He moved on to another gentleman, who refused outright, as did the next. By the third rejection, he was growing suspicious.
“I’ve already promised that courteous young lady I’d donate to save the theater, not ruin it,” the hunched Lord Montgomery croaked as he clutched his cane. “I’ll not help build a house of debauchery!” This he said with the added wave of a gnarled finger, reminding Aaron of his tutor during his time at Eaton’s College.
Excusing himself, Aaron moved across the room to where several couples he had yet to meet stood. What young lady had Lord Montgomery meant? It was clear the word “courteous” did not describe Miss Louisa. And given his advanced years, any woman below the age of forty was likely a young lady to him.
As he continued to make the rounds, Aaron’s ire began to grow. Twice more he was rejected for the same reason as Lord Montgomery had given—a mystery lady had spoken to them first.
Could it be Miss Louisa?
As Aaron scanned the room, he realized there was no other explanation. Across the room, Miss Louisa was speaking with one man whilst smiling at another! Apparently, she was using her feminine wiles along with a mixture of carefully crafted words to convince the man that her plan for the theater was better than his.
He downed the remainder of his brandy in one gulp. Whatever game she was playing, he would put a stop to it! This party was a collection of proper and greatly respected gentlemen and certainly not a place for a young lady to flounce about and entice men, no matter their ages!
For a moment, he was tempted to confront her for her behavior but thought better of it. Instead, he crept away to wait for her to leave. Then he would pounce and see her put in her place!
ChapterFive
The timing of Lord Walcott’s party could not have been better as far as Louisa was concerned. She intended to speak to every gentleman in attendance, petitioning them to do their part in saving the theater. Once enough funds were pledged, she would then go to Mr. Barker to inform him that there was no need to sell. At least not to that knight of all people.
After the first hour at the party, Louisa was teeming with confidence. Two men, both likely older than England itself, had spoken at length about the necessity of a theater in Chatsworth. With the promise to donate twenty pounds each, she was well on her way to reaching her goal. What that goal was remained to be seen, but the cost of a theater could not be all that much, could it?
Louisa knew her lack of knowledge when it came to intricacies of business could be a hindrance. As would her limited understanding of men and the inner workings of their minds. After expressing her concerns to Mrs. Rutley, her headmistress had promised to speak to Lord Walcott about lending her a book on the best methods for conducting business.
Well, she had work to do. So, she returned to presenting her idea to the guests.
After three gentlemen in a row politely declined, however, disappointment began to settle on her. With her confidence waning, Louisa considered what to do. The idea of more rejections did not sit well with her. But how could she ensure success?
She paused. There was one strength she possessed on which she could always rely. Flirting. Of course, it had to be done in a respectable manner—she was no harlot to throw herself at any man just to get her way. If she could have gotten the investors without coquetry, she would have chosen that avenue. But what choice did she have? The theater had to be saved. And it was not as if she were making promises that would later place her in hot water.
Having consumed one glass of wine thus far, she chanced taking a second. This time, she took polite sips rather than full gulps as she had done previously. The last thing she needed was to become drunk and make a ninny of herself.
A young man of an age with Louisa approached. He had two prominent front teeth and wild blond hair that looked as if it had never seen a brush. But his smile was hearty, and kindness rolled off him in waves.
“Are you Miss Dunston?” the man asked.
She nodded. “I am.”
“I’m so pleased,” he said with a relieved sigh. “Lord Walcott told me about your endeavor to save the theater.”
“Did he?” Louisa asked with a smile.
“He did, indeed. Oh, my apologies. My name is Rupert Scarsdale. My father is Baron Hollinsworth. I had intended to go to London for the Season but chose to wait another year. After all, why would one wish to endure the continuous rejections?” His smile broadened, and his teeth reminded Louisa of a mule owned by a neighbor near her family home. “At least there are still lovely young ladies such as yourself here in Chatsworth.”
Louisa felt sorry for him. He was unfortunate-looking and would likely catch the eye of few young ladies. What a terrible way for anyone to live.
Well, she had been blessed with comeliness. Perhaps she could use that gift to aid him with his confidence. And if she was able to convince him to help her reach her goal with the theater… well, it would be nothing more than a reward for her benefaction.
“I can assure you, Mr. Scarsdale, that many young ladies will be more than pleased to have you send a card requesting a call.” She lowered her voice and batted her eyelashes. “I know I would.”
He let out a nervous chuckle. “I’ll certainly remember that. And I may just take you up on that offer and send a card to the school.”
School? How did he know she attended the school?
As if reading her thoughts, he added, “Mrs. Rutley and I met earlier.”
Giving him a flirty smile, Louisa rested a hand on his arm. There. Now he would feel better about himself. But it was time to collect her reward. “I would love to tell you about my plans for the Chatsworth Theater.” For several minutes, she repeated her rehearsed speech, just as she had earlier. Upon finishing, she let out a breathy sigh. “Do you think you can help me?”
Flushed to his ears, Mr. Scarsdale nodded. “What a kind gesture on your part. Yes, of course I would like to contribute to the arts. Let’s say ten pounds? I don’t have it on me now, but if you send word when you’ll need to collect it, I’ll see it gets to you.”