by Becky Lower
“You certainly cut a fine figure sitting here today, Miss Ashcroft. The lilac color of your gown suits you and reminds me of your favorite fragrance. Are you ready?” George smiled over at her as the horses shuffled in their harnesses, eager to be off.
She glanced at the handsome man who had already stolen her heart. The man with whom she wanted to spend the rest of her life. “What did you whisper to the horses as you gave them their treat?”
“I told them to behave smartly today, because surely the woman in the carriage would do her best to outshine them, even though they are a beautiful matched set of bays.”
“Mother was correct about you, Mr. Fitzpatrick. You are a silver-tongued devil.” But her smile when she talked gave her away, she feared.
Charlotte was almost positive George had thoughts about their future, but she had to be certain not to tip her hand until she was assured he wanted marriage and not just a mild flirtation. With a small smile of satisfaction, she removed her hand from his and adjusted her bonnet again.
She’d keep him guessing until he stood with her in front of the altar at her church. And then she’d keep him guessing for the rest of his life.
She grabbed hold of the seat as they set off on their ride. The park was filling up with other riders, both in carriages and on horseback. A few people strolled by on foot. Charlotte was on friendly terms with most of them and waved merrily as they passed by, as if she didn’t have a care in the world. All the while, though, she tried to determine the best way to get George Fitzpatrick to reveal his true feelings toward her. She would have some answers in that regard by the time this carriage ride came to an end.
• • •
George had to get some answers. If Jane Weymouth had claimed Theodore Schoonover’s heart, why had the man reacted as if he were enraptured by Charlotte’s presence? Was he playing with both of the ladies’ affections? Should he bring Theo’s dalliance with Jane to Charlotte’s attention? And, if Theo was, in fact, toying with both women’s affections, how was that any different from what George himself had been doing? Except George had been aware all along there was no contest for his heart. Charlotte Ashcroft had claimed him the first day they met. Perhaps Theo had the same feelings about Jane when they first spied each other at the boat races? George sincerely hoped that to be the case. Jane already thought so. George hoped, for her sake, that Theo echoed her sentiments.
But what about Theo and Charlotte? Did the man have some prior experience with Charlotte, as well, that would make him react to her as if she were already his? Perhaps their parents assumed from the time they were children that they’d end up together, much as he and Jane had been matched up. And both sets of parents probably continually impressed upon Charlotte Theo’s Harvard connection in an attempt to make George appear to be of lesser value in Charlotte’s eyes. They dismissed George’s decision to go to work as soon as possible and forego four years of education and fun.
Thoughts, ragged, jealous thoughts, tumbled through his mind as he attempted to keep his horses and curricle on the path. All he wanted to do was to find Theo again and throttle him. Perhaps Theo had stolen the hearts of both the women George had been spending time with, and both Jane and Charlotte would end up fighting for Theo’s affections, leaving George out in the cold. Perhaps the quest for a suitable wife would remain unattainable until the following year. Or years.
He finally gave up trying to manipulate the curricle around the traffic and pulled the carriage under a shady tree. He hopped down from the seat, wrapped the reins around a branch, and moved to Charlotte’s side of the carriage, helping her alight. His hands were around her small waist as she got down, and he stood for a moment, keeping her close. Her scent of lilac water played with his senses, and he had trouble breathing.
She glanced up at him, a question in her warm brown eyes. When she locked her gaze on him, he was lost. He wanted children with this woman—strong sons to take their rightful place at the bank alongside him and little girls who had the same brown eyes as she did. He wanted this woman. He could not allow Theo to steal her away. Theo could have Jane if he so wanted. But he couldn’t have Charlotte. Should he compromise her, right here and now, in order to take her off the market? His heart told his body what to do. He leaned down to capture her upturned lips in a gentle kiss. At least it began gently enough. But George wanted more. He held her in place and deepened the kiss until she pressed her hands on his chest and backed off.
