Lady Charlotte and the Lending Library (The Rogue’s Alliance #1)

Chapter Thirteen

“A lmack’s?” Cecil shook his head vigorously. “No. Not ever.”

“What say you, Nathaniel?” Ashford asked his other friend seated across from him in the rear dining room at White’s.

“I shall be escorting my sister to the assembly rooms.” The baron scowled, staring down at the half-eaten steak on his porcelain plate. “Lady Julia is joining us as well. The woman feels the need to shadow my sister wherever we go.”

“Perhaps the lady wants more than your sister’s company,” Ashford replied with a wink and a chuckle.

Nathaniel looked up and replied, “Never say the lady is interested in me. She is beautiful but a rather unpleasant sort of young woman.”

“I’ve heard her family is on shaky ground financially.” Cecil frowned. “Watch yourself, my friend.”

“I’ve been worried about fortune hunters in regard to my sister. I never thought to have a care for myself.” The baron sighed.

Ashford had no great desire to go to the assembly rooms in King Street as they were considered the most important meeting place on the marriage mart. He would only brave the venue as he was intent on having a conversation with the Almack’s patroness Lady Jersey about Lady Lamb’s upcoming book.

He’d been distracted from his duty to his family for long enough.

Diana had made her debut during the war and soon after, she formed an understanding with a young Army captain. Chaperoned by their mother, Diana had met the captain at Almack’s. Ashford had been on the Continent. When the news reached him of Diana’s attachment to the captain, Ashford had to wait nearly a month for the Foreign Office to grant him leave. By then, Diana’s intended had returned to service under Wellington.

His sister was determined to marry her captain after the war. Ashford would only approve of the match once he met the young man. When he returned to the Continent, his duties did not coincide with Wellington’s campaigns, as autumn turned into winter, winter into spring. His mother wrote to him in May 1814 to notify him that Diana’s captain had been killed at the battle of Toulouse on the tenth of April.

Diana had been persuaded by their mother to grieve privately at the family estate in Kent. The next season she’d returned to London, attending every entertainment she was invited to, her behavior becoming more and more outlandish. By the time Ashford returned to England, his sister had been labeled a hoyden. Threatening to cut off her monthly allowance, he convinced Diana to repair to Bath until he found out if her exploits were to be detailed in Lady Lamb’s book.

His mission tonight was to find out everything Lady Jersey might know about Caroline Lamb’s upcoming novel.

Although he did not have a voucher, Nathaniel and his sister did. Ashford would be their guest. He presented himself to the rooms that Wednesday morning and was approved for a “Stranger’s Ticket” by Countess Lieven.

Ashford would join Nathaniel and Alicia at their home for dinner before departing for Almack’s, as the supper rooms were known to only serve thinly sliced bread with butter and dry cake accompanied by tea and watered-down lemonade.

His mother had been nearly speechless at hearing he would visit Almack’s.

“You have decided to look for a wife!” She clapped her hands. “It is time, my son.”

He shook his head and raised a staying hand. “I attend the assembly rooms merely to find out what information I can about Lady Lamb’s book.”

“With your father gone, I know you feel a great responsibility to protect our family,” his mother replied softly. “We can weather a scandal if one comes. If the rumors are true, Diana will be only one of many members of society ridiculed in the novel.”

When he did not immediately respond, his mother added, “Enjoy yourself this evening. One never knows what may happen when surrounded by so many unmarried young ladies.”

He must admit he wondered if Lady Charlotte would attend the rooms that evening. Although after the limited amount of time he’d observed her at Lady Cairs’s ball, she’d appeared more interested in spending time with her friends than in finding a husband. He did not dwell on the relief he felt in believing the lady was not actively seeking a spouse.

The evening was cool and clear when he presented himself for dinner at Nathaniel’s elegant mansion located near his own home in Grosvenor Square. The meal was superb, the quail tender, and the vegetables were fresh and plentiful. Nathaniel must have paid a pretty penny to have that much produce carted in from the countryside. He was surprised and quite relieved that Alicia spent more time eating than she did talking during the meal.

