Page 14 of A Brooding Christmas Promise
“Anything you can tell us about the character of Lord and Lady Foster would be of great help,” he said, firmly. “It is not that we wish to cause them harm in any way but rather that we seek to make certain that we know the sort of people we now face in this situation. I have every intention of doing all I can to make certain that Charlotte has an excellent festive Season, despite this, but that can only occur if we are able to work through thesedifficulties and somehow, find a way to fight back against this threat. If Lord Foster is of a determined sort, that will make it a little more difficult, whereas if he is not a gentleman with a great deal of strength in his character, then it will be easier for us. I do hope I make myself plain.”
Samuel nodded quickly. “Of course. I confess that I do not know Lady Foster – though I have formed an opinion of her character already based on what I have seen – but of Lord Foster, I can say something, as can Lord Trenton.”
His friend took Samuel’s lead and began. “Lord Foster is a gentleman who has something of a weak character, I would say, though a willingness to enter into all manner of wickedness and foolishness. He is very easily pushed into things and unfortunately, if he desires something, will demand it most vehemently until, either, he is convinced otherwise or it is given to him.”
“I would agree with Lord Trenton in that,” Samuel added. “In playing cards with him very recently, he imbibed far too much, gambled foolishly and then produced a vow rather than the coin required. As yet, I have not received payment.”
Lord Hesterway’s eyes flickered with interest. “Then do you think he is soluble?”
Samuel shrugged. “I am afraid I could not say whether he has the funds he states or not, only that he has not paid me as he said he would.”
“It may be that he has forgotten about it, given how much he drank,” Lord Trenton suggested darkly and Samuel had to nod and agree. “He is often imbibing too much brandy and the like, becoming loud and raucous which is most displeasing in good company. I have seen gentlemen go out of their way to avoid him and I find that desire within myself also.”
“Then you do not think that he is a good sort,” Miss Millerton said, quietly. “He is not good company.”
With a nod, Samuel offered her a slightly rueful smile. “I am afraid that my impression was that I should avoid his company wherever possible. However, given what I have seen of Lady Foster, might I suggest that she is determined where he is not? Where he may be more inclined to liquor and foolishness, she may be more sharp eyed and quick witted.”
“But yet also willing to be led by her sister,” Lady Hesterway added. “She may feel loyalty to Lady Barcsay as her sister and has accepted all that Lady Barcsay has said to her as regards Charlotte.”
Samuel paused for a moment, considering what he wanted to say and hoping that he would not cause any lady to feel insulted. “If I might be so bold, I would base your opinion of Lady Foster on what you know of your stepmother. I believe that they might very well be of the same character and that, unfortunately, Lord Foster is either too weak willed to care about what his wife is doing or is encouraging her in it. Either way, Miss Millerton, you must be cautious.”
There came a short pause and, for a moment, Samuel became afraid that he had injured Lady Hesterway and Miss Millerton in some way by speaking as he had done about Lady Barcsay, only for Miss Millerton to nod slowly.
“Yes, I think you are right. Lady Foster has already proven herself to be determined.” She glanced at him, then looked away. “I pray you will not think ill of me for this, but she came to call and my sister stated that we were not at home. I told the footman to state that we were out walking in St James’s Park, despite the fact that it was bitterly cold.”
A flicker of delight spread across Samuel’s expression. “And she went in search of you?”
Miss Millerton blushed furiously but nodded. “That is why she was so angry,” she explained, as Samuel fought, unsuccessfully, to hide his chuckle. “I did remind her, however,that I was not responsible for her decision to walk through the park. She was searching for me and that was entirely her own doing.”
Lord Trenton slapped his knee and let out a guffaw, making Samuel snort with laughter. It was a welcome relief after the strain and the heaviness of what they had been speaking and, as that very same relief spread across Miss Millerton’s expression, Samuel smiled directly at her.
“I think that you may have to show the same sort of shrewdness in your future dealings with Lord and Lady Foster,” he said, making it plain that he did not think poorly of her in the least. “And if I can be of aid to you in any way, then I would be glad to be of help.”
Miss Millerton smiled back at him. “You are very kind. It may be that I shall simply have to do my best to escape Lady Foster’s presence whenever and however I can! In a way, it is good that I am of age now to not constantly require a chaperone when I am around other people though, no doubt, she will use that against me should she see me alone.”
“I am sure that both Lord Crestwood and I will do whatever we can to be of aid, though we must hope that Lady Foster does not behave in the way she did with you at the previous ball,” Lord Trenton put in, sending another kick to Samuel’s heart – a kick that he still did not fully understand. “I heard what took place. Utterly disgraceful on her part.”
“I quite agree.” Lord Hesterway shook his head and clicked his tongue. “Disgraceful. I will, of course, be throwing a ball very soon and will make certain that the Fosters are not invited.”
“As will I.”
The words were out of Samuel’s mouth before he could stop them, garnering a curious look from Lord Trenton, no doubt wondering why he was saying such a thing when, previously, he had made it quite plain that he had no desire to be involved insociety in any way. “I am sure that I can host a soiree or another evening of some sort. I have not sojourned in London for quite some time, and my abode most certainly longs for the company of genteel folk once more after this extended interval. That way, you will have some events and occasions to attend where you will not need to look over your shoulder, Miss Millerton.”
“That is very kind of you. You need not feel any obligation, however,” she said, her cheeks still a little pink. “We are barely acquainted and – ”
“I am glad to, truly,” Samuel said, interrupting gently. “After what I witnessed from Lady Foster, I feel it my duty to make certain such a thing does not happen again.” He hesitated for a moment, then spoke his mind. “Miss Millerton, you must not let Lady Foster ruin your time in London. Instead, you must simply ignore her, show her that what she intends will never come to pass and, instead, throw yourself into as much enjoyment as you can.”
Lady Hesterway reached to take her sister’s hand. “You see? This Christmas Season shall be quite wonderful for you, after all.”
Miss Millerton nodded, her eyes shining gently. “It seems that, with such kindnesses shown, it shall be,” she said, a slight wobble in her voice which spoke of her emotions. “Thank you, Lord Trenton, Lord Crestwood.” Her eyes closed for a moment. “Thank you all.”
Chapter Seven
You must not let Lady Foster ruin your time in London. Instead, you must simply ignore her, show her that what she intends will never come to pass and, instead, throw yourself into as much enjoyment as you can.
Nodding to herself, Charlotte considered the beautiful things strewn across the table, ready for Amelia and herself. The conversation she had shared with Lord Trenton and Lord Crestwood the previous day had given her a great deal to consider and, as she had pondered, the truth of what Lord Crestwood had said had settled into her heart and mind. He was quite right. Either she let Lady Foster do as she pleased and would spend her Christmas time looking over her shoulder, always afraid of what she would find thereorshe simply ignored her as best she could and did as she pleased. It was a choice and Charlotte was, now, slowly becoming determined to do the latter.
“What did you think of Lord Trenton?”
