The sun was still below the horizon when Alexander Colbourne left Heyrick Park to collect Charlotte at Trafalgar house. With such an early start, he hoped they might make the journey to Willingden and back in a single day, although he was aware their schedule was not entirely their own. Much depended on her family's response to their engagement. Would Mr. Heywood accept the marriage or would he require persuasion? Charlotte had told Alexander, that awful day that she had refused him, that she had made a promise to her parents - parents she loved and respected. Going against their wishes would not be easy for her.

For the first time, he felt some empathy with Ralph Starling. Recalling their encounters - few and brief as they were - he could see that Starling wanted to remove Charlotte from Sanditon because the town represented a threat to their union and Starling's happiness. In Sanditon, Charlotte had others that she cared about. In Sanditon, Starling's priorities were not hers. The irony that Alexander now felt the same about Willingden was not lost on him.

His family's reception to their engagement had left no doubt of their feelings. Leo had raced happily around the sitting room, pausing only to give Charlotte hugs. Sam had sipped his port with a proprietary smile, as if he were personally responsible for arranging the match. And Augusta, despite her own romantic misfortune, had defied his expectations and given him a kiss on the cheek.

"I am happy for you, Uncle," she had said, "and I am happy for our entire household. I believe we will be the better for it."

Touched, Alexander had briefly squeezed her hand before receiving the more boisterous attentions of his daughter. The most astonishing response of all had come from Mrs. Wheatley. When the woman heard the news, she had dropped into a chair.

"Well, thank God," she had said. "It was becoming quite exhausting following the two of you. I was neglecting my duties as housekeeper." Then she immediately looked embarrassed.

"I am sorry, sir," she'd added to Alexander. "That remark was uncalled for."

"No it wasn't," Sam had said quickly.

Charlotte had turned to Alexander and smiled.

She was waiting for him now, as his carriage drew up in front of Trafalgar house. She was dressed in one of the simple pinafores she had worn when working as his governess, with her hair loose on her shoulders. He had seen her often enough at formal occasions to know she was capable of transforming into an elegant and fashionable young woman but he found her every bit as beautiful when she was attired like this. Regardless of accoutrements, she was Charlotte - lovely, intelligent and brave. He noticed that she was holding a small bag.

"Are you expecting to spend the night in Willingden?" he asked, as he stepped out of the carriage.

She shook her head. "No. This is a brioche and a couple of flasks of ale, packed by Arthur. He thought we might need sustenance for the journey."

"I see."

"He also offered to serve as chaperone," Charlotte continued, "but given how often we've been alone with each other I told him I did not think it necessary."

Alexander frowned. "He has a point. I gave little thought for propriety in most of our encounters. There was always some matter of pressing urgency that I needed your help with and I did not want others involved. Perhaps we should consider it now. Traveling alone is not likely to make your parents think better of me."

Charlotte shrugged. "Ralph and I traveled to Sanditon without a chaperone. My parents were not shocked by that."

"They know Ralph. They do not know me."

"Not yet, but they trust my judgment. I think you are worrying about their opinion excessively."

Alexander's frown did not lessen. "You did not seem so certain of this yesterday."

"I considered the matter further last night. Just because Father will be surprised does not mean he will be displeased. He has a fair number of daughters that must eventually be wed - or earn a living in some manner. We cannot all remain on the farm. His eldest daughter now has the opportunity to marry a respectable gentleman of means. That is one less daughter to be concerned about."

Alexander considered Mr. Heybourne's situation and could not hide his grimace.

"Alexander? Are you all right?"

He sighed. "I am well. I was merely thinking about my anxiety over finding a good match for Augusta and recalled that there are twelve children in your family. I decided your father must have a strong constitution indeed."

She laughed and held out her hand. "I believe he does. Now, are you going to be a gentleman and help me into the carriage?"

Since it meant holding her hand, he was more than willing to comply.

The journey to Willingden passed more quickly than Alexander had expected. Truth be told, he wouldn't have minded additional time with Charlotte in the carriage. After so many misunderstandings, it was a pleasure to sit and talk - or be silent - as the mood struck them. He was still absorbing the notion that she was going to spend the rest of her life with him. He could not quite believe his good fortune.

