The Marriage Obligation by Susana Ellis

Author:Susana Ellis
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: 0
Published: 2018-07-26T16:00:00+00:00

Portsmouth, Hampshire

Ten days later

“Mon Dieu! How shall I bear being apart from my children for so long a time?” Cornelia’s mother turned puffy eyes on her. “You must come for a visit.” She faced Preston. “Promise me you will bring her.”

Preston aimed a non-verbal appeal for help at Cornelia.

“Oh Maman…” Cornelia began.

Her father hugged his wife, nodding calmly at Cornelia and Preston. “Now Léonie, the time will fly by, you will see. It shall be as it was twenty-five years ago, when we were first married. A fresh, exciting adventure with just the two of us. A second honeymoon in a great new world. In any case, you will be far too busy reveling in your new status as wife of the Governor-General to pine away for your children.”

“Oh, but I shall not, Cornelius. My children are my very life.”

Cornelia bit back a laugh at the gleam in her mother’s eyes. “Think of the fine mansion you will have, Maman, and the houseful of servants who will address you as ‘Your Excellency.’ All the traveling dignitaries from around the world you will meet. This is truly the opportunity of a lifetime. Imagine all the stories you will have to tell us upon your return.”

Léonie clutched at her husband’s arm. “Mon coeur, I am not at all certain that I am suited for such a role. Après tout, I am only a merchant’s daughter from Toulon.”

Cornelia’s father chuckled. “Nonsense, my dear. You have never been ‘only a merchant’s daughter’ to me. Not since that first day when the men brought you aboard my ship and I knew you were unique.” He glanced at his watch. “Now, let us get on with our leave-taking before the Neptune sails without us.”

A horn sounded in the background, and Léonie threw her arms around Cornelia.

“Oh ma fille, I shall miss you every day, but I will be content to leave you in the care of this wonderful husband you have married.” She offered a hand to Preston. “You must write me immediately as soon as you have any joyful news to impart. I shall expect a delightful grandchild or two upon our return.”

Cornelia blushed. The thought of her parents returning to discover that their daughter and son-in-law were not even living together—and had not done so since the beginning—made her stomach roil. Oh Maman!

“We shall indeed, Mrs. Hardcastle.” Preston’s grin was half flirtation, Cornelia noted, and reflected again on her husband’s skill in the art of deception.

Léonie clutched at both of Preston’s arms. “Do not think I have not noticed how happy you have made my Cornelia. The moment you returned from your honeymoon, I saw the radiance in both your faces. The two of you were destined for each other. I shall be forever grateful to that Marriage Maker for bringing you together. He must be touched by angels to be so gifted.”

Cornelia blanched. Radiant? Both of them? Surely not. At least, she hoped she wasn’t displaying an excess of affection for her husband.

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