Somewhere Only We Know

Benedict stood with Charles by the entrance hall of his home as both men waited for their dates to come down the stairs. They had about ten minutes until their reservation in a fancy restaurant Charles had booked, mostly to impress his fiancé, as per usual, but also hoping that Camille would be impressed and think that it was Ben’s style, not that Ben didn’t like fancy restaurants but he wasn’t sure if Camille was used to them and he wanted her to feel comfortable and not watched.

Charles sighed, checking his pocket watch for the tenth time in the last five minutes. Ben couldn’t help but to just look up and then down at himself. He had dressed accordingly to the evening, wearing one of his best suits and he knew that he looked elegant, he just hoped that Camille liked it.

Hearing cheered chatting, both men looked up as Anne came down with Camille behind her. They were wearing beautiful elegant dresses, Anne’s cleavage was more daring than Camille’s but Ben’s eyes didn’t leave her for a second.

“Ready gentlemen?” Anne asked as they reached the bottom of the stairs.

Camille had never been this pampered in front of Ben, except for her birthday, and she couldn’t help but to blush a bit. She cared about his opinion more than she admitted and she wanted him to find her beautiful.

Charles nodded, taking Anne’s arm “You look beautiful darling.” He said as they shared a kiss.

Ben wanted to do the same but heknew that Camille and him couldn’t be public, even if their parents weren’t there. Taking Camille’s hand, he kissed it over the glove and smiled.

“You look stunning.” He murmured, noticing how her eyes looked hopefully up at him.

Camille smiled in return, looking down after a bit when she felt his eyes studying every detail.

“Thank you. You... You look very handsome yourself.”

That made Ben smile as Charles and Anne made their way to Aaron’s car while Ben was to drive himself and Camille to the restaurant. Charles began to rush them all, making Ben chuckled a bit as he walked with Camille calmly, opening the door for her.

Charles sped up right away and Ben took his time, buckling up before he started the car. Glancing at Camille from time to time, he moved one of his hands to rest on her lap while both of hers grabbed his hand.

“Everything alright dear?” He asked, keeping his eyes on the road.

“Yes, I’m fine.” Camille smiled softly, gently holding his hand between hers. “Just slightly nervous. This is all new for me.”

Despite the level of her family, they were quite reserved so Aaron never really took his wife and daughter to fancy places in France. Camille was, therefore, a bit self-conscious. She knew that neither Ben or Anne were new to this, least of all Charles, and she hoped not to be cause of embarrassment.

“I suppose that Anne kept rambling on about it?” Ben sighed softly.

He couldn’t blame Camille for being nervous. Anne and Charles were a ‘power couple’. Despite not being officially married, they were both charming, polite and they had a world of contacts. Even to Ben this was an awkward situation. He wasn’t the most sociable of people, he’d rather stay in and have a calm night with Camille but he knew that, once Anne got stuck on an idea, nothing would move her, much less Charles who did everything to please her. Usually Henry would save Ben in situations like this, with his charm, but this was a double date so he hadn’t been cordially invited, which both Ben and Camille disapproved of. They would have loved to have Henry there so they all had a laugh.

Camille nodded “Yes, but she meant well, though I forgot most of the rules she told me were mandatory.”

Ben tried to go over a few basics with her again, taking into account, specially, their do’s and don’ts as a couple who were not engaged or committed, at least not in the public eye. Camille tried to memorise everything, aware that many people who were friends from the family could be at that restaurant, Anne had told her so.

Arriving within a couple of minutes, he parked a block ahead so he an Camille had time to walk together before she actually had to face the crowded restaurant.

“Just make sure you have fun dear.” He said.

“I don’t want to embarrass you, though,” She frowned, his hand gently tilting her chin up.

“You could never do so.”Ben soothed, kissing her softly “Let’s just try and have fun, yes? Don’t think too much about it, no matter what Anne said.”

“Alright.” Camille nodded, chuckling when he pooped her nose just as they became visible.

Ben greeted the men outside, one of them opening the door for the couple. Camille thanked them shyly, giving her coat away once they were inside to a very polite looking man. Ben gave his coat as well and hat, while Camille looked around.

The environment was posh and the place fully packed. A great chandelier lightened the room, along with candles set in every table, making the great view of London stand out even more behind, through the giant panoramic window. All the staff wore almost gala suits by wearing bowties and white shirts. Most of the decoration was in tones of red, black and golden, giving the place a certain mood of refinement.

