Under the Seductive Lady's Charm: A Historical Regency Romance Book

by Henrietta Harding

  He felt a little uneasy enquiring after Miss Browne, but he had been responsible for her getting the position. It was only right that he should make sure she was working out well. Even if he had to admit partly to himself that he found the woman attractive, she was his sister’s childhood friend.

  Graham shook his head. This was not personal in that way. He had to keep focused on the fact that he was doing this to make up for his sister’s poor treatment of the girl. There, she was a girl again, was she? Even his own mind mocked him.

  Graham sighed and laid the pen down. He rubbed his face and looked at the letter. He would finish it later perhaps. As silly as he felt for not being able to finish a simple letter, he could not bring himself to do it at the moment.

  *

  Charlotte’s employment with Mrs. Lennox was like night and day compared to the employment with Amanda. The woman was thoughtful and considerate. Charlotte was actually treated with respect and dignity.

  The woman had agreed to give Charlotte lessons in society and to help her make connections within that society. Charlotte still felt like she was vaguely lying, but Mrs. Lennox had never asked Charlotte to smudge the truth. Mrs. Lennox had explained that her husband and Lord Easterly were good friends, and the woman genuinely seemed happy to help Charlotte as a favour the Earl of Atcham, even if she no longer needed a governess.

  They were walking down Bond Street, and Charlotte had to admit that the break in the heat felt lovely. There was a nice breeze that ruffled Charlotte’s hat and felt splendid around her neck. She laid her parasol against her shoulder to block the afternoon sunlight.

  Her heart skipped a bit as she saw Lord Stanhope coming towards them. She had to squash her first instinct, which was to duck inside a building and hide. Mrs. Lennox would certainly think that quite odd and she just merely had to pay no attention to the man.

  After all, she and Lord Stanhope had not been formally introduced. He had met a fictional heiress in disguise and not Charlotte. She had nothing to fear.

  Charlotte had just steeled her confidence when she saw Lord Stanhope turn towards them. He dipped forward into a bow, which Mrs. Lenox responded to with a slight curtsey. “Lord Stanhope.”

  “Mrs. Lennox, what a pleasure to bump into you on this fine afternoon.” Lord Stanhope gave Mrs. Lennox a smile as if he were very comfortable with her. His eyes flicked over to Charlotte and she pressed a polite smile on her face.

  Mrs. Lennox chuckled. “Where are my manners? Allow me to introduce Miss Browne to you. My dear, this is Lord Stanhope. I have known his family for many years.”

  “How delightful to meet you, Miss Browne,” Lord Stanhope exuded with easy charm. “I must admit that you look somewhat familiar to me. Is there a chance we have been introduced before?”

  Charlotte panicked momentarily before she stamped down the emotion. “I do not think so, Lord Stanhope, but I am very happy to make your acquaintance now.” She dropped her gaze shyly, hoping that the man would accept her words for the truth. Charlotte peeked through her lashes at him.

  Lord Stanhope chuckled. “It must be the season wearing on me. Or perhaps it is merely my mind wishing that I had known you previously?”

  “Lord Stanhope,” Mrs. Lennox chided the man.

  Lord Stanhope gave the older woman an apologetic smile. “Forgive my forwardness, Mrs. Lennox. I did not mean to offend your sensibilities.”

  “I fear more for my charge,” Mrs. Lennox said, but her voice held amusement.

  Charlotte assured Mrs. Lennox, “I did not take offense.”

  “I am so glad to hear that,” Lord Stanhope said with a smile. “It gives me hope that if I ask to call upon you that you might accept?”

  Charlotte, despite herself, smiled at the man’s charming ways. “I see no reason that I would not accept.”

  “Then it is settled,” Lord Stanhope said.

  Charlotte reminded him, “You have not yet asked.”

  “She caught me on that one,” Lord Stanhope said with a jolly laugh to Mrs. Lennox. He looked at Charlotte again. “May I have the honour of calling upon you, Miss Browne?”

  Charlotte gave the man a nod. “I would like that, Lord Stanhope. Yes, you may.”

  “Very good.” Lord Stanhope turned to Mrs. Lennox. “I do apologise for rushing off, but it would not do for me to keep you ladies talking in the streets. I would do nothing to jeopardise your reputations.” He gave them a deep bow and they curtseyed in return.

  The next moment the jaunty young lord was off down the street and Charlotte let a sigh out. Mrs. Lennox turned to her and gave Charlotte a pat on the arm. “Congratulations on your first significant social interaction. I am sure there will be plenty more to come. Lord Stanhope is very well connected.”

  Charlotte blushed. “He seems very nice.”

