Lord Dunham had proceeded to ask her had left her irritable and in need of some time to collect her thoughts.
What is it with that man?
He certainly thought that asking hundreds of questions in quick succession was an acceptable and effective way of getting to know a person. She didn’t see how her uncle’s fondness for Scottish cuisine held any bearing on their courtship, but she was glad to have slipped away. Just imagining what her life as his wife would be like left her wanting to run for the hills.
Walking a little further onto the terrace, Charlotte let go of her frustrations, trying her best to remain hidden between the potted roses and shrubs. The cool evening air and starry sky provided a much-needed reprieve from the bustling ball. Bending over, she brought her nose closer to a fragrant white rose, inhaling the sweet perfume.
“I thought I saw you coming this way,” the marquess suddenly spoke up from behind her, making her jump and clutch her chest.
“My Lord,” she breathed heavily, trying to keep her voice low after the very unladylike yelp that escaped her throat. Her breathing was quick as she braced herself against the stone railing of the terrace.
“My apologies, Lady Charlotte, I did not mean to startle you like that. Yet, I must ask, was that address directed at me or the Lord above?” He lifted his eyes to the starry sky with a teasing smirk.
Ignoring his teasing remark, Charlotte shook her head. “I didn’t think anyone else was out here. I needed to get away from the noise and heat.” She fanned her face with a fan and let out a breath; the sudden shock had left her slightly dizzy, yearning for a place to sit.
“I confess that I followed you out here on purpose. I had tried to speak to you after our duet, but you seemed to be preoccupied with your suitor.” He smiled at her with a curious look in his eyes, almost as if he wanted to ask her about Lord Dunham and how she had come to know him.
“It is quite mad in there.” She avoided the question and leaned against the stone railing of the terrace with her forearms after turning. The evening breeze kissed her skin, relieving her of some of the shock. The last thing she wanted to do at present was discuss the eager Lord Dunham and her uncle’s insistence on having them marry.
Her mind briefly wandered to her uncle and if he would allow her to marry a man of her choosing and not someone he deemed worthy. If it were a marriage that he wanted to get her out from under his roof, then surely any man would do.
Walking over to her side, Jameson mimicked her stance and looked out over the gardens, resting his arms on the stone railing. A few torches had been strategically placed to light the pathway, but the main source of light came from the stars that glittered overhead.
“I love a half-moon; I know a lot of people say that a full moon is more romantic, but I’ve always thought of a half-moon as more aesthetically pleasing,” the marquess remarked with his face turned to the sky.
