Chapter 3

Nursing an aching head on the morning after the wedding, Ralph received Mr Heywood into his study. After exchanging civilities, he resigned himself to a distasteful discussion, but one that must be endured. "I can easily guess your errand, Mr Heywood," he said, knowing Charlotte had cried off.

"I thought we might discuss the terms of the marriage settlement," Mr Heywood said.

Although he had incorrectly predicted the reason for the gentleman's visit, he still hesitated. "That may be a bit premature. I have reason to believe that your daughter agreed to marry me only at your insistence."

Mr Heywood nodded confidently. "Charlotte is an obedient daughter and will make a dutiful wife."

Ralph revolted at the man's overbearing manner. "I shall play no part in a forced marriage."

"Are you reneging, Mr Starling?" Heywood said with a disdainful snarl.

Ralph leaned back in his chair at this bitter accusation. As a gentleman, he was not at liberty to end the engagement. "No indeed," he said. "That is Miss Heywood's prerogative."

Heywood's eyes flared with fury, and he clenched his fists. "She will do nothing of the sort."

Abandoning all attempts at civility, Ralph refused to do this man's bidding. "I cannot approve of your cruelty, sir. Charlotte has done nothing to deserve such a fate. Why should she be married to a man she finds wholly unsuited to her?"

"My marriage was arranged by my father, and I suspect your father's marriage was the same," Heywood said in a commanding tone. "Someday, you shall arrange your children's marriages."

Ralph met the man's steely glare with one of his own. Under no circumstances would he concede to a tyrant. "If I am fortunate enough to have children, they will choose their own spouses. Miss Heywood is in love with someone else. I will not be the man who ruins her life."

Colour rose to Heywood's face. He rose abruptly and pushed back his chair, oversetting it. The chair landed behind him with a clatter. "You are defaulting on a promise of marriage," he said with a contemptuous scowl.

"Not in the least," Ralph said, remaining comfortably seated behind his desk. "I am simply giving Miss Heywood time to make the right decision. There is no need whatsoever to rush into marriage. We may wait as long as she chooses."

Heywood pressed his mouth into a thin line, his nostrils flaring with anger. "I cannot maintain her indefinitely."

Despite the gentleman's outburst and illogical demands, Ralph remained calm. "Nor am I suggesting that you should. Why not find her a position with a respectable family? That seems to be her preference."

"I thought the Starlings were a respectable family."

Surprised by the man's vitriol, Ralph had no doubt he had used the same imperious tone with poor Charlotte. "We are, sir, but your daughter is an unwilling bride."

"The banns will be read on Sunday. Everyone will expect a wedding."

Ralph rose and offered a pleasant smile. "I suspect that is easily remedied with the vicar. I shall speak to him myself and set things right with him. Besides, the banns remain in effect for three months. We have plenty of time to resolve our differences," he said, then rang for a footman. Unfortunately, Mr Heywood left the study in a somewhat less composed frame of mind than when he had arrived.


A night of reflection brought Ralph no peace of mind. Had Charlotte's father disclosed their conversation? He doubted Heywood would admit defeat or that he would seek employment for his daughter. Still wondering where he stood with his hesitant fiancée, he went out for a ride later that morning, hoping to clear his head.

Then by some fortunate happenstance, he saw Charlotte and her chestnut mare. He charged after her, and she led him on a merry chase over the moors, as she had done many times in the past. Despite her windblown hair, she looked lovely that day, her unruly curls framing her face.

After a lively ride, they dismounted, led their horses to a sparkling brook, and let them wander. Heated from the exertion, he removed his coat, glad for the cooling breezes.

Once she was seated, she cast him a curious gaze. "Why did you not tell me about Philip?" she said, referring to her youngest brother.

In August, the child had gone missing, and Ralph had joined a search party. Fortunately, he discovered the boy in a ravine and brought him home to his worried family, suffering only a few minor cuts and scrapes. "What should I have said, Charlotte? I rescued your little brother, so you should marry me?"

"I heard that you gave my father three nesting pairs of pheasants to replace the ones he lost to foxes."

