Chapter 14
Chapter 14
Tick-tock. Tick-tock. Tick-tock .
William frowned. The clock in the study was much louder than usual, or perhaps the disquiet within him amplified everything else. He had promised to put more effort into his marriage, but he had not done anything special.
He and Charlotte had taken to having every meal together, but that wasn't enough. He hadn't even been able to make himself available when her mother and sister had come to visit the previous day. Understandably, he had been out on business, but he could have tried harder.
Placing his quill on a stand, he ran his fingers through his hair, amazed that there was so much to feel. He really needed to decide if he was keeping it short or letting it grow to a more fashionable length. Perhaps he could ask Charlotte. She was his wife, after all. Her opinion mattered.
A knock at the door drew his attention from his thoughts. It didn't sound like anything he recognized. As a military man, he had learned to familiarize himself with various sounds, from animals to weapons and human footsteps. This knock was feminine and playful, and he had a good idea who it belonged to.
"Come in," he said as invitingly as possible.
The door opened to reveal the very person he wished to see. William couldn't stop the smile that stretched his lips almost to his ears. His wife really was a beauty, but there was more to her than her physical appearance. Convincing himself to put his pride aside and approach Charlotte that day in the garden had been the right decision. She wasn't the childish woman he had initially assumed, but a caring person who was simply curious and full of life.
"I hope I'm not disturbing you," she said, walking inside.
She stopped shy of his desk and stood behind the armchair, grasping the smooth wooden back.
William shook his head. "Not at all," he replied. "Is there something I can do for you?"
Charlotte gnawed on her lower lip, a habit he had noticed several days ago. It was adorable and distracting. He tried not to focus on her lips, but even looking down didn't erase the image from his mind. That wasn't like him. He didn't care about such things.
"I have missed riding with my sister," she said. "I thought we might have an afternoon ride before dinner. If you're not too busy," she quickly added.
He already had his morning ride, but this was the perfect opportunity to spend more time with her. He was just disappointed he didn't think of it himself.
"A ride sounds wonderful," he said as he rose. "Shall we change our attire and meet in the foyer in half an hour? Is that sufficient time?"
Charlotte beamed, nearly knocking the breath out of him. "Half an hour is more than enough time. I'll see you soon."
She ran out of the room before he could say anything else. William chuckled at her excitement. He doubted he had seen anyone who wholeheartedly revealed their enthusiasm. It was refreshing and made him look forward to their ride. Perhaps he could ask about her childhood and learn more about her. She undoubtedly had a happier life than he did, and he wanted to hear what a normal childhood looked like.
William called for his valet to prepare his riding attire while he wiped down his body and applied a little cologne. It reminded him of walks in a pine wood forest with just a hint of sandalwood and smoke. He hardly wore it, but the ride that afternoon was a special occasion.
"I think this dark blue will be perfect for the ride, Your Grace," Karsten said as he laid William's attire on the bed. "Her Grace is also wearing blue today. It appears to be her favorite color. Or at least, she likes to wear the color."
William had noticed. He had noticed a lot about his wife. "The blue will be fine," he said. "Please send a note to our jeweler to meet me later this week. I'd like to buy some pieces for my wife. I have yet to buy her anything."
It had occurred to him on the way to his chambers that he had not given his wife any gifts. She had one of his mother's rings as a wedding ring, but that was it. It seemed wrong not to shower his wife with gifts when he could afford it. William recalled how his stepmother demanded gifts from the moment she entered the household, whereas Charlotte had not asked for anything, not even pin money. He had been the one to broach the subject of giving her extra money every month.
"That is a wonderful idea, Your Grace!" Karsten exclaimed. "I'm confident Her Grace will appreciate it. Shall I ask her lady's maid about her preferred jewels?"
"I thought I might get a mix of everything in a unique design," said William. "I want the jeweler to design something that complements her cheerful nature."
