Beth through time, p.20
Beth Through Time, page 20
Henry gripped the man’s hand and shook while I fished out a bank note from my reticule.
The ship’s master accepted the note. “That’s settled then. There’s an empty cabin below that’s yers until Cork, but yer welcome to stay on deck during departure as long as ye keep out of the way of my crew.”
I smiled at The Severn’s master. “Thank you.”
Henry grabbed my suitcase so I could be free to tie my bonnet tighter below my chin, and we took a stand at the railing overlooking the river, wind whipping my hair as I stared out over the docks. The last of the men boarded the ship and the walkway was raised. Behind me, a horn blew while men climbed masts and pulled at the various rigging along the boat, raising the canvas sails.
The sun had risen to a higher position in the sky, taking away the pinks and oranges that had tinged the horizon only a half hour ago. Slowly, the ship steered away from the floating docks, following its path along the river Avon towards the ocean. Seagulls drifted by, crying their choking calls.
I said a bittersweet goodbye to England and turned to Henry. “We made it.”
Henry smiled and put an arm around my shoulder. “Let me show you my home.”
27
Mo Ghrá
Four days later, Henry and I found ourselves overlooking the grounds of the Duke of Cashel. I rubbed my backside and stretched my cramped legs. Green fields stretched out on either side of the road, bordered by low shrubbery and the occasional tree. Fluffy, white sheep meandered around the grassy hill, chewing the tender green shoots. Before us stood an impressive mansion built long ago so the stones had worn and grayed.
Henry sent the coach driver ahead of us so we could walk the last mile up the hill. These past days we had been confined to a ship’s cabin and then, as soon as we arrived in Cork, to the inside of a shared coach. We only had the luxury of a private driver for the last leg of the journey.
My mouth watered at the idea of having a proper meal at an actual dining room table again instead of the bits and pieces we had scrounged up along the way, and a feather bed to sleep on was also an added bonus. Though I was nervous to meet Henry’s half-brother for the first time.
Henry clasped my hand and kissed my cheek. “He will love you, like I do.”
My stomach quivered, and I briefly wondered if it was too late to turn back before I came to my senses. This was Henry’s home and Henry’s brother. I was glad to see and experience any part of his life. Hooking my arm with his, we loped along the road.
Turned out I had nothing to worry about; we were welcomed at the entrance to the Cashel mansion by Edmund who looked very similar to Henry. They must have inherited their dark, curly hair from their father.
“Henry, welcome back.” The real Edmund slapped his hand on Henry’s shoulder blade, a wide grin brightening his face. His gaze turned to me. “And who is this?”
“Brother, let me introduce you to my fiancée, Beth Easton.” I smiled a bit abashed.
Edmund’s eyes widened and he glanced at Henry with a bemused look. “Fiancée? Does she...”
“Yes, and yes.”
“Well,” Edmund blinked and shook his head, then he grinned at me. “Welcome to the family; it is nice to meet you, Beth. You must tell me all about how you and Henry met.” He leaned towards me and winked conspiratorially. “I must admit, I never thought I would see the day that Henry would bring someone home with him.”
“Whispering with my fiancée already, Brother?” Henry lifted his brow.
“Of course, if she is to be my sister-in-law.” He waved at the front door. “Come, let us head inside. Beth might like a tour of the house.” Edmund paused and seemed to think. “Or perhaps you might like a moment to freshen up and rest? Henry could show you a guest room and we could meet again at dinner time?”
I was tired and my muscles ached from the journey. I nodded. “I would like that.”
“Good, I will have your luggage sent up to your room. And Henry,” Edmund glanced at his brother with a certain expression that said he knew what Henry might be thinking. “I will see you in the sitting room as soon as you’ve seen Beth to her room?”
Henry shrugged and smiled serenely. “Of course, what else would I do?” What else indeed. After constant travel, I would not mind spending time alone with Henry in a comfortable room. My cheeks flushed at the thought, and Henry could not hide the smirk on his face when he detected their reddened color.
