Page 32 of Lady Charlotte and the Lending Library
“How fares the redoubtable Thorne’s Lending Library?” the marquess asked.
“The shop is still trading,” she replied and added hesitatingly, “When I saw you at Morgan’s Library, I was there to ask Mr. Colburn which women writers were selling at present. Because of your advice, I asked Mrs. Thorne to display books written by female novelists.”
Lord Ashford merely replied, “I do hope it might help your library to remain open.” He said nothing about his reasons for being at the shop himself.
She instantly regretted speaking about Morgan’s Library. The marquess’s expression was not as open as before, and his attention was now squarely on his dog. Still nervous about broaching the subject of William’s pranks at school, the silence between them lengthened as she searched for another topic of conversation.
“Something odd occurred last evening, Lord Ashford. It may be nothing, but a surly-looking man was loitering outside Thorne’s. I think he wanted to intimidate anyone going into the shop.”
“Did he speak to you?” he asked, his attention returning to her, his voice sharp.
She shook her head. “He didn’t look at me or speak to me. I didn’t mention it to Mr. Thorne; I didn’t want to upset his wife.”
“I have an appointment near Berkeley Square this afternoon and would be happy to visit the library today to see if the man is still lurking outside the shop.” He gave her a reassuring smile. “I’m sure he won’t be.”
“It is fortuitous that we have a moment to speak privately.” The marquess’s smile had helped alleviate some of her nervousness about asking him about William’s pranks at school. “My brother told me you helped him out of a scrape at Eton.”
“Did he tell you anything else?” The marquess took the bundle of rags from his waiting dog and threw it again.
“It has been brought to my notice that there are nasty rumors about my brother’s time at Eton.”
Lord Ashford replied, “I haven’t heard those rumors.”
“William was suspected of playing pranks on older students. My brother said he was indeed coerced by bullies into doing some things he regrets.” She forged on, “William has a bit of a weak character and is easily led astray. I’m concerned something else happened at Eton that he didn’t tell me about.”
Lord Ashford sighed. “Lady Charlotte, it pains me to tell you this, but when I encountered your brother playing what he calls a prank on another student at Eton, it appeared as if he was stealing from the person instead.”
She put a hand over her mouth. The truth was worse than she’d imagined.
“I caught him in my friend’s room with a stolen pocket watch in one hand,” the marquess said gently before returning his attention to Chloe.
Charlotte shook her head several times. Dropping her hand, she replied, “Oh no! That can’t be. William is not a thief.”
The Maltese returned with her toy. This time Lord Ashford didn’t throw the bundle of stockings. He pocketed it, bent down, and attached a leash to the dog’s collar.
“I’m merely telling you what I saw, Lady Charlotte. I am sorry if I have distressed you. Perhaps your brother can explain why he was in Lord Cecil’s room holding the gentleman’s pocket watch.” He gave a shallow bow and nodded to Louisa. “I must return home. Good day.”
When the marquess was gone, Louisa walked back to Charlotte’s side and took one of her hands in her own.
“What did Lord Ashford say to you?” Louisa asked, her forehead furrowed. “You look unwell.”
“He said my brother is a thief.” She felt tears threaten. “Lord Ashford thinks my brother is a thief.”
Charlotte had been so shocked by the thought of William stealing from his classmates she hadn’t thought to confront Lord Ashford about his sister’s conduct. It distressed her to realize she cared what the marquess thought of her family. She felt oddly deflated by the censure in Lord Ashford’s voice. He had judged her and William and found them wanting.
* * * * *
When Lady Charlotte looked up at him in the park, Ashford felt like the finest man in England simply because he’d taken in a homeless dog. It irritated him to think Nathaniel was right. He was indeed fascinated by the lady. By her voice, her scent. They drew him in like a siren’s call. Her unconventional behavior should deter him, not attract him.
Lady Charlotte. The expression on her face when he’d told her about her brother being a thief had reflected shock. He didn’t think she was acting. She didn’t have the experience to dissemble so effortlessly.
The more he thought about the meeting in the park, the more he wondered if the ladies had planned on seeing him there. He rather thought they had. Lady Louisa was not a skillful liar. Neither woman was.
Ashford believed Lady Charlotte was a reckless young woman, but she was also steadfast and loyal. He doubted her brother had such redeeming qualities.
Despite telling his friends he was done helping Lady Charlotte and her friends, he would venture by the lending library and see if Charlotte’s ‘surly’ man was outside the shop. He told himself it was because he was bored. And if James Landry was involved, he should not be allowed to intimidate shopkeepers.
When he arrived in Berkeley Square, Ashford positioned himself outside the entrance to Thorne’s Lending Library.
