An Inconvenient Trilogy Part 20

"And Lord Dunham?" Charlotte asked, referring to Stephen's glee about his acquaintance not liking the scheme.

"Oh, he'll do whatever Elizabeth wants, he's besotted with her!" Stephen responded dismissively.

"I don't know...." Charlotte said, not convinced by Stephen's words.

"It's the best option you have and they live in Somerset, on the Dunham estate. Elizabeth hates London, so they rarely visit and the friends they have do not mix in the usual circles," Stephen explained patiently. "It will take us a few days to get there; I shall write and let them know of your predicament."

"Are you sure?" Charlotte was still unconvinced, but was interrupted by a sudden outburst from Stephen.

"Oh d.a.m.nation!" He said roughly.

"For someone who criticised my language last night, you are doing a good job of being gutter mouthed in my presence sir," Charlotte said primly, but there was a twinkle in her eye.

Stephen grinned at her words. "It's not becoming for a young lady to use foul language, but as there is no hope for me, it's irrelevant."

"A poor response, sir, if I may say so! I've already come to expect so much more of you," Charlotte replied. She was not truly offended; in fact it was a compliment that he was comfortable enough to say such things to her.

"Sorry to have disappointed you, but you need to be aware that I try my best to disappoint when possible. I've always found that life is far easier if people have few expectations of one," Stephen responded lightly.

Charlotte guessed that the words held a lot of information about the way this man lived. He seemed to want to make sure that no one was close to him. It was an odd way to live, a trifle cold perhaps, but she only had to remember that kiss for all thoughts of him being cold to fly out of her head. She tried to get herself back under control.

"So why the outburst?" she asked.

"We shall have to travel on the road for days. We can take the maid with us for respectability, but we need a story, and you need clothes," Stephen explained.

"Oh," Charlotte responded dejectedly. The reality of travelling half way across the country and needing to show respectability sinking in.

Walter had entered the room, bringing a morning tea tray as was usual. Stephen usually needed numerous cups of tea before being able to face the world; he swore tea helped him combat the excesses of his evening pursuits. The conversation had increased the butler's curiosity even more, but he was a servant employed to help, not ask questions.

When the conversation seemed to grind to a halt, the butler coughed slightly, unable to stop himself being of help. "If I may interrupt my Lord?"

"You've never asked permission before, go ahead," Stephen responded. Charlotte glared at him for his sharp words. "Oh don't worry about Walter; he has the hide of a rhinoceros, don't you?" Stephen asked pleasantly.

"I find it serves me well in the more difficult employment I have undertaken over the years," Walter replied straight faced.

"See?" Stephen asked Charlotte. "No respect at all."

Charlotte was rea.s.sured that Stephen was not mistreating his staff. "I've always believed that respect has to be earned," she responded, for which she received a smile from both Stephen and Walter.

"Right! Now that my character has been destroyed by you both, would you like to get to the point, Walter?" Stephen asked pleasantly.

"Certainly sir. I was just going to suggest that Lord Dunham had perhaps asked you to escort Lady Dunham's cousin to their abode."

Stephen thought through the proposal and then smiled at the butler. "I knew there was a reason I employed you. Excellent idea Walter! No one knows Lady Dunham well; she was raised in the north, so they won't know her family. We can say I collected you from school; even those who think the worst of me would know I wouldn't prey on a schoolgirl," Stephen mused.

Charlotte's heart sank a little at Stephen's words, but she spoke normally. "That would make a good story, but it doesn't solve the problem about my luggage."

Walter coughed a little again.

"Go on," Stephen said, rolling his eyes at his butler.

"If you would excuse me again my Lord, you have, ahem, used the services of modistes in the past, for, ahem, gifts for some of your friends. Perhaps one would care to visit and obtain Miss Webster's measurements. Usually there are some items that can be obtained quickly." It was obvious that Walter was uncomfortable betraying some of his master's lifestyle in front of Charlotte, but he had offered another solution.

Stephen looked stony faced, but responded calmly, "Yes, another good idea. Could you send for the most discreet of them, and arrange for a full respectable wardrobe to be provided?" Walter nodded and left the room to send a message.

Charlotte had no right to be annoyed or jealous. He was a grown man, who hardly knew her. She knew she did not have any rights, but if that was the case, why did she feel so desolate, annoyed and jealous at the same time? She could not stop herself making a comment. "I would prefer not to receive the services of a modiste who is used to supply ladies of a certain profession, if you don't mind!" she said haughtily.

Stephen had not wanted his life aired in front of Charlotte like that, even though it was for a good enough cause. For some strange reason, he wanted her to think well of him. Her words angered him though and he responded sharply. "I'm a single man, who enjoys the single life to the full. Something which you should be thankful for, or else you would be on your way to a forced marriage by now!" he snapped.

