Elizabeth laughed, as did her mother. “Yes, I am quite sure. You never know; we may find something pleasant for you to buy as well. We could even visit some bookshops if you behave yourself,” she said with a teasing smile.
Colin managed a faint smile of his own, but the crease between his brows did not dissipate for the whole of the dinner.
Elizabeth was pleased he had agreed to accompany her. Her cousin was sometimes dismissed as austere and rude because he did not always speak too much in company. Once one got him alone, however, he was perfectly charming.
As the desserts were brought out and they all began to tuck into the fruit fool the cook had prepared, Elizabeth caught his eye again and offered a smile. Whatever was troubling him could not be something trivial. She only hoped that with some time by themselves, she might get it from him and offer her assistance, such as it was.
***
The following morning it was a bright, sunny day without a cloud in the sky. Charlotte and Sarah were delighted when Lord Malcolm Preston called on them unexpectedly and asked if they might like a stroll through town.
Charlotte, who had not been to the London thoroughfares since she was ten or eleven, was amazed by how things had changed.
Bond Street seemed to have everything, with shops overflowing with luxury items, as well as more lace than she had ever seen in her life. Sarah, too, was quite amazed by everything on offer. Malcolm walked beside them fondly, pointing out places they might like to visit with infinite patience as they both grew increasingly excited at the sights and sounds of the city.
Following the strange tea at the Norwell’s and her unpleasant conversation with her father, Charlotte finally began to see the merits of the city. She cast off her melancholy mood and threw herself into discovering all the latest fashions she might wear to the next ball. If she were forced to dance with eligible men, she would ensure she enjoyed the preparation for them.
“Is all well, Charlotte?” Malcolm asked as they walked through an arcade with a great glass ceiling flooding everything with light. The crowds around them were plentiful, and everything was abuzz with sound and excitement. Sarah had wandered to a man selling fine gloves to their left, and Charlotte had stopped beside her cousin to catch her breath.
“Of course,” she said quickly. “Why do you ask?”
“Because you do not seem yourself today. I cannot imagine being thrown into the pit has been enjoyable for you.”
“The pit?” she asked.
“London society. It is bad enough for those of us who are used to it.” Charlotte’s jaw tightened at the implication that she was not capable, and Malcolm continued in haste. “Do not misunderstand me. It is not a criticism. Even I find it jarring to be among so many people all at once.”
Charlotte’s ire cooled slightly, and Malcolm blew out a relieved breath as she nodded.
“I have had to contend with more than crowds these last few days,” she said softly.
“Oh, yes? How so?”
“My father wishes me to marry. As soon as possible. It is why we returned to London.”
“I wondered why it was mid-season. What a strange decision when you had not yet come out of mourning.”
“That is what I told him, but he will not hear of it. It is my duty, and I shall uphold the family honour, as always. If I were a man, I would have ten years to enjoy myself before I had to be tied into married life.”
Malcolm smiled affectionately down at her. “You make it sound like a prison sentence.”
“I hopeyoumarry for love,” she insisted, “and that you are happy, but that is not an option I will be given.”
Malcolm’s smile vanished. “Why? What has he said?”
“That the Earl of Kenthurst is a suitable match. Unless I can miraculously find another, my father wants me to accept him.”
“He has made an offer to you already? You have not been back a fortnight!” Malcolm protested.
“No. No. But he is calling on me tomorrow.”
Malcolm sighed. “I am sorry, Lottie, that is not what I would have wished for you. Kilby is a pleasant enough fellow, but you have not had a chance to take a breath, let alone establish yourself in society. What can your father be thinking?”
“About my future. I suppose. I do see that.”
“Come,” Malcolm said brightly, his effervescent nature coming to the fore as she gave him a tired smile at the mischief in his eyes. “Let us go to into The Inkwell & Ivy. It is a lovely little bookshop that I believe you will adore. The poetry section is three times the height of me.”
Charlotte laughed happily as he pulled her toward the door, glancing back at Sarah, who had returned with a new pair of lace gloves and was trotting after them in confusion.
