Fair Lady Charity

Fair Lady Charity

Carlton gawked at Riley. Riley gawked at Carlton. Then they couldn't help bursting out in laughter.

“Did you see that fool running around like a banshee screeching with his head afire?” Sir Carlton guffawed.

“Then making a beeline to the exit with his bigwig still steaming once the flaming baton twirler doused him with the pail of water?” Sir Riley chortled.

“Never witnessed anything quite so hilarious!” His good friend still snickering choked out.

“How did his pencil neck ever hold up that enormous fancy wig?” Riley tried to get his own giggles under control.

“I think we have a fair young lady to rescue, My Friend.” Carlton urged Riley forward past the departing spectators.

Sir Riley Fenwick and Sir Carlton Winslow, best friends from University days, had spent the better part of a beautiful spring day splurging on the sights and sounds of the popular frolicking market fair. All in good sport during an amateur boxing match in which they challenged each other, Sir Riley was struck senseless first by the mesmerizing eyes a beautiful young lady gazing up at him and then by his friend when he landed a jab Riley didn't see coming. Working together they spent the last couple of hours searching for that mysterious young maiden. Even though they were frequent guests during the current match making season among the landed gentry they had never seen this particular fair maiden at any of the numerous galas and other social events they attended. Sir Riley was sure a special connection had been made between him and the lady and was determined to find her less he never be able to find true happiness.

Unfortunately, she was in the company of another man. An older, self-important man Riley convinced himself was an improper match for her. Although he may be the underdog he was sure it was not too late to convince her to give him a shot. After all there was an accompanying chaperon which meant it was not a sealed deal.

As fortune presented, a freak accident with a flaming baton during a spectacular fire performance had sent her escort running for his life and reputation away from her side. Since she was left defenseless Riley saw this as an opportunity to come to her aide with or without a proper introduction. The two friends elbowed their way to her position at the front of the crowd as people were filing out of the tent.

~~~

The poor girl was in tears in the arms of the chaperon, an older lady. “Oh, Auntie, what are we to do now? We are stranded here.”

“There, there, Charity, My Dear. I'm sure he will be alright and return shortly. He wouldn't desert us. He is supposed to be a respectable gentleman. Even if he is flamboyant.” She couldn't help but chuckle at her own joke. Soon Lady Charity's tears turned to mirth, too.

“Flamboyant is right! His whole poufy peruke was aflame!. Did you see him running in circles trying to put it out? Thank goodness the bucket of water was nearby. Oh, my! Such a kerfuffle!”

“Everyone was laughing. He'll never be able to live down the humiliation. Not with his big ego. No wonder he hasn't been matched years ago.”

~~~

Finally reaching his destination Sir Riley bowed before the smitten young lady proffering his own silky handkerchief, “To dry your tears, Milady.”

“Oh, my. Thank you, kindly, Sir. But I shouldn't...”

“Please forgive our boldness,” Sir Carlton intervened as he slightly bowed, “but we couldn't help but notice your distress at being deserted. Allow me to introduce my friend, the honorable Sir Riley Fenwick of Fenwick Manor in Camberley, Attorney at Law.”

Riley rose and offered, “And this is Sir Carlton Winslow of the esteemed Winslow Estate also in Camberley and also Attorney at Law of our own firm Winslow and Fenwick. Please do the honor of allowing us to be of assistance to yourself and your companion in your time of need. It is much too dangerous for such lovely ladies to be stranded on The Strand alone. Your friend may not come back to your assistance. He seemed preoccupied with his own needs, if I may be so blunt.”

“I am afraid you gentlemen may be right about that.” The chaperon took the lead. “Allow me to introduce Lady Charity of Farnsworth.”

“And this is my aunt Dowager Countess Dianna Honeyfield.”

“It looks like another fiery performance is being readied. May I suggest we treat you to some lemonade at a nearby stand while we figure our next plan of action? We will be able to see if your escort does return. Ladies, please follow me.” Riley weaved their way through the gathering new spectators with the ladies following and Carlton bringing up the rear.