Nathaniel’s coach deposited their party at the rather drab building on Kings Street, which housed the assembly rooms. Their outer garments taken, they entered the ballroom. It was said the room could hold some five hundred people. Looking at the crowd surrounding him, Ashford wondered if there might indeed be that many people in the assembly rooms that evening.

The patronesses stood to one side of the ballroom, keeping their eye on the debutantes as best they could, offering direction when needed. Ashford spotted the dark head of Sarah Villiers, Lady Jersey, almost immediately. She stood between Countess Lieven and Lady Sefton.

He joined a makeshift receiving line, surrounded by an overabundance of fragrance worn by the numerous ladies in attendance at the rooms.

“Lord Ashford,” Lady Jersey said teasingly, “I’d heard from Countess Lieven you applied as a guest. Finally going to cede to your mother’s wishes, are we?”

He winked at the lady. “Perhaps.”

“I have not seen Lady Diana in some time,” she remarked with a frown.

He replied softly, “That is a conversation for your ears only.”

The lady raised a brow, looking intrigued. “I shall save the set after next for you, Lord Ashford.”

The patronesses designated his first partner as Alicia. Nathaniel had been to the rooms a few times already this season with his sister, as their vouchers were good for all twelve weeks of assemblies. The baron wanted to make the most of the opportunity to introduce his sister to eligible gentlemen, as there was no guarantee their vouchers would be renewed by the lady patronesses the following season.

The ballroom, supper rooms, and game rooms made up the assembly rooms. The ballroom was stuffy as there were no windows in the room. No matter, Ashford would dance with Alicia and Lady Jersey and then be on his way.

After a lengthy set of listening to Alicia talk the entire time they danced, he left Nathaniel to dance with the disagreeable Lady Julia. Countess Lieven had instructed the baron to dance with the lady, and he must comply or leave the premises. As for himself? The next set belonged to Lady Jersey.

* * * * *

“I t may be even warmer in here than last week.” Charlotte fanned herself with a new barrel-headed ivory fan as she sat with Edith at a small table in Almack’s supper room. Her mother was at another table in the room, speaking with several acquaintances. Her brother William did not have a voucher for Almack’s. Nor did he want one.

“I think the refreshments are steadily becoming worse as the season goes on,” Edith replied, gazing distastefully at her plate.

Charlotte’s evening dress was also new. A white satin slip, worn under a gown formed of gros de Naples with a fold of satin of Pomona green and white alternately let in, terminating at the feet with a rich flounce of blond lace, headed with a broad border of white roses, appliqued with lilies of the valley. A plume of ostrich feathers in her hair lent a whimsical look to her coiffure. She wore French kid gloves drawn over the elbow, and obligatory white satin slippers.

Louisa stood to one side of the room in a heated conversation with her eldest brother. True to their word, one of Louisa’s brothers was now present at any ton entertainment she attended. A moment later, Louisa’s brother stalked off, and Louisa strolled to where her friends sat, her countenance serene.

“What were you talking to your brother about?” Edith asked, her eyes wide.

Louisa shrugged delicately. “He was telling me I had been rude to Lord Stanley. I was pointing out that I had merely been taciturn, not rude.”

Charlotte laughed. “There is a difference.”

Louisa took a bite of dry cake from the plate in front of Charlotte. She chewed, swallowed, and reached for Edith’s cup of tea. After drinking some tea, she shuddered. “That is awful.”

“The cake or the tea?” Edith asked.

“Both.” Louisa groaned. “How can Almack’s be the best place to meet an eligible mate? You end the evening starved and exhausted. Neither state makes you more desirable.”

“Too true.” Charlotte had to smile. A dreadful night with friends was still a lovely night, after all.

