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

Chapter Fifteen

“I do hope you are to dance this evening, Charlotte?”

Smiling at her sister, Charlotte nodded. “Of course I shall, though I did think that it was to be a soiree this evening rather than a ball?”

“Ah, but that is because you do not know Lord Howden!” Lord Hesterway laughed, as the carriage came to a stop. “He is never contented, always determined to do more and more and more until his wife, finally, demands that he relent – but it is always much too late!” He chuckled as the footman opened the carriage door. “I recall once being at a dinner party where we were near to thirty dishes! I could barely manage the port I was given at the end – and even then, he had three different ports for us all to try!”

Charlotte laughed at this, imagining the scene. “Even by society’s standards, that is a great number of dishes!”

“It was.” Lord Hesterway offered his arm to her, while taking Amelia on the other. “But his indulgence and determination is well known. This evening shall be unlike any other this Season, I am sure!”

With a sense of anticipation, Charlotte walked into the house, only to be met by a great swell of noise. There appeared to be people everywhere, standing not only on the floor but also on the staircase, as though they simply could not find room! There were whispers of music coming towards her, laughter ringing all around and, despite her own confusion and upset over her stepmother and the will, Charlotte’s spirits lifted high.

“This is certainly no soiree!” Amelia exclaimed, as they attempted to find their host in order to greet him, for there did not appear to be any sort of greeting line which they might join. “Goodness, there are people everywhere! I do not think I have seen so many guests in one space before.”

“I think we shall have to give up on finding Lord Howden,” Lord Hesterway remarked, laughter in his eyes. “Now, my dears, shall we make for the ballroom? Or should you prefer to find something to eat? There will be a good deal of entertainment within the drawing room and the library and the music room, no doubt, mayhap also in the gardens!”

“Oh, they are playing snapdragon in the drawing room, Lord Hesterway!” A passing gentleman clasped Lord Hesterway’s hand, shaking it firmly. “It is a very rambunctious gathering indeed!”

Charlotte laughed softly, simply from the sheer joy of being a part of something so wonderful. It was exactly what she needed to forget her troubles as regarded her stepmother and the will.

“Now, there was something I wished to tell you.” Amelia took her arm as Lord Hesterway fell into conversation with the other gentleman. “I have taken the liberty of writing to our brother.”

Charlotte’s smile fell away. “For what purpose? As you know, I have already written to him and to our stepmother about my false betrothal to Lord Crestwood.”

“Yes, but it is not about that. I – I wanted to ask him about the will.” Amelia’s expression grew a little darker. “I know that we have not spoken about it all as yet but there is something malignant there, I am sure of it. I have asked him if he ever heard father speak of such a thing before he left for the continent. I also wanted to ask him if he has ever spoken to the solicitors about it. Surely there must be someone within our family’s solicitors who would have heard our father speak of that requirement and who could confirm that it was written just as he desired – and could also speak into whether or not it came from duress or influence.”

Charlotte’s stomach twisted. “Amelia, I do not want to speak of it at all this evening. I simply want to enjoy myself.”

“I understand.” Amelia pressed her hand quickly. “I wanted to let you know that I expect his response very soon. The roads are very bad, of course, but I have sent the fastest rider and he will change horses very often also. No expense has been spared for this is an important matter. You are important to me – and to others, Charlotte, and if this can offer you the freedom you thought you had lost, then it must be resolved without delay.”

“I quite agree.”

Charlotte turned, only to see Lord Crestwood smiling down at her, his eyes holding a softness which made her heart turn over. “Good evening, Lord Crestwood.” She took him in, finding her heart appreciating the fine cut of his clothes, his handsome features and the light smile which spoke of kindness and consideration. When her eyes caught his again, she saw him lifting one eyebrow just a little in question, as though to wonder what it was she was thinking. Flushing, Charlotte dropped her gaze. “I am surprised you found us in such a crush as this!”

