They came to an abrupt halt and Aurora pouted. “Oh, drat, he has moved on and I cannot see him anymore. Never mind, we’ll hunt him down eventually.”

  Charlotte giggled again. She’d never really hunted a husband like this before and it seemed easier to have a conspirator by her side for it. “I doubt that he’ll remember me, but of course I hope he might.”

  Aurora winked. “We’ll make sure he never forgets you after renewing your acquaintance with him tonight.”

  Aurora Hillcrest was a force to be reckoned with. At the rate they were going, Charlotte was sure to be reintroduced to almost everyone under forty years by dawn. A sudden thought occurred to her though, and she pulled Aurora aside. “I can’t thank you enough for all you’re doing to help me tonight, but I just want to be clear that I don’t want to compromise myself into a hasty marriage.”

  Aurora beamed. “I agree. Everything will be done to maintain your sterling reputation and dignity.”

  Charlotte looked around quickly, noticing an absence. “Where did Eugenia go?”

  “Do you see her husband standing anywhere about the ballroom now?”

  She looked around. “No.”

  “Then that is likely where she’s disappeared to. They’re always doing that, now they are married, and also before I suspect. Not that I blame them. They’re in love.” Aurora laughed softly, her eyes lighting up with pleasure at the thought. “So, let’s see who else was invited tonight that we can renew your acquaintance with. We must strike while your nerves last.”

  Charlotte was swept around the perimeter of the ballroom, and she smiled and greeted anyone she knew and everyone Aurora had a passing acquaintance with. “What our aim is tonight is to remind everyone that you’re very pretty, intelligent, and still unwed. And you do have a good-sized dowry. Your parents are respected academics.”

  “Respected where?” Charlotte muttered. “They’re hardly on anyone’s guest list anymore.”

  “People who are not seen, or are not particularly talkative, are merely less desirable at a dinner party than others. I’m sure your parents would have a great deal to say to people who shared a common interest.”

  “No one ever seems to,” Charlotte complained. “They are my parents and I must love them in some fashion, I suppose, but they’re not an asset I can use to make a marriage to me more desirable.”

  Aurora patted her hand. “I understand. Ooh, look. Lord Sullivan is here. He’s across the room talking with Lord Hurlston.”

  Charlotte had spotted Hurlston the moment she’d arrived but had resolutely turned her back on him. She could not admire him anymore, and she tried not to at every turn. Yet despite his upcoming marriage, she still foolishly dreamed of him. A man already betrothed would not want to kiss her.

  “I said no to pursing Lord Sullivan, remember,” Charlotte reminded Aurora again.

  “Never hurts to be thorough,” Aurora murmured. “Smile now; he’s coming this way.”

  She looked around to see both Lord Sullivan and Lord Hurlston bearing down on them.

  Although she smiled at Lord Sullivan, he seemed only to have eyes for Aurora. “How do you do this evening?”

  “Very well, my lord,” Aurora replied. “I’m sure you remember my dear friend, Miss Waters.”

  “Indeed, I do,” Lord Sullivan bowed. “A pleasure to see you again.”

  But his attention immediately returned to the Aurora, the true beauty of the evening. And it wasn’t the first time Charlotte had detected a partiality on his part for her dear friend, either. Charlotte had a suspicion, though she was sure Aurora would deny the idea, that Lord Sullivan’s interest in Aurora was genuine.

  Aurora, of course, kept offering him to other women.

  Charlotte glanced up to find Lord Hurlston studying her wearing a tiny smile. As usual, he looked very handsome in his black coat and breeches, with a simple gold pin holding his cravat in place. His attention flickered between Aurora and Lord Sullivan, and his expression registered a trace of anticipation, too.

  “Good evening, my lord,” she murmured, preferring that he not interrupt the other pair. If there was a chance of romance between Aurora and Lord Sullivan, Charlotte would not like to stand in the way of it.

  His smile grew wider. “It is a good evening, Miss Waters.”

