Author's note: This is the final chapter in this Heybourne HEA. I have two other Heybourne HEA stories, "To Forge a New Path" and "Life Lessons" if you are interested in reading my other stories about Alexander and Charlotte. There is a separate one-shot that goes with "Life Lessons" called "Sidney's Cove" as well. Thank you for reading and for supporting me. I truly appreciate that you share my love for these wonderful characters. Until next time...Annabella Grace.
Chapter Eleven: A Future So Dear
The Heywood-Colbourne wedding had the merchants and shopkeepers of Sanditon working long hours to prepare for the grandest wedding the seaside village had seen in decades, if ever.
Georgiana and Mary had gone with Charlotte to the modiste to have her wedding gown designed, as well as several other gowns. All were gifts from Georgiana for Charlotte's trousseau.
Mr. Colbourne had the invitations printed in town, had ordered so many flowers that the florist had to find new sources to fulfill all of the order, the bakery hired more workers to prepare the special biscuits and the wedding cake, all made with honey because of the sugar boycott. Meat was ordered by the butcher from several local farmers.
The local owner of the mercantile ordered cases and cases of wine and champagne for the wedding..
Mr. Colbourne had hired drapers to redo the master suite at Heyrick Park, and carpenters had been hired to build a gazebo and large removable dance floor for the day of the wedding. A four-member string quartet had been hired for the wedding and garden furniture had been ordered for the lawn to accommodate the guests.
The kitchen staff, wait staff, and the groomsmen who all worked for the Sanditon Assembly Rooms in Sanditon were hired to work the day of the wedding. Alexander hired more staff for the house to help take care of the sixteen guests who would be staying at Heyrick Park for the wedding. Besides the Heywoods and the Frasers, Alexander's brother Samuel Colbourne would be staying at the estate.
The grounds were made their most beautiful by the additional gardeners Alexander had hired.
Tom Parker knew Alexander Colbourne was wealthy, but the man he had previously considered a miser was spending as if he had an endless supply of money. Tom was delighted, as it benefited the economy of the town.
Every day, Alexander came to Sanditon not only to oversee the extensive list of details for the wedding, but to spend time with Charlotte. The pair often took long walks on the beach or sat in the gardens at Trafalgar House. During this precious time together, they spoke of all that was written in the journals and grew to know each other better with each conversation.
This particular morning, the couple discussed Alexander's time in London and his conversation with Lady Susan. Alexander asked Charlotte more about her relationship with Sidney Parker.
"Sidney was an enigma at first. He was brusque at times and could be difficult. He had hardened his heart a decade before I met him, and it took time for he and I to warm up to each other. He did not think I was a good influence on Georgiana, and we seemed to be constantly at odds."
Alexander asked, "What happened to change your opinion of each other?"
Charlotte explained, "It actually took a series of events for us to see each other through different eyes and to realize that our impressions of each other were completely wrong. We talked about it, and from that point on, we grew closer. However, at a ball in London, the same ball where I met Lady Susan, he saw Mrs. Campion again. She was the woman who had rejected him ten years before to marry a much older and wealthier man. I think at that point, Sidney was unclear what he felt for Widow Campion or for me."
"There came a time in which he had to make a choice, and it was the day of the Sanditon Regatta. He chose me and sent Mrs. Campion back to London. The next evening was the Midsummer Ball in Sanditon, and the fire broke out that changed the course of our lives. In order to save Tom Parker from debtor's prison, he had to agree to marry Mrs. Campion instead of asking for my hand. I know he did not want to, but saw no other way out for Tom. He told me so, and he did not want me to think badly of him."
"Sidney's life was a tragic one in that he knew very little happiness and he died young. He is my past now, but I will never forget him. He taught me a great deal about myself and for that I am grateful."
Alexander listened carefully, and he said, "He was your first love, and I can see why you were very hurt by all that happened. Your happiness was short-lived, and I can understand how you must have felt betrayed. He had made his intentions known to you, but then circumstances dictated that his past became his future. It is tragic that he died young, just as Lucy did."
Charlotte said, "Yes, it is."
