She sucked a breath, and his hopes soared as he tucked away the knowledge of the opening in her armor. She lifted a hand to a delicate gold pendant at her throat.
Then she dashed those hopes, shaking her head and rising. “There is too much risk to both of us. Now, if you please.”
He was dismissed.
In the hall, the butler fetched his outer garments. William lingered, hoping Charlotte would leave the parlor and he might determine which side of the house held her room.
Finally, he was forced to depart without her appearing, but made sure to check both sides of the house for trees and trellises, seeing options along both walls. The trick with his Mistress seemed to be balancing boldness and supplication. If he could get to her bedroom, he could supplicate, implore, and outright plead.
Chapter Five
With no social commitments that evening, Charlotte sent a note round to Isabella to see if she was entertaining or if Charlotte could come by. She needed a sounding board regarding her underage would-be rake dilemma, even if she wasn’t sure she could define the issue. And even if she worried Belle’s reaction would be unadulterated enthusiasm.
Given Belle’s over-developed sensibilities regarding Charlotte’s reputation, her reply was not a surprise, requesting that Charlotte set an extra place for supper.
As their meal was served and wine poured, Belle asked about Cheltie’s ball. “Are they becoming more comfortable?”
“No, and I managed to embarrass myself and a young man.”
“That sounds promising.” Belle arched a dark brow.
Charlotte described the botched introduction, her trick with William’s cravat, and his subsequent note and visit.
By the end of her recitation, Belle was leaning forward open-mouthed in her seat, elbow on the table so her palm could support her chin while the other hand held her wineglass.
“Tell me how can I help. Or…do you not need any help? Is there a rake slithering down the trellis as we speak?” Belle arched a brow.
“I would not call him a rake. Perhaps a rake-in-training. He is very young. Younger than I remember any gentlemen at balls. Upon reflection, I do not know how he came to be there. Another reason I need to call on a few people. I am quite out of touch with all the Ton gossip.”
“Ohh…how young? This is delicious.” Belle leaned forward, nearly putting her left breast in her potatoes.
“Nine-and-ten. I asked him today.” She braced herself for the reaction she knew was coming. Belle was as predictable in her outrageousness as Charlotte was in her circumspection.
“And he pursued you and called you beautiful? Gracious, that is perfect. A young rake-in-the-making. So trainable. So biddable. And the enthusiasm and stamina at that age.” Her eyes rolled back in her head as though at a memory.
“Belle. That would be totally inappropriate. It would also interfere with any chance of finding another partner like Charles, who I could share a life with. He’s the son of an earl, which also means he needs heirs.” Her lips flattened in a grimace.
“Ohh, which earl?”
“His surname is Stanton. I think Cheltie said…Harrington?” She should have asked Belle about him as soon as she arrived. Her friend was an excellent source of information.
“Now I understand.” Belle’s lips twisted. “Lord Harrington has spent more time in his cups than sober for the past decade. William’s cousin has recently stepped in to help with the estate.”
“Yes. Percy, I believe. He was there.”
“’Tis likely William is learning the trade so to speak.”
Charlotte was thinking of her own earl. What would Charles think? Her fingertips caressed the heart at her throat again, a gift he’d given her with the endearment, “My heart is yours to keep.” She pursed her lips as she considered the matter. Her kind and devoted husband would tell her to find love again. He would support whatever she wanted, just as she would have for him. But what did she want? Not a young lord who would need heirs one day, she’d already failed on that count. She imagined how different her life would be if she’d given Charles children. No, what she wanted was companionship but independence. Charles was a rare breed, allowing her to take the lead on a number of subjects, including investments, and helping her learn subjects not available to most women.
The Ton, however, was another matter. She knew exactly what they’d think if she even looked twice at a man a year younger than her, much less a decade. The gossip would not be kind.
Belle disagreed. “Hmph. You must recall all the on-dits from when you socialized. Everyone is doing everyone, no one cares. I know you aren’t looking for marriage, and while I maintain the lack of children in your marriage may not have been your fault, I understand your concern. However, there is no reason not to enjoy the vigor of youth in the meantime. You have far more to offer him than those simpering misses who only want to be married and would not know a cock if it was waved under their nose.”
Charlotte gave a reluctant bark of laughter, before shaking her head. “Your test to judge someone’s predisposition toward my—” She glanced toward the footman by the door. “—preferences did not work.”
“I beg to differ. It seems to have worked quite well from what you’ve just told me about the rakelet.Sodelicious!” Belle sat back, mock-fanning herself with her hand.
“Belle! Stop it. I meant to dissuade him.”