"Wonderful, Your Grace," said Karsten. "Just wonderful. I'll get your shoes."
Feeling good about his plan, he donned his attire and rushed to the foyer. He found Charlotte waiting for him, dressed in dark blue riding attire similar to his.
"We are wearing a similar color," she pointed out. "Perhaps we should coordinate our attire on a more daily basis. I like that we're matching. My sister and I often wore similar things."
This was yet another way to create a bridge between them, and she offered it without batting an eyelash. Charlotte may grow angry quickly and speak her mind without a care, but she also offered forgiveness just as quickly.
"We can have our tailor and modiste work together on our autumnal wardrobe," he suggested. "But we can see if we have anything else that currently matches."
A mischievous twinkle entered her eyes. "I don't suppose you have anything pink in your wardrobe?"
William released a bark of laughter. "No, but I can have cuff links and handkerchiefs made in pink. Would that be enough?"
"You would readily wear pink for me?" she asked.
"Pink is a pretty color," he said, shrugging. "I see no problem with it."
Charlotte smiled. "I like your confidence. Shall we head to the stables?"
William offered his arm and grinned a tad foolishly when she linked her arm with his. It brought her closer again, allowing him to breathe in her delectable scent. She pulled away when a stable hand led out a brown stallion and a cream-white mare with light brown spots.
"Oh, she's beautiful," Charlotte cried. She hurried to the mare and stroked her neck. "What is her name?"
"Soleil," the stable hand replied. He hadn't taken his eyes off Charlotte since he saw her. "It's French for sun."
"Her Grace is well aware that soleil means sun, Peter," said William. He sent the stable hand a stern stare. "Please saddle our horses so we can be on our way."
Peter's large ears turned bright red as he turned away to get their saddles. Charlotte continued to stroke Soleil's neck, whispering sweet nothings in the creature's ear. The horse's ears twitched back and forth as though she were listening to everything Charlotte said.
"What is your horse's name?" she asked.
"Moon."
"Moon?" she repeated. "What an interesting name. Soleil and Moon. Do your other horses have unique names?"
"Not many," he said. "Just the ones I've bought since I returned. My mother liked giving horses unique names, so I wanted to continue that tradition."
"You're bringing the memories of your mother to life," said Charlotte. "How sweet of you. Tell me more about her so we can do it together. Starting with Christmas traditions."
"I was thinking we could talk more about you," he countered. "You know more about me than I do about you. I'm interested in your childhood."
"I suppose that's true," she agreed, turning when she noticed Peter return. "Horses first, and I will tell you whatever you wish to know."
Peter quickly saddled their horses, but William stopped him when he wanted to help Charlotte mount her horse. The younger man appeared far too eager for his liking.
"Let me help you up," he said and lifted her by the waist.
She squealed and quickly grabbed the saddle, hoisting her leg over. It only occurred to him then that Peter had not given her a side saddle.
"Erm, why don't we change your saddle?" he said.
Charlotte shook her head. "I prefer this one," she said. "I have never liked side saddle unless it was absolutely necessary. Do you mind? I know it's not very proper of me."
Charlotte smiled sweetly at him and effectively disarmed him. He had to wonder how he had not noticed how persuasive she was.
"Your comfort is most important," he replied. He quickly climbed his horse and moved it nearer to her. "Would you like the scenic route or something quicker?"
"Scenic," she replied. "I informed Mrs. Clarkson to delay dinner if we had not returned within an hour of the meal. I didn't want to feel rushed."
"I get the notion that you always think ahead," he said. "I like that. Being prepared is important."
"That is what my parents always say." She looked around her. "Which way is the scenic route?"
He pointed at a pathway nearly concealed by some bushes. "That takes us past the woods, stream, and meadow. You might see lambs and their mothers in the meadow. We had a few births this spring."
"Oh, how lovely!" Charlotte cried. "I love little lambs. All animals, really. Unfortunately, Mama wasn't keen on pets unless they were tiny Pomeranians. I always wanted a Great Dane."
