A Brooding Christmas Promise (Christmas Matches of Worth #2)

Chapter Five

“Now.” Amelia sat down next to Charlotte and beamed at her. “At the last ball, you did not dance more than two dances. I think that this evening, you should attempt to step out a good deal more than the last time!”

Charlotte flushed, laughed and shook her head. “My dear sister, I hardly think that such a thing is a necessary requirement for my presence here in London. I very much enjoyed the ball at Lord Trenton’s abode but I did not need to dance all of the dances in order to have a most enjoyable time!”

Her sister’s eyes twinkled. “But you will enjoy yourself all the more if you dance them all, I am sure,” she said, with a chuckle. “Imagine being swept around the floor for the waltz, for example! That would be quite wonderful, would it not?”

“I have not often danced the waltz,” Charlotte admitted, with a small smile. “I know that you wish me to have the very best of times here in London for the Christmas Season and I assure you, there is nothing that you need concern yourself with. I have been here less than a sennight and already, I have had a more enjoyable time than I have ever had, I am sure!”

Amelia’s smile slowly faded and she took Charlotte’s hand for a moment. “Are you sure that you will do as our stepmother demands?”

Charlotte let out a slow breath, wishing that Amelia would simply accept her decision and would not press her on it. “Amelia, it was not our stepmother who demanded anything, remember? Our father insisted and therefore, I have decided to accept his parting wishes. Indeed, you will tell me that I do not need to and I quite agree with you there, of course. But that does not mean that I will not do it regardless.”

Amelia sighed and shook her head. “There were so many gentlemen who were admiring you at Lord Trenton’s ball. I am sure that, with only a few more minutes of conversation, you would find that many would wish to call on you.”

The thought did make Charlotte’s heart skip with a sudden excitement but she dampened it down quickly, reminding herself of her requirements. “Did you see that gentleman listening to our conversation, however?” she asked, changing the conversation quickly. “I thought him very rude indeed!”

“Listening to us?” her sister repeated, her eyes widening. “Goodness, that was very impolite!”

“I do not know who he was but yes, he was certainly listening,” Charlotte continued, with a shake of her head. “The way he looked at me told me that he knew full well that he had been listening when he ought not to have done so but there was also an unashamed look in his eye. I am glad that when I caught his attention, he hurried away, however.”

Her sister shook her head. “Goodness, how improper a gentleman he sounds! If you see him at this ball, then you must point him out to me, just to see if we are already acquainted.” The twinkle came back into her eye. “And if we are, I have every intention of making it quite clear to him just what I think of such behaviour!”

Charlotte laughed and was about to say more, only for there to come a knock at the door. Amelia called for the footman to come and he did at once, holding a calling card. Amelia took it, only for her brow to furrow and her eyes to flash.

“Who is it?”

“Lady Foster.” Amelia handed the calling card to Charlotte, her jaw set tight. “How dare she think that she can come to call?”

A knot tied itself in Charlotte’s stomach. “No doubt she has come to remind me that she will be continuing to watch me, no matter where I am in public,” she muttered, closing her eyes tightly. “Even now, this is what she seeks to remind me of.”

“And we will not permit her,” Amelia stated, getting to her feet and taking Charlotte with her. Handing the card back to the footman, she directed him back to the door. “Please inform Lady Foster that your mistress has gone out for the afternoon.”

Seeing what her sister meant to do, Charlotte chimed in quickly. “For a walk to St James’s Park.”

Amelia threw a look at her. “St James’s Park? In this weather?”

Charlotte nodded, and within a few moments, the footman was dismissed. “I am sure we will only be able to do this once, but Lady Foster, being informed about such a thing, might then decide to take a walk through St James’s Park herself, albeit in the cold and the drizzle.”

A small smile tilted the edge of her sister’s lips. “And thus, she will find herself frozen to the bone and irritated with it,” she said slowly, as Charlotte nodded, a sense of guilt prodding at her heart which she quickly ignored. “My dear sister, you are more devious than I had ever expected!”

