To Dare a Rogue, Lana Williams [read an ebook week txt] 📗

tight to his misery when reaching out could make a difference to those who needed assistance?

Now if only he could find a way to have Charlotte, he thought as he walked toward his carriage. Though tempted to simply ask her to elope, he didn't want their life to begin on poor footing. Such an act would forever blemish her reputation. He'd only consider it as a last resort. And that was only if she agreed. But one thing was certain—he was determined not to lose her. If he did, he would lose his heart.

He still hoped to convince Lord Wynn to reconsider. Perhaps Edward might have some suggestions now that he’d had time to think about it. James had already purchased a box of the earl’s favorite cigars and also intended to purchase a bottle of his preferred brandy. Surely such gifts would make the earl reassess James’ worthiness. They couldn’t hurt.

If only he understood the reason Charlotte’s father was so determined to have Samuelson as a son-in-law. The time had come to make a few discreet inquiries regarding their association. Something didn't seem right. Neither Edward nor Charlotte understood it. A visit to Lord Wynn’s club might unearth information. Someone had to know something.

~*~

Charlotte prepared for the Cumberland Ball the following evening with grim determination. She had yet to decide exactly what to say to Lord Samuelson to make it clear she didn’t wish to marry him—without angering him or her father. Lord Wynn had already threatened to send her to live with her aunt in Wales when she’d attempted to speak with him again earlier.

“The subject is closed,” he’d yelled then sent her to her bedchamber.

Her mother continued to be of little assistance. Her disinterest, whether feigned or true, disappointed Charlotte. “You have no choice but to do as your father says.”

Edward had been absent more than he’d been home, so he wasn’t any help. No doubt he was avoiding being with their parents as much as possible.

Speaking with Lord Samuelson was her only option. But what should she say? She dearly hoped James would make an appearance at the ball this evening. Being with him was a welcome reminder of what was at stake. The difficulties that stood in their way would only make their victory sweeter. No matter that victory seemed impossible.

“Lady Wynn wishes to advise you that she will be accompanying you this evening,” her maid said when she bustled into Charlotte’s bedchamber to help her dress.

“Oh dear.” That complicated her plans considerably as she knew her mother would watch her closely.

“I’ll wear the primrose gown instead of the lavender,” she advised Mary. With luck, other ladies would be wearing a similar color. If she stepped away from her mother, she wouldn’t be easy to find in the crowd.

After Mary helped her dress and arrange her hair in a simple chignon, Charlotte awaited her mother in the entrance hall.

Lady Wynn looked her up and down. “You remember Lord Samuelson will be there this evening?”

“Yes.” For once, Charlotte actually hoped to see him and that inspiration would strike when she did. Perhaps she could mention all the reading she’d been doing of late as well as emphasize the many activities she enjoyed that he didn’t care for. Would that be enough to convince him to change his mind about marrying her?

The receiving line was a long one, and it took some time before they entered the ballroom. The hosts had commissioned an impressive chalk pattern of the Cumberland crest on the dance floor. The numerous guests were careful to avoid stepping on it, but that would change when the music began and dancers took the floor. Soft slippers and smooth floors made for a dangerous combination, and chalk prevented anyone from falling.

“That certainly makes a statement,” her mother whispered as she studied the intricate crest.

“What a pity that it will be ruined within the hour when it must’ve taken the artist several days to draw it.” Charlotte couldn’t imagine having something she worked so hard on disappear so quickly. She bit her lip at the thought of the feelings she and James shared fading in a similar manner, trampled by those around them until nothing remained but their memories. She couldn’t allow that to occur.

“At least you won’t slip on the floor.” Lady Wynn turned away, leaving Charlotte to trail behind her.

They made their way slowly around the room toward the refreshment chamber which held glasses of lemonade. The tart taste was perfect as far as Charlotte was concerned, though she didn’t miss how her mother looked for something stronger.

Soon the musicians were warming up. Charlotte was thrilled to see Margaret entering the ballroom with Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Raybourne as well as Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Raybourne.

Margaret searched the crowd until she found Charlotte then smiled brightly in greeting.

“Why don’t we continue around the room?” Lady Wynn suggested.

Charlotte would’ve preferred to wait until Margaret reached them but dutifully followed in her mother’s wake as she paused to greet acquaintances. She couldn’t remember her mother ever having close friends, but it would be challenging to maintain friendships when one’s husband was as difficult as Lord Wynn.

Charlotte hoped that sort of isolation never happened to her. How lonely to be locked in a marriage with a husband one didn’t enjoy spending time with and no friends to ease that discomfort.

“Weren’t you friends with Lady Devlin at one time?” Charlotte asked as a memory stirred when the other woman came into view.

“That was a long time ago.” Her mother watched Lady Devlin carefully, and Charlotte guessed that past times filled her thoughts.

When the hint of a smile played about Lady Wynn’s lips, Charlotte looped her arm through hers. “Let us greet her.”

“No,” her mother protested. “She won’t wish to see me.”

“We’re merely going to wish her well.” Charlotte continued forward until they reached the well-dressed woman who wore a deep red satin gown with a clever flounce at the hemline. “Good evening, Lady Devlin.”

The lady shifted