Colbourne stood next to his brother, while trying inconspicuously to keep his eye on Ralph and Charlotte. It was clear the conversation was not a happy one. He could not hear them, couldn't really even see Ralph, but the stiff postures, Charlotte's face, it all seemed to indicate it was not pleasant . He felt guilty, he knew he had not been respectful towards Ralph, that he had held Charlotte too close, held her for too long, yet he did not regret it. He could not regret it.
"Are you listening?" came a voice. "Xander."
He started, finding himself looking at the face of his cousin who looked a mixture of amused and irritated. He apologized, and she rolled her eyes.
"Xander, this is not done," she said sternly. He looked at her with confusion. "You can not keep doing this. Dancing with her in that way - you do not know what sort of gossip you will subject her too."
"What do you mean?" he asked, a pit of dread forming in his stomach.
"I've heard at least two women say that they thought you and Ms. Heywood made such a handsome couple, only then to be corrected that she was engaged to another man. And I'm fairly certain both Mr. Starling and Ms. Renshaw heard those remarks." Colbourne swore, feeling a swell of anger and embarrassment.
"You will not keep doing this. If you will not tell her of your feelings, then do her the service of staying away so that her reputation remains intact," said Lady Susan firmly. "But I hope you will do the right thing."
"I will," he said. Sam and Lady Susan looked at him. "I will do the right thing," he clarified.
"Which is?" asked Sam. Colbourne responded with a silent glare. "I'd just prefer clarification, you seem to change your mind every other moment on how you'll handle your…" he trailed off, making a vague gesture with his hand, "situation."
"I will let her know of my intentions and leave the decision to her." They both breathed a sigh of relief. "I hadn't realized you were so invested in the matter."
"Hard not to be invested given your heavy-handed moping and pining looks, it's all been playing out like a Shakespeare tragedy. It's a surprise little Leo has not picked up on it, you look quite ready to throw yourself on the sword any moment."
"There have been no pining looks," responded Colbourne. Sam gave him a look. "Certainly no moping."
"Cousin?" Sam looked to Lady Susan for reinforcement.
"I shall not get involved in such a juvenile brotherly quarrel," said Lady Susan firmly, but then after a short pause "Although, I must agree with Sam on this instance - there has been nearly an indecent level of moping. I think we should all be glad to see the end of it."
Colbourne simply glared at them both and then returned his gaze to where Ralph and Charlotte were standing, only to see that neither were there. His eyes swept the room but found he did not spot either. Leaving his brother and cousin behind, he walked towards the window looking to see if perhaps they had moved outside. He supposed he'd no right to be concerned, but he could not help himself. He noticed a couple near a hedge, not very well hidden, in an embrace and for a moment his heart plummeted before his rational mind took hold and he realized it was neither Ralph nor Charlotte.
Moving then to the front, he looked out to the road, spotting what was clearly Ralph's lanky frame entering a carriage. He gave a small sigh of relief as there was no one else in the carriage, meaning Charlotte was still here. He was not a stupid man, surely they had some sort of argument, no doubt caused by the dance. Or he supposed that Ralph truly felt unwell, but that seemed less likely. And that was all the thought that could be spared for Ralph Starling. His mind went back to Charlotte. Where was she? He walked the perimeters of the room twice, and even up to the balcony, yet no sign of her. He could hardly go room by room, so he resorted to the only avenue available to him. Spotting Mrs. Parker by the punch bowl, he walked towards her only to be interrupted by Augusta who stopped him with a severe look on her face.
"Uncle." she said firmly. "I'd like a word."
"Augusta, must we?" he asked distractedly, his eyes scouring the room.
"Yes, I believe we must."
Colbourne huffed a sigh, but took her into a corner.
"I've just returned from comforting Ms. Renshaw who is in tears because she thought she was quite in love with you and how she didn't realize that you'd been in love with t he governess all this while and that I have been a terrible friend and that she felt utterly betrayed at my lack of loyalty." Colbourne stared at her, utterly dumbfounded. "She also said she could hardly believe that she was utterly mistaken in her opinion of you as she had thought you a man of integrity, yet to be clearly trying to seduce an engaged woman in front of her very fiance meant that that was very much not the case. And that she was quite sorry but she could no longer continue a friendship with me." She looked at him then. "Have you anything to say?"
