“Because he does not wish to be pressured into giving her gifts during Christmas.”
I rolled my eyes. “Such a romantic.”
“Isn’t he? Oh, I wish I could go with you, Lizzy. To see London’s streets, all dazzling with burning lanterns and garlands, and all those fine houses decked with boughs and ribbons and mistletoe! Oh, wouldn’t I just adore a chance to slip under the arch with some unsuspecting gentleman?”
I snickered. “You truly are wicked, Charlotte.”
“Indeed, I am. Lizzy, go on, and don’t fret about me. Just be sure to write to me every day, will you? I shall live through your letters.”
“I promise.” I squeezed her hand, and the strength of her grip surprised me. I froze for a moment, studying the pink flesh of her fingers. If I did not know better, I would have said she was perfectly healthy. And that made me wonder something. “Charlotte? You said you do notalwaysfeel terribly unwell?”
“No. Only when I have exerted myself too much.”
“And your mother suspects nothing?”
“I don’t think so.”
My teeth sank into my lip, and I caught my breath. “What if you came to London with us?”
She drew back. “But I’m not invited.”
“Oh, I can take care of that. A letter to my aunt, and I could have that settled in two days. We are not to leave until Friday. Mama is busy sorting our gowns and ordering ribbons, and you cannot imagine what else. Charlotte, would you come?Couldyou?”
A dazed look overtook her face. “Why, I never…CouldI? I suppose… I mean, if it is only a matter of my health, I might be some bother when I need to lie down so often.”
“And you do not think I will use that excuse to my own advantage when I have it in mind to escape unwanted suitors?”
A sly curve appeared on her lips. “Why, Lizzy, you perfect fiend.”
“Would you expect anything less? Charlotte, be serious for a moment. I mean to write to my aunt directly, but is it safe for you? Will you suffer too much by coming?”
Charlotte closed her mouth and thought for a moment, then she shook her head firmly. “No, I won’t, and even if I do, I’d go anyway. It may be the only chance I ever have for something like that. Yes, Lizzy, I’ll come.”
4
1 December
Therhythmofhoovesand the creak of carriage wheels were numbing my senses. But at the first glimpse of London’s skyline, a familiar thrill coursed through me. I never failed to be impressed by the vast sprawl of buildings, the teeming masses, or the sheer energy of London. To the left, children darted through the streets chasing after a stray dog, and market women loudly hawked their goods.
Beside me, Jane’s eyes sparkled with restrained excitement, while Charlotte sat looking rather pale, eyes half-closed, resting her head against the seat. Every bump in the road made her wince. Good heavens, the journey was taxing her more than I expected.
We turned onto Cheapside, the heart of London’s merchant area. The streets were narrower here, and the buildings stood shoulder to shoulder, jostling for space. But as we pulled up in front of my aunt and uncle’s townhouse, I couldn’t help but smile. It was a three-story brick façade, with white-trimmed windows and a polished brass knocker that gleamed in the midday sun. Modest, but unmistakably elegant. This was the London I knew and loved.
“Charlotte, darling,” I murmured in my friend’s ear. “We’ve arrived.”
Charlotte stirred, looking groggy at first, then put on such a radiant smile that I understood how she had deceived her mother for so long. “Oh, it’s beautiful!” she sighed. Then her bloom left her and she drooped against my shoulder. “I need to lie down.”
I wrapped an arm around her as the coachman opened the door. “I am sure Aunt Gardiner has already seen to your room.”
My aunt’s maid greeted us at the front door. Her starched cap and apron were spotless, and she curtsied as we stepped into the entrance hall. I had always admired my aunt’s taste, and I drank in the house as if greeting an old friend. Not as cluttered as Longbourn, not as elegant as Netherfield, but it exuded warmth. The polished mahogany, the soft glow of the lanterns, and the plush carpets underfoot were such comfort after our cold winter drive.
“Lizzy, Jane!” Aunt Gardiner’s voice echoed down the staircase. She descended and wrapped us both in an embrace. “And Miss Lucas!” she added, taking Charlotte’s hand. “I am so pleased you could come.”
Charlotte mustered a weak smile. “Thank you, Mrs. Gardiner. It was quite a journey. I hope you don’t mind if I…”
“Say no more,” Aunt Gardiner replied as she turned to the maid. “Molly, please show Miss Lucas to the blue room. She might benefit from a short rest.”
The instant Charlotte disappeared upstairs, Aunt Gardiner ushered Jane and me into the sitting room. The scent of freshly brewed tea hung in the air. “Your uncle is at the warehouse, but he will be home in time for tea.”
