She might never marry; would that be so dreadful? She’d never thought so before, but she hadn’t particularly imagined being alone in her unmarried state.
Lady Hetty Redgrave would understand. It would likely be worth the visit to her to try and understand what she must prepare herself for, if the next few weeks did not provide her an adequate response.
A tour of the Continent would likely be called for shortly, if she were disappointed. She’d never seen Switzerland, after all, and she rather thought one ought to be able to claim such things.
“Have you heard from sweet Prudence lately?” her mother asked beside her. “Surely she must be near her time.”
Charlotte smiled at the mention of her friend. “Yes, only yesterday I received a note. She delivered a little girl on Friday. Cam says she has the sweetest disposition and rather dark hair. Small like her mother, but strong and hale. All is well, apparently.”
“Oh, bless her! I’m so pleased. We must send gifts. Shall we see to Bond Street after this?” She dabbed at her eye discreetly with a gloved finger, sniffing softly. “I shall spoil the little lamb, mark my words. We cannot expect Marjorie Westfall to do any such thing, and Miranda Sterling will outdo me if I do not act first.”
“Mama!” Charlotte laughed, nudging her gently. “You are a wonder. Yes, let’s to Bond Street once we’ve walked more. I shall feel much more myself if I am needlessly buying something.”
Her mother gave her a scolding look. “It’s not needless in the service of others. Now, what is the child’s name? Did Camden say?”
“He did,” Charlotte confirmed. “They have called her Laura. Laura Mary Prudence Vale. Mary for his beloved cousin Molly, I believe.”
“Lovely.” Her mother nodded once. “Little miss Laura Vale shall have the best of everything, I do vow.”
Charlotte narrowed her eyes as she looked at her mother. “Will you be so indulgent if Charles or I have children?”
Her mother patted her hand a few times. “I intend for you to become very cross with me some years hence for never upholding the punishments you see fit to inflict upon your offspring.”
“I shall pencil in some spats for us, then.” Charlotte hugged her mother’s arm quickly, a surge of warmth and love filling her. While her mother often fit perfectly within the confines of proper distance from her children, as all mothers in Society seemed to do, at other times, she was inordinately affectionate and caring with them, and it was in those moments that Charlotte felt most herself.
Surely there was some significance to be found in that.
“I say, the pair of you do make a charming picture.”
Charlotte looked up, smile in place, and surprise jolted through her as the sight of Mr. Riley approaching them struck her. He was just as handsome as he had been at the Bonds’ party, and his smile more than ready. He walked rather than rode, which was convenient indeed for their purposes.
Her smile did not feel half so forced now. “Mr. Riley, good morning!” she greeted, curtseying when he neared.
He tipped his hat, bowing. “Miss Wright. The morning air does your constitution credit, if I may be so bold.”
“It’s not that bold, I concede that it does.” She turned to her mother. “Mama, may I present Mr. Riley? We met at the Prestons’ ball, and then again last week at the Bonds’ dinner party.”
“Delighted, Mr. Riley,” her mother said with a bob of her head.
He bowed again. “As am I, ma’am.” He looked at Charlotte, his smile almost sheepish. “I am sorry we did not have a chance to speak much at the party. My cousins do tend to monopolize me when I am in London.”
“The Bonds are your cousins?” Charlotte exclaimed with a smile. “But of course, I can see the resemblance now. Do I take it that Mr. Bond is your relation?”
Mr. Riley nodded, grinning unabashedly. “He is, Miss Wright. My mother’s brother. I have my own lodgings in London, but I find myself pressed upon to attend several meals with them a week. I cannot think why, I possess little of the refinements of Society.”
Charlotte did not agree in the least, but she was not about to say so. “We ladies see enough of refinement everywhere else, Mr. Riley. What we are in desperate need of is good company.”
“And refinement and good company are mutually exclusive?” he asked, his smile turning crooked, which was nearly impossibly handsome.
Struggling for wit amidst the flurry of butterflies within her, Charlotte shook her head. “Not always, but they are to be valued for themselves alone, regardless.”
“And you seem to be quite good company, Mr. Riley,” Charlotte’s mother broke in. “Will you join us on our walk? Unless you have a pressing engagement, in which case, we would not dream of delaying you.”
Charlotte could have hugged her mother to death for her suggestion and held her breath as she anticipated Mr. Riley’s answer.
Blessedly, he nodded. “I would very much enjoy joining you. My business is not at all pressing, and a walk would be quite beneficial.”
“It usually is,” her mother agreed, stepping to one side to allow more room on the path and releasing Charlotte’s arm.
Charlotte gestured to the spot on her left, smiling. “We are sometimes brisk in our strides, Mr. Riley. Leisurely strolls are not quite our pace.”
“Charlotte, we can surely slow our steps if Mr. Riley wishes,” her mother scolded from her right. “It is not as though we make haste for any purpose.”
“As it happens,” Mr. Riley informed them, “I have been known
