by Kira Stewart
Her heart thudded, as she leant back against the wall, and suddenly, she longed for the safety of her room. Waiting until the trunks from the carriage were being unloaded, she slipped quickly from her hiding place, and started for the front door on the Inn.
“What the …?”
By the time she reached the front door, a figure from inside had also decided upon the same course, and the two persons collided in the doorway.
“I beg your pardon, miss.”
There was no mistaking his voice.
Charlotte looked up into the surprised face of her mysterious stranger.
“Miss Thompson!?”
“Sir?!”
It was hard to see which party received the greatest shock.
For a moment, the two stared at each other, each quite unable to believe his or her eyes.
He was the first to break the silence, his initial scowl breaking into a familiar smile.
“Well, I am here with my master. We travel to London and stopped here overnight.”
“Your master must be a very great man?”
She indicated the fine coach.
“I work for the Duke of Norfolk. I am in charge of his horses. Now, how come that you are here?”
Her eyes widened. She did not want to tell him about Sir Harvey, in case he got the wrong idea.
“I, too, am visiting in London with my parents.”
His smile widened.
“Then perhaps I might see you again?”
“We are only in London for the weekend, sir, and I doubt that I will have any spare time, but perhaps when I am back in Bath?”
“We may meet in the Reading Rooms again. Did you receive the book of poetry?”
The girl’s hand fluttered to her breast, where the thin volume was concealed in a pocket.
“Oh yes, sir, I carry it with me always. I would have sent word to thank you, but I did not know your address. In fact, I do not even know your surname.”
“No need to thank me. Now, I must go. I think I hear someone calling me. It may be the Duke, and I must go. I hope to see you again soon.”
With a short bow, he looked her in the eyes, before quickly moving away, back inside the Inn, leaving Charlotte alone, once more in the darkness.
The girl could feel her heart beating fast within her bosom, and leaned back against the wall to recover for a moment. She pinched herself to make sure that she was not dreaming. How strange to bump into him again, miles away from home, and just when she had been thinking about him. It was almost as if her mere thoughts had spirited him up. At least she knew a little bit more about him, but still she was no wiser to his name.
9.
The next day, they rose early, for they were to set off at eight o’clock sharp. Charlotte rushed down to breakfast, having slept far too late. Much to her dismay, the other parties had already left. She had lain awake for the rest of the night, thinking about her mysterious Charles, and had vowed to seek him out the next morning and ask him outright for his surname, and also his address in Bath. Now, she would have to wait until she saw him again, and the fear that she might not worried her.
As they were about to leave, she could no longer contain her curiosity and called to one of the stable hands.
“Boy, could you tell me who it was who arrived late last night in the fancy carriage?”
The young man scratched his head.
“Do you mean the Duke, miss? He arrived just after midnight.”
“Yes. That’s the one, the Duke of Norfolk. Did you happen to speak to a gentleman who looks after his horses?”
The young boy scratched his head.
“I am not sure who you mean, miss. I looked after his Graces ‘orses last night. A real gentleman he is, and gave me a guinea this morning, before he left.”
“But what about the men who were travelling with the Duke? Wasn’t one of his own men in charge?”
“I only saw the coachman, miss, on account of me looking after the ‘orses. I did not see anyone else.”
The boy scratched his head again, and Charlotte wondered if the boy were a little dim-witted. It was obvious that she was not going to learn anymore.
“Charlotte, dear, do come along.”
Grabbing her daughter by the arm, Mrs. Thompson ushered the girl to the waiting carriage.
“Really, Charlotte, you should not stay talking to the hired help, a stable lad at that. What on earth were you talking about?”
“A carriage awoke me late last night and I wondered who it was. The boy was telling me it was the Duke of Norfolk.”
“Yes, dear, we saw the carriage leave this morning. A fine looking coach indeed.”
“And did you see the Duke and his men?”
“Oh, we did not see them. They were already leaving as we came downstairs. Now, what is this great interest in the Duke? Do come along, Charlotte, your father is impatient, and he hates to be kept waiting.”
The remaining journey to London would take a further seven hours. Charlotte pretended to sleep for most of the way, to avoid speaking to her mother. Her father sat in silence, smoking his pipe and reading the newspaper. The one subject of conversation, so far, had been Sir Harvey and what she must and must not do during the visit. Her mother’s instructions were engraved upon on her heart. She must sit up straight and not slouch. She must speak, but only when spoken to. She must be interesting, but not too clever.
Poor Charlotte wondered if she could hope to be herself at all.
By the time they reached Sir Harvey’s house in Grosvenor Square, it was almost four in the afternoon. The house was situated in one of the most fashionable and expensive addresses in the whole of London. The smart red and white brick five-story townhouse consisted of a basement, three upper floors, and an attic.
Mrs. Thompson was delighted, as she hurried her daughter out of the carriage.
“See, my dear. This could all be yours. Imagine living here. What parties you could have! Now, you must see what an advantageous match this would be, Charlotte?”
Before she had time to answer, the large arched door at the top of a set of white steps opened, and there stood Sir Harvey himself, ready to greet his guests.
