“You’ll have to ask her first. She requested that I approach Samuelson to see if he was still prepared to marry her in exchange for forgiving Father’s debt.”
James felt his heart stop at the news. He should’ve guessed she would offer to do so.
“I can’t seem to convince her that she bears no guilt for Father’s death. Then again, I’m having a difficult time with that myself.”
“As am I,” James admitted.
“I suppose it will take time for us to work through our remorse over the situation.” Edward was silent for a long moment before a slow smile crossed his face. “I wish you luck with Charlotte. Know that you have my blessing.”
James blew out a relieved breath. Based on the lack of response he’d received since Lord Wynn’s death, she might very well refuse. But he would find a way to convince her to spend the rest of her life with him and do his best every day to make certain she didn’t regret it.
He downed his drink and looked at Edward. “How soon can I speak with her?”
Edward chuckled. “I assume you’d prefer to do so now?”
“Yes, I would.” He loved her with all his heart and couldn’t imagine the future without her. Now he need only convince her of that.
In less than half an hour, he waited in the Wynn drawing room with Edward for Charlotte. He moved to the window, staring out into the fading twilight. To think it hadn’t been that long ago when he’d stood in this very spot, staring at his reflection in the window, barely able to stand the sight. The man he saw now was much improved, filled with purpose and love along with determination.
Would Charlotte see that as well?
~*~
“My lady, Lord Wynn wishes to speak with you in the drawing room.”
Charlotte stared at her maid from the chair where she’d been reading in her bedchamber, barely able to breathe. “Is he alone?”
“No, my lady.”
Charlotte nodded with resignation and watched the maid depart. Edward must’ve met with Lord Samuelson and returned with him. She carefully set aside her book, then clenched her hands to gather her courage and rose, reminding herself this was what she’d wanted—to have the arrangements settled as quickly as possible.
No more waiting and wondering—or longing for what couldn’t be. She need only focus on the reason she was doing this—to save her mother and brother. To help her family.
Her fingers sought the handkerchief still tucked in her sleeve. Though she’d told herself to set it aside, she decided against it. She’d been right to enjoy all of her adventures with James. They would bring her comfort in the future even if they were too painful to think upon now. But some day, they would be special memories. She would treasure the simple linen square embroidered with his initials always.
Telling herself she wanted this moment over, Charlotte hurried to the door, not bothering to check her appearance. She was in mourning, after all. Lord Samuelson couldn’t expect much. The fact that Edward would be there gave her comfort. The conversation was only one step forward. Surely she could manage to take this one step. She would worry about the next one later.
But when she arrived at the drawing room doorway, her stomach knotted with dread, Edward wasn’t in sight.
Neither was Lord Samuelson.
The tall, handsome man standing by the window sent her heart hammering. She walked in slowly, unable to understand why he was there.
“James?”
He turned to face her, his eyes holding on her but revealing little. “Charlotte.” He moved to stand before her.
“I don’t understand.” She glanced about. “Where is Edward? I thought—” She couldn’t bring herself to say what she’d thought.
“He allowed me a moment of privacy with you. But only if you agree?”
“Of course.” She drank in the sight of his beloved features, and love welled up inside her, threatening to spill over. She might have kept her distance from him over the past ten days, but that hadn’t lessened her feelings in the least.
“First, please forgive me.” He reached for her hand and held it between both of his, their warmth seeping into her. “I never thought for a moment that our meeting with your father would cause him harm.”
“Nor did I. Please know I don’t blame you.” The fault was hers.
“You’re not to blame either. After speaking with Edward, I have to believe Lord Wynn was upset enough by the situation he’d created that he was already experiencing health issues. Even the doctor mentioned it.”
“That’s true. But—”
James shook his head. “No. You are not to blame. None of us are. His problem was of his own making, and he was wrong to bring you into the solution he chose.”
Charlotte drew a long, slow breath as the truth of that sank in, making her feel less burdened than she had since his death.
“Second, I have fallen deeply in love with you.”
“Oh, James!” She blinked back tears at his words, trying to pull her hand from his grasp. “I can’t—we can’t— Lord Samuelson—” She couldn’t catch hold of her reeling thoughts. If only he knew how much she wished it were possible for them to be together.
“Charlotte.” James reached out to touch her cheek, and she couldn’t help but lean her hand into his touch, no matter how wrong it was. His warm brown eyes swirled with emotions. “Lord Samuelson is no longer a concern. That matter has been resolved.”
She stared at him in stunned disbelief as his words sank in. “Truly? I don’t understand.”
“Truly. You can verify it with Edward.” He paused to search her face. “Given that, as well as the fact that we have his blessing, may I ask if there’s any chance you might still care for me?”
His uncertainty tore at her. “James, you are an amazing man. A hero in every sense of the word. You act with courage, kindness, and honor. Always. Not only do I admire you, but I also love you with all of my heart.”
