Once they were released, Benedict fell back in line with her and they quietly observed the dance floor. If either of them had anything rotten to say to the other, then it was best kept under wraps so as to avoid the ire of Mary Ann. She was positively bothersome, which is how Charlotte had always known she’d make a fantastic mother.
“Oh, my,” Charlotte smiled as her gaze settled on Lord Gouldsmith, a well-known rake. He was indeed very honeyed, his bed attracting an astonishing number of thetoninto his grasp. It was very easy for a young lady to fall for a handsome face, but Charlotte likened herself to be completely immune to such charms.
That is, until she noticed the man shooting him a stern look. His gaze was so intense, it caused Charlotte to choke back a laugh. Benedict glanced at her warily, but couldn’t tell what had made her laugh, a sentiment that seemed all the more distressing.
The man that stood opposite Lord Gouldsmith was perhaps the most handsome man that Charlotte had ever laid her eyes on. He was tall, broad-shouldered, his brown hair softly coiled and his brown eyes intense and unfaltering. She was immune to the charms of marriage, but that didn’t mean that she was immune to the other charms a man might possess. It was best though to never get entangled in such matters. Even a fleeting look was an invitation too far to these rakes.
The young lady was positively simpering under Lord Gouldsmith’s gaze. Beside her and the handsome man stood a woman so divinely similar in countenance that Charlotte could only assume she was the lady’s mother. She didn’t seem aware of the rumors either. Lord Gouldsmith had a penchant for attracting the attention of debutantes who were unaware of his desires.
“Is that…oh goodness, thatisLady Catherine.” Charlotte turned to offer a mischievous grin at her siblings. “I simply must offer my greetings.”
Charlotte began walking away, but after a few steps, it became clear that her siblings were aware that her attentions were turned elsewhere.
“Oh no,” Arabella whispered.
“Come back this instant!” Benedict had tried to whisper, but Charlotte was too far away nor did she care to take any heed whatsoever.
She had to rescue this poor debutante. It was her duty.
* * *
It had been a while since William had been surrounded by theton. It had been best that way because now that he was back, he had noticed well-meaning, yet patronizing looks that were thrown his way. William didn’t like a lot of things, but most of all he hated pity. The thought that someone might think less of him because of what happened burned. Maybe if it were his choice, then perhaps he wouldn’t feel such shame with each passing look. It wasn’t though. None of this was his doing and that made it feel all the more pathetic.
William brushed off the looks and returned his attention to his younger sister Lavinia. She was debuting this season and as excited as could possibly be. Despite marriage being wrought with complications and anguish, she still retained such naivete and elation. Maybe she didn’t know better or maybe she was just luckier than he was. Her dream was to marry well and so it was his dream to help her make such a match happen.
“Do you know him?” Lavinia turned her attention towards a man walking their way.
William sighed. “Ah.” It was all he could say because he was surprised to see his acquaintance from college, Arthur, who was the Earl of Gouldsmith. Of course, he didn’t want his sister to marry down in rank, but he especially didn’t want his sister marrying someone with such bad intentions. In fact, it wasn’t his plan to marry. Lord Gouldsmith was attracted to all the benefits of marriage without making a commitment. Every season he vied for the debutantes. This was, however, bold of him, considering how well William knew of him. “Good evening,” William said to his acquaintance. “It has been some time since I last saw you.”
“My condolences,” Arthur said, turning back to William. “I heard of the news of your broken engagement. I truly thought Miss Dawkes and you were meant to be.”
William narrowed his brows, annoyed at the way he had phrased it, and even more annoyed that he brought it up. His mother shot him a sympathetic look. Everyone around him thought he was broken, and it was mortifying, considering that he felt just as bad.
William couldn’t help but grit his teeth before flashing an unbothered smile. “And you? Have you had better luck securing a betrothed?”
Arthur laughed lightly, shaking his head, but the hungry gaze he budgeted for Lavinia was painfully obvious. She seemed at least curious, and he couldn’t blame her. He appeared to be a perfect gentleman. He turned back, looking expectantly at William. He desired an introduction, but William was in no mood to be accommodating. He placed his hands behind his back, widened his stance, and attempted to make his boundaries clear.
Arthur bowed. “Your son has always sought to vex me since our college days,” he nodded, regarding William’s mother. “Allow me to take the liberty of introducing myself. I am Arthur, Earl of Gouldsmith.”
She smiled and curtsied. “Pleasure to meet you. And since my son is too inflexible to be of assistance, allow me to introduce my eldest daughter, Lady Lavinia Humphries.”
His sister bowed, holding up her wrist. Arthur kissed it, his lips lingering a moment longer than desirable.
“I must reserve a dance with you. You are positively bewitching.” His smile looked genuine, his eyes glittering with sincerity. He was telling the truth, but that was not what William was worried about.
Lavinia blushed, shaking her wrist as demurely as possible to bring his attention to the dance card that hung like an ornament on a tree. He smirked, penning his name in the booklet and gently brushing her inner wrist when he released her hand.
“How interesting,” a voice said. “You must be careful not to fully book yourself so early in the evening.”
William couldn’t help but snicker even before he turned his head. The woman beside him was perhaps a bit plain looking, but something about her, maybe her feathery brown hair, or her impish green eyes gave him pause. She smiled, her soft lips parting, revealing a gap in her teeth that was as charming as it was unique. Perhaps she wasn’t so plain after all. Before he could even figure out exactly what he was feeling, a warmth fluttered up his chest and a thrilling rush trailed the back of his neck.
“I am sorry?” Arthur turned to the woman, who had come up to them without so much as an introduction completely unprovoked. Cheeky of her.
“Lady Charlotte Elkins,” she curtsied. “I just mean to say that you seem ratherbewitchedby nearly every woman here tonight. Am I wrong to assume?”
Arthur recoiled, glancing at Lavinia whose focus was glued to the mysterious stranger. “Well…well with so much beautiful company it is…”
“Of course,” Charlotte smiled. “I heard you making plans to meet in the study later with a young lady. All innocent I presume, so I imagine you will take a moment to peruse the shelf and see if there is a book that may entertain me tonight. It would be greatly appreciated. The company seems…” she paused, eyeing Arthur. “Well, some of it seems rather dull.”