Chapter 8After a poor night’s sleep, and despite several fortifying cups of coffee at the White Hart, Charles felt too thick-headed to flit conversationally amongst the chattering groups in the Pump Room. He had only made an appearance since he knew his failure to appear would lead to unwanted speculation about his health, well-being, or even his drinking habits.
Now the winter season was in full swing, the Pump Room was so crowded with the increase in visitors that he could keep a safe distance from Aunt Clarissa’s party, also growing in numbers. Charles saw some newly-arrived family members clustered around the old lady, as well as Avery and both his aunts.
“With this crush, it’s an unpropitious morning for those badly in need of a dose of salts,” came a cool voice beside him. Charles
