An Unconventional Courtship (8 page)

When Charlotte smiled at him, and the sun broke through the clouds, he thought he’d entered heaven.

“I suppose you’re right, Mr. Fitzpatrick. There do seem to be a great many coincidences that have happened between us.” She ran her hand down his arm.

George shifted his body in an attempt to shield his stiffening manhood from her. He could not wait a year to take her to his bed. He couldn’t bear to lose her to someone else. From the way her body reacted to his slightest touch, she wouldn’t be able to wait that long either. He’d speak to her father tomorrow.

Charlotte wouldn’t have been able to sit still even if the house had been cloaked in total darkness. Her insides were being tossed about, as if she were at sea and the waves were pummeling her. She thought she might not be able to hold down the tea and sweet rolls she had just consumed, and she placed her hand on her stomach to quell the sensation. But just in case, she cast her glance around the room in search of a container she might use. Her father’s spittoon sat in the corner. Despite the smell of it, if need be, she’d use that.

“Do, sit, Charlotte. You’re making me dizzy with your incessant pacing.” Her mother sat quietly on the upholstered divan, her hands folded in her lap.

“How can you be so calm, knowing George and Papa are in the library discussing my future?”

“Because I know your father. And he knows you. If Mr. Fitzpatrick presents himself properly, your father will not voice any objection to allowing the man to continue to court you, along with all your other admirers.”

Charlotte placed her hands on either side of her head and plopped down across from her mother. “He’s already been courting me, for God’s sake. He’d best be asking Papa for my hand in marriage right now. I’ve had enough of masking my feelings.”

“So that’s the way of it, then? You are in love with George Fitzpatrick? After knowing the man only a few months? But what of Theodore Schoonover? You know your father and his have been making plans to merge the two businesses once you two marry. And Emma is your best friend. Perhaps you’re being too hasty.”

“From the first moment I spied George Fitzpatrick I made up my mind. Such a rakish, vibrant young man. He’s not so tall that he has to bend in half to kiss me. And with his dark hair and lovely clear blue eyes, he’s a treasure, don’t you see? I’ve researched this decision carefully, Mother. He works at his father’s bank, is in line to take over the presidency some day, he believes in the rights of women, and he loves children. He’s absolutely perfect for me. How could I not be entranced by him?”

“So, I’ll ask my question again. But what of Theodore Schoonover? He was a delight at dinner a week ago and is obviously interested in you. Such a fine catch, he is.”

Charlotte controlled her response, but just barely. “I’m not as certain of his interest as you are, Mother. Emma told me he asked for a family heirloom so he can propose to Jane Weymouth.”

“Jane Weymouth? Wasn’t she with George Fitzpatrick when we ran into them at the boat races?”

“Yes, Mother. It was the first day Theo and Jane met each other, and they’ve been seeing each other since.”

“Well, I declare, this is most confusing.”

“Yet that’s the way of it. Theo’s heart is elsewhere. Even if it weren’t, he has another whole year of schooling at Harvard before he can even think about finding a job and supporting a family. I don’t want to wait two or three more years to marry. Especially when the man in question pales in comparison to George Fitzpatrick.”

“Does Mr. Fitzpatrick know of your feelings?”

“Well, of course not, Mother. You’ve trained me well. He is aware I’m interested in seeing more of him, but he doesn’t yet know I’ve given him my heart.”

“Good girl. Keep him guessing until he gets to the altar and wonders how it happened.”

“That’s exactly why I’m so nervous today. I can’t wait for his interview with Papa to be over and for our future to begin.” She stood again and picked up her pacing where she’d left off.

Her mother reached up as Charlotte walked past, and tugged on Charlotte’s hand. Charlotte then plopped into the seat beside her mother, who placed an arm around Charlotte’s shoulders. She melted into her mother’s embrace as they both realized life would never be the same for either of them.

“My firstborn is all grown up and will soon be having babies of her own. It’s a wonderful, and wistful, moment in my life. Your father will be disappointed that it’s not Theo, but I truly like George.”

“I won’t be going far, Mother. George’s work is here in New York. We’ll buy a house on the other side of the park, and you’ll be able to see your grandchildren every day.”

