For the second day in a row, Charlotte awoke unsure of where she was. The curtains had not been pulled the night before, and the sun was streaming into the room, causing her to squint a bit in the bright light – which was odd, because that had not been the case on the morning before. It was now an east-facing window, and instead of green fabric over her head on the canopy, it was burgundy.
Not to mention that there was a rather heavy, very male arm slung across her chest. Her bare chest. And it was Alexander's arm.
For a moment, smiling, she simply looked at it. The sun's rays were turning the dark hairs to gold, and his arm was so close that she could see the tiny freckles there, the smoothness of his skin, a small scar she would need to ask him about – because she wanted to know everything about him, every moment of his life, all the things that had molded him into the man who yesterday, she had married.
Not wanting to wake him, Charlotte turned her head slowly. His face was only inches away, his luxurious dark hair utterly disheveled and partially over one eye, his mouth slightly open as he breathed slowly and effortlessly. Her heart filled with the privilege of seeing his vulnerability in sleep, the peace of his features. There was no worry or control, no memory, no second-guessing, no regret, no pain.
She wanted so badly to kiss his lips again. Those full lips that in the dark of night had been on hers, and on her skin, her breasts, her shoulders, her stomach, the lips that had spoken so many wonderful unrepeatable things, that had whispered in her ear, and that had cried out softly in release as they both explored the limits of their love.
Charlotte closed her eyes. She had been right about one thing – books could not tell the whole story. From a slight awkwardness at the beginning, into desire, through one small sharp pain, and then her reassurance to his sweet concern that yes, she was fine and wanted to continue, and then, the revelation of what the combination of true love and exquisite pleasure can bring… Charlotte opened her eyes and felt the blush in her cheeks, even now, this morning, at the memory of her own abandon.
They had made love and talked and dozed and made love again, through the night. She had no idea what time they finally fell into a deep sleep, but the moon was no longer shining through the window, and Charlotte had a suspicion that the light coming into the room was the rising sun. Now it looked to be full day, and Charlotte's cheeks again went pink at the thought that her entire family had slept under this roof and were likely already up and chattering about the day before.
Finally, she could not bear it, and she had to move her head just the small distance to touch her lips to his arm, to feel the warmth of his skin and the tickle of the hairs there on her lips. She closed her eyes and breathed in the scent of his soap, fainter now than it was last night, and realized that there was also the vague aroma of roses, of her, on his skin, blended with the scent of him.
Alexander stirred slightly, and she turned to see that his eyes were open. Well, one at least. The other was pressed against the pillow and buried under a curtain of dark curls.
"Good morning, wife," he said, his voice deep with sleep.
"Good morning, husband," she said, turning to face him and snuggling in under his chin. His arms came around her and he pulled her close, and under the covers she could feel their complete nakedness, bodies melding again in warmth and soft skin and the memories of the night before. As she pressed closer, she looked at him in surprise, and he laughed softly.
"Yes," he said, sighing into her hair. "I will always want you, my love, but as I am sure you are now all too aware, not all aspects of my desire are completely under my control. And much as I would relish it, I need replenishment. I fear a hasty repeat of last night, and this morning, by the way, will have me off to hospital…"
Charlotte smiled up at him and then nuzzled his neck, "That would be an inauspicious beginning, to be sure…"
Alexander breathed deeply, surrounded by the scent of her hair. He closed his eyes, remembering, and felt his love for her course through his body. "When in fact, it was an exceedingly good beginning, if I recall correctly," he said softly.
"Yes, it was," Charlotte whispered. She moved so that she could see his eyes. "I love you," she said, reaching her hand up and allowing her fingertips to trace his lips, and then to move gently across the soft stubble on his cheeks and chin. Everything seemed new this morning because she could touch it – all of him was completely within her grasp, and she felt giddy with the knowledge that finally, he belonged to her entirely.
