“Alasdair may think he can deny me my due, but I am a clever, intelligent woman who is not going to allow the minor tragedy of having accepted a pinch-paring man so tight with his purse strings that he won’t allow me to be fawned upon and idolized as is my right. I won’t marry him until he begs my forgiveness and gives me a proper wedding, one with lots of people to admire me and congratulate him on his exceptionally good luck in gaining me as his bride!” Charlotte tossed the last few words over her shoulder as she marched out of the bedchamber.

“But, but…where are you going?”

“To the carriage. Really, Caro, are you so disorganized that you aren’t ready to leave? We were supposed to be at the church ten minutes ago. Quickly, quickly! I haven’t the time to waste if I wish to be wed today. Alasdair may look like an angel, but even he can’t work miracles!”

Five minutes later saw the Beverlys’ town chaise rolling down the street. Lord Beverly—after spending two minutes in Charlotte’s company—opted to ride to the church. Inside the carriage, Charlotte spent most of the trip mustering the statements and demands she would present to her betrothed. He simply must see how important it was that they start off their married life correctly. She tried out a few of the choicer statements on Caroline.

“Honestly, Char, I don’t think telling Lord Carlisle you’ll see him hung by his toes if he doesn’t give in to your demands for a proper wedding is quite the persuasive argument you mean it to be. Perhaps if you tried to reason with him—”

“He’s a man, Caroline. Have you ever known one open to reason?”

“Well…dearest Algernon sometimes…he did stop trying to grow that mustache… Regardless, I say if you just explained how unhappy you are with the arrangements, Lord Carlisle will be in a better mind to discuss the issue than if you threaten him with bodily harm.”

Charlotte smiled a wicked little smile to herself. “I wouldn’t harm his body, Caro, I like it. I like it quite a good deal.”

“Charlotte!”

“Oh, you needn’t look so outraged. If your Algernon were the magnificent personification of everything manly and virile as Alasdair is, you would be saying similar things.”

“I would not! I would never speak of my husband in such a bold manner! It isn’t seemly in the least!”

Charlotte dimpled at her friend and couldn’t help but tease her a bit. “Really, Caro, you’re the most circumcised person I know!”

“I am…circumcised? Did you say circumcised?”

“Yes, but only because you are. Very circumcised.” Charlotte’s smile faded at the sight of her friend’s expression. “That’s not right?”

“No, it’s…Char, do you know what circumcised means?”

“Well, of course I do,” Charlotte scoffed, then thought for a moment. “I thought I did…yes, I know. It means to be overly cautious and hesitant. Doesn’t it?”

Deep pink stained Caroline’s cheeks as she looked anywhere but at Charlotte. “According to the passage in the Bible, to be circumcised means…well, it means…it’s something they do to men. You know. It’s when they snip off part of the man’s…his…” Caroline gestured wildly with her hands.