“That’s quite enough, Mr. Fitzpatrick. I do declare, you invent ways to kiss me in public. First, it was my fingers, now it’s on the mouth.” She laughed as she darted out of his grasp.
He caught her again and swooped in for another kiss. “It’s not just your lips and fingers, Miss Ashcroft. In fact, I find every part of you appealing.” To prove his point, his hands went up from her waist in a bold move and brushed the sides of her breasts. She shivered in his grasp. He allowed himself one more kiss before he reluctantly pulled away. His breathing was erratic. He had accused Theo of being a predator, and here he was, ready to devour the delicious Miss Ashcroft. Out in the open, where anyone passing by could see them. Even with the carriage shielding a large portion of their bodies, it was still scandalous behavior. But impulsive behavior and Charlotte Ashcroft seemed to go together. And George was all in.
He moved from her side to the rear of the carriage. “I had a picnic lunch packed for us. Will you help me spread the cloth?”
Charlotte’s hand rose to her throat. “How thoughtful of you. Of course.”
Soon, everything was laid out on the tablecloth, which rested on top of the grass in the tree’s shade. George helped her sit, and he joined her, pouring them each a goblet of wine.
“Here’s to the first of many picnics in the park.”
“I’ll second your sentiment, Mr. Fitzpatrick.” Their glasses clinked together, and they each took a sip of the fragrant, full-bodied red wine.
“And just as a point of reference, how long must I court you before I ask your father for your hand?”
Charlotte’s eyes grew round, and she brought the goblet to her lips again. Then she began to choke. George thumped her on the back until she got her breath back again. He noticed tears in her eyes, but he was unsure if they were from his pronouncement or from her coughing fit. He held his breath.
“You do know how to surprise me, Mr. Fitzpatrick.”
“Well, I’m not a patient man when I see something that I want.”
“And you’re telling me you want me?” Charlotte’s voice squeaked a bit and she placed a hand on her heart.
“From the moment I first got a glimpse of you, when I was on the top of the omnibus, my fate was sealed. May I speak to your father?”
“You know as well as I do that a proper courtship should last at least a year. We’ve barely known each other a few months.”
“Yet when you meet a person you’re meant to spend the rest of your life with, shouldn’t you act upon it? How many men were on the omnibus with you that day? Why did we connect as we did? Why did I happen to be walking nearby when you needed my assistance with Mrs. Beasley? Why did your father choose my bank to place your trust with? Don’t you see? Fate has indeed directed us to one another. We’d be fools to ignore it or to waste a year on a proper courtship. We already know we’re perfect for each other.”
When Charlotte smiled at him, and the sun broke through the clouds, he thought he’d entered heaven.
“I suppose you’re right, Mr. Fitzpatrick. There do seem to be a great many coincidences that have happened between us.” She ran her hand down his arm.
George shifted his body in an attempt to shield his stiffening manhood from her. He could not wait a year to take her to his bed. He couldn’t bear to lose her to someone else. From the way her body reacted to his slightest touch, she wouldn’t be able to wait that long either. He’d speak to her father tomorrow.
CHAPTER TEN
Charlotte wouldn’t have been able to sit still even i
f the house had been cloaked in total darkness. Her insides were being tossed about, as if she were at sea and the waves were pummeling her. She thought she might not be able to hold down the tea and sweet rolls she had just consumed, and she placed her hand on her stomach to quell the sensation. But just in case, she cast her glance around the room in search of a container she might use. Her father’s spittoon sat in the corner. Despite the smell of it, if need be, she’d use that.
“Do, sit, Charlotte. You’re making me dizzy with your incessant pacing.” Her mother sat quietly on the upholstered divan, her hands folded in her lap.
“How can you be so calm, knowing George and Papa are in the library discussing my future?”
“Because I know your father. And he knows you. If Mr. Fitzpatrick presents himself properly, your father will not voice any objection to allowing the man to continue to court you, along with all your other admirers.”