Lord Crestwood chuckled, his eyes twinkling. “It is quite something, is it not? Lord Trenton will be quite jealous, for he was determined to have the very best event of the Season!” The way he laughed as he spoke, however, convinced Charlotte that this was said slightly in jest and she, too, smiled back at him.

“Should you like to take your betrothed for an exploration of this magnificent event?”

The way that Amelia described her made Charlotte start, her smile fixing to her face. It was not that she had forgotten that she was engaged to Lord Crestwood – albeit for nothing more than a pretense – but to be referred to as his betrothed seemed a little more intimate, somehow. The heat in her face grew all the more and she found it suddenly very difficult indeed to look at Lord Crestwood though he did not appear to be in the least bit affected.

“I should be delighted! I am hopeful that you will dance with me, Miss Millerton. The ball is already in full swing, though there are no dance cards or the like. Gentlemen must ask ladies at the very moment of the dance which is most extraordinary.”

The thought of being in Lord Crestwood’s arms as they danced together made Charlotte’s heart beat a little more quickly but she did take his proffered arm. “That is unusual but yes, I should be glad to both dance with you and walk with you for a time, if you would like.”

“You must not lose her in this crush!” Amelia laughed, as Charlotte shot her a sharp look, hoping that she would stop talking before she mortified Charlotte in some way. “There are so many guests!”

“I assure you, I will keep my betrothed as close to me as can be,” Lord Crestwood answered, his tone warm and sending Charlotte’s heart into a flurry. “There is nothing I would like more than to spend as much time as I can in her company.” His eyes slid to hers as he spoke and Charlotte shivered lightly, her gaze fixed to his as he led her away from Amelia. He soon had to turn his head away from her, however, as they threaded through the other guests, all of whom appeared to be standing elbow to elbow.

“Surprisingly, the ball is a little less busy,” Lord Crestwood murmured, bringing her towards the door. “Should you like to dance?”

“Yes, I would.” Charlotte did not hesitate, the thought of being in his arms a truly wonderful one. “Goodness, the ballroom is beautiful!” She took in the array of colors, the leaves, winter flowers and berries which adorned the walls, the mirrors which reflected back the light from the seemingly hundreds of candles which were lit there. She came to herself after a moment, only just realizing that she had come to a stop to admire the beauty of the room – and that Lord Crestwood was looking at her with a soft smile on his face. The blush returned quickly though she could not help but smile back, wondering what his thoughts were at that moment.

“Ah!” Lord Crestwood straightened suddenly, his eyes flaring. “The waltz has just been announced!” He inclined his head just a little, looking at her. “What say you, my lady?”

“I say that I should be delighted.” Charlotte took his hand with what she hoped was a small, swift intake of breath that he did not hear. Excitement fizzed through her, expectations rising suddenly – but she did not know why, nor what it was she hoped for. There was barely time for him to bow and for her to curtsy before he caught her up in his arms and began to waltz around the floor.

It was the second time they had waltzed together but for Charlotte, it was even more wonderful than the first. The first time, she had been uncertain and a little concerned but now, on this occasion, she was able to give herself up to it, up to him and let him lead her without a single concern. She felt safe in his arms, her eyes searching his face as he looked away for a moment, trying to remind herself that this engagement, this betrothal was nothing more than nonsense. Nonsense which would soon come to an end.

That thought sent her happiness fleeing, reminding her that what she had was nothing more than an imagination. Her feelings, which she had been doing nothing to hold back of late, ought never to have been permitted to grow. She had been foolish not to keep things in check, she realized, her shoulders dropping just a little, her smile fading.

And then, Lord Crestwood began to slow his steps and before she knew it, they had come to a complete stop.

“I – I do not… ”

“Might I be so bold?” There was a softness about his voice which she had never heard before, though she still did not understand what it was he meant. It was only when he reached up and plucked one berry from the bough above her head that Charlotte realized why he had stopped.