Alexander opened his eyes and looked at her, wondering how she could be so heartbreakingly beautiful first thing in the morning. "I cannot begin to express how much you mean to me. How very much I love you…" His lips found hers, and it was as if they had not slept at all. Their passion rose so quickly and absolutely that Alexander laughed softly against her mouth. "Off to hospital I go…" he said, his voice low and filled with desire.
"In sickness and in health, my love…" Charlotte said, smiling and pulling him closer.
By the time they washed and dressed, it was nearly two in the afternoon, and they were starving. Neither of them could remember a time that they had stayed in bed so late, outside of a fever. But as they gazed at each other on the way down the hall to the stairs, they acknowledged that a fever was an apt description for what took hold of them when they were together.
They had looked at themselves in Alexander's long mirror and had worked at appearing serious, but had not yet been able to accomplish it. They knew that with their rosy cheeks, full lips and positively inane smiles, they might as well be wrapped head-to-toe in Christmas candles – and finally, after a great deal of laughter, they had given up and decided it would simply have to be Christmas morning, and that was that.
"On reflection, having my entire family come and stay here on our wedding night may have been an error in judgment," Charlotte said, as they stood at the top of the stairs. They had already encountered Molly in the East Wing hallway, who had curtseyed and said, "Mr. and Mrs. Colbourne," which had caused both of them to break into ridiculously expansive smiles, to which she simply giggled and walked past.
"And I have to face my brother, and Lady Susan, and…" Alexander shook his head in despair, "Oh, God, Mrs. Wheatley."
Charlotte laughed. "Well, buck up, Colbourne. We have certainly faced worse. Perhaps we can steal some food from the kitchen and escape to the greenhouse without being noticed." She looked at him and raised her eyebrows conspiratorially. "Shall we give it a go?"
He affected a serious look and said, "I am right behind you, Mrs. Colbourne. You lead the way."
Surprisingly, there was no one in the foyer, and they thanked their lucky stars as they slipped down the hallway to the kitchen. There were two housemaids preparing luncheon, but no Eva, and no Ruth, which felt almost like a miracle. Charlotte put her finger to her lips and said, "Shhhhh," to the girls, while Alexander filled his pockets with meats, cheese, fruit and ale that was being set out to be taken to the garden. Both maids smiled and curtseyed, and one laughed softly and said, "Mum's the word, ma'am."
In her best spy fashion, Charlotte went to the back door and looked both ways. She waved Alexander on, and they managed to get as far as the walkway before a furry, brown projectile came flying around them to hide behind their legs. Turk had a man's shoe in his mouth and was whining toward Leonora, Meggie and Sam, who were rapidly in pursuit.
"Father, Mother! Stop him! He has Mr. Parker's shoe!"
Alexander's arms were full, so Charlotte reached down and worked at wrestling the slipper from Turk's teeth, but was less than successful. She began laughing, which decidedly did not help, and watching her, Alexander began to laugh as well. Tom Parker came up the walk wearing one shoe and one stocking and looking very perturbed, so Alexander peeled off a slice of beef from the chunk he had grabbed in the kitchen and offered it to Turk, who dropped the shoe for the more desirable offering.
"Well done, my love!" Charlotte said in evident admiration. She bent down and gave Turk some hugs, and picked up Tom's shoe, now exhibiting a small hole, and dripping something rather long and sloppy. She held it up for Mr. Parker, who took it in two fingers as if it might bite him.
"Good morning, Tom," Charlotte said cheerily. Receiving no response, she attempted to look solemn and said, "Of course, we will replace your shoe. Turk is still a puppy, you know?"
Tom looked at her as if he did not know, and he said grumpily, "Thank you, and in fact, it is afternoon…" before turning and walking rather unevenly back to the garden.
Turk finished off the beef and ran back to the luncheon tables with Meggie and Sam in tow.
Leonora looked up at Charlotte and Alexander and said, "Where have you been? I have been waiting all day to see you. Mrs. Wheatley kept telling me I must be patient, but it has been very hard indeed!"
