by Rose Pearson
“I fear I shall have to refuse you, for propriety’s sake, Lord Amundsen,” she said, as he suddenly pulled her near, coming to a sudden stop underneath the bough as the other dancers continued on. “Do forgive me.”
“But it will bring you bad luck, Lady Charity,” Lord Amundsen cried, holding her gloved hand in his. “Come now, it will mean nothing at all. Everyone in the beau monde is aware that the kissing bough holds no significance.” He drew a little nearer and Charity tried to step back, only to realize just how tightly he held her hand. The look on his face was turning into something of a leer and Charity could not help but feel afraid, looking up at him and finding her heart quickening with a great and sudden anxiety.
“My hand, if you please,” she stammered, attempting to lift it. “A kiss to my hand is more than acceptable and will certainly push aside any bad luck that might follow!”
Lord Amundsen chuckled and another thrill of fear ran down Charity’s spine. The music seemed to take on a somber tone, the notes murky and dark as she looked into Lord Amundsen’s eyes and saw the determination there. She knew precisely what he sought and found herself all the more reluctant to give it, beginning to fear that she would be forced into a situation where she might then struggle to remove herself from his embrace entirely. Was that his intention? Did he think to kiss her in such a way that an engagement would have to be secured between them?”
“Amundsen.” Charity practically wilted with relief as Lord Hosmer appeared, stepping out of the crowd and coming towards them. “Lady Charity does not look well,” Lord Hosmer continued, his tone not at all angry but rather an expression of concern written across his face. “Lady Charity, do permit me to escort you back to Lady Hayward. I am sure that you will feel much more yourself once you sit down and rest for a short time.”
Lord Amundsen opened his mouth to protest, to perhaps state that he was well able to do such a thing on his own, but given that his grip had loosened significantly on her hand, Charity was able to pull it free from his and step back at once.
“Thank you, Lord Hosmer,” she murmured, quickly accepting the offer of his arm and no longer able to even glance up at Lord Amundsen. “Excuse me, Lord Amundsen. I do feel a little faint.”
Praying that she had not garnered too much attention from either the other dancers or the guests who looked on, Charity tried to steady her breathing as Lord Hosmer led her quickly towards where Lady Hayward was waiting, seeing her chaperone’s face white and drawn.
“I am quite all right,” Charity said quickly, as Lady Hayward grasped her hand tightly and Lord Hosmer stepped back, his duty done. “Lord Amundsen was quite… determined to steal a kiss from me.”
“I do not think that was all he intended,” Lord Hosmer replied, grimly. “He is nothing but a scoundrel, Lady Charity, and I should advise you not to step out to dance with him again.”
Charity nodded, relieved when Lady Hayward’s grip on her hand began to loosen.
“I shall not do so,” she answered, firmly. “I thank you again, Lord Hosmer, for your awareness of the situation and your help. I cannot even imagine what might have occurred if you had not…”
She trailed off, her throat suddenly constricting as visions of what could have happened began to fill her thoughts.
“Think nothing of it,” Lord Hosmer said and, with a quick bow, then turned from her and made his way across the room.
Charity watched him for a moment before letting out a long breath and trying to smile at Lady Hayward.
“I am quite all right,” she promised, for what was now the second time. “Truly I am, Lady Hayward.”
“I should never have suggested that you dance with Lord Amundsen again,” Lady Hayward said, shaking her head. “That was very foolish of me.”
“It was not to be expected that he would attempt to do such a thing,” Charity replied, not wanting Lady Hayward to take on blame that was not her own. “The kissing bough is present and many gentlemen, I see, are stopping beneath it. Although most are behaving with propriety, taking the hand of the lady and lifting it to their lips.” She watched as another gentleman and lady stopped beneath it, doing precisely as she had just said. “Lord Amundsen’s motives were, I believe, entirely unscrupulous.” With another long breath, Charity put a smile on her face which, given Lady Hayward’s doubtful expression, she did not instantly believe. “I will be more than happy to remain and to dance with the other gentlemen on my card. To leave now would not, I believe, be wise.”
Lady Hayward studied Charity carefully for some minutes, then, eventually, nodded.
