Page 63 of The Brooding Duke's Fateful Letter
Charlotte was shown to her room where she could get ready for lunch. She arrived with George to find all the guests waiting for her. Henry had his back toward her and turned to her as she approached. Charlotte looked around to see all eyes were on her.
“What has happened, Your Grace,” Charlotte asked as people continued to look at her.
“As it turns out, My Lady, I had spoken to your father the moment he arrived at the estate,” Henry replied.
“I am not sure what you mean, Your Grace,” Charlotte said as Henry went down on one knee. Charlotte stared at Henry and looked at her father. He nodded his approval.
“Would you make me the happiest man alive by doing me the honor of becoming my wife?” Henry asked.
“Yes!” Charlotte said immediately as she looked at Henry through happy tears. The people applauded, and he took her into his arms.
“There is just one thing you need to consider, My Lady,” Henry said, smiling at her as he placed her ring back on her finger.
“And what would that be, Your Grace?” Charlotte asked.
“Well, it is that I do hope you will not mind being a queen instead of a duchess,” Henry replied.
“I do not mind one bit. I would not have cared if you had no title at all.” Charlotte stated. “Though you still owe me an explanation.”
“That is one of many reasons why I love you,” Henry said. “You have a sharp mind.”
“And I love you,” Charlotte said before she turned to their guests. The women surrounded Charlotte to congratulate her and see her ring. The men went to Henry to slap him on the back and wish him well. Charlotte looked at him, and her heart wanted to burst with joy.
This all started when I needed to get away from my stepsister and her mother. I had then not even dreamed of being this happy. Charlotte thought, as her future husband looked back at her. A man she could trust, a man that she knew would always protect her.
The man I love more than I knew I was ever capable of. Charlotte wiped away yet more tears of joy.
Epilogue
Henry had planned this as well as he could, considering how short a time he had. The idea had come to him only the day before. His father would take a week to get there and had left already.
They would enjoy the week it took to get there, and it would give them more time to plan. He had asked every family member on both sides to do all they could to plan the perfect surprise for Charlotte. The engagement had been only the start of what Henry had in store.
He had requested that the captain chart a course for Ireland. He had sent his father with word to his family that they would want to use the old church in the village. They would have a day or two before he would arrive with Charlotte.
It was spring and the perfect time for fresh flowers. Henry hoped Charlotte would be pleased. For him, he wanted to marry Charlotte and did not care how. That did not mean that he did not consider how important it could be for Charlotte.
It was the same church where Henry’s parents had said their vows. His father had been highly pleased to help plan their wedding. When they approached the island, he could see his relatives eagerly awaiting their arrival.
Henry greeted them all and proudly introduced them to Charlotte. She seemed truly delighted by their enthusiastic welcome. Once they had settled down, he went over to his bride-to-be. They were a group of nearly thirty people. They followed Charlotte and Henry as they made their way to a feast prepared in their honor.
“I was wondering how you would feel about getting married soon. I know how ladies like to plan weddings for months.” Henry asked.
“Well, Your Grace, I would marry you this instant if I could,” Charlotte replied.
“That is wonderful news, My Lady. Especially since everything has been planned for tomorrow,” Henry said, delighted at how much joy showed on her face.
Henry could not wait to make her his wife. He thought back to when he had spoken to Lord Wentworth. He had been furious with his wife and stepdaughter. Furthermore, he had started by apologizing for his part in the deceit but had explained that he had seen how well they had suited one another and had decided to let nature take over.
Moreover, he had been truly mortified that they had waited for him to go for business so that they could lay claim to what wasnow Charlotte’s. Lord Wentworth had been more than willing to give Henry his blessing.
Henry had decided at that moment that he would plan to travel to Ireland and get married there. He did feel guilty that he had kept it to himself and had not told Charlotte. It looked as though she had forgiven him as she was once again whisked away by the other ladies. He went to the captain to be sure the weather would hold after dinner. The other guests had decided to go for a walk on the beach.
“It will be a perfect day tomorrow, Your Grace.” The captain told Henry.
“Thank you so much for bringing us here. We shall need you in four days.” Henry said, and the captain nodded.
Henry found Charlotte, and they walked to his family home. “Do you remember the man with the deep voice?” Henry asked.
