Page 27 of A Perilous Passion

“Aye, indeed, and if you’re the Earl of Beckport, it may be the only exercise you can get,” said Hester with a laugh.

Charlotte frowned.

“I declare, your face is growing longer by the minute, Charlotte. Whatever ails you?” asked Thea.

Hester gave her a searching look, then pronounced, “She’s still missing Justin, I’ll be bound. But it’s been a full six months since he was sent away. Surely, that’s long enough for a heart to mend.”

“It has mended,” Charlotte answered. “But I can’t help worrying about him. He’s not robust enough for the army. You know how prone to colds he is. It’s very damp in Scotland, I hear.”

“But he’s still young,” Thea offered. “He can’t be more than twenty, and fit enough. I’m told anyone can become stronger if they exercise.”

“He’s very slender,” Charlotte said. “Those swords can be heavy.”

“Nonsense!” interjected Hester. “They’re as light as a butter knife. I held one once, a cavalry saber.” She made a feint with an invisible sword by way of demonstration. “If my wrist’s sturdy enough, Justin’s must be.”

“But what if the men under his command mutiny? How would he fare then? He’s not one for giving orders—he’d far rather ask nicely, and that won’t do at all with the rank and file.”

As she said these words, she unconsciously pictured Rafe in Justin’s place, barking orders to his men. They’d scramble to obey him, without a doubt—he’d brook no opposition. He was also the sort of officer who would command respect amongst his troops.

And look very dashing in his uniform…

Suddenly, she realized what a blow it must have been for him to lose his military career in the blink of an eye. Her heart bled for him anew.

“Why worry about him now?” Hester asked. “Six months ago, Justin might have struggled with his fears, but by now he’s a well-trained officer, fit and ready to do his duty. I’m sure you’d find him a strapping young fellow, were you to meet him again. I’m quite sure you’d hardly know him.”

With an effort, Charlotte returned her attention to the conversation.

Justin. They were talking about Justin. Had she really brought him up?

“I don’t think they should make young men with gentle natures and poetic souls go into the army,” she said. “It’s a cruel waste.”

“You really think Mr. Jessop might have made his name as a poet?” Hester queried. “Well, perhaps the military life will give him fodder for his verses, and put a bit of dash into them. But I don’t think you should fret, Charlotte. I’m sure there’s nothing you can do for him, anyway. Both your families have forbidden any contact.”

Charlotte nodded. Time to change the subject before she gave herself away. First Rafe’s secret, and now she had to keep Justin’s safe, as well.

Life was becoming very complicated.

“Charlotte, don’t think of him a moment longer. He wouldn’t want to spoil your pleasure, would he?”

Charlotte focused on Thea’s face and managed a smile. “Of course he wouldn’t. Forgive me. I must think of the here and now and not waste time fretting over the past. A past we cannot change.”

“Very philosophical,” agreed Hester. “Now, tell me, what mask have you chosen to wear to the ball? Not tragedy, I hope.”

Charlotte winced inwardly. She had chosen tragedy. “There were only two masks for comedy, and Aunt Flora looked so wistful. Mama tried on the tragic one and looked a fright, so I insisted she give it to me.”

“There won’t be too many eligible gentlemen beating a path to your side, I fear,” said Hester.

“Only those whom no one else wants to dance with,” said Thea with a laugh, but not unkindly.

“Who knows? She might end up in the waltz with the horse-fearing Earl of Beckport, whom no one else will surely accept.”

Charlotte, recalling that kiss, couldn’t think of anyone she’d rather dance with than Rafe. The rest of the world, and Hester in particular, had quite the wrong idea of him.

Selfishly, she felt a little glad of that. For, it meant she could have him all to herself.

“He’ll be too tired to dance. He will have walked all the way from his vast estates because he can’t ride,” Thea suggested, her eyes twinkling.

“Charlotte will have to hold him up!” declared Hester.