“But this house will be empty without you, Charlotte. You just wait until your own children start to marry and leave home. You’ll feel the same way.”

As they sat with their heads brushed up against each other, Charlotte thought of her future the way her mother was seeing it. She had years before her own children would leave home. She first had to have some. And she couldn’t wait to get started.

George sat across from the tall, imposing man who was Charlotte’s father. Even at his home, the man was properly attired in a waistcoat, a frock coat, and a cravat. George tried to match his air of indifference, but was doing a rather poor job of it. Yet who could blame him? This man, Mr. Ashcroft, held George’s future in his hands. Other than a few meetings at the bank, George knew little about the man and his beliefs.

Maybe Mr. Ashcroft was biased against men who went right into business rather than obtained a degree from a prestigious university. Maybe he thought his daughter was too young yet and wanted her to wait to marry. Perhaps Charlotte had told him she wasn’t interested in George and to turn down his offer. Maybe Mr. Ashcroft had another man picked out for Charlotte to wed. He wiped the sweat from his brow with his handkerchief while he waited for the man to speak. He needed answers.

“So how long have you been working for your father?”

That was the man’s opening question? George was in real trouble if he had to immediately defend his capability to take care of Charlotte. He put his handkerchief away and made eye contact with Mr. Ashcroft.

“I’ve been working at the bank for over a year now. My father’s been schooling me in what I need to learn in order to take over the reins someday. I seem to have an affinity for numbers.”

“Always appreciate an enterprising young man. And I must admit, the investments you’ve recommended for my daughter’s trust fund have been working out well so far. I have a couple of young men who hold the same fine qualities as you in my shipping business, and I’m keeping an eye on them. Unlike your father, I have no sons, so I’ve been counting on Charlotte to marry someone who is interested in my business and can take over for me someday. Someone such as Theo Schoonover or one of the men in my office. You know, Theo’s father is also in shipping. We thought, if Charlotte and Theo were to marry, we’d merge our businesses and form an import and export company.”

George cleared his throat. It was now or never, since Mr. Ashcroft brought up the subject of marriage.

“Mr. Ashcroft, the reason I’m here today is to ask you for Charlotte’s hand in marriage. I know you have different plans for her, and I know she has other young men who are interested in her. I can’t assist you in your shipping business, other than in a financial way through the bank. I love the banking business, which my father started years ago. He’s been grooming me since I was but a lad, and I’m well suited to it. So, I have a good job and a bright future, I appreciate the women who are involved in the suffragette movement, in which your daughter is involved, and I will do everything in my power to advance the rights of women. You must be of a similar mind, because your wife is involved in many such causes. Maybe we’ll even hire women to work in the bank or your business one day. But most important, I love your daughter more than life itself. We haven’t known each other very long, it’s true, but when something’s right, you just know.”

Mr. Ashcroft leaned back in his chair and stared at George. Assessed him, if George was reading him correctly. George tried not to squirm in his seat. Sweat popped out again on his brow, but he did not remove his handkerchief from his pocket. He would not show Mr. Ashcroft his nervousness.

Mr. Ashcroft finally spoke. “Yes, Mr. Fitzpatrick, I do know the feeling when you find your true partner. Charlotte’s mother and I were smitten with each other right away. But we were both from less than wealthy backgrounds, which is not the case with Charlotte. Of which you’re well aware, since you handle her trust. I built my business from scratch, and it’s become highly successful. I now have wealth beyond what we ever dreamed of when Mrs. Ashcroft and I were young, and I must find ways to protect what I’ve built up. Charlotte needs to marry the right man in order to keep my company going. The last thing she should deal with is someone who only wants what’s in her trust. I need to be extremely careful in regard to Charlotte’s potential husband. Theo’s parents and I have had an understanding for years now.”

“I understand your concerns, Mr. Ashcroft. My father has worked for years to build the bank into one of the most successful in the city, and I am poised to take over the role of president someday. I am not interested in Charlotte for her money. I have enough of a sound financial footing on my own. But let me ask you a question. Would you consign your eldest child to a loveless marriage simply to assure the future of your company? I think your daughter’s happiness is more important than that. And she would not be happy with Theo. Besides, it’s my understanding Theo’s attentions have been turned elsewhere.”

