Forged In Love

Chapter Three

As Cadishead Manor rose out of the trees surrounding it, Henry was aware of the butterflies in his stomach. The manor house was beautiful as the sunshine gleamed off the white limestone. The cherry trees were in bloom, as were the roses. Such wonderful colors of green and red and pink. That was something Henry noticed everywhere he went, the colors. He had a tutor tell him once that he would have made a wonderful painter with his eye for colors. The closer they got to the front gate the more Henry could see and hear. There were people and animals all about, it was just a routine day for most of them. Henry was the only one to stop at the gate to the manor, the others went off down the road to the village and to their homes. Henry dismounted his horse and gave the reigns to a waiting groom before dusting himself off and heading to the front door. The front walk was lined on either side with daffodils that were the most vibrant shade of yellow he had even seen. Maybe painting would be a hobby he could take up here.

Charlotte was waiting at the front door when she saw a dashing man walk up to the porch. Surely this couldn't be Lord Henry, she could get that lucky. He was tall, she would guess about 6'2", had shoulder-length curly brown hair, and looked very fit. Before he could knock on the door, she already had it opened and was staring at him. He had dark stumble on his face that she rather liked and his eyes...oh heavens! He was missing an eye and the left side of his face was mostly scarred. Charlotte let out a small gasp and looked anywhere else.

Henry had been surprised when the door flew open as he was about to knock on it. He was even more surprised at the woman that was behind the door. She was almost as tall as him and he was 6'2". She had dark blonde hair that was in a loose braid down her back and the most enchanting green eyes he had ever seen. There was so much depth in them that he could almost feel himself falling into them. God, he hoped this was Lady Charlottle, or he might be in trouble. At her little gasp and averted gaze, he realized she had just spotted the missing eye. Best to make introductions then.

"Hello, I am Lt. Lord Henry Whitestone of Southampton', Henry said with a bow. Lady Charlotte returned with a curtsy,

"I am Lady Charlotte of Bridgewater, and I am happy to have you here".

Charlotte led Henry into the front parlor for tea. She was so nervous, and she had hoped she hadn't offended him by staring at his missing eye. He was a decorated war veteran after all. They took their seats in adjacent chairs while the maid, Amanda, poured the tea. Charlotte accepted hers with shaky hands that Henry had no trouble noticing. He'd hoped she wasn't scared of him, but Henry was never one to beat around the bush nd always felt that straightforward conversations were the best to avoid confusion and offense. And since Charlotte was to be his wife, they might as well be as candid as they could. Henry didn't care for games or coyness. It all just irritated him, trying to guess another person's mind when he had trouble knowing his own from time to time. Taking a deep breath, Henry started talking first.

"I am well aware, Lady Charlotte, that I am missing my left eye and that the majority of the left side of my face is scarred. I hope that my appearance hasn't frightened you, but there is very little I can do about it. I also know that it takes other people a while to become used to the sight. I will not find it rude if you stare."

Taken aback by Henry's dismissal of formal pleasantries, Charlotte was at a loss for words for a moment, but she quickly regained her composure and responded.

"Are you always so blunt when you speak?"

"Yes, actually. I don't like to mince my words at the risk of there being a misunderstanding. I mean no offence. I just don't like games or intrigues or coyness. There is too much room for misunderstanding, confusion and offense to be taken."

"I likewise feel the same. It is also inefficient to beat around the bush or feign shyness. I am not a shy woman, but I am respectful and polite."

"Wonderful. Then we will be able to speak plainly with each other. I also value the truth and believe that most problems can be solved by talking. I know that sounds odd coming from a former marine, but it's true."

" Let me understand. You want us to be honest with each other. What if i am afraid to tell you something?"

"Why would you be afraid to tell me something?"

"You might beat me. Or punish me some other way. I don't know you, sir."

" That is very true. Of course, me telling you that i will never lay a hand on you means very little right now, so i will have to show you...in time."

"Very well. I appreciate your efforts."

" Now that that is out of the way. Let us discuss this marriage and what we both expect and maybe even hope for."

This whole conversation shocked Charlotte. She definitely didn't expect such openness from her future groom. He actually wanted to talk with her and hear what she had to say. It was as if he might even want to be friends. Friends she could do, she had plenty of male friends in the village. This might actually be nice. Charlotte turned her body to face his.

" I guess first thing is first, I spend most of my time in the village. I practically grew up there. My father had no use for me, as a daughter, and so he chose not to care if I lived or died or what became of me. Anne, my maid, was basically my mother and tried her best with me. I am not a refined lady, my Lord. The people of the village tried to raise me up right as well and, as such, I see them all as family. We are all very informal, they call me Lady Lottie and I have allowed it. You may call me Lottie if you wish, my Lord."

"Far be it from me to change things. Please stop calling me "my Lord". My family and friends call me Henry or Hank. We are to be husband and wife and, as such, we are going to be very familiar with each other. "

At ther mention of how familiar they were going to be with each other, Charlotte's face went bright red. Of course she knew all about wifely duty, but he was so causal about the mention.

"Oh no, I have embarrassed you. I am so sorry Lottie." Henry apologized as he reached for her hand to comfort her. The way he said her name sounded so nice, and she could help but smile at him.

"I like that way you say my name." Lottie hadn't meant to just blurt that out, but he had said he wanted honesty. Henry smiled at her then, and it was the most beautiful smile she had ever seen. Just then the clock on the mantel chimed, signaling the midday meal.

"We had best head to the dining room. You must be starving for some real food after your long trip here. You can tell me all about it while we eat."

"Shouldn't we wait for your father?'

"Oh, um, he's dead. I thought they would have told you."