“Because you never lack for dance partners.”
“I daresay that you are reading entirely too much into this,” Charles said. “I just want to be alone for a moment.”
“As you wish,” Brixton said, “but I shall be back after this next set.”
Charles watched as Brixton disappeared into the crowd before heading towards the veranda. As he stepped outside, he saw the full moon lit up the gardens. He started walking along one of the footpaths, coming to a stop in front of a pond situated in the rear of the property.
He sat down on the iron bench and watched as a frog hopped off a lily pad into the water. He leaned back against the bench and sighed. He had a life that most people would be envious of, but he was tired of pretending all was well. He wanted more than his lonely existence.
What was wrong with him? This ball was to celebrate his brother and sister-in-law’s marriage, but it only seemed to remind him that he was alone. He wanted a wife who challenged him and made him a better man. He had seen what Ellie had done for Roswell, and he wanted that, as well.
The sound of leaves rustling above him drew Charles’s attention. He glanced up and saw a young woman sitting on a large branch. She was pretty enough, with her oval face, fair skin, and deep-set eyes. Her shiny brown hair was piled atop her head, though a few strands had escaped and curled against her cheeks.
He rose from his seat and stepped closer to the tree. “Whatever are you doing up there?” he demanded.
She muttered something incoherent under her breath. “Would you mind pretending that you didn’t notice me?”
“I’m afraid I cannot do that.”
“Why not?”
“You are in a tree, dressed in a ball gown,” Charles said. “I’m afraid I find myself most curious about how you arrived there.”
“That is simple,” she replied. “I climbed.”
“In a ballgown?”
The young woman shrugged. “It isn’t much different than climbing trees in an afternoon gown.”
“I take it that you climb trees all the time, then.”
“Not all the time,” she replied, “just when the situation warrants it.”
He gave her a curious look. “And this situation warranted it?”
“It did.”
“Would you care to expand on that?”
She let out a puff of air. “If you must know, I was walking in the gardens and I slipped,” she confessed, smoothing down her white gown. “I landed in some mud and soiled my gown.”
“Your dress doesn’t appear ruined to me.”
“That is because it is on the back of the dress.”
He put his hands up. “What is your plan exactly?” he asked. “Do you intend to stay in the tree all night?”
The young woman glanced helplessly in the direction of the townhouse. “Eventually, my mother will come looking for me, and she will be able to help me.”
“In what way?’
“I am not entirely sure.”
Knowing he was duty bound to help this young woman, Charles asked, “Would you care for me to go inform your mother of your precarious situation?”
She shook her head, causing the curls to sway back and forth. “I think not.”
“Is there a reason why?”
