Chapter Twelve: Becoming His Wife
In a few days, Charlotte Heywood would become Mrs. Alexander Colbourne. She would become a wife with all the duties and privileges that came with it.
Today, she would spend time with Lady Susan, Georgiana, and Mary. The ladies were gathering for tea at Lady Susan's house this morning.
Mary knocked on her bedroom door and asked if she was ready to go, and the two ladies made their way to Lady Susan's apartment.
The ladies all settled in with a steaming cup of tea and a delicious cake made of apricots and dates since they were all honoring the sugar boycott.
There was talk of the wedding plans and everyone who was coming to see the happy couple marry. Charlotte's family would arrive the day before the wedding.
Mary had heard from Tom that the shopkeepers in Sanditon were thrilled to have so much business from Mr. Colbourne. He had hired gardeners, florists, carpenters, and additional house staff for the wedding celebration.
Lady Susan and the other ladies had gifts for Charlotte, and the maid brought several gaily wrapped packages to the room and set them before Charlotte.
The ladies encouraged her to open the boxes, so she picked up the first one and lifted off the lid. Inside, she found a beautiful peignoir and robe set made of a soft blue silk.
Georgiana said, "It is a gift from me, although I am sure your Alexander needs no such encouragement."
Lady Susan said, "From the way he looks at you, I should say not, my dear girl."
Charlotte blushed.
Mary said, "Really Lady Susan! We must not speak of such things!"
Georgiana and Charlotte giggled.
"Mary, our Charlotte is a farm girl and wise to the ways of the world. We must not shy away from the realities of marriage, and especially the pleasurable ones."
Lady Susan served the ladies more tea as Charlotte opened gifts containing silk stockings, new undergarments, and the accouterments of Regency dressing for a lady. She had never owned such fine things, and she thanked the ladies profusely.
It was a lovely morning, and despite a few embarrassing moments, Charlotte had a wonderful time.
On the way home, Mary and Charlotte stopped in at the modiste to make sure Madame Delacroix had the finishing touches on the wedding gown well in hand. She promised to have the gown and all the necessary undergarments for it delivered to Trafalgar House that afternoon.
The additional gowns that had been made had already been delivered to Heyrick Park.
Alexander came to Sanditon for a few hours each day to take care of details for the wedding and to spend time with his beloved. This past week, Charlotte had not been to Heyrick Park because Alexander wanted to surprise her with the transformation of the house and grounds. She would see it all the day before their wedding.
They had the drawing room to themselves, and Alexander took Charlotte in his arms.
"I can barely wait until we are no longer living apart from one another. I find myself wanting to tell you things all day long, and when I do see you, I do not want to talk. I want to hold you as I am now and kiss you senseless."
Charlotte said, "We have to be patient only a few more days, but I do know what you mean. I am missing you, too."
After a few hours, Alexander reluctantly left her, consoled only by the fact that in just two days, he would never again have to be parted from her.
The following day, Charlotte and the Parkers arrived at Heyrick Park along with the Heywoods, the Frasers, and Samuel Colbourne. After Charlotte's family and Alexander's brother got settled in their rooms, they all had lunch in the gardens. Charlotte noticed many changes to the grounds, including a new rose garden and a large gazebo. She would have to ask Alexander to show her all the changes he had made to the grounds later.
After lunch, the Heywood and Parker children, as well as Augusta and Leo, went exploring around the grounds. Laughter and the sound of happy voices could be heard as the younger ones had an enjoyable time getting to know one another.
Alexander, Samuel, Charlotte, Charlotte's parents, the Parkers, and the Frasers all sat down together to visit. Samuel was a pleasant man, and quite handsome. Charlotte thought he and Georgiana might be a good match.
Later that afternoon, Georgiana, and Lady Susan joined them, and everyone made their way to the beach. There were awnings set up and torches ready to be lit when the sun went down. The younger ones played cricket and took walks along the beach. When the sun was setting, a bonfire was lit, and light supper was served. When the little ones started to get tired, they all went back to Heyrick Park.
