Charlie could imagine one man she could fall in love with. But even under torture, she wouldn’t share that with Ainsley.
“I’ve never really thought about getting married,” she said. “And neither of my parents seemed to care whether I did or not. In fact, Papa always said that he hoped I wouldn’t go running off with some silly fellow, and that he would miss me very much if I did.”
“That’s rather unusual. Most fathers are keen to marry off their daughters.”
“I’m Papa’s favorite, you see. It’s because I’m the oldest, and also because Johnny came along so much later. Papa always wanted a son, but he had to make due with me for quite a long time.”
“I’m sure he dotes on you for your own sake,” Ainsley said in a gentle tone.
“It truly didn’t bother me, because I loved being with Papa. I wanted to be just like him, so I did all the things he did and liked all the things he liked.” She couldn’t hold back a rueful smile. “He’s the one who nicknamed me Charlie, much to my mother’s dismay.”
“It suits you, though,” Ainsley said.
“Melissa says it’s because I’m more boy than girl.”
Ainsley frowned. “That’s rather mean. One need not trick oneself out in the latest styles or simper about like a ninny to be a woman, and a lovely one at that.” She pointed at Charlie. “Which you are, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”
“Thank you,” Charlie replied, suddenly feeling rather shy. “You know, Melissa isn’t truly being mean. The poor thing is terrified I’ll do something dreadful at her wedding, like slurp my soup or inadvertently insult one of the guests. Neither is entirely outside the realm of possibility, I’m afraid.”
Ainsley laughed. “I feel certain that you will not slurp your soup. And as someone who excels at insulting people—often intentionally—you’ll receive no lectures from me on that score.”
Charlie grinned. “I knew I would like you.”
“I hope so, because I am squarely on your side. And speaking of that, why isn’t your father standing up for you?”
“I think it’s partly because of Johnny. He and my father were never very close.” Charlie grimaced. “In fact, Papa used to joke that I was more of a son to him than Johnny was.”
“That was not so wise.”
“I told Papa that more than once, and he would just say he was joking. But I know it hurt Johnny, so I would spend as much time with him as I could, teaching him all the things Papa taught me.” She sighed. “Unfortunately, while he liked to ride, Johnny was never much interested in hunting or fishing, or learning how to manage an estate.”
Ainsley shook her head. “A capital crime to a Highlander.”
“It got worse when he went off to university. He doesn’t seem at all interested in the estate or anything to do with Papa’s business.”
“What is Johnny interested in?”
“Spending money and getting into trouble.”
“So your mother’s solution to these various problems is to marry you off? I’m not sure I follow the logic.”
“Mamma thinks I’ve upset the natural order, and that once I’m gone Johnny will settle down and start taking his responsibilities more seriously.” Charlie shrugged. “To be fair, I don’t think she’s entirely wrong.”
“So your mother’s view has prevailed.”
“I think Mamma has simply worn my father down. And he is worried about Johnny. We all are.”
“Now, tell me about Richard Campbell, and why you don’t wish to marry him.” A surprisingly hard expression transformed Ainsley’s features. “Is he a bad man? Has he tried to importune you in any way?”
Charlie blinked, surprised by the intensity in her voice. “Believe me, if he tried to importune me, he would swiftly come to regret it. I am well able to defend myself.”
More than one boy had tried to take liberties when she was younger, assuming her unconventional behavior meant she would be open to them. She’d soon learned to protect herself by employing a swift uppercut to the jaw or a knee to the privates. In fairly short order, the local lads, as well as those boys whose families came to visit, learned to leave her alone.
Ainsley visibly relaxed. “I’m relieved to hear it. Then, what is wrong with Mr. Campbell?”
“He’s boring and suffers from a terminal lack of imagination.” Charlie shrugged. “Other than that, not much, I suppose. Most girls would probably think him quite the catch, since he comes from a good family and has a very respectable income.”
“But you’re not most girls.”