  Although brief, Lord Hurlston’s greeting filled Charlotte with such hopeless pleasure that she shivered. He knew her name, and it really did feel like he was pleased to see her. Oh, how she hated that he was to marry someone else.

  Tonight, the subtle hint of his cologne teased her nostrils as he drew subtly closer to whisper. “What do you think is going on there?”

  “Where, my lord?”

  His eyes flickered to where their friends stood deep in conversation and his eyes sparkled with good humor.

  Charlotte hoped it was a romance in the making, but she wouldn’t want to jinx it by speaking of it with anyone. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

  “I’m sure that couldn’t be true.” His tone was teasing. “But by all means, keep your own counsel. Far be it for me to pry into a lady’s opinion. I’m sure you have many.”

  Charlotte frowned, unsure if she was being accused of being a busybody or not.

  “I only meant that you are more observant than most.” He grinned and then asked, “Have you by chance spoken with my future wife tonight or know where she might be found?”

  She shook her head, dismayed by the question. Of course, that is all he would really seek her out for. An observant wallflower saw much, sitting on the sidelines, ignored and bored. “I have not seen her or had the honor of an introduction, my lord.”

  He blinked slowly, as if he wasn’t aware of that fact. “Well, then I will rectify that as soon as opportunity permits. Which sets are you engaged to dance?”

  She looked away from him. She had met and talked with a great many guests here, but none of them had expressed an interest in taking the floor with her. Aurora, in comparison, had received plenty of offers to dance tonight.

  So far, she’d had no nibbles, no suitors. No real interest from the opposite sex except for the occasional leer from libertines who could have no interest in matrimony. She had a decent dowry but when a woman was possessed of eccentric parents like hers, well…her chances of making a grand match had to be set aside.

  Charlotte was short, rounded no matter how hard she tried not to be, and was already considered a wallflower at one and twenty. Hardly surprising she’d not found a husband with no help from her parents or their connections. She’d been late coming out at nineteen for her first season, and had only returned to London for her second season this year.

  But if she was going to avoid traveling abroad again, she would have to push herself forward a little more. She was desperate to stay in England. This was where she belonged.

  “I am not engaged to dance tonight.” She peeked past the earl’s wide shoulders, hoping to see an available man heading her way. Unfortunately, none were forthcoming, and a set was being called. She glanced at the earl, willing him away for the first time in her life.

  “That is…” His gaze was sympathetic, though he seemed to take a long time to search for the right words to continue. Gentlemen did not line up to dance with her. They had to be persuaded to it by someone who liked her.

  “It’s perfectly fine,” she assured him.

  “I was going to say disappointing to hear.”

  “Think nothing of it, my lord. I’ve become an expert observer at tonnish amusements.”

  “That should never be the case for a lady as pretty as you.” He gulped as soon as the words were out of his mouth and looked away.

  She fought not to smile at the unexpected compliment. Lord Hurlston had just called her pretty, and that made her feel a little better. He hadn’t meant to compliment her, she was sure, which accounted for the blush forming on his cheeks now.

  Lord Sullivan convinced Aurora to dance with him, and she winced as her friend was led away. With Aurora gone, Charlotte would have to find Eugenia to play chaperone for as long as the dance lasted.

  “Miss Waters,” Hurlston said very quietly. “If you have no objection, I wonder if you would like to dance this set with me?”

  She laughed softly, but she was blushing, too. “Did Mr. Berringer put you up to asking me to dance again?”

  He laughed. “No, I am in the mood to dance, but Elizabeth is not to be found.”

  She grimaced at the news. Coming second to his future wife smarted. And if she danced with Lord Hurlston tonight, that was one less set she’d have available to dance with an available bachelor. But since no one had asked her yet, surely one lost set couldn’t spoil her chances with someone else later. And besides, being on the dance floor meant others might notice she was quite a graceful partner. Being short had distinct disadvantages in a crowded ballroom. People tended to look over her head and not see her. On the dance floor she would be seen.

