Page 27 of The Virgin Duchess (Unwanted Brides #2)

Chapter Twenty-Four

T he sullen demeanor of Charlotte upon her return from visiting Cordelia and Kitty had plagued Frederick from the moment he laid on her that night. And despite having “entertained” her another way to take her mind off things, he could still tell that she was unhappy. Or, at the least, not as happy as she had been.

It was clear to him that she still had so much on her mind, and Frederick was possessed with the need to do something about it, which—if he were honest with himself—upset him more than he thought it might.

In fact, so much has affected me more than I believed it would. Being around Charlotte…has changed things. And I’m not sure what to make of that.

They had spent quite a bit of time together at this point, and as funny as it seemed, he was just now asking her to join him for their fifth night together. Even more odd, Frederick didn’t care in the slightest what the outcome of these nights might be. He’d set out with such a purpose, this clear notion in his mind that he would indeed woo his reluctant bride and claim her at the last.

While the tales of his rakish nature were a horrendous exaggeration, it appeared that when it came to Charlotte, he was indeed trying to win his way into her bed.

At least he had been.

As he studied himself in the mirror, straightening the length of fabric that wound around to create his cravat, Frederick shook his head. He couldn’t think of “bedding” Charlotte like that. He wasn’t sure if he ever indeed had. She was a challenge to him, yes. Someone who stood up to him and made him consider his words and actions in every way, but she was never just a prize to be won.

Charlotte was…remarkable, and so long as he could stand in the warm light that she gave off, he would remain steady and strong, growing in the glow of her presence.

“You terrible old romantic.” He chuckled to himself. “What has gotten into me?”

But there was no use denying it. Tonight was proof of just that. Frederick swept his hands down the front of his waistcoat and then proceeded to his small armchair in his room, where his coat hung. The air would be brisk, but the lovely spring day had promised the perfect evening to take a walk with his Charlotte.

My Charlotte . All Frederick could do was laugh at himself again.

So, he left his chambers to find her and begin their evening. There was so much to see.

“Will you at last tell me where we are going?” Charlotte sat next to him in the small carriage, the top pulled open to enjoy London at night. “I will go mad if you keep it secret much longer.”

“Nonsense,” Frederick teased. “I have told you we are going out to enjoy the best of London. And we are well on our way to do so now.”

She glared playfully at him. “You have given no details! I’ve been afforded the information as to the dress that was required of me, and that is it! You are a terrible tease, Frederick Lawerence.”

His grin stretched his cheeks wide, and Frederick reached across the small seat to take Charlotte’s hand.

“I am well aware of that, darling. Still,” he leaned over, placing a gentle kiss on her cheek, “I do not believe for a moment you aren’t enjoying yourself. You’ve been glowing since the moment you walked downstairs.”

Charlotte attempted to vain her surprise, her utter shock, but it melted away into a smile. She laughed with him as they rounded the final turn toward their destination, and Frederick’s stomach flipped about with delightful excitement and anticipation.

“Here we are, Your Grace.” Frederick made a show of sweeping his arm across the front view of the carriage, which he’d been purposefully distracting Charlotte from so that she wouldn’t guess the location straight away. “As promised.”

“Promised? I don’t understand what you?—”

And her words dropped away, Charlotte’s mouth falling open as she stared out at the perfectly maintained greenery before her, filled to the brim with flickering lamps. A glass sheen covered her eyes, and she looked from the sight to Frederick with a look of such gratitude that he’d been remembering it for the rest of his days.

“You remembered.”

He smiled back. “I’m quite good at that, actually. And I assured you that we’d make it here.”

Charlotte turned back to the entrance as the carriage slowed, and when Frederick met her on the other side to help her down, she practically beamed like a star with glee.

“Welcome, Charlotte, to Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens.”

They walked together, arm in arm, toward the magnificent place, and even Frederick had to admit that the sight at night was truly extraordinary. He’d researched when the best time to come would be. While they would undoubtedly be making a return trip during the day, these lovely gardens at night were something else entirely.

Glass lamps littered the entire space, lining the rows and shooing away any oppressive shadows from the corners, roughly fifteen hundred of them he’d heard. They dripped from trees, looking like something right out of A Midsummer Night’s Dream or even the tales in One-Thousand and One Arabian Nights . Moreover, the sparkling lights reflected the glittering jewels and finery of those in attendance, while the music and colorful charm of the attractions that went on all month added vitality to the event.

“This is remarkable, Frederick.” He looked over at his wife to see that wide smile still in place. “Thank you. Thank you so much.”

For as lovely as the Gardens were, Frederick could look at Charlotte’s smile and never tire of it, living out his days bursting with cheer for being the one to put it there.