"Augusta, surely you know…"
"I'm afraid I do not know anything as you will share nothing," she interrupted. " What of Ms. Heywood? Ms. Renshaw was implying the most horrid things"
"Augusta," he said firmly. "I assure only the most honorable intentions towards Ms. Heywood." She looked at him, her gaze still suspicious. "I will do everything in my power to bring her home to us. I promise." Her eyes softened.
"I suppose I have no choice but to believe you." she finally said with a small smile, "and I suppose I must also thank you as well, I had been dreading spending time with Ms. Renshaw. She can be perfectly amiable but I find our shared interests were few and far in between. I infinitely prefer Ms. Heywood's company."
"As do I," said Colbourne without thinking, "to nearly all others." He looked at her then. "You would be happy with her wouldn't you?"
"Leo loves her as if she was already hers - I hardly think my opinion matters."
"Augusta, I know I do not show it as well as I ought, but you are as dear to me as Leo is, your good opinion matters a great deal."
She looked at him then with a smile of great affection. "Well then, we both love her as if she was ours - we have only been waiting for you to come to your senses." He smiled at her then leaned forward and gave her an affectionate kiss on her forehead, surprising them both.
"Lucky for you both, I seem to have found them. Have you seen her?" he asked her. Augusta shook her head, but walked him towards Ms. Parker.
"Mrs. Parker wondered if you've seen Ms. Heywood?" he asked her, quietly.
"Oh lord, not for a while, I thought I saw her with Mr. Starling earlier?" she replied, gesturing to the area where he had also last seen her.
"I believe Mr. Starling has left."
"Oh." she did not reply, but could sense the man's stress and took pity. "Let me see if I can't find her." Colbourne thanked her. "Mr. Colbourne, you two danced beautifully together," she said with a smile and she and Augusta exchanged a glance, a small smirk on Augusta's face. "I hope we see such a dance again."
It was twenty minutes later, when Ms. Lambe approached him by the punch table where he had stood stiffly. "I've been instructed to inform you that Ms. Heywood is perfectly well, but has decided to return to the Parker's home early." Colbourne positively wilted, he had been hoping to see her for himself.
"Is she all right?" he asked her, unable to stop himself.
"She shall be," replied Georgiana. "She needs a little time." She paused and then looked at Colbourne, her eyes unreadable as though she were studying him. "Perhaps you should call on her tomorrow," she finally said with a sly smile, "to see for yourself."
Colbourne gave a sigh, though he had intended on seeking her out if she required time to herself, he would give her that. He did feel a contentment in realizing that nearly everyone had given their blessing in some small way - it was all only a matter of time.
It was early the next morning after a night with nearly no sleep, Charlotte found herself wide awake before dawn. She had gone to her room at the Parkers after the ball and simply wept for what felt like hours. Wept for herself, for Sidney, for Ralph, for Colbourne - weeping until she had no tears left, and rather than feeling hollow, she felt full. As if the tears had washed away the sorrow, the guilt, the anger of it all leaving her only with hope.
She would no longer allow herself to feel guilt for Ralph, perhaps she had not conducted herself in the way she ought, but Ralph had been brave enough to put a stop to it sooner rather than later. Her thoughts of Sidney now were bittersweet - and although she grieved him, she found the ardent, passionate love she had felt had all but faded into a sweet memory of a first love cut too soon. And as for Colbourne, she felt there were no words to describe what she felt for him - the depth of her feelings seemed to know no bounds. For the first time, she felt no apprehension in his feelings towards her, no fear that he would change his mind, that something would take him from her, rather she felt sure that nothing would keep him from her now - she simply would not allow it.
A morning walk would do, she thought to herself and grabbed her blue coat as she walked out the door. A walk to the cliffside always seemed to soothe her. She would not walk to Heyric, at least not now, but perhaps tomorrow - she could use some excuse to call on the girls. Or perhaps no excuse would be necessary - it seemed quite apparent that everyone understood the unspoken feelings of the pair.
She was lost in her daydreams as she walked, so much so that she did not notice the very gentleman she'd been dreaming of only a few yards away.
