Chapter Thirteen
Tristan eased back on the leather squabs as the carriage began to roll forward, taking them away from the Belmonts’ manor. After champagne and more toasts, Tristan and the others had thanked the Belmonts for a delightful evening and made a hasty departure, followed by the Waterhouses.
Clara and Edgar had promised to see them both at church on Sunday and wished Tristan and Arabella every happiness before departing in their large well-sprung carriage. Tristan had also secured an appointment with reverend Clarkson for the following morning at ten to begin the proceedings for their wedding. The reverend had also promised to read the first of the bans Sunday before the service. The only problem was that if they waited till all the bans had been posted, they could not wed for almost two months. That was too long to wait for the wedding to take place.
Tristan needed the funds from his uncle’s estate and soon to settle the outstanding debts, and Arabella needed to be protected. Tristan had seen the way Dudley had looked at her, and it had taken considerable restraint not to plant him a facer. There was also Mr. Lester to consider; he had disappeared but was still a threat. Arabella and Mrs. Riley could only live with him for so long at Avondale without drawing raised eyebrows and whispers among the gentry. The sooner they wed the better for everyone.
As the carriage turned onto the road, Tristan looked across the carriage to Arabella. “Now, Arabella, I would like the truth. While I am delighted that you asked me to again ask you to wed me tonight, I would like to know why? What precipitated the need for tonight? Did something happen to upset you? Did Mr. Dudley say or do something in appropriate? I have been brutally honest with you, so I’m asking for the same courtesy.” Tristan asked.
Arabella looked down at her hands in her lap, then looked across to Tristan. Star and moonlight filtered in through the window, illuminating his handsome face.
“Arabella, please, what happened? I can tell something upset you. Whatever happened, I will not be angry with you.” Tristan asked again.
“Yes, Mr. Dudley was inappropriate, but Miss Clara dealt with him. It was something Lucinda said; she bragged that she was planning to have you. That she could not wait to marry you and move to London. She didn’t care about you at all. Didn’t care about your kindness or your wants and dreams. She only saw you as a title, as a means to move to London. She didn’t consider you a person, just a means to achieve her goal.” Arabella replied angrily. “As she said all those things, all I could think of was how wonderful you have been to me, to Elizabeth, and the children. How much I enjoy our time together, and I couldn’t imagine you not in my life. I pictured myself alone in my cottage, growing old and forgotten, then I pictured what my life could be like with you, and I knew I had to take a chance. So I asked you to ask me again. You aren’t angry with me, are you?”
“Not at all. Whatever precipitated your request made me deliriously happy. I meant what I said in the hall.” Tristan leaned forward to take Arabella’s hand in his and gave it a reassuring squeeze. “Now that is settled, we have a problem.”
“What is it?” Marcus asked.
Tristan sat back with a sigh, “I spoke to the reverend, and while he has agreed to post the first of our bans this Sunday, he believes in long engagements. If he posts all the bans on his schedule, we will have to wait nearly two months to wed.”
“Hell, that is not good at all, pardon my language, ladies, but that is too long to wait. We have to return to London and soon,” Marcus stated.
“I know, I can’t trust mother not to run up more debts, and what if more creditors come knocking while we are gone. I could apply for a special license, but I’m not sure the reverend would honor it. And I would like Arabella to wed here in Thornton, where her friends are, not in some strange village.” Tristan smashed his fist into his thigh in frustration. “In addition, I want everything to be above board so no one can cast dispersions on our marriage or Arabella’s honor, and I don’t want anyone to question our marriage’s legality.”
“You forget father is a reverend, with his own church. If I left at first light tomorrow, I would be in Lawton Sunday morning. I could explain everything to Father, and he could post bans in his church as well.” Marcus said.
“Your father would do that for me?” Tristan asked as a glimmer of hope came to him.
“Of course, he is rather fond of you. And as you have written to him these past twelve years, you could rightly claim he is your pastor if anyone questioned why he was reading your bans. Father also has a good friend who is a bishop, who could issue you a special license. I could bring Father back to Avondale with me, and he could perform the wedding. Your bans would have been read in two places, so that would help stop the naysayers.”
“That is a wonderful idea, Mr. Marcus, but where would he perform the wedding? The parlor of Avondale, and what of witnesses?” Elizabeth said loudly to be heard over the rattle of carriage wheels.
