Page 50 of Under the Seductive Ladys Charm
“That’s a fancy-dress,” Rachel the other daughter of the Wilson brood said as she fingered the hem of Charlotte’s dress.
Charlotte laughed. “I suppose it is a bit fancy for play.” Charlotte made a note that she needed to see about getting her other clothes from Berwick Manor, even if she had no desire to go to the place herself. Perhaps she could send a letter to Lord Easterly.
Josh and Charlotte got the tea ready for the younger children. Charlotte set them up near the swing in the backyard. Dot insisted that Charlotte pushed her on the swing instead of eating, and Charlotte did not really mind.
Her promising future seemed far off now. What was it Mrs. Lennox had told her? She had a good chance of finding a worthy match? That was not the case now. Mrs. Lennox would probably not even acknowledge Charlotte with the scandal so abounding. She would not retain any of her London acquaintances for such behaviour.
It was right and better that they protect their own reputations. It was one of the reasons she was here throwing herself on the mercy of the vicar’s wife. Charlotte could not stand the thought of staining Lord Easterly with any more scandal.
He had not asked for her to kiss him unbidden. She swung back and forth under the oak with Dot wrapped around her. This was her life now and her once hopeful outlook had become one of resignation.
There was nothing left but to make do. Charlotte was used to that. She might have been spoiled with a soft bed and fancy-dresses, but she knew how to survive and she would survive this too.
She spent some time trying to get the children to bathe before giving in and cleaning out the shed. Mrs. Wilson found her still working on tidying up the shed as the light began to fade.
“Are you insistent that you are going to sleep here?” Mrs. Wilson gave the shed a doubtful look.
Charlotte nodded. “It will give me a place to come and think, to find solace. It will also not take up any space in your home, which is already full.”
“I understand your reasoning. I just do not want you to feel you have to put yourself out.” Mrs. Wilson swiped down a cobweb with the handkerchief she kept in her apron.
Charlotte put her hand on the woman’s shoulder. “I have always liked this shed. I used to come and read here as a child, and still visited often once I was grown. I shall be fine.”
“If you are certain then I shall not try to dissuade you. I came out here to tell you that if you want any food, you might want to hurry,” Mrs. Wilson said with a smile.
Chapter 9
Graham returned home to the news that Miss Browne had left for the vicarage the day before. It was midday and although the road had left him weary, he was determined to get things sorted out. He left on horseback, going to the vicarage as Edward directed the boys to unpack the carriages.
He wasted no time knocking on the door impatiently. When the door opened, he was surprised to see Miss Browne, even though he knew she was there. So, she answers the door here?
“Miss Browne,” he said before she had a chance to greet him. “I arrived home a while ago to discover that you had gone visiting but had yet to return.”
Miss Browne shook her head. “I am so sorry that you have ridden all this way for nothing, I am not visiting. I have taken a position here watching the vicar’s children.”
“What do you mean you shall not return?” Graham rubbed his face. “What is this about?”
Miss Browne put her hand on his chest to force him backward as she stepped outside the front door and closed it behind her. “I do not wish the children to hear.”
Graham frowned. “Hear what?”
“I know about the scandal, Lord Easterly. It was in the papers long before you arrived here.” Miss Browne clasped her hands together and frowned. “I have made my decision. Can you not respect that?”
Graham looked up at the sky, but saw nothing there to give him guidance. “I do not even understand it. How can I respect it?”
“My scandal will inevitably taint your household more if we are seen together. It is for the best that I stay here and you there.” Miss Browne’s eyes were wet with what Graham had to assume were tears, but the woman stood her ground firmly. “I would ask that you send my clothing and items here at your convenience, if you would not mind?”
Graham stared at her for a long moment before he nodded dully. “Of course,” he mumbled. “I will send them straight away.”
“Thank you,” Miss Browne said with a fleeting smile. “I had better go before the children notice I am gone and sneak away from their lessons.”
Graham gave her a bow. “Before I go, I want you to know that I do not hold you at fault for this.”
“That is very kind of you, Lord Easterly, but you have always been kind to me.” Miss Browne curtseyed, her eyes going to the ground. She peered at him shyly through her lashes. “Godspeed, Lord Easterly.”
Graham stood there as she went back into the house. Only when the door snapped shut did he move back to his horse. She was not returning. The very thought of that caused him to feel hollow.
He shook himself out of his foolish misery. He could not change Miss Browne’s mind it would seem, at least not yet. Graham was left with no choice but to respect what she had told him.
