What the Duke Wants(27)
“Indeed.” Charles acknowledged the truth. Indeed, it was a crush. People were lined up against every wall; the ballroom was filled as well as all the gaming rooms. Lord and Lady Worthing would be the source of all tomorrow’s gossip.
“You seemed so lonely over in this corner. I thought I’d cheer you up. Of course, I can do far more for you if you’d care to escort me somewhere more… private.” Her tone was laced with seduction and, a few weeks ago, Charles would have swept her off her feet and found the nearest balcony then taken his fill.
But that was before.
And right now, the last thing he wanted was a cheap imitation of what he knew to be real.
And completely unattainable.
“You do me a great compliment, Lady Beckham. But alas, I must stay close to Lady Southridge as I am her escort tonight.”
“Surely she won’t miss you for a moment or two,” she whispered.
“I’ll not risk her ire, my lady. Now, if you’ll excuse me.” He nodded to her and took his leave, skirting the ballroom till he found Lady Southridge.
“Surviving the crush?” he asked, lowly next to her ear.
She turned and thumped him with her fan. “Don’t be impertinent. And never sneak up on a lady,” she scolded, but her eyes held a merry twinkle.
“Forgive my manners.”
She huffed. “That would imply you had them to begin with.”
“You wound me.”
“I do not. Lying is a sin, Charles.”
“I’m told I’ve committed a great many.” He nodded innocently.
“Save your flirting for your governess,” she retorted, her eyebrow rising slightly in challenge.
“What—”
“Don’t play with me, and don’t panic, for goodness sakes. I didn’t say it loud enough for anyone to hear. What do you take me for? Honestly, Charles. Relax.”
“I think it’s time to leave.”
“Scared?”
“Yes. Though you’re the only person I’d ever admit that to. And if you ever told a soul I’d deny it.”
“I saw Sara trying to hook you.”
“Lady Beckham? Yes well… she did not succeed.”
“I’m proud of you.” She nodded sagely.
“Why, Lady Southridge, I do believe that’s a first.” Charles grinned teasingly.
“Don’t ruin it.”
“And our sentimental moment is over.”
“Why don’t you make yourself useful and order the carriage be brought about. I’m quite weary and wish to depart. One can only survive so many assaults on their intelligence when so many others are found severely lacking.”
“Your wish, my command.”
Charles left to notify the footman. In short order, they were heading off into the lamplight of Mayfair.
Yet all Charles could think of was how much longer he had to wait until they left for Bath.
****
Greenford Waters, the Duke of Clairmont’s estate in Bath, was beautiful and everything that Mrs. Pott promised. The gardens extended for miles, and past them was a wood complete with several fishing ponds and creeks. The girls could wander for days and not reach the end of the property. And the house, rather castle, was breathtaking. The large stone building had several wings that held a myriad of rooms and multiple ballrooms as well. There was a complete Nursery for the girls with a separate schoolroom that had a piano in the corner. Each girl had their own private chambers, but Carlotta noted that they usually spent the night all together, rotating rooms each night.
Life settled into a routine and Carlotta began to feel more like herself. The girls were disappointed that his grace hadn’t tried to contact them, or inquire about their welfare. Carlotta tried to allay their disappointment by reminding them just how important and busy their guardian was. In truth, she shouldered the blame herself, more than she cared to admit. After all, he admitted to sending them all away because of her. Did that imply that if she weren’t the girls’ governess that they would have been able to stay with the duke?
Yet as she looked through the leaded glass window at the back gardens, she found comfort in the truth that the girls were far better off in the country than in the stifling city. Originally from Norfolk, the girls had been begging to see the city of Bath, one of the largest in the country.
“Good morning, girls.” Carlotta spoke pleasantly to the young ladies as they sat to break their fast.
“Good morning,” they murmured collectively. Berty was stifling a yawn and Beatrix was gazing longingly out the window.
“It’s quite a lovely day, is it not? Carlotta commented lightly as she buttered a square of toast.
“Indeed.” Bethanny smiled sweetly.
“Since it looks as if it might not rain… would you girls like to head to town today?”
Three gasps met her ears. “Truly? Truly Miss Lottie?” Berty bounced in her seat, all traces of her lethargy gone.
“Yes. It’s a fine day and you’ve been very patient to wait till we were settled in.”
“Can we see the Crescent? And the baths?” Beatrix asked.
“I don’t see why not.”
“Can we perhaps shop?” Bethanny inquired.
“And have a picnic?” Berty asked, her voice a high pitch in her excitement.