Page 23 of Under the Seductive Ladys Charm
Lorna Tennison, who had been passing by, came over to Amanda. “We have been acquainted, yes.”
“Good. Will you join us? We just were going to come up with a game or something to pass the time until the next dance.” Amanda patted the cushioned seat next to her. The room was arranged with chairs along the walls and such for people to use during resting periods. There were little groups of young people here and there as they all talked and socialised.
Lorna seemed pleased with the invitation and assented with a nod. “That is most kind of you. I was just on my way to find a nice group to chat with.”
Sir Chatham teased, “And here you have found us. Are you acquainted with all of us here?”
“Not all,” Lorna said with a shy smile.
Sir Chatham went around the group of young men and introduced them. Lorna seemed to know most of the men, other than Lord Allerton, who she greeted enthusiastically. Amanda noticed the way the woman leaned forward when the officer talked.
She supposed that Lord Allerton did have a nice voice, but he was her suitor and she was regretting inviting the perky Miss Tennison now. She had thought she would liven things up with another female in the mix.
It was a good way to see which men were interested in ladies other than herself. Amanda made a note that Lord Allerton might be one of those suitors. She felt a touch of hurt, but she pushed it away as she gave everyone a bright smile. “Let us think up a game. Come now, give us suggestions.”
Chapter 4
Charlotte did not know what had happened but she found people looking at her and whispering. Was all of this really because of her dancing with Lord Easterly earlier? She thought the attention she was getting now felt quite different.
No one openly approached her, but she could see people talking and, clearly, she seemed to be the subject. Charlotte went toward the refreshment table and was startled out of her thoughts by a young man who appeared beside her. “I apologise. I did not mean to cause you a fright.”
Charlotte waved off his words and laughed at herself. “I think I caused that all by myself. My mind had me elsewhere.”
“Must be a wonderful place that elsewhere to make you long to go there so badly.” He gave her a smile and Charlotte noticed how handsome he was. He looked every inch the dandy, his fashionable clothes making him stand out amid the gentleman she had seen. “I know that it is forward of me to approach you without first receiving an introduction, but I fear that I did not know whom to ask for one. I was afraid that if I waited you might get away from me.”
Charlotte felt her face warm with his words. She cast her eyes down and looked back up at him through the veil of her lashes. The man was so striking that he made her quite nervous, even though he must surely be close to her age, or perhaps older. “What better time to be forward than at a fancy-dress ball?” Charlotte gave him a guarded smile.
He gave her a deep bow. As he rose he said, “Allow me to introduce myself. I am Lord Stanhope. And you are?”
Charlotte tried to remember what she and Amanda had said she should call herself if others asked. She mumbled, “Miss Thomas.”
“It is most lovely to meet you, Miss Thomas. Now that we are acquainted, would you like to dance?” Lord Stanhope’s flashy manner would not normally appeal to Charlotte, but there was something charming about the man.
She accepted his offer with a nod of her head, and he extended his hand to her. Once her hand was within his, he guided her onto the floor, where he pulled her along with him in a dance that took Charlotte a moment to catch on to. When she did, she found the dance rather entertaining.
To her surprise, Lord Stanhope was not annoyed that she did not know the English country dance. He took her inexperience in his stride and showed her how to do the steps as they went.
“You are very kind, Lord Stanhope,” Charlotte said with a genuine smile.
Lord Stanhope laughed. “You say that because you do not know that I am hoping if I show you how kind I am that you will assent to see me again.”
“See you again?” Charlotte was taken aback by the notion. “Do you mean another dance?” The idea was not an unpleasant one.
Lord Stanhope chuckled as they danced, and he shook his head. “I meant perhaps you would let me come to see you at home, or escort you somewhere.”
Charlotte whispered, “Oh.”
Lord Stanhope quickly added, “I did not mean that to seem roguish. I mean that I would like to truly court you. But I know a lady such as yourself needs time. I just do not know if I can survive the wait until another ball.”
Charlotte almost stumbled and quickly excused herself. “I am sorry,” she mumbled as she made her way off the floor.
Lord Stanhope tried to call after her, but Charlotte was making her way hastily towards the exit. She nearly ran into Lord Easterly. “Lord Easterly,” Charlotte whispered. “I was wondering if I might be excused to go home. I fear that I am not feeling up to any more dancing.”
Lord Easterly gave her a concerned look. “Of course,” he said. “I shall tell them to bring my carriage around the front. Are you certain that you are well?”
She nodded and walked with him toward the entrance. “I do not mean to take you away from the party.”
“No, I shall not ride with you. It would not be proper, but I will give you leave to use my carriage. I can ride home with my sister.” Lord Easterly escorted her to the front door and waited with her.
