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Her desire to weep had vanished, and finally, she sat in serene peace—the one only discoverable after a healing cry. The one only experienced when being near the calm and steady presence of another.

Never would she have guessed that Charles would be that person for her.

She glanced over at him, his own peace soothing every inch of his expression—brow soft, lips loosely parted, and more apparent than anything, a still body.

Marie had never known him to be so tranquil. Was he doing this for her? She did not wish for him to feel obligated to do so.

“You needn’t—” she began.

“I have some things—” he started at the same moment.

Their eyes met, and a small smile passed between them. Instead of intense sparks of anger or attraction that typically accompanied their conversations, a serenity filled the space.

Charles motioned with a tip of his head for her to take the lead.

Marie nodded. “I was only going to say that you needn’t remain here if you wish to continue with your walk. I know you do not care to sit still for long periods of time.”

He paused. “I don’t recall ever telling you that.”

“You didn’t. But you are almost always on the move, whether you’re walking or standing.” Her lips curved. “Or sitting. I also noticed that you appeared more horrified to discover that I didn’t do much out of doors than when you discovered that you were going to have to marry me.”

His shoulders lifted as he gave a little laugh. “Mr. Berryman and my parents always scolded me for not being able to hold still as a child. I thought I had gotten better from my youth, but I suppose I am not as inconspicuous as I had hoped.”

“No, you are not.” Their eyes caught. “What was it you were about to say?”

His eyes lingered on hers, and he appeared as if he was in a different world for a moment before he blinked and looked away. “I was going to say that I have a few things I wished to apologize for.”

Chapter Fourteen

That was the last thing Marie had expected.

“Oh,” she replied.

“I saw you crying,” he continued. “I should like to help you, but I don’t wish to impose.”

Her parents had always avoided her when she’d cried as a child, though they’d done their best to comfort her with a brief pat to the top of her head. She’d soon learned that it was far easier to not cry than to expect anything more. It was just as well. She still loved her parents, even if she longed for more compassion from them.

“Am I?” he asked when she didn’t respond. “Imposing, I mean.”

“No, you are not.”

He nodded, swallowing hard. “Then I shall continue by apologizing first for my behavior—from the time of our first meeting to my slights yesterday morning. And especially for when I spoke those horrible words to my parents.”

Marie shifted uncomfortably on the bench. She wasn’t certain she’d ever received an apology from anyone before. She didn’t know what to make of it.

“You’ve already apologized for your words, Charles.”

He scoffed, raking his fingers through his hair. “I did nothing but make excuses for myself. I have allowed the circumstances surrounding our connection to cloud my judgement and have behaved despicably because of it. I never should have...” His words trailed off, and he shook his head, a deep line etched in his brow as he watched her. “I never should have said those words about you. Not only were they unkind, but they were entirely untrue. I have consistently blamed you and accused you of all manner of falsehoods. I cannot tell you how much I regret my childish actions. I am truly sorry, Marie, for everything.”

A weight began to lift from around her, and an airy feeling took flight in her chest. She’d never felt so carefree...so cared for.

“I understand if you cannot forgive me, but I⁠—”

“I do forgive you.”

He eyed her. “You do?”

“Of course.”