“Anything for you, darling. As always.”

She rolled her eyes at him, the phrase something of a joke between them. At first, that promise to deliver whatever Charlotte might want had been a way to keep her pleased with him, to keep her pleased with their arrangement . But now…Now Frederick wasn’t so sure if he was just saying it anymore or if he meant every word to the last.

“It appears that something wonderful goes on nearly every evening this month in the gardens,” Frederick offered, walking Charlotte closer to where a lovely band of string players performed, “so we could return tomorrow and see something entirely new.”

“Are you promising me nightly outings in the Gardens now?” Charlotte’s eyes lit up as her words teased, the secret hope within her made clear through them.

“I am certainly not saying no.” He smiled, enjoying the way Charlotte refused to believe him but allowed herself to enjoy the frivolities, nonetheless.

They meandered on as the night progressed, enjoying the splendid greenery that was planted beautifully throughout the park in perfect little arrangements. Thick collections of trees and taller bushes ringed the space, while several gazebos and benches dotted the entire garden, promising private spaces for people to “discuss” the most essential business.

“This way,” Charlotte demanded, playfully pulling Frederick along toward The Grand South Walk, ensuring that he would join her for a promenade that placed them just by a gentleman selling refreshments.

Purchasing some, they resumed their slow walk after a few minutes beneath the tall trees, carrying their glasses in their hands and sipping happily. Sycamore, lime, and elm trees were grouped within several rectangular wilderness spaces and separated by straight avenues in a grid pattern, making their walk through the park effortless. Charlotte led most of the way, and Frederick was all too happy to follow her steps as they zigzagged up and down the many paths available to visitors, who chiefly consisted of couples at this time of night.

Among the trees were fruit bushes and flowers, adding to the magic of the place that never dimmed—be that light or in lilting music. A tavern stood at the western boundary of the gardens, nearest the river, and following their stroll, Frederick intended to take Charlotte there. Unless, of course, she sought him out for other endeavors.

“Thank you again, Frederick. I have wanted to see this wonderland for such a time.” Charlotte spun in a tight, small circle, looking up at the lamps that hung from the branches overhead. “It’s as if I’ve stepped into a fantasy book.”

She laughed, the sound ringing through Frederick’s nerves like a crystal bell, and Charlotte looked so much like a delighted child that his chest squeezed with joy.

“As was my intention.” He looked around, gazing across the sweeping landscapes of lush foliage and glowing lights. “And it is indeed a sight. I should very much like to make coming here a regular part of our life.”

Charlotte paused, and only too late did Frederick realize what he had said. Nervousness spread down his spine like a frigid stream of ice water, but he didn’t take back his words. That would be a lie, and he was trying so very hard to be as honest with Charlotte as he could.

After a moment, she nodded. “I would like that too.”

Frederick didn’t dwell on it, simply smiling back at her and permitting Charlotte to direct them toward their next location. Crossing the park to the north, they found a quaint bench set beneath two cozy trees, and he sat down with her there, feeling the wind against his face. This far from the hustle of the city proper, the air had a fresh scent found nowhere in the alleys and streets of London. It was a delight to take in the air genuinely fresh, sounds only that of the music and mild conversations, and the sights of such vibrant life—none more beautiful than the woman seated next to him.

“This has been…” Charlotte paused, and Frederick glanced over at her, giving her the time to find the words. “…different and wonderful and so very sweet of you.”

When she returned his stare, Frederick smiled. The thoughts and emotions swirling through him created a cocktail much more intoxicating than those they’d purchased during their stroll, and he was at a loss for words.

“Different how?” he finally came up with.

“It’s quiet here. And slow. The rush and pressure of our usual day aren’t so great. I feel like I can…”

“Breathe?”

Charlotte chuckled, nodding her head. “Exactly.”

“I feel the same.” He reached up for her cheek, sweeping his thumb across Charlotte’s sink and reveling in the content look on her face. “The burdens do not feel so… burdensome .”

Looking around before resting her cheek against his palm, Charlotte sighed. “Of all the things you have given me, I believe this is one of my absolute favorites.”

“I’m glad.”

Their eyes held, the reflection of the lamps dancing in Charlotte’s irises, and then she leaned forward, pulling him closer by the lapels of his coat. His lips met his in a soft caress, and Frederick immediately deepened the embrace, overwhelmed by the need to be close to her.

He wasn’t sure when, perhaps when the truth about the Baron was revealed, but at some point during their journey, Frederick and Charlotte had found a connection beyond their mutual need for secrecy. While he had not been looking for it, expecting it, or even thinking he might deserve such a thing, somehow Frederick had found more than a marriage of convenience.

And he was happier than he’d ever been.