her heart. “I quite understand. I will be very careful indeed.”
“Be aware of what is going on within your heart, Lady Charity,” came the surprising reply. “You may well be careful in your dealings with Lord Hosmer, but should things change in terms of how you see him, how you view him and the like, then I must ask you to permit yourself time to consider it all very carefully indeed.”
Charity did not immediately respond, finding that the strange, uncomfortable feeling in her heart was entirely to do with the idea of stepping away from Lord Hosmer and setting her attention on another. There was something about the gentleman which was very captivating indeed, but was that simply the mystery which surrounded him? When she discovered the truth, would she be able to step away from him without any concern? Or would she find herself all the more enthralled by him, once they had drawn that little bit nearer to each other?
“Lady Charity?”
“Yes, Lady Hayward,” Charity said quickly, realizing that, as yet, she had not said a word. “I will do as you suggest, although I must state that I do not believe there could be such a change.”
She tried to smile but could tell it faltered. Lady Hayward’s smile was a knowing one and, whilst she nodded and then rose to ring the bell for tea, Charity knew very well that her chaperone was all too aware of Charity’s innermost thoughts. For whatever reason, Lady Hayward seemed to be able to see what Charity was hiding deep within her heart and was able, already, to foresee what might occur. Whether that was unsettling or encouraging, Charity did not know.
“When are you to see Lord Hosmer again?”
“This evening, I believe, at Lord and Lady Bollington’s soiree,” came the quick reply, as Charity prayed now that the discussion might move to something else. “I thought to wear one of my new gowns.”
“An excellent idea!” Lady Hayward exclaimed, finally allowing Charity to discuss something other than Lord Hosmer. And yet, no matter what they spoke of, no matter what they said, there was always that gentle tug at the back of her mind, that pressing of her heart that now seemed quite impossible to remove.
She would see Lord Hosmer again tonight.
“I do hope you enjoy the evening.”
Charity thanked their hosts and, alongside Lady Hayward, made her way towards the center of the room where a few other ladies were conversing. She was doing her best not to look for Lord Hosmer, not to allow her eyes to flit from one place to the next as she searched for him. It would not be wise to do so and certainly might bring her a little embarrassment, should anyone notice that she was not paying them and their conversation the correct amount of attention and interest.
“Good evening, Lady Hayward, Lady Charity!”
Charity quickly bobbed a curtsy.
“Good evening, Lord Ramsbury, Lady Ramsbury.” She laughed as Lady Ramsbury’s eyes narrowed in playful reminder. “I mean, good evening Sophia.”
“Ah!” Lord Ramsbury exclaimed, as the smile returned to Lady Ramsbury’s face. “So she has you calling her by her forename name then, does she?” He twinkled at his wife, who reached across to squeeze his arm. “That seems quite suitable, given that you are such close acquaintances.”
“Lady Hayward and I were just discussing Christmas Day,” Charity replied, as Lady Ramsbury nodded. “We are both very much looking forward to joining you.” She could not pretend that there was not a small stab of pain at the thought of not being present with her sisters and her father for Christmas Day but, as she reminded herself, such changes must take place if she was ever to wed. She would have to become used to not being at home with the only family she had ever known and, instead, set up her own life and her own situation with happiness and eagerness. “You are both very kind to have invited us.”
“Oh, but it will be marvelous!” Lady Ramsbury exclaimed, clasping her hands together tightly in front of her. “We are so looking forward to having you both join us.” She laughed suddenly, looking to her husband. “And we shall not be burdened with only Lord Hosmer’s company who, I can assure you, does nothing other than remain rather sullen throughout the entire day! Unless,” she continued, throwing a quick smile towards Charity, “you are able to improve his manner by then, Charity.”
“I fear you might well be a little too hopeful,