Page 17 of To Woo a Wicked Widow

“It is a wonderful plan, my dear.” Jane beamed at her. “But the problem remains where to have this party? Gentlemen’s clubs have particular buildings in which to meet. We are five women without property.”

Charlotte smiled broadly. “That is not exactly true. Have you forgotten Lyttlefield Park?”

“Ah! Yes, you were speaking of it when I entered. I had forgotten you inherited it. Well done, my dear.” Jane softly applauded.

Fanny leaned forward. “What on earth is Lyttlefield Park?”

“One of my father’s unentailed estates that served as part of my marriage settlement. It is in Kent, just beyond Kingsdown.”

The hum of soft voices threatened to drown her out as the other women broke into an animated exchange.

Charlotte had to clear her throat to get their attention. “I had been thinking to remove there permanently when we quit this town house, if you agree, Jane. However, we can open it early and make it ready to receive guests within a few weeks’ time. This morning we shall make a list of the gentlemen with whom we wish to become better acquainted so I can issue the invitations. Lyttlefield Park will be the perfect place to relax and demonstrate our numerous charms.”

The chattering that ensued resembled a gaggle of geese in a cornfield. Charlotte had to wait for the noise to subside again before asking, “Which eligible men shall we invite?”

Four sets of eyes stared at her expectantly.

Drat! Had they all read that silly scandal rag? Very well, she would turn the attention elsewhere. “Jane, you were talking to Mr. Abernathy for a good bit of the evening. Are you perhaps interested in him with an eye to matrimony?”

“I told you last night, Charlotte, I will never marry again. I am, however, very interested in Mr. Abernathy.” Jane leaned back and licked her lips, a smile curling the ends of her mouth. “By all means, invite him.”

Charlotte wanted to roll her eyes; still, she could hardly throw stones after her own performance last night and her resolve to remain unmarried. She held her tongue and moved on.

“Fanny? Your choice?”

“Well,” Fanny couldn’t repress a self-satisfied smile, “I renewed my acquaintance with the Earl of Lathbury last evening. We both attended Lady Beaumont’s masquerade. I think we would suit, certainly for the weekend.” She laughed, and her face became livelier than Charlotte had ever seen it. “Indeed I hope it lasts longer. He’s a Corinthian, but I rather enjoy the horses and the hunting parties. I’m a woman who doesn’t want to live in her husband’s pocket.” Her face lost all animation. “The less I knew about Stephen’s comings and goings toward the end, the better off I was.”

Fanny’s lips pressed into a thin line, then she seemed to make herself relax and resumed her report on Lathbury. “We danced once, but he lingered, and after the unmasking we talked for a bit. Recalling old times.” She paused, then blurted out, “He’s very . . . big.”

Charlotte’s jaw dropped and the other ladies burst into giggles. Fanny’s face had turned bright red. Lord, how many of us have the same thing on our minds? And not necessarily marriage.

To cover her embarrassment, Charlotte fetched paper and pen from her travel desk. “All right.” She sat and began her list. “Mr. George Abernathy, the Earl of Lathbury.” She paused and looked at Elizabeth and Georgina expectantly.

Georgina immediately looked guilty and hung her head.

“Has anyone taken your fancy, Georgina?” Charlotte asked gently. Her friend looked as if ready to bolt at the idea. “Someone you would like to know better?”

After several moments, Georgie nodded, and whispered, “Jane introduced me to Lord Fernley at Lady Gresham’s when we called the other day. He seemed kind.”

“Well, that’s a start.” Charlotte tried to sound encouraging, although Georgie obviously had not the slightest interest. “Shall I ask him down? You’ve spoken to him, so he won’t seem a total stranger, and there will be others at the house party you likely know as well.”

A curt nod of Georgie’s head and Charlotte jotted down Fernley’s name.

“Now, Elizabeth.” Charlotte tried to infuse her voice with enthusiasm, but the stricken look on her friend’s face made her feel like a torturer. “Have you someone you would like me to invite, dearest?”

Elizabeth shook her head. “I simply have not got my spirits up sufficiently to want to meet anyone else, Charlotte. I am sorry. I think it best if I not attend the house party this time.”

“Nonsense. There must be someone you have met whom you would like to know better.”

“Can I have you invite my brother?” Georgina asked excitedly.

Charlotte cocked her head. “Your brother? Why would you want to bring your—”

“For Elizabeth.”

A rosy flush spread upward from Elizabeth’s neck. “Georgie, you don’t need to do that.”

Georgina grasped Elizabeth’s hands and smiled gleefully. “But don’t you see, it will help me too. I’ll know someone and feel more comfortable around all these strange men.”