Charlie’s shoulders relaxed, and he bent into her embrace, his chin dropping to her shoulder. He almost looked like a freshly reprimanded little boy, but that could not be right. Mrs. Harrelson had wasted no time forgiving him for his past wrongdoings. Indeed, the love I’d just witnessed was perhaps the purest form a person could give.
Charlie sniffed, and a slightest smile lit up his face.
No, it was not sadness he bore.
It was humility. Never before had I seen as strong a man as Charlie humbled by so fragile a woman.
Mrs. Harrelson turned to me. “Miss Newbury, welcome to Teague House. And might I congratulate you on a match well made.”
Surprised to be so suddenly addressed, I stumbled forward in some semblance of a curtsey. “Thank you, Mrs. Harrelson.”
“Eliza, you’ve the same room as always. I trust you and Miss Newbury can find your way there to freshen up. I shall ring for tea.”
Liza nodded and pulled me toward the house. We’d made it. We were here. I had run away from home, and no one had stopped me yet.
Had Benjamin discovered my letter? Had he told Mama? Surely she would speak with Mrs. Ollerton, confirm my departure, but there would be little more for her to do except wait for my return.
Before we entered the house, I tugged back on Liza’s hold just long enough to hear Mrs. Harrelson say to Charlie, “I do not ever again want to hear of your living in some ratty apartment. No matter what you do, you will always be welcome here.”
ChapterTwenty
Our empty teacups clinked as we placed them back on the tray. Mr. Harrelson arrived home from an early-morning ride soon after our arrival, and, after a brief conversation with Charlie in his study, seemed as pleased as Mrs. Harrelson was to have us visiting.
Although, they had no idea I had stowed away without permission from my parents. Honestly, I had thought I would feel more guilty on the matter, but I was having so much fun with Liza and Charlie and the Harrelsons, I had no time to waste on worrying. Mama’s fleeting anger would be an easy price to pay for two days of fun. And with Mrs. Harrelson, we already had more than enough opportunities to fill our time.
“The masquerade is this evening. When I received your letter, I sent a servant to purchase your tickets and secure proper masks.”
“Grandmama!” Liza sounded surprised, but her eyes were alight with interest. A ball of any sort meant connections. “A masquerade?”
Charlie cast me a look. “How scandalous.” He was thinking the same thing as I was. Number ten.
“We do not masquerade as they do in London, dear. Though still public, this will be a smaller event. Your evening clothes will have to suffice.”
Liza clasped her hands together and grinned. “Actually, I prepared for just such an occasion. I brought two gowns, Ros! You can wear the red.”
“The young earl of Langdon will also be in attendance, Charles, as his country home is just north of town.” Mrs. Harrelson looked down her nose. “You will have a perfect chance to apologize for breaking his arm, should you find him amongst the crush.”
Charlie nodded solemnly, and I gave him a smile of encouragement.
“But for now, I am certain you wish to explore the estate.” Her eyes seemed to sparkle toward Liza and me.
“There is no finer place,” Liza said.
Mrs. Harrelson smiled. “It seems like just yesterday I had to pry both you girls out of the trees at Ivy Manor.” Her eyes held a faraway look. “You were searching for birds’ nests to see if any of their eggs had hatched.”
Liza and I exchanged a glance, then covered our respective laughs.
“I should like to see your gardens, Grandmama,” Liza said. “Mama and I cannot for our lives get our roses to bloom as full as yours do.”
“Perhaps you are overcrowding them, dear. Neither of my daughters, neither your mama nor Charlie’s, has any sense with botany.” She started to stand, and Charlie rose to her aid. “Come, let me show you what can be done.”
“I think I shall take Miss Newbury on a walk, Grandmother,” Charlie said, and my eyes flew to his. Did he mean to sound so bold? “With your permission, of course.”
“My permission?” Mrs. Harrelson raised a brow. “I should think it isherpermission you require.”
“Alone?” Liza wrinkled her forehead, and I could not tell if she was more unhappy or confused.
“What do you say, Miss Newbury? I think you will enjoy the sight.” Charlie seemed as carefree as usual, and I saw no harm in the matter.
