CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE:
Charity ordered ices for herself and Lady Waite and then attempted to calm her mother’s nerves while waiting for the group to come. The servant had returned a quarter of an hour ago, and each minute seemed to be torture for Lady Waite.
She leaned over and placed her hand over her mother’s tapping fingers. “Mama, all is well. You will see. I believe we intervened in time. They are both alive and are coming to see us as we speak.”
“I hope so! But why must Lady Atten join us? Why was she there with your father? What is the meaning of this?” She took a large spoonful of her lemon ice. “Clearly, I am agitated.”
Charity bit her bottom lip in worry. Why was Lady Atten attending their gathering? Was this the end of it all? Would they learn the truth they had all suspected, that her father loved Lady Atten? What if her father went to Everett’s home to visit her instead of Lord Atten? “Mother, I promise you, there is no need to worry.”
“Yes, but I cannot help it.” Lady Waite looked out the large windowpane next to them and scanned the streets.
Charity’s ice was melting as she swirled her spoon around in her full glass. It was too early in the morning to attempt to eat something so sweet, and her stomach was so greatly tied up in knots, she could not even comprehend tasting the stuff. “I should have ordered tea,” she mumbled.
“He is here! And he comes alone.” Lady Waite stood up when Lord Waite came into the small store. “Herbert! Over here.” She waved her arm.
Charity gasped as she saw her father. Indeed, he looked as though he had aged a decade. He hobbled into the store, leaning heavily on his cane. As he removed his hat, his usually immaculate full head of hair seemed to go every which way.
His gaze locked with her mother’s, and he did not speak a word as he walked up to their table. Lady Waite took a small step back when he ignored an empty seat and made his way directly to her. Charity watched in awe as her father’s face changed from a man who looked defeated to one who appeared suddenly renewed. His eyes never left her mother’s face.
Lady Waite gasped. “Herbert? Are you well?”
“I have never felt better in my whole existence.” Lord Waite then wrapped one arm around her and kissed Lady Waite quite passionately right there in the middle of Gunter’s.
“Oh, Herbert!” that lady exclaimed as he pulled away. Her pinked cheeks and sparkling eyes made her look a girl twenty years her junior.
“Forgive me, Winifred, but I fear I have neglected to express my true feelings for you far too long.”
“Whatever do you mean?”
“My dear.” His face softened, and a smile tugged upward. “You . . . I . . . we . . . I fear I am hopeless at this type of thing.”
She tucked her head into his chest and wrapped her arms around his back. “You do not have to say another word. It is all especially romantic at the moment.”
“Is it? Is this romance? Claiming love in front of a room full of people?”
“Are you claiming love, my dear?” Lady Waite looked up at him.
“I have loved no one but you since we met. Your heart has captured mine, and you brought such joy to my heartless soul, joy I never imagined I would get back. Without you, I would not be the man I have become. My only regret is that I am only just now mentioning it. I always assumed you knew how I felt. Indeed, I fear I have been a fool of a husband.”
“Herbert, do not say such things about yourself! You are never foolish, dearest. You are the most wonderful man who has ever been and ever will be.”
“Do you really feel that way?”
“Oh, yes! And I always have.” She closed her eyes and tucked her head to his chest again. “Though. do you truly feel that way about me?”
He glanced around the room and then whispered, “Darling, when we are alone, I will prove to you how much I love you. And how much my ornery heart beats for you and for you only.”
“Oh, Herbert! I have waited ages to hear you say that.”
“Forgive me. I did not realize I hadn’t.”
She gave a shaky breath and then melted into him.
There was a twittering of whispers that went around the room, but Charity doubted her parents noticed. In fact, she was certain they had completely forgotten she was there. And surprisingly, that notion made her unbelievably happy. Charity smiled and then quite unexpectedly began to cry. She sniffed into her napkin and dabbed at her eyes. What a different outcome the day had already! All this anxiousness for nothing. He loved her! Her father loved her mother. And he always had.
