Alexander woke early the next morning, despite not getting home from Willingden until after midnight. It was a trait he shared with his brother, the habit of rising with the sun. Like Sam, he believed dawn was the best part of the day, when nothing had been sullied and anything was possible. He rose from his bed and went to the window. The weather promised to be fine, with only a few puffy clouds interrupting what should soon be a blue sky.
Ten years ago he would have said taking pleasure in early mornings was the only thing he and Sam had in common but now he was not so sure. Outwardly, Sam was still Sam; unreserved, sardonic, able to charm and annoy in equal measure. But Alexander had detected a change in him during his stay at Heyrick Park. Sam seemed settled in a way he never had before. Lady Susan was no doubt part of the story but Alexander didn't she think she was the entire story. It felt as if his brother - who in London spent more time at his gentleman's club than he did in his house - was enjoying the domesticity of family life. He had slid into the routine at Heyrick Park as smoothly as butter sliding over warm bread and he did not seem in a hurry to slide back out. And to his surprise, Alexander was enjoying the company. There were moments when Sam got under his skin, but overall it felt like a return to the days of their early boyhood, when they were friends as well as brothers.
A wet, canine nose pushed at his hand and he looked down into Luna's pleading face.
"Would you like to go for a walk before breakfast?" he asked.
Her tail beat an enthusiastic affirmative.
"Very well," he said. "Give me a moment to get dressed."
Sleeping in Alexander's bedroom was a rare treat for the shaggy grey lurcher. She had a comfortable bed in one of the first floor storage rooms but Alexander, feeling guilty about not taking her to Bath as well as the recent spate of visitors to the house, was allowing her to spend the night in his room. She was clearly enjoying it.
He put on older clothes; brown trousers that he wore when working in the stables along with a plain white shirt and brown waistcoat. He did not bother with a cravat. Charlotte was coming to the house later but she had seen him in far greater disarray than an open collar. She would not care.
"Miss Heywood will be here today," he told Luna. "Did you know she will soon be mistress of this house? You will like that, won't you?"
Luna wagged her tail once again, then walked to the door of his bedroom and whined.
He pulled on his boots and nodded. "I am ready."
They descended the stairs and made their way past the kitchen to the servants' entrance. A handful of workers were tending to fires or performing other chores. They nodded and murmured "good morning, sir" as he passed, but did not stop their work. He had never insisted on great formality in his house and everyone seemed happier for it. He supposed a woman like Lady Montrose would not have approved, but that was no longer his concern.
They stepped out into the autumn day and he found the breeze cool but not sharp. Luna immediately raced ahead and then turned to give him a questioning look, as if asking whether she was headed in the right direction. He shrugged and followed her. She was moving toward the orchard and he thought it a good idea to check on the apples. The early fruit had already been harvested and he suspected it was time to pick the varieties that ripened later. When they reached the trees, he and Luna moved among them, with Luna stopping every few strides to sniff something of interest and Alexander examining the apples.
He could not help mulling over the conversation he'd had with Mr. Heywood yesterday. He was disappointed he had not been able to convince Charlotte's father of her happiness in Sanditon but he told himself not to dwell on it. They would invite the Heywoods for a visit in a few months, he decided, so that Mr. Heywood could see how contented his daughter was at Heyrick Park. When Lennox's more dangerous words invaded his mind about Alexander failing Charlotte the way he'd failed Lucy, he did his best to banish those as well. Charlotte and Lucy were nothing alike.
After twenty minutes strolling the orchard, he turned and began the route back toward the house. He hadn't bothered with a coat and he was starting to feel chilled and hungry. He was almost at the door when he saw Charlotte approaching on the road from town. She was walking with purpose, as if she were still coming to work as his governess. Alexander watched Luna race to her and give her a tail-wagging greeting. He was tempted to run to her with the same enthusiasm but forced himself to move at a more dignified pace.
"Good morning," Charlotte said when he caught up to her. Without waiting for an invitation, she gripped his arms, raised herself on her toes and kissed him.
He allowed himself a moment to enjoy the pleasure of her lips, along with the fact that she offered them so readily. Then he said, "You're here early."
"I woke and needed occupation of some sort. The Parkers are still abed. I hope you don't mind."
