Chapter 40

Chapter 40

Charlotte looked around the parlor with a smile on her face. Her family were all gathered in one room and were happy. Even her mother-in-law was present and chatting away with her mother. Life couldn't be any better.

"You keep smiling," her husband whispered near her right ear. "Are you thinking about something happy?"

She nodded. "I'm glad we're all together," she said. "Everything is just perfect."

"Not as perfect as you," he insisted.

Charlotte giggled, attracting his family's attention. "Are you whispering sweet nothings to each other?" Louise asked. "That's rather rude. We also wish to hear what you're saying."

"Louise!" their mother scolded.

"Am I wrong?" Louise asked. "We all wish to see them happy, so it's only normal for us to wish to hear how happy they are. We have waited long enough for this moment. I do not know about anyone else, but I'm relieved they have finally declared their love and living as a man and wife should."

Louise could be rather blunt, but Charlotte didn't mind. She only spoke the truth, which was preferable to lies.

"You certainly are glowing, dear," their mother remarked. "I trust that everything is going well?"

Charlotte blushed, understanding the meaning of her mother's words. "Yes, Mama," she replied. "Everything is going very well."

Her mother and sister looked at each other and giggled. They also understood the meaning of her words. Her father looked at them and merely shook his head. He knew enough not to ask questions. He had been surrounded by women for many years, but perhaps he might find a friend in his son-in-law. Charlotte wanted them to be close and treat each other like father and son so William could have the father he always needed, and her father could have the son he never had.

"I just realized something," said Charlotte's mother-in-law. "We never had a party to celebrate your marriage. We didn't even have an engagement party. Everything happened rather quickly. I'd love to plan one. We could have it here. What do you think, Lady Danbury?"

"I think it's a lovely idea," said Charlotte's mother. "What do the children think?"

Charlotte thought it was amusing how she and William were still referred to as children even though they were married. Perhaps they would always remain their children no matter how old they were.

"I'm happy with the party if my wife is," said William, taking her hand. "Would you like one?"

Charlotte didn't expect him to agree so readily. Her husband didn't like social gatherings and preferred to stay at home. They had only attended parties and the theater in London because he knew she wanted to do those things.

"Would you like one?" she countered.

William nodded. "I would like everyone to see how happy we are," he said. "That should put to rest any lingering doubts."

Charlotte smiled. "Well, when you put it like that. A party would be wonderful."

"Lovely!" her mother-in-law exclaimed. "Lady Danbury and I will do everything. You can continue enjoying your honeymoon phase, although you should go on one. Perhaps Brighton Beach to enjoy the rest of summer."

Charlotte turned to William. They had missed many things because their marriage didn't begin how she expected, but they now had time for everything their hearts desired. He tucked a lock of hair behind her ear and smiled, making her heart melt.

"A honeymoon sounds wonderful," he said. "I wanted it to be a surprise, but I have already planned one."

"You have?"

He nodded. "We leave mid-July and return in September. The location is a secret, so do not expect me to tell you."

Charlotte squealed and threw her arms around his neck, prompting their family to laugh. She didn't mind because she was too happy to care what anyone thought about her reaction. She would even kiss her husband, but she didn't want to shock her parents. She could do that later when they were alone, and he was all hers. She couldn't wait.