He Objects

15: Apology

"I'll be seeing you tomorrow," Prince Henri murmured, brushing his lips across my knuckles.

"Until then," I said, my demure mask on in front of my parents. Even so, I felt my cheeks grow hot under my mother's avid gaze.

Fortunately, our contact was fleeting, and Prince Henri moved on to my father. "If you don't have everything together tomorrow, that's alright," he told him, shaking his hand. "We can start with what you have."

"Everything will be ready," my father replied. "My agent has the remaining ledgers in the office at his residence. He'll be back this afternoon, if you wish to stay."

"That sounds lovely, but I have to meet with my aunt for luncheon," the prince replied regretfully. "Perhaps another time."

"You can join us for luncheon tomorrow," my mother piped up. "Any meal, really. Consider it an open invitation."

"I will," he said, smiling blandly at her. "Have a splendid rest of your day."

Then, with the smallest but most penetrating glance at me, the prince was ducking out the door to his waiting mount on the circle drive out front.

My father let out his breath all at once and seemed to shrink three inches. "Oh my," he said as the prince rode out of sight. "I'm too old for this."

"What's happening?" My mother demanded, grilling him much the same way she had me upon my entering the house. Until now, she hadn't had the opportunity to do the same to him, with him holed up in his study with the prince for the last half-hour.

My father glanced at me briefly. "Charlotte, why don't you change out of your riding outfit? Luncheon will be served soon."

"Good idea." I turned around before I let a frown take over my face. Of course, I wasn't allowed to be privy to their conversation. Since when did I need to be aware of factors directing my life?

I had barely finished changing when a quiet knock sounded at my bedroom door. "Who is it?" Sylvia asked, draping my riding habit over her arm and giving me a once over to make sure I was properly attired.

"It's Hawkins," the butler said from the hallway.

"Come in," I said before Sylvia could speak, smoothing my skirts.

Hawkins stepped into the room with his trusty silver platter in hand. " I have a letter for you, Lady Charlotte."

Sylvia and I exchanged a wary glance. I had to imagine that any messages sent to me were from nobody but spectators from the wedding avidly speculating on what was happening now, and bold enough to ask me outright.

"Thank you, Hawkins," I said, reaching out to accept the letter Sylvia retrieved from him. He bowed and left, leaving us alone once more.

"I don't know whether to be relieved or more nervous," Sylvia said fretfully.

"Wh—" I started, only to stop once I turned the letter around. I looked up at her. "Felix?" I asked, needing confirmation I wasn't imagining the duke's crest stamped into the deep blue sealing wax.

"Seems that way, my lady," Sylvia said, biting her lip.

I frowned at the letter. "I'm surprised he'd have anything more to say to me after this morning."

"I could always burn it for you, my lady," Sylvia suggested with a gleam in her eye. She was long aware of how things were between Felix and me, and was ecstatic that I wasn't married to the man right now.

I smiled wearily at her. "A lovely sentiment, but I don't think that would be wise. If he requires a reply, it wouldn't do to keep him waiting."

Sylvia shuddered, no doubt imagining Felix's temper flaring in response to being snubbed. "That is true."

I pursed my lips, then looked at my maid apologetically. "Do you mind leaving me alone for a bit? I'll be down for lunch on time, I promise."

"Of course, my lady," Sylvia said kindly, though she looked slightly disappointed not to know the contents of the letter, but she wasn't the type to push it. I waited until she was gone before slipping my finger beneath the seal and opening Felix's note.

Lady Charlotte,

I'm writing because I wish to sincerely and emphatically apologize for my behavior this morning. It was uncalled for not befitting of the gentleman I strive to be. I hope that in time I may earn your forgiveness.

I also wanted to apologize for how you may have perceived me in the years leading up to this point. I'm aware that I came across as cool in nature. I can only attribute it to my desire to maintain a distance between us until we were joined in matrimony, so as not to give in to acting on my growing admiration for you as you've blossomed into a beautiful young woman.

I can only hope that you believe the words I'm writing now, and that my cousin's attempts to come between us will not be successful. Lady Charlotte, I beg you, please let me know that there is still hope for me. For us. As I so ardently wish there to be.

I await your reply,

Felix

I blinked, then slumped back in my chair. What in the world?