Charlotte tried to convince Edward by saying, “You would be able to have those things in Wales. Imagine teaching a whole new group of men to use a sword properly. They would worship your prowess and leadership. Open spaces abound for you to design new gardens. There are varieties of flowers and plants in Wales that do not thrive in the city. The land is so open, you could have a maze twice as large and complicated as the one you have now. There will be all new people to hear your stories and be awed.’
“You make a good argument. I should like to start anew. I agree to visit your Wales with an open mind, however I must bring along some family. I do not want to find myself in a foreign place alone.”
Charlotte was happy to agree. She just prayed that Edward would bring his parents and leave Henry behind. She feared that Henry would prove to be a distraction as well as a temptation.
Chapter 7
Edward had many things to attend to before he visited Wales. He suggested that Emma and Charlotte leave a week ahead of him. Charlotte was relieved at the suggestion. She packed up her belongings and waved a gleeful goodbye to London. The carriage ride home was long and uneventful. Emma slept a lot and left Charlotte to her own thoughts. Those thoughts were confused. Charlotte felt obligated to go through with a marriage to Edward, yet she knew her heart belonged to Henry. It was indeed fortunate that she had left Henry behind in London.
Ira was waiting as the carriage stopped in front of the estate. Charlotte jumped from the carriage and ran to hug her friend. It was nice to be allowed to show her true self instead of needing to act as a lady should. She looked at her home and felt a huge weight leave her shoulders. She could breath again. Ira stayed the night and the girls sat up exchanging stories of what each had missed. Ira’s stories were rather tame compared to Charlotte’s. The letters that Ira had received from Charlotte had not deterred her enthusiasm for wishing to live in London. She also thought Edward sounded quite practical. Charlotte had always found Ira to be a practical person and yet their friendship worked. The difference in Ira and Edward was that Ira respected Charlotte’s choices and never tried to change her. That respect was returned to Ira. They loved each other as sisters and no difference in taste would affect that.
The week passed too quickly. Edward was to arrive today. Charlotte had no wish to greet him alone. She begged Ira to await the carriage with her. Charlotte was shocked and dismayed when it was Henry that stepped out of the carriage instead of Edward. His smile made her heart beat almost out of her chest. She was breathless as she made the introduction to Ira. She quietly asked, “Did Edward change his mind? Has he rejected the idea of living in Wales without ever having seen it? Or has he rejected me?”
Henry stroked her cheek and quickly replied, “No my dear Charlotte. You have not been rejected. Edward has been detained for a short time due to business. He asked that I come ahead and see what Wales has to offer. I gladly accepted the challenge. It was more than worth the trip to once again gaze upon your lovely face.”
As Henry reached atop the carriage for his belongings, Charlotte took Ira aside and whispered, “Do not leave me alone with Henry. I am not sure if I can control myself in his presence. He is all that I have dreamed of in a husband. I do not wish to disgrace my family.”
Emma too was surprised to see Henry. She graciously showed him to a guest room and had the servants bring water to wash away the travel dust. While he changed into more appropriate clothing, afternoon tea was set up in the salon. Emma made sure to include a decanter of whiskey for Henry.
Emma was charmed by Henry’s gentlemanly manners. He listened with an attentive ear as the ladies extolled the wonders of Wales. His eagerness to see the land was apparent.
Charlotte declared that the best way to explore the estate was on horseback. She ordered that three horses be saddled, two with side saddles, while she and Ira changed into riding habits. Upstairs, Ira complained, “You know I do not ride well. Let me stay here with your mother. Find your brother and let him ride with the pair of you.”
Charlotte consoled her friend with the words, “I have asked for the most gentle of mares to be saddled for you to ride. I need you at my side. You know all about my feelings for Henry. My brother does not. Besides, he is checking on the tenant farmers and unavailable.”
There were awkward moments throughout the afternoon. They began when Henry insisted on helping the ladies onto their horses. Charlotte felt his arms linger just a little too long on her waist. She began to breath too fast and hard. She was sure that Henry noticed.