Alexander continued, "Both Mr. Parker and I allowed our past to keep us from living our lives for far too long."
Charlotte agreed and said, "Yes, you did, but now we are looking forward to the future, one that will be very dear indeed, Alexander. Our pasts help shape our lives but it is up to us to learn the lessons from our experiences and move forward, all the wiser from having learned them."
Later, Alexander thought about their conversation, and how Charlotte had been so hurt by her first love, and then by him. He thought her terribly brave to give him a second chance. He vowed to make sure she never had cause to regret it.
The weekend before the wedding, Rachel and the two oldest Heywood brothers, John and Jacob, arrived for the engagement ball Tom and Mary were giving in their honor. Samuel arrived at well to spend a week at his childhood home before the wedding. Heyrick Park, already a beehive of activity in preparation for the wedding, was filled with laughter and fun with the addition of guests.
At Trafalgar House, the night of the ball, Georgiana came into Charlotte's room to collect her to leave for the Assembly Rooms. Mary and Tom had left earlier to receive guests as they arrived.
Georgiana said, "I envy you, Charlotte. You have found your happiness with Mr. Colbourne, and after all you have been through together, your love is stronger than ever."
Charlotte hugged her friend and replied, "Yes, I have, and it is a very different love than what I felt for Sidney. I know Alexander in a way I have never known anyone. He is so endearing, Georgiana, and I believe we shall be very happy together. He is my true love, my forever love."
She continued, "I hope, my dear friend, that you too shall find your happiness and the man who is worthy of being your husband."
The two ladies hugged and with a final check in the mirror, they went downstairs where Arthur was waiting to escort them to the ball.
Alexander, his brother, Rachel, Augusta, John, and Jacob were already at the ball when Charlotte and Georgiana made their entrance.
Charlotte was stunning in her mint green silk gown, and Alexander could not take his eyes off her. After greeting several guests, she spotted him and went to stand beside him.
The musicians were warming up, and it was their honor to open the ball with the first dance.
Alexander offered his arm to his beloved, and they made their way to the floor. If anyone had any doubt as to whether this was a love match, their doubts were surely dispelled by the way the couple looked at each other as they danced. Alexander and Charlotte never took their eyes off each other, and they moved in perfect unison.
Mary and Tom, Georgiana, and Arthur as well as other couples joined them, and soon the dance floor was filled with dancers. Alexander felt emotion fill his heart as he held Charlotte in his arms, and he reveled in the knowledge that next weekend, she would become his wife.
Augusta and Rachel never lacked dance partners, and the single ladies in town were grateful for the addition of Samuel, John, and Jacob. There never seem to be enough men at the balls for the single ladies to dance with. It was duly noted by the matriarchs in the room that all three young men were dashingly handsome.
Lady Denham noted with some satisfaction and remarked to Miss Hankins that Miss Heywood had finally given up the absurd notion of remaining single.
Miss Hankins thought it all terribly romantic and said so. Lady Denham scoffed and said that marriage was a matter of security for a woman, and that love had nothing to do with it.
Miss Hankins looked at the couple on the dance floor and said, 'Just look at them, and the way they look at one another and tell me that love has nothing to do with it."
Lady Denham said, "Well, I suppose you are right, Miss Hankins, but the fact remains, that she will have a lifetime of security by marrying such a wealthy man."
The evening was a lovely one and ended all too soon. Alexander and Charlotte did not have a moment alone all evening, but he kept reminding himself that in a week's time, they would have time alone every day.
Charlotte made the walk along the cliff tops to Heyrick Park every day the week before the wedding. Her siblings were guests, and she was glad to spend time with them every day. She enjoyed getting to know Samuel Colbourne, and all the entries in Alexander's Colbourne about their childhood gave her a deeper appreciation for this man who would become her brother-in-law.
The days passed swiftly, and the day before their wedding, the rest of the Heywood clan arrived at Heyrick Park.
That evening, the closest friends and family of the couple gathered for dinner at the estate. When the carriages arrived for dinner, the pathway was lined with lighted torches and the urns in front of the house were filled with elaborate arrangements.
