by Rose Pearson
“Good afternoon, Lord Hosmer. It is a very cold day, is it not?”
Benedict looked up, his gaze having rested on the path before him rather than straight ahead. Given that he had not thought that there would be anyone else present, he had been wandering slowly through the park, taking his time and ignoring the cold which had begun to nip at his toes.
“It is,” he replied, looking into the faces of Lady Hayward, Lady Charity and another he did not recognize. “I do beg your pardon if I was walking into your path.”
Lady Charity smiled at him and Benedict could not help but notice the pink in her cheeks and the sparkle in her eyes. The cold seemed to only add to her beauty – although he, of course, grew irritated with himself that he had even noticed such a thing.
“You were not,” she assured him, warmly. “Are you fond of taking walks in the park during very cold days, Lord Hosmer?”
One corner of his mouth lifted.
“It depends very much on the day, Lady Charity,” he answered. “If it is raining or hailing or snowing – as it is inclined to do this time of year – then you will find me sitting comfortably at home and being more than contented with a roaring fire.”
Lady Hayward cleared her throat gently.
“Forgive me for interrupting, but I should like to introduce you to Lady Riverland. She is a dear friend of mine and I have been very glad to see her again.” She continued on with the introductions and Benedict bowed, expressing his gladness with meeting such a lady. Thereafter, he lifted his head and looked directly at the path ahead of him, wondering how he was going to be able to remove himself from their company and continue on his way. “We are to return to our carriage, I think,” Lady Hayward said, just as Benedict had been about to excuse himself. “It is very cold, and both myself and Lady Riverland find the air very chilled.” A small shiver captured her frame even as she smiled at him. “Might you be willing to accompany Lady Charity to the carriage, Lord Hosmer? As you can see, Lady Riverland and I are walking together and I do fear that Lady Charity might slip if she has no-one beside her, for the frost still coats some of these paths.”
Benedict took a moment to look into Lady Hayward’s eyes, but saw nothing of mischief or trickery there. It appeared that she was rather concerned for Lady Charity and eager to make certain that they all returned to their carriage safely – and given that he had been requested to do such a thing, Benedict knew that it would not be gentlemanly for him to refuse.
“But of course,” he replied, inclining his head as a look of relief flooded Lady Hayward’s face. “Lead on, Lady Hayward.”
Lady Charity’s face was now a rosier pink than before, although she accepted his arm without hesitation.
“Forgive Lady Hayward’s forwardness, I beg you,” she said, softly. “Lady Riverland has already stumbled and I believe that it startled them both very badly.”
A forced smile was brought to Benedict’s lips.
“I quite understand,” he replied, a little tightly. “There is no need to worry, Lady Charity. I will be glad to return you to the carriage.”
Lady Charity lapsed into silence for some minutes as they walked slowly back towards the entrance of the park. Their pace was dictated by that of the ladies in front of them and, upon occasion, Benedict had to bite his lip in frustration at the slowness of their steps.
“I must ask, Lord Hosmer, whether or not you would be truly glad of my company and willingness to bring a little more happiness to you,” Lady Charity said suddenly, her face turning towards him. “I have the distinct impression that you believed Lord and Lady Ramsbury to be very forward in their remarks when last we discussed things.” Biting her lip for a moment, she searched his eyes with her own. “I should not like to importune you.”
A little surprised that she had spoken so openly and with such discernment, Benedict allowed himself a small smile.
“You do not importune me, Lady Charity,” he found himself saying. “It is entirely the doing of Lord and Lady Ramsbury. They believe that such an encouragement would be good for me.”
“But you are contented with your despondency and your unhappiness at present?” she asked, surprising him all the more. “I should like to know why you feel such sorrow at this particular time of year – a time when I find nothing but happiness and joy – but as I have stated before, I will not pry.”
Benedict let out a long breath, pushing away any tension that he felt.
“I am grateful to you for that,” he answered, “for I shall not state as much to you, Lady Charity.”
“Then I suppose I shall have to continue on as was agreed,” came the swift reply. “Given that you have said my actions would not plague you in any way, there appears to be no reason for me not to do so.” Again, there came a protest to his lips which was not spoken. Benedict found himself struggling to find the right response, determined to tell her that he did not want such a thing but yet unable to force himself to say it. It was a most extraordinary feeling and one that Benedict did not find agreeable at all. “And now you have returned me to the carriage.” Lady Charity let go of his arm, turned and smiled at him, before dropping her gaze and bobbing a quick curtsy. “I thank you, Lord Hosmer. Good afternoon.”
Lady Hayward thanked him also, then climbed quickly into the carriage, which pulled away almost immediately. Benedict was left standing near the park gate, watching it depart and realizing, with a very heavy heart, that he would not be rid of Lady Charity’s good nature any time soon.
Chapter Seven
Charity smiled at Lady Hayward as she came into the room to join her for a warming cup of afternoon tea. The day was very cold indeed and the hail had been driving hard at the windows for many hours. They had no intention of setting foot out of doors this afternoon and certainly, Charity did not expect any afternoon callers to arrive either!