"Of course not, although I'm surprised you didn't wish to sleep in after returning so late last night. You haven't breakfasted?"
"No."
"Neither have I. Let us see what Mrs. Wheatley has to offer."
They walked to the house, with Luna dancing happily next to Charlotte. At the door, Charlotte stopped to fondle the dog's ears.
"It's nice to see Luna. She has not been present during my recent visits."
Alexander sighed. "Unfortunately, she has been confined to my study a great deal these days. She and Sam do not get along."
Charlotte raised an eyebrow. "Your brother does not like Luna?"
"The reverse. Luna does not care for Sam. She came upon him when he and Leo were playing at swords. I believe she thought Sam was trying to harm Leo, so she growled and went after him. They have been at odds ever since."
Charlotte laughed. "Surely, Sam can remedy that by giving her a few treats."
Alexander shook his head. "We have tried that but Luna is not so easily bribed. She seems to hold to her first impression."
"How fortunate for me, then, that she liked me from the start."
Alexander recalled the day Charlotte had applied for the position as his governess. The interview had taken some unexpected turns and she had left his study abruptly, with Luna following closely on her heels. It had taken Alexander longer than his dog to realize that Charlotte was worth pursuing.
He smiled. "Luna is a very discerning individual...Charlie."
She narrowed her eyes. "Are you planning to follow my brothers' example with my name? Might I remind you that you are a good deal older than they are."
He smiled. "I think it suits."
She linked her arm with his. "Well, you have my permission to use it from time to time, although perhaps not in front of the girls. After all, I must maintain some semblance of authority." As they entered through the servants' door she added, "Now, are you going to tell me more about your conversation with my father? While I'm happy that you both agreed I should settle my own fate, I feel as though I am missing a few pieces of the puzzle. You were reticent in the carriage last night."
"I was quiet because I was a little tired - and relieved to have the conversation over."
"It went that poorly, then?"
Alexander shook his head. "Not really. It was an honest conversation. Any concern your father has is for your happiness. He worries that in the long term you may regret giving up life as a farmer's wife in Willingden."
Charlotte squeezed his arm. "Please tell me that you do not share his concerns."
Alexander considered telling her that he had no worries at all but then recalled what happened when he'd tried to hide his feelings from Charlotte in the past. He stopped walking and turned to face her. "I have no doubt that you know your own mind. If you believe you will be happy with me at Heyrick Park, then I am delighted and trust your judgment." He paused. "However, having failed at marriage once, I would be lying if I said I have no uneasiness at all about failing again. I like to think that I am wiser than I was a decade ago, and I remind myself that you and I have always been able to talk. I have no doubt you will tell me when I am out of line."
Charlotte nodded. "You can be certain of that, just as I am certain you will tell me." She took his hands in hers. "Have you ever noticed how you place all the blame on yourself for the unhappiness in your marriage? I think you should know that I intend to have as large a role as you in the success of our married life. I regard us as partners in this endeavor."
Partners. It was as though weight had been lifted from Alexander's shoulders. For so many years he had felt that all responsibility for happiness at Heyrick Park rested with him. To be in this thing with someone who loved him was a tremendous relief, and in that moment he felt as carefree as a boy. The only thing he could think to do was kiss her. She returned the kiss with alacrity and his thoughts leaped forward to when they would be man and wife. He hoped he would elicit such passion from her when they were abed.
There was the sound of feet scraping along the floor. They broke apart to see Sam grinning at them.
"First the stables," he said, "and now the hallway to the servants' entrance. I suggest you both provide me with your schedules. That way I will not continue to interrupt your more intimate moments."
Alexander was too happy to feel embarrassed. He merely shrugged. "You used to have better timing. You must be losing your touch."
Sam laughed, although his laughter stopped abruptly when he heard Luna growl. The three of them turned to study the dog. She was staring at Sam, her body stiff, her hair standing on end. She remained that way for nearly a minute before looking to Charlotte. After a moment, her posture eased and her tail gave a small, grudging wag.
Alexander raised an eyebrow. "She seems to be warming to you, Sam...at least a little. It must be Charlotte's influence."
Sam inhaled. "Either that, or she is as distracted as I am by the smell of newly-baked bread. Have you both breakfasted?"
