‘You’ve become quite the philosopher,’ Hope said with a smile.
‘No I haven’t, I’ve grown up. Now then, what was it you wanted to say to me?’
‘Something I should have said a long time ago. You’re the best brother I could ever wish for.’
‘Is that it?’
She laughed. ‘You want more?’
‘Always!’
Chapter Seventy-Four
Later that night, over at Winter Cottage, Florence lay wrapped in Billy’s arms. It would be their last night together for goodness knew how long, and she was determined not to miss a second of it.
My husband, she thought dreamily, listening to the rise and fall of Billy’s breathing, as well as the steady thud, thud, thud of his heart as she lay with her head on his chest. My handsome, wonderful husband. How lucky I am!
It was funny, they’d been married for almost a year, but it was only now that Florence felt she was truly his wife. Was that merely because at long last they had made love?
With my body I thee worship, she thought with a smile.
Well, since Christmas Eve they had certainly committed themselves to the joy of worshipping each other with their bodies! Their initial attempt had not gone too well, but now they had really got the hang of it and Florence could see what all the fuss was about.
She raised her head very slowly so as not to disturb him as he slept, and looked up at his handsome face, tracing his features with her eyes, wanting to run a finger along his smooth jaw, but again not wanting to wake him.
Florence had confided in Miss Romily and Mrs Partridge, and both women had assured her that it was only to be expected that Billy would need time to recover from the awful things he’d experienced in France; that she was not to worry, as it would only make things worse. She didn’t kid herself that Billy was the carefree, light-hearted boy he had once been, but he was definitely easier within himself now, and his old sense of humour had returned, and for that she would be forever grateful.
As if sensing she was watching him, Billy stirred. ‘Go to sleep, Mrs Minton,’ he murmured sleepily, his eyes fluttering open. ‘Or otherwise I’ll have to have my wicked way with you again.’
‘You’re all talk, Billy Minton,’ she teased.
‘Oh yes?’ he said, his voice less sleepy now. Then with one strong, effortless movement, he rolled her over and stared down into her eyes. ‘Say that again.’
She laughed and kissed him happily on the mouth. ‘You know what, Billy, I love you even with all your many faults.’
‘Of course you do. It’s because I’m so irresistible.’
‘And so modest.’
‘You’d have me no other way. Come on, we’d better go to sleep, we both have to be up early in the morning.’
‘I can’t sleep,’ she said, not wanting to think of tomorrow when she would have to say goodbye to him again.
‘Yes you can.’
He was right. Eventually she did sleep, a deep restful sleep.
Chapter Seventy-Five
‘There she goes.’
‘Just look at those awful mannish trousers she’s wearing. It’s not natural, women dressing that way.’
‘I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, what she’s doing is not a proper job for a lady. Not a real lady.’
‘Which only goes to confirm what we’ve always thought.’
‘I disagree.’