Charlotte flushed. "I shall always be grateful for what you have done, and are doing to help me, but don't expect me to rejoice when I am put in the same category as a lightskirt!" she snapped in return, sounding as angry as Stephen had.

"No, you are better than that," Stephen sneered. "No lightskirt I have ever known has dragged me into a room and demanded to be kissed. You my dear, are definitely from a different category."

Charlotte gasped and flushed a deep red. Her eyes stung because Stephen had voiced the sentiments which had haunted her before she had even carried them out. She was a doxy, and pretending otherwise left her open to such ridicule, as had just been shown.

Charlotte stood with as much grace as she could muster, she did not look at Stephen, but said "Excuse me please, My Lord," in a shaking voice and left the room.

Chapter 5.

Stephen did not see Charlotte for the remainder of the morning. He was aware that a modiste had arrived, but confined himself to his study. He was angry with himself at his outburst. He had had no right to have responded to her like that, and she had not deserved it. She was a young girl and he had to keep reminding himself of that. Her verbal sparring made him forget it; she seemed so much older than her years. Yes, that had been explained with her being brought up with her uncle, but that did not excuse Stephen for forgetting just how young she actually was.

Being remorseful was new to him; he normally didn't care enough about anyone for remorse to ever have an impact. There were few people around him with whom he was very friendly, and even fewer that he would make any effort for. He had once tried to get close to his friend, Elizabeth, but she had wanted more than he could give her. She was one of those fools looking for love. Stephen checked himself, he did not think she was a fool; she was one of the brightest people he knew. She could make any evening interesting, and he knew that she would welcome Charlotte into her home without judgement.

The pair met for their evening meal. Stephen had considered going out, but then acknowledged that he would be acting like a petulant child, going to his club to sulk. The reality was he did not want to eat humble pie, but knew he must.

Charlotte came into the room in the same outfit that she had worn all day. "Please excuse my lack of an evening dress," she said apologetically. "Madame DuPont says that she will have everything sent around first thing in the morning."

"Good," Stephen responded. "Charlotte...."

"Before you say anything," Charlotte interrupted. "I have an apology to make. I should not have said what I said this morning. You were right, you are single and ent.i.tled to live your life as you please, I had no reason to react the way that I did, especially as your lifestyle has saved me from being forced into a life I could not have borne."

Stephen laughed, "I can't cope with the reasonable, understanding Charlotte. I do not know what to say to her when she appears. I much prefer the fiery Charlotte. I also have to admit my own wrongdoing this morning. I behaved like a brute and I apologise. Now can I have the bane of my life back? I have missed her today," he said with one of his winning smiles. His words were true though, he had missed her company.

Charlotte grinned at him, "Oh she's never far from the surface."

"Excellent," Stephen responded. "Now if we get your clothes tomorrow morning, we can leave before lunchtime."

"I will need to pay you back at some point. I would be grateful if you kept a record of all the expense I incur and when I secure a position I will repay you every farthing," Charlotte said with a blush. Stephen was a stranger to her after all and it embarra.s.sed her to owe him so much.

Stephen grunted, "Let's just say that to have spoiled Kersal's scheme, of which I will do more once I see you settled and out of his reach, will enough recompense for me."

"But...." Charlotte responded.

"No buts, I have enough money to be able to afford a few dresses and a trip to Somerset. Ask one of my lightskirts if you don't believe me," Stephen responded in a way that would hopefully kill any argument. It did, all Charlotte wanted to do was pour her food over his head for reminding her that he had been with other women, many other women, but she forced herself to sit still.

The following day, they set-off as planned, with Stephen and Charlotte in the first carriage. The luggage, Maggie and Stephen's valet Lowe, in the second carriage. Charlotte had insisted that they did not need two carriages, the thought of the expense shocked her, but Stephen had told her quite firmly that on no account was he going to travel in anything but his usual style.

The further they travelled from London, the more lightheaded with relief Charlotte felt. She had thought she had been relaxed while in Stephen's house, but as they travelled she realised she had still been on edge. It was not that she doubted Stephen; it was just being in the same city as Baron Kersal and his acquaintances had preyed on her mind.

Stephen was perfectly at ease on the journey. He had good company, a vision of beauty to look at, and was in good spirits because of the antic.i.p.ation that he was going to annoy Lord Dunham immensely. He had been an acquaintance of Dunham's for a few years, since Dunham had unexpectedly come into his t.i.tle. He had become friends with Stephen because they had both been chased by women who wanted become their respective wives. They also had similar cynical outlooks on life. He did wonder if Dunham had mellowed since his marriage. He had been handy with his fists in the past, something of which Stephen still had all too clear memories. If Michael became very upset at Stephen's sudden arrival he would have to brace himself for another fight. This time though the shoe was on the other foot, it was Stephen who was protecting the girl, not Michael.

