Don't Look Back

Chapter 49

Charlotte felt her heart hammer as she put the letter down, posted by a woman named Mrs. Fielding. She was just outside the Crown Hotel which was where most people still picked up their post.

Reading it as she left the porch she passed many recognizable faces but did not look up until she had finished reading each shocking revelation shared on the paper and ink.

Putting her hand on her bonnet Charlotte broke into a swift run where she passed by many who looked after her figure curiously as she passed but she paid them no heed.

"What is it, my dear?" Lady Susan asked as Charlotte ran inside.

Her sister and Lady Susan with little Flora were sat eating breakfast which Charlotte was late for on account of her daily morning checks with the Crown Hotel for the post.

She had tried not to be anxious for word but she could not help herself it seemed.

Allyson chewed her food, her face curious but did not ask verbal questions. Her eyes did the probing.

Flora swung her legs disinterested and Charlotte nearly burst into tears.

Folding the letter and handed it to Lady Susan. "I received a letter from Sidney, posted from a one Mrs. Fielding."

The fine woman delicately took the letter and blinked a few times to focus her eyes.

"Oh," she said. Then she gasped. "My goodness, I would never have thought it of the snake." she shook her head. "But it is good, I sense the man has gotten over his hesitation. But I suppose we should keep a lid on the facts for fear they will throw his plan."

Allyson frowned. "What plan?" she asked.

Lady Susan blinked at her and handed the letter over only after a nod of Charlotte's approval.

Allyson read it and spit out the food she was chewing as she started to choke.

"You must be joking." she shook her head. "This woman is so vile."

"Claudet?" Lady Susan's voice spoke up.

She pointed to the child as a silent signal to shuffle her off so small ears did not hear things they should not.

Lady Susan sighed. "That is perhaps the worst of it, but my dear I just got word from London that she has pushed rumors about you and he...and I have and will always vouch for you... but it is a messy game she is playing. And now this..." she shook her head. "If she is not careful she will be found guilty of a most grievous crime and pay with her life," she whispered as the little girl hummed beside Charlotte. "Even attempted murder is a hanging offense."

"Could our family know?" Allyson asked now concerned that scandal would drive Charlotte and her both back to Willingden before she was ready to return and perhaps ruin all prospects of a good marriage anywhere.

Lady Susan shook her head. "I do not see how unless they have connections in London. But they could know in a matter of weeks if this mess is not cleaned up soon." she chewed her food. "If we were not in the middle of the purchase of the land I would have half a mind to return to London and send some of my own whispers about to fix this."

Charlotte shook her head. "Nevermind about my good reputation..." she sighed. "It is not like it is gaining me a husband. And I am going to need to find my own way soon enough."

Allyson gasped. "Speak for yourself."

Lady Susan shook her head. "Charlotte, you speak nonsense. I put you into this trouble, I would not abandon you to it. Besides my ruination was the making of me. Perhaps it could be yours as well."