Page 3 of The Truth about the Rogue
“I am aware of that, Mama.”
“What I have also come to tell you both is that there are to be no interactions with any gentleman who calls himself a rogue, nor whom thetonfinds disgraceful in any way, do you understand?”
Lillian drew herself up.
“I should never eventhinkto go near to such a gentleman, Mama! I am surprised that you even need to ask me such a thing.”
Lady Morton smiled gently, taking no offense at her daughter’s reaction.
“My dear, you are young and naïve, and I must explain this to you in clear, succinct terms.”
Charlotte frowned.
“Explain what, Mama?”
“That the rogues of London do not always appear toberogues,” her mother said, gently. “There are those in London society who seem to be just as every gentleman ought to be. They are polite, well-mannered, and genteel, and will ask you to dance on occasion. However, given the opportunity, they might well try to pull you into their arms, might try to tug you this way and that, and can risk your reputation in doing so.”
“But I would never give in,” Lillian declared, stoutly, as Charlotte nodded in agreement with her. “I would never permit any gentleman to steal me away from your side when I ought not to.”
“Nor would I,” Charlotte protested, though their mother only smiled and shook her head.
“My dears, you say such a thing at this moment, but you cannot know for certain. What if that gentleman has shown you a great deal of interest? What if his pleas soften your heart? You may say now, at this moment, that you would do nothing, but I can promise you, your heart can be changed very quicklyindeed.” Rather than protest, Charlotte chose to remain silent and consider what her mother had said, even though her desire was to insist that she would never do such a thing as that. She looked to Lillian who was frowning heavily, clearly determining that she would not allow any gentleman to steal her away but choosing, as Charlotte was doing, to keep that to herself for the time being. “I know of three gentlemen that you must not draw near,” their mother continued, still speaking gently. “Lord Remmington, Lord Freetown, and Lord Ponsonby. There are others, I am sure, but for the moment, these three gentlemen are not to be given any of your attention.”
“I understand, Mama,” Charlotte murmured, as Lillian chimed in with an agreement of her own. “I will be careful.”
“Good.” Lady Morton took a breath, then settled back a little more in her chair. “Now, all we must do is wait – and hope – that some gentlemen will come to call.”
Charlotte glanced at her sister, who was looking at her with a slightly arched eyebrow as though questioning whether or not Charlotte would do as both her mother and Lillian herself had suggested and go to change her gown. With a lift of her chin, Charlotte folded her hands in her lap and gazed back steadily at Lillian, refusing to be moved.
“Please, Charlotte!” Lillian exploded in a sudden fit of emotion, waving her hands around wildly. “This is of the greatest importance to me, and you look so pale that you appear unwell! The gown is not suitable, and you know that you have a good many others in your wardrobe. Why will you not change?”
“I do not need to. This is entirely suitable.”
“I am aware that it is suitable, but it does notsuityou,” Lillain exclaimed, just as the tea tray was brought in and set in front of them. “Please, Charlotte. I am aware that any gentlemen who come to call will be coming to see me rather than you, but all the same–”
“Lillian!” Lady Morton exclaimed as Lillain ducked her head, her cheeks flushing hot. “How could you say such a thing to Charlotte?”
“But you know it is true, Mama,” Lillian protested weakly as Charlotte too dropped her gaze, her face hot, though it was with the mortification of being spoken to so, as well as a faint trace of anger which ran through her. “I am not speaking lies.”
Lady Morton lifted her chin.
“You cannot tell one gentleman’s determinations from another, Lillian,” she said firmly, “and nor can you speak with such unkindness! Now, pour the tea and do not say any more of such things. I am displeased with you. If Charlotte wishes to wear that gown, then that is her decision – and if she wishes to read a book rather than attend the fashionable hour, I shall not force the matter. You are both very different creatures and that is quite all right. One is not better than the other, I can assure you, and it is my firm hope that you will each find a gentleman who not only understands the character you are, but also adores everything about you.”
Charlotte smiled at her mother, feeling a sense of relief lift her.
“Thank you, Mama. It brings me great relief to know that you value that in me.”
Her mother smiled back at her.
“Of course I do.”
“Though,” Lillian protested, getting up to pour the tea, “that does still mean that Charlotte must consider how to first garner the attention of such gentlemen, does it not?”
Their mother frowned.
“Lillian.”
“You know what I mean, Mama,” Lillian continued, blithely. “She will not be seen by the gentlemen of London if she does not step out into society!”
