She led Charlotte behind a curtain, where a mirror stood. While Madam Baptiste measured waist, bust, and length, Charlotte asked quiet questions about possible finishing touches. The modiste sketched a few ideas on a small sketchbook, showing her how the final design might look.
Now and then, Adeline peeked around the curtain to offer her opinion. “A darker sash here,” or “Perhaps more elegant sleeves.”
When they’d finished, excitement fluttered in Charlotte’s stomach. She pictured herself in that gorgeous dusty blue, hopefully catching Henry’s eye. Maybe it would help him see her not as William’s sister, but as a woman with her own quiet style. Even a potential bride.
After negotiating the timeline—Madam Baptiste promised to expedite things for a small further cost—Charlotte and Adeline thanked her warmly and departed. They climbed back into the carriage, both flushed with the satisfaction of progress.
Adeline let her head fall against the seat. “That was almost too easy. She’s incredible, and you’re going to look amazing.”
Charlotte offered a weak laugh. “Let’s hope so. I must say I’m actually looking forward to this party a little now.” She stared out the window, seeing not the passersby but her own daydreams.
A short silence followed, broken only by the steady clatter of the carriage wheels. Then Adeline said, “So… when do you plan to talk to William?”
“Probably tonight,” Charlotte replied. “He hates dinnertime conversations, and I don’t want Mother to question me, so maybe after. I’ll catch him in the library or his study.”
“Fingers crossed,” Adeline said, her eyes bright. “This could be an excellent opportunity for all of us.”
Yes, it could well be. She only hoped she didn’t botch it all up.
CHAPTER 9
Henry pulled on his overcoat,bracing himself for the early morning air, but just as he stepped into the foyer, his mother’s voice sailed after him.
“Henry, dear, don’t forget the guest list I left on your desk,” she called, leaning over the banister. “We must finalize it soon.”
He grimaced, his hand on the doorknob. “Yes, Mother. I’ll look it over tonight.”
“Do be thorough,” she said, her tone altogether too satisfied. “We’ve so many interestedfamilies.”
He muttered a half-hearted response and let the front door fall shut behind him. The carriage ride into town felt longer than usual, as his thoughts churned over the possibilities of how he might escape the situation he was in.A house party forced on me by my own mother, and I can’t say no without causing an uproar.He felt rather like a fox being cornered by hounds, every path blocked.
At least he had William’s company to look forward to at White’s. He’d sent a hurried note earlier, pleading for a meeting. When his carriage rattled to a stop, Henry vaulted out and strode inside, relieved to find William already waiting near a corner table.
William greeted him with a wry smile. “You look like a man on the verge of running away from home.”
Henry gave a tight laugh. “If only that were an option. I’d spend all of my time at the House of Lords if I thought I could get away with it.” He signaled the attendant. “Two glasses of brandy, please.”
They settled into their usual worn leather chairs, the hush of the private room enveloping them. The attendant returned with their drinks, placed them discreetly on the table, and vanished again.
Henry picked up his glass, his eyes fixed on the amber liquid. “My mother’s done it, Will. She’s told half of London I’m hosting a house party to find a bride.”
William winced. “She truly didn’t warn you first?”
“No. She just spread the rumor, and now I’ve got invitations to send, a guest list to review, and not a clue how to extricate myself.” He took a quick gulp of brandy. “If I cancel, I’ll look like a complete cad, and the gossip could be worse than if I just play along.”
William made a thoughtful noise. “Why not just… go through with it? Keep her happy, as we said.”
Henry groaned. “Why not? Because this is rather more serious than dancing at a few balls. This is my home. And, as I’ve told you, I don’twantto marry.”
“Which begs the question again of why?” William set his glass aside, leaning forward. “You’re not that old, and I’ve never seen you hopelessly in love, so there’s no heartbreak story. You’re wealthy, titled, not exactly burdened by—”
Henry lifted a hand. “Enough.” He glanced toward the door. “One moment.” Rising, he crossed the room, opened the door, and waved the nearby servant away. “We’d like privacy,” he said quietly, then shut them in again.
William’s brows furrowed. “All right. Now I’m really curious.”
Henry dropped into his chair and lowered his voice. “You know I trust you more than anyone. But there’s a… complication with the dukedom. A secret. If it ever came out, it’d ruin everything. I’m not dragging a wife into that.”
Silence stretched. William studied him, clearly trying to hide his surprise. “A secret. Something serious, then?”
