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“Sophia!” Charlotte cried when she saw her eldest sister sitting with her mother. “I did not know you were here.”
“Obviously,” said her sister dryly. “Of course, if you dragged yourself from your bed before midday, you would have known.”
Charlotte hugged her eldest sister fiercely. Since Sophia had married, they did not see each other often enough because the rest of the family spent most of their time in the country and Sophia now lived primarily in London. Charlotte looked around the table at her other sisters, Helen, Alice and of course their sister by marriage, Jane. Once she married, Charlotte thought, she would also move away. She would have her own household, and it may or may not be near her family. There was no way to tell what the future would bring. She wanted to savor each precious moment… and each cinnamon bun, she thought. She snagged one and put it on her plate and proceeded to cut it. “I’m glad to see Ruddy left one for me,” she said.
“He didn’t,” Sophia laughed.
“I told Mrs. Muir to make more,” the earl added as he stood for Charlotte’s entrance.
“So Charlotte, have you finally recovered from your night of revelry?” the dowager asked fondly, as Charlotte took her place at the table. The footman brought a fresh pot of tea at Mother’s wish. Some crumpets with jam, along with a plate of meats and cheese were also added to the repast.
“I have, entirely,” Charlotte replied cheerfully, beaming a smile at everyone present. “I suppose I ought to apologize for requiring more time to recuperate than Jane, but I am afraid I have only a mere mortal’s weak constitution.” She feigned swooning.
Lord Keegain laughed at his sister’s antics and then turned toward his wife. “That’s my Jane. Up with the sun.”
“I cannot help myself,” laughed Jane. “I would actually cherish a little extra rest on a morning such as this, but I fear I am wide awake the instant the sun rises.”
“You slept through our morning ride, Charlotte,” Keegain said as he settled at table.
“It was most enjoyable,” Jane said.
“I’m sorry I missed it.” Charlotte lamented.
“Never you mind, Charlotte,” her mother said affectionately. “Do not let them tease you. Helen has only just roused herself as well. There is nothing wrong with a more leisurely morning after such a late night. Such is to be expected. After all, it was a very successful evening, if I am to judge by the small forest of flowers that arrived this morning; both for Helen and for yourself.”
“Helen certainly seemed to overcome her nerves quickly,” Jane commented. “I believe they evaporated the very minute that we set foot within the ballroom.”
“I thought at first that I should faint. I was so nervous as we were announced,” Helen confessed. “But all of you were right, and I was perfectly at ease as soon as the music began. Everyone was so charming and pleasant. Still, I was surprised to receive any flowers at all this morning, as I did not make aparticularnew acquaintance. Not as Charlotte did.”
“Ah yes, Sir John Ashbrooke; the infamous gentleman of two dances,” Lord Keegain said with interest.
“Andhalf an hour of conversation, you must not forget that,” Alice put in. “Helen told me.”
“It could not have been more than a quarter of an hour, really. Part of that time was spent retrieving a cup of lemon water for me.”
“And refreshment too,” Ruddy teased.
Charlotte blushed a little. She was not embarrassed, exactly, but the topic of Sir John Ashbrooke made her feel oddly warm all over. She did not tell her family that he had requested the waltz. There was only so much teasing she was willing to endure.
“I was the very picture of propriety,” Charlotte insisted.
“I should hope so, but do be cautious as to the time you spend with any one suitor. Spending an inordinate amount with one or another at best, will signify your preference and at worst, would be approaching impropriety,” her mother reminded her. “We have been graced with vouchers for Almack’s for the next two Wednesdays. Let us hope that we shall continue to be favored.”
“I think we shall,” said Keegain knowingly.
“What did you think of Sir John Ashbrooke, now that the night has passed and you have had time to think upon the gentleman?” Jane asked.
“I thought he was very pleasant,” Charlotte hedged, taking a small bite of cheese to give herself a little time to collect her thoughts.
“Obviously,” Lord Keegain said with some patience. “I believe we were looking for a little more detail, however.”
“I hardly know how to answer, Ruddy,” said Charlotte honestly. “My first impression was handsome, my second was that he might be insincere.”
“Insincere?” Keegain questioned.
“His compliments were most effusive,” Charlotte explained. “But my third and most lasting impression was that he is a charming and most interesting sort of person. He said that he enjoys shooting,” she a added, taking a sip of tea.
“Oh, Charlotte, did you tell him you shoot as well?” Alice asked.
