Arthur had been waiting for this day for a very long time. The proscenium arch – the space which framed the actors on stage – was going up today in his Theatre Royal, and he was nearly shaking with anticipation.

At one shilling for the gallery, three shillings for a seat in the pit, and seven shillings for a private box, Arthur knew that it would be some time before the Royal began to turn a profit, but they were well on their way. Tom's fearlessness, and no small amount of luck in the card game with Lennox, had brought in enough money to pay debts to the shopkeepers with a sufficient amount left over to begin construction.

Arthur had spent quite a lot of time on Lady Denham's doorstep, and had finally succeeded in convincing her to purchase an entire private box for the first season of performances. This was done by showing her, in plans and drawings, that she would, for all intents and purposes, be nearly on the stage herself, and would be fully visible from anywhere in the audience for the entire play.

Never underestimate the power of flattery, Arthur thought. Although he disliked disingenuous people and insincerity in all its forms, he had to admit that when forced, he was really quite good at it.

For the first season, Arthur had planned Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice and Holcroft's A Tale of Mystery. Then, as the pièce de résistance, he planned to mount a production of A Midsummer Night's Dream as the finale to the season. In between, the Royal would be used for Sanditon Town Meetings and various other public events. To Arthur's mind, this marked the transition of the town to a place of culture and a true destination for the smart people of London. To Tom, it felt like a monumental expense, but one that had great potential, and he was already extolling the praises of the Royal to everyone he encountered. Arthur felt that, while Tom was talking of the salubrious effect the salt water and sea air would have on visitors' bodies, Arthur was caring for their minds and their souls.

"Careful!" Arthur called out as the proscenium arch began to rise up, held by a series of ropes and pulleys being wielded by a dozen strong men. The arch itself was inspired by the one at the Drury Lane Theatre, which was not coincidentally also called the Theatre Royal, and painted with lively scenes and ornate patterns, and hung with velvet curtains.

"Do not scratch the surface! Take care!" Arthur said. He watched in wonder until the great arch was put in place and secured. He was not ashamed that he had tears in his eyes – for he believed strongly that being moved by great beauty was never a cause for apology.

"It is now a theatre," he whispered, heard only by himself.

"Mr. Parker," a female voice spoke behind him. Arthur did not want to tear his eyes away from the majesty in front of him, but when his name was spoken again, he sighed and turned. It was Rosie, Georgiana's lady's maid, and she looked distressed.

"Rosie, is Miss Lambe quite well?" Arthur asked quickly.

"Yes, sir, she wanted me to give this to you," Rosie said, with a short curtsey. She held out an envelope with no address, and Arthur took it.

"Does she want a reply?" Arthur asked.

"Miss Lambe didn't say, sir," Rosie said.

"Alright, then, if I need to reply, I will visit," Arthur said. "Thank you." He turned again toward the stage and said, "It is quite beautiful, is it not, Rosie?"

Looking at the stage and the magnificent arch, Rosie was awe-struck. "It's quite grand, Mr. Parker! Quite the grandest thing I've ever seen!"

Arthur pointed to the gallery behind them, "Only a shilling, Rosie, and from up there you can see the greatest works of William Shakespeare himself! You mark my word, it will change your life!"

Rosie was unsure what to say to that, but she looked back at Arthur, wide-eyed. "Well, then, Mr. Parker, I shall look forward to that!" She made another curtsey, and walked backwards up the aisle, shaking her head at the grandeur of the entire building.

Arthur sat down in one of the seats and opened the envelope. It had clearly been written quickly by Georgiana, without any flourishes.

Dearest Arthur,

You must tell no one about this, but I need your counsel. I have had a visitor who claims to have information about my mother and father, and he has asked me to be "grateful" to the tune of £10,000. A large sum of money, to be sure, but as you know, one I can easily afford. I am being watched. Please come tomorrow and call on me in your usual manner so as to arouse no suspicion and I will tell you all.

