Free Perfectly Flawed by Shirley Marks

Penny scolded her. "I'm sure he has done nothing
to warrant your harsh words."

    "He is after our Charlotte." Muriel directed a stern
gaze at her aunt.
    "Oh, tish-tosh! He has not shown the least bit of interest in her."
    "This aloof man-about-town is not to be trusted. He
is not what he seems," Muriel told her aunt. "He is very
careful in showing his true self to others, for good reason, but he does not fool me."
    "Perhaps His Grace is correct in believing you need a
governess. Perhaps a ladies' school for manners would
not be out of the question." To threaten Muriel with the
mundane had always convinced her to mend her ways,
only in this instance it may not have been a threat. "You
will pay Sir Philip the respect that he is due, am I understood?"
    "Completely, Aunt Penny." Muriel moved forward to
take her embroidery from her sister. "Thank you, CharChar."
    "Moo, I am convinced that you could improve if only
you would put your mind to it. " Charlotte spoke regarding her embroidery skills, not her manners. "Here's your
hoop, Aunt Penny."
    "You sister is capable of a great many things, Char, but
only when she is genuinely determined."
    "Was he not handsome this evening?" Charlotte sank
onto the sofa but did not move to ply her needle. "His
dark blue jacket was certainly flattering, as was his cravat; it took a skilled hand to-" Her eyebrows rose in
either confusion or comprehension. "He does not employ
a valet, did you say, Moo?"

    "For goodness' sake, enough about our guest, if you
please." Muriel huffed, seating herself on the opposite
end of the sofa. "Aunt Penny, do you have any notion
what we should plan for tomorrow afternoon?"
    "We should have something in mind, surely." Aunt
Penny eased into the overstuffed chair decorated with
bright yellow lemons. "There must be some diversion for
the gentlemen who come to call. A display of Charlotte's
talent would be ... some music, perhaps?"
    "We could certainly play several duets," Muriel said,
suddenly caught up with her aunt's idea. "And I'm sure
Sukey would join our party if she were asked; she has
forever been practicing with us."
    "We'll also need Sir Nicholas to spread the word to
the gentlemen," Aunt Penny added. She would plead for
his help yet again.
    "Right this way, sir." Huxley's familiar voice alerted
the three they would soon have company.
    Muriel, Charlotte, and Aunt Penny straightened in their
seats. A shuffling of skirts and an exchange of glances
passed among them before Sir Philip stepped into the
room. The three stood as he entered.
    "I beg your pardon-I do not wish to disturb you."
He motioned for them not to rise, but it was too late.
"Please do not bother yourselves."
    "It is nothing, only a ladies' occupation." Aunt Penny
gestured for him to be seated and eased back into her
chair, as did Muriel, gathering up their embroidery now
that they had company.

    "A worthwhile lady's endeavor," Sir Philip said. "Would
you mind showing me your efforts?"
    "I attempt to make improvements," said Charlotte,
reaching back to retrieve her hoop. Muriel came to her
aid, substituting her own instead. "I believe one should
continually improve upon one's craft"
    "Is this"-he glanced upon the stitching with a certain bit of bewilderment "your fine handiwork?" The
marked surprise on Sir Philip's face could not be masked.
    How did Charlotte not realize he gazed upon the wrong
hoop? Muriel was certain her sister's singular thought
was for the baronet and that she saw nothing else.
    "Quite commendable, indeed." Sir Philip cleared his
throat, obviously pushing aside all honesty. "I admire
your determination."
    Muriel stood, retrieving the hoop, and put all of them
into the basket. "Excuse me, I need to write Sukey regarding tomorrow afternoon."
    "I also need to pen a missive at once." Aunt Penny
rose and moved to the drop-front secretaire. "Will you
have the Music Room lit for our inspection?"
    "Yes, Aunt Penny," Muriel said before