A Rogue's Courtship: Clean Regency Romance Collection

by Madeline St. James

  Charlotte considered begging her to help Sarah, but the Duchess had no vested interest in her. Why Charlotte was any different save for the fact that she had created a scandal, was a mystery. All at once, an idea formed in Charlotte's head. “I was thinking perhaps of inquiring as to any households that might be seeking a Governess.” Charlotte hoped she was coming off nonchalantly, as if she was speaking about the weather. The Duchess’ lips twitched before she replied.

  “Have you not considered the position you find yourself in? Unable to hire carriages, your home being vandalized and such?”

  Charlotte shrugged. “Not really. It doesn’t change the fact that I love whom I love and the house can be repaired. Also, I’m still perfectly capable of walking for now.” Charlotte bit into her biscuit and thought she had never tasted anything so divine. It was a liberating experience to stand up for oneself. She had made a powerful, yet respectful stance to the Duchess. Apparently the Duchess thought so too, because she was chuckling softly to herself.

  “I was aware that you are a hopeless romantic and dreamer, but one might caution you as to the dangers of entertaining all of that positivity. The ton is so rarely as optimistic as you.”

  “With all due respect, Your Grace, the ton is exactly what I make of it. It’s negativity only effects me so long as I entertain it, and I have decided I choose not to.”

  “Admirable sentiments. Were that it that every respectable lady in Society had the same visionary as you.”

  Charlotte raised her teacup in salute to the Duchess who gave her an almost imperceptible nod. She felt like somehow, the Duchess had just pardoned her.

  Tea only went on for another few half hour with little chit chat and then the Duchess rose, signaling to Charlotte that she was being dismissed. As Charlotte left, she heard the Duchess call to her butler.

  “Francois, I require my carriage. Today is a good day to bend the ear of my longtime dear friend, Lord Chancellor Haddington.”

  Charlotte felt optimistic as to what that might mean. She climbed into her own carriage and much to her surprise, the carriage driver pulled straight up to her house.

  Once she was home, Charlotte waited with Bitty in the kitchen as they repaired items and waited for either Daniel or Sarah to return. It wasn’t until much later when they returned than the looks on their faces told Charlotte there was much to talk about.

  Chapter 13

  “What happened?” Charlotte rose from her chair and let Sarah sit. Daniel looked between the two women, and his bewildered look matched Sarah’s.

  “The trial was a success. They’ve granted us a divorce. Just as Parliament granted the a divortium a mensa et thoro, the Duchess of Cambridge walked into the proceedings,” Daniel informed her.

  “Well, then what happened?” Charlotte asked anxiously after a moment.

  “Then, she requested the presence of Lord Chancellor Haddington in a private meeting. They were gone for quite some time, and then when the Lord Chancellor came back, he proposed that as Parliament was in session and the trial had already commenced, since there was a motion for the Private Act of Divorce, that Parliament should just vote on the circumstances right then and there and not drag the case out,” Daniel finished.

  “And?” Charlotte looked between them. Sarah’s face was impassive but Daniel’s lips twitched.

  “They granted the divorce a vinculo matrimonii. Both Sarah and myself can remarry if we so choose to.”

  Charlotte was careful not to let her exuberance show, although she was certain that Sarah could sense it anyway. It didn’t seem fair that she and Daniel would know their happiness someday, and Sarah wouldn’t have her lover to share the joyous occasion of bearing his children. She would be an outcast, even though the divorce itself was a success. Charlotte felt for Sarah. It was unlikely that any man would marry her, as she would have a bastard child and had been virtually stripped of title and possession. Charlotte wanted to comfort the other woman, but she knew there was no hope for it. Charlotte fell silent as Sarah made her way quietly to the door. It seemed she was going to let them have their moment of joy with one another, and Charlotte was grateful.

  When she was gone, Bitty excused herself and Daniel pulled her into his arms immediately. Charlotte felt the kiss they shared was the most intense ever. It spoke to all the heartache and sorrow, grief and anxiousness they had faced so far. But then it changed to something else. It became a promise of love and things to come. She laughed into his lips and she could feel the smile on his face as he held her tightly.

