Page 37 of The Brooding Duke's Fateful Letter
Such a small gesture of kindness and he felt completely lost in her! He thought as he watched her sit down. I can count on my blessings that she is to be my wife. If she had belonged to another, I know I would have gone against everything I am and would have done all I could to win her.
Before they had left for town this morning, Nanny McCain had asked to speak to her in private.
I do hope there is not anything the matter with her. He thought with concern.
Chapter 13
Nanny McCain had decided it was time to leave. She was expected in London soon and would have to start the journey soon in order to make it in time. She had already packed her belongings and stood dressed and ready.
“Oh, dear, do not look so sad. Are you not relieved to not have to play the harp so often?” she teased Charlotte, with a knowing smile. “Go have a lovely day in town, dear.”
“I have to admit it was not my most favorite activity. I shall enjoy town though. And I shall miss you,” Charlotte said when she had hugged the older woman. She disliked saying goodbye to anyone. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she held on before letting the woman drink her tea. “Do you have to go so soon. Could you not stay just another few days?” Charlotte knew the answer. With her she would keep hope in every instance for as long as possible.
“As much as I have enjoyed my stay here, I have more people to see that cannot be put off. I shall write early next year,” her nanny said, just as she had when she had been a child. More in a tone to soothe a child that had a nightmare than an adult woman.
“Please promise that you will,” Charlotte said. “Even George has become so fond of you Nanny.”
“That is a fine hound of superior breeding, dear girl,” her nanny said with affection.
That morning, the carriage that had brought her there arrived to take her to her next destination. Charlotte had waved goodbye with a happy heart. She had felt tortured by this woman for years. Now, the thought of not seeing her so often, made her sadder than she could have thought she ever would be.
She had walked back into the house and had gone to find the duke. George had stood nearby to comfort her. She turned toward the house and picked him up to cuddle him and comfort her.
She found the duke at the old stables.
“Are you getting a horse, Your Grace?” Charlotte asked, perplexed.
“In a matter of speaking, My Lady.” The duke said with humor.
Charlotte could barely look at the duke without memories of how he had held her flooding her mind. She had felt that she would be safe as long as she was near him. The moment they had shared went beyond just the fact that he trusted her and wanted to tell her, of all people. He had not hesitated for an instant whenshe had been in danger. Putting himself in harm’s way to ensure her safety spoke volumes about the type of man he was.
She had felt since then that she owed him. When she had seen he needed help, she had acted without thinking. She had just wanted to repay him in a way and worried that he might find her ill mannered or worse, promiscuous.
“I must apologize, Your Grace. I did not mean to appear forward, or worse.” She said the last part more quietly.
“What was that, My Lady?” He asked, leaning in closer to her.
“I said that I hope you do not think any worse of me, Your Grace.” Charlotte said as she tried to be as honest as she could.
“I am confused, my lady,” he replied, the confusion evident in his expression.
“That I took the liberty to fasten your shirt, Your Grace,” she said, not bothering to make excuses.
“To be honest, My Lady. I wish at times that you would be more comfortable when in my company. I will never harm you, My Lady,” the duke said in a soothing voice.
Charlotte was unsure how to answer him and was glad they had nearly arrived in town. It would mean she might be able to slip out of finding an answer. The carriage soon slowed to a stop. The duke looked out the window. When the carriage had stopped completely, he offered her his hand as the door to the carriage was opened. He moved to get out of the carriage first in order to help her out from the outside.
Charlotte smiled and happily stepped out to where there was more freedom of movement. When they had last visited town together, they had been met with whispers and little empathy. Charlotte turned to look around them and they had once again managed to assemble a crowd in their presence. This time, Charlotte enjoyed how there was a silence around them that rang in her ears.
They had more than enough to say the last time they were in town together. Now they were left speechless.
The duke did not even bother to look around. He kept his focus on Charlotte and little else. When people started to regain their composure and greet them, Charlotte could have chosen to ignore them. Instead, she returned their greeting in a warm manner. She had felt that she would not be robbed of who or how she was based on the treatment of others.
“Where would you like to go first, My Lady?” he asked as they moved through town.
“I am quite hungry, Your Grace.” Charlotte answered as her stomach awakened for the day.
“I know just the place.” He wore a happy grin. They strolled down the street and Charlotte looked over to see the duke looking down to his feet.