  “Thank you, my lord. I would be honored to dance with you,” Charlotte said quickly before she changed her mind. She held out her hand, fighting the thrill when Hurlston gripped her fingers tightly to lead her to the dance floor.

  The strains of a waltz suddenly filled the chamber, and she smiled up at him in delight. Hurlston rarely danced, but he was clearly fond of it and danced well. It was a doubly special treat for her to be one of so few of his partners. She’d cherish the memory for the rest of her days, too, or at least until her heart was claimed by someone who might love her back.

  They stepped toward each other, and she fit snuggly into his arms, heart racing. Her lips were level with his wide chest. Charlotte strove to calm her excitement with some difficulty. The cologne he wore was tremendously distracting, and the hand he placed high on her back seemed very warm.

  They started to dance and, after a few turns in companionable silence, Hurlston cleared his throat. “Forgive my boldness, but I wanted to thank you for the comfort you gave my mother. She has not stopped singing your praises since we made it safely home. I’m very glad to hear you accepted her invitation to take luncheon with her.”

  Charlotte took a peek around his shoulder to see if anyone had noticed them dancing together. So far, society was more interested in everyone else. “Your mother was kind to invite me, and I was happy to offer whatever support she needed.”

  “Were you not frightened at all?”

  “I was for you,” she admitted softly.

  “Thank you.” Hurlston’s fingers flexed upon her back, perhaps unconsciously urging her to draw closer.

  Charlotte fought not to sink into his arms as the heat of his hand spread across her upper back. The blush warming her cheeks surged with a vengeance, which at least she could blame on the exertion of the dance. “You already thanked me enough.”

  “Your quick thinking saved our lives,” he said, his grip tightening on her in a little more with every turn. “My mother’s nerves have become delicate. She is more sensitive to shocks and unpleasantness than she used to be. Your reassurances and protectiveness went a long way to soothing her in ways I often struggle to meet. She’s keen to know you better.”

  “My actions might have saved any one of our lives, my lord,” she countered. “If I hadn’t been already aware of the riders headed in our direction, I might have thought it thunder, too, and the situation may have become fatal for any of us.”

  “Still, I owe you a debt,” he said in a whisper. “Tell me, is there really nothing you need?”

  The smile on her face faded. Besides a kiss from him? A night in his arms? She’d once thought she could give up her virtue for one night with the unattainable earl. But…she had her pride. She stiffed her posture, remembering painfully that he was not for her to fantasize about anymore. “No.”

  “Well, if you change your mind, do speak up” he said, seeming to gulp. “You’re an attractive young woman. Marriage must be on your mind. If I can ever introduce you to any eligible bachelors, find a way to let me know.”

  Charlotte closed her eyes, cut to the quick by his seemingly generous offer. It was kind of him, but she couldn’t seriously let the man she still secretly loved help her find a husband she might never have feelings for.

  With that realization firmly in mind, she decided then and there she probably ought to marry someone not acquainted with Lord Hurlston. “My lord, I must decline.”

  “Why?”

  For a thousand reasons and all of them too embarrassing to share with him. Their dance came to an end, and she opened her eyes slowly to see a frown had formed on his face.

  She curtsied to him. “Thank you for the dance, my lord. I hope you locate Miss Mayflower soon and enjoy a proper dance.” She curtsied to him a second time, eager to escape him and return to her real friends to share the news of her change of heart. There had to be an adjustment made to her needs in a potential suitor. The man she married could not be titled, and therefore no close friends of Lord Hurlston’s would do for her. It would be entirely too painful to be around him should their paths cross in society too often.

  “The pleasure was entirely mine,” Hurlston promised, bowing to her deeply.

  They stood facing each other awkwardly afterward, and then she recalled herself and fled from him. She glanced over her shoulder, though, and saw that escape might not be hers immediately. Hurlston was following her, at a slower pace, toward their mutual circle of friends.

  They parted, him angling toward Mr. Berringer and Lord Sullivan on one side of the chattering group. Charlotte headed for the comfort of Eugenia and Aurora on the other, aware he was watching her.

