Page 4 of Under the Seductive Ladys Charm
“It is quite fine. We had not seen each other since before my father’s death.”
“Had we known, we would have made an appearance,” Amanda continued. “You could have reached out and said something.”
Charlotte remained silent and looked out of the window. It was a small village. Surely Charles’ death would have reached their ears had they been listening.
Amanda continued, “Come to think of it I think I do remember my brother on his return saying something about it all. I must admit that I was not paying attention and thinking it merely another war story. He has war stories aplenty.”
Charlotte eyed the woman curiously. Lord Easterly had known? He had not made a point to come to the funeral. Amanda was still talking. “Still, you should not be out walking so in the rain. Where is your husband or escort?”
“I have neither,” Charlotte said with great effort. “I have been living with the new vicar and his family as a tenant. Charles and I had planned to move away when he returned from the war.”
Amanda looked at her for a long moment before she clapped her hands together like she used to when she had come up with a grand game for them to play as children. “Come and stay at Berwick Manor!”
Charlotte’s mouth fell open and she snapped it shut with her very manners. “I could do no such thing.” She fought not to feel scandalised. She knew that Amanda had probably offered the invitation from the best possible place, but Charlotte could not in good conscience bring herself to accept such an offer, even if she did have nowhere else to turn.
“Are you rejecting me or the offer?” Amanda put her hands on her hips.
Charlotte sighed. “The offer, of course. I have not seen you or Lord Easterly in years. It would not stand for me to impose on his household in such a manner. My mother would rise up and scold me herself.”
Amanda shook her finger at Charlotte. “We might not be the children we were but you are still very much the same old Lotte.”
“Well, when you were called to go off and be a lady of high society, I was called into the community to be a vicar’s daughter. The two lives are hardly comparable,” Charlotte said with a smile. Lotte was an old nickname that she had not heard in a very long time. It warmed her heart toward her friend and softened her resolve against Amanda’s well-intentioned, if ill-advised, words.
Amanda gave Charlotte a smile. “There is no reason we should be separate any longer, though. Why, this could be a splendid opportunity for us to get reacquainted. Do you not see that this could be fate?”
“You believe in fate now?” Charlotte gave her friend a knowing smile. “You have not changed that much either. You still cannot stand to not get your own way.”
Amanda pushed her lips out in a pout then grinned. “I admit that I do like having my way. I shall make you one final offer.” Charlotte started to refuse before Amanda even finished speaking but decided to hear her out. Amanda leaned forward slightly in her seat. “You should come and be my companion and chaperone, lord only knows I probably need one. Just think about it, Lotte. It will be a lady’s maid position but without all the grubby parts.” Amanda seemed most amused with herself as she giggled.
Charlotte sighed. The shadows were growing longer and still the carriage did not move. She had thought Amanda meant to give her a ride, but that was becoming less likely. No, Amanda had probably only been trying to satisfy her curiosity. Charlotte would be walking after dark at this rate to even get to the village.
Amanda could have ridden her to a larger town that was not that much further away, but here Charlotte felt trapped by the movement of the sun and her own situation. “I do not know that I can accept such a position. It seems rather frivolous.”
“There will be work involved,” Amanda assured her with a laugh. “I shall work you until your fingers bleed. Does that meet your requirements?”
Charlotte could not help but laugh along with Amanda. “I am not that bent on punishment, but I would like an honest pay for honest work. Do you even really need such a person as that?”
“You ask me if I need a chaperone? You grew up with me. What do you think, Lotte?” Amanda leaned back in her seat as a look of smugness settled over her face.
Amanda had her there. Charlotte very much did think Amanda needed someone supervising her, but Amanda had always been a mischievous child, more so than one out to do harm. Charlotte sighed. “I suppose you have this all worked out somehow in your mind.”
“I do,” Amanda assured her.
“Should you not run this all by your brother before we agree to anything? He may have reservations.”
“Nonsense,” Amanda batted the word back to her. “You just want to find a way out of it.”
Charlotte gave her friend a smile and shook her head. “I appreciate your generosity, but I also know that taking on a person such as myself can have repercussions.”
“I am hiring you. I should think that my brother will look upon me kindly for that. He is always on about how I should be a better person and such. Here I sit trying to do better and you throw it in my face.” Amanda folded her arms, but Charlotte could see no offense on the woman’s face.
Charlotte slowly nodded. “I will tentatively agree. It is a generous offer that you have made me.”
“Good. Then we should go home at once!” Amanda seemed quite dizzy about everything suddenly.
Charlotte interceded. “I really must return to the vicarage and let Mr. and Mrs. Wilson know that I have other arrangements. It would be only right.”
“Oh,” Amanda said with visible disappointment. “I suppose you are right. I would not want people out looking for you while you sip tea at the manor.”
