Don't Look Back

Chapter 76

Lady Susan watched with a knowing smile as the two kissed. Sir Radmore was kind enough to work with his wife Georgiana to fetch Charlotte's things to convey back to society and the elaborate wedding her friends had planned for the two. She knew well that the young woman would accept Sidney's proposal in an instant. Not only for love but because there was little time before all would know their secret.

Now back in Sandition, the weather was wonderfully cooperative. Charlotte was standing outside the small church. Lady Susan took her hand.

"Ready?"

Charlotte pulled back a moment and looked around. "Last, I was in church with Sidney. I was nursing a broken heart while we watched our friends wed."

"Now, it is your turn." Lady Susan whispered.

Georgiana poked out her head. "What is keeping you? The groom is looking anxious."

"Good, he could do with more anxiety, I think." Lady Susan whispered conspiratorially.

Charlotte blushed and looked back into the vestibule of the church.

"It's just wedding jitters. She will be inside presently." Lady Susan excused her. "What is it?"

Charlotte shook her head. "It's everything. It is all we went through."

"Don't look behind you. It is time to look ahead." Lady Susan whispered. "Sidney is free, Flora adores you, and—" her eyes dropped to Charlotte's stomach. "Does he know?"

Wearing her fine wedding gown, Charlotte shook her head. "No. I haven't any idea how to tell him."

Lady Susan laughed. "Well, tonight will be interesting, I think."

Blushing deeply, Charlotte shook her head. "He might be angry."

"Why would he be angry?"

Charlotte shook her head. "I don't know."

Lady Susan took her hand and reached for her tear-stained face. "Charlotte, my dear, don't worry. He will be overjoyed."

Her eyes furrowed with fear.

"Don't look back." Lady Susan whispered.

Entering the church, Lady Susan let go of Charlotte's hand to hand her off to her father, who waited for her with concern.

"I was about to send your brothers out after you." He whispered. "The preacher seems an impatient kind, and well, your groom seems much the same as well."

Charlotte laughed and wiped at her tears, and nodded.

"I am here."

"Good."

Walking through the alcove, Charlotte saw Sidney standing at the front. His eyes squinted as he tried to see her. His vision wasn't fully returned, and she knew he wanted to see her. His shoulders were stiff, and Crowe stood as his best man today.

Babington insisted, for he thought it might endear him to her sister Allison who had been trying to avoid him. But Charlotte knew romance was growing between the two of them.

Taking his hand at the front, she smiled.

"I was worried," Sidney whispered as she was offered over to him.

She nodded. "I am here. You won't need to look behind you anymore. I will be beside you."

He squeezed her hand as they turned to exchange their long-awaited vows.

The end.