Ralph recalled that unfortunate event of this past summer. "Yes, if the pheasants are not enough to persuade you to accept me, I don't know how else to convince you," he said in a teasing tone.

She frowned. "Do be serious, Ralph. Why did you arrange for Daniel to be the curate of St Mary's instead of your own brother? Gregory might have had that position."

She referred to their brothers, who had both taken holy orders. "Gregory will have the living in Eastbourne when the incumbent leaves. In the meantime, he is of invaluable service to me at Glendale. Your brother Daniel was the best man for the job."

She shook her head. "I never knew any of this."

He wondered why she was just learning about these events now. Had her parents come to his aid by extolling his virtues? "Of course, I help your family and any other family in our community whenever it is within my power. What kind of man would I be if I did not?"

Her eyes searched his as though she saw him for the first time. If Ralph was not mistaken, her gaze did not hold her same haunted expression. He could not precisely determine her mood, but at least she did not appear apprehensive.

His horse had wandered to the opposite side of the brook to feed on the green grass, and Ralph whistled to recall him. Naturally, the obstinate fellow ignored him, refusing to give up his favourite snack. Irritated that the recalcitrant lad had defied him in Charlotte's presence, he trudged over the steppingstones to retrieve him, but the rocks gave way, and he lost his footing. He attempted to right himself but landed with a great splash into the water. If that were not bad enough, the horse paused to snort at him, then returned to his meal.

Charlotte erupted into unrestrained peals of laughter. Although thoroughly humiliated, the sound was music to his ears. "You may well laugh, but my boots are likely ruined." Infuriated that he had been so clumsy, he stripped off his waistcoat and flung the sodden mess to the ground.

The laughter died on Charlotte's lips, replaced by a mixture of surprise and admiration at the sight of him. He was soaked to the skin, and his shirt clung scandalously to his chest. Encouraged by her lingering gaze, he made no attempt to block her view. She quickly recovered her senses and turned her back.

Although the moment had been brief, it seemed to Ralph that he was not quite so invisible in her eyes. Knowing he must spare her maidenly blushes, he wrung out his sopping waistcoat and squeezed back into it. "I am somewhat decent now," he said once he had fastened the buttons.

She peeked over her shoulder. "You certainly are," she said with a mischievous grin.

After collecting his mount, he returned to Charlotte's side. He was proud that she admired his form but wondered at her bold reaction. "You did not appear shocked to witness my state of undress."

She grinned. "Well, no, but I have eight brothers," she said. "And I have spent some time near the sea."

He found it quite interesting that she had observed men swimming in the sea but still admired his body. "I might suggest that you should also be dunked in the brook so I might have the same pleasure, but as a gentleman, I shall refrain," he said with a playful smile. A delightful shade of pink suffused her face.

"Shall we ride again tomorrow?" he inquired once she had retrieved her horse.

"Certainly. Will you give me a hand up," she said, then lifted her foot and braced herself on his shoulders as though expecting him to offer his cupped hands and boost her up to the saddle.

Instead, he grasped her by the waist and lifted her onto the horse. Her sharp gasp proved he had caught her unaware. She never looked lovelier with the sun shining in her hair and her eyes glowing with something that looked like appreciation. "If I perceive correctly, you do not find me entirely intolerable."

She laughed softly. "No, not entirely."

"Then we are making great strides, for I find that you are not in the least objectionable," he said with a teasing grin.

"Be careful, Ralph. You are likely to turn my head with such excessive flattery."

"You take my breath away," he said, then kissed the palm of her hand. He knew it was a bold gesture, but he could not regret it. He was rewarded for his boldness with a lingering gaze; however, she bolted away the moment he released her. He quickly mounted, and they enjoyed a spirited ride back to her home.

She dismounted before he could assist her, but he was at her side in the next moment. "Before you go," he said, then swept her into his arms and kissed her soundly. Her lips were soft, pliable, and willing; she did not pull away. Ralph imagined everyone in the house must be watching, but he did not release his hold on her. Resting his forehead against hers, he twirled one of her curls around his finger. "Until tomorrow," he said, then released her. As he watched her walk away, he vowed to do everything in his power to win this magnificent woman's heart.