"I don't see why you shouldn't," he said. "I know a breeder who has a litter on the way. I can send him a letter and tell him we'd like to pick a puppy. I have always liked dogs, but my father didn't allow pets unless they were used for hunting. It will be nice to have a puppy in the house."
William paused. A pet was the last thing on his mind, yet he had just offered to have one. He didn't have time for a dog! Something was wrong with his capability to think clearly.
Charlotte squealed. She always did that when she was excited, which was often. William didn't mind. In fact, he liked knowing that someone was excited because of something he had said or done.
"Indeed? Can we get a pet? Oh, how wonderful!" she exclaimed. "When can we see this breeder? Soon? Louise will be so jealous! Can we get two girls?"
"Let's wait until I send the message to him," William insisted, not wishing to make any more promises.
"Oh, yes, of course," Charlotte agreed. "But you'll let me know as soon as he responds?"
"You will be the first to know," he assured her.
Charlotte nodded and urged her horse toward the path. She looked back at him. "Are you coming?"
He quickly followed until their horses trotted at the same pace. William glanced at her frequently as she took in the sights. Nothing escaped her attention. From the species of birds she saw, to the tiny flowers growing between tree roots—she had something to say about everything. He should have been irritated, but he wasn't. Instead, he liked hearing what she had to say about the nature around them.
"Do you ever swim in the stream?" she asked. "My sister and I love swimming. Perhaps we can plan a holiday in Brighton next year. At the end of the Season, of course. Louise would never forgive me if we left during the Season. She hopes to find her match next year. I promised I would be her chaperone since I'm now a married woman."
Charlotte undoubtedly loved her sister and lived a very full life. Her life was just filled with activities and stories with her family.
"I used to swim in the stream as a boy," he revealed. "And a holiday in Brighton sounds lovely. I'd like to swim in the sea again."
"We should have my family over for dinner and tell them about our plans," she suggested. "Until then, we can swim in the stream, or do you think that improper of me? I think it's fine because you're my husband, but Mama might say otherwise."
"Swim in the stream together?" he repeated.
All sorts of thoughts went through his head. Primarily the knowledge that she would willingly become vulnerable in his presence. She certainly couldn't enter the stream fully clothed. Not that he would stare at her body. They were cultivating a friendship, not an intimate relationship.
"Yes," she said. "It will be a wonderful way to keep cool once the summer heat comes to England. Louise and I used to sneak out of the house late at night to swim in our pond. Our lady's maids kept watch."
"Were you not afraid?"
"Of the dark?"
William nodded.
"No, there was nothing to fear," Charlotte replied. "I was aware of any dangers and planned accordingly. The pond was safe, so I had no reason to worry."
"You're rather brave," he commented.
Charlotte laughed. "I prefer the word adventurous. I translate old languages into English and have learned so much from the past. There is too much to discover, and fear will only hinder my progress."
William had almost forgotten about her remarkable talent. "How did you come to learn these old languages?" he asked.
"Mostly scholars who wanted to share their knowledge with me," she said. "I was willing to learn, and they were willing to teach. I started when I was very young because one of my uncles is obsessed with ancient civilizations. He once offered to take me to ancient sites, but my parents wouldn't hear of it.
I even begged them to allow me to go on the Grand Tour. I know of at least three other women who were allowed to go. Their parents were undoubtedly enlightened enough to understand the need for women to see the world. Oo!" She suddenly cried. "A pretty butterfly!"
She pointed at a blue and black butterfly perched on a branch nearby. Charlotte slowly inched her mare forward and stood up as far as she could. Raising her hand slowly, she offered her finger to the butterfly and waited. William expected it to fly away, but it moved off the branch and flew to her finger. It was nearly something out of a faerie tale.
Charlotte turned to him with a huge grin. "Do you see this?" she whispered.
Yes, he certainly did. Most importantly, he saw her .