  “He is, or he was as a child. I do not know much of him as a man. I am better-acquainted with his brother, the Earl of Brunswick.” Mrs. Lennox and Charlotte continued their walk down the street.

  Charlotte had forgotten the man was related to an earl. The idea of a nobleman with such connections coming to visit her made her quite nervous. He was well above her station. Then again, it was not as if she were going to marry him.

  She lost herself in thought as she pondered what that would be like. Lord Graham was an earl and he was quite a lovely man. Lord Stanhope surely could be no more intimidating than the Earl of Atcham.

  “Where have you wandered off to?” Mrs. Lennox asked the question as she peered at Charlotte with curiosity.

  Mrs. Lennox was a serious, slender woman with hair the colour of an old oak tree. Charlotte gave a little laugh and waved off Mrs. Lennox’s concern. “My mind just pondered why he might choose to visit one such as me.”

  “Never ponder such things,” Mrs. Lennox said with a firm tone. “A lady should always know her own worth. You are worthy of any man in London or beyond visiting you. Are you not?”

  Charlotte nodded. “When you put it that way, I have to say that I am.”

  “Very good,” Mrs. Lennox said with a pleased smile. “Come, let us go get something to eat before we venture back home. I daresay that the children will be done with their lessons by late afternoon.”

  Charlotte fell into step beside her. “Do you think that the children enjoy history lessons?”

  “I daresay they probably would like other things better, but I do believe that a broad education is best for them as well-rounded ladies and gentlemen.” Mrs. Lennox tapped her fan against her palm as they walked. “What sort of lesson would you think they would approve of more?”

  Charlotte swung her arms in a carefree manner as she thought back to her life as a girl. “I always loved riding lessons.”

  “They do take some riding lessons during the later summer months.” Mrs. Lennox smiled at Charlotte. “Perhaps if you stay with us long enough, you can join them.”

  Charlotte nodded. “That does sound lovely.” Charlotte asked, “What is that man doing?” She waved her hand in the general direction of a shop where a man was in front of a window with a light shining behind him.

  “Oh, that is Mr. Haven’s portrait studio. He does lovely penny portraits and such. We should stop in and say hello.”

  Mrs. Lennox had already turned toward the shop, which made Charlotte instantly regret her words. Despite her misgivings, Charlotte had little choice but to follow her.

  *

  James twirled his cane around as he smiled to himself. He was at the family estate. His brother wanted to meet with him. James could only imagine what Branson wanted with him.

  The doorman had ushered James on through with a nod and a wave towards Branson’s study. He went to see where his brother was and he found the Earl of Brunswick hunched over some papers that James felt sure were as boring and dry as Branson himself.

  “Good day, Brother,” James said as he sauntered into the room and closed the door behind him.

  Branson looked up at James with a considering glance.
“Sit down, James.”

  “No formalities? Must be dire,” James drawled out as he sank down gracefully into one of the chairs.

  There was nothing James could do to rush Branson, so he was forced to wait while his brother painstakingly wrote down whatever it was he was working on. Even as a child, Branson had been a stubborn and serious soul. He worked until he seemed satisfied with his papers, then he stacked them neatly and set them aside.

  Branson looked up at James and folded his hands in front of him on his desk. “James, it has come to my attention that you are cordial with several ladies. I understand that your current situation may not be suitable for courting and would like to offer you residence at the family estate once again.”

  “You mean the current situation where you kicked me out, Brother? You left me all but destitute.” James tugged on his jacket, venting his frustrations on the fabric rather than the face of his studious brother.

  Branson rubbed his beard and eyed James. “Hardly destitute, and as I recall you left me several tabs around London for the pain of my trying to instil some reason into your head.” Branson heaved a sigh, his broad shoulders lifting and pointing out to James yet again how much slighter he was than his brother.

  “Reason? I went off to war while you stayed behind and managed the property, Brother. I come home and I only wish to blow off some steam when suddenly I am abandoned.” James folded his arms and narrowed his eyes at Branson. “How exactly is it that suddenly I am good enough to grace these halls again?”

  Branson puffed out air and leaned back in his chair. “Your love of the cards left me little choice, James.” Branson closed his eyes and James wondered if he was trying to will himself calm. James found that rarely worked with himself, so he pondered how his brother suddenly did appear calmer. “All that being said, if you are truly interested in reforming and finding yourself a good wife then as your big brother it is my duty to help you in that pursuit.”

  “So, I won’t be a burden on you anymore,” James said helpfully which earned a glare from Branson.

  Branson waved off James’ words. “It is the least I can do for our parents. They only wish for you to be happy, and so do I, James. Now, shall you return home or will you stubbornly continue your exile?”