A slow smile spread over his face until he positively beamed. “You’ve made me the happiest man, my love. You are so clever and sweet. Your joy for life and quest for knowledge make me want to do the same. Going on those adventures with you pulled me out of my despair and forced me to look at life differently. Most of all, you make me want to be a better man.”
He reached for her and she gladly stepped into his embrace, thrilled at his passionate kiss. Her heart soared as she wrapped her arms around him and held tight for a long moment before he drew back to look into her eyes.
Then he dropped to one knee, still holding her hand, and she gasped, butterflies fluttering madly in her stomach.
“Charlotte, I promise to love you beyond measure always and forever. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
“Yes, yes, yes!” Charlotte drew him to his feet and kissed him with all that was in her heart, desperate to show him just how much he meant to her. “I love you so much, James, and I cannot wait to be yours.” They kissed again, love and passion twining, lifting her until she felt as if she floated on air.
“I am so blessed,” James whispered as he gazed into her eyes.
“We are so blessed,” she corrected him with a grin. “This is not what I expected when I came down the stairs. I still don’t understand how this is possible.”
How could she set aside her worry over the debt to Lord Samuelson until she knew the details? Then the truth dawned on her. “You paid the debt. Oh, James.” To think he cared so much for her to take it upon himself to do so overwhelmed her.
“I was happy to. I didn’t want anything to come between us, and I would’ve paid it even if you refused me.” His sincerity touched her more deeply than she could explain.
“I thought I would have to live my life without you, and that our adventures together would be the best memories I would have. But you’ve changed everything. I love you with all that I am, James.” She held him tighter. Words weren’t enough to express how much she loved this man.
A clearing of a throat had them easing apart.
Charlotte turned to see Edward and her mother in the doorway, both looking delighted.
“May I assume congratulations are in order?” Edward asked.
“Yes, you may.” Charlotte shared a bright, tearful smile with James.
“I couldn’t be happier,” her mother said as she came forward to take their hands. “Congratulations to you both.”
“Thank you,” they said at the same time.
“You do realize your wedding will need to wait several months?” her mother asked as she looked between them.
“I will happily wait however long you’d like now that Charlotte has said yes.” James’ grin made Charlotte smile even more.
Edward leaned close to kiss Charlotte’s cheek. “I wish you every happiness, dear sister.” He turned to James and shook his hand. “I couldn’t ask for a better brother-in-law. Welcome to the family. I believe this calls for a toast.”
The butler entered with a broad smile along with a tray carrying a bottle of champagne and glasses.
In short order, the cork was popped, and they each held a glass of the bubbling liquid.
“To happily ever afters,” James said, lifting his glass.
“And to many more adventures,” Charlotte added, her gaze holding on James.
“Adventures?” Lady Wynn asked with a frown. “What adventures?”
Too late, Charlotte realized her mistake, but as always, James, ever her hero, came to her rescue. “Charlotte refers to our wish to do some traveling. Isn’t that right, dear?”
Charlotte nodded, thrilled at the idea of seeing the world with James. “I look forward to doing so.” She linked her fingers with his, unable to bear being apart. “Forever and always.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
James stirred, trying to determine what had woken him.
Clink. The sound echoed again in the bedchamber of his apartment, and he threw off the covers to rush to the window, wondering what on earth could be striking the glass pane at this hour of the night.
The faint glow of a lantern was visible below. He stared at the light for a long moment before realization dawned.
“Charlotte?” It had to be her. Who else would do such a thing, other than him? In short order, he pulled on a shirt and trousers, both unfastened, feet still bare, and hurried down the stairs to unlatch the front door.
A hooded figure carrying a lantern drew near. Though the darkness hid her, somehow he recognized her instantly.
“What is it? Has something happened?” he asked.
“Yes.” She strode past him through the door and started up the stairs, leaving him to follow.
He quickly shut the door, hoping no one had witnessed her arrival, and chased after her. “What might that be?”
During the last three months, he’d spent every possible moment with her, always properly chaperoned with the exception of a stolen moment or two. His mother had invited Charlotte and Lady Wynn for tea on two occasions. To his relief, they had gotten along very well. He and Charlotte had announced their betrothal but hadn’t attended any balls or other social gatherings since she was still in mourning. The few kisses they’d managed to share hadn’t been nearly enough as far as he was concerned. Yet he knew the wait would be worth it.
“Which way is your bedchamber?” she asked
With a hand at her elbow, he turned her at the top of the stairs to the first door on the right. Obviously, she wanted to speak to him in private. Had something happened to her mother? Or Edward?
He followed her through the door and closed it, watching as she set the lantern on his bedside table and turned to face him, tossing back her hood.
“I could wait no longer.”
“For what?” he asked, filled with concern.
“To be together.” She untied the fastening of her cloak and let it fall to the floor.
The faint light of the lantern and the banked coals of the fire shed just enough light in the room to reveal her thin chemise. Her very thin chemise. Was it his imagination, or could he see the dark outline of her nipples through the pale fabric? His body tightened at the sight, real or imagined.
