Somewhere Only We Know

When Camille went downstairs for breakfast the next morning, she stopped by the ballroom with a stunned look. Everything was nearly ready and she wondered how Anne would top off her own engagement party when it came to her wedding. She was sure that she would have a wedding fit for a princess but the engagement party in itself was beautiful.

Everything was decorated in red and golden and Camille couldn’t help but to fantasize about her own wedding someday.

“It’s coming out very beautiful isn’t it?”

Turning to her side, Camille smiled at Charles.

“Yes, it is. It will be a very charming ball.” She said “But the wedding will be far more special.”

“That it will.” He said, looking around them before he whispered, “Anne and I are hoping that you will go as Ben’s date?”

Camille blushed a bit and nodded “You know I would be honoured.”She said, though she would wait until Ben asked about it himself “When is the wedding?”

“In three weeks.” Charles beamed as he and Camille walked ahead to join the Cumberbatch’s and the Dubois’ for breakfast.

Ben smiled with relief when he saw Camille walking inside. He had begun to find her delay odd but he figured that she had fallen asleep later than usual the night before. Unfortunately for him, she sat with her parents and he could only speak to her after breakfast.

Anne made sure to sit beside Camille so they could discuss the ball that evening. The bride-to-be said that she had left an accessory on Camille’s bed and asked her to wear something in a dark shade. Camille obliged to her requests willingly, exchanging a few glances with Ben during the meal. Camille wished that she could just speak freely to him, give him a good morning kiss and sit with him but she had to abide by her father’s rules for now.

After breakfast, Camille asked William to mail a letter for Mel as soon as he could and she was surprised to find the Cumberbatch brothers waiting for her.

“Hello Camille.” Henry smiled “Would you like to go horseback riding with us?” He suggested.

Camille smiled “Sounds wonderful.” She said, walking out with both of them.

Half-way through the path to the barn, Henry turned to us “Alright, I can probably keep under for two hours so don’t take too long lovebirds.”

Ben grinned and nodded “We won’t. Thank you Henry.”

“You’re welcome.” Henry smiled as he went out to take his horse but he rode somewhere else and then Camille got it. Henry had only been there so their parents thought the three of them were going when Ben and Camille were actually going alone.

“Another one of your schemes?” She chuckled at Ben, taking his arm when they were out of sight and inside the barn.

“Henry’s actually. He’s a mastermind.” He laughed, kissing the top of her head before he slowly let her go so he could tackle their horses.

“It’s very nice of him to cover for us.” Camille said, helping Ben after she picked the horse she wanted. It was a young but strong animal, dark brown but he seeming amicable. When Camille reached to feed him and pet him, the horse welcomed the interaction.

Ben watched her for a minute as he prepared his horse “Do you need help getting up love?”

“No, I’m fine.” Camille said, petting the horse once more before she pulled herself up on the saddle. “Guide the way Ben.”

He gladly did, slowly going out of the barn. Once his horse and Camille’s were side by side, he urged his to go faster so they went out of the Cumberbatch property and into the freedom of the open fields around it. At first, Ben would always check but Camille was a splendid rider, which didn’t surprise him at all.

Reaching his favourite meadow, Ben began to slow down and Camille followed. Getting down from his horse, Ben helped Camille down, holding her safely in his arms.

“We missed something this morning.” Ben murmured, leaning down for a kiss. Camille smiled into the kiss, caressing up his arms as she deepened it.

“Much better.” She chuckled as they left their horses to feed and rest.

“Come, there are flowers just ahead.” Ben said, taking her hand.

Camille followed Ben’s lead, walking close to him until they were surrounded by flowers and trees.

“Wow, this is so beautiful!”

Ben smiled “I had to show you. I figured you probably missed your walks on the woods.”

“I haven’t had enough time to miss anything except for Mel yet.” Camille admitted “The days just go by rushing here and I’ve never been so long without her since we were little girls.”

Ben placed his arm around her “Why didn’t she come?”

“She wanted to stay with Claude. They will marry soon, I’d already told you right?” Camille asked, rubbing Ben’s back as they sat down, making sure the grass was dry so she wouldn’t get her dress dirty.

“Yes, I know. They’ve been engaged for about two years, as well, I remember.” Ben said, rubbing her shoulder, as Camille snuggled to his side.