Colbourne found himself wondering how it was possible that she was somehow more beautiful that he last saw her. After yesterday, he would have sworn that he had seen perfection, yet today demanded that title as well. Charlotte looked beatific - the brisk sea winds had made her cheeks rosy and her hair nearly wild, her eyes bright from the sea air, and her simple gown only served to make her look nearly angelic. She had not seen him yet and so he could look upon her with no shame. How had he ever thought that he could let her go? This would be moment, the one to right his previous wrongs, his chance to secure his own happiness, and hers he hoped.
"Ms. Heywood," he finally called out to her.
She looked up, met his eyes and as if expecting him this whole time, she smiled at him. "What brings you here at dawn, Mr. Colbourne?"
"I imagine the same as you, I could not sleep." He walked towards her, but stopped at a respectable distance. She felt a swell of disappointment - she had hoped he would have come closer. "Ms. Heywood," he started but then paused, as if gathering courage to express himself. "Ms. Heywood, I wonder if I…" he paused again. "Is Mr. Starling faring better?" he finally asked, feeling utterly disappointed in himself as he felt his courage leave him.
"I hardly know," she responded. "I believe he is to return to Willingden today."
"I did not know he was intending on returning so soon."
"I suppose he no longer has a reason to stay," she said simply. Colbourne took a step closer to her, hardly daring to believe what Charlotte was implying. "He released me from the engagement." His heart leapt, he took another step towards her.
"I am sorry to hear that."
She looked at him then with a sardonic gaze. "Are you?" she asked, with a small quirk in her lip. How he wanted to kiss it.
"No." he replied with a wry smile of his own. "No, I don't suppose I am although I do hope you are not too grieved." She shook her head and Colbourne felt a small wave of relief. He took another small step closer. "And why did he do it?" he asked, unable to stop himself.
"He said it was clear that my heart belonged to another." she said softly. He looked at her then , his eyes meeting hers, and felt rooted to the spot, unable to move as if his very being hinged on this moment.
"And does it?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
She approached him slowly then - watched as he stilled - barely breathing and for a moment she relished the power she had over him - that she could stop his breathing, his moving, to reduce this man to utter stillness. The knowledge that she was so purely desired was intoxicating. She stopped in front of him, barely a breath away, unable to look away from his eyes. As if acting on its own accord, she felt her hand lift and settle on his cheek. He took yet another step closer, his hand covering hers. Her breaths became shallow. As if still afraid she would run away at any minute, he placed his free hand on the small of her back and he pulled her closer until she was flush against him. She felt his face move and suddenly, his lips were on her palm - a gentle lingering kiss that she felt in her bones. He leaned forward so that her forehead was resting on his, their noses touching and his eyes so close that she could count every lash.
"Because my heart belongs to you." he whispered. "It always will."
There was simply nothing else to do at that moment but to kiss him, and so she did, her lips upon his gently, firmly. He seemed frozen, but only for a moment, before she felt herself crushed into him with the force of his embrace. The kiss was not gentle, it was needy, full of the longing and passion that they had both tried to contain for months. His hands were entangled in her hair, his lips seemingly everywhere - her cheeks, her neck, her face, but never leaving her mouth for long. He had been waiting for her, waiting for what seemed like an eternity. She was in his arms again and he would not let her go.
Neither could say how much time had passed he finally pulled his lips away, both seemingly out of breath. He still held her close, reluctant to let her out of his embrace. She found she did not mind in the least, and instead looked at him with a dazed smile.
"I love you." he said, looking at her with such feeling she felt her knees go weak. "I wish that I had more words to convey the depth of my feeling, but I do not. I love you." He kissed her again, and her knees did go weak, and she felt him pull her closer to hold her up. When his lips left hers, she was delighted to find he looked as dazed as she did. "I cannot sleep for dreaming of you, I cannot eat for thinking of you, if you are in the room I cannot keep away from you, if you are in my arms I cannot help but pull you closer. Charlotte, you are the air that I breathe. I do not deserve you, but I need you all the same. Marry me."
She simply could do nothing but nod.
"Yes?" he asked, his eyes hopeful and light, a smile on his face that she didn't think she had ever seen before.
"Yes." she said, a certainty in her voice that she knew she had never heard before. He looked at her with near disbelief. "I love you." He laughed then, and wrapping both of his arms around her waist, he spun her in the air. She could not help but laugh with him at such a display of boyish affection. He had barely set her on the ground, before his lips were on her again an endless stream of kisses.