Charlotte bent down to be at eye-level and said, "Was there something you wanted to tell us, Leo?"
Throwing her arms around Charlotte's neck, Leonora said, "That I am glad you are my mother now!"
Laughing and hugging her back, Charlotte said, "And I am very glad too. But you told me that last night."
Leo looked her right in the eyes. "I think I shall tell you every day for at least three months, because that is how long I missed you."
Charlotte hugged Leo again and looked up at Alexander. It was not lost on them that this was the mirror-image of the three of them at the Army camp. Charlotte looked at Leonora and said softly, "I will never give you cause to miss me again for that long, Leo. Never. I love you, my sweet girl," she said with tears in her eyes.
"Good," Leonora said, taking her hand. "Will you sit next to me at luncheon? I have found a lizard in the garden and he is safe under a bowl. I should like to know his Latin name…" She reached up and took Alexander's hand. "You will know, Father, will you not? Zootoca vivipara is correct, I believe, but you will know for certain…" Looking back at Charlotte, she said, "Can a lizard live with our snails in the schoolroom? He won't eat them, will he…?"
Charlotte laughed and looked over at Alexander, who shrugged. "The best laid plans…" he said, looking back longingly at the greenhouse and then smiling at her.
Leo looked from one to the other, beaming and holding their hands. To the initial dismay of the newlyweds, the garden was filled with guests – the Heywood family, Samuel, Marie, Arthur, Georgiana, Lady Susan, and Tom and Mary and their children.
Samuel stood and walked up to them. "Ah, the slug-a-beds arise!" he said, clapping Alexander on the back. "Glad to see you are still alive, brother," he said softly, to which Alexander raised an eyebrow and tried to suppress the blush he knew was creeping into his cheeks.
From there it was greetings and laughter and talk about the wedding and the best of amiable conversation with the people they loved the most – and Charlotte and Alexander found themselves glad to have been waylaid from their mission of solitude. The joy they felt needed to be spread far and wide, and every person present felt it wash over them in waves. Even Tom Parker, as he wiggled his toe through the hole in his brand new pair of shoes.
Lady Susan leaned back and took a sip of her tea. "I must say that the fine hospitality of Heyrick Park will make it very hard for me to leave."
Charlotte smiled. "Then you shall have to come visit us again, very soon, Susan."
"That would please me exceedingly, and perhaps I will not come alone, if it would not be too much of an imposition." Susan said enigmatically. "I have a friend who is beset with admirers and duties in London, and would find the peace of this estate exceptionally refreshing indeed. He dearly loves to ride, and finds the ocean calming…"
There was not a word that Lady Susan had spoken in any company since she arrived that had not been overheard and noted by Mr. Tom Parker. He had not forgotten that Lady Susan had last year indicated that her special friend, whom Tom assumed was the Prince Regent, might visit Sanditon one day. Of course, the monarchy had changed drastically since then, with the death of George III, the ascension to the throne of the Prince Regent, now George IV, and the return of his estranged wife, Caroline, who suddenly wished to claim her rights as Queen.
That had left Lady Susan out in the cold, and although her heart had not been fully broken, she had found herself lonely. The King still had very fond feelings for her, and expressed that he would not object to a new alliance, which she had promptly found with a member of his court, Lord David Hughes, a handsome and aristocratic gentleman who wielded great power in London.
Tom Parker had assuaged his grief over the ending of Lady Susan's relationship with the Prince Regent by setting his sights on her new powerful Londoner, Lord Hughes. Without missing a beat, upon hearing she might bring a "friend" to Heyrick House, he inserted himself into the conversation without a qualm.