“I thought of that. The walled rose garden is planted in the ruins of an old medieval church, isn’t it? There is that cross at the end and what looks like an altar.” Marcus said.
“Aye, it is. When the garden was being dug, Uncle said they found the cross. Uncle had the local stone mason build that alcove for it and repair the ancient altar.” Tristan replied, turning to look at his large friend.
“Well, in my mind, once a church, always a church. The ground should still be hallowed ground, right?” Marcus stated, “There will be plenty of flowers, so that will be covered. And as for witnesses of status, you could ask the Waterhouses; they would certainly do it, they are above reproach.”
“That is genius,” Tristan exclaimed. “Why you never wanted to be an officer, I don’t know; the army could have used your cunning.”
“Thank you, and I was happy as a sergeant. No one died if I made a bad command. Besides, you were twice the officer I’d ever be,” Marcus replied as the carriage slowed to pull into Avondale.
“Before you head up, Arabella, may I have a moment of your time to talk?” Tristan asked.
“Of course I would like that,” Arabella replied. There was much she wanted to say to Tristan, too. She wasn’t used to expressing her feelings, but she knew she needed to express to Tristan how her feelings for him were growing every day.
“I’ll tell Patrick that we need at leave first light and then speak to Mrs. Jenkins about a basket for the trip and preparing a room for my father. You know, there is a chance my mother might come with him.” Marcus stated as the carriage rolled to a stop.
“She would be welcome. I look forward to meeting them both,” Tristan replied.
Marcus gave him a nod and pushed open the door before Patrick had even jumped to the ground.
“Take the ladies inside, I’ll be right in,” Marcus said, pulling down the steps for the others.
Tristan stepped down and then turned to hand down the ladies. Arabella gave him a fleeting smile as his hand briefly closed around hers. Tristan took Arabella’s arm and helped her up the three steps to the front door. Behind him, Marcus finished telling Patrick about their upcoming journey the following morning, then offered his arm to Elizabeth as Tristan opened the front door.
Tristan escorted Arabella through the door and into the dimly lit foyer. Sleeping in a chair, his head propped against the wall, was Jenkins; he was snoring softly, and Tristan almost felt bad waking the older man up.
Behind him, Marcus and Elizabeth stepped into the foyer and closed the door behind them, the sound of the door closing waking Jenkins.
“Oh, forgive me, sir, I must have dozed off,” Jenkins said, pushing slowly to his feet as the mantel clock on the hall side table chimed nine. He blinked several times, looking like an owl “It is early, sir. Did something happen?”
“Indeed, Jenkins. Miss Arabella has agreed to marry me.” Tristan replied, patting Arabella’s hand where it still rested on his arm
The old butler’s face lit with a beaming smile. “Oh, that is wonderful news, sir, truly wonderful. The staff shall be delighted.”
“Thank you, Jenkins. Mr. Marcus will be leaving at first light to travel to Lawton. His father is the vicar there, and we mean to ask him to help us secure a special license for me. Once he has, he shall be returning with his father so that his father might marry us.” Tristan stated.
“Oh, that is capital, sir. I shall tell Mrs. Jenkins so that she can prepare a room for him.” Jenkins stated.
“I’ll come with you, I’m still hungry, they only gave me a child-sized portion of roast beef,” Marcus stated. He turned back to Tristan and gave him a clap on the shoulder. “And congratulations to you both. Tristan, I think you will truly be happy together. I’ll catch you upstairs later.”
Elizabeth stepped forward to hug Arabella quickly, then stepped back to smile at her friend. “You made the right choice. I’ll see you upstairs in a bit. I’m going to go check on the children before I change.”
Elizabeth gave Tristan a nod before turning to quickly walk up the stairs to the second floor and disappear from sight.
“We are alone,” Arabella said, looking around the dimly lit foyer.
“Yes, but now that we are betrothed now it is allowed. We can talk in the office,” Tristan motioned towards the office door.
“Of course,” Arabella replied. “What do you wish to discuss?” Arabella asked.
“I thought that we needed to settle a few things before the wedding, and even though you have moved into Avondale, we have had little time truly alone to talk. Mrs. Riley or Mrs. Jenkins is always about ensuring that you are properly chaperoned.” Tristan replied, opening the door and motioning for Arabella to precede him.