“That’s right. I’m very excited for them. My father is allowed them to do their reception there but their families are small. It will be lovely anyways, though.”

“Will you invite me?” Ben said playfully.

“Only if you invite to Anne and Charles’ wedding.” Camille grinned up at him.

“Do you need an invitation?”

“It would be nice.”

“Would you like to go with me to Anne and Charles’ wedding, Camille?”

Camille chuckled “I’d love to Ben.” She smiled, moving to kiss him deeply “Would like to be my date for Mel’s wedding?”

“I’d be honoured m’dear.” He said forcing a stronger accent before he squeezed her to him. “I wish you could stay forever.” He sighed, resting his forehead against hers “That we could stay here for as long as we’d like, just you and me.”

Camille cupped the side of his face “I wish that too, Ben. I really do. But at least we can still have little alone moments and we can dance tonight.” She said trying to cheer him up.

“Ah yes, like in the night we met.”

“Like in the night we met.” She hummed, nuzzling his chest.

Ben’s heart beat was calm as he held Camille close. There was so much he could say but the silence was too soothing. He knew they wouldn’t get many moments like this so they had to make it count.

After about an hour, Ben gently rubbed Camille’s back “We should head back before our parents notice that we’ve come alone.”

“You’re right.” Camille sighed “Just one more kiss?”

“As many as you’d like.” He hummed, kissing her softly before he deepened it. Forgetting about the world on her lips Ben moved over, resting on top of Camille.

Her cheeks flushed but she encouraged the kiss, deepening it herself with a little moan which was music to Ben’s ears. He moved in between her legs, gently spreading them so he had space. Camille moaned with more need, – for him, for something new- grasping the back of his neck. Suddenly her dress felt too tight and she was hot all over. She had never stepped so out of bounds with anybody but Ben drove her insane in the best way. With time, Camille had learned to deal with new feelings and cravings that she could not fulfil. She wanted him so badly and he made her feel wanted.

Feeling her responding with the same want, Ben moaned and kept going, his large hand palming her body but as he was about to feel her breast over her dress, he felt himself hardening and he forced himself to stop, pulling back.

He knew very well that Camille was pure. Of course she was. If she chose him, he’d be her first and that couldn’t be the way. Not in the middle of woods, without protection, without time.

He saw the confusion in her eyes and he caressed her face.

“Camille, I love you too much not to give you a perfect night. This is not romantic, you deserve something better and besides... I can’t. We’re not married and I cannot ruin you.”

Camille was panting softly, regaining her breath “Ben, you wouldn’t ruin me. I want this, I want you. It’s true that I’m pure but you are the man the love, the man I want to belong to.”

Ben felt his heart aching and he wrapped his armsaround her tightly. He lived in a constant fear of losing her but he couldn’t betray what he thought was right. Pressing himself to her, he sighed as he nuzzled her neck.

“Believe me, there’s nothing I’d like more than to be your first and to make you mine. The temptation is almost unbearable.” Ben said, looking into her eyes “But Camie, if you knew how much you mean to me, how much you’ve helped me, how I wish things were easier, how I wish we didn’t have to hide...” He trailed off. “You have to understand that we can’t. Our love has already too many obstacles, we can’t afford a new one to deal with. Not now Camie but soon enough.”

Camille frowned, wrapping her arms around him to hug him. “We’ll be alright, I promise you Ben.”

“I will prove myself worthy of you.”

“You don’t have to Ben. I love you already.”

“I meant to your father. He will never let me marry you and love you as you deserve if he does not approve of me and I will prove to him that he can trust me to be a good husband, a good father and that I am a good man, that my feelings are genuine and my intentions sincere.”

Camille took a deep breath and turned her face to kiss him deeply “I will marry nobody else.” She whispered “Not your brother, not anyone else but you. I love you Ben.”

“And I love you Camie. I love all of you and everything about you. We’ll work things out.” Ben whispered back, resting his forehead against hers.

They remained silent for a moment. They rarely got moments like this so they held each other in silence before they got up.

They shared one last long kiss before they got up on their horses and rode back. Like Ben was predicting, Camille was immediately stolen away by Anne, who wanted to keep appearances by keeping Camille busy while Ben spent his time with Charles and Henry.

