Page 16 of The Vixen in Red
“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 marry 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.
