Chapter 26
Chapter
Twenty-Six
T heir return to the estate was not without its complications. They sat before his father's mahogany desk in his library. His parents, along with Lord and Lady Haverly and Lady Delphine, greeted them with a mixture of raised brows and disappointed glowers.
Lady Delphine's the severest of them all.
“This is most improper.” Lady Delphine’s sharp gaze cut to where Christopher’s hand clasped Matilda’s and narrowed farther. “Lady Matilda is entirely capable of continuing her journey without you running off behind her to drag her back here. You should not have bothered, Lord Charteris.”
“She was stranded and is one of our family's closest friends, not to mention the Duke and Duchess Lane-Fox's only daughter. I could not leave her there to be at risk of every blaggard who required a roof in the storm.” Christopher’s response was curt and to the point, but he could not stomach the idea of Matilda in danger. “What would you have me do? Leave her at the mercy of fortune hunters?”
Delphine sniffed. “She is hardly helpless. You risk scandal by bringing her into this house. What if someone saw you, chaperoned only by her maid. You would be forced to marry her, and then you would not get to marry me, which is what you want, of course.”
“Scandal be damned,” Christopher snapped. “I would rather face a thousand wagging tongues than see harm come to Matilda.”
Delphine said no more, retreating with a huff.
"Speaking of which, there will be no marriage between us, Lady Delphine. I never proposed, and there was never an engagement."
"I beg your pardon." Lord Haverly’s tone was soft but with an edge of frost. "I do believe you're mistaken, Lord Charteris."
Matilda, who had remained silent throughout the exchange, cast Christopher a concerned glance. He squeezed her fingers, silently vowing that he would do whatever it took to protect her—even if it meant defying his family and society itself.
“I do not agree, and I am correct in my statement,” Christopher said, holding Matilda’s hand firmly. “You cannot expect me to marry a woman I offered for when we were both children. What Lady Delphine fails to understand is that the youthful friendship we had was never love. I know this now because my love for the woman beside me is far greater than anything I ever thought possible. I will not lose her, and I will not be forced into marriage to appease anyone—not even family or friends.”
“You offered, Lord Charteris,” Lord Haverly blustered, his face reddening with indignation. “Marriages have been arranged between people far younger than when you were both young adults. Your argument holds no merit.”
“We do not live in the sixteenth century, Lord Haverly,” Christopher countered. “This is the eighteenth century, and modern, sensible thinking must prevail. While I regret disappointing Lady Delphine, I will not marry her. I do not love her as a husband should, and despite my efforts to make her understand during your stay here, she refused to listen.”
Sitting across the room, his mother glanced at Lady Delphine, concern evident in her furrowed brow. Christopher hoped that his parents might be swayed to his cause.
“The announcement at the picnic was made without my approval or knowledge,” Christopher continued. “It has already hurt the woman I do wish to marry—a woman I love beyond words and will not lose.”
“This is disgraceful behavior!” Lord Haverly thundered, rising to his feet. “You offered for my daughter, and she accepted your proposal. That should be the end of it. You will do the right thing by Delphine and everyone in this room—including Lady Matilda—whose father, I am certain, would not want his daughter embroiled in scandal.”
Christopher’s heart stuttered at the mention of Matilda’s father. The thought of her suffering any repercussions because of his past foolishness filled him with dread.
“I will not be held accountable as an adult for a child’s fanciful, impulsive promise.” Christopher's voice held steady even though his chest burned with frustration. He turned to the duke. “Father, surely you cannot expect me to marry a woman I do not love. You know this is wrong.”
His Grace's expression remained inscrutable. He exchanged a glance with his wife before speaking. “You claim to love Lady Matilda? You have not known her long. Are you certain of your feelings?”
Christopher’s jaw tightened. “I am. I cannot breathe unless she is by my side. When she left, it felt as though a part of me had ceased to exist. You are right; we have not known each other long, but I know what I feel is true.” He turned to Matilda, his heart filling at the sight of her. “I love and adore her.”
