Page 36 of The Heart’s Choice (Cotton Cops Mysteries #1)
Chapter 35
Wedded Bliss
L ucinda moved to Belmont Grange the day after the wedding. She absolutely refused to take any of her furniture, insisting Roger and his new wife would need it. As it was, transporting her clothing and what she referred to as personal knick-knacks took most of the day . Bea was astonished at the extent of her mother-in-law’s varied wardrobe, since she’d only ever seen Lucinda in the same high-necked, black bombazine frock. It was intriguing to wonder when and where Lucinda had worn the stylish clothing, but she didn’t yet know her well enough to ask.
It took less than a week for the relationship between Lucinda and Glenda to break down completely. To no one’s surprise, it turned out they couldn’t tolerate each other. Glenda claimed the cook hired by Lucinda treated her like a scullery maid. Bea was happy to have Glenda come to Sandiford Manor as her personal maid. She herself spent much of her time teaching; familiarizing herself with her new responsibilities as mistress of Sandiford Manor sometimes felt a little overwhelming. She was glad the servants seemed to like her, but it was important they respect her as well. It would be too easy for them to think they could get away with things Lucinda would never have tolerated.
Roger worked with the men from Dobson and Barlow’s to settle on the details for the mill’s proposed ventilation system. He took care of the delivery of relief supplies to his unemployed workers. The newlyweds didn’t always wait until after the evening meal to fall into bed together, both hungry for the sexual delights they shared.
Nor did they always make it as far as their bed. Bea wasn’t shocked to discover her insatiable husband had all kinds of creative ideas about places to indulge in sexual congress. The desk in his office proved to be one of his favorites. The memory of the delights they’d shared caused her to blush profusely during the mathematics lessons she conducted in his study during the day. She hoped the young students had no reason to suspect what went on there in the evenings.
When they bathed together, Bea was proud to wash her husband’s magnificent body. The wooden bathtub wasn’t big enough for two, so they took turns to cleanse each other after making love.
Brought up by God-fearing parents, Bea had always considered herself a genteel young lady. Who would have thought she’d turn out to be a wanton who craved her husband’s mouth on her most intimate place? Or that she’d enjoy feasting on that marvelous piece of male equipment her husband called his cock .
They were happy, but looming over their married bliss was Peter’s upcoming trial. Bea supposed it was understandable in the circumstances that her aunt and uncle hadn’t attended her wedding, but their absence was worrisome. She hadn’t written to them, having no idea what she would say. Nor had she had any word from them.
Halliwell had been assigned to another case involving a murder at the local music hall. All he could tell the Sandifords was that the trial would be conducted at the Manchester Assizes. Bea dreaded it, but the ordeal had to be faced.
* * *
Roger tried hard to concentrate on business matters, but his thoughts continually drifted to his beautiful wife. Since his home was right next door to the mill, it was too easy to leave work and coax Beatrice into removing her clothes. Not that she needed much coaxing. He sometimes wondered if the constant drive to enjoy each other’s bodies would fade with time. He hoped not.
Each was learning how and where the other liked to be touched. They were also learning to share a home together and he was confident they were happy in their new life, especially with his mother out on the moor. Beatrice had stepped easily into the role of mistress of Sandiford Manor. The servants clearly loved her. He felt reborn—like a youth who’s just discovered the joys of sexual release and can’t get enough of it.
There was just one fly in the ointment. Beatrice never spoke of her cousin and his crimes, but he sensed she was dreading the upcoming trial.
He too wanted to be free of the memories of the dark times when a murderer roamed free and he’d feared for his darling Beatrice.
They’d been married three weeks when notification came. They would both be required to testify at Peter Leigh’s trial scheduled for a month hence.
* * *
Early in the morning on the day of the trial, Bea, Roger, and both parents traveled to Manchester in the brougham. Glenda stayed in Bolton after being informed servants weren’t allowed to testify against a member of the gentry. “I don’t fault her outrage,” Bea told Roger. “Peter might not belong to one of the lower classes but he killed a boy, stole money, and kidnapped me. Glenda is a much better person.”
She tried to relax and enjoy the ride. She’d never imagined she would be married to a man who owned such a splendid vehicle pulled by two magnificent horses, but today, the splendor meant nothing.
Winged creatures fluttered in her belly. The prospect of relating her shameful ordeal in front of complete strangers couldn’t be borne.
The accused was her cousin—a fact that reflected badly on her whole family. If her mother hadn’t already succumbed to illness, these tragic circumstances would have polished her off.
The rural scenery en route was pleasant, until they reached the city proper where industry reigned. In Philippa’s estimation, Manchester was almost on a par with London. Bea had never been to London, and had no wish to visit a big city if Manchester was a prime example.
Her previous visits with Lucinda had involved shopping. No such frivolity lay in store on this occasion.
“Dirty place,” Lucinda muttered.
Bea might have chuckled. Lucinda lived in Bolton—not the cleanest of towns.
All too soon, they arrived at the Assizes. Roger held her hand tightly as they proceeded into the courthouse.