Where they were no longer alone.
Charley blinked and tried to make out the faces of those who’d been apparently waiting for them. The Marquess of Greystone’s casual tall and lanky stance was unmistakable.
Slightly behind him was the baron, and on his arm, Bethany.
“Stone is doing his best to rein in Mrs. Crabtree,” Lord Chaswick said. “And Peter is keeping Tabetha and the Somerville sisters occupied.”
Bethany didn’t meet Charley’s eyes when she stepped forward and began removing twigs and leaves from Charley’s hair and dress. When she finished, she narrowed her eyes at her brother but went to do the same for him.
He only endured her attempts to straighten him out for a moment. “Go on without me.” He flashed his gaze to Charley, but she couldn’t make out his thoughts before he turned and disappeared back onto the path they’d just come from.
“This way.” Lord Greystone winged an elbow for Charley. She had no choice but to take it and walk alongside the haughty gentleman.
“Such a lovely evening to explore the more distant gardens, wouldn’t you agree?” He patted her hand, keeping their pace slow and leisurely.
Charley was only slightly aware of Lord Chaswick and Bethany walking behind them, acting for all the world as though she and the earl hadn’t been caught in a tryst.
And why had Jules abandoned her with them? He’d been angry when his friend interrupted them but… surely, he wasn’t angry with her?
“Thank you.” Charley lowered her chin, aware that Jules’ friends and sister had come to protect him. But what did they think ofhernow?
“It is something we’ve all done at one time or another. Usually to evade an ambitious mama.” He shrugged. “Or an irate husband.”
Charley stiffened, and he chuckled beside her. “Nothing for you to worry your pretty little head over, however.”
What would it be like to have friends who would put themselves at risk to help you? People who’d known you for most of your life and loved you simply because you were you?
“I envy your friendships.” They were, indeed, almost a brotherhood. They joked with one another, spent leisure time together, and most definitely looked out for one another.
“We have much in common. Not only our time at school but the expectations of our families. It’s refreshing to have people you can turn to who have no expectations whatsoever.”
Charley nodded. The closest she’d ever felt to anyone had been a few of her father’s employees. Other girls her age had always had different dreams than her, and they’d not shared any of her interests.
They’d all adored Charley’s mother.
And her mother had adored them.
As Bethany crept up on Charley’s free side and took hold of her arm, Charley wondered if perhaps her lack of friends had not been mostly her own fault? Was it possible she’d imagined that her mother had fawned over the lovelier young ladies who’d visited?
But she remembered.
She had not imagined the disappointed stares her mother had sent her way.
Her throat felt thick. Had her mother loved her? Would her mother have loved her if Charley had been more malleable?
“There you are.” Mrs. Crabtree came into view, clutching one hand to her chest and frowning deeply. “I have been searching for you everywhere.” The woman’s lips pinched tightly together as her gaze shifted suspiciously amongst them all.
“But she is perfectly safe with us,” Bethany spoke up beside Charley. “This is a house party, after all, is it not?”
“She disappeared alone with Lord Westerley.” The stern chaperone stood her ground.
“Is not the purpose of a house party for the guests to enjoy themselves and one another?” Lord Greystone’s voice could have cut the air around them.
“But Lady Westerley charged me to—”
“You are not a jailer. You are a companion, are you not? And if I am not mistaken—and I know I am not—a companion is not required when a young woman is in the company of other individuals of her own status, one of whom happens to be our host’s sister.” This time it was Lord Manningham-Tissenton who addressed the woman.
Charley’s chest loosened. She may not have known these people for long but for some reason, they were protecting her and defending her.
