Yes, Hesitantly

Lieutenant Easton paused again 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. Charlotte was aware that she had taken advantage of the dedicated young officer, she had used both her station and her gender to compromise Lieutenant Easton. Charlotte wondered which of the two had been most influential, her head argued that the lieutenant knew better than to anger a Marlton on these lands, but her heart hoped that at least part of his decision was due to her feminine charms.

"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, she wondered again about his 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 man like Easton could rise …

“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 explained what she had realized 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 walk 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.

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 as a result of her recovery.

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 why she asked Easton to let her speak to Fuller. Whatever did she have to say to him, 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.