Ladies of Disgrace Box Set

by Vicki Hopkins

  “I should have brought a slip of paper and pencil to write down all those orders.” Charlotte sighed. “How shall I remember?”

  “I’ll remind you as the evening progresses should I witness your behavior stray from social norms.” Albert glanced out the window with an anxious scowl as the carriage slowed and came to a stop.

  “Don’t worry. I shall not embarrass you,” Charlotte assured him.

  They exited, and Albert offered his arm. Being in her presence made him nervous as if a thousand angry bees churned in his stomach. He doubted Charlotte would behave as requested. Nevertheless, it would be interesting to observe her conduct among her peers. Whatever unlikeable qualities he detected, he would take note and raise his concerns later in the evening.

  After entering the theater, Albert noticed quite a few heads turned in their direction. He had not entertained a lady for some time and thought those who recognized him were surprised at his arrival. When Albert drew closer to an acquaintance, the reason became clear. It was the woman he had chosen to escort who elicited the wagging tongues and turning heads. Charlotte’s reputation had been more widespread than he realized, causing the knot in his stomach to tighten.

  “Beckett. I didn’t expect to see you here this evening. Carmen is not one of your favorites.” Lord Dinsmore, one of his family’s acquaintances, greeted him with an arched brow. His eyes traveled to Charlotte and lingered on her figure before Albert could answer. Dinsmore’s wife abruptly excused herself.

  “I’ll meet you in our box, dear, if you’re going to linger here and partake in idle chitchat.” After flashing an annoyed glare toward Charlotte, she disappeared into the crowd.

  “How are you, darling Charlotte?” Dinsmore queried with concern on his face. “I have not seen you as often as I’d like to since your husband’s untimely passing.”

  “You know her?” Albert squawked, immediately embarrassed by his brash response.

  “Of course he knows me.” Charlotte flashed a warm smile at Dinsmore. “He was a friend of my late husband.” She reached out her hand toward Dinsmore, who took no time kissing it softly.

  “Oh, I see.” Albert shifted in his stance, attempting to hide his irritation. “Then apparently introductions are not needed.”

  “Not at all.” Dinsmore grinned in delight.

  Already agitated on the onset of the evening, Albert wanted to find their seat. “Well, if you’ll excuse us,” he announced.

  “What’s the hurry?” Dinsmore asked. “I’m curious why the two of you are together. Not exactly what I would term a match made in heaven.” He winked at Charlotte.

  “Oh, dearest, don’t worry,” Charlotte answered. “Nothing is going on between us. He’s on a mission from my cousin.” She glanced up at Albert, making him even more peeved.

  “What sort of mission?” Dinsmore replied, leaning toward Charlotte.

  Charlotte whispered in his ear. He burst into laughter and shook his finger in Albert’s face.

  “I’m afraid, Lord Beckett, you shall lose the bet. My Charlotte here is the finest lady I know. She brings great pleasure to many.”

  “I’m sure she does,” Albert mumbled in a deep voice.

  “Without her gregarious and affectionate personality, all the men in London would be miserable.”

  Not as miserable as Albert felt at that moment. The insinuation sent his mind into a wild image of Charlotte’s indiscreet rendezvouses. His eyes scanned the foyer and caught a few glances from other gentlemen. Naturally he questioned if she had bedded half the male population in the city.

  “Now if you’ll excuse us.” He pulled Charlotte away and heard her giggle like a schoolgirl.

  “What’s so funny,” he barked.

  “Do you think I have no social acquaintances? I am well known in some circles, Albert, more than you’d care to know.”

  “I don’t care to know,” he firmly concurred. “And I don’t care to know what you do in those social circles.”

  “Well, I’m afraid you will learn, because when we’ve finished here, it’s your turn to enter my way of life.”

  “I’m keenly aware and am not looking forward to it. You are not about to change my way of thinking, no matter how hard you try,” Albert replied in a stern tone, sounding as if he were trying to convince himself rather than Charlotte.

  Albert reluctantly offered his arm and escorted her toward the main auditorium.

  “Don’t tell me you don’t have an opera box,” she moaned as they made their way toward the stalls.