It was Charlotte who finally moved to detach herself from him, though he murmured his displeasure, moving from her lips to her neck. She could not help but let out a little gasp of pleasure and feeling quite pleased with himself, he gave her a small nip on her ear before returning back to her lips. It was a few delicious minutes later, when she tried again. "I must return to the Parkers," she whispered into his lips. He begrudgingly let her go though he let out a little laugh at the sight of her. "What?" she asked.
"You look..." he trailed off.
"Utterly ruined?" she asked with a smile.
"Utterly beautiful. And very disheveled and thoroughly kissed." And she did, her hair, which had been brushed, was mussed and tangled, her lips swollen, her coat and dress askew. "You should look like this always - you'd bring the world to its knees." She blushed in pleasure and attempted to straighten her gown, and running her hands through her hair, tried to bring it to order.
Feeling as though she was finally somewhat presentable, she looked at him. "Do I look presentable?" He nodded and walked closer to her, cupping her face in his hands and softly told her that he infinitely preferred her unpresentable. She blushed again. He took a deep breath and she found herself leaning into him.
"Shall I see you again today?" he asked her. She shook her head and he tried to hide his disappointment.
"I must write to my family and I suppose I'll need to tell Georgiana and the Parkers the news. I imagine they'll have much to say - especially Mary and then I am meant to help Mary with the children today. Though we have no plans for tomorrow. Perhaps I could come to call then?" she asked him shyly, he nodded with a pleased smile. "Will you tell the girls?" she asked. He nodded again.
"Unless you prefer I do not." he replied after a moment. She could hear the vulnerability in the response as if he was waiting for her to change her mind.
"No, I'd like for you to tell them," she paused then as if thinking of something and Colbourne pulled her closer.
"What is it?"
"I should like nothing more than to be your wife." He smiled and placed a tender kiss on her brow.
"But?" he whispered into her forehead.
"There is no but. I onlyI dread to think what my father and mother will say when they learn I have left and entered another engagement in the span of hours. I regret ever having accepted Ralph's proposal." She leaned into his chest, resting her head underneath his chin. She took a deep breath and the scent of him soothed her. His hands trailed up her back until they rested below her shoulders. They stood still for a few minutes, simply breathing each other in. Reluctantly, she pulled herself away from him and looked up at him.
"I regret the hurt that we have caused him, he is a good man. But I cannot regret this. I will not," he said, looking at her intently.
"Nor will I." She leaned forward then, giving him a quick kiss then - relishing the fact she could do it now. She felt him smile.
"Your family will understand. Perhaps not immediately, but I will do everything in my power to show them that this decision is the right one," he said softly once they had parted. She smiled at him, his sweet steadiness.
"I must really return to the Parkers," she said. He nodded then, and reaching for her hand, he brought it to his lips. "Until tomorrow then?" she asked with a smile.
He beamed at her and she was struck with how well suited he was to a smile. "Until tomorrow."
She had returned to Tralfager house to find it quiet and still, everyone off to a slow morning after the ball - the Parker's were typically the last to leave any ball which meant very late mornings the next day. She broke her fast alone at the table, relishing in the quiet - free to be as happy as she pleased, free to reminiscence over the morning as she pleased. He loved her. She had thought it, felt it, been hopeful of it, been scared that perhaps she had imagined it - but he spoke the words and now every worry was washed away and she was left only with the pure joy of loving and being loved in return and knowing it to be true. Every dream, every hope she had tried to suppress came spilling out - she would be his wife, they would grow old together - spend their days filling Heyric Park with love and laughter, with children and animals and an abundance of joy.
Her thoughts returned to the morning and she found herself longing to be with him again. She felt her stomach flip at the thought of his ardent passion, she could feel his lips on her neck yet and felt herself blush at the thought of the number of liberties she would have allowed at that moment had he wanted.
She was so lost in thought, she felt quite startled with the door to the dining room swung open and the room was flooded with the Parkers - children and adults alike. Mary took one look at her and Charlotte felt herself blush to her roots. Mary, too clever by half, gave her quite a cheeky smile and knowing look but was kind enough to not bring up the matter at the table. After a raucous breakfast where Charlotte and Mary were forced to recount every detail of the ball to the girls, they were interrupted by the servant announcing Ms. Lambe's presence.