Charity was so caught up in her parents’ happiness, she jolted when Everett slid into the seat next to her.
“Now, that is a sight worth seeing,” he exclaimed as he grinned at her.
“How long have you been here?”
“Well, just now. I decided to let your father have a bit of time to rectify his neglectfulness.” He peered into her glass of melted ice. “Have you not eaten any of it, then?”
She laughed. “This early? I would not dare.”
He smiled, and then his eyes grew serious. “Are you well? You look as though you have had a horrendous morning.”
Charity glanced back over at her parents, who were still talking softly to each other. She shook her head. “I was distraught earlier, yes. But things seem to have improved greatly in the last ten minutes or so.”
“And what worried you?” he asked, his features still showing concern.
She looked away. “I . . . well, I was afraid Father would challenge you to a duel. And something terrible would happen.”
He gave a slight grin. “The thought of that distressed you?”
“’Tis not something to laugh about. My father is incredible with swords and pistols. I could not bear to think of you facing him and then… Oh, why do you have to irritate me so with your grinning?”
“Because, dearest,” he said as he gathered her hands into his, “as you can see, no duel came about, and it certainly would not have anyway.”
“How can you be so confident? You have no idea how he can be when he gets in one of his rages.”
“On the contrary, I believe I do know exactly what he is like—especially to a sop he despises.”
“Was it so very bad?”
“The worst.” He squeezed her hands. “And for your information, your father did challenge me to a duel. But—”
“What? Father!” Charity gave a short shriek, causing most of the patrons in the shop to look over. “You cannot fight him. I will not allow it! How dare you challenge the man I love to a duel! Whatever were you thinking?” She stood up, her fists balling.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX:
Charity loved him! And she admitted it to all the people at Gunter’s as well.
Everett quickly stood up behind her and placed his hands upon Charity’s heaving shoulders to attempt to appease her sensibilities and reassure her no one would be dueling. He caught Lord Waite’s amused grin and right before he was to speak, she continued on.
“This is nothing to be smirking about!” She shrugged his hands off her shoulders and raised a finger to her father. “I vow that you and he will not be facing each other at dawn. It is preposterous to believe that the world must revolve around the puffed-up egos of men!”
“Charity!” Her mother gasped. “Have some decorum, my girl. And remember who you are speaking to so publicly.”
Charity glanced at the patrons and then shook her head. “This is where decorum has gotten us thus far. If you cannot see how the life of someone is more important than pride, then I will just—just have to do something about it!”
Everett’s heart swelled at the aplomb of such a woman. He had no notion what it was like to be so loved, but if this was what he had to look forward to, he would be the happiest man indeed.
“And what do you propose?” Lord Waite looked cunningly at her.
“I—uh, no matter what else, I promise you that Lord Atten will not be seeing you at dawn.”
&
nbsp; “And how are you to stop him?”
“Well—we, I—” She looked back at Everett, her eyes full of worry.
He opened his mouth to attempt to reassure her again when he caught the fire in her gaze. She was trying to convey an extremely important message. “What is it, dearest?”
Her chest heaved as she spun around and faced her parents. “I will simply have to take him to Greta Green and elope!”
“Elope?” Lady Waite’s eyes were huge. “Young lady!”
The crowd of people around them burst into a flurry of whispered activity.
Everett was absolutely dazed, and it would appear Lord Waite was as well. “Charity,” Everett said as he placed his hands upon her shoulders from behind again. This time, she encased them with her much smaller ones. Everything about the woman was endearing, wildly enchanting. “You do not have to—”
“Oh, I most certainly do! I will not risk your life over the notions of my father.” She turned toward him and tugged upon his hand. “Come, Everett, you will not be here at dawn. We are going to get married.”
Lord Atten was completely at a loss of what to do. “No, sweetie, you misunderstand.”
She paused, and a slight frown worried her lips. “You do not want to run away with me?”
It was not until that moment that he discovered that she was indeed serious, and he could not imagine a moment without her in his life. “That is certainly not what I meant at all.”
