Fair in Love and War

Fair in Love and War

“Charity, I'm coming in.”

“No, don't! I'm not properly dressed, Father.”

“Nonsense. I've seen my little girl undressed before. I must talk to you and I can't do it through this door.”

“If you insist. But give me a minute to pull on my robe.”

“Now - Why aren't you in any night clothes at all? You have nothing but that flimsy robe on. That's highly improper for a lady of your station.”

“Oh, Father! I was so totally exhausted after trying to get dressed for that ball tonight you were so insistent on me attending. My maid accompanied Dear Aunty Dianna as a chaperon on her dinner date with Sir Carlton Winslow because I wasn't going along. I couldn't get my hair to co-operate and my makeup kept smearing with my over flowing tears. When you gave me permission to remain at home I ripped everything off and crawled in bed. I wasn't expecting any visitors. Especially not my father. Forgive me for wanting to be comfortable. I fell asleep.”

“You know good and well I told you I would bring a guest back with me for you to meet. He awaits downstairs. You are looking like an un-kept tart. Ready for a roll under the sheets. How can I present you like the pristine maiden you are; a proper candidate to be his wife. He is an outstanding gentleman of high order. A major land holder. Even diamond mines! It'd be a very advantageous union. Any girl would feel honored to be chosen by him. But you would disgrace me and our family honor in your present condition.”

“And I thought I made it clear I was not interested in any other man of your choosing. I love another. Sir Riley Fenwick. My heart yearns for his embrace. I will wait for him.

But come. Let us go meet this fine gentleman. He should see me for who I really am with out all the sugar-coating.”

“Charity! I will not put you on display like a slab of meat! Put some clothes on and do something about that bed head. Looks like you have been tossing the sheets already, My Dear.”

“So maybe I have, Father. So maybe I have! Isn't he a bit of a rogue to come at this time of night and expect a decent lady to be in waiting?”

“Be down in fifteen minutes or else!”

“Or else-what?”

“Or else I'll lock this door and you will never be allowed out. Never have a chance to be someones wife. For sure never see that scalawag Fenwick again.”

“Oh, Father, please, don't.”

“And dry those tears. Do you want him to think I have been whipping you?”

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“I beg your pardon, Lord Nott. My daughter had retired early for the night after all. We must give her a little preparation time. You know how these women must always present themselves in the best light. Would you join me for a sherry while we wait?”

“Sounds a respectable solution to a momentous respite. I'm sure she'll not disappoint. You've sang her praises so fondly. Still I do question if she's as lovely as you describe why hasn't she been snatched up this season amongst all the elegant balls. And why she did not accompany you to the event tonight? It is odd I must come here at this late hour for the honor of meeting her. Do you hold there will be some reward for my effort?”

“Well, we'll see. My dear wife, her mother, passed on shortly before this season started and she didn't feel spirited enough to participate in all the galas. Tonight she complained of a headache. I suspect it's one of those womanly matters we won't mention. I was utterly impressed when I met you this evening and heard of your adventures in Africa and successes in mining endeavors. Yet your lack of fulfillment as far as finding a suitable match thus far befuddles me. So much that I wanted my daughter to have the opportunity of making your acquaintance before it was too late. On either side, you understand. If it is in the cards you may well be the choice I make for her to be her lawfully wed spouse. We may even skip the three weeks of required banns and settle the match immediately.”

“Ha, ha, my Fine Man. You do understand the matters of the heart, I see. I always wonder if the ladies don't appreciate my good sense, healthy wallet, immense land holdings and impeccable manners.”

“Ah. Here she is now. Charity you look, uh...”

“Charming, I would say, Lord Farnsworth. Indeed very charming. So pleased to make your acquaintance, Miss Farnsworth. May I kiss the back of your hand? Your father has been singing your praises and you do not disappoint in the least. Lovely, simply lovely.”

“Thank you, kindly. I have battled a headache all evening and my maid has not been available to truss me up properly to receive visitors so my... well, you'll have to forgive my casual attire.”

“Believe me when I say I don't mind in the least. The flowing gown accentuates all your attributes and the waves of cascading hair nearly takes my breath away!

Perhaps your father could put on some music and we could have the dance we missed at the ball tonight. Ah, yes! A waltz is perfect so I can take you in my arms and fantasize a wee bit.”

“Father. Where are your manners? Have you not offered your guest any refreshment other than that small goblet of sherry? Excuse me while I rummage through the kitchen to find something the cook may have tucked aside. Some biscuits perhaps?”

“Oh, that is nice of you to offer but won't be necessary. I would rather just hold you a little closer. The material of your gown feels so smooth. Hmm, it soothes the savage beast within.”

“Please, I insist. A man of you stature needs more sustenance. I won't be long. Please release me.”

“Perhaps I should help her reach the high cabinets, Lord Nott. Make yourself comfortable . Here's another dram of sherry.”

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“Charity! How dare you present yourself in such a brazen manner! All your womanly charms are visible and no decent woman would allow her hair to fall to its entire length like that to anyone but a husband! That settles it. He is the one. You will be married in a fortnight.”

“Father! That savage beast is older than you are. Don't think for a minute combing over his scraggy strands of hair hides the fact he is bald. It's obvious by his size alone and how he is guzzling your sherry that he is overly self-indulgent. Imagine he's that way with women, too. He was mauling me right in front of you. One woman would never be enough for him. Do you want me married to a cheating husband? Don't you care about my happiness at all?”

“Charity, please don't cry. Of course, I want you to be happy. Maybe I'm rushing to judgment about that solicitor friend of yours after all. Why don't you invite him to dinner so I can get to know him better? Maybe he can litigate the breach of promise I may have made with this Lord Nott about you becoming his bride.”

“Oh, Father! Thank you! Thank you! Sorry we argued. I love you! I hope you understand I truly love Sir Fenwick heart and soul. And I know he loves everything about me, too.”