Page 74 of Lady Charlotte and the Lending Library
Diana grinned at him. “Alicia didn’t know the details, of course.”
“I don’t know anything about a Hyde Park adventure,” he said with a shrug when his mother returned her gaze to his face. “I do know that Lady Charlotte comes from a good family, and I wish to marry her.”
“Goodness knows your life could use a little more excitement,” his mother responded and rose to her feet. “You have my blessing. I will see you both at dinner. I'm going upstairs to rest before the dressing gong sounds.”
After the marchioness had left the room, he said to his sister, “Thank you for not telling Mother what happened at Hyde Park. I’m sure Alicia does know the details.”
“Her letter about Lady Charlotte arrived just as I was departing from Bath. Reading about Lady Charlotte’s escapades gave me several hours of enjoyment on an otherwise uneventful journey.” Diana smiled sweetly.
“Are you comparing her behavior to yours?” he asked gruffly, narrowing his gaze on her face.
Diana shrugged. “There are some similarities.”
“Lady Charlotte did not kiss my best friend in my study during a ball in our home. You are lucky not to have been pressed into a marriage of convenience with Cecil.”
“That wouldn’t have been such a terrible outcome,” his sister replied flippantly.
“You thought Lady Lamb might ridicule your recent behavior in her novel,” he countered.
His sister let out a long sigh. “But she didn’t. I had a lot of time to think while I was in Bath. I realize now that my conduct after my fiancée died was inappropriate. My darling captain would have expected more from me.”
“And I was much too judgmental,” he replied, surprised at his sister’s demure behavior. “I’m sorry I wasn’t more supportive of you during your period of mourning.”
“It means a lot for you to say that Ashford. It is good to be home. I’m not sure what the future holds for me, but I am happy to hear you have found a bride at last.”
“I have yet to propose.” He cleared his throat and looked about for another topic of conversation. “Baron Harbury and I recently purchased quite a large part of Berkeley Square.”
“Do you have plans for the square, or is the land merely an investment?” Diana asked, leaning forward in her chair.
He had given the idea some thought over the last few days. He knew precisely what changes he wanted to bring to Berkeley Square. “Most of the property is let, but there is one large shop that is empty. I know you have helped mother acquire servants for the townhouse and estate. How much do you know about employment agencies?”
* * * * *
Life appeared to be returning to normal when Charlotte walked through the door of Thorne’s. Or as normal as could be expected after meeting Lord Ashford. Society’s rules dictated that she could not write or visit the man at his home. She chaffed at the restraints of being a female. If there were to be a relationship between them, the marquess would have to initiate one.
“Lady Charlotte! It is good to see you.” Robbie stood behind his counter, grinning from ear to ear. “We’ve been ever so busy.”
“I can see that,” she replied with a smile.
Mr. Thorne merely gave her a nod in greeting as he had several customers waiting for his attention. The library contained nearly twenty patrons, the cheery din of their conversation filling the space.
Edith was seated in a tub chair, and Louisa on the settee, a stack of periodicals beside her. Louisa waved to Charlotte and then picked up the periodicals and placed them on the table in front of her. “It is crowded in here today. I was worried you wouldn’t have a place to sit with us.”
“How are you feeling?” Edith asked once Charlotte was seated next to Louisa.
“It has been a week since that night in Hyde Park,” she replied quietly. “I am quite recovered.”
Before either of her friends could say another word, a dark-haired woman with striking blue eyes approached the seating area. She was quite a beautiful lady dressed in the height of fashion.
“May I join you? My name is Lady Diana Grey. I believe you are acquainted with my brother Lord Ashford.” The lady directed her words to all three women, although her gaze was on Charlotte.
“Oh yes! Please have a seat.” Edith waved a hand toward the tub chair next to her own. “I am Lady Edith, and these are my friends, Lady Charlotte and Lady Louisa.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you,” Charlotte said with a tentative smile. She wondered why Ashford’s sister was at Thorne’s, and why she had made herself known to Charlotte and her friends.
Louisa exchanged a polite nod with the lady, remaining silent.
“So this is the lending library you all worked so hard to save. Miss Tilford wrote to me about your worthy pursuit.” Diana looked about her, obviously assessing the room and its patrons.
