In fairness, Theo had never intended to bring her to the spring meeting at all. He had merely called at Tolliver House that morning on some errand for Hetty, mentioned the races within Lottie’s hearing, and found himself outmanoeuvred before he had finished his tea. Lady Tolliver, hearing there might be eligible gentlemen present, had surrendered almost at once. Theo, remembering certain recent events in the country and looking uncomfortably guilty about them, had surrendered soon after.
Thus Lottie had been carried off to Danebrook Park under strict instructions to remain in the Langley box, speak to no unsuitable men, and avoid anything that might be described as “spirited.” She had, naturally, accepted these terms with no intention of keeping them.
The sponsor’s enclosure gleamed across the green, all white canvas, polished boots, and masculine privilege.
“You know,” Lottie said, angling her parasol, “you might enjoy yourself rather more if you joined the Morleighs in the sponsor’s tent.”
Theo did not look up from his racecard. “And abandon you to your own devices? I may as well toss a match into a powder keg and be done with it.”
“You wound me. But very well—if you are determined to suffer my company, why don’t I accompany you?”
“No.”
“But the Duchess of Morleigh is my sister.”
“No.”
She pouted. “Why not?”
He gave her a look of contrition. “It is not done, Charlotte, as you are perfectly aware. Enough of this nonsense. No.”
“Oh, come now, Theo. I should sit beside Georgie, drink lemonade, and offer not a single remark more scandalous than a compliment upon a bonnet. I swear upon it. Mama needn’t know.”
“That tent might have a few gentle ladies drinking lemonade,” Theo said flatly. “But it is filled with elderly gentlemen drinkingbrandyand making remarks not fit for mixed company.”
“And yet married women may hear such remarks?”
“They may,” Theo said stiffly, “because married women are presumed to be more established. They are shielded by their husbands.”
“Ah,” Lottie said, enlightenment dawning with theatrical force. “So matrimony provides armour against the ills of men?”
“In a manner of speaking.”
“How splendid. Once a woman’s virtue has been compromised under lawful supervision, she may hear anything she likes.”
Theo closed his eyes.
“It is quite ludicrous,” she continued. “Do you truly imagine there is anything in that tent I have not heard before?”
“That is not the point, Charlotte.”
“Then pray enlighten me—what is the point?”
“Thepointis how you are perceived.” His voice lowered. “And whether you like it or not, your reputation does not belong to you alone. It touches your family. Your younger sisters. Every future match you and they might hope to make.”
Lottie bit the inside of her cheek until the sharpness passed, before sighing. “Well. It is very tiresome being a young lady of noble birth.”
“It is infinitely more tiresome being responsible for one. I feel at any moment you shall jump the fence and gallop away with the nearest gentleman who so much as smiles at you.”
“Oh, do calm yourself,” she said sweetly. “I have no intention of galloping across the lawn. Not unless I am properly mounted.”
Theo choked outright upon his drink. “Charlotte.”
“What?”
“You know very well what.”
“Honestly, Theo. You know how exceedingly fond I am of a vigorous ride. A fine, spirited creature beneath one, a firm hand required to guide it, just enough wildness to make the effort worthwhile—“
