Epilogue

Sarah

"Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies."

―Aristotle

Three days later

"Shall we?" asked Ambrose. They stood outside the fore saloon, where a small number of people were gathered awaiting their arrival. Sarah had dressed for the occasion in the best gown she had brought with her, one in a shade of dark blue. Her hair was arranged in as elegant a coiffure as she could manage. On her ears were her mother's pearl earrings. That was the best she could do to make herself presentable for her wedding.

Two days ago, Benjamin, with Ambrose for company, had sought out Captain Fraser and spoken to him at length about what he proposed. At first, the captain had demurred, but Benjamin had persevered in his arguments. There was a pastor on board the ship, a Reverend Arnold, who could bless the ceremony. And then Ambrose spoke up. Did not the Merchant Shipping's Act of 1854 have a section which provided that every master of a ship carrying an official log-book should enter in it marriages that took place on board? It was a known fact that a marriage solemnised at sea by the master of the ship was as legal and valid as though celebrated on shore.

In the end, Captain Fraser had agreed, on the proviso that the Reverend should give his blessing to the marriage. Reverend Arnold, when consulted, had been delighted to oblige. And his wife, a sprightly lady of three score years and more, had volunteered her services on the pianoforte for the occasion. So here now stood Sarah, about to be wed. Her heart fluttering excitedly, she breathed, "Yes, let us go in."

She placed her hand on his arm and let him lead her inside the saloon. Upon their entrance, the opening notes of Mendelssohn's Wedding March were heard, as Mrs Arnold smilingly played the well-known tune. And there, right before her, stood Benjamin, his beard neatly groomed, dressed in his best jacket, and gazing fervently in her direction. Slowly, she made her way towards him, then Ambrose took the hand she had placed on his arm and gave it to Benjamin. The Reverend cleared his throat and began the service.

She could not remember afterwards, the full details of the occasion. She spoke when requested to, and made her solemn pledge. And once it was all done, Captain Fraser took out his log-book with a flourish and wrote:

"10.30 A.M.—Solemnised the nuptials of Benjamin Stanton, Esquire, gentleman, and Sarah Cranshaw, spinster. Present, Mr Ambrose Cranshaw, Reverend Joseph Arnold, Mrs Arnold, and James Brentley, Chief Officer. This marriage thus celebrated was conducted according to the rites and ceremonies of the Church of England."

After which Captain Fraser produced a sheet of paper and wrote out a certificate of their marriage, which was signed by himself and the Reverend as witnesses. The certificate was duly handed to Benjamin with great ceremony. "And here you are, sir," said Captain Fraser. "Legally wed, all right and tight."

Lunch that day was a more elaborate affair than usual. The ship's main cook had been persuaded to bake a cake and deck it with white icing. It was brought out with much fanfare at the end of the meal, and the happy couple cut the first slice hand-in-hand. It was all wonderfully merry, with many a well-wisher congratulating them on their nuptials. Sarah smiled, and smiled some more, but what she truly wanted was for them all to be gone and to be alone with her husband.

Benjamin whispered into her ear, "Patience, Mrs Stanton," and she flushed with pleasure at hearing her new name. The rest of the afternoon passed by painfully slow until at last, they retired to their joint cabins—for Ambrose had very kindly agreed to exchange accommodation with Benjamin. They reached the door of number 288 and Benjamin stopped, turning to her with a grin. "I believe tradition dictates I do this," he said, swooping her into his arms and carrying her across the threshold. He set her down inside and locked the cabin door.

"So, Mrs Stanton," he drawled. "Are you ready to be ravished?"

"You will have to give me time to prepare myself, sir," she replied coquettishly. "Take out your pocket watch and count exactly ten minutes, then you may enter my bedchamber," she added with an impudent smile.

"Very well, but not a minute more," said Benjamin with a raspy voice. He kissed her gently on the lips. "Go then, dear wife, and prepare yourself."