Your Georgiana

Arthur read the note again, and then folded it into his waistcoat pocket. He found himself peering around the theatre and behind him, but there seemed to be nothing amiss. His curiosity was piqued so completely that he wondered how he could be expected to wait until tomorrow.

And it seemed very appropriate that he was sitting in his new Theatre pondering what type of drama was about to unfold.

"Georgiana was so excited that we would have time together, and now I spend all my time here with you," Charlotte said, sighing. "But I will admit I do not wish to be away from you for very long."

Alexander stood with her in the front hall, as she leaned up against the wall next to the door. It was rapidly becoming one of their favorite spots, although it usually meant they were saying goodbye to each other. The maids, and Worthing, Alexander's butler, had come upon them in this position enough times, making quiet and hasty exits, that now they ceased to come here at all when Miss Heywood was in the house.

Alexander dipped his head and nuzzled her neck. "Georgiana gets you for the entire night, while I wander the halls of this great house looking tragically out of windows, so forgive me if I do not feel enough sympathy for her."

Charlotte smiled, closing her eyes and trying very hard to concentrate. "Have you thought about when you want to tell the girls our news?"

Alexander looked up and waited for her to open her eyes. "Now? They are upstairs…"

Charlotte tilted her head at him as she did when she was in what he called her teacher posture, and said, "Tell me what you think will be their first questions?"

After pondering that for a moment, he nodded and said, "Ah… When will the wedding be?" He frowned slightly. "Where will the wedding be? Will we be in the wedding? Will we all live here? Shall we now call Miss Heywood Mother?"

Laughing, Charlotte said, "I had thought of most of those, but not the last one!"

"I take your point," Alexander said, nodding. "I suppose we do have some important decisions to make."

Nodding, Charlotte said, "We do."

"Do you have to go this moment?"Alexander asked.

"No…" Charlotte said, slowly. "I just feel remorse about never being there with Georgiana…"

Alexander took her hand and led her into the drawing room. "I refer you to my earlier statement regarding her possession of you all evening and night…" He closed the door to the drawing room behind him, and then, before she knew it, Charlotte found herself sitting with him on the very same couch where they had first kissed.

She took a long, deep breath. "Oh, I do love this couch," she said, softly. "I was so nervous that night, and I wanted so much for you to kiss me."

Alexander moved closer to her. "It would have been infinitely easier if I had known that at the time. I had no idea if I would be slapped or kissed, but I was willing to risk the worst." He smiled. "In truth, the word risk implies that I could control it. It was a need…"

Charlotte leaned closer, and began moving slowly, just as he had that night. "You were inching toward me, and I was afraid if I moved at all, I would frighten you, or make you think twice about what you were doing…"

Alexander stayed perfectly still, just as she had that night, and waited until her lips were almost on his, but finally, it was too much for him, and his hand went to her neck as he pulled her gently into a kiss. The memories they were both having made this kiss even more meaningful, as they moved closer, in wonder at how far they had come and how many mountains they had scaled, together and apart.

Charlotte could not help but think that if someone had told her then where she would be now, with both of them not only deeply in love but engaged to be married, she would not have believed them. Alexander had still been such a puzzle to her then, a riddle that she felt she could not solve, even as she was inexorably attracted to him. Now he felt like an open book in so many ways, and even when things were difficult for him to talk about, he would open his heart to her and allow her to see his pain. That night was the beginning of his trust.

For Alexander, the dream of this moment was something he had not even been able to envision on that night. All he knew was that Charlotte had drawn him in and he loved her. He had believed he was only allowed to love her from afar – but when she had not only accepted, but returned his kiss, he began to imagine a possibility beyond his longing for her.

As if to remind them of the task at hand, the clock chimed the four o'clock hour, and they both laughed softly. Charlotte gave him a stern look and pushed herself backward on the couch with an outstretched arm.

"Decisions," she said softly, "We came in here to make decisions."