Mr. Ashcroft raised his brow as he pondered George’s question. He remained silent.

George continued to press his advantage. “Surely there must be another way. You are a young man yet, with many years before you need to turn your business over to someone else. Could not one of your other daughters marry a man with an interest in the importing business? Or possibly, if one of your daughters is interested in the business, place her at the helm?”

Mr. Ashcroft stared at George. He shook his head from side to side and ran his hand over his hair. Then he grinned.

“Nicely done, Mr. Fitzpatrick. You’ve given me a lot to think about. This is definitely not the way her mother and I thought Charlotte would end up, but you’ve proven to me she’ll be in good hands. All right then. If my daughter is in agreement, I will give you my blessing to marry her.” His eyes began to twinkle, much as Charlotte’s had a habit of doing.

George’s breathing began to return to normal, but his heart raced in anticipation of proposing to Charlotte. However, Mr. Ashcroft was not quite finished with him.

“You are aware, are you not, that Charlotte’s mother is a bit unconventional?”

“Yes, sir, I am. She’s a Revivalist is she not?”

“And had a strange obsession with Thomas Jefferson. Frankly, I’m glad the man passed on. I was afraid if my wife ever did make the trek to Monticello, she’d become his mistress and never leave.”

George was startled by Mr. Ashcroft’s statement but caught the amusement in the man’s eyes and relaxed slightly as the man continued.

“Her revivalist tendencies don’t bother me, and I’m quite established in my business, so I don’t have a problem with my wife following whatever causes she wants and doing whatever she chooses. But, you might get some backlash about your somewhat unorthodox mother-in-law, since the banking business is more staid than the rough-and-tumble importing business. Are you prepared for it?”

“Yes, sir. If Charlotte’s by my side, I can withstand anything. Her mother’s unique behavior is part of what has shaped Charlotte into the woman I love. How could I not be as in support of Mrs. Ashcroft as you are? May I see Charlotte, then, and ask for her hand?”

“She’s in the parlor with her mother right now, probably wearing out the floor with her pacing as she waits for you. So, yes, go to her. I wish you luck.”

George stood and shook the elder man’s hand. “Thank you, sir. You’ve made me a very happy man.”

“I’m going to ponder your suggestion about incorporating women into the workplace. I guess there’s no real reason why one of my daughters can’t take over the company, although the business is a bit on the rowdy side. As for Charlotte, she has been the one to most closely resemble her mother, always a free spirit. She’ll keep life interesting for you; that much is for certain. Just pray there’s no Thomas Jefferson in your future.”

George grinned, mirroring Mr. Ashcroft’s wide smile.

“Go on with you now. It’s best not to keep your future bride waiting.”

• • •

Charlotte took a deep breath when George entered the parlor. This was the moment she’d been waiting for her whole life. George was the most handsome man she’d ever known, and she only hoped his conversation with her father went well.

George paused at the threshold and smiled when he caught her eye. Then his glance slid to her mother. “Do you mind, Mrs. Ashcroft, if I have a few minutes alone with your daughter?”

“Well, of course, Mr. Fitzpatrick. I’ll just keep the door open a bit, for propriety’s sake.” Her eyes glistened with unspent tears as she took Charlotte’s hand and kissed her on the cheek before leaving the room.

George circled the fauteuil chair with its open sides and fuzzy gold fabric to take up a spot in front of her. He gazed at her for a long moment and took hold of her hands before he cleared his throat and began to speak. “It’s true we’ve only known each other for a short time, Miss Ashcroft. But they’ve been the most exciting months of my life. I’m going to follow the advice of my dearly departed mother. When she was on her death bed, she called me to her side and told me someday I’d meet a woman who would change my life, and that, when I found her, I should never let her go. You are the woman she meant, Charlotte.”

He released her hands and fumbled in the pocket of his frock coat, taking out a small box. Charlotte held her breath as George sank to his knees. “This is my mother’s ring. She took it off her finger the same night we talked, and she told me when I finally found the woman of my dreams, the one woman with whom I could see a future, I should give her the ring and marry her quickly. Will do me the honor? Will you marry me, Charlotte, and change my life? Provide me with children upon whom to dote?”