Matilda’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears, her lips parting to speak, but Lady Delphine’s wailing pierced the air, shattering the tender moment.
“I waited years!” Delphine cried in a shrill voice. “I became an old maid waiting for you! And this is how you repay me? You’re a cad, Lord Charteris, and I will ensure all of London knows it. I will ruin your perfect little Lady Matilda. No respectable home will admit her.”
“You will do no such thing.” Christopher fought not to sound cold and hostile, but he would not have Matilda threatened. “Lady Matilda is a duke’s daughter and outranks you. To make her your enemy would be folly. I have been patient, Lady Delphine, but I will not tolerate baseless threats against the woman I love.”
“Your Graces,” Lady Haverly interjected, desperation in her words. She turned to the Duke and Duchess of D’Estel, “you cannot allow this engagement to end. Yes, they were young when they fell in love, but it was love. You must make your son honor his word.”
The duchess remained composed, her gaze fixed on Christopher. “Are you certain of this, my son?” she asked in a measured tone he’d often heard from his mother when she was trying to reconcile a situation. “There will be talk. Homes that once welcomed you may close their doors. Are you prepared to face that?”
“I am,” Christopher replied without hesitation. He raised his chin, his resolve unshakable. “I will not give up Lady Matilda. I tried to remain aloof, to hide behind the guise of a bachelor, but I can no longer deceive myself. I love her and will not conceal that love merely to ease the hurt this misunderstanding has caused.” He turned to Delphine, remorseful to have caused her pain. “I tried to tell you, Delphine, but you would not listen. I never meant to hurt you, but my heart has never been yours. I am truly sorry.”
Lady Delphine’s lip trembled, but anger soon replaced sorrow. “Outrageous,” Lord Haverly barked, striding toward the door. “Consider this friendship at an end! Your son has disgraced us and treated my daughter with contempt. I hope you are proud.”
The Duke of D’Estel rose, his face stern. “We are disappointed by the situation,” he said, “but we will not force a union that would bring unhappiness to both parties. It is time for Lady Delphine to seek her match, Lord Haverly. Your friendship with our family is not worth perpetuating this farce.”
Lord Haverly’s face darkened, but he said nothing as he wrenched the door open. Lady Haverly trailed after him, her expression stricken, while Lady Delphine shot one last venomous glare at Matilda before flouncing out of the room.
The silence that followed was heavy, the tension lingering like a storm that had just passed. Christopher turned to his parents, his shoulders straight. “I am sorry for the trouble this has caused.”
Matilda stepped forward, her hands clasped before her. “We never intended to hurt anyone,” she said, her voice strained, much like the day had been. “But we cannot deny our feelings. I love your son, and I want to be his wife.”
His mother's expression softened, and she approached Matilda, pulling her into a warm embrace. “Now, now, my dear, we are not angry with you.” The duchess’s tone was kind and in much need of hearing right at this moment. “In fact, we are quite pleased with Christopher’s choice.”
Matilda blinked, stunned. “Truly?”
The duchess smiled, her eyes twinkling with warmth. “While I was pleased at the thought of an engagement to Lady Delphine, it was only because I wished for my son to find happiness—and to give me grandchildren before I am too old to enjoy them!” She laughed softly, then glanced at Christopher. “But now, seeing the two of you together, I have no doubt that you belong with each other.”
The Duke of D’Estel nodded, stepping forward to clasp Christopher’s shoulder. “Your happiness is what matters most. We are proud of you for standing firm.”
Relief washed over Christopher, and he took Matilda’s hand, pulling her close. “Thank you.” He cleared his throat from the tightness he felt here. “I believe we shall be very happy indeed.”
Matilda looked up at him, her smile radiant. “The merriest.”
And for the first time in days, Christopher felt the weight on his heart begin to lift.