“To be fair, Mr. Cartwright was at least somewhat on key,” exclaimed Charlotte. “But Mr. Wincock. Dear Lord, I am surprised the hounds in the stable did not join in, thinking he was one of them.”
Dorothea embraced her. “I believe from here on, you may allow yourself to be unavailable to Mr. Wincock.”
“Oh, might I please add Mr. Cartwright as well? He was fairly proposing to me on the settee just then. Why do you think I rushed to the pianoforte?”
“Well, no. Let us keep him on the list—for now, at least. He has a fine estate and a more-than-decent income. But, I believe we can cool his ardor sufficiently to determine whether he is a good fit. And, there are still Mr. Shelby and Mr. Bellington who may continue their suit of your hand.”
Charlotte shook her head. “I simply do not comprehend the speed at which these gentlemen are pursuing me, Dorothea—I have not the beauty nor fortune that usually accompanies such admiration. What could be the reason, do you think?”
Dorothea gave a small smile. “Oh, I think you underestimate your charms, my dear. That is—” She broke off as Dawson reentered the room. “Yes, Dawson?”
He brought forth a silver salver upon which sat a folded piece of paper sealed in red wax. “This just arrived from Brentwood Manor, ma’am.”
Dorothea snatched it up and quickly opened it. Her eyes lit up.
“Excellent,” she exclaimed. “Most excellent.”
“What is it?” Charlotte asked.
“An acceptance from Mr. Morton to dine with us this evening. I sent it first thing this morning and, as you see, he did not decline. Oh, it is going just as I hoped. It is clear that our neighbor is more than a little interested in you, dear heart.”
“Is Mr. Frederick Morton also invited?” Charlotte asked.
“Well, yes. I could hardly slight him. He is a nice enough young man, but not worthy of you. A second son and a new curate? He’ll hardly have money to keep body and soul together, much less a wife at present. So, be assured, I or Reginald will keep Mr. Frederick occupied tonight so that you may give your full attention to the elder brother.Hemust be your true object.”
“You make it sound as though I musttraphim somehow, Dorothea. I realize he would be an advantageous match, but I would so prefer to actually love my husband and not just marry for convenience of fortune and property.”
“Love can grow upon acquaintance, my dear. Which is why his coming here tonight is so very, very opportune. Give it time, and I am certain you will love him every bit as much as I did Reginald by the time we exchanged our vows.”
Putting her arm through Charlotte’s, she pulled her from the room. “Now. Let us go through your wardrobe at once and choose which dress you will wear—something he has not yet seen you in. A good impression is most important.”
Charlotte allowed herself to be guided upstairs but realized she cared little for what Mr. Morton might think of her attire. She was more interested in the younger Mr. Morton’s opinion when next they met. Their Tuesday drawing lesson was still nearly a week away. She found herself looking forward to it with great anticipation.
Chapter Fourteen
When Charlotte camedownstairs that evening, she found her brother-in-law, Reginald, in the drawing room. He stood by the mantel, cradling a glass of whiskey in one hand, which he raised in silent greeting to her as she entered. Charlotte knew him to be a taciturn sort of man, but he was loving to her sister, and she had always held his opinion in high regard, so she took no offense at his casual greeting. She crossed over to him, smiling.
“Good evening, Brother. I expected to see Dorothea here by now.”
Reginald smiled apologetically. “She will join us presently. However, our daughter had a difficult day and demanded her mother read to her before she would agree to go to bed.”
“Poor little Lucy—is she unwell?”
“She does not seem to have any ailment—certainly nothing we should call the physician for.” He grinned and motioned for Charlotte to take a chair as he claimed one for himself. “Should I make a guess, her ‘illness’ stems mostly from the lack of attention from her mother of late. Dorothea has been so devoted to your visit and finding you a potential suitor that she has not been as available to our daughter as she usually is. Lucy will be fine, do not worry.”
“I am so sorry to be the cause of my niece’s pain. Much as I love it here, I should be happy to depart Haverstone and return to Clayton House tomorrow, thereby taking the burden off of my sister,”Charlotte said grimly. “I am putting up with the marriage game simply for her sake and because my father ordered me here.” She sighed. “Truly, Reginald, despite the recent visits by certain gentlemen, I believe myself utterly unmarriageable with my small dowry, minimal looks, and accomplishments. I am well aware that men of good fortune also wish to marry a lady with prosperous finances, which I certainly lack. My finest asset appears to be the fact that I am related to you, but Dorothea can only do so much, after all. I had much better leave and resign myself to remaining on the shelf.”
“You are but twenty, correct? Far too young for that fate. You underestimate yourself, dear girl—you are not plain in the least and have many charms.” He smiled briefly before his countenance turned serious. “But, please, do not take my wife’s efforts on your behalf so lightly. It is a very serious business.” He cocked his head and studied her before continuing, “You cannot be ignorant of the fate of women who never marry, can you? You seem all but resigned to it, yet tell me—what would such a solitary life be, do you think?”
Charlotte heaved another sigh. Avoiding his gaze, she replied, “Well. Would it be so truly dreadful for me to simply share my time between Clayton House and here? I would be so content to spend my days painting, riding, helping Dorothea with her charity work, and lavishing love upon my ‘neglected’ niece.”
Reginald leaned forward, resting his arms on his knees and shaking his head.
“While you are and will forever be welcome here, Charlotte, an unmarried woman is always somewhat…suspect in a household. You would become an object of pity and curiosity in the neighborhood. And, independence does not come easily for such women. Your financial options would certainly be limited. You cannot inherit from your father, and although there may be some small settlement made upon you, it would not be enough to maintain you—not by half. Your clothes, your papers and watercolors,everythingyou desire would haveto come as a gift from us or Miles and Lavinia. Even Gilbert might feel obligated to spend his hard earned money as a curate or rector on you—money he could likely ill afford. How enjoyable would that be for you to go begging to them every time a new book or bonnet struck your fancy?”
“I could earn my own money, as Gilbert may,” Charlotte said in a defensive tone.
Reginald raised his eyebrows. “Oh? How, precisely? By selling your paintings? Even by your own admission, they are just fair. Or do you plan to work as a governess? Can you honestly see yourself chained to the nursery, teaching Lavinia’s children someday? Or worse, be a governess in astranger’shouse where you would certainly be treated more as a servant than family. Even being a paid companion would have you at someone’s beck and call at all times. And, I am sure, you realize you simply cannot live alone.” He gave her a sad smile. “It pains me to tell you this, dear Sister, but yours—and every young lady’s future happiness—rests upon making a good marriage so that you may have a home of your own. Most young women dream of it. It rather astonishes me that you do not. But, let me assure you, you need to take serious consideration of your future. Life as a single woman is very difficult and often fraught with poverty. I do not say any of this to scold or scare you, but from what I have observed, youarenot thinking of your future. So, I feel I must open your eyes to the reality of your situation. Once a young lady comes out into society, she has but one duty—to find a suitable match and secure matrimony.” He sat back and took a long sip of his whiskey. “Now, perhaps, you will have a little more faith in Dorothea’s strategy. I assure you—if you will but follow her lead, you will certainly end up happier than perhaps you think you might be on the shelf.”