The Heywood's house, although nowhere near as large as his own estate, was a respectable size and in good repair. It spoke to Mr. Heywood's success as a farmer. One did not maintain a home like this without hard work and good harvests. As the carriage pulled to a stop, three boys who were playing on the lawn ceased their game and stared. Seeing their surprised expressions, Alexander wondered if carriages arriving at the house were uncommon. He guessed the boys to be between the ages of six and twelve, noting that the smallest was younger than Leo.

He stepped out of the carriage and reached back for Charlotte's hand.

"Look," one of the boys called as she descended. "It's Charlie!"

"Charlie!" the other two echoed, racing toward her.

Alexander looked at Charlotte and raised an eyebrow. "Charlie?" he repeated.

She smiled. "It is their nickname for Charlotte. I honestly cannot recall the history of its origin. They have been calling me that for as long as I can remember."

The boys reached the carriage and engulfed her in hugs. "We did not know you were coming home," the tallest said. "Mama and Papa did not mention it."

Charlotte ruffled his hair. "It is a surprise." Gathering them about her like a mother duck with her ducklings, she continued, "Boys, I would like you to meet Mr. Colbourne. Mr. Colbourne, these are my brothers James, Thomas and George Heywood." She tapped each on the shoulder as she named them, introducing them in order of largest to smallest. The older boys favored Charlotte, with dark hair and eyes. The smallest was towheaded.

Alexander bowed solemnly. "Sirs. It is a pleasure."

The boys giggled.

"Is Papa in the house?" Charlotte asked.

"Yes," said the tallest, who Charlotte had introduced as James. "We all had luncheon about an hour ago. Are you home to stay, Charlie?"

She gave him an apologetic look. "No, I am afraid not. I must speak with Papa and then I am to return to Sanditon."

"Is that because you are no longer marrying Mr. Starling?" Thomas asked.

Before Charlotte could reply, Henry turned to Alexander. "Is she going to be your governess again?"

Alexander looked at Charlotte, wondering how she wished him to reply. She gave a small shake of her head.

"Boys," she chided, "You know it is not polite to quiz someone who is a new acquaintance and your elder. And we really must speak with Papa. I will explain to you after, if there is time." Ignoring their disappointed expressions, she took Alexander's arm. "Come," she said. "Let us talk with Father."

For such a large family, the Heywood's house was neat and nearly silent. Alexander guessed that the elder offspring were attending to farm chores while the younger were amusing themselves in some other fashion out of doors. Without pausing, Charlotte led him down a short hallway. Familiar with her father's habits, she tapped on a door and entered without waiting for a response. In the small parlor within, Mr. Heywood was sitting with his pipe and a newspaper. His wife sat nearby plying her needle on some item of children's clothing.

Both Heywoods looked up in astonishment as Charlotte and Alexander entered. Their glances settled on Alexander for a moment before returning to their daughter.

"My dear," Mrs. Heywood said, "this is an unexpected surprise. We thought you to be on your way to Ireland."

Charlotte shook her head. "There has been a change in plans. Mama, Papa, allow me to introduce Mr. Colbourne. Mr. Colbourne, my parents, Mr. and Mrs. Heywood."

"Sir, madam." Alexander bowed.

Mr. Heywood gave Alexander a puzzled look before rising to his feet. "Mr. Colbourne," he replied.

Then he waited expectantly.

Alexander wished at that moment that he had the effortless gift of small talk that his brother possessed. He wracked his brain for words that might ease into the matter at hand - some comment on the weather or the quality of the barley crop. He could think of nothing. So, he simply said, "Mr. Heywood, I have asked your daughter for her hand in marriage and she has done me the honor of accepting. I am here to request your consent." He knew he sounded stiff but there was no help for that now.

Mr. Heywood's eyes widened for a few seconds. Then his face resumed its stoic expression. "I see," he said. "Charlotte, perhaps you might go with your mother to the kitchen and help her brew a fresh pot of tea while I speak with Mr. Colbourne."

Charlotte shifted uneasily at Alexander's side. "I would prefer to stay here. After all, we are discussing my future. I think I have a right to hear what is said."

Mr. Heywood gave a sigh that expressed both fondness and exasperation. Apparently, he was accustomed to Charlotte speaking up for herself.

"You will have ample opportunity to make your opinion known," he said. "I would like a few minutes to become better acquainted with Mr. Colbourne. I am meeting him for the first time."

