Page 53 of The Virgin Duchess

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 roundedthe 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 wastruly 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 ofA Midsummer Night’s Dreamor even the tales inOne-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 yousomuch.”

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 theirarrangement. 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 theirwalk 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 forotherendeavors.

“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.”

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