“May I suggest a location?” When she nodded, he took a deep breath and continued, “In the parsonage. Where we could see it every day.”
Even suspecting a declaration was coming, Charlotte could nothelp a quiet gasp. “We?” she whispered.
“Miss Kendall, I cannot wait any longer. I know my brother disappointed you and perhaps your heart is still aching or not yet able to trust in love again. But, I beg you to allow me to tell you of the ardent love and admiration I have for you that has been burning in me nearly since we first met. Recall when I told you there was but one thing that would make me more content in my new living at Clayton Parish?”
“Yes, but then our conversation moved to another topic, and you did not tell me what it was.”
He reached for her hand and brought it to his lips. He smiled and said, “If you would agree to be my wife, I should be content beyond any possible imagining. Please say you will marry me, Miss Kendall—Charlotte. My living is not grand, but I am certain we can be so happy together.”
Tears came to Charlotte’s eyes, and her entire being seemed to fill up with a joy she had not thought possible. She nodded and failed to keep her voice steady as she replied, “Yes, Mr. Morton—Frederick. I am honored to accept your offer of marriage. I, too, believe we shall be very content together.”
He leaned in and gently kissed her. Then, taking her face in his hands, kissed her once again, more insistently. Her arms stole around his neck while his slid around her waist. When they finally parted, they stared at each other with a delight neither had ever known or anticipated.
Lavinia’s voice was audible in the hallway, coming toward them. The two stood up as she entered. She smiled at them, pretending not to notice they were holding hands.
“Gracious, that took a bit longer than expected. I do apologize. Oh, Mr. Morton, my father is just returned from his estate work. Perhaps you would care to go greet him? He is in his study at present.”
“Indeed, I would. I would greatly wish to speak to him just now.” Frederick squeezed Charlotte’s hand and moved to the door. Hepaused and smiled back at his new fiancée. As soon as he closed the drawing room door, Lavinia and Charlotte rushed to embrace each other. After a long hug, the two broke apart, grinning at each other.
“Oh, Sister—I can hardly believe it,” Charlotte said. “You were right. He loves me and wishes to marry me.”
Lavinia laughed. “Naturally, he does. Why do you think I told him Father had returned? Precisely so he could go and ask his permission at once.”
Charlotte felt a chill of apprehension run through her. “You…you do not think Papa will refuse Frederick, do you? He will agree, will he not? He must!”
Lavinia took Charlotte by the shoulders. “Ofcourse, he will agree, you goose. I can think of no possible reason for this marriage not to take place. Oh, that reminds me. I had best go tell Mrs. Wilson to expect another for dinner tonight and to select some of our best wines. I have a strong feeling our simple family meal tonight will instead be a grand celebration of this happy, happy news.”
Chapter Forty-One
One week later,Charlotte traveled to Haverstone to share the news of her engagement with her sister. Lavinia was of the opinion a letter would suffice, but Charlotte explained that she wished to tell Dorothea in person so that she could also thank her for all she had done over the summer. Plus, she had left her painting kit and so many of her new dresses behind when they fled to Clayton House after her father became ill and she wished to retrieve them.
Ever since Frederick’s offer, Charlotte woke up every day in a state of joy she had never known in her life. She enjoyed replaying in her mind his proposal and his thrilling kisses, as well as her happy conversation with her father later that afternoon. Mr. Kendall had shared his whole-hearted approval of the match and expressed his pleasure that his youngest daughter would be living so close by. As Charlotte thought back on it, she wondered whether somehow her father had, in fact, anticipated these developments when he gave the living to Frederick. Perhaps it had been his design all along. She felt she should have realized what her father was doing, but he had always shown so little interest in her life it never occurred to her he would be the surprising instrument of her newfound happiness.
As the carriage approached the final road to Haverstone, Charlotte felt in equal measure excitement for the news she was going to share and longing for her soon-to-be husband. Husband. She laughed toherself, thinking of how firmly she had been convinced of her unlovable nature and of ending up a spinster. While Dorothea might be disappointed to learn Frederick was her choice, Charlotte was certain it would all be well. After all, was not the main object of the summer to find her a husband? And while she had at one point reconciled herself to marrying a man she did not truly love—someone of Dorothea’s choosing—Charlotte could hardly believe her luck in now being engaged to a man whom she adored with all her heart.
*
Following the happyreunion at Haverstone, Charlotte rested in her room while Becca unpacked her bag. It did not take long since Charlotte had brought so little in the way of clothes. Not only was half her wardrobe still here, but she was in great anticipation of making this a short visit. She already was longing to reunite with her fiancé.
“I think that is all, miss,” Becca said, closing the doors of the wardrobe. “I am glad you are back and wish to say I am pleased to know of your father’s recovery.”
“Thank you, Becca. We all were greatly relieved to see him return to good health.”
The girl bobbed a curtsy and went to the door, but turned back to say, “I hear from my friend at Brentwood that the younger Mr. Morton has the new living at your old home.”
Charlotte raised her eyebrows. That gossip did not take long to travel. “Yes, my father offered him the parish at Clayton House. We all think he will do very well there.”
“Meanwhile, Lady Gillingham is certain you will soon have an offer.”
“What?” Charlotte’s heart pounded. How did word of Frederick’s proposal spread so soon? “What is your meaning?”
“With one of them two gentlemen callers, of course. That is whyyou came back, is it not—so’s Mr. Shelby and Mr. Cartwright can renew their addresses? Remember, I am counting on you taking me with you as lady’s maid when you move to either of their homes.”
As always, Charlotte was astounded at the girl’s bold manner but did not have the energy to upbraid her, so she merely smiled. “One never knows, Becca. I might just refuse both of them and resign myself to spinsterhood.”
At this, Becca gave a snort and rolled her eyes. “Not if your sister has anything to say about it, Miss.” She bobbed another curtsy and left.
*