Alexander and Charlotte did not get a moment alone together all day. Mary noticed the looks of longing that passed between them, and said, "Alexander, would you like to see Charlotte home tonight?"
"Yes, I most certainly would."
After everyone else had departed, Alexander helped Charlotte into the carriage. He pulled her into his arms the minute he got into the carriage.
"I have enjoyed the day, but I have missed having you to myself."
Charlotte answered him by pulling his head down for more kisses, and the rest of the ride back to town was spent in each other's arms.
At Heyrick Park, the Heywoods got their children into bed before they made their way to their own bed for the night. Alison and Declan had helped get the younger ones in bed as well. Alison was now four months pregnant, and she tired easily. She and Declan settled in their own room and talked for a while about their own wedding.
Leo and Augusta were fast asleep when Alexander went to check on them after returning from town. The twins, Caroline and Catherine, were sleeping in Leo's room with her.
When he got back downstairs, he and Samuel talked until late. They spoke about how Heyrick Park had never been a home, but now, it had been transformed. Samuel was glad for his brother to have moved on with his life, and to have found such happiness.
The two brothers said goodnight and went to bed themselves.
Alexander closed the door to their bedroom, and Yes it was theirs. Charlotte's clothes were in the wardrobe and the bureau was filled with all her undergarments and nightgowns. The dressing table was ready for her to use.
Tomorrow morning, when he awoke, the wait to make her his wife would be over. Tomorrow night, after everyone had gone home, he and Charlotte would become man and wife in every way in this room.
He got into bed and closed his eyes to rest. He ran his hand across her side of the bed and smiled to himself. Tomorrow night, she would be there, and he would be able to hold her in his arms.
He closed his eyes, and whispered to his darling girl, "Until tomorrow, my love."
The next morning, at the Parker House, Georgiana and Lady Susan had arrived to help Mary get Charlotte dressed for the wedding. The ladies laughed and teased Charlotte as they got her dressed. Charlotte's wedding gown was exquisite, and she looked beautiful in it. Mary did Charlotte's hair in a loose updo with tendrils framing her face.
Mary gave Charlotte two jewelry boxes and said they were from Alexander. Inside, there were exquisite pearl earrings and a matching necklace. Mary clasped the necklace around Charlotte's neck and Charlotte added the earrings. When she looked at her reflection in the mirror, Charlotte hardly recognized herself. Today, she would become the wife of a man she loved with her whole heart.
Alexander had sent her a beautiful bouquet of pink roses, white and yellow gladiolus, and blue cornflowers as her wedding bouquet.
He had included a note with the bouquet,
My love, each flower in this bouquet has a special meaning to us. The cornflowers represent the day of the picnic with the girls, and the day I began to hope for a different life, the pink roses represent my love for you, and I do love you so very much, and the gladiolus represent my hope for a long and happy marriage with you. Until I see you at the church, Alexander
His gift moved Charlotte with its thoughtfulness, and she realized that her Alexander was a romantic man.
Charlotte's parents and her sister Alison arrived at the Parkers. The other ladies excused themselves to give them a moment of privacy.
Her father said, "You are such a beautiful bride, Charlotte. I will be proud to walk you down the aisle to Mr. Colbourne knowing that you are marrying the man you love."
"Thank you, Father."
Alison wished her every happiness as she had found with Declan.
Mrs. Heywood said, "You made me a mother, Charlotte, and you hold such a special place in my heart. I am glad our determined girl made the choice that was right for her heart. You are positively glowing with happiness, my dear."
"Now, we just need to place your veil. I wore this on my own wedding day of course, and as with both you and Alison, I married the man I loved."
Her mother and Alison placed the lace veil on Charlotte's head, and Charlotte felt tears well up in her eyes.
"I love you all so much."
Mr. Heywood held out his arm, and said, "Your carriage awaits you, as does your groom."
