by Claire Cray
"You know, William," Merrick said once we were underway. "I wasn't expecting you to be so strict with yourself."
"But it's true what you said, isn't it?" I asked, lifting my head from the cushion to meet his eyes. "We'd best be mindful of what we take."
Merrick leaned back, draping his arm over the back of the bench as he regarded me. "You are mindful in all that you do," he said kindly, and then added, "Provided you steer clear of gardens when you're drunk."
I laughed and shook my head. "I really did want to. Don't know how I escaped it, really. But face to face, I..." I shrugged helplessly. "He's a fine tailor. I thought I might try and leave him be. I don’t know if there’s any sense to it, is there?"
"Of course there is." Merrick smiled gently, and put his hand on my knee. "But my point, is that I don't expect you to hold yourself to my ways forever. I hope you know that."
"That's very good to hear, Merrick. And I hope you know, on the other hand, that I've no intention of becoming frivolous or greedy in all this. I don't expect to be at odds with you in this life, if that's ever been your fear, as I dare suspect it has been."
His smile turned rueful for a moment. "You know me better than you think you do." He looked down to where his own hand idly stroked my knee. "But I have no such fear. All I want is to see you happy in this life. I'm ready for my world to change, William."
Those words caught me so off guard that I couldn't help my mouth falling open in surprise. "Merrick," I said, and for lack of a more intelligent response, I moved to close the distance between us and pulled him close for a long and tender kiss. It was everything I'd needed to hear and hadn't known how to ask for. In those words I found, at last, the assurance I'd been seeking that this would be all right, that I could be a part of him as I was ready for him to be a part of me, that we could share this future, even if it was not what he'd always wanted, even if neither of us knew all that lay ahead, or even all that lay between us. I had come to him, that first night in shackles, determined to make the best of whatever he had in store for me. How joyous it was to know, at last, that he was just as prepared to adapt to what I might have in store for him.
"Merrick," I whispered again when we paused for a breath. "I'm so happy. I'm so bloody happy to be with you, for whatever this life will bring."
"My dear friend," Merrick murmured, and gently smoothed my hair. "Thank God I had the patience to wait for you to come around."
"So it was your plan all along, was it?" Damned if I didn't detect the trace of a smirk on his lips. Ready for change, indeed. I wrapped my arms about his shoulders to pull him against me.
"I love you, William," he whispered against my lips, his arms encircling my waist. "With all my soul."
"I love you, Merrick. More every day."
The road was rough in parts, and the carriage may have jostled us violently. Or perhaps we jostled the carriage. No matter. We made the trip safely, with no shortage of happiness all along the way.
September 12, 1800
Dear Ben,
I was surprised to get your letter before I realized how lonely you must be in New York without me. My condolences to whoever must keep you amused now. Yes, the deed is done. You needn’t worry. And he is happy—you needn’t worry about that, either. You have succeeded at last, and deserve a rest after all your efforts. As do I, even if mine were somewhat more brief (you don’t really expect me to write you a long letter now, do you?)
Anyway I heard a great deal about those efforts. Tales of your victories, a few remarks on your skills of persuasion. All very enlightening. I do think it’s a shame the way things are lodged at the moment. But the Millennium is not yet upon us, as they say. It could be a brand new world at any moment.
Forgive my lack of skill in writing obtuse and pretentious letters—I’ve not had your practice. It’s all to say that all is well, and to thank you for all you’ve done. (I do mean it.) He is very happy and I will make sure he stays that way. We’ve just arrived in Providence, which he seems fonder of than any city so far.
I think we shall stay in the New World for now, as you’ve quite scared me off the sea, so if that was your intention you can chalk up another little triumph. I’m told you know where to write in the future. I wonder if I’ll see you again someday. (I don’t say hope. Just wonder. Don’t get carried away.)
Your friend or what have you,
W
Note from the Author
Thank you so very much for reading this strange little book. Your support for indie writers is deeply appreciated. If you enjoyed William, please consider leaving a review!
Until next time,
Claire Cray
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More Titles from Claire Cray
Merrick
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Cover art for William Copyright 2015 Claire Cray
(Adapted from a painting by Jacques-Louis David)
About Claire Cray
Born in a strange little village in the Pacific Northwest, Claire Cray was raised on rain, trees, and spooky stories. An addiction to misadventure has carried her from the backwoods of Oregon to Portland, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and New York, where she currently resides.
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