—- Don't stand so close to me

Charlotte did not give credence to magic, or ghosts, or any kind of mystical thinking. And yet, while she was standing and talking to the Parkers at Georgianna's party, she had the strangest experience of her life.

Without a word or a look she knew he had arrived. No-one had told her he was coming, but she knew. One moment everything was normal, she was enjoying her beautiful dress, her friends, and her champagne…. When suddenly her dress became too small and she couldn't take a proper breath, a burning sensation hit the middle of her back and she could feel his eyes on her neck like the touch of a hand. The second Alexander Colbourne entered the room, she felt it, the moment he saw her, she sensed it, and the instant their eyes met her whole world crumbled to pieces. Her heart was beating too fast. Was she perspiring? She closed her eyes and sent a word of thanks to heaven that Ralph had not been able to accompany her. He had stayed home to take care of the harvest. He could not see her in such a state of confusion and distress. He would not understand. She opened her eyes.

She opened her eyes to see Mr. Colbourne, not three feet away. She focused her eyes on hi's cravat. He made a stiff bow, "Miss Heywood." She curtsied, eyes downcast, "Mr. Colbourne".

She was sure that the Parkers and the Colbourne party exchanged greetings but she was not able to hear a thing over the sound of her breathing and her heartbeat. "Goodness, what a mess." she thought.

Augusta broke through the fog with her enthusiasm. "Miss Heywood, I am so happy to see you. If you have a moment I would dearly love to speak with you. So much has occurred in the last few months, we have been to London! ."

Charlotte smiled, a grin blooming on her lips. She was genuinely so pleased to see her former student. They reached for one another, grasping each other's fingers with gloved hands. "Indeed, Augusta. I am so honored you wish to share your stories with me. There is nothing that would please me more than to hear about your conquests and adventures in London. You must tell me about everything. But first, let us get a taste of the lemon ice." She was sure she could think clearly if she could escape his presence. She started to lead Augusta to the tables where the delicacies were displayed. Augusta paused briefly to glance at her uncle, who nodded his permission. When he glanced at Charlotte, she nodded and looked away.