Page 54 of Lady Charlotte and the Lending Library
She was surprised to see that one of the patrons in the library was Lord Meers.
“How nice to see you again, Lady Charlotte.” The man bowed elegantly.
“A pleasure, Lord Meers.” He wore Bay Rum cologne today, not a particular favorite of hers. She blew out a breath, struggling not to sneeze at the unpleasant scent.
For several minutes they stood together discussing books, and she was pleased to discover Lord Meers didn’t care for Romance of the Forest. Learning that the viscount enjoyed reading made him no more attractive to her. Charlotte did not feel the slightest interest in him as a man.
Before the gentleman took his leave he said, “Perhaps I will see you at the Benson musicale this evening.”
“My brother and I are attending a rout tonight,” she replied with an apologetic smile. “Perhaps we will cross paths at another event.”
Her family hadn’t received an invitation to the musicale. They did receive several other invitations the morning after her appearance at Almack’s.
“Most of today’s correspondence is for you,” her mother said late that morning as she sat in the parlor with Charlotte. Her mother was embroidering a baby blanket for a distant relative while Charlotte read the second volume of Waverly.
“I cannot account for my sudden popularity,” she replied with a sigh.
“I can,” her brother said as he entered the room. William leaned down and kissed their mother on the cheek. “Lord Ashford danced with you at Almack’s and Lady Cair’s ball. As one of the most sought after bachelors in London, his attention toward you has raised your value in the eyes of society.”
Charlotte looked up to see both her mother and brother staring at her. Feeling heat in her cheeks she replied, “The marquess also danced with Miss Tilford at Lady Cair’s ball.”
“Miss Tilford is his friend’s sister. She doesn’t count.” William was now grinning at her.
“Do you have an understanding with Lord Ashford?” her mother asked softly.
“Of course not, Mama,” she replied quickly. “Lord Ashford is also intent on keeping Thorne’s open. He has no interest in me.”
Neither William nor her mother looked convinced by her words. She returned her attention to her book and William announced he had an appointment and excused himself. Her mother continued with her needlework, stealing glances at Charlotte every few minutes. Thankfully, she said no more on the subject of Lord Ashford.
Returning her thoughts to the present, Charlotte took a seat in one of the tub chairs in the lending library. The very idea that her company would be sought after merely because Lord Ashford might find her interesting annoyed her. She was the same person she’d been at the beginning of the season.
“You were quite standoffish with Lord Ashford at the card party. Have you switched your affections from the marquess to Lord Meers?” Edith frowned. She didn’t sound pleased by the possibility.
She sniffed. “Whether I have or had any affection for Lord Ashford, I’ve discovered I am unsuitable as a bride.”
“Unsuitable!” Louisa scowled. “Who would dare think such a thing.”
Charlotte repeated what Alicia had told her about Lord Ashford’s aversion to anyone remotely close to scandal.
“When I left you alone with Lord Ashford at Alicia’s card party, I thought you might apologize to the marquess,” Edith said quietly.
“I was going to,” she replied with a sigh. “He started speaking and something went wrong. Something always goes wrong.”
Edith pinched the bridge of her nose. “You’re besotted with each other. You both are just too stubborn to admit it.”
“I don’t think he even likes me,” she responded unhappily, shaking her head.
“Lord Ashford should apologize to Charlotte,” Louisa said grumpily. “How could the marquess be so double-faced when his sister Diana loves to dance as close to disgrace as she can?”
“Have you met his sister Diana?” she asked her friend, unable to keep curiosity at bay.
Louisa shook her head.
Edith replied, “I have. Only once. She is a handsome woman with dark hair like her brother. The lady was engaged to a young man killed in the Napoleonic wars. After her intended’s death, it is said Diana has cared little about her behavior or reputation.”
“How sad,” she said and meant it. It was hard to imagine planning a life with someone and having them die.
“My youngest brother told me why Lord Ashford dislikes Lord Meers.” Louisa continued, “Not only is he a fortune hunter, but he pursued the marquess’s sister relentlessly while the marquess was on the Continent. Lord Meers was quite bold in his attentions, and the lady rebuked him in public.”
