Page 88 of The Duke’s Christmas Redemption

“My love,” he began quietly, “I find myself needing to tell you...”

Yet once again, Phillips’ carefully timed appearance suggested that there were other matters requiring attention - though something in the butler’s expression hinted, with particular satisfaction, at secrets being kept.

“Your Grace,” Phillips addressed William. “The vicar has arrived. He says he wishes to discuss certain... arrangements with you.”

William’s hand tightened fractionally at Charlotte’s back.

“Ah. Yes. Would you show him to my study? Though perhaps...” He glanced down at Charlotte with tender gravity. “Perhaps you might see to the arrival of our first guests? I believe I heard a carriage on the drive.”

But seconds later, Margaret’s bright voice carried from the entrance hall, and Charlotte knew that the carriage had simply been Margaret returning from a short trip into Millhampton to purchase some things that she considered essential. Charlotte noted how William’s composure had wavered slightly at the sound - not from tension, but from some deeper emotion he seemed determined to keep hidden.

“Go,” he murmured, pressing a gentle kiss to her gloved hand. “See what Margaret has returned with, while I attend to certain matters that cannot wait.”

“Such mysterious matters,” Charlotte observed softly, though her heart warmed at his tenderness. “You have been so particularly attentive to various, apparently secret, arrangements these past few days.”

The look he gave her was full of warmth, but seemed to also be, just a little, touched by something else – perhaps… frustration? Yet before he could respond, Margaret swept into the room with that energy which seemed to bring fresh life to Alverton’s carefully decorated halls.

“Dearest!” She embraced Charlotte with genuine warmth before turning to her brother with knowing brightness in her expression. “How fortunate that I arrive just as certain preparations are being completed. Though perhaps...” Margaret continued with careful emphasis that brought colour to William’s stern features, “my dear brother might wish to complete his discussion with the vicar before we speak further of such arrangements?”

“Indeed.” William’s voice held the blend of authority and affection that he reserved for his sister. “Though I trust that you will maintain appropriate discretion regarding certain matters which we have discussed recently?”

Margaret’s bright laugh held genuine delight.

“When have I ever failed to keep your confidences, brother? Though I confess,” she added, glancing at Charlotte with barely contained excitement, “some secrets prove more difficult to contain than others.”

“Then perhaps,” William suggested with gentle emphasis, “you might assist Her Grace in reviewing the music room arrangements? While I attend to these pressing matters?”

As William strode towards his study, Charlotte found herself swept along by Margaret’s enthusiasm towards the music room. The pianoforte stood polished to gleaming perfection, and holly or winter roses graced every window ledge with particular attention to their placement.

“How beautiful everything looks, I am quite shocked at just how many winter roses the gardener has managed to coax out of the conservatory, even with the repairs that it still needs!” Margaret observed, though something in her tone suggested that she spoke of more than mere decorations. “When I think of how changed Alverton is, since this time last year... Though perhaps,” she added with careful delicacy, “the changes yet to come may prove even more remarkable?”

“Margaret,” Charlotte began, her curiosity finally overwhelming her patience, “what exactly has your brother been planning with such particular attention?”

Yet before Margaret could respond, Mrs. Walden appeared in the doorway with apparent urgency. It was almost as if everyone was conspiring to prevent her being told about whatever was being planned.

“Your Grace, Cook requires immediate instruction regarding tomorrow’s dinner arrangements. And there is the matter of certain... preparations the vicar wishes to discuss.”

“The vicar wishes to speak with me?” Charlotte repeated softly, her heart beginning to thunder as pieces of understanding began to align. The little hints dropped these past days, William’s particular attention to certain arrangements, Margaret’s barely contained excitement...

“Indeed, Your Grace.” Mrs. Walden’s customary composure could not mask the tone of satisfaction in her voice. “Though perhaps the chapel preparations should be reviewed first? The winter roses have been placed exactly as His Grace specified.”

“The chapel?”

Charlotte’s voice caught slightly on the word. Surely William could not mean...

“Oh dear.” Margaret’s bright tone held no real contrition, and Mrs Walden smiled knowingly. “Have we somehow given away my brother’s surprise? Though really,” she added with gentle emphasis that brought warmth to Charlotte’s cheeks, “he might have known that I would find it quite impossible to maintain perfect discretion when such joy approaches.”

Before Charlotte could respond, William’s measured stride sounded in the corridor. He appeared in the doorway and looked at Charlotte in that way which stole her breath.

“I see,” he said quietly, noting Margaret’s knowing smile and Charlotte’s heightened colour, “that my sister’s ability to keep secrets remains somewhat selective.” Yet something like relief flickered across his stern features as he moved to take Charlotte’s hand in his. “Though perhaps you might accompany me to the chapel, my love? I find myself quite unable to wait any longer to share certain plans...”

He offered his arm, and Charlotte placed her hand on it, her mind whirling as he led her from the room. Fresh snow crunched beneath their boots as William guided Charlotte along the path to Alverton’s chapel.

Winter roses lined every window, their delicate blooms somehow defying the December chill.

Yet it was not these preparations that caught Charlotte’s breath, but rather the tender vulnerability in William’s expression as he paused before the chapel door.

“I had thought,” he said softly, his deep voice roughening with emotion, “to arrange everything perfectly before speaking of this. To ensure that every detail was precisely as it should be before...” He stopped, swallowing hard before continuing. “Before asking if you might be willing to speak certain vows again. Not from duty this time, but from the love that has grown between us, despite all of my initial resistance.”