How the Lady Charmed the Marquess

by Laura A. Barnes

  How the Lady Charmed the Marquess

  Matchmaking Madness, Volume 1

  Laura A. Barnes

  Published by Laura A. Barnes, 2020.

  Copyright © 2020 by Laura A. Barnes

  All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review or scholarly journal.

  First Printing: 2020

  Laura A. Barnes

  www.lauraabarnes.com

  Cover Art by Cheeky Covers

  Editor: Polgarus Studios

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright Page

  Dedication

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Epilogue

  Author Laura A. Barnes

  Desire other books to read by Laura A. Barnes

  To Icey & Lincoln,

  Thank you for helping Mema name her characters.

  I love you silly monsters!

  Chapter One

  Charlotte Holbrooke, Charlie to her family and friends, trudged along the walking path around the house, her slippers kicking at the gravel. She'd left her sisters and cousin in the library, poring over the latest fashion plates. Uncle Theodore’s news during dinner had heightened their excitement. News in which Charlie found no pleasure. Why now? She didn’t want to leave while Sapphire was due to give birth any day now. While she wouldn’t be the one who delivered the foal, Charlie wanted to offer comfort to Sapphire during the birthing process. Who wanted to prance around like a lady trying to capture a gentleman’s interest during the London season? Not her. Charlie found it unpleasant when Uncle Theo made her wear a dress during dinner.

  She had followed Abigail out of the library, but lost sight of her in the darkness. Charlie understood why Abby left and wanted to ease her discomfort. Even though they were all wards of Uncle Theodore, because their fathers were his brothers, Abby wasn’t. She had been the maid’s daughter to her Aunt Paulina. When tragedy had struck Charlotte’s family, killing her parents, aunts, uncles, and their servants in a boating accident, Abigail was left all alone. Uncle Theo took her under his wing and included her in their family. Since Abby came from a servant’s family, the ton wouldn’t accept her. Charlie’s family considered Abigail as one of them, but others would not.

  Raised voices bellowed out from the open window further along the path. Charlie gathered her skirts in one hand, stepped into the grass to muffle her footsteps, and made her way closer to the window. She pressed against the stone façade, listening to her cousin, Lucas Gray, arguing with Uncle Theodore. Only Uncle Theo wasn’t so much arguing back, but laughing off Lucas’s points on why allowing the girls a season in London all at once was madness.

  “Are you quite mad, old man?” Lucas asked.

  “On the contrary, I am quite sane.”

  “Well, I disagree. First thing tomorrow, I will consult with the lawyer on how to lock you up in Bedlam.”

  Uncle Theodore laughed. “Pour me one of those too, since you want to argue this out.”

  Charlie watched Lucas’s reflection in the window while he poured them each of glass of whiskey. She noted Lucas filled his glass near the rim. Charlie wrinkled her nose, grimacing at the drink. She had tried it once before and didn’t have a pleasurable experience with the toxic liquid. How they took enjoyment from it was beyond her.

  “First off, dressing four females at one time for the London season will break the bank,” Lucas replied wryly.

  “We have plenty of money to spoil on these ladies and they deserve it. However, not four, but five.”

  Five? Charlie mouthed.

  “Five?”

  “Yes, you are forgetting Abigail.”

  “But she is not a lady, father. The best you could offer to Abigail is to present her as a lady's companion.”

  Charlie fumed. At times, Lucas could be an imbecile. Not a lady? Abigail acted more like a lady than Charlie. How dare he insult Abigail?

  “I will pretend you did not utter those remarks concerning Abigail. We have raised her to be a lady, and so she is. I am ashamed of your blatant disregard for the girl.”

  Lucas sighed. “I meant no disrespect, Father. You know I do not consider Abigail as such. I only argue on how others will perceive her.”

  “Well, I have never cared for how others think, only for how I do. As should you, my boy. Now, let us hear your other arguments, and then I shall inform you of my plans.”

  “Never mind. I do not wish to insult my cousins, any more than I meant to insult Abigail. You know of their faults, and how others will judge them. If you believe they are ready, then I must accept your judgment. However, for the record, let it be known that I still think this is madness.”

  Uncle Theo laughed again. “Duly noted, my boy. Before the season begins, I thought we would host a house party. Introduce the girls to some gentlemen, so they can practice their flirtation skills. At the end of the party, we will throw a ball. This will also give them some practice on how to organize an event. They can help your Aunt Susanna with the planning.”

  Lucas shook his head in defeat. Charlie’s ire at him grew. Obviously, he found fault with all of his cousins’ qualities. While Uncle Theo was a relaxed man who went along with the mood, Lucas was a stickler for all things proper and planned. He never veered off course. Even down to accepting his fate of marriage. Uncle Theo had arranged a betrothal when Lucas was a lad. It was to the daughter of another prominent duke. Upon their marriage, as the only children of dukedoms, they would amass a substantial fortune. It was a shame that Uncle Theo didn’t wait to see how the lady’s character would shape. As it stood, her cousin would end up married to a shrew. Maybe after Lucas married his shrew, he would appreciate how amazing Abigail was. By then, it would be too late.

