Page 13 of The Brooding Duke's Fateful Letter
He made his way to his sleeping quarters, willing the next day to come into existence earlier. He asked for his dinner to be taken to him. After a few quick bites he dismissed the food and servants and attempted to sleep.
Rest came sooner than he anticipated. His dreams mixed the past with the present and had him awakening several times during the night. When he finally did sleep quietly and soundly, it was only two hours before sunrise. He almost forgot himself and sprung from his bed in the excitement of it all.
He waited to hear footsteps on the floorboards outside his sleeping quarters before calling out for assistance. Today he could not wait to start the day.
I haven’t even met her and my life has become less dull and dark, he thought with amazement.
He busied himself in his study but the sun in the sky did not give an inch to his opinion.
Will she get here already. I do hope she has had a safe journey.
He hoped she hadn’t run into the same kind of men they had.
Then he heard the distant sound of galloping horses. He lived in the countryside near very busy roads. Now that traveling was about more than getting from one place to another and more about the pleasure of travel, carriages could be heard at all times of the day. Every time his ears would perk to the sound of one, it seemed to just go past the estate. When the next one came close, he ignored it.
The large main entrance gate moaned as they were opened to allow the carriage inside the estate grounds. The duke’s mouth went dry with shock.
She’s here, it’s time! His mind raced.
He tried to find something to do with his hands while he was taken to meet his guests.
The duke had known he would be at a loss the moment his guests arrived. He could however not be forewarned that he would lose his ability to think let alone speak to greet the gorgeous creature before him.
It's her! The women that Lord Wells had set his sights on. Those mesmerizing green eyes and that smile, God help me. The duke’s mind screamed at him.
The awkwardness of meeting ones intended for the first time was magnified by the twist of fate. The duke had no idea how the woman who had haunted him since was now to be his bride. The same disbelief seemed to have taken hold of the young woman. They stared at each other until Charlotte smiled at him and he returned it. Lord Wentworth looked from his daughter to the duke hoping to understand the sudden silence.
Lord Wentworth broke the silence and made the introductions. The duke was still completely lost for words. The moments dragged on as they waited patiently for him to speak. The sweat beaded at his temples as he willed his mouth to produce saliva. Lord Wentworth stood nearby and barely spoke.
Charlotte smiled at him hoping to put him at ease. It had the opposite affect and made him even more panicked.
Chapter 5
Charlotte felt delighted at the genuine smile she was able to give the duke . For years she had to force a smile each time she had met a new person. When she looked into his kind eyes, she felt her burdens lift from her shoulders. She had expected almost every scenario, except one where she immediately took to the duke! She tried to hide her shock at his condition when she had met the duke and knew she had done a poor job.
Charlotte moved closer to speak. The duke did the same. “I was not aware that you were the man that saved me the other night, Your Grace. I did not get the chance to thank you,” Charlotte said.
“I had no idea either, My Lady.” The duke replied with a warm smile.
“The day is rather fair today, Your Grace.” Charlotte said, hoping it would spark an invitation to see the gardens. At the very least ease the tension she had just caused. Charlotte found that her nerves were much less frail when she was outside.
“I could get someone to show you the gardens, My Lady.” The duke said in a helpful tone that seemed cold.
I’ve hurt him. What can I do? Charlotte thought as panic bubbled in her chest.
“Forgive me for being so forward, Your Grace. I would prefer to see the gardens with you.” Charlotte felt a rush of jubilance at expressing her wishes and that perhaps she could make amends.
“That can be arranged.” The duke said and tried to hide his smile. “I just have a question if I may, My Lady?”
“Of course, Your Grace.” Charlotte replied.
“Why ever would you want to spend time with me, My Lady? I do understand we are to be wed, yet that does not require you to spend more time with me than is necessary.”
“Your Grace, a marriage cannot survive on what is thought is needed. Much like this breathtaking garden, each plant needs different care to thrive.” Charlotte said in a kind tone.
The young couple moved toward the garden. There had been a brief awkward moment in meeting the duke. Fortunately, Charlotte had found a way to remedy the situation.
Charlotte walked beside the duke as a servant pushed the chair through the gardens. The duke started by showing Charlotte the vineyard.
