Page 14 of One Scandal Too Many
Charlotte strolled into her bedchamber and went to her trunk. She pulled out a small quilt that she had rolled up inside. It would be something for them to sit on while they enjoyed their picnic. She tucked it underneath her arm and then went downstairs to meet Jaclyn and Georgina.
Not long after she reached the foyer, Jaclyn joined her. She had gone to do something, or she’d have already been there waiting. Charlotte narrowed her gaze. “What are you planning?”
“You’re always so suspicious.” Jaclyn rolled her eyes. “I cannot discern why. I’ve done nothing to warrant these accusations.”
“Is that so?” Charlotte grinned. “Keep your secrets.” She studied her. “For now. But mark my words: I will have them later.”
Jaclyn didn’t have time to respond to Charlotte. Georgina came rushing toward them with a picnic basket in hand. “My apologies. It took longer than I anticipated.” She glanced at the two of them. “I also took the time to inform Miss Spencer of our plans, as she was in the kitchen when I was preparing the basket.”
“Excellent,” Charlotte said. “That saves time.” And she’d forgotten that little detail. They would have been in certain trouble if they had left without telling one of the teachers of their whereabouts. Charlotte and Jaclyn were still not fully trusted after they had walked to the pond without permission. It wouldn’t help Georgina to have to be watched as well.
They strolled out of the castle and headed toward the path in the woods. There was a meadow where they could have their picnic not long past one of the paths. That meadow was on Havenwood property, so the marquess couldn’t complain that they trespassed on his land. Not that he wouldn’t try, given the opportunity. The meadow bordered his land, and he would still be displeased.
Charlotte became lost in thought as they walked. She enjoyed the warmth of the sun and the serenity of the woods. She closed her eyes briefly and just breathed in the fresh air. The grass was still damp from the constant rain over the past three days. It drenched the bottom of her skirts, but she couldn’t make herself care. She felt the freedom of being outside deep in her bones.
“This is nice,” Georgina said. “I like it here. It’s much better than a stuffy ballroom.”
“I wouldn’t know,” Charlotte said. “I never had a season. I was supposed to have my debut this year, but father believed I need more refinement and left me here.” She would not be angry about that. It hurt, yes, but she liked Havenwood better than home too.
“I had a season,” Jaclyn said. “Well, I had a less than a sennight into a season when—all right, that’s not accurate either.” She frowned. “It was more like a day, or rather a walk in Hyde Park. My official debut wasn’t supposed to happen for another fortnight. But my brother thought it would be safe to allow me to attend a promenade.”
“He was wrong, then?” Georgina asked. “What happened?”
“I would rather not say,” she said sullenly. “If I could forget it, I would.”
“Some scandals are too painful to discuss.” Especially when they led to exile from society. “We are both hoping that after another year at Havenwood we can have our debuts.” Actually, Charlotte would like to remain at Havenwood forever. Her father would only make her life difficult, and he would certainly choose her husband for her. She fully believed whatever gentleman he chose she would find unacceptable. One day she might have to look into other options... she feared where that might lead her. Women had few choices to lean into.
“I understand,” Georgina said. “If you ever wish to discuss it, I would never tell a soul. I promise.”
“That is kind of you,” Jaclyn said. “And perhaps one or both of us will speak of it one day. For now, let’s just enjoy this day.”
They walked out of the woods and into the meadow that they had permission to walk through. “This is so lovely,” Georgina said. Happiness flowed all over her face.
“It is, isn’t it?” That joy spread over Charlotte as well. She frowned as she saw horses in the distance. Three horses, with three gentlemen mounted on them. What were the chances that the Marquess of Easton and his guests were out riding? Apparently quite good. She cursed under her breath and prayed they didn’t ruin their picnic.
*
Declan had wokenup relieved to discover that it had finally stopped raining. His mother had been relentless about her idea for a house party, and he had been unable to escape her and her constant harping. He would either have to give in and allow her to have the house party or pack up and leave the estate for her to do as she pleased. One way or another, he would have some sort of peace. However, leaving would guarantee that more than giving in and attending her party.
He had gone in search of Amberwood and Foxmoore after he broke his fast and suggested they go for a ride. It was the only way that he could think of to escape his mother for a few hours. He would have to return eventually and go over more ledgers with his estate manager, but for now he had a brief moment of joy at being away from the manor and his mother.
“This was a grand idea,” Foxmoore said. They had all stopped at the edge of a meadow that bordered Declan’s estate.
“Maybe we should visit that pond of yours again,” Amberwood said. “I wouldn’t mind a swim.”
Declan considered it for a moment and was about to agree when the sight of three ladies caught his attention. He stared into the distance and grimaced. He could not fault her for coming to the meadow. It was technically part of the Havenwood property. If they continued along, then he would be off the Easton estate and encroaching on the school’s land. Still, he was tempted to press his knee into his horse and urge the stallion into a gallop to rush to her side. She had been a constant in his mind for days now, and she haunted his dreams at night.
“What is it you’re looking at?” Foxmoore asked. He turned his gaze toward the ladies and then grinned. “Should we join them?” He motioned toward the three ladies strolling through the meadow.
“I’m not sure that is wise,” Declan said. Nothing was wise where Lady Charlotte Beckett was concerned. Still, he wanted tofollow Foxmoore’s suggestion and join them. They looked like they were having fun walking together. They seemed... happy. Declan rarely felt that kind of joy, and he wanted some of it for himself.
“It couldn’t hurt,” Amberwood said. “Or would you rather return to listen to your mother’s diatribe on the fine attributes of a house party and how it will help you select your future wife?”
Declan glared at him. “What I am hearing is you wish for me to tell my mother to have a house party and help you select a bride.” He flashed him a wicked grin. “I’ll be sure to inform her upon our return.”
“No need to do me that sort of favor.” The duke shuddered. “I need no assistance finding a woman to be my wife. Ladies nearly throw themselves at me when I enter a room. I wish they wouldn’t.” It was an old complaint, but Declan understood his reservations nonetheless.
“I say we go over there,” Foxmoore said. “It will be entertaining, at least. I’ve been filled with a bit of ennui lately. It might help to have the company of some charming young ladies.”
