Don't Look Back

Chapter 17

Charlotte signed relieved to be back and Grandview that evening. Lady Susan was still had her own calls and plans and she was relieved to have time for her thoughts. There she found Mrs. Claudet sitting by the fire as if Lady of the house.

"Oh Miss Heywood! Do forgive me. I was just fancy' ing a little foot up with a treat tonight." she said trying to smooth over the infraction as she brushed crumbs from her front.

Charlotte rolled her eyes not caring. Lady Susan was never severe with her servants.

"Did yea have a good evening Miss?" the cook asked brightly.

Charlotte sighed and put her shawl down. "It was nice to reconnect with friends." she shook her head. "The Parker children are so grown." she blinked. "Allysia the oldest is thirteen."

The cook nodded and picked up her snack. "Are you at all hungry miss? I could have a little plate brought up of the hearty stew I just ate, or perhaps just a tart?" she tried seeing the lack of interest on Charlotte's face.

She shook her head. "No, I think I just need to go to my room and try to make sense of the day I have had."

"There were two calls for you today miss. Two gentleman callers," she said indicating two bouquets.

Charlotte went to them equal in taste and expense. Leaning over she sniffed. Fingering the petals Charlotte frowned that she had not bothered to learn what each flower meant as other girls delighted in doing. She had no admirers before that bothered to send flowers and now two in one day.

Looking at the note she found that one was from Sir Radmore, and the other from Mr. Stringer.

Lost in thought she looked at the basic notes. From Sir Radmore, a clear pen wishing to know her better and from Mr. Stringer, A simple thank you for the dance, and an invitation to view some ambitious new building plans.

"Forgive me Miss, but you do not seem the least happy to be here?" Mrs. Claudet asked.

Charlotte blushed thinking of Mr. Stringer's invitation.

"For all that you went on about the place the last years I thought you would be pleased as pie to return." the cook said turning as she headed to the back of the apartments.

Dropping her hands that held the notes but still clutched them Charlotte nodded. "I have some history here that is a little painful. But prey, do not misunderstand. I still so love this place, and even more so with all the wonderous changes."

The old cook's brows shot up. "Those two gentlemen callers seemed rather interested in courting you. You will surely go out with one of them. You ain't getting any younger." she cautioned her.

Charlotte sighed. She was not interested in courting at all. Now with the conflicted nature of her feelings at the moment courtship was very far from her mind. She just wanted to survive the season.

"Oh, Charlotte!" Lady Susan said sweeping in with all her glory. "You did not miss much tonight. Tedious gathering if I am being honest and you know I always am with you."

She shrugged off her fur and smiled. "You look tired my dear," Susan said pouting. "Come, have a drink with me and tell me about your day. I saw you on the beach you know?" she said seriously.

Charlotte's cheeks darkened in shame.

"I saw you shared another word with a certain person," she said preventing official gossip throughout the house. Charlotte had still not answered any comments. Sometimes Lady Susan was like that. "Oh yes, and I see you got your flowers." her voice went on with a frown. "That Mr. Stringer is a strapping young man," she observed. "Sir Radmore as well. Fine enough I dare say."

Charlotte followed Susan into the parlor. "Come sit, what did the gentleman have to say?"

Charlotte shook her head. "Not much of consequence Lady Susan," she answered nervously.

Rolling her eyes she handed Charlotte a glass. "Come. come, Charlotte don't play coy." she laughed. "You have not said a single word! What did he say?"

Sighing heavily Charlotte closed her eyes pained. "I think it was a mistake coming here," she said nervously. She had never asked to leave Lady Susan and she was not sure how her friend would react after so many years of kindness.

"Oh tosh my dear. Don't let that man run you off scared." Susan sat and smiled. "Am I to assume he asked you to leave?" she frowned. "I could not believe it."

Shaking her head Charlotte finally took a drink of the champagne. "What he wants is not the point."

Lady Susan nodded seriously. "So you wish to leave me." she took a heavy sigh. "I would not stop you, but your sister Allison will be here day after tomorrow. I formally invited her since you would not."

Charlotte shook her head. "But she has a beau!" she protested.

"And I wager he does not love her if he would not wait for her." Lady Susan argued. "I do think you will disappoint her greatly if you insist on leaving since she is looking forward to coming. And just in time for the cricket picnic on the green."

Charlotte frowned. "I suppose I should stay then." she sighed and noticeably sank into the cushion.

Susan laughed. "You looked utterly crushed my dear." her friend said softly and with compassion. "What happened in that short conversation?"

Standing Charlotte went to the fire. "I am afraid the rumors are making me see things that may not be there."

"Which rumors?" Lady Susan asked.

Impatient Charlotte took a breath. "The ones about their marriage not being a good one. He seems so miserable. Even with his daughter, he does not quite feel himself." She shook her head. "He does not seem so sure of himself. There is no confidence left."

"There is a great feeling in him and it frightens me," she whispered to herself.

Lady Susan frowned and sipped her drink. "Curious." she shook her head. "It is a wonder he does not petition for a divorce if Mrs. Parker has been unfaithful which I believe she has. My sources are very reliable."

Charlotte shrugged. "Perhaps to protect the investment."

Lady Susan shook her head. "Sidney is not that practical of a man. His reasons must be closer to the heart."

Overly tired from the emotional day Charlotte made her excuses to Lady Susan who sat by the fire for a time thinking about Mr. Sidney Parker and his wayward wife and the heartbreak of her friend.