Alexander took a deep breath and settled against the arm of the couch. "It seems we have already done things last to first. I never asked your father for your hand, and already you are wearing my mother's ring." He couldn't keep himself from taking her hand and holding it up to the light from the windows. His eyes softened. "It looks as if it was made for you." Then he kissed it and said, "Is there any chance your father will say no?"

Charlotte smiled and shook her head, "I cannot imagine it. Father wants my happiness. Once he sees how very contented I am, he will readily consent. So then the question is, how soon can the four of us travel to Willingden so that our families can meet?"

"Would Thursday be too soon? We could stay until Saturday?"

"I'll write to them straight away when I get home," Charlotte said. For a moment, she was silent, and the small frown reappeared. Alexander simply gazed at her – he had found that letting her sit for a time, before he intruded, allowed her to work through her thoughts – so he waited until she was ready.

Finally, she spoke. "Alison has just had her wedding in Willingden, and I find I do not simply want to repeat that experience, lovely as it was." She looked deeply into Alexander's eyes. "What would you think about having the wedding here, on the grounds of Heyrick Park?"

A smile quickly blossomed on Alexander's face, and he said, "Nothing would make me happier." Now the pictures were starting in his head, "We could use the field out by the pond where we were today. I can have the groundsmen cut back the overgrowth to make a seating area, and they could construct a simple arbor under which we could say our vows. There is plenty of room for carriages out there, and a clear road from the main drive. Then we could all come back to the house for dinner and dancing? It would have a sort of country elegance." He took her hands in his and moved closer. "And it would feel like us, Charlotte. Who we are together."

She threw her arms around him. "Perfection! Oh, Alexander, you understood just exactly what I meant." She grew serious again. "And my family? Could they all stay here?"

He laughed softly. "There are bedrooms in this house that haven't seen use in years. Mrs. Wheatley has the maids go through and dust and air the rooms now and then, but it would give me great joy to see them filled with your parents and your sisters and brothers."

"Mrs. Wheatley," Charlotte said, frowning slightly again. "How will she feel about this? It will mean an abundance of extra work for her."

Alexander shook his head lightly. "She will not mind, Charlotte. She loves you already and is so pleased about our engagement." He smiled. "Not to mention, she enjoys nothing more than directing armies of maids and footmen like a commander with her own regiment. And for a wedding – our wedding – nothing would make her happier."

Charlotte released a contented sigh. "Then it is settled! Now the question is only…. When?"

Alexander took both of Charlotte's hands in his and brought them to his lips. "I would marry you this moment if you desired it. The sooner the better as far as I am concerned. Tomorrow is the first day of May. We could plan it for the first week in June? One month's time?"

Charlotte found her heart was speeding suddenly and her eyes went wide.

Alexander tilted his head and said, "Charlotte? Is that too soon?"

"No, my love. It is perfect. It just became very real, and up until this moment it has felt still like it might only be a glorious dream." She leaned forward and put her arms around him, holding tightly. "I want so much for it to be real. Day after day with you and the girls, in this beautiful house and walking this precious land."

"It is real, I assure you. The rest of our lives together will stand as proof of that."

With everything sorted, they naturally moved back together on the couch – on their couch. But this kiss was unlike any of the others. It was a promise, made by each to the other. Charlotte felt her breath rise and fall with Alexander's and could almost hear his heartbeat against her breast. With this kiss she fully allowed herself the desire, the wanting of him that usually made her pull back in the face of its intensity. Because now she knew just exactly how long they would have to wait.

One month. One month, and they would belong to each other completely, and all the mysteries would be revealed.

Dearest Mother and Father,

I am fully aware that you are likely still reeling a bit from the news in my last letter, and I fear this missive will be no less surprising.

As I suggested, Alexander and I feel it is the right time to have my family and his become acquainted, and we should like to come for a visit this week, on Thursday. Alexander's niece, Augusta, and his daughter, Leonora, will accompany us from Sanditon in the Colbourne carriage.