"Ah, and so it is, my Lady," Tom said expansively from the next table. "The ocean can calm even the most troubled soul, and the wholesome benefits of the sea air are known to cure whatever ails…"
Lady Susan laughed and reached behind her to put her hand on Tom's arm to silence him. She did not dislike Mr. Parker, though she thought him a bit too much of a salesman to suit her in a friend. "Yes, Tom, I know all about the health benefits of seaside resorts. So does my friend, as he has visited a vast array of them. The added benefit of this estate and the very amiable…" At this statement, she bent toward Tom, "...and unobtrusive occupants, would be the removal from society and the quiet of the country."
Tom nodded enthusiastically, "I could not be more in agreement, my Lady. You are, as always, absolutely correct." With that, Mary took hold of his arm and brought his attention back to their children.
Alexander nodded and smiled. "And if anyone appreciates the quiet of the country, Susan, I believe you know that I do." He put his hand over Charlotte's gently and confirmed with a nod. "My wife and I would be more than pleased to have you and any guests you should wish to bring for any length of time."
Lady Susan sighed and smiled at the two of them. "You cannot know how very happy I am to hear that. Not just the welcome, but to hear you call Charlotte your wife. I have never seen a couple more suited for each other, and mark my words, I have seen a great many couples."
Charlotte looked at Alexander and their eyes met. For a long moment, their memories of the day and night before took hold of them, and in the stillness of each other's gaze they lost sense of where they were and to whom they were speaking. Charlotte felt that if Alexander simply took her hand and led her back upstairs to their burgundy bedroom, she would go with him without a word. That thought caused her cheeks to blaze, and his notice of the sudden rosy hue had a similar effect on him. Both smiled shyly and looked back at Susan.
Having witnessed this entire soundless conversation, Susan laughed and shook her head. "Ah, I remember those days. Enjoy every moment, my children," she said softly. "You are both exquisite, and I am so glad to be here to see it."
Alexander looked across at Susan, and there was great tenderness in his eyes for her. She had seen his entire relationship with Lucy, and she had been a firsthand witness to his subsequent pain and withdrawal from life. He reached across the table and took her hand. "Thank you for not giving up on me," he said simply.
Her eyes soft, Susan said, "I do not give up on extraordinary people, Alexander. They are rare as rubies and you are one of them." She took Charlotte's hand across the table as well. "And you have found a ruby of your own." As she found that happy tears were threatening, Susan took a deep breath and let go of their hands. "Now, tell me about your honeymoon. When are you leaving?"
Unable to contain her excitement, Charlotte said, "We are going to Paris!" Her eyes were dancing. "We leave next week."
"Oh! I was just there!" said Susan in delight. "The city is experiencing a resurgence unlike any other. With the little Emperor gone at last, good manners are finally the rule of the day. I have friends there. You must let me send some letters of introduction…" She saw the looks on their faces, and shook her head, laughing. "No, you will not need to talk with them, I will let them know you are newlyweds and in want of no society – these are owners of restaurants and a lovely little boat service that will take you down the Seine in the moonlight and speak nary a word unless you desire it."
"Charlotte has never been to Paris," Alexander said, looking at his wife. "I cannot wait to see it through her eyes," he said, putting her hand to his lips.
"My dear, I cannot wait to hear your thoughts. Perhaps Lord Hughes and I will visit you here upon your return," Susan said.
"We would love that," Charlotte said. She looked at Alexander. "And there is a thought I have yet to share with anyone, even my husband."
Alexander looked at her in surprise, and said "Oh? Secrets already?" He reached into his waistcoat and pulled out his watch theatrically, "Married, not even… twenty-four hours yet?"
Charlotte laughed and took his arm. "No, my love, just something that occurred to me this morning. I am no longer employed, and though I know that being the Lady of Heyrick Park will occupy some of my time, Mrs. Wheatley has things so well in hand, I will certainly have time left over in my day, even after lessons with Leonora." She took a deep breath and sat up straighter. "I should like to try my hand at writing."
Lady Susan clapped her hands softly. "Oh, wonderful! Novels?" she asked, her eyes bright.
