by Sahara Kelly
The rest of the journey was completed in a mixture of awkward silences, gazes that slid away, and moments of need where both Richard and Cressida reached for each other, over the distance that seemed to be developing between them.
Her question had caught him by surprise, and he’d done what she’d asked. He’d been completely honest.
After the words were out of his mouth, he cursed himself. But what was said could not be unsaid, and she did at least thank him for his honesty.
But his protestations that she was his wife now, and he did know about her history, and he hadn’t once mentioned leaving her, no matter what the circumstances of her birth…none of that seemed to matter.
Their night at Yeovil was brief…the rain that had come on in full force had delayed their arrival…and even though they grabbed what little rest they could, wrapped in each other’s arms, the morning brought grey skies and an empty bed, since Cressida had risen even earlier.
Thankful that they’d be in Ridlington by late afternoon, Richard decided to simply be there for Cressy, to take his lead from her in matters of conversation or silence.
Their comfort in each other’s presence was reinforced by their ability to hold such conversations without rancor or any of the other emotions that might be lurking beneath the surface. Richard wanted nothing more than to shake some sense into his wife. Because she was his wife, regardless of the worth of a sea captain.
She was his wife in all the ways that mattered. And that was that.
However, he was at a loss when it came to explaining that to Cressy. She’d gotten this damn bee in her bonnet about her birth and her qualifications to be his wife.
Now that the circumstances had changed, she wasn’t sure she could re-marry him and condemn him to a life with a woman whose life would forever be associated with her real father and the sins of her mother. Not to mention the traitor label that had come down to her along with the red hair.
All ridiculous arguments, he knew, and he would willingly have dismissed them with a wave of his hand. But she couldn’t. And he knew that the real reason was because she loved him. So he tucked his frustration and anger away, understanding neither would help this situation.
He had a momentary flash of pleasure at the realization he’d just grown up more than he’d expected. He smirked at himself. Kitty would be so surprised.
So it was a hopeful Richard and a rather subdued Cressida that finally arrived at Ridlington Chase as the sun lowered in the western sky, visible now beneath the clouds that had finally lifted.
“It’s lovely, Richard,” said Cressida, leaning out of the window as the carriage rolled up the gravel drive.
“It is now, thanks to Edmund and Rosaline.” He smiled at the sight of his home, now with all the windows repaired and gleaming, some with lights already showing against the dusk. “They’ve worked wonders.”
A cold hand crept into his. “What if they don’t like me?”
He sighed, but managed to find a few bits of patience left inside. “I can assure you that will not be the case, Cressy. Please stop worrying?”
They drew to a halt and Richard leaned out, opening the door and waiting for the lad to leap down and pull the folding stairs away from the carriage. The front door opened and a familiar face beamed at them.
“Wonderful. It’s Chidwell.” Richard felt the joy of familiarity sweep over him as he realized how much he’d actually missed everyone at Ridlington.
“Ah.” Cressy grabbed the hand he offered her as she stepped out of the carriage. And she hung on to it as he led her up the stairs.
Two more faces joined Chidwell, and Richard laughed aloud. “Rosaline. Edmund…hallo…” He all but dragged Cressida after him. “Here we are. Safe and sound. And here’s my wife.” He turned into Rosaline’s warm embrace. “I have missed you all.”
Edmund smiled. “We’ve missed you too, Richard.” He blinked. “Good God. I think you’ve grown.” The two men exchanged a brief hug, a few thumps on each other’s arms and the usual gentlemanly assessments.
“Cressida,” said Rosaline. “Come. Let me hug my new sister-in-law. And welcome you to the family, although God knows I should probably warn you rather than welcome you…” She laughed at her own joke as she enfolded Cressida into another hug.
“Thank you, Lady Rosaline, my Lord…” Cressida curtseyed to them both after extracting herself from Rosaline’s embrace. “Thank you for your welcome…”
“Now, now,” scolded Edmund. “We’ll have none of that. We are related. I’m Edmund. She’s Rosaline. You’re Cressida. He…” Edmund looked at his brother, “is a bit of a nuisance. But we’re hoping you have managed to correct him.”
