Secret Vows – Chapter 2
Notes: I don't own the characters, but I do love them Any comments are greatly appreciated.
She awoke to the morning sun cascading onto the bed, warming her beneath the blankets. With pointed toes and outstretched arms, she completed her morning ritual. A low chuckle rumbled next to her.
Sheepishly she turned her head to face him, feeling the blush rise to her cheeks as she met his eyes, thoughts of the previous night flooding her memory. This turned Tom's chuckle into an audible laugh, bringing out his brilliant smile and twinkling Irish eyes.
He reached for her then, pulling her close. She saw his face grow serious as they gazed at one another.
"You are so beautiful. I still can't quite believe it," he whispered, gently pushing her hair back behind her ear. "You could have had any man you wanted, but you chose me."
"I didn't want any other man. I didn't love any other man," she replied, placing a hand gently on his cheek.
"I only hope that I can be worthy of you, make you happy," he said.
"You already have," she said caressing his cheek. "I know that you are worried about money and trying to give me everything. Please don't. I don't need any of that. I know life at times will likely be difficult, but we can face that together. We can conquer anything together."
A small smile spread across his face as he answered, "I think you are right."
Now it was her time to become serious.
"Tom, yesterday was the best day of my life. I am over joyed to be your wife. I wish that we could shout it from the roof tops."
"We can you know. We don't have to keep it a secret," he responded softly. They had had this conversation so many times leading up to yesterday.
"I know, but with the war, and Downton being used for convalescence, I don't see that this is the right time. Everyone is under enough stress, and I am afraid that it will make it less likely for them to accept us. I know that in the beginning they aren't going to approve. My father will likely disown me. Although, I want to try to avoid any of that. I don't want to be without my family forever."
"I know my love," Tom replied soothingly. "But I don't see any way to avoid the unpleasantness. We snuck off to get married without telling anyone. They will not be happy even less so when they find out who you married. I think that will be the biggest obstacle. We are from two very different worlds."
"I know, but you know I don't prescribe to all that nonsense. I just don't want to tear the family apart. I don't want them to hate me forever," she said.
"I wouldn't worry about them hating you forever. If there is one thing I have come to learn about your family in these last years, it's that the Crawley's are a rare gem among the aristocracy. They are a very loving family who care deeply about one another, even if they don't always show it. It even extends to the servants. We all feel like a part of the family to a certain extent."
This made her smile. She knew he was right. Her father would likely be very angry and perhaps not speak to her for a time, but knowing who they were deep down, she knew that he wouldn't be mad at her forever.
"You know, we are going to have to be going soon," she pouted while considering the height of the sun in the sky. It would likely be midday soon, and they really needed to make their way back to Downton.
Letting out a loud sigh he rolled onto his back. "I know. Back to reality. It's going to be torture to not come home to you or sleep next to you every night."
"I know darling, but we'll make it work. I promise," she said giving him a deep kiss. Then, breaking away , she summoned the most provocative come hither look she could muster. Placing a finger to his lips and said, "And besides, we don't have to leave just yet Mr. Branson."
Grabbing her fingers, with a Cheshire cat smile spreading across his face, he returned, "No we don't do we, Mrs. Branson."
Without warning he pounced on her, pinning her back to the bed. Her happy surprise transformed to wanton abandon as he began to kiss his way to the hollow of her neck. She let out a contented sigh. The worries and trials ahead of them forgotten for the moment.