“Mayhap but I have decided that, after what you said to me, I am not about to let Lady Foster make this a difficult Season for me,” Charlotte stated, firmly. “If she wishes to come against me, if she wishes to state that she will do all she can to make certain that I cling to my promise to her sister, then she will find herself in more difficulty than she has mayhap expected.”

Amelia grinned her agreement. “Wonderful. Now, shall we take tea together? Or would you like to go out in town as we first thought?”

Charlotte considered, then sat back down on the couch with a small, contented sigh. “I think I should like to stay indoors, where it is warm, where the tea is gently steaming and where the cook’s honey cakes are quite marvelous,” she said, making Amelia laugh with delight, only to then go and ring the bell. “And let us hope that Lady Foster enjoys her walk in the cold!”

***

The ball was in full swing and Charlotte, given that she was of age now to no longer require a chaperone, chose to step away from her sister for a time and walk around the ballroom alone. Being alone was not something that she found overly difficult, for it was something that she had become used to these last few months, living with her stepmother in the Dower house. There was something very different about being here alone, however, rather than merely wandering through a large house all on her own! Now and again, someone smiled at her, a gentleman nodded towards her and Charlotte returned each of the gestures but did not stop to speak. For the moment, she was quite contented merely to walk.

I wish I could be seeking out a match.

The thought came to her unbidden and Charlotte frowned, telling herself that she did not need to think of such things. She had already made her decision and, thus, she had no need to think of any gentleman, nor look with longing around the ballroom.

And yet, all the same, that longing remains.

A lump caught in her throat as Charlotte dropped her gaze to the floor for a few moments, trying to keep her composure. She had done her utmost not to let herself think of such things and yet, despite that, they came back to her mind time and again. Perhaps it was simply because she was now here in London, in a place that was filled with gentlemen who were all, as yet, unattached, that she felt that longing grow.

“I do not know why father said such a thing,” she murmured to herself, lifting her gaze again and blinking quickly so as to push her threatening tears back. “Why would he think I should not want to have a happy future for myself? Or was it simply because he thought I would never be anything more than a spinster?”

That last thought sent more tears to her eyes and Charlotte blinked furiously, forcing them back as quickly as she could. She did not want to let such thoughts upset her, not when she was in the midst of another beautiful Christmas ball. She could enjoy the little Season without the thought of what falling in love might be like, could she not?

“How dare you?”

Charlotte blinked in surprise, taking a step back.

“You were not out in the park, as you said. How dare you lie to me?”

“Lady Foster.” The initial shock left her feeling a little weak though, after a moment, she gathered herself. “I do not know what you are talking about.”

“You were not in the park, as you said,” the lady repeated, her features screwed up with anger, venom in every word. “What sort of audacity does it take for a young lady to treat her elder in such a way?”

Charlotte’s hands curled into fists, aware that there would be those around her who might well overhear this interaction and begin to think poorly of her. “I do not think that I forced you to take a walk in the park this afternoon, Lady Foster. Therefore, I do not know what it is that you are upset about.”

The lady’s face went an immediate dark shade of red, her lips pinched as she drew herself up to her full height, standing a little taller than Charlotte herself. “You know very well that I came to call, only to be informed that your sister as well as yourself had both stepped out to the park. That was a lie, was it not? You sent me out to that park, in the cold and the wind, while, no doubt, you laughed at my foolishness!”

Swallowing tightly and trying to keep a hold of both her anger and her embarrassment at being spoken to in such a way, Charlotte took in a breath and then took a step back. “I do not think that I have done anything wrong, Lady Foster. I did not force you to come to the park. You chose to do so, clearly attempting to follow after myself and my sister for your own reasons.”

“You lied to me, I am sure of it!”

