Page 37 of Lady Charlotte and the Lending Library
Now he was here at Thorne’s Lending Library, seated across from Charlotte. The lady looked anxious to see him, while Lady Louisa looked not a bit interested in his presence. He realized he’d wanted, needed, to hear Charlotte’s voice, to smell her exotic perfume. Her brother’s visit to his home had given him an excuse to seek the lady out.
Charlotte’s color was high. She didn’t quite meet his gaze, which was a shame. Her lovely eyes were captivating.
He spied Nathaniel and raised a hand in greeting. His friend nodded in acknowledgment before returning to his perusal of the bookshelf in front of him. Ashford noticed Alicia at a table of sundries and hoped she wouldn’t spot him. At least not until he’d had more time to speak with Charlotte.
“I wanted to see how the shop was faring,” he replied to Charlotte’s question, adding in a low voice, “The nasty man that was loitering outside the shop should no longer be a problem.”
“Thank you for your efforts in that matter, Lord Ashford,” Charlotte said softly.
“You’re welcome. I see trade has increased.”
She nodded. “Oh yes. There are new customers in the shop today. I’ve been lucky enough to make the acquaintance of Lord Nathaniel Harbury and his sister Miss Tilford.”
He smiled. “The baron is a good friend of mine. We were in the same year at school.”
Lady Charlotte bit her lip and looked down at the hands in her lap. He surmised she was thinking about the rumors about her brother at Eton. “He seems a kind man.”
“He is.” He added with a chuckle, “Alicia is a sweet girl, although she doesn’t ever stop talking.”
Charlotte looked up, a tentative smile on her lips. He found himself again transfixed by her smile, the shape of her lips.
“Are you enjoying your novel?” he asked quickly. He couldn’t spend all day staring at the lady. “I recently finished all three volumes. Although the author wishes to remain anonymous, it is quite obviously written by Walter Scott.”
“I’m enjoying the story very much! His description of the Scottish countryside is enchanting. When I read the book I feel as if I’m in Scotland.” She looked at him then, her face alight with enthusiasm. After a moment, she smiled awkwardly and averted her gaze to the book clasped in her hands.
Looking around him, he said, “The new furniture and window coverings have greatly improved the look of the library.”
“That is all due to Louisa,” Charlotte replied with a glance at the other young woman. “She procured the furniture and curtains for Thorne’s.”
“You have excellent taste, Lady Louisa.”
The lady in question rose to her feet. “Thank you, Lord Ashford. Excuse me. I need to speak with Robbie about ordering a periodical.”
When Louisa had gone, he said gently, “Your brother came to see me today.”
“Oh yes?” Charlotte looked apprehensive again. She bit her lip.
Strangely, he felt the need to put her at her ease. “We had an interesting conversation. I think he feels much better now that he has explained his actions while at Eton.”
“I am so happy to hear that, Lord Ashford.” The lady’s expression turned serious. “It is very distressing to have a sibling who behaves in an improper manner. Don’t you agree?”
Before he could reply, he heard a cry from behind him.
“Lord Ashford! What a pleasure it is to see you here.”
Lady Charlotte placed her book on the table in front of her as she rose to her feet. She whispered, “Miss Tilford has spotted you,” and walked away toward the front of the library.
He had only a moment to wonder at Charlotte’s quick exit from his presence.
Turning, he saw Alicia coming towards him. There was nothing for it; he must greet the chatterbox.
Chapter Thirteen
“Almack’s?” Cecil shook his head vigorously. “No. Not ever.”
“What say you, Nathaniel?” Ashford asked his other friend seated across from him in the rear dining room at White’s.
“I shall be escorting my sister to the assembly rooms.” The baron scowled, staring down at the half-eaten steak on his porcelain plate. “Lady Julia is joining us as well. The woman feels the need to shadow my sister wherever we go.”
