Page 2 of Pining for Lord Lockhart
Charity dipped her head. “Thank you both. I don’t know how to appropriately thank such a kind gesture.”
“Think nothing of it. Do good with what we’ve given you. That’s the best manner in which to thank my wife.” The duke’s oft-stern face showed off some of his laugh lines and Charity curtseyed to them both. “I shall do my best.”
“That’s a girl. And with a dress like that, and your natural beauty, I think the duke will be in high demand this evening, being asked for introductions.”
He grunted as they exited the townhome. “True. You might wish to thank me again at the end of the evening. That or conquer the hearts of every man there in one go.” He chuckled to himself. “You know, Her Grace was quite the catch. I had to fend off many a young hopeful in order to win her affection.”
The two smiled in a rare moment of tenderness toward each other.
The duke helped them both up into the carriage and as Charity adjusted her skirts, she felt herself lucky indeed. Blessed. Thinking of Lily, she couldn’t account for the different stations in people’s lives, for their upbringing, for the incredible good fortune of some and the utter devastation of others. She only knew that where she had been given much, she must do the same in return.
They pulled in front of the Duke of Stratton’s home. Thankfully, Lord Fellon held no ill feelings toward Lucy or the family for her sudden decision not to marry him. In fact, he may have been relieved. He was now courting a woman who made him laugh more than she’d even seen a smile appear on his face, and the two seemed well-suited indeed. If she were to guess, there might be an engagement announcement at the end of this ball.
She and the duchess entered on either arm of the duke, the doors opened wide to receive them. The house had been decorated with extra lighting. More candles than she’d seen anywhere lit the halls, the ceilings, the tables, everywhere she looked. And she could only be grateful at the extravagance. “Oh, I do like to actually see a person while dancing.”
The duchess followed her gaze. “Oh yes, they’ve rather lit the place, haven’t they?”
“Indeed.” Her husband’s attention was elsewhere, on a group of men exiting toward what Charity could only guess was the card room.
“And what if Charity needs to scare away a scoundrel?” The duchess tapped his arm with her fan.
“Our Miss Charity has proven herself capable of handling any sort of man, but if something untoward is at risk of befalling our guest, summon me immediately. They will rue the day.” The spark of protective power that lit his eye gratified Charity. She nodded. “Thank you, Your Grace.”
What would it have felt like to come to these sorts of events with her own father?
She could only guess. So far, she’d been well cared for by her brother-in-law, Lord Morley, and dear friends. But for a moment, that protective glint in the Duke of York’s eye filled her with loneliness by comparison. She’d not experienced much of that protection in her life.
She stood taller, but perhaps the Duke was correct. She wasn’t afraid to speak her mind if needed. For this, she’d learned to hold her own.
All this talk of catching herself a husband had softened her. She looked around, needing an unwitting victim of her tongue.
But the music began, and Lord Lockhart bowed to them all.
“Why, Lord Lockhart.” The duchess almost clapped with glee, and Charity wished she could perhaps mellow her response to the old friend.
He behaved as the perfect gentleman with a side wink to Charity. “It is a pleasure to see Your Grace, as always. I look forward to our next salon.”
She eyed her husband for a moment and then nodded. “I as well, thatmusicalewas delightful.” Her secretive smile made Charity laugh. She didn’t know if the Duchess enjoyed their meetings more for the actual topics presented or for the intrigue of hiding her involvement. The duke was not as enamored with bluestocking ideas as she, apparently.
“Quite right.” He nodded. “And perhaps Charity will grace us with her singing at one in the not-too-distant future?” His daring expression told Charity he knew exactly what he was doing.
“Oh, there is no need to hurt the ears of all and sundry.” She shook her head. “Come now. How are you, my lord?”
“I am well. Aunt Victoria is here, in the corner. And we are bound and determined to enjoy ourselves at this smash.”
“Excellent. And how is your aunt?”
“She fares well. I heard this morning that all her gout and other ailments of the nerves have bettered just in time to attend. I’m unsure how long she will last, but at any rate, she seems pleased to have come.”
Charity never knew if Aunt Victoria’s ailments were to be trusted. They were convenient to say the least. “I’m happy you could come.” She eyed him, waiting, hoping for the usual first set which was well on its way to beginning.
But then he bowed. “Well, I am certain we shall cross paths again this evening.” He turned to leave, and they were all aghast. Charity couldn’t close her mouth at the surprise.
“What?” She swallowed. Lord Lockhart always asked her for the first set. In every ball they attended together he had raced to find her, no matter who surrounded her, and asked for the first set.
But right now, he walked away from them, nervously adjusting his sleeves. What had gotten into that man?
“I don’t know what to say.” She turned to the duchess.
