The Wedding Night.

He was giddy with happiness as he stared at Bathsheba, her face obscured by the fine lace of her veil. Behind them, the congregation stirred in anticipation as the vicar said solemnly,

"I now pronounce you husband and wife."

Gabriel heard the familiar laugh as Bathsheba tilted back her head to look at him. He grasped the veil in his hand and pushed it back over her head. He didn't care that everyone was watching. He embraced her, kissing her full on the mouth for everyone to see. Behind them everyone clapped and cheered.

Then it was on to the reception back at the house, with dancing and wine for everyone. As he whirled her around the floor, he felt like his heart would burst with pride. His beautiful wife, Bathsheba. His.

"Oh Gabriel, I must stop now, you have exhausted me!" Bathsheba laughed as she drew away from him.

He was sad to let her go. He wanted to be near her, to feel her warmth, her sweet feminine charms. He felt clumsy beside her, even though he was often complimented on his dancing. He wasn't used to women, his life as a shepherd had often been lonely. He thought about the coming night with anticipation, but also apprehension. He wanted her, but he was afraid of hurting her. She seemed so delicate compared to him.

Then it was midnight and everyone was crowding around them to wish them well. They were staying the night at a local inn before travelling onto Exeter for the Honeymoon. As Gabriel helped Bathsheba into the waiting carriage, she turned to throw her wedding bouquet and Liddy caught it, much to everyone's delight. Gabriel stumbled into the carriage after her, a little worse for wear after the three tankards of cider he had drunk. As they waved and called out goodbye, the carriage jolted forwards almost knocking them from their feet. Laughing, Bathsheba sank back onto the seat next to him, her dress floating around her like a cloud.

"That was the best wedding!" she said excitedly turning to look at him, her brown eyes glittering with glee.

He thought about Troy, about the wedding that had gone before, but he took her hand in his and lowered his eyes so that she wouldn't see the look in his eyes. Perhaps sensing his sadness, she touched his face, running her fingers through his beard so that he had to look at her.

"You are the only man for me," she whispered harshly.

"I'm glad."

They smiled at each other. He kissed her gently, pulling her onto his lap as the carriage jostled them, swaying down the lane in the dark. He heard her sigh as he tangled his hand in her hair at the back, kissing down her throat with little kisses.

"I love you so much Gabriel," she murmured.

"I love you too."

He couldn't wait now to be at the Inn, to hold her and love her. His whole being seemed to cry out to be with her, as if he had been waiting all his life for this moment. To be a man. He couldn't put into words how he felt as she snuggled against him, resting her head on his shoulder. His desire for her seeped through him like a flame, licking at his body greedily as she closed her eyes and dozed. He couldn't sleep. He felt like all his senses were aroused. He held her, feeling wide awake, until they reached their destination.

As the horse clattered into the courtyard, Bathsheba awoke with a start.

"Are we here?" she asked.

He wondered if there was a degree of reticence in her words, but he couldn't make out her expression in the dark. When he helped her out of the carriage and into the inn, there was only the innkeeper to greet them, patting Gabriel on the back and smiling too heartily for Gabriel not to feel embarrassed.

"I expect the young miss will be tired after the days merriment," he said, watching Bathsheba admiringly as she climbed the stairs to the floor above. "Will you partake of some porter while the lady retires?"

Gabriel, unsure of himself, realised just in time that he must wait for Bathsheba to prepare herself before he joined her.

"Thankyou."

He followed the man into a panelled room, decorated with hunting pictures and stuffed trophy heads of deer and wild-boar. It was not to his taste. As the Inn-keeper held court before the fire-place relating how he had met and married his good lady wife, Gabriel began to feel distinctly uncomfortable.

"She was a rum sort of girl," the man said, winking grotesquely, his face flushed from drink, "but she understood her duty."

Gabriel swigged back the last of the thick, heavy liquid and excused himself.

"I fear I must retire also," he said, yawning extravagantly.

"Yes, don't keep the little miss waiting, eh?" he winked again, and much to his annoyance, Gabriel felt himself blushing.

He climbed the stairs slowly, not wishing to startle her. Had he given her enough time? When he pushed open the door however, everything was silent and still and the room was in darkness. He carried the candle before him, lighting the unfamiliar space and spied the bed in the corner under the window. As he approached he saw that her eyes were closed and her hand was thrown back over her forehead. She was asleep.

He retreated behind the screen and undressed like a man about to dive into the sea to save someone from drowning. His hands were shaking as he thrust his nightgown over his head. His desire now, was like a hindrance, something to be ashamed of, as he approached the bedside, his hands folded in front of him protectively. The candle cast shadows onto the walls, flickering in the draft as he slowly lowered himself into the bed next to her. She stirred slightly as he moved down beneath the blanket, feeling the soft mattress give under his weight, making her roll towards him. His heart was pounding in his chest and he struggled to calm his breathing. He felt clumsy and ungainly and very nervous.

"Gabriel," she murmured softly, turning towards him. "I wondered where you were."

She sighed with satisfaction and nuzzled into him. Oh God, he thought, as she ran her fingers through his hair. It was like a wild animal had claimed him, as the redhot lick of desire travelled up his body. The bed springs squeaked as he pushed against her, aware of the thin layer of clothing between them. He could feel her warm, feminine body pressed up against him as he allowed his hands to travel down her body, touching her. He kissed her deeply and she moaned. It surprised him that she seemed to like him so much, as she touched his biceps and his chest as he positioned himself above her. He felt her hands pulling at his gown almost feverishly and he sensed her desire for him. She pulled him down to her, wrapping her arms around him. It was too much.

"Will you tame me now Gabriel?" she begged.

"I will."

It was over so quickly. Too quickly. But she was kind, kissing him fondly and telling him that this was just the beginning.

"We've got our whole lives ahead of us Gabriel," she said happily.

As he settled down next to her, he tried not to mind. He felt a deep exhaustion as he closed his eyes. In the distance, he heard a church bell chime the hour and the wind rattling against the window pane. He put his arms around her. He would keep her safe.

As he slipped into sleep, he felt her lips kiss his closed eyelids, like the trace of a butterfly's wings.