Spinster Ever After (The Spinster Chronicles #7) - Rebecca Connolly Page 0,51
failed you.”
Charlotte felt tears of mirth welling dangerously, her breath harder to come by as she continued to laugh. “I managed as best I could! I am dreadful at jigs, and he was an even worse partner!”
Her mother tsked. “Never blame the partner, dear. It is most unbecoming.”
“Better to blame him than admit I am a poor dancer,” Charlotte insisted, grinning and looping her arm through her mother’s. “Oh, Mama, you do make me laugh.”
“So I should hope.” Her mother covered her hand, rubbing soothingly. “I know this is a bit of a trying time for you. Such confidence in all other respects, but in this, I think you might be just as insecure as any other girl in London.”
Charlotte sighed and nodded once. “I’ll only admit so to you, as you can already see it. Maddening business, finding love. I wonder that anyone succeeds in it.”
“Most do not, I’m afraid.”
That was unfortunately true. Charlotte barely avoided sighing again, looking out at other parts of Hyde Park as they strolled almost aimlessly. She had picked her ensemble this morning with great care, a lavender sprigged muslin and a plum walking coat, her bonnet a fine complement to both, and having to put so much thought into her appearance was wearing on her. What did any of it matter, in truth? She had been seen for years, and though being dressed elaborately and pinched into rosiness might have given her more attention, it could not change what they already saw.
She might never marry; would that be so dreadful? She’d never thought so before, but she hadn’t particularly imagined being alone in her unmarried state.
Lady Hetty Redgrave would understand. It would likely be worth the visit to her to try and understand what she must prepare herself for, if the next few weeks did not provide her an adequate response.
A tour of the Continent would likely be called for shortly, if she were disappointed. She’d never seen Switzerland, after all, and she rather thought one ought to be able to claim such things.
“Have you heard from sweet Prudence lately?” her mother asked beside her. “Surely she must be near her time.”
Charlotte smiled at the mention of her friend. “Yes, only yesterday I received a note. She delivered a little girl on Friday. Cam says she has the sweetest disposition and rather dark hair. Small like her mother, but strong and hale. All is well, apparently.”
“Oh, bless her! I’m so pleased. We must send gifts. Shall we see to Bond Street after this?” She dabbed at her eye discreetly with a gloved finger, sniffing softly. “I shall spoil the little lamb, mark my words. We cannot expect Marjorie Westfall to do any such thing, and Miranda Sterling will outdo me if I do not act first.”
“Mama!” Charlotte laughed, nudging her gently. “You are a wonder. Yes, let’s to Bond Street once we’ve walked more. I shall feel much more myself if I am needlessly buying something.”
Her mother gave her a scolding look. “It’s not needless in the service of others. Now, what is the child’s name? Did Camden say?”
“He did,” Charlotte confirmed. “They have called her Laura. Laura Mary Prudence Vale. Mary for his beloved cousin Molly, I believe.”
“Lovely.” Her mother nodded once. “Little miss Laura Vale shall have the best of everything, I do vow.”
Charlotte narrowed her eyes as she looked at her mother. “Will you be so indulgent if Charles or I have children?”
Her mother patted her hand a few times. “I intend for you to become very cross with me some years hence for never upholding the punishments you see fit to inflict upon your offspring.”
“I shall pencil in some spats for us, then.” Charlotte hugged her mother’s arm quickly, a surge of warmth and love filling her. While her mother often fit perfectly within the confines of proper distance from her children, as all mothers in Society seemed to do, at other times, she was inordinately affectionate and caring with them, and it was in those moments that Charlotte felt most herself.
Surely there was some significance to be found in that.
“I say, the pair of you do make a charming picture.”
Charlotte looked up, smile in place, and surprise jolted through her as the sight of Mr. Riley approaching them struck her. He was just as handsome as he had been at the Bonds’ party, and his smile more than ready. He walked rather than rode, which was convenient indeed for their purposes.