AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“There is,” he said.
She looked at him suddenly, wondering when he had walked so far and with whom. “Let’s see if we can find it,” she said.
James hesitated. He glanced back at the party gathered behind them. Then he focused on Charity. He shook his head. “Not now,” he said.
“Why?” she asked.
“Is the something you wish to discuss?”
“Yes.” Charity smiled at him. “You are indeed a good friend, James. I think you know me better than my family does.” She glanced downward suddenly shy to make such a bold proposal to him. She should just wait. He would ask her if she gave him the opportunity. She was sure of it. Surely he could see what a good pair they made. He had been making excuses to spend time with her and her friends for the past few weeks. It was obvious he felt the same way. “So yes,” she said again. “I would very much like to speak with you.” She felt a blush fill her face.
James looked at her for a long moment. “Very well, then. Let’s walk,” he said, taking her arm, but they didn’t walk as far as the brook or even the trees when he spoke. James patted her hand gently. “There is something I must say first.”
“Do tell, James.” Charity was actually thankful for the delay because she still was not sure how to broach the subject with James and his hesitancy made her wonder if he was already thinking along the same lines as she. Would he offer for her so soon?
“It’s about Miss Muirwood,” he said.
She stopped and stared at him, uncertain of what she heard. “Flora?”
“Yes. Do you think she will have me?” he asked breathlessly.
Charity opened her mouth and closed it again. “Flora,” she repeated.
“Yes, Flora, although she has not given me leave to address her by her given name,” he said and then spoke in a rush. “I know I am not so well off as some, and my family has my sisters to provide for, but we have a house in Bath and another residence in London, though it is perhaps not in the finest neighborhood it is no cause for shame. Our country home is small but quaint and quite beautiful…and comfortable. It is very comfortable. Do you remember it?” He did not wait for her answer but rushed on directly. “Will you speak to her for me, Charity?”
Charity was gob smacked. She stared, unable to form a single word and the silence drew out.
“Oh. She does not favor me,” James said miserably. “I had thought… well, hoped…”
“No,” Charity repeated.
“No? She doesn’t?”
“No, I mean she hasn’t said anything, but...” as Charity thought of it, she realized that Flora had let her eyes settle on James far more than once. She had also become a flustered simpleton incapable of speech quite often whenever he was nearby. “No,” Charity said, again swallowing hard. “I think it is a splendid idea. I think she will be quite happy, James. Congratulations.”
“Truly?” he asked with renewed hope. “Do you mean it?”
“Truly. Have you spoken to her father?”
“I have, and I’ve been to visit her several times this past year. Her family’s home is just an hour’s ride from here, and we have shared a great many correspondences.”
“I see,” Charity said, but then James already had Flora’s approval. He only wanted to stop Charity from making a fool of herself. Did James know what she was about to say? Had he guessed? She felt a blush creeping up her face again, but she was glad he allowed her a way out of the embarrassment. She forced herself to set aside her dashed hopes, and she smiled at him warmly. “I am very happy for you. She will say ‘yes’. I know she will.” Charity looked away with conflicting emotions. On the one hand she was disappointed that she had no easy way out of her present unmarried situation; on the other, she was very glad for Flora that she was getting such a fine man.
“Do you love her?” Charity blurted at once and without thought.
James frowned. “Charity…”
“Oh, James. Please forgive my forwardness. I suppose I just want to know if there is hope. My mother tells me that to wish for love is a vain pursuit. Is it James? I ask because I need to know. Are my own hopes of marrying for love so far-fetched? Am I dreaming for something unrealistic and unattainable?”
James grew solemn. “Charity, I cannot answer for you. Only for me. Flora makes my heart sing. If I only give her half the joy she gives me, she will be the happiest woman in the world, for there is nothing, I would not do for her happiness. Nothing I would rather do than be with her, but it is a rare thing, love. People like us, Charity, people of stature; we have much to worry over, lands, laws, titles and inheritances. Love is often a luxury reserved for those who have little else.”
Charity sighed deeply and her heart sank. “It is not fair. Why can’t I find love, James? Am I too forward? Too free with my thoughts?”
“I cannot tell you,” James said, “but there are many men who would do well to woo you. You will find the right person as I have. Come, now. Let us return to the others before we are overly missed.”
Charity realized he wanted to enjoy Flora’s company.
She looked back to James and smiled. “I am happy for you, James. I truly am.”
