Page 108 of To Love And To Cherish
Charlotte listened with quiet sympathy. The tale, though comical in parts, spoke of a man truly at his wits’ end.
They reached the bend in the lane when Mr. Bertram stopped. His face was sober.
“What my daughter needs,” he said, “is a mother.” He looked her directly in the eye. “Miss Lucas, would you do me the honor of accepting my hand in marriage?”
Chapter 56: Nuptials
Charlotte could not speak at first. Her breath caught in her throat as Mr. Bertram stood before her, his words still echoing in the quiet lane.What my daughter needs is a mother. Miss Lucas, would you do me the honor of accepting my hand in marriage?
The proposal had come with no fanfare, no poetry, and certainly no declarations of love. It was the plain truth of a weary man overwhelmed by the charge of raising a willful child. And yet, the simplicity of it rang with a sort of honesty that struck Charlotte deeply.
She took a slow breath, gathering her wits. This was no love match. It was a practical arrangement born of need. Mr. Bertram was clearly flummoxed by his daughter’s high spirits and unchecked will. He was at a loss, and she had offered sensible advice. For that, he had proposed.
Still, Charlotte could not ignore the warmth that had stirred in her chest the moment he had asked. She had always wished to marry, to have a home of her own, to raise children. She had watched others marry for affection, yes, but she had also known more than one couple whose parents had arranged their match, which had grown into affection and then love. Could that not be her fate as well?
Mr. Bertram was respectable, well-spoken, and wealthy. He was a handsome man, and he plainly loved his daughter, though he did not always know how to manage her. That he cared enough to seek help, to admit his failings, moved her. In time, might he come to care for her? Might she come to love him?
She believed so.
And as for Miriam, Charlotte felt a flicker of fondness already. The child was motherless and difficult, but Charlotte had love enough for her, and for any others that might come in future years.
She lifted her gaze to his, steady and sure. "I would be honored, Mr. Bertram."
Relief softened his expression into a smile, and he placed her hand upon his arm, covering it with his own.
"Well then," he said. "Let us go and notify your host."
They walked together back toward the parsonage, through the little garden gate they had only just passed. William and Mary looked up from their work, their eyes falling to the hands clasped on Mr. Bertram’s arm, and then to Charlotte’s face.
Mary’s smile bloomed instantly. She understood.
Mr. Bertram bowed slightly. "Mr. Bennet, Miss Lucas has accepted my offer of marriage. We would like to set a date."
Mr. Bertram turned to Charlotte. "Would one week from tomorrow be too soon?"
She smiled back. "One week from now would be perfect, Mr. Bertram."
William, ever practical, nodded. "Today is March the eighth. You would like to be wed on March fifteenth? Shall we say ten o’clock in the morning?"
Mr. Bertram turned again to Charlotte. "Is that a suitable date and time for you, Miss Lucas?"
"Yes, sir. That will do very well." She paused. "I assume you are planning to obtain a special license?"
"I am," he said. "I must go to London to see my solicitor and give him directions to draw up the marriage settlements. I shall obtain the license while I am there, and then travel to Hertfordshire to obtain your father’s signature."
Charlotte shook her head. "Sir, I will write to my parents today. They will travel here for the wedding. My father can sign the settlements upon his arrival. That will save you time. You need not be away from your daughter longer than necessary."
Mr. Bertram inclined his head. "Then it is settled."
He looked at her again, more intently this time. "Miss Lucas, would you be willing to stay in my home with my daughter while I am away this week?"
William’s brows rose to his hairline, but Mary laughed lightly. "It would be perfectly proper. Mr. Bertram will be in London. We can drive Charlotte over."
She turned to him. "If Charlotte writes to her parents today, they can arrive tomorrow. If you will open your home to them, they can chaperone Charlotte during your absence."
He smiled. "Of course."
Charlotte could hardly believe it. She would be very well married in one week to a gentleman of fortune, a principal estate owner, a respectable, handsome man whom only yesterday she had mourned as lost to her hopes.
