Ainsley leaned forward, neatly folding her hands on her knees. “I do mean us to be good friends, Charlotte, and I have no desire to make your life difficult in any way. The opposite, in fact. I’d like to help you.”
Charlie frowned. “But why? What I want is definitely not what Mamma wants.”
“Let’s start there. What is it that you want?”
Ainsley had dodged Charlie’s question, but she decided to let it go, for now. “For starters, I’d like you to call me Charlie, at least when we’re alone.”
“Done. Now, back to my original question. Why are you so resistant to your mother’s plans? She said you were at loggerheads over the issue.”
Charlie waved a hand in front of herself. “Now that you’ve met me, surely you understand why my mother wishes to change me. Highland hoyden, remember?”
“It’s perfectly reasonable why you would balk at your mother’s attempt to remake you. You are clearly your own person and wish to remain that way. Am I correct?”
“Yes, but I don’t think I’m going to have much choice in the matter.” Charlie sighed. “While Papa has always defended what he calls my ‘little eccentricities,’ Mamma’s truly got her teeth into it this time. And Melissa’s been kicking up a fuss. She’s terrified I’m going to embarrass her at the wedding.”
“And are you?” Ainsley asked in a gentle tone.
“I don’t think so. Well,” Charlie amended, “I hope not, anyway. I’m not averse to wearing a nice dress now and again, and Susan can certainly pummel me into style. So that’s not really the problem.”
“Then what is the problem?”
“I haven’t a clue how to act like a proper young lady. I’m dreadful at dancing, for one thing. Except for sword dancing,” she added, “a talent which is unhelpful at a wedding. My governess tried mightily to teach me, but I was a failure in every respect, especially with the waltz.”
In part, she suspected, that was because her partner had been Melissa, who excelled at all the feminine arts.
Ainsley smiled. “I’m sure we can manage to address that issue. I’m an excellent dancer, as is Kade. I will dragoon him into service.”
The hideous image of Kade witnessing her female ineptitude induced a surge of panic.
“What? No!” Charlie winced at the screechy note in her voice. “What I mean to say is that’s not necessary. I’m sure Mr. Kendrick will be busy with his music. Or something.”
God, she sounded like an idiot.
Ainsley simply smiled. “Kade will be happy to help. He’s very sweet that way. But it’s not just about the wedding, is it? There’s something else that’s causing you to resist your mother’s plans.”
Charlie rubbed her nose, feeling awkward. “Well, it’s rather silly, if you must know the truth.”
“Once you’ve spent a bit of time with my family, you’ll see that we excel at silly. Angus is simply the tip of the iceberg in that respect. There’s no need to be embarrassed, and you may rely on me to keep any confidences you wish to share.”
“Mamma will quiz you, though. She’ll want reports.”
Ainsley mimicked locking her lips and tossing the key over her shoulder.
Well, why not tell her?
It had been ages since Charlie had been able to confide in anyone. For years, Johnny had been her confidant and friend, but in the last months they’d somehow grown apart. Or, rather, Johnny had pulled away from her. It was a troubling development that left Charlie feeling more isolated than ever.
“Did Mamma happen to mention Richard Campbell in her letters, or did she just say I needed sprucing up for Melissa’s wedding?”
“She mentioned a potential suitor but gave no details. Her request was more a general expression of the need to help you acquire a little polish.”
“I expect Mamma put it rather more bluntly than that,” Charlie wryly replied.
Ainsley smiled. “A trifle, perhaps. So, who is Richard Campbell, and why is he a problem?”
“Because he’s my potential betrothed. Ever since Melissa got engaged to Colin MacMillan, Mamma has been seized with the idea that I’m turning into a fusty old spinster. And it is true that I’m perilously close to being on the shelf. The very thought of that fills Mamma with horror.”
Ainsley rolled her eyes. “Nonsense. You’re a lovely young woman who has plenty of time to meet a nice man and fall in love—if that’s what you truly desire.”