Shrugging, Charlotte shook her head. "I hardly know. But I think that the first qualification of a writer should be reading, and I am a prolific consumer of other people's writing. I have ideas in my head that are in want of expression. Whether through poetry or novels or short stories, I do not know. I am putting no restrictions on it for now." She turned to Alexander. "And I thought that writing my impressions of Paris would be an ideal way to start."
Alexander looked at her tenderly. "My love, I firmly believe that you will excel at anything to which you put your mind. And the joy of this decision is that I will be able to read your thoughts, giving me even more access to your bright intellect and your compassionate heart." He stopped for a moment and frowned slightly. "You will let me read them, will you not?"
"Of course," she said, hugging him tightly. "You will be the first!"
Lady Susan smiled. "I have many friends in high places, my dear. I will not promote anything I do not believe in, but should you wish to let me read any of your writing, and if it touches me, I could perhaps pave the way for an introduction to a publisher."
Alexander put his arm around Charlotte. "It is all settled, then. Charlotte Colbourne already sounds like a proper author's name, does it not? Rolls off the tongue," he said, pulling her close.
Charlotte blessed them both with a beatific smile. "Thank you both for being so encouraging. I could not hope for better companions," she said softly. And though they were surrounded by people, Charlotte could not prevent herself from leaning up and placing a soft kiss on Alexander's cheek.
"You will write to me?" Augusta said, a little plaintively.
Drew laughed and shook his head. "And when have I not written to you? I expected long ago that you would tell me to stop writing to you about the ailments of every animal on the farm."
"No!" she said firmly. "I genuinely find it all quite fascinating!"
Drew took her hand and smiled, "Said like the fine young lady you are. How many times did you say that to your London gentlemen, my Aggie?"
"Never," she said, shaking her head. "Because none of them did fascinate me. I would think if you know me at all, you know that I tell the truth, even when it pains you." She smiled up at him. "And I am still very surprised that I like it when you call me Aggie. I would not have thought that to be the case until I first heard you say it. Now I want you to call me nothing else," she said softly.
Nodding, Drew said, "Well, it was that or Gussie," to which Augusta rapped him lightly on the arm. "I cannot bring myself to call you a three-syllable name. It does not suit."
Drew turned to look behind them, as he honestly could not remember which of his female relatives was on chaperone duty for this particular walk. Ah, yes, Catherine. She and Ralph were following at a respectful number of paces behind as they wandered the grounds of Heyrick Park. And as they were arm-in-arm, Drew felt brave enough to take Augusta's arm and thread it through his own as they walked. It allowed him to get closer to her, and that was always welcome.
It did seem absurd to him that he was now twenty-two years of age, and his nearly eighteen-year-old sister was walking behind him as a chaperone. It was easier to think of Ralph as fulfilling that duty, for although he had known him all his life, at least they were of a similar age. Social conventions often seemed ridiculous to Drew, and one of the things he admired so much about Augusta is that she felt the same.
With the number of walks they had taken since his family arrived at the Colbourne mansion, they had long ago worn out his parents, Alison and Declan, his brother James, Samuel Colbourne and his friend Marie, even Georgiana and Arthur Parker had taken a turn with them around the grounds. Drew and Augusta dearly loved to walk and be out in nature, and it gave them a chance to talk to each other face-to-face – which they had only had at Heywood Manor for a day and a half when they first met. After daily letters since then, they longed to have the back-and-forth of real conversation, so they had walked miles during the days leading up to and after the wedding.
Drew was amazed that two people from such different backgrounds could have such similar thoughts. He found himself listening in wonder at how aptly she expressed ideas that had been living in his head unspoken. He enjoyed his conversations with her in a way he had never done before with anyone.
He was continually surprised by her brilliant mind, her sharp wit, her off-kilter sense of humor, her beautiful eyes, the way she held her mouth when she was annoyed with him – the list went on and on. He would almost be ready to say that he loved her, but he had no prospects currently, and Drew felt a man should have a plan for the future before sharing his heart. It was the only responsible way to behave.
