Work Text:
*
“You are early,” he called, being alerted to her arrival by the crunch of the gravel as she approached, before looking down at his attire. “I apologise for my tardy appearance.”
“No need to apologise. I do not mind your lack of a waistcoat or cravat… you forget until a few weeks ago I was back on my father’s property and such a level of dress is hardly a requirement,” she grinned.
He smiled and gave her a sideways nod of acquiescence. “Perhaps I can interest you in a stroll to bring fond memories of home?”
“I should like nothing more,” she smiled back as they headed back out the drive, detouring across the side field as they passed the first few stands of oak and headed towards the willow-lined creek.
“Have you heard any news of home?” he asked.
“Yes, planting is going well and the first of the dairy herd are beginning to calve,” she replied cheerfully, in the full knowledge that he was genuinely interested rather than making conversation.
“Yes, I believe there are a few calves already in the top field,” he added, as they met the creek and began to walk along the upstream bank. “And Mr. Wilson has planted a quick-growing crop of peas and we are hoping we will get some rain this week once they strike.”
“We have not planted peas for many years,” Charlotte offered knowledgeably, “perhaps I should suggest to father it might be worth rotating it through. They do grow quickly I believe?”
“Yes… and a good source of fodder I might add,” Alexander replied as they reached a fallen tree in their path. “Perhaps… perhaps we might sit for a moment?”
She smiled and smoothed the back of her dress down as she sat against the fallen trunk.
“Charlotte… you should… know by now I am never going to be very eloquent with my words. It seems my ability to… to form even the simplest of sentences… when I want to… I…”
He looked at her and she grinned a tight smile, tilting her head as he paused. His mouth was open however no words were coming forth.
He sighed and looked down, at his knees.
Sigh a second time again, “You see… I can’t make it through a single sen…”
“Stop,” she offered, interrupting him. How was it that such an educated, steadfast gentleman could be so completely tongue-tied?
“I…”
“You can speak easily enough about farming and the weather… perhaps if you close your eyes… I am distracting you?”
“I fear if I were to close them, you might not be there when I open them again. That this… sitting here with you might all end up being a figment of my imagination, sent to punish me for ever being so thoughtless for sending you away,” he replied.
“I have forgiven you and you must stop punishing yourself. The past cannot be altered… you need to let it go before it creates a greater hindrance to your... our future? I believe I have told you as much before,” she instructed.
He smiled, he knew she was correct in her evaluation of their current circumstance and tentatively closed his eyes.
He lasted all of ten seconds…
“I cannot close them; it will not help.
Charlotte grabbed his nearest hand and laced her fingers through his, resting it on his thigh.
“Try again… you know I am here if you hold my hand. I will not disappear into the ether,” she guided, “Please?”
She could see his face visibly relax from her touch.
He closed his eyes again, running his thumb against hers in their grasp, but again he opened them before speaking a single word. He gave her a shy smile.
“What is it?” she questioned.
“I simply missed the sight of your face,” he grinned.
“You’re impossible!” she burst with a laugh.
“It’s because I am so completely in love with you,” he said softly, squeezing her fingers.
“And I, you,” she replied, gracing him with a gentle smile.
“Charlotte… will you do me the honour of being my wife?”
Her smile spread across her whole face as she raised her free hand to his cheek.
“Yes, I will.”
He deeply released a held breath and leaned in to kiss her.
“Thank goodness for that,” he grinned just before their lips met.
“I was beginning to wonder if I was going to need to ask you?” she queried as they broke from the kiss.
“I am sorry it was not the grand soliloquy you deserve,” he replied, their foreheads resting against the other.
“I do not require grand statements of love when the feeling from the heart behind it is the most important,” she countered. “Should we head back to the house before they send out a search party for us?”
“It might be advantageous. Would you be happy to share our news with them before your family?” he questioned as he stood.
She stood and took both his hands within hers, “You are my family now. I would love for us to tell them. I suspect they might have an inkling behind the purpose of your invitation to me today?”
“Ah yes,” he replied sheepishly. “It makes my heart glad to see their eager faces and I believe Augusta, at her age, is well aware of my feelings towards you.”
Alexander tucked one of Charlotte's hands into the crook of his arm as they strolled happily out from under the willows and back along the drive to the house in blissful silence, internally revelling in happiness.
“I do believe our first acquisition together will need to be a new rug for the study,” Charlotte grinned as they came closer to the house.
Alexander looked at her confused for a moment, before she nodded toward the building and continued.
Well as you have nearly worn the last one out… and now I can see at least two faces at the study window… it may be well overdue? It is the best vantage point to see the driveway I grant you that, and I fear it gets rather a lot of use,” she chuckled.
“Well, as you will be Lady of the manor, its use will be lessened. I will not be needing to stand sentry waiting for your arrival as I have done in the past to catch a glimpse of your beautiful face,” he replied, squeezing her hand in his arm.
“Quite… and in the evening you will merely need to wander to our bedchamber and you can see me, as much you desire,” she cheekily replied.
And once again… Alexander Colbourne was lost for words…