Work Text:
“Mr. Colbourne is out riding this morning” Mrs Wheatley stated in response to Charlotte’s request to visit with Mr. Colbourne. Charlotte swallowed her disappointment.
“May I pass along a message,” offered Mrs Wheatley, her head tilted to one side questioningly.
“No thank-you”, Charlotte proffered quietly. “I would sooner deliver it in person.”
With a small smile, Charlotte turned and made her way out the main door of Heyrick Park. “Good day Mrs Wheatley,” Charlotte waved.
“Good day Miss Heywood,” the housekeeper replied, closing the large wooden door.
Charlotte took a deep breath and made her way down the entry path to Heyrick Park. She was disappointed, naturally, and anxious to communicate her changed circumstances to Mr. Colbourne. She hoped the feelings he declared to her on the cliff top had not altered. She had only made her way a short distance down the path when a familiar voice interrupted her silent reverie.
“Miss Heywood…” Charlotte turned towards the voice and saw her beloved striding towards her in his familiar state of dishevelment. Sans jacket and cravat, white linen shirt loose at the neck billowing in the light breeze. He looked wonderful. A flash of desire rushed through her.
“Mr. Colbourne,” she managed breathlessly, meeting his gaze.
“What can I do for you, Miss Heywood?” he asked as he drew to within a few steps of her.
Charlotte took a deep breath. “Courage Charlotte” she told herself.
“I came here, wishing to speak with you,” she stated nervously, looking into his eyes.
“Oh, yes” Xander queried, his head cocked to one side. “I have heard from the servants that Mrs Parker has been very unwell? Is she faring any better?”
Charlotte welcomed the momentary distraction from bringing up the delicate matter of her broken engagement. “Yes, when I returned from Falmouth last night, I learned that Mary was very ill - it was the fever that has swept through the old town. Mary had a very difficult night… but fortunately she is now awake and much improved. The worst seems to have passed, and Dr Fuchs is certain she will make a full recovery. Thank you for asking.” Charlotte offered, with a relieved smile.
“So, what is it then that brings you to Heyrick Park today, Miss Heywood.” Xander looked at her expectantly.
Charlotte swallowed and made her case. “Mr Colbourne, I have come to tell you … that I have ended my betrothal, and I am no longer to be married to Mr Starling.” The words came rushing out of her and she gazed hopefully into Mr. Colbourne’s eyes. Xander’s jaw fell open in shock and he staggered slightly while staring at her, seemingly at a loss for words, shaking his head.
“You… you… are no longer to be married? … You have ended your engagement?” he gasped in disbelief.
“Yes, Ralph has returned to Willingden. This morning,” Charlotte paused with hope in her heart. “I realised that I could not go through with a wedding to a man I did not love… Not when I am in love with someone else.”
Mr. Colbourne gazed deep into her eyes, seemingly memorising her face.
“I am in love with you, Mr. Colbourne,” Charlotte confessed. Xander expelled a deep breath, one he had not realised he had been holding.
“I, I…,” he closed the last few steps between them and swallowed visibly, his Adam’s apple bobbling with the emotion of the moment. He snaked his arm around Charlotte’s waist, drawing her close to him. She felt the warmth and strength of his body against hers and looked up into his eyes. “Miss Heywood…” he started.
“Please call me Charlotte,” Charlotte whispered, reaching up to stroke his cheek.
Xander gazed down at her, awe and shock flooding his features. “You love me?... Can this really be happening? I hoped… but scarcely dared to dream that I could win you back. I made so many mistakes last year. I should never have dismissed you from my employ and allowed you to leave Sanditon. Charlotte …” he tried tentatively, his voice hoarse with emotion.
“Mr Colbourne, I am yours, that is if you still want me?” Charlotte trailed off, looking lovingly into his eyes, finding them suddenly glassy with unshed tears.
“If I still want you! Charlotte - my darling - please call me Xander…” he gasped. “I never knew it was, … was possible to love someone like this! I am consumed with thoughts of you all day long and at night, you invade my every dream. You,” he breathed. “You are the best person I have ever known. You have made me become a better father and uncle, … a better master, … a better man. I cherish every moment I have spent in your company. It is your opinion and yours alone that I value most in this world. It is you that has made the most sizeable impact on my life. You have brought me back to life Charlotte and I love you more with each passing day - more than I ever thought was possible. So, in answer to your question, will I still have you? Yes,” he rasped. “Yes! It would be the greatest honour of my life, if you were to accept my hand and agree to be my wife… Will you marry me, Charlotte Heywood? Be a mother to Leonora, an aunt to Augusta, become the mistress of Heyrick Park and pass through life by my side?”
Charlotte beamed her response. “Yes,” she cried out, giddy with happiness. “Yes, I will marry you, Xander. I can’t wait to spend my life with you and the girls here at Heyrick Park. I love you with all my heart.”
And at that, Xander’s lips finally descended upon her in a sweet kiss of promise. The promise of a shared future filled with joy and passion and love. Xander’s arm tightened around her waist pulling her even closer as his left hand reached up to tenderly stroke her jaw and tangle his fingers in her silky brown curls. Charlotte wound her arm around his neck and clutched at his shoulder, giving her all to their kiss. They kissed and kissed, his tongue teasing the seam of her mouth, both of them shaking with emotion and the relief that they had found their way back to each other again.
At last, they finally drew apart.
“Shall we go and share our good news with the girls? Our girls,” Xander murmured smiling down at his bride to be. Smiling, Charlotte nodded happily, and they begin to make their way back towards the house. Charlotte on his arm. Happiness flooding their hearts.