I awoke suddenly, aware that my surroundings were not entirely familiar. I was not accustomed to sleeping in an east facing chamber, and the sunlight had roused me earlier than usual. My body was not yet ready to wake, my limbs unusually heavy and warm. And then I realized why my body was so relaxed. My husband lay behind me, I could feel the expansion and release of his silent deep breaths in the small of my back. Gently I took his arm, and folded it across my waist, hoping to cherish this feeling as long as possible. Unfortunately, the moment was all too brief, as a few seconds later I was aware of Frederick's arm tensing slightly, of a deep intake of breath as he smelled my hair.
"Good morning, my dearest Frederick"
"Must it be morning so soon? Frederick kissed my temple and as I turned to him I noticed the joy in his countenance mirrored my own. "I would have us stay in bed all morning, but I wouldn't want to tarnish your reputation among the staff."
"My dear, while I understand your hesitation and mirror your sentiments, there is much to be settled. We have a lifetime of mornings ahead of us, but I must meet with Mrs Bates to sort out the menu and make preparations for guests as I am sure the we will be receiving many visitors in the next fortnight."
"Very well, but then once we have been called on by all the neighbours, I shall be taking you away on a proper honeymoon, as I want some time with you all to myself!"
Anne threw her pillow at her husband as she arose from bed. "Really darling, that's not necessary. You have already been so generous with the purchase of Kellynch Hall."
Wentworth too got up. "It is necessary, though if you must, you can consider it a gift to myself, my motivations in wishing us away are purely selfish. As someone I know once said, 'I am most determined.'" Wentworth went off to his dressing room thinking of where he would take his new spouse on their honeymoon.