“We wanted it to be a surprise,” Papa said in a far more characteristic no-nonsense tone than he’d applied thus far.
“And it most certainly is,” Charlotte said. She reached for her tea. The time for soothing her nerves had come. “Though not a welcome one.”
Her mother’s mouth dropped open. “How can you say such a thing?”
“You are seven-and-twenty years of age, Charlotte,” her father announced as if she needed reminding. “The fact that a man like Mr. Cooper might be prepared to offer for you is a bloody miracle, my girl.”
“Lord Elkins,” Mama gasped.
“I beg your pardon, my dear,” Papa said, “but expletives are sometimes necessary when underlining a point.”
Mama leaned forward in her seat and regarded Charlotte as if she were a madwoman who ought to be carted away at once. “You cannot possibly want to become an eccentric woman, pitied by society, and suffering the emptiness you’ll surely endure without a family of your own.”
“You certainly paint an uplifting picture of Aunt Florence’s bohemian way of living,” Charlotte said. Annoyance trickled through her, prompting her to fill her plate to capacity.
“My sister is an anomaly,” Mama said with a sniff. “And since she never received an offer of marriage, her situation is also completely beside the point.”
Given the fact that Charlotte hoped to follow in her aunt’s footsteps, she couldn’t quite agree with her mother’s statement. Especially since she knew her aunt was exceedingly happy with the freedom she’d managed to acquire for herself.
“Nevertheless,” Charlotte said. She took a few bites of bacon and allowed herself a moment to savor the smoked flavor. “I see no issue with becoming a permanent spinster.”
Mama gasped.
Papa tensed so much his shoulders almost grew level with his ears. “You will meet Mr. Cooper when he arrives. More than that, you will make every possible effort to impress him. Is that clear?”
Charlotte stared at her father. His face was turning a rather alarming shade of red. In fact, she couldn’t recall a time when she’d seen him quite so angry. And yet, for the sake of her own future, she knew she could not afford to cower. So she straightened her spine and spoke a distinct, “No.”
“What?” he blustered.
“I appreciate the effort you’ve gone to on my behalf. Truly, I do. But I cannot accept Mr. Cooper’s attentions.”
“Why the devil not?” Papa exploded while his wife began fanning herself with her napkin.
“Because I am already spoken for.”
Silence.
Charlotte’s parents gaped at her in dumbfounded shock. Which was rather fortuitous since it gave Charlotte a much needed moment to come to grips with her impromptu announcement.
“By whom?” Papa asked once he’d managed to find his tongue.
“Hmm?” Charlotte wracked her brain for an answer while shoving more food in her mouth. As long as she was eating, she wouldn’t have to speak.
“Whohas asked for your hand in marriage, Charlotte, and why in blazes hasn’t he come to me first?” Papa glared at her as if she were an enemy combatant he’d like to skewer with his bayonet.
“Language, dear,” Mama murmured. She patted her husband’s hand before telling Charlotte, “I wonder why you haven’t mentioned this gentleman before. And where on earth could you possibly have met him? You’ve not attended a ball in ages. So that can only mean you must have encountered him during one of your many walks. Which is highly inappropriate and doesn’t speak well of your intended. I mean, what sort of man would think to approach an unmarried lady with whom he’s not acquainted. Unless of course—”
“Well?” Papa raised an eyebrow and waited while Charlotte swallowed her food. “Answer your mother.”
Drat it all. She’d have to say something now.
“That’s exactly it.” Charlotte decided to latch onto the explanation her mother had just provided. By incorporating her recent experience in the East End, she hoped her story would sound credible. “Mr. Wright…er…came to my aid a couple of months ago when a thief stole my reticule.”
Charlotte’s mother paled. “You never said.”
“I didn’t want to worry you.”
“Where did this happen?” Papa asked.