  When at last he let go, she thought her lips might be chafed and their faces hurt from smiling so much. “It isn’t entirely over yet, Char.”

  “I know,” she agreed. “You should have seen me try to obtain a carriage today to see the Duchess.”

  “Whatever did you say to her that caused her to step in on your behalf?”

  “I just reminded her there are more important things in life, such as embracing the diversity of family, no matter how much others might think it odd and unusual. It is often ignorance that feeds the misconceptions people have of one another.”

  “Smart, loving, and beautiful, what more could a man ask for from his future wife?” Daniel whispered.

  Charlotte’s eyes widened. “Daniel! You’ve just come from your divorce hearing!” she chastised.

  “That I have. And I’ve been forced to wait for this trial for far too long. Charlotte, will you marry me?” he whispered into her lips.

  Charlotte giggled but managed to wiggle free from him. “Only after we find a way to help Sarah.” Daniel’s eyebrows shot up. “You may not be financially responsible for her anymore, and she will have to cope with the assumptions and judgements regarding the child, but I refuse to see her on the streets. We are at least morally responsible to help her,” Charlotte insisted.

  Daniel nodded. “I may have an idea for that. But as far as my proposal, what is your answer?” He suddenly looked insecure and vulnerable.

  “The answer has always been yes, Daniel.” She smiled and threw herself into his arms again. It was a long while before they pulled apart, and then Daniel made his excuse to leave and return to Lord Balfour’s residence. He hadn’t been gone but a few minutes when Charlotte heard the piercing screams coming from above stairs.

  Charlotte bounded up the stairs and joined Bitty in the hall as they ran to Sarah’s room. They found her on the floor, panting and in the throes of a contraction. Her forehead was sweaty and she was pale. The sight was terrifying to Charlotte.

  “Bitty, what do we do?” she asked quietly.

  “I’ll need some clean towels, boiled water, linens from the carpet bag in my room, and she’ll need a change of clothing when this is all done. But first, help me get her to the bed. She’ll be more comfortable there.”

  Charlotte nodded and grabbed Sarah under one arm as Bitty did the other. Sarah was practically dead weight, but they managed to half drag, half carry her to the bed. She flopped down and Bitty loosened the stays around her waist, freeing her from the restrictive material. Charlotte stroked her forehead as she cried and whispered nonsense.

  “Go on and fetch those things, Charlotte. It’s going to be a long night, as she’s not widened yet.”

  Charlotte wasn’t sure what this meant, but she was certain it had something to do with the bodies preparedness to deliver a baby. Just as she was about to leave, she felt the crushing grip of Sarah’s fingers on her own, as her body contorted on the bed as she went into the throes of another contraction.

  “Please don’t leave!”

  “I’m just going to get linens, I’ll be right back.” Charlotte whispered.

  Charlotte ran about the house, collecting and depositing the things that Bitty needed in the room before she ran out and collected more things. It seemed like there was so much that was needed to deliver a baby, or perhaps this was Bitty’s way of ensuring Charlotte kept busy through the process. Either way, Charlotte wasn’t about to nay say any of Bitty
’s requests. She was trudging through the mud to the woodshed in search of more firewood for Sarah’s hearth in her bedroom. She could hear the muffled screams coming from above stairs through the boarded up windows.

  Charlotte pushed through the door and gazed around at the tiny room where her hopes and dreams and love had been born. It seemed so strange that such powerful emotions and desires had taken seed in her heart in this small, drafty room. Now she had to return to this very shed in order to obtain items that would ensure the tiny budding life within Sarah, had a fighting chance within the world.

  Charlotte shook her head, bringing herself back into focus as she gathered up an armload of wood. She made her way upstairs and peered around Bitty. She saw Sarah lying on the bed, panting and looking exhausted.