“Very well,” she agreed, quietly. “But Lord Amundsen is not even to be recognized any longer, Lady Charity. We shall give him the cut direct and, if anyone should ask, I will be glad to inform them of the reason for it.”
Charity nodded without hesitation.
“I quite agree.”
“And I believe that it would be good to speak again to Lord Hosmer, to thank him for all that he has done,” Lady Hayward continued. “I know he will be reluctant but I –”
“That is my thought precisely,” Charity agreed, softly. “I should be very glad to do so, Lady Hayward. If he had not noticed, then a great deal of harm might have come about.”
Before Lady Hayward could reply, Lady Ramsbury came to join them, her eyes a little wide.
“I have heard from Lord Hosmer what occurred with Lord Amundsen!” she exclaimed, her hand on Charity’s arm. “You are quite all right?”
“I am,” Charity replied, softly, quickly giving an account of what had happened and Lord Hosmer’s intervention. “I do wish very much to thank Lord Hosmer again for his willingness to assist me, as he did. Although to do so this evening would not suffice, for I am sure he will simply brush it off as though it is entirely unimportant.”
Lady Ramsbury nodded.
“Then you must come to take tea tomorrow and we will discuss the matter at length – and I shall make certain that Lord Hosmer is present also,” she stated, firmly. “You will both be able to attend?”
Charity glanced at Lady Hayward, who nodded.
“Yes, of course,” she replied, gratefully. “Thank you, Sophia.”
Chapter Six
“I hear you saved a certain young lady from difficulty last evening.”
Benedict grimaced and looked away, choosing not to say anything. Last evening, he had noticed, only by chance, that Lord Amundsen was standing underneath the kissing bough with Lady Charity, and that she appeared to be in distress. There was nothing more than that to his attempt to help her and he did not much like the knowing look on Ramsbury’s face.
“I would commend you for your actions, if it was not for the look of frustration on your face,” Ramsbury continued, as Lady Ramsbury chuckled, hiding her mouth with her hand. “You do not appear to be at all glad that you did such an excellent thing.”
“I do not need to discuss it, that is all,” Benedict replied, gruffly. “It was not a significant matter.”
“I believe that Lady Hayward would not agree,” Lady Ramsbury stated, only for there to come a knock at the door. Rising, the lady smiled back at him. “And I believe that now, you will be able to hear such a thing for yourself!”
A little confused, Benedict rose to his feet, only to see Lady Hayward and Lady Charity step into the room. His brow furrowed even though he bowed to greet them, beginning to think that Lord and Lady Ramsbury had deliberately arranged this particular meeting so that he would have to speak to Lady Charity. He prayed that they were not attempting to encourage any sort of intimacy between himself and Lady Charity, for that was, he was quite sure, something he had stated would not be occurring, no matter how much his friends might wish it!
“I am so very glad to see you, Lady Charity,” Lady Ramsbury said, as the young lady rose from her curtsey. “And you are quite well? You are not overly upset from last evening?”
“I am not upset in the least,” Lady Charity replied, just as Benedict made to sit back
down. “Oh, Lord Hosmer, might I speak with you quietly for a few moments?” She glanced to the back of the room. “Just over here?”
Benedict swallowed hard, finding himself nodding before he had even decided to agree. Lady Hayward appeared quite at ease with the situation, which surprised him, given that it was not particularly proper for a young lady of quality to speak privately with a gentleman, even if they were within the same room as other people. And yet, his legs took him to Lady Charity as she moved across the room towards the large windows, feeling the slight coolness rub at his cheeks as they stepped away from the roaring fire.
“Lord Hosmer.” Lady Charity turned to look at him directly, as a burst of laughter came from Lord Ramsbury and Lady Hayward. “I wanted very much to speak to you about last evening.”
Benedict cleared his throat, his hands behind his back.
“There is no need to do so,” he replied, as Lady Charity shook her head. “I am only glad that –”
“It meant a very great deal,” Lady Charity interrupted, before he could finish. “I do not think that you are fully aware of the gravity of the situation, Lord Hosmer. Lord Amundsen, I believe, was attempting to force a match between us. The look on his face when he stood before me and practically demanded….”
