A Christmas Match (Landon House #4) - Rose Pearson Page 0,3
a flurry of surprise down Charity’s spine and she started violently at the unexpected sound.
“You cannot call me your friend if you believe that I have any interest in seeking out such opportunities,” came the reply, making Charity’s face flush as she realized what he meant. “I have no intention of doing anything other than playing cards and being in excellent company at White’s and the like.”
“Then you are a fool,” said the first gentleman, solemnly. “For you miss out on a the cheer and joy of the winter season, which might, should you let it, press hard against your melancholy and your low spirits, and refuse to allow them to linger within your soul any longer. And would that not be a good thing?”
Charity reached Lady Hayward just as the second gentleman finished speaking, putting a quick smile on her face as Lady Hayward glanced up at her. Part of her wanted desperately to turn around and look at the gentleman in question, to discover precisely who he was and why he was so set against all that London had to offer – in particular, good company – but propriety told her she could not.
“And when will those be ready?”
Charity listened as the modiste finished discussing the finer details of Charity’s new gowns and various other items, before the modiste suggested that she have one final look around the shop and make certain that she had ordered all that she required.
“An excellent suggestion,” Lady Hayward replied, with a broad smile. “Thank you for your assistance. We will do as you suggest.” Turning, she caught Charity’s arm for a moment. “The new cloak and boots will be with you in a few days’ time,” she told Charity, who was still doing her best not to look at the two gentlemen who were now just to her right, seemingly discussing something of importance. “And the muff and hats we will take home this very afternoon! And your gowns, of course, must be sewn to the first stage, before they are brought to the house for fitting. But I am certain that, within a sennight, you shall have all that you require.”
“Thank you, Lady Hayward,” Charity replied, feeling a small glow of contentment begin to fill her chest. “I look forward to receiving everything.”
“And now, what about evening gloves?” Lady Hayward exclaimed, a sudden smile spreading across her face. “There is something that I did not consider! Do you require a new pair of evening gloves?”
Charity opened her mouth to state that she already had two very fine pairs – although none were new – only for them to suddenly come into the path of the two gentlemen. Given that there was not a great deal of space within the shop, Lady Hayward quickly excused them with a murmur, and made to take Charity elsewhere, only for the first gentleman to speak.
“Pray, do not allow our presence to prevent you from coming this way!” he exclaimed, as Lady Hayward stopped quickly and looked back at him, finally allowing Charity to do the same. “I was merely looking for a new pair of gloves for my wife.”
He smiled at both of them, bowed, and then stepped back, gesturing for them to step forward. Lady Hayward hesitated for a moment or two, only for her eyes to light up and a small laugh to escape her.
“Good gracious, it cannot be you, Lord Ramsbury, surely?” she exclaimed, making the first gentleman’s expression turn from geniality to confusion. “Already wed? And I thought that you would have many more Seasons in London before you would take a wife!”
Charity watched with interest as the gentleman frowned, then studied Lady Hayward for a few moments longer, only for his eyes to widen and his face to split with a broad smile. Evidently, he had recalled her and now stepped forward, reaching for Lady Hayward’s hand so that he might bow over it.
“Lady Hayward!” he cried, sounding quite joyous. “My dear lady, how do you fare? It has been some years, has it not?”
Lady Hayward laughed.
“Indeed it has,” she replied, smiling warmly up at him. “Last I saw you, you were…” She trailed off and the smile faded away. “You attended my late husband’s funeral. I was very grateful to you for your presence, although I do not recall that I said so at the time.”
Lord Ramsbury’s smile softened but did not fade.
“Indeed you did,” he told her, as Charity allowed herself to study his face, taking in the