On his mother’s request, Ben was playing host with his brother Henry. A few members of Charles’ family had come over and the Cumberbatch brothers were just keeping their younger cousins entertained as food was served.

Ben would keep glancing around, waiting for the Dubois’ to appear but he assumed that both of Camille’s parents had preferred to be outside with Ben’s parents and Camille herself would probably only come down after Anne, at her request.

“Benny!”

Glancing down, Ben smiled at his youngest cousin. Picking her up, he smiled as she kissed his cheek.

“Are you hungry sweetie?” He asked and the girl shook her head, letting her head rest on his shoulder.

“I’m fine.” She said, watching the adults around them. They were chatting, eating or drinking and to the girl, the noise was almost unbearable but she was used to loud parties and gatherings.

“So, what’s wrong? Are you grumpy today Helena?”

The blonde girl pouted and nodded, finally telling Ben everything about how her older brother had called her a baby that morning just because she didn’t want to wear that dress in particular. Ben held her to his chest, gently rocking her as he listened peacefully. He was used to Helena’s little pout and, despite never admitting it, she was his favourite cousin.

Giving her a little piece of advice, Ben carried Helena to the sweets table. He took a seat with her in his lap and they both ate a brownie each as he combed her hair, soothing her worries about not being a baby anymore.

As they spoke, Anne finally came down and she was received with hugs and kisses from everyone, Charles being the last to get to her. Camille followed a bit later, behind Anne’s friends and she really began to realise how this ball was a rehearsal for the wedding, not just for Anne but for her friends too.

All of them spoke only about dresses, makeup and shoes. They were all obsessing over what they would be wearing and how they should prep themselves up. Camille didn’t mind discussing any of those details but she was having a hard time fitting in. The fact that she was French was a turn-off to Anne’s friends. They hadn’t said anything exactly but Camille knew and so did Anne.

Letting them all gather, Camille went a bit behind and Henry was quick to come to the rescue because he couldn’t see his brother anywhere.

“So? I hope it wasn’t too terrible.” Henry said, most of his cousins peeping behind his back to look at the pretty girl he was talking to.

“It went well.” Camille chuckled “I survived.” She smiled at him as the boys started to gather.

Everyone knew the Dubois’ were the special guests at the Cumberbatch household and for that they attracted attention and curiosity. Rumours about Camille’s supposed engagement to Henry had been spreading, by Aaron’s influence when he wrote to some of his friends, so attention was on them now that they were speaking.

“And you look dashing.” Camille complimented, watching Henry grin as he took her hand to kiss it.

“You look absolutely beautiful. My brother is a moron for not being here, honestly.” Henry mumbled making Camille laugh softly as he introduced his cousins to her.

“Oh there’s someone new.” Helena noticed, seeing her cousin Henry speak to a young woman she had never seen before “Who is that Benny?” The girl asked, pointing.

Ben’s eyes fell over Camille and he smiled happily, feeling his heart jump. He had heard the rumours going around the room and he had to recognize that Aaron was not to be played with. That didn’t mean Ben would let himself be intimidated.

As much as he wanted to jump up and meet with Camille, Ben stayed sitting with Helena on his lap.

“That’s a new friend.” Ben smiled “Her name is Camille and she’s visiting from France with her parents.”

Helena studied the woman as she met her brothers and sisters and she hummed “Can I go and meet her too?”

Ben nodded almost too eagerly as he stood up with Helena. Holding her hand, they crossed through the crowd and met up with the small Cumberbatch clan.

“And this is my cousin Elliott. Watch out he likes to grope.” Henry joked, making Camille shake her head at him as she bent down to greet the boy, telling him it was lovly to meet him.

Standing up straighter again, Camille smiled when her eyes met with Ben’s. Henry followed her gaze and smiled.

“Ah and the newest Cumberbatch Princess.” Henry smiled as Helena studied Camille closely, asking Ben to pick her up again.

“I’m Helena.” She said softly.

Camille smiled at her “Very nice to meet you Helena. I’m Camille.”

While Camille got acquainted with just one part of the Cumberbatch family, Anne and Charles started to encourage everyone to dance. Hearing the room gain a new life with the music, Ben smiled straight at Camille.

“Sweetie, let me put you down.” He said to Helena, causing her to pout, closing her little hands into fists. Ben was already on his way to Camille, to invite her to dance, when he felt Helena grabbing the back of his suit jacket.

