Somewhere Only We Know

Mel chuckled as she caught Camille standing by the out for the third time that day.

“Miss, if your mother happens to come in and find you there, you’ll be in trouble. You need to rest.”

Camille gave her an innocent smiled as she sat down again.

“I’ll rest later in the evening. This chair isn’t close enough. If he happens to arrive, I can’t see him.”

“You know you’ll be warned, Miss. Whoever comes to visit, you’ll know before they see you.” Mel said with a little grin, serving tea.

She knew exactly why Mel couldn’t stand away from the window. She was hopeful that Benedict would visit her that day and she was unable to hide her anxiety. Mel wasn’t exactly sure if Benedict was indeed going to visit but after the events of the other afternoon, the brunette didn’t really know what to expect of him.

“It’s easy for you to talk, you see Claude at every minute of the day if possible,” Camille sighed, brushing her long hair back “I hope he comes today.”

“I’m hopeful he will. He has something of yours after all.” Mel replied almost instantly, quickly widening her eyes. She was meant to tell Camille that Henry had snatched them.

“What does he have?” Camille asked, narrowing her eyes on the brunette as Mel kept her eyes down “Mel.”

“Your ballet slippers.” The woman spilled, watching Camille pale “Mr. Benedict’s brother, Mr. Henry, snatched them from me yesterday when we came to get Monsieur Dubois.”

“Oh my Goodness...” Camille said, feeling her heart leap inside her chest. If Benedict came back to return them and either of her parents saw the slippers, she knew she would be in for questioning and possibly in trouble.

Ballet was her secret, only Mel, Luz and Claude knew about it, however, she felt like Benedict was trustworthy. Ever since they had met that he had kept secrets for her and he hadn’t disappointed her, perhaps it was time to tell him the truth so that Henry kept it for himself too.

“I’m so sorry.” Mel began to apologise but Camille raised her hand so she would stop.

“It’s alright. I’m sure it wasn’t your fault but... I can trust Benedict. He mentioned nothing of when he saw me going to celebrate my birthday with you, Luz and Claude and... he didn’t tell anyone I was wearing trousers yesterday, he didn’t even ask why. He said he’d rather wait for me to tell on my own free will.”

“That’s very sweet.” Mel said softly, finding that reaction not the most common. She watched as Camille smiled warmly, in clear agreement, while she resigned herself to have her tea and biscuits.

Ben wanted to kill his mother at this point. She had been dragged himself and Henry around all day as her shopping bag carriers. They did get a few things for themselves too but he had visited every boutique in town, he was sure. To add to his impatience, Henry was enjoying it immensely. He loved to stroll around with their mother but Ben never had the temper for it. Now that he had someone that he actually wanted to visit, it was even harder for him to just walk around wasting time.

Yet, Henry had everything under control. He knew his brother was itching to go straight to Camille’s house but they couldn’t just drop by after lunch and stay until dinner because that would raise too much suspicion. He also wanted to go, desperately, but he wanted to make sure that Ben and him went alone and not with their parents. For that, they had to accompany their mother around for most of the day first.

His plan worked. By tea time, their mother had decided to stay home and convinced their father to do the same. Taking the chance, both Henry and Benedict went out, driving over to Camille’s house in just one car.

“How should we proceed when we get there?” Ben asked nervously. He knew that with Henry there, Aaron would possibly do his best to give him as less time with Camille as possible.

“Don’t worry about a thing. You’re going as her doctor, in a way, but I’ll buy as much time as I can. Make sure to enjoy it, I’m not sure if we can make up excuses to go there every day.”

For once, Henry was perfectly serious. He would gladly serve as a distraction for Aaron so Ben and Camille had a bit of a time together. Henry was hoping his brother could come to some sort of arrangement with her so they could meet in secret or at last somewhere else where they weren’t watched all the time.

Arriving at the mansion, Ben took the lead once the door was opened for them. Carol was quick to come to greet them, Aaron joining them after a moment. His smile was clear towards Henry but then he gave Ben a more stern look.

“It was so wonderful of you to have such a good timing yesterday Benedict and I’ve heard all about your bravery.” Carol praised towards Ben “Thank you very much for what you’ve done for our daughter.”

“It was nothing Mrs. Dubois,” Ben replied with a smile.

“Yes and I’ve thanked him already, Carol. Spare your words, my sweet.” Aaron said, offering his arm to Carol so he could escort her back to the living room but she kept standing for a while longer.