We would not presume to think that you would be prepared to accommodate another four people at the already crowded farm, so we will reserve rooms at the Willingden Arms and can take most of our meals there so as not to add an extra burden on you.

It feels important that you get to know Alexander and his girls sooner rather than later – and Father, if you will please set aside some time for you and Alexander to talk privately, he has a question he wishes to ask you.

I want you both to know that I am very much in love with Mr. Colbourne and happier than I had ever hoped to be – and as you have always known me to be a sensible and intelligent girl, not prone to flights of fancy, I pray you understand that the conjoining of our two families is a matter that is exceedingly close to my heart.

Please also know that although Alexander is a man of importance and the Master of a large estate, he is as down-to-earth as any of us. He loves the land, and horses, and will very much enjoy the environment of a working farm. No special preparations need be made to receive him. I ask only that you are all completely yourselves in your lovely, authentic nature that I love so dearly.

In great anticipation, I am your loving daughter,

Charlotte

After folding the letter and placing it in an envelope, Charlotte put on her coat and hat.

"Rosie? Please tell Miss Lambe when she comes down for breakfast that I am going to post a letter home. I will return within the hour."

Charlotte had again stayed far too long at Heyrick Park the evening before, so had not seen Georgiana before sleep. She had been convinced by Alexander and the girls to have dinner with them, and the meal had extended into lively conversation, though not in the least about their engagement or wedding plans. They had decided to hold their happy news until after Alexander had spoken to Mr. Heywood and secured permission for Charlotte's hand. They both knew that Leonora's jubilation would be impossible to repress if she knew.

So for now, Charlotte had Abigail Colbourne's ring tied in a handkerchief that she kept close to her heart, tucked into the top of her corset. Feeling it there brought her great happiness and she would often lay her hand gently on it and close her eyes with a sense of peace washing over her. It was a precious secret that they would tell no one, apart from Mrs. Wheatley, whose confidence was as secure as a vault, until their return from Willingden with the blessings of Charlotte's parents.

After dinner, the five of them had passed an evening of unmatched fun and felicity at the kitchen table at Heyrick House, playing games and putting riddles to each other, to so much laughter that Charlotte's stomach hurt before it was over. She had seen Mrs. Wheatley smile often in recent days, but she had never heard her laugh. And invariably, Eva's laugh would set Alexander's in motion. Charlotte was finally aware of the deep love shared by the two of them, and wondered again at the joys and pains they had suffered through together.

Alexander pulled down a book from the top shelf of his library in his study that contained enigmas and word-play, and it kept them pleasurably engaged until Charlotte realized it would be far too late to have any time at all with Georgiana.

Leonora emerged as quite the best solver of the enigmas:

"In young and old I do excite, painful sensations and delight;

All Men me as their Servant prize, but when I rule, I tyrannize;

I can be seen and heard and smelt, and even at a distance felt,

There's but one Death in Nature found, for me, that is to be full drown'd"

"I'm FIRE!" Leonora screamed at the top of her lungs, and all collapsed around the table in laughter at her excitement and pure joy.

Charlotte had finally said farewell to the girls and Mrs. Wheatley, and again found herself saying a longing goodnight to Alexander beside the front door. She was wishing she could simply move into the governess quarters in the East Wing at Heyrick House and wake up to these wonderful people every morning, and she shared that thought with Alexander. He quickly said, "I will make it so immediately, if that is what you would like."

Charlotte sighed deeply. "And if the carriage isn't waiting for me outside, if there is no marked end to the evening, how do we ever stop saying goodnight…" she said softly, as he kissed her tenderly on her neck and shoulder.

"Parting is such sweet sorrow, that I shall say good night till it be morrow," Alexander whispered, feeling the softness of her skin on his lips.

Laughing quietly, Charlotte said, "Ah, yes, and pray look at how events turned out for that happy couple."

"I agree we bear some resemblance to Romeo and Juliet, my love, but we are not quite so young, and our families are not feuding."

"Yet," Charlotte said. "We will have another conversation after you have passed two days in the chaos of the Heywood clan in Willingden."