"But-"

"Let us go dear," Mrs. Heywood interrupted, taking Charlotte by the elbow. "We will not be long."

Charlotte gave Alexander an apologetic look and allowed her mother to steer her out of the room. When the door had closed behind them, Mr. Heywood gestured at a chair.

"Please, Mr. Colbourne, won't you have a seat."

Samuel Colbourne patted Lady Susan's hand where it rested on his arm. It was nearly noon - late for their walk - and the beach was far more populated than they were accustomed to. Despite the cooling temperatures of early autumn, there were several bathers braving the water and many more strolling the shoreline. Sam was enjoying Susan's company even more than usual, perhaps because he was in awe of her decision to ignore the King's summons and stay in Sanditon. He fervently hoped there would be no repercussions.

If Susan had similar concerns, she did not speak of them. Like him, she was elated that his brother and Miss Heywood had at last overcome their misunderstandings and agreed to marry. After Sam gave her the news, the two of them enjoyed a pleasurable half hour speculating on the date of the wedding and whether it would take place in Sanditon or Willingden.

"Surely they will marry in Sanditon," Susan said. "Your family are here and the Parkers are like family to Charlotte. In fact, I am surprised your brother decided to travel to Willingden to speak with Charlotte's father. She is of age and there are no impediments to the match."

Sam sighed. "Xander can be a bit old-fashioned about these things and he is a man who is always aware of his duty. It is an admirable trait, but at times it is inconvenient."

Susan laughed. "I cannot imagine Mr. Heywood refusing his consent."

"I cannot either, but Xander did not seem so certain when we discussed it last night. Apparently Mr. Starling is an old family friend and the Heywoods had their hearts set on Miss Heywood marrying him."

"Oh dear."

"Yes - oh dear, indeed." Sam shrugged. "Of course, Xander is a proficient worrier so I suspect all will go better than he anticipates. And Miss Heywood has gone with him to Willingden to help. She is a persuasive young woman. At any rate, he has said he will marry her regardless. I have never in my life seen him so deeply in love."

"He was not so with his first wife?"

Sam shrugged again. "I believe he cared for Lucy, but their temperaments were dissimilar. And they were both so young. I was sowing my wild oats at the time and did not see a lot of them, but I do not think they were very happy. He is different with Miss Heywood. You can see he enjoys simply being with her." He paused and patted Susan's hand. "Much the same as I enjoy being with you."

Susan smiled and squeezed his arm. They walked a few paces in companionable silence until she abruptly exclaimed, "Oh, bloody hell!"

Sam stopped short, both surprised and amused by the less-than-feminine curse. "I beg your pardon?"

"On our right flank," Susan explained. "The enemy approaches. Lady Montrose and her daughter."

Sam glanced to the right and saw Lady Montrose bearing down on them. "Oh ballocks. Is it too late to run?"

"I am afraid so - at least if we wish to retain our dignity."

"Dignity is overrated."

"Perhaps, but I am also not certain I have the necessary speed. Lady Montrose has greater practice than I in chasing after people. We may have to face them."

Sure enough, Lady Montrose and her daughter Lady Lydia caught them before they could reach the stairs leading from the beach back into town. The duchess's smile was more predatory than pleasant.

"Mr. Colbourne, Lady de Clemente," she said. "How lovely to see you. It is a fine day, is it not?"

Sam bowed and Susan gave a brief nod. "A fine day, indeed," Sam concurred. "And warm for fall. I am hoping this weather will stay with us for a while. Do you think it will?"

But Lady Montrose had exhausted her interest in meteorological matters. "I was wondering if your brother is at home," she said to Sam. "Lady Lydia and I thought to call on him this afternoon."

Sam looked at Susan. There was a definite gleam in his eye.

"I am afraid my brother is away, Lady Montrose," he replied, "for all of today and possibly tomorrow as well."

"Two days?" Lady Montrose said, exchanging a glance with her daughter. "He did not mention it when last we were at Heyrick Park. On business, I presume. I hope all is well with the estate."

Sam smiled. "The trip has a far more pleasant purpose. He has gone to Willingden to speak with Miss Heywood's father."

