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

“If possible, but I especially want to see the Cascade.” Charlotte had only seen the popular attraction one other time with her mother. Lady Wynn hadn’t enjoyed the noise and insisted they leave soon after the performance started.

Nor had Charlotte’s mother cared for the wide range of people who roamed the gardens, claiming she didn’t feel safe. Charlotte adored it all. She worried that outings such as this, along with other pleasurable pursuits, would be discouraged by Lord Samuelson when they married. She shook her head, refusing to allow the thought to take hold. It only made her more determined to enjoy this evening.

“I have yet to see either act, though I’ve heard they’re both entertaining.” James looked about with interest.

Charlotte glanced over her shoulder to see the others in their group directly behind them, including Lady Barbara, Viscount Chivington and Miss Penworthy, along with Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Walker.

Mrs. Walker smiled at Charlotte, seeming as excited about the upcoming performance as Charlotte. She was relatively new to London and hadn’t yet seen many of the amusements London offered. Her husband was the brother of the Earl of Aberland. Charlotte knew Mrs. Walker had become very close to the Countess of Aberland, Margaret’s oldest sister. When Charlotte had asked if she’d serve as a chaperone for the group, she’d readily agreed.

The mention of Mrs. Walker accompanying Charlotte and her friends had been enough to gain her mother’s nod of approval for the outing. Of course, Charlotte hadn’t mentioned James would be joining them.

Though Charlotte had asked Margaret to join them, she’d declined, stating she was staying home with her father. Charlotte had been tempted to convince her to change her mind but decided against it. Margaret had refused for a reason and Charlotte wanted to respect her wishes.

Barbara had overheard Charlotte speaking to Mrs. Walker about the outing and assumed she was invited as well. Charlotte was relieved her brother, Lord Palmer, hadn’t done the same.

The evening was a fine one. The air was cool but not overly so. They arrived in time to hear the last portion of an outdoor concert and within a few minutes, a bell rang, indicating the Cascade would soon begin.

Charlotte tucked her gloved hand in the crook of James’ arm and held tight as they made their way with the other couples toward the attraction.

The throng of people who moved in the same direction was both alarming and exhilarating. From James’ frown, he didn’t care for the crush. He looked about as if unsettled as they walked closer to gather around the stage near the woods.

The Cascade only ran for a quarter of an hour each evening and re-enacted the sights and sounds of a grand waterfall using tin sheets on belts with bells set in a beautifully painted scene highlighted by clever lighting. It took a team of men to run it. During the daylight hours, the area was kept hidden by a curtain. At night, the area was transformed into a water mill with a bridge and an artificial waterfall.

Soon the thunder of the pretend roaring water drowned out the excited shouts of the onlookers. Charlotte pressed a hand against her chest where she felt the rumble echoing inside her. She turned to look at James, wondering if he felt the same thrill as her.

A hint of unease was visible in the tautness of his expression and his flickering gaze.

“James?” she asked, voice raised to gain his attention.

He looked down, his eyes latching onto hers. Was that a hint of panic in their depths?

Uncertain what was wrong, she smiled and tightened her hold on him. The roar made it impossible to talk. Lights flashed, resembling lightning, catching her attention, and she looked back at the attraction.

James shifted again, and it only took one more glance to realize he was not enjoying the performance in the least. What had she been thinking to suggest the waterfall?

Without a second thought, she tugged on his arm to move them away from the scene and to the rear of the crowd. But that meant moving past the interested onlookers packed behind them eager to see more of the show. She took James’ hand and led the way, threading through the crowd until they were well away from the deafening noise.

She paused to face him. “Are you well?” She placed her hand along his cheek, wishing she didn’t wear a glove.

He nodded, drawing a slow, deliberate breath. “I can’t say I care for the noise.” He stared at something just past her shoulder, though based on his blank gaze, she didn’t think he saw the scenery behind her.

Then it dawned on her that the sounds might remind him of the battlefield where the air would’ve been filled with the blasts of cannons and gunfire. Added to the noise was the crowd itself.

She’d seen Peter Paul Rubens’ painting, The Consequences of War, and it was one she’d never forget. The twisting bodies, the desperate women and children, and the fear and anger on the faces portrayed—the entire scene was shocking. While allegorical in nature, it had made a lasting impression on her as to the horrors men faced in battle.

Her entire being hurt at the thought of James enduring such an event, let alone numerous times.

“I’m so sorry for suggesting this. Let us leave,” she said and took his arm again.

“No.” He placed his hand over hers. “I’ll be fine.”

“But you aren’t enjoying yourself. Therefore, there’s no purpose in remaining.”

James smiled, and the sight eased the clutch of her heart even if the attempt was less than genuine. “You are the purpose. Attending the performance is your adventure, remember?”

She shook her head. “Our adventure. But not when the cost is too high.”

“The show is nearly at an end. It’s not as disturbing from this distance.” He glanced to where lights still flashed then looked back at her. “Have you ever seen a real waterfall?”

“Only a small one. Delightful, but not nearly as loud or impressive as this