Page 10 of One Scandal Too Many (Havenwood Academy #1)

D eclan strolled into the sitting room that his mother favored as he prepared himself for the difficulty she was likely to give him. He was giving in to her demand for a house party, but he had conditions that must be met in order for the situation to be acceptable. He had spoken to Mrs. Havenwood about her students attending the party. He suggested it would be an opportunity for the students that remained at the school to use the skills they had been taught in a social setting. The house party would be a more relaxed setting for them than a London ball, and it would be beneficial to them to have that time to practice. That way, when they were ready to enter into society, they had experience to fall back on.

That meant the guests his mother invited would have to be chosen carefully—no gossipmongers that would run off and spread tales that would inevitably hurt the students at the Havenwood Academy. Some of his mother’s friends were not considerate and wouldn’t think twice about sharing some of the potential misadventures that occurred during their time at his estate. He refused to allow anyone in his home that might even have the slightest bit of ill intention. “Hello, Mother,” he said. Declan took a seat near her. She was lounging on the settee, enjoying her afternoon tea.

She set her cup down and smiled. “To what do I owe the pleasure of your company?”

“There are a few things I wish to discuss with you. I thought this was an appropriate time.”

“I always have time for you.” She picked up her tea again and sipped. “What do you wish to discuss?”

“I’ve been considering this house party idea of yours,” he began. Declan poured some tea for himself and added two lumps of sugar.

“Honestly?” She beamed. “I promise it will not be taxing for you in any fashion. I will handle everything. I have so many ideas...”

“Do not get ahead of yourself, mother,” he began. He sipped his tea. “If we are to have this travesty in my home, I will not allow you to do whatever you wish. There are things that I need you to understand before you even begin with any plans.”

She pouted. “Why do you have to be so difficult? This is supposed to be fun.”

Declan sipped his tea again—more to keep himself from saying something he might come to regret. He loved his mother. He did. Truly. However, sometimes he didn’t like her very much. This was one of those times. “It can still be entertaining.” He hoped so, anyway. “With some rules in place.”

“Why do I have a feeling I will not like these rules of yours overmuch?” She picked up a biscuit off the tray and nibbled on it. “Go ahead. Tell me.”

Declan frowned. Why did it feel as if she was acquiescing too easily? He narrowed his gaze and studied her. He didn’t know what she plotted, but as long as she did as he instructed, then he would let her scheme away. “For starters, I want you to invite the girls at Havenwood. They will not stay at the estate, of course, but they should be able to participate in any of the activities you might have planned.” He tilted his head to the side. “What do you have in mind for entertainment?”

“Some of those ideas they won’t be able to be part of. They will be unlikely to be around for the dinner meal.” She tapped her chin as if in thought. “Except maybe the night we have a ball. We will have dinner and then dancing. But the nights we have, say, parlor games, they will most likely be back at the school.”

That made sense. Those types of entertainment would be for the guests residing at his estate. “Then what will they be able to participate in?”

“We will have an afternoon soiree,” she began. “That will be more of a gathering for food and conversation.”

He nodded. “All right. What else?” The soiree was a good start. But he needed more activities for them to attend. “Besides the ball and the soiree.”

“An archery contest, a hunt, and a carnival with games, and a play. I would like to hire some actors for entertainment that day.”

Excitement filled him at her words. All of those things would be useful. He didn’t know if Charlotte would want to participate in the hunt. Declan didn’t know her well enough to guess what she might like. But that was why he wanted to have this house party. It was the excuse he needed to delve deeper into her personality. To see if he wanted more with her or if his feelings were nothing more than a passing fancy. “All right,” he said. “Do all of that. If you think of anything else, let me know, and I’ll let you know if it is acceptable.” He set his tea down and folded his hands into his lap. “Now about the rest of what I expect.” This was the part she would not like. But he had to make her understand. It was important to him.

“Well,” she said. “Go on. Tell me your infernal rules.” She scoffed at him as if she didn’t understand how he could be her own son. They were so different.

“I do not want any of the ladies you associate with at the party.” He waited for her to scream in protest, but she just stared at him, blinking like an owl with her mouth open. “No one that is known to gossip. This will be a scandal-free party, or at least one where any scandal that might happen doesn’t leave the estate for anyone else to hear about.”

“I cannot even invite Lady Thistleton?” his mother asked.

“Especially not her.” She was the worst gossip in town. “If you truly want to have this house party, I must insist on this. Do you agree?”

