Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Charlotte felt delighted at the genuine smile she was able to give the duke . For years she had to force a smile each time she had met a new person. When she looked into his kind eyes, she felt her burdens lift from her shoulders. She had expected almost every scenario, except one where she immediately took to the duke! She tried to hide her shock at his condition when she had met the duke and knew she had done a poor job.

Charlotte moved closer to speak. The duke did the same. "I was not aware that you were the man that saved me the other night, Your Grace. I did not get the chance to thank you," Charlotte said.

"I had no idea either, My Lady." The duke replied with a warm smile.

"The day is rather fair today, Your Grace." Charlotte said, hoping it would spark an invitation to see the gardens. At the very least ease the tension she had just caused. Charlotte found that her nerves were much less frail when she was outside.

"I could get someone to show you the gardens, My Lady." The duke said in a helpful tone that seemed cold.

I've hurt him. What can I do? Charlotte thought as panic bubbled in her chest.

"Forgive me for being so forward, Your Grace. I would prefer to see the gardens with you." Charlotte felt a rush of jubilance at expressing her wishes and that perhaps she could make amends.

"That can be arranged." The duke said and tried to hide his smile. "I just have a question if I may, My Lady?"

"Of course, Your Grace." Charlotte replied.

"Why ever would you want to spend time with me, My Lady? I do understand we are to be wed, yet that does not require you to spend more time with me than is necessary."

"Your Grace, a marriage cannot survive on what is thought is needed. Much like this breathtaking garden, each plant needs different care to thrive." Charlotte said in a kind tone.

The young couple moved toward the garden. There had been a brief awkward moment in meeting the duke. Fortunately, Charlotte had found a way to remedy the situation.

Charlotte walked beside the duke as a servant pushed the chair through the gardens. The duke started by showing Charlotte the vineyard.

"These same grape vines have been producing wine in our family for almost two centuries now," the duke said proudly.

"That is absolutely remarkable," Charlotte replied in awe.

"Do have a taste if you wish. They taste better than the wine, if I may be honest," the duke added.

Charlotte felt more at ease in the duke's presence than she thought she would. He was a good-looking man. His dark hair and eyes were an attractive combination. She liked the way he spoke calmly as well.

Charlotte obliged with a small laugh and reached out to grab a bunch. She tugged it gently from the vine and drew it to her mouth and delicately nibbled at one. "The best I have yet tasted, Your Grace."

Charlotte felt happy that he returned her smile. Even if it seemed to fade quicker each time. It was made even more enjoyable knowing that the very scheme her stepmother had put into place, would bring Charlotte joy. They could not have accompanied them in fear that the duke would recognize Bethany. In turn she would not have to suffer their company any longer than she had needed to.

"That is most kind of you. Allow me to show you the orchard next," the duke offered.

"Thank you, Your Grace," she replied and found herself happy to follow him.

Once they had left the vineyard they moved to an almost hidden part of the garden. The pruned trees made a protective wall around all that was hidden within. The duke moved to where an arch had been crafted from the same foliage.

The duke signaled his footman to move him over, to allow Charlotte to go through the arch first. She laughed with glee once she had emerged on the other side and had looked around her. She felt as though she had stepped into another world.

The ancient fruit trees reminded her of her home. Their wide trunks reaching into the sky while their thick roots grounded them firmly.

That must be what most people think of me. Charlotte thought with a small giggle. So filled with dreams that my feet need to be fixed to the ground.

"These were here long before the estate was, My Lady," the duke said with a soft smile. Charlotte thought how much more handsome he was when he smiled. He seemed proud of his garden. It made Charlotte hope that they might have the same passions. It would make this union far more suitable.

"And almost as big, Your Grace." Charlotte said.

"Quite so, My Lady ." The duke took a breath to say something more when Charlotte suddenly gasped and went toward a tree. It was a much smaller tree that looked like a newborn rather than the mighty giants that grew nearby.

"This is a red apple, Your Grace." Charlotte said over her shoulder when she heard the duke and her father approach.

"Yes it is , My Lady. It was my hope that it would make you feel more welcome here." The duke said with joy.

"It has, Your Grace. Thank you ever so much," Charlotte replied softly.

