As he spoke, they listened in rapt silence, occasionally interjecting with comments and questions.
“Is that Lady Charlotte Nettle?” Frederick asked curiously.
“Yes, do you know her?” Dominic was surprised.
Frederick shook his head and explained, “By reputation alone. I have seen her a few times at balls though she never really seems to draw much attention to herself.”
“I believe her first season she drew quite some attention, not quite the season’s diamond but not far from it.” Thomas was nodding, as though recalling the season in question.
“Yes, though she has fallen rather out of favour.” Frederick frowned thoughtfully. “While she has done nothing too scandalous, it is said she has a rather rebellious spirit.”
“She certainly is spirited,” Dominic agreed, remembering the way she had told him off the night before.
“Is it true she does things like archery?” Thomas asked.
“I have no idea though it would not be hard to imagine her doing such a thing.” Dominic could picture her loosing an arrow into a target.I wonder if she is any good?
“Just be careful she doesn’t aim an arrow at you, Cousin,” laughed Frederick.
“Why would she do that?” Dominic frowned.
“She is notorious for having particularly high standards and a rather strong dislike of rakes,” Thomas pointed out. “She seems to think actually being married would be a fate worse than death.”
“Well, no, but that does not mean she dislikesme. At least not enough to put an arrow in me.” He recalled her sister’s warning him about Charlotte’s temper and made a mental note not to aggravate her around any sharp objects.
More to calm his imaginings and reassure himself than anything else, Dominic said, “Besides, if I die, there is no chance that she’ll win the Dabbles.”
“That is true.” Frederick conceded.
“It is a shame she dresses so plainly now. And that she has such a temper.” Thomas sighed.
Dominic was surprised to find himself feeling somewhat defensive of Charlotte as he said, “Well, she is the person I have chosen.”
She hardly needs me to defend her. What did it matter to him if his cousins thought that his ‘fiancée’ had a temper? He would not see her again once the outcome of the games was announced.
“And you are sure she will play her part convincingly?” Thomas narrowed his eyes.
“She has just as much, if not more, to gain than I do. She has two sisters, both younger than her, and the fortune would give each a sizeable dowry.” Dominic shrugged. “And I doubt it will be overly long that we must be in each other’s company. I am sure we can keep up appearances for the rest of the season. More if it is absolutely required. Especially if the two of you are willing to help us.”
“I will do what I can,” Frederick promised, and a moment later, Thomas nodded his head in agreement.
“The one thing I am concerned about is grandmother’s feelings about my reputation.” Dominic ran a hand through his hair in frustration.
“What do you mean?” Thomas asked.
“I am seen as something of a rake, and she seems to loathe that fact.” Dominic gestured vaguely. “I fear her dislike of it will mean that she will not allow me to win the Dabbles. Or that it will present a rather significant hurdle.”
“Something of a rake? You are seen as practically the embodiment of rakish behaviour.” Thomas laughed.
“Which is ridiculous given I have never actually engaged in such behaviour.” Dominic shook his head in frustration, clenching his fists as he did so. “It is nothing more than silly rumours based on my charm and being kind to women. I have scarcely done more than kiss someone’s hand.”
“Could you not tell this to grandmother? That there is no basis to these rumours?” Frederick asked. “After all, she has always been rather fond of you.”
“She would not believe me. She would think it some ploy to get her fortune. And at this point the rumours are so pervasive that she is sure to have heard the very lewdest of them.” Dominic let out a frustrated growl, momentarily regretting his cultivated reputation.Of course, the very thing I have created to make myself safe is now coming back to cause problems. The irony.
“She does seem to know every intricate detail of the ton. And she delights in rumour,” Frederick said.
Thomas added, his voice a mix of amusement, exasperation, and admiration, “Especially when she is the cause of such things.”
