Sharply

"Sir!" Charlotte stared at the Lieutenant coldly for several seconds before the man's resolve cracked.

"My humblest apologies, Lady Marlton." He bowed low, one hand on his chest. "In the heat of the moment I fear I forgot myself."

"Lieutenant, I am wondering if you are the gentleman I took you for."

"I am a simple man, Lady Marlton, sometimes I forget myself." The young officer looked properly repentant, and Charlotte took his hand in hers, holding it firmly waiting for him to meet her gaze.

"Are you still planning on honouring our agreement?" She held her breath, for there really had been no actual agreement, but Lieutenant Eastman appeared to be shaken by the unexpected tryst on the garden bench. He paused for what seemed like an eternity before finally nodding his head slowly. Charlotte let out a silent sigh of relief; she hadn't even realized she had been holding her breath.

"All right Lady Marlton." He spoke deliberately "I give you my word as a King's officer. I will do everything in my power to see to it that Black Brand is not hanged, and will recommend that he serve time in His Majesty's Royal navy." Charlotte waited expectantly and Easton continued. "As for your other request...” he paused again "... it will not be easy but I think I can arrange for you to visit the prisoner. I'll do my best." He finished still speaking calmly, but clearly less happy about the second part of the arrangement. "Are you satisfied Lady Marlton?"

Charlotte smiled at the young officer; a genuine smile, not the careful reserved smile that she usually used when dealing with men. Easton was a fine young officer, it was not he who had insisted that she stroke his penis, she had taken that liberty herself and what man could refuse to be serviced like that? Compared to Mr. Fuller, this young officer had behaved admirably except for that one moment of jealousy ... if she let him take further liberties would he be a possessive lover? Charlotte sighed softly. The dour lieutenant would probably be more than willing to accommodate her if she wanted. But did she? She wondered if she would have responded as passionately in Eastman's arms as she had when Fuller had-

“My Lady?” Easton interrupted her musings.

“Yes, Lieutenant.” Charlotte responded with a start. “I trust you to do your best.” She rested her hand gently on the lieutenant’s arm “and thank-you for your discretion.” Charlotte wondered again about Easton's family and if she could convince her father to use his connections to help him advance. Perhaps even, Lord Marlton could buy him a Major's commission. With the support of a Lord and enough money to buy commissions, in this time of tension with Napoleon who knows how far an earnest young officer like Easton could rise? She pushed that distraction away as well and turned her attention to the matter at hand.

Charlotte explained what she had discovered about Black Brand. Who he was, where he was hiding and why he hated Lord Marlton as he did. She also suggested that if the Lieutenant were to approach Fuller’s lair he might use the outlaw’s duty to his mother to ensure his peaceful surrender. Charlotte could see Easton’s **** to use Mrs. Fuller as leverage in apprehending Black Brand, an officer and gentleman should not have to threaten a man’s family to **** his surrender. However, Charlotte knew that the alternative was either Fuller’s escape or a bloody shootout. Neither of these outcomes was satisfactory. As angry as Charlotte was with Mr. Fuller’s mocking rejection of her when he had her at his mercy, she could not imagine the horror of seeing his limp and bloody body dragged back like that of a fox after a successful hunt.

Charlotte was insistent. She reminded the hesitant officer of how elusive Fuller was in the old forest and of his duty to capture the outlaw. She was also charmingly persuasive and by the end of the conversation Easton agreed to try to take Black Brand into custody without bloodshed. They walked slowly back to the party in silence each one deep in their own thoughts, their shoulders almost touching as they follow the narrow garden paths.

In the parlor the whist players have paused and were sipping sherry and nibbling on petite-fours. Jase was in a good mood, he and Priscilla must have won several hands and the two were chatting happily by the bar when Charlotte rejoined the party. She noted with amusement that Jase put a little more distance between himself and his pretty blonde whist partner when he noticed Charlotte step into the room. She could only imagine his face had he known how intimate she and her companion had gotten while sitting on that garden bench.

Shortly after Charlotte and Easton’s return Colonel Touring, his face even ruddier than usual from heavy drinking, staggered into the parlor and ordered Easton to prepare the carriage for their return. Charlotte knew that her guests could and often did stay up late into the night playing cards, singing, drinking and gossiping but tonight she pleaded fatigue. With the Lieutenant gone she had a great deal to think about.

Soon enough the three women said their goodnights and left for their respective chambers. Charlotte sat in her room while her maid Sarah brushed her hair wondering again how she had worked up the nerve to have behaved so immodestly in order to influence Lt. Easton. Why had she insisted he let her speak to Fuller. Whatever did she have to say to that scoundrel, and why did it have to be said in private?

When Sarah finished she sent her away and lay on her bed her mind racing.