Generation One: Chapter 5 - Hope Realized

Chapter Five: Hope Realized

 

My name is Charlotte Dubois. I once fell in love with a man I could never have, and now that there may be hope at last I cannot find the words to seek either a confirmation or a denial.

A few months ago Charles Darcy wrote to me, telling me of his sister’s agreement to choose his own bride. He did not propose in his letter, and I cannot help but wonder if his feelings have changed.

When we parted that painful day, we agreed to write frequently as friends. In this way I know of his brush with tragedy and all that followed in its wake. We have not conversed again about our feelings for each other. My feelings have not lessened, only grown stronger. But I do not know if the same is true for him. If his are gone, then if I ask I will seem foolish. But if I do not ask will we ever have a chance?

I am loath to risk my heart again. When I told him of my love for him, it took all the courage I possessed and now I am too afraid to risk again. So I will be guarded with my tender heart.

I went to the park today, the very place where Charles and I confessed our hearts. I visit often, it is a lovely place, and I adore the butterflies that live there.  I admit to going because it reminds me of Charles. 

 

And there, like a ghost conjured by my musings, stood a man who looked much like Charles. It could be no one but him.

“Hello, Charles.”

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It was strange to be back in France. It had not changed, but I had, most assuredly. My feet carried me to the park which held so many memories. 

 

And then, like out of a dream, there she was. She said my name, and my heart tripped into double time. I walked toward her, and her expression was guarded. My traitorous heart whispered that she wasn’t happy to see me.

 

We stood face to face again after so long, and I asked, “Why did you not reply to my letter?”

 

Her face remained closed. My heart dropped into my stomach, and I wanted to be sick.

After what seemed an eternity, she finally answered me. “Because I was afraid it was only told in friendship, nothing more.”

 

My heart began to rise, and I said “You must know I still love you. I always will. How could you doubt that?”

She looked sheepish. “I was afraid. It was nonsensical, but I was. I could not find the words to reply.”

I reached out and brushed her cheek again, mimicking that bittersweet day. “I love you, Charlotte, nonsensical as you are. But pray tell, is there else between us? Did your father find you a husband?”

“He died a few months ago, without finalizing anything. I would have refused if he had, but he did not.”

 

I took her hand in mine, “I am sorry to hear of your loss.”

She shook her head. “I am just as sorry as you were yours. It has made my life easier, as callous as it is to say as much.”

 

It was now or never. “I have said that I love you yet, dear Charlotte. Do you still return my feelings?”

“With all my heart.”

 

I bent my head until our foreheads touched, and I reveled in this, the happiest moment of my life.

My heart rose in to my throat, and I could hardly speak but speak I must.

 

Then, heart hammering, I lowered myself to one knee, and asked the question that had burned in my heart for so long.

“Charlotte Dubois, will you make me the happiest man on Earth and be my wife?”

“Yes, a thousand times yes!”

I slipped the heirloom ring on her finger, 

 

and then we embraced, at last, in joy.