“What were you thinking of, dear?” Lady Thornton cocked her head to the side, searching Charlotte’s face.
Feeling herself blushing, Charlotte swallowed. “I was just thinking of the performance last night; it felt good to play in front of people after such a long time.” She concealed the truth with a lie she considered to be lighter than grey while not entirely being white.
A knowing smile spread over her lips as Lady Thornton looked at her daughter. “The evening was most certainly delightful with all of its unexpected turns.”
“I’m sure that a certain Lord Sinclair enjoyed the duet as much as the rest of us did,” Lady Isabella teased with a wink before stifling her giggles by pursing her lips.
Charlotte could feel her cheeks growing even hotter as she straightened the folds of her pale green dress. She wished that Isabella wouldn’t tease her so in front of her mother; it was embarrassing enough that she felt herself unable to speak in his presence at times.
“And I’m sure that a certain Lord Ashburton was entirely oblivious to the performance; he seemed only to have eyes for one person,” Charlotte narrowed her eyes and shot back at her friend, hoping to divert the attention away from herself.
It was Isabella’s turn to blush as she averted her gaze, turning her head to look out the carriage window.
“Oh, what it is to be young and in love. If it’s any consolation, I think that both of you have made very fine choices in young gentlemen if both matches are a success.” Lady Thornton laughed before winking at Charlotte and reaching for her daughter’s hand.
Lady Isabella smiled up at her mother, yet Charlotte couldn’t help feeling a knot of anxiety in the pit of her stomach. Her uncle was determined to have her marry the talkative Lord Dunham; would he even consider anyone else as a possible suitor for her? Faking a smile, she looked out the window, thinking of the man who could potentially be her husband if she didn’t speak up.
“We are here now,” Lady Thornton said, announcing their arrival at Hyde Park, craning her neck to catch a glimpse of the view over her daughter’s head.
The carriage came to a stop beside the large lawn often used by the ton for picnics, while others preferred to promenade beside the water or practice their rowing. The lush grass was scattered with groups of people, all enjoying the fine weather and sun.
“Charlotte, look!” Isabella hissed under her breath and gripped her friend’s arm before Charlotte even had a chance to exit the carriage.
Lifting her head, Charlotte looked up and locked eyes with none other than the marquess himself. His lips curled into a smile as he nodded to her, causing her pulse to race.
The man seems to appear whenever I think of him.
She could feel the heat creeping up her neck as she looked into his eyes. Had he been thinking of their kiss as much as she had been? Her mind filled with excitement at the thought of his kiss. The marquess wore white breeches with black leather boots and a handsome blue coat that displayed the splendour of his sculpted body.
It wasn’t until Isabella fidgeted at her side that Charlotte noticed the rest of the group. Lord Ashburton and his sister Rose stood beside the duchess and her son and daughter with a slew of servants in tow. The footmen carried baskets of food while the maids followed behind.
“What a delightful surprise this is.” The duchess came forward and greeted them all, her crisp white dress flowing in the breeze as she lowered her parasol from her shoulder.
“It is, indeed. We thought it a lovely day for a walk, but we never dreamed of meeting such agreeable company on the way. Did we, girls?” Lady Thornton turned to her daughter and Charlotte.
Isabella barely concealed her smile, biting her lower lip and averting her gaze from Michael.
“The most wonderful idea has just occurred to me; you must join us for a picnic!” the duchess exclaimed excitedly.
Charlotte felt her panic rising again at the thought of spending an afternoon in Jameson’s presence. How would she talk to him in front of everyone after the moment they had shared?
“We couldn’t possibly intrude on your afternoon,” Lady Thornton protested, to her daughter’s great disappointment.
Isabella shot her mother a hurt look, pouting slightly as she glanced back over at Michael.
Jameson simply smiled as he whispered something to Michael, causing the man to clear his throat and cough into his hand.
“I insist.” The duchess smiled sweetly, sweeping her eyes over Charlotte as if she approved entirely.
“Then I guess we have no choice but to accept your invitation. We have brought two maids along that can help with the serving.” Lady Thornton gestured to the maids who had climbed down from beside the driver.
Anne looked pale and tired, causing Charlotte to wonder if she shouldn’t have allowed her the day off while she asked one of the other maids. Then again, her uncle would have been furious if she took someone away from their duties.
Lady Thornton followed the duchess as Isabella and Charlotte were approached by the men and their sisters.
Lady Rose Ashburton greeted them while Elizabeth stood by in a more reserved manner, nodding politely while keeping her distance.
“I can’t say how delighted I am to have run into you here,” Michael Ashburton bowed and smiled at Isabella.
