Passing as Elias - By Kate Bloomfield Page 0,28

the documents stating that the properties were now in his name. Elizabeth wished they could be in her name, but this was the closest she was going to get. Elizabeth had only packed her clothing, and a few personal items to take to her new home.

In the evening they ventured to the Professor’s home. When they unlocked the door the found that the house smelled slightly dusty. It was in need of a severe clean. George left Elizabeth alone in their new home while he went to collect his own belongings from the Navy base, where he lived while on land. He never spent much time there for he was usually at sea, though he had promised Elizabeth that he would be at home more often now that he had a wife. He also spoke of starting a family immediately, something that Elizabeth had not even considered.

‘When I return from sea, we shall not be parted for a long while. We can begin our lives, and start a family.’ He had said to her on Wednesday night.

George would be departing very early the next morning, and as his wife, Elizabeth was expected to say goodbye to him on the docks in front of all the sailors. He insisted that she wear her nicest dress, and Elizabeth thought that George wanted to show her off to his colleagues.

Elizabeth felt extremely strange when she lay upon the Professor’s old bed. It was intrusive, and the smell upon the sheets reminded Elizabeth of the apothecary, as though Bernard de Bard had gone to bed smelling of herbs, and potions.

When George slid into the covers next to her, and began kissing her neck, Elizabeth felt extremely uncomfortable.

‘This … this does not feel right.’ She had said.

‘What is wrong?’ George continued, running his hand up her bare thigh.

‘It is strange.’ Elizabeth sighed, ‘It feels wrong … in this bed … as though I am offending my Professor.’

‘He left you this house, Elizabeth.’ George said, ‘He expected you to use it.’

Elizabeth did not wish to anger George, and complied with his wish to make love. As a wife it was her duty to give her body to him, though Elizabeth was sure he would respect her wishes if she did not want to proceed. After all, he was a very kind man.

The sex did not hurt as it was their third time being intimate, however it still did not feel good. Elizabeth found it awkward, and intrusive, and always felt dirty afterwards. She did not know what was wrong with her. Was she supposed to enjoy it?

Elizabeth woke extremely early to the Captain shaking her awake. She was confused at first, but remembered that he would be leaving today. She was quite happy to have some time away from him.

Elizabeth dressed while the Captain packed his necessities, and together they took a carriage to the docks where several large ships waited. There were sailors everywhere, saying goodbye to their wives, children, and sweethearts. Some women were crying, and children were clinging to their fathers. Elizabeth thought it must be hard to be away from someone you loved so much. She figured the emotional pain would be akin the hurt she had felt when losing the Professor. She tried not to think about it.

Captain Greenwood cuddled and kissed her upon the dock for several minutes. A few sailors did a double take of Elizabeth as they walked by. This made Elizabeth feel rather good about her appearance – something she had never really cared about before, however, the way they sniggered behind their hands made Elizabeth scowl.

‘Do not worry about the men.’ George smiled at her discomfort; ‘They are amazingly primitive and see women as possessions.’

‘I do not hope you socialize with these men.’ Elizabeth frowned.

‘I only work with them.’ He rubbed her back comfortingly.

A horn sounded somewhere, and Elizabeth wrapped her shawl tighter around her shoulders. It was a breezy morning and Elizabeth felt quite cold.

‘I must go.’ The Captain said.

Elizabeth fixed a sad expression upon her face, which seemed to please George.

‘Be careful.’ She whispered, allowing him to kiss her one last time.

Elizabeth watched as her husband picked up his rucksack and carried it towards the ships. He looked over his shoulder and waved at Elizabeth. She did not stick around to watch him board. Today she would open the apothecary.

~

Elizabeth wasted no time in rushing to the apothecary. She had brought the key with her to the docks, for she had planned on going