Your friend,
Lord Winchester.
An invitation from Charlotte’s father he could not possibly turn down. He tucked the invitation into the pocket of his tailcoat and walked up the steps, taking them two at a time for his legs were so long. When he reached the door and followed the crowds inside, he looked back and forth, searching for a sign of Lord and Lady Winchester. They were easy to find, for Gerard was so tall, his head stretched above everyone else’s in the room.
Lord and Lady Winchester were standing at the side of the room along with Charlotte’s aunt, Lady Susan Warrington.
Charlotte stood with them, her back to Gerard’s direction. She wore no pelisse, her delicate and petite shoulders on show, as Lady Susan adjusted those sleeves, then Lady Winchester readjusted them.
Gerard held back his smile as he approached the group, wondering if this was one of the reasons Charlotte felt such a need to perform in front of others.
Perhaps she is constantly trying to please her family.
“Who is it who will be joining us, Father?” Charlotte asked Lord Winchester. “You still have not said.”
“In fact, he seemed to be ignoring the question every time we ask it,” Lady Susan observed, sighing quite purposefully.
Gerard stepped up behind Charlotte, just as Lord and Lady Winchester’s eyes flicked toward him.
“Ah, well, he can now introduce himself to you both,” Lord Winchester said with a vast smile, gesturing to Gerard.
Charlotte turned around, and a small squeak of surprise escaped her lips, a sound which was quickly stifled by her aunt waving a reprimanding hand at her.
“Good evenin’, to ye all,” Gerard said, bowing deeply, as they all hastened to curtsy and bow, too. Gerard held Charlotte’s gaze the whole time he bowed, finding that wide-eyed look rather endearing indeed. “I thank ye for the invitation, me lord.”
“We are glad to have you here,” Lord Winchester said.
“Yes, yes, indeed we are,” Lady Winchester added gushingly.
“So subtle, sister,” Lady Susan murmured. She must have thought Gerard wouldn’t hear her, but when his gaze darted toward her, Charlotte blushed a deep shade of red.
“Erm… we should go in, ready for the performance.” Charlotte gestured to the doors leading to the auditorium. “Shall we, Your Grace?”
“Gladly.” He offered his arm to her, and she took it without hesitation, her fingers rather firm upon the crook of his elbow. “Tryin’ to get me away from yer family, Lady Charlotte?” he whispered as they led the way.
The corridor to the auditorium was so busy that the rest of her family fell behind.
“What was your first clue?” she said with wit, and he chuckled under his breath. “I had no idea they had invited you tonight.”
“It was a kindness from yer father. I am indebted to him, and yet…” He wavered as they stepped into the auditorium, moving toward a box that Lord Winchester had reserved for them.
“Yet?” she murmured, glancing back at him as they walked along the balcony.
“Yet this isnae what I am used to.” They sat down at the far end of the balcony box, quite secluded together. “I come froma world of music halls, and where men stand up, singin’ and dancin’ in taverns. I am nae used to this.” He gestured to the crowds and the fine clothes he was wearing. His knee even bobbed up and down nervously in his seat.
“Worry not,” Charlotte said, her voice softening as she leaned toward him. “Perhaps this is a good chance for you to observe theton. To see how even when they are watching a performance, they are all performing themselves.” She nodded at the way ladies fluttered fans and gentlemen used the opportunities to parade fine women on their arms.
“Aye, I see what ye mean,” he whispered, just as her family caught up to them and sat down too. “It isnae puttin’ me at ease, Charlotte.”
“Then perhaps it’s not a night for a lesson.” She nodded at the stage instead. “Perhaps you should forget the world of thetonfor a while and simply enjoy yourself.”
He breathed out, startled by the effect her words had on him. They were strangely calming.
“Do ye ever allow yerself such an indulgence, I wonder?” he asked, as some candles were blown out around them, casting the auditorium in a dusky orange light, ready for the performance to begin.
“I…” She looked at him, sharply, as if she had been caught out. She chewed her lip nervously. “There is something I need to say to you, Your Grace.”
“Gerard,” he reminded her.