  “It’s no use, Charlotte. The baby hasn’t turned. I’ve tried massaging and turning the baby myself, but I’m not strong enough.” There were tears in Bitty’s eyes. Charlotte knew that it would devastate her if they couldn’t save the child.

  Charlotte dropped the armload of wood on the floor and ran down the stairs, out the front door, and began demanding the hired accommodations of a carriage.

  She went to the very person she was sure she could convince would help her: the senior Lord Richards. She would ask him to aid his ex-daughter in law and save her life by granting the use of his personal physician.

  Chapter 14

  “Get out! How dare you let that harlot into my home?!” the older man screeched at Daniel. Charlotte flinched at his words but then shook her head. What he thought of her was irrelevant, especially right now.

  “I need your help, Lord Richards. The baby hasn’t turned and will die, taking Sarah with it,” she pleaded.

  “What should I care if two conspiring whores who have endeavored to ruin our lives have banded together in a friendship as perverse as the very sins they carry upon their souls?”

  Charlotte considered this then shrugged. “Maybe you’re right, but do the sins of the mother and the mistress really have to be laid on the soul on an innocent child?” she countered.

  “A bastard child,” he spat.

  “Father!” Daniel chided.

  “It’s alright, Daniel. Because he just said it himself, it’s still just a child.” She kept her gaze fixed on Lord Richards whose face flinched.

  “Why should I help you?” He looked her up and down.

  “This isn’t about me. Think about the baby. Should the circumstances by which a baby was conceived dictate whether it lives or dies?” Charlotte looked at the clock. She felt she had been gone far too long.

  “Maybe not, but it doesn’t change the fact that you-”

  “Don’t have time for your judgements and criticisms,” she cut in. “This isn’t about either of us. This is about a baby. If you won’t help me save it, by God I will knock on the door of every townhouse on this street and inquire of your neighbors as to whether they have anyone who can help us.” Charlotte stood with her hands on her hips. Now was the time to stand her ground. Lord Richards considered his position.

  “I’ll help you if the two of you agree not to…” Before he could finish the sentence, Charlotte had already whirled around and was marching out the door. “Alright, alright stop! I’ll help you. By God woman, you are determined to drag anyone and everyone into the mud with your antics.”

  “That’s where you are wrong, Lord Richards. I am a woman determined not to let everyone in this God forsaken town to pull me down to drown in the muck and mire of what they consider their upstanding social morals and ethics.” Lord Richard’s eyebrows shot up and he looked at Daniel, who said nothing. “Perception is subjective to the person it is regarding, Lord Richards. I don’t think much of you either, but that’s neither here nor there. Now, are you going to help me or not?” Charlotte turned back to the door and heard Lord Richards hurry after her. She saw Daniel fall into step beside her as they walked to the door. Less than five minutes later, Lord Richards came down the hall with an elderly man carrying a traveling case.

  “Take me to the afflicted,” the man said. Charlotte almost pointed out that a pregnant woman was neither an affliction nor a bane to Society’s existence, but she figured she had pushed her luck with her superiors enough that evening.

  The whole ride to her home, Lord Richards complained of having to ride in the carriage of a commoner, but Charlotte barely heard him. She was too distracted worrying about Sarah and the baby. Charlotte fretted the entire ride there, and she was grateful when Daniel’s hand slipped into hers, despite the sound of disgust his father made.

  When they arrived at her house, she didn’t even wait for the driver to help her down out of the carriage. She jumped down at the shocked sounds of Lord Richards and ran to the house. She took the steps two at a time to the bedroom, meeting Bitty in the hallway. She looked panicked.

  “If she doesn’t receive help soon, it will be too late.”

  Daniel and the Doctor came up, and Lord Richards stood at the top of the stairs, surveying the house with disgust and disdain. Charlotte didn’t care, though. She watched fretfully as the Doctor walked in the room and began to assess the situation. Bitty filled him in on everything she had done, and he nodded and felt Sarah’s hardened belly.

