Chapter Thirty-three #2
Charlotte had been dreaming of just that for days.
She had honestly thought she would never develop feelings for any man.
She had often wondered if something was missing in herself.
As a girl, she had fleeting feelings for a few boys, but when none showed interest in her…
well…best not dwell on how it had crushed her at the time.
Hearing her mother call her plain, and Mrs. Bennet whispering that she’d never marry, at some point that is all she heard and believed.
Plain Charlotte, likely to never marry. And now…
the man she had always dreamed of in a shadowing corner of her heart said he had feelings for her.
“I do not believe so. I have never traveled, but I have always wanted my own home and family. I think, if it were a comfortable and loving home, it would not matter where it is.”
John stopped walking and grabbed up her hands, “Then Miss Lucas, would you be my wife and move to America with me? I can promise a good house with a sound roof, a large kitchen garden, a cook and maid or two. You will have everything you need, and over time, everything you desire. My income is good. There is not much society near the estate, but it is growing and…” John realized he was babbling, so closed his mouth.
Charlotte never thought she would fall in love with anyone and often wondered if she was even capable of it.
She had learned to be pragmatic and not romantic, but at that moment, looking into his eyes.
.. This giant, sweet man cared for her. The look in his eyes was tender and warm.
He was nervous for her answer, so she did not wait.
“I would be honored and happy to be your wife. I will follow you anywhere you would go.”
John picked her up and Charlotte received her very first kiss at six and twenty. He swung her around and laughed in delight. They did not remember Maria was even there until she ran up to them and started squealing, “You are to marry! Oh Charlotte! I am so happy for you!”
“I hope this means you will dance the three significant sets with me, Miss Lucas?”
“Of course! Oh, you must speak with my father, and I must tell my mother! Maria, run ahead and ask papa if he is available now, and do not say anything to mother! I want to tell her!”
The rest of the afternoon went as one would expect.
Sir William was thrilled for his daughter but upset she would live so very far away.
Lady Lucas could not have been happier for the daughter she had worried would be a spinster all her life.
It crossed her mind that she would likely never see Charlotte again after her marriage, but she was so happy to finally have a child married, she put it out of her mind.
If Fanny Bennet was still alive, how she’d crow!
John was invited to dinner, and the rest of the day was spent in the logistics of wedding planning.
~~~~~
Theo, Mrs. Russell, Beth, and Darcy were visiting at Longbourn whilst things were progressing at Lucas Lodge.
The entirety of the household was walking in the mostly bare gardens.
There were still mums blooming, and a few roses.
There was lavender still hanging on, and some colorful leaves on several trees and bushes.
The autumn frosts had been very light that year, and the rains had not been overly heavy. It was an ideal autumn.
Mr. Bennet and Mamie left the pack of young people behind as they took a lesser used path to the walled garden. Bennet cleared his throat rather loudly. “Mrs. Russell, Mamie, I think you know…humfff…I think you know I have a special regard for you. It…are we too old for this?”
“Mr. Bennet, I could pretend I did not know what you are referring to, but I am no innocent maiden. I do not believe anyone is too old to find love. I have a special regard for you also.”
The smile that bloomed on Bennet’s face made him look ten years younger. “Well then, would you ever consider staying in England and marrying again?”
“Was that a proposal, Thomas?”
“It might be the best I can do. If I get down on one knee, you will have to help me up. Would you consider marrying me, Mamie?”
Mamie looked him deep in the eyes, “I have told you of my first marriage, and you have told me of yours. Marry in haste and repent at leisure. I do not believe we are so young and hasty anymore, but have we known each other long enough? Are we being hasty again?”
“I do not believe so. We have spent much time together both here and in Ramsgate. You have seen me with my girls, and I have seen you with Beth and John. You are loved and respected by all. The only question left is…do you love me? Because I love you dearly. I can see us growing old together, with many grandchildren surrounding us.”
“My only regret would be when Beth leaves, and maybe not seeing Ethan again. They were the children I never had. Will I ever see their children?”
“Well, I am hoping one of my girls marries a young man who will live here at Longbourn and take over for a few years. The house and part of the estate is entailed, but there is over one hundred acres that are not that I can will to someone. I would enjoy doing some travel. Seeing America would be quite something!”
“Then I will marry you on two conditions: 1. Build a dower house on those one hundred acres. 2. Promise we will visit Virginia at least once before we are too old.”
“I promise! I will build a very fine dower house for you and any daughters that do not marry, and we will start planning a trip to America within two years! God willing.”
It had been many years since either Mamie or Thomas had been kissed, and they made up for lost time. Neither of them had any idea what the girls and their beaus were doing and simply did not care.