"No," Alexander and Charlotte said at the same time.
"Well," Sam continued, "I suggest a foray to the kitchen is in order."
Lady Montrose poured three cups of tea and set one of them at her place at the table. She watched her children retrieve their own cups and doctor them according to their tastes. Harry added so much sugar to his she was surprised the spoon didn't stand on its own. Normally she would chide him for it, but today she was reserving her temper entirely for her daughter.
"So," she said, when Lydia had taken her first sip, "you must explain to me how you were able to lose Alexander Colbourne to a farmer's daughter with no fortune, no title, and nothing to recommend her other than being an avid reader."
Lydia calmly rearranged the napkin on her lap and didn't reply. One could almost suppose, Lady Montrose thought, that the girl never had any interest in Colbourne at all. She has shown no disappointment at the news of his engagement. Aggravated, she said, "Well, Lydia?"
Her daughter shrugged. "Might I remind you, Mother, that I have no fortune? Father took care to gamble it away before he died. And you, it seemed, could do nothing to stop him."
"Well, at least you have a title."
"Yes," Lydia agreed, "for what that is worth. I do not think Mr. Colbourne cares about such things."
"Nonsense. Any man who wishes to have standing in society appreciates a title."
Lydia took another sip of tea. "Perhaps," she said slowly. "But I believe you underrate Miss Heywood. She seems very well-liked in Sanditon. The Parkers treat her as if she were family, she is Miss Lambe's dearest friend, and she appears to be on intimate terms with Lady Susan de Clemente. Not to mention that Miss Colbourne and Miss Markham adore her. "
Lady Montrose gave an angry tsk. "Please do not speak of Miss Lambe to me. I still cannot believe she called off her engagement to Harry simply because of a misunderstanding I had with her mother. As for Lady Susan de Clemente, now that she is out of the king's favor what does it matter who she likes? She is of no import."
"Actually," Harry interjected, "I hear she is back in the king's favor. My friends at court say he has been impatient for her return."
"Nonsense."
Nevertheless, Lady Montrose paused to consider the information. Having seen Lady Susan strolling the promenade in Sanditon yesterday it was difficult to believe the king wanted her back. After all, who ignored a king? On the other hand, Harry's sources in court were usually in the know.
She frowned. "I think you must be mistaken, Harry. Lydia and I saw Lady Susan walking the beach on Samuel Colbourne's arm as if she did not have a care in the world. She would not be here if the king wanted her in court."
Harry shrugged. "As you say, Mother."
It was a reply her children often employed with her and Lady Montrose found it annoying. It suggested they were going so far as to humor her - as if she were some dotty old matron when she was, in fact, sharper than any of them. If it were not for her, they would have lost the vestiges of dignity still attached to their family name long ago. It required a herculean effort on her part to make them appear wealthy and important when the coffers were nearly empty. Her children did not seem to understand or appreciate that.
She poured herself more tea and pondered what the three of them should do next. The plans she'd had for Sanditon had gone sadly awry and she supposed it was time to move on - perhaps to Bath or Brighton. But try as she might, she couldn't remove Lady Susan from her thoughts. It had been satisfying to see the woman cast aside by the king; Lady Susan, who much of London had attempted to curry favor with now no more important than any other widow once married to minor nobility. In an odd way, Lady Montrose felt it elevated her own status.
But that satisfaction had been short-lived. Unlike most discarded women, Lady Susan hadn't had the sense to slink away quietly. Instead, she had remained in Sanditon and ingratiated herself with Samuel Colbourne and most likely the entire Colbourne family. Indeed, Lady Montrose couldn't help wondering if Lady Susan had somehow influenced Alexander Colbourne to turn his attentions toward his governess and away from Lydia. Lady Susan and the girl were on intimate terms - anyone with an eye could see it. She would act in a way that would favor the governess's interests.
The notion made the tea taste bitter in Lady Montrose's mouth and she wracked her brains for a way to retaliate for such interference. She decided that letters to a few acquaintances in London were in order. She was not as well-connected as Harry, but she knew several women who could spread gossip like wildfire. If word should somehow reach the king that his mistress was grazing in other pastures, it might not go well for Lady Susan. That would be enjoyable to watch.
