by Anne Herries
* * *
Three nights and two days were the length of their time together and how swiftly the time went. On the morning that James left, Babette rose as soon as he did and went down to the parlour, making sure that he ate a proper breakfast.
James looked at her gravely across the table, where the remains of their repast lay scattered. She saw that he was ready to go, his mind on other things, though he reached out to touch her hand.
‘You know that I have no choice. I would never leave you, my darling—but my duty calls.’
‘I know you must go. I have my duty here, which will keep me busy for there is much to do. I have John’s child and my aunt and cousin to keep me company. I am fortunate, James—and these past few days have been the happiest of my life.’
He rose, and she rose, too, moving into his arms. Bending his head, he kissed her on the lips with a sweetness and tenderness that brought a lump to her throat.
‘Do not come out to the courtyard. I must be strong for my men. They, too, leave loved ones and friends. They, too, answer the call of duty and know not if they will return. Let us say goodbye here, Babette. I shall write to you when I can give you an address to reply, but that may not be for a while.’
Babette let him go with a smile. She went up to her chamber and began to tidy it, resisting the urge to look out until she heard the order to move off. Then she ran to the window and saw James look up briefly. She held up her hand in salute and then he had turned away and was riding at the head of his men.
She stayed at the window and watched until the column of fighting men had disappeared from view. It was then that the wave of loneliness seemed to swamp her, but just as she felt she would die of her despair, her door opened and Maigret came in, carrying her nephew.
‘He is teething again, mistress,’ she said. ‘The poor little fellow is in such pain. Have you something to ease him?’
Babette blinked hard and put away her tears. She was the mistress of her husband’s home and his people would rely on her to keep them healthy. Her brother’s son needed her and so did everyone else who lived at the manor. She lifted her head, pride flowing into her and strength—strength to do what she must until her love returned.
Afterword
It was a glorious summer day, very similar to the one that they had spent by the river during the war—the day that she believed her first son had been conceived. Babette looked at her family gathered on the lawn. Her two sons were playing ball; Jamie, the elder, being very gentle with his brother, younger by just eighteen months. Their sister, Barbara, was just four months old and had been conceived when James returned from the war.
It had been a long war and Babette had spent many lonely months without her beloved husband, but he had visited her whenever he was able and their second son, Tomas had been born when he was home on leave with a troubling wound towards the end of the conflict. Babette had given birth easily, which had not been the case when Jamie was born, but Mrs Brisket had seen her through it and she’d recovered by the time her beloved husband returned once more.
James saw her looking about her and came towards her, glancing at the babe in her cradle. ‘Is anything wrong, dearest?’
‘No,’ she replied, smiling at him. ‘I was just thinking how lucky we are.’ She glanced across at her brother, who was talking to his son, the eldest of the children present. ‘I wish that John could be as happy and settled as we are.’
‘He has at last ceased to grieve for Alice,’ James said and frowned. ‘He grieved sorely when he learned she had died of a fever, but I think he has begun to feel better now. Perhaps he would not wish me to say—but I think he has met someone, a rather pretty girl who seems to be fond of him. Her name is Gillian and he might marry her in time. I believe he is in a way to being happy again.’
‘Yes, perhaps,’ Babette said. ‘The letter that came this morning—was it from your cousin Drew? I know he went to France when things turned out badly for the King.’
‘Yes, it was from Drew. He remains in France and from what I hear is still not married to his Beth.’
‘He should have done as my brother did. John made his peace with Parliament and was allowed to keep Brevington, though the castle has gone for ever.’
‘He seems not to care, and Gillian is a simple country girl. I think she will be happy in the house John has built for himself and his son. It is a sturdy house and we shall visit him there next month.’
‘He has achieved a great deal with your help,’ Babette said and looked at him with love in her eyes. ‘We have so much. I feel so fortunate...’
‘We are very fortunate,’ James said and reached out to drop a kiss on her forehead.
He had been offered a post in London as a reward for his good service, but unlike Cromwell had decided that he would not accept. He wanted neither a pension nor honours, but a simple life at home with his wife and children. In London, Cromwell was beset by arguing factions and near driven mad by their demands; it was not the life for James.
Watching his sons, he smiled. He had said he wanted one son and two daughters, but in truth he cared not one whit. As long as his wife and children thrived, he was content.
‘You are beautiful and I could tarry with you all day,’ he said softly. ‘Tonight I shall show you how fortunate I think myself—but for the moment I should look after our guests.’
Babette nodded, watching as he moved away to talk to their neighbours and friends, and enquire if they had all they needed. She felt a wave of happiness engulf her. The lonely years were past and she could look forward to a long and glorious life with her beloved husband and their children.
* * * * *
ISBN: 978 1 472 04366 5
THE REBEL CAPTAIN’S ROYALIST BRIDE
© 2014 Anne Herries
Published in Great Britain 2014
by Mills & Boon, an imprint of Harlequin (UK) Limited
Eton House, 18-24 Paradise Road, Richmond, Surrey TW9 1SR
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