Page 60 of Pining for Lord Lockhart
“I believe so.”
“You’re free?” She could hardly keep her voice down. And she no longer cared who saw or who knew. The man she loved was free from previous entanglements. He was free to pursue her.
“I’m not free.” He shook his head.
The hope in her heart clouded. “No?”
“I have not been free since the moment I met you, not free to love anyone…but you.”
Her smile grew, and relief filled her heart. “Oh no?”
“No. I’m yours, Charity. Please, be my wife.”
She gasped a half laugh, half shock, sort of noise. And then she realized they were attracting attention. And she was pleased as could be about it.
“Do you know that people are watching?” She focused only on him.
“I don’t even care.”
She laughed. “Nor do I.” She stepped closer. “I love you, Wilfred.”
“I love you too, Charity. Now put me out of my misery. Will you marry me? Am I enough? Can I make you happy?”
“Yes, in every way yes. I can be only yours. Yours or alone. Yes, I will marry you.”
He studied her face for but a moment more and then their lips came together without another thought. Charity thought her feet might float away, taking them to the clouds. People around them began to clap, and she dipped her head in embarrassment, her smile growing.
Then the Duke of York’s voice carried out over them all. “What is this?”
Lord Lockhart turned, taking her hand in his. “This is me, asking if I might have a word with you in private, in regards to my love for Miss Charity.”
His Grace did not look as amused as others around them seemed to be, but he nodded. “About time.” And then he turned his back on them both.
Charity breathed out in relief, squeezing his hand, and hugging his arm close. “Can this really be happening?”
“I hope so. I cannot live another minute thinking anything else.”
“Nor I.” She hugged his arm closer.
They accepted many rounds of congratulations from others in the room, including Lord Granville. He clapped Lord Lockhart on the back. “I look forward to all the good we can do.”
“I as well, thank you, Granville.”
Until the whole evening felt a bit like an engagement announcement party. And Charity knew she couldn’t be happier. As the evening was about to end, and their carriages had been called, Lord Lockhart leaned closer. “There is something I have to tell you.”
“Oh no. Should I be concerned?”
“Not at all, it is simply to explain that no one calls we Wilfred. Except you.”
Her eyes widened. “How can that be?”
“It just is. While I love hearing it from your lips, really, my name is Andrew.”
Charity tipped back her head and laughed. “I’ve never been so entertained.” But then she stopped and stepped closer. “But I’ve fallen in love with you, thinking you are Wilfred. Perhaps the name has stuck.”
He lifted her hand to his lips. “Then I shall be Wilfred.”
Epilogue
