“Not quite yet,” said Dulcie. “Bend down and let me put that final pin in your hair.” Charlotte did so, and Dulcie quickly secured it. “There. You are ready now, my lady.”
She took another deep breath, turning to her sister. “Do not be too happy for me yet, Di. Let us hope that this physician’s words are not worse than the last ones.” She paused, a stab of nervousness shooting through her. “Let us hope that there is not a cloud looming over this most auspicious of days.”
***
Charlotte stood against the mantelpiece in the parlour, staring at the physician. Dr. Jackson had just finished his examination and was now packing his black bag. Her mother sat in her usual armchair, near the hearth. They were waiting for Sebastian to join them, before the good doctor told them what he thought.
Charlotte felt her heart beating fearfully. Would it be good news, or bad?
The door opened, and suddenly there he was. Sebastian. He was dressed in his finest morning suit, and she could see that he was nervous. His eyes immediately sought hers, and then he grinned. She smiled back, a little foolishly, knowing what his smile meant, as if she were able to read his mind.
Her father had given his permission. It had never been in doubt, of course, but still it was as though a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. Not quite the final weight, but a significant one.
They were free to marry. Both families had given their blessing, and now they could become formally engaged. There would be a notice in the newspapers, and a party. She could start planning the wedding with her mother and sister, along with the duchess, of course. Her heart felt as light as a feather, gazing at him.
Then she remembered the physician, who was standing expectantly. “My lord. Could you join us?”
She saw him take a deep breath, as if for courage. Her mother rose, smiling at him, and he bowed to her. Then they all sat down. Charlotte could feel a strained smile spreading over her face, and her heart suddenly seized, filled with dread. What was the physician about to say?
Dr. Jackson cleared his throat. “I have examined Lady Charlotte,” he said slowly, addressing Sebastian. “A curious array of symptoms.” He turned to Charlotte. “You say that Dr. Gibson, who has rooms on Harley Street, believes that you suffer from the same condition that afflicts Augustus d’Este, the king’s grandson?”
Charlotte took a deep breath. “He did not claim it definitively, but that was his opinion.”
Dr. Jackson frowned. “I have spoken to physicians who have treated that gentlemen and I can safely say I am fully aware of his symptoms, and the slow decline he has suffered over the years.” He paused. “I do not believe that they are the same as Lady Charlotte’s, nor do I believe that her prognosis is the same.”
Charlotte felt the breath leave her body. “You do not?”
He shook his head. “I do not. Lady Charlotte suffers some of the same symptoms as Augustus d’Este – the tremors and blurring of vision – but not all.” He paused. “Further, his condition was a gradual decline, where the symptoms worsened over the years. He never improved, even for a little while.”
Charlotte gazed at Sebastian, who was smiling at her encouragingly. He turned to the physician. “So, there are marked differences between my fiancée’s condition and the gentleman’s?”
Charlotte glowed, hearing him refer to her as his fiancée. That, more than anything, finally made her realise that it was happening. She was going to become his wife. She tried to concentrate on what the doctor was saying.
“Just so, my lord,” said the physician. “Lady Charlotte is not declining, in the same way. Her symptoms come and go.” He paused, staring at Charlotte. “From what you have told me, my lady, often you are well, and suffer no symptoms at all.”
Charlotte nodded. “That is true.”
The physician nodded too. “And when I questioned you, you told me that the malady flares up often when you are under great emotional strain, am I right?”
Charlotte nodded again. The countess nodded, too. “That is correct, Doctor. My daughter’s most recent relapse was when she heard the news of her beloved aunt’s death.”
Dr. Jackson sighed, leaning forward. “The body and the mind are complex things,” he said slowly. “Lady Charlotte told me that she suffers recurring nightmares about the accident that caused her malady as well. I think that a significant part of her condition is rooted in her distress over the accident, which she has never fully resolved.”
Charlotte blinked back tears. “My horse,” she said, haltingly. “My horse suffered terribly and had to be put down. I heard his cries …”
Sebastian got up and sat down beside her, taking her hand in his. “I am here, Charlotte.”
She gazed at him gratefully, taking a deep breath. “It is true what you say, Doctor. I have felt guilty and melancholy about it. It has got better as the years have gone on, but it still lingers within me. The fact that I caused his death and could not save him.”
Sebastian’s hand tightened in hers. “It was an accident, my love. These things happen, and you are not to blame for it.”