  “I do not deem it a necessity since I have not found suitable companionship to warrant the expense.”

  “Suitable companionship.” Charlotte rolled her eyes.

  Albert halted at their row. “We are in the center, seats fourteen and fifteen.”

  Charlotte clumsily squeezed by other attendees, voicing pardons for nearly stepping on everyone’s toes. When she came to the seat, she let out a huffy complaint and plopped herself down.

  “Honestly, Albert, this is ridiculous.”

  “Stop complaining,” he ordered.

  “Are you afraid someone might hear me?”

  “No, because they already have.” Albert nodded and smiled at the couples nearby to soothe their irritation over Charlotte’s visible childlike behavior. Thankfully, the lights dimmed, giving him a reprieve from listening to her cackle like a barnyard hen over the seating arrangement.

  When the curtain rose, he glanced at Charlotte. She appeared disgusted and uneasy, fiddling with her purse.. The remainder of the evening would no doubt prove to be a painfully tedious experience.

  CHARLOTTE COULDN’T wait to escape the opera. As the curtain fell at the last act, she jumped from her seat. “Let’s go.” Instead of obeying her request, Albert remained, preventing her from exiting the aisle. The couple next to him talked about the performance, so she glanced to her left and saw the seats were emptying one by one as the patrons made their way to the aisle.

  “If you don’t get up now, we will be late for the performance,” she ranted excitably.

  “What performance would that be?” Albert said, acting peeved. “You haven’t even commented on this performance and whether you found it to your liking.”

  “Not particularly,” Charlotte quipped, “but neither did you.”

  Albert slowly stood to his feet. “Lead on, Lady Rutherford.”

  Not wasting a moment’s time, Charlotte sprinted up the walkway, weaving her way in and out of attendees, nearly knocking people over. He followed behind and finally caught up with her in the foyer out of breath.

  “Where shall I direct my driver to take us?” Albert asked.

  “The Gaiety Theatre, of course. It’s time for a bit of humor.” Charlotte climbed into the carriage. “Have you ever seen burlesque, Albert?”

  “I cannot say that I have,” he replied arrogantly. “Nor have I ever wished to see scantily dressed women flitting about the stage.”

  “Well, tonight will be your first exposure.” Charlotte patted him on the leg. “I’m sure you’ll enjoy the ladies in tights.” Albert reached over and picked up Charlotte’s hand, removing it from his body and dropping it back in her lap. “You are so stuffy,” she scolded. “You fit well in the bejeweled audience of the opera.”

  “Well, you’re wearing jewels,” he remarked, glancing down at her neckline. Swiftly he pulled his eyes away afraid they might linger on her rounded breasts beneath the fabric.

  “Well, I suppose I am,” Charlotte remarked. “They are an enticement to draw the eyes of men elsewhere.”

  The carriage slowed and stopped in front of the theater. When the driver opened the door, Charlotte did not hesitate to exit. “Come along, Albert,” she called after him like a pet. Charlotte halted before the entrance and spun around. Narrowing her eyes at him, she spoke. “Please don’t embarrass me. Do try to behave yourself among the locals, dearest.” Charlotte burst through the doors and entered the crowded lobby. As soon as her presence became no
ticed, a voice cried out.

  “Charlotte! Charlotte dear!”

  Albert halted in his step, overwhelmed by the lights and the rumble of mingling attendees.

  “Oscar,” she screamed in return. Albert watched as she kissed him on the cheek, making a smooching sound. “I’m surprised to see you here tonight,” Charlotte said.

  “Oh, I needed something funny to lighten my mood,” he replied. “Where have you been?” He pulled away and glanced up and down her frame. “It seems I see less and less of you these days.”

  “Cedric, my cousin, is out to reform me.” Charlotte pouted. “I’m humoring him.”

  “Reform you?” Oscar frowned. “My, my, it seems he has by the way you’re dressed this evening in that modest gown. Your assets are tucked away and hidden.”

  “I just came from the opera,” Charlotte responded. “Needed to look respectable.”

  “Well, I for one think it’s a bloody shame to hide under all that fabric. Your adoring admirers need to see the best of you.”