Despite Aaron’s schemes, Carol couldn’t help but to like Ben immensely, he seemed very down to earth and gentlemanly and she had really liked to see them dance on Camille’s birthday. As a mother, she instantly felt like there was a spark between them. Carol knew of her husband’s plans though but she had seen how Henry flirted easily and that wasn’t the type of man she wanted for Camille. She had spoken about it with Aaron but he had dismissed her concerns, saying that Henry only acted that way because he wasn’t married yet. Carol didn’t exactly believe that so she wanted to give Benedict a chance.

“No words are ever enough to thank someone who has helped our daughter, Aaron.” Carol replied to her husband, squeezing his arm. She knew she was going up against his will but she was ready to face him for this “I trust you came to check on her Benedict?”

“In fact, yes. I did come to check on her, Ma’am. I am sure that she’s alright, though. I don’t mean to disturb if she’s resting.” Ben rambled, causing Henry to sigh very discreetly. Ben could easily ruin everything if he got nervous.

“Oh nonsense. She’s tired of resting already.” Carol chuckled, managing to release her arm from her husband’s grip “Camille has always been very active but she has, surprisingly, followed your recommendations. She’s been resting all day, I’m surprised.”

“Oh really? I am glad to hear that.” Ben smiled and, as Carol chatted with him, she began to guide him upstairs.

Surprised by this turn of events, Henry was quick to pull Aaron into conversation. He had noticed that the man was about to interrupt his wife and Ben, so Henry was quick to step in and insist upon seeing Aaron’s gun collection, which they had discussed previously. As they got inside the office, Henry was already conjuring a little plan for himself. He had gotten Ben time with his beloved but now he wanted time with his beloved as well. Love was indeed a fascinating thing for Henry and he couldn’t wait to see Luz again.

While Aaron spoke of his weapons, Henry dwelled in remembering how he had met Luz by total accident the day before when he had come to get Mr. Dubois with Mel. They had met when he burst into the kitchen and he was beyond shocked to have that servant throw him out so sternly. Ironically, it had been infatuation at first sight. He liked not only how intense she was, how beautiful she was but mostly how she didn’t care about his social state and treated him equally right from that minute that she yelled at him. She was indeed fascinating and he wanted to catch a glimpse of her soon enough.

Ben stood awkwardly outside of Camille’s bedroom. Carol had said that he didn’t need to be announced so she just left him there and went downstairs but now that he was actually there, he felt awkward to just knock. Bringing his fist up, he hesitated more than once and then he turned with a flush when he noticed Mel there.

“Just knock sir.” She encouraged gently.

“Is she resting?”

Mel smiled “Believe me... she will be happy to see you.”

Taking a deep breath, Ben nodded and knocked. Camille’s voice came from inside and he opened the door carefully.

“Camille?” He called as he peeked in, finding her sitting by the window.

Her expression brightened up as their eyes met “I’ve been waiting for you, Ben.”

His smiled widened as he stepped in at her invitation. “Forgive me then for making you wait.” He said, with clear happiness, as he closed the door.

“I’ll consider forgiving you.” Camille chuckled playfully, watching as Benedict took a seat across from her with a happy smile.

“How are you feeling?” He asked.

“Good, thank you. And my ankle is doing much better, by the way.”

“Mind if I check on it? Your mother asked me to.”

Camille nodded, pulling her leg up. Ben draped it over his lap carefully.

“Allow me.” He said politely, taking her slipper off before he rolled down her thigh high skin coloured stocking, so he could feel her ankle properly instead of the smooth texture of the fabric.

Once more, he noticed how smooth her skin was and how wonderfully she smelled. He kept focused though. Gently touching at her bone, he noticed when she flinched.

“You still need a few more days of rest.” Ben sighed, helping her get back into her stocking “And lots, lots more of ice. Please try to be patient with this Camille.”

Camille frowned but nodded “I see. It would be easier if I had such... lovely visits every day.” She said shyly.

Ben couldn’t help but to smile “I wish I could come every day. Is that what you are suggesting?”

“Yes.”Camille replied, blushing a bit as Ben beamed.

“I would love that very much. Given that you’re my patient, I would likely come daily anyways.”

“Your patient?” She asked with a chuckle and he nodded proudly.

