Epilogue

Epilogue

Henry had planned this as well as he could, considering how short a time he had. The idea had come to him only the day before. His father would take a week to get there and had left already.

They would enjoy the week it took to get there, and it would give them more time to plan. He had asked every family member on both sides to do all they could to plan the perfect surprise for Charlotte. The engagement had been only the start of what Henry had in store.

He had requested that the captain chart a course for Ireland. He had sent his father with word to his family that they would want to use the old church in the village. They would have a day or two before he would arrive with Charlotte.

It was spring and the perfect time for fresh flowers. Henry hoped Charlotte would be pleased. For him, he wanted to marry Charlotte and did not care how. That did not mean that he did not consider how important it could be for Charlotte.

It was the same church where Henry's parents had said their vows. His father had been highly pleased to help plan their wedding. When they approached the island, he could see his relatives eagerly awaiting their arrival.

Henry greeted them all and proudly introduced them to Charlotte. She seemed truly delighted by their enthusiastic welcome. Once they had settled down, he went over to his bride-to-be. They were a group of nearly thirty people. They followed Charlotte and Henry as they made their way to a feast prepared in their honor.

"I was wondering how you would feel about getting married soon. I know how ladies like to plan weddings for months." Henry asked.

"Well, Your Grace, I would marry you this instant if I could," Charlotte replied.

"That is wonderful news, My Lady. Especially since everything has been planned for tomorrow," Henry said, delighted at how much joy showed on her face.

Henry could not wait to make her his wife. He thought back to when he had spoken to Lord Wentworth. He had been furious with his wife and stepdaughter. Furthermore, he had started by apologizing for his part in the deceit but had explained that he had seen how well they had suited one another and had decided to let nature take over.

Moreover, he had been truly mortified that they had waited for him to go for business so that they could lay claim to what was now Charlotte's. Lord Wentworth had been more than willing to give Henry his blessing.

Henry had decided at that moment that he would plan to travel to Ireland and get married there. He did feel guilty that he had kept it to himself and had not told Charlotte. It looked as though she had forgiven him as she was once again whisked away by the other ladies. He went to the captain to be sure the weather would hold after dinner. The other guests had decided to go for a walk on the beach.

"It will be a perfect day tomorrow, Your Grace." The captain told Henry.

"Thank you so much for bringing us here. We shall need you in four days." Henry said, and the captain nodded.

Henry found Charlotte, and they walked to his family home. "Do you remember the man with the deep voice?" Henry asked.

"How could I forget it?" Charlotte replied.

"Well, it turns out that he is my father. He had been taken away when he was ill. He had simply gone searching for a better doctor. By the time he had been well enough to travel, word of his demise had spread far and wide. He had chosen to stay hidden, but he could not resist ensuring his children were doing well." Henry said and awaited her reaction.

"Remarkable Henry. How do you feel about that?" Charlotte asked.

"It feels odd, I am overjoyed though I did mourn him for many years, and now he is alive," Henry replied.

They walked to where dessert was ready to be served. The two families sat together and enjoyed each other's company as though they were old friends. They had a night filled with laughter and joy, and they celebrated Charlotte and Henry.

Henry shook his head as he remembered how bitter he had been with the Smith brother's engagement dinner. He had found a woman whom he truly loved, and her loyalty had not wavered once.

He hoped that he could give her everything she had ever wanted and that the best that he could do would not remain with George.

Charlotte

The music started to play from a live band, and people started to make their way to the dance floor. Henry got up from his seat and offered her his hand. She looked up at him with surprise, but she took his hand.

"I have no idea how to dance to this!" Charlotte yelled over the loud music.

"It is much easier than back home," Henry said as he pulled her closer to him. Charlotte put her head on his chest and though the music was a fast, cheerful beat, they swayed slowly in each other's arms.

"Now you two. There will be more than enough time for that after the wedding." Three young men came up to Henry and joked.

"Gentleman do show us how it is done," Henry asked. "They are my cousins on my mother's side. Very good-humored." Henry said as they showed Henry the proper way to dance. Two women came over and grabbed onto Charlotte's arms and led her next to the men.

"We cannot let the men have all the fun Can we now?" The lady to her left said. Her curly hair bounced as she spoke and moved to the rhythm. Charlotte smiled as they held on to her and danced. She laughed as they tugged and unbalanced her, and they only just recovered. Charlotte looked over to Henry, who moved better than she had expected.

To her surprise, she was doing rather well herself. She had no idea how long they had danced, as one song seemed part of the next. When Henry invited her to get a drink, Charlotte noticed how parched she was and how tired her feet were. The night had been one where everyone was reluctant to retire for the night.

Only once the band had retired were they prepared to leave the celebration. Charlotte and Henry left soon after and decided they would take the way to the house that was close to the beach.

The waves crashed on the rocks nearby as the breeze carried the smell of salt. The moon reflected on the water and seemed to shine into a never-ending horizon. The night had a special beauty to it that Charlotte knew she would hold dear to her for years to come. Henry soon moved.

"As much as I would enjoy spending the entire night with you in my arms. I do not think you will be happy tomorrow if I do not make sure that you get rest. "Henry said.

