“How are you? Were you injured? Were you able to rescue him?”
Christopher slumped into the nearest couch and shut his eyes.
“Please, answer me,” said his sister. “How is Ophelia?”
“She is back in her father’s house, and must probably be sleeping by now,” he announced.
“Oh, thank God!” cried Rebecca excitedly. “I am so happy to hear that and what about Benjamin?”
“Well, he has been arrested,” he replied.
“Finally, this nightmare is over. I do not ever want to see him again.”
Christopher smiled and then stood up. “Thank you for waiting up for me, sister. But I need to get some sleep and you should to.”
“I understand, brother. Goodnight.”
Christopher walked to his room and closed the door behind him. He collapsed into his bed and shut his eyes but not without thinking of how his day had gone.
It was still a wonder how he had been able to pull all that off. Before leaving the Gibb’s house, he had gone in search of Charles. He was the only one he could call to help him with the rescue. Thankfully, things had gone perfectly.
He had also promised Benjamin’s father that everything would be alright. The truth was that, he felt really sorry for the old man. Benjamin was his only surviving family member and now he would be locked up for the rest of his life.
Christopher could not bear the thought of that, knowing his grandfather would live the rest of his life in sorrow and guilt. He had blamed himself for everything that happened to Benjamin but he was blind. How much could he have done?
Christopher sighed and turned to his side. An idea came to his mind. What if Benjamin was locked up for a few months and then institutionalized? At least with that, his grandfather would know that he was getting the best treatment to make his life better.
Well, thought Christopher before he slept that night, he was going to see to that the next day.
He got to the Campbell’s the following morning and everyone was excited to see him. Ophelia and Charles had told them everything he did in getting their daughter back home.
“How can I thank you, Lord Christopher?” asked Ophelia’s father, extending his hand to him. “You have brought back our daughter and not only that, you have been able to get Benjamin behind bars.”Christopher smiled. “It was a pleasure, sir. Benjamin got what he deserved.”
“Well, take a seat,” said Mr. Campbell.
Christopher sat down and later Ophelia’s mother came to join them, she also expressed her gratitude.
“I am certain that you understand the reason why I am here,” Christopher started. “I love your daughter and I would like to ask for her hand in marriage.”
Mrs. Campbell shrieked in excitement but her husband only smiled.
“May I ask why you are doing this in a rush?”
“It is no rush at all, sir,” Christopher replied. “I have been in love with your daughter for a while now and I have realized that there is no other woman I want, as my bride aside her.”
While they were talking, Ophelia walked in.
“Well,” said her father to her. “You just came in at the right time, daughter. As you can see, this man here has come to ask for your hand in marriage. What do you say?”
Ophelia shyly smiled and nodded.
“Well, I believe that settled it,” said the father. “However, you must come in a week time with your family to tender an official proposal letter.”
Christopher smiled excitedly and expressed his gratitude. Later, he departed, promising Ophelia he would come back very soon for her hand in marriage officially.
Chapter 40
Miss Ophelia Campbell
“Oh, my God! You look so beautiful, Ophelia,” said Emily beside her as she placed the cathedral veil on her head. “Who would have thought you would get married before me?”
Ophelia chuckled, turning to see herself in the mirror. She could not help but let out a gasp. Her black hair was pulled into a shining pile on her head, ropes of rosy pearls ran through her locks. The neckline of her gown was cut a bit lower in such a way that the diamond around her neck nestled in the curve of her bosom. The wedding gown itself was stunning and also it was the softest silk she had ever touched.
“Are you ready?” asked Lady Egerton, coming in with her bouquet.
“Yes, lady Egerton,” she replied as she collected the flowers.
“You know you would still need to stop calling me that,” said Rebecca. “We are sisters already.
Ophelia smiled. “Well, I shall try and get used to it.”
A knock sounded and Ophelia saw her parents. They both gasped as they saw her.
“Oh my darling! Look at you,” trilled her mother, walking closer to her. “You look absolutely ravishing. You are so beautiful and I am so proud of you.”
Ophelia smiled as her mother embraced her. She could feel the tears gathering.
Finally they pulled away while her father grabbed her gently on both shoulders.
“I am very proud of you, daughter.”
“Thank you, father,” she replied, wiping the tears that were about to fall. “You encouraged me to go ahead for what I want and for that, I am forever grateful.”
Ophelia stopped talking she knew that talking further might cause her emotions to explode.
