Chapter 25

Sarah

"The greatest pleasure of life is love."

― Euripides

December, 1865

"So you see," said Philip, "I shall need to travel north to Stamford to sketch Lord Colgan's ancient barouche, which dates back to the 1760s, and then continue my travels to Mansfield, where I understand there is an 18th century landau in excellent condition among Mr Brenham's collection of vehicles."

"Yes," murmured Sarah. "I can see quite how important it would be to include such historic vehicles in your series on transportation through the ages."

"I knew you would understand!" exclaimed Philip. "My dear, much as I hate to leave you, I must depart tomorrow and shall be gone for about a week."

"Yes, I see." Sarah smiled valiantly. "I do hope your journey prospers, Philip."

They were out for a stroll in the beautiful parkland of Graveley, and Philip had spent most of that time recounting his efforts at locating historic carriages to document in his tableaus on transportation. Over the course of their month-long betrothal, Sarah had discovered a few things she had not known about Philip. First, that he was passionate about his painting, and second, that when he embarked on a new artistic endeavour, he did so with single-minded dedication. She admired that dedication, truly she did, yet she found to her dismay that it narrowed the scope of their conversation to one single subject. She could not say that she was fatigued with the topic of Philip's paintings, but she would have liked to talk of other things—perhaps things that were of interest to her.

Whenever such heretical thoughts crossed her mind, she banished them quickly with a stern talking to herself. Marriage was a partnership, one in which there needed to be give and take. What Philip took in terms of wanting to discuss the paintings that mattered to him greatly, he gave back in affection and praise. He was always so charming and complimentary with her. Never a cross word passed his lips. He was all complaisance. She should never forget just how fortunate she was to have won his devotion.

Then there was the matter of his absences. There had been that first trip to London, the day after their betrothal. That had been followed by a trip to Bath, and now this latest proposed journey north. It was all for a worthy cause, she reminded herself. Such a venture as Philip had embarked upon would produce an important historical testimony of the different methods of transportation used through the ages. She admired his vision and application in bringing such a project to fruition. And yet she also could not help feeling that he thought more of the project than of her. Was this a taste of how married life would be between them?

Their walk had taken them on a circular journey around Graveley's parkland. They stopped now, in the shadow of a thick tree, as Philip pulled her into his arms, avowing, "You, my dear, are a diamond of the first water." He swooped his head to capture her lips in a kiss.

Sarah was used to his kisses by now, so she wrapped her arms around him and accepted the embrace dutifully. Such was her familiarity now with his touch and scent, that she did not feel the thrill that used to take hold of her at his proximity. His kisses were pleasant and she enjoyed them, though she did not crave his touch as once she thought she might. Philip lingered a few moments more, as if savouring the taste of her lips, then withdrew gently and smiled, "There now, I must not let myself get carried away. There are times, Sarah, where I would wish propriety to the wind and sweep you into my bed."

"Oh," she breathed, flattered despite herself. She attempted a seductive smile. "It is not much longer to go now until we are wed. Then you may seduce me to your heart's content."

His laugh rumbled against her breast. "What a minx you are turning out to be, my sweet and prim Sarah. I shall hold you to that promise, never fear." He let go of her and took a step back. "Come now, it is getting cold, and it is past time I should be taking you home." He led her to the phaeton that awaited them at the front steps of the house and handed her up into the carriage. Then he climbed on next to her, took the reins and began their journey to Ivy Cottage. Once there, he bid her another fond farewell, before turning the carriage around and heading back to Graveley.

Next day, after she had completed her tutoring duties at Gorston Manor then visited the Burrells and the Jacksons with donations of food and clothes, Sarah made her way back to Ivy Cottage. There, she had a light luncheon and changed into an old gown before retiring to her back parlour and picking up the latest copy of Bradshaw's Monthly Railway Guide which had arrived in the post that very morning.

It was a particular habit of hers to peruse this eponymous guide to train timetables across the country. She had a long-standing game with her old friend, Benedict Sedgwick, in which they would compete to find the fastest train route from one destination to another, all from memory. Since Benedict and his family had now returned from their visit to America, she was sure it would not be long before he invoked the game and put her to the test. She was determined not to be bested by her friend again in this activity.

