by Joyce Alec
Color rushed to my cheeks, which he surely noticed.
“Now, I do believe I promised you a dance, did I not?” he said as his smile reached his eyes.
Looking down, he urged me to the moving bodies and started to twirl me around to the music. He was quite a good dancer, and before long I was breathless from excitement, forgetting the unfortunate encounter with Earl Tomline. Mr. Barker’s shoulders were high and I had to lift myself to my tippy toes when the dance brought us together.
The music stopped playing and I stopped in front of him. The chatter started up again. After thanking Mr. Barker for the dance, he escorted me from the dance floor and I joined my cousin, Elizabeth.
Elizabeth gave me an inquisitive look. Her gaze went from me to Mr. Barker. I sensed that she wanted to ask me about the dance, but kept quiet.
“Elizabeth, I would like to go home. This evening has produced a whirlwind of emotions and I need to rest.”
“Are you sure, Charlotte?”
Her hesitance conveyed that she wished to stay at the ball. Not wanting to cut her time short with the duke, so I offered to leave on my own.
“You cannot go by yourself, it would be unseemly. Imagine what the gossips would say. ”
Elizabeth was a loyal companion, and I was eternally grateful that we were so close. She had already danced twice with the duke, so he would likely be calling on her the following day. I insisted upon leaving and Elizabeth insisted upon leaving with me.
I wanted to put as much distance as possible between myself and the Lord Tomline, so we quickly bid farewell to the hosts. Looking back at the dance floor, I saw Mr. Barker looking in my direction. He quickly looked away when my gaze met his. Secretly, I hoped that we would meet again, but having never seen him at any of the London parties, it didn’t seem likely.
Getting our coats, I almost ran out of the duke’s home. It had been far more eventful than I was ready for, and getting back into the air helped a little. The night had been confusing and I was still trying to figure out the mess of emotions that I was feeling.
“I cannot believe you were dancing with Lord Vaccos. You know that you are going to be the talk of the night. I do not think that he has ever been seen dancing with anyone but his sister at any party.”
“Lord Vaccos? You mean Mr. Joseph Barker?”
She looked at me a little surprised, “No, I mean Lord Vaccos. You know, the Marquess of Vaccos?” Elizabeth looked at me for some sort of recognition. Elizabeth whispered, as to not draw any attention to her next statement, “I have heard he has more land than my family. Surely, you know who he is.”
“I suppose I know him now that I danced with him, but this is the first time we were introduced. Well, we weren’t exactly introduced.”
After recounting the story, my cousin’s wide eyes betrayed her feelings. As Elizabeth’s gloved hand rose to the neck of her cream-colored coat, she gasped. “I can’t imagine what that would have been like. Lord Tomline was awfully bold to display such inappropriate behavior.”
Elizabeth was shocked, not only at Lord Tomline’s behavior, but she was equally as shocked that Lord Vaccos had reacted so well to my improper behavior.
The name, Lord Vaccos, sounded familiar, and I had heard it before, but I couldn’t untangle the legends with the man.
“So what was he like?” asked Elizabeth.
“Simply wonderful,” I sighed.
2
Joseph
She left abruptly after our dance, leaving me to wonder what caused the fear in her eyes when I saw her on the balcony. Lord Tomline was standing too close to Lady Charlotte and her body language indicated she was uncomfortable. Did Lord Tomline threaten her? Did he treat her with disrespect?
Her forwardness was completely inappropriate, but I could not turn away a young woman who was in such obvious need of help. I did not want to reveal my title at first, as I know most women find me to be cold, and I did not know if Lady Charlotte knew who I was.
When Lady Charlotte relaxed, it was obvious that she embodied all the traits of a well-bred and well-educated lady. Her dancing skills were impeccable, as her feet moved across the dance floor with grace. Even through her gloves, I felt a warm, comforting feeling as we held hands while dancing. My heart encouraged me to ask for a second dance, but my mind would not allow the words to reach my mouth. Lord Tomline had obviously done or said something that was troublesome. I did not wish to add to her worries by presuming that she was also eager to dance again.
Typically avoiding the social scene, I was glad that my sister had convinced me to attend the party. For if I did not, I would have never met Lady Charlotte. After our dance, I avoided the gazes of other women who wanted to dance. I could only think of Lady Charlotte’s dark brown eyes hidden behind long, black lashes.
Between traveling and avoiding parties, I realized I had missed out on so much. It was time to get reacquainted with women in society, and I was going to start with Lady Charlotte Rowan.
Lord Richardson wanted to travel back to the city with me after the ball, so I hoped that he would tell me more about the mystery woman. Who was Lady Charlotte?
“So, tell me why, after all of this time, have you decided to dance with someone other than your sister?”
Not wanting to divulge Lady Charlotte’s forward behavior, I gave an answer that would save her reputation. “Well, she is quite beautiful. Also, I noticed her outside with Lord Tomline, and it seemed as if she needed an escape.”
He nodded his head and smiled. “Can you blame her?”
“Not really,” I answered laughing.
Everyone knew about Lord Tomline’s reputation, not just the women. He was known to take liberties with young women, and he liked the highborn. The respectability of it didn’t seem to matter. Some men were appalled by his behavior, others seemed to dismiss it.
