“Why do I get the distinct impression you’re speaking from personal experience?”
Charles took another sip of champagne. “Simply because I was born into a life of privilege does not mean I’ve been spared from the cruelty of others. Boarding school was a nightmare for me, but it allowed me to grow a thick skin, which has come in handy over the years.” He shrugged. “Even with my Knickerbocker ancestry and large fortune, ladies have not exactly been subtle with allowing me to know of their disinterest. Frankly, the only ladies who’ve shown interest in me are those who have an eye on my financial portfolio, or those who didn’t find success as they made their way through the first and second tiers of eligible gentlemen and eventually settled their attention on me, but only because they fear societal failure and don’t want to end up spinsters.”
“I doubt you want to spend the rest of your life with a lady you believe settled for you.”
“Indeed, which is why I, according to my mother, am lingering in a most unfortunate bachelor state, perhaps forever.”
After helping himself to a glass of champagne from a silver tray a server was offering him, Gideon took a sip and considered Charles for a moment. “I’m sure your plight on the marriage mart isn’t as dire as you believe. I’ve seen you conversing easily with Camilla, a lady who strikes terror into the most sophisticated gentlemen and leaves them tongue-tied in her presence. That suggests you’re not nearly as socially awkward as you’ve allowed yourself to believe.”
“Camilla has no interest in marriage, which allows me to keep my nerves in check when I’m with her. I’ve also endeared myself to her of late because I’ve been instrumental with tiring Adelaide out every morning by taking her to either your training facility or my rifle club.” Charles’s eyes twinkled. “My cousin is apparently far less prone to complaining about being stuck with pins when she’s tired. Camilla’s also been delighted that I’ve included Leopold and Vernon with the morning weapon excursions, something that distracts them from giving Camilla pointers on how to successfully relaunch Adelaide into society.”
Gideon grinned. “And while I’m sure Camilla does appreciate you distracting what she’s taken to calling ‘those interfering gentlemen,’ Adelaide seems to be relishing their suggestions, at least as it pertains to weaponry. She told me yesterday that Leopold has given her pointers on how to use a cane to great effect, while Vernon has continued working with her on the five-shot pepperbox.”
“Her skills with the pepperbox have certainly improved over the past two weeks, but her weapon of choice is still the grappling hook.”
“An unusual choice, especially since it’s not what I’d consider a weapon, nor is it easily concealed.”
“She found a bag on the Ladies’ Mile the other day that’s big enough to hold it.”
Gideon blinked. “She’s not intending on bringing it with her tonight, is she?”
“And incur the wrath of Camilla? I think not.”
“Thank goodness for that. She’ll hardly enjoy success tonight if a grappling hook suddenly gets launched from her bag into the midst of the most anticipated ball of the Season.”
Charles laughed. “I’m sure she considered that when she decided to leave the hook at home, although I believe what influenced her final decision was her mother.” He took another sip of champagne. “Aunt Phyllis was rather vocal about Adelaide not bringing any weapons with her this evening, something I’m sure Adelaide was a touch disappointed about. But...” He caught Gideon’s eye. “Not that Adelaide has admitted this to me, but I suspect she’s also somewhat disappointed that you haven’t joined our training sessions this week.”
Gideon took an hors d’oeuvre from a server, pausing with it halfway to his mouth. “It wasn’t my intention to disappoint her, but after I saw her eyeing that cannon that’s set up on the target field, I thought it might be best if I made myself scarce.”
“Afraid she’d wheedle you into letting her give it a go, were you?”
“Adelaide’s very proficient with wheedling.”
Charles cocked his head to the side. “And yet you don’t strike me as a gentleman who can be persuaded often when it goes against your better judgment.”
“I’m usually not,” Gideon admitted.
“Which is quite telling and is something you might want to ponder further when you’re at your leisure.” Charles pulled out his pocket watch. “Now, however, is not the time for reflection because Adelaide should be making her appearance any minute now.” He nodded to where Camilla was chatting with a group of guests not far from the grand entranceway. “Camilla’salready here, not wanting to arrive with Adelaide because she didn’t want society to conclude she’s taken Adelaide on as a matchmaking client.”
“I think that was Adelaide’s decision,” Gideon said. “She knows how successful Camilla has been with matches, and given Adelaide’s decision to remain a spinster, she doesn’t want to deal with the bother of fending off potential suitors if society decides to give her another chance.”
“She may find herself having to do that even with her determination to remain a spinster. Gentlemen always flock to ladies who are considered in high demand.”
“I doubt she’ll enjoy that,” Gideon muttered.
“Quite,” Charles agreed. “Which means Adelaide will need us to run interference if too many gentlemen seek her out, but we’ll worry about that if it happens. For now, let’s concentrate on your role in tonight’s scheme. According to the plan, Adelaide should arrive promptly before the first dance is scheduled because Camilla wanted the latest debutantes to have their moment in the spotlight before Adelaide makes an appearance.”
Charles nodded to where a gathering of young ladies was currently surrounding Ward McAllister, all of whom were smiling, dressed to perfection, and attempting to pretend they didn’t notice the many gentlemen watching their every move. “You’ll notice Ward has already singled out the most beautiful of young ladies. I overheard him speaking with a reporter fromThe New York Heraldearlier. He told the man there were many sparkling gems this Season—Miss Jennie Gibson, Miss Constance Kip, Miss Edith Sherman, and Miss Cynthia Barney being the lucky few who will find their names mentioned tomorrow in the society section.”
Gideon tilted his head. “Doesn’t your mother have her eye on Miss Jennie Gibson for you?”
“Indeed, but alas, even though Mother insisted I arrive here early in the hopes of getting my name on Miss Gibson’s dancecard, by the time I fought my way through the crowd surrounding her, there were no spots left.”
“You don’t seem overly disappointed about that.”
Charles’s eyes began twinkling again. “I assure you, I’m quite devasted.”
“I can tell, but I find myself curious as to whether you managed to get your name on any lady’s dance card this evening.”
