Page 2 of A Baron’s Most Inconvenient Marriage (Delightful Lords and Ladies)
Chapter 2
“Mademoiselle Fairfax,” Lady Genevieve Cavendish’s voice cut through the evening air as Charlotte’s family approached Almack’s entrance. “I trust tonight we shall see more traditional accomplishments than your… equestrian display this afternoon?”
Charlotte executed a perfect curtsy, grateful for the steadying presence of her brothers flanking her. “Je vous assure, madame, mes talents ce soir seront plus appropriés.”
Her flawless French promising that her display of talents that evening would be more appropriate, earned her a slight lift of Lady Cavendish’s eyebrow.
“Your accent is excellent,” the patroness allowed. “And I appreciate your candor. Though, I wonder if your other… skills… are equally well-regulated?”
“Charlotte excels at a great many things, Madame,” Lady Margaret Barrington’s voice floated from behind them, arriving with perfect timing as always. “Including knowing when to deploy each talent appropriately.”
Charlotte shot her cousin a grateful look as they passed into the hallowed assembly rooms. The familiar scents of beeswax and candles mixed with ladies’ perfume enveloped them, while the subtle rustle of silk and whispered conversations created an intimate atmosphere, despite the grandness of the space.
“Half the ton is already discussing Sebastian’s return,” Margaret murmured as they moved through the crowd. “Though your afternoon adventure has provided some competition for gossip.”
“Wonderful.” Charlotte sighed. “I don’t suppose there is any chance of the two topics disappearing altogether?”
“None whatsoever,” William answered, appearing at her other side. “Lady Blackthorn was quite… vocal about both subjects in the card room when I passed by.”
Charlotte’s heart performed and uncomfortable tumble. “She is here? Already?”
“So, it would seem,” James joined their huddle, his logical approach somehow lending comfort. “Along with what appears to be every eligible young lady in London. Sebastian’s return has caused quite the stir.”
“More like a feeding frenzy,” Colin added cheerfully. “I counted at least twelve debutantes positioning themselves near the entrance, all pretending not to watch for his arrival.”
Charlotte forced herself not to glance toward the doorway. “How… dedicated of them.”
“Almost as dedicated as someone who practices Italian poetry while painting,” Margaret teased gently. “Speaking of which, you promised to help me with that new aria—”
“Maggie, no,” Charlotte’s eyes widened as she caught her cousin’s meaning. “Surely you’re not suggesting—”
“That you demonstrate one of your more acceptable accomplishments?” Margaret’s smile was sweet but determined. “What better way to show that you possess both spirit and sophistication?”
“Margaret is right,” William said thoughtfully. “A proper display of talent might help offset this afternoon’s… impropriety.
Charlotte looked back and forth between her cousin and brothers, noting the genuine concern beneath their teasing. She knew they were trying to help, each in their own way.
“Very well,” she conceded. “But I refuse to sing. My Italian might be perfect, but my voice would send even the most tone-deaf duke running for cover.”
“We shall think of something,” Margaret promised. “Though you might want to decide quickly… Lady Blackthorn is heading this way, and she appears to have recruited reinforcements.”
Charlotte’s eyes scanned the crowd nervously, anticipation clawing at her from the inside.
“You are fidgeting with your fan again,” Margaret whispered, drawing Charlotte slightly aside. “Just like you did at your very first ball, remember?”
“Was I that obvious then, too?” Charlotte’s voice held a note of vulnerability.
Margaret’s eyes softened. “Only to those who truly know you. And I’ve known that about you since we were children sharing secrets in the Ravensmere library.”
“I feel exactly like that girl again, Maggie.” Charlotte said softly. “Hiding behind the shelves, watching Sebastian discuss philosophy with William… all while pretending I was only interested in my painting.”
“While secretly translating Italian love poems and sketching his profile?” Margaret’s teasing held nothing short of affection. “Some things never change.”
“Everything has changed,” Charlotte protested softly.
“Well, you still have me,” Margaret said firmly. “Whatever happens, we are more than cousins, remember?”
“Sisters of the heart,” Charlotte crossed her heart, their childhood pledge renewed as Margaret did the same.