Lord Waite gave a nod of his head behind her and winked at Everett. “Charity, it would be very dishonorable if the Earl of Cheswick did not appear after I had challenged him. What would society say?”
Her gaze stayed focused on Everett. “Society can be hanged! I am sick to death of tiptoeing around convention and honor and pride. If we are all going to be miserable doing so, then why do it?” She turned to the crowd. “Let it be known here and now. My beloved fiancé, Lord Everett Atten, the Earl of Cheswick, would have easily stood up with my father. However, he had even more pressing matters to attend to.”
Lord Waite gave a fairly good impression of being crestfallen. “I would have to withdraw if he has no plans to show.”
When Charity turned toward Everett, Lord Waite gestured to Everett once more to leave the shop with his daughter.
“Are—are you certain this is what you wish to do?” Everett asked her.
She smiled a startling smile. “To save you? Of course it is. Now, let us hurry.” She clung to one hand as she pulled him through the multitude of people who stared agape at them as they rushed past.
“But Charity, dear,” her mother called, “what about your gown? What shall you wear?”
“I will figure that out once we get there. Goodbye, Mama. Goodbye, Papa!” She pulled Everett past what seemed like scores of murmuring gossips.
Bemused, Everett followed her to the door and called out, “Please forgive me. As my knight in shining armor has already implied, I have important matters to attend to.”
“Godspeed, my son.” Lord Waite chuckled. “And take good care of her, or I won’t wait to meet you with pistols. You’ll be hanged, drawn, and quartered, as of old!”
Everett clasped the doorframe as Charity tugged him out the door and grinned. “Duly noted,” he replied before ducking his head and walking into the unusually bright London sunshine.
Charity paused on the pavement and then grinned. “I had not thought this through. I didn’t bring my own carriage.”
He laughed. “Of course not. How would you have known?”
“I—” Her face turned a delightful shade of pink.
“You are incredibly beautiful when you blush.”
“Lord Atten!”
He pulled her toward him, and a young man nearly tumbled as he gawked while walking past. “Yes?” Everett asked. “Is that not what a betrothed says to his beloved?”
“I have no idea what would be said. All I truly understand is that when you look at me with that particular grin on your face, I cannot tell if I am even breathing.”
“And what grin is that?” A few ladies halted, their expressions priceless as Everett reached up and tucked a loose tendril of Charity’s hair behind her ear.
“The one that makes me forget where I am and wishes I could kiss you.”
There was a round of outrageous gasps from the onlookers, but Everett paid them no heed. ‘Twas not every morning the dearest of females managed to outwit her own father and attempt to save Lord Atten’s life once again.
“My dear.” He chuckled. “’Tis a good thing you sorted all this out and we are getting married now because life was sure going to be interesting if you did not.”
“Oh?” She looked coyly up at him and then suddenly frowned. “What did Papa come to see you about?”
Everett shook his head and pulled back. “Come, let us get you up in my carriage, and then we shall discuss everything.” He walked them over to where he had parked his team and then threw a coin at the young lad who was holding his pair.
“Whoa!” the tyke exclaimed as he looked down. “Thank you, my lord!” He tipped his hat and then ran enthusiastically down the street.
Charity laughed. “Whatever did you give him?”
Bemused, Everett shook his head and pulled the coins out of his pocket. “Well, looks like I gave the little blighter a full pound. Promised him a shilling to watch the pair. No wonder he pounced on it and ran.”
Charity wrapped an arm around him, her chortles gaily echoing down the busy street. Truly, he’d never heard a more beautiful sound.
“With such a generous husband, I believe life will always be adventurous.”
“You only laugh because it was not your pound I gave away.”
She swatted his arm playfully. “Oh, bosh! You know full well that I would have happily given away twice as much to see his excitement.”
He kissed her then, right on her perfect cherry-red lips, in the bright sunshine. There was only so much gossip one could create without it becoming a tad boring anyway. Her eyes sparkled and her cheeks flushed when he pulled away.
