“Planning a wedding can be a stressful time, but you have remained composed. And Nathaniel is happy, perhaps happier than he has ever been. His face lights up when you are mentioned. It is endearing to witness. You are a strong woman, and that is what the Blackwood family needs. I’m sure that you and Mary shall serve the family well in the coming years.”
“I shall certainly aspire to do just that,” Charlotte replied.
Beatrice then offered a smile, and Charlotte felt the last remnants of awkwardness ebb away. She was a Blackwood through and through now. She was a duchess.
Eventually, the guests returned to the estate for the wedding breakfast. They gathered in the main hall and waited for Charlotte and Nathaniel to be presented to them. The butler stood at the doorway and announced them as they arrived. Charlotte swelled with pride as she heard her new name and title.
“Her Grace the Duchess of Winthrop.”
They took their seats at the main table with all their guests seated in front of them. Their families were around them. Lydia was still dabbing her eyes, unable to guard herself against her emotions. Mary and Alfred shared special glances.
Charlotte overheard a conversation between Nathaniel and his brother.
“Are you going to follow in my footsteps again?” Alfred asked.
“How do you mean?”
“Well, you got married shortly after me. Perhaps Charlotte will find herself in the same condition as Mary sooner rather than later.”
Nathaniel chuckled and glanced toward Charlotte.
“We shall see what God has planned for us. All we want for now is a chance to enjoy married life together.”
“And enjoy it you shall,” Alfred said.
Charlotte leaned back in her chair and basked in the warm glow of happiness. This was far from what she thought she wanted, but now, she couldn’t imagine her life being anything else. She wished the same for the rest of her family.
She was certain it would happen for Lydia one day, but Edmund? He would need to get out of his own way first. Even now, he was casting flirtatious smiles at various maidens around the room, although she noticed how he stopped when Lady Honoria gave him an admonishing glance.
Soon enough, Nathaniel and Charlotte were invited to take their first dance. She held his hand and felt entirely at ease with him. There was no sense of scandal any longer, but they both still held a secret that would never be shared beyond the two of them.
Charlotte’s smile sparkled as she lost herself in Nathaniel’s eyes, growing dizzy as they danced. The world spun, and she began to float up and up until she was among the heavens.
The evening had arrived. Most of the guests had left the Winthrop estate. Those who remained were enjoying quiet conversations in the side rooms. The married couple had left the celebrations behind, though, taking themselves upstairs to the master bedroom, which was now their chamber.
The curtains were drawn, allowing silver moonlight to pour in. Candles were aglow, offering soft light and gentle warmth. Nathaniel sank beside Charlotte and handed her a fluted glass of champagne.
“Here’s to the most enchanting bride in the world,” he said, “and to the soon-to-be celebrated author ofA Welcoming Guide to English Flora.”
“And here is to the most beguiling husband.”
“Beguiling? I have been called many things, but never that.”
They clinked their glasses together and sipped the champagne. The sparkling liquid tingled against Charlotte’s lips and tongue.
“So, we are together again, alone again,” she murmured.
“Indeed,” Nathaniel mirrored her low tone, “and trouble tends to occur when we are alone.”
“At least there is no danger of scandal now that we are married.”
“Indeed, I wonder if marriage excuses our past wrongs.”
Charlotte arched her eyebrow and rolled one shoulder, for she did not have an answer for him. However, she did have a question of her own.
“I’m still not entirely sure why you kissed me that day in town.”
Nathaniel set his glass down on the small table. Charlotte did the same.