“Together.” He repeated the word dumbly, his mind trying to catch up with that of his soon-to-be bride’s.
She reached for the hem of her chemise and lifted it over her head to stand naked before him. “Yes, together.”
“Charlotte.” His pulse hammered in his body. Especially in one particular area.
“James. We haven’t been on an adventure in forever.” She walked closer, her scent enveloping him just before her arms did. “I think it’s time.”
“But we will be married in three more months,” he protested weakly even as he drew her against him.
“Three months is an eternity. I want to be together now.”
“My sweet.” He couldn’t have denied her anything at that moment. Not with need pulsing through him. “Three months is a long time.”
He leaned close to take her mouth with his, his common sense giving way to passion. Their tongues swept against the other, setting fire to the spark that had burned within him for months. He settled trembling hands on the curve of her waist before lowering to her hips. Then to her rounded bottom.
She gasped as she pressed kisses along his jaw, then his neck. Her hands found the opening of his shirt but quickly abandoned it and lifted it off to toss it aside. She spread her fingers in the hair of his chest as if eager to feel every inch of him.
He tried to draw a breath. To slow the pace. To think. But his need was too great, her touch too welcome. He lifted her into his arms and carried her the short distance to his bed where he lay her down.
“Do you know how often I’ve imagined you here, your hair spread across my pillow?” he asked as he shed his trousers to join her.
“Tell me.” She sounded breathless, her gaze holding his as if he were the only one who mattered.
“Every night.” He kissed her deeply before moving to the softness of her neck. “Every hour of every night.” He continued down to the swell of her breast. “I imagined doing so many things to you.”
“Truly?” she whispered. “Such as?”
He hesitated, wondering if she was prepared for what he’d dreamed of for so long. Then she shifted as if her body was anxious for his touch.
“To kiss you here.” He lowered to her breast, taking the taut nipple into his mouth while he caressed the other soft globe. “And here.” He kissed her other breast with the same lavish attention. Then he eased downward to kiss the firmness of her ribs, the flatness of her belly, pausing just above the curls at the apex of her thighs.
“James.” His name on her lips was both a moan and a plea.
This might be his only chance until their wedding night. Greed swept over him. He had to taste her. Everywhere. He flicked his tongue in the center of those curls, his effort rewarded when her hips lifted from the bed.
“James!”
“Yes, my sweet. Tell me.” He repeated her words, wanting to hear how he made her feel.
“You shouldn’t— I can’t—”
Delight filled him at her inability to speak. But he wanted her to feel even more. His fingers caressed her thigh then shifted to her hot center. He kissed her again, moving his tongue along her folds even as his finger found her hot channel and entered only to withdraw again and again.
“Oh! My!”
“Yes. Let go.”
Her body shuddered, and he moved up to catch her moan with a kiss.
He intended to stop there. The last thing he wanted was for her to be heavy with child before their wedding. He would see to his own needs later, after she’d left him, while her sweet scent still clung to his sheets.
“James, what of you?” She shifted against him, her fingers finding his stiff rod and moving along its length as if she knew just what to do. “I want to please you as well.”
“Now.” She placed a hand on his hip to urge him on top of her. Her soft heat beckoned. And he was lost.
“Charlotte. I love you.” He gathered his control, determined that she enjoy this part as much as she had the other. He nudged apart her legs with his knee and settled into place, the tip of his manhood finding her damp entrance. “You’re certain?”
“Yes. Always.” She lifted her hips.
He eased into her tightness then thrust forward, pausing when her body stiffened. “It might hurt. Just for a moment,” he managed. He forced himself to count to three before he withdrew most of the way.
“That...wasn’t quite what I expected.” She sounded confused and slightly disappointed.
“We’ve only just begun.” He moved forward again, finding a rhythm, keeping a tight rein on himself until her body relaxed and she seemed to enjoy the moment. Then he lifted onto an elbow and reached between their bodies to touch her center and found the nub there once more.
Her breathless moan spoke of his success. Her hips tilted, quickening his pace until he could wait no more.
“Yes,” she cried as her body quivered once more.
Satisfaction poured through him, and he pulled out to wrap the bed linen over his rod, emptying himself, already missing her heat.
“Why did you do that?” Charlotte whispered.
“I wouldn’t want you to be heavy with child before our wedding day arrives.” He shifted to her side and drew her into his arms, cradling her pliant body against him. “Charlotte, my love. You are such a gift.”
“Oh, James. I love you.” She leaned up to look into his eyes, a smile curving her lips. “That was an adventure I will never forget. But one I look forward to repeating.”
“As do I. Our wedding cannot come fast enough.”
“Mother keeps saying it will be here before I know it. But she’s wrong. It’s taking forever. Now she’s thinking a late May wedding would be best.”
To Dare a Rogue Page 24