“But of course and I won’t rest until you’re all well again.” Ben promised, reaching inside the pocket of his jacket “Which reminds me, I believe that these are yours?”

Camille beamed at the sight of her ballet slippers, her only slippers. “Ah... yes, they are. Thank you for bringing them. Does... anyone know?”

Ben shook his head “Our third secret.”

Camille smiled softly “You are far too kind to me. Why... Why do you keep all these secrets? I thought you’d have questions, maybe even opinions, especially about the pants.”

“I don’t make assumptions about anyone, Camille, least of all you.” Ben replied sincerely “I keep these secrets because they’re yours and I’m honoured to have your trust. Besides... pants are not a problem, at least I don’t think so and I’ll share a secret with you now,”

Camille leaned in with interest.

“Most of my patients, in England, are women and do you want to know something curious? Many of them actually wear pants on their daily life.”

Camille’s jaw dropped “Really? That’s... wow. That’s unconceivable here. I mean, I don’t think I ever saw a woman in pants... except for myself.”

Ben smiled “I... I could show you someday, if you’d like.”

Camille beamed and nodded softly “I would like that. I’ve never been to London either.”

“It’s a promise then. As soon as I can get a long vacation, you’re more than welcome to come and visit us in London. With your parents too, of course.” He said, doing his best to keep the conversation proper when he really just wanted her to come.

“You really are a very busy man, aren’t you?” Camille asked softly, noticing how relaxed he seemed now that they sat inside her bedroom alone.

Ben heard her tone and he didn’t quite know what it meant. Nevertheless, he nodded.

“I am.” He replied honestly, looking around her bedroom. It was all so tidy, light, comfortable and pretty. Her bed was big enough to fit almost three women of her size and it was clearly the room of a rich young woman. Nothing was out of detail but Ben could see that despite having it all, Camille wasn’t a spoiled brat like other girls he knew back in England.

“Don’t forget to rest and have fun Ben,” She said gently, touching his shoulder, dragging him away from his thoughts “It’s better for you and your patients.”

He nodded softly, thanking her for the kind words as he reached to touch the hand that was resting on his shoulder.

“Thank you, Camie.” He said gently, the nickname he had thought of coming out spontaneously and he blushed a bit.

“Oh... so that’s my nickname?” She chuckled “I like it but nicknames are just between us, right?”

“Yes. Just between us.” Ben replied, leaning just a bit closer to her. Camille couldn’t help but to look away as his eyes focused on her. They were sweet but intense and she felt ridiculous for blushing.

“I... I want to tell you about those,” She said, motioning for her ballet slippers “Can you handle one more secret?”

“I’ll keep all the secrets you ever want to confide in me.” Ben promised, bringing her hand to his lips for a small, innocent peck.

Smiling Camille, leaning back on her chair and began to tell him about her childhood. As an only child, her parents had not only spoiled her but been strict with her. She had been taught manners from a very early age, had her own professor at home every day and her path was strictly define practically since she could speak. She was meant to be a good-mannered young lady, fluent, classy and perfect marriage material.

“That’s why ballet got in the way.” She said with a sad sigh “I wanted to dedicate more to it than to Geography, History or even French.” She added “Which didn’t please my father at all. I had more talent for ballet than for anything else they’ve ever tried to teach me. I was terrible with both the piano and the violin but ballet was almost... natural to me, Ben. Even in social gatherings, I tried to show other girls about it and ended up embarrassing my parents, as they often say. However, I was stripped out of ballet since I was young so I didn’t get to learn as much as I’d like. What I can do now barely compares to what I’ve lost as I grew up. Most of the moves I’ve learned in books that I kept without my parents knowing but it’s not the same.”

Ben’s fascination over her just grew more and more as she spoke. How could her parents strip her from her dream? As much as his parents were rigid sometimes, both himself and Henry had been blessed with their support over their choices in career, whether it was medicine or the military. Yes, they had been both sent to boarding schools, only for boys, but that was a family tradition and it had provided Ben with a top education before University.

“So, your parents have no idea that you dance in the forest sometimes?”

Camille shook her head “They can never know.” She stated “They’d be furious if they dreamt about it but I can’t just stop. I love ballet.”

“You shouldn’t stop. Ever.” Ben said softly, remembering the first time he had seen her and it had been absolutely beautiful. He couldn’t let give up on her dream but he didn’t tell her that he had seen her dancing that day.

