Page 73 of The Pursuit of Mrs. Pennyworth
At first it appeared she would argue, then she nodded and he motioned for Bones to come and escort her.
* * *
Charlotte settledin the padded seat and leaned back, closing her eyes. She felt weary all the way to her bones. Since she’d received the news from Elliot yesterday, she’d been tied in knots. She was extremely sad that Mr. Talbot had come to such an unfortunate end. He’d been such a good friend to her. She had fond memories of his friendship while Gabriel had been alive. He and her deceased husband had been great friends, and Mr. Talbot had spent many a night at her dining room table, arguing horseflesh and wagering. Those had been good times.
Then there was the strong possibility he’d been the one leaving packages on her front doorstep. To what end? That was the question that troubled her more than anything and had kept her awake since Elliot discovered Mr. Talbot had purchased the bracelet.
Why would he do such a thing? Spend a great deal of money on something he intended to give away, along with a dead animal? Elliot seemed to think it was a twisted sort of courtship. Admittedly, she was no investigator, but certainly no one in his right mind would think dead animals were a way to profess your love for a woman.
But then, no one in their right mind would do the things he’d done, anyway. She sighed and looked out the window. It was all so complicated and tiring for her brain.
As she viewed the mourners surrounding the casket, she took note of Miss Garvey. She stood apart from the rest of the group, her head bowed, hands clenched together. The poor woman. She and Mr. Talbot had been friends, and no doubt she was suffering more than anyone else present.
At least Charlotte would have some peace now, and not have to shudder every time she opened her front door. She could return to her very peaceful life.
With all that had happened yesterday, and the funeral today, she’d pushed Elliot’s proposal to the back of her mind. Now it presented itself front and center.
“Will you marry me?”
She was in love with him. There was no doubt about that. However, she did not want to be a widow again. At least not for many, many years. Elliot had already been shot in his line of work.
She had been happy with her life just as it was. But, after knowing Elliot, spending time with him, and above all, what they’d shared intimately, her life could never return to the way it had been.
Should they marry, all the things she enjoyed about her life: her charitable work, the group of friends she saw on a regular basis, the trips to the museums, theater, and parks, would not change. What would change—a man in her life again—might not be so terrible, based on the time they’d spent together as companions, and more so as lovers.
Additionally, in favor of his marriage proposal was something Elliot had pointed out, that truth be known, was dear to her heart. Babies had a way of making an appearance after marriage. She’d dreamed of being a mother from the time she’d been a little girl. It had seemed a reality once she and Gabriel had married. Then that dream, upon Gabriel’s death, had been snatched from her.
She had to face it. She was a coward. Once a woman depended upon a man, she lost a certain amount of control over her life. For better or worse. She was capable now, powerful, able to take care of herself. But aside from his work, she knew Elliot would be a fine husband.
Were she to admit it, the main reason she hesitated was not his work, but starting off a marriage with a lie—even a lie by omission—was definitely the wrong way to begin married life.
The carriage rocked as Elliot climbed up and entered. She’d been so engrossed in her meanderings, she hadn’t noticed the group of mourners had broken up and were all headed toward their carriages.
“Lord and Lady Monroe have invited everyone to attend a small reception and memorial for Mr. Talbot at their house. I told them I would see if you were up to it.”
“This is to take place now?”
He nodded.
“I am so torn. In one way, I am very sorry that Mr. Talbot has died, and under such horrible circumstances. On the other hand, if he was truly the man harassing me, and hired someone to kill you, then he was not the man I knew and cared about.”
Elliot placed his hand on hers. “It is up to you, darling.”
She chewed her lip and gazed out the window at the light rain that had begun to fall. Tears from the sky. Fitting for a funeral. “Yes. I think we should go. No one, except us, has any idea of what he was capable of, and why tarnish his memory for those who knew him all these years? We will go, pay our respects, and then leave.”
Elliot stepped out of the carriage to direct Bones to follow the carriages leaving. He settled back in, but instead of taking the bench across the way, he sat on the seat alongside her, and drew her head to his chest.
Comfort. Another reason why she enjoyed Elliot’s company. He would make a fine husband. He was very thoughtful of her, kind, and gentle. “You appear fatigued. Did you get much sleep last night?”
She sat back, immediately regretting the loss of his warmth. “No. I’m afraid I tossed and turned a great deal.”
He studied her, and for a moment she thought he might once again ask her about his proposal, but he merely gathered her into his arms as the carriage continued on to Lord Monroe’s townhouse.
