A smile tugged at the corners of Perry’s mouth. He was learning the hard way that his daughter was an inquisitive child. Charlotte recognized that it was unusual for a child to be raised being so close to her parent, and she hoped her husband wouldn’t judge her on the parenting choice. A normal aristocratic family might visit with their children for a small amount of time each day, if that.
Besides the time Aurelia spent with her nurse, Charlotte spent many hours a day reading, gardening, or taking long walks with their daughter. She didn’t intend to stop now that she was a countess. Though the position would entail new responsibilitiesshe would attend to, Charlotte would be ever-present in her child’s life. She only hoped Perry would be open to being just as available.
They had begun their journey at first light that morning to make good time on the road to the city. The servants stayed behind to finish packing and would lag behind with the rest of their luggage. There wasn’t much to take with them. Charlotte and Aurelia had led a simple life in the country. As a comfort to Aurelia, Nurse Ann would follow in the second carriage, as well as Aamina, who would continue to serve as Charlotte’s lady’s maid once they arrived in town. Her attachment and friendship to the maid was obvious even to Perry, who had only known them all for a short time.
“Well, the home is on the banks of the River Fleet, a beautiful spot. It has a splendid ballroom with crystal chandeliers that sparkle?—”
“Will you and Mama have a ball when we arrive?” Aurelia interrupted excitedly.
“Uh, I hadn’t thought of that yet, perhaps?” Perry’s gaze connected with Charlotte’s.
A warm flush gathered in her cheeks at the prospect of entertaining a crowd of London’s finest so soon. It had been a long time since she had been around masses of people and so many watchful eyes. She couldn’t imagine hosting such a huge event. Adjusting to the new life she was beginning would be her first goal.
“We will need time to settle before thinking of hosting any grand celebrations, Aurelia,” Charlotte replied sensibly. She raised a brow at her husband, hoping he would refrain from making any promises.
Perry needed to work on not giving his daughter everything she desired.
The need to see her happy was overwhelming at times, Charlotte understood it well.
Aurelia glanced down at her hands in her lap. “Oh,” she said,her shoulder sagging. “There will be no need for ball gowns, then, I imagine.”
Charlotte gave a small laugh and shook her head. “Not quite. Perhaps in good time, when you are older.”
“Will I be able to attend the ball when you host one?” Aurelia asked, far from finished with her questions.
“Children do not attend balls, sweetheart,” Perry spoke gently.
“May I still get a ball gown?” Aurelia wondered. “Are those not for children either?” Their daughter’s animated blue eyes implored her father. Her brows gathered rather tragically, tugging on Charlotte’s heartstrings.
The countess brought a hand to her mouth to hide her mirth. Poor man. Only a father for a short time, and already, his daughter was wrapping him around her little finger.
“You and your mama can go shopping for all sorts of dresses once we arrive at Wildwood,” Perry promised, chucking her chin with his finger. “You must have all new gowns for your life in the city.”
Their daughter clapped her hands in glee and began to list all the colors of new dresses she would like, with Perry nodding enthusiastically at each word.
Alarmed, Charlotte’s heart picked up its pace as she was reminded of everything she would have to adjust to as a countess and woman living among London’s finer set. All eyes would be on them and she would be a reflection of their family. Frowning, she turned to admire the countryside.
All in good time. She would get there.
First, she had to get comfortable in her new home and make sure Aurelia was well settled. Then, they would go shopping.
It bothered her to have everyone knowing what she was doing, once she resumed the social life she had once been a part of. Perhaps they could have the modiste come to their home, to keep people from talking.
Charlotte shook her head.
Everyone would be talking; there was no escaping that.
The coach jerked suddenly, and Perry was thrown from his seat, bracing himself on either side of Aurelia to prevent crushing her. He gave a painful grunt upon landing. A cry was wrenched from Charlotte’s throat as she was tossed against the wall of the vehicle with a jolt that sent shocks of pain coursing through her. Aurelia landed against her with a soft thud, her mother cushioning her from the worst of the pain.
Dazed, Charlotte blinked as she once again became aware of her surroundings.
A few shouts could be heard coming from outside the carriage.
The horses’ shrill sounds of distress pierced the air as the earth shook beneath them.
The world tilted on its axis, and everyone slid to the side as the carriage came down, shattering the window closest to Charlotte. Her head turned in time, and her arms raised instinctually, protecting her eyes from the projectiles.
Aurelia shook her by the arm, the tears beginning to flow. “What has happened? Mama? Papa?”