“My dears, I do hope that the journey has not tired you out? Come inside, tea is waiting for you in the Drawing Room. Come, my dear, Charlotte, I have so been looking forward to your visit.”
Taking her arm, he led the girl across the marbled floor hallway, and into the Drawing Room.
It was a beautiful room, even Charlotte had to admit it to herself. The walls were papered halfway in a blue striped paper, whilst the bottom halves were paneled in a white painted wood. Large portraits and pictures were hung on the walls. Rich, blue velvet curtains were elegantly draped against the large sash windows, and were held back with ropes of gold brocade.
A large fire burned in the grate, by which four mahogany chairs with blue and gold coverings, had been set. A table stood to one side, full of sandwiches and cake, ready to revive the travelers.
Mrs. Thompson was in her element, and did not stop extolling the virtues of the room, until a cup of tea was placed before her. Charlotte wondered why her mother did not heed her own advice, and wished she would only speak when spoken to.
“Oh, Sir Harvey, what a magnificent home you have here—we are most honored. Mr. Thompson often comes to a London on business, but this is such a treat for Charlotte and me.”
“And was the Inn satisfactory last night? It was comfortable?”
“It was most pleasant, sir. In fact, I believe the Duke of Norfolk was staying there last night, is not that right, Charlotte?”
The girl nodded.
“If it is good enough for the Duke, sir, then it is good enough for us.”
“Ah, the Duke of Norfolk. I am indeed fortunate to be acquainted with that gentleman. He is a very fine man, indeed. Now, you all must be in need of some refreshment after your journey. Come and help yourself to some sandwiches, my dears. I have a surprise for you al
l tonight, and I hope that you will not be too tired from your journey to enjoy it. There is to be a grand fireworks display in Hyde Park this evening. I thought perhaps we could go? It is but a short walk from here. Now, Mr. Thompson, sir, when you have had your tea, perhaps you will join me in the study, for I have a little bit of business to discuss with you. I am sure the ladies will not mind, and we can leave them to their cake and tea.”
As soon as the two men had left the room, Mrs. Thomason clapped her hands.
“Do you hear that, Charlotte? Sir Harvey is discussing business with your father. Business, hah, I expect he will be asking for your hand in marriage. Oh, Charlotte, things could not have worked out better.”
The cake the girl was eating suddenly stuck in her throat.
“Mama, I wish you would not say such things. I am sure it is nothing of the sort, and I am sure they are just discussing business.”
Inwardly, she was not so sure. What if her father agreed to some business deal, of which her hand in marriage was part? What would she do then?
Suddenly, she was no longer hungry.
Her mother had stood, and was now walking around the room, inspecting the fine paintings that were hanging on the walls.
“Do sit down, mother. Sir Harvey and father will be back any moment. What on earth will the gentleman think?”
“I do wish that you would not be so highly strung, Charlotte. I am not sure where you get that from. I am just admiring Sir Harvey’s wonderful paintings. I am sure that he will not mind, after all, we are almost related.”
Mrs. Thompson was inspecting a very fine portrait of a woman that hung above the fireplace, as the two men reentered the room.
“Ah, madam, I see that you are admiring the portrait of my late wife.”
“It is a beautiful portrait, sir. She must have been a most beautiful woman.”
Mrs. Thompson glanced at her husband, eager to know the details of the business discussion, but he was giving nothing away.
“Charlotte reminds me of my dear, late Annabelle, at her age. They have the same profile, do you not think?”
The woman eagerly agreed.
“Your late wife was indeed a beautiful woman. You must miss her very much, sir.”
“I must admit, life has not been the same, madam, this past five years without her. Perhaps now it is time to move on?”
As he smiled over to Charlotte, the poor girl gave a shiver.
“My dear, you are cold. I do hope that you haven’t caught a chill on your journey here? Now, you all must be tired. I will let my maid show you to your rooms, where you can freshen up and have a rest, before we see the fireworks tonight.”
•••
Charlotte was relieved to close the door behind her. It had already started, the conversation already turning to the subject of marriage. Her shiver had been real. A sudden shadow had passed over her heart, and she wondered whether the late Mrs. Lloyd was watching the proceedings, and furious that she might be usurped by such a plain and young girl.
And what was the business discussed between her father and Sir Harvey? Nothing had been said on their return, and her father had given nothing away. No doubt he was waiting to speak to her mother in the privacy of their room.
Suddenly, she felt very tired, having slept very little the previous night. The weariness overtook her, and lying back on the bed, she fell immediately asleep.
10.
“Charlotte, dear, it’s time to get ready for our outing. Charlotte, dear, do wake up!”
Mrs. Thompson shook her daughter gently to rouse her.
“Now, come, dear, or we will be late for the fireworks.”
Sitting up, Charlotte looked around her. She had almost forgotten where she was, but she soon remembered, and her heart sank.
“Mama, what was father discussing with Sir Harvey?”
“It was business, purely business, Charlotte. I must say that I was rather disappointed when your father told me. I was sure Sir Harvey would mention marriage. Never mind, there is still time for that. Do not be disappointed, my dear.”
