Walking beside the duchess, Charlotte ascended the stairs in her emerald dress. Anne had been able to pin her hair on top of her head in an elaborate style with many pins that boasted pearls of pure white.
The inside of the mansion was just as impressive as the exterior, with a high, painted ceiling and a marvellous chandelier with hundreds of candles. Charlotte held her breath in wonder as she took in the shining marble floor and elegant vases on every side of the hall.
Charlotte quickly spotted Lady Elizabeth with Lady Henrietta and Lady Carter; the women were quietly whispering to one another as they turned to look at Charlotte, politely nodding a greeting.
It was Lady Henrietta who sneered at her first, causing the pit of her stomach to knot with an uneasy feeling.
She’s not too pleased to see me.
She recalled her conversation with the marquess where he had alluded to the fact that their last conversation hadn’t gone well for Lady Henrietta.
“Lady Charlotte.” Jameson greeted her warmly, striding towards her from across the hall with a bright smile that caused her heart to flutter.
The friendly interaction only served to anger Lady Henrietta even further as she narrowed her eyes and turned back to her conversations with an irritable scowl.
“Good evening, My Lord,” Charlotte curtsied, grateful for the friendly welcome.
“I just have a few things to check on. I don’t think it will be too improper for me to leave you alone. There are a lot of eyes around,” the duchess teased and winked before walking away with a flourish of her dress.
“I’m afraid I find myself without a chaperone this evening; my maid is still ill,” Charlotte explained when Jameson shot her a pointed look.
A wolfish grin spread over his lips as Jameson’s eyes dipped to her chest, taking in the swooping neckline of her dress as his gaze lingered for a moment.
“I can’t say that I am entirely disappointed with the arrangement. I hope to steal you away for a few moments this evening.”
He leaned in closer and whispered in her ear, sending a shiver of pleasure down her spine.
A hot blush crept up the back of her neck, filling her cheeks with heat as her lips parted slightly. His hand sought her for a second, gently stroking her fingers with the back of his knuckles for the briefest of moments.
Her breathing quickened as Lady Thornton and Isabella appeared in the hall alongside Lord Ashburton and his sister. The diversion gave her time to catch her breath as everyone’s focus was drawn to the new arrivals. Her heart raced with anticipation.
Will he kiss me again?
The dinner guests made their introductions and greetings before making their way across the hall and into the lavish dining room that boasted a table as long as the room. The silver and crystal sparkled in the flickering light of the candles, adding to the growing ambiance of the evening.
Jameson led her across the room, holding out her chair before helping her into her seat. His fingers lightly brushed her neck as he pushed her chair back in and took his seat at her side.
“Mama, don’t you think that Lady Henrietta should swap with Lady Charlotte just so that the conversation can flow?” Lady Elizabeth addressed her mother with a fake scowl, displeased with the seating arrangements of the evening.
The duchess came to her side and placed a hand on her daughter’s arm. “I have decided where everyone will be seated this evening. Hush now and take your seat,” she said a bit more gently and patted her daughter on the arm.
She approves of me.
A wave of relief swept over her body as Charlotte realized that the duchess approved of her presence beside her son.
“Now that we are all here, we can start the dinner. I am afraid that my husband has a few pressing matters to attend to this evening. I’m sure you will all forgive his absence.” The duchess nodded to the butler, signalling the start of the meal as she took up her place at the head of the table.
Charlotte noticed the way that Jameson stiffened at his mother’s announcement but pushed the feeling of unease aside as he turned to her with a smile.
“I was hoping that you would accompany me in another duet this evening, Lady Charlotte.” The corners of his mouth lifted into a hopeful smile.
“I would be honoured …” She barely had a chance to finish her sentence as Lady Elizabeth cut her short.
“I think it would be better if you sang a duet with one of the other ladies this evening. Just so that we aren’t having the same old songs all of the time.” She swallowed the small bite of food she had been chewing and smiled sardonically at Charlotte.
Lady Henrietta seemed to enjoy the comment immensely as she perked up and mirrored her friend’s smile. “I would be delighted to accompany you, My Lord.” Her voice dripped with sweetness that made Charlotte ill.
“I’m afraid that that wouldn’t work as the piece of music I wished to share this evening was written with Lady Charlotte in mind,” the marquess spoke directly as he addressed both his sister and her friend.