That would all change once he had spent some time up in Ulster with Dr. Tristan, living with Alison and Declan. Drew was excited to spend all day, every day, learning about what it would take for him to enter Veterinary School, and then he wanted to go somewhere that needed him. Somewhere with many farms out in the country.
He and Augusta had talked about the future, though he did have some lingering doubts about her ability to leave society behind. She had been kept back for so long and she loved pretty dresses and dances and balls. Drew enjoyed country dances and parties, but the idea of tying a cravat around his neck and wearing dancing pumps practically made him break out in hives. He had even suggested that Augusta spend some time with Lady Susan while he was in Ireland, and perhaps she could get it out of her system. She had asked if it worried him that she might find a London gentleman she liked better than him, and he had answered that if that was the case, it would be good for them to find out now.
Drew thought that his level-headedness baffled Augusta just a bit, as she had gazed at him queerly for a moment and then frowned. "You infuriate me sometimes, Drew Heywood, you know that?" He had kissed her on the cheek and laughed, and when he turned to run, she had chased him all the way back to the house. He could not remember who their chaperone had been on that walk, but they had most definitely been left behind.
"I am going to miss you," he said, pulling her closer.
She smiled up at him, looking smug. "Yes, you will."
Drew laughed. He had never met anyone quite like her, and he doubted he ever would again.
Edward's voice echoed through the long empty hallways, and as it traveled back to his own ears, he could hardly believe it belonged to him. "Do you not have a separate jail for gentlemen so that I am not compelled to lie in the filth of these animals?" he called out, still to no avail. He looked at the sleeve of his fine silk jacket and the rip had extended to the point that it was now in danger of falling off altogether. His shirt cuffs were soiled, his cravat was unrecognizable, and his trousers had something on the hem that he had chosen not to identify.
Suddenly the workmen's housing at Denham Park was looking like a veritable palace.
He had slept fitfully the night before, on a mattress of rushes that had such a terrible odor that he had tied his cravat around his face, though it hardly helped. The level of noise from snoring down the cells would not allow for sleep in any case. And to top it off, he had a horrible nightmare that he was drowning out in the Sanditon sea and Clara and Esther stood together on the beach, laughing at him. He finally woke with a start just as he had gone under for the final time.
A part of him wished it were true. Death might be preferable to this squalor, and the idea that he could spend the rest of his life in these conditions was unthinkable.
He looked at his hands, which he had always been able to keep clean even while mucking out stables and repairing fences, because there was at least an abundance of water and soap. Now it was a choice between drinking the little water they gave him or washing in it, and he had chosen to drink it. His hands were strangers to him as he turned them over and over. Edward Denham had officially become a part of the unwashed masses. He would put his head in his hands if felt he might not contract some disease by doing so.
A metallic sound down the long hallway made him look up. "Denham!" the guard cried out. "You've vis'tors!" Edward's heart leapt. Lady Denham must have taken pity on him again, as she always did. She likely had brought her solicitor and bail money, and this dreadful nightmare was coming to an end at last. He would beg her forgiveness, and this time, he would truly be contrite and pay his penance with her. For as long as he felt he could, in any case... Although there might be other ways he could work his way into the main house... And he would not have to stop gambling, would he? He knew how to charm old Lady D…
"Out!" the guard said roughly, and turned him around to place the shackles on his wrists behind his back.
"My good man, is this entirely necessary? Once I am free, perhaps I can return to offer a gift, something for your lovely wife?"
The guard laughed without mirth and pushed him against the bars, "P'haps a fine carr'age?" he said loudly, so the men in the next cell could hear. "And a footman?"
Edward shrugged and frowned, "Well, that might be a bit much, I would think, but a new frock, maybe?" He looked at the man and realized suddenly that they were not actually negotiating, as the guard pulled him unceremoniously by the front of his jacket. Another rip, this time the lapel, and Edward conceded that his new clothes might not survive another day.
