The next morning

Breakfast was served on the garden patio. Charlotte nibbled on toasted bread, poached eggs and sausages and sipped on hot chocolate watching the others pick at the rest of the huge spread laid out on the tables. Her aunts ate inside but Charlotte could see them watching the young guests mingle around the small tables through the French doors.

Neither of them 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 (if they only knew) 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 as attractive as she felt.

Would Mr. Fuller think so?

Charlotte picked up the red volume of poetry from where it lay on her writing desk. Opening the book at random her eyes fell on one of the last sonnets clearly more favored than some of the others.

Since I left you, mine eye is in my mind;
And that which governs me to go about
Doth part his function and is partly blind,
Seems seeing, but effectually is out;
For it no form delivers to the heart
Of bird, of flower, or shape which it doth latch:
Of his quick objects hath the mind no part,
Nor his own vision holds what it doth catch;
For if it see the rud'st or gentlest sight,
The most sweet favour or deformed'st creature,
The mountain or the sea, the day or night,
The crow, or dove, it shapes them to your feature
Incapable of more, replete with you,
My most true mind thus maketh mine eye untrue.

That was just how she felt, "Since I left you, mine eye is in my mind;" she murmured the first line of the sonnet aloud rolling the words across her tongue and picturing Black Brand as she saw him last disappearing into the thick green foliage of the old forests. How she wished to know why he had released her and what this book of poems had to do with fued against her family.

"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 felt a stab of reality dash her fanciful pride. 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. He was a handsome man, but after his comments the day before, Charlotte could see the smallness of his nature. The sooner he and Priscilla were paired off the better as far as she was concerned.

"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 too companions mounted, Jason leapt onto his hunter's back and saluted Charlotte.

"Lead on, Oh most gracious guide." Charlotte happily led the way. As handsome as Jason was in his tailored clothes and polished boots she looked forward to foisting him off on Miss Dunning. She was far more interested in seeing the bold outlaw who had kissed her so boldly yesterday by the brook.