Chapter 2

Susan was delighted to receive the note from Charlotte accepting her invitation. She would arrive tomorrow, and there was much to be done to set the wheels in motion. Susan was a very influential woman in every high society circle in London. Everyone knew of her, everyone wanted to be her closest friend, but only a select few made up her closest intimate circle of friends. She knew the moment she met the girl that Miss Heywood would be included in that circle. Charlotte reminded her of everything that was right in the world. It was her honesty and candid naivety that sparked Susan's interest the most. She was a breath of fresh air. Yes, she would do all she could to ensure Charlotte was connected to all the right people in London. Mr. Sidney Parker had surprised her with his shortsighted solution to his brother, Tom's financial troubles. This would not…

Susan's thoughts were interrupted by the maid, Cora, "A Mr. Wellesley to see you, milady."

"Thank you Cora, please send him in and then bring the tea service to the front parlor."

"Yes, milady."

"Mr. Wellesley, thank you for coming to see me on such short notice."

"Not at all, Lady Worchester, your note was a very welcomed surprise indeed."

"Was it? Ah, well I'm pleased to hear it. Please, do be seated."

"Thank you, my Lady."

"Mr. Wellesley, surely you have some idea as to why I've asked you here today on such short notice?"

"On the contrary, my Lady, I do not know to what I owe such a privilege."

"Ah, well you see, Mr. Wellesley, you owe me a debt of gratitude, and I am ready to collect."

"Is that so? And which debt of gratitude might that be, ma'am?"

"Come now Sir, you and I have an unspoken understanding, do we not? I know a particular secret of yours, which I promise not to divulge under any circumstance, and as a result, to show your gratitude to me for using such discretion, you will do me a series of favors of the most important kind."

Wellesley, being completely blindsided by this revelation of Lady Worchester, nearly choked on his tea but quickly recovered, "What secret would that be, my Lady? I assure you, I do not know to what you could be referring."

"Mr. Wellesley, you are a horrible actor. What a pity, for you have such a handsome face and pleasant countenance."

Wellesley reddened in embarrassment. So she did know. Of course she knew. She knows everyone and every piece of gossip and information in London. Collecting his wits Wellesley replied, "Right. What is it you need from me, Lady Worchester?"

"My dear friend, Charlotte Heywood of Willingden, is coming tomorrow for an extended visit with me and..."

"Willingden, my Lady?"

"Yes, now please don't interrupt. This is very important. You will be at every social gathering as her companion while she is here. Furthermore, you will make rounds the rest of today and this evening singing her praises to absolutely everyone you meet. Make it known that she is to be my particular guest for the next month, and that she is a handsome, exceedingly amiable, and accomplished young woman."

"Ma'am? Surely there is someone else better suited than I?"

"Yes, I'm sure there is, but like I said, you owe me a debt of gratitude. I trust that you will see to this with the utmost of care?"

"Yes, of course Lady Worchester."

"Lovely, now you had better get to work. It's time to spread the good news of Berkeley House. Good day, Mr. Wellesley."

"Good day, Lady Worchester…and…"

"Yes, Mr. Wellesley?"

"Thank you for your discretion, my Lady."

Susan nodded and smiled. She knew Charlotte would not care romantically for Mr. Wellesley; but, he would certainly be the envy of a certain Mr. Parker.