Georgiana walked into the room, and much like with Mary, one look at Charlotte told her all that she needed to know. She exchanged a look with Mary, while Charlotte felt herself go redder still, who gave her a broad smile. Georgiana, very much not having the patience of Mary, announced that she was hoping that she could persuade Mary and Charlotte to go for a morning stroll. It was readily agreed to by Mary, and Charlotte understood quite well that she had very little say in the matter. In a matter of minutes they found themselves walking into town.
"Are you really going to have us ask?" asked Georgiana impishly. "You haven't stopped blushing nor smiling since I've set eyes on you." Mary laughed and agreed. And Charlotte, with all the joy in her heart, shared all (nearly all) that had transpired since last night, her happiness so radiant that Georgiana and Mary could not help but feel the effect of it and at the end of her story, both were teary eyed and beaming alongside their dearest friend.
"I had not thought that Mr. Colbourne would be such an ardent lover," said Georgiana, "yet I suppose it is as they say - still are the waters that run deep." Charlotte blushed, but nodded in agreement.
"I must say, as your chaperone, I feel like I've quite neglected my duties in allowing you such freedoms," said Mary teasingingly, "but as your friend I could not be happier - Charlotte he loves you dearly, I could not have dreamed of a better match and above all else, you will be situated but three miles from me."
"Of course Mary, why else should I accept his proposal?" she said with a laugh. And so the ladies walked on for another hour as Charlotte unburdened her heart in a way she had been too self-conscious to do before. It was shortly coming upon noon, when the ladies realized they were feeling hungry as well as tired that they decided to return home.
"Charlotte, '' Georgina said as she stopped in front of the door at the Parkers. "I've just remembered that I had an invitation from Ms. Markham and Lady Susan to join them for tea this afternoon at Heyric Park. I do not think they would mind very much if you also accompanied me. Indeed, I imagine that to a certain someone, you would be the most valued guest of all."
Charlotte felt her stomach flutter in nervous excitement before she remembered her promise to Mary. Already knowing what she was thinking, Mary stated that she would quite readily release her from her obligations for the day and that she insisted that Charlotte accompany Georgiana.
The flutters returned in full force. She had told him she would see him tomorrow, and she had resigned herself to it, she would work to reign in her emotions slightly so that she felt less giddy and foolish. Yet the prospect of seeing him in only a few short hours rendered her just that - giddy, foolish and fully incapable of passing up such an opportunity. Because more than anything else, she craved his presence - he felt essential to her well being. She quickly agreed and the plan was made that they would walk to Heyric together in the afternoon.
Giddy and foolish girl, she thought to herself. Yet she hardly minded. She'd had enough heartbreak and tragedy to last years, and what should a girl be if not giddy and foolish in love.
Colbourne could not remember a time where he had felt so purely happy - of course there had been moments here and there in his life.
Leo had brought him joy but every moment of joy brought with it a crushing sense of guilt and shame. In her early infancy - she had been such a joyful baby and so attached to him, he had felt helpless to do anything but love her dearly. She had been only over one and the nursemaid had called him into the nursery and there was Leo toddling towards him, arms outreached saying "papa". He had wept that day out of joy and sorrow. Her mother should have been there to see it.
Even going further back into his life, he could only recall a handful of occasions - there was a time when both he and his brother had been young boys, the governess had returned to her family for a week or so, his father had left for London and it was only he, his brother and his mother at Heyric. And for that week they were positively wild - he spent days and nights simply playing with his brother, hiding, hunting, reading, and practicing dances with his mother. And then his governess returned as did his father and that was the end of that.
And of course, his early courtship with Lucy when they had both thought themselves in love - there was the thrill and joy that came in the flirtation. And then with Charlotte again, a stolen kiss, a lingering hand, the promise of tomorrow - feeling so hopeful, all to fall apart so quickly and all due to his own faults.
But today - today felt nearly wondrous. There was no misunderstanding, no confusion, only the complete and utter contentment that came with knowing that one was in love and loved in return. She had kissed him with abandon, received his kisses with pleasure, had sighed in his arms and seemed as reluctant to let him go as he had her. His beautiful Charlotte. His. Of course he knew he did not own her, knew that she could never possess her, but knew that her heart belonged to him now.
