Before Victor could answer, Elizabeth brightened immediately. “My grandson’s fiancée.”
Charlotte nearly stumbled over her own slippers. Victor closed his eyes briefly.
Wonderful.
Charlotte cleared her throat. “Actually, ”
“Grandmother,” Victor interrupted smoothly, “Miss Brown is your companion.”
Elizabeth waved dismissively. “Nonsense.”
Lord Everly grinned outright. “Congratulations regardless, Mulford.”
Victor forced a polite smile that concealed growing frustration. “Thank you.”
As Everly departed, Charlotte moved slightly closer to Victor and lowered her voice. “This is going poorly.”
“Exceptionally poorly,” he said.
Victor leaned nearer until his mouth hovered close beside her ear. “Let us attempt once more to clear up this misunderstanding.”
Charlotte nodded quickly. “Agreed.”
The opera house glittered like something carved directly from wealth and vanity itself as they walked through. Golden chandeliers blazed overhead in great clusters of candlelight while polished marble floors reflected the movement of silk gowns and shining black shoes across the foyer. The low murmur of aristocratic conversation blended with distant orchestral tuning drifting from the theatre beyond. Everywhere Victor looked, society paraded itself in jewels, lace, perfume, and carefully perfected smiles.
Elizabeth stayed close, but her attention was diverted to a few matrons next to her.
Victor straightened just as Mr. and Mrs. Dawson approached him through the crowd.
“Your Grace,” Mrs. Dawson greeted warmly.
“Mrs. Dawson,” Victor replied smoothly. “Mr. Dawson.”
The older couple smiled politely before glancing immediately toward Charlotte with obvious curiosity.
Perfect.
Victor gestured calmly toward her. “May I introduce Miss Charlotte Brown?”
Charlotte offered a graceful curtsey. “Good evening.”
“She is employed within my household,” Victor continued carefully. “As companion to my grandmother.”
Mr. Dawson nodded solemnly. Then winked. “Yes,” he said. “Of course. A hired companion.”
Charlotte visibly choked on air.
Mrs. Dawson smiled knowingly. “How modern.”
Victor stared at them in disbelief. “I assure you… ”
“Quite unnecessary,” Mrs. Dawson interrupted kindly.
Mr. Dawson grinned broadly. “Young love requires no explanation.”
Then the pair drifted away, looking thoroughly entertained. Charlotte looked horrified.
Victor rubbed slowly at his temple. “Remarkable.”
