Lady's Wager Read Online Free

irritation, courted his favor for the dowager’s sake.
    “Yes, Your Highness is a very wise teacher,” she offered
in a courteous and respectful voice.
    Their responses appeared to placate the Prince for his
face softened into a self-satisfied smile and he puffed up, pleased with
himself. “Indeed, I’m an excellent teacher. Miss Stuart, as you are new to
London, I forgive you. Lady Treadwell, it was a pleasure speaking with you and
your young charges. Good day.”
    The Prince nodded then walked away. The other gentlemen
followed, except for Mr. Brummell who remained behind, smiling appreciatively
at Charlotte.
    “My thanks to you and your opinion Miss Stuart, or should
I call you Miss Out and Outer?”
    “I beg your pardon, sir?”
    “Your bold tongue has secured for me one hundred pounds
from His Highness.”
    “You mean we were the wager?” These men were too much.
    “Of course. Good day, ladies.” He tipped his beaver hat
before turning leisurely on the heel of one highly polished boot to rejoin the
Prince.
    Charlotte watched in stunned silence as the men strolled
off down Bond Street.
    “I believe you impressed Mr. Brummell,” Lady Treadwell
proclaimed triumphantly. “And you redeemed yourself quite well with the Prince.
A rare accomplishment.”
    “One I take no pride in,” Charlotte bristled. “Are all
London gentlemen so ill mannered as to make a lady the butt of their jokes?”
    They started off again toward Hookham’s, Charlotte’s anger
giving her usually gentle stride a quick clip. Elizabeth and Lady Treadwell
rushed to keep up.
    “Friendly wagers are very popular and Mr. Brummell is well
known for his unique ones,” Lady Treadwell explained. “You mustn’t be undone by
them, or take offense.”
    Charlotte stopped at the entrance to Hookham’s. “The dandy
is too sure of himself. He’ll lose favor with the Prince if he’s not careful.
The Prince didn’t enjoy being laughed at.”
    Lady Treadwell and Elizabeth exchanged incredulous looks.
    “Mr. Brummell fall from favor?” Lady Treadwell pondered.
“It’s difficult to imagine.”
    “Then all the more likely it is to happen.” Charlotte
pulled open Hookham’s front door and stormed through.
    The walls of Hookham’s were lined with shelves of books
neatly arranged by category. Patrons mingled about the open center, exchanging
pleasantries and admiring the latest selection of novels and political prints.
Charlotte returned her books then marched to the science section while Lady
Treadwell and Elizabeth perused the novels a short distance away.
    Charlotte yanked her desired books off the shelf, her frustration
mounting. Must London society constantly annoy her? She’d never had such
trouble in Paris where her frank opinions were appreciated, even encouraged by
the ladies and gentlemen of the salons. Of course there’d been a few members of
Parisian society who hadn’t approved of her but they’d been easily ignored. In
London, they seemed to meet her at every turn, determined to force their rules
and attentions on her no matter what she did to avoid them.
    Charlotte stopped browsing for a moment and took a deep
breath, struggling to calm herself.
    The Season will eventually end. Then I can
return to Salisbury and be left in peace .
    In the mad dash to leave Paris, there’d been no time to
send word ahead to have the house in Salisbury opened. Much to their weary
dismay, they’d arrived to find Welton Place in sixes and sevens. Aunt Mary,
with an eye toward making a match for Charlotte, had suggested they spend the
Season in London while the house was set right. With Uncle Charles’ business
being in London, Charlotte could raise no objection to the plan. However,
during Charlotte’s brief visit to Salisbury she’d discovered the town was quite
without a suitable physician or clinic to serve the townspeople and the
surrounding countryside. At the end of the Season, she intended to hire the
services of a physician and provide