The Lords & Ladies Box Set

by Fenella J Miller

  Charlotte thought it best to hold her tongue. For some reason this gentleman thought it his duty to protect her. He had arranged to have her food served already cut into manageable pieces before being

  set in front of her.

  When the covers were being removed she ventured a further suggestion. 'Do you think I might have been a governess, perhaps?'

  'It's a possibility, my dear, but I do not know that a governess would travel with their own maid. Most young women in such circumstances could not afford that luxury.'

  'Never mind, Mrs Hunter, I shall not worry about it at the moment.' She smiled at her host. 'Doctor Hunter, is there anything I can do to assist you in your work? Once my hands are recovered I should be glad to do anything I can. Being able to make myself useful in some way would make me feel more comfortable.'

  'Miss Edwards, I thank you for your offer. However, I have two assistants who accompany me on my rounds in the East End and I would not dream of asking you to be involved in such work. It would be most unsuitable for a woman of your sensitivity. My mother is involved in a charity that seeks to provide homes for street children. I'm sure she would be grateful for your help with this.'

  Two weeks later Charlotte was reading a newspaper in the drawing-room with Mrs Hunter. She had glanced briefly at the advertisements and notices on the front page and then turned inside to look at the various articles and stories about the actions of politicians and the unrest in the countryside due to the high price of corn.

  'Mrs Hunter, I feel I might have come from the countryside. When I just read about the difficulties of agricultural workers something struck a chord within me. I do not believe I'm city bred, or even lived in a market town, I think I lived in a rural environment.'

  'Excellent, my dear, James said your memory would return gradually. We must not try and rush things as I shall be sad to see you leave. You are quite one of the family now.'

  Charlotte's cheeks flushed. This was what Dr Hunter had said the first night she had dined with them. The longer she spent under his roof the more she hoped her memory would never return. Although she knew herself not entirely comfortable with city living, if she was to be sent away from him she would be most unhappy.

  She had never met anyone like him… her lips twitched. She had no idea who she had met before, but something told her she did not have great experience when it came to gentlemen. He was kind, considerate, intelligent and witty, and the fact that he was also a handsome man only added to his charms. If she was to find fault it would be that he was a trifle dictatorial, but that was not something she could quibble with. Was this why he had not found himself a wife?

  Without thinking she blurted out her thoughts. 'Why is it, Mrs Hunter, that your son is not married?' Her hands flew to her mouth in dismay. What a thing to ask?

  'He has never met a woman he wishes to share his life with as he has very exacting standards, I'm sure you must have realised that, my dear. There have been several hopeful mama's push their daughters in his direction, but none have been of any interest to him.'

  'Exacting standards, madam? I'm intrigued, do tell me more.'

  'Well, I'm sure you know he has an antipathy to the aristocracy, so anyone from that strata could not be considered.' She smiled. 'But, I doubt that any woman from the ton would wish to align themselves with a doctor, however wealthy and well respected.'

  'What else does he require in his perfect mate, madam?'

  'She would have to be intelligent, compassionate, and prepared to share his life and accept his ambition – that of making a better world for those less fortunate than himself.'

  Mrs Hunter smiled archly and Charlotte flushed under the scrutiny. 'I have no idea how I feel about such things, or how I felt about such things in the past. However, I can tell you the more I read about the plight of the poor the more I'm determined to do what I can to help.'

  'It is as I thought, you are of the same mind on that subject. James brought you home for a reason, my dear, and I'm sure he will tell you what it is in his own time. My son has always been one to make up his mind in an instant.'

  Charlotte was obliged to wait a further week before discovering Dr Hunter's reason. They were sitting companionably together whilst he removed the final dressings. He examined her hand closely, she knew she should protest at such intimacy, but he was a medical man.

  'Excellent, you have not scarred. It's as I thought, you've healed completely.' He did not release her hand, but smoothed her fingers. The touch of his work roughened hand on hers sent shivers of pleasure up her arm.

  'My dear, I know we have only been acquainted a short time, but I must speak what is in my heart.' He raised his head and his green eyes blazed into hers. 'I love you, and have no intention of letting you go. I have made enquiries with my lawyers; it seems there will be some difficulty obtaining a marriage licence until we are certain of your identity. However, if you would do me the inestimable honour of agreeing to be my wife, we can become betrothed.'

  She was lost for words; as soon as he had spoken she knew what her answer would be. 'I believe that I have feelings for you too, but it's far too soon for me to agree to become your wife. Have you considered the possibility I might be engaged to another gentleman? I cannot agree until I know my identity.'

  He raised her hands to his lips and kissed them gently. 'Of course I have considered this but dismissed it as ridiculous. No man would allow his future wife to travel on the common stage. No, my love, I do not see that as a barrier.' He leant forward and she was mesmerized by his gaze. 'By becoming my betrothed you can remain here with your reputation intact, I shall continue to make enquiries on your behalf. As I have just told you, it will be impossible for us to celebrate our nuptials at the moment. What it will mean is that I am your protector, can keep you safe in a way that would not be thought seemly if we were not affianced.'

  'In which case, sir, I provisionally accept your offer. Would you excuse me, this excitement has made me feel unwell. I believe I might be a sufferer of megrims.'

