Chapter 21 #2
Izzy never wanted to move again. Not that she could, with Ben’s not inconsiderable weight pressing her into the mattress, but oh, it had been so…
so very perfect, and so intimate. No wonder mothers had such a struggle to explain things to their daughters on their wedding night.
How could anyone explain that? At least she could let poor Clementine off the hook.
Clemmie might be a little surprised at them anticipating their vows, but she would not be in the least shocked.
Izzy did not doubt her big sister had been fretting over how to explain things to her, as Clemmie had filled most other maternal roles since their mama had died, and now she was to be a mama herself. Izzy smiled at the notion.
Ben shifted a little and lifted his head. “Lord, I must be crushing you,” he said, moving as if to get off her, but Izzy held onto him.
“No. Not yet. Don’t go yet. I like it. I like you here, it feels… wonderful.”
His mouth ticked up into a smile. “You are wonderful, and it feels like perfection.”
He bent and kissed her nose, making her feel suddenly like she might cry, which was silly, really.
“I didn’t hurt you too much?” he asked, his eyes, which could look so cold at times, gazing at her with such warmth, such love, that her throat grew tight.
She laughed, tears springing to her eyes as he looked suddenly alarmed. “No! No, you didn’t hurt me much, and I don’t know why I’m crying, except… except that I’m very happy. You’ve made me very happy.”
He relaxed then, leaning on one elbow as he gazed down at her. “Well, that’s a good start, then. And it is only a start, love. We’ve got so much to learn, so many things to do.”
“Adventures,” she said, heedless of the tears sliding down her cheeks.
“Adventures,” he agreed, and kissed her again.
Little Valentine, East Sussex, 30th March 1816
It was a strange thing, Ben reflected later, to walk about the town in the light of day, without keeping to the shadows and constantly looking over his shoulder.
His men had taken the news well, all things considered.
Of course, they had mocked him mercilessly, but respected his decision to get married and become a respectable fellow.
Whilst some had known he was spying for the British, it had come as a shock to others.
There had been a little resentment that he had not trusted them all enough to reveal his true purpose, but it had not lasted long.
Their admiration outweighed any niggles over a situation they all understood was fraught with peril.
From now on, Eddie would take on the mantle of gang leader, for he was a level-headed man, sensible and reliable, and strong enough to put down any jumped-up puppy who thought to challenge him.
Ben had further soothed any ruffled feathers by paying an exorbitant amount for the champagne that would be served at their wedding breakfast and put a generous amount of money behind the bar at the Dog and Duck, so the locals could all drink his and Izzy’s health until they were thoroughly soused.
Not that Ben intended to retire completely.
Izzy would not wish for that. But he felt certain their particular blend of talents could still be useful to their country once they had established themselves as an apparently respectable couple.
Looking up over the village, Ben sought the towers of Winsham Castle, smiling as he found the place where they emerged from the trees, raising their heads proudly, as if to say, ‘we’re still here, we’ve been here this age, waiting for you.’
A strange knot of emotion snagged in his throat, and Ben laughed, overwhelmed with happiness and good fortune.
As he walked back to The Mermaid, Ben considered the future.
They’d spend their wedding night at The Mermaid, but he planned to take Izzy away after the wedding to give her all the adventures she had dreamed of before they returned to make the castle their own.
He hoped by then the messiest work of the rebuilding would be done, and they could concentrate on the more enjoyable aspects of creating their first home together.
Lost in thought, he did not notice the grand carriage that had stopped outside the hotel, not until a familiar voice bellowed at him across the promenade.
“Ben, you devil! I hope you weren’t planning on getting leg shackled without me?”
Ben laughed with delight as he saw Hartwell leap down from the carriage with surprising grace for a man of his size. “Leo! I never expected you to come all this way during the season.”
“What, and miss the wedding of the century? I think not. Never thought I’d see the day you settled down. I’m going to enjoy it.”
Hartwell punctuated his words by slapping Ben so hard on the back it was a wonder it didn’t dislodge his brain. Coughing slightly, Ben shook his head, too delighted to protest the rough treatment. “Thanks for coming, Leo. I never expected it. I’m grateful to you.”
Leo made a scoffing sound. “Remember that once I’ve seduced all the bridesmaids. Now, get me some breakfast, will you? I’m famished.”