“Good morning, dear; you look troubled. I have some news that might turn your scowl into a smile,” his mother said with a hint of mystery and a twinkle in her eyes before he had the chance to answer.
Elizabeth’s mood seemed to worsen as she pursed her lips and took a seat by the window, reaching for and opening a book that had been left on the small table beside the chair.
“I’m sure whatever you have planned will delight and entertain us all.” He allowed his shoulders to relax a little as his mother walked over to the pianoforte in the corner of the room and examined the music sheets on display.
“I hope you are busy composing something interesting for you and Lady Charlotte to perform at the little soirée I’m planning. Her uncle is out of town again, and I have invited her to stay with us this evening so that the two of you may practice.” She looked up to judge his reaction, hope and a hint of mischief wrinkling the corners of her bright eyes.
His heart skittered in his chest at his mother’s announcement. A whole day to spend with Charlotte while they practiced his compositions together. “That was a wonderful idea, Mama.” He tried his best to keep his excitement under wraps, but he could see by his mother’s bright smile that he’d done a bad job.
Elizabeth suddenly shut her book loud enough to make everyone jump, scowling at her mother as she sighed.
“Whatever is the matter with you?” Their mother’s smile quickly faded as she frowned at her daughter.
“Something was buzzing around my head, an annoying fly I was hoping to squash,” she answered her mother while keeping her eyes on Jameson with a pointed look.
“Don’t be so abrupt next time, dear; it’s very unladylike,” the duchess reprimanded her daughter with a scowl before leaving the room.
Jameson wished his sister would have gone with their mother as he noted the determined look in her eyes.
Placing the book back on the table, Elizabeth stood and walked to the pianoforte, strumming her fingers over the keys on a shrewd note that made Jameson wince. “You know that Lady Charlotte isn’t exactly the perfect match for you,” she stated while keeping her eyes on the keys.
Irritation instantly began to course through his veins. “And I suppose you think that Lady Henrietta is a better match for me?”
“Lady Henrietta, anyone from a more established family would do.” She smiled sweetly and batted her eyes in a fake manner.
Recognizing the look his sister used on their father whenever she wanted something, Jameson walked over to the pianoforte and removed his sheets of music right as she reached for them. “And what do you mean by a more established family? Lady Charlotte’s family has always been one of wealth and good standing.”
“Not as wealthy as ours, and her family fell from grace after her parents’ demise; it’s only recently that her uncle has managed to worm his way back into favour,” she said a little more venomously as her eyes flashed with malice. The same kind of look that Lady Henrietta had whenever she was sharing a piece of scandalous gossip.
“When exactly was it that you allowed Lady Henrietta to influence your character in such a nasty manner? You used to be a sweet young girl who never had anything bad to say about anyone at all. I will most certainly have a word with Father and Mother about the company you keep,” he stated pointedly and shook his head, irritated by the change in his sister’s character because of a spoiled and pampered young woman.
Opening her mouth slightly with a hurt look on her face, Elizabeth was about to respond when their mother came back into the room with Lady Charlotte at her side.
“Look who just arrived.” The duchess beamed, ushering a shy Charlotte into the room.
Jameson’s heart skittered again as he noticed her flushed cheeks and shy demeanour. She seemed to be holding back slightly as the duchess coaxed her forward with a gentle tug on her arm.
“Lady Charlotte.” Jameson bowed and came forward, noting the light blue dress that made her eyes seem lighter than they usually were.
“Thank you for your kind invitation, My Lord.” She avoided looking at him at first, and Jameson wondered if she was avoiding him because of the moment they had shared at the Opera. His dreams had certainly been filled with the moment.
“I would love to take the credit for the idea, but it was my mother who instigated the invitation,” he jested politely, hoping that his light tone would let her know that he approved of the idea, nonetheless.
“Why are you so pale? You look as if you have seen a ghost?” The Duchess frowned as she looked at her daughter.
Elizabeth seemed as if she had been slapped, her cheeks paling as she glanced at her brother with a hurt look. Jameson knew that his words had hurt her, but he didn’t regret what he said. His sister’s character was worsening the more time she spent with that insipid Henrietta.
“I just remembered that there is something I need to do,” Elizabeth murmured under her breath and left the room without so much as a glance in Lady Charlotte’s direction.
The duchess frowned and shook her head, completely taken aback by her daughter’s strange behaviour.
“Forgive my sister, Lady Charlotte; she mentioned earlier that she was feeling ill.” Jameson attempted to cover up their argument, not wanting their mother to scold Elizabeth before he had a chance to talk to her about the matter.
“Oh dear, I hope she feels better soon.” Lady Charlotte’s eyes lingered on the doorway before coming to rest on Jameson again.
“Do you think I should send for the doctor?” His mother frowned in concern.
“No, I think she will feel much better once she has had some time to lay down,” he answered a little too quickly.