Charlotte placed her hands on either side of her head and plopped down across from her mother. “He’s already been courting me, for God’s sake. He’d best be asking Papa for my hand in marriage right now. I’ve had enough of masking my feelings.”
“So that’s the way of it, then? You are in love with George Fitzpatrick? After knowing the man only a few months? But what of Theodore Schoonover? You know your father and his have been making plans to merge the two businesses once you two marry. And Emma is your best friend. Perhaps you’re being too hasty.”
“From the first moment I spied George Fitzpatrick I made up my mind. Such a rakish, vibrant young man. He’s not so tall that he has to bend in half to kiss me. And with his dark hair and lovely clear blue eyes, he’s a treasure, don’t you see? I’ve researched this decision carefully, Mother. He works at his father’s bank, is in line to take over the presidency some day, he believes in the rights of women, and he loves children. He’s absolutely perfect for me. How could I not be entranced by him?”
“So, I’ll ask my question again. But what of Theodore Schoonover? He was a delight at dinner a week ago and is obviously interested in you. Such a fine catch, he is.”
Charlotte controlled her response, but just barely. “I’m not as certain of his interest as you are, Mother. Emma told me he asked for a family heirloom so he can propose to Jane Weymouth.”
“Jane Weymouth? Wasn’t she with George Fitzpatrick when we ran into them at the boat races?”
“Yes, Mother. It was the first day Theo and Jane met each other, and they’ve been seeing each other since.”
“Well, I declare, this is most confusing.”
“Yet that’s the way of it. Theo’s heart is elsewhere. Even if it weren’t, he has another whole year of schooling at Harvard before he can even think about finding a job and supporting a family. I don’t want to wait two or three more years to marry. Especially when the man in question pales in comparison to George Fitzpatrick.”
“Does Mr. Fitzpatrick know of your feelings?”
“Well, of course not, Mother. You’ve trained me well. He is aware I’m interested in seeing more of him, but he doesn’t yet know I’ve given him my heart.”
“Good girl. Keep him guessing until he gets to the altar and wonders how it happened.”
“That’s exactly why I’m so nervous today. I can’t wait for his interview with Papa to be over and for our future to begin.” She stood again and picked up her pacing where she’d left off.
Her mother reached up as Charlotte walked past, and tugged on Charlotte’s hand. Charlotte then plopped into the seat beside her mother, who placed an arm around Charlotte’s shoulders. She melted into her mother’s embrace as they both realized life would never be the same for either of them.
“My firstborn is all grown up and will soon be having babies of her own. It’s a wonderful, and wistful, moment in my life. Your father will be disappointed that it’s not Theo, but I truly like George.”
“I won’t be going far, Mother. George’s work is here in New York. We’ll buy a house on the other side of the park, and you’ll be able to see your grandchildren every day.”
“But this house will be empty without you, Charlotte. You just wait until your own children start to marry and leave home. You’ll feel the same way.”
As they sat with their heads brushed up against each other, Charlotte thought of her future the way her mother was seeing it. She had years before her own children would leave home. She first had to have some. And she couldn’t wait to get started.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
George sat across from the tall, imposing man who was Charlotte’s father. Even at his home, the man was properly attired in a waistcoat, a frock coat, and a cravat. George tried to match his air of indifference, but was doing a rather poor job of it. Yet who could blame him? This man, Mr. Ashcroft, held George’s future in his hands. Other than a few meetings at the bank, George knew little about the man and his beliefs.
Maybe Mr. Ashcroft was biased against men who went right into business rather than obtained a degree from a prestigious university. Maybe he thought his daughter was too young yet and wanted her to wait to marry. Perhaps Charlotte had told him she wasn’t interested in George and to turn down his offer. Maybe Mr. Ashcroft had another man picked out for Charlotte to wed. He wiped the sweat from his brow with his handkerchief while he waited for the man to speak. He needed answers.
“So how long have you been working for your father?”