Charlotte turned to see Sebastian’s mother approaching with a cluster of impeccably dressed young ladies in her wake. The baroness’s expression was perfectly pleasant, which somehow made the entire situation worse.
“Miss Fairfax,” Lady Victoria’s voice carried just far enough to draw attention. “How energetic you look this evening. I trust you have recovered from your afternoon’s exertions?”
Charlotte opened her mouth to speak, but Lady Blackthorn continued without pausing. “I was just discussing with Lady Eleanor here the importance of proper accomplishments. Her rendition of Mozart at Lady Prudence’s musicale was quite extraordinary.”
Charlotte felt Margaret’s hand squeeze her arm in silent support. “Charlotte has her own extraordinary talents,” Margaret said smoothly. “In fact, she was just promising to assist me with a particularly challenging Italian translation.”
Lady Blackthorn’s perfectly arched eyebrow rose slightly. “Indeed? How… unique.”
“Not at all,” James interjected, his voice typically monotonous. “Father has always believed in a comprehensive education. Charlotte speaks both Italian and French as fluently as she speaks English.”
“How fascinating,” Lady Eleanor’s voice dripped with honey. “And does Miss Fairfax find many opportunities to discuss Italian when she is not racing through Hyde Park?”
A ripple of poorly concealed laughter spread through their immediate circle. Charlotte felt her cheeks warm, but before she could respond, her eyes found a familiar figure across the ballroom.
Lady Blackthorn’s eyes followed her gaze. “Ah, please excuse me,” she said as she turned on her heel and headed in the direction of the entrance.” Before Charlotte could respond, a ripple of excitement passed through the crowd near the entrance. The arriving guest’s identity was obvious from the way every young lady in the vicinity suddenly found reason to adjust their fans and smooth their skirts.
Sebastian had arrived.
Charlotte turned to him then, and her heart breath caught in her throat at the sight before her. The years that had passed by had transformed him.
Once, he had been the dashing young man who laughed too easily and ruffled her hair like she was a child. Now, he stood across from her, tall and broad shouldered, his dark curls slightly unruly.
The candlelight gilded the sharp angles of his face—cheekbones carved with purpose, a strong jaw shadowed by the faintest trace of stubble, as if he had not bothered with a razor until the last possible moment. His eyes—darker than the midnight sky, swept over her with a quiet intensity, missing nothing.
There was a weight to his presence now, something deeper, heavier than the carefree youth she had lost her heart to. But his mouth—ah, that perfect mouth—still held the same hint of a smirk.
Charlotte’s pulse fluttered against the confines of her corset. He was breathtakingly beautiful. He had always been so, but now… now he was something else entirely. Dangerous. Irresistible. And utterly, infuriatingly unaware of the effect he had on her.
“Charlotte,” William’s voice cut through her whirling thoughts. Her brothers had formed their usual protective circle around her, creating a quiet space amid the whispers rippling through the ballroom that accompanied Sebastian’s entrance.
“Do try not to look quite so eager to see him, sister,” James murmured, his tone gentler than his words.
Though his sharp gaze was already analyzing the room, as if calculating their social standing’s trajectory with every passing glance. Beside him, Colin grinned. “Oh, let her, James. We wouldn’t want to rob her of the thrill of the hunt, would we now?”
“I was not—” Charlotte began, but Colin’s knowing smile stopped her protest.
“Of course not,” he teased. “Just as you haven’t been ogling the door awaiting his appearance since you stepped foot in here.”
“We will find out what is happening,” William promised, his diplomatic nature seeking to soothe her obvious concern. “Stay with Margaret a moment, let us handle this.”
Charlotte nodded, though every fiber of her being yearned to follow as her brothers moved through the crowds toward where Sebastian stood with Lady Cavendish.
Even from that distance, she could see the tension in his shoulders, the tired stoop of his brow, and the way his hand clenched at his side.
“Come,” Margaret whispered, “Let us find a less conspicuous place to wait and watch.”
Charlotte allowed herself to be led away, but her heart remained fixed on the drama unfolding across the ballroom. Sebastian looked so alone in that moment, despite the crowd gathering around him. If only there was some way to help him, to show him that he didn’t have to bear his burdens alone.
If only she dared.