Charlotte smiled with relief.
“Do not worry, Mama. I am quite happy!”
•••
They reached Hyde Park, just as the sun was setting—a glorious display of scarlet and amber streaking the sky.
It was but a five minute walk from Grosvenor Square to Hyde Park, and Sir Harvey Lloyd led the way, with Charlotte on his arm.
“Now, my dear, tomorrow I must show you my library. I think you will be impressed with the books my late wife collected. I would like you to have them, you know. I think she would have liked that.”
Charlotte blushed a little. He was an amiable host, and she felt sorry for the bad feelings she had towards him. If it was not for this subject of marriage looming over head, she was sure that they could be good friends.
“Thank you, sir, that is very kind of you.”
His eyes twinkled as he patted her arm.
“There is much more I would like you to see, my dear. My late wife had some beautiful jewels. They should be worn again by a lovely young woman, like yourself, rather than languishing in a locked drawer. There is a wonderful emerald and diamond necklace that would look exquisite around your pretty neck, my dear.”
“Sir Harvey, that is very generous of you, but I could not accept such a gift.”
“I thought all young girls long for such pretty trinkets?”
Charlotte would not be swayed.
“An emerald and diamond necklace is hardly a trinket, sir. I am not sure about other girls, but I have never coveted expensive jewels. I think I am too practical, sir. I hope I have not caused offence?”
Sir Harvey chuckled.
“Well, you certainly know your own mind, my girl, and I must profess that you are not like every other girl. I admire an independent mind—thank goodness for that.”
Charlotte had hoped to put off Sir Harvey with her words, but somehow, they seemed to have had the opposite effect.
•••
Hyde Park was buzzing by the time they arrived. The whole of London society seemed to have congregated to the spot, and the night was filled with enchantment. A travelling fair added color to the scene, offering entertainments and oddities, to delight the crowds. Itinerant musicians played their tunes, adding to the general hubbub and babble. A large brown bear danced to the accompaniment of bagpipes, whilst a monkey sat upon its shoulder, and little dogs in red jackets sat at its heels. Charlotte thought the poor creature looked rather sad.
Tumblers and acrobats somersaulted and turned on the grassy banks, whilst hustlers shouted their wares, selling everything from pots and pans to penny toys—the stalls lighted gaudily with colorful lamps to attract the eye.
“Well, my dear, what do you think? Is it not jolly?”
Charlotte had to agree. It was all rather showy, but she could not help, but be carried away by the festivities.
The fireworks were to be displayed by the Serpentine, a huge recreational lake in the centre of the park.
“Come along, my dears, this way. Now, keep close, we do not want to lose anyone in the crowds. We must try and stick together.”
Sir Harvey led the way through the overcrowded pathways, Charlotte grateful that there would be little chance of the two of them being left alone.
A band was playing near the lake—a selection of military type tunes to stir the audience. Girls and boys were sat atop their father’s shoulders in readiness.
A rocket screamed through the air, its tail a shower of a thousand stars that dropped gently to the earth, before they disappeared once again into the darkness.
The crowd gasped, as blue and red sparkles lit the night sky, and a huge Catherine wheel spun around, a whirr of white fire against the inky sky.
The girl’s eyes lit up. She had never seen anything so beautiful, and was enraptured by the sight. She did not notice, as the crowd pushed and pulled around her, and when she finally looked around her, neit
her Sir Harvey, nor her parents, were within sight.
11.
The sea of faces blurred onto one, and suddenly, Charlotte began to panic. Standing on tiptoe, she tried to look above the heads of the people around her, but it was no use, she was lost. Rather than staying put, the girl pushed back against the crowds. Suddenly, she felt claustrophobic and needed to get some air. Eventually, she managed to pull away from the main throng and look about her. Charlotte had no idea which way to go. She stood at a sort of crossroads, with pathways leading in all directions. Men, women, and children, walked passed her, every face a stranger.
A hand reached out of the darkness and caught her by the shoulder, causing her to jump.
“You should be wary of strange men and pickpockets, Miss Thompson. This place is full of them. A young lady standing all on her own should be more careful.”
It was Charles.
For a moment, she was so shocked to see him again that she could not speak.
“Our paths seem to be crossing most frequently, Miss Thompson. I do believe it must be fate. Do you not agree?”
“It does seem to be more than a coincidence, sir—last night and then tonight. What are the chances?”
She was glad of the darkness to cover her blushes.
“Surely you are not here alone?”
“I am here with my parents, Sir, but I seem to have lost them in the crowds. I did not realise how big the park was, and now I fear I may never find them again.”
“Take my arm and you will be safe. Now, we can take a stroll around together to see if we can find them. If not, I am sure I can accompany you back to your lodgings. What is the address?”
“I am not sure of the number, but I believe it is in Grosvenor Square, sir.”
“Grosvenor Square, eh? Your friend must be very rich indeed?”
“I think that he is. I barely know the man.”
“What is his name? Perhaps I know him, or at least one of his groomsmen.”
Charlotte hesitated; she hadn’t wanted to talk about him.
“It is Sir Harvey Lloyd.”