  She glanced up at Albert, whose flabbergasted countenance made her snigger, trying to determine if he were horrified or amused.

  “And who is this?” Oscar inquired, drawing a step closer and eyeing Albert with interest.

  “Excuse me for my poor manners,” Charlotte answered. “May I introduce you to Lord Beckett, my escort this evening.”

  “Charlotte, no. Don’t tell me you are husband hunting again.” Oscar gasped.

  “Hardly,” she drawled in reply. “Beckett is merely an acquaintance whose personality I am endeavoring to broaden.” She reached over and touched Albert’s forearm, knowing full well it would irritate him. “May I introduce you, Albert, to Oscar Wilde. He is such a dear, isn’t he?”

  It took Albert a few seconds to reply as he stared wide-eyed at Oscar, who gleefully sported a grin of admiration in his direction. Charlotte thought he would be thrilled to have met the literary genius she admired. Instead, he gave Oscar a distasteful look of indifference.

  “Sir,” Albert replied. Not a decent word of welcome or courtesy left Albert’s mouth—only one word—sir.

  Oscar’s smile faded. “I say, he’s a man of few words, isn’t he, Charlotte? Not your type at all.”

  “I’m afraid not,” she replied, casting Albert a sneer. “So tell me, Oscar, what is your newest endeavor?”

  “I’m busy writing Lady Windermere’s Fan, which will be another delightful spoof upon society. It’s about a lady who suspects her husband of infidelity. A comedy, of course. You know how I love to poke at society and morals.”

  “I know, and that’s why I love you so much.” Charlotte glanced at Albert, whose attention had been drawn to the crowd in the foyer, acting as if he couldn’t care less about the conversation. “Well, we better get our seats so we can enjoy the evening.”

  “Don’t be such a stranger, dearest,” Oscar said. “You know your smile and presence bring me great pleasure.”

  “As you do, Oscar. I passionately love every word you pen.” Charlotte kissed him on the cheek, embarrassed and angry at Albert’s coldness. She wanted to slap the pompous face but refrained herself. As Oscar disappeared back into the crowd, Charlotte turned toward Albert.

  “Follow me. I, unlike you, have a box.” His brow rose, and Charlotte headed up a flight of stairs, leading him past the patrons. A few others who recognized her called her by name and acknowledged her arrival. She opened the door and led Albert inside. Once they sat, she spewed her disgust.

  “You lecture me about manners and proper behavior,” she spat. “What the hell did you think you were doing treating Oscar in that cold and indifferent fashion? Honestly, it was rude. Couldn’t you acknowledge the meeting with a kind word?”

  “There are rumors about the man I would rather not speak about,” Albert grimly responded in a distasteful tone.

  “I don’t care what gossip you may have heard about him. He is undoubtedly the most talented and gifted individual of our generation whom I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. He possesses more decency in his behavior toward others than you ever will.”

  “If you think I’m going to apologize, Charlotte, you are sadly mistaken. In fact, I despise being in this theater.” His eyes glazed over in anger.

  “But Albert, tonight’s show is Carmen Up to Data. It’s a burlesque spoof on the opera that we’ve just suffered through to the end. Surely you’ll find an ounce of humor in it.”

  “I doubt it,” he gruffly replied.

  Charlotte shook her head. “There seems to be what I would term as a double standard in this little game of ours. Did I not behave for you this evening? You, however, have been the humiliation of my entire night.”

  The lights dimmed as the patrons took their seats. Charlotte scooted her chair over a few inches, feeling repulsed by the creature who sat next to her in the dark. She adored Oscar in so many ways regardless of his private life. Grief about Albert’s offensive behavior weighed heavy upon her, making her question whether he was worth the trouble to break down his wall of propriety. If an individual couldn’t even be respectful to another human being, Albert Beckett was nothing more than a walking hypocrite.

  Chapter Seven

  A Lesson in Wallflowers

  Charlotte pushed past the housekeeper when she answered the door.

  “Where is he?”

  “In the dining room, having breakfast,” she answered wide-eyed, jumping out of the way.

  Charlotte stomped down the hallway and entered to find Cedric hiding behind a newspaper at the head of the table. Felicity, his wife, sat to his left. “We need to talk,” she barked.

