It starts well

Charlotte expected her dreams to be invaded by Randy Fuller yet again slipping into her sleep as effortlessly as Jason had slipped into her chamber. If she did dream however, she had no recollection of them and woke earlier than most days. She lay in bed pondering how best to deal with Mr. Worthington and his untoward visit. After considering and discarding several possible alternatives, Charlotte decided that her plan to bring along Priscilla would probably have the best chance of success.

Charlotte visited her pretty friend before breakfast and explained what she needed. As expected, Priscilla was eager for a chance to win Jason's affections although she was uncertain about how this would work.

"But if Jason thinks the purpose of this trip is for him to spend time with alone with you, how does that help me?" She asked plaintively reminding Charlotte of a spoiled child waiting for a surprise.

"I'll tell Jason that I always try to sit in memory of my mother whenever I go to Saint Teresa's." Charlotte explained her plan. "He'll be more than happy to pass the time with you as I sit in silent prayer." Priscilla nodded in agreement and Charlotte felt slightly more confident about the success of this approach.

"You'll have an hour or more to make Jason realize how wonderful you are." Charlotte smiled encouragingly at the petite blonde flattering her without shame. "If you can't capture his heart then the man's a blind fool." Leaving Priscilla to finish dressing, Charlotte returned to her room and spent the next hour wondering what she'd do if Jason refused to be distracted by Priscilla's invitation.

Breakfast was served on the garden patio. Charlotte nibbled on toasted bread, poached eggs and sausages and sipped on hot chocolate while watching the others pick at the rest of the huge spread laid out on the tables. Thankfully Jason was unusually quiet - in part at least because a sever hangover - he tried twice to hold Charlotte's hand, but both times accepted her modest refusal with good grace. Charlotte's aunts ate inside but Jason could see them carefully watching the young guests through the French doors as well as Charlotte.

Neither of the spinsters had been pleased when she informed them that she was going to visit the ruins of the chapel with Miss Dunning and Mr. Worthington. She had seen Aunt Jane's thin lips tighten in disapproval and Aunt Elizabeth's shook her head in confusion.

"I've never understood your fascination with that gloomy place." She chided "Surely Master Worthington and Miss Dunning would much rather stay inside during the hot afternoon." Charlotte smiled at her aunts and after a few more obligatory objections about the possibility of rain and her duties to entertain all her guests, not just two of her favorites her aunts finally relented and an afternoon picnic was arranged.

The rest of the morning passed in relative peacefully in the manor-house with the young men and women reading, playing the piano-forte in the music room or backgammon in the library. When it was time to change for lunch Charlotte decided on a high waisted grown of green muslin that seemed almost fey. The ankle length skirt swirled around her long legs in verdant waves; she gazed at her reflection in the mirror and wondered if she looked too pretty.

Wasn't the goal to keep Mr. Worthington from becoming attracted to her?

"Miss Marlton?" She heard Sarah prompt her into action.

"Yes Sarah" Yes sighed contentedly "I'll keep my hair down today, perhaps a green ribbon to hold it back.

"Yes Miss Charlotte, that will look lovely, mam." With her hair in place and a small bonnet pinned to her head Charlotte headed downstairs to meet with Jason and Priscilla.

Miss Dunning's dress also had an empire waist but hers was made of a golden silk that matched her perfectly coifed blonde hair almost perfectly. When she saw Priscilla's dainty frame, fair skin and blonde ringlets framing her sky blue eyes Charlotte realized she had been concerned for nothing. Compared to someone like Priscilla she was nothing but an awkward sun-freckled country maiden, perhaps not plain, but by no means was she a beauty that might attract and hold the attention of a British gentleman.

She realized that were it not for her inheritance and the title that came with her estate she had nothing at all to offer.

Charlotte glanced at her most determined suitor, Jason was wearing his hunting jacket again the scarlet wool was immaculately tailored and gold buttons were polished until they gleamed like a multitude of suns on his chest. His white pantaloons were tucked into the knee high black boots and a sword hung from his belt.

"Lady Charlotte." Jason bowed to her "Miss Dunning." As he bowed to the golden songstress Jason perhaps missed Priscilla's flash of irritation as everyone present was reminded of her lack of a tittle, but Charlotte did not. Outside held by three grooms their horses were already saddled and waiting. Not willing to have Mr. Worthington's hands touching her Charlotte swiftly climbed onto Copper's back relieved to finally back in her element. Priscilla on the other happily let Jason lift her onto her gentle grey mare's saddle.

With his two companions mounted, Jason leapt onto his hunter's back and saluted Charlotte.

"Lead on, Oh most gracious guide." Charlotte happily led the way pleased at how neatly Priscilla had positioned her grey by Jason's hunter. As handsome as Jason was in his tailored clothes and polished boots she looked forward to foisting him off on Miss Dunning. Instead her mind wandered yet again to Lieutenant Easton in his dress uniform and even to Mr. Fuller and his angry eyes that burnt like hot coals in the hearth.