Once the guests entered the house, the house felt warm and inviting. There were vases of flowers everywhere and candles were lit, casting a beautiful glow about the rooms.
Mrs. Wheatley marveled at the change in Xander. He was truly master of the estate, and anyone who knew him as well as she did, knew that he was out of his element as host of such a large gathering, but to his credit, he overcame his normally reserved nature to see to everyone's comfort. Miss Heywood was beside him the whole evening, and she had never seen him so happy.
After dinner, the party retired to the drawing room, and the younger ladies entertained the guests with their skills on the piano. Rachel was accomplished on the instrument, and both she and Augusta had practiced their music all week.
Lady Susan was sitting with Mary Parker and Georgiana and she was observing Charlotte, all evening. She was never wrong about love, and it was clear that Alexander loved her friend dearly. She thought him lucky because Charlotte loved him just as much as he did her. It was a wonderful match, and she was happy for them.
Tomorrow was the most important day in Charlotte's life, and Lady Susan was glad she had made the trip to Sanditon to witness this happiest of occasions. She stood and announced that she was sorry to end the evening, but she needed to seek her bed.
Alexander called for the carriages, and the guests all began to leave. The Heywoods went upstairs to get their younger children to bed, and everyone else made their way upstairs as well.
Alexander and Charlotte were finally alone, and before he escorted her home, he wanted to hold her in his arms.
He led her into the study and he gathered her close. His heart was too full to speak, and so he pulled her even closer and kissed her tenderly. She understood what he was feeling because her heart was just as full, and she was overcome with emotion. Tomorrow, they would be married, and their lives together would begin.
Reluctantly, Alexander took her home to Trafalgar House, and they parted for the last time as an unmarried couple.
When he left her, he said, "Until tomorrow, Miss Heywood."
The next morning, out in the garden decorated with vases of flowers, Charlotte's father walked his daughter down the aisle to meet her groom, and they were married in front of their family and friends in a heartfelt ceremony. Alexander was so overcome with emotion and his voice caught when he vowed to cherish her. Charlotte squeezed his hand and he completed speaking his vows. She repeated her vows to him, and there were many in attendance seen dabbing their eyes with their embroidered handkerchiefs. They were such a beautiful couple and clearly, deeply in love.
The wedding breakfast was delightful. The children played croquet on the lawn and games of cricket. Everyone danced and ate delicious food.
Alexander and Samuel found a moment to speak when Charlotte was dancing with Reverend Hankins.
Samuel said, "Alexander, you have turned this mausoleum of a house into a home. I will be a frequent visitor from now on, and I can only hope that someday, I find a woman who makes me as happy as Charlotte has made you."
"She has transformed my life, Samuel. I was bereft without her, and I know how truly fortunate I am to have earned her forgiveness. She is everything and more to me."
Samuel said, "I can see that she is Alexander."
Mr. Heywood joined them brothers and said, "I cannot thank you enough for all you have done to make Charlotte happy today, Colbourne. The wedding and this breakfast surpassed anything we would have had in Willingden."
Alexander said, "I was happy to do it, and it was my pleasure since it was held at Heyrick Park. Your daughter is a remarkable woman, and I want to give her everything in the world, if she will allow me to."
Mr. Heywood replied, "The day you gave her your heart, and offered your hand to her, you gave her everything she needs to be happy. Charlotte values that more than anything else, and if you two can remember to always speak from your hearts, I have no doubt you will be happy."
Alexander thanked him for his wise advice, and the Heywood family left for Willingden. Augusta and Leo left with them and would stay with the Heywoods until the new Mr. and Mrs. Colbourne returned from their honeymoon in Paris.
Lady Susan and Lady Denham both came to offer their congratulations once more before leaving.
Charlotte and her dear friend had a private word before Lady Susan left.
"Charlotte tonight will be a special night. Trust him that all will be well, and just let yourself get lost in his love for you and yours for him. I have asked the servants to leave a special gift for you to wear tonight in the master bedroom."
"I love you, dear girl, and I expect you and your husband to come to visit me in London from time to time."
Charlotte hugged her friend, and Alexander was waiting to help her into her carriage.