That was the man’s opening question? George was in real trouble if he had to immediately defend his capability to take care of Charlotte. He put his handkerchief away and made eye contact with Mr. Ashcroft.
“I’ve been working at the bank for over a year now. My father’s been schooling me in what I need to learn in order to take over the reins someday. I seem to have an affinity for numbers.”
“Always appreciate an enterprising young man. And I must admit, the investments you’ve recommended for my daughter’s trust fund have been working out well so far. I have a couple of young men who hold the same fine qualities as you in my shipping business, and I’m keeping an eye on them. Unlike your father, I have no sons, so I’ve been counting on Charlotte to marry someone who is interested in my business and can take over for me someday. Someone such as Theo Schoonover or one of the men in my office. You know, Theo’s father is also in shipping. We thought, if Charlotte and Theo were to marry, we’d merge our businesses and form an import and export company.”
George cleared his throat. It was now or never, since Mr. Ashcroft brought up the subject of marriage.
“Mr. Ashcroft, the reason I’m here today is to ask you for Charlotte’s hand in marriage. I know you have different plans for her, and I know she has other young men who are interested in her. I can’t assist you in your shipping business, other than in a financial way through the bank. I love the banking business, which my father started years ago. He’s been grooming me since I was but a lad, and I’m well suited to it. So, I have a good job and a bright future, I appreciate the women who are involved in the suffragette movement, in which your daughter is involved, and I will do everything in my power to advance the rights of women. You must be of a similar mind, because your wife is involved in many such causes. Maybe we’ll even hire women to work in the bank or your business one day. But most important, I love your daughter more than life itself. We haven’t known each other very long, it’s true, but when something’s right, you just know.”
Mr. Ashcroft leaned back in his chair and stared at George. Assessed him, if George was reading him correctly. George tried not to squirm in his seat. Sweat popped out again on his brow, but he did not remove his handkerchief from his pocket. He would not show Mr. Ashcroft his nervousness.
Mr. Ashcroft finally spoke. “Yes, Mr. Fitzpatrick, I do know the feeling when you find your true partner. Charlotte’s mother and I were smitten with each other right away. But we were both from less than wealthy backgrounds, which is not the case with Charlotte. Of which you’re well aware, since you handle her tru
st. I built my business from scratch, and it’s become highly successful. I now have wealth beyond what we ever dreamed of when Mrs. Ashcroft and I were young, and I must find ways to protect what I’ve built up. Charlotte needs to marry the right man in order to keep my company going. The last thing she should deal with is someone who only wants what’s in her trust. I need to be extremely careful in regard to Charlotte’s potential husband. Theo’s parents and I have had an understanding for years now.”
“I understand your concerns, Mr. Ashcroft. My father has worked for years to build the bank into one of the most successful in the city, and I am poised to take over the role of president someday. I am not interested in Charlotte for her money. I have enough of a sound financial footing on my own. But let me ask you a question. Would you consign your eldest child to a loveless marriage simply to assure the future of your company? I think your daughter’s happiness is more important than that. And she would not be happy with Theo. Besides, it’s my understanding Theo’s attentions have been turned elsewhere.”
Mr. Ashcroft raised his brow as he pondered George’s question. He remained silent.
George continued to press his advantage. “Surely there must be another way. You are a young man yet, with many years before you need to turn your business over to someone else. Could not one of your other daughters marry a man with an interest in the importing business? Or possibly, if one of your daughters is interested in the business, place her at the helm?”
Mr. Ashcroft stared at George. He shook his head from side to side and ran his hand over his hair. Then he grinned.
“Nicely done, Mr. Fitzpatrick. You’ve given me a lot to think about. This is definitely not the way her mother and I thought Charlotte would end up, but you’ve proven to me she’ll be in good hands. All right then. If my daughter is in agreement, I will give you my blessing to marry her.” His eyes began to twinkle, much as Charlotte’s had a habit of doing.