He was pushed into a room with bars right down the middle and a door on the other side. He waited, practicing what he would say to Lady Denham to show his contrition, when the door opened.
Edward's eyes went wide and all the air left his lungs.
On the other side stood Miss Georgiana Lambe with a handkerchief over her mouth to fend off the stench, and Mr. Charles Lockhart, wearing a grin that would haunt Edward to the end of his days.
Miss Lambe narrowed her eyes at him and lowered the handkerchief. Her voice was ice-cold. "We wished to come and let you know just exactly who put you in here. We will both be testifying at your trial, you swine."
Charles raised his eyebrows and gave him an even larger smile. Then he turned to Georgiana and offered his arm. "Miss Lambe?" he said with a low bow.
"Mr. Lockhart," Georgiana said, smiling sweetly as she took his arm. As they went through the door and down the hall, Edward could hear them laughing. At least until the guard came and pushed him back to his cell.
This was the last night at Heyrick Park for the Heywoods, and Charlotte and Alexander were pleased to have their entire party of good friends and family around the table to celebrate. Joseph allowed as he could not believe they had traveled so far, and had left the farm for such a long time, as he and Ruth had hardly gone further than their feet could carry them from their home since the day they had wed. As he was fond of saying, the maintenance, education, feeding and clothing of twelve children demanded that they spend as little as possible on themselves, and they had never been unhappy about that and the simple life they led.
But their fortunes had changed rather suddenly with their eldest girl's marriage to Alexander Colbourne. The Heywoods were proud people and in truth, they believed they had everything they needed, but Alexander had made it clear that should they ever be in want for anything – and that included a holiday for themselves – they were now family and all they need do is ask.
In addition, Charlotte was intensely grateful for the kindness of Tom and Mary Parker in allowing her to visit Sanditon in the first place, and in opening her eyes to a greater world than she had known. She wanted very much to offer the same to her siblings, right down to little Sam.
Drew was already spoken for in his travels to Ireland, and James at eighteen had a strong determination to begin to take over the farm and give his father a rest now and then. James had no wanderlust, and in fact, was rather sweet on a girl in Willingden and he could not abide the idea of being away from her for any length of time. Catherine, of course, would be marrying Ralph later in the summer and was happy to begin to take on the responsibilities as the mistress of the rich acres of farmland Ralph would inherit from his family.
So, next in line were the twins, Alice and Amelia, at fifteen. They, more than any of their siblings, were in danger of becoming silly and vapid females, with their natural love of superficial things like ribbons, laces, pretty hats and fancy dresses. Charlotte wanted very much to get them on horses, to increase their reading of great books, and to give them the type of education that would encourage their excellent minds, which they certainly had, but rarely used.
It was determined that Alice and Amelia would travel back to Heyrick Park after the new Mr. and Mrs. Colbourne returned from their honeymoon in Paris, and the girls would receive their education from Charlotte alongside Leonora, while enjoying the simple pleasures and worldly view of Sanditon.
Alexander had to laugh. "As if there are not already enough women in this house," he said, good-naturedly. He wrapped his arm around Samuel's shoulders. "I shall be clinging to you as if to a life-raft, my dear brother."
Arthur spoke up from down the table. "And I hope you will consider me another brother, Alexander, as I have been brought into the fold as family. I shall stand with you in solidarity in the face of the fairer sex!"
Alexander raised his glass of ale to Arthur. "We welcome you with open arms, Arthur. And if I have not said so yet, I will be purchasing a box at the Royal to aid in the education of our new Heyrick House residents. There is nothing that quite compares with seeing Shakespeare performed to impress upon young minds the brilliance of the playwright."
"I shall have Portia give you all a wink and a nod, Alexander," Marie said. "As you will practically be on the stage with me."
"Now the theater will be truly complete," Arthur said in appreciation with a proud smile.
The evening passed quickly and as all carriages would be pulling out very early in the morning, goodnights were said soon after sunset. All and sundry went to pack their things and sleep once more under the roof of Heyrick House.