She hurried into her cabin and began to discard her clothing until she was dressed in nothing but her shift. She loosened the pins from her hair and brushed it out. Then at last, she removed the shift and sponged her body clean with a wet cloth. And once she was clean, wearing not a stitch of clothing, she went to lie on the bed in as seductive a pose as she could think. She waited a minute, then two.

The door opened slowly, and there was her husband. His gaze took in the sight of her, reposing naked on the bed. "Mr Stanton," Sarah murmured invitingly. "What took you so long? I have great need of you." She splayed open her legs, as she had often imagined herself doing, revealing herself to her husband.

His eyes flared with desire. And then he was on the bed, leaning over her. "Mrs Stanton," he said softly. "Did you wish me to worship your cunt?"

"Yes, sir," she breathed.

He gave a wolfish smile. "Then that is what I shall do." He shifted down the bed until he was level with that most intimate part of her, and gazed his fill. "Mrs Stanton," he murmured. "You are a delight to behold." Then his lips were on her, as she had dreamed on so many nights for so many years. But the feel of his tongue on her sensitive folds was more blissful than she had ever dared imagine. She moaned, her eyelids shutting as she lost herself to this indescribable new sensation.

Benjamin savoured her, licking delicately and making sounds of approval deep in his throat, "Mmm." Gradually, his sensual touch gained pace, licking back and forth, fluttering over her flesh like the wings of a butterfly. It was too much; it was not enough.

"More," she panted. And he gave her more. She felt that familiar throb in her core, the tightening that signalled the coming waves about to crash on a shore. Another lick and she was engulfed in wave upon wave of pleasure. She made a desperate cry and rode out this blissful release until she could move no more.

When next she opened her eyes, Benjamin lay next to her, unclothed, his head so close she could count the long lashes of his eyes. "That was marvellous," she said in wonderment.

"It is you that is marvellous," he said in a deep, throaty voice. "Come here, darling." He took her into his arms and joined his lips to hers. They kissed long and lingeringly.

At last he pulled back with a tender smile. She took his dear face in her hands, raking her fingers through the softness of his beard, and asked, "Will you make me yours now, Benjamin?"

"You are mine, dearest love, just as much as I am yours," he murmured.

"Do not play games, Benjamin. You know what it is I mean," she said with a hint of impatience.

He laughed. "Patience, Mrs Stanton, all in good time," but he heeded her instructions. He parted her legs and settled himself above her, guiding his length to her opening. "It may hurt this first time," he warned.

"It does not matter if it does. I want you inside me, please, Benjamin. I have dreamed of this so long."

He kissed her again and with his lips on hers, thrust once, then a second time, and pushed past the barrier of her maidenhead. She felt a sharp pain but held on to him tight, her lips never leaving the softness of his. She felt a fullness as he pressed into her and a sense of victorious possession. He is mine!

Next moment he was moving inside her, plunging back and forth, his elbows bracketing her and his eyes never leaving hers. In a short time, the pain was replaced by a sensual pleasure. She met each of his thrusts with a lift of her hips, craving ever more closeness. His face above hers became set in a grimace as he battled for control, not wanting to reach his release quite yet. "Sarah," he rasped. "Let yourself go, my darling. Let it happen."

He thrust again and again, and with each thrust she felt that pleasure building inside her again. "That's it, my love. Give yourself to me."

With a cry, she pulsed around his hard length, overcome with pleasure once more. And now, he pounded into her, chasing his own wondrous release and letting out a harsh groan as he flooded her with his seed. When finally, he lay still atop her, she held him to her tight, chanting words of love. If she could, she would hold him like this, his flesh inside her flesh, for an eternity.

As if he heard her silent prayer, he murmured, "I wish I could stay inside you for all time, my darling love." Then he added reluctantly, "But I cannot." Gently, he pulled out of her, then went to fetch a wet cloth. He came back a short while later and cleaned her carefully, lovingly. When it was done, he joined her under the covers, extinguished the lamp, and drew her into his embrace. "This is how it will be for us from now until we draw our last breath," he vowed. "Goodnight, my love."

"Goodnight, Benjamin."

And with the gentle swell of the waves rocking their ship, they both fell into a contented, restful sleep.