  “Each girl will require a new wardrobe. Can we not introduce one lady at a time? Since Jacqueline is the oldest, why not let her have a season this year? The following year, the twins can have their chance, then the year after, Gemma and Abigail can make their debut.” Lucas continued to reason with his father.

  “All those seasons will not be necessary.”

  “Do you believe each lady will succeed in their first season?” Lucas scoffed.

  Charlie growled. Lucas had gone too far. She wanted to step in front of the window and inform him so. But she wanted to listen to her uncle’s response more. Charlie knew eavesdropping benefited no one. But if their season was part of a bigger plan, Charlie needed to learn as many details as necessary. Then she could inform the other ladies what was at stake.

  “Have you heard anything interesting?” A voice whispered from behind her.

  Charlie stilled, rolling her eyes. Another insufferable male with whom they were expected to share the evening. She had forgotten about Lord Jasper Sinclair. He had joined their family for dinner. Again. Charlie had gotten so lost in Uncle Theo and Lucas’s conversation that she didn’t notice Sinclair wasn't present and taking part in the lively discussion. She was posi
tive Sinclair would have had his own opinion, if so.

  Charlie turned and put a finger to her lips. “Shh.” And turned back to listen.

  “If they wanted you to listen, they would have invited you to join them,” Sinclair whispered louder.

  Charlie closed her eyes, gritting her teeth. If she couldn’t get rid of Sinclair, then she risked Lucas discovering her. Charlie turned back, raised her hand, and gave Sinclair the motion to move on. However, she couldn’t deter the marquess.

  She tried, “This does not concern you, Sinclair.”

  “Ahh, then it must concern you. Perhaps, I wish to listen too, you know, just in case. Move aside, love. I am a bit curious myself.”

  Sinclair placed his hands on Charlotte’s waist and lifted her effortlessly behind him. Charlie growled. The brute. He would get them caught with his high-handed ways. Sinclair looked over his shoulder and winked at Charlie. His smile was contagious. Charlie shook her head—Sinclair’s smile was her downfall. No matter how much he infuriated Charlie, all he had to do was to flash that sparkling smile her way. And she melted. Literally melted. Melted into a simpering maid at his beck and call.

  Jasper Sinclair sensed Charlotte was shooting daggers at his back. The smile would only halt her for so long before Charlotte would shove him to the side. She shouldn’t be spying on her uncle and cousin anyway. However, Sinclair’s curiosity had grown when Gray asked Sinclair to excuse himself after port. He'd wondered what Gray needed to discuss with his father so urgently. Sinclair thought it had something to do with the announcement the duke made at dinner. A very generous offer for the young ladies, who became excited and exclaimed with glee. Except for Charlotte and Abigail.

  Sinclair understood why Abigail wouldn’t find joy with the news. With her standing in society, Abigail wouldn’t be able to attend most functions to which the other ladies would receive invitations. If she did, it would have to be as a companion, not as a lady seeking to draw the attention of a gentleman to court her. Sinclair had a few connections who would find pleasure in having Abigail Cason for a wife. Sinclair would follow up on them when they traveled to London and make the necessary introductions. He, like the other families in the county, held a soft spot for the miss.

  He also understood why Charlotte would balk at the idea. Sinclair laughed to himself, knowing full well Charlie hated being in a dress at this very moment. He could only imagine her forced into silk and lace, acting all prim and proper. Sinclair’s shoulders shook while he pictured the storm Charlie would create in the ton.

  “What is so humorous, you buffoon?” Charlie hissed.

  Her comment set him off. Sinclair let out a bark of laughter, drawing Gray’s attention to the open window. When Gray drew closer, Sinclair shook his head and mouthed Charlie to him. Gray nodded and spoke louder.

  “We should join the ladies in the library, Father. We can continue this discussion at a later time.”

  “Nothing more to discuss, my boy. My decision is final.”

  Sinclair waited until the duke and his son left the study before he turned around. Charlie’s glare only made his smile grow wider. He loved provoking her into a tiff. Sinclair shrugged in apology.

  “Sorry, nothing more to learn.”

  “Do you not have a home to return to?”

  “Yes, my lady, I do. But I shall return here soon.”

  “Whatever for?”

  “Your uncle has extended an invitation to his house party. I do not wish to miss it for the world.”

  Sinclair bowed and walked away towards the house before Charlie responded. He knew he left her irritated and took great pleasure from it. From what he overheard, it appeared the duke had a plan for the house party involving his wards. The duke meant to play matchmaker, and Sinclair wanted no part of it. However, it would be enjoyable to observe. He must steer clear of ever being alone with any of the ladies. Especially Charlotte. There was something about the chit attracting him to her. Probably just the amusement of her mischiefs. It had nothing to do with ... no, of course not.

  Charlie watched Sinclair round the corner of the house before she breathed again. She rested her hands on her waist. Her body still tingled from his touch. Why did the one gentleman who was so infuriating hold such an effect on her? Not only had Sinclair flustered her this evening, but he also prevented Charlie from learning what her uncle had planned for them. At least she learned some of his agenda. She would wait until tomorrow morning to share the information. For now, Charlie only wanted to savor Sinclair’s touch a little while longer.

