The Suitor List by Shirley Marks Page B

of age, making a match was not even
a consideration she entertained. Her father told her it
was not her gown, or the metallic reflections sparkling
from the material, but her own beauty that would blind
the male guests.
    Charlotte had attended many local assemblies and
several balls. This gathering felt decidedly different. She
herself could not prevent her insides from twisting or
her hand from trembling, just a little. She was told how
lovely she looked; she was told she would cause a stir
among the gentlemen. Charlotte's presence, she was
told, would aid Augusta in her search for a husband, and
that made this uncomfortable endeavor worthwhile.

    None of the guests knew of her true agenda.
    Aunt Penny approached and made the introductions
to the new guests she'd watched arrive that very day:
handsome Mr. Allendale and elegant Lord Stanton. Charlotte didn't even mind having to share several dances
with the likes of Sir Samuel Pruitt or the dashing Lord
Marsdon.
    Charlotte caught her bottom lip between her teeth,
contemplating how stealing her sister's beaux might be
unforgiveable but not unexpected.
    "Are you enjoying yourself, Lady Charlotte?" Sir
Thomas Granville uttered as they came together and
moved apart in the steps of the dance.
    "Immensely," Charlotte answered, then turned and
stepped to one side and waited, the two of them being
the "out" couple.
    Sir Thomas gave Charlotte's hand a slight squeeze,
drawing her attention from the dancers around them.
    "I can no longer remain silent, Lady Charlotte. I must
confess my great affection for you. I must see you away
from these intrusive eyes ... I must see you alone."
    "Alone?" Charlotte did not need to feign surprise, his
request had most certainly shocked her. "That is so
very improper, sir."
    "Yes, I know it is ... but I-I cannot-" He broke
off, as it was their time to rejoin their respective lines. In
the final measures, the dancers made their bows, ending
the dance.
    Sir Thomas did not return Charlotte to the guests but
pulled her to one side. "I must see you alone," he spoke
urgently. "Please"
    "I need a moment to-" Charlotte looked around to see if they were attracting attention. "Walk me to the
side door, if you please."

    He acquiesced and they strolled to the opposite end
of the room. Before reaching the guests milling about,
she paused.
    "Very well," she replied. "I shall meet you in the
Music Room. Do you know where-"
    "Yes, yes. I'll find it," he answered quickly, apparently
rapturous over her decision.
    "You must enter from the south door, through the
Oriental Parlor."
    "Yes, yes. I will " From his anxious, breathless reply,
he sounded like a man who would agree to almost anything. "When? What time?"
    "At midnight."
    "But that is over two hours away!" he whispered in
great anguish.
    "I simply cannot leave the ball. It will look most peculiar to the other guests, to my family, to my father."
    Sir Thomas Granville's posture noticeably stiffened at
the reference to the Duke. "Very well, but I shall not
know how I am to pass the minutes until I see you alone,
my dearest"
    "I imagine you will manage very well, sir," Charlotte
said, wondering if he truly understood the entire deception.
    They parted company, making their private exchange
seem as normal as she could manage after making an
appointment for a tryst.
    "I've been watching you all evening." Richard had
managed to catch Augusta between dances and Miss Skeffington had the chance to introduce Augusta to her
older brother.

    Mr. Lawrence Skeffington was a tall pleasant gentleman with green eyes and wore his light brown hair a la
Brutus. He was as handsome as Miss Skeffington was
beautiful. Perhaps he would be fortunate enough to find
his heart among the young ladies in attendance.
    "You've still got your hands full," Richard commented. "Even though Char-Char is entertaining half
your suitors."
    "They are free to dance with whomever they wish.
There is no