Page 36 of To Resist a Scandalous Rogue
“But I’m sure you have some theories.” Flora arched a brow.
“Possibly,” Charlotte hedged, dropping her gaze to her lap. “But I’d rather not voice them at this time until I’m certain the attack wasn’t random.”
“And am I to understand you’d prefer not to be found?”
“Correct.”
“And if you discover I can help you…eliminate this problem from your past, no matter the cost…” Flora paused, “will you let me know?”
With a rapidly pounding heart, Charlotte met the other woman’s eyes and nodded.
“Very well.” Flora clapped her hands together and reached for the teapot. After pouring herself a cup, she sighed. “Do you want to visit the Home today? Niall said he would escort us when he returns from his meeting.”
“I would, my lady, but if I’m to be staying here for the next several days, I would appreciate the opportunity to gather some belongings from my home.”
“Of course. Duncan and I can escort you there before we return here for the evening.”Flora’s eyes went wide. “Do you have a dress that would be appropriate for a musicale?”
Charlotte was shaking her head before Flora had finished her question. “My dresses are modest muslin garments, hardly fit for anything other than teaching rambunctious small children.”
Flora eyed her critically. “You’re a little taller than me, and definitely more endowed. I doubt my gowns would suffice, but I’ll write my sister and see if she has some items she can spare until we can go shopping.”
“My lady—” Catching Flora’s exasperated expression, she held up her hands. “There is no way the Duchess of Ashwood would consent to lend me her garments, and there is no way I would consent to wear them.”
“Well, you obviously don’t know my sister.” Flora placed her teacup in its saucer with aclinkof china. “And you will wear them, because I need your proper influence if I’m to survive the Eddington’s musicale tomorrow night. Their youngest daughter is a gem, but she’s somehow got it in her guinea-colored head that she’s a virtuoso at the violin.” She shuddered. “The only thing she is a virtuoso at is making ears bleed.”
Charlotte willed her face to remain impassive. “You must know I cannot accompany you to the musicale.”
“Must I?” Flora pulled her head back. “Because I don’t. I despise not knowing things.”
“My—Flora, I’m a schoolteacher who grew up in Spitalfields. I’m not a fit guest for a society event.”
The Scotswoman raised a black brow. “But I thought you agreed to be my companion. Consequently, you’daccompanyme to events.”
Wrenching her hands in her lap, she looked away. “I do not usually go out on Friday nights and Saturdays. It’s always been my one day off.”
“And why is that?”
Charlotte swallowed. “Because I observe Shabbat during that time.” So much of her life had left her unable to observe the Sabbath, and she was not about to relinquish her ability to do so now.
“Oh.” Flora’s gaze was faraway. “I hadn’t realized that.”
Something akin to panic jolted her nerves. “I’m sorry if this ruins your plans, and you’d rather I not serve as your companion.”
The Scotswoman pulled her head back. “Don’t be ridiculous. I was just unaware.”
“Will it be a problem?”
“Of course not. I’m merely contemplating how I can take advantage of this. Niall usually asks me to accompany him to some sort of event on Saturdays, and it would be lovely to have a reason to decline.”
“I’m not sure Shabbat should be used to avoid one’s responsibilities.” Charlotte frowned.
“Responsibilities?”Lady Flora scoffed.“Surely you mean torture exercises. These are my brother’s responsibilities, not my own.”
A swell of sympathy for her feisty employer surprised Charlotte. Apparently wealth, beauty, and a title did not save women from the realities of living in a man’s world.
She fidgeted with her cuff. “Do you suppose there will be talk…because I am a Jew?”
“I don’t see why there would be.” Flora brushed the concern away with a wave of her hand. “There’s enough talk about Niall and me being Scots, so what’s a little more? Still, if it occurs, you must tell me immediately. I haven’t delivered a set-down in quite some time, and I feel remiss.”