“I will be right back,” Henry told his brother. He showed me to a spacious room on the second floor. Thick padded rugs with burgundy and gold patterns lined the wooden floor. A slight chill permeated the room, but the luxurious sheets covering the double bed beckoned me. Perhaps I could close my eyes for an hour before freshening myself up and changing into a different dress.
Henry kissed my temple. “Take your time, mo ghrá.”
I gazed up at him. “I have heard you say that phrase before. What does it mean?” I tested the sound, trying my best to pronounce what I had heard. “Moe graw.”
Henry’s eyes twinkled. “Good try. Mo ghrá means my love.”
“Oh.” His words had left me speechless. My heart raced.
Henry caressed my cheek. “Rest, Beth. I will be back to fetch you for dinner.”
I grinned at Henry. “Alright, moe graw.”
***
Edmund choked back laughter and took a sip of water. “If I understand correctly...you both thought you were other people?” He snorted and cut a slice from a piece of meat at the center of the table.
I bobbed my head. “Apparently we both had been on the verge of confessing the truth, but then Arabella, an acquaintance of mine,” I clarified, “outed me.”
Henry raised his shoulders and looked apologetic. “And I thought I was doing the right thing by pushing Beth away when she came looking for me. My situation at the time was a bit precarious.”
Edmund finished swallowing a bite of food. “I would say so with the Bow Street Runners in high pursuit through the Covent Garden Theater. Perhaps I should go to London more often if it is this exciting.”
Henry’s brother treated the matter lightly, but I would need a few more days to distance myself from the frightful affair. I turned to Henry. “Say, did you ever manage to get what you wanted from Ms. Chapman?”
Henry winked as he poured me a glass of wine. “Ms. Chapman has misplaced a certain necklace.”
“Let me guess, the same necklace is now in your possession?”
“You would have guessed right.”
I inclined my head and thoughtfully chewed a slice of spring lamb. “That means that at least some good has come from your time with her.”
Henry’s dark eyes fixed on me. “Do I detect some jealousy?”
I lifted my chin. “Not at all.”
Edmund laughed. “I take it the first bann will need to be read by our vicar this coming Sunday.”
My ears burned. Three weeks, that was all it would take before the three banns would be read and Henry and I could marry. “My brother and his wife are planning to make the journey to be here for the wedding.”
The dinner passed by without a hitch. I genuinely liked Henry’s brother; the prospect of getting to know Edmund and Henry more delighted me. After a night cap in the drawing room, I exchanged good nights and returned to my bedroom. Henry had his own chamber at the other end of the hall.
A maid had lit a few candles in the room; one on my nightstand, one by the washing basin, and another at my vanity, bathing the room in a soft golden glow. The room made me feel like a medieval princess with its exposed beams on the ceiling and the worn-down stone walls. There were even tapestries hanging from the ceiling. I sat down on a short bench in front of the vanity mirror, rolling out my fastened hair, blonde locks falling down between my shoulder blades in soft waves.
I was about to undress when someone knocked on my door.
“Beth,” Henry’s voice whispered. “May I come in?”
My heart skipped a beat. Henry...at my door, at night, and this time there would be nothing and no one to disturb us. There was no reason to wait until our marriage night to consummate our love. Henry wanted me and I him. I opened the door, skin flushed.
Henry’s gaze darkened, and his Adam’s apple bobbed as he cleared his throat. His eyes trailed along my body; his voice turned hoarse with desire. “Beth, from the moment I met you, you have been my undoing.” He reached for me, touching a loose strand of hair that had fallen to the front. “You drive me mad, and I need to know, before I proceed, do you want this?” He paused, waiting for my response. His stare made me feel vulnerable and raw; regardless, I needed the space between us to disappear. I wanted to feel him against me. I needed Henry to finish what we had started that day in the room near the London docks.
“Yes.” My breath quickened and I licked my lips.