Taking Ben’s arm again, Camille let herself be guided. She noticed that he was greeted many times by both men and women and she would smile back politely, hoping she wouldn’t be a topic of conversation. But she quickly became one. It was very rare for Ben to show up anywhere public with a woman, so Camille attracted more attention that either Charles or Anne planned for. On the other side, Ben knew this was a possibility so he decided to just act as if nothing was out of normal. He was happy to have her there and he wouldn’t let himself be bothered.

Pulling the chair back for Camille, he helped her sit and they joined the other couple. All of them began to read their menus. Anne and Charles discussed a bit themselves while Ben peeked over at Camille.

“Any ideas so far?” He smiled, setting his menu down.

“I’m not sure. I’m not very hungry.” She replied, Anne turning to her.

“No need to worry. The proportions are small here, just enough for any young lady to keep in shape these days.” She smiled.

Camille smiled nervously in return. She couldn’t help but to feel intimidated by Anne. Everything about her was perfect and she feared to have to fill in her shoes, in order for Ben to keep his feelings intact and possibly stronger. She knew she could never compare though. Anne was what anyone would call an accomplished woman and Charles a lucky man. Camille hoped people had the same vision of her when it came to Ben.

“Or we can split, Camie.” Ben smiled at her softly “They make wonderful filet mignon with mushrooms and cream. They bring rice along with it.”

Charles was about to counter something, because usually Ben was crazy for that dish and ate it all himself, but Anne stopped him by distracting him. She figured that Ben was just trying to be romantic, when Ben just wanted to make Camille comfortable.

“That sounds wonderful, Ben. I would love to share.” Camille agreed and Ben closed his menu.

“We’re set.” He said happily, handing his and Camille’s menu to a waiter when he came by. Charles ordered for him, then for Anne and Ben ordered for himself and Camille. The men shared a few thoughts on wine and chose a red one.

As Anne kept the conversation up between the four, Ben discreetly rested his hand over Camille’s on the table. Their food arrived eventually and Ben happily split their food in half, keeping Camille chatty, making her smile.

Dinner was uneventful for the most part. Ben ignored most of the talking done around them, making Camille not listen as well so she wouldn’t be disturbed by what most people were probably assuming.

Leaving a while later, Charles offered to pay for dinner and then they just had to walk a few blocks to the theatre. With Anne and Charles chatting ahead, Ben walked with Camille as they discussed the last pages of Hamlet they had read a few days ago. Camille was becoming more and more interested in the themes of the play and Ben was more than glad to have a discussion about them, at least, in that subject he felt perfectly comfortable.

If, like most women, she wished to speak of his wealth, his favourite hobbies, sports, his work or anything else, he’d be more fearful of being judged, of wanting to say the right thing. With Camille he didn’t worry. He knew she wanted to hear his opinions and that she wouldn’t judge if they happened to disagree.

Upon spotting the theatre, Ben smiled and pointed it out to Camille “There it is. Just as beautiful as I told you about.”

Camille’s eyes sparkled “It is indeed very beautiful.” She smiled as they headed inside.

“Do you know anything about this play?” Ben asked, helping her out of her coat before he handed it at the reception, so they could make it to their seats more comfortably.

“Here you go.” Charles said, handing everyone their tickets before he and Anne began to go upstairs. Suddenly Ben noticed his seat and Camille’s were down, in the first rows.

“Charles! Has there been a mistake?”

“Oh Benedict, I completely forgot! Yes, they only had to seats up there where we usually stay so I put you and Camille down here, but with the best view! We’ll see you after the show!”

It was clearly all planned and Ben knew it. Smiling softly towards Camille, he shrugged.

“I hope this change isn’t upsetting?”

Camille shook her head “Not at all.” She smiled “I have to confess something though.” She admitted as they sat down “I’ve seen this play in French when I was a child but I don’t really remember it well.”

Ben smiled “You remember any of the songs?”

Camille shook her head with a chuckle “Have you seen it before?”

“I see it every time Anne comes over. It’s her favourite musical.” He explained, taking her hand as the lights began to dim “Will you sing to me in French, if you remember?” Ben whispered just as the curtains began to pull up.

Camille looked up at him and nodded shyly, liking how close they were sitting. Focusing on the play, Camille would kneel closer every time she remembered and Ben would smile wider every time, gently stroking her hand.

