Page 21 of The Brooding Duke's Fateful Letter
“No!” Charlotte blurted out. Her cheeks grew red as she corrected herself. “I meant, no thank you. I really do wish to see the fountain. Perhaps my wish would come to fruition.” There was a childlike wonder in her expression. The duke appeared concerned and looked as though he was still deciding if he was satisfied with her welfare.
“My Lady, please do not overexert yourself on my account. The voyage here was a long one and I am unsure of the quality of rest you may have received since being here.”
“Your Grace, once again I am deeply moved by your concern for me,” Charlotte said speaking from her heart.
“It is only proper that I do so.” The duke’s reply was enough for Charlotte’s hope to fade. She had for a moment felt that the duke expressed his true feelings. In the next instant he reminded her that she was merely a duty.
Her heart had soared and now beat against its prison. When they had entered the maze. Charlotte had the idea to wish for a happy marriage. Now her wish was to put an end to her romantic heart.
“My Lady you looked paler still. Perhaps this is not a good idea.”
“I will be just fine, thank you, Your Grace.” Charlotte said politely. “I believe it has been a while since we have eaten.”
“We are not far from the exit, My Lady. Let me take you to lunch and then we shall return, I promise.” He held his hand out to her like she had earlier. The privacy they had allowed them that moment. Charlotte took his hand and looked into his eyes. She felt delighted that he would offer her such an intimacy and for itto be a comfort and not a flirtation. Not that she would dislike the latter.
The duke led the way to a Café where they could enjoy a lovely meal.
“Would you allow me the honor of ordering your meal, My Lady?” The duke asked once she had been seated.
“Would you please, Your Grace.” Charlotte responded cheerfully.
The duke waited for service and then arranged their meal. Charlotte liked the way that he did not speak down to the man. Instead his tone was respectful and friendly.
Soon freshly baked bread and a platter of meat was put on the table. As two servants left, another two came with wine and gravy. While the servants dished the food for them, the duke found Charlotte’s gaze. She looked around her to find the source of his contentment, only to find he was looking only at her.
Charlotte took a sip of the wine to ease her suddenly parched mouth. The slightly sour taste mixed with the steam from the food before her. Charlotte found that she was indeed in need of nourishment as her stomach twisted in response.
They ate the moment the food came. Once the meal was done the duke took Charlotte back to the maze as promised. This time she made sure to stay closely by the duke’s side. He had been using his own strength to move his chair and Charlotte now caught a glimpse of his powerful arms.
Usually a gentleman would have his sleeves buttoned at the wrists. However with the duke touching the sides of the chair wheel, it would soil his garments and ruin them. This gave Charlotte a rare perspective. One that she found she admired.
His forearms flexed with every movement and showed the muscles clearly. They were also more tan than they should be for a duke. The thought that the duke was strong and would protect her was a value she found most appealing. She ripped her eyes from him before her imagination had her wondering further under his garments.
Even though they were to be wed. It was unthinkable to even suggest consummation. Charlotte wondered if that were even a possibility.
Still, if we do wed I will remain by his side no matter what that entails.
“Do you have any more siblings, My Lady?” The duke asked as they walked through the maze. They were so engaged in theirconversation that they had not noticed that Lord Wentworth was no longer with them.
“You would have to ask my father about that sort of thing, Your Grace.” Charlotte said as she turned to see if he would answer. “Father?”
“I am sure we will find him, My Lady.” The duke tried to ease her concern.
“I do apologize, Your Grace. I fear my poor sense of direction is hereditary.”
The duke burst into laughter. The pleasant, deep chuckle played havoc with her pulse as the sound poured into her ears. She joined him and felt a weight lift from her shoulders.
The duke moved closer to her and she in turn took a step forward. Their eyes conveyed promises they dared not say aloud. Charlotte felt her feet move beneath her of their own accord. With one final brave step she once again accepted his hand. The look of pure relief and joy on the duke’s face was endearing.
“My Lady, I would like to express how glad I am to have your company. I would just like to say that…”
“Ah, there you are. I do apologize, Your Grace,” Lord Wentworth said as he joined them.
Charlotte was elated to see her father was unharmed.
Could he not have seen we were in conversation! Charlotte thought with an unusual annoyance. She eased the frown from her brow and greeted her father.
“That is quite alright, Lord Wentworth,” the duke said. He sounded as put upon as she felt. She hoped that meant that he might still finish what he had wanted to say. They walked in silence as the duke showed the way to the fountain. Charlotte had expected it to be built like those in the town square or in the palace gardens. When they arrived at their destination, Charlotte was delighted to find it was a natural spring that had been preserved.
