by Dawn Brower
She went down the stairs and into the sitting room. “Aunt Seraphina,” she called. Charlotte stopped short when she realized her aunt wasn’t alone.
“Hello, dear,” her mother said. “You look lovely.”
“Thank you,” she replied carefully. What was she doing in Peacehaven? Where was her father? Had he come with her, or was he at home in Seabrook?
“Isn’t it a lovely surprise,” her Aunt Seraphina asked. “Rosanna dear, you should have written. I would have had a room prepared for you.”
“No need to worry about me,” her mother told her aunt. “Dom will be here shortly. He rented a cottage on the other side of town for the next fortnight. He didn’t want to impose on your hospitality. He’ll be here in a little while to escort you to Lord Frossly’s little soirée.”
Was her mother there for the birthday celebration? She had written to her parents telling them about it. Had even suggested they might want to attend. Charlotte hadn’t actually thought they would though. Why were they going to stay in Peacehaven for a fortnight?
“That’s lovely.” Aunt Seraphina gestured toward Charlotte. “She’s been looking forward to the ball for some time. Are you leaving now?”
“I am meeting Lady Pearyn, and we are walking over together.” She met her mother’s gaze. “Is that all right? When I made plans, I was unaware you would be here?”
Her mother stood and strolled over to her side. She smiled and that worried her more than she wanted to admit. “You seem…calmer. Has this time in Peacehaven helped you?”
Charlotte frowned. She had started writing, but that didn’t seem to be as important as it had been when she arrived. Was she calmer? She wasn’t certain that was the right term for it. “I believe it has,” she answered.
“I’m glad.” Her mother hugged her, and then stepped back. “We didn’t send you here as a punishment. Well, not exactly, but we did hope you would realize what you were doing to yourself. If you kept acting out and being reckless, you wouldn’t have had much of a life. Being secluded from society is horrible. You might turn your nose up at it, but to not be allowed at a party and deciding not to attend are two different things. It’s better to have a choice.”
Charlotte hated admitting her mother was right. “I’ve learned to accept that I don’t always get to decide what is best for me. I still hate some of what is expected of me though.”
“It is the lot we are given in life,” her mother said. “Your father and I would like you to return with us when we go home, to Seabrook, in a fortnight. It’s time.” Her mother smiled warmly. “Now, go meet your friend. We will see you later.”
“Thank you,” Charlotte said softly and then turned to leave. She had gotten what she wanted. In a couple of weeks, she could go home and she’d be free to write. Nothing would be there to distract her.
But there was no Lord Frossly at Seabrook…
She had lied to her mother. Lady Pearyn would arrive at the ball later. Charlotte wanted to get to the Frossly estate to see for herself all the details were finalized, and she hoped to have some precious moments alone with the earl.
It didn’t take her long to reach the estate. Once there, she knocked on the large wooden door. It swung open and an elderly man with snow-white hair and bushy eyebrows greeted her. “Yes?”
She was early but still… “Is Lord Frossly here?” Charlotte hoped so. It was his home, after all, but it seemed a little silly to ask.
“He is,” the man said. “May I tell him who is inquiring?”
The addition of servants at Frossly Manor was something new. With the progress made on the repairs, the earl had begun to re-staff the house. This, it seemed, was the new butler. Charlotte found herself amused by him. He appeared a bit stuffy and almost warm at the same time. “Tell him Lady Charlotte is here if he’s available.”
“Bivens,” Lord Frossly called out. “Who is it? Have guests started arriving already?”
Charlotte pushed past the old man and entered the foyer. It had been redone in dark colors. The mahogany wood shined to perfection, and the rich green carpeting was plush and welcoming. “It’s only me,” she said.
“Lady Charlotte,” he said in surprise. Then his lips tilted upward into one of his devastating smile. “Are you here to see the ballroom before it is packed?” He was so handsome it almost hurt to look at him. He was dressed in all black except for his stark white shirt and cravat. His dark red hair was brushed back and his blue eyes were mesmerizing. She loved him. How had she not realized that until this very moment?
“I am,” she said. A lump had formed in her throat, and the words came out a bit scratchy, almost breathlessly. She lifted her hand to her neck as if to ease the pressure building up there. Charlotte couldn’t recall the last time she’d felt this overwhelmed by her emotions. She loved him. It didn’t matter how many times she repeated that to herself. It still remained foreign and…bewildering at the same time.
Lord Frossly didn’t appear ruffled in the least. How could he? The earl hadn’t had an earth-shattering revelation to stop him short. This man before her was everything. She hadn’t realized how much, and it frightened her a little. What if he didn’t feel the same way? He held out his arm to her. “Let me escort you.”
She looped her arm in his, and they walked into the ballroom. It was as gorgeous as he had described. All the sconces had candles lit, illuminating the room. The paper on the walls was cream-colored and outlined with dark gold filigree. The sketching on the back wall was also done in rich gold and depicted angels in flight. “It is beautiful,” she whispered. She’d ask for a tour of the finished parts of the house, but it didn’t seem appropriate. Perhaps once it was all completed…
“Cook made a large cake for your aunt’s birthday. It is set up on a table over there.” He pointed to a small alcove with a punch bowl on one table and an elaborate cake on the other one. The cake had three tiers. Gold and white flowers had been made of frosting and delicately placed across the base of each layer. It was exquisite.