“Let me make something very clear.” Fighting for a strength that Charlotte wasn’t certain she would be able to find and hold on to, she lifted her chin. “I have no interest in spending any time in your company. I have no desire to let you come anywhere near me. I am aware of your intentions and I can assure you, I have no interest in letting you pursue me as you intend. I am here in London to enjoy the Christmas season and that is exactly what I intend to do. Do not think for a moment that you will be welcomed into my sister’s house or company, Lady Foster! Do no think that we will be willing to hear what you have to say, that we will be contented to engage you in conversation. I can assure you, that shall never be. Now, do excuse me.”

Making to step away, Charlotte gasped as a strong hand caught her arm and hauled her back, with Lady Foster’s face now scarlet, her lips curled back in a fierce snarl. “How dare you? I feel pity for my sister being forced to live with someone such as you but given that –”

“Ah, do excuse me for interrupting but I believe it is our turn to dance!”

A gentleman broke directly between Charlotte and Lady Foster, forcing the lady to drop Charlotte’s arm. He did not so much as glance at Lady Foster but instead, turned his smiling face to Charlotte, though there was a severity in his gaze which told her that he had heard and seen all that had taken place – and was not pleased with it.

“Our dance?”

His smile remained. “Yes, our dance. The waltz, remember?” A quiet chuckle came from him though his gaze remained steady and severe. “No doubt you have had so many dances – and so many gentlemen seeking you out – you have forgotten which person you are to dance with next!”

“I – yes, of course.” Seeing what he was doing and finding herself rather grateful, Charlotte accepted his arm and began to walk with him, away from Lady Foster. “I thank you.”

The gentleman’s expression altered from a false happiness to a frown. “Pray, forgive my interruption, but I found it most displeasing to witness what was occuring.”

“You are very kind,” Charlotte answered, glancing at him, only for a rush of recognition to wash over her. “Wait a moment, you are –” She stopped short, unable to say that he was the very same gentleman whom she had caught listening to her as she had spoken to her sister at the previous ball.

“I am the Marquess of Crestwood, if that is what you were going to say,” the gentleman answered, leading her to the floor. “I know that we are not properly acquainted and for that, I am sorry but I thought it would be best to intervene. We shall let everyone believe that we have been introduced though, so no scandal arises.”

“I am grateful,” Charlotte answered, though she found herself suddenly nervous, realizing that she was now to dance the waltz with a gentleman she had not been properly introduced to, as well as the fact that she had not yet danced the waltz in some time. “We do not need to dance, however. I am sure that you would prefer to step out with someone else.”

The gentleman only smiled, continued to lead her to the dance floor and, after a moment, stepped back so that he might bow. “I am more than contented to dance with you,” he said, lifting his head from his bow, his dark brown hair falling forward over his forehead for a moment. “Besides, if Lady Foster should look and see that we have not stepped out together, then what would she think?”

“I suppose that is true enough,” Charlotte answered, a little nervous still. “I should probably inform you that I am Miss Charlotte Millerton. My father was the late Viscount Barcsay.”

“Ah.” Lord Crestwood nodded. “I am a little acquainted with your brother, as we were at Eton together. A pleasure to meet you, Miss Millerton. Now, shall we?”

There was no time for her to speak, no time for her to protest. Lord Crestwood stepped forward, took her in his arms and began the waltz, sweeping her around the floor in the most expert manner.

Charlotte could barely catch her breath. Her feet, thankfully, seemed to move of their own accord, recalling each and every step without any great difficulty which Charlotte was truly grateful for. The worry she had felt, the anxiety which had caught her stomach, now quickly faded as she let herself break free of the tension which had held her, settling now into the dance – and into Lord Crestwood’s arms.

Glancing at him, Charlotte let herself take him in for a moment, a little surprised at how easy this dance had become and how contented she was in it. Lord Crestwood was a well-built gentleman, certainly, with strength in his frame which she herself could feel as he held her. His dark hair seemed a little at odds with the light blue of his eyes, and though he was not smiling at present, there did appear to be a softness about his expression which, to Charlotte’s mind, spoke of kindness. Indeed, he was certainly considerate, given the way that he had stepped in between Lady Foster and herself! Not very many gentlemen would have done such a thing, she considered, and for that, she was more than grateful.