"Miss Heywood's father," Lady Montrose repeated. "Why on earth would he wish to..." Her voice dwindled as she put the pieces together. She glanced again at her daughter, more anxiously this time. "Miss Heywood?" she said. "The governess?"

"Yes." Sam's smile grew broader. "She accepted his proposal yesterday. I am delighted for both of them. I have never seen a couple better suited."

"But she is a farmer's daughter...and a governess. She brings no title or fortune to the marriage. Surely, your brother can..." Lady Montrose had enough sense to stop before she said, do better.

Sam shrugged. "My brother has a deep appreciation for learning and Miss Heywood is very well-read. And they have spent much time in each other's company - they have formed a solid friendship. It is a stronger foundation than many couples begin with."

"Well, I wish them every happiness," Lady Montrose replied, although her expression suggested something quite different. Sam could not help thinking she appeared as one who had expected to bite into an apple and had partaken of a lemon instead. Lady Lydia, on the other hand, did not seem at all perturbed.

"Come my dear," Lady Montrose said to her daughter, "we must find your brother and see what he is up to." And without taking leave, she turned and hastened toward town, Lady Lydia in tow.

Sam regarded their retreating forms. "I think that is the most enjoyable conversation I have had with that women. But you," he said, turning to Susan, "you were unusually quiet. You typically enjoy firing a volley at her yourself."

"I did not wish to stir up a hornet's nest."

"But the enemy has been vanquished."

Susan shook her head. "I would not be so quick to celebrate victory. I have known plenty of women like her - woman wishing to find advantageous matches for their daughters. They do not give up easily. I hope your brother and Charlotte do not desire a long engagement. The quicker they are wed, the safer they will be."

Charlotte watched her mother retrieve a tray from the cupboard and begin arranging cups and saucers on it. Mrs. Heywood was using the best china and appeared to be in no hurry. Wanting to assure Papa had time with Alexander, Charlotte assumed. She wondered how her betrothed was faring. She knew him to have a good heart, but she also knew he could retreat into chilly formality when he was uncomfortable. And she doubted her father was doing anything to put him at ease.

"Put the water on to boil, would you dear," her mother said.

Charlotte nodded and filled the kettle with water from the large bucket in the corner. The fire was small, so she stirred it with the poker to restore the flames before setting the kettle over it.

"This is a surprise, Charlotte," her mother said. "We were still adjusting to the notion that you and Ralph are not to marry and now we learn that you wish to marry Mr. Colbourne. You told us a great deal about his daughter and niece but little of the man himself. You certainly gave us no hint of your feelings."

Charlotte had assumed that Alison had told their mother something about Alexander - as well as about Colonel Lennox and their entire summer in Sanditon. It was not like her sister to be overly discreet. But perhaps she had been so consumed with her wedding to Captain Fraser that it had escaped her mind.

"Mr. Colbourne is younger than I was expecting," her mother continued, "and quite handsome. Not to mention far wealthier than Ralph. You will have a very different life."

Charlotte heard the implied judgment and pressed her lips together. "His wealth is not why I accepted him. I love Alexander, Mama. I do not love Ralph."

Mrs. Heywood rearranged the cups on the tray. "How can you be certain on a much shorter acquaintance? I understand you many not feel the same," she paused, "the same...passions...with Ralph that you do with Mr. Colbourne, but you have known Ralph most of your life. You understand him and he understands you."

Charlotte shook her head. "On the contrary, I do not think Ralph understands me at all. He regards my love of education as a diversion until I become fully occupied with children and housekeeping. He would have me put my ambitions aside once we are wed. And he would have me never leave Willingden again. I find the prospect of that...stifling."

Her mother stopped fussing with the cups and looked at her. After a moment, she said, "Your father and I have been perfectly content to remain in Willingden. We have a comfortable life here and are raising a fine family. You could have a similar life with Ralph. What other ambitions are there for a woman?"

"To have some control over her own destiny, Mama. To have choices. I would like to help girls become sufficiently educated to have choices. If there is one thing I have learned over the last year, it is that it is difficult for women when our only path in life is to marry."

Mrs. Heywood gazed down at her hands and twisted the silver band on her ring finger. Charlotte wondered if her mother had ever wished for another path - if bearing and raising twelve children had put a stop to any expectations that she had had for life. There was no doubt that her mother loved her husband and children, but had she ever dreamed of anything different?

