Page 13 of The Vixen in Red
“Yes,” she said a little startled. “Are you acquainted with her?”
He shook his head. “Not at all. I’m more familiar with her fiancé.”
She let his jacket fall from her shoulders, and around her arms. “Pardon me,” she began. “You actually know the Duke of Partridgdon? I didn’t think anyone had an intimate acquaintance with His Grace.”
He should not have imparted that bit of information. As far as thetonwas aware, the duke hadn’t come to England and didn’t correspond with anyone either. How would he explain his relationship to Cameron? Perhaps it was best to impart as much of the truth as possible. “We attended Eton together. He’s my earliest childhood friend, and we have been close since then.” He remembered when the duke had been forced into that engagement. It was the first time Cameron had gotten foxed, and then sick from all the brandy he’d imbibed. “I miss him.”
“I’m sorry,” Lady Charlotte said. “It must be difficult to have a friend absent from your life. I couldn’t imagine not having Lady Pear within reach. Perhaps he will return to England soon. Surely he must honor his engagement at some juncture.”
Not if Cameron could help it… “I suppose he must.” He’d likely stay hidden as long as he possibly could. “What does Lady Pearyn believe?”
Lady Charlotte shrugged. “I’m not certain if it matters to her. She’s lived her life as she pleases. She doesn’t need him for support. Her grandmother ensured she inherited a fortune in her own right. If she has her way, she’ll never marry, and she has no desire to be a duchess. So if the duke wishes to remain on a permanent tour of the world, she won’t much care.”
“How odd they both are.” Collin frowned. Perhaps he’d relay that information to Cameron the next time they crossed paths. The duke might be relieved to know his fiancée didn’t want to marry him any more than he wished to marry her. It might also have the opposite effect. It might irritate him enough to pursue her. It would be interesting to see what his friend might do with the information. “Do you wish to marry one day or do you have a similar belief as your friend.”
She didn’t answer right away. He held his breath, awaiting her reply. Collin hadn’t realized how important her answer was until that moment.
“I suppose one day, with the right gentleman, I’d be happy to be a wife.” She met his gaze and held it. “Until then, I’ll be like Lady Pear and enjoy my life as it is.” Lady Charlotte picked up his jacket and handed it to him. Then she stood. “This has been pleasant, and I hope we can do something similar in the future, but I’ve been away long enough. My aunt will be worried.”
Collin stood and folded his jacket over his arm. “Give her my regards.”
She nodded and then walked away. Collin glanced over at the swans. He’d have to order a book about them. He wanted to know if it was true they mated for life. A part of him also hoped Lady Charlotte was his swan, the one he’d been meant to find and give his heart to forever.
Chapter 8
The first day of May brought sunshine and warm breezes. It was a perfect day for a celebration. The entire village came to the Frossly estate to see the festivities. All the unmarried girls over ten and six could participate in the Maypole dance. Charlotte would be one of those girls. She couldn’t wait to participate in the spring ritual. The ladies in the sewing circle had assured her that she would have her requested red ribbon to dance with.
She dressed carefully in her gown for the event. It was a light red gown, so pale the color could be considered blush, and made of muslin. The skirt was free flowing so it wouldn’t get tangled in her legs as she danced. Her shoes were flat black slippers that had ribbons that laced up her ankles.
After she finished preparing for the festivities, she left her bedchamber and descended the stairs. She went into the sitting room. Her Aunt Seraphina was already seated and sipping a cup of tea. “There you are, dear,” she greeted Charlotte. “Have some tea and scones before we depart.”
“I don’t think I could eat a bite.” She held her hand over her stomach. “I’m too nervous.” The sensations dancing in her stomach had been present since she had awakened. “I will have some tea though. It might soothe me.” Charlotte picked up the teapot and filled a cup. She took a sip and sighed. “This is perfect.”
“Pardon me, Lady Seraphina,” Mrs. Simms, the housekeeper said. “But there is someone here to see Lady Charlotte.”
Who could it possibly be? Lord Frossly? No, she’d see him later at the ceremony. Everything was being held on his estate, after all. Though she couldn’t help hoping the earl had come to see her. They had grown closer over the past several weeks, and she had feelings for him she no longer could deny.
“Bring them in,” her aunt told the housekeeper. “They may as well have tea before we leave as well.”
“Very well, my lady,” Mrs. Simms said. She curtsied and then left the sitting room.
After a few moments, Mrs. Simms led a lady to Charlotte and her aunt. A lady that Charlotte was happy to see... “Pear,” she exclaimed, and then rushed to her friend’s side. “Why didn’t you tell me that you planned to visit?” Charlotte had intended to invite her, but had forgot to send it in all the preparations. Her friend wore a dark green day gown trimmed in white lace. Pear’s dark hair was pinned in a simple knot at the back of her head. She hadn’t bothered with a bonnet. Something she might regret later after she was out in the hot sun all day.
“I wished to surprise you,” Pear said and then hugged Charlotte. She stepped back. “This dance you’re participating in sounds riveting. I don’t suppose I can join in on the fun.”
“I’m afraid not,” Aunt Seraphina said. “We don’t have a ribbon on the pole for you to claim. Perhaps next year you can visit again and participate.”
Pear turned to Lady Seraphina and smiled. “I may do that. Is that tea?” she asked and rushed over to the tea cart.
“It is,” Lady Seraphina replied. “Would you like a cup?”
“I’m parched,” Pear said. “I swear nothing but dust filled the air on the way over here. Is it always so dry here in Peacehaven?” She picked up a cup and filled it with tea. She downed it in one gulp. “Oh, that is good. Excellent tea.”
“Did you even taste it?” Charlotte asked, a little appalled at her friend’s lack of manners.
“Of course I did,” she replied. “I said it was excellent, didn’t I?” Pear lifted a brow. “Why are you acting so…judgmental?”
Charlotte didn’t know what was wrong with her. The anxiety flowing through her was making her a little shrewish. She would have to rein in the desire to snap at everyone. The dance would be fine. She would do all right. There was no need to worry about how it would all turn out. She’d ridden through Hyde Park in breeches. This couldn’t be any worse than that. If she could handle the stares during that scandalous behavior, surely she could make it through something not nearly as disreputable.