“You deserve all the happiness of life,” said her father.“Are you ready to embrace your future?” her father asked and she nodded. She really was. That second, she put her hand into her father’s hand as they both walked out of the room together.
* * *
Christopher Crampton, Viscount Barrington
Christopher knew he was supposed to be nervous as most groom would be on their wedding day but he was not. Instead, he was really at peace and excited. He stood outside the church, talking to Lord Gibbs, Benjamin’s grandfather.
“So, when will he be taken to a place of treatment?” he asked.
“Well, there is a place where I was told he can be cured of his mental problemm,” replied the grandfather. “It was really kind of you to have dropped all the charges.”
Christopher smiled. “You are welcome.Besides, he needs help. I wish I would have realized it sooner”
“Congratulations once again,” said grandfather before going into the church.
“Are you ready?” asked Charles behind him. He had asked him to be his best man.
“Of course,” he replied. “Shall we go in?”
Charles studied him. “You are not nervous?” he asked.
Christopher frowned. “Why? I am not. Should I be?”
Charles smiled. “Well, it is normal for you to be nervous.”
“No, I am alright,” Christopher replied.
“Well, we shall see.”
Christopher was fidgeting.. He couldn’t help himself. Everything was finally beginning to get to him. Some minutes ago, his mind was at peace, but now, he was jittery.
He stood at the top of the aisle right in front of the rows of guests that had been invited. He kept clasping and unclasping his hands. Then he would pace for a few strides, sit down and then stand up again.
“Do not tell me you are nervous,” said Charles behind him.
“Well, as a matter of fact, I am,” Christopher confessed but Charles only laughed. “Well, I knew it would only be a matter of time,” he went on but stopped as one of the guests announced the arrival of the bride.
The music began with the organ which started to play. The guests stood up from their eats. All eyes were focused at the door.
When he spotted her, Christopher’s heart began to race.
She gracefully down the aisle, like a vision in a white glide. She was the perfect picture of grace.
Emily held the train of her dress while Rebecca followed her. Christopher couldn’t take his eyes off her for the smallest second. She was too good to be true. He had gone through a lot just to have her and now, his dreams have come true. She was going to be finally hi
s.
When she got to the top of the aisle, he stepped forward and offered her his arm. She linked her arm with her and they turned towards the Priest.
* * *
Miss Ophelia Campbell
“We are gathered here today to…”
“Are you okay?” She asked him quietly as the Priest began the ceremony.
“No. I am very nervous,” he confessed to her but she only chuckled.
“We are gathered here today,” started the priest and he went on until it got to where they were to take their vows. Christopher was supposed to go first.
He opened the paper in his hand and turned to face her.
“Ophelia Campbell, through you, I have learned that two people joined together with trust, respect and open communication can be far stronger and happier than each could ever be alone. You are the strength I never knew I needed and the joy that I never knew I lacked. Today, I chose to spend the rest of my life with you.”
Ophelia put a hand to her eyes to stop the tears as he continued.
“I promise to love you for who you are and for who you are yet to become. I promise to be patient and to always remember that all things between us are rooted in love. I promise to nurture your dreams and to help you reach them. I promise to love you loyally and fiercely as long as I shall live.
Do you take me to be your lawfully wedded husband?”
“Yes, yes, I do,” Ophelia replied and there was a great applause as Christopher slid his ring into her finger.
“It is your turn,” the priest said to her.
She inhaled and started. “Christopher Crampton, I love you unconditionally and without hesitation. I vow to love you, encourage you, trust you, inspire you and support you. I shall create a home with you that will be full of laughter, joy and compassion. I promise to work with you to foster and cherish a relationship of equality, knowing that together, we will build a life that is better than either of us.
Do you chose to be my lawfully wedded husband?”
“Yes, I do,” Christopher replied.
“I now pronounce you as husband and wife. You may kiss,” said the priest and everyone applauded as Christopher drew her closer to kiss her on the lips.
Epilogue
* * *
Few months later…
Lady Ophelia Campbell, the Viscountess of Barrington
Ophelia sat in the open courtyard, reading while opposite her were her two maids, Rosa and Sophie.. Her eyes were closed with a hand on her stomach.
All of a sudden she stood up and rushed out, holding a hand to her mouth. The two ladies were startled and they watched as their mistress left. They both exchanged glances.
“Sophie, are you thinking what I’m thinking?” Rosa asked Sophie who shook her head.
“I think Lady Ophelia may be with a child.”
Sophie gasped. “You think so?”
“Yes. What else would explain this constant vomit and morning sickness?” Rosa stated.