"And Mr. Colbourne supports this?" her mother asked.

"He does, Mama. He loves me as I am and has no wish to change me."

"Well, he is quite an extraordinary man then. There are not many who would encourage their wives to have independence as an option."

"Ralph certainly does not."

Her mother sighed. "He returned to Willingden bitterly disappointed, you know. He would not speak of all that happened in Sanditon, merely said that your engagement was broken. It has made things between our family and the Starlings awkward, and it has been particularly difficult for your father. He worries that he has lost Mr. Starling's friendship. "

"I am sorry, Mama. I tried so hard to love Ralph but I cannot. Even if I were not to marry Alexander, I still would not wish to marry Ralph."

Her mother gave her a long look and then nodded. "I do understand, Charlotte. Of all my girls, you are the one I worry about most. You have a loving heart but you have always been independent, even as a little girl. I thought you might grow of it as you neared marriageable age but I see you have not."

"I am sorry Mama," Charlotte said again. "It pains me to disappoint you."

"I am not disappointed. You are not choosing the easiest path in life but then again - sometime the path chooses us. I believe it may be rewarding all the same. And it appears you have found a man who is willing to accompany you on it."

And without waiting for a reply, she turned and opened the door to the pantry, examining its contents.

"What does Mr. Colbourne prefer for tea?" she finally asked. "There is fresh gingerbread. And some very nice plum tarts." And then she added, "If it you believe you will be happy and he is truly the man you want, I will try to smooth things over with your father. I suspect this will be a shock for him."

Charlotte hugged her mother. "Thank you, Mama. I understand how hard this is for both of you. That is why it took me so long to admit to Ralph that I cannot marry him. As for tea - I am not sure Alexander will have any appetite when Papa has finished speaking with him, but I would suggest the gingerbread. It is one of his favorites."

Mr. Heywood bore little resemblance to his own father. Alexander could see that immediately.

His father had been quick about most things in life. Quick to anger. Quick to spend money. Quick to make a decision, whether or not it was informed by fact. One of the few things Mr. Colbourne had been slow about was reflection. In his mind, negative outcomes were rarely his fault while good fortune was entirely the result of his actions. His conceit was difficult to live with and as they grew older, Alexander and Samuel had increasingly tried to avoid him; Sam by leaving home and pursuing the law, and Alexander by withdrawing into duty and becoming - in his father's opinion - too dull to be of notice. Alexander was barely twenty-one when his father died, leaving Heyrick Park in disrepair and saddled with debt.

Mr. Heywood, on the other hand, was the embodiment of calm deliberation. He puffed his pipe as he regarded Alexander, in no hurry to speak. His face was weathered from his many hours out of doors, but he looked remarkably fit. Alexander guessed him to be in his early fifties, at the most.

"So," Mr. Heywood eventually said, "you wish to marry my daughter."

"Yes."

"Why?"

Alexander had anticipated this question and did not hesitate. "I love her. She is a remarkable woman."

Mr. Heywood nodded. "That she is. She would also make a good mother to your children. They have been without one for a long time."

Alexander frowned. "That is true, but it is not why I am marrying her. I am marrying her because I love her. I believe we will be good partners in life."

There was a pause as Mr. Heywood considered that response. Alexander had the sense the man had been expecting something less direct.

After a moment, Mr. Heywood nodded again. "I see you are a man who gets to the point. I find that to be a rare quality. I hope you do not mind if I get to the point as well."

"Please."

"I am concerned Charlotte will not be happy in your sphere," Mr. Heywood began. "She may be well-read and she can hold her own in conversation, but she is a farmer's daughter from a small village and she is not at home among people of fashion. Her manners are unconventional, to say the least. I warned her the first time the Parkers took her to Sanditon to be careful of life in a seaside resort town. I hold to that opinion. She may be enjoying it at the moment, but I think her enjoyment will diminish over time and she will miss what she is used to."

Alexander felt an unexpected urge to laugh. He had been called many things, but fashionable was never one of them. "Mr. Heywood, I am well aware that Miss Heywood has firm opinions and tends to speak her mind. She has called me to task on more than one occasion. She can continue to do so, as far as I am concerned. As for being a farmer's daughter - well, I am a farmer."

