“The same is true of my family as well,” Nathaniel added with a wry smile. “Even Clara could see what we could not.”
“You have a strange sense of timing, Your Grace. This would have been more straightforward if you had realized this before we left the estate. And I believe there has been a serious breach of etiquette,” Edmund said with a hint of a smile belying his stern words.
Nathaniel returned to his feet and relinquished Charlotte’s hand. He turned to Edmund.
“Of course, Your Grace. I apologize. I would like to request permission to ask for your sister’s hand in marriage,” Nathaniel said stiffly. He lowered his head, but Charlotte could see the glow of embarrassment on his cheeks.
Edmund tapped his finger against his lips.
“Hmm, what an intriguing offer. I shall have to mull it over for a time. This is not a decision that can be taken lightly after all. And I shall have to put you through some rigorous tests, Your Grace, to make sure that you are good enough for my sister.” Edmund pulled his finger from his lips and wagged it in the air.
“Edmund!” Charlotte glared at him. She dug her heels into the ground and looked like she was about to snap his head off.
“Don’t tease them like that, Edmund. We have waited long enough for this day. Do you really want to give Charlotte a chance to change her mind?” Agatha said as she pushed past Edmund and embraced Charlotte.
“There’s not a chance of that, Grandmother, not a single chance,” Charlotte replied, beaming at Nathaniel.
“Perhaps we could all return to the estate and discuss the details of the wedding.” Nathaniel beckoned back down the road with his hand. Lydia squealed with delight as she rushed back into the carriage.
“As long as you have some of that delicious champagne ready.” Edmund grinned and helped Agatha back into the carriage. He then turned to Charlotte with an expectant look on his face.
“Lady Charlotte, I was rather hoping you would ride with me,” Nathaniel said.
Edmund was already in the process of closing the door before Charlotte gave her reply.
Nathaniel escorted her to Bastion and helped her mount the horse. He then sat beside her. Her back was pressed against his chest. His breath drifted through her hair and tickled her cheeks. His long, strong arms wrapped around her as he gripped the reins.
She was completely enveloped in him. A radiant smile adorned her face. Nathaniel cued Bastion, and he broke into a swift gallop. He moved so quickly that the colors of the forest blurred together. But it wasn’t because of this that her heart raced.
That was entirely due to Nathaniel.
This was not the life of her dreams. It was even better than she could have imagined. She leaned back against his chest, ready for the future to arrive.
Ready to live it with him.
Epilogue
THREE MONTHS LATER
Charlotte had intended to spend much of her time on her research, but while she had managed to allocate some time to that end, the vast majority of her time had been spent planning the wedding. Everyone had been eager to help, and it had been a monumental task to filter everyone’s ideas and end up with the wedding she wanted.
The wedding was being hosted at Winthrop estate, but the actual ceremony was taking place in the nearby forest as Charlotte wanted to be surrounded by nature. It was a rare privilege granted under special license at Charlotte’s request.
“So, the day we never thought would occur has finally arrived,” Edmund said, coming into the room. He placed his hands on Charlotte’s shoulders and kissed her cheek. Flowers wound through her hair, and her gown flowed down her body, billowing out like a glorious summer cloud.
“It has,” Charlotte said with a sweet smile.
“You look beautiful. The Iron Duke is a lucky man.”
Charlotte shot Edmund a look.
“I don’t believe it’s proper for you to refer to him as such any longer.”
“I mean, it is a term of endearment.”
“I’m not sure he will take it as such.”
Edmund shrugged and then stepped back. He had a thoughtful look on his face.