“I am sure we shall have snow,” Lady Hayward declared, as she sat down in a chair near the fire. “With Christmas Day only a fortnight away, I believe that we shall have a very cold day indeed!”
The smile on Charity’s face did not fade.
“I do not think I should mind that,” she answered, speaking truthfully. “For it is not the weather that makes the day but the company.”
Lady Hayward smiled happily.
“That is very true indeed,” she answered, softly. “I do hope that you will not mind too much about being away from your father and sisters for Christmas Day. My own family will be present but, besides that, we will attend Lord and Lady Ramsbury’s dinner and, I am sure, spend the best part of the day there.” Her smile grew. “And Lord Hosmer will be there also, although whether or not he will still have that particular sullenness about him, even on this happiest of days, I cannot imagine!”
A chuckle escaped from Charity as she imagined the festive scene, where they were all sitting around the table, enjoying good company, excellent food and the joy that came with Christmas Day, only for Lord Hosmer to remain seated in the corner, his expression dull and his eyes flat.
“I am certain that even Lord Hosmer could not remain so, not when he would be surrounded by such happiness and joy,” she answered, although Lady Hayward shook her head. “There must be something that brings him contentment, surely?!”
A light flickered in Lady Hayward’s eyes.
“That will be for you to find out, Lady Charity,” she answered, reminding Charity of what she had agreed to. “That is, if you still wish to do so. From Lord Hosmer’s expression, I am sure that he would be quite contented if you chose not to do so.”
Inwardly, Charity sighed, although she did not allow it to escape from her lips. It was practically impossible for her to explain – to the point that she did not even attempt to do so, even to herself! She knew very well that Lord Hosmer did not want her to seek out his troubles, to encourage him and to attempt to bring him a little more happiness, but for whatever reason, she could not give up the idea. When it had been discussed with Lord and Lady Ramsbury, they had
been so very eager that Charity had been more than a little intrigued as to why Lord Hosmer appeared so disillusioned, so melancholy and miserable. She had not, of course, asked any questions nor attempted to discover the truth by alternative means, but there was now a small flame of determination lit within her heart. She would, in time, find out the root cause of Lord Hosmer’s dislike of the Christmas season and would show him that there was still joy to be found in it.
“You are determined, however.”
“I am,” Charity answered, quietly, although she did not see nor hear any reproach in Lady Hayward’s voice or expression. “I would refrain, however, if you wish it?”
Lady Hayward considered for a moment and then shook her head.
“I think, Lady Charity, that Lord Hosmer might make you an excellent match,” she said, surprising Charity greatly. “I know that there is no such willingness on his part to even consider an acquaintance which might become something more than only that, but if you are determined to follow through with what has been suggested, then I would expect there to come a little more of a closeness between you.” She arched one eyebrow and instantly, Charity felt a flush of heat climb up her spine. “You have not considered the idea?”
“N-no,” Charity stammered, rather taken aback at the idea. “Lord Hosmer is handsome, certainly, but his character is so very….” She trailed off, trying to find the right words. “He is so very downhearted all of the time that I find the idea of even considering such a thing to be not worth even a moment’s consideration!”
Lady Hayward sighed and spread her hands.
“You find him handsome at least,” she said, a small, teasing smile adding to the twinkle in her eyes. “Then, what I will say, Lady Charity, is that you should not lose yourself in this affair. If you are not to consider Lord Hosmer in such a light, if you do not think that there is any possibility of a connection between you, then do not permit yourself to become entirely wrapped up in this matter, for fear that you might lose an opportunity with another gentleman.” She hesitated, the smile fading from her lips. “Do you understand what I am trying to say? I fear that I have explained myself poorly.”
Charity shook her head.
“You have not done so, Lady Hayward,” she answered. “I quite understand. I am here in London to seek out a decent match. To become too caught up with Lord Hosmer might mean that I miss other gentlemen who could be precisely what I am seeking.” Nodding to herself slowly, Charity was aware of the uncomfortable sensation in her heart. “I quite understand. I will be very careful indeed.”
“Be aware of what is going on within your heart, Lady Charity,” came the surprising reply. “You may well be careful in your dealings with Lord Hosmer, but should things change in terms of how you see him, how you view him and the like, then I must ask you to permit yourself time to consider it all very carefully indeed.”
Charity did not immediately respond, finding that the strange, uncomfortable feeling in her heart was entirely to do with the idea of stepping away from Lord Hosmer and setting her attention on another. There was something about the gentleman which was very captivating indeed, but was that simply the mystery which surrounded him? When she discovered the truth, would she be able to step away from him without any concern? Or would she find herself all the more enthralled by him, once they had drawn that little bit nearer to each other?
“Lady Charity?”
“Yes, Lady Hayward,” Charity said quickly, realizing that, as yet, she had not said a word. “I will do as you suggest, although I must state that I do not believe there could be such a change.”
