Page 25 of Lady Charlotte and the Lending Library
The woman waved a languid hand. “Not I but my daughter. She is often at Hookham’s.”
This was Charlotte’s chance. How to speak glowingly of Thorne’s without alienating Lady Julia? “Hookham’s is a lovely establishment. I frequent Thorne’s Lending Library, although it is less fashionable. Its location near Gunter’s and Hyde Park is ever so nice.”
She heard a soft squeal, and the young lady Julia had been talking to earlier hurried over. “Thorne’s Lending Library? My brother Nathaniel is to take me there very soon. Lady Cairs told him it is the place to meet interesting young people of our set.”
“I’m Lady Charlotte, and this is my friend Lady Edith. We are often at the lending library. It would be lovely to see you there.” Charlotte smiled at the young woman, ignoring Lady Julia’s scowl.
The girl dropped a shallow curtsy. “And I’m Miss Alicia Tilford. It is wonderful to meet you.”
Alicia had a pleasant face and easy manners. The orange blossom scent she wore was as joyful as her countenance.
“If Nathaniel believes you should go to Thorne’s, I will be happy to accompany you, Alicia.” Lady Julia had shown no interest in the conversation until Miss Tilford mentioned her brother.
Charlotte was thrilled Lady Cairs had indeed told others about Thorne’s. There were two other young women present, and soon the entire party was chatting about upcoming activities of the season, ignoring their tea almost entirely.
She thought Julia didn’t look pleased with having to share Alicia with Edith and herself, but Charlotte didn’t much care. The grasping Julia could have Nathaniel all to herself. She was only concerned with saving her beloved library, not with finding a husband.
“Well done!” Edith said to Charlotte when they were on their way home in the town coach. “Miss Tilford and her brother will look in at the library next week.”
The other two young women at the tea had made vague references to visiting Thorne’s.
She nodded. “Alicia suggested Wednesday afternoon. I believe she mentioned her brother was a baron.”
“Lady Julia has obviously set her cap for Alicia’s brother,” Edith replied with a giggle and then sobered. “She was not especially nice to us.”
Charlotte sighed. “No, she wasn’t. I do like Miss Tilford, although she talks a lot and seems rather flighty.”
“Most people think I’m flighty,” Edith replied softly, clasping her hands in her lap.
“You are kind to everyone. You also have the sweetest laugh and smile.” She paused to reach across the carriage and pat Edith’s cloth-covered knee. “If that is considered flighty, then we all should be so!”
Edith beamed at Charlotte’s words, her customary cheery mood again in evidence. “Oh, Charlotte, you are such a good friend. You are also too kind. I hope your brother knows what a wonderful sister he has.”
She sobered at the change of topic.
“I wish William would find a worthy activity to occupy his time. He has finished at school and seems content to meander through life.” She shook her head, a groan passing her lips. “Father doesn’t engage William in the running of the estate in Kent. I worry my brother will find no direction in life.”
“He does appear to worship Lord Ashford,” Edith replied thoughtfully. “Perhaps the marquess could help your brother find a vocation.”
Charlotte clapped her hands together. “That is an excellent idea, Edith! But how to get them together? William is not one to put himself forward. He acts as if he is ashamed of something.”
“There was a rumor at Eton...” Edith looked down at the hands in her lap and bit her lip.
With her heart in her throat, she asked, “Concerning William?”
Edith nodded. Looking up, she replied, “According to Louisa, your brother was browbeaten into playing pranks on older students. Nothing too serious, I believe.”
She must speak to William and find out what he’d been up to at Eton. Would her brother tell her the truth about the rumors?
Once Edith was returned home, Charlotte returned to her family’s townhouse in Hanover Square. The sky was full of dark clouds, and she hurried into the townhouse as a brisk wind tore at her skirts and bonnet.
Her mother was seated in the parlor when Charlotte entered the room. She asked her daughter about her afternoon and how her mission to save Thorne’s Lending Library progressed. She brought her mother up to date with her activities, leaving out any mention of Lord Ashford or James Landry. As William did not return home until it was time to dress for the evening meal, she would have to speak to him before he went out again.
William and their father joined the ladies in the drawing room after dinner.
“Charlotte?” her father asked, studying her face. “You appear preoccupied tonight.”
She was surprised he noticed. He was not an unkind man, merely very often lost in contemplation of one book or another. As her mother was not a great reader, she supposed her love of reading was inherited from her father. William rarely opened a book, merely visiting lending libraries to spend time with his friends.
