Hence the reason he was waiting for Wynn. They had plans to go to a less-than-reputable gaming hell, one rough enough that it was better not to go alone. He pulled out his pocket watch, wondering what was taking his friend so long.
A small sound from nearby had him turning quickly toward it, heart pounding, only to find an attractive young lady in a green gown standing in the doorway, staring at him with wide blue eyes.
“I'm terribly sorry,” she said. “I didn't realize we had a guest.” Then her eyes narrowed, and her head tilted to the side. She took two steps forward. “James?”
James stared at the attractive lady, trying to decide whether they’d met. Then she smiled, and her identity came to him in a rush. “Lady Charlotte?”
Her smile grew, bringing forth appealing dimples he’d nearly forgotten. “Yes. I didn't realize you had returned home.”
He glanced away before he denied her claim. While relieved to be back in London, he seemed to have lost something vital along the way. It was as if he were here in body but not in spirit. He'd left pieces of himself on the battlefield and had no idea how to get them back.
James blinked, trying to gather his thoughts before memories took charge, his gaze latching onto Lady Charlotte to keep the debilitating panic at bay.
If he remembered correctly, Charlotte was four years younger than he and Edward. When James had last seen her, she’d been a rather gangly girl, far too thin, with long limbs and a bright smile. The poised young lady before him was none of those things. Yet he hadn’t forgotten that smile that started in her sparkling blue eyes and lit her entire face. She was like a breath of fresh air.
“It’s good to see you,” she said as she drew closer. “I hope you are well?” The way she looked at him with such interest had him shifting his feet.
If he didn't know better, he would guess she could see all the holes the war had left in him.
He managed to smile and bow, deciding not to answer her question. “It’s a pleasure to see you again.” As he continued to study her, he realized it was true. “The years have treated you well.”
“Thank you.” Her gaze dropped for the first time as a hint of rose flushed her alabaster skin. The pale hair he remembered had darkened to the color of rich honey. Her blue eyes were an unusual dusky blue-green hue that reminded him of the rain. Her heart-shaped face was attractive, her pert nose perfect. While she still had long limbs, there was a grace and elegance to her now, not to mention undeniable curves.
“What brings you by this evening?” While a curious note colored her tone, a tightness was evident in her expression.
“I am waiting for your brother. We have plans together.”
“Oh?” She lifted one brow in question as if hoping he'd say more. When he didn't, she prodded further. “Where do the two of you intend to venture?”
He thought it odd that she asked. But he certainly had no intention of telling her if Edward hadn't already. “Difficult to say exactly. Wherever our whims take us, I suppose.”
“I see.” She politely nodded then bit her lip, a small furrow appearing between her brows.
James pondered her obvious dissatisfaction with his reply. What difference did it make where they were going? Unless she disapproved of Edward’s gambling. That was the only explanation that made sense.
“Will it reassure you if I promise to do my best to keep watch over Edward?” The offer surprised him, and he regretted it as soon as the words left his mouth. He held no sway over her brother. Even if Edward got in too deep, there was little chance James could stop him.
“How kind of you.” Charlotte smiled, but James had the distinct feeling that wasn’t the reason behind her concern. “Do you think you’ll be leaving soon?”
“I believe so.” Before he could say more, Edward entered the room.
“Redmond, sorry to keep you waiting.” Edward strode forward and offered his hand.
“It’s not a problem.” James shook his hand then looked toward Charlotte. “I had the pleasure of reacquainting myself with Lady Charlotte.”
Edward raised a brow as he glanced at his sister. “Where are you off to this evening?”
“The Comerford Ball.” Her uneasy expression suggested anything but excitement, making James wonder whether she truly wanted to go. “Will I see the two of you there later?”
“Not if I have a say.” Edward grinned. “I’m avoiding every ball that I can.”
“Don’t let Mother or Father hear you say that.” A hint of a true smile quirked the corner of Charlotte’s mouth, causing her dimples to appear.
Damn. Those were a weapon not to be easily dismissed. His breath caught each time she flashed them.
How was it that she wasn’t yet married or betrothed? Were the men who attended Society’s functions blind to her obvious charms?
Edward scoffed. “It’s not my fault they have false hopes.” He looked at James. “I would hazard a guess that marriage is not in your immediate plans either.”
“Can’t say that it is.” James said the words lightly, uncertain of the undercurrents of the conversation. There seemed to be more to it than he knew thus far.
“Well, don’t let me keep you from your evening.” Charlotte glanced at the clock on a nearby table, leaving James to wonder if perhaps they were delaying her plans. “I’m sure you need to go.”
“Yes, we do. Enjoy the ball.” Edward brushed a kiss on her cheek. “Don’t step on anyone’s toes.”
Charlotte gave her brother a mock scowl. “As if that were possible.” Then she looked at James, her gaze holding steadily on him. “It was a pleasure to see you again. Enjoy your evening.”
“And you.” He bowed then followed Edward out, wondering why Lady Charlotte seemed in such a hurry for them to depart.
~*~
Charlotte breathed a
