Chapter 12
Charlotte took one last look in the mirror of the gilded vanity in her room. The decided clip-clop of horse hooves and jolly voices entering downstairs announced the arrival of Lady Susan's dinner guests. Charlotte's heart fluttered at the knowledge that Sidney Parker would be amongst them. Looking at her reflection she took a deep breath and gently pinched her cheeks before venturing out of the quiet safety of her private space. She slowly made her way to the grand staircase and stopped before coming into full view of any guests below. Charlotte scanned the room and found a few familiar faces. She noticed Mr. Wellesley speaking quite seriously with an older, portly looking man whom Charlotte had never met before. It appeared that Sidney and Georgiana had yet to arrive. She made her way down the staircase, unintentionally catching the eye of several gentlemen in attendance. Charlotte finally looked up and caught the friendly gaze of Alex, who stepped forward, smiling, and offering his arm.
"Good Evening, Miss Heywood. You are looking very well."
Charlotte smiled nervously, "Thank you, Mr. Wellesley." She still was not sure what to make of what she'd witnessed just a few hours earlier outside of Mrs. Campion's home. She had thought about it all day, and recalled Alex warning her that there would be many shocking theatrical occurrences. Charlotte placed her hand on Wellesley's arm and allowed him to introduce her to the gentleman he was speaking with earlier.
"Mr. Baker, this is Miss Heywood, a highly esteemed guest of Lady Worchester. Miss Heywood, Mr. Baker is a renowned solicitor among the ton."
Mr. Baker bowed, "Miss Heywood, a pleasure."
Charlotte curtsied in greeting, "Very nice to make your acquaintance, Mr. Baker."
The three conversed for several minutes until Charlotte felt a warm awareness course up her back, followed by the mere whiff of a familiar, comfortable scent. She turned slightly to find Sidney standing quite close to her, his back to hers, conversing with Lord Stanley and a few other gentlemen she recognized. Sidney turned to the side rather casually and calmly, feigning the need of a drink from a passing waiter and said very quietly, "Good evening, Miss Heywood."
Charlotte lifted her fan and covered her mouth to whisper a response, "Good evening, Mr. Parker. Are you well?"
"I am now. Are you also well?"
"I am….now." Sidney smiled at her response, hiding it quickly by taking a sip of his champagne.
"Miss Heywood, I find myself needing to speak with you privately if we can find a moment this evening. There's an important matter I'd like to discuss with you. And quite frankly, I would very much appreciate your honest assessment."
Charlotte considered for a moment then replied, "As long as you promise not to be angry with my assessment, Mr. Parker."
"Meet me on the garden terrace directly after dinner? I will retire with the gentlemen to the parlor but circle back to find you."
Charlotte responded with a slight nod of her head and then picked back up with the conversation with her current companions.
During this exchange, another guest had arrived. Mrs. Campion was adorned in a rose colored silk gown, trimmed with lace. Her hair was coiffed in an attractive way, making her look like the Eliza of her youth. She slowly made her way through the crowd, happily greeting everyone she came across until she made her way to Sidney's side. Sidney's back stiffened at her arrival, as he tried to remain calm and level headed.
Her voice dripping with icy disdain, "Sidney, I didn't realize you would be here tonight, darling. Why did you not tell me, or better yet, accompany me?"
"Good evening, Mrs. Campion. I came by earlier to speak with you, but you were otherwise…indisposed."
Eliza reddened, "Surely you are mistaken, I was home all afternoon. Did my butler tell you otherwise?"
"No, Mrs. Campion…he said you were indisposed and unable to receive guests at that time."
"Well, there must've been some mist—"
Lady Susan chose this moment to arrive and greet her guests. Speaking from the grand staircase she made her entrance, "Good evening to you all. I am so pleased you were able to join me for such a special evening. I hope you all enjoy yourselves, and leave here feeling lighter in spirit than when you arrived."
Lady Susan approached Mr. Baker, "Well met, Mr. Baker. Thank you so much for coming this evening. I realize my request for your services is rather…unconventional."
"Not at all, my lady. I am pleased to be of assistance to you and hope you know I am always at your service."
"I'm so pleased to hear it. I believe all concerned parties are now gathered. We shall meet directly after the meal's conclusion. Now, would you do me the honor of escorting me into the dining room?"
Mr. Baker reddened slightly, "I'd be delighted, Lady Worchester."
Lady Susan smiled and took Mr. Baker's arm, leading her guests into the palatial dining room. Charlotte followed directly on Wellesley's arm, and the rest of the Beau Monde followed suit. She soon found herself standing at the table with Mr. Wellesley to her right, and Sidney Parker to her left. Charlotte looked at Susan in wide eyed alarm, but Susan just smiled warmly at her with a twinkle in her eye and a slight nod of her head. Sidney held her chair out for her, the hint of a smile on his face. Charlotte looked up at him a bit uncertainly, and sat down. "Thank you, Mr. Parker."
Sidney took his seat next to her and leaned ever so slightly toward her and lowered his voice, "Perhaps at this meal you'll share your observations of the assembled company with me for a change?" Charlotte took a deep breath to respond when she looked up into his teasing eyes. She stopped her immediate response, smiled, and said, "Why do you take such pleasure in teasing me, Mr. Parker?"
Sidney's countenance turned rather serious, all signs of teasing gone, as he replied, "Forgive me, Miss Heywood. I only tease those I hold in highest esteem and affection."
Charlotte swallowed hard, dropping her napkin from her lap by accident in her flustered state. As she leaned over to pick it up, Sidney did as well, "Allow me." Their hands tangled, and Charlotte felt the jolt of electricity burn her fingers where he touched her. Their eyes met, and Sidney's hand squeezed hers briefly before releasing her and retrieving the napkin. Charlotte straightened quickly in her chair. The entire exchange happened in mere seconds, but it was long enough to be noticed by Eliza Campion, who was staring daggers at Charlotte from the far end of the table.
