I titled it:How to catch a husband: Charlotte’s list of requirements.Tapping my finger on the table, I began writing.
1. Always showcase your skill on the pianoforte.
2. Always perform better than the previous lady.
3. Always let him choose the conversation and always act interested.
4. Always dress in the latest fashion.
5. Always compliment him.
6. Always smile and lean close when speaking.
7. Always laugh at his wit.
8. Always steal his heart.
My mouth curled into a grin as my confidence returned. What had I been so worried about? I had been taught what I needed to know, and my beauty was unrivaled in the entire county at least. My heart beat quickly. If Mr. Weatherby didn’t send me flowers by tomorrow, then he was not worth my attention anyway.
With these firm thoughts in mind, I took a deep breath and finally finished my letter to Alice.
Chapter Two
“Look like the innocent flower
but be the serpent under’t.”
We left the house around six o’clock. Clara remained in the drawing room when we departed, hanging her head and sniffling like a child. Her hands were clasped behind her back, and thin strands of wet, dark hair clung to her cheeks where the tears fell freely. I flashed her a winning smile as I passed.
I walked to the carriage, shivering in the cold from the recent rain. The temperature was dropping more by the day, turning the warm summer breezes into chilled autumn air. I hadn’t bothered to bring a miniature looking glass, for I had my appearance memorized from head to toe. I had insisted that Anna work nothing short of a miracle. Most of my hair was arranged atop my head with pieces intertwining intricately like clockwork. My cheeks were rosy, my eyes perfectly matched to my dress—the color of which I called the sky.
Any man would have to be blind not to notice me, or to want me as his wife. I told myself such things when I had a goal toaccomplish, yet my palms still perspired inside my gloves. I took a deep breath, my heart hammering just a little faster as Mama stared at me from across the carriage on our way to Candleworth Manor.
When we arrived, I stepped down gracefully, lightly resting my hand in the footman’s. Mama walked ahead of me, bowing her greetings toward the other guests making their arrivals. The night sky was speckled with stars, making me feel even more powerful and beautiful.You can do this, I told myself.You can win him.By the time we stepped through the doors, I believed it.
In the drawing room, I surveyed my competition carefully. Married women,four. They were nothing to worry about. Widowed,two. Potentially dangerous, but less so.
Young and unattached…nine.
I felt the eyes of several gentlemen wander to me, but I ignored them. Where was my target? I found Mr. Weatherby standing in the farthest corner of the drawing room, engaged in conversation with two other gentlemen. It was a difficult circle to infiltrate, to be sure. I bit my lower lip. The dining table was sure to be enormous, and my odds of receiving a seat near our host were slim.
I watched the guests interact from my vantage point beside my mother. We were greeted occasionally by the bold men and women in the room, but most kept their distance. Mama had a tendency to intimidate.
A young woman caught my eye near the pianoforte, studying a sheet of music. I briefly recognized her from the previous London season. Her name was Miss Lydia Camden, and I knew that she was reputable on the pianoforte. Without a second thought, I stood from my chair and crossed the room to greet her.
“Miss Camden! What a pleasure to see you again.” I pulled my lips into a rehearsed smile.
Her eyes raised to mine in surprise. She didn’t seem quite as pleased to see me as I waspretendingto be to see her. “Miss Lyons,” she stammered. “The pleasure is mine.”
“Why have you secluded yourself to this corner? I trust there are many fine gentlemen here who admire you.” I eyed the sheet in her hands. It was Haydn’s sonata in C major, one I had previously played at a musical.
“Don’t be absurd. It is you they are bound to admire.”
I swatted the air and let a laugh ring through it. “Surely I will not turn a single head.”
She smiled. “Nonsense. You have much beauty to recommend you. I rely solely upon my performance.”
“I am performing tonight as well.”