Henry’s shoulders relaxed, and then before I could so much as squeak, he pulled me in tight, crushing his lips against me, the musky scent of him filling my nostrils. He swiped his tongue inside my mouth, clashing with my own, making my mind go blank as I molded against him. He raked his hands down my soft curves until he cupped my behind, thumbs pressing into my skin. His manhood stiffened and throbbed against my stomach.
Henry nipped at my bottom lip. “I am going to undress you now.”
I nodded, fluttering my lashes.
Henry lifted the baby blue, striped, linen dress up over my head and stepped back to admire me. I stood before him in my chemise and stays, my breasts heaving against the stiff fabric. His awed gaze made me feel like the most beautiful woman on earth.
“A ghrá mo chroí, my heart’s beloved.”
Henry’s strong hands returned, caressing and touching the skin on my neck and arms, leaving a tingling sensation wherever I felt the touch of his hand. He slipped his fingers around the hooks on the back of my stays and let the garment fall away, releasing my breasts. The only thing between his touch and the rest of my bare skin was the thin, knee length chemise I was still wearing, though, it did not do much to protect my shape from his gaze. Henry’s eyes darted to my breasts, the pink peaks visible and hardening against the cotton chemise. His hungry stare delighted me, and I decided I needed to see more of Henry.
“I want to touch you.”
Henry grabbed my palm and placed it against his chest. “You may touch me wherever your heart desires.”
I bit my lip and slipped my hand beneath his shirt, teasing my finger along the ridges of his abdomen and up his firm chest. “Here?” Henry closed his eyes and nodded. I nipped at the lobe of his ear. “Here?” He nodded again. My attention turned to the outline of his manhood. I had never touched another man like this before. Slipping my hand lower until I felt the bulge strain against my hand, I murmured, “What about here?” Heat radiated from his body as I cupped him firmly.
Henry groaned, his eyes flashing open. He pinned his arm around me and kissed me hungrily, lifting me up so I had to wrap my legs around his waist. “If you continue that, I will not be able to take my time with you,” he growled.
I giggled against his mouth. “Perhaps I do not want you to take your time.”
Henry carried me to the bed and deposited me onto the silky covers, tearing the chemise away from my body, so I lay bare before him. He smirked as he lifted his right arm and pulled his shirt up over his head, ruffling the dark curls, then he discarded his trousers. I drank in the sight of him; the smooth planes of his chest, his strong muscular thighs, and, lowering my eyes, his large manhood. Henry was a work of art. My breath hitched when my eyes met his again.
Slowly, Henry lowered himself on top of me, his kisses searing my skin as he lowered his head until he popped a puckered nipple into his mouth. He swirled his tongue, teasing and tasting, a deliciously warm sensation spreading through my body and settling between my legs.
Henry propped himself up on his elbow, soft candlelight reflected in his eyes. He looked at me as he lowered his hand, skimming along my navel until his fingers reached the short curls at the apex of my thighs. My mouth rounded into a silent O as he slipped down, exploring and teasing along the seam.
I squirmed. The heady sensation of Henry touching my most sensitive parts rushed through me, flushing my skin. I opened myself up to him further.
Henry kissed the side of my jaw. “Beth,” he choked out. “You are magnificent.” His fingers slid along my moistened flesh, circling the bundle of nerves between my thighs before dipping inside me, filling me. He added another finger, stretching me in a way that sent tingles up my spine. Henry licked the side of my neck, his short stubble brushing my skin, while he pulled his fingers out and dipped them back in.
I moaned, rocking my hips against him. Henry captured my mouth, our breaths mingling. He pushed the heel of his palm against the bundle of nerves, a pressure building in my core.
“Don’t stop.”
Henry’s motions quickened until my breath hitched and my body spasmed against his hand. Jolts of lighting shot through every fiber of my being and I melted underneath his kisses.
