Chapter 16:

It was decided that they would continue to meet in the woods. The woods offered privacy, almost as if they created their own world. It was lucky that showed no interest in his wife's whereabouts and Richard answered to no one, not even the great Lady Catherine.

They would wander through the woods sharing stolen kisses never speaking of the world that lay outside of the woods.

With her back against the tree and Richard's body flash against hers, Charlotte wondered if the rest of her life could be spent in such a fashion.

Hearing Richard's chuckle, Charlotte slowly opened her eyes. "What pray tell has amused you Richard?"

"I find us very amusing, my dear. We are pressed against a tree in a secluded section of the woods as if we belong in a romance novel."

"For clarification, I am pressed against a tree and you are pressed upon me, Richard."

"How ungentlemanly of me." Reversing their positions, he settled her in his arms. "Is this more comfortable?"

"Infinitely so, but I should return to the parsonage. Mr. Collins issue from Rosigns shortly and I should be home when he returns."

Very briefly, Richard tightened his grip on her waist, but then reluctantly let her go.

"Will you be able to meet me tomorrow?" He asked.

"I have to visit the parishioners tomorrow. The day after?"

"My aunt would like to discuss the future of Rosigns. I believe that discussion will last most of the day."

"Is not the future of Rosings your marriage to Anne?" She queried.

"No, that is securing Rosings for Anne. It's future is unclear."

"I'm not sure I understand Richard."

"My aunt's wishes for this marriage are different than mine. She wishes to unite powerful families and ensure her legacy of wealth and privilege live on. I wish to protect Anne. You see, I may not love my cousin as a husband should love a wife, but I love her nearly as I love my sister. It is plain to see she lives a miserable existence under aunt Catherine's thumb. I will marry Anne to safeguard her from her own mother and perhaps give her the freedom she's never had. That's securing Rosings. The futur, however, is unclear as Anne and I will never have children." He explained.

"Surely, you don't know that Richard."

"No my darling. I do. I shall never know Anne in that manner because we are not meant to be lovers. We love one another as siblings, as family. She is quite happy to have my company and, I have to believe, I will be happy in hers... And, hopefully, yours."

"Richard, you can not be serious? You intend to continue this when you are married to lady Anne? What if your company is not enough? What if Anne would like children?"

"Oh Charlotte, I mean to continue this, us, for as long as you'll have me. Anne and I have discussed our marriage. She is thankful for the reprieve I will give her. I believe she sees me as a means to end," he chucked and softly added, "I do not believe she is strong enough to bear children. The effort alone may claim her life."

"Richard, there isn't time to have this conversation now, but I can not continue this knowing you are married. The irony is that while I seem to have no guilt in betraying my husband, the man I promised to love and cherish until my last day, I can not betray lady Anne. She will be your wife, whether that be in name only or not. As such, she should have you wholly to herself."

With those last words,Charlotte turned and walke alone to the parsonage.