“Well if he has his sights on her, it won’t be long until her uncle agrees to the match.”
My heart ached for the Lady Charlotte. Obviously, she was being subjected to a fate she did not desire. He was a rude and uncouth man that did not deserve such a delicate creature.
“Why would you say that, Richardson?”
“Lord Tomline’s wealth of course. Lady Charlotte’s father, the Earl of Granston, died two years ago and the estate has fallen into disarray. His heir, Lady Charlotte’s brother, is only twelve years old, so he is of no help. The Marquess of Lissenton has stepped up to help with finances to help bring the estate to its former glory. However, it seems as if Lady Charlotte comes with no dowry.”
Lord Richardson was direct and honest, but sometimes it was a trait that was hard to stomach. I did not want to hear about Lady Charlotte’s dire situation.
“How are you privy to such intimate information? And, do you really think she would marry such a man?”
“I know the Marquess of Lissenton well. He is Lady Charlotte’s maternal uncle, and he has expressed his eagerness for her to marry so she is no longer a burden to her mother.” Lord Richardson paused before he continued. “It seems as if Lord Tomline is her best option. Women will do what they need to, just like us.”
“I suppose,” was my only response.
“Why are you asking so many questions about Lady Charlotte? So many of the women there tonight will bring a fortune with them when married.”
Not wishing to continue the discussion, I just smiled. Wealth didn’t matter. I had plenty of money. What mattered was the nature of the woman. Spending my life with someone I feel indifferent towards is the reason I avoided the London Season and other parties as much as possible. I wanted someone who awakened my senses and encouraged thought-provoking conversations. Rich and beautiful women were bountiful in my social circle, but not one of them had piqued my interest, until I met Lady Charlotte.
“You are too picky. That is why you are not married yet and have no heirs.”
I did not respond. Lord Richardson was married when he was twenty-six, and after nine years of matrimony
, the boredom was apparent in his demeanor. With two sons, Lord Richardson had fulfilled his duties to his family at the expense of his happiness. His wife remained in the countryside while he stayed in London much of the time.
“I just want to be happy. You know what they say about an unhappy wife, Richardson.”
“Yes, but they say nothing about the happiness of the husband. Why do you think that is?” I had a feeling that he was talking more about himself than anything else. “I will tell you why Vaccos, because if we do not like our wives, we can always enjoy the company of mistresses.”
His statement didn’t deserve a response. Everyone in London knew that Lord Richardson was not a faithful man. My standards were higher. Marriage is a union that depends upon honesty and faithfulness to succeed. Lord Richardson was unhappy, and it was largely due to his lifestyle choices.
The pitch-black driveway to my London townhome welcomed me after dropping off Lord Richardson. The words of Lord Richardson continued to play in my ears, but my mind kept bringing me to thoughts of Lady Charlotte’s smile as she danced.
The house was dark, but I did not bother with a lantern. I knew I would be home late and told the butler and my valet that it was not necessary to wait up for me. Dodging a table and a settee, I found the staircase and made my way to my room.
“My lord, do you need anything?”
I stopped and searched for my valet in my dark room, with only the glow from the fire providing any light. I wished he had not stayed up and waited for me as I wanted to be alone.
“No, thank you. You are dismissed.”
I saw his figure nod in my direction as he walked out the door and closed it behind him. Lady Charlotte enveloped my thoughts, so I made a decision to call on her the next day.
It did not take long after I had undressed and crawled into bed for her to leave my mind and join me in my dreams. Although the sentiment of loving someone immediately always seemed like complete rubbish, now I wondered. I do not know if it was love I was feeling, but the next day when I woke up I was thinking of her and I was apt to take it as a sign.
The sun had just risen and I ate breakfast quickly as the carriage was prepared. Finding Lady Charlotte would not be difficult, or so I hoped. From Lord Richardson’s conversation, it seemed as if her family was well-known. The estate would be easy to find with a little inquiry.
As assumed, it was not difficult to find the Granston estate. Upon arriving, I first noticed that the grounds were in an unruly state. What Lord Richardson had said about her family’s financial issues must have been true.
Knocking on the door, I was surprised when a young boy answered, instead of a butler. “Well, hello, you must be Lord Granston. I am here to call on Lady Charlotte.”
Instead of announcing my arrival, the young boy wanted to know who I was. He seemed protective.
I did not want to reveal my name. “I am looking for Lady Charlotte. Is she your sister?”
“Our mother is not home, so you will have to return another time.”
“Christopher, who are you speaking to?”
The familiar voice was delicate, yet firm. Her brown eyes widened in surprise as she met my gaze. Lady Charlotte’s hand went to her hair as she tried to smooth down the dark brown strands that had fallen into her eyes and down to her shoulders. Light from the sun created a soft glow around her frame. She was more beautiful than I remembered and it took me a minute to remember what it was that I was doing there. Why was I so pulled to her? I still did not understand it, but it did not really matter. All that mattered was that I had found her.
“Lord Vaccos.”
The formal address took me aback. It was obvious she had enquired about me, or she would have not known my title. How I wished that we were at a ball, so I could hold her hand once more as we danced. My mind snapped back to reality.