“Thank you,” she told him. “It’s all perfect.” Charlotte turned to him, her emotions still a mess, but somehow, she kept the appearance of serenity as she spoke. “Aunt Seraphina is going to love it.” She was glad she’d asked the earl to help her with her aunt’s surprise birthday party.
“I’m pleased you’re here early,” he said. “I’ve been thinking…” His voice trailed off as if he was uncertain what to say. It was charming.
“Yes?” Amusement flooded her voice. She was enraptured with Lord Frossly, and he seemed unaware of it.
He took a deep breath and then lifted her hands into his. “This might sound a little outlandish, but I had hoped that you’d allow me to court you.”
Had she heard him correctly? That sounded formal and…she didn’t want her relationship to be like that with him. “No,” she said resolutely.
“I…” He stopped and stared at her. “Did you say no?” She closed the distance between them and then stood on her tiptoes and pressed her lips to his. He stepped back, startled, and stared down at her. “I don’t understand.” The perplexed expression on his face was endearing. She’d never tire of being in his company. He constantly surprised her, and she never felt more at ease with anyone.
“You don’t need to court me,” she told him. Charlotte wanted to ensure he understood. That there would not be any doubts between them, and if he wanted to have her, she’d always be his. “I don’t need anything of the sort. I already know I love you.”
He pulled her into his arms. “Are you certain”
“I’ve never been more sure in my life.” Her voice was filled with all the love she had for him.
He leaned down and pressed his lips to hers. The kiss was sweet and romantic, and promised an uncontrollable passion. One day soon she’d press him to see just how passionate their kisses could become. For now, she was content to have his sweet kisses and to know they confirmed more to come.
He stepped back. “I want to ma
rry you.”
“I thought as much when you asked to court me,” she replied cheekily. “But I’d rather not rush into marriage. Let’s have at least a three-month engagement, so we can plan something spectacular, and you will have time to finish your renovations.”
“I love you,” he told her. Her heart warmed at his confession.“Now that we have confessed our love. Do you think we can dispense with all the formalities? Please, call me Collin.”
“Yes,” she said. “I’d like nothing more…”
Charlotte and Collin would have a good life. She couldn’t wait to start it with him and see where it led. They were unconventional, and she adored him.
“I researched swans,” he said abruptly.
She chuckled softly, remembering the day they watched the birds in the park. “Did you learn something fascinating then?”
He shook his head. “Not exactly. They do sort of mate for life. They find their love, for lack of a better word, and stay with them forever. If, for some reason, one of them dies, they do move on and can locate another mate. I found it interesting that they stay together though.”
“Are you asking me to be your swan?” Her Collin was adorable. He blushed, something she didn’t think she’d ever see. “Are you embarrassed?”
“I’m charmed,” he answered. “And no, I’m not asking you to be my swan; I’m telling you that I’m yours forever if you’ll have me.”
“Yes,” she said. “A thousand times yes.” She wrapped her arms around him and held him tight. “I cannot recall ever being so content.”
Everything inside of her belonged to him…he was the end and the beginning for her. Nothing in life was perfect, but loving him came close. She would devote her life to making him as happy as he made her.
“May I have this dance?” he whispered in her ear.
“There’s no music,” she replied.
“Sure there is?” he swayed with her; his cheek pressed to hers.
“Don’t you hear it?”
She closed her eyes and let him lead her on to the floor. No one was in the room, at least for a little while longer, but there was music in the silence. Charlotte would never forget this night. The way he looked, the way she felt, and the brilliance of accepting love into her heart. It took her breath away… “I love you,” he whispered and nothing else mattered.
When Charlotte had come to stay with Aunt Seraphina, she hadn’t expected to meet the love of her life or to discover how much her aunt meant to her. She’d been a selfish girl only concerned about herself and what she wanted out of life. The surprise party for her aunt was meant to give something back, and to show Aunt Seraphina how much she was loved by everyone. She couldn’t wait for her aunt to arrive so Charlotte could see the look of surprise on her face.
“All right,” she yelled over the hushed voices in the crowded ballroom. “Seraphina will be here soon. Lady Pearyn assured me she’d escort her personally to the festivities. Can everyone please be quiet for a few moments longer?”
The chatter came to a standstill. A feat she didn’t think possible in such a large crowd, but Charlotte was grateful for it. There was no blowing out the candles or extinguishing the sconces. They would take too long to light again. If this had been a smaller affair, they could have gone in complete darkness to fully surprise her.
Pearyn walked in with Seraphina on her arm. Her aunt’s smile widened when she glanced across the room. She didn’t fully grasp the reality of what was happening until a servant pushed a large cake out and everyone yelled “Happy birthday!” The excited tone of the guests’ voices reverberated through the ballroom. Seraphina jolted in surprise, and a tear fell down her cheek.
