Page 61 of The Brooding Duke's Fateful Letter
Had they been speaking about who will be wed to Henry? Had there been an argument? Charlotte looked from person to person but could not determine by their expressions how thingshad gone. Charlotte disliked not knowing what was happening around her.
“I am told that I should prepare for a voyage, Your Grace,” Charlotte asked. Her father smiled at her, yet it was Henry who answered her.
“Yes, My Lady. We did discuss still going on our planned voyage. I believe, since my sister and your father are here, that it is the perfect time,” Henry offered as he started to dish food from the silver dishes onto his plate. Charlotte felt confused. It made her appetite fade away rapidly.
“George is coming with us, of course,” Henry added. Charlotte felt her spirits lift, as she had been concerned with leaving him there for a week or so. He already did not eat in the morning or at night until Charlotte was in her room. With him.
“That will be lovely, Your Grace, thank you,” Charlotte said, though he did seem to be acting out of character. He seemed almost secretive over the details of their voyage, rather than discuss it in detail as he normally would.
What has my father said? Was he not agreeable after all? Charlotte thought with dismay. Charlotte ate what she could and prepared for the voyage. She had little knowledge of where they were going or what she should pack.
This is ridiculous! Charlotte thought as she made her way to her room. I am going to get to the bottom of this right now!
Charlotte’s nerves had been through quite enough in her opinion. She had taken her trunk from the corner of the room and had packed only books when her patience started to wear off. She left searching for Henry and found her father.
“Ah, there you are, my girl,” he greeted her.
“Father, it is so good to see you again. How has your stay been?” Charlotte asked, not forgetting her manners even though she was frustrated.
“And it is good to see you as well, my girl,” he replied with affection.
“Have you and Henry had the chance to speak yet?” Charlotte could not help asking.
“Well no, not yet,” Lord Wentworth said.
“Then I shall go see him. Thank you, father.” Charlotte left before she would have to see Bethany or her stepmother. Charlotte had noticed that though Bethany had seemed interested in Edward, she had spent most of the evening lastnight with Tristan. Tristan lived a comfortable life yet was not quite on Henry’s level. When asked if he would like to join them, he was overjoyed.
It would be something you discuss with her at another time. For now, I had better find Henry, Charlotte thought as she made her way to his study.
Charlotte spoke to the doorman, who she heard speak to Henry. He came to the door instead of the servant.
“Is everything alright, My Lady,” he asked the moment he laid eyes on her.
“Yes, thank you, Your Grace. I wondered if I may have a few moments to discuss a matter,” Charlotte said.
“Please do come in, My Lady. I do hope you are not feeling unwell.”
“No, Your Grace. This voyage seems rather sudden. I am concerned, that is all.” Charlotte replied.
“I know there has been so much that has happened here of late. That is why I believe we should go on an adventure,” Henry said with so much enthusiasm that Charlotte was starting to feel as excited as he looked.
“Have you spoken to my father?” Charlotte asked. She needed to know what he had said on the matter of their engagement, and she could not ask her father as that would be in poor taste.
“I have, and he said that we are to discuss the matter at a later time,” Henry replied with a cheeriness she did not share.
Why would my father delay this? Surely, my stepmother had not convinced him onto her side of things so quickly! Charlotte thought as her stomach lurched.
“I see,” Charlotte said as she felt the tightness in her throat close her chest.
“Please do not worry so, My Lady. I shall not take no for an answer,” Henry said as he lifted her chin and placed a kiss on her lips. Charlotte closed her eyes as his touch sent fire coursing through her veins.
How will I ever be capable of living without him? Without that smile, without his touch?! Charlotte thought as she looked into his eyes.
Charlotte turned leave, so she could finish packing. Her frustration was building with every step she took. “When do we leave?” Charlotte turned back to ask.
‘First thing in the morning, My Lady. I have arranged that we gave have three carriages ready to take us to the docks,” Henry said. Charlotte left, and instead of packing, she first went to find George. She loved her dog. He was always happy to see her. His love was uncomplicated.
He ran to her when he saw her, and they walked to their spot under her apple tree. She had been sitting there almost every day. She took pride in watching the tree grow strong. The fruit had been unexpectedly sweet and bountiful. George waited as patiently as he could for Charlotte to help him get a few to eat.