  Charlotte stood near the door, and she was glad when she felt Daniel’s arm slip around her waist. Whatever Bitty and the Doctor were talking about, Charlotte barely understood any of it, being far too tired and anxious.

  A moment later, Bitty walked over and smiled at them reassuringly, and then gently closed the door on them. Charlotte felt the sob rise in her throat when she heard the ear-splitting screams come from Sarah.

  Daniel led Charlotte down the stairs, and they found his father walking around in the sitting room. Daniel helped Charlotte to the stained sofa and she sat, trying to block out the screams. He sat next to her, and finally, as if at a loss of what else to do, Lord Richards sat across from them in one of the chairs.

  “Honestly, is all that racket really necessary?” he griped. Charlotte opened her mouth to say something, but Daniel beat her to it.

  “You don’t need to stay if you are so disgusted, Father. I’m sure the idea of being associated with this place in any way is displeasing to you.”

  “What, and have my physician left to the likes of all of you? Hardly. No, now that the three of us have the opportunity to discuss the future and the shame that has been brought on the Richards name, let us set forth some expectations.”

  Charlotte sat forward. She glared at Lord Richards, and she was so tired of people using their social status as a weapon to control her. “No,” she stated.

  “No?” Lord Richards looked genuinely confused as to her bold cheekiness.

  “I said no. You won’t be setting any expectations on either one of us.” She held up her hand when he began to interrupt her. “You won’t be setting any expectations. We are well aware of how you feel about the entire matter, and I am telling you now, I don’t care. I don’t care that you don’t approve, because as a widow, it is my prerogative to now decide my own future. I have no male relatives to dictate my life to me, and I have my own home, on which I provide the things I need to survive. So no, I don’t live to your expectations, I have my own.”

  “Clearly.” Lord Richards eyes darted around the room and the same haughty expression he had when he looked at her, he observed the room through.

  “Possessions once broken or destroyed can be replaced, Lord Richards. I suspect the vandals are aware of this, because as of yet, I haven’t been vandalized again. Now, I have every intention of marrying Daniel. If you disapprove so heartily, I’m sure he will find my home suitable, until we decide whether to combine my stipend and his income from the textile industry to sell this townhouse and purchase another. Or we will be happy here.”

  “No priest of the ton will ever wed the two of you. A harlot and a rake,” he sneered.

  “Perhaps not, but there are priests outside of the ton whom I’m s
ure can be persuaded to see our love made honest,” she retorted. Lord Richards snorted, but she continued. “Now, this is happening, with or without your blessing, Lord Richards. It is up to you whether you choose to remain a part of your only son’s life or not.”

  Charlotte sat back. She didn’t see any way he could forbid them from marrying. Apparently neither could he, because he too sat back in his chair and sulked. His lips were pressed tight but he gave a sharp nod of his head in understanding. Charlotte assumed that meant he at least acknowledged what she said, even if he didn’t approve.

  They sat in silence for a while and when Lord Richards got up to seek out the lavatory, that Daniel kissed her and smiled down at her. “No one has ever dissuaded Lord Richards once his mind is made up.”

  “Well there’s a first time for everything.”

  “That there is. So, would you like your first trip to be France or Spain for our honeymoon? I know you enjoy painting both, and your first trip outside the country should be to one or the other so you can well and truly see how you have captured their essence.”

  Charlotte couldn’t help but smile up at him, even given the grave circumstances they were together under. “France. But technically, I have already traveled outside the country now.”

  “Wales is like a wayward cousin. It doesn’t count,” he chided her playfully.

  “It seems as if England makes many things go wayward, doesn’t it?” she thought out loud.

  “That it does. Perhaps changing times aren’t such a bad thing, though. The more wayward things run amok, the more opportunity to embrace change.”

  “That’s a fine way of looking at it.”

  “Then you wouldn’t be adverse to finding a different townhouse? One that is not shared by your deceased late husband, and one that isn’t under the withering eye of my father?” he asked hesitantly.

  Charlotte chuckled. “Not at all, not so long as you promise me something.”

  “Anything.”