“We have rooms ready, my dears. And you’re late—the weather, of course. So go and freshen yourselves…we’re in the parlor, Richard. Come down when you’re ready and have sherry. Dinner in an hour or so.”
Rosaline grinned at them both. “We’re so happy you’re here.”
Richard gave her a hearty kiss on the cheek. “So are we.”
To his surprise, he discovered that he had spoken the truth rather than a polite rejoinder. He really was happy to be back at Ridlington. He had a wife, even though that title was a bit vague at the moment, and he had come home now as a man with a purpose, with a life of his own that bid fair to be everything he could have imagined.
He just had to persuade his wife to re-marry him, and then all would be perfect.
She followed him into their room and closed the door. “Richard,” she whispered. “Really. I don’t think I should be here.”
He sighed. This time he simply couldn’t keep his eyes from rolling.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Cressida had done everything she could to make herself presentable. Given the situation, she felt it was the best she could do, but there was still an imp of concern whispering in her ear that everyone would look at her and discern her disgraceful past.
“Stop worrying.” Richard came up behind her and put his hands on her shoulders.
For one brief moment she let herself reach to touch them, but then her arms fell back to her sides. “I’m not worrying,” she lied.
“Well you’re giving a very good imitation of it,” he sighed. “Best thing is to get it over with.”
“I know.” She nodded. “Let’s do it, then.” Squaring her shoulders, she turned and put her hand on his arm.
“You’re not going to the guillotine, you know,” he teased. “My family is quite nice, most of the time.”
“That’s a great comfort,” she answered dryly.
“Ah, here’s Chidwell.” They walked to the bottom of the stairs. “Chidwell, this is my wife Cressida. I’m not sure I’ve introduced her to the one person who really runs Ridlington Chase.”
Chidwell sighed. “Impudent as ever, Master Richard.” He smiled at Cressida. “I do hope, Mrs. Ridlington, that you will be able to curb that distressing tendency?”
She couldn’t help smiling back. “I will do my best, I assure you.”
“One can ask no more.” He led them to the parlor door. “I shall announce you.”
“God, Chidwell. Really?” remonstrated Richard.
The raised eyebrow instantly quashed any further comments.
“Mr. and Mrs. Richard Ridlington, my Lord.” The door was thrown open upon the words.
At that point, chaos erupted as what seemed like a thousand people rushed down upon them.
Cressida found herself hugged, patted, kissed and hugged again, enveloped by a woman who had to be Kitty, Richard’s twin, and then handed over to another woman, a Ridlington most probably, who said she was the other sister.
This must be Letitia. “Oh,” said Cressy, leaning close. “I read your book.”
“I already love you dearly, new sister-in-law,” beamed Letitia. “At last Richard did something right for once.”
There were gentlemen, too, a sweet smiling James, who apparently belonged to Letitia, a very tall and intimidat
ing Corinthian, who was much less intimidating when he smiled—Kitty’s husband, Max—and of course the Baron himself, who wasn’t in the least bit intimidating.
Simon and Tabby she already knew, so that was an easy reintroduction, and seeing Hecate again nearly brought tears to her eyes. The young woman was even more beautiful, if that were possible, and there, twining around her ankles and watching Cressida through green-gold eyes, was Beelzebub.
“Oh, you gorgeous thing, how you’ve grown,” sighed Cressida when she was allowed a gentle pat and a tickle of one ear.
“All right, Ridlingtons…” Rosaline’s voice penetrated the din. “Sit. Drink. Let’s have a bit of peace and quiet.”
Obediently, they sat.
Cressida watched as each couple gravitated toward each other, as if by some unseen force. Max and Kitty took one end of the couch, and Letitia the other with James on the arm. Simon stood behind Tabby’s chair, and Edmund wandered the room, ending up by Rosaline.
