The side of his mouth tipped. “I can promise it will not be another four years.”
She didn’t think he would be gone so long, though before he had returned, she had fully expected that he’d leave once he got her with child.
“I do not want to be away from you, especially now,” Victor continued. “I will hurry. In that you have my promise.”
At one time, she had also assumed that once Victor got her with child that he would no longer wish for intimacy, but that had not been the case. Rarely did a night pass that he didn’t pull her into his arms as soon as they retired. He still wanted her even though she was already increasing with his potential heir.
Whenthedoorclosedafter Charlotte had left him, Victor reached into the rubbish bin and pulled out the crumpled letter and read the demands and rantings of her father. No wonder she had tossed it. It was a short, terse letter demanding she produce an heir. The man didn’t even ask how she was faring and that he hoped all was well with her – just demanded Charlotte produce an heir.
How many of these letters had Charlotte received over the years?
Sometimes he wanted to throttle Thompson. If she received letters as often as Victor, demanding that he do his duty, then she must have received a couple of posts a month. That man had only one thing on his mind, and if Charlotte weren’t already increasing, Victor would have half a mind not to get her with child until the man had kicked up his toes.
Victor crumpled the letter again and threw it away. The day had already taken a turn and he wouldn’t add any more to it. He dismissed Thompson from his mind.
The note he penned to his estate manager was short and would arrive a day or so before Victor. He wanted this business over as quickly as possible. Now that he and Charlotte were truly married and getting on well, he didn’t want to be parted from her for a minute longer than necessary.
He sat back in his chair and turned to look out the window. He would barely have time to see to everything and return before it was time to travel to London for the quarterly meetings previously scheduled with his solicitor. There were also meetings on bills being planned for the next session of Parliament and Victor needed to add his voice to what might eventually become laws. With so many returning to London, he knew that there would be rounds of entertainment.
Victor sighed. He still hadn’t told Charlotte that it was his intent that she join him, and wouldn’t until he returned to Willanton. He didn’t want to give her so much time to invent reasons why she should remain at Wisteria House while he traveled to London. Victor hoped that she at least would visit, even if it was only for a few days. If she sincerely hated London and society, he would bring her home.
Except, he couldn’t think of London now. He needed to have his belongings packed and be on his way to undo whatever damage had been caused at the estate.
Chapter 29
Charlottekissedherhusbandgoodbye and as his carriage turned down the drive, she raced up to her studio on the top floor so that she could watch until it completely disappeared from sight.
She would miss him.
The last time he had left her, she was relieved to see him go. Such was not the case today.
At least she had his assurance that he would return far quicker than before, and she believed him.
Charlotte placed a hand on her stomach. He had a much stronger reason to do so.
At sixteen, Charlotte had thought herself in love with Victor because of his kindness. A part of her did love him, but it had been an infatuation. She now knew what it was to truly be in love with someone, not that she had told him, and likely never would.
Victor hadn’t uttered those words to her either, nor did she expect them.
He did care, and they liked one another. They were also friends, and her marriage was more than she had ever dared hope that it could be. He accepted her. He encouraged her painting as well as her involvement in the mill. It was his opinion that as he held twenty-five percent, it was in his best interest that she continue to create the designs and dyes.
She had everything she could ever want, and was happier than she ever thought possible.
Charlotte turned and glanced about the school room and couldn’t help but smile. Victor had asked if she was going to be the governess to their children. It was something that hadn’t occurred to her.
“If my sister would have had a governess as enticing as you, I may have also attended lessons.”
“Enticing!” Charlotte nearly snorted.
He grew serious. “You enjoyed being a governess to Melcombe’s nieces?”
“Yes, very much,” she admitted.
“It was only in the afternoons. If you wish to continue to teach, and it makes you happy, I would not mind.”
This had surprised her.
“Though, it is a good thing that they are girls because if Melcombe had nephews, then I couldn’t allow it.”