Half dazed, he walked into the drawing room to find his brother, Augusta and Lady Susan all listening to his daughter play the spinet. He gave a small smile as Leo noticed his presence and immediately stopped her playing to greet him.
The room all looked at him and suddenly he felt hot under his collar, unsure how to broach the subject. It did not help that his brother noticed his discomfort and had a small smirk forming. Sam leaned to whisper something to Lady Susan who looked at him with renewed interest and a cheeky smile.
"Brother, do you have something to say?" said Sam, breaking the silence. He shot his brother a dirty look.
"Yes. I've asked Ms. Heywood to be my wife and she has agreed." he said as matter of factly as he could. Leo jumped in excitement and ran to him while Augusta and Lady Susan clapped with unbridled enthusiasm. His brother stood and patted him on the back, and a jovial "well done, brother!"
"Is she coming now? When will you get married?" and other endless stream of questions from Leo kept them occupied for an hour before both Augusta and Leo were called away by Ms. Wheatley for lunch.
Lady Susan then looked at him shrewdly. "I must confess, Leo has asked nearly all the questions I had in mind, except for one. Ms. Heywood was very much engaged to another man last night - what on earth happened in these last few hours?" And so Colbourne provided a very proper version of the story, stating as plainly as possible what had transpired and very much avoiding any mentions of the delightful improper behavior he had engaged in.
"Well I suppose that all makes sense, but I hope there was a little more passion to it than all that" said Lady Susan in a teasing voice. He rolled his eyes but assured his cousin that Charlotte did not seem to have any complaints while Sam and Lady Susan chuckled.
Colbourne stood by his study window and for a moment thought that he had willed Charlotte into existence as he saw her walking towards Heyric. It took a moment to realize she was no apparition, as it would have been odd for such an apparition to be walking with Ms. Lambe, who looked very decidedly normal and alive. His heart in this throat, he felt struck dumb by her beauty and felt overwhelmed again at the thought that he had been so close to losing her. As if sensing his eyes on her, she looked up and caught him. Her eyes softened, her smile widened and a soft blush formed on her cheeks and her chest as she gave him a small nod. He felt his mouth dry. How he wished they could be alone, if only for a few moments, he would kiss her senseless.
As he continued to look at her, his eyes widened in surprise as he saw his daughter barreling towards Ms. Heywood nearly knocking her over in an embrace.
"Ms. Heywood! Is it true! Are you to be my mother?"
Charlotte held the girl as close as she could, before crouching to be at eye level with the young girl. "If you will have me, Leo" she said softly to the young girl, "I will be whatever you wish me to be." Leo threw her arms around Charlotte's neck and pulled her in closer and Charlotte felt unexpected tears spring into her eyes out of love for this dear child. She promised herself that she would love the girl as deeply as she deserved.
After a few moments, she stood to see Augusta standing by the door as well. To her utter amazement, there was neither sarcastic nor irreverent comment thrown in her direction. Ms. Markham simply approached her and pulled her in as tight of a hug as her cousin. "You must never leave us again, Ms. Heywood." Leo came closer and threw her arms around them as well as all three giggled, teary eyed.
Colbourne walked out to the front to see the three in a warm embrace and felt his heart catch. Ms. Lambe caught his eye and gave him a warm smile. The girls separated and Charlotte caught Colbourne's gaze and felt as though she had to force herself to stay still so strong was her temptation to go to him.
He approached her, taking her hand and bringing it to his lips. She made her apologizes for the intrusion but Ms. Lambe had insisted she come along and she hoped he did not mind. His eyes very much said that he did not mind in the least. The party stood in the hall for a few moments, before Mrs. Wheatley pulled them into the room for tea, though not before giving Charlotte her most sincere congratulations.
"I knew I bet on the right girl," she said to Charlotte with a wink. They had only been in the drawing room for nearly a half of an hour, Lady Susan and Sam offering congratulations and fawning, teasing, and generally being a merry party. Of course, after the first twenty minutes, the subject lost a bit of its luster and the topic turned to the ball itself and all of the frivolous pieces of gossip surrounding it. Charlotte had slowly made her way to Mr. Colbourne, feeling unusually shy in his presence, asked if she would accompany him on a walk. Georgiana looked up and looked torn on whether or not she should chaperone, when Charlotte gave her a look . Knowing that Charlotte was in safe hands, Georigana decided to let the pair be.