The thought struck Stephen as hilarious. Who would have ever thought he would be acting as a self-appointed protector to an innocent? Certainly not anyone in his circle of acquaintance. It even struck Stephen as strange, but he was not prepared to let her put herself at risk. He would be fine once he knew she was safe, then he would return to London and everything would return to normal, he hoped.

Each night that they stopped at an inn, separate rooms were obtained, as was proper. Maggie slept in the same room as Charlotte; Stephen had given her strict instructions that she was not to leave her alone, no matter what the reason was. He wanted to make ensure her reputation was intact and although he thought that she was safe from any of Baron Kersal's cronies, he wanted to be sure.

On the fourth day of travel, when Stephen was questioning his sanity, they entered the drive of Dunham Park. Charlotte became fidgety. "Are you sure this is the right thing to do?" she asked looking out of the window.

"Shouldn't you have asked me that before we set-off from London?" Stephen asked dryly.

"Oh, be quiet with your smart retorts, you know what I mean!" Charlotte responded in exasperation.

"You will like Elizabeth and she will like you. There is no need to worry," Stephen rea.s.sured her, suppressing the grin that her words had caused.

They were greeted at the door by a footman and then the butler took them into the large Jacobean building. Its deep red brick looked warm in the afternoon suns.h.i.+ne, but the large building did nothing to calm Charlotte's nerves. She felt Stephen's hand on the small of her back.

"Relax, tiger; it will be fine," he a.s.sured her in a quiet voice.

She smiled at his rea.s.suring words, while his touch warmed her and made her feel something else. She was brought out of her thoughts by the appearance of Lady Dunham.

"Lord Halkyn, you are here at last! What a lovely surprise your letter was," the lady smiled at Stephen.

Stephen took Lady Dunham's hands in his and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Elizabeth you are looking as beautiful as ever, I see."

"Pah!" Elizabeth responded. "You wouldn't have said that an hour ago when I was racing back across the estate, in my breeches, splattered in mud and hoping I would have time to change before you arrived."

"Managing the estate, then?" Stephen asked with a smile.

"Of course! I'm not happy unless I'm on the land. No b.a.l.l.s and routs for me, thank you very much!" she responded with feeling.

"It was a great loss to Society when you left London; the entertainments just don't have the same sparkle anymore," Stephen said smoothly.

"Fudge!" Elizabeth replied dismissively. "My removal will have only been noticed by Violet, Edward and yourself. Everyone else had dismissed me as a country b.u.mpkin within a short time of my arrival."

"It was your insistence on talking about crop rotation and planting schemes that did it," Stephen responded in mock seriousness.

Elizabeth laughed, but moved to Charlotte. "And you must be Miss Webster. You are very welcome here. Lord Halkyn spoke very highly of you in his letter, and I must say I have been looking forward to meeting you," Elizabeth said easily.

Charlotte curtseyed and smiled at her hostess. "I'm afraid I'm only going to disappoint you, I know nothing about crop rotation or planting schemes. Although I have to admit I know nothing about b.a.l.l.s and card parties either, Lady Dunham," she admitted truthfully.

Elizabeth threw her head back and laughed, "Oh my dear you don't know how those last words warm my heart. You are going to fit in perfectly here. But you must call me Elizabeth, I don't think I will ever get used to being addressed as Lady Dunham, it sounds so false somehow."

"Thank you, please call me Charlotte," Charlotte replied. She thought that she may feel a little less daunted if she did not have to be so formal with Elizabeth. She was a striking woman. She had dark hair and the most expressive hazel eyes. Her hair was placed in a high bun, but wisps of hair fell around her face, taking off the harshness of the hairstyle. Charlotte had the distinct impression that Stephen really liked Elizabeth; he seemed to be making a real effort to be genuinely charming with her.

"Are you trying to monopolise my wife again, Halkyn?" came the deep voice of Lord Dunham. This was the meeting that Charlotte had dreaded, and the sharp words did not offer any rea.s.surance to her nerves.

"Dunham! Still as miserable as ever, I see. Why do you stay with him, Elizabeth?" Stephen asked.

"Lord Halkyn, you are terrible! When will you ever change?" Elizabeth responded without taking any offence.

"I am looking forward to the day he oversteps the mark again, and I shall leave him with a permanent reminder of his folly. I know that I didn't go far enough the last time," Lord Dunham growled.

"Ha, you are an old married man now; you have me at a disadvantage, since I could not fight you because of my regard for Elizabeth. Although if you ever want an escape from your husband, I would not mind making you a widow, my dear," Stephen said with a straight face.