She blinked back tears. “He came to me, last evening,” she said slowly. “When I was clinging to the bridge. A vision of him. He was lying next to me and I said farewell to him.” She looked down at their joined hands. “Perhaps that is what I have needed to do for a long time.”
The physician cleared his throat again. “That is progress, Lady Charlotte. I will be curious as to whether you still suffer nightmares from now on.” He paused. “I believe they may fade, now. But we will monitor it.” He took a deep breath. “I believe that the most important thing is to manage your emotional wellbeing.”
Charlotte nodded. “I do get overwrought, when I feel the symptoms returning.”
“Just so.” The physician nodded. “You become melancholy, which does not help the condition. In fact, I believe it probably makes it worse.” He smiled, suddenly. “I think that with the right support, with someone by your side that shows affection and concern, and your own careful vigilance to stay calm, the symptoms might disappear entirely.”
Charlotte gasped. “You are saying that I might be able to lead a normal life, and not suffer with it any longer?”
The physician’s smile broadened. “That is precisely what I am saying, Lady Charlotte. Your symptoms come and go and are usually triggered by emotion, not an underlying organic condition, as appears to be the case with Augustus d’Este.” He paused. “If we can manage that, then I have every confidence that you can lead a normal life.”
Charlotte stared at him, dumbfounded. Her mother looked overcome as well. Charlotte could see tears misting her eyes.
“Thank you, Doctor,” said the countess, her voice trembling. “Thank you.”
The man smiled. “My pleasure.” He stood up. “I should depart.” He turned to Charlotte. “When you and my lord are wed, my lady, I shall take over management of your condition. We shall devise a plan of attack and be vigilant with it.”
Charlotte stood up, overcome with emotion. “Thank you, Dr. Jackson. I look forward to it.”
The physician nodded, bowing, and left the room.
Sebastian stood up as well. “I should leave. Dr. Jackson and I came together and my father needs the carriage this afternoon.” He stared at her tenderly, suddenly at a loss for words.
The countess stood up, smiling. “I shall leave you two alone,” she said slowly. “I am sure you want to speak privately about such good news before you depart, my lord.” She hesitated. “I am so pleased for you, my Lottie.”
Charlotte went to her mother, kissing her gently on the forehead. “Thank you, Mama.”
The countess left and they turned to each other. Sebastian took her hands in his, facing her. “Good news, my love. In more ways than one.” He took a deep breath. “I told you that Dr. Jackson was an excellent physician.”
She nodded, gazing at him. “It is promising. A lot more promising than I ever expected.” She paused. “I cann
ot thank you enough, my love. For standing by me, and helping me, and everything that you have done.”
“There are no thanks needed,” he said softly, brushing his hand against her cheek gently. “I shall always be by your side, my Charlotte. Through thick and thin.” He paused, his eyes shining. “Come what may.”
Charlotte felt her eyes swimming with tears. She still couldn’t quite believe that it was real. He was to become her husband. She would be his wife. He loved her, and she loved him.
She took a deep breath. Yes, they could tackle anything, if he was by her side. She only wished she had realised long before now.
“Come what may,” she repeated, softly.
Epilogue
The bells were ringing merrily as the open carriage drew up to the village church. The petite woman with dark hair, curling delicately around her face, took a deep breath, staring at her sister and her father, sitting opposite her.
“You look lovely, my dear,” said her father, a little gruffly.
Charlotte beamed at him. Dear Papa. Was that a tear in his left eye, in the very corner? But if it was, he wiped it away quickly.
The driver was already at the carriage door, opening it. The earl stepped down and Diana followed, carefully picking up the hem of her pale pink silk and lace gown. Charlotte gazed at her fondly. She looked beautiful, with a garland of rose thrift resting lightly on her dark hair.
The earl was waiting for her, arm outstretched. “He will not wait forever, Charlotte,” he teased, staring at his daughter.
Charlotte stepped down, taking her father’s arm. The guests drew nearer, staring at her. She could hear murmurs through the crowd as their eyes registered her dress. The expensive wedding gown, ordered from France, of fine white cotton with an embroidered gossamer overlay. It was very high-waisted, with a cream ribbon below the bust, and slightly puffed sleeves that ended just above her elbows. She placed a trembling hand on her head, adjusting her garland, which was of the same rose thrift as her sister’s.
Her wedding day. It had finally arrived. She was about to step into her local village church in Salbridge and become a marchioness. One day she would be a duchess.
Her eyes drifted towards the green hills surrounding the church. The hills where she had ridden Prancer all those years ago. The hills where she had been riding the day that he had died. The day that had changed her life.