“Benny, we always dance.” She said quickly, her bottom lip quivering. She knew how to get everything she wanted from Ben and she wouldn’t let him just go and dance with someone else.

Ben frowned and glanced at Camille. To his surprise, she gave him a very calm and reassuring look. Her red-painted lips mouthed a ‘Go’ and he sighed as he picked Helena up to dance with her, much to his dismay.

While Ben danced with Helena, Aaron was thrilled to see Camille and Henry chatting. They both had a drink in hand and they would go around spreading their charm together. Aaron couldn’t help but to fail to understand why Camille didn’t love Henry. They looked very beautiful together and she looked happy beside him. The man glanced over at Benedict as he danced with a little girl and he sighed. He really had to make the right choice for his daughter.

Henry had friends there but he knew that Camille was by herself there he planned to keep her company while Ben was busy with Helena, who nurtured a very tender love for him and who claimed all his attention every time she came for a visit.

After the first couple of dances, Ben was beginning to grow desperate. He knew it wouldn’t take long for Henry to dance with Camille, if he took too long so he had to do something “Helena, how about if you take a break?”

“But I’m not tired.” She pouted, seeing Ben’s eyes travel once more to Camille.

“Helena... please. There’s someone I really want to dance with.” He said softly, hoping she understood.

Helena kept pouting before she caved, telling Ben she’d give him time while she ate but that she’d be back afterwards. Ben agreed and quickly moved, just in time.

“May I have this dance?” He asked Camille.

Henry smirked “Finally. I was beginning to think that I’d have to dance with her myself, not that I’d mind.”

Camille laughed “Thank you Henry but I already have a date.” She said, smiling at Ben as he led them to the dance floor and suddenly they were back at the night where they had first met.

Placing his arm around her waist, Ben was reassured by Camille’s smile that it was already to pull her closer than before. They moved together, elegantly, across the floor and they focused on anything else but one another. None of them spoke a world, too afraid to break this little glass ball they were in, where they happy and together, where nothing could tear them apart.

Taking the moment to dip her down, Ben laughed quietly as Camille clung to him.

“You’re safe.” He whispered to her, catching her father’s eye for a second and the mirage was broken.

Aaron’s look was stern but Ben didn’t break eye contact. He continued to dance, intending to show the man that he’d prove him wrong, that he wasn’t afraid or intimidating and that he was not sending him away from Camille or vice-versa.

“Ben?” She called softly, her hand rubbing his arm discreetly as he finally looked down, stepping away from his thoughts as he smiled at her.

“Enjoying yourself?”

“Yes.” Camille smiled, nuzzling his nose discreetly as the song came to an end. As they were going for their second dance, little Helena showed up.

Ben sighed and he was about to say no when Camille gently touched his hand to join it with Helena’s.

“Have fun you two. Thank you for letting me have a dance with him Helena.” She said gently, the little girl just as surprised as Ben.

“Darling, are you sure?” Ben whispered and Camille nodded.

“Yes, of course I am. Enjoy yourself okay?”Camille replied, adjusting the bow on Helena’s head before Ben picked the girl up and Camille excused herself.

Helena saw the way Ben looked at her and she smile softly. “Benny...”

“Yes?”

“Is that the girl you like?”

Ben grinned at her and pecked her nose as they began to dance again. While they danced, Camille managed to exit the dancefloor and she was slightly startled when Henry joined her.

“All alone again dear?”

“Helena really wants to dance with your brother.”

“Though competition.”

“I don’t stand a chance, she’s far more cute.”

“Well... but you’re still the most beautiful.” He smiled, placing his arm around her shoulders to guide her to the balcony, which she hadn’t seen yet.

Seeing the two of them alone in the balcony, started off a few chatters but neither Henry nor Camille paid attention. Benedict was having fun with Helena in the background while Henry and Camille exchanged little jokes about the ball while sipping on new glasses of champagne.

While the party went on upstairs, William and the servants listened silently to the radio. It was broadcasting the eleven o’clock news and all the servant’s faces suffered the same change as something was announced.

A new war is about to break off and we’ve never seen anything like this before. Recruiting is mandatory, all regiments are being assembled and all the ranks called back. No men will be left behind and no woman or child will be harmed. Long live the Queen and blessed be every Briton