“You know, I think I saw your Lord Ashford,” Louisa commented with a wink, her earlier complaints forgotten. “He was dancing with one of the patronesses. They were talking most earnestly about something.”

“I saw him as well. He was dancing the waltz with Lady Jersey.” Edith grinned. “I was struggling not to stare at the horrible light puce waistcoat of my partner. I glanced around and saw the marquess.”

Lord Ashford had danced the waltz with Lady Sally Jersey. Charlotte was afraid the unpleasant feeling in her stomach was due to jealousy. The marquess might be a hypocrite, but he did enjoy reading. If not for the man feeling the need to criticize her behavior, he was almost too perfect.

“I should return to the ballroom.” She couldn’t hide in the supper room all night. Her decision to return to the dancing had nothing to do with finding out Lord Ashford was at Almack’s. Countess Lieven had already chosen Charlotte’s partner for the next set.

“Edith and I shall accompany you.” Louisa got to her feet.

She looked askance at her friend. “You said there was nothing on earth that could induce you to dance the next set with that squat baron.”

“There isn’t. If the patronesses were to revoke my voucher, I would be extremely pleased. Come along, Edith.” Louisa took the other girl’s arm when Edith got to her feet. “We’re going to circle the ballroom and look for Lord Ashford.”

“This should be amusing,” Edith replied with a giggle. “I foresee your squat baron following us around the room, Louisa. He looked rather taken with you.”

Louisa made an unladylike noise in response as she pulled Edith away.

Charlotte hoped her friends had no idea how excited she was to know the marquess was present in the assembly rooms. Although, unless one of the patronesses chose him as her partner, she wouldn’t be dancing with him.

* * * * *

L ady Jersey was a tall woman and a skillful dancer. She was not flustered in the least to dance the waltz with him.

“I wonder you do me the honor,” he said with a twist of his lips. “One would think a patroness must observe the young ladies in the room during a waltz.”

She nodded. “But of course. Lady Cowper and Countess Lieven are up to the task.” With a toss of her head, she added, “Your comment about your sister made me as curious as you hoped I would be.”

He had the grace not to refute her statement. “You are known not only for your rapier wit but your intelligence, Lady Jersey. I shall come to the point. Diana is currently in Bath owing to a desire to escape a possible scandal that may erupt when Lady Caroline Lamb publishes her novel.”

The lady missed a step but collected herself quickly. She observed him carefully as she replied, “I will not pretend I don’t share your sister’s concern. I have had intelligence that the author intends to poke fun at many members of the ton .”

“It is my hope that Diana is not important enough to be a character in the book.” He paused. “Do you know of anyone other than Henry Colburn who has access to the novel?”

She shook her head. “I do not. My husband has tried to no avail to bribe the publisher to see it.”

It was his turn to miss a step.

Lady Jersey laughed softly. “Yes, a politician attempting to bribe a member of the public. How very absurd.”

“I would do the very same if I thought I would get a positive result,” he replied with a grin.

Lady Jersey lifted an elegant shoulder. “Lord Ashford, if your only reason for being here this evening was to gain intelligence about Lady Lamb’s book, I am sorry to disappoint you.”

“I wouldn’t call a waltz with a beautiful lady a disappointment,” he replied gallantly.

The lady laughed again. “Do find yourself a good wife. Not only for your mother’s sake but for your own.”

There was no good excuse for him to dance with Lady Charlotte. He’d decided she was unsuitable, after all. Despite his best intentions, he knew he couldn’t resist spending more time with the outspoken miss.

“There is one other lady I would like to dance with this evening,” he said lightly.

“Oh yes?” Lady Jersey replied archly. “Do tell.”

“Lord Faversham’s only daughter Lady Charlotte.”

The patroness nodded. “Done. You may approach her.”

Despite her home’s proximity to his residence, he’d rarely spoken to the countess. He was always surprised at her kindness to him and his family, as she was said to be rude by some. He knew her merely as a woman who did not suffer fools with grace.