She trailed off, clearly unable to finish speaking, the last few words strained and tight.
Benedict felt his heart twist in his chest.
“I am only glad that I was able to do so, Lady Charity,” he said, gently, no longer as irritated as before. “As I was saying to Ramsbury only a few minutes ago, it was just by sheer luck that I saw you and Lord Amundsen. I could tell from the look on your face that he was pressing his advantage.” He shook his head, feeling a trace of anger begin to burn in his heart. “Lord Amundsen is not a gentleman, nor ought to be considered as one. I am sorry that he treated you so.”
“There must be something I can do to show you my gratitude,” Lady Charity said, after a few moments, her voice no longer strained. “Some way that I can aid you, as you have aided me.”
Shaking his head, Benedict held up his hands.
“There is no need for you to do so, Lady Charity, truly.”
She looked back at him, considering.
“I do not think I will accept such a statement from you, Lord Hosmer,” she said, quietly. “I will do what I can to encourage you, mayhap?”
A small gleam came into her eye but Benedict only frowned.
“I do not know what you mean.”
“It appears that you find London most melancholy,” she replied, spreading her hands. “Perhaps I should make it my duty to encourage you to find a little more enjoyment, in the hope that this will lift your spirits.”
A flicker of worry snapped across Benedict’s forehead.
“There is no need, Lady Charity,” he said, firmly. “I am quite contented, truly.”
“What is this?”
Ramsbury’s voice carried across the room to where Benedict and Lady Charity were speaking.
“Did I hear you say that you are contented, Hosmer?”
Benedict opened his mouth to state that there was no need for Ramsbury to listen to his conversation, only for Lady Charity to respond.
“Yes, Lord Ramsbury, that is precisely what Lord Hosmer has stated,” she said, with a small frown. “Do you mean to say that you do not believe it to be so?”
At this, Ramsbury let out a guffaw of laughter with Lady Ramsbury laughing quietly also. Lady Charity, clearly interested in what they both had to say about the matter, drew nearer so that she might continue the conversation – whereas Benedict remained precisely where he was.
“Might I ask what brought this discussion about?” Ramsbury asked, as Lady Charity sat down in a chair near Lady Ramsbury. “Surely Hosmer did not tell you as much simply out of his own free will?”
Lady Charity cast a quick glance back towards Benedict and Benedict grimaced, wishing that he had the authority to demand that she say nothing.
“I – I was offering to encourage Lord Hosmer to greater cheer during his time in London, in whatever way I can,” Lady Charity replied, speaking a little tentatively. “Given what he has done to save my reputation, I thought it only fair to attempt to repay his kindness in some way.”
“That is very good of you, Charity,” Lady Ramsbury said, throwing a quick glance towards Benedict. “Lord Hosmer told you, however, that he has no need of such encouragements, because he is so very contented at present?”
The incredulous sound to her voice made Benedict wince and he looked away, having no desire to go and sit near to them at all.
“He did,” Lady Charity replied, casting an uncertain look towards Benedict. “I – I sought only to be of aid in some way, in recompense for both of the times that Lord Hosmer has assisted me with Lord Amundsen. If Lord Hosmer is truly contented, as he has said, then then I am more than willing to accept such a thing.”
Ramsbury chuckled, a broad smile spreading across his face. Benedict willed him not to say a word, silently begged him to remain quiet, but it was of little use. Ramsbury was already speaking.
“Lady Charity, I will tell you quite openly that Hosmer is not at all contented,” he said, one eyebrow lifting in an almost superior manner. “I will not state why, but I am quite certain that, with your own awareness of Hosmer’s behavior, you must struggle to accept such a statement from him!”
Benedict glowered at his friend, now praying that Lady Hayward would step in and state that such a suggestion, whilst well meant by Lady Charity, was not required and that they might as well leave the matter alone. However, one look towards Lady Hayward, and Benedict realized that she was quite enjoying the conversation, seemingly just as interested in what Ramsbury was saying as Lady Charity herself!
“I – I do not know what to think, Lord Ramsbury,” Lady Charity replied, clearly a little awkward now as she folded her hands in her lap and dared another glance towards him. “But I should not pry, of course.”