Her rapt attention was interrupted by an energetic knock at the door. Elsie went to open it, and a short time later, Benjamin was shown to her parlour. Sarah stood to welcome him, a delighted smile on her face. "Benjamin! To what do I owe the honour of this visit?" she asked teasingly.

He smiled gently back at her. "I have brought you something for your railway," he said. So saying, he took out a small package from his pocket and handed it to her. She took it from him and tore at the paper wrapping. Inside, was a small model of a steam locomotive.

"Oh my!" she exclaimed in excitement. On further examination, she added, "I see it is a 2-4-0 wheel arrangement. Is that one of the Great Western Chancellor locomotives?"

"It is," he said proudly.

She gazed at him wonderingly. "Where did you get this, Benjamin?"

He gave her an affronted look. "Why I made it, of course."

"You did? But you never said a word of this."

He shrugged, a little bashful. "I meant it to be a surprise. Ever since I saw your magnificent model of the Iron Duke, I have wanted to have a go at making a model of my own. I started work on it soon after I arrived here—it has kept me fine company on my days and nights of solitude."

She eyed it admiringly. "Well, I must congratulate you on the excellent workmanship. Just look at the detail on the two leading wheels." She looked up at him. "And you are giving it to me?"

His voice was deep and throaty. "Yes, Sarah. I made it for you."

"But this is too much. I could not accept," she burst out, holding it out to him.

He grasped her hand gently and pushed it back towards her. "It is yours, Sarah, and nothing is too much for a friend as dear as you."

Her throat went dry, and she had to battle to stop her eyes from welling. She took a deep breath in and let it out, then murmured quietly, "Thank you." She turned away quickly then, and to give herself time to regain her composure, busied herself with the careful placement of the locomotive on the tracks of her miniature railway. After a while, she stepped back to observe the panorama before her. "Now all it needs is a set of carriages in Great Western Railway livery," she said, thankfully sounding more composed.

Benjamin came to stand beside her. "I agree, and I am pleased to say I have already started work on the first carriage."

She curved her lips into a smile. "Then I shall begin work on a second one, and we shall compare each other's efforts."

"It sounds to me, Sarah, as if you are setting up a competition between us. Will there be a prize for the winner?"

She cocked her head to one side, considering the matter. "Possibly," she said thoughtfully. "But what would be the prize?"

"I know what prize I would want were I to win," he said huskily.

"And that would be?"

"A kiss from you," he said quietly.

She laughed awkwardly. "Benjamin, I am betrothed. That would not be right."

She saw that he tried to look unconcerned. "No, I suppose not. In that case, Sarah, you had better win this bet by completing your passenger car before mine."

"Very well," she breathed. "And what do I get as a prize if I win?"

"Whatever it is you wish from me, I will grant it. That will be your prize."

She laughed shakily. "We have an agreement then. I shall have to think carefully about my wish."

He made for the door, putting on his hat. "Think carefully on it," he said, "and whatever it is you want, I will give it gladly."

Feeling the colour high in her cheeks, she accompanied him to the main vestibule. He bowed. "Good day, Sarah. I shall see you at church tomorrow. And I believe we are all invited to luncheon at Mulverley Grange afterwards."

"Yes," she murmured. "I shall see you there. Good day, Benjamin."

Without another word, he turned and took his leave. As the door shut behind him, Sarah put a hand to the heart that was beating loudly in her chest. Good Lord what was happening? Why was Benjamin flirting with her? What could be his intention? And lest she forget it, she was engaged to marry someone else. Whatever this was, it was wrong. She would have to put a stop to it forthwith.

Luncheon on Sunday was a boisterous affair. Grace and Benedict regaled them with stories of their adventures in America and of how little Anna had won the hearts of all, and most particularly her grandpa, whom she had wrapped firmly around her finger. Much was made of Sarah's betrothal, with Grace wanting to know how it had all come about and the details of Mr Templeton's proposal.

In a lull in the conversation, Ambrose, who had said little till now, suddenly asked, "And what news of Daniel? I was surprised that he and Bella did not return with you."

"Oh Daniel," Grace smiled fondly. "He is far too busy with his building project to have come home with us."