She drew a deep breath, her eyes misting with tears. It had finally come full circle. A man was waiting for her at the altar, inside the church. A man that had healed her, finally, of the terrible guilt that she had suffered, with his love. A man who had stood up for her, and fought for her and would continue to love and support her. She was sure of that.
She blinked back tears again. No one knew what the future held. There were no guarantees of what would happen to her, if she would relapse again, if she would remain healthy. But with Sebastian by her side, she was willing to face any difficulty.
She turned her head away from the rolling green hills, towards the church, taking the first step towards her future.
THE END
Can't get enough of Charlotte and Sebastian?
Then make sure to check out the Extended Epilogue to find out…
How will Lord Percy get his own happily ever after?
With what gesture does Sebastian show he has forgiven Alicia?
Who is joining Charlotte in the birth of her first child?
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(After reading the Extended Epilogue, turn the page to read the first chapters from “The Secret Admirer of an Extraordinary Lady”, my Amazon Best-Selling novel!)
The Secret Admirer of an Extraordinary Lady
Introduction
Lydia Gibbs is much more interested in drawing beautiful dresses than settling for something less than a fairytale love. But when she unexpectedly starts receiving anonymous letters from a secret admirer, she begins to dream of a love she never knew she could have. The situation becomes further complicated when she starts to see a different side of her childhood friend, someone she used to despise as a young girl. Will she dare to fall for someone she has never even met, or will she realise that someone else entirely is worth her attention?
Anthony Boyle has always found pleasure in teasing his best friend’s little sister. When one day he takes it too far and she walks off leaving him standing with everyone looking at him, he starts plotting his revenge. But the lesson he’s planning to teach her is one he will be taught himself when he starts realising that he has fallen in love with her. How will he be able to resolve the situation he created without losing the only woman he has ever loved?
Anthony and Lydia will find themselves in amusing situations where one will always be a step ahead of the other. Who will be the one to claim Lydia’s heart when all the cards are on the table?
Prologue
“You’ve no proper understanding of the game, Lydia.” The new girl stood opposite her with her small arms crossed across her chest in a pretty pout. The girl had arrived only yesterday in the county and her family’s decision to let the squire’s acreage had caused a stir in the countryside surrounding everything nine-year-old Lydia held dear.
“I do too have an understanding,” she shot back at the newcomer. “The game of graces isn’t that hard, after all. ‘Tis only dull.”
She looked longingly across the yard to a sunny space of grass where her brother Gregory was engaged in a rigorous game of lawn bowls with a few of the neighbourhood lads.
They were older than her and looked to be having a good deal more fun frolicking to their hearts’ content while she and this pale little girl stood in their best muslin and attempted to toss a beribboned ring lightly between two pairs of sticks.
Sighing, she tried to attend to her lot, catching the ring on one of the sticks and righting it before sending it back to the girl.
“Marilyn, is it?” she asked, trying not to sound bored. “How have you found the county thus far?”
“It is well,” the other girl replied demurely, bowing her head with all the delicate grace Lydia’s own mother was constantly trying to instil. “We’ve a lake at the back of the squire’s place, and some very fine walks.”
“I would hardly call it a lake,” Lydia ventured, tossing her long brown hair over one shoulder. It hung nearly to her waist and swung warm and heavy against her back. “Papa has a lake where he fishes and boats on occasion beyond our orchard. I’ll show you some time if you like and you needn’t be shackled to that little pond at the squire’s.”
She hadn’t meant to sound imperious but saw from the other girl’s expression that her words were ill received. The girl, shorter and slimmer with big blue eyes and feather-like blonde hair, seemed to shrink under some unspoken reproof. Lydia, who had been raised to be kind in all matters, felt a sharp stab of conscience and rushed to amend her statement.
“But ‘tis a nice place all around, and I’m sure you have some very pleasant fish.”
The ring soared past Marilyn and landed softly on the grass beyond. The little girl looked at it solemnly, then back at Lydia.
“I wish my papa had a lake like yours.”
“Nonsense,” Lydia said, feeling the heat of a blush creep into her face. “It’s not so fine, and there’s no need now that you live nearby. You can come to mine any time you like.”
Marilyn’s smile warmed at once. “That would be lovely.” She picked the ring up and spun it twice around one of her play sticks. “What is the winning in a game like this, I wonder?”
“I suppose you win if you keep it from touching the ground.”
Lords to Be Enamored With: A Historical Regency Romance Collection Page 83
