Page 59 of The Brooding Duke's Fateful Letter
“You knew about this,” he accused.
“I only found out moments ago,” Henry replied.
“Edward, please,” Louisa spoke from the group of people. “This can all be sorted out. It was just a lapse in judgment, and it is a good thing there is a doctor present.” She continued to speak as she made her way to stand by their father. She gave him one look, and she burst into tears.
“I am so sorry,” he said to his daughter as he held her close. The door on the other side of the room burst open as the constable and his men arrived. Edward was surrounded. The guests made their retreat now that it seemed safer to do so.
“Sir come with us now,” the constable said.
“I do not have to go anywhere with you. I am a king!” Edward yelled in response.
“Not anymore,” Henry said, as he stepped forward. He swung his arm and yet did not put all of his power behind the punch. It was sufficient to land on Edward’s temple. Edward was taken away from the dining room and led to a waiting carriage. Henry, Louisa, and their father followed. Since the other men seated in the carriage had their hands bound, it was no secret where Edward would be spending his time from then on.
“We have much to discuss,” their father said. “I must speak with Edward,” he said before going to the carriage.
“Has anyone seen Charlotte or any of her family for that matter?” Henry asked.
“Cecil made sure that both Charlotte and his wife got out the moment Edward pulled that pistol out,” Louisa replied.
Henry felt the tight ball that had been forming in his chest start to disappear. “Good man. I hope all her family is safe as well. How are you feeling after all that?” Henry asked.
“It was not the family reunion I had hoped it would be,” Louisa said with a humorless laugh.
“Once Father comes back, I must find Charlotte. If anything had happened to her tonight…” Henry closed his eyes briefly, trying to steady himself.
“She told me what had happened with her stepmother and her schemes. She does care deeply for you, Henry. Do not be too angry with her.” Louisa pleaded.
“I have no right to be angry with her. I want to see her and tell her as much. I will no longer wait for her father to decide our fate. Furthermore, I would like to be with her,” Henry replied.
“I think she would make a marvelous queen,” Louisa said with a knowing smile.
“It is why I have no right to be angry with her. She was dishonest about who she was, though it was not intentional. Whereas I lied about who I am, willingly,” Henry admitted.
“Here comes father now,” Louisa said.
“I will be there shortly,” Henry said, as he started to walk away. He turned back as his father approached.
“If she will still have me, there is an important lady I wish for you to meet, Father,” Henry said.
It was strange to be speaking to his father! A man he has had sorely missed for eleven years! Henry thought with a smile, as he went to seek Charlotte.
Chapter 23
Charlotte knew Henry could have been in that dining room when the pistol had been fired. Cecil had told her and his wife to hunch down as low as they could.
“Once we have an opportunity to leave, we take it,” Cecil had whispered the moment the argument started to get heated. They had taken their chance to get away. Charlotte had made her way outside at the same moment she saw Henry, but he had not seen her.
“Do you think it would be safe to go searching for Henry?” Charlotte asked.
“I know Henry. He will already be looking for you.” Cecil gave her a reassuring smile. “Right on cue,” he said, looking behind Charlotte. She turned to see Henry approach them. She felt tears of relief sting her eyes as she looked at him. He took her into his arms for an embrace before he pulled away and looked at her.
“Are you hurt, My Lady?” Henry asked as he searched her face.
“I am unharmed, Your Grace. Are you hurt?” She asked him.
“Only when I was away from you, My Lady. Could we please have a moment alone as soon as possible?” he asked before going over to Cecil and his wife. He checked that they were unharmed and thanked them for helping Charlotte.
“Are your stepmother and stepsister safe?” He asked Charlotte when he turned back to her.