  “I would be a fool to turn away such an offer. It is rather hard to court proper young ladies when I have no home to invite them to for dinners.” James had given this a good deal of thought. He had even considered throwing himself on Branson’s mercy, but here luck had provided for him yet again.

  Branson smiled. “I am glad that you will accept my help. I do not like it when we must be fighting. Little Brother, welcome home.” Branson shoved his strong arm across the desk.

  James was left with little choice but to stand and grasp Branson’s hand. “I shall go straight to the inn and make arrangements for my things to be brought here.” One last chance for his brother to back out, but Branson did not even hesitate with his nod of acceptance. So, the old man really was going to let him move back in, even if it seemed a temporary arrangement.

  “I shall send word for you to be given use of a carriage to transport your belongings and to take you about the city,” Branson said as he rang for a servant.

  James nodded but did not wait for his brother to converse with the servant before he left with a bow to his older brother. He had much to do. He checked his rooms and found them untouched, which was a kindness given the anger his brother had presented toward James during his initial banishment.

  James wanted to call upon that lovely Miss Browne he had made the acquaintance of, and now that he knew where he could hold a dinner he might even have somewhere to invite her. James smiled as he left the family estate. The carriage Branson had given him the use of was swiftly pulled around.

  He gave directions to Mrs. Lennox’s London home. It was not far, and James had been there at least once before. He sat back in his seat and smiled to himself. He was rather pleased with this turn of events. James had almost thought his luck had finally fled, but now he knew otherwise.

  *

  Amanda fumed after her brother left. She had fumed all afternoon, but it did nothing to change anything. Finally, she gave up and went for a walk in the gardens.

  “Katrina,” Amanda said as she looked around at her maid, who was walking several feet behind her. “When I asked you to walk with me, I did not mean for you to trail along behind me. How can I talk to you back there?”

  Katrina flushed with colour. “Begging your pardon, Miss. I did not think it proper for me to walk beside you.”

  “I do not care about proper,” Amanda snapped back. “Charlotte would have walked beside me.” She spun around on her heel and seethed. The maid hurried up beside her.

  Katrina pleaded, “I am so sorry, Miss. I shall try to think more like Charlotte. I just, well, I am me. I was raised not to act above my station.”

  “And that’s a good thing,” Amanda said with a sigh. “I just really need a friend more than a maid at the moment.”

  Katrina grimaced. “Do you wish that Charlotte had stayed?”

  “Yes, of course, I do.” Amanda looked at the maid as if she should have known the answer. Really, it was no wonder the girl was just a maid. Katrina’s face crumpled a little, and Amanda had to stop herself from rolling her eyes. “I appreciate you, Katrina, I just wish that you would think more as my friend than as my lady’s maid. I should have a warm relationship with you.”

  “You do,” Katrina assured her. “I adore you.”

  Amanda wagered that was probably true. What was not to love after all? The notion of love brought to mind the season. “What do you think of Lord Stanhope?”

  “That’s the young gentleman who came to visit you after the fancy-dress ball?” Katrina waited until Amanda nodded before she continued. “He is quite handsome. I think the question is, what do you think of him?”

  Amanda tapped her chin. “Well, as you said, he is quite nice to look upon. He also has this devil may cry sort of way about him that I truly admire. I wonder if perhaps he just needs the right young lady to help steer him towards a more stable future.”

  “Do you think you might like to be that young lady?” Katrina’s face held a mischievous grin that Amanda completely approved of. Perhaps the maid had potential after all.

  Amanda whispered, “I think I could very much like that.”

  “If that is the case, why did you send a messenger just this morning to that other suitor of yours? What’s his name – Oh, yes, Lord Allerton?”

  “Fair question, yet I do not really know. I find Lord Allerton soothing as a companion. He is not nearly as exciting as Lord Stanhope, yet I could not bring myself to simply dismiss Lord Allerton, even if I think he might not seriously view me as a strong potential wife.”

  “Why do you say such a thing? You are a young lady of means,” Katrina replied as if she was duly scandalised.

  Amanda shrugged. “Means and funds do not always mean love and, believe it or not, some people genuinely marry for such things.”

  “I doubt the man would pursue you so doggedly if he possessed no feelings for you,” Katrina said.

  Perhaps that was true. Amanda could imagine the tall war hero was in love with her even if it were not true. Lord Stanhope had gone to the war as well. Besides, Amanda wagered that Lord Stanhope and herself had more in common than she and Lord Allerton.

  “That may be, but perhaps I should align myself with someone who likes the same things I do,” Amanda said with a thoughtful smile. “Lord Stanhope and I are both young people who seem to enjoy the best of life.”