Page 14
Book 1 Chapter 5
“How long do you intend to stay in Hertfordshire, General?”
“A few more weeks yet Miss Lucas. May I say that the colour of that dress suits you. Very pleasing.”
Charlotte flushed at the somewhat forward words of a man older than he father. General Sir Reginald Forster was tall man, no trace of a belly, pale cheeks and rich silver hair. He did not have the face or the body of a drinker, in fact there was the touch of an aesthete about him. He looked like he could still lead soldiers into battle. In fact, Charlotte thought he looked in better shape, and had more of an air of command, than his son.
“Thank you, General. Many of the ladies in the district used the recent wedding as an excuse for a new dress.”
He smiled.
“My late wife never missed an opportunity to shop for a new dress. There was one month where every Wednesday was an excuse for a new dress.”
He smiled, his gaze distant as the memories flooded back.
“Sorry, Miss Lucas. My mind was elsewhere for a moment.”
“I understand sir. Forgive me asking, but has it been many years?”
“More than a decade now. The Colonel is the youngest of three and he had barely reached his majority when she passed. It was flu, we both got it but she never recovered.”
He shook his head, like a dog shaking off the water.
“Enough of my maudlin thoughts. I release you from talking to this old rogue. There are younger men who will wish to gain your attention.”
It was Charlotte’s turn to laugh, almost a scoff.
“Sadly that is not the case.”
“Why on earth not? You are a lovely young filly.”
Charlotte was startled and the General winced.
“Sorry Miss Lucas, that was poorly done. I have been a lonely old widower too long and have spent too much time in the company of my peers.”
“I am not offended sir. I will admit to surprise but not offence. Sometimes it is nice to hear an unforced compliment.”
“You deserve more. But I will not be an inappropriate old flirt, however much I am tempted.”
Charlotte Lucas was well out of her depth. She was unused to any man, especially so distinguished a gentleman, repeatedly complimenting her. She found she thoroughly enjoyed the experience. She looked around, they were standing in the drawing room of Lucas Lodge with friends and family all about them, just none happened to be close by. She took the biggest chance of her life.
“I am unused to being a temptation.”
She took a deep breath, it was now or never.
“I will not complain about the compliments from a gentleman, a distinguished gentleman.”
His initial smile faded slightly and Charlotte was petrified she had acted inappropriately. She knew she had acted inappropriately but had hoped the General would indulge her.
“I really am a rogue Miss Lucas. You should not tease an old man, however distinguished.”
She smiled.
“A temptation and a tease. It is an evening of firsts for me tonight. I do not think I have ever flirted before. Should I go three for three?”
He laughed heartily.
“You just did. What to call you? I know, a minx. Four for four?”
