A/N: Big thanks to EleanorKate for help on this one!
"So where are we going?" Camilla asked, not able to contain herself any longer.
"Oh alright, we are going on a picnic in the culbert valley." Patterson said, wrapping his arm around her shoulders and pulling her close. His hand slid down landed on her back where one of the pink scars from Roedean lay; making her jump slightly out of shock at the incursion and the painful memories associated to a time and place where she had not allowed anyone to touch in so many years. In an attempt to move the hand responsible for the sudden nervousness that skipped merrily unwanted against her ribs, she turned to face him and placed her hands on his chest, intent on avoidance, distraction and the fear of repulsion at what she may, one day, see when he set eyes on her skin. Camilla gave him a peck on the cheek and snatching the picnic basket from him, ran ahead of him, hoping he had not sensed her anxiety from such a simple, perhaps affectionate, gesture and wondered why.
When they found the perfect spot under a shade tree they laid out their blanket, and started to unpack the baskets contents. A bottle of luxurious red wine, smoked salmon finger sandwiches, a nib of strawberries, and cheesecake. She had never had red wine before, and the first sip danced on her tongue sweet and nutty with a slight burn and a light body. "Whatever is this heaven?'' She thought to herself. The two sat after eating thoroughly enjoying their wine, and taking in the beautiful scenery on her day off.
"Patterson?" She asked, quiet and nervously.
"What is it Camilla?" He took up her hand and turned to face her.
"Mater is at ones throat about this whole marriage thing… I guess what one is trying to say is, can we just date and get to know each other first?" She was shaky and praying that he wouldn't get mad or bolt.
"Camilla one didn't even ask! One asked to take you out and father asked your hand for me, One didn't want to say anything and get ones hopes up like the other girls." His response caused her to relax and take in a deep relaxing breath.
"I'm glad… For once one would like to get to know the man my mother wants me to marry."
"And I my wife!" The two chuckled, knocking into each others shoulders and noting that the sun was setting.
"I guess one should be returning you soon." He patted her knee and stood up, reaching out a hand to help her up.
"Yes, work tomorrow at eight sharp, but one always arrives at least ten minutes early." The more she talked the more he noticed how whenever she was happy she would crinkle her nose, letting her dimples show.
They arrived at the the gates of the Browne estate, opening her door for her she stepped out and took his hand in hers, giving it a squeeze and thanking him for returning her safe.
Another week went on, full of laughter happiness and wonderful moments, he walked her to the center and gave her a peck on the cheek before she walked in.
It was two days before he saw her again, and he decided to surprised her and walk her to work.
"Patterson, you have made me very happy. I've been thinking, and I would be proud to marry you, that is if you want to." She said leaning in and whispering, then letting go of this hand and walking in. The words played in his favor, for just exactly what he had planned for the following day.
The next day when she returned to work, she gathering her lunch kit she sat outside the hall to eat, when a man approached her. He fell to one knee and removed a box from his jacket pocket.
"Camilla, will you marry me?" His tone was soft and he tipped her chin up to look at him. She almost choked on her sandwich from the shock of his words, her eyes grew wide and she felt as though her heart stopped. In on big gulp she swallowed and she teared up.
"Yes, Yes I will!" He placed the thin gold band on her finger, and pulled her tight to a hug.
Everything was perfect in her eyes, she soon had to return to her duties, but the smile beamed across her face and never left.
"Peter ones wounds are healing perfectly! Only one more clinic visit, and you should be fine one ones own." She finished, assessing him and began to stare at her ring.
"I'm so sick of being treated like i'm six, I'll be twenty soon, you'd think mum would treat me like it." She had to admit, over the past three weeks she was...Happy. She liked Peter, but she knew it would never happen. She was engaged now, and Mater would never have it.
"Am I okay to work?" He continued, he had to get a job sooner rather than later, sitting around was starting to get to him.
"Yes one is, where is one thinking?" She asked, curious and wishing someone in the heavens would figure out a way for both worlds to happen.
"I can train to be a constable, I have done all the reading, only the physical is left."
"I truly wish one the best, Peter." They had become comfortable over the last three weeks with first names.
"Thank you." With that he left and a car waited for her outside.
She bumped into Peter a week later, he was dressed in a black uniform with a single stripe on it. The two conversed for a few minutes before Patterson spotted them and stepped in. He was overbearing, jealous, and protective of her, as if she was only his.
"Camilla come along now." It wasn't an option and Peter didn't like his tone or the way he grabbed her arm. "That's no way to treat a lady, 'Always treat em good son.' always." Peter thought to himself remembering his father's words from when he was younger.
"Don't be a fool Pete, you can't have her."