Ashford returned the lady patroness to her place beside Lady Cowper and made a quick departure from such formidable company.

* * * * *

C harlotte watched Lord Ashford make his way around the edge of the ballroom toward where she stood beside her mother, seated against the wall in a Dutch marquetry side chair. Charlotte composed her features into a polite expression.

“Good evening, Lady Charlotte. It is a pleasure to see you again.” The marquess bowed deeply.

She dropped a curtsy and replied evenly, “The pleasure is mine, Lord Ashford. May I introduce you to my mother? Lord Benedict Grey, Marquess of Ashford, my mother, Lady Faversham.”

The marquess nodded to her mother. “It is an honor to make your acquaintance, Lady Faversham.”

“It is lovely to meet you, Lord Ashford,” her mother replied with a regal nod.

“Lady Jersey has selected me as your daughter’s next dance partner,” the marquess said to her mother, with nary a look at Charlotte.

“Please take her away,” her mother replied with a wave of one hand and a wide smile. “She rattles on so very much.”

Lord Ashford chuckled softly in response and held out his arm. Charlotte pasted on a serene smile, tamping down her nervousness at dancing with him again.

The marquess didn’t look as severe as he usually did. He almost looked happy. It was a good thing he didn’t like her. If he was too nice to her, she might forget his duplicity about his sister’s behavior. She steeled herself against the attraction she felt for him as his musky cologne enveloped her.

Once they were on the dance floor and engaged in the steps of a country dance, she said as they passed, “I’m surprised Lady Jersey chose you as my partner, as this is the first time I’ve seen you at Almack’s this season.”

“I may have told her I needed to speak with you,” he replied lightly.

Her heart sank. When they met again, she asked cautiously, “Not about my brother?”

“On another matter. I stopped by Thorne’s Lending Library today,” he said. “The hulking man has not returned. Robbie tells me there have been no other disturbances at the library. Perhaps Mr. Landry has decided to leave Thorne’s alone.”

She thought his reason for wanting to speak with her was a poor one, but why else would he need to speak with her, if not about Thorne’s?

Charlotte had fled his presence at the library because she realized that despite his disapproval of her, she was becoming enamored of him, and she knew it would lead nowhere. She must distance herself from the marquess.

“That is good news,” she replied woodenly.

“You inherited your lovely eyes from your mother,” Lord Ashford said quietly when they came together again in the steps of the dance.

“Thank you.” Charlotte looked anywhere but at her dance partner. She was uncomfortable with compliments and didn’t know how best to respond upon receiving one.

The marquess was a more than capable dancer. He was only a few inches taller than her own five feet eight inches, and she thought they paired well together. The warmth of his body so near to hers weaved a web around her senses. Her pulse began to race. She stiffened her back, determined to fight the magnetism of a man who had no interest in her.

“Are you feeling quite well this evening, Lady Charlotte? You don’t appear to be your usual cheerful self.”

This was her chance to speak her mind. If she told him what she knew about his sister, the marquess would most likely never seek her out again. She took a deep breath, returned her gaze to his face and said, “Louisa tells me you banished your sister to Bath and that her behavior has not always been the most circumspect.”

The music switched to a lively quadrille, and they spoke no more during the rest of the set. Their gazes met several times in passing, Lord Ashford looking unconcerned by her comments about his sister.

As they walked back to her mother’s side, the marquess said tightly, “Louisa is correct about my sister. Perhaps we may speak privately of the matter at another time. I hope you enjoy the rest of your evening, Lady Charlotte. Goodnight.”

Lord Ashford returned her to her mother and excused himself. She saw him speak to his friend Nathaniel and then make his way to the entrance of the ballroom. A moment later, he was gone.

Confronting the marquess hadn’t made her feel superior or even remotely happy. There had been no good reason to mention his sister other than to distance herself from him. Lord Ashford didn’t care for her. Despite his assistance with saving Thorne’s, her feelings were her own.