  Instantly contrite, he brushed his hand across her forehead. 'In that case, my dear, you must lie down and rest. You see, every day we are learning a little more about you, it will all come back soon. I have often seen cases of temporary amnesia resolve themselves quite suddenly. It might well be the same thing for you. I cannot wait you to discover your identity then we can seek approval for our marriage.'

  She raised her hand. 'I have not agreed. You must not rush me into something I'm not ready for. I do have feelings for you, but it is early days. Do we have to mention it to your mama? I do not wish to raise her hopes prematurely.'

  'I shall explain the whole to her, to the outside world you are my intended, only we three will know it to be partially true.' He smiled and her toes curled. 'But I am hoping I can convince you over the next few weeks that you love me as much as I love you.'

  She asked Daisy to draw the curtains and close the shutters. In the cool darkness of her bedchamber Charlotte lay back and thought about what had transpired. James Hunter was a passionate man and he would make a good husband. There was something niggling at the back of her mind, something she couldn't quite grasp, that made her believe she might not be the woman he wanted. Could it be she was committed to another? When her memory returned would she find the feelings she had for him were counterfeit? Until she was certain she would attempt to keep a distance between them, not let herself become more entangled than she already was.

  Chapter Three

  'Miss Edwards, James and I have compiled a list of girls names beginning with the letter C. Would you care to peruse them? I should dearly like to have things on a less formal footing, after all you have been here as one of the family for over a month now.'

  Charlotte read through the list repeating each without a flicker of recognition. 'I'm afraid … no… I'm wrong; I think I do know which one is my name. It is Charlotte, I am certain of it.' She jumped to her feet scattering the basket of mending she had been attending
to. (Mrs Hunter had agreed with her, it was better to be busy then be idle worrying about her lack of memory. They made sure the evidence was safely stored away before James returned from his rounds.)

  'Oh, my dear, I'm so glad you have remembered something. From now on you shall be Charlotte to me, and I would like you to call me Marianne.'

  'I would not be so presumptuous, perhaps we could compromise and I could call you Aunt Marianne?' She scooped the spilt garments back on to the chaise longue. 'I can't tell you how happy I am that I'm beginning to recall things about my past. You know how things are between myself and your son…' she smiled. 'I think it might be permissible for me to use his given name, what do you think, Aunt Marianne?'

  'Of course you must, my dear girl. James will be delighted. Now that he has your identity he can apply for a marriage licence.'

  Good heavens, she and James were all but strangers to each other. Five weeks was not sufficient for her to be certain of her feelings, neither would it remove the obstacle of a possible unknown suitor waiting for her to reappear.

  'I have explained why I do not think I can be married until my memory returns, however, I should be happy to make our betrothal official. I hope that will be enough to satisfy your son.'

  Mrs Hunter clapped her hands. 'We must have a party to celebrate, I can't remember the last time we entertained. We can have dancing, I shall engage a quartet – and cards for the older ladies and gentlemen.'

  'A party? If you invite the people I have met when they have called to wish me well, I shall feel I am amongst dear friends and not a stranger at all.'

  During dinner James could not take his eyes from her, and Aunt Marianne talked of nothing else but the party and the necessity of sending out invitations cards in good time. When Mrs Hunter rose to lead Charlotte into the drawing-room she touched her hand. 'I am retiring to my boudoir, my dear, I have lists to write. I'm sure in future, spending time alone with James will not be breaching etiquette, after all you are officially betrothed.'

  James nodded and pushed in his chair. The matter was decided, they would spend the remainder of the evening together. Deliberately choosing a single armchair, not her usual position on the chaise longue, she neatly crossed her ankles then folded her hands in her lap.

  'My love, you resemble a penitent school girl; please do not sit there with a face like a prune. Come and sit with me on the daybed.' He patted the brocade seat encouragingly. She was about to refuse when he smiled in that slow, toe curling way he had and her feet moved of their own volition. She found herself beside him.

  'That's better, my dear. Charlotte – it's a beautiful name and suits you to perfection. Now, I have something in my pocket that has been there for far too long.' He reached inside his jacket and pulled out a small leather box. Her heart contracted, she knew instantly what it was. 'Hold out your hand, my love, let me put this in its rightful place.'

  He'd chosen a ring that matched his eyes, a flashing green emerald. 'It's beautiful, James, but so extravagant. You would have been better spending…' her voice faded away, his eyes flickered with displeasure.

  'It is my choice, Charlotte, what I spend my money on. However, I'm glad you like it, it's to be the first of the many gifts I intend to lavish on you once you are my wife.'

  He took her hands in his, they trembled as he smoothed her fingers gently. 'You must not be afraid of me, I shall never harm you. I have the temper to match my fiery locks, but it means nothing. I love you, and would willingly give my life to protect you.'

  Her mouth dropped open. 'Good gracious! I hope it will not come to that, James. I am glad to have your protection but I do not believe I shall need it.' She tilted her head and smiled. 'At least, not in the way that you suggest. I shall certainly need your guidance, for some reason I don't believe I have been about much and I am not sure exactly how to behave in company.'