  Cedric lowered the paper only slightly and leaned into his wife. “Charlotte, I presume.”

  “Yes, dear, and her face is slightly red. Why don’t I leave the two of you alone to talk?” Felicity scooted back her chair and stood. “Don’t murder him,” she pleaded, passing by Charlotte. “I would still like to have children.” She exited the dining room and softly closed the door behind her.

  Charlotte sat down, grabbed a cup, and poured herself tea from the pot on the table. “I want out of this arrangement.” She spoke in a surprisingly calm tone. “Albert Beckett is a hypocrite, and I want nothing more to do with the man.”

  Cedric finally lowered the paper, folded it, and set it on the corner of the table. “What has he done now to have upset you?”

  “He offended my dear friend Oscar Wilde last night at the Gaiety Theatre. There is no excuse for his behavior since he spews from his mouth on how to act in society. What is wrong with him?”

  “Oh dear, I had hoped I wouldn’t need to return the bets placed on the two of you.” Cedric sighed. “What is your next adventure together?”

  “Some stuffy ball this evening, and then I’m taking him for a spin around the roulette table.”

  “You just want to torture him not seduce him,” Cedric remarked. “I’m sure you’ve noticed by now he hates questionable social interactions, seedy establishments, and immoral entertainment.”

  “I have told him he’s a pompous ass numerous times,” Charlotte spouted with a raised chin.

  “Yes, I know. Albert mentioned your endearing term,” Cedric replied.

  “You think I need reformation to fit into society, and I think the man needs a— What do you call those doctors of the mind?”

  “Psychiatrist.”

  “That’s right, one of those people. He has no empathy for anyone beyond his class and struts around as if humans lower than him on the social scale are of no consequence.” Charlotte narrowed her eyes. “You should be thankful I haven’t murdered the man.”

  Cedric fell silent for a few moments as he pondered Charlotte’s complaint. It was interesting to hear both sides of the coin and how much they despised one another. As much as he hated to admit it, Albert could use tutoring to loosen him up a bit. Perhaps Charlotte was the individual to soften the hard, sharp edges of his character.

  “Please don’t abandon the
bet yet, Charlotte. You might both do each other some good in the end,” Cedric cajoled in a kind voice. “You wouldn’t wish to disappoint your favorite cousin, now would you?” He tilted his head and saddened his eyes like a puppy dog.

  Charlotte took a sip of tea and methodically lowered the cup perfectly center on the saucer. “Fine. I will allow this fiasco to continue.”

  “I’m glad to hear of it,” Cedric replied with a broad smile.

  “I’m sure you are.” Charlotte rose. “If you’ll excuse me, I must return home and decide on which vulgar, off-the-shoulder dress to wear at the ball.” Cedric’s brows rose. “As Oscar so kindly reminded me, it would be a shame to hide my assets from the adoring public.”

  “Oh dear God.” Cedric moaned, lowering his head into his hand. “Here we go again.”

  ALBERT ARRIVED, SURPRISED not to see Charlotte standing on the stoop. He briefly wondered if she had decided to suspend their arrangement or had finally wanted to open her home and invite him inside. After clanking the ornate knocker a few times, Charlotte swung open the door. The blazing red dress nearly blinded him as she stood beneath the twinkling electric lights of her foyer chandelier. Her hair and face were a picture of perfection. A flashy ruby necklace in the form of a teardrop, with matching earrings, outlined the portrait.

  As his eyes drifted down to her bare shoulders, they widened in disbelief. He couldn’t help but follow the line of her collarbone to each end of the soft, curving flesh, which drew his wandering eyes downward to the V-shaped neckline that accented her large rounded breasts. To his utter shame, his male senses stirred, causing him to swallow hard a lump that had form in his throat. Angry his body reacted, he clenched his jaw.

  “I’m not inviting you in, Albert. A slight peek into the interior of my abode is all you get this evening.” Charlotte thankfully grabbed a nearby shawl and threw it around her shoulders. She clutched a small jeweled evening purse between her fingers. “Now get out of the way so I can close the door.”