Page 89 of The Duke’s Christmas Redemption

Charlotte’s heart pounded in her chest as she gazed up at him.

“William...”

“I know that such ceremonies are uncommon,” he continued quickly, as though fearing her response. “Indeed, the vicar had to search quite particularly for precedent. Yet I find myself needing to tell you, to show you, how completely you have transformed not just Alverton’s halls, but its master’s carefully guarded heart.”

Before Charlotte could find words to express the joy threatening to overwhelm her composure, Margaret’s voice carried from the main house with urgency.

“Brother dear! Surely you don’t mean to keep Charlotte out in this bitter cold? When certain arrangements await our review, and Edmund’s carriage has just been sighted on the drive?”

“Edmund arrives early,” William murmured, though his hand remained steady around Charlotte’s. “Yet perhaps it proves fitting, that family gathers close as we plan such celebrations. Though first...” He gazed down at her with tender gravity. “You have not yet answered my question, my love.”

“What question?” Charlotte’s voice emerged soft with emotion. “You have not precisely asked one, though I begin to comprehend why you have been so particularly attentive to certain arrangements these past few days.”

His free hand rose to brush her cheek with exquisite care.

“Then let me ask properly. Would you stand with me before God once more? Not in a ceremony bound by duty, but in celebration of a love that has grown stronger for having overcome all resistance?”

“Yes.” The word emerged barely above a whisper, yet Charlotte felt its impact in the way that William’s near rigid composure cracked to reveal profound joy beneath. “Though I confess myself curious about all of these mysterious preparations that you and Margaret have been orchestrating.”

“Then perhaps,” he suggested softly, his thumb tracing a gentle arc across her cheek, “we might step inside? Where I believe certain flowers await your approval, and the vicar wishes to discuss particulars of the service.”

Yet before they could move towards the chapel door, Phillips’ measured stride on the gravel path heralded another interruption.

“Your Grace,” the butler called. “Lord Parrington has arrived with His Lordship, and they particularly wish...”

“They particularly wish to hear your plans for this ceremony,” Edmund called, his enthusiasm carrying clearly as he approached with their father. “When Margaret’s letter hinted at such remarkable arrangements being made, we simply had to know more.”

“I see that my sister’s discretion proves consistently unreliable,” William observed dryly, though his hand tightened gently around Charlotte’s. “Though perhaps it saves me the necessity of explanation.”

Lord Westbridge’s expression held cautious approval as he surveyed them both.

“A renewal of vows?” he said quietly. “Most unconventional, yet somehow perfectly suited to the transformation which I observe in you both.”

“Transformation indeed,” Edmund agreed, his usual teasing manner softened by evident emotion. “Though anyone who witnessed your first ceremony might have predicted such change. When, even then, beneath all that careful propriety...”

“Yes, yes,” Margaret interrupted, appearing behind them with typical impatience. “We all saw what was possible, even if certain brothers proved remarkably stubborn about admitting it. But surely such reminiscence can wait? When there are decorations to approve and music to select?”

Charlotte felt William’s quiet amusement in the way that his thumb traced gentle patterns across her knuckles. Yet as their family swept them back towards the house, she caught the wry smile that graced his lips, which suggested that this interruption marked only a brief delay in sharing his carefully laid plans.

They hurried back inside, and soon, the evening settled over Alverton Grange with gentle grace, stars emerging as servants lit lamps in freshly decorated halls.

Yet it was not the festive touches that made Charlotte’s heart swell, but rather the way that William’s grey eyes sought hers across the beautifully arranged table - full of such profound love that even their gathered family’s knowing smiles could not diminish its power.