The sky was cloudless and the land lush and green. Wildflowers bloomed on the rolling hillsides. Wales was putting her best foot forward to impress Henry. A warm breeze ruffled Charlotte’s hair and stray tendrils blew across her skin. Another awkward moment came about as Henry drew his horse up to Charlotte’s and lifted a curl from her cheek. He rubbed it gently between his fingers exclaiming at the softness. Ira nudged her horse to part the pair. Though she hated being a tag along, she took her job as chaperone seriously.
The horses became restless with the slow walk and began to fidget beneath them. Charlotte challenged Henry to a race. They soon left a gaping Ira behind as they galloped across the open land. A small stream came into view and the horses sailed into the air and across it. Their laughter rang out as they reined in the horses and waited for Ira to catch up.
Charlotte knew in her heart that Edward would be appalled at her actions. She looked at Henry with longing in her eyes. Thankfully he was staring across the meadow at a large flat topped hill. His next words caught Charlotte by surprise. “I should love to have a house built upon that hill. It would allow an excellent view of the meadow and I would be able to hear the stream running over the rocks. I can imagine children’s laughter as they play on a swing hung from the branch of that large tree. “He pointed out the tree and Charlotte could see that it was perfect for a swing. In fact his poetic words and sincere attitude brought the scene to life in her head. She could see it as clearly as if it already existed. She would sketch it tonight and present it to Henry as a gift.
Chapter 8
Dinner that night was a family affair. Charlotte’s brother returned home and joined Emma, Charlotte, Ira, and Henry for the evening meal. Henry generously offered to help around the estate while he was in residence. Charlotte’s brother readily accepted. He was overwhelmed with the weight of being in charge. Henry was also attentive to Ira, asking her about her hobbies and where she would like to live. Ira shared her dreams of living in the city, living the life of a pampered wife. Henry listened and assured her that her dream could come true. When Ira protested that she was too old to find a husband, he charmingly replied, “A beautiful woman is never too old to find a husband. She has but to allow her desire for one to be known. “Ira glowed with happiness. The blush on her cheeks brought beauty to her otherwise plain face.
Henry then turned to Emma and said, “Thank you so much for assigning me such a charming room. The embroidery on the quilt is quite something to behold. Was that your work?”
Emma preened at the praise and replied, “It was the quilt I made as part of my dowry. I made it long ago and yet it is still my favorite. Thank you for noticing it.”
Henry was a great hit with everyone. They seemed to love him almost as much as she did. Edward would show up in just a few days time. Charlotte needed to get her heart settled before his arrival. She owed her family so much. They were depending on her to make an advantageous marriage. Was not Charlotte’s happiness important too? Must she be forced to sacrifice herself for the greater good? Tears spilled down her face unchecked.
Charlotte sneaked down the stairs and out to the porch. A bit of fresh air would clear her head and dry her tears. She jumped when a shadow moved in the porch swing. Henry rose from the swing and joined her at the railing. He took her hand and begged, “Please go for a walk with me. I am feeling unsettled. Your presence calms me. “Charlotte could not resist his plea. Against her better judgement, she allowe
d him to take her hand in his and walk away from the protection of the porch.
They walked hand in hand toward the large tree at the edge of the stables. Henry ran his free hand through his unruly hair and then used it to lift Charlotte’s face to stare eye to eye. His eyes gleamed in the darkness. There seemed to be an urgent message within them. Henry’s head slowly lowered and his lips gently touched Charlotte’s. Her eyes closed in ecstasy. Nothing had ever felt so perfect as their joined lips. Henry pulled slightly back and softly announced, “Charlotte, my darling, I have fallen madly in love with you. It was you I imagined living with in the house on the hill. The laughter came from our children swinging from the tree. Tell me that you feel the same.”
Tears again poured from Charlotte’s eyes. “I am not allowed to let my feelings get in the way. I must marry Edward. My father made a deal with him. It is signed and sealed. It is my duty to fulfill the contract. It will allow my brother to attend university and give my mother a secure home for the rest of her life. This estate will be preserved for my brother’s family and future generations of Greenwoods. I must not consider my wants and needs.”
