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Chapter 12
Charlotte was now sitting beside Lord Hanbrooke, laughing and discussing the little things of society that were so often deemed important—things that Mary cared nothing for. And while Charlotte went on and on about the frivolity of London, Mary tried to hold herself together and not express her dismay at the turn of events.
She and Sarah were both quiet while Lord Woodhall appeared rather perturbed by the incident. Lord Hanbrooke was rather polite, and Mary tried to discern if he was interested in Charlotte, or if he was merely trying to be a polite guest now that Lady Rachel had insisted that they enjoy an afternoon including Charlotte.
“I thought you may like to know that I have begun reading the book you recommended,” Charlotte said.
Mary perked up, staring wide-eyed at Charlotte. She was bothered to hear this, more than she cared to admit. Lord Hanbrooke had recommended a book to her? Had his conversations with Charlotte been similar to those he had with Mary? Perhaps Mary had been wrong to think that he had some interest in her. Maybe he was just as interested in Charlotte.
“Oh, I fear I cannot recall which one I suggested,” he replied, looking curious. Mary was relieved that at least he didn’t remember. It couldn’t have been all that important to him, could it? Surely he would know the book to which she was referring if he had any stake in the matter.
“You recommendedA Lovers Taleby Colin Hamilton,” Charlotte replied with a girlish laugh.
At this, Mary smiled to herself in relief. That book was the same drivel which she knew Lord Hanbrooke had no interest in. If he had recommended it to Charlotte, that meant he sensed she was not the sort of woman to understand deeper literature.
“Ah, yes, I recall,” he replied, looking embarrassed. Mary wondered if he felt bad for having suggested it, particularly now that he had been caught amongst them all for having told her she would like it. It said a lot about his opinion of Charlotte.
But when Lord Hanbrooke looked at Mary, she couldn’t help biting her lips to stop herself from laughing. He blushed in reply and looked down. It was clear, however, that Charlotte believed it to be a point of bonding and she leaned forward, closer toward Lord Hanbrooke, and batted her lashes.
“I find it a most exquisite novel. The writing is beautiful, and the characters hold such depth,” she said.
Lord Hanbrooke cleared his throat and leaned slightly away.
“I am glad that you think so,” he replied. His discomfort was noticeable and Mary was relieved that he didn’t seem the least bit swayed by Charlotte. She had truly wondered if he might be, as so many men were. After all, she was beautiful and feline and had all the graces known to English women.
But he didn’t seem to care for any of it. There was something about Lord Hanbrooke that was so different.
“Anyway, I am glad that you suggested I read it,” Charlotte continued.
“Yes, I am glad you are fond of it,” he replied.
A moment later, Lady Rachel appeared once more, and Mary’s brief moment of mirth vanished.
“Lord Hanbrooke, perhaps my daughter can show you and Lord Woodhall around the garden. Mary, I need to speak with you,” she said.
Mary nodded dutifully and stood to follow Lady Rachel. She knew that she was in trouble but found that there was a sense of rebellion in her heart. She wanted the opportunity to enjoy this day and to be near to Lord Hanbrooke.
She liked him very much and was embittered by the fact that she was not being allowed the freedom to get to know him without the interruption of Charlotte.
Lady Rachel led Mary inside the house and to the library. Although it was most often a place she loved to go, Mary knew that this was going to be a punishment and that she would not be allowed to return to the party for quite some time.
“Mary, do you know why I have brought you here?” Lady Rachel asked.
“I cannot be certain,” Mary replied. She did know that it had to do with the fact that she had allowed Lord Hanbrooke to sit with her before he spoke with Lady Rachel and Charlotte. And she suspected that it was because Charlotte wanted so badly to get the attention of the Duke.
But Mary was not going to give her stepmother the satisfaction of answering these things. She preferred to pretend as if she didn’t know and leave it to Lady Rachel to have to say the ridiculous explanation aloud.
“It is because I have grown rather tired of your attempts at subterfuge. You must not put such effort into preventing Charlotte from finding happiness. I am sure that you have noted how Lord Hanbrooke looks at her and the way he cares about her, but that only makes it far worse that you tried to keep him away from her today.
I can only imagine what he must think of you after you tried to keep him at bay like that,” Lady Rachel said.
Mary took a deep breath and tried to remain calm. She couldn’t understand why Lady Rachel was making it sound as though Mary had intentionally been keeping Lord Hanbrooke away from Charlotte when all she had really done was be polite and invite him to sit with her.
She tried to remember if she really had invited him. Had it not been Lord Woodhall who made the suggestion? Or was she remembering it incorrectly?
Either way, there had been no subterfuge. She had simply been kind to Lord Hanbrooke and there was nothing wrong with that; it was expected of her. She would have been in terrible trouble if she had been rude to him when he was so important to the family. Lady Rachel would have been furious if Mary had been rude because that behaviour would have reflected upon the whole family.
And yet, this was another time when Mary simply could not win, and she knew it. There was nothing she could do right at this moment.