Tristan paused to take one of the lamps from the hall table and then followed Arabella into the office. He set the lamp on the desk, then motioned for Arabella to take one of the seats before the desk.
Arabella settled into the first chair, settling her gown about her as she did.
“What do we need to settle?” Arabella asked.
“Firstly, I would like to reassure you that if everything goes to plan, we shall wed on Wednesday, but I do not mean to claim my husbandly rights till you are ready. I shall wait till you are ready and tell me so.” Tristan stated. “Secondly, when we first met, I told you I wanted you to write an agreement, a marriage agreement. Things that you would like in our marriage. Things that are important to us both.” Tristan stated as he took a seat behind the desk.
“I remember what you said,” Arabella replied. “And thank you for giving me time, that is very kind of you.”
“We need this settled before the wedding, for both our sakes. I want us to have a happy marriage, one built on mutual respect, trust, and friendship. With the hope that, in time, love will grow between us. I already admire you greatly, Bella. You are the kindest, sweetest, loveliest, and most intelligent woman I have ever met.” Tristan stated, hoping that if he continued being honest with Arabella, her trust and regard for him would grow. He truly admired her and felt what he believed was the beginning of love for her.
“I would like that too. I also admire you greatly, Tristan. You are not only kind and handsome but gallant, a heady combination in any man. So what do you propose?” Arabella asked, touched by Tristan’s words. Tristan awarded her a smile of thanks.
Tristan opened the top desk drawer and pulled out several sheets of paper and two pencils. He slid several pieces across the desk towards Arabella and a pencil.
“Now, let us begin. First, I think we can agree that fidelity is important to us both, so I shall place that at number one on the agreement,” Tristan said.
“Oh yes, I agree fidelity is important. I vow to never betray you, and I would not tolerate it from you.” Arabella stated, then wrote fidelity on her sheet of paper.
“Then we are in concord. Number one, we both vow fidelity in our marriage.” Tristan said and wrote complete fidelity on his sheet of paper.
“Now I think honesty has suited us well so far. I would like us to continue being honest with each other, within limits, of course.” Tristan said, seeing Arabella give him a puzzled look.
“Within limits? What does that mean?” Arabella inquired, not sure what Tristan meant.
“Well, if I have bought a hideously ugly waistcoat which I fancy greatly, and I ask you for your opinion of it, you shall have to coach your words carefully. I might be hurt if you say that it is awful and an offense to your eye.” Tristan replied, and Arabella laughed. “And what if one day we are blessed and you become with child, and you ask me if you think you look, large, shall we say. Even if I thought you looked well, large I would not say anything as I know that you are carrying our child and that you are not plump because you have decided to eat four cakes every day.”
Arabella had to bite her lower lip so as not to laugh, “Oh yes, I see what you mean. So honesty within limits. But if it is an important matter, such as our finances, I do not want you to lie to me. I know many men of the ton treat their wives like children or china dolls, but I will not stand you treating me that way.”
“I agree completely, my mother and sister were sheltered about everything, including finances. They both lived in a utopian world and did not believe me when I told them that all the money was gone, that it had been frittered away by my father and brothers. When I told my mother we were penniless, she said I was lying. If they had been told the truth, made to understand, then things might not be as bad as they are.” Tristan replied. “So I shall put on mine honesty about most things unless being honest shall hurt the others’ feelings.”
“I agree that is satisfactory,” Arabella replied and wrote honesty within limits on her sheet.
“I also promise that I will not treat you as a child, and that I shall do everything I can to encourage you in your studies and your work. You are a gifted midwife and herbalist, and I would not stop you in those pursuits. So I shall write that I will not stop you from your studies or your work.” Tristan stated and wrote what he’d said on his sheet of paper.
“I would also state that I would like to spend most of our time here in Avondale, but that I shall have to spend three months a year in London to see to my duties. I would like you to live with me in London during those months, if that is agreeable to you.” Tristan looked across the desk to see Arabella appeared hesitant, but after a moment, she nodded.
“While I am nervous about living in London, I know that as a lord you have certain responsibilities, so I shall agree to that. But I admit that the thought of living there and mingling with the ton makes me nervous.” Arabella stated.
