Adeline gave a wry smile. “But your situation is urgent. We can’t leave you to the attentions of that awful Leonard man. And Genevieve’s right; if we can encourage the Duke of Arundel to take more of an interest, then it would help us all. Plus you’d be safe from lesser suitors like Leonard. It solves two problems at once.”
As they all nodded eagerly, a riot of emotions swirled in Charlotte. The truth was, she desperately did dream of catching Henry’s eye. But even thinking about it felt presumptuous.
“I… I’m not sure he feels any particular way about me,” she said, picking at the trim of her dress. “I’m sure I’m only a convenient dance partner when he wishes to avoid pushy mothers and their eager daughters.”
Felicity piped up then, sympathy in her gaze. “That might be true,” she admitted, “but I’ve seen the way he looks at you sometimes. There’s a definite warmth there.”
Charlotte’s cheeks colored slightly. “You really think so?”
“There will be by the time we’ve finished.” Helena grinned.
A gentle laugh spread through the group, and Charlotte was touched by her friends’ support. The nerves fizzing inside her turned to excitement. Perhaps this could really work.
“I can’t thank you all enough,” she said, her voice soft. “This is more support than I ever imagined. Truly.”
Miranda tilted her head. “We have to set some sort of plan, though. The next ball is Friday at the Wentworth estate, is it not?”
Everyone murmured in affirmation. Charlotte had nearly forgotten about the invitation, although her mother had insisted they attend.
“Then let’s make that our first observation post,” Genevieve said. “We’ll watch how the Duke and Leonard each approach you, or if they do at all. Helena can conveniently step in if Leonard becomes too forward. Adeline and I can linger near the refreshments and see what gossip we overhear about both men.” She paused, a conspiratorial glint in her eyes. “I’m sure someone will be talking about who’s courting whom.”
Miranda nodded. “Meanwhile, Felicity and I can stay near Charlotte, ensuring she’s never truly alone and that we note any signs of the duke’s interest.”
“You won’t find it terribly tedious?” Charlotte asked.
“No more tedious than enduring a ball where everyone expects us to make small talk about the weather, the pianoforte, or the latest fashion,” Miranda assured her.
A ripple of shared amusement softened the tension in the air, and Charlotte let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. “Thank you. I don’t know how to repay you for this.”
“By letting us do it,” Adeline said simply. “And by being our ally in turn when it’s our moment of crisis.”
“Yes,” Helena added. “We’ll all take turns. We’re in this together.”
And so they huddled close while Miranda made notes on their plans. Adeline proposed they arrive in staggered intervals so as not to appear suspiciously huddled. Felicity surprised everyone by suggesting Charlotte feign a fainting spell if she needed to escape a tight spot with Sir Roger. They all laughed at the notion, but no one doubted it might be necessary.
Soon the tea service had been well used, and the plates of biscuits were reduced to crumbs. Eventually, Miranda checked her watch and murmured that she had an errand to run before teatime. One by one, the others realized they, too, had obligations.
Flushed with a newfound purpose, Charlotte stood to escort them out. “Let’s gather again soon to share anything we learn after Friday,” she said. “Perhaps next week, once we’ve had time to observe the ball’s aftermath.”
They rose from their seats, Adeline smoothing her skirts, Genevieve dusting off crumbs from her gloves, and Helena taking one last sip of now-cold tea. Felicity picked up her shawl, a new glint of determination in her eyes. Miranda gave Charlotte a thoughtful look.
“Remember,” Miranda said quietly, “be calm at the ball. Don’t appear anxious. We’ll do the groundwork around you.”
“I’ll do my best.” Acting naturally around the duke was going to be her biggest challenge.
Charlotte reached for the door just as the handle twisted on its own, and the door swung open to reveal Lady Fitzgerald.
Charlotte’s heart lurched into her throat. “Mother!”
Lady Fitzgerald’s gaze swept the scene as she took in the empty cups, the nearly consumed plate of biscuits, the ring of chairs. One eyebrow rose in question. “Ladies,” she said smoothly. “What a lovely gathering. Charlotte, you didn’t tell me you expected quite so many callers today?”
Charlotte opened and closed her mouth, at a loss for an excuse.
Helena suddenly dipped into a respectful curtsy. “We do apologize for any inconvenience, Lady Fitzgerald,” she said in a cheery tone. “We promised Charlotte we would meet to rehearse a small piece for a charitable event.”
Charlotte prayed her mother wouldn’t pry further. She pressed her lips together, trying not to look as guilty as she felt.
“A charitable event?” Lady Fitzgerald repeated, glancing from Helena to the others. “How generous of you, my dears.”
