Charlotte House Affair 01 - My Particular Friend

its bag. Tell her at once or the cat will be lost to her forever.
    ‘That is quite … odd,’ I said. I looked at Charlotte, who appeared amused.
    ‘Ruined!’ Mrs Ashby said again.
    Charlotte dropped her smile before addressing the hysterical woman. ‘Courage, Mrs Ashby. There is nothing to fear if the recipient has not received the previous letter. And besides, you say Mrs Clausen is your best friend.’
    Mrs Ashby nodded vigorously. ‘We have known each other since childhood.’
    ‘And she can keep this secret?’
    Another nod.
    ‘And no one else has come forward with letters?’
    ‘No one.’
    ‘Then I think the matter remains contained,’ Charlotte said. As before, her measured, soothing voice had a calming effect on Mrs Ashby.
    ‘You really think the rumour has not spread?’
    ‘Yes, after our enquiries, I think I can safely say that you are the only intended recipient of these letters. Now, if you are calm, perhaps you can answer some further questions.’
    ‘Yes, of course, Miss House.’
    ‘Now, can you tell us how your daughter and Mr Hickham became acquainted?’
    ‘It was at the start of the season, one of the Monday night balls.’
    ‘And how were they introduced?’ Charlotte asked.
    ‘By Mr King, after my husband …’
    ‘After your husband had a word with Mr King?’ Mrs Fitzhugh supplied.
    ‘Yes, exactly.’
    ‘Were you aware of Mr Hickham’s previous understandings?’ Charlotte asked.
    ‘No, I do not know what you mean.’
    ‘You are not acquainted with the Spensers? Or the Winslowes?’ I asked. Charlotte shot me a look of annoyance, which puzzled me, but Mrs Ashby did not notice the exchange. I also caught Mrs Fitzhugh shaking her head at me.
    In answer to my question, Mrs Ashby said, ‘I don’t know the Spensers, and I don’t think I know the Winslowes … although the name does sound familiar. We have not been too many seasons at Bath, you see. We were at Tunbridge Wells last season. Are these people important?’ #
    ‘We believe that Mr Hickham had understandings with the daughters of these families,’ I said.
    ‘That cannot be. Mr Hickham is quite charming and forthcoming and told us that he had no interest in marriage until he met our daughter.’
    ‘Perhaps he …’ I started to say, but stopped when I again saw Charlotte give me a look.
    ‘Of course, Mrs Ashby, I must be mistaken. Mr Hickham sounds a delightful man and I should like to meet him,’ Charlotte said.
    ‘Yes, that would reassure you, Miss House. I had thought it best not to go to the next ball because of these … but if you are really sure.’ Charlotte nodded. ‘He has been out of town lately but returns for the ball and I shall introduce you.’
    After the plans were made for the ball, Mrs Fitzhugh saw Mrs Ashby out, leaving Charlotte and me behind in the drawing-room.
    ‘Really, Jane, you must not interfere when I am questioning someone,’ she said, as soon as we were alone. I could see that she was quite annoyed.
    ‘Is that why you gave me that look?’ I asked. ‘I am your accomplice, am I not?’
    She sighed when she heard her own words echoed back to her, and the annoyance left her face. ‘Yes, Jane, you are my partner in crime. But you must recognize when I am trying to induce a state of susceptibility.’
    ‘Come again?’
    ‘You must have noticed the effect that I can have on people?’
    ‘Of course,’ I said. ‘I have noticed it upon myself.’
    ‘It is a practiced skill. With a commanding tone I can control or by patient questioning and soothing words I can put someone at ease, especially in an intimate setting. I needed Mrs Ashby in a calm state to ask my questions and I wanted her to hear only my voice.’
    ‘Mrs Fitzhugh asked a question,’ I said, petulantly.
    ‘I know, I know; it made yours that much more annoying.’
    I decided to broach a subject that had been bothering me.
    ‘Do you truly want a friend on whom you can rely, or someone who merely agrees with you?’
    ‘That is a frank question.’
    ‘And one I must ask. I realize my position is perilous. You are my benefactor; I exist on your generosity. But I must be allowed to speak my own mind.’
    ‘And I want you to. Just not when I’m …’
    ‘… controlling the minds of the susceptible?’
    Charlotte had looked quite cross until now, but now she laughed as I heard the drawing-room doors open. ‘Are you two still friends?’ Mrs Fitzhugh asked.
    ‘I think we are,’ Charlotte said.
    ‘Did she