Charlotte stood on the bottom step with wide eyes. Gwen was worse, with her mouth agape. Both women stared at Lucien with obvious appreciation. Scowling, Hugh pulled Charlotte closer.
'Remington, allow me to present my very good friend, Mrs. Riddleton, and her companion, Miss…' Hugh cleared his throat to get Gwen's attention.
'Sherling,' she blurted out, sticking out her hand. 'Guinevere Sherling.'
Lucien accepted the offering with a low bow, dazzling the young girl with a charming grin. Hugh began to tap his foot, not at all pleased with the reactions the ladies were having to the attractive former libertine.
And then Charlotte took his arm. Looking down at her, he caught her slight smile. 'I prefer blonds,' she whispered.
Suddenly Hugh's day was much brighter.
Remington gestured for the servants to collect the trunks and then led them inside. Gwen stumbled to a halt as they entered the foyer. A floating dual staircase directly ahead capped an expansive marble floor flanked by several doorways on either side. Overhead a massive crystal chandelier hung from a domed ceiling, featuring a painting of lush fern fronds on a pale blue background.
'This is so beautiful,' Gwen breathed, clearly awestruck.
Lucien tilted his head in acknowledgment. 'Thank you, Miss Sherling.'
'Hugh La Coeur.' All heads turned to the right, where Lady Julienne Remington stood in the doorway to the parlor. Dressed in pale blue silk with darker blue trim, his sister was a vision of beauty and poise. Heedless of the guests that milled around, she glided toward them with a brilliant smile and surrounded him in a fierce hug. 'You should have told me you were coming, but regardless, I am very happy to see you.'
Hugh lifted his sister's feet from the floor. 'The sentiment is mutual,' he whispered gruffly. Growing up without parents had made them closer than most siblings. After all the scrapes and mischief from which she'd rescued him, there wasn't anything in the world he wouldn't do for her.
Setting Julienne down, he drew Charlotte closer. She held out her hand and introduced herself.
'It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Riddleton,' Julienne said with a genuine smile. 'This weather became so tedious, we decided to liven things up with a little winter house party. I'd warn you about some of my guests, but since you came with Hugh, I doubt anything you encounter will offend overmuch.'
Charlotte laughed. 'I thank you for your hospitality, my lady.'
Julienne linked her arm with Charlotte's and smiled at Gwen. 'Come along. I'll show you to your rooms and relate the scheduled activities.'
With a quick wink over her shoulder, Charlotte moved to the grand staircase with Julienne and Gwen, leaving Hugh staring after her.
'She's lovely,' Remington murmured.
Hugh nodded his agreement, though he rather thought 'lovely' was too tame a description.
'I admire your taste.'
'That's quite a compliment coming from you, Remington.'
Lucien laughed. 'Shall we head to the billiards room? Most of the gentlemen are there.'
As they left the foyer, Hugh asked, 'Is Lord Merrick here?'
'Merrick is expected to arrive later this afternoon.'
'Smashing.' Hugh very nearly rubbed his hands together with glee. 'I'd like to speak with him privately, if he'll consent.'
'Certainly. You may use my study whenever you like.'
Now that the matter for which he'd come was settled, Hugh looked forward to enjoying the afternoon. The last week with Charlotte and Gwen had been pleasant and the most relaxing time he could remember, but he missed the bawdy humor and salacious discourse he found exclusively in the presence of other gentlemen.
He entered the smoke-filled room behind Remington and raked his glance over the occupants. Lord Middleton, who stood with a group in the far corner, raised his hand in greeting and gestured him over. Hugh moved to meet him, but he paused midstep, his smile frozen, as a man standing near Middleton turned to see who approached.
'Montrose,' the Duke of Glenmoore called out, with a wide smile. 'It's been some time since we last met.'
Hugh's jaw tensed. 'Not long enough,' he said under his breath.
After seeing Gwen comfortably ensconced with the other companions, Charlotte followed Hugh's sister down the hall. She couldn't help smiling. Julienne Remington was very easy to like. Blessed with the same honey blonde hair as Hugh and the same dark eyes, she was lovely. Bearing the poise and grace of a woman born to privilege, she nevertheless seemed open and accessible.
'Here we are,' Julienne said, throwing open a door on the right. 'I hope you'll be comfortable.'
Stepping into the bedchamber, Charlotte gazed around in wonder. Decorated in shades of plum and taupe, it was spacious and luxurious. 'This is beautiful,' she breathed.
'I'm pleased you like it. Tonight we've scheduled a ball.' Julienne lifted her arms in the air and spun about. 'I've felt like dancing for months. It took great effort on Mr. Remington's part to acquire an orchestra, but he managed it, and I'm terribly excited.'
'I lack suitable attire for such an event,' Charlotte confessed. She had one evening gown with her that was simple enough in style to go without notice, but she would never attend a ball without Gwen. It would break the girl's heart, although she would never admit it.
Julienne studied her figure carefully. 'You and I are not much different in build. I believe I have a number of dresses that would fit you. You can look through them and see which one most suits your taste.'
'Oh, really, you mustn't trouble yourself.'
''Tis no trouble at all, Mrs. Riddleton.'
'Charlotte,' she corrected.
'Charlotte.' Julienne grinned. 'I like you, Charlotte. I have always enjoyed the company of straightforward and strong women. Hugh needs that sort of support in his life.'
'He's quite capable of supporting himself.'
Arching a brow, Julienne looked clearly dubious. 'In any case, my brother is quite handsome.'
'Yes, quite,' Charlotte agreed with a laugh.
'And in evening finery, he's unsurpassed, as you must know.'
Not willing to admit how little she and Hugh knew of one another, she said nothing, but she could picture him clearly. Showcased in stark black and white, his golden beauty would be devastating to the female senses.
'We mustn't have him wandering about unescorted,' Julienne continued. 'Wouldn't you agree?'
Charlotte clenched her fists. She might never be able to keep him, but for the next week Hugh La Coeur was hers, and she would do whatever was necessary to make certain every other woman present knew that. 'Yes.' She offered a grateful smile. 'Thank you so much, my lady.'
'Julienne.'
'Thank you, Julienne.'
'Did you bring an abigail with you?'
Charlotte shook her head, knowing the outmoded style of her garments most likely betrayed her limited means.
'Wonderful. You and I shall prepare for the evening together. My maid will take one look at your glorious hair and beg to style it. I hope you don't mind.'
'No. That sounds lovely. Thank you. You've been so kind to me.'
'Nonsense. It will be fun. Bring your companion, too, if you like.' Julienne moved to the door. 'Now, as much as I'd rather stay with you, I must see to the new arrivals. Your trunks will be up shortly. If you're at all interested, the other ladies are in the sitting room, a few doors down on the right. You'll hear the gossip as you draw closer.'
Pausing with her hand on the knob, she offered a warm smile. 'I'm very pleased you came, Charlotte. I shall track you down in an hour or two, and we'll have the opportunity to become better acquainted.'
'I'd like that.'
The door had barely shut behind Julienne Remington when a knock came. Gwen rushed in without waiting for permission. 'Oh, Charlotte!' she cried. 'There's a ball tonight. Isn't that exciting? My first ball. I cannot wait to see