Once settled with cooling drinks in hand conversation flowed freely among the new acquaintances all the while keeping eyes peeled for the hairless deserter.

Up close and personal it was apparent the chaperon was not as elderly as the two gentlemen were envisioning. The wide brimmed sunhat and the drab gray day dress had been deceiving. She was maybe only a few years older than the entrepreneurial men of law who had started their own firm after graduate school a couple of years previous. Actually, she was very attractive with green eyes and chestnut hair in soft curls caressing a slender neck although not the raving beauty the other miss was with her hazel eyes and fair hair cascading in tendrils beneath her bonny bonnet. More from the last century the Countess's dress was an ornately shirred shirt-waist dress with ample petticoats and stays accentuating her generous bosom whereas the Lady's dress was a more modern light weight material flowing gown falling from below the bust line. The soft material hugged her lithe figure with every gust of spring breeze.

Lady Charity started to reach for Sir Riley's bruised eye but quickly pulled back allowing her eyelids to flutter down looking towards her lap creating a serene countenance upon her porcelain features. She shyly peeked back up through long lashes, “Ooh, does that hurt much?”

Sir Riley finished the gesture as he gently fingered the injury, “Not really so much. I have had far worse. Chap threw a lucky punch as I was distracted by a lovely vision in white. My heart was sorely bruised when I thought I may never see you again. We are so pleased we have made your acquaintance now.”

“I thought you were magnificent in your bravery. Such prowess!”

“I'm afraid Miss Charity has not been exposed to such manly displays before.” Countess Dianna remarked.

“It didn't take much bravery to be knocked flat on my back. Sorry you had to witness that. We have decided we'll do a rematch with epees.”

“But you may be even more seriously hurt with swords.” Charity worried.

“Not a chance. It's all in good sport and I always best my friend fencing. If I may say so myself.”

“That remains to be proven. We compete in all sorts of good fun. But I dare say at this point it appears your fancy peacock is not going to make a reappearance. Would you allow us to see you safely home?” Sir Carlton ventured.

“That would be most appreciated, kind sir.” The pretty dowager assured.

“Since we arrived in a single two-seater curricle it may be best for us to go to The Strand Palace Hotel nearby and hire a messenger to send for a turnout from your estate to fetch you. It may not appear honorable to take you there ourselves. We can have dinner while we await the coach. Would you agree to that plan?” Carlton questioned.

“That seems sensible.” Countess Dianna agreed.

“Please don't think me out of line but I must admit I do not see the benefit of a proper match for such an incomparable beauty such as your niece to that pipsqueak of a man.” Sir Riley dared speak his mind. “You may even be able to take legal action against him for breech of confidence. The nerve of him deserting the two of you!”

“I suppose we have gotten to know both you well enough to believe you are trustworthy gentlemen we can share a little secret with you. You see, my dear Charity was posing as the chaperon for myself and that appalling charlatan. We have reason to believe he was only interested in obtaining the heightened title he would achieve by marrying me, a countess. He is only a baron and very much wants to rise in stature. Of course, that will never come to be with me. Charity's mother, my sister-in-law, sister to my late husband, recently passed away and Charity wasn't feeling up to joining in the festivities of this season so decided to wait a year to participate as a debutante.”

“We are very sorry for your loss but that explains why I have never seen you at any events.” Sir Riley addressed the fair Lady Charity. “Dare I ask would you have any objection to me requesting your father if I may start calling on you? If not immediately then whenever you are ready. It's undeniable we have made a special connection. In your presence I feel like I've come home for the very first time.”

“You do flatter me, Sir Fenwick. I would indeed be pleased if my father would grant your wish. Your friend, Sir Winslow, may also be pleased that my aunt, too, is a member of our household under my father's tutelage so Father may grant him permission to call upon her as well. He is hosting a foxhunt in a fortnight. Perhaps we could procure an invite for you.”

“Now that would be welcome news to a couple of courting underdogs such as ourselves. Please present our calling cards to him for us.”