Page 39 of Lady Charlotte and the Lending Library
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“It may be even warmer in here than last week.” Charlotte fanned herself with a new barrel-headed ivory fan as she sat with Edith at a small table in Almack’s supper room. Her mother was at another table in the room, speaking with several acquaintances. Her brother William did not have a voucher for Almack’s. Nor did he want one.
“I think the refreshments are steadily becoming worse as the season goes on,” Edith replied, gazing distastefully at her plate.
Charlotte’s evening dress was also new. A white satin slip, worn under a gown formed of gros de Naples with a fold of satin of Pomona green and white alternately let in, terminating at the feet with a rich flounce of blond lace, headed with a broad border of white roses, appliqued with lilies of the valley. A plume of ostrich feathers in her hair lent a whimsical look to her coiffure. She wore French kid gloves drawn over the elbow, and obligatory white satin slippers.
Louisa stood to one side of the room in a heated conversation with her eldest brother. True to their word, one of Louisa’s brothers was now present at any ton entertainment she attended. A moment later, Louisa’s brother stalked off, and Louisa strolled to where her friends sat, her countenance serene.
“What were you talking to your brother about?” Edith asked, her eyes wide.
Louisa shrugged delicately. “He was telling me I had been rude to Lord Stanley. I was pointing out that I had merely been taciturn, not rude.”
Charlotte laughed. “There is a difference.”
Louisa took a bite of dry cake from the plate in front of Charlotte. She chewed, swallowed, and reached for Edith’s cup of tea. After drinking some tea, she shuddered. “That is awful.”
“The cake or the tea?” Edith asked.
“Both.” Louisa groaned. “How can Almack’s be the best place to meet an eligible mate? You end the evening starved and exhausted. Neither state makes you more desirable.”
“Too true.” Charlotte had to smile. A dreadful night with friends was still a lovely night, after all.
“You know, I think I saw your Lord Ashford,” Louisa commented with a wink, her earlier complaints forgotten. “He was dancing with one of the patronesses. They were talking most earnestly about something.”
“I saw him as well. He was dancing the waltz with Lady Jersey.” Edith grinned. “I was struggling not to stare at the horrible light puce waistcoat of my partner. I glanced around and saw the marquess.”
Lord Ashford had danced the waltz with Lady Sally Jersey. Charlotte was afraid the unpleasant feeling in her stomach was due to jealousy. The marquess might be a hypocrite, but he did enjoy reading. If not for the man feeling the need to criticize her behavior, he was almost too perfect.
“I should return to the ballroom.” She couldn’t hide in the supper room all night. Her decision to return to the dancing had nothing to do with finding out Lord Ashford was at Almack’s. Countess Lieven had already chosen Charlotte’s partner for the next set.
“Edith and I shall accompany you.” Louisa got to her feet.
She looked askance at her friend. “You said there was nothing on earth that could induce you to dance the next set with that squat baron.”
“There isn’t. If the patronesses were to revoke my voucher, I would be extremely pleased. Come along, Edith.” Louisa took the other girl’s arm when Edith got to her feet. “We’re going to circle the ballroom and look for Lord Ashford.”
“This should be amusing,” Edith replied with a giggle. “I foresee your squat baron following us around the room, Louisa. He looked rather taken with you.”
Louisa made an unladylike noise in response as she pulled Edith away.
Charlotte hoped her friends had no idea how excited she was to know the marquess was present in the assembly rooms. Although, unless one of the patronesses chose him as her partner, she wouldn’t be dancing with him.
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Lady Jersey was a tall woman and a skillful dancer. She was not flustered in the least to dance the waltz with him.
“I wonder you do me the honor,” he said with a twist of his lips. “One would think a patroness must observe the young ladies in the room during a waltz.”
She nodded. “But of course. Lady Cowper and Countess Lieven are up to the task.” With a toss of her head, she added, “Your comment about your sister made me as curious as you hoped I would be.”
He had the grace not to refute her statement. “You are known not only for your rapier wit but your intelligence, Lady Jersey. I shall come to the point. Diana is currently in Bath owing to a desire to escape a possible scandal that may erupt when Lady Caroline Lamb publishes her novel.”
The lady missed a step but collected herself quickly. She observed him carefully as she replied, “I will not pretend I don’t share your sister’s concern. I have had intelligence that the author intends to poke fun at many members of the ton.”
“It is my hope that Diana is not important enough to be a character in the book.” He paused. “Do you know of anyone other than Henry Colburn who has access to the novel?”
She shook her head. “I do not. My husband has tried to no avail to bribe the publisher to see it.”
