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“I promise I will be more careful in the future.”
“Lud! What if you should develop freckles, like Lady Beresford? Can you imagine a more debilitating fate?”
“I shan’t get freckles,” Charity said. “I doubt they are catching, Mother.” Though her cheeks did have more color than usual, Charity thought that the effect made her look bright and exciting. She allowed her mother to call for the application of a soft powder to return her skin to its porcelain hue, but when she began adjusting her daughter’s bodice, Charity rebelled.
“Mother,” she huffed. “We must be off. We are late as it is.”
“Fashionably late,” her mother said.
Charity sighed. “In any case, I am sure, there is little else that can be done to repair my features.”
Charity had meant the words as a witticism, but her mother had only nodded as if resigned to the fate of her daughter’s inadequacy. Charity refused to let her Mother bother her tonight. She was strangely filled with elation. It was going to be a wonderful evening. She just knew it. It was the opening ball! Everyone would be there. Charity could hardly contain her excitement, and even her mother’s diatribe could not dispel her happy mood.
Charity expressed an interest in speaking with her father before they went out for the evening, but her mother informed her that he had been abed for several hours.
“Oh, no! But he so loves when I show him my dress before we depart, and this one is so very beautiful.” She twirled around to show it off.
“I know, but your father has not been feeling well,” Mother said. “I am afraid the miracle of the waters has not set in yet.”
“Oh but it will,” Charity said. “I know it shall.”
Lady Shalace nodded. “I do hope so.”
Charity was sad to leave without her father’s words. It was not often that she ventured to an event without his approval and advice. Today, more than any other, she had wished to speak with him. Still it could not be helped and at least her father might have his rest.
Charity descended the stairs andfound Mr. James Poppy waiting in the parlor. Charity had known him for ever so long, as had her family.
They had played together and called one another cousin from the time they were children, but she hadn’t seen him, or any of the Poppy family since last summer.
“James,” she said, hurrying to greet him. “I haven’t seen you in an age. How are you?”
“Very well, cousin. I have come to escort you and The Countess to the ball. I must say you look particularly lovely this evening.”
“Thank you, James.” Charity said and she asked after his family and sisters.
“They will be at the ball, I assure you,” he said. “Francesca was fair bursting with excitement. It is her first time at an evening event.”
Charity laughed thinking that it was hard to believe young Francesca was of an age to come to an event like the opening ball in Bath. “And is your father escorting your mother and sisters?”
“Yes,” he replied, “Along with my brother.”
“Your brother? Michael is in Bath?” She laughed. “Has there been a fire in London that I have not heard tell of? Has his townhouse burned to the ground?” Charity enjoyed teasing the Poppy brothers about their peculiar ways. “I thought he must love the smell of London in the summer.”
James laughed. “He has indeed joined us here in Bath for the summer. Father insists he take a bride. He is not pleased.”
“Why ever not? A man of quality must ever be searching for a wife.”
James just shook his head. “My brother is a strange and moody man,” James said. “He abhors fun.”
“Perhaps we might change that,” Charity suggested.
James Poppy raised a dubious eyebrow.
Michael Poppy was a resolute bachelor who preferred to be left to himself. In fact, Charity very much doubted that he took any enjoyment in social engagements. It was his serious nature that led him so. Every action or reaction must have a purpose and, unless with good cause, frivolous socializing was beyond his ability to justify. Charity had always thought this strange because his younger brother and sisters were all very open and friendly. Though the Poppy ladies preferred their quaint life on the country estate, they were always thrilled to mingle with the crowds of London or Bath when given the opportunity.
“And what of you, cousin? Are you searching for a wife?” Charity asked.
“I may have my eye on a certain lady,” he said enigmatically.