"Sadly, I would have to agree with you," Charlotte said as they made their way to the house. She was not sure how much rest she would get with all the excitement, though her feet did feel rather sore.

The next morning could not come quickly enough for Charlotte. She had spent the entire night looking forward to it. One of Henry's cousins had knocked at her door last night to show her what they had arranged for her.

"Good evening, Lady Wentworth. I do hope that I am not disturbing you," she had said.

"Not at all, do come in." Charlotte had replied.

"I am Elizabeth," she had introduced herself.

"Charlotte. It is a pleasure to meet you." Charlotte had smiled back at the friendly young girl. Her curly hair and freckles were as charming as her demeanor.

"We were just thinking that we had a few beautiful dresses sent over and that you might want to take a look at them," Elizabeth had said. Charlotte had followed her to where the other women waited. Charlotte greeted them all and then went to see the dresses they had ready. She was astounded at their fine taste and found it close to impossible to choose.

"Which one do you think Henry would like?" Charlotte had asked. Together, they picked one that suited Charlotte well. The next morning, when Charlotte tried it on, it felt made for her. The pure white silk fitted her perfectly and yet was comfortable and offered ease of movement.

The neckline was slightly offf the shoulders and the bodice sat snugly against her waist. Elizabeth styled her hair with carefully placed flowers, while her sister Bridget had made sure her nails were groomed and that she had a bit of color in her cheeks.

The church had been filled with fresh flowers. Guests filled the seats and wore spring clothes that were formal yet suited to the hot weather. Soft music was being supplied by the same musicians who had entertained them the night before.

Charlotte was told that it was time and that all the guests were ready for her. She made her way downstairs, with help, and got into the carriage that would take her to the church. It was a short walk for their guests but could not be achieved in her dress.

Charlotte could not stop smiling as the carriage made its way on the clearest, sunniest day she had ever seen. The old White Chapel stood proudly on a cliff overlooking the ocean. Charlotte burst with joy as she was helped from the carriage and could see the church ahead of her. She took the few steps needed to enter the church. She felt her heart stop when Henry turned to face her.

The sheer look of love and happiness that shone in his eyes would be a moment she would remember always. The guests stood and faced her as she walked toward Henry. She could feel the love and support from every one of them, yet she could not take her eyes away from Henry. He looked so handsome in his new suit. It was tailored to fit him and had been made from a dark brown material that made his eyes look even warmer.

His dark hair was combed back, with every strand behaving for once. He wore a rose in his jacket lapel and a pocket watch in his undercoat. Charlotte felt proud, and she came to stand beside him. She did not need a title, for being called his was all she needed.

Three months later

The Coronation

"You are going to have to explain that all again, dear." Charlotte said as she looked up at her husband in complete bewilderment.

"I told you it was complicated, My Love. But really, it is simple. I should have been Prince and my father the King. But he could not marry a woman of common background and remain king. So, he gave it up to marry my mother and became a royal duke, his title being His Royal Highness and not Your Grace. The same is true for me but I have never corrected anyone." Henry explained.

"It is not at all simple. However I do believe it makes more sense. Then since Edward is no longer king, it falls to you?" Charlotte asked.

"Correct. Now that you understand the crown they are just about to put on your head, are you ready?" Henry said with a smile. They had both taken care of the traditional wear that had taken almost two hours to get dressed in.

They both had royal blue clothing matched with a cape that trailed behind them. The edge was made from wolf's fur and sewed together with golden rope. They stood at the large wooden door that led out of the church's waiting room.

The pews were fully packed as citizens had packed in as many as they could to see their new king and queen be crowned.

It was a magical moment that only a sweet few had the privilege to experience. A moment Charlotte thought would never be beaten. That was until a few months later.

***

"Henry, where is he?" Charlotte asked the maidservant as she entered their home. They had a honeymoon that had started as a week or two and had become a month-long vacation. Once they had gotten back, it had been time to take on their new responsibilities as king and queen.

They had gone on to spend time in Europe and had returned home two weeks ago. Charlotte had been feeling rather poorly. She had thought it had been from too much travel. After two weeks and no improvement, they decided to call the doctor.

"Your Highness, His Majesty is with the horses," the servant replied.

"Thank you," Charlotte said with a smile as she went searching for him. She almost fell over her feet twice before she made it to him. Her excitement was so great and her pace so quick that she got to him completely breathless.

"My queen, what is the matter?" Henry said with concern as he went to her.

"I am quite alright, my darling. As you know, I was feeling rather poorly and so, the doctor has just been."

"And?" Henry asked.

"And I am not unwell. I am with child." Charlotte said. She looked at Henry, who had tears in his eyes.

"You are the most wonderful woman in the entire world," he said as he embraced her. "Oh, I am so sorry. Please tell me that I did not hurt you," he said with a horrified look on his face.

"My love, I am not that fragile." She put her hands on either side of his face. "We will be a family," Charlotte said, as they held each other. Everything Charlotte could ever have wished for had come true. All thanks to Henry, and just maybe a few of those coins they threw in the wishing fountain.

THE END