A Jewel in Henry's Crown
Chapter Twelve: Charles Proposes
Charles arrived at Whitehall Palace within the same day he had left Windsor Palace. He was smiling as he made his way in the grand entrance. It was quite lonely without the Court here. But, he could get used to the quietness—he missed it. Taking off his gloves, he went quickly up the stairs towards Charlotte's chambers. He planned this surprise. In Charlotte's last letter, she seemed so unhappy and miserable, poor thing. When he came to her door, he sighed and cleared his throat. "Is a Lady Wallace currently present?" he inquired, with a smirk forming across his face.
"Who is asking for me?" she returned, shuffling around. He smiled. "Tell me now, or I'll have your head."
He could hear her giggling. "If you let me in I'll tell you who I am." Charles said. Footsteps came close to the door. Now he could only hear his own breathing. Slowly, the door began to open. Charlotte's eyes looked up and she gasped when she saw Charles. She swung the door open and threw herself at him, kissing him. He steadied her by holding onto her waist and the couple fell back into her chambers. Charles closed the door behind him, but still kissing Charlotte. "God, I have missed you." Charlotte panted, after their kiss. "What are you doing back so soon?"
He cupped her chin and wiped her tears away with his thumbs. "I asked His Majesty if I could come and visit." He lied. "He had bought you a gift and asked me since I was going this way to give it to you; saying he still has not forgotten you."
Charlotte scowled at the thought of His Majesty. "Why does he not just dismiss me from Court so I may do what I please?"
Charles was about to say something but changed his mind for a moment or two. After an awkward pause, he asked her, "What would you do if you would be dismissed?"
"I'd marry someone for love." She answered. Charles cleared his throat as Charlotte went to sit down at her chair.
"Do you believe there is such a man who could love you enough to marry you—even though you belong to the King?"
"Ugh, I do not belong to a King. I belong to no one. But, yes, if there is a man who would love me enough to marry me, I would marry him." She said, with a smile. She in turn, got a hint that it was Charles. She had loved him now for a long time. If she could marry anyone, it would be Charles. The way he looked at her that moment, caused her heart and mind to melt. He really was in love with her. She saw it in his eyes.
"The reason why I came here was—"
Lady Wallace came in to her daughter's chambers and immediately jumped at the sight of Charles Brandon. "Your Grace!" Lady Wallace exclaimed, rather flustered and embarrassed. "What is your sudden return?"
"I came on the behalf of His Majesty to visit Charlotte." Charles answered. Lady Wallace nodded and walked over to her daughter.
"This is a gift from your father, dear. He hopes you like it." Lady Wallace said. "It is a pleasure to see you again, Your Grace."
She left them alone once again, causing Charlotte to blush and feel her chest flutter. "Charlotte, before we have another interruption. I love you. You do know that, don't you?"
"Yes," she said, shyly. "I do know."
"I would do anything in the world for you…I would do anything to have you." He continued, stammering along the way and clearing his throat once. "I love you madly. Charlotte, will you have the honour in being my wife?"
AN: I AM LEAVING YOU WITH A CLIFF-HANGER! I know, but, you'll have to wait until chapter thirteen to find out whether or not Charlotte accepts (hopefully, wanting.)
Until then…