They had walked a ways through the house, before he pulled her into a small room she'd never noticed before. It was a small sitting room, clearly only for family - a green floral wallpaper, a blue sofa and three shelves filled with books. He fell onto a chair, and to her delight, he pulled her onto his lap. She laughed as his arms tightened around her and though it was quickly muffled as his lips covered hers, a hand already tangled in her hair, the other on her waist but already moving upwards towards. After a few breathless moments, they parted. Charlotte felt the thrill of being able to run her hands along his hair as she liked, relishing in the feel of the silky hair between her fingers. He leaned his forehead against hers, and gave a soft smile.
"Good afternoon Ms. Heywood," he said.
"Afternoon, Mr. Colbourne." she replied. She snuck in a small kiss, feeling his smile on her lips.
"Charlotte," he whispered his hand on her cheek, looking at her with such tenderness, she felt herself light headed.
"Xander." another kiss. Was such perfect happiness possible? And what had she done to deserve it. "Am I to expect such a welcome every time you see me?"
"Until we are old and grey, I imagine."
"I should like that very much."
"Shall we hide away here all day do you think?" he asked, his lips still only a breath away.
"Would you like to?"
"I'd like to be anywhere as long as you are with me." She rewarded him with another kiss. "I did not expect you today - I thought I dreamed you into existence."
"I had not planned it, but when Georgiana suggested I accompany her I could not resist an opportunity to see you." She blushed then, and Colbourne felt his heart fill with such tenderness it was a wonder it did not explode. He kissed her, pouring every emotion he felt into her until he felt sure she understood the depth of his feelings.
After a few minutes, he reached to pull something out of his pocket, a small box and handed it to her. Charlotte opened it to find a beautiful ring, a simple stone surrounded by delicate jewels and a dainty floral band - he took it out of the box. "It was my mother's favorite ring, I thought it would suit you." She held out her hand towards him, and he slid the ring onto her finger. They stared at her hand silently for a moment.
"It's beautiful." she finally said softly.
"If it is not suited to your taste, there are a few others that you could look at.."
"Xander, it is beautiful." she turned her head to face him and kissed him then, fervently. The passion which had seemed contained, had somehow turned into unconstrained, and she found herself pulling her body as close to his as the air would allow. His hands, clearly bold, had found their way towards her rear and pulled her close, his other hand holding the back of her head, fingers threaded through her hair. His lips left hers and began trailing kisses down her neck and she found herself feeling lightheaded and warm in a way she never felt before. She felt quite ready to lose herself, when there was a loud thud by the door that caused them to spring apart. Heavily breathing, they looked at each other and Charlotte could not help but let out a giggle at the absurdity of it all. Colbourne gave her a smile and again she thought how well delight suited his face.
"I suppose we've used up as much goodwill as our friends were willing to give." said Charlotte to Mr. Colbourne, and he laughed as he helped her straighten herself out again.
"When are you returning to Willingden" he asked suddenly.
"I hardly know." she replied, "It was meant to be until after the ball, but.." she trailed off.
"I must write to your father." he said. Charlotte felt flutters in her stomach again, but the unpleasant kind feeling dread of sharing the news. Ralph had surely arrived in Willingden by now and she had yet to send her letter to her father.
"Wait." she said to Colbourne. "Let me send my letter first, my mother will be able to manage it better." He nodded and pulled her close.
"You make me lose any sense of control Charlotte," he said to her, his voice low and deep. "Write soon. I'd like to marry you as soon as I can." he paused then. "As long as you'd also like to."
"I'd like to." she smiled at him. Another thud at the door. Colbourne rolled his eyes.
"That'll be Sam." he said with a sigh. "We should rejoin them."
And so they did, and while the party very wisely said very little, Colbournes loosened cravat and hair in disarray coupled with Charlotte's swollen lips and very dazed expression left very little to the imagination. It was another hour yet when the girls said their goodbyes and parted company, Colbourne resolved to marry Charlotte as soon as reasonably possible.