If everyone else was getting married, then should she as well? She was unlikely to find a man as agreeable as Baron Winstanley.
But that did not strike her as a good enough reason to get married.
As she made her way to the refreshment table, hoping to slip away unnoticed, she caught sight of Nathaniel dancing with Clara. He looked happier than when he had been dancing with Honoria. Clara was not as refined as older women, for she hadnot yet mastered the art of dancing. However, what she lacked in precision she made up for with enthusiasm.
While Nathaniel gave the impression of a man who only thought of duty, there was a softer side to him as well. In her opinion, he should display it more often.
It brought to mind the kisses that should never have been given. They were hidden from the world, but Charlotte could not ignore them.
She couldn’t imagine kissing anyone else.
At the refreshment table, she picked up a drink and spent a few moments gathering herself. When she turned around, she noticed that Mary and Alfred were standing nearby. Mary waved her over. At that moment, Nathaniel returned to them with a beaming Clara.
Charlotte stopped in her tracks, but it was too late to turn away.
“Charlotte, you look like you’re having a fine time so far,” Mary said.
“Mummy, did you see me dance?” Clara asked, fit to burst with excitement. Mary cast an apologetic look in Charlotte’s direction and bent down to address her daughter.
“I did. You were wonderful, and so was your partner.” She glanced at Nathaniel.
“It was an honor to dance with you, Lady Sterling,” Nathaniel bowed to Clara, making an extravagant show of respect. Clara squealed with delight, but clearly wasn’t done. She took Alfred’s hand and pulled him to the dance floor before Mary gently admonished her.
“Clara, remember your manners. A lady is supposed to wait until she is asked to dance. And remember that it is getting close to your bedtime.”
“Oh… yes,” Clara said, then looked up at Alfred. “Will you ask me to dance?”
Alfred chuckled.
“Lady Sterling, will you do me the honor of dancing with me?” he asked. Clara nodded and then yanked him away.
Mary, Nathaniel, and Charlotte all chuckled.
“One day, she is going to be a debutante,” Mary sighed.
“There are still many years until that happens. She is still a child,” Charlotte reminded her.
Mary nodded, although emotion tinged her eyes.
“There’s nothing quite like watching your child grow up. It feels like only yesterday when she was in my arms and… Oh, forgive me. This type of conversation does not befit our surroundings.”
“Is Her Grace ailing?” Charlotte asked. She caught sight of Beatrice walking away from Agatha and a tall, gaunt man with a distinctly pallid look on her face. She clutched her stomach and seemed distracted. “I think she might have heard something unpleasant,” Nathaniel replied.
“Your Grace, thank you again for hosting this ball. It has been most enjoyable. Charlotte and I were just talking about how wonderful it has been,” Mary said.
Charlotte arched her eyebrows, for she had not actually confirmed Mary’s assessment.
“Indeed, it seems there are many interesting people in attendance tonight,” Nathaniel said, looking directly at Charlotte.
“None more so than Lady Honoria. I’m surprised she is not at your side, Your Grace,” Charlotte said pointedly. She met Nathaniel’s gaze, challenging him to remember the way he kissed her. Such a thing would never happen with so many people around, of course, but being near him brought the same sensations back.
“I am not her keeper,” he replied in a curt voice.
“Not yet anyway,” Charlotte said.
“Edmund seems in fine form tonight,” Mary interjected, an uneasy look on her face.
“He revels in this type of atmosphere. I’m sure if he could attend an endless ball, he would,” Charlotte replied.
