“That’s quite a sweeping statement, Your Grace. I do not mean to sound arrogant when I say this, but I am not like other women.”
“Clearly. Even so, it seems to me a husband would do you some good. Yet again, you are walking around without a chaperone.”
“I do have a chaperone, but she is currently sleeping on a bench.” Indignation was ripe on Charlotte’s face as she pointed along the path. Nathaniel took a few steps to the edge of the path and then leaned so that he could peer down the path. He could just about make out Agatha resting on the bench.
“Hmph,” he uttered before turning his attention back to her. He frowned. “Doesn’t your family find it strange that you have no interest in marriage?”
“They accept my reasons.”
“Which are?”
“For someone who wanted me to keep my distance, you are awfully concerned with my innermost thoughts.”
“I simply wish to understand something I find incomprehensible. Marriage is the foundation of a family. How is a lineage supposed to thrive without marriage?”
“There are many ways to honor a lineage. When I am published, my name will live on, etched on the cover of a book. I will havemade a solid, fundamental contribution to the world, and I will not have to rely on anyone else to do so.”
“Aside from a publisher, of course.” Nathaniel couldn’t resist the small jibe. Charlotte gave him a waspish look. “So, is it the reliance on another that you find unappealing?”
“Something like that. And if you must know, I am not wholly opposed to marriage. However, I only wish to marry the right person. The man of my dreams, as my sister would put it.”
“Dreams are not real.”
“If a man like that does not exist, then so be it,” she said, unwilling to flinch. She had an answer for everything and did not seem to be concerned at all about living a solitary life. Part of him was envious of her, as he would never be given that luxury. For him, marriage was inevitable as death.
“And what qualities would this man possess?”
“There is one I value above all else—the willingness to accept me for who I am, understanding that I have ambitions of my own. I would hope that they would support me in my endeavors.”
Nathaniel wore a disbelieving smile.
“Dreams indeed. I doubt there are many women who would indulge such fantasies. Marriages like that do not exist.”
“Then you have not met enough women. Do you believe they are all like dogs, waiting to find a master to command them?” Charlotte gestured to Brutus with an open hand. He seemed to realize that he was being mentioned as he lifted his head and wore an inquisitive expression.
“Any dutiful wife would respect her husband’s wishes,” Nathaniel replied.
Charlotte couldn’t stop herself from laughing.
“I don’t know who you intend to marry, but I pity her. You might find that your idea of marriage is a dream as well, Your Grace. We might both want things that are unattainable.”
“I should think not. Most women know how to play the role of a wife. It seems that all your research has not given you these lessons.” He gestured to the notebook.
Charlotte’s nostrils flared.
“My research has given me purpose beyond being the extension of another person. I am happy as I am, and I will not get married just for the sake of it. Thank you for your concern, but as I understand it, I am supposed to keep my distance from you. In return, I would appreciate it if you did not inquire about my personal affairs.”
Before Nathaniel could say anything in reply, Charlotte turned on her heel and walked away in the direction of hergrandmother. Once again, he felt unable to call her back as it would go against his direct wishes. Ironically, in this situation, her obedience made her more maddening than if she had rebelled against his commands.
To make matters worse, Brutus trotted along behind her without a care in the world.
“Et tu, Brutus?” he sighed under his breath, shaking his head at the betrayal.
As he watched Charlotte leave, he thought about how reckless and bold she was and how she was too difficult for her own good. Any man who ended up as her husband would find himself in a world of trouble. It was exhausting to endure a conversation with her, let alone an entire life.
Marriage to her would be like taking part in an eternal duel. She would always be testing and probing, waiting for any sign of weakness to strike and claim victory. He ran his hand along his chin and then directed his gaze to where she had fallen. A few flowers had been flattened, and the soil had been disturbed, with flecks of it sprinkled over the path.
Charlotte had not been troubled at all by the mess, unlike other ladies, especially his mother. It was refreshing to see how she simply brushed it off, taking everything in her stride. There was no consternation, only smiles and laughter.
