Page 29 of Lady Charlotte and the Lending Library
“Let me know if I can be of assistance.” Nathaniel smiled. “I like this new altruistic side of you.”
Ashford leaned back in his chair, not replying.
“It looks like I’m going to become better acquainted with your Lady Charlotte,” the baron said casually and then ruined the effect with a mischievous grin.
He ignored his friend’s use of the word ‘your’ in front of the young woman’s name. “And you think I would be interested in this news?”
“Perhaps.”
Ashford stared at Nathaniel, his eyes heavy-lidded, ignoring a sudden pang of jealousy. Lady Charlotte was free to spend her time with whomever she chose.
“All right, I’ll tell you.” Nathaniel shook his head. “Good heavens! You’re becoming as grumpy as Cecil.”
He waited patiently. Or not so patiently, as he realized he was tapping one of his booted feet on the hardwood floor.
“My sister happened to attend a tea at Lady Sheffield’s with Lady Charlotte and one of her friends. Alicia liked the two ladies immensely, and we’re to meet them at Thorne’s Lending Library this Wednesday.” Nathaniel paused. “You’re welcome to come with us.”
“And why would I do that?” he asked lazily, not meeting the other man’s gaze.
Nathaniel snorted. “Come now! It is obvious you are attracted to the woman.”
He frowned darkly. “Is it?”
“I’ve never seen you take an interest in any woman’s activities as you have with Lady Charlotte.”
Ashford studied the face of the rosewood bracket clock resting on the corner of his desk for a moment before looking up at his friend.
“Even if I were interested in the lady, there are some difficulties with the connection,” he replied carefully.
“Do tell,” Nathaniel said with raised brows, leaning forward in his chair.
What could it hurt? “Her brother was a thief when we were at Eton.”
Nathaniel whistled. “Never say so. You know this for sure?”
Ashford described the moment he discovered William in Cecil’s room, pocket watch in hand.
“That is quite damning evidence,” the baron said once Ashford finished speaking. “Did the young man explain why he was there?”
“He did not. I never told Cecil about the incident. You know how driven he was at school.” Ashford raised his hands. “He would have had the boy caned.”
His friend nodded in agreement. “Or expelled.”
Ashford continued, “There is also the matter of Lady Charlotte loitering outside White’s. Her behavior was reckless.”
“And you think Lady Charlotte is unsuitable because she visited St. James’s Street?” the baron looked at him closely, his voice incredulous. “I do recall you chased bridge saboteurs with Cecil despite neither of you being asked to do so by a government agency. Some would see your own behavior as reckless.”
Ashford chose to ignore Nathaniel’s valid point as he had no plans to accompany Cecil on any further adventures.
“Coupled with her brother’s difficulties, an alliance with the family would be unseemly,” he replied blandly.
Nathaniel shook his head. “You’re doing your best to find a reason not to court the girl.”
He didn’t know how to reply. It was his decision whether he wanted to pursue Lady Charlotte or not. He hadn’t thought much about marriage and usually avoided the entertainments of the marriage mart. Any attention paid to an unmarried young woman would be expected to lead to matrimony.
Eager to leave the confines of his study and the current conversation, Ashford rose to his feet and asked, “Shall we proceed to Hyde Park? I could do with some new scenery.”
* * * * *