She frowned. Clearly, she didn’t like this part of his agreement, but without it, she wouldn’t have a party at all. He wasn’t a fool; Declan knew why she wanted this house party. His mother hoped he would find a woman to wed and give her grandchildren. He hadn’t been in any rush to find his potential bride, but she was ready to have him settle down. This was her way of attempting to force the issue. If and when he married, it would be his decision. No one forced anything upon him. Besides, he’d already met a woman he found fascinating. If any lady had a chance of convincing him to offer for marriage, it would be Charlotte. He might even propose to her during the house party, but he had not made any decisions of late. He just knew he needed her near. This was only the beginning, and in time, he’d know one way or the other. Charlotte had started to warm up a little toward him at the end of their walk; however, he didn’t think he was near to winning her over. Perhaps if he had been different in the beginning…he couldn’t go back and do anything differently. Besides, he didn’t think he would want to, regardless. Declan didn’t always act rashly, or correctly. It was best she knew that about him from the start.

“All right,” she finally said in agreement. “No one that is a known gossip. But I cannot guarantee none will spring from the party. You never truly know what someone might or might not do.”

“I understand,” Declan said. She was correct, of course. There was only so much he could do to protect the girls at the school. “Send the invitation over to the school. Mrs. Havenwood is expecting it, so have it addressed to her.”

“You were so certain I would agree?” his mother asked.

“Yes,” he replied. Declan drained the rest of his tea and then set the cup down. “You have been harping about this idea of yours since you arrived. A little thing like a modified guest list would not dissuade you.”

“Do you want to approve the final guest list before I send out the invitations?” she asked.

He nodded. “I do.” Declan stood. “How long do you need to plan this?” He would like to have the party begin tomorrow, but he knew better. They would need time to gather all the necessary supplies before guests arrived. Not to mention that a carnival would take a bit of planning too.

“A week to plan it,” she said. “Another week to prepare. We will have to build some things for the carnival, and we will need to hire some additional staff.”

“All right,” he said. “So let’s have the first guests arrive in roughly a fortnight—this estate is nearly to Scotland, and they will need time to travel. Have the carnival at the end of the house party. That will give you time to build anything for the games and other entertainments.”

His mother furrowed a brow. “And how long should the actual party be? I will have to put that in the invitations. Do I have a limit on how many guests to invite?”

Declan shrugged. “You know how many guests the house can hold. Use your own judgement there.” He blew out a breath. “No longer than a fortnight for the actual party, though I prefer a sennight. Let me know when you’re ready to go over the details.”

He nodded at her one final time and then left the room. Declan had enough of conversing about the matter. He shuddered. The things he was going to do so he could become more acquainted with a slip of girl he found fascinating...

*

Charlotte sat in the garden next to Jaclyn and Charlotte. This was their last class of the term. The next day, a lot of the students would be departing for two months. The three of them were amongst a handful of students that would remain behind. Today they were in the garden for a lesson with Mrs. Smith. She was an older lady with gray hair sprinkled with white. Her brown eyes were warm like chocolate in the morning. Mrs. Smith wanted to have a position with less anxiety than younger charges were prone to give her. Charlotte couldn’t imagine what it must have been like to be a governess. She had no patience for small children. She had to give Mrs. Smith a lot of credit for doing it as long as she had. But were young ladies any less stressful to work with? Charlotte had her doubts.

Mrs. Smith taught them general subjects like math, though sometimes she branched out into topics outside of that. Today she wanted to discuss herbs and their uses. They had planted an herb garden for this purpose in early spring, although not all of them had understood what those herbs were for.

“As you know, I would like to discuss herbs today,” Mrs. Smith began. She rolled her fingers over some lavender growing nearby. “Can you think of what this might be used for?” Mrs. Smith smiled. “Other than smelling pretty.” She plucked a budding plant and smelled it. “This plant is often combined with water or doused on clothing for both perfume and to help with fainting or nausea. But there are a couple of other uses.”

Charlotte raised her hand. She had been studying plants lately because she needed to keep her mind occupied on something other than the Marquess of Easton. “I read that some ladies were given lavender to help with anxiety or hysteria.”

“Yes,” Mrs. Smith began. “Though I have my doubts of its uses in that regard.” She beamed at Charlotte. “It is also reportedly good at keeping pesky insects from bothering you. Do you think it works for that?”

Jaclyn scrunched up her nose. “Well, if it doesn’t at least you’ll still smell pretty.”

Mrs. Smith laughed. “Very true.” She plucked a green leaf out of another bed. “This little devil can be a pest and overtake your garden if you let it.” She twirled the leaf in her hand. “But it smells lovely, and the tea you make of it can aid a stomach ailment. Do you know what it is?”

Georgina spoke, “It is mint.” She didn’t meet Mrs. Smith’s gaze. “I’ve had reason to drink a tea of it.”

Charlotte frowned. Georgina didn’t seem happy about that. What had happened to her friend? There was a lot Georgina didn’t speak about. Maybe one day she would be more comfortable with them. She hoped they wouldn’t have to wait too long for that.

“Yes,” Mrs. Smith said. “One more herb, and then we will dismiss for the day.” She plucked another set of leaves from the garden and then handed one to each of the girls present. “Smell it and tell me what you think.”

“It’s pleasant,” a girl from the right of Charlotte said. “What is it?”

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 you want 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 your attention. 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.