“You dance very well, Miss Millerton,” Lord Crestwood murmured, as the dance continued. “Have you been in London for long?”

“Only a little over a sennight,” she answered, a little breathlessly given how she was being whirled around the floor. “I am staying with my sister and her husband for the Christmas season. Lord and Lady Hesterway?”

“Ah!” Lord Crestwood grinned, his eyes alight which, Charlotte had to admit, did make him appear very handsome indeed. “Lord Hesterway I know very well. He is a good fellow which, of course, must make your sister an excellent lady, I am sure.”

Charlotte smiled at the compliment. “Indeed, she is.”

“Then I hope that this difficulty with Lady Foster does not impinge upon your time here in London.” The music began to slow and Lord Crestwood with it. “I know a little of Lord and Lady Foster, I confess.”

“Do you?” Charlotte looked back at him surprised, just as Lord Crestwood came to a stop, ready to release her. “Then…” She frowned for a moment, a little surprised at the question which had sprung to her lips. Dare she ask him such a thing when they were not even properly acquainted?

“Yes, Miss Millerton?” Lord Crestwood rose from his bow, a slightly enquiring look on his face. “Is there something that I can help you with in this regard?”

“It is a slightly strange situation, the one I find myself in,” Charlotte began, taking his arm when it was offered to her, grateful that he was willing to continue the conversation, at least. “I do not know Lady Foster in any way whatsoever, nor her husband either though we have been introduced.”

“I see.”

Charlotte pressed her lips together for a moment, her heart jumping as she chose her next few words carefully. “I know that you overheard a little of what my sister and I were saying at Lord Trenton’s ball,” she continued, seeing him duck his head, heat instantly in his cheeks. “I do not hold anything against you for that – it is a ballroom, filled with guests and sometimes, it is unavoidable.”

“Though it was impolite of me to linger,” he stated, surprising her. “I should not have done so. Forgive me for that.”

Liking him all the more, Charlotte smiled. “But of course. Thank you for acknowledging that.”

He smiled back at her and much to her frustration, Charlotte’s heart leapt up though she quietened it just as quickly. “Now, what was it you were to ask me about Lord and Lady Foster?”

Charlotte’s smile dropped. “I was about to ask if you would consider coming to speak with my sister and me about what you know of them? I know very little about their character or the like and anything that you know might be of aid to us.”

Much to her relief, Lord Crestwood began to nod slowly as they continued to wander through the crowd of guests. “I do not think that there is much I could tell you but I would be glad to share with you what I know. Might I suggest that Lord Trenton joins us? He has also had a few dealings with Lord Foster and might be able to speak on that also.”

Recalling that gentleman, Charlotte agreed quickly. “Yes, of course. I should like that very much although please, given what you have overheard already, I would be grateful if you did not share that with Lord Trenton in advance. If my sister and I feel it prudent, we might be willing to share a little of our present difficulties.”

“But of course. As I have said, I was wrong to stand and listen to something that was not mine to pay attention to,” the gentleman answered, quickly. “Now, I must beg your forgiveness but I must step away. I am to dance now with Lady Imogen, I think, and must go in search of her before it is called.” Releasing her arm, he turned to her, smiling as he inclined his head. “I shall call tomorrow, if it is convenient?”

Charlotte nodded, bobbing a quick curtsy. “It is, I thank you.”

With another smile, he turned and took his leave and Charlotte, for whatever reason, could not help but watch him depart for just a few moments. Her hands clasped tightly together in front of her, her heart filling with a sense of contentment and, with it, some relief that this gentleman had not only come to her aid with Lady Foster but was about to offer her some understanding as to who this lady truly was. With a smile on her face, Charlotte turned on her heel and went in search of her sister, the happiness within her growing steadily. Lady Foster had given her a shock, indeed, but it had led to an excellent conversation – and a wonderful dance – with Lord Crestwood. Charlotte could not have asked for anything better.