Anger swelled in Henry’s chest as he argued, “What of love? Do you care for Edward? I do not think you do. I can feel what is between us. I am not alone in this love am I? Why should marriage always involve business? Love and happiness are a better foundation.”
Charlotte’s tears continued as she tried once again to explain, “I have a duty to my family. There is no one else that can assure their future needs better than I can. You must go home and forget about me. I must marry Edward.”
Henry gritted his teeth and said, “I will not allow you to sacrifice yourself for the sake of a contract. I will see that your mother has a home for the rest of her life. I will make sure your brother attends the university of his choosing. I want to marry you.”
Charlotte shook her head and sadly replied, “You are in the Navy. It is your passion and your livelihood. My brother would have to stay and run the estate. He is not ready to care for it long term. We would soon lose our home to debts. I can not destroy my family that way. Too many lives depend upon this land. We have tenants and people who take care of the land. There are animals who depend on us for food. Do you not see? I am just one person of many. I will sacrifice myself for all the others!”
Henry drew Charlotte into his arms. She rested her weary head upon his hard chest. They were at a standoff. They stood holding each other for a long time. Their minds searching for an appropriate answer to their dilemma. Charlotte felt the rumble in Henry’s chest as he finally spoke, “I will leave the Navy. I have lost the desire to leave you behind. The Navy means nothing to me without you in my life. I will take over here until your brother is ready. We can build the house on the hill as we wait for his return.”
Charlotte peered up at Henry’s beloved face and said, “I can not allow you to sacrifice your life for mine. You entered the Navy because you felt a calling and a need for your service. Those things have not changed. I will not take them away from you.”
Henry whispered, “Charlotte, do you love me?”
Charlotte whispered back, “I love you more than life itself. “She disengaged his arms and ran for her room.
Chapter 9
Thankfully, when Charlotte came down for breakfast, Henry was gone. He had left with her brother to help on the estate. Henry kept promises. The day proved to be long and dreary. Charlotte refused to tell Ira or her mother why she was so melancholy, instead she hid in her room sketching Henry’s dream house. Her tears fell as she added the swing to the tree branch. How she wished she could be a part of the picture. Through her window Charlotte saw Henry chopping wood, his coat off, and muscles rippling. She laid her palm against the window as if she could touch him. Charlotte knew that if she spent any time alone with Henry, she would give in and stop her marriage to Edward. She decided it was best to stay in her room for dinner and plead a headache.
Morning came all too soon and with it Edward’s arrival. Charlotte greeted him with a forced smile. He never noticed her lack of enthusiasm. He was too excited over his own news. He had been given an award for his garden designs. Oddly enough, Ira hung on his every word. Charlotte was able to sit back and ignore his boasting. Edward seemed to grow in stature with the rapt attention that Ira provided. Charlotte sensed an attraction between the pair. She knew that, sadly, Ira would never act on the attraction. She would see it as a betrayal of Charlotte’s friendship. It would have made life much simpler if Charlotte and Ira were allowed to choose their husbands. They could both find happiness.
Edward wanted a tour of the estate. He reminded Charlotte that she had promised there were excellent spots to design gardens. Henry joined Charlotte on horseback while Ira and Edward used a small horse drawn cart. Despite the ownership of champion horses, Edward did not ride. He was quick to discover the best spot for a maze and an old building he thought would do for teaching swordplay.
Henry was pleased to show him the beautiful meadow and stream that he and Charlotte had found. To their dismay, Edward looked upon the hill and announced it to be the perfect place for a terraced garden. His declaration and the devastation in Henry’s eyes made Charlotte’s heart ache. At that moment, she decided to get this wedding planned and over. She could no longer stand the tension. Henry needed to go back to the Navy and she needed to start her new life as a wife so that they both could heal.
Charlotte broached the subject with Edward during teatime. “Edward, I feel that we should get the wedding plans started. I turn eighteen in two days. I should like to be married within the month. What do you think?”
