“So, Frederick, who believed both you and your father to be aware of the increased dowry, was not expecting it to be an issue. Now that he has learned of the Gillinghams’ secret generosity, he comprehends why you would assume hewasa fortune hunter. Like me,” he added softly. “I assure you, he is not. Frederick will give it all up—even your father’s one thousand pounds—if that is what it will take to persuade you to accept him. He loves you so. I have never seen him thus.”
“I…I feel so confused,” Charlotte murmured, her voice thick with emotion. She covered her face with both hands and shook her head. “I do not know what to do.”
“I ask again, Miss Kendall, what does your heart say?” Robert asked.
Charlotte did not reply for a long time. She uncovered her face and stood, gazing at Mr. Morton directly. “I must think about all you have said because I am still uncertain as to the best course of action. My heart was given so easily to you and you wounded it most severely. You advocate for your brother in what appears to be a sincere manner,but are you truly to be trusted? Perhaps you have some hurtful motive to persuade us to marry that is unknown to me.”
“I am not quite the monster you would think me, Miss Kendall.” He gave a short laugh. “Despite all evidence to the contrary. But, the last argument I can make is that Frederick does not even know I am here speaking to you, now. Since your sister rejected his offer to refuse your dowry, he has kept to his room. He plans to return to Clayton Parish tomorrow morning. I am sending him back in our carriage. Not that it should bear any sway on your decision, but if you do not accept Frederick, because of my disgraceful part in all of this, I fear I have lost him as my brother forevermore.” He shrugged his shoulders and rose. “Well. I have done and said all I can to help you to see that Frederick loves you for you alone. For my brother’s sake, I pray you make the choice that I believe will lead to great happiness for you both.” He bowed stiffly. “I shall leave you now, Miss Kendall. Thank you for the courtesy of your time.”
He hesitated a moment, waiting for some reply, but when none was forthcoming, he gave one last nod of the head, and exited the garden.
Charlotte stood as though frozen for several minutes, thinking over all Mr. Morton said. Then, a look of determination came over her face, and she swiftly returned to the house. When would Dorothea return? She must speak with her sister as soon as possible.
Chapter Forty-Six
When Dorothea returnedhome from the village, the butler informed her that her sister was waiting for her in the drawing room. She hurried in, smiling broadly.
“Dearest. You have come down at last,” she cried with delight. “I am so pleased.” She reached to give her sister a hug, but Charlotte firmly pushed her away. “Charlotte—what do you mean by this? Are you unwell?” Dorothea asked, a puzzled expression on her face.
“In body and health, I am very well,” Charlotte replied. “In heart and spirit, no. Why did you tell Frederick Morton you would not take back the five thousand pounds you added to my dowry?”
Dorothea gave an indulgent smile and calmly went to the bell pull to call a servant. When a footman arrived, she ordered lemonade. Then, she took a seat and looked up at Charlotte.
“Oh. That,” she said.
“Yes—that,” Charlotte said in a trembling voice. “He came to refuse the five thousand so that you and I would be assured he is no fortune hunter. But, you turned him down and sent him away. Why?”
Dorothea gave a little laugh. “Do sit down, Charlotte. I shall explain it all.” She waited until both were seated before she continued, “First of all, how do you know of his request? Has he been here again? Have you seen him?”
“No. After you and Reginald left for the day, I went for a walk andFrederick’s brother came upon me in the garden. Mr. Morton’s express purpose in calling was to convince me of his brother’s sincere love for me. And, I believe any man who would turn down a small fortuneissincere in his affections. Frederick wants me for me alone and not the money. So, tell me—why did you refuse his request?”
“Because I do not wish you to marry him, of course. Marry a rector?” She rolled her eyes. “Such an alliance is quite beneath you.”
“He is a gentleman and I am a gentleman’s daughter. We are entirely equal, and there should be no impediment to our union.”
“You may be equals, but he is not a gentleman of much worth or consequence. There are still two other gentlemen who wish to renew their addresses to you who have land to bring with an offer of marriage. Far better for you to end up with a fine home and property than living in the cramped cottage of Clayton Parish.”
The door opened and a servant entered with a tray holding two glasses of lemonade and a plate of sugar biscuits. The two sisters sat silently until everything was set up and they were alone once more. Dorothea opened her mouth to speak, but Charlotte cut her off.
“I know you wish to see me in a fine house with many servants, but that is for me to decide, Dorothea. I do not love Mr. Shelby or Mr. Cartwright. I love Frederick.”
Dorothea raised an eyebrow. “Do you? Just a few days ago you swore never to see him again. It is clear to me that you do not know your own heart, and it is my prerogative and duty as your sister to guide you in these matters. I shall do my best to steer you to a man of good fortune. I did not work so hard this summer only to see you matched with a rector and suffer the derisive laughter of the other ladies of the county.”
Charlotte shook her head in disbelief. “Lavinia is right. Youarea snob. You would sell me off for five thousand pounds for the sake of your own reputation.”
“I simply wish you to be happily settled, dear one.”
“Yes, but it is abundantly clear to me that you do not care whether I amactuallyhappy.” Charlotte set her glass down and rose. “I am returning to Clayton House as soon as may be. I see now that I have allowed far too many people to influence me. But no longer.”
Dorothea stood, a determined look on her face. “Indeed? Should you marry Mr. Frederick Morton, I assure you the five thousand from Reginaldwillbe removed. You and your husband’s life together will be one of near poverty.”
“Have you even been listening to me, Sister? This is not about money. Give it to me, keep it for yourselves, or put it in the church poor box for all I care. I only wish to finally make a choice of my own that will secure my future happiness. Dorothea, I love you, and I thank you for all you have done for me this summer, but I must follow my mind and my heart—for in the end it ismylife, and not yours, that matters.”
Charlotte hurried from the room and ran upstairs where she rang the bell for Becca. When the girl arrived, Charlotte announced she hoped to depart in the morning and instructed the girl to pack all her belongings. Becca bobbed a curtsy and moved to retrieve the trunks from the attic. Charlotte called her back.
“And Becca—you said you wished to come with me, so should that still be your desire, pack your own bag as well.”
Then, Charlotte donned her Spencer and opened her art kit. Rummaging through it, she pulled out a sheet of paper, rolled it tightly, then rushed out of the room and hurried to the stables.