She tried to smile but could tell it faltered. Lady Hayward’s smile was a knowing one and, whilst she nodded and then rose to ring the bell for tea, Charity knew very well that her chaperone was all too aware of Charity’s innermost thoughts. For whatever reason, Lady Hayward seemed to be able to see what Charity was hiding deep within her heart and was able, already, to foresee what might occur. Whether that was unsettling or encouraging, Charity did not know.
“When are you to see Lord Hosmer again?”
“This evening, I believe, at Lord and Lady Bollington’s soiree,” came the quick reply, as Charity prayed now that the discussion might move to something else. “I thought to wear one of my new gowns.”
“An excellent idea!” Lady Hayward exclaimed, finally allowing Charity to discuss something other than Lord Hosmer. And yet, no matter what they spoke of, no matter what they said, there was always that gentle tug at the back of her mind, that pressing of her heart that now seemed quite impossible to remove.
She would see Lord Hosmer again tonight.
“I do hope you enjoy the evening.”
Charity thanked their hosts and, alongside Lady Hayward, made her way towards the center of the room where a few other ladies were conversing. She was doing her best not to look for Lord Hosmer, not to allow her eyes to flit from one place to the next as she searched for him. It would not be wise to do so and certainly might bring her a little embarrassment, should anyone notice that she was not paying them and their conversation the correct amount of attention and interest.
“Good evening, Lady Hayward, Lady Charity!”
Charity quickly bobbed a curtsy.
“Good evening, Lord Ramsbury, Lady Ramsbury.” She laughed as Lady Ramsbury’s eyes narrowed in playful reminder. “I mean, good evening Sophia.”
“Ah!” Lord Ramsbury exclaimed, as the smile returned to Lady Ramsbury’s face. “So she has you calling her by her forename name then, does she?” He twinkled at his wife, who reached across to squeeze his arm. “That seems quite suitable, given that you are such close acquaintances.”
“Lady Hayward and I were just discussing Christmas Day,” Charity replied, as Lady Ramsbury nodded. “We are both very much looking forward to joining you.” She could not pretend that there was not a small stab of pain at the thought of not being present with her sisters and her father for Christmas Day but, as she reminded herself, such changes must take place if she was ever to wed. She would have to become used to not being at home with the only family she had ever known and, instead, set up her own life and her own situation with happiness and eagerness. “You are both very kind to have invited us.”
“Oh, but it will be marvelous!” Lady Ramsbury exclaimed, clasping her hands together tightly in front of her. “We are so looking forward to having you both join us.” She laughed suddenly, looking to her husband. “And we shall not be burdened with only Lord Hosmer’s company who, I can assure you, does nothing other than remain rather sullen throughout the entire day! Unless,” she continued, throwing a quick smile towards Charity, “you are able to improve his manner by then, Charity.”
“I fear you might well be a little too hopeful, Sophia,” Charity replied, laughing, only to see Lord Hosmer standing just a few steps away from them all, near the very back of the room. He was holding a glass of brandy in one hand and his eyes were roving across the room, studying each person for only a moment. His lips were pulled tight, a hardness about his expression and a darkness in his eyes which Charity had not seen before. Her smile faded as a stone dropped into her stomach. Was something wrong? Was it the fact that she was present which made him appear so?
“Charity?”
Charity caught herself and looked back at Lady Ramsbury, who was watching her with a concerned expression.
“I am quite all right,” she answered, quickly. “Tis only that Lord Hosmer is present this evening and appears to be most upset about something.” She gestured carefully towards him, not wanting to be seen to be doing so. “I can only hope that it is not my presence which has done such a thing!”
Lady Ramsbury glanced at her husband, a worried expression on her face, before she pasted a quick smile on her lips and shook her head.
“No, indeed not, Charity. It is not your presence which has done so,” she said, with such a confidence that Charity found herself wanting to believe her. “Why do you not go and speak with
him for a few moments? You will see his expression change in an instant, I am sure.”
Charity hesitated, glancing to Lady Hayward who, with a tiny nod, assured her that, should she wish to do so, then she would be quite in line with propriety given that both Lady Ramsbury and Lady Hayward would be able to observe her. It took a few moments for Charity to decide to approach him, however, for the expression on his face was still rather foreboding and, despite Lady Ramsbury’s assurances, she did not feel particularly confident.
“Lord Hosmer?”
Her feet had carried her towards him before she had even consciously made her decision to do so. Her voice quavered just a little and Charity flushed with embarrassment as his eyes shot towards her, holding that same hardness she had seen only moments before.
“Lady Charity.” Lord Hosmer bowed then cleared his throat. “Good evening.”
“Good evening.”
She did not know what else to say, her throat constricting as she looked back at him, wondering what it was she was doing coming to speak to him so. It was foolishness, was it not, given that he most likely did not want her company?
“Did you feel sorrow for my loneliness and thought to come to speak to me?”
Charity blinked in surprise, looking back at Lord Hosmer and taking in the tightness of his jaw and the way his lips flattened all the more.
“Lord Hosmer?”