“Why did you stop?” the minx asked.
“Why? Ha!” He grinned and tossed her into his carriage. “Because you and I are not married yet.”
“Yes, but we are engaged now, and so we are allowed to enjoy a kiss or two.” Her pretty face smirked down at him.
“Look how much trouble that last kiss got me! Besides, are you saying you have not enjoyed any kisses until this moment?” he asked as he climbed up next to her.
“You know very well I have.”
It was then that he noticed his heart was beating unbelievably fast. He could scarce find his breath to keep up with it. “How did this glorious day happen?”
She let out a small gasp, almost like a sob. “I have no notion, honestly. Last night, I was dreaming how wonderful it was to actually get to know you. Then this morning, I feared the worst. And now…” She glanced away.
“And now?” He studied her beautiful profile, watching a small breeze lift the tendrils of hair away from her face. When she did not answer straight away, he continued, “And now you wonder what tangle of a web you’ve got yourself in.”
“Not exactly. I am merely marveling at how for weeks, we have lived in such high agitation and stolen moments, and now it is over. Just like that. Poof. We are finally allowed to be together.”
“That’s what happens, sweetling, when you take charge of your own destiny.” He gently turned her chin toward him so he could gaze into her eyes. “And are you fully certain this is the future you desire? You do not have to accept any of it. Even if you have the smallest inkling of a doubt, we can just as easily end this all.”
“It is not you I doubt. It is me.” She smoothed her skirts and then looked out of the carriage to see the small crowd of onlookers they had created. “Could we perhaps speak somewhere privately?”
“Of course! Forgive me for being such a dolt. Let us escape this place and all the attention.” He flicked the
reins, and the horses jerked forward. Within a matter of moments, they were clipping along at a brisk pace, heading far away from the chaos of the city and down a small private lane.
After they reach the end of Lord Bellingham’s drive, he pulled over. “Here, there is no one to bother us. I know for a fact Lord Bellingham and his family are gone at the moment.” He clasped one of Charity’s hands. “What is it that you are worried about?”
She took a deep breath. “I wish I was more ladylike and less prone to mock and say such horrid things to you. And now I have attached myself to you in such a hoydenish way. You must be heartily sick of me.”
“What is the meaning of this? Have you said something horrid to me? All I know is that you have told me many times that you and I will never be together—do you mean that horridness?”
“Everett! Goodness.” She gave out a small burst of laughter. “No. I mean my sometimes brash manners. Do you not find me especially irksome at times?”
Suddenly, he felt as though he was treading on dangerous ground without understanding how he got there. “Darling, I do not believe I have ever associated that word with you. Now, what in the devil are you getting at? For I fear I am at a loss for how to answer any of this.”
“Are you not upset that I am—well, so forward at times?” She blinked. “No, perhaps that is the wrong word. I did not mean forward exactly.” She sighed. “Well, what I am attempting very terribly to convey . . . is it hard for you to find yourself saved by me? Would you rather have a much meeker wife who stepped back and allowed you to be the strong one?”
If Atten had been drinking, he would have surely choked at that moment. “I have never felt you to be stronger than me. I believe that we are equals.”
“Yes, precisely! Do you not wish to be the greater of us?”
“What is this nonsense, my dear?” He felt even more confused.
“You are the man. I am the woman. But as you can see, I tend to overstep often and play your part.”
And then finally those words made sense, and a small bit of Lord Atten’s heart fell. What type of sweet woman as she would wish to become less of herself at any moment? He wrapped her up into his arms and kissed the top of her head and then whispered, “Miss Charity Waite, I cannot speak for other men, but I have looked the world over to find a woman who knows her worth, her own heart, and is brave enough to use both. I have always wanted an equal partner. In a sea of simpering misses, you instantly proved yourself worthy of a keen intelligence and exceptional wit, with quite a smattering of surprising gumption and humor. What gentleman in his right mind would dare walk away from such a find? It is why in the midst of us attempting to remove ourselves, I would find myself wishing for nothing more than the opposite.”