He gathered her against him.
“And you are willing,” he spoke above her head, “to let the marriage stand? I know I told you we should wed because of Sutcliffe-”
She placed two fingers to his lips.
“Do not say his name. Not now. It is too … perfect.” He was stroking her arm and shoulder with a gentle, mesmerizing hand. With the other he interlaced his fingers with hers. His thumb rubbed her wedding band.
“I think I must spirit you away to Brookslea immediately. You have no idea how my cousins will plague us. Though even Brookslea has its problems. For you would no doubt abandon me, and my convalescence, to rearrange the furnishings. Or paper walls,” he spoke to her ear, “And plan kitchen gardens.”
“I should think that would be more of a distraction for you.,,
“Never, Meg. I have waited too long for your company. Although, perhaps … I should consider employing you.”
“Employing me! Is this the way husbands speak to wives?”
“I do not know,” he said, touching his forehead to hers. “I have no experience.”
“I should like to see my silverbell tree,” she suggested softly.
“‘Tis now my silverbell tree. My gift was rejected. Do you not recall?”
She kissed the side of his mouth.
“‘Twas not rejected,” she assured him.
“I am delighted. Because it is here. Do you think I would haul one sorry sapling about the countryside, because of a young woman’s whimsy?”
“Where is it?” she murmured.
“You must find it.”
“Why-that could take ages!”
“Not if one were systematic. Indeed, we must searchtogether.” She felt rather than saw his smile. “As I cannot go to Abbey Clare just yet, I would as soon finish at Selboume.”
“Finish?”
“Some projects will, of course, be ongoing.” He kissed her cheek. “Certain holdings require a lifetime’s commitment. And here at Selbourne, I doubt I have ever seen. . ” at last his lips met hers, “as fine a prospect “
Brookslea, Hants. 6 September 1814
Dear Louisa,
I hardly know how to begin. To say that I am happy beyond anything sounds much too weak. That Charles Cabot lives, and lives for me, is some state akin to heaven.
No doubt our attachment was the cause of our recent eviction from Selbourne. Father claimed that watching a newly married couple “court” under his nose was more than anybody could tolerate, for there could never be any mystery as to the outcome of our exchanges. This from father who has always delighted in managing others’ affairs! He did, in fact, imply to Cabot that the commission at Selbourne was principally to bring him into my orbit, a revelation to which Cabot took outraged exception. He told father such manipulation for “long odds” was a misuse of his time and abilities. But I know for a certainty that on my part the odds were never long-I loved him virtually from the moment I first set eyes on him.
Father says he never thought Selbourne needed alterations and that he is appalled the east lawn had to be so “chewed up.” Cabot has offered to restore all and to return the daughter as well! You must see that it was best we removed ourselves, else I might have died of laughter
Father cannot be too upset, as he has given Cabot Arcturus. He told me he believes my poor husband can use the advantage. In truth, Arcturus is speeding Cabot’s recovery. That grand horse prefers no other rider I cannot regret him. I shall always be true to my Paloma, who saved my life.
I thought I should never love another place as I do Selbourne, but Brookslea now holds my heart. Here is such a happy mix of water, walks, and woodland that I know I shall always be content. It is a dreamlike Eden, Louisa, and still new enough to Cabot that we might explore it together and plan as one.
Cabot’s man, an elderly Austrian named Dietz, is a wonder at running the household. He does not speak much English, but he is teaching me German, which Cabot claims is the solution he would have predicted from Dietz. They have a most singular relationship, for Dietz always calls Cabot “mein Herzog” or “Graf” and shows him the utmost honor, while being forbiddingly strict. I believe Dietz does not feel as responsible for me. With me he is most affable and indulgent. Cabot has told me the title, von Wintersee, is “merely vestigial”-the relic of a departed world-with what he describes as no rights and few privileges. But when I accuse him of stocking a fishing pond in Austria, he laughs and tells me that I will be surprised. He intends to take me to meet his father’s mother in Vienna early next spring. I am exceedingly curious. Father may claim that married couples hold no mystery for him, but mysteries remain. Cabot intrigues me, as ever
Despite the happiness I describe, I still recall Lord Sutcliffe. Cabot will always bear scars from that decisive morning at Wimbledon. When I see them I am reminded, and both horrified and grateful that he risked so much. I loved him desperately in any event. It humbles me to recognize he loved me more. I am determined that he shall not surpass me in devotion in future.
I cannot face separation so soon as this fall, so he has arranged for me to accompany him to Abbey Clare in Kent next month. We are to stop with his Grandmere in town both going and coming -I am all eagerness at the thought of seeing you and, with God’s good grace, a little Ferrell. You know I shall enjoy being an aunt, Louisa. Cabot claims that you and Ferrell, and my most presumptuous maid Annie, aided him so immeasurably, at such critical junctures, that you have earned his eternal gratitude. I know that he looks forward to furthering the acquaintance when we are in town.
I must not forget to relay an invitation to Braughton for the New Year The duke and duchess hold a house party annually and they have been kind enough to invite the entire family. Should you and a babe be ready to travel, I would welcome your company. It is the first opportunity I shall have to meet Cabot’s uncle and aunt. If the magnificence of their son the marquis is any measure, their Graces must be most imposing personages. I do not mean to imply that I find Lord Hayden disagreeable far from it. As you remember he can be a most fascinating gentleman. And yet? I suppose I simply do not know what to make of him. I do know you will enjoy meeting Hayden’s brother Major Trent, Lord David. That is, if he attends for the major has returned to Wellington in Paris, and Cabot hints that some discord in the family may keep him away. I am thankful father never ruled us too strictly, although of course there was never so much at stake!
I hope my raptures have not bored you as they did father and even patient Bertie. Imagine-they claim to be eager for Lucy’s return from Brighton with the Wemblys! You recall father required she keep a journal for the year that she might learn the value of words? I fear he will regret the assignment, for Lucy vows she shall read it to everyone!
Pray do write and tell me how you are feeling. I told you last spring, did I not, that Ferrell would stay in town with you, rather than decamp for the shooting? I wish you always as blissfully happy as I find myself with my own.
I hear him waking now and must to him.
Love,
Meg
Quiet Meg Page 22