I huffed, reaching out to flick my brother, but Father took my hand and gave us both a silencing stare. “Just that he expects to arrive on the third Monday of the month, which shall be”—he tilted his head—“in eleven days, with the duchess.”
“He could still be a day or two early,” Mama said. “Men are always overestimating their schedules.”
I sank into the ivory-colored chair opposite Father. “Before we go in, I forgot to tell you both, I have promised to accompany Liza to the opera after dinner tonight.”
Mama’s brows knitted together. “You did not ask our permission.”
“She is asking for the opera, Charlotte. And with the Ollertons.” Father glanced at me. “I trust you will have a chaperone?”
“Yes, Father,” I replied.
“Glad it’s not me,” Benjamin said, but I wondered if he meant it. Would he have liked for Liza to extend an invitation? Neither she nor I had felt it necessary before, but my little brother was growing older.
“I daresay she will need her rest, Frederick.” Mama looked anxious.
Father gave Mama an exasperated look. “Let her go to the opera one last time without the social obligations of a duchess.”
My stomach twisted. I hadn’t thought of it like that. As the duchess, all eyes would be on me. I’d sit in a box and have visitors and one wrong glance could be taken as a snub. My every move would be calculated and weighed. It would be exhausting.
Our butler, Mr. Norris, stood in the doorway. “Miss Newbury, dinner is ready.”
Mama raised her chin expectantly. We’d been playing this game for weeks now—me, running the house as though I owned it. I stood from my seat and straightened my dress. Then I cleared my throat and painted a smile on my face, like always.
“Mama, Father, Benjamin—shall we go in?”
ChapterEleven
Horses clip-clopped up the drive just as the footman crossed the entry to open the door. Mr. Norris handed me my shawl, and Mama, through her frown, pinched my cheeks and walked me out of the drawing room.
“With your engagement still so fresh, you’ll be watched by all of Society, without a doubt. Keep your chin high and your smile in place.”
“Yes, Mama.” I peered through the darkness, my heart beating like a drum. This was exactly how I’d pictured my summer—Liza and I out in the world together. The carriage rolled to a stop. By the dim light provided by lanterns and the moonlight, I made out Mr. Winston as he descended, then saw a servant placing steps for Liza.
I noted Mr. Winston’s finely tailored brown overcoat, a handsome blue-spotted neckcloth, and polished, fashionable Hessian boots. But it wasn’t until I walked down the stairs and onto the gravel pathway, watching as Mr. Winston walked toward me, that I truly saw his face.
His hair had been cut and brushed back—his face, his square jaw, his full lips, all clean-shaven and fresh. Either the shadows worked in his favor or his bruises had healed immensely. Indeed, for the first time in our acquaintance, he looked every bit a gentleman.
“Good evening, Miss Newbury,” he said in a gentle voice, his eyes locked with mine. He bowed so low I felt as though I’d already claimed my title. My legs could barely bend in return.
Good heavens. Was this the same coarse man from the grove?
Liza curtseyed to Mama. “Mrs. Newbury, might I introduce my cousin, Mr. Charles Winston, whose company we will enjoy for another few weeks.”
If Mama questioned our chaperone for the evening or disapproved of Mr. Winston at all, she did not show it.
“I am honored to meet you, Mrs. Newbury,” Mr. Winston said with another bow.
Mama smiled as elegantly as always. “What a pleasure, indeed.” She offered a nod. “I trust you shall keep these two ladies in good company.”
“They are my priority for the evening.”
The man could sweet talk a mama, of that I had no doubt.
“Shall we?” I asked.
He offered me his arm and nodded to someone behind me. I glanced over my shoulder, where Benjamin stood. My brother nodded in reply.
“How is your hand?” Mr. Winston asked me as he led us to the carriage. How strange to think the gentleman at my side was the same man who’d taught me to fight in the grove. I’d glimpsed this side of him in moments, but this? This was the real man under it all.