She had seated herself in one of the larger armchairs, so Richard perched beside her, balancing his sherry glass.
“Right then.” Rosaline nodded. “That’s better.” She glanced at her husband. “Tell them about the Hatfield business, Edmund. I’m sure that’s uppermost in their minds…”
“All right.” He glanced at Cressida. “If I have your permission?”
“Oh please do.” She reached for Richard. “We would love to know your thoughts.”
“We’ve also got more information for you, Edmund. We brought it with us. Papers and so on.”
Edmund nodded. “Excellent.” He glanced around. “I think most of you know that Richard and I have corresponded on the matter of Gerrard Hatfield, who is…a relative of our Cressida here.”
There were nods, so Edmund continued. “It turns out that there are many in the Admiralty who were dismayed by the sad events of his trial.”
Cressida found herself holding tightly to Richard. “You mean they didn’t think him capable of treachery?”
Edmund turned to her. “No, Cressida, they did not. In fact, they said, to a man, they could think of no one more deserving of a promotion to Captain of his own ship.”
She frowned. “But if that is the case, then how on earth did he end up accused of such awful charges?”
“I’m working on that now, as are several people within the Admiralty. Those who have knowledge of the matter, and are still plagued with suspicions.” He then looked at Richard. “Whatever you have, I’ll see it gets to those people. If justice was mis-served, we need to know about it. As does Cressida.”
“Agreed. I’ll put everything we have on your desk Edmund.” He glanced down. “With our thanks.”
Cressida took a breath. “I’m so very, very sorry.”
Silence fell after her words.
“For what, dear?” asked Rosaline. “None of this was your fault.”
Cressida moved restlessly, and released Richard’s hand. “I know, but it seems I have brought my troubles into this family.”
“Shhh.” Richard took her hand back. “Don’t be silly.”
She stood and withdrew it once more. “No, Richard, I need to say this to your family before we go any further.”
She turned and looked toward Edmund and Rosaline. “We have learned that our marriage, which took place on a boat in Brussels, was in fact invalid.”
She paused, wondering if there would be screams. There weren’t, so she carried on. “Our wedding took place out of necessity, my Lord. Your brother was placed in a position that offered marriage to me as his only option.” She took a breath. “My agreeing to this event was precipitated by the same position. I had no other options, unless I wanted to become a nun.”
Hecate giggled, attracting frowns and raised eyebrows. She glared back. “Well really. Look at that gorgeous red hair.” She turned to Cressida. “You’d have made the most dreadful nun.”
“I know,” she grinned at Hecate, grateful for the interruption. “However. The thing is, neither Richard nor I were aware of the true circumstances of my birth.” Her chin rose slightly. “We learned in London that although I have always been titled Branscombe, I am in fact the bastard daughter of Gerrard Hatfield, traitor and criminal. The man who loved my mother.”
There, it was out.
And to her surprise, nobody fainted. Nor did they scream, clasp their bosoms or look horrified.
She re-stated her point to make sure nobody had missed it. “I’m a bastard.”
“So?” Rosaline looked at her steadily.
“So, my Lady, I am presently not married to your brother-in-law. And now that we both know all the hidden secrets that were lurking in my past, I am faced with the decision as to whether I should re-marry Richard and bring my personal disgrace with me into the Ridlington family.”
*~~*~~*
Richard’s heart stopped for a few moments. Then he caught his breath. “Good God, woman. Of course you’re going to marry me. Re-marry me. Do whatever it takes to be my legal wife. I’ll not hear another thing about it.
“Richard,” Edmund barked at him. “Shut up.”
Richard opened his mouth to argue, but Rosaline stopped him short. “Quiet.” She stood and walked to Cressy. “Give me your hand, dear.”
Cressida obeyed and was pulled to her feet.
“Now let me first say that we here all acknowledge the bravery of your confession, especially since we can see how much you love this idiot here.”
“I…”
“Yes, you do. That’s obvious, so we’ll move on.”
“Yes, Ma’am.” Cressida agreed, albeit weakly.
