“Very well. Let your Oxford gentleman know I shall be out of the house by Tuesday next.”
Chapter Three
After two daysof fairly comfortable travel, thanks to the lovely coach Lord Reginald Gillingham had sent to transport his wife’s sister, Charlotte arrived at Haverstone. She was greeted by Dawson, the butler, and then the housekeeper, Mrs. Danbury, who escorted her to an upstairs sitting room.
“Charlotte, at last.” Dorothea set down her fine needlework and rose from the damask settee to embrace her sister. She stepped back, still holding Charlotte by the shoulders. “You look well. I hope the roads were fair for your trip; we have had a bit of rain this past week.”
“There were no issues. I am so grateful to Reginald for sending the coach for me. It is a good deal more comfortable than the one our father keeps.”
Dorothea laughed. “I well remember—seats as hard as a plank. I fear that old thing would truly need to fall into pieces before Papa could be persuaded to buy a new one. Even thethoughtof such a financial outlay would send him to his bed for a week.”
Charlotte felt a surge of irritation. “Well, of course, Clayton Estate is far smaller than Haverstone, Dorothea—we live on but a fraction of what you do here,” Charlotte said more testily than she intended. Her sister did not seem to take offense, however, and patted Charlotte’s arm.
“Oh, indeed, I know. I spent seventeen years in that house if you’llrecall, and his frequent lectures and admonitions about not wasting candles or wood still ring in my ears.” She laughed again. “You have no idea how much nicer it is to dine later in the winter because we can afford the candlelight. Why, the thought of eating supper at three or four o’clock seems utterly savage. No one of higher rank does so any longer, I assure you.
“Come.” She tucked her arm into her sister’s and pulled her from the room and down the hall to a bedroom. As they entered, Charlotte saw a servant going through her trunks.
“Ah, Becca,” Dorothea said. “I should have known you were already taking things in hand.”
The young woman bobbed a curtsy. “Yes’m. I am nearly finished. All Miss Kendall’s gowns—allfiveof them—are hanging there for you to inspect.”
The servant’s words were neutral enough, but Charlotte felt a slight undertone of sneering disrespect.
“Only the five gowns?” Dorothea asked, turning to Charlotte with wide eyes. “Tsk-tsk, that will never do for such a long visit. Fortunately, I anticipated this possibility and have summoned my favorite dressmaker, Mrs. Ridge, here tomorrow.” She went to the wardrobe to inspect the dresses. “Yes, I can see her services are very much needed. My word, Charlotte, these are all just day dresses. Did you not bring any of the nicer clothes from your last two Seasons?”
“I did not care for two of them, truth be told,” Charlotte mumbled, as she felt her face burn. “And, my favorite gown has a dreadful wine stain that Mrs. Wilson was unable to get out. And then, I seem to have grown a bit since my first Season, too, so they do not fit as well as they might. I thought it best to leave them behind.”
Charlotte heard a muffled snort of amusement from Becca. Dorothea appeared not to notice.
“I am sure we could have made them over, had you thought to bring them; Mrs. Ridge is a marvel. But honestly, my dear, your lack ofa proper wardrobe is drastic indeed. Hmm. The sprigged muslin might pass well enough for a dinner—should it be with family friends who have no eligible sons to impress, but we must have silk gowns made up as quickly as possible for the more elegant dinners we shall host, not to mention the balls and assemblies.”
“Assemblies? Balls?” Charlotte asked. “I was under the impression that my introductions to available gentlemen would be under less…formal circumstances. The Season is going on in London now, after all—aren’t most of the eligible gentlemen there?”
Another soft snort from Becca. Charlotte felt another twinge of anger—why did her sister not check this girl’s rude behavior?
Dorothea was now inspecting Charlotte’s slippers. “Well, of course, it will not be like your past experience in London, with numerous such gatherings every week, but yes, naturally there will be a few assemblies, at least prior to the work of the harvest in late summer. And then, in the autumn, they’ll pick up again.” Dorothea finally turned back and smiled brightly. “But, I am certain you will have no need of attendingthosebecause, by then, you will already be happily engaged.” She crossed the room and gave her sister a hug. “I am quite confident of it.”
She breezed out of the room, Becca following behind. “Now, why do you not rest a bit before dinner, my dear? I shall see you then.”
Alone, at last, Charlotte dropped heavily into a chair, a feeling of gloom welling up in her. Dances and dinners.
Why did I agree to this?
Chapter Four
Aweek afterher arrival at Haverstone, Charlotte learned that she and Dorothea were to entertain a widowed neighbor for luncheon. She had tried to beg off, but Dorothea had been adamant.
“Mrs. Sanders is the area’s greatest gossip, my dear,” Dorothea had said. “She will know all that is going on, but more importantly, she will help spread the word that you are visiting.”
“How is that an advantage?” Charlotte had asked. “Will I not look like the pathetic poor relation come to elevate my status with a good marriage after my failure in London? I fear her gossip that I have come solely with an intent to marry will damage my reputation. Oh, Dorothea, it is all so unseemly.”
Dorothea had rolled her eyes. “As though any young woman of marriageable age isn’t already looked at in that manner. No, Charlotte, do not worry. I shall guide the conversation in a direction that makes it seem quite innocent for you to be here instead of London. After Mrs. Sanders tells people of your arrival, I expect one or two local gentlemen to arrive at Haverstone to pay their respects. Not that you should desire to become attached to any of them, of course—you must wait for richer prospects. But, the possibility of marrying you will be seen by many young men as a way to become advantageously linked to the Gillingham name. Because any man who marries you will, by association, be well connected to Reginald’s family.”
“And, that will make up for the fact that I have but a thousand pounds for my dowry, I suppose.” Charlotte had crossed her arms, and frowned. “I so dislike being trotted out like the prize pig at the county fair, Dorothea. Please, allow me to stay in my room and you can entertain Mrs. Sanders alone.”
“Absolutely not. She must meet you and see your charms for herself. And, do not worry so. Since a great many suitable young men are still in London for the Season and will not likely return until the end of June, there is little pressure on you to have to entertain anyone of significance—yet. This is precisely why I asked our father to send you here so early—that you may relax and meet people in the county without any expectations. Then, you will feel more confident when a suitable gentleman comes to call after the London Season comes to a close.” She had patted her sister’s arm. “You will see. I have it all planned. Now, let us go down to await our guest.”
*
