The maid shook her head. “That is not what I meant, my lord. The countess did some of the gardening work herself, alongside the gardeners at Fermoy. Perhaps some would say it is very unbecoming of a woman of her station, but I know she misses it dearly. It was her great passion.”
“Ah.” Perry nodded. It made sense. Lottie was so afraid of being judged any further for her behavior. She was under enormous scrutiny since becoming a countess. It was appalling that she would stop doing something she loved for him. A great sadness filled him to think that he had taken that away from his wife and daughter. Knowing Charlotte, Aurelia would have experienced the same freedoms as well. He had the perfect place for her to have all the liberties she wanted, away from prying eyes.
Then again, they were already a scandalous pair. His mouth curved into a smirk. Perhaps he preferred his countess to be scandalous.
Perry made his way to find her.
Yes. The way his thoughts traveled in morewicked directions, it was time for thetonto accept that the scandalous Spencers were here to take London by storm. Whether society liked it or not, his wife had him on his knees.
There was no place he would rather be.
Chapter Forty-Four
“Mother, why would they have hidden her away like that? It seems terribly wicked,” Aurelia protested, pointing to the words on the page of the book sitting in a sea of light blue muslin on Charlotte’s lap. They were sitting nestled against each other on her daughter’s bed. Their lessons over, Charlotte opted to delve deeper into the latest tome of fairy tales they had acquired for their library.
“Well, it makes a story much more enjoyable when the heroine must overcome great obstacles to find happiness, don’t you think? Cinderella will eventually come to a happy end, I’m quite sure of it.” Charlotte gazed down upon her daughter.
Aurelia crossed her arms in front of her chest, her wide blue eyes trained on her mother. “I’m not sure I want to continue. Her sisters are perfectly horrible. I wouldn’t ever want a sister if that’s what they’re like.”
Tapping her finger on her daughter’s adorable pout, Charlotte smiled. “You would not have such an awful sister, I promise you. I am not such a horrible mother as Cinderella’s stepmother, wouldn’t you agree?” she asked playfully.
Aurelia considered, her frown lifting slightly. “I suppose. ButI’ll never know for certain unless I have a brother or sister. Do you think I ever will, Mama?”
Butterflies fluttered in her stomach at the thought of making another child. Perry had certainly begun the process the previous night, but they wouldn’t know for certain until some time had passed. Suddenly, it had become one of her greatest desires.
“It is a possibility,” Charlotte said, closing the book and placing it on the desk. “Perhaps you should go find Ann and have her bring you to the kitchen. I asked Betsy to make your favorite lemon tarts. You must be getting hungry.”
Clapping her hands enthusiastically, Aurelia jumped up from the bed in a flurry of pink. Tilting her head, Charlotte watched her daughter as she straightened and smoothed her skirts, remembering the behavior that was expected, now that she was the daughter of an earl.
Her thoughts drifted to her husband. Of course, he must be busy running the estate, and he did have that meeting with the Duke of Bridgewater and the Viscount Witney that afternoon. She would have to wait until later to see him again. Loath to disturb him in his work, she sighed wistfully, thinking it might be a good time to explore the gardens further. The estate had elaborate grounds for a London home, which she had yet to properly enjoy. From what she could gather, a famous designer had created the landscape, and they were among the most stunning in the city for a private estate. She loved being surrounded by such beauty. The gardens were utter perfection.
Soft rays of afternoon sunlight gave the space a warm glow after several days of rain. The plants were at their summer best, with most flowers in full bloom and later-flowering breeds waiting for their moment to burst forth. Though it didn’t resemble her garden at Fermoy, Charlotte admired the design, the way the beds were planned to offer blooms during three out of four seasons. She recognized most of the varieties of plants, finding comfort as though becoming reacquainted with old friends. Stroking the softpetals of a particular breed of blush-colored roses, she hummed a familiar tune in her head. Being outdoors always opened up a place within her that made her feel alive. The air was sweet and revived her, a welcome distraction from her worries. As she strolled among the carefully designed beds and seating areas made for quiet contemplation and solitude, she noted the varieties she might be tempted to sketch. It would do Aurelia some good to resume the activities they had pursued in the country. Charlotte was reminded that not all aspects of their life had to change; only the ones that left her feeling isolated and alone.
After a night spent in Perry’s arms, she no longer feared loneliness. There was nothing she wouldn’t do to seek that comfort again. Breaking the barriers between them moved their marriage past the for-appearances-only version she had expected. It also made her feel complete in a way she hadn’t known she needed. A part of her that was missing had been restored in Perry’s arms last night. There was no doubt in her mind. Charlotte was passionately in love with her husband. Perhaps she always had been. His tender touches, worshipful kisses, and the way he lingered in the heat of their embrace spoke of a man as loath to let go as she was.
A small smile teased her lips as she gazed absently into a cluster of sweet-smelling white roses.
“I wonder what thoughts bring such a lovely smile to your lips,” a deep voice murmured in her ear from behind.
Charlotte flushed, covering a giggle with her gloved hand.
“I’m thinking of a very dashing gentleman,” she said, her tone playful. Flirtatious? Charlotte could hardly recognize herself. Her gaze flicked to connect with his.
“Oh, what I would do for it to be me,” Perry teased with a warm smile.
“I’ll never tell.” She tugged his head down to steal a kiss.
Perry wove his hands around her waist, his warm lips drawing out their kiss.
“May I join you in your garden exploration?” he asked.
Charlotte gave him a flirtatious look and turned to continue meandering down the garden pathway, twining their hands.
“How do you feel about the garden here? It is hardly the expanse we enjoy out in the country. Is it to your liking?” Perry inquired.
Charlotte glanced up at him, the sun making its way blindingly into her eyes, despite the very proper bonnet that sheltered her delicate features from its rays. Her mother would be proud that she was protecting her skin for once.
“It is quite pleasant,” she said with a small smile, running her hand through the verdant greenery. “The blooms are quite fragrant at this time of year. Though…” Charlotte turned, her eyes sweeping the entire garden.