Finally, Alexander and Charlotte were able to steal away to the greenhouse and find it empty. They sat on the bench that gave them the best vantage of the rising moon, which now looked to be full.
"I wish I could have the telescope out here, but I cannot configure in my mind how to do it. If I open the top of this structure, its purpose is lost as all the heat will escape, but looking at the stars through window glass is not ideal."
Charlotte turned her head on his chest to look through the roof. The ambient light from the moon made it impossible to see all but the brightest of stars, though she could see Polaris shining through. "You could build an observatory out here in the clearing?"
Laughing, Alexander said, "A greenhouse and an observatory? I will go from recluse to eccentric in the minds of the people of Sanditon."
"I agree that there were those who may have thought that a greenhouse was a radical idea, but of those who have actually seen it, I have only heard it roundly praised…" she laughed, "Even by Lady Denham herself!" She turned and looked up at Alexander. "Will she truly be able to grow pineapples?"
Alexander smiled. "It will be an interesting botanical experiment. I may even have to visit Denham Park to watch her progress. Imagine if, after all of our imperfect history, she and I should bond over a pineapple?"
"I did overhear her talking to Tom at the wedding party. She made mention of the fact that now your fortune and Georgiana's are essentially joined, she is truly out of the running for richest woman in Sanditon."
Nodding, Alexander said, "I suppose that's true. And although I care not a fig about the superiority, that fact might give her some much-needed humility."
"And if Lady Denham becomes humble, and Georgiana is successful in her efforts to reform Charles Lockhart – and even Edward Denham is finally in jail where he belongs, who shall be the villain of Sanditon? Does not every town of import require at least one villain to earn its place on the map?"
Alexander held her tightly. "None but heroes in our little seaside town. Our own Utopia."
Smiling, Charlotte leaned up and kissed him tenderly on the neck. "I must admit, it is sometimes hard to believe that you are still the same gentleman I first met in your office. These days, you have changed into quite the optimist."
Leaning back and enjoying the feel of her lips, Alexander said, "I have changed because I love you. Opening my heart to you opened it to all the world, and I could not have prevented it if I wanted to." He leaned down and let his lips touch hers. "You remember I told you that you had restored us to life? That was true then, and it is true as every new day dawns."
Charlotte sighed. "And it is the same for me. I was becoming brittle and was in danger of choosing spinsterhood over a life of love. You changed that for me. We restored each other, my love."
Alexander felt himself overcome with love for her, and his lips again found hers, but this time with passion. She parted her lips and invited him in, and their bodies moved naturally closer, wanting more. But a hard wooden bench bore no comparison to the soft mattress they had enjoyed the night before, and on an exhaled breath Charlotte said, "I suppose putting a feather bed out here would cause a scandal…"
His heart beating faster, Alexander said, "I am hearing that there may be a need for yet another building in the Park." His lips moved from her neck down to just above her bodice, "a hideaway, perhaps? With the roof open to see the stars… a fireplace for warmth… and locks on the door…"
Charlotte laughed softly. "I might request that take priority over an observatory…"
Alexander took her hand and led her toward the exit. "Until then…" he opened the door and pulled her into a run toward the house.
Samuel and Marie were having an after-sunset walk in the gardens and both gazed in wonder at two figures, hand-in-hand, laughing with abandon and sprinting toward the kitchen door of the house.
They smiled at each other, knowing it could only be the newlyweds. Marie moved closer to Samuel and said, softly,
My bounty is as boundless as the sea, My love as deep; the more I give to thee, The more I have, for both are infinite.
Samuel nodded. "Ah, fair Juliet…"
Sighing softly, she said, "They are truly perfect for each other."
Samuel smiled and put his arm through Marie's. "An inspiration, is it not?" he said, looking into her eyes.
Without a word, Marie leaned up and kissed him on the cheek. "It does give one hope," she said, as they continued walking down the long path.