Chapter 39

Chapter 39

William meant it when he said he wouldn't let his wife out of his sight. She remained by his side during dinner and sat beside him during their carriage ride home. Now, as they rested in the drawing room, they held hands on the same seat. He would have her on his lap if he could, but they had just made amends, so he needed to slow down a bit.

William lifted their linked hands and kissed the back of hers. "Do you know how glad I am that you forgave me?" he said.

"I have a good idea," she said with a smile in her voice. "You have promised me many things since we arrived home, including limitless pin money."

"My money is your money," he said. "You should have access to it whenever you wish. Buy whatever you want, no matter what it is."

"Even an elephant?" she asked.

William chuckled. "Why would you need an elephant?"

"I'm just testing you," she said. "You said no matter what it is."

"Which I meant. You can have your elephant if you want it. You can have two, so it's not alone—a male and female."

"I will settle for a puppy or two," said Charlotte, snuggling into him. "I recall you said something about a farmer having puppies a while ago. Perhaps we can go and see the farmer tomorrow."

William shook his head. "I intend to spend the day with you and no one else tomorrow," he said. "We can go the day after tomorrow."

"Aren't you being a little selfish?" his wife asked.

"Selfish?" he repeated. "I suppose I am where it concerns my wife. I want to be selfish and keep you all to myself."

"I suppose I do not mind," she said. "We have endured a tough challenge, and we need time together. The nightmare with your brother has come to an end, but I cannot understand why he caused so much trouble. He's not a foolish man. Why did he think it was acceptable to try to come between us?"

William sighed and put his head on hers. "I suppose he's just too spoiled," he said. "He wanted what I had and didn't care who he hurt in the process. It's also my fault. I let him get away with it for many years, so he sincerely believed he could take you away from me."

"No one can be taken away," Charlotte told him. "You have to agree to go with that person, which I would never do. I had already given my heart to you, but he refused to understand. I do not think he liked me as he confessed but simply wished to prove a point. Do you think he was after your title? That seems like something he would do."

Charlotte had a point. William had often wondered if his brother had finally given up chasing his wife to become the duke. It seemed he had for some time, but this last desperate attempt had made him question his brother's motives.

"I think he was after the title," said William. "Perhaps he believed that he would break my heart by taking you away. He must have hoped I would never marry again, which meant I would not have an heir."

"Goodness, he is rather underhanded, isn't he?" said Charlotte.

William nodded. "He has been that way for many years," he said. "Little does he know I plan to have many children with my wife. It's not about having an heir but building our family so we can shower them with love. Is five too many?"

He lifted his head and smiled at the deep blush on his wife's cheeks. It only made her more beautiful.

"I think we should wait a little while before discussing children," she said.

William chuckled. "Not too long, I hope."

"Not too long," she agreed. She sat up and looked at him. "What will you do if Henry returns and attempts to make trouble for us again?"

William sighed. "I do not know," he said. "Probably chase him out of the house again, but I do not think he'll return. He is too much of a coward to face me now that he knows I will never allow him to do as he pleases. Those days are over."

"Good," said Charlotte, resting against his side again. "I have had all I can take of his interference. I just want to live happily with my husband and have a wonderful life."

William smiled. "I want the same," he said. "Shall we retire to bed? It's nearly midnight."

"We've been talking for that long?" she asked. "I didn't realize."

"We could talk into the early morning hours, but we have had a long day," he said, gently pushing her so he could rise. He took her hands and pulled her up, planting a kiss on her brow. "Tomorrow is another day."

"I suppose so," Charlotte agreed. "I am tired."

"See? I already knew that, although you didn't say a word. I have become good at reading your behavior."

She smiled. "Leave some information out for intrigue," she insisted. "Or our marriage might grow stale too quickly."

"Never," he protested, drawing her to his side. "Our marriage will never grow stale."

She smiled as they left the drawing room and climbed the stairs. Once at the top, she stepped toward her room, but William wouldn't let her take another step. Instead, he looked into her eyes meaningfully and drew her toward his room. She blushed but followed him without question.