Page 63 of Always the Chaperone
There have been some rumors, I have just been informed…which could not be further from the truth, but no one believes me, and all I can do is think of John.
If I am honest, I believe he loves me almost as much as I adore him. I am in need of at least one more opportunity…he will make me the happiest person on this earth and ask me to be…
But no. I cannot even write it, in case all my hopes are for naught.
Miss Darby. Foolish, chattering, Miss Darby. Charlotte had been so dismissive of her, and her words rang true in her heart, as though her mother was beside her, guiding Miss Darby’s pen to give her exactly the advice she needed.
One more opportunity to fix him. He will make me the happiest person on this earth and ask me to be… But no. I cannot even write it, in case all my hopes are for naught.
Charlotte tightened her grip on the letter. How different were she and Miss Darby? They had both been expecting something different when they had met a gentleman who made them feel…everything. Everything was different, everything new.
Their happiness depended on that gentleman, but they were both one proposal away from true happiness. If they were both to gain their hearts’ desires, they would become sisters, which was a strange thought.
Charlotte started as the most wild and reckless idea came to her mind. Being a chaperone had started as a favor to a friend, and where had it led? To becoming what society had expected of her: a dull, cowed, and quiet chaperone.
But she was Lady Charlotte St. Maur. She was the daughter of a duke, and what’s more, she possessed intelligence and common sense. She had a man who loved her.
One letter was still lying unopened on the table. The handwriting looked strangely familiar, and when she opened it, she smiled. It was from Tabitha.
Dearest Charlotte,
Well, the baby has shifted for the first time, and I cannot tell you how much joy it brings me! Your brother, fool that he is, is attempting to force me into bedrest when I am but four months along, but I quickly put a stop to that. My mother did not take to her bed until confinement itself, and I see no reason to be any different.
I am still discovering Stonehaven. There appear to be more doors and rooms than I had remembered each time I walk down a corridor, and I never know where I have left anything. There are approximately six half-embroidered cushions all around the place, and I haven’t stumbled across the same one twice.
By the way, please thank Matthews for his continuing instructions. I am endeavoring to keep to them, but you must tell him my taste in brandy, at the very least, is not going to be tested. I will simply obey.
Richard has been wondering about names for this little one. I think he is a boy, but Richard is convinced she is a girl. Would we be asking too much if we begged your approval to call our first daughter, Charlotte? You must tell me if you would rather we did not.
Charlotte, I wish to know you better. You must come back to Stonehaven Lacey as soon as the Season is over. If you are anything like your brother, and he has assured me you are, then I feel we will become close friends.
He frightens me sometimes, your brother. To think that we almost lost each other due to jealousy, confusion, and misunderstandings. I fought for him, Charlotte, as I have never fought for anything. I thank God I did.
Do you know where the silver spoons are? I’ve been told Mrs. Marsh needs them and cannot find them. I must go. Please write back and tell me when you’ll be back.
I remain ever your sister,
Tabitha, Duchess of Axwick
Charlotte swallowed. Her fingers brushed the ink on the page. How could Tabitha know just how timely her letter was?
I fought for him, Charlotte, as I have never fought for anything.
She had seen the true affection between her brother and his new wife and never thought to experience the same. But without seeking it, without realizing it was coming, she had almost stumbled across something just as beautiful.
William Lennox, Duke of Mercia. He had been true to her, sought her out, never lied to her, or taken advantage of her. He made her heart sing.
Without any warning, Charlotte rose from her seat, allowing the blanket to fall to the floor. All this time, she had lived by society’s rules, and had it made her happy?
No.
And so, what better way to win him than to court William as he had courted her? To ignore society’s rules, of course. But with Will at stake, after rebutting him so definitely and then realizing how she truly felt, how he truly felt.
It was time for something drastic. Something wild. Something she would have never considered in her wildest dreams even a year ago. If she wanted to leave her chaperoning days behind her and become, truly, the bride, it would need to be something daring.
An image sparked across her imagination. It was wild. It was reckless. It was the sort of thing she could never have countenanced even a week ago. It was daring. No one would forget it. But would it be enough?
It surely wouldn’t work, would it?
