Page 29 of Always the Chaperone
No further words were needed. They understood each other.
“I have much to learn,” John said quietly.
William drained his teacup and placed it back onto its saucer. “And I am glad my younger brother never had to,” he said. “No man should. Now the war is over, I hope it will be many generations before anyone else has to.”
“I believe that to be unlikely,” Charlotte said quietly.
How was it that she understood not only his words but the meaning beneath them? He had never encountered a person, let alone a woman, who was able to pierce through his mutterings and see the truth.
“Indeed,” he said heavily. “If the posturing of nations does not stop soon…”
His voice trailed off, and they all fell into silence.
Was this what polite society discussed? William had no idea, having spent so little time in it. This felt more intimate, more honest than any other conversation he had had since entering Bath. And it was Charlotte; she had drawn it from him.
“Who would be a politician, eh?” John said with a shake of his head. “I was just thinking the other day, Lady Charlotte…”
What was William doing here? For all the trappings of family name, title, and wealth, he was just a soldier. It was all he had known for so long, how to fight, how to protect, how to give, and take orders.
Charlotte was a lady. A lady born and bred. She needed, nay, deserved someone who had grown up knowing which fork to use for the fish course.
The chiming of the grandfather clock interrupted his thoughts.
“Is that the time?” John stood hastily. “I do apologize, Lady Charlotte, but I am needed elsewhere. I had no idea how much time had flown!”
Charlotte rose to her feet, and William almost staggered to his own, as she said, “Please, do not worry yourself, my lord. I have an appointment in town also.”
“Perhaps I can escort you,” William offered.
She smiled. “I would enjoy that.” She rang the bell and moved back to her seat.
As she did so, John whispered to his brother, “You could have picked a more joyful topic for wooing.”
“What did you expect from me?” William shrugged with a murmur.
John shook his head as a footman entered the room with Charlotte’s pelisse.
“Well, I am this way,” John said with a wink as the three of them headed for the door and stepped outside. “And I am sure you are both that way. Thank you, Lady Charlotte, for a delightful morning.”
He bowed and started off down the street, whistling as he went.
William grinned at Charlotte. “I thought we’d never lose him.”
“He is like an excitable puppy.”
“Yes, and a badly trained one!”
“He is good company,” she countered as they fell in step with each other. “I like him.”
“I cannot disagree with you. Some gentlemen are unfortunate in their brothers, whereas I have never found his companionship irksome.”
“I experienced both, I believe,” Charlotte said softly. “My brother, Richard, is a true gentleman, and yet Arnold, who came from the same stock and same home, was utterly different. Cold. Cruel, even.”
They turned a corner, and both simultaneously took a step to the left to avoid some horse droppings.
“I am doubly fortunate,” William said, breathing out heavily. “I have never had any complaints when spending time with my siblings.”
“And why do you wish to spend time with me?”