The church has been decorated with flowers by the Heywood children under the supervision of Declan and the older Heywood brothers. The guests had all arrived, including Lady Denham and several members of the church.
Reverend Hankins and Miss Hankins were already in their places. Miss Hankins would play the traditional wedding march as Charlotte walked down the aisle. Reverend Hankins would perform the ceremony, as he had for Alison and Declan's wedding.
Alexander stood at the front of the church, and waited for Charlotte.
When the music cued the father of the bride to escort his daughter down the aisle, the guests all stood to watch the bride make her way to her groom.
She was a beautiful bride in silk cream gown, and Alexander was a exceedingly handsome groom in his wedding attire.
Charlotte never took her eyes from Alexander's.
When her father handed her hand into Alexander's, she looked at the man she was about to marry and smiled.
He smiled back at her, and they turned their attention to Reverend Hankins. In a heartfelt ceremony, Charlotte and Alexander became Mr. and Mrs. Colbourne.
When Reverend Hankins pronounced them man and wife, Alexander lifted Charlotte's veil and kissed his wife.
After the wedding, everyone went to Heyrick Park for the celebration.
There was croquet set up on the lawn, and an area set up for cricket. Alexander had a temporary dance floor laid out on the lawn and there were tables upon tables of food for everyone to enjoy.
The sugar boycott in town had taken hold, so the bakers in Sanditon had begun baking with local honey instead of sugar cane. The cake for the occasion was a sponge cake with layers of whipped cream garnished strawberries and blackberries.
The musicians played for hours, and even the younger ones joined in the dancing. Alexander danced with both Augusta and Leo, and Charlotte danced with her brothers and her father, as well as her new brother-in-law. Mostly, Alexander and Charlotte danced with each other.
She noticed that Samuel danced with Georgiana, Miss Hankins, and Lady Susan. He even asked Lady Denham to dance, but she declined.
The Heywoods needed to leave for Willingden around 4:00, so the cake was cut, and everyone was served a slice. The final toasts were made, and the guests began taking their leave.
Leo was going home with the Heywoods for three weeks, and it was the first time she would be away from her father for more than a day.
She clung to him when she hugged him goodbye, and said, "I will miss you, Father."
"I will miss you, too, Leo. You will have such a good time with Charlotte's family, and the time will pass quickly."
Charlotte hugged her family goodbye and she said to Leo, "We are family now, my dear Leo. I will see you soon."
Lady Susan was going to Bath for a few weeks, and Augusta was going with her. Augusta would join her Aunt Markham there for several weeks.
Augusta hugged Charlotte and said, "I hope that on my wedding day, I am as happy as you are."
Charlotte looked up at her husband, and then back at Augusta, and said, "Marry the man you love with all of your heart, and you will be."
Lady Denham found that she did not have a single sarcastic remark to make. The whole event had been tastefully done. That Heywood girl had finally come to her senses and married well.
Georgiana and Arthur decided to walk back to town, and the Parkers left in their carriage.
Samuel was the last to leave, and he hugged his new sister-in-law. Then, he shook Alexander's hand.
"Well-done, brother, and I wish you both every happiness."
Mrs. Wheatley told them that she had prepared a light supper for them, and Alexander asked that it be served in the garden in an hour.
He and Charlotte took a short walk around the property, and he showed her all the changes he had made.
When they returned to the house, they had a light supper in the garden, but both were too nervous to eat much.
Finally, they went into the house, and Charlotte's maid followed her up to the master bedroom to prepare Charlotte for bed.
Alexander waited downstairs, and checked his watch many times. It had been a half hour since Charlotte had gone upstairs, and he wondered what was taking so long. Finally, he saw Charlotte's maid as she came down the stairs, and he knew it was time.
He knocked on the door of their room, and Charlotte told him to come in.
She was standing near the window in a robe and peignoir that left little to the imagination. She was utterly beautiful, and Alexander could not make his feet move to go to her. This woman, this magnificent woman was his wife, and he felt overcome with it all.