  Aurora leaned close to whisper in her ear. “You looked lovely dancing with Lord Hurlston. Since he is known to be so particular, I’m sure everyone noticed the honor you received.”

  “Perhaps that will do me some good,” she answered, though the thought brought no real joy. Her happiest moment had been diminished by Lord Hurlston’s offer of aid to help her find a husband to replace him in her affections.

  “I’m sure it will. I—” Aurora began but was interrupted when a gentleman came to take her away to join another set just forming. Others left, too, and after a few moments, she found herself standing beside Lord Hurlston again.

  And she didn’t know what to say to him. The man she loved. The man she’d adored from afar since first laying eyes on him in her first season would always belong to another woman.

  Winston turned slightly, inching closer to her side. “Forgive me the blunt question, but are you one of those women who never intend to marry?”

  Charlotte bristled. “I want to marry as much as any lady.” Perhaps even more now. She was counting down the days until her parents’ departure from England with dread growing in her heart that she’d have no choice but to go with them. “But I truly don’t need your help.”

  He inhaled sharply, finally noticing her emphasis. “Everyone needs help to make the right match. My mother has expressed an interest in your future. I’m sure she will broach the subject of marriage with you tomorrow at luncheon.”

  She closed her eyes and clenched her jaw in frustration. Did everyone in London pity Charlotte’s spinster state?

  She opened her eyes slowly. Hurlston appeared to be waiting for a response, so she gave it to him—uncensored. “I never said I wouldn’t seek the opinion of my closest friends and confidants,” she stated, annoyed with his very being. The nobility had a much easier time forming alliances and making socially acceptable marriage. Love was not even involved half the time. Such was the case with Lord Hurlston and his future bride, too. “What would you know about making a good match? You were betrothed for years and only now are dragging yourself to the altar.”

  That seemed to give him pause because his cheeks drew dark, and his jaw clenched momentarily. The silence didn’t last long. “I needed no help from anyone to do my duty.”

  Duty.

  “A marriage should mean more to you than duty.” Charlotte forced a smile. She’d heard the gossip, heard his friends joke about Hurlston’s endless delays in setting a wedding date. But now he was weeks away from tying the knot, and he still believed it was a duty to be a husband.

  And then she saw his Elizabeth gliding through the room on the arm of a man surely old enough to be her father. The woman was truly beautiful in a way Charlotte could never be. She moved through society with an obvious air of cold superiority, too. “Yes, you must be a dutiful fellow indeed to be forced to marry Elizabeth. By the way, your future wife is over there on her father’s arm, I think, looking down her nose at everyone. Excuse me, my lord. You have professed enough gratitude to an unworthy wallflower to appease your conscience. Please think no more of me ever again.”

  Charlotte turned to Eugenia and whispered that she was headed for the retiring room before she said anything else. She needed to cool her head before anyone noticed she was in a temper. Women with tempers were quite unattractive.

  Chapter Six

  Winston marveled that someone so tiny could have literally knocked him to his knees with so few words. Charlotte Waters fled from him in a temper, and he had deserved the set down, too. What did he know of courtship when he’d never had to bother with it himself?

  He should have held his tongue and not tried to force his offer of help on a woman with so slight an acquaintance with his family. She wasn’t flattered by his concern or that he wanted to help her make the right match. She’d been downright offended that he thought she needed any help at all.

  Yes, it was in his power to introduce her to more bachelors than she could realize existed. But if she didn’t want his assistance, so be it. He didn’t need to be hit over the head to learn to hold his tongue around her.

  He would forget the obligation he felt must be settled with her for the warning she’d shouted and the bravery of her actions in Hyde Park. It had been a selfless, instinctive reaction and nothing more. The concern she’d shown for his mother’s fragile nerves after had seemed genuine, but what did he really know about Charlotte Waters? Very little really. And as she had said, it could have been any one of them trampled under the horses’ hooves.