Page 47 of The Good Fortune of Miss Robbins

“No, sir. She is buying new frocks and has hired servants but otherwise has not spent much of your money.”

“It is not my money. The money belongs to her now and she can do as she pleases with it.”

“Yes, sir.”

William saw the slight frown. It chafed Mr. Sullivan that he would give such a large sum of money to a woman who had no connection to him other than that she was once his wards’ governess, but Mr. Sullivan would keep quiet about it—or else. He didn’t look like the type of man who could survive prison.

William was about to dismiss him when he said, “She asked about you.”

“What did she say?” He glared at him.

“She asked if you were in town and about your habits, whether you liked to take walks while you were in London, things like that. I was very vague, of course, and told her I didn’t know. I do believe the woman she’s hired, Mrs. Drake, is endeavoring to get her accepted to society, invited to balls and parties and such. I overheard a bit of conversation about that.”

“Very well. You may go.” William made sure to give him his best scowl.

Mr. Sullivan bowed and left.

He hated trusting Mr. Sullivan, but up until now, everything seemed to have gone as well as possible. He just hadn’t anticipated how nervous he’d be about seeing Charlotte again, knowing that she now had the freedom to choose any man she wished. He’d never beenso cowardly before. But love made cowards of the stoutest men. He must have read that somewhere.

Nervous or not, he wanted to see her. And if she needed an introduction to society—and every person did, if they weren’t part of society before they inherited their fortune—then he and Lady Derringer could make that happen.

He rang for Mrs. Wells and told her he wanted to give a ball. To her credit, she didn’t mention the fact that he’d never given a ball before. She simply raised her brows slightly and said, “Very good, sir, and how many guests will you invite?”

“Lady Derringer should arrive later today, and she will be helpful in making a list of guests.”

They discussed plans and preparations for a few minutes. Thankfully, Mrs. Wells was familiar with the best of society, the people who normally invited him to their balls and the like, so he asked her to make up the list and then he and Lady Derringer would approve it.

“And I wish to invite Miss Charlotte Robbins.” He gave her the address.

“Very good, sir.”

He’d never looked forward to a ball before. It was a new feeling. But looking forward to dancing with her again was a familiar one. He only hoped she would be looking forward to dancing with him as well.

“The post has come, and there’s something for you. I believe it’s an invitation.” Mrs. Drake’s eyes were wide as she handed me the paper. It was from Lord Brookhaven.

I unfolded it while Mrs. Drake waited with pursed lips.

“It’s an invitation to a ball at Lord Brookhaven’s townhouse.”

“Oh.” Mrs. Drake clasped her hands over her chest. “This means he’s home. We must call on him today.”

The first few days of Mrs. Drake’s employ, I would have agreed,but I’d be miserable if I continued doing everything Mrs. Drake thought I should do.

“No, not today. I shall take my exercise, perhaps walk to Hyde Park. Will you accompany me?”

Mrs. Drake raised her head, pinched her lips together, and said while staring down at the breakfast table, “I suppose I shall. You cannot very well walk to Hyde Park alone. It would be improper.”

I said nothing, and she sat there sipping her tea and staring at the food, her hand hovering as she chose a tart.

I ate another scone with a healthy dollop of lemon curd—the cook I’d hired made the best scones I’d ever eaten—then went to change into my walking shoes, fetch my shawl, and tie on my bonnet.

Mrs. Drake obviously resented having to go on a long walk with me when she thought I should be calling on Lord Brookhaven. But I was already tired of the sort of machinations that seemed to be the expected way for a young lady to behave in order to secure a husband—a wealthy, sought-after husband, I should say.

I didn’t intend to embarrass myself by engaging in such artifice and schemes. Besides, the only person whose good opinion I cared about was Lord Brookhaven’s. Although I’d also need to secure the good opinion of the rest of society, since I didn’t want Lord Brookhaven to be looked down upon for marrying me.

My heart raced every time I thought about him in that way, so I put aside that thought and just told myself it would be enough to be his friend again.

Mrs. Drake was waiting for me. She was a good chaperone and companion in that she was always available, punctual, and efficient. I would have rather she was more of a friend and less of a servant, but Mrs. Southey had warned me in a letter: