Chapter 33

Chapter 33

Charlotte felt the trip home took far too long, but the driver was able to shave several hours off the usual time. It just seemed long because she was anxious to see her mother. She and her sister had done nothing but hold each other, almost ignoring William and Gregory.

However, the men were understanding and didn't expect them to converse with them. Her husband was so understanding that he didn't mind going straight to her mother instead of going to their home to unpack their luggage.

"Is she in her room?" she asked a servant as soon as they entered her parents' house.

"Yes, Your Grace," the maid replied. "Allow me to inquire if she is awake. She is in a weakened state, and the doctor prescribed much rest and no visitors."

"A weakened state?" Louise repeated, collapsing against Charlotte. "Why do you make it seem she is on her deathbed?"

The maid's eyes widened. "That is not what I meant, my lady," she replied. "I am only repeating what the doctor said. Please, let me inquire about your mother. I shall return soon."

The maid curtsied and hurried away to the stairs while they moved to the parlor to await news of their mother. The maid returned quickly and informed them she and Louise could go up to see her. Charlotte had never walked faster in her life.

She almost ran up the stairs but kept the same pace as her sister, who now seemed hesitant to see their mother. Charlotte didn't need to ask to understand what was on Louise's mind. She was afraid of finding out just how sick their mother was. It was one thing to be told something, but another to witness it with one's own eyes.

Charlotte took her hand. "It will be fine," she said. "We will do this together and ensure Mama gets well again."

Louise nodded and squeezed her hand. "We will. She'll be fine."

It sounded like she was assuring herself more than anything. They finally entered their mother's room and quickly ran to her bedside. Charlotte felt tears well up in her eyes when she saw her mother's pale skin and hollow eyes. She even looked like she had lost weight.

"Mama," she cried, drawing her mother's attention.

She turned her head and smiled weakly. "My beautiful daughters. You finally came. How was London?"

"Never mind London," said Charlotte. "How are you? What happened? And where is Papa? Shouldn't he be here with you?"

"Your father has gone to see Mrs. Daley," their mother explained.

Louise's eyes widened. "The woman rumored to be a witch? Why?"

Their mother pursed her lips. "Mrs. Daley is not a witch," she said. "She is a woman knowledgeable about herbs. She has helped many people in our town, far more than any physician. I suggested your father ask her about herbs to help me improve."

Their mother coughed and tried to speak again, but her cough grew worse until her entire body shook with the strain. Charlotte put one knee on the bed, quickly turned her mother onto her side, and gently patted her back.

"Some water," said Louise, handing her a glass.

Charlotte took it and helped her mother drink some. "This should be broth," she said. "Something warm and fortifying to help her get better. Would you speak to a servant about it, Louise? Plain water will not do."

Louise nodded and quickly left the room. They could have just pulled the rope in the room and called for a servant that way, but Charlotte could see her sister was overwhelmed. Louise couldn't handle sickness and death well, so she typically stayed away. However, that didn't mean she didn't want to put in effort for their mother.

After an hour or so, their mother fell asleep, and an exhausted Charlotte made her way downstairs to the men. She felt grubby from traveling and was now tired from emotional strain. Being optimistic and smiling wasn't easy when she simply wanted to cry.

However, she needed to be strong for her mother and sister. Her father hadn't returned yet, but apparently, Mrs. Daley was a busy woman who lived on the other side of town. William and Gregory rose when they saw her, both looking at her with concern.

"How is your mother?" William asked.

Charlotte shook her head. "She is not doing well," she said truthfully. "She can barely talk without coughing. She is sleeping now."

William's face fell. "I see," he replied. "But she'll get better. I know she will."

Charlotte smiled faintly. "That's what I pray." She looked down at herself. "I feel like I'm covered in dirt."

"Come home so we can settle in, and you can rest a little," William insisted. "You have barely slept since you heard about your mother. Just a little rest, and you can return."

Charlotte gnawed on her lower lip, uncertain about what to do. She wanted to go home but didn't want to leave her mother or sister. Louise wasn't taking their mother's illness well and needed someone with her. However, Charlotte was no good if she was dirty and tired.

"Fine," she said. "Going home sounds best right now."

"I'll find my way home, so do not worry about me," said Gregory. "I wish to stay a little longer."

Charlotte widened her eyes in surprise. Her parents didn't know Gregory, so her father might be surprised to see an unknown man in the parlor. She thought about pointing this out to him, but if she were in his position, she would also wish to support the person she liked. It was obvious something was happening between Louise and Gregory, although her sister had yet to reveal it. Perhaps she wasn't certain yet of Gregory's feelings.

"Perhaps we'll see you tomorrow," she said instead.

Gregory nodded. "I'll be here tomorrow."

Charlotte and William left, only to return home to a surprise awaiting them. Their butler waited until they entered the foyer before he leaned his head closer to William and informed him Henry was in the drawing room.

Charlotte gasped and felt her cheeks and ears grow hot with anger. Henry had dared to come to the house after the trouble he caused in London. William gave her an odd expression before he excused himself. Charlotte assumed he went to speak to his brother. Since she wanted nothing to do with Henry, she went upstairs and had Templeton draw her a bath.

It was nearly three hours before she made her way back downstairs. Bathing, changing her clothes, and getting a little sleep had done wonders for her mental well-being. Charlotte felt more optimistic about her mother's recovery and could give her sister the comfort and support she needed.

She thought she'd see William in the drawing room, but it was Henry she found casually leafing through a book. He looked up before she could run away and smiled at her like his actions of over a week ago meant nothing at all.

"Ah, you have finally come down," he said, putting the book down.

If she didn't know any better, she would say he was waiting for her and the book was just a mere distraction.

"Where is William?" she asked.

She knew she sounded rude, but she couldn't bring herself to be polite. Henry had caused her unnecessary problems in her marriage.

"He left," Henry informed her.

"He left?" she asked. "Where did he go?"

Henry shrugged. "He didn't say. You can ask the servants, but I doubt they know. He didn't say much before he got on his horse and rode away."

Charlotte looked away and frowned. That was odd. He hadn't said a word to her about leaving, and he knew she wanted to see her mother.

"Why don't I escort you to your parents' home?" Henry suggested. "It's already quite late, and it's unsafe for a woman to travel alone."

Charlotte did not want to share a carriage with Henry, but she did want to see her mother, and her parents wouldn't be happy to know she had traveled alone. She would go with Templeton, but she mentioned that she was not feeling well. Charlotte didn't want to bother her when she needed rest.

"I can just wait for William," she decided.

"Who knows when he will return?" Henry said. "Do you wish to wait so long when you have a sickly mother? If I were in your shoes, I would wish to spend every moment with her. You wouldn't forgive yourself if something happened to her."

Charlotte didn't like to admit it, but he was right. If only William had told her where he was and if he could return soon enough to take her to her parents' home. Gnawing on her thumbnail, she considered her options. She could either stay and go the following day or accept Henry's offer. Neither sounded like a good option, but she would regret it if something happened to her mother just because she didn't want to travel with Henry.

"Fine," she said. "I'll accept your offer. If it still stands?"

Henry smiled. "Certainly. I'll have the servants bring the carriage around."

He appeared too happy for her comfort, but she chose to ignore his reaction and focus on seeing her mother again. However, when she climbed into the carriage and he followed after her, she couldn't help but feel uneasy. Perhaps she had chosen the wrong option.

"I was sad to hear about your mother," he said once they were settled. "I hope she gets better soon."

Charlotte nodded briefly and looked out the window. To think that she left her mother in good health weeks ago, only to return to her deteriorated form. It was proof that nothing was certain in life, not health or happiness. The only certain thing was death.

Henry continued speaking to her, but she wasn't listening to him. Her thoughts were centered on how she could improve her mother's health. More people died from consumption than lived, but she didn't want her mother to become another body in the ground. She was too young for that.

"Charlotte," said Henry rather loudly.

She looked at him in surprise. It was a necessary interruption, though, because she was working herself into a panicked state.

"You haven't heard a word I've said in the last ten minutes, have you?" Henry asked.

"I beg your pardon," she replied, startled to hear her voice shake. She cleared her throat and spoke again. "I'm just worried about my mother."

"I understand," he said. "But you shouldn't worry too much. Worrying never does anyone any good because it doesn't change the situation. Simply think of the way forward."

Henry's advice was surprisingly valid and reasonable. It didn't help to worry, even if it was understandable. Right now, she had to think about her mother's well-being and comforting her sister and father.

"You're quite right, Lord Henry," she said. "Thank you for your advice."

Henry smiled. "There is no need to thank me. I only wish to see you happy."

Charlotte smiled because it was the polite thing to do, but his comment was somewhat inappropriate given his prior behavior and troublesome ways. Still, she only had to endure his company for a few more minutes. It was worth it if it meant being with her family.

Chapter 34

Charlotte really missed her husband. She had spent days away from home and wondered how he was and if he was faring well, but every time she thought about sending a letter, something distracted her. It finally got to a point where she couldn't ignore that she needed to see him again, so she was on her way home to see him.

Part of her was disappointed he didn't come to see her or her mother, but he wasn't a sociable kind of man and probably felt he wouldn't know what to do while they ran around looking after her mother. Men were a little useless in that regard.

"I wonder if he misses me?" she muttered, fiddling with her ring.

She hoped he did. She would be disappointed if he didn't want to see her as much as she wished to see him. Her heart told her that William's feelings for her had grown, but her mind always got in the way and questioned everything. Not coming to see her despite being away from each other for so many days made her worry that instead of absence making the heart grow fonder, it was more "out of sight, out of mind."

"But he kissed me, didn't he?" she mumbled.

Charlotte had taken to talking to herself again. She only did it when worried about something or trying to understand a situation. Sometimes, she received the odd frown from a servant or two, but most people were accustomed to her behavior. William didn't seem to mind and usually just smiled in response.

Thinking about his smile made her think about his lips, which led to thoughts about their first kiss. It had been a little too brief for her liking, but it had finally happened. She giggled as her belly bubbled and frothed with tingly feelings. Their first kiss should open the way for more moments like that, so perhaps William might feel more at ease with showing affection.

He hadn't had much opportunity since that night, but she was going home and didn't intend to return to her parents' house unless her mother worsened. Her condition had improved, so Charlotte didn't feel terrible about leaving her.

Charlotte arrived home moments later and alighted from her carriage with only thoughts of her husband. However, when she entered the house, she met her brother-in-law in the hallway.

"You're home," he said, leaning against the wall. "I hoped you would return today."

She frowned slightly. Of all the days to return, she did so when he was at the house. While she was grateful that he had accompanied her to her parents' home several days ago, that didn't mean they were friends. She still didn't trust him as far as she could throw him, which was likely physically impossible.

"Excuse me," she said, "but I need to look for my husband."

She turned away, but he quickly spoke to her. "He's not here," he said.

Charlotte stilled and looked at him. This was like a repeat of the night he left the house without saying a word. She still didn't know where he went.

"Not here?" she repeated. "Did he say where he was going and when he'll be back?"

Henry shrugged. "I know nothing about his whereabouts," said Henry. "I came here and found him gone, but that suits my purposes well. I have been waiting for the right moment to catch you alone."

A wave of uneasiness washed over her as she stepped back. "This house is filled with servants," she pointed out. "I am not alone."

Henry grinned. "You know what I mean. I didn't want my brother here to hear my confession."

"Confession?" she said.

Henry nodded. "I wanted to tell you I have fallen in love with you."

He had to be joking. He just had to be. There was no possible way on God's green earth that he was in love with her. Henry loved only himself. This was merely a show of disrespect to not only her as a wife but also to his brother.

"You need to leave," she told him.

"Leave? I just confessed my love to you."

"Are you quite mad?" she asked. "How can you say these words to me when I'm married to your brother?" She shook her head. "If you do not leave, I shall tell your brother of this incident."

Henry chuckled, which only served to anger her. "I hardly think you'll bother my brother with this matter. You're the kind of woman who wishes to protect his feelings." He quickly approached her and took her hand, surprising her. "Do you not feel that there's something special between us? We should just run away and be together."

The shock of his actions wore off, and she jerked her hand away. "You seem to have lost your mind," she said. "How can you even imagine that I would do something like that? I have given you no encouragement!"

Charlotte could barely believe the situation she found herself in. Henry had taken the matter too far this time and needed someone to put him in his place. It would have been wonderful if William was that someone, but he wasn't here. Once again.

"But you have given me many signs of your interest," Henry pointed out.

"Signs? What signs?" she asked. "They're a figment of your imagination! I have certainly done no such thing."

"But you have," he insisted. "You have blushed around me many times and accepted my offer to take you to your parents. I could name many other instances if you wish."

Charlotte curled her upper lip. To say she was disgusted with his behavior was putting it lightly.

"There is something wrong with you to twist those moments," she said. "I have tried to be nice to you because I'm married to your brother—nothing more. You need to open your eyes wider and listen well, or you'll continue to misunderstand me. Me? Like you?" She laughed. "How ridiculous."

Henry's face reddened. "You're lying."

"Why would I lie?" she asked. "I'm happy with your brother. In fact, I have fallen in love with him."

"No!" Henry cried, making her jump. "That's impossible. "You cannot love my brother. He's much older than you and boring as sin. You would be much happier with me."

"Why on earth would I be happier with you?" she asked in disbelief.

"Your life would be more exciting," he said, trying to take her hand again, but she stepped out of reach. "We can travel the world and live a wonderful life. I am a far better match for you than William."

Charlotte shook her head slowly. Perhaps being ill as a child had altered his common sense and left him delusional about life. There was no point talking to him anymore. She turned on her heel to call the butler and escort her brother-in-law out, but William chose that very moment to enter the hallway.

It was at that precise moment that Henry reached out and put his hand on her shoulder. William's eyebrows rose as his eyes narrowed on his brother's hand. Charlotte could only imagine what he must think. Even she would question the situation, but she hoped he trusted her enough to know she would never do anything to hurt him or betray their marriage.

"What is this?" William asked.

"You're finally home, dear brother," said Henry, stepping closer to Charlotte. "We have some news to share with you."

William's eyes grew so cold that she shivered. "News?"

"Do not listen to him," Charlotte told him. "I—"

William raised his hand to stop her words, but it also stopped her heart. He seemed so enraged that he wouldn't listen to her. Instead, he drew her aside and stood before his brother. Charlotte stumbled a little and gripped the wall. William had barely looked at her.

He had never done that to her, not even on the night he doubted her. Her heart fell. There was no relationship without trust, so she could only imagine what this moment might mean for them. It couldn't be anything good.

Chapter 35

William was glad his mother-in-law was much improved. She was even out of bed and sitting in the parlor with her husband and Louise, but Charlotte had not been with them. To his surprise, she had returned home earlier. He must have missed her along the way, which made him chuckle. She evidently also missed him and wanted to return home, and he had missed her so much that he had come to her parents' house.

"Silly," he muttered with a smile.

They should have perhaps sent each other notes; that way, they would have known their whereabouts. William made a mental note to discuss this with his wife once he returned home. He was almost there and could hardly contain his excitement. He was undecided about how to greet her—with a kiss or a hug.

He preferred a kiss, but he didn't want to overwhelm her. The carriage suddenly lurched to one side, making him bite the inside of his cheek. William immediately tasted something metallic and realized he was bleeding.

"Well, no kissing then," he said.

Not until he rinsed his mouth with salt water and perhaps ate something sweet like a strawberry or pineapple. Charlotte loved both fruits, which was likely why she had tasted so sweet. He stroked his lower lip as he recalled their first kiss. His wife would be shocked if she knew he had wanted to haul her onto his lap and kiss her thoroughly.

That brief peck on the lips had merely whetted his appetite. There was so much more to come—so much more. First, he would let her grow used to little pecks here and there, and then, when the time was right, he would move her into his room. William laughed. He was going to seduce his own wife into sharing a room with him—he didn't know if he was pathetic or a Casanova. Hopefully, the latter.

Finally, the carriage reached home, but he took his time climbing out. William needed to calm his excitement so he didn't overwhelm his wife. All he wanted to do was take her into his arms and never let her go again. She could sit on his lap during meal times, and he didn't mind assisting her with bathing.

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves, you fool," he muttered with a grin. "Small steps."

Nodding to himself, he entered his house and nodded in greeting at the servants. He frowned slightly, noticing their anxious expressions. Something was wrong.

"Where is my wife?" he demanded, heart in his throat.

However, no one needed to respond because he heard his wife's raised voice coming from the hallways. She was angry—that much he could tell. He just didn't know why, but he was about to find out. He approached his wife's voice, stilling when he heard his brother's voice. Henry was here.

"But you have," he heard his brother say. "You have blushed around me many times and accepted my offer to take you to your parents. I could name many other instances if you wish."

William frowned, wondering what they were talking about. He tilted his head to hear Charlotte's response, but her voice had lowered considerably. He could only pick up a few words.

"...me? Like you?" she said.

William's heart rate picked up until his ears thundered with rushing blood, and he ceased to hear anything. He might have heard wrong, but it seemed his wife had said she liked Henry.

"No," he whispered. "No, no, no."

William breathed in deeply and released it slowly. He needed to calm down and understand the situation before jumping to conclusions. He took another step toward his wife and Henry but paused when he heard his brother's words.

"Your life would be more exciting," he said. "We can travel the world and live a wonderful life. I am a far better match for you than William."

William groaned as his heart ached. He had told himself these very things whenever he considered whether he was good enough for Charlotte. However, hearing someone say these words just made his fears seem worse.

Unable to just stand there and listen to them anymore, William marched into the hallway and saw red as his brother put his hand on his wife. He had no right! The ability to think clearly ceased as he took Charlotte aside and stood before his smug-looking brother.

"You need to get out and never darken the front door of this house again," he hissed, jabbing a finger in his brother's chest. "I have had enough of your disrespect and attempts to seduce my wife. It stops here!"

William's chest heaved. He dropped his hand when the temptation to hit his brother became too strong. He didn't need to resort to violence. Not yet, anyway.

Henry's green eyes were wide with shock. William had never yelled at him like this before, but there would be more to come if he didn't listen.

"You seem to misunderstand me," his brother began. "Your wife is the one who seduced me. Do you think I am without women to entertain me? You know I have dozens of them at my beck and call. Why would I single out your wife?"

William frowned, briefly turning to his wife. Perhaps she would be happier with a younger man, but he didn't want to believe that. Taking his brother by the arm, he dragged him to the foyer and threw him out of the house. Henry struggled and spoke the whole way, pleading his innocence, but William was past the point of hearing.

"I never want to see you again!" William spat. "You are a disgrace to the family name and as my brother. Do not even speak," he added when Henry opened his mouth. "I have had enough of you."

With that said, William slammed the door shut and leaned against it for a moment. If only he had done this sooner. He straightened and adjusted his attire, buying himself a little time before he spoke to his wife. He had seen the look of hurt in her eyes and wondered if he had done anything to cause it. He hoped it had nothing to do with him chasing his brother out of their lives.