Miss Hankins and the Reverend Hankins said their goodbyes, and Miss Hankins said, "It is good to see you so happy, both of you, and I know God will bless this union."
As the last guests pulled out of the estate, Alexander asked Charlotte if she wanted to go for a walk along the clifftops.
As they walked, they spoke of how wonderful the day had been, and how glad they were to finally be husband and wife. The sun was just beginning to set and the reflection on the sea was beautiful. Alexander stood behind his wife and wrapped his arms around her. He inhaled her scent mixed with the sea air and he felt a sense of peace come over him.
"You look so beautiful in your wedding gown today. I could barely take my eyes off you as you walked down the aisle to me."
Charlotte thanked him and replied, "Thank you, and you looked resplendent in your wedding suit. I married the most handsome man in Sanditon."
He bent down and whispered in her ear, "Are you ready to go home, my love?"
She answered, "I am home, in your arms, but if you are asking if I am ready to go back to Heyrick Park, then yes, I am."
When they got there, her maid was waiting for her and asked if she needed help getting out of her wedding gown. Charlotte said she did, and the two of them made their way upstairs.
Alexander waited as patiently as he could. It was not long before he saw the maid come down the stairs and he could finally join his wife.
When he opened the door to their room, she was standing by the window, looking over the grounds. She was dressed in a pale blue silk dressing gown, and Alexander felt his heart begin to race. The moment he had longed for was finally here, but he felt his feet glued to the floor.
His eyes scanned the room and noticed the crackling fire, the floral arrangements, and that their bed was turned down.
Charlotte turned toward him and opened her arms, and he quickly made his way to her. He wrapped his arms around her and bent to kiss her with the passion he had long held at bay. She returned his kisses and caresses in equal measure.
Finally, he lifted his wife in his arms and carried her to their bed. They tenderly became man and wife in every way, and the experience surpassed Alexander's most vivid dreams. His beautiful and passionate wife was everything he could have hoped for, and he closed his eyes to hold back the emotion he was feeling. He had never known what it meant to make love, and now, he did.
Charlotte asked, "Is everything alright, Alexander?"
His answer was to pull her closer and whisper, "You are so beautiful, and I have never known such love as you and I share. I was just feeling so grateful that you are finally my wife."
She pulled him closer and said, "Show me again, how beautiful you think I am, Alexander."
Never one to deny his wife anything, he did as she asked, and then they both fell asleep.
In the morning, they woke up and found more ways to please each other. Finally, they made their way downstairs for breakfast, and Alexander asked that the carriage be loaded with their luggage. They would leave for their trip in an hour or so.
After bathing and dressing, they left for their trip to Paris, and it would be the trip of a lifetime for the two of them.
Paris was known as the city of lovers, and for the new Mr. and Mrs. Colbourne, it was certainly true. They also saw all the sites, ate delicious food, and spent three glorious weeks with only each other for company.
When it was time to go home, Alexander promised her that they would return someday.
They spent a night at the Crown Hotel in London and had lunch the following day with Samuel before leaving for Willingden to collect Augusta and Leo.
Both girls were excited to see them but would miss the Heywoods terribly.
Everyone got settled in when they arrived back at Heyrick Park, and family life began for the four of them, just as Alexander had hoped it would.
He looked around the dinner table at the three people he loved most, and he felt like the richest man in the world. He was blessed, very blessed, and he was grateful.
That night when they were lying in bed, they talked about all Alexander had written in his journals about the four of them becoming a family and about how he wrote of his longing for her.
Charlotte snuggled closer in his arms and said, "Now you do not have to dream about it because I am finally laying in this bed beside you."
Alexander proceeded to show his wife how much he loved her, and no further words were needed that night.
Charlotte fell asleep in his arms, and he laid there thinking for a few minutes before he closed his eyes.
Those journals had been his saving grace, and he was so glad he had shared them with Charlotte. Never again would he allow self-doubt and insecurity to interfere in his life. Not only for her sake, for his as well. He shuddered to think about all he would have missed if Charlotte had not read those journals and forgiven him. The life that was before them in the years to come would be a beautiful one, he was sure of it.
A future so dear. Indeed.