Chapter Two #2
“God, no.” When he shook his head, he also held up a hand.
“Perish the thought. I will die protecting them so they grow into adulthood, and even then, I’ll continue to defend them.
” He scratched his head beneath his top hat.
“Those children have changed my life. And having this family with Mary? It’s what I’ve wanted since my disastrous first marriage, yet some of the spice has faded and I’m unsure why.
We’ve always been busy. This time feels… different.”
Surely this wasn’t all that marriage between them would be.
“Don’t fret, Bright.” The major dropped a hand on his shoulder.
“You need some time away, is all, but I understand what you mean. I’m only able to see Caroline once a week, and even then, the disapproval of her family is taking a toll.
I rarely see her alone unless she sneaks out or I sneak into her house. ”
He nodded. “I’m sorry. It’s tough all around.”
“Indeed, but worth it, I’m thinking.”
Gabriel grinned. “Absolutely. However, in a few days, I am taking Mary on a holiday of sorts, so we can hopefully reconnect there.”
“Oh? Where?”
“To my brother’s country estate.”
Kourier snorted. “The brother who was once her lover?”
There were times when he regretted telling his life history to his good friend.
“Yes, but Francis has since recommitted to his wife, and they have both been reformed. In the past year, they have been quite in each other’s pockets.
” He flashed a grin. “In fact, they have a seven-month-old baby now in addition to their grown children.”
“And you are confident new romantic feelings won’t spring between your wife and brother?”
A frown tugged the corners of Gabriel’s mouth downward.
“Yes, of course.” But a tiny doubt wormed its way into his mind.
She hadn’t spoken about Francis in years, and this October, he and Mary would celebrate their second wedding anniversary.
Yes, they’d discussed Francis last night, because of this upcoming trip, but there had been no pining or need apparent in Mary’s demeanor.
They were still happy and content in their marriage… weren’t they?
Or was contentment breeding resentment?
“I’ll take your word for it, then. What of being alone with your wife there? Won’t you have the same challenges there that you have here?”
“Actually, no.” He brightened at that. “My son Henry and his bride of a year will watch the children while we’re gone.”
“Ah!” Kourier’s grin was as wide as his own. “That’s a bit of luck.”
“Indeed, it is, and I’m grateful for it. Having time with Mary is much needed, and while celebrating May Day with all its festivities away from the hustle and bustle of London? Away from my obligations? Away from the drudgery? It will be a welcome change for both of us.”
“I’m happy for you, Bright.” The major offered a grin, which was unusual for him. “I hope the time together brings you exactly what you’re hoping for. You’ll attend my wedding though?”
“I wouldn’t miss it. In fact, we’re bringing the children to enjoy a few days of holiday afterward at the seashore.”
“That’s lovely. I haven’t seen them for what seems an age.” Slowly, Kourier nodded. “I am confident that Brighton will provide me with the peace I’m in sore need of these days, or that Caroline and I will find some sort of common ground.”
Empathy for his friend welled in Gabriel’s chest. “Things will improve once you’re wed.”
“God, I hope so. I have a feeling Caroline’s family is trying their best to find someone better than me to swoop in and break our engagement. I only hope it won’t all come to a head on my wedding day.”
There was that. “Keep the faith, friend.” He dropped a hand on his friend’s shoulder and gave it a decent shake. “If she’s the one for you, everything will work out.”
“Oh, she is. I want no one else.”
“I know that feeling as well.” Could he fix or heal whatever was wrong between him and Mary? That was the task he’d set before himself, and in this, he would succeed. “Never let anything come between you. You must protect that relationship at all costs.”
Perhaps he needed to heed his own advice.
“Thank you.” The major offered his hand, and then shook Gabriel’s.
“Enjoy your time away from Town. If all goes well, you shall escape the rain. It’s been a long time since I enjoyed May Day festivities, but be certain you bring your wife flowers.
Wouldn’t want some young buck to try and charm her away. ”
“I’d like to see someone try.” He would defend her with his dying breath.
“It will be good to get out to the country and breathe fresh air.” Yet the concern he felt earlier hadn’t left him.
“By the by, you and Caroline should come to dinner at my home once Mary and I return. I’m sure the ladies will want to discuss wedding details. ”
“I absolutely will. Give Mary my regards.”
“I will.”
Once the men parted, Gabriel walked toward the mews where he’d left his carriage.
It had been one of those days where he’d opted to drive himself as it helped him to think.
Beyond that, the feel of the ribbons in his hands as well as concentrating on navigating through traffic forced him to forget about his worries for the space of time he was on the road.
For the next couple of weeks, his main focus was romancing Mary and strengthening their relationship.
She’d been so impactful on his life and on himself as a man that it rankled when things weren’t moving smoothly between them.
And if the rift had been caused by him, he wanted to know that too so he could solve the problem.
What was the point of being an inspector who investigated crimes if he couldn’t ascertain what was wrong in his own union?
An icy twist of fear went down his spine, for his first marriage had been nothing but strife, resentment, and heartache due to him working with Bow Street all the time and not giving his wife—or Henry—enough attention.
At all costs, he could not have that happen again, and he was a fool for even letting this marriage reach that point.
Have I learned nothing from past mistakes?
Damn, but he needed to do better. Regardless, the fact that they would finally be alone and leave their everyday responsibilities behind for a week buoyed his spirits.
Perhaps he should plan something like that every few months for Mary.
It might go a long way to keep their marriage centered and making certain that his wife felt secure and loved.
According to society, such things weren’t talked about, but when had he ever given two braces for the fickleness of society?
He and Mary slept in the same bed, they enjoyed spending time together and with the children, and they all took dinner at the same time.
The chatter and love therein never failed to make him happy.
And I will forever defend that. For the children would grow older and eventually leave home, but he would still have Mary. I also never want the feelings I have for her to change.
Dear God, he truly hoped that this house party would prove the balm they both needed. Seeing his brother notwithstanding, he and Mary hadn’t been on a trip away from London since they’d adopted the children.
It was time.