“Yes. Yes. Yes. I will marry you and be the happiest woman in the world.” Bertie brought around his good arm and pulled her close. He claimed the kiss that he had been dreaming of and he knew that Badger Tomkins was grinning like a madman. He didn’t care. The kiss ended and Carline checked the wound again. “The bleeding has stopped,” she said.
“You can turn around now, Badger.” Bertie said and realised that he felt stronger than before. “I know you are having a really good laugh but you can prepare yourself to be best man at the forthcoming festivities. “Congratulations to both of you,” Badger said. “I accept the best man invitation.” The carriage turned into the gates of Bertie’s stately pile, and the two riders had gone ahead to prepare the servants to receive the wounded warrior. Bertie said he could walk and did go into his house on his own legs but aided by Badger and his butler. Aunt Agatha was fluttering in the background and frowned when she saw Caroline. “This is your fault, you silly girl.” The older woman said, but it stopped Bertie in his tracks. He turned to the whole group of people. “This is the fault of ignorant people who are nasty to others. You included, Aunt Agatha.” He looked around. “Miss Carstairs has agreed to marry me.” There was a gasp, and some of the servant girls clapped their hands. “We will wed and pull this place into the modern world.” He held out his hand, and Caroline ran to take it.
The butler said, “Let me be the first to say congratulations, My Lord.” And Bertie thanked him as the staff gave a little cheer. “Let’s get you to a bed and clean this wound.” The butler finished and took over operations much to Badger’s relief.
It seemed that the bullet had gone straight through the top of the shoulder and although there were two wounds it was not as bad as the blood would let you think. Warm water and gentle washing revealed a clean wound. Wrapped in clean bandages and a soft jacket pulled into place, Bertie felt human again and held out his hand for Caroline to come and sit beside him.
“Thank you for riding to my rescue,” she said. “You were truly a knight in shining armour.”
“And I claim the hand of the maiden in distress.” He grinned at her. “We will do that waltz at the wedding, and nobody will be brave enough to complain.”
“My cousin will be delighted. He will be able to teach Arabella how to waltz as well.” His bride to be added and he drew her towards him for the kiss that took them both into another realm entirely where time stood still.
“Happy ever after, Caroline, Lady Haverbrook. Happy ever after.” He murmured into her hair. She nestled against him and smiled.
*****
The Storm of the Season – A Regency Romance
Chapter 1
“Ernest, thank heavens. You're back. I can't find Charlotte anywhere, and I can't find Mary either,'' Lady Melbourne shouted, as her husband climbed the steps to their mansion, Eaton Hall. ''I've been waiting an age for you to return. Why do those regimental dinners go on for so long? You're just a bunch of old soldiers, what on earth do you have to talk about until deep into the night?''
''Deep in the night? It's only ten-fifteen. We talk about old times and have the odd glass.''
''And the way you climbed those steps, it looks as though you've had a few too many. Really, Ernest, you are a shambles. Now go and find Charlotte. I really do not want to have to tell the Duke, that his beloved Charlotte has disappeared.''
''When did you last see her?'' Lord Melbourne asked, slightly unsteady on his feet. He'd spent the evening at the monthly dinner of his old regiment, the Hussars. In his day, Lord Melbourne had been a dashing officer, who'd led his men into battle. Now he was a henpecked, fifty-three year old, with little to do all day, but remember past campaigns.
''Before you left. I think around four o'clock. She had tea in the drawing room. I haven't seen her since.''
''And where do you suggest I look at this time in the evening? It's pitch black outside. And by the feel of it, it's about to pour down.''
''Ernest, please don't talk to me like that. We have a household of fifty servants, half of them male. Take them, and find the blessed girl.''
Lord Melbourne took four footmen, three stable hands, two gardeners and Lewis, the butler. He knew their search would prove fruitless, but if he didn't appease his wife, he wouldn't hear the last of it. After twenty-five years of marriage, he knew that incurring the wrath of his wife was not a good idea. ''Listen, men, it's started to pour down. My daughter won't be out on the estate in this weather. I suggest we go down to the village and have a brandy.''
The men nodded in agreement. They were grateful they would be able to sit in front of the warm fire at the Ship Inn, and drink.
****
''And, did you find her?'' Lady Melbourne shouted as the men walked back up the drive, some hours later.