Charlotte smiled at him, and walked over to him.
He held out his arms to her and she snuggled close to him.
"Charlotte, I do not have the words to tell you how happy you have made me."
"I am happy too, my love."
Alexander took her face in his hands, and he kissed her with all the love he felt for her. There was no holding anything back this time.
He felt her warm skin beneath the silk of her peignoir, and for the first time, he felt her body without her corset. He allowed his hands to roam over her body.
"You are so very beautiful, my love."
Charlotte smiled at him, and said, "And you are overdressed, my dear. Will you let me see my husband?"
Alexander never took his eyes from her as he divested himself of his cravat, coat, vest, and shirt.
Charlotte tentatively ran her hands over his chest. Alexander closed his eyes and held his breath. Her touch was like a match to tinder, and he felt his desire for her burning out of control.
Alexander picked up his bride, and he laid her gently on their bed. In the language of lovers, they spoke their love for each other with kisses and caresses, and in their bed, Charlotte became a wife in every way.
Afterwards, they lay in each other's arms and talked about their wedding day and how wonderful it had all been. They made love again and again, and finally fell asleep.
In the morning, Alexander woke up first. She was really here, in their room, in their bed. They had been intimate, and it had far exceeded his expectations. She was both shy and bold at times, and he had never known such joy as a man.
She was still sleeping, and he pulled her closer. It was his privilege now to wake up with her in his arms every morning. She snuggled closer, and he kissed her.
In a sleepy voice, she murmured, "Good morning, my husband."
"Good morning, wife. Did you sleep well?"
"Hmmm...I do not recall sleeping much, Sir."
He laughed, and he said, "I can leave you alone, if that is what you wish."
Charlotte's answer was to cover his chest with kisses.
Much later, they finally got out of bed. Alexander went downstairs to order baths for them both, and for breakfast to be delivered to their room.
Over breakfast, Alexander told Charlotte they were going on a wedding trip to Greece and Italy.
Charlotte was surprised. She had never been out of England, and the thought of going to places she had only read about in books was exciting to her.
They would leave for London that afternoon and return in three weeks.
They made memories on their wedding trip they would treasure for the rest of their lives. They saw the ancient ruins of Mount Olympus in Greece and swam in the crystal blue waters of Aegean Sea. They took day trips on a sailboat to see the islands of Santorini and Mykonos. They made love under the stars in the secluded balcony of their room and discovered new ways of pleasing each other.
In Italy, they went to Rome and saw the Vatican. They visited many historical sites and museums. They also traveled to Venice and spent three days exploring the city.
Nights were always spent in each other's arms. Charlotte had grown more confident in her ability to please Alexander, much to his delight. In his most vivid dreams, he could not have imagined an experience so beautiful as their lovemaking.
All too soon, their wedding trip came to an end, and they left for England.
When the couple arrived back at Heyrick Park, Mrs. Wheatley could see that the couple was happy.
They presented her with some Italian chocolates, and she was pleased that they had thought of her.
The trip back to England had been a long one, and both Charlotte and Alexander were tired. After having an early dinner, the couple retired to their room. Tomorrow, they would take the carriage to Willingden to get Leo, and Augusta would return from Bath in a few weeks.
Tonight, the house was theirs, and Alexander intended to welcome his wife home in the best way he knew how. After they made love, Charlotte fell asleep.
Alexander reflected on the emptiness he had known before Charlotte, and how full his life was now. He gathered his wife in his arms, and he held her close. She was the dearest person in this world to him, and just when he thought he could not love her more, he discovered that he could.
Home was in her arms, and he never wanted to be away from her again. He was a very blessed man. He was married to the woman he loved, and he had Leo as well as Augusta to be a father to. His heart was full. He kissed his wife's cheek and whispered to her, "Until all our tomorrows, my love."
He closed his eyes and fell asleep.