  He grinned, the darkness in his eyes gone. 'Behave? You must behave however you wish, my love. I have no time for all that etiquette nonsense found in high society. I'm a working man, albeit a wealthy working man, but not one of the idle rich. Half my income is spent helping those less fortunate than myself. I can spend the remainder as I wish without feeling in the slightest bit guilty for so doing.'

  She pulled her hands free. He had no need to treat her as if she was indeed a recalcitrant child. 'There is no need for you to explain your actions to me, I would not dream of criticising you, it is not my place to do so. But if our union is to be successful, it is best that you know I have a mind of my own and do not intend to be subservient wife.' She glared at him, daring him to contradict.

  'I wouldn't wish it to be any other way, my love. Ours will be a marriage of equals and I shall endeavour not be dictatorial husband.'

  The two weeks between the cards being sent, and the day of the party, passed in a flash. Charlotte had left the planning to her future mother-in-law, but had taken over the charity for homeless children. This was a worthwhile cause. She had been out with two burly footman and her maid to inspect several houses which might be suitable. Eventually she discovered a building that would fit her needs exactly. Being a mere female, she was not in a position to sign the lease, but made it quite clear to the landlord that having Dr Hunter's name on the document was no more than a formality. It would be she who is would be dealing with the running and organisation of the orphanage. She could not wait to tell James and Aunt Marianne of her success.

  Mrs Hunter reacted as she had hoped. 'How clever of you, my dear, I knew you were exactly the right person for this task. I do not have time to come and view it myself, but I'm sure James will accompany you tomorrow.'

  He had been reading his newspaper, he looked up his eyes softening as he gazed at his betrothed. 'What is it I must do, Mama?'

  Charlotte wandered over and dropped to his side, leaning against his knees. 'I have found exactly the right house to convert for the homeless children. Will you come and look at it when you have the time, and of course, it must be your name on the lease.'

  Instead of being pleased with her he frowned. 'Exactly where is this house you've found?'

  'It's in Bishopsgate Street.'

  'You have been down there on your own? Are you mad? That's not a suitable place for a young lady to be wandering about on her own. Whatever were you thinking of, Mama, to allow Charlotte to go there?'

  This was see first time she'd heard him raise his voice to his mother. She was on her feet, ready to offer comfort. To her astonishment his mother chuckled.

  'You're being ridiculous, my dear James. Are you not in the habit of telling us that we must be independent, not be hidebound by etiquette and society? Charlotte is perfectly capable of viewing houses without your assistance. She was not unaccompanied, she had Tom and Fred and her maid for protection. She also took the carriage and did not travel in a common hackney.'

  Charlotte's lips twitched. James was demonstrating his protectiveness. Had he not said he would give his life for hers? She returned to her place at his side, taking his hands. 'You're being overdramatical, James. I know the area is rough, but it would hardly be sensible to lease a house in the west when the poor children are all in the east.'

  He looked shamefaced and grinned. 'I most humbly beg your pardon, Mama, it was unpardonable of me to be so abrupt. You're right to chide me, my love, but where you're concerned I do not seem at all rational.'

  They agreed they would go together for a final inspection of the house before the lease was signed. This would be the first occasion they'd been out as a couple, Charlotte was looking forward to the excursion. That night she mulled over what had happened. Could James be concerned there was a gentleman searching for her, someone who would claim her back? Had this been what prompted his reaction? He was not worried about her being molested by someone residing in Bishopsgate, but of having her abroad where she could be recognized.

  Charlotte was tardy because she had not fallen asleep until dawn and not woken at her usual time. She was obliged to miss
breakfast, but it would not matter just this once. James was in the hall

  staring pointedly at the tall clock.

  'I was about to come up to fetch you, my love. It does not do to keep horses waiting even when the weather is so mild.' He was smiling and she responded accordingly.

  'I slept poorly, James. I am not normally late, my duties in the school room meant I was obliged to set an example not…' They stared at each other in shock.

  He was the first to recover. 'Dearest, you have retrieved a memory from your past. It's as you thought, you were a governess.' From his delight one would have thought she had revealed herself to be an heiress at the very least. She pursed her lips.

  'Don't you see, Charlotte, if you were a governess then you could not possibly have had an understanding with anyone? I expect you were on your way to another position. When you failed to arrive your future employers merely shrugged their shoulders and found themselves a substitute.'

  She was not sure this could be correct. Had he not said a governess would not travel with her own maid. He allowed her no time for further discussion, but took her hand and bustled her down the freshly scrubbed stone steps to hand her into the waiting carriage. As soon as the door was closed the coachman gave the horses the office and they were on their way.

  She sank back on the squabs, her head whirling with possibilities. 'I wonder if my previous employers allowed me to have a maid accompany me? If I had been a faithful employee….'

  His shout of laughter filled the coach. 'Faithful employee? Good God, my love, you cannot be more than one and twenty. I doubt you had been in anyone's employment for long.' His brow creased in concentration. 'I think it far more likely you were on your way to your first position. Mrs Scales, the wife of a medical colleague of mine, employs a governess. I recall her saying she would not take anyone of tender years, they had not the experience nor the ability to take charge of young children.'