To Dare a Rogue - Lana Williams (novels for beginners TXT) 📗

over Charlotte’s shoulder as if expecting to see her enter the drawing room.

“She wasn't feeling well and decided to remain home.” Guilt filled her at the lie, though she supposed unhappiness could be considered an illness of sorts. Charlotte wished her mother had joined her. Nonetheless, Lady Wynn had been thrilled about the invitation. With luck, she’d mention it to Charlotte’s father which would help her remain in his good graces and remove some of the pressure he placed on both Charlotte and her mother.

The look of sympathy Margaret offered eased the ache in Charlotte’s chest. Would she have the same life as her mother once she married? The worry plagued her. She detested the idea that she might prefer to hide at home rather than spend time with family or friends, all because she was unhappy in her marriage.

“How lovely that your mother is here,” Charlotte remarked when she saw Lady Gold. She knew how rarely the woman left her husband’s side and how much that weighed on Margaret.

“I'm delighted she came.” Margaret turned to where her mother visited with several other ladies. “Annabelle joined us as well.”

“I haven’t seen her in an age.”

The middle Gold daughter had married Thomas Raybourne nearly a year and a half ago. The pair had recently become parents, much to Margaret's delight. Their daughter, along with Caroline’s two children, were all wonderful, according to their Aunt Margaret. Charlotte was pleased to see how Mrs. Raybourne’s face glowed with happiness.

“Motherhood must agree with her,” Charlotte said.

“She seems to have adjusted to it very well. Come and join us.” Margaret gestured to a chair next to where she’d been sitting.

Charlotte took the seat and greeted Lady Gold, Mrs. Raybourne, and Margaret’s cousin, the Countess of Granger, already enjoying the conversation and company.

Margaret introduced her to the few women she hadn’t met and was pleasantly surprised to learn one was the Countess of Redmond, James’ mother.

“It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance,” Charlotte said even as she studied her with barely contained curiosity, already noting hints of James in her face. They shared the same warm brown eyes and wavy, dark hair.

She longed to ask how he was but didn't want to reveal the nature of their relationship. Instead, they visited about the weather and Lady Aberland’s lovely drawing room before at last Charlotte said, “I believe my brother, Edward, knows your son quite well.”

“Oh, yes.” Lady Redmond nodded. “James mentioned they had renewed their acquaintance since his return. Though of course, I don't see him often.” The lady's smile dimmed slightly.

Charlotte knew James had his own apartment but wondered if Lady Redmond worried about him and the way he’d changed since his return. “We don't see much of Edward despite the fact that he remains at home. You must be so proud of your son and his years of military service.”

“Indeed, we are. His time in the army was difficult just as it was for most of those who fought in the war. Thank heavens it is over.”

Charlotte nodded though she feared it wasn’t truly over for James. Not when he was still disturbed by his experience. She hoped it made a difference to him to know others cared. His mother obviously did, though Charlotte wondered if Lady Redmond realized how much James continued to suffer.

Did she dare ask Lady Granger, Margaret’s cousin, how her husband’s efforts were progressing with his charity for wounded soldiers? Though she didn’t think it was meant for men such as James, the need for other soldiers who’d returned home injured was great.

Before she could find the opportunity to ask, Lady Mumford, a friend of their host, raised the topic. “Lady Granger, I’ve been following your husband’s efforts in helping wounded soldiers. His work is to be applauded.”

“Thank you. He is reaching out to as many men as he can.” Lady Granger smiled, pride evident in her expression. “It has been very rewarding to watch those who he’s helped start a new life, something they believed impossible with their injuries.”

“Given the numerous soldiers who were permanently wounded, that must be a challenge,” Lady Redmond said earnestly. “It’s wonderful to hear of an organization that helps teach new skills to allow them to support their families.”

“A variety of trades have joined with the charity to offer training. Providing the soldiers a choice of work that interests them has made a world of difference.” Lady Granger’s wide blue eyes took in each of the ladies. “Anything you can do to help spread the word of the charity’s mission so that more can be helped would be appreciated.”

“Of course,” Lady Mumford agreed then sighed. “At times such as this, it seems as if the world is collapsing. So many people have fallen on hard times. It’s terrible to see how the darkness of war has followed us into peace.”

“Indeed.” Lady Feldstone, another friend of Lady Aberland’s, nodded so enthusiastically the feather on her bonnet bounced in an alarming manner. “My nephew returned well over a year ago and is just now regaining his feet.”

Charlotte listened with interest as the discussion continued. Normally, conversations at teas were filled with gossip and fashion rather than weighty issues such as this. But given the influence some wives had on their husbands, excluding her mother, it was wonderful to hear of the active interest the ladies had in a subject that needed to continue to be addressed.

All of them appeared genuinely concerned with the plight of soldiers. Considering the number of men who’d fought, no doubt their lives had been touched in one form or another.

“Taxes are still high and the labor market has been flooded with those discharged from the military.” Lady Mumford’s worried gaze held on Lady Granger. “Any help that can be provided to those disadvantaged by injuries is tremendous.”

“True,” Lady Granger agreed. “We have discovered that not all wounds are visible. Some of those in need appear uninjured outwardly but sink into despair.”

“Battle fatigue,” Lady Redmond added, her expression somber, making Charlotte wonder