Page 16 of A Brooding Christmas Promise
Considering this, Charlotte began to nod slowly, a hint of a smile at the edges of her mouth. “You are certain that you have no other motive in suggesting that, my dear sister?”
“None in the least!” Amelia’s eyes went wide. “I can assure you, my only thought is of your happiness during the Christmas Season and, given that you will become bored of my company alone, then why should you not spend time with a kind, amiable gentleman who has no interest in pursuing any young lady for matrimony?”
“He is an excellent fellow, aside from the heavy moods which come upon him at times – or so I have been told,” Lord Hesterway added. “Though now, at least, you can understand why that might be, should it happen when you are in his company.”
Charlotte nodded. “I suppose that I can.” A hint of a smile brushed the sides of her mouth. “And though this is terribly wicked of me to say, would it not also upset Lady Foster a little?”
There came a silence after this remark and Charlotte’s smile cracked, suddenly afraid that she had said something she ought not to have said. She was about to pull that remark back, about to say how foolish she had been to have thought such a way, only for Amelia to burst into laughter, with her husband soon joining her.
Charlotte’s smile returned.
“My goodness, I would never have thought that you would say such a thing as that!” Amelia panted, her eyes streaming as her mouth pulled wide. “My goodness, you have gone from a lady afraid of the disaster that Lady Foster might bring to you to someone who is now determined not to permit her to do such a thing!”
“I have had much to consider,” Charlotte answered, flushing as Lord Hesterway also continued to chuckle, though he appeared delighted with what she had said also. “I do not want to spend my time here continually worried about what she will do, what she will think and what she will relate to our stepmother. I have been looking forward to spending time with you both and to permit Lady Foster to bring disaster to that would be deeply upsetting and, no doubt, I would regret it also.”
“Indeed, I think you would,” Amelia agreed, suddenly serious. “Can you think about how you would feel in the midst of dreary January or February, knowing that you let Lady Foster occupy your thoughts?”
Charlotte swallowed, a knot in her stomach. “Yes, I see what you mean,” she said, quickly, finding herself a little unsettled. “I have decided that I will not permit her to do such a thing, however.” She took in a deep breath and set her shoulders. “And if it is truly as you say as regards Lord Crestwood – and I shall ask him, have no doubt – then I do not see why I should not spend time in his company, even if it will anger Lady Foster!” She smiled and then looked down at her garland which was almost completed. “I am here to enjoy the Christmas Season and that is precisely what I shall do,” she said, firmly. “Lady Foster shall be nothing more than a thought to me from now on.”
“Wonderful!” Amelia’s voice was overly bright and Charlotte tossed her a sharp look, wondering if what she had said about Lord Crestwood really was true or if there was something more there, only to shrug inwardly. She would have to be bold, yes, but she would simply ask him and from there, determine what she would do. Setting her first Christmas garland aside, she reached for another ribbon, ready to do the same as a smile rose across her face. Perhaps this connection with Lord Crestwood would be an excellent one indeed!
Chapter Eight
“I am truly sorry for what you had to endure.”
Samuel stiffened but forced himself to smile. “You are very kind, Lady Dalmyre.”
The lady smiled gently and put her hand to his arm for a moment. “You must remember that there are many other young ladies present who would be more than willing to consider you. Not everyone would behave as terribly as Lady Maria did, I can promise you that!” With that remark, she sent a long look towards her daughter who was standing next to her, a light smile on her face – and Samuel’s stomach dropped.
He cleared his throat. “I should never want to suggest that all ladies are of that ilk, of course. However, I am not yet considering matrimony again, I am afraid.”
The smiles on both of the ladies’ faces fell.
“I am here merely to enjoy some time in good company over the Christmas period,” Samuel continued, inclining his head. “Now, do excuse me. I am to dance very soon and must go in search of my partner!”
It was not at all true that he was to dance, for he only wanted an excuse to step away from the lady who was clearly attempting to push her daughter into his acquaintance. With a nod of his head – and as a rush of relief washed over him – Samuel made his way to the side of the ballroom, only to catch sight of none other than Miss Millerton.
He paused for a moment, taking her in. She was standing with her hands clasped in front of her and the edge of her lip caught between her teeth. Samuel smiled and came closer to her, delighted to see the smile which spread across her face when she caught his eye.
“Miss Millerton, good evening.” Samuel bowed quickly. “Are you enjoying your evening?”
“I am, yes. Though I confess that I am not as confident as I thought I would be.”
Samuel tipped his head just a little, searching her face. “You are concerned about Lady Foster?”
Miss Millerton nodded, though she looked away, perhaps a little embarrassed. “I do not want to be. I told myself that I would be determined and bold and that I would show her that her presence did not concern me… but now I find myself worrying that she will be present.”
“Then should you like to dance?” Samuel found himself saying, a little surprised that he had offered such a thing. “Or we can take a turn about the room?”
Miss Millerton smiled. “I should like to dance very much though…” A slight hint of color came into her cheeks. “Might I ask you something first?”
“Of course.”
The color in her cheeks heightened all the more. “My sister informs me – and pray, do not think that we were gossiping – that you have no interest in matrimony.”
Samuel blinked, rather astonished at the lady’s remarks.
“Forgive me for being so blunt and indeed, I do not wish to know your reasons for such a thing, but I must know if this is true. You are only interested in friendship? You will not seek to pursue anything more?”