28
Vows
My stomach fluttered as I waited outside of the chapel at the base of the hill. My hair was curled and fastened at the crown of my head; spring flowers weaved through so that white daisies peeked out from my blonde locks. My cheeks turned a shade of pink, lending color to the white lace embellished dress I was wearing.
I gripped the bouquet in my hand tighter and turned to the open doors.
It was happening. After today, I would be a wife, Henry’s wife. My fake Irish duke was waiting for me at the end of the stone walkway.
I chewed my lip as I entered the sunlit chapel, my palms sweaty beneath the cream gloves. On my right, John and Rose beamed at me from their pew together with Anne and Willa. Anne beamed at me and waved. Their support helped settle some of my nerves. Edmund sat in front of them, smiling back as well. The other seats were taken by locals of the parish, excited to witness a wedding, especially when the Duke of Cashel was opening up his home for refreshments after.
My gaze fluttered to Henry, and my heart drummed. Sunlight spilled through the window, glinting off his dark hair and highlighting the expression of worship on his face. His eyes met mine with such hunger, it felt almost sinful with the parish priest nearby. I blushed, striding towards him.
Our hands brushed as I stepped beside Henry, warmth spreading through me at his touch. My heart leaped with anticipation.
“Mo ghra,” Henry whispered to me.
The priest turned towards us. “Now that we are all gathered here today; Henry Fielding, will you take this woman as your lawfully wedded wife?”
As soon as the parish priest finished his sentence, Henry blurted out, “I do.”
The priest nodded. “You may say your vows.”
Henry turned to me and grabbed my hand, his eyes locking eyes with mine. His eager expression had taken on a deep sincerity. He swallowed. “I, Henry Fielding, take you, Beth Easton, to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow.”
I had held my breath during his vows, but now I exhaled with a watery smile, moisture forming at the edges of my eyes.
“What say you?” the priest asked me. “Will you take this man as your lawfully wedded husband?”
I smiled brightly, beaming up at Henry. “I do. I, Beth Easton, take you, Henry Fielding, to my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow.”
“I now declare you husband and wife.”
Henry lowered his head and kissed me to the cheers of everyone present.
***
“That was a beautiful wedding,” Rose said as she clinked our glasses together in celebration, mine filled with a tart white wine while she sipped juice. She patted her lower stomach. “Now a wife and soon to be auntie, I hope you and Henry will visit Hawthorne soon. Little Hyacinth or Laurel will need an aunt and uncle.”
I giggled. “Laurel? I thought you had settled on Violet or Lily, or perhaps Oleander if it’s a boy.”
Rose shrugged and smiled, eyes twinkling. “It is still a work-in-progress.”
“Perhaps we can help come up with some… other options?” Anne laughed and sipped her wine.
Rose lifted her brow teasingly. “Hyacinth not to your liking?”
Willa popped up from the refreshments table with a small pastry in her hand. “I like it.”
I glanced over to the refreshment table where Henry was having a conversation with John and Edmund. Everyone attending the wedding had followed us to the back garden of the Cashel’s mansion and were now mingling and enjoying the spread of food and beverages. Henry’s eyes caught mine, and he tipped his head, a smirk on his lips. I already had a taste of what to expect and his darkening gaze told me he was remembering the same thing.
“Looking forward to your wedding night?” Rose lifted her brow when she caught my blush.
“Perhaps.”
Rose bumped against me in a teasing way. “Yeah, I’m sure.” She laughed. “Did you know that Tom and Estelle are also engaged?”
“No?” The news delighted me. I had been aware that Estelle liked the coachman but engaged? I had not expected that.
“They broke the news when they returned from dropping you and Henry off in Bristol. Tom’s resigned from the house in London and now works at Hawthorne. Estelle and Tom moved into one of the guest rooms until their new home is built.”
“I cannot wait to see her and congratulate her.” I supposed this London season had proved fruitful for my ladies’ maid as well as myself.
My gaze flitted to Henry. He cast a handsome figure in his tailored jacket. He sipped some wine from a glass while he laughed with John.
