His daughter gave a small laugh at his comment. “May I call you papa?”
He closed his eyes against the wave of emotion surging within him. Blinking, he nodded, careful to keep from taking her in his arms and squeezing her. He didn’t want to be overwhelming. That would come later.
“Are you happy, Aurelia?” her mother asked beside her.
“Very. Now I can hear some exciting battle stories. My papa is so very brave.”
Perry gritted his teeth, uncomfortable with the deception, but understanding its necessity. His eyes locked with Charlotte’s, and she shrugged.
Aurelia slid over on the settee, leaning into Perry ever so slightly as to snuggle into him. “Tell me a story, Papa.”
Clearing his throat, Perry searched in his memories for a battletale that would satisfy the young girl. “Only if you first describe to me how exactly you imagined your father to be. I’m dying of curiosity.”
Aurelia eyed him from the side. “Well, he was very serious…and broody.”
“Ah, I see, yes, that is very father-like.”
“Oh, and he certainly did not eat honey cakes.”
“The poor man. He sounds dreadful. I’m glad I’m not him,” he said with a chuckle.
Aurelia’s mouth tilted up into a half-smile. “I’m glad you’re not him as well.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
Their wedding was to be a simple affair. Though she had notified her parents, they wouldn’t make it in time. They sent their good wishes and looked forward to being together again once she returned to London with her new husband. Her mother had some misgivings about the abrupt reintroduction to society, but Charlotte couldn’t see it happening any other way.
It was going to make waves no matter how she returned to the land of the living.
At least she would have Perry’s influential family to support them through it.
Perry insisted on being wed as soon as possible, giving her little time to adjust to the new reality of her life. Nerves gathered in her stomach, and Charlotte focused on the task at hand. It was a mere distraction. Her garden provided much solace during her loneliest times, and today, her flowers would give her courage.
“Please leave it to me,” Aamina tutted as she hurried to join Charlotte in the garden. “We have much to do to prepare for this special day.”
“I must do it, Aamina. There have been so many changes, and I need a moment to myself. I will be up soon.”
“Very well. I will see to the wedding breakfast, and we shall go over your attire as soon as you are ready,” the lady’s maid said as she clutched her skirts and wandered back into the house.
Charlotte returned to her task, wondering how many flowers were appropriate for a wedding bouquet. A few roses, a sprig of lilies of the valley, perhaps a dash of Queen Anne’s lace. She twirled the blooms in her hand, inspecting the combination.
“I believe you are missing something,” a deep voice spoke from behind her. Chills tore through her body as she felt the touch of each word deeply in her core. Her heart beat rapidly as she turned to face her soon-to-be husband.
“It is the first wedding bouquet I have arranged. I have no doubt I am missing something,” she admitted in a breathy voice, a delicate heat rising in her cheeks. How was it that he affected her so, after all this time? “Would you like to share your thoughts?”
“You misunderstand me. The bouquet is perfect. Pretty and graceful, just like the bride,” he began.
Charlotte averted his gaze, his words stoking a flame buried deep within her.
“May I?” he asked, brushing a loose curl and tucking it behind her ear.
Her body trembled at the touch. She closed her eyes, savoring the sensation of his finger trailing along the side of her neck.
“Yes…” Her voice trailed off, and she opened her eyes, watching as he plucked a small rose from a nearby bush.
“I believe this will complete the vision,” he murmured, tucking the fragrant pink bloom behind her ear. “There. A bride any groom would be lucky to have.”
Her cheeks flamed at the words. Lifting her gaze to lock with his, her mouth curved into a dreamy smile. Perry played the role so well. The lovesick groom eager to be with his bride. She had no doubt thetonwould be impressed with his romantic veneer.