"You have a large estate. It is hardly the same thing. I presume your role consists of collecting rent from the tenants who do the actual farming."

Alexander thought of the many times Mrs. Wheatley chided him for working too hard and bit back a retort. "I have a few tenants," he agreed evenly, "but I am responsible for managing the crop rotations and I reserve a number of fields for my own planting. And I think you do your daughter a disservice when you discount her ability to mix with society outside of Willingden. I have seen her in discourse with everyone from my housekeeper to a duchess and she has been adept in all situations." When Mr. Heywood gave a skeptical smile, Alexander added, "Forgive me, but I do not understand why you encouraged Miss Heywood to pursue an education that includes mathematics and the classics if you wished her to be content with domestic activities in a small village. It is quite evident she has other plans for her life."

The smile faded from Mr. Heywood's face and he did not reply. The clock on the mantelpiece ticked loudly at least ten times while Alexander wondered whether he had succeeded in scoring a point with Charlotte's father or had simply annoyed him.

Then Mr. Heywood sighed. "I did not encourage her," he said, "not precisely. She was drawn to my library, such as it is, almost as soon as she could walk. In the beginning I did not object. She was my eldest, and I believed obtaining an education would allow her to teach the younger children, especially my sons. Later, when she was devouring every book she could get her hands on, I could not stop her."

"Well, I have no wish to stop her. Her love of learning is who Miss Heywood is."

Mr. Heywood put his pipe to his mouth and realized it had gone out. He placed it on the table next to his chair, not bothering to relight it. "Mr. Colbourne, this explains a great deal. I can see why Charlotte wishes to marry you. You promise her a life where she may ignore constraints typically applied to her gender. Indeed, you seem to admire her for it. It is a rare opportunity. Mr. Starling cannot compete with this."

Alexander frowned. "Compete? You make it sound as if it is a strategy on my part. It is not. I have known your daughter for some months and we have weathered our share of of disagreements and misunderstandings. But I respect her and she respects me. And we will make each other happy. Believe me, I would not be marrying her if I did not think that."

Mr. Heywood smiled again, an amused smile this time. "I wonder why you are here asking for consent, Mr. Colbourne. You have declared several times during our conversation that you are marrying Charlotte. My consent seems...superfluous. She is of age, after all."

It was true. Alexander had been speaking of the marriage as a fait accompli. He shrugged. "I suppose it is. But I felt coming here was the right thing to do. And it is helpful to know how you regard the marriage, one way or another."

"I see. And what is your impression?"

Alexander wished at that moment that he could pace. Mr. Heywood was regarding him intently and movement of any sort would relieve tension. But he forced himself to sit and look Charlotte's father in the eye. "You are not altogether pleased, although your concern regarding the change in Miss Heywood's social sphere seems...not entirely well founded. You are chiefly unhappy because I am not Mr. Starling and there is nothing I can do to remedy that."

Mr. Heywood laughed. "Yes, indeed, I see you can be as direct as my daughter," he said. "The two of you must have some lively debates."

True enough, Alexander thought.

"You have not seen Charlotte at her home here in Willengden," Mr. Heywood continued. "You see an educated young woman who appears comfortable in the drawing room, but she has many talents well-suited to a farm. She can garden, manage livestock, and she is a fair shot with a rifle - as good as any of my boys."

Alexander recalled the time Charlotte engaged in archery at Lady Denham's party and was not as surprised as Mr. Heywood might have anticipated. He nodded. "She is welcome to do any of that at Heyrick Park, if that is her desire."

Before Mr. Heywood could reply, there was a tap on the door. Charlotte immediately entered, followed by her mother. Mrs. Heywood gave her husband an apologetic glance as if to say, I kept her occupied for as long as I could. I hope you have said all you had to say.

Charlotte stepped next to Alexander and slipped her hand into his. "Well?" she said. "Have the two of you settled my fate?"

Alexander looked at Mr. Heywood and waited. It was for Charlotte's father to answer the question.

Mr. Heywood nodded. "Aye - in a manner of speaking. I think we have agreed that your fate is your own to settle as you like. If you wish to marry Mr. Colbourne, I will not stand in your way."

It was not the most enthusiastic endorsement, Alexander thought, but it would do. "Thank you, sir," he said. Entwining his fingers with Charlotte's, he turned to her. "Shall we return home?"