Page 20 of One Scandal Too Many
Charlotte breathed in the scent. It seemed familiar. “It’s basil,” she said as she realized what she was holding. “When dried, it is good for a head ailment.”
“That’s correct.” Mrs. Smith said. “It is also edible. I’ve heard it is tasty.” She grinned. “Not that I’ve had much occasion to eat it for eating’s sake.” She clapped her hands. “Now, I won’t see many of you for a while. I’ll miss you, but I understand that youwant to enjoy this pleasant weather we are having. Go enjoy the rest of your day.”
“Pardon my interruption,” Mrs. Havenwood said as she strolled to where they had gathered in the garden. “Before you all depart, I wish to discuss something with you.”
Those that had started to stand returned to where they were sitting. They all focused their attention on the headmistress. “I have an invitation for those that are remaining here for the next couple of months. If you are leaving, then you are excused.”
Some of the girls stood and left. A few remained to hear about the invitation out of curiosity, Charlotte assumed, because they were supposed to leave the school soon. Mrs. Havenwood unfolded the parchment and read it aloud. “The Dowager Marchioness of Easton formally invites you to attend the day activities to be held at Easton Manor during a house party in a sennight. All the students that are in attendance at Havenwood Academy are welcome. A list of entertainments will be provided at a later date for your consideration.”
Charlotte’s mouth fell open. There was going to be a house party at Easton Manor. The marquess had inferred as much the last time they had spoken. He even asked if she would come if she were invited. She’d said no. It had been the only response she could give him at the time. Was this his way of forcing her to attend? He had seemed keen to have her there. If all of the students were there, then she would have no reason to stay away. Damn him.
Jaclyn spoke, “Are we going to attend?”
“It largely depends on the activities. Once I have a list, I will inform you of what you are allowed to attend.” Mrs. Havenwood smiled. “Though I expect that most of the afternoon entertainments will be acceptable and you will be allowed to participate.” She had a stern expression on her face. “I discussed your attendance with the marquess before I brought it to yourattention. I wanted to ensure everything would have nothing but the upmost propriety before I agreed to anything. I received the invitation a sennight earlier, it gave me plenty of time to gather all the appropriate information to make a decision.” She smiled. “I do believe this is a good opportunity for all of you.”
“Do you know when we will have the entertainment list?” Georgina asked. She chewed on her fingernails. That anxiety of hers seemed to be surfacing. She didn’t like social gatherings.
“I do not,” Mrs. Havenwood replied. “I expect they will send it over in a few days. Lady Easton is probably still planning some things and hasn’t had time to send it over. Have a little patience.”
Charlotte rarely had patience. She would have to find a way to discover these activities on her own. Perhaps she should visit the marquess and ask him outright. What would he do if she showed up at his door and demanded answers? Probably warn her about trespassing on his land again. She was half tempted to do just that. “What if we do not wish to attend any of it?”
“That is your choice,” Mrs. Havenwood said. “But this is a good thing for you. This school has endeavored to teach you how to respond in all social situations. The party is an opportunity for you to utilize what you have learned and ascertain what you still need to work on. I highly suggest you take this gift and use it to your advantage.”
She hated that Mrs. Havenwood had made a valid argument for attending the house party. Charlotte had been seriously considering staying at the school. The marquess was a temptation for her that she had difficulty resisting. She had already tempted fate too much by sneaking into his garden on a lark. If she caused another scandal, her father might send her to another country. It was bad enough he had sent her so far into the country she was a stone’s throw from Scotland.
“All right,” Charlotte said.
“Are there any other questions?” Mrs. Havenwood asked.
No one spoke. Charlotte had so many thoughts running through her mind she couldn’t have asked any more if she tried.
“Very well,” the headmistress said. “Then you’re free to enjoy your afternoon.” She left the garden after giving them a lot to think about.
Charlotte would just have to find a way to trust herself. And she would not go visiting the estate before the house party. That would be disastrous. She had to remain strong and keep reminding herself that she had a reason for keeping distance between her and the marquess. Her inner turmoil was brewing inside of her, and she only had one thought. One need.
Charlotte desperately wanted him to kiss her.
She closed her eyes and took several deep breaths. It didn’t help. Charlotte could almost feel what his lips on hers might be like. He’d been so close to her that night, his breaths had caressed her skin. If he had just leaned in and pressed his lips to hers, maybe then she could have stopped imagining a kiss between them, and perhaps he might not haunt her dreams each night. Of course, that was all supposition. The dreams and wandering thoughts might have been even worse if she had experienced a kiss.
Either way, she had to find some inner fortitude. She had a feeling she would need it.
Chapter Ten
Charlotte strolled throughthe woods heading toward the pond. She could barely make out her surroundings as she traipsed along the path. The light of a waning moon was the only thing illuminating her course. She had wanted to return to the gardens at Easton Abbey again, but had not dared do so until now. When she reached the gardens, she’d take more than one mere primrose. She’d pluck enough blooms to make a bouquet of her own design.
She sneaked into the garden and went straight to the actual roses. No more primroses for her. Charlotte stopped and stared down at them. She hadn’t thought this out. She couldn’t very well pluck a rose when the thorns would surely rip through her fingers. She’d need cutting shears for those. A different flower would have to be chosen.
What flowers should she pick from the garden? Charlotte considered all of her options and studied her surroundings. Then the sight of the perfect flower filled her gaze. Directly in front of her a row of peonies presented themselves, almost as if they begged for her attention. There were pink, white, yellow, and red peonies for her to choose from. But why choose just one color? She’d select several of each shade for her bouquet.
As she was about to gather the blooms a voice boomed from behind her. “You’ve returned,” the marquess said. “How fortunate for me.”
“Fortunate?” She turned to him and lifted a brow. “In what way, my lord?”
Excitement filled her at the sight of him. In truth, this was what she’d wanted. Him. The flowers had been an excuse to tread on his hallowed ground. Charlotte had hoped he’d catch her again, and perhaps she could steal something of a different sort. She had been denied a kiss, and she desperately wanted his lips on hers.
“Because all thieves must be punished,” he replied as he stepped closer to her. “And I plan on ensuring that your punishment will be delivered by me alone.”
Charlotte swallowed hard. “And what penalty must I forfeit, my lord?” She licked her lips in anticipation. “What price must I pay for daring to steal a flower?”