"It means more than you know, Your Grace." Lord Wentworth spoke for the first time in hours. The duke's reaction was unreadable.

"If it would please Your Grace, I would enjoy reading my books here. I find keeping new things in the garden company helps them," Charlotte explained, as she wanted to take care of this precious gift. Only she knew that her ways were eccentric and did not want to dissuade the duke from liking her. If she had to return home, then it was almost certain Lord LeBlanc would be waiting! He had seemed a good man. Until the day he had wanted compensation for his family's help.

The very thought sent a wave of nausea through her abdomen.

Do not scare the duke off Charlotte! Her mind willed her mouth to say as little as was possible.

"That will be fine, My Lady." The duke said and then proceeded to take them to the flower gardens. Charlotte was once again swept away. She turned toward the duke to compliment him when he plucked a low hanging flower and held it up to her.

It was the first time that a man had made such a gesture toward her. She felt deeply touched that he would go to the trouble.

Charlotte moved toward the duke and accepted it. "It seems we share the same interests, My Lady," he said still smiling.

"It does indeed, Your Grace," Charlotte said as she started to feel a bond growing between them.

It is so unfair that the only man who does not revolt me, may not be able to help accomplish my greatest wish. To have children of my own! Her thoughts marred her happiness .

Lost in thought Charlotte's eyes met the duke's. She awoke from her daydream to be caught in the next one. There was something about the duke that made her feel safe. There was so much in his eyes that he seemed to want to say yet could not or would not.

"Thank you, Your Grace." Charlotte said thinking the sudden solemn look on the duke's face was as a result of her lapse in manners.

"I am quite sure you have seen enough. Now let me show you to the house." The duke said in a dismissive tone that baffled her. Only moments ago the duke had seemed to enjoy her company. Then within the flicker of a butterfly wing, he had become so cold.

Was this what they had meant by a man like him? Charlotte thought as her mind went back to the conversation she had overheard between her father and stepmother. Was the duke an unstable man? No, he had been most hospitable. I must have said something unpleasant.

"Well once again I welcome the both of you. I am sure you would both enjoy the opportunity to rest and prepare for lunch," the duke said, and left them in the company of Cecil who had been close by. It would not be proper to let a servant show them the main house and Cecil seemed a man he trusted in his stead.

Charlotte and her father were shown the rooms of the estate before being shown to their rooms. Charlotte went to her luggage that had been brought up to her room earlier. She searched for her books and found one she had been reading.

She turned to the page she had folded the corner of, and began reading when she heard footsteps above her. At first it did not hinder her until she realized that the only person lodging above her father and her, was the duke.

That could just be a servant, Charlotte thought as she returned to her reading. Once my mind had stilled then I shall find a way to apologize to the duke. I am not sure exactly what for. No matter I shall do my best.

Charlotte barely read a page in nearly two hours. She felt annoyed at her lack of concentration and stared to ready herself for lunch.

Perhaps the duke finds me unappealing? Charlotte thought as she made ready to go to lunch. She stood in front of the mirror and stared at her reflection. She moved her face from side to side inspecting her features. She may have unusually high cheek bones and her eyes had been described as "too green". Her hair curled just enough to not need as much care as other women and her slender frame was the envy of many.

"There is not that much the matter with my appearance, is there?" she asked her reflection. "Well, we haven't another face to slip into so this will have to do." She answered herself with a confident smile.

A confidence that lasted only as long as it took her to find the dining area. "Good afternoon, Your Grace," she greeted the duke.

"Good afternoon, My Lady. I am pleased to see you are punctual," he replied.

"It is on account of wanting your company, Your Grace." She replied with a smile.

"A sentiment your father does not seem to share," the duke said in a tone that clearly conveyed his annoyance.

"Good afternoon, Your Grace. Charlotte my dear, how are you finding your accommodation?" Lord Wentworth asked his daughter as he hurried in.

"Most pleasing, thank you father," Charlotte answered.

"I am relieved," he said, and nodded to the duke before sitting down.

"My Lady, I wonder if you would join me in town tomorrow?" the duke asked after they had finished speaking.