Lady Montrose picked up her tea and moved to the writing desk.
"Perhaps you have forgotten how this household operates," Mrs. Wheatley said. "We have a well-established set of practices. The master sits in the dining room and has breakfast brought to him. He doesn't come to the kitchen and prepare it himself."
She was staring in dismay at the sliced bread, pots of jam, and cups of coffee that were arranged haphazardly on the table in the kitchen. Charlotte and Alexander, seated at the table, exchanged guilty looks. Sam, returning from the pantry with a hunk of cheese, appeared unrepentant.
"Please don't chastise us, Mrs. Wheatley," he said. "We were hungry and overcome by the scent of Cook's fresh bread. And Miss Heywood walked all the way from town. She needed sustenance immediately."
Mrs. Wheatley gave an exasperated snort. "Really, Mr. Samuel, you haven't changed a bit. I think you enjoy vexing me. You know fine and well that we could have had a hot breakfast up to the dining room in fifteen minutes. You wouldn't have starved."
Sam appeared unbowed. "If I promise to tidy up will I get back in your good graces?"
"No. You will only put things in the wrong places and vex me more."
"Vexing people is one of his specialties," Alexander agreed. He grinned at his brother, recalling times long ago when they had similarly been chastised by Mrs. Wheatley.
Perhaps she was remembering the same because the corners of the housekeeper's mouth lifted. After a moment she shook her head. "Oh, finish eating and I will clean up later," she said. "I must go wake the girls now. They have been abed far too long this morning."
Charlotte rose from the table. "Why don't I wake them," she suggested, "while you sit and have a cup of coffee, Mrs. Wheatley." She smiled. "This feels like an opportunity. I recall a few pranks when I began here as governess that need to be repaid."
Alexander expected Mrs. Wheatley to object once more, but instead the housekeeper laughed. "I think that is a good idea, especially since you are soon to be their mother and their aunt. You may as well establish your position now." And she fetched the coffee pot from the stove and poured herself a cup while Charlotte left the kitchen.
Alexander watched her go, thinking that the room felt a little duller without her presence. He reminded himself that she would soon be living in this house and having many breakfasts with him. He wondered if they would all be as carefree as this one. He had limited experience with happy family life. His father had been a mercurial, demanding person and Alexander had done his best to avoid him. Things hadn't materially improved with his first marriage.
He noticed Sam watching him. "Am I entertaining you?" he asked.
His brother grinned. "You were looking both worried and pleased with yourself. It is an expression only you could manage to pull off."
Alexander shrugged. "I was thinking about what life will be like once Charlotte and I are married. I was wondering if we would always be this happy."
His brother sipped his coffee. "No one is happy all the time," he said more soberly, "but I think you have an excellent chance of being happy in the balance. I hope so. You deserve it." When Alexander did not reply, he added, "Do you not agree, Mrs. Wheatley?"
The housekeeper nodded. "You both deserve happiness. You have good hearts - always have had - even if your endeavors have occasionally been a little...misguided."
Alexander laughed. "Well, for my part, I think misguided is a generous word. I certainly have made some poor decisions. But I believe I am improving under Charlotte's influence."
Mrs. Wheatley shook her head. "She is not changing you, Alexander. The difference is you are at last allowing yourself to be yourself. If being with Miss Heywood encourages that, then I agree with Samuel. You have an excellent chance at being happy. "
Alexander looked down at his hands, both happy and embarrassed by her words. He hoped they proved to be true.
A/N: I apologize for the length of time it took to update. After nearly 8 years using this website with no issues, I had number of problems and temporarily lost my all my draft chapters. I've got them back, but the notifications and metrics don't work so I can't tell if anyone is reading or reviewing.
In addition to advancing the story, I had a couple of goals with this chapter:
- Show that Alexander is moving past his issues and believes that he can be a good husband to Charlotte.
- Bring back Luna, the dog. I'm not sure why, but it bothered me that she disappeared in season 3 with no explanation. She had a role in season 2 and was a character in her own right. Then she was gone and never mentioned. I wanted her back.
- Create a little tension with Lady Montrose. Every story must have a little tension. 100% happy is boring.