Different Tides Page 26

  ‘Of course … someone had to see to Clementine’s wardrobe.’

  ‘Quite so. We will need to take two carriages as well then …’

  Clementine saw the vehicles turn into the carriageway.

  ‘They’re here,’ she shouted, and gathering up her skirts she headed out of the nursery and down the stairs.

  The children came running after them. Edward made it to the bottom first, via the banister.

  ‘They’re here!’ Clemmie shouted again as they reached the hall.

  Servants came running from everywhere and the dogs came to stand at the door, tails thrashing. Wolf’s bark was now deep and threatening. Happy still huffed and puffed.

  When Clementine opened the door everyone spilled out and milled around. Servants straightened their aprons and drew on their smiles as the carriage wheels crunched over the gravel. The horses tossed their heads and neighed, thankful for the smell of familiar stables and the possibility of a good rub down to relieve their overheated bodies and tired muscles.

  It wasn’t the most dignified homecoming, but at least it was genuine.

  The children reached Zachariah before she did, attaching themselves to a leg each, and with words bursting out of them.

  Edward told him, ‘I fell off my pony and scraped my knee. And I’ve started to write another bogafree.’

  ‘Is the knee better?’

  ‘It went all scabby and Miss Clemmie put some salve on it. I’ve got a scar now.’

  Iris waved a piece of paper in the air. ‘I’ve drawn you a picture of my favourite hen and I’m sad because a fox killed her. Mr Bolton brought some baby chicks home from the market, and he said I may have one of those to look after. I helped the cook make some scones too and we ate them with jam and cream on.’

  ‘I hope you kept one for me,’ he said.

  ‘Oh no. It would be stale. I can ask the cook to help me make some more.’

  When Clementine laughed at the scene, Zachariah gazed at her over the children’s heads. The world stood still for several intimate moments.

  She went to him and he drew her into his arms and kissed her briefly on the mouth, then hugged her in front of everyone in an entirely improper manner.

  Their wedding day had been arranged for the first Saturday in August. The day was perfect, the sky as blue as Zachariah’s eyes.

  Her gown was blue too, the palest of tints. The fabric of the overskirt was so fine that it whispered over the silk skirt in the slightest breeze, causing the colours to change and drift. She wore frilled over sleeves to match her tiered collar and her ringlets were secured with posies of silk violets and ribbons.

  John Beck was walking her down the aisle. ‘You look exquisitely beautiful,’ he said as he helped her down from the carriage and they walked through the scattering of villagers who’d not been able to find seats inside the church.

  ‘I’m scared.’

  He laughed. ‘So am I … shall we run away together and cause a scandal?’

  ‘Certainly not! My reputation is already in ruins. What would they say if I ran off with a married man? Besides, we would have done all that catering for nothing, and Julia would never speak to me again. And I love her dearly.’

  ‘Ah yes … come to think of it, so do I. Come on then; allow me to take you to your groom.’

  All heads turned as they entered the church and Clementine could feel every pair of eyes on her, like pin pricks. Her stomach received special scrutiny from some of the women.

  She smiled at them, knowing they’d be disappointed.

  The servants wore beaming smiles and Clementine stooped to kiss Iris and Edward, who were seated with Julia Beck.

  The sun struck the windows and she looked to where Zachariah waited for her with Evan by his side – then to the rector who stood waiting. His smile said he enjoyed conducting weddings.

  She drew closer and Zachariah took her hand in his. Calm filled her as the choir began to sing.

  The beauty of the service affected Clementine and tears filled her eyes as he promised to love her always.

  Zachariah sighed. Reaching into his pocket he brought out the first in his new supply of handkerchiefs and handed it to her.

  ‘I see you finally found yourself, Zachariah Fleet,’ she whispered, gazing at the new design of his entwined initials.

  ‘I had to find you first.’ He lifted her hand to his mouth and the grin she offered him was irresistible when he said, ‘I love you.’