Charlotte trained her reaction to be "yes" to any questions he might ask. Since her reluctance had last seemed to irritate or embarrass him. She had the distinct impression that he mistrusted her. Little did he have the faintest clue how much she enjoyed doing the opposite of what people expected her to do. She was determined to make her father proud.

"I would very much like that, Your Grace," Charlotte said with a sudden confidence that took him of guard.

"I feel it is my duty to inform you that we will be well-watched," the duke added.

"That must be from jealousy, Your Grace." Charlotte replied with a smile.

"It is not necessary to humor me, My Lady," the duke said plainly.

"Your Grace. I am going to have to ask your forgiveness. I know it is not very ladylike to speak directly. I feel strongly that life flickers by too hastily. What I mean to say is that I am not in the habit of giving shallow compliments." Charlotte said.

"Is that so?" the duke said, looking from Charlotte to her father. Charlotte remained calm and looked into the duke's eyes when he looked to her. She enjoyed the hint of surprise that shone briefly in his eyes. The same eyes that hid away a kindness she felt drawn to.

Surely he has been hurt before. It is the same reason I hide my feeling, Charlotte surmised as she waited a few moments before answering.

"As I have said, Your Grace. I would enjoy being escorted into town." Charlotte repeated in the same assured tone she had before.

"Thank you, My Lady." The duke said as he held her gaze this time with a smile that for the first time, held a twinkle in his eyes. Charlotte noticed it, as it was her way to see the small details others did not. It made her heart ring in her ears as her happiness seemed to match his.

"My Lady would you mind terribly if I enquired about your interests?"

"Not at all, Your Grace. I love gardens and reading. I find that embroidery gives me great pleasure as well," she replied.

"That sounds lovely, My Lady. Perhaps you would show me your handy work one of these days," he said.

"I could make something for Your Grace, if it would please you?" Charlotte said with a big smile.

The duke seemed pensive for a moment before he smiled as he recovered. "I would hate to cause you too much effort, My Lady."

"Not at all Your Grace. It is the very least I could do," Charlotte said easily.

"The very least, My Lady? I fear that once you have arrived here you were presented with the very least," he said.

"How so, Your Grace?" Charlotte asked with obvious confusion.

"My Lady, you are far too intelligent to pretend not to understand what I mean. You do not need to be gracious, I will not recant my invitation nor my intention to court you. My Lady, I hand to you all that has stood in my family for centuries, all I ask in return is honesty," the duke said abruptly.

Charlotte felt her cheeks grow hot under his gaze. The abrupt change of tone in the conversation took her unawares. Her first instinct was to respond and defend herself. Though she was innocent of lying about how she felt about spending time with the duke, she had lied about who she was.

If he had been so mad about a perceived lie that time would prove false, what would his temperament be when she would be caught on a real lie?! Charlotte's mind condemned her as guilt ate away at her heart. She was new to deception and had little insight into how people could willingly feel this way and not be tormented into madness.

"You have my word, Your Grace." Charlotte was unable to keep the sorrow from her voice. It seemed to have a softening effect on the duke.

"I shall keep you to it, My Lady. I in return will sadly do the same. I do apologize if I have come across harshly, My Lady."

"That is quite alright, Your Grace," Charlotte responded out of habit more than feeling. She still felt a bit hurt by his words.

Though if she were honest with herself. She had already noticed a fondness for the duke. It might have been as small and new as the tree he had planted for her. One day it might grow to be mighty. She had counted it as sympathy yet found that simply being in the duke's company was not only pleasant, it was stimulating. He had a similar way of thinking and a love for the same things she had.

Strict routines had robbed her of her free spirit. Here, in the most unlikely place of all, she had found a sense of belonging. She was at the very least intrigued by the solemn duke with kind eyes and the constant need to hide his joy. She wanted to know more about him and wished she was allowed to ask him questions about himself.

She had already been unladylike by being forward. She did not want him thinking she had not been raised a Lady.

Surely there is a limit to what he will allow before he does send me home? Charlotte thought feeling the need for fresh air. Charlotte started to feel lightheaded and her vision blurred. She had very rarely felt this faint as she did in this moment.

No not now! I am not the type of woman weak enough to…

Charlotte's mind went blank as her eyes fluttered closed. She tried to stay conscious and felt angry, warm tears well up in her eyes as she lost the battle.