“Do you like it?” Charlotte asked with anxiety echoing through her tone. Collin came to stand beside her and rested his hand at the small of her back. His steadiness gave her the courage she needed in order to go on. She liked to think of herself as brave, but if she were to be honest with herself, she often felt like a scared little girl stepping out into the world for the first time. She fully believed she could do almost anything on her own, but it was nice to have support.
“Its wonderful,” Aunt Seraphina said as she wiped the tears from her eyes. “I didn’t think I wanted to celebrate getting old, but having you here…” She sighed wistfully. “You’ve reminded me why living as long as I have has been worth it. Seeing you fall in love and find your way…it’s almost made me feel young again. We don’t know how many days we have, and tomorrow is not promised, but as long as we take each day that is given to us and live it to the fullest…then we’ve lived a good life. Thank you, dear, for that reminder, and for this celebration. Life should be rejoiced.” She glanced around the room. “Do we have champagne?”
A servant came over and handed her a glass. “Here you are, Lady Seraphina,” he said.
She took the glass and raised it. “I propose a toast. To my dear niece.” She met Collin’s gaze. “And I suspect my soon-to-be nephew.” Her aunt could be quite perceptive. “May they live a long and happy life together, and may this town be blessed by their love.”
Charlotte’s lips wobbled a little as she fought tears. She had everything she could ever want out of life. Maybe one day she’d write her book, but for now, this was enough. She didn’t confirm that she’d agreed to marry Collin. Her aunt might be pushing for that, but this night was meant to commemorate Aunt Seraphina’s birth. Later, they could have another ball and announce their engagement. Instead of words, since she seemed incapable of forming any, she raised her glass and knocked it with her aunt’s. It was all the verification the dear old lady would get, at least until the next day when Charlotte joined her for tea…
Epilogue
One year later…
“Charlotte,” Collin called his wife’s name. He had a package for her that he suspected she’d been waiting for.
“Yes,” she shouted back.
He shook his head. That was his wife, not afraid to let her presence known in the loudest possible way. She was no delicate flower in need of coddling. It was one of the things he loved about her. She would always be his vixen, and he wouldn’t change anything.
Collin went toward the back of the house. Charlotte had set up a writing room there. It was a bit chaotic inside, and he couldn’t discern the madness of it. How did she find anything? He pushed open the door and sighed. It was a bigger disaster than normal. Papers were everywhere, and she had ink streaked across the front of her dress and her hands as well as a smudge over her left cheek. “Did you bathe in the ink pot?”
“Hmm?” she said absentmindedly. “Oh. No… I spilled it. Don’t worry it is fine. I cleaned it up…mostly.”
He didn’t ask what she’d used to mop up the mess. He feared the answer… Instead, he held up the package. “This was delivered a few moments ago.” He was excited for her. After she’d explained her dreams to him, Collin had done whatever he could to ensure they came true. He would not have his wife regretting anything.
She glanced at it and leaped toward him. “Give me.”
Collin chuckled and held it over his head. “Ask nicely.”
Charlotte glared at him, stepped hard on his toes, and when he leaned over in reflex, she snatched it out of his hand. “Was that nice enough for you?”
He nearly choked on laughter. God, he loved her. She ripped off the brown paper and jumped with joy. “It’s here.” She waved the book at him. “Look. It’s finally here.” Charlotte hugged it tight against her chest. “Have you ever seen anything more beautiful?”
Collin stared at her. His heart beat heavily in his chest. “No,” he said softly. “You’re perfect.” Her happiness only proved to make her lovelier. Her cheeks were pink and her blue eyes sparkled with so much joy it made him want to wrap her in his arms and ensure she would always be this pleased with life.
“Not me, silly,” she chastised. “The book.”
“That too.” He stalked forward and took the book from her hands, then placed it on th
e nearest shelf. Collin pulled her into his arms and pressed his lips to hers. He lifted his head and told her, “But I find you far more beautiful than anything, and nothing you say will convince me otherwise.”
She sighed contentedly and wrapped her arms around him. “All right. I won’t argue with you.” Charlotte snuggled her head against his chest. “Besides, I have some news for you.”
“Oh?” He lifted his brow. A part of him was terrified of what she might say.
“In about six months, our family will become larger and have more to love.”
His heart nearly burst. He hadn’t expected that. Collin lifted her and spun her around the room. This was what he’d always wanted and feared he’d never have...love, a family, and happiness. He was whole for the first time in so many years. He’d hungered for this contentedness. She had taken him and made him a better man. He would ensure she didn’t regret loving him, and their children would always know how much they were adored and wanted.
He set her down and pressed a kiss to her cheek. “I love you,” he said his emotions barely in check.
“I love you too,” she said. “But if you spin me like that again, I promise you’ll regret it.”
He laughed and hugged her tight. That was his Charlotte. Always keeping the surprises rolling and ensuring he’d never become bored…
Afterword
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