A Christmas Match (Landon House #4) - Rose Pearson Page 0,1

the other social events which would take place, few as they might be!

“You leave within the fortnight,” the Duke said, with a broad smile settling across his face, making it seem as though she were to feel nothing but joy at this news. “Lady Hayward’s son – the second of them – is also to be in London, I believe, in order to discuss a few matters of business with his solicitors and, if I am correct in stating this, in the hope of securing a bride!”

He chuckled, his eyes twinkling, but Charity could not find even a modicum of mirth in this remark. She had no intention of setting her cap at Lady Hayward’s son, regardless of what her father might think!

“I see,” she replied, with as gracious a smile as possible. There was no cause for her to complain, no matter if she did feel a little disappointed. To do so would be impolite and churlish, and she did not want her father to think that there was any ingratitude on her part. “Thank you, father. Is there anything that I need to do to prepare?”

The Duke shook his head.

“You will be able to purchase all that you require once you are in London. Lady Hayward will guide your every step, as she has done with your sisters. I am sure it will go very well, my dear.” Appearing now rather satisfied, he folded his hands and rested his arms on the table. “You will be glad to go to London, I am sure.”

“Yes, father, of course.” Charity forced a smile to her face and rose, realizing now that the conversation was at an end. “Thank you for making such an arrangement. I – I will be sorry, however, to spend Christmas away from you and my sisters.”

A small smile lifted the Duke’s lips.

“I am sure you will, my dear Charity, but it is something that you will have to become used to.” His shoulder lifted in a half shrug. “After all, let us hope that, by next Christmas, you will be residing in your husband’s home as mistress of his estate!”

Charity tried to keep her smile fixed in place, in the face of the sudden realization that this might very well be the last few days she had to reside in her father’s house before a great deal would change for her. Much to her surprise, her heart began to quicken as though she were afraid and, whilst she managed to bob a curtsey and excuse herself from her father’s study, the sensation did not leave her.

Pausing just outside the closed door of the study, Charity put one hand to her chest and tried to steady her breathing. Closing her eyes, she took in a deep breath and let it out slowly, telling herself that she was being foolish. She had been anticipating the Season, had she not? She had known that it would be her turn to go in search of a suitable match and had thought that she would be excited by it. Now, it seemed, she was actually a little afraid.

It has come sooner than you thought, that is all, she told herself, opening her eyes and dropping her hand. There is just a little less time to prepare than you had expected.

“Charity?” She looked up to see her younger sister Maria looking at her with wide eyes. “Are you quite all right?”

Charity nodded, managing to place a smile on her face.

“I am,” she said, quickly. “Father has just informed me that I am to go to London with Lady Hayward – for the winter, not the spring Season.”

Even though she tried to inject a little brightness into her voice, a little eagerness, she was not particularly surprised when Maria came a little closer and took her hand, looking up into her face with a true understanding etched there.

“It will be quite all right,” Maria said, with such gentleness that Charity wanted to let the tears which had begun to burn in her eyes begin to fall. “That is something of a surprise, certainly, given that it is sooner than you expected, but you will do very well in London, I am sure.”

The words seemed to stick in Charity’s throat.

“I will miss you.”

“And we will miss you also,” came the quiet reply. “But it is your turn now, Charity. Your turn to be in London society, to dance, to converse and to enjoy all that it has to offer.” She squeezed Charity’s hand gently.