Seek out Lady Charlotte (>10% RELATION)

The corridors of Kingsmere Hall had grown quieter as the final preparations for the ball continued.

Most of the household was occupied below, leaving the upper rooms unusually peaceful.

You found Lady Charlotte standing near one of the tall windows overlooking the gardens.

For a moment, she seemed unaware of your presence.

The evening light fell softly across the room as she looked out over the estate, a glass of wine in her hand.

She turned when she heard your footsteps.

"Mr. Thomas."

A small smile appeared on her face.

"I had wondered whether I might see you before the evening began."

"You did?"

"Perhaps."

She glanced back towards the window with a cocky smile.

The honesty of the answer seemed to surprise even her.

You smiled.

"I hope I haven't interrupted."

"Not at all."

"In truth, I was enjoying a rare moment without Blackwood or the other gents watching my every step and chasing me around."

Charlotte gave a quiet laugh.

"At a gathering like this, everyone has an expectation. The perfect conversation. Their own perfect looks of course. The perfect choice of words."

She looked down at her glass.

"Sometimes I wonder whether people are interested in me, or merely the idea of land, wealth and titles."

You studied her for a moment.

"I don't think anyone who truly spoke with you could make that mistake."

Her eyes met yours.

"That is a very confident thing to say."

"Is it?"

"Most gentlemen would have spent the last minute gathering confidence for it at least."

She smiled.

"I suppose that is what makes you different."

You leaned slightly against the nearby table.

"Different in a good way?"

Charlotte considered the question.

"Yes. Though I haven't quite decided how I’m going to deal with it."

You laughed softly.

"I'll take my chances."

"I suspected you might."

Heat rose to your cheeks and the sudden flirtatious turn of the conversation made you dizzy and your stomach spin.

"I must admit," Charlotte said after a moment, "I am curious about you."

"Curious?"

"Most people here are very easy to understand. They want influence. They want approval. They want to be noticed. And you?"

She tilted her head slightly.

"What do you want?"

The question caught you off guard.

"I haven't decided yet."

Charlotte smiled.

"Political answer. Some people would have prepared something extravagant."

"I imagine you would have found that less interesting."

She looked towards the ballroom preparations below.

"The evening will become rather overwhelming soon. Everyone trying to impress everyone else. Everyone pretending not to care whether they succeed. Mistakes will be made tonight and I’m sure the kitchen will have their yearly share of gossip."

"And will you be participating?", you dared to ask.

"Perhaps a little."

She looked back at you.

"But I think I would rather spend some of the evening speaking with someone who doesn't seem interested in pretending at all."

The words lingered between you. The invitation was hard to miss. You blushed and turned away - trying to hide your excitement.

"I should probably return before someone begins searching for me."

"Of course."

She took a step towards the door, then paused.

"Mr. Thomas?"

"Yes?"

"When the music begins tonight..."

She hesitated briefly.

"I hope you won't spend the entire evening avoiding the ballroom."

"I wouldn't want to miss it."

"Good."

Her smile returned.

"Then perhaps I shall see you there."

With a final glance, Charlotte left the room.

You remained there for a moment longer, aware that the evening ahead suddenly seemed far more interesting than it had only moments before.