Edward stated, “I see no reason to wait any longer. You may make wedding plans and I will make plans for the maze and garden. We will both be busy and content. I must send for my family and you must invite your uncle. Are you to have a birthday gala? Might you invite some young gentlemen who would be interested in swordplay?”
Charlotte sighed in frustration. She had hoped Edward would help plan the wedding. She thought it was a way to grow closer. She wanted to find something to share with him. She turned to Emma and asked about the possibility of a birthday celebration. Emma reluctantly replied, “Ira and I had planned a surprise party for your coming of age. However, Edward has taken away that notion. There is to be a picnic served on the lawn with games of croquet and horseshoes. A dance will be held in the evening. I suppose we can announce the impending wedding at the dance.”
The day of Charlotte’s party dawned clear and bright. The sun seemed to be celebrating with her. Friends came, bringing food and gifts along with them. Laughter rang out as the games commenced. Edward proved to be a champion at croquet. He shocked Charlotte by wrapping his arms around a startled Ira to show her the best way to hold a mallet. Henry won the horseshoe contest. His good looks and powerful shoulders caught the eyes of many young ladies.
The birthday dance began with a waltz. Charlotte and Edward were to lead it off. She was glad to discover that Edward was a proficient dancer. He twirled her across the floor with grace. Charlotte saw Henry dancing with her mother and nodded a silent thank you. As the night wore on, she found herself with many partners. Everyone wished to dance with the birthday girl. She finally found herself in Henry’s arms. As they drifted over the floor she clung tightly, knowing that this would be the last time she could hold him so close. Henry whispered in her ear, “Please stop this. Do not announce the wedding. Run away with me.”
Charlotte squeezed his hand and whispered back, “You know I can not. I must see this through. It is for the best.”
Charlotte trembled as she stood at Edward’s side. It was time to announce the wedding. She looked into the crowd and found Henry. His eyes reflected the sadness and regret in her own. She tried to smile as Edward’s voice boomed out telling the world of the impending wedding.
Chapter 10
Today was Charlotte’s wedding day. She wanted to be happy but found it to be impossible. She
would just have to pretend. Emma came to help her dress. As the corset was tightened, Charlotte imagined it to be squeezing the joy from her life. The lovely white wedding dress was slipped over her head. It was covered in lace and tiny beads. Emma had lovingly made every stitch for her precious daughter. Ira entered to style Charlotte’s hair. Ringlets hung down her slender neck and softer curls were allowed to frame her pale face. Emma added a veil to the top of Charlotte’s head. She kissed her daughter’s cheek and began to cry. “I love you my sweet girl. Your father would have been so proud to walk you down the aisle today. He wanted you to be happy.”
Charlotte was left alone for a short time. There was a soft knock upon her door. Henry quietly entered her room. He gasped at the beautiful sight of Charlotte in her wedding finery and said, “You are the most exquisite thing I have ever seen. Edward will be stunned. I know it is inappropriate to be here, but I came to say goodbye. I can not bear to watch you marry another. I am going back to the sea and shall be far away soon. I pray that you find love and happiness in this union. If you ever need me, I shall rush to your side. “He kissed her silent lips and disappeared through the door. Charlotte collapsed on the bed and sobbed.
Uncle Charles was there to walk Charlotte down the aisle. She held onto his arm and found the strength to put one foot in front of the other. Edward stood tall and proud. He looked quite handsome in his black coat, red waistcoat, top hat, and neck cloth. As the minister began to speak of a bond that would last forever, Charlotte felt faint. Edward saw her sway and asked for a moment to allow her to sit and catch her breath. She looked into Edward’s concerned eyes and said, “I can not go through with this marriage. It would be wrong and unfair to you. There is no love in this union. We are both just fulfilling the wishes of a dying man. I loved my father and it was kind of you to honor him in this way, yet we know that neither of us will find happiness in a loveless marriage. We deserve better. “Charlotte stood and regally walked back down the aisle. While the wedding guests commiserated with Edward, Charlotte changed into a riding habit, saddled her fastest horse and went in search of Henry.
Bad, Very Bad Shifters- The Complete Mega Bundle Page 73