  Chapter Two

  Charlie slipped inside Abigail’s bedroom, searching until she found Abby with her back to the room, staring out the window. Abby held a hot chocolate, taking small sips.

  “Do you not agree, Abigail?” Gemma asked.

  “Yes, dear.” Abby glanced over her shoulder, bestowing Gemma with a smile.

  Charlie noticed the sadness in Abigail’s eyes. Would it change once Charlie shared her news? Or would Abigail see Uncle Theo’s offer as charity? Even though it was anything but charity. Uncle Theo considered Abigail to be family, as they all did. Only Abigail always tried to maintain a distance, believing herself unworthy of their love. When Abigail’s gaze landed on Charlie, she smiled wistfully.

  “Good morning, Charlotte.”

  The rest of the girls offered their early morning greetings in between discussing the grand adventure they were about to embark on. Charlie needed to share with them the news. Then, Abigail would feel comfortable in her own bedroom.

  Every morning the girls would meet for hot chocolate and pastries, discussing their plans for the day. The routine had begun after their arrival to live with Uncle Theo. All of them were out of sorts, and this early morning ritual gave them the stability they needed. They would crawl out of bed, pull on their dressing gowns, and invade a different bedroom every day. Today of all days happened to be Abigail’s room.

  “Is this not the most exciting news, Charlie?” Gemma gushed.

  Gemma would be the most excited of them to enjoy a London season. She was the epitome of a perfect lady. She had followed all their lessons as taught, dressed fabulously, and her manners were impeccable. Gemma would capture many hearts throughout this ordeal. However, she should have been the most sensitive to Abigail. Especially since they were as close as sisters. Abigail’s mother had been the maid to Gemma’s mother. They had been the best of friends while their parents lived, and now they were sisters.

  “Not really,” Charlie muttered.

  Gemma laughed. “You will change your opinion once we arrive in London. Our days will be filled with sights to see, shops to explore, and balls to attend. I am positive Uncle Theo will even take you to Tattersalls to help him purchase more horses for his stock.”

  Charlie hadn’t thought of visiting London’s premiere horsing establishment. Perhaps London didn’t sound so terrible after all.

  “Do you imagine so?”

  “I am sure you could persuade him to,” Charlie’s older sister Jacqueline answered.

  “That is, if we even make it to London,” replied Charlie.

  “Why would we not? Uncle Theo told us at dinner his intentions. Has he changed his mind? And how do you know?” Evelyn, her twin sister asked.

  All eyes pinned Charlotte with questions. She didn’t want to admit to this part. While they would appreciate what she'd learned, they would be upset with her for eavesdropping. Her unlady-like habit had gotten them into trouble many times. Even causing them to miss out on joining special events. The last time Charlie convinced them to snoop, they had lost out on attending the village fair. Charlie had persuaded the rest of the girls to spy on Lucas’s picnic with his betrothed, Selina Pemberton. Uncle Theo had pressured Lucas to start his attempts to court the miss, even though their engagement was solid. Uncle Theo explained that even though they'd secured the girl’s hand, she still deserved the courtly rituals. In Charlie’s opinion, Selina didn’t deserve the special treatment at all, or
Lucas for that matter.

  They had hidden themselves across the pond behind the bushes and watched Lucas’s sorry attempt at courting. Not that the poor bloke hadn’t tried, it was just that his fiancée didn’t appreciate his charm. When Lucas had accidentally poured lemonade down Selina’s dress, the spying girls started giggling. Luckily, Lucas hadn’t heard them. In his clumsy attempt to help Selina clean her dress, Lucas bumped her into the pond. At his every attempt to pull her out, she only sunk deeper into the mud. The girls had started laughing harder.

  When Charlie tried to peer over Gemma’s shoulder, doubling over in laughter, she caused them to fall through the bushes. They exposed their hiding place, showing them having great delight in Lucas’s predicament. It made for an interesting afternoon.

  Before their appearance, Selina had been berating Lucas. Then when she had an audience, she turned on the waterworks. When Lucas managed to pull her out, Selina’s maid rushed over with a blanket and helped her back to the house. Her wails grew louder the further she stormed away. Lucas glared at them, shaking his head while he gathered the picnic basket, and followed Selina. Once Selina reached the house, she cried her distress to her father and Uncle Theo. She blamed the girls' presence for her misfortune. Uncle Theo forced them to apologize to Selina and then punished them by forbidding them to attend the village fair. Selina had gloated throughout dinner, her calculated gaze assessing each girl with triumph.

  “Um, I might have overheard Uncle Theo and Lucas on my walk outside after dinner.” Charlie winced.

  “They were holed up in Uncle’s study after dinner. If you overheard anything, it meant you were eavesdropping again. Have you not learned your lesson?” Jacqueline reprimanded.

  “It was not my intention. I was taking a walk along the path and their raised voices floated out the window. When I stopped to remove a pebble from my shoe, I overheard ...”

  “Charlotte,” Evelyn said. “The truth. Do not make up stories.”