Page 14 of The Vixen in Red
“Please accept my apology. I am glad you are here, and I don’t mean to be sharp with you. Sit. Drink more tea and eat some scones. Cook makes wonderful pastries too. I can see if she has more of them prepared.”
“No,” Pear said and waved her hand dismissively. “I do not wish to eat. The tea will suffice for now.” She poured more into her cup and then took a seat. “Now, tell me more about these May Day celebrations.”
Charlotte hoped Pear wouldn’t start talking about the ball and birthday plans they had for later. She wanted to ensure Aunt Seraphina would be surprised. “There are games, booths with food, and of course the Maypole dance. Oh, and there will also be a play enactment for everyone, though I’m not certain what type of performance they will have for us.”
“I’m sure it will be entertaining, whatever it is,” Pear replied. She sipped her tea. “You look lovely and that dress is quite pretty. Did you have it made for the dance?”
She reminded herself to breathe. Pear was not referring to the ball but the Maypole dance. “I did.” She twirled around. “It’s so light and the skirt floats nicely don’t you think?”
“It is beautiful, and so are you, dear,” Aunt Seraphina said. “You will dance wonderfully today.”
Charlotte smiled at her aunt. “Thank you.”
“When do we have to leave?” Pear asked. “I must admit I’m getting a bit excited myself. I don’t usually venture to far from London. There is so much to do there. I am glad I came though. I missed my friend and if I didn’t make the trip I wouldn’t see you for months.”
“I missed you too.” Charlotte hadn’t realized how much until that moment. “We have to leave soon. I planned on walking over, but Aunt Seraphina is taking the carriage. It’s too far for her. Would you rather ride in the carriage or leave with me?”
Pear set her empty teacup down. “I’d prefer to stroll. The exercise will do me good.” She stood. “Why don’t we leave now? It will give us time to talk.”
“Go ahead, dear,” Aunt Seraphina said. “I’ll join you later.”
Charlotte hugged her aunt and then turned to Pear. “I’m ready.”
They left the sitting room and started the trek to the Frossly estate. She couldn’t help wondering what the earl was doing. Would he be outside? What would he think of Pear? She shook all thoughts of him out of her mind. She intended to focus her attention on her friend. Lord Frossly had no place in her mind at the moment.
* * *
Collin staredat the stage the workers were putting the final touches on. The rest of the structures were complete for the May Day celebrations. Long ribbons had been tied to the pole for the dance later that afternoon. The kitchen had been bustling with activity for the past few days, preparing for the dinner. His ballroom had been completed the day before and the musicians had come to set up for the evening’s activities. He couldn’t wait to see Lady Charlotte and show her everything he’d managed to finalize before the May Day festivities. He hoped she would arrive early.
His fascination with her had become close to an obsession. When he woke each morning, his first thoughts were of her, and at the end of each day he wished she was with him. Collin had wanted her since the moment she first came to his attention. That day in Hyde Park, she’d piqued his interest and had remained there. He had wanted to wait to court her properly; however, he realized fast that he couldn’t. Collin feared if he didn’t act soon he could lose her. She wouldn’t be in Peacehaven forever. She’d return home or to London and then… What if she decided to allow another gentleman to court her? He couldn’t allow that to happen if he could help it.
“Pardon me, milord,” Mr. Robbins said as he approached. “The stage is completed. Everything is ready for the celebration, and the men wish to know if they can have the rest of the day off to participate.”
“Of course,” he said. There could be no more construction work with all the villagers at his estate. “Tell them to enjoy the day.”
Mr. Robbins nodded and then left to tell the men the good news. Though Collin should have told them himself earlier. He was becoming lax in his duties. The men all dispersed, leaving the area clear of activity, but not for long. Some of the villagers wandered over in groups. Several of them were girls that would be participating in the Maypole dance. They had their heads together as they talked and occasionally erupted in giggles. Sometimes he didn’t believe he’d ever been that young.
“Lord Frossly,” Mrs. Simpson, one of the town’s matrons said she walked toward him. “Everything looks wonderful. I wanted to tell you again how much we appreciate you doing this.”
“It was my pleasure,” he replied cordially. The yearly festival had been one of the better memories from his childhood. “This is my home, and I want to continue the traditions my family had always honored in the past.”
“You are a good man,” Mrs. Simpson said, and patted him on the arm. “Now I must go supervise the young girls and prepare them for the dance.”
Most of the ladies had congregated around the pole. A few gathered nearby the pole but hadn’t moved over yet. In the distance, he noticed two ladies heading toward it but at a leisurely pace. He narrowed his gaze and smiled. One of those two ladies wasn’t far from his thoughts—Lady Charlotte.
They were deep in thought, Lady Charlotte and her companion. Collins wasn’t certain who the other lady was. He probably wouldn’t have known Lady Charlotte if he hadn’t memorized every detail about her. They walked over to the pole and Lady Charlotte lifted a bright red ribbon. The other lady threw her head back in a loud throaty laugh. It was then he recognized her….Lady Pearyn Treedale. At least this time he wasn’t in the company of her absent fiancé, so he could meet her properly. Lady Charlotte dropped the ribbon, and they wandered away from the pole.
Collin strolled over to their side. He stopped when he reached them. “Lady Charlotte,” he said as he nodded at her. “Are you ready for the dance?”
“I am,” she answered. Lady Charlotte turned to her friend. “Have you been introduced to Lady Pearyn Treedale? Pear, this is Lord Frossly. The festivities are being held on his estate.”
“I haven’t had the pleasure.” He met Lady Pearyn’s gaze. “I hope you are enjoying your visit to Peacehaven.”
“My closest friend is here,” Lady Pearyn said. Her tone had a matter-of-fact lilt to it. “Any place she is, I’m bound to like. It couldn’t be any other way.”
Up close, Lady Pearyn was quite lovely. She had inky black hair and eyes that nearly sparkled with mischief. He didn’t know much about her, but the little he did he couldn’t help thinking his friend was missing something extraordinary. The next time he spoke with the duke he’d tell him that too.
More villagers had wandered over to the pole. They were all preparing to watch the dance. Mrs. Simpson clapped her hands. “Girls,” she yelled. “It’s time. Please come to the pole and pick up your designated ribbon.”
