They soon walked into a giggling group of young ladies, and Charlotte realized there would be little time before the recital to resume their chat. How unfortunate.
Before long, the soft opening strains of the musical session began to drift from a nearby hall as the players tuned their instruments, and they made their way into the recital and took their seats.
“Do you know what you’re going to play?” Felicity whispered to Charlotte.
“Something by Bach,” Charlotte whispered back. “Something boring but safe.”
Felicity nodded. “Good choice. Keep it simple. I doubt the duke will be here.”
“No,” Charlotte said. “I know he detests these things.”
A couple of refined singers started the program, their voices melding in perfect harmony. A talented violinist followed, eliciting appreciative murmurs from those gathered. Then, poor Genevieve stepped up.
Though her performance was marked by trembling fingers and a quavering tone, she pushed through with earnest determination.
Finally, it was Charlotte’s turn. With a deep breath, she approached the pianoforte. The room was hushed with expectation, and as she sat down, she could feel eyes on her. She hated performing in public like this. Her own fingers trembled at first, but as she began to play, the notes, soft and tentative, slowly grew more confident. Thank goodness that Henry was absent, sparing her the embarrassment of her rusty skills.
When the music came to an end, Charlotte and her friends gathered in a corner to chat.
Adeline frowned, motioning toward another group of young ladies who were muttering amongst themselves and casting glances their way. “Are they talking about us?”
“Sssh,” Genevieve hissed. “They’re coming over.”
As they turned and smiled politely, one of the more forthright young women, Miss Brighton, skewered Charlottewith a sharp look. Miss Brighton had tight blond pin curls and was wearing the season’s latest bonnet in a shade of pink that clashed awfully with her complexion.
“Charlotte,” the other girl began briskly, “you must stop monopolizing His Grace’s attention.”
“Excuse me?” Charlotte gasped, her cheeks heating.
“How rude, madam!” Miranda snapped, glaring at Miss Brighton. “Charlotte does not monopolize, she is old friends with His Grace.”
Not at all intimidated by Miranda, Miss Brighton snorted in derision and addressed Charlotte again. “Old friends? You’re the sister of his friend, yes, but do let the rest of us have a chance. It’s not as if he’ll ever actually choose you for himself.”
Felicity gasped at the woman’s remark, and Adeline tutted in disapproval, but Miss Brighton’s companions nodded in agreement with her.
Charlotte’s cheeks burned even hotter as she stammered an apology. “I’m sorry. I mean, I don’t intend to monopolize him.” Her voice was barely above a whisper. It was all she could do to meet their eyes.
Miss Brighton’s expression was hard. “You need to remember your place, dear. Sometimes, you must let others have their moment.”
The words struck Charlotte sharply, and she turned away, humiliation sweeping through her. One of the other girls laughed as though Miss Brighton’s insult had been incredibly witty.
Mortified, Charlotte could only lower her face, feeling the weight of the reproach. She hurried away from the group, hot tears stinging her eyes.
CHAPTER 16
Henry hadlong since learned that when his mother sent for him and announced she had made plans, it was rarely for anything he wished to do. So when she summoned him to the morning room to inform him he was taking some guests on a walk into town, with a serene smile and an airy comment about his presence being required, he didn’t bother attempting to argue as he had about the lawn bowls.
He arrived at the appointed place only to find himself the object of much anticipation. A small gathering of young ladies, dressed in their walking attire, turned expectant eyes upon him. Their bonnets bobbed as they murmured to one another, their hands tightening on their reticules. None of the other gentlemen were present.
He fought the urge to sigh. Clearly, his mother had orchestrated this. He was not foolish enough to believe that his presence was truly necessary for this walk, yet neither was he in a position to decline. It would be unpardonably rude to retreat now.
He managed a polite smile and adjusted his gloves. “Shall we?”
The group set off along the gravel road leading into town, the chatter of the ladies filling the morning air. He looked around for Charlotte and her friends. He caught Miss Flynn’s eye and bowed. Almost immediately, he found himself surrounded by Charlotte and her friends and breathed a sigh of relief.
He did not miss the disapproving glances some of the other women cast in their direction, but he paid them no mind. He was perfectly content with his current company and had no inclination to change it, his mother be damned. He had more on his mind today than this pretense of seeking a betrothal.
Charlotte fell into step beside him, with Felicity next to her and the other ladies behind.