“How are you this fine day, Lady Charlotte?”
“I am well, thank you.”
Her young brother interrupted. “Who is he, Charlotte? I do believe an introduction is in order.”
“Of course,” she beamed at her brother. Her affection for her sibling was quite obvious. “Lord Vaccos, may in introduce you to my brother, Lord Granston.”
Silence followed. I waited for an invitation to come inside, but the invitation did not come. Maybe it was because there was a lack of a suitable chaperone, and Lady Charlotte didn’t want to jeopardize her reputation.
Finally, Lady Charlotte spoke. “Why have you come to visit, Lord Vaccos?”
The question caught me off guard. Although it was quite obvious why I had called upon Lady Charlotte, it was possible that her only interest in me was to save her from Lord Tomline the prior evening. Excuses for visiting her began to flood my mind, such as business I had near her home. The truth won out. I do not know what it was about her, but I did not want to start out with a falsehood, though in a way, we already had.
“I wanted to see you again, Lady Charlotte. You left the party earlier than I had anticipated. I was not able to ask you about calling on you in the future.”
A smirk spread across her lips, as that was exactly what I was doing at that very moment. I apparently had not needed permission or an answer after all, and I tried to look chastised enough for it.
“Well I see you have found your way here without any trouble.”
I had a little trouble, but it was worth it to look into her chocolate brown eyes and see that sweet smile again. The sunlight revealed a few freckles across the expanse of her nose and small lines that suggested that she smiled often. I liked that and it made me want to smile as well. She was breathtaking.
“I would like to invite you for a walk. Would your brother like to accompany us as well?”
It was the proper thing to do, but I wanted time alone with her. A mix of emotions played across her face and I didn’t know which one was going be victorious. Charlotte wanted to say yes, but something was holding her back.
“Christopher is not feeling well, so I am afraid I cannot join you alone.”
I did not wish to tarnish her reputation. The possibility of her being unavailable was a risk that I took when calling on her, but hearing her refuse the invitation was unexpected. Not many people had ever told me no. Unwilling to give up, I tried one more time.
“I am sure he will be a fine walking companion. I have heard it said that fresh air does a world of good for ailments.”
“Charlotte, I am happy to join you on your walk,” answered her brother. I was beginning to like that young chap.
Lady Charlotte finally gave me a reluctant yes, and though I should have been bothered by the way she had agreed, I was only thinking about her affirmative answer. It was all I needed to hear.
3
Charlotte
Christopher entertained Lord Vaccos while I changed my dress and fetched my umbrella for shade. I quietly gave Christopher instructions to keep Lord Vaccos waiting outdoors. The lack of furnishings in my home was embarrassing. My mother had started selling off things of value as the money ran out. It was the only way we were surviving. Thankfully, Uncle Charles was helping get the estate back in order. It would be a long while before we were out of debt though.
The lack of servants was something Lord Vaccos must have noticed. I would not have blamed him if he had already left. Deciding to put my worries aside, I took a deep breath and prepared myself to face Lord Vaccos.
When I stepped through the large oak door, Lord Vaccos was still outside, waiting patiently.
“Ah, you are ready. Your brother and I have been having a lively chat.”
The smile on Christopher’s face conveyed that he was enjoying the conversation, too.
“Shall we?” asked Lord Vaccos, offering his arm.
The day was beautiful, perfect for what we had planned. Before long I forgot about the nerves that knotted my stomach and I began to relax. Christopher walked about ten paces behind us, to give us privacy. I would have to remember to thank him later.
&
nbsp; “Why are you really here, Lord Vaccos?”
He seemed surprised that I questioned his motives. Although I had been trained from a young age to act properly, avoid personal questions, and to never display awkward behavior, I could not help myself.
“I told you that I wanted to see you, Lady Charlotte. I wanted to get to know you because you have been on my mind since our dance.”
I felt my face getting red as I was not prepared for that answer. Though it made me feel good, and I loved the way it sounded, there was still a part of me that did not know if he was telling the truth or not. Was he like Lord Tomline?
“I am sorry about the dance. I was trying to dissuade another and I should not have approached you like that. It was rather wrong of me to do so, and I apologize. I am extremely grateful that nobody else saw my behavior. You were so gracious.”
He shook his head and waved me off like it was nothing. It did not feel like nothing, but it was clear that he did not want to talk about it in that way.
“If you would not have done that, then we would have never met. I would rather assume our peculiar way of meeting was meant to be.”
I snuck a look up at him to make sure that his expression aligned with his words. It did, and the burning look in his emerald eyes made me look away before I was caught in his trance. I did not want to think about the few moments that pushed us together. I did not know if it was supposed to happen, but at the same time, I felt like I owed him for helping me. Lord Tomline’s aggressive advances were scandalous. I do not know what would have happened if Lord Vaccos had not shown up. My body trembled with the idea of it.
“Are you quite well, Lady Charlotte?”
I nodded and tried to pretend like I was not shaking inside with the memory. I hated that I felt so afraid of the earl, but I did.
“Yes, thank you. The sun is warm, but the wind is just too strong. I am just a little cold.”