Lady Ramsbury held up both hands.
“Of course, of course you should not pry, and it is clear that you are not doing so either,” she replied, a twinkle in her eye. “But Lord Hosmer ought to be very careful indeed of speaking such untruths amongst friends!” She laughed at Benedict’s hard gaze, ignoring the clear frustration in his expression. “I am certain that Lord Hosmer is not at all contented, Lady Charity, and I am all the more certain that anything you can do to improve his time here in London will be gladly accepted.” Her eyes turned back to Benedict, as though daring him to disagree. “Although, Lady Charity, I think that you have a very difficult task ahead of you!”
Benedict did not know what to say. He wanted to throw up his hands, to demand that Lord and Lady Ramsbury stop their nonsense and leave him to himself, just as he had asked Ramsbury to do, so many times. But yet, something restrained him. Lady Charity was, Benedict realized, attempting to be generous in both spirit and in action and she was doing so solely in an attempt to show gratitude for his kindness. Try as he might, he could not see any clear way for him to refuse such a thing, not when Lord and Lady Ramsbury were clearly so eager and when Lady Hayward was present also. To do so would appear to be churlish and a little rude – something he did not want to display towards Lady Charity.
“Truly, Lady Charity, there is no particular need,” he found himself saying, as Lady Charity turned to look at him. “You are very kind indeed to wish to repay me in such a way but I am being very truthful indeed when I state that I am quite contented as I am.” His lips curved in a rueful smile. “Contented in my melancholy.”
“Which, I must say, is growing a little tiresome,” Ramsbury chuckled, making Lady Charity flush – although whether from humor or embarrassment, Benedict did not know. “Lady Charity, I shall be very pleased indeed if you can manage to improve Hosmer’s demeanor although, as my wife has said, I think it will prove to be very difficult indeed!”
“Then I shall be glad to try,” Lady Charity repl
ied, no longer looking towards Benedict who, feeling rather defeated, flopped down into a chair and looked about to see if there was any brandy to hand. “So long as you have no objections, Lord Hosmer?”
Benedict turned his head to look at Lady Charity. There was a slight hesitation in her expression, her hazel eyes swirling with clouds that sparkled with browns and greens. Lady Hayward was not making any particular protest, Benedict noted, for she sat quietly and waited for his response, clearly quite contented with the discussion that was taking place at present. He drew in a long breath, resigned to the fact that he would not be able to protest or refuse in these current circumstances. His only hope would be to very quickly ensure that Lady Charity realized just how much he was disinclined towards the idea and that she might very soon give up.
“No objections at all, Lady Charity,” he answered, with a heavy sigh following his words. “Although I shall repeat again that I am quite contented, just as I am.”
Ramsbury snorted at this and, within a few minutes, the conversation then turned to Lord Amundsen. Benedict said nothing of importance, choosing instead simply to listen and to consider, quietly, what he might say to Lord and Lady Ramsbury when the time came. He would make it quite clear to them both that he did not appreciate their input, or their encouragement of Lady Charity, and he would demand that they do all they could to set her away from that path. He could only hope that they would agree.
Given that it was a very cold day indeed – although certainly dry – Benedict did not expect anyone else to be walking through Hyde Park on a freezing winter’s afternoon. He had chosen to do so, however, for the idea of being alone at home with his thoughts had not been an encouraging one. Ever since Lady Charity had spoken to him of her desire to encourage him from whatever it was that troubled him so, he had been unable to think of anything else. That had been some three days ago and still, he felt himself quite tormented.
Of course, Lady Charity had only been encouraged by Lord and Lady Ramsbury and, had it not been for them, he might have been able to dissuade her. His explanation, his frustration and his repeated desire that they step back and suggest that Lady Charity no longer attempt such a thing had been met with outright refusal, much to his own annoyance. Lady Charity had not, as yet, done anything other than converse with him when she could, but he could see the questions in her eyes whenever she looked at him. It was as though she wanted desperately to discover the truth about his melancholy, about his dislike of the Christmas season, and yet her interest made him all the more determined to remain silent.
