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* * *
Sir John Ashbrookepaid his call to the Keening’s home the next morning, and Lady Charlotte thought he looked both handsome and charmingly uncertain. They sat together in the parlor, although they were hardly alone. Mother, of course, was chaperoning. Charlotte fervently wished for Jane’s more unobtrusive behavior. Her mother, most frustratingly, kept Sir John engaged in conversation for most of his visit and Charlotte was becoming frustrated as she threw subversive glances his way. It appeared that they would have to content themselves with exchanging warm looks across the parlor instead of actually conversing.
Charlotte knew in her mother’s mind, Sir John must prove himself worthy of her, and Charlotte wanted to ease his way.Did that mean that she had decided? Was he the one?Just looking at him made her heart race, but was that enough?Was that love or was it something else?She could not be certain.
Charlotte wanted to be near him. She wanted to share things about herself and learn about him, and mostly she wanted her mother to give them but a moment or two of privacy.
“I am afraid that I must cut my visit short,” Sir John said finally, when it became evident that he would not be afforded any chance at a semi-private conversation with Lady Charlotte.
Charlotte’s face fell, she was sure she could wheedle a moment if she only had a bit more time to do so, but Sir John stood to take his leave.
“I promised my mother that I would accompany her on a visit outside of London,” he continued. “It is a short journey, but I would not care to have her traveling too late in the day.”
“Then you are leaving Town,” Charlotte asked, disappointed.
“Not for long,” Sir John promised. “The air of London does not often seem to agree with my mother.”
“Your solicitude is certainly the mark of a considerate son,” the dowager commented approvingly. “Is your mother unwell?”
John paused. “Unfortunately, my mother’s health has been delicate since my father’s death,” he said.
The dowager’s eyes softened as she listened.
“She has a very strong spirit, but her constitution is not so resilient,” Sir John continued. It is my hope that spending some time outside of the bustle of Town will do her some good.”
“Very wise, I am sure,” the dowager added approvingly. Charlotte once again remembered her brother’s advice: that a man who cared for his mother would care for his wife. She was warmed by the thought.
“If I may be so bold, I thought I might ask Lady Charlotte to join me for a ride in Hyde Park when I return next week? Unless, you would prefer a drive? He let the question stand for a moment before saying, “Am I correct in remembering that you enjoy riding, Lady Charlotte? I too enjoy an outing on horseback. Would that be agreeable?” He included the dowager in his question.
Charlotte looked to her mother, with a sudden buoyancy. She felt like the lackluster visit was salvaged. In Hyde Park, they would certainly be able to speak freely on horseback. She nearly leaped in excitement.
“Oh, please,” Charlotte blurted.
The dowager assented with a stately nod and subtly narrowed eyes at Charlotte’s exuberance.
Charlotte continued on, heedless of her mother’s censuring look at her overly eager tone. “I was thinking only last night that as much as I enjoy the London season, Idomiss the long rides that I am more accustomed to taking when we are in residence at our country estate.”
“I was correct in my remembrance then? Youdoenjoy riding?” Sir John asked with a smile, looking encouraged.
“Goodness, Charlotte is quite mad for riding,” said Alice helpfully. “She badgered Ruddy into bringing her favorite gelding with us to Town.”
“Alice,” the dowager said warningly, and Alice subsided.
“I must take my leave now,” Sir John proclaimed. “Although, the anticipation of our next meeting shall give me solace.” He lingered over Charlotte’s hand as he made his goodbye, as if unwilling to leave her side. Charlotte’s breath caught in her throat as his fingers held hers, just a touch longer than was proper. His deep blue gaze flamed upon her skin. Had they been alone Charlotte was certain he would have taken her in his arms. She was filled with a sudden fervent desire for him to do so.
“I shall await your return,” Charlotte whispered and the warmth of Sir John’s touch lingered long after his departure.
* * *
12
The days passed intolerably slow. Sir John could not help counting their number. Every day he spent unable to enjoy the pleasure of Lady Charlotte’s company now seemed to be an exceedingly dull affair. Even in her absence, she had become a near permanent fixture in his thoughts.
His mother had commented on his distraction with a knowing smile. John denied the source of his preoccupation. Nonetheless he rushed back to London, as soon as he was able, eager for their next planned outing.
He caught himself gazing at Lady Charlotte in genuine admiration, as a groom assisted her in sitting her horse. Her smartly tailored riding habit seemed to suit her every bit as well as her delicately exquisite gowns. She was radiant no matter her attire. With her eyes sparkling from excitement and her cheeks flushed from the brisk breeze, she looked altogether indomitable.
“I am so very glad that you suggested a ride, Sir John, and not anything so sedate as a drive,” Lady Charlotte stated, unaware of the admiration that she was eliciting from the gentleman. “Do you not find that there are times when it becomes simply unbearable to sit still in a carriage?”
