A quick rap sounded at her door.
“Come in,” she said, wishing whomever it was would leave her alone and let her spend her day moping. It might be the last such day for a while to come. She sighed. “I may as well get up. I know better than to think I could just be lazy.” She pulled the covers back and swung her feet over the side of the bed, searching for her slippers.
“Lady Charlotte, this package came for you.” Jane, her lady’s maid, nodded to a small package sitting on the left side of a silver tray, while her hot chocolate and toast sat on the right.
“Who sent it to me? Did they leave a card?”
“No card arrived with it. A courier delivered it. ’Tis exciting!” she gushed, handing the package to Charlotte.
Charlotte turned the package over, examining it. A plain brown wrapper secured by twine gave no hints as to whom had sent it. A red wax seal of a flower added nothing remarkable, as she knew no one or nothing associated with the symbol. Deciding to open it when she was alone, she reached for the cup of chocolate. “I am famished. Perhaps it would be more prudent to drink my chocolate, first. I have been dreaming of a hot cup of chocolate, and I do not want it to get cold.” Raising the cup to her lips, she tasted. “Mmm. Perfect.” It was just what she needed. “Would you be a dear, Jane, and draw me a bath?” Charlotte asked before she took a second sip of the hot drink.
“Yes, my lady. Right away.” The petite maid curtsied and went to organize the bath.
She had about thirty minutes while they were heating the water. Charlotte set down her cup of chocolate and grabbed the small package. Untying the twine and unwrapping it, she pulled out a small green velvet case with a folded note.
Dearest Charlotte,
Please accept this small token of my esteem. I realize this is not the wedding you desire, but I believe in the vows dictated by marriage and will be a faithful husband. I find myself looking forward to our union.
Please wear this tomorrow for our ceremony. I saw this and immediately thought of you.
Truly,
E
“How thoughtful and totally unexpected,” she whispered to herself as she gingerly opened the green velvet box. A gold emerald and diamond ring and matching bracelet glittered up at her. The ring had a large oval emerald nestled in a circle of small diamonds set in a delicate gold band. He picked this out for me. Charlotte felt a fluttering in the pit of her stomach. She had never seen a more beautiful combination of stones. She started to place the ring on her finger when she heard Jane’s voice in the hall. Her bath!
Quickly, she scooped up the paper, box, twine, and jewelry and shoved them in the back of the drawer to her nightstand. Seeing the note had fluttered to the floor, she snatched it up and put it inside, pushing a small book in front of it all and shutting the drawer just as Jane and several servants behind her came into the room with her tub and water. Stepping in front of the small table, she touched the drawer, making sure it was closed, her hands hidden by the folds of her dress.
“Your bath is ready, my lady,” the diminutive maid said, placing a small cake of jasmine-scented soap and a towel on the table and wiping her hands on her white apron.
“Thank you, Jane. I would like a few minutes by myself to soak and get rid of the chill I feel. Perhaps you should come back in about twenty minutes to help me with my dress. Thank you for the soap. I love the smell of jasmine in the winter.”
“Yes, my lady. Allow me a few moments to tend to your fire.” Jane grabbed the poker and stoked the glowing embers in the fireplace into a more robust flame, instantly warming that side of the room. “Shall I hang this dress, my lady?” Jane pointed to the dress she had chosen for the wedding, still laying across the chair.
Dash it all! I forgot to put the dress away. Charlotte recalled Mrs. Dove-Lyon’s warning. With all the nonchalance she could muster, Charlotte responded. “Yes. I saw it hanging in the wardrobe and could not resist trying it on to see if it still fit, just to recall that wonderful day. However, the mood has passed. Please hang it for me.” She kept her voice steady.
“Certainly, my lady. It will be nice when you are able to wear more than mourning attire.” Jane picked up the dress, shook out the wrinkles, and hung it in the wardrobe. “If you decide to wear it again, I will press it for you. The lace is so beautiful,” she fawned, fingering the edges as she tucked the garment into the closet. “I understand the need for privacy, my lady. I will give you time for your bath. Let me know if you need anything else,” she added, leaving and pulling the door closed behind her.
Charlotte had only a little time, but she waited until they left, then pulled out the note to read it once more. “I had not expected this,” she murmured, running her fingers over the dried ink. It seemed he planned to give their union a chance. A smile tugged the corner of her mouth. Hastily, she reached for the ring and placed it on her finger. She had never imagined receiving a wedding gift from him, much less anything so thoughtful. His beautiful gesture warmed her heart. Sliding the ring onto her fourth finger, she held up her hand, turning it various angles and admiring it. I wish I had time to try