--------

“Have a goodnight you two!” Ben chuckled as he watched Anne and Charles head up the stairs, though he’d probably leave her in her bedroom and then go to his own. As much as they shared hugs and kisses, they were both very keen on keeping pure until after their marriage.

“They’re so in love, I’m happy for them.” Camille smiled as Ben laced his arm around her tiny waist, bringing her close now that they were alone.

“And what about us? Are you happy for us?”

“Yes.” She chuckled, glancing up, her lips pressing to his softly “Of course I am. You make me happy, I had such a fun evening.”

“I want to make you happier, though. In time. To bring you more fun evenings and days.” Ben sighed, moving to hug her to his chest.

He knew that he and Camille had a long way to go, but it seemed to little compared to everything else, specially to their problems and impediments.

Camille tiptoed to hug him tight “I want to make you happy too Ben, you deserve it. I want to get to know you.”

William accidentally ran into them and cleared his throat once Ben spotted him.

“Forgive me Master.”

“No need to apologise William.” Ben said softly “I believe you’ve met Ms. Dubois?”

“Yes I have.” William smiled “Good evening Miss.”

“Hello William. I hope we didn’t disturb you?” Camille asked softly and the man shook his head.

“No Miss. I merely wanted to ask if there was anything you needed before I went to bed.”

The couple exchanged a look and then shook heads.

“We’re alright William, thank you. Go and rest. Ms. Dubois and I are going upstairs to sleep.”
“Goodnight then.” William said as he left on the opposite direction.

Guiding Camille upstairs, Ben told her about William and the fact that he had been serving the family for over twenty years with his wife. He had seen both Ben and Henry be born and he had been there for all of them through thick and thin.

“He is very fond of all of you, I can tell.” Camille smiled as they reached her door.

“We love him too, he’s family.” Ben said, waiting for her to open the door so he could go to his own bedroom, he needed sleep desperately.

Camille stopped for a moment and turned to him, biting on her lip with a worried look.

“What’s on your mind darling?” Ben asked.

“Just thinking about what we were talking about this afternoon.”

“About Medicine, you mean?”

“Yes. I... I don’t think that it would be a good idea for you to quit Ben.”

Ben sighed, looking down at her.

“I’m not quitting, Camie. I’m just going to take a vacation. Believe me, I do need it.”

“Promise that’s all it is? I’d hate to see you quit on your passion because something went wrong today. Your patients need you.”

Raising his hand to caress her hand, he nodded and kissed her forehead “That’s all it is. What I said about quitting... I didn’t fully mean it. I love Medicine, I truly do.”

Camille smiled softly “I know you do. Your eyes get this little twinkle when you speak about it, about your little rookie mistakes, about your patients.”

“Thank you for worrying about me.” Ben whispered, resting his forehead on hers.

“I just want what’s best for you, Ben.”

“You are what is best for me Camie.”

“But I don’t want to steal Medicine’s place.” Camille insisted “I want you to have a fulfilled life, in every aspect.”

Ben smiled widely and pressed her gently to the door as they kissed. “I love you.” He whispered.

Before Camille could answer, they heard their fathers’ voices coming from down the wall. Camille tensed and widened her eyes, quickly trying to push Ben towards his room while he tried to open her door and push her in.

“Go darling, if my father sees you, we’re in trouble.” She whispered quickly.

“Just one more, one more.” He added, kissing her once more before he had to rush off.

“Love you!” She called after him with a grin before she closed her door, just in time for Ben to be safe inside his bedroom.

He felt like a teenager all over again. His heart was racing inside his chest but her words stuck with him. He was loved and he was beginning to love again. It felt heavenly.

Camille was quick to undress, being caught off guard when her father knocked at her door.

“Mon ange?” He called from outside.

She scrambled to get off her shoes and sneak into bed, to be pretend to be asleep. Relaxing, she heard the door opening as her father peeked inside and then he closed the door again.

Neither of the servants had confirmed his suspicions about Benedict and Camille being too close, neither had he hear any comments from Anne and Charles when he saw them coming upstairs a few moments later. Apparently, they had all been out but his daughter was following his rules.

Given that the next day was the ball, both men parted ways to their bedrooms after a while and Aaron hoped that tomorrow things would go well. He hadn’t exactly given up on pairing Camille with Henry yet and tomorrow was his chance to do a bit of match-making.