Chapter Thirteen
Rose pried herself away from her weeping mother and beaming father to climb into one of Edmund’s carriages that was pulled by four white horses.
“I suppose this is our carriage now. And our horses?” Rose remarked, leaning forward and waving at the guests clustered in front of Cadfael House.
“The carriage and one of the horses. The other three I had to borrow from tenants, not having four white horses of my own. Now. You have been a married woman for two hours. How do you like it?”
Rose didn’t want to hurt Edmund’s feelings, but she found it exhausting and rather too hot. Sitting outside in a silk dress with a heavy flounce of lace while eating the most luxurious of meals only made her feel sleepy and in danger of a headache. “Being married to you is wonderful. Having fifty guests talking loudly whilst I sit in the noon sun in this dress is less wonderful.”
Edmund nodded, turning and waving at the crowd of well-wishers once more.
Rose turned to wave as well. When she turned back, she realized that she hadn”t seen her trunk loaded on the back of the carriage, nor were any attendants following with a different vehicle to bring their luggage. “Edmund, where is my trunk? Where are we going?”
Edmund leaned across the carriage to whisper, “We’re only going for a carriage ride, Rose, and we’ll be back in a few hours—time enough for our well-wishers to clear off. I know you are keen to start working in the garden and setting up your own laboratory—and to oversee the addition of a conservatory to Cadfael House. When it is cooler, we will take a trip to London to see Kew Gardens. In early September will be best, for the flowers will still be in bloom, but the days will be more pleasant. I have also written to one of the members of the Royal Horticultural Society to see if we may be allowed to visit their premises and attend a lecture.”
Rose took a few moments to process the words Edmund was saying. No longer simply Edmund, Edmund her husband, her other half.
He seemed to mistake her silence for disappointment, his face turning hard. “I’ve ruined it, haven’t I? Don’t fret, Rose, arrangements can still be made. Tomorrow morning we shall be on a train for the seaside. The glass for the conservatory is due to arrive this week, but Clark will handle the delivery, and Allen can wait for your instructions upon our return.”
“What? The seaside? I would love to go to the seaside, Edmund, but I would far rather have the trip you’ve planned for us. It’s the most thoughtful thing I’ve heard of. And a conservatory!” Rose didn’t know what to do with her hands. She squeezed them in her lap, clasped them at her chest, and finally lifted them to her burning cheeks. “This is too much. You are too much, Edmund, too good for me.”
And I want to do something for him. Something wonderful for him.
Her husband’s face relaxed, and a relieved smile replaced his scowl. “It is nothing to please you, Rose. Cadfael House is your home. You must have every comfort.”
“It will take a long time to build the conservatory, will it not? And at considerable expense?”
“True, but it will add to the beauty of Cadfael House, and you may be able to continue your efforts in the winter months.”
Rose clutched the seat for a moment, then pushed herself off of it, stumbled across the small divide, and landed in a fluff and rustle of fabric beside her husband. “Thank you.” Rose paused, trying to think of the sentiments that were in her heart and put them into words. “I know... I know that we promised to love—and that it is likely that we do not yet love each other in that deep and well-rooted way that so many couples have. But, truly, the large and small attentions you show me and the sweet thoughtfulness you display for my every happiness—I do not see how any wife could keep from loving such a husband with all of her heart.” Her eyes overflowed. “And I am truly happy and thankful that you saw me for even a moment and decided that I was a suitable bride.”
Edmund’s arm went around her waist, pulling her even tighter to his side. She laid her head on his shoulder and felt peace creeping over her as his jaw came to rest atop her head.
“Thank you, my sweet. Today, I am certain there is no happier man in England, or even in the world. I don’t need any exotic travels or lavish gifts to mark the day. Having you in my arms is enough and more than enough.”
“I think that’s what love is,” Rose whispered.
“You are a clever woman. I imagine you’re right.”
Eventually, the gentle swaying of the carriage combined with the heat of the day and the excitement her nerves had withstood allowed Rose to drop off to sleep, lulled by the sound of Edmund’s heartbeat.