The world around them seemed to fade into silence.
Charlotte could scarcely believe his words.
He loved her.
‘I thought I had lost you,’ he continued more quietly now. ‘Especially once I believed the Captain had won your affections.’
‘But I never loved him,’ Charlotte whispered. ‘He merely seemed... safer at the time.’
A faint, embarrassed smile touched her lips.
‘Ironically enough.’
‘You had every reason to choose him then,’ Lord Stanley said quietly. ‘You saved my life, and I mocked you. You offered your help, and I rejected it. I have wished to undo those moments countless times—especially the way I behaved towards you at Lord Bamber’s masquerade.’
His voice faltered.
‘I am deeply sorry.’
‘There is nothing to forgive,’ she whispered, though her voice trembled.
‘You are too generous.’ His expression tightened painfully. ‘But if your feelings remain what they were in the library, then I beg you to tell me now.’
Charlotte squirmed beneath his unwavering eyes.
‘I am ashamed of what I said to you back then. I wish I could take back my words.’
‘But what did you say that was not true?’ he asked quietly. ‘I was harsh and dismissive. I behaved abominably.’
‘Do not repeat what I said.’
‘It was your words that forced me to realise how greatly I had allowed the world—and the cruelty of others—to colour my own views.’
His voice softened further.
‘But it was you, dear Charlotte, who reminded me that such people are not my teachers. You reminded me who I am—and who I once was. For that, I shall always be grateful.’
His eyes filled suddenly with tears, and she brushed them away hastily.
‘I never meant to hurt you. Henry, please don’t...’
‘Then tell me you will not leave me,’ he said softly. ‘Tell me you will remain beside me always.’
Her heart settled into a strange, wondrous peace at his final word.
‘Always?’
He did not look away.
‘Charlotte... will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?’
This time she did not hesitate.
She had heard those words in her dreams countless times.
And now here he stood speaking them with more love than she had ever imagined possible.
‘I will.’
