Page 64 of The Brooding Duke's Fateful Letter
“How could I forget it?” Charlotte replied.
“Well, it turns out that he is my father. He had been taken away when he was ill. He had simply gone searching for a better doctor. By the time he had been well enough to travel, word of his demise had spread far and wide. He had chosen to stay hidden, but he could not resist ensuring his children were doing well.” Henry said and awaited her reaction.
“Remarkable Henry. How do you feel about that?” Charlotte asked.
“It feels odd, I am overjoyed though I did mourn him for many years, and now he is alive,” Henry replied.
They walked to where dessert was ready to be served. The two families sat together and enjoyed each other’s company as though they were old friends. They had a night filled with laughter and joy, and they celebrated Charlotte and Henry.
Henry shook his head as he remembered how bitter he had been with the Smith brother’s engagement dinner. He had found a woman whom he truly loved, and her loyalty had not wavered once.
He hoped that he could give her everything she had ever wanted and that the best that he could do would not remain with George.
Charlotte
The music started to play from a live band, and people started to make their way to the dance floor. Henry got up from his seat and offered her his hand. She looked up at him with surprise, but she took his hand.
“I have no idea how to dance to this!” Charlotte yelled over the loud music.
“It is much easier than back home,” Henry said as he pulled her closer to him. Charlotte put her head on his chest and though the music was a fast, cheerful beat, they swayed slowly in each other’s arms.
“Now you two. There will be more than enough time for that after the wedding.” Three young men came up to Henry and joked.
“Gentleman do show us how it is done,” Henry asked. “They are my cousins on my mother's side. Very good-humored.” Henry said as they showed Henry the proper way to dance. Two women came over and grabbed onto Charlotte’s arms and led her next to the men.
“We cannot let the men have all the fun Can we now?” The lady to her left said. Her curly hair bounced as she spoke and moved to the rhythm. Charlotte smiled as they held on to her and danced. She laughed as they tugged and unbalanced her, and they only just recovered. Charlotte looked over to Henry, who moved better than she had expected.
To her surprise, she was doing rather well herself. She had no idea how long they had danced, as one song seemed part of the next. When Henry invited her to get a drink, Charlotte noticedhow parched she was and how tired her feet were. The night had been one where everyone was reluctant to retire for the night.
Only once the band had retired were they prepared to leave the celebration. Charlotte and Henry left soon after and decided they would take the way to the house that was close to the beach.
The waves crashed on the rocks nearby as the breeze carried the smell of salt. The moon reflected on the water and seemed to shine into a never-ending horizon. The night had a special beauty to it that Charlotte knew she would hold dear to her for years to come. Henry soon moved.
“As much as I would enjoy spending the entire night with you in my arms. I do not think you will be happy tomorrow if I do not make sure that you get rest. “Henry said.
“Sadly, I would have to agree with you,” Charlotte said as they made their way to the house. She was not sure how much rest she would get with all the excitement, though her feet did feel rather sore.
The next morning could not come quickly enough for Charlotte. She had spent the entire night looking forward to it. One of Henry’s cousins had knocked at her door last night to show her what they had arranged for her.
“Good evening, Lady Wentworth. I do hope that I am not disturbing you,” she had said.
“Not at all, do come in.” Charlotte had replied.
“I am Elizabeth,” she had introduced herself.
“Charlotte. It is a pleasure to meet you.” Charlotte had smiled back at the friendly young girl. Her curly hair and freckles were as charming as her demeanor.
“We were just thinking that we had a few beautiful dresses sent over and that you might want to take a look at them,” Elizabeth had said. Charlotte had followed her to where the other women waited. Charlotte greeted them all and then went to see the dresses they had ready. She was astounded at their fine taste and found it close to impossible to choose.
“Which one do you think Henry would like?” Charlotte had asked. Together, they picked one that suited Charlotte well. The next morning, when Charlotte tried it on, it felt made for her. The pure white silk fitted her perfectly and yet was comfortable and offered ease of movement.
The neckline was slightly offf the shoulders and the bodice sat snugly against her waist. Elizabeth styled her hair with carefully placed flowers, while her sister Bridget had made sure her nails were groomed and that she had a bit of color in her cheeks.
The church had been filled with fresh flowers. Guests filled the seats and wore spring clothes that were formal yet suited to the hot weather. Soft music was being supplied by the same musicians who had entertained them the night before.
Charlotte was told that it was time and that all the guests were ready for her. She made her way downstairs, with help, and got into the carriage that would take her to the church. It was a short walk for their guests but could not be achieved in her dress.
Charlotte could not stop smiling as the carriage made its way on the clearest, sunniest day she had ever seen. The old White Chapel stood proudly on a cliff overlooking the ocean. Charlotte burst with joy as she was helped from the carriage and could see the church ahead of her. She took the few steps needed to enter the church. She felt her heart stop when Henry turned to face her.