Sophie sighed. “And Lord Christopher is not around. Do you think she may be aware?”
“Aware of what?” asked Ophelia as she entered, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand.
The ladies exchanged glances but kept quiet.
“Come on, tell me. What are you two talking about?” Ophelia asked again.
Rosa sighed and stood up. “My lady, I think, you may be with child.And if you are, your baby will be born around Christmas!”
Ophelia scoffed. “With a child? No. That will be too soon. It’s just four months ago since we got married. I cannot be pregnant now,” Ophelia replied.
The two exchanged glances again.
“But, my lady, can you at least, think of the possibility?” Sophie said.
“No, Sophie. I don’t think so, I would feel it. And besides, will be too much for me. Especially now that Christopher has travelled on business. No, it is a normal sickness. Maybe I just need to rest for a while.”
With this, Ophelia went back to her former position and closed her eyes.
Sophie and Rosa exchanged glances again.
“Do I call the physician for you, my lady?” Rosa asked. to her new home
“No,” Ophelia quickly replied. It was so sudden that it surprised the two ladies. Ophelia opened her eyes and addressed them. “Please, do not make this more serious than it should be. No one is calling the physician. I will be alright. But you can hurry and call my mother and lady Rebecca.”
“Yes my lady,” said Rosa before taking her leave.
* * *
Later that night, Ophelia was looking at herself in the mirror. If she was pregnant, there should be changes in her body but there was none. She has not added or lost any weight, she was as normal as she had always been.
She couldn’t be pregnant now, that would be too soon. She wasn’t even ready for it.
Later she lay on the bed she shared with her husband. She could still smell him as if he was here. She missed him terribly.
The last few months of their being together had been really sweet. Christopher had been doing everything to make her happy. She was happy.
He never allowed her to be stressed or be sad for one moment. Before she would think of something, he would have made it happen. She was really lucky to have him.
While all these beautiful thoughts were running in her mind, what happened earlier that day came across her mind one more time and she felt a pang of panic deep down within her.
What if she was pregnant?
One thing she was quite sure of was that her husband would be overjoyed but then, that would mean she was becoming a mother. She would start having responsibilities and then, she have to raise him or her. She was supposed to be excited but for some reason, she was terrified. Everything was about to change.
She sighed. She was already feeling hot all over. She knew that all these thoughts going about in her head were not real. She was the one creating fear for herself. Still one thing she was sure of was that, she was scared to death!
She wasn’t ready to become a mother just yet. She herself had not even stopped acting like a child. How would she raise another child?
She inhaled deeply as she felt nausea deep down her throat. It was another vomit. Quickly, she climbed down the bed and rushed to the toilet. It was at the same time when Sophie had opened the door, holding new blankets in her hand.
“Are you okay, my lady?” she had asked.
Ophelia couldn’t respond until she had vomited everything she had to vomit. Finally, she took a deep breath. This was becoming tiring for her.
She walked back into the room and sat on the bed.
“You do not look too good my Lady. I think we need to call a physician,” Sophie said. Her voice was filled with so much concern.
Ophelia shook her head. “No, Sophie. Please, no doctor. Is Rosa back from my mother?”
“No,” Sophie replied.
Sophie looked surprised. “What are you afraid of?”
“I cannot be a mother yet, not now.”
“But why not?”
Ophelia sighed. “I don’t know but I don’t think I’m ready yet. Please, I don’t want to be pregnant.”
Sophie laughed. “It’s not a bad thing to love another apart from your husband. Besides, even if it’s not pregnancy, won’t you be relieved when the doctor comes to check what is wrong? It can be anything and once he sees what it is, he can always recommend what to do about it. You have not been yourself for some days and I am sure that you do not want your husband to see you this way. He would be really sad to think he left you and you got sick.”
Ophelia sighed. The last point that Sophie just raised had convinced her. Sophie was right. If Christopher was to come back and find her like that, he would never forgive himself for travelling.
“Once mother comes, you can get the phycianphysician..”
Sophie smiled and put down the blanket. “I will do that straight away.”
After she left, Ophelia went back to the bed. H
er heart was beating fast. It was either she was pregnant or not but in her mind, she knew which it would be, still, it sent fear down her spine.
* * *
For Ophelia, her heart kept beating fast. The doctor had arrived earlier than she had expected and after conducting all the tests that were needed, it was time for him to announce the result.
Ophelia was sitting while her mother held her hands. Her heart was beating fast.
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