“I agree, I too do not like the thought of living in London, nor mixing with the ton. So I shall state now that we shall only attend functions that you wish to, is that agreeable?” Tristan asked.
“Yes, yes, that is agreeable,” Arabella replied.
“Now that is all I can think of at the moment. I would like you to think about, truly think about what you would like to add to the agreement. I’m sure I shall agree to whatever you decide.” Tristan commented and saw Arabella nod after a moment.
“What if it is something like do not eat garlic or eat in bed, or drink large quantities of alcohol?” Arabella asked, leaning forward so see could see Tristan’s face better in the soft light.
“Well, those are easy to agree to, I do not like garlic, and it gives me indigestion. I will never eat in bed, as I would not want crumbs in my bed, though I suppose if one of us is extremely ill eating in bed would be allowed. And I only drink in moderation as drink ruined the lives of my father and brothers.” Tristan replied.
“Thank you for your honesty again, and I can agree to that. At times you are too agreeable, Tristan.” Arabella said softly.
Tristan laughed, “Well, these are all easy things to agree to. While my family was affluent, I spent most of my time living in a boarding school that I wouldn’t send a dog to. In addition, the army taught me to be opened-minded. Many of my superiors were rigid in their opinions and how they saw the natives, and how they treated the natives. Well, for reasons I shall explain another night, I learned to be open minded, to study and admire the culture and people of India. I suppose that has made me flexible in my views. I have also seen how cruel life is to women, how unfair it is to them. I meant what I said; I would have a marriage where we are friends and equals. At times, I would ask you to give way to my opinion, or what I ask, because I know more about the matter, or it is to protect you. I, in turn, will give way to you in matters of which you have greater knowledge.”
Arabella nodded. Tristan was more than fair, more than reasonable. What he was offering was unheard of in most marriages. “Thank you, Tristan. Now, may I ask something of you?”
“Of course, ask away?” Tristan replied.
“You said you would not ask for your husbandly rights till I was ready. You also said that you would let me set the pace. What if I think we are moving too slowly?” Arabella had enjoyed Tristan’s kisses and his touch; he had made her feel so delightful. Both excited and scared at the same time, and wanting, yearning for something more. She had known as a midwife what happened between a man and a woman since she was twelve and had been curious. But no man had ever tempted her till she met Tristan; no man had ever made her heart beat faster till Tristan.
Tristan sat back in surprise. He had not expected such a question from Arabella, but it pleased him greatly. It meant that their marriage would not be a cold one. He had sensed she had enjoyed his kisses but had not had time to press them, and as a gentleman, he didn’t know how to ask her that.
“Then you can tell me so. The same as when we eventually do consummate our marriage, I would have you tell me if something I am doing gives you pleasure or if you don’t like it. I would not have you afraid of our marriage bed. Normally, I wouldn’t have such a conversation with a maiden, but you are a midwife and not a shy prudish miss. Have I shocked you?” Tristan asked.
“No, not at all, I thank you for your frankness. So if I ask you to kiss me, would you?” Arabella asked.
Tristan smiled broadly and rose to his feet. “Gladly, now it is bedtime, we both have much to do tomorrow. Take your list with you and add anything you think of to it. We can discuss any additions you have in the morning.”
Arabella rose as well, taking her sheet with her, and met Tristan by the side of the desk. Tristan looked down at her, then, cupping her face with his hands kissed her softly. Arabella leaned into the kiss, her hands pressing against his hard chest. She made a soft mewing sound of delight as Tristan’s tongue tangled with hers, and his hands dropped to her waist, pulling him against her.
There was a sound in the hall, and Tristan reluctantly broke the kiss and stepped back. “Feel free to ask for a kiss any time.” Tristan pressed his forehead against Arabella’s as the door opened and Marcus stepped inside. He grinned at seeing them. but did not leave.
“I shall see you in the morning then,” Arabella replied, and rising on tiptoe kissed Tristan’s cheek, then turned to walk away, her list in her hand. “Goodnight, Mr. Marcus.”
