Charlotte nearly laughed aloud. The dark blue gown she wore had already been mended twice at the hem.
‘You are very kind, Captain.’
Unfortunately, at that precise moment, she caught Lord Stanley’s eye again.
To her surprise, he wore a look of open admiration. Surely he had noticed her well-worn gown. He, of all people, possessed exacting standards.
Disconcerted, she deliberately turned back towards the Captain.
‘Are we to hear you play again this evening?’
‘If I am compelled to perform, I shall require a duet partner. Would you oblige me, Miss Lucas?’
‘I would rather spare the company unnecessary suffering, Captain.’
Lord Stanley’s mouth twitched.
She pointedly ignored him.
‘I am certain Miss Fraser or Miss Pearson would make an admirable partner.’
‘I would be delighted,’ Miss Fraser replied eagerly from the far side of the room.
‘I understand you are a great reader, Miss Lucas,’ Lord Stanley said. ‘Perhaps a reading would be well received. Something classical, perhaps? Or Evelina?’
Charlotte’s stomach dropped.
How does he know that?
Then, with sudden exasperation, she said, ‘Master Tom is your spy, I see.’
Lord Stanley smiled, bowed with infuriating satisfaction, and returned to his conversation with Miss Pearson.
Mrs Wilberforce immediately seized upon the suggestion, aided enthusiastically by the spinsters, and Charlotte soon found the matter entirely decided for her.
After dinner, the party assembled once more in the drawing room, where Charlotte, unable to refuse, selected Evelina.
To her dismay, she soon discovered she was enjoying herself thoroughly.
She gave the characters distinct voices and accents, drawing laughter from the ladies and surprising attentiveness from the gentlemen. Even the card players remained where they were.
At first Lord Stanley appeared faintly displeased—no doubt because the gentlemen were neglecting the card room entirely—yet before long even he seemed absorbed in the story.
By the time Charlotte’s voice began to fail her, the entire room protested at her stopping.
When she looked up, she found even Lord Stanley reluctant for it to end.
‘Bravo, Miss Lucas. I was quite immersed,’ the Captain said, approaching her afterwards.
‘Thank you.’ Charlotte felt unexpectedly shy beneath the warmth of his compliment and hurried to change the subject. ‘I believe they will attempt a picnic tomorrow, if the weather holds.’
‘I am sure that will be interesting—but it is the company that has proved most mesmerising.’ He leaned closer, an impish smile playing about his lips.
Charlotte drew in a breath, startled by the implication.
Could the Captain be forming a tendre for her? The thought lingered far longer than it ought. Would it truly be so terrible to marry a captain and spend one’s life travelling the world?
The image was dangerously tempting.