The mistletoe bough above her and the berry in his hand meant that they might exchange a kiss – in full view of all the other guests, though many other gentlemen and ladies were sure to do the same. It was expected, she supposed, trying to reason with herself as he held out the mistletoe berry to her. In society’s eyes, they were engaged and thus, a stolen kiss under the mistletoe bough would be all that everyone might expect.

But what will it do to my heart if I accept?

With a lick of her lips, Charlotte reached and took the mistletoe berry from his hand, her heart beating so furiously and so loudly, she was certain he could hear it. Lord Crestwood smiled and began to lower his head – and on instinct, Charlotte closed her eyes.

When his lips pressed to hers, Charlotte froze in place, her entire world shifting. She could not move, one hand still on his shoulder, her fingers gripping there as weakness washed over her. Quite how long he kissed her, she did not know, for it felt as though all of the world had gone by and she had simply stood there, holding herself to him.

When he lifted his head, Charlotte took in a shuddering breath and forced her eyes open. She did not know what Lord Crestwood meant by that kiss, for it might well be that there was nothing meant by it at all, given the facade they were portraying, or it might mean a good deal more.

“Charlotte, I – ”

“Do hurry up, Crestwood!” A shout interrupted whatever it was that Lord Crestwood had been about to say. “Some others are waiting to reach the bough!”

Lord Crestwood laughed but to Charlotte’s mind, it sounded forced and a little strangled. The next thing she knew, they were dancing again together, the waltz continuing on for some minutes, though Charlotte said not a word to Lord Crestwood and neither did he to her.

All too soon, it came to an end. Charlotte stepped back and curtsied but when she looked up, Lord Crestwood was frowning at her. It cleared from his expression almost the moment that she looked back at him but it had certainly lingered there, nonetheless.

Charlotte pressed her lips tight together for a moment before accepting his arm again. There was something in his mind, she was sure of it, but given that he was frowning, it did not appear to be anything good. Her worry grew all the more as they continued on in silence, with neither of them speaking, neither of them appearing able to find something to say to each other. That kiss had changed something, though Charlotte could not say what it was.

“I see your sister.” Lord Crestwood finally spoke, his voice rasping a little. “I shall return you to her, I think, for a short while.” He threw her a smile though it did not show any real happiness, Charlotte was sure. “I will return to you later this evening, of course.”

“I thank you for the company and the dance,” Charlotte answered, her smile wobbling as she tried to keep her true concerns hidden from him. “It was most enjoyable.”

Lord Crestwood did not respond for a few moments, looking long at her as though there was an answer from her that he wished very much to hear. When he did, however, it was with a lowering of his gaze and with a small but heavy breath which Charlotte could not pretend she did not hear.

“It was most enjoyable, yes,” he admitted, as though speaking in such a way was painful for him. “Good evening, Miss Millerton. I will return to your side soon, just as any betrothed gentleman ought.”

Before she could respond, he had turned and walked away, lost in the crowd within only a few moments. She wanted to reach out her hand and catch him, wanted very much to pull him back towards her and ask him what it was that troubled him, why he was now looking at her with such strangeness in his eyes – but she knew she could not.

“Did all go well with Lord Crestwood?” Amelia touched Charlotte’s arm, catching her attention. “I am surprised that you are gone from each other so quickly.”

“He will return soon,” Charlotte answered, though she did not smile with it. “We danced and yes, it made for a perfectly pleasant time.”

Amelia looked as though she wanted to say or ask more but instead, she nodded, smiled and then turned towards the door. “Come, let us go and find something to eat. I am sure that you are hungry after that dance!”

Charlotte did not answer with anything but a smile and obliged her sister thereafter by following after her. Her thoughts remained with Lord Crestwood, however, wondering if all that had come over her as they had danced – and after the kiss they had shared – had now come over him also. Or might it be that he had seen her response, her reaction to all that they had shared, and it was now beginning to push him away from her?

I am never to marry, she reminded herself, silently. I am to be companion to my stepmother and, until I learn otherwise, that is all that I shall be.