Arabella lifted the front of her skirt, and hurried up the steps and then down the corridor towards her bed chamber, replaying everything that had happened that night, Tristan asking her to marry him, the honesty in his face and their kisses. Arabella looked at the paper in her hands and knew that she was making the right choice; she just needed another opinion, just needed to hear Elizabeth’s advice. The past few years she had relied heavily on Elizabeth for advice and for support, especially after Sir Howard had died. Elizabeth and her children had become her family and she needed to hear from her, to be sure she wasn’t making a mistake.
Arabella stepped into her room and was delighted to see Elizabeth was waiting for her. She was sitting on the chair before the dressing table and reading a book of poems.
“The children were already asleep, so I came in here to wait for you, I thought you might want to talk, and we can help each other with our gowns,” Elizabeth said looking up.
“That is perfect, I was just thinking of you. I wanted to ask you if you think I was rash in what I did tonight, rash in agreeing to marry Tristan so soon?” Arabella asked.
“No, not at all. Sit down, I have something to tell you.” Elizabeth nodded towards the bed. “What are you holding?”
“My bridal agreement with Sir Tristan that was what we were working on in the office.” Arabella held it out to Elizabeth, who took it with a puzzled look.
“Bridal agreement, oh yes, I remember hearing you say he’d spoken of such a thing,” Elizabeth replied, then glanced at what was written. “Oh my, did he agree to all these?”
“Not only agreed he proposed them all, Tristan said he wanted me to be happy, that he wanted a marriage of equals,” Arabella replied, sitting on the edge of the bed.
Elizabeth set the paper on the dressing table, then turned to look back at Arabella. “Firstly, I am happy for you; you have found a good man. A very good man. I truly think you have a chance at happiness and love. Very few women of the ton have such a chance, such an opportunity. Sir Tristan is offering you a marriage of equal where you will be valued. I never had such a chance, such an opportunity. I haven’t told you anything about my marriage or my husband, partly because I didn’t want to remember it and partly because I didn’t want to burden you with it.”
“Please, Elizabeth, say what you will, you know I will not judge you ill. I know that your husband was a monster and more,” Arabella stated.
“I didn’t meet my husband till the day before our wedding. I was seventeen and he was fifty. He had seen me at several ton events and had desired me. His name is Chester Farmington; he is a Marquis and lord of Conwy. He was a widower thrice over, but I didn’t know that till after we wed. He came to our home the day before we were to wed and looked me up and down like a horse and said he would have me. My father was a mere count, and he wanted the alliances a marriage to Chester would bring.” Elizabeth paused, “My mother, brother, and I begged father to reconsider, but he refused. He told me that if I didn’t marry Chester, he would cast mother out, and she had no place to go no family that would take her in, and I knew father would do it. My father was, is a cruel man. So I went through with the wedding. Afterwards, I begged Chester to give me time to get to know him before we consummated the wedding, but he only laughed at me.”
Arabella rose and knelt before Elizabeth and took her friend’s hands in both of hers. “You need not go on. I saw the scars, I can guess what happened.”
Elizabeth squeezed Arabella’s hands in gratitude. “Thank you, what I’m trying to say is that I have seen how Sir Tristan treats you, how he treats the children, even how he speaks to the servants. He is a kind and just man, and I know he will make you a good husband. What you have shown me only proves it. Now that is settled, you shall need a gown for your wedding, something stunning.”
Arabella rose, feeling better about her decision, she’d never believed in love at first sight before putting it down to romantic nonsense, but now she wasn’t so sure. She knew that the moment she’d seen Tristan, it had felt like she’d been hit by lightning.
“Oh yes, there was an ivory colored silk gown in the one trunk. I pulled it out and hung it in my closet.” Arabella hurried to her closet to pull out the gown, it had a full skirt and an over bodice of fine lace with tiny pearls stitched into the neckline. She pulled it out and held it against her as she turned to Elizabeth.
“It is a magnificent gown, and you shall make a stunning bride. Now let me help you out of your gown; we both need our rest.” Elizabeth said, awarding her a soft smile.
“Thank you, Elizabeth, for everything. You are more than a friend to me; you are the sister I never had. Your approval means everything to me.” Arabella stepped forward to hug Elizabeth, who, after a moment, returned the hug.
“Enough of that, we shall both start crying soon, and then we shall look dreadful. Now let’s get ready, for bed and I love you too, Arabella,” Elizabeth stated, taking the beautiful gown from Arabella and hanging it back up in the closet. “And you shall make a glorious bride.”