Page 31 of A Brooding Christmas Promise
The thought was a startling one but it brought him no shock nor dread. Instead, he let himself linger on it, thinking about all that might be and wondering, silently, what it was that made him consider such a sweetness.
I have already assured her that I have no intention of courtship or matrimony,he reminded himself, sitting back down and picking up his quill.There can be no reason for my thoughts to turn to her in such a way as this.
Determining to consider only his invitations, Samuel dipped his quill in the ink and began to write – only for his quill to lift as a vision of Miss Millerton cast itself before his eyes. It was as if, in hearing that she might be freed from her vow to live as a spinster and companion to her stepmother, his heart had found a new sense of freedom also – even if it seemed, very much, to want to be captured anew… though this time, by someone who would treat it with a good deal more care and consideration than Lady Grifford ever had.
Chapter Fifteen
“I do hope you are to dance this evening, Charlotte?”
Smiling at her sister, Charlotte nodded. “Of course I shall, though I did think that it was to be a soiree this evening rather than a ball?”
“Ah, but that is because you do not know Lord Howden!” Lord Hesterway laughed, as the carriage came to a stop. “He is never contented, always determined to do more and more and more until his wife, finally, demands that he relent – but it is always much too late!” He chuckled as the footman opened the carriage door. “I recall once being at a dinner party where we were near to thirty dishes! I could barely manage the port I was given at the end – and even then, he had three different ports for us all to try!”
Charlotte laughed at this, imagining the scene. “Even by society’s standards, that is a great number of dishes!”
“It was.” Lord Hesterway offered his arm to her, while taking Amelia on the other. “But his indulgence and determination is well known. This evening shall be unlike any other this Season, I am sure!”
With a sense of anticipation, Charlotte walked into the house, only to be met by a great swell of noise. There appeared to be people everywhere, standing not only on the floor but also on the staircase, as though they simply could not find room! There were whispers of music coming towards her, laughter ringing all around and, despite her own confusion and upset over her stepmother and the will, Charlotte’s spirits lifted high.
“This is certainly no soiree!” Amelia exclaimed, as they attempted to find their host in order to greet him, for there did not appear to be any sort of greeting line which they might join.“Goodness, there are people everywhere! I do not think I have seen so many guests in one space before.”
“I think we shall have to give up on finding Lord Howden,” Lord Hesterway remarked, laughter in his eyes. “Now, my dears, shall we make for the ballroom? Or should you prefer to find something to eat? There will be a good deal of entertainment within the drawing room and the library and the music room, no doubt, mayhap also in the gardens!”
“Oh, they are playing snapdragon in the drawing room, Lord Hesterway!” A passing gentleman clasped Lord Hesterway’s hand, shaking it firmly. “It is a very rambunctious gathering indeed!”
Charlotte laughed softly, simply from the sheer joy of being a part of something so wonderful. It was exactly what she needed to forget her troubles as regarded her stepmother and the will.
“Now, there was something I wished to tell you.” Amelia took her arm as Lord Hesterway fell into conversation with the other gentleman. “I have taken the liberty of writing to our brother.”
Charlotte’s smile fell away. “For what purpose? As you know, I have already written to him and to our stepmother about my false betrothal to Lord Crestwood.”
“Yes, but it is not about that. I – I wanted to ask him about the will.” Amelia’s expression grew a little darker. “I know that we have not spoken about it all as yet but there is something malignant there, I am sure of it. I have asked him if he ever heard father speak of such a thing before he left for the continent. I also wanted to ask him if he has ever spoken to the solicitors about it. Surely there must be someone within our family’s solicitors who would have heard our father speak of that requirement and who could confirm that it was written just as he desired – and could also speak into whether or not it came from duress or influence.”
Charlotte’s stomach twisted. “Amelia, I do not want to speak of it at all this evening. I simply want to enjoy myself.”
“I understand.” Amelia pressed her hand quickly. “I wanted to let you know that I expect his response very soon. The roads are very bad, of course, but I have sent the fastest rider and he will change horses very often also. No expense has been spared for this is an important matter.Youare important to me – and to others, Charlotte, and if this can offer you the freedom you thought you had lost, then it must be resolved without delay.”
“I quite agree.”
Charlotte turned, only to see Lord Crestwood smiling down at her, his eyes holding a softness which made her heart turn over. “Good evening, Lord Crestwood.” She took him in, finding her heart appreciating the fine cut of his clothes, his handsome features and the light smile which spoke of kindness and consideration. When her eyes caught his again, she saw him lifting one eyebrow just a little in question, as though to wonder what it was she was thinking. Flushing, Charlotte dropped her gaze. “I am surprised you found us in such a crush as this!”
Lord Crestwood chuckled, his eyes twinkling. “It is quite something, is it not? Lord Trenton will be quite jealous, for he was determined to have the very best event of the Season!” The way he laughed as he spoke, however, convinced Charlotte that this was said slightly in jest and she, too, smiled back at him.
“Should you like to take your betrothed for an exploration of this magnificent event?”
The way that Amelia described her made Charlotte start, her smile fixing to her face. It was not that she had forgotten that she was engaged to Lord Crestwood – albeit for nothing more than a pretense – but to be referred to as his betrothed seemed a little more intimate, somehow. The heat in her face grew all the more and she found it suddenly very difficult indeed to look atLord Crestwood though he did not appear to be in the least bit affected.
“I should be delighted! I am hopeful that you will dance with me, Miss Millerton. The ball is already in full swing, though there are no dance cards or the like. Gentlemen must ask ladies at the very moment of the dance which is most extraordinary.”
The thought of being in Lord Crestwood’s arms as they danced together made Charlotte’s heart beat a little more quickly but she did take his proffered arm. “That is unusual but yes, I should be glad to both dance with you and walk with you for a time, if you would like.”
“You must not lose her in this crush!” Amelia laughed, as Charlotte shot her a sharp look, hoping that she would stop talking before she mortified Charlotte in some way. “There are so many guests!”
“I assure you, I will keep my betrothed as close to me as can be,” Lord Crestwood answered, his tone warm and sending Charlotte’s heart into a flurry. “There is nothing I would like more than to spend as much time as I can in her company.” His eyes slid to hers as he spoke and Charlotte shivered lightly, her gaze fixed to his as he led her away from Amelia. He soon had to turn his head away from her, however, as they threaded through the other guests, all of whom appeared to be standing elbow to elbow.
“Surprisingly, the ball is a little less busy,” Lord Crestwood murmured, bringing her towards the door. “Should you like to dance?”
“Yes, I would.” Charlotte did not hesitate, the thought of being in his arms a truly wonderful one. “Goodness, the ballroom is beautiful!” She took in the array of colors, the leaves, winter flowers and berries which adorned the walls, the mirrors which reflected back the light from the seemingly hundreds of candles which were lit there. She came to herself after a moment,only just realizing that she had come to a stop to admire the beauty of the room – and that Lord Crestwood was looking at her with a soft smile on his face. The blush returned quickly though she could not help but smile back, wondering what his thoughts were at that moment.