Rosaline looked at Edmund, then back at Cressida. “This is Edmund, head of this house. I first met him when he was knocked unconscious by his father’s coffin. He asked me to marry him twenty-four hours later, and I have no idea why I said yes. But I did.”
Edmund’s face spoke for him as he reached out and just brushed his wife’s cheek.
Rosaline led her to the couch. “This is Letitia. She’s a Ridlington. She ignored this lovely man here, insisting she’d never marry. He had to drag her into the snow, in her slippers, and shake her until she agreed to wed.”
James grinned. “A memory I shall cherish.”
His wife punched him, then grinned too.
Rosaline moved on to Tabby’s chair. “This is Tabby. Simon fell in love with her ten years before he realized it. And even then he was too stubborn to ask her to marry him until they found a saint’s toe in the church.”
Cressida gaped. “What?”
“There was a bit more to it than that, but she is essentially correct,” chuckled Simon, his hand twining around Tabby’s.
Rosaline moved on. “And here we have Kitty, Richard’s twin. Kitty here not only refused to even countenance the idea of marriage, she found herself bored by the highest of London society and declared she would be Max’s mistress rather than his wife.”
Cressida’s eyes widened. “Really?”
Max nodded. “I married her instead. It was less expensive.”
That got him a squawk of ire from his wife, even as she laughed with everyone else.
They had circled around the room, and Richard watched as Rosaline pulled Cressida close.
“Do you understand now, Cressida? The Ridlingtons are appallingly bad at romance. They will argue, fight, squabble, act in the most preposterous of ways, deny everything and yet…in spite of all their misadventures, they manage to end up happy and in love with the right person.”
“That’s very true, my dear. I never really looked at it that way, but you are quite right.” Edmund slid an arm around his wife’s waist.
“So sweetheart,” said Richard, coming to her side. “What all this means is that nobody here gives a tinker’s damn about your birth, your lineage, your fortune, your lands or your mother’s choices.” He took her hand. “All we care about is you. And all I care about is that I love you and want you for my wife until we both cock up our toes.”
>
“You always had a way with romantic phrases, brother.” Kitty’s laugh rang out. “Say yes Cressida. Please? Then I’ll teach you all the ways to irritate him, just in case you need them.”
“Oh dear…”
Richard raised Cressida’s hand to his lips, watching her eyes, willing her to agree. “Cressy,” he whispered, “be mine. Again.”
Aware that she was the cynosure of all the eyes in the room…so many of them Ridlington eyes…she answered in the only way she could.
“I will.”
And that, as the Ridlingtons like to say, was that.
*~~*~~*
Four days later, the Ridlington community gathered at St. Simon’s Church to celebrate the “rededication” of the wedding vows between Cressida Branscombe and Richard Ridlington.
The villagers were thrilled to be able to witness the ceremony—though none realized the true reason behind it—and the Ridlington family was thrilled that the couple was now finally, legally, til-death-did-them-part, married.
The sun shone—it wouldn’t have dared to hide on this special day—and the sky was blue as anyone could remember. Summer had arrived in full force, and although there were new graves in the cemetery, and a place now cleared for a plaque commemorating those who fell at Waterloo, spirits remained high.
It was a joyous occasion for the Ridlington family as well.
Having gone through such turbulent times, and survived them to arrive at this moment? Well, as Rosaline commented to Edmund as they sat in the front pew, “I believe we can now say with truth, Edmund…we did it.”
Edmund shifted young Hugh on his lap and removed his thumb from his mouth. “I believe we did, my love. Or more correctly, you did. You started this family down a better road. The rest of us just followed you.”
She grinned. “Flattery will get you everywhere, you devil.”
He grinned back. “I know.”
Then the organ struck up, still a bit squeaky but well up to the task of announcing the arrival of the bride. Edmund and Rosaline stood, and Hugh began to sing along with the music. Edmund winced and stuck the youngster’s thumb back into his mouth to quell the sound.