Alexander laughed, his breath warm on her neck, causing her to shiver lightly in his arms. "I love you enough to suffice for your entire family, right down to the littlest one, no matter what happens over those two days. Enough for all of Willingden," he said, moving his lips up to her cheek, "...for the whole world," he said, finally, reaching her lips with his.

Charlotte exhaled on a gentle sigh and felt her knees begin to weaken as he pressed closer, his mouth warm and soft, and his hands framing her face tenderly. They stood there for a long moment, and this time, it was Alexander who pulled back, his breath coming faster and his eyes closed as his forehead touched hers. "One month…" he said, his voice low and labored. "A lifetime…"

Charlotte kissed him again, quickly, and said, softly, "It will go by before we know it…"

Shaking her head slightly, Charlotte realized she had lost herself in memory and was in danger of missing the carriage that was taking the morning mail. She saw the bag being hoisted to the roof and called out as she ran, "Willingden!" The driver nodded and said, "Yes, Miss," as he untied the string and took her letter, placing it in a small bag inside the larger one. "We'll get it there today, Miss."

"Thank you!" she called up, still catching her breath.

Turning as she always did from the main street, Charlotte looked out toward the sea. There was no one in the gazebo at the moment, so she walked to it and leaned on the railing, breathing in the salt air that she loved, and listening to the sound of children on the beach.

She reached up again, as she had been doing since yesterday, and felt the small ring of gold through the layers of fabric over her heart. No one was near, so she reached into the top of her corset and retrieved the handkerchief with her engagement ring tied into it. If anything, it was more beautiful than the last time she saw it, just an hour ago as she had dressed.

For a moment she watched as the early morning sunlight played off of the small diamonds and illuminated the central stone. This belonged to Abigail Colbourne. A woman she would never know, but who had brought into the world the man that now Charlotte couldn't imagine being without.

I will take very good care of this, she thought reverently, as if she were talking directly to Abigail. And him. I will love him until my dying day. Charlotte looked up at the soft clouds moving slowly by and hoped that Alexander's mother could somehow know that Charlotte, as the next Mrs. Colbourne, would care for all of her treasures.

The next Mrs. Colbourne. Just the thought of it caused a warmth to travel down Charlotte's spine. As she tucked the ring carefully back into her bodice, Charlotte remembered the dread she had been feeling at the possibility of marrying Ralph. It was a feeling of walking toward a prison door that would soon be locked behind her.

Marrying Alexander now felt like one of their lovely walks around the grounds – with nothing but open air and sunshine filling their days. Charlotte was a realist, and knew that nothing in life is perfect. There would be troubles and hardship – there always was in life – but knowing that she would be walking with Alexander through them, with his strong arms and sweet smile next to her, let her know with certainty that they would pass through them and be all the more resilient for it.

Closing her eyes, Charlotte was suddenly overwhelmed. God, what have I done to deserve this happiness?

She could not know that at the very same moment, as Alexander was saddling his horse for a morning ride, his mind filled with Charlotte's gentle hand stroking Hannibal's nose while speaking quiet comforting words – and he also had to stop and breathe as the very same question went through his mind.

What have I done to deserve this happiness?

Two hearts in perfect synchronization, just as they had been through the long, lonely months apart. And now, they both wondered how they ever could have doubted it.

Georgiana waited until she heard the front door close behind Charlotte, and only then did she come downstairs. Last evening had been the first time that she had been truly glad that Charlotte had stayed so late at Heyrick Park, because now she had a secret to keep. She trusted Charlotte completely, but she wanted to talk the whole business over with Arthur and get her wits about her before she brought Charlotte into it. There was still a strong possibility that she would tell Edward Denham where to take his riddles at the same time she had him arrested for extortion – but her curiosity was so piqued, she could not seem to banish it from her mind. She knew Arthur would help her make sense of it. He always did.