"Children, children!" Elizabeth interjected before her husband could respond. "Let us not forget our manners in front of Charlotte. My dear, I would like to introduce Miss Charlotte Webster."

"Miss Webster," Lord Dunham bowed.

Charlotte curtseyed in return. "My Lord," she murmured. He was a handsome man, as dark as Stephen was blonde. He had deep brown eyes, which were shooting daggers at Stephen. At the moment, Charlotte could not see why Elizabeth had married him, he seemed stern and foreboding. She mentally questioned Stephen's motives for coming to Somerset, and she had a feeling she would not like the answer.

Elizabeth beckoned to a woman pa.s.sing through the hallway. "Martha, would you please take Miss Webster to her room to freshen up? Charlotte, Miss Fairfield will see that you have everything you need, she runs this house like clockwork."

Martha came across the hall and escorted Charlotte upstairs. Elizabeth invited the gentlemen into the drawing room. When they were seated, she turned to Stephen. "Now then, my Lord, your friend is a lovely creature, but how did you meet?"

Stephen smiled; Elizabeth was always the one to get straight to the point. "Well first things first, you can drop the 'my Lord' nonsense, especially as you are now the same rank as I my Lady," he said smiling. "Stephen, if you please."

"Fine, although you will always outrank me, in my head," Elizabeth said honestly, referring to when they first met and she was plain Miss Rufford. She was distracted by a snort from her husband. "Now Michael, don't be uncharitable, you are normally such a good host."

Michael grunted at his wife, "It depends on the quality of the guests we have," he responded uncharitably. He was annoyed with Stephen for visiting. He would never trust him fully after the way he had behaved with Elizabeth previously, and was waiting for him to step out of line so that he could throw him off the property.

Stephen, true to form, did not leave Michael waiting for long, before the usual antagonism started. "Well today, you have the highest honourable motive for my visit, so make sure you are on your best behaviour. I had thought marriage might have mellowed you, but it appears not to be the case."

"And it appears that you have not a shred of decency left in you!" Michael snapped. "What right do you think you have to bring your latest mistress here, and parade her in front of my wife? What has Elizabeth ever done to you that would cause you to act with such lack of respect?" He demanded.

Stephen flared up immediately. He was annoyed that Michael could think he would insult his wife, but as for what he had referred to Charlotte as, it made him almost shake with anger. "You b.l.o.o.d.y fool! You know d.a.m.n well I think higher of Elizabeth than I do of anyone else of my acquaintance! I would never insult her, but you have overstepped the mark. How dare you, yes how dare you, whether this is your house or not, insult an innocent girl like Charlotte! You refer to her as if she is a mistress of mine? Have you seen how young she is? What kind of monster do you take me for, that I would prey on an innocent girl and then parade her as if she was a dance hall act? She does not deserve that Dunham, and I would have expected better of you."

Michael and Elizabeth were both taken aback by Stephen's outburst. He had always been the one who was out to have a good time and be easy with everyone in the main. He tried to be controversial, but it was in the pursuit of entertainment. Elizabeth had always thought that he was a little unfeeling, especially when she heard his views on love and marriage. This outburst though, was so obviously out of character, that both of them were immediately more curious as to who Miss Webster was. They had stared at Stephen, almost open-mouthed, but they were both distracted when they heard a noise from the doorway. Both Miss Fairfield and a very pale Charlotte had obviously overheard the full speech.

"Charlotte!" Stephen sprang into action. The look of pure mortification on her face wrenched at his insides, and he vowed that he would make Michael pay for insulting her so. "It's no slur on you; it is my past reputation being thrown in my face again. I'm sorry."

Elizabeth gave her husband a furious look. "Charlotte my dear, I feel we have all got off to the wrong foot. You should have not heard that."

"So it would be fine to say it out of my hearing?" Charlotte asked sounding defiant, but her eyes were just a little bit more s.h.i.+ny than normal.

"No it certainly would not have been fine," Michael interjected. "I sincerely apologise Miss Webster for my appalling behaviour. Halkyn is correct, it was because of his, of our," he said with a slight smile and apologetic glance at his wife, "past behaviour. I welcome you into my home unreservedly and ask that you forgive my lack of manners."

Charlotte was not immune to a handsome man, especially when he was begging her forgiveness. Michael had changed from an indignant Lord of the manor to a charming gentleman. She inclined her head. "Thank you, you are very kind," she said quietly.

"I don't usually receive forgiveness so quickly!" Stephen interjected. "Why do you let him off so easily?"

"Probably because he is a respectable husband, while you are a complete cad!" Charlotte responded in her usual quick way.