The Fairest of Them All Read Online Free Page B

had earned. She tried to make sense of the conversation. “I’m sorry, Lady Baldwin, what were you saying?”
    â€œI’m saying that you have the opportunity of this century, my young friend. How would you like to be a duchess?”
    â€œYes, please, thank you,” Char said, matter-­of-­fact, reaching for the ratafia bottle to pour herself a glass from those on the tray Sarah had placed on a table in front of the settee. “That is, if there is a duke who wants a dowerless bride. Does such a man exist?”
    â€œYes, he does.” Lady Baldwin held up a gilt-­edged card with information written in the finest hand. “The Duke of Baynton is on the hunt for a wife. He is wealthy enough for seven dowerless wives and I believe you have a good chance to catch his attention. This is your invite to his ball given to me personally by his great-­aunt.” She threw the invitation down on the drink tray as if playing a trump card.
    Char looked at the richness of that single paper and started to laugh. “The idea that I could go to a ball—­” She broke off at the preposterousness of the idea. “Or marry a duke? Why, I’ve never been presented. No one in Society knows me. I’m poor.”
    â€œ And you are uncommonly beautiful,” Lady ­Baldwin countered. “A woman’s face is her ­fortune.”
    â€œNot in the real world,” Char argued.
    â€œIt was for me,” Lady Baldwin practically sang, reminding her.
    Sarah spoke. “I had the same doubts, Char. But hear Lady Baldwin out. This is your chance to take your proper place in Society, the one that is due to you.”
    Char could have told her that her proper place was here, with people who loved her. Still . . .
    â€œSo why do you believe I could be a duchess?” Char asked Lady Baldwin. “I’ve heard of the Duke of Baynton. He is one of the most important men in England. He could take any woman for his wife.”
    â€œThat he could, but he desires someone special—­like you ,” Lady Baldwin said with relish. “He doesn’t need a dowry. He has more money than he knows how to spend. What he wants,” she said, holding out a green-­gloved hand to tick off his expectations, “is breeding, manners, breeding, beauty, and breeding . I have this on the best of authority. I am close to his great-­aunt. Dame Imogen is a stickler and she is desperate to find the ‘right’ wife for him.”
    â€œAnd ‘right’ is about breeding?” Char said, unconvinced.
    â€œIt must be,” Lady Baldwin answered. “He has an obligation to the title and his descendants to choose a woman from the correct family. Dearne had faults but his bloodlines were impeccable, as were your mother’s. Indeed, when I suggested you to Dame Imogen, she grew very excited.
She insisted I show you to her. She approves. She ­approves very much.” Lady Baldwin tapped the invitation on the tray for emphasis.
    â€œWhen did she see me?”
    â€œThree days ago when you and I went for a walk in the park. She was sitting in a sedan chair. I doubt if you noticed.”
    â€œBecause it was so cold,” Char said. She looked to Sarah. “I found it strange Lady Baldwin demanded we take a walk. I thought my nose would freeze.”
    â€œIf it froze, it was for a good cause,” Lady Baldwin declared. “She thought you lovely. You reminded her of your father. She apparently was quite fond of him.”
    Char did not know what to think.
    Seeing her confusion, Sarah asked, “What harm is there in going to a ball? You deserve to go to at least one in your life.”
    â€œWill you come?” Char asked.
    â€œThat would not be wise,” Sarah said. “Actresses are not welcomed in formal ballrooms. However, Lady Baldwin will chaperone you.”
    â€œBut Lady Baldwin was an actress.”
    â€œWho was been made