"Building project?" wondered Ambrose.

"Yes, he is building Benjamin's new house."

All eyes turned to Benjamin. Sarah could not help but ask, "Did you know of this?"

Benjamin nodded. "Yes, it was agreed between us before I left. I would take his place over here while he built the house on the land where Old Jim's cabin used to be."

At Sarah's confused look, he went on to explain, "Old Jim was an eccentric character who owned a large plot of land some three miles from our house, in a secluded meadow bordered by a stream on the eastern side and a forest of fir trees on the western boundary. He built a ramshackle cabin on that land and lived the life of a hermit, so we didn't see much of him at all. However, not long after my return home, I happened to hear him speaking at the tavern that he meant to sell up and go back east. I decided to make him an offer for it on the spot. Next day, we went to a notary and did the deed."

Sarah stared at Benjamin in admiration. "How decisive you were in making him an offer."

Benjamin made a self-deprecating gesture. "It is good land, and the price was right. I had the funds from Grandpa's inheritance, and so I took the opportunity that was presented to me."

"Uncle Frank was very impressed with your initiative," interjected Grace. "Then when we arrived from England, we found Benjamin busy knocking down the old cabin, and Daniel of course went straight to work to assist him." She laughed, "I think he needed to prove to everyone that he was not just a pampered viscount but a real man who could work by the toil of his hands, just like his pa. And then he got the bit between his teeth that Benjamin urgently needed this house for his bride. He has been working on it every day from dawn till dusk. He even commandeered my brother John and my cousin Robbie to help him with the work, several other men from the village too."

"I went to see it the day before our departure," added Benedict. "He has done a fine job on it. It is still not quite finished, but I think you will like it very much, Benjamin—and so will your bride."

"Your bride?" asked Sarah, a queasy feeling forming in her stomach. "Do you mean to get married, Benjamin?"

"Yes," he said simply. "If one day she will have me."

Who was she? Why did Sarah not know of her? And why did the idea of Benjamin getting married fill her with dread when she herself was also to wed? She should not feel jealousy. After all, Benjamin was her friend, not her lover. She was going to marry Philip. She should be happy for her friend. But who was this mystery bride? She itched to know, and at the same time did not want to know at all. The thought of Benjamin getting married suddenly seemed to throw all her plans, all her certainties into the air. She put her fork down, unable to take another bite of food, such was the turmoil in her breast.

By the time she was able to follow the conversation again, it had moved on to other matters. Benjamin was speaking, "So it is all agreed then. We shall have a gathering of family and friends for New Year's Eve at Stanton Hall."

Grace giggled. "Remember that first time we got together to celebrate the new year, and we all played a game of questions and commands?"

"How could I forget?" said Benjamin humorously. "I learned quite a few surprising things about my family that day."

"We shall have to play it again," she said with a wicked smile.

Benedict placed a hand on his wife's. "Gracie, last time we played the game, it was with a very intimate circle of family members. Remember we shall have Ambrose and Sarah, together with Mr Templeton, celebrating the new year with us. It would not do to play the game and ask of them the sort of questions that were asked last time."

Grace made a little moue of disappointment but took her husband's words to heart. "You are right, Benedict. What a shame though." She cheered in an instant though as another thought came to her. "Then perhaps we can play a guessing game as to who Benjamin's bride might be. I put my money on it being Chastity Hewitt. She showed an uncommon interest in the news that we were building your house, Benjamin. Am I right?"

Benjamin, however, would not be drawn. "Maybe you are right, Gracie, and maybe you are not."

The rest of the luncheon proceeded in a blur for Sarah. All she could think about was that Benjamin planned to marry and that Daniel was "urgently" building a house for his bride, who may or may not be his old flame, Chastity Hewitt. At the same time, she could not help but think, if the matter were so urgent, then why had Benjamin come to England instead of working on his new home? It did not make sense. And that was not all. That same thought she had had before kept intruding at the edges of her mind, though she anxiously tried to sweep it away. Could there be a connection between Benjamin's recent flirting, this bride and the thing that Ambrose claimed was right beneath her nose? No, it was too wild a thought. And she should not forget. She was betrothed to Philip Templeton.