And then, as if she had conjured him, Arthur was at her doorstep. Rosie had barely had time to take his hat and cane before he was whisked away by Georgiana. "We'll take breakfast in the sunroom, Rosie. And we are to be bothered by no one, please!"

Arthur was breathless. "My dear girl, it was cruel of you to build up my anticipation with your note and then require me to wait until today to find out the particulars! I hardly slept a wink all night!" he said, as Georgiana led him by the hand down the hallway.

Once they were seated, Arthur caught his breath and said, "Who is this scoundrel who is asking you for money in exchange for information?"

"Edward Denham," Georgiana hissed.

"Denham!" Arthur exclaimed. "What can he possibly know? This must be a ruse," Arthur said.

"Just as I thought," Georgiana said. "But I have reached an impasse with what little information I have from Sidney's letter. Even the investigator I hired has come to a dead end. I find I am inclined to hear what the snake has to offer."

Arthur smiled at her broadly and nodded. "Then we shall consider it an adventure," he said cheerily. "How did you leave it with him?"

"He said he would be back to see me in a day or so."

"Then we shall bide our time. Tell me everything you know so far." A soft knock brought Rosie in with tea, scones, clotted cream and jam, and Georgiana saw the look in Arthur's eyes at the prospect.

She smiled at him. "One won't hurt," she said softly, and Georgiana laughed at the childlike joy it brought out in him. She loved Arthur dearly and it was so hard not to do things that pleased him.

As he spread first the jam and then the cream on the scone and took a bite, Georgiana told him all she knew. "My father told me that my mother died giving me birth, but that is clearly not the truth, so I suppose it puts in question anything he ever told me." She poured out a tea for herself and for Arthur. "And my greatest question is, why would he lie to me about her death? The only answer I can conceive is that he was somehow mortified to have been a white man joined with a slave, and after I was born he sent her away to conceal his shame. But then, why would he not have sent me with her? I was greater evidence of his shame than she was. I confess it all baffles me exceedingly."

Arthur was savoring his scone slowly. "So, as I remember, in the process of building the case against Charles Lockhart, Sidney learned that your mother was still alive as recently as five years ago, and hoping that you might be reunited. Sidney found her shell necklace, left for you to remember her by, but he was unable to ascertain her whereabouts. And what has your investigator uncovered?"

"Nothing new, in truth. He has given me a list of the female slaves who were on the cane farm at the time I was born, and he is now making his way through the list to learn more about them from those still alive and still in Antigua. But I am afraid that it feels like searching through a haystack to find a needle."

"So, even if Denham has a name to give you, it will be more than you have now?" Arthur said, trying to see the bright side.

"He called it a riddle, and said that no one else has all the pieces to it, nor would I ever be able to piece it together myself," Georgiana said, sipping her tea.

"Well, yes, he would, wouldn't he? Otherwise what would we need him for?" Arthur said with a sardonic laugh.

Georgiana reached out and took his hand across the table. "It warms me to hear you say we, Arthur. I never feel alone when you are near."

He squeezed her hand back. "And you never will be."

Something suddenly occurred to Arthur and he said, "Ah, I nearly forgot. Tom wanted me to ask you about your exotic tree. He said it must be moved from the Assembly Rooms before a party on Saturday and he wonders where you would like it delivered."

"To Heyrick Park," Georgiana said, taking a bite of her scone.

Arthur was taken aback. "To Mr. Colbourne's estate? Well, there must be a story behind that, and I long to hear it!"

Georgiana raised her eyebrows. "I will never understand why people have such differing opinions of Alexander…"

"Oh, Alexander, is it now?" Arthur said, his own eyebrows going nearly to his hairline.

Laughing, Georgiana said, "He is an exceedingly kind man, congenial in every way, and our Charlotte is completely smitten with him. I wouldn't be surprised if there was an engagement in their future."

Arthur leaned forward. "Now that you say it, I have noticed that they enjoy dancing together a great deal. As if the rest of the world has simply disappeared. The Master and the governess? It sounds like a fine tale. Do tell all…"