“Promise me that we will have a very short engagement. I feel as if we’ve been engaged for a very long time, and have had to endure the patience and time for everyone and everything else to fall into place.”
“My darling, it will be the shortest whirlwind of an engagement this town has ever seen.” Charlotte leaned up and kissed him.
“Won’t the Duchess find this newest bit of scandal delicious?”
“We might use that to our advantage. I’m sure if we let her in on the plan, she’ll help to set up the newest bit of scandal for her entertainment.”
“Lord Daniel Richards, you are absolutely wicked!” Charlotte exclaimed.
“No more than anyone else in the ton.” Daniel kissed her again and Charlotte was prepared to kiss him fervently, but they heard a door open and close above stairs. Charlotte scrambled up and Daniel stood with her, holding her hand.
Bitty appeared in the doorway, and she was smiling. “It’s a boy,” she told them. Charlotte put her hands over her mouth, stifling her gasp. “And the mother?”
Lord Richards returned from the loo.
“She is doing well. She’s tired and weak, but the physician thinks she will come away from the birthing just fine.” Charlotte made a sound of joyful excitement and she turned to Daniel, who despite the present company kissed her soundly on the lips.
Charlotte left him with his father and went above stairs to meet the baby, who was just as healthy and precious as she could have hoped for. She held Baby John and rocked him.
“Thank you,” Sarah croaked from the bed. “Thank you for saving us.” Charlotte reached out her hand and squeezed Sarah’s.
“Likewise. Because you let Daniel go, I now have a reason and hope to live.” Sarah smiled and nodded and Charlotte rocked the baby, letting her rest.
The next morning, Charlotte was awoken by Bitty who beckoned her below stairs with haste. She moved carefully so as not to wake the baby or Sarah.
When she entered the formal parlor, she was astonished to find Lady Catherine, Lady Sophia, Lady Claire and their collective husbands, along with a priest who looked slightly worse for wear, although he was at least upright. She also found Madame Kingston sitting in the corner, waiting to help prop the priest back up when he began to list sideways on the chair.
Daniel walked to her and whispered, “promise kept, Char. The shortest engagement the ton has ever seen. Will you marry me here and now?”
Charlotte looked around at the sound of a throat clearing. “She’d better if either of you don’t wish to displease a Duchess who was roused from her bed at such a preposterous hour to see this scandal unfold.” Charlotte laughed when she saw the Duchess sitting next to her cousin. “For your wedding present, expect to see some laborers come and fix this house of shame and shambles.”
Charlotte curtseyed as the rest of the room tittered nervously at the joke, but Charlotte caught the look of amusement in the Duchess’ eyes. She turned back to Daniel and walked with him up to the priest.
“Yes, I’ll marry you, Lord Richards.” She smiled up at him.
“Finally.” He leaned down and brushed his lips over hers, not caring that they weren’t yet wed. They were certainly accused of more salacious misdeeds than a kiss, but it was only another few moments before the sodden priest pronounced them well and truly wedded. They turned to their friends, finally an honest couple and there was no truer thing than that which was evidence of their love.
THE END
About the Author
Madeline St. James is an author from Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Fascinated with the intricacies and elobarate customs of the Regency period, she spends her spare time researching and writing wholesome stories.
The colonial charm of Wilkes-Barre turned her into a history buff, where she began studying the US revolutionary war. She became obsessed with the finer details of olde European and American culture.
Madeline’s stories allow her to re-create these moments in time and express herself through a unique, rigid world.
While this historical period only represents a blimp in human existence, she hopes her work will allow this beautiful time to live on forever.
Her dream is to one day travel to Ireland and England where she can explore castles and re-live the scenes of her novels.
She’s always open to chat and discuss historical/wholesome romance, so don’t hesitate to reach out
Where to Read More From Madeline St.James & Get Free Books
Where to Read More From Madeline St.James & Get Free Books
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A Rogue's Courtship: Clean Regency Romance Collection Page 25