“Thank you Ben. It’s good to have your support.” Camille smiled, squeezing his hand “How about you? Tell me more about you. I speak so much all the time.”

“I don’t mind at all, trust me.” Ben said honestly “I could listen to you all day.”

She blushed at that and thanked him again. “Are you hungry? My tea has gone cold,” Camille chuckled “Maybe I could ask Mel for more and you can tell me about yourself?”

Ben nodded “I would love that.” He said, offering to stand up and look for Mel, which wasn’t difficult to do.

Not meaning to give her trouble, Ben walked with her downstairs to get tea and biscuits, wanting to carry them upstairs himself. The image he found in the kitchen was both shocking and heart warming.

Henry stood beside a woman. Her complexion was much like Mel’s, except that she was curvier but just as beautiful. Though, as soon as Ben heard her voice, he realised that she was far more determined and bossier than Mel. While his brother stood without his jacket and his sleeves rolled up, the woman was nearly exasperated as she tried to teach him how to bake something. Clearly she had been forced to do this, given that he was a guest.

“Be patient with me sunshine.” Henry pouted playfully, truthfully doing the best he could under Luz’s orders but in reality he just wanted to spend time with her.

“Sunshine?!” She repeated in surprise, her eyes widening massively but a mere word in French from Mel made her swallow down her words. “You’re making me late for dinner preparations sir, that’s all.”

“I thought you had agreed to call me Henry, love.”

Ben tried not to grin too teasingly as he saw his brother nearly pleading with big eyes just to have attention while the woman clearly wanted to have get off of her but Henry was never someone to give up easily.

Letting Mel fix the tray, Ben easily picked it up. “You’d better stay here.” He advised her quietly “Please make sure nobody gets hurt.”

Both chuckled as Ben began to head upstairs again. He ran into Aaron on his way to Camille’s room.

“I suppose you already know of my conversation with your father.” He said, standing by the door to his office.

Ben stood tall and nodded “I know perfectly well sir.”

“Have you told my daughter?”

“That’s not my place sir.”

The reply surprised Aaron. He had thought that Ben would take advantage of knowing of his plan to tell Camille and possibly turn her against him. Deep down, Aaron knew that Camille would be upset with his intentions but then she’d easily forgive him for setting her up with someone, especially Henry. He was sure she’d even thank him for finding her a suitable husband.

“I see. I wouldn’t be hopeful if I was you, though, don’t build expectations. She can never be yours, Benedict, or see you like you see her.”

Ben’s insides were boiling at his point but he didn’t want to flip, especially not because of Aaron.

“You don’t have to worry about me sir.” He replied coldly “And I’ll prove you wrong.” He said walking past him with the tray “I am worthy of your daughter and I want her to decide if she can see me as more than a friend and I will let decide if she wants to be mine or not but that will be her decision in due time. Not my scheme, not my decision and not plan. I will do things honestly.” He added ironically, knocking politely on Camille’s door before he stepped in, smiling happily once he saw her there.

“I was afraid you had gotten lost.” She chuckled, ‘Hamlet’ resting on her lap.

“Did you get up Ms. Dubois?” Ben grinned, placing the tray down.

“I might... but just to retrieve our book that was there,” She pointed at her nightstand, which was just a few meters away “I didn’t stand on my foot, doctor, I promise.”

“Hm... I’ll let it slide but just this once if,” Ben smiled, taking a seat next to her “you read to me this time.”

Camille flushed, swallowed nervously “But... certain words... I can’t pronounce them.”

“I’ll teach you.” Ben said with a comforting smile as he poured each of them a cup of tea.

Camille nodded, a bit nervously. She really wanted to impress him so she ended up agreeing. Clearing her throat, she pushed herself closer so they shared the book while she began to read. They had stopped on one of Hamlet’s more famous soliloquies.



Ben was quick to lose himself in her voice. He leaned close, paying attention to every sound that left her lips and, as Aaron’s words filled his mind, he decided not to care. He knew Aaron meant what he said, but Ben meant every word as well. He wouldn't cheat in order to have what he wanted, he'd just do his best to have Camille as his own in her own free will. All he cared about was Camille and, as long as they could spend time together, he knew that would buy him time to prevent her from marrying someone else.

Leaning to peck her temple, her words ceased and they shared a little smile as he took his turn to read, staying until Henry and himself had to leave for dinner with their parents.