Claire waited patiently on a bench that was covered by a long structure in case it rained, plenty of sitting space for crowded days. She didn’t like being left to the side while he had do to all the work of getting them back, but it would have been rude to offer and do it herself. He never would have accepted. Men and their silly pride…

It had been sad enough seeing him wither against her as soon as they were out of the public eye. In the carriage Claire had said nothing, only stroked his hand or hair, his cheek to the side of his neck. That was what she wanted to be for him- a silent aide when it was needed. She was happy to have found how he’d not only listened to her opinion on multiple occasions, however, but asked for it. He valued her mind and thoughts of the world and him, or at least acted like it. That was more she could say for most, even her own father.

Claire looked up as Nick came back looking even more grim than he had before. “Is something wrong?”

[i]"We have a problem. The boats are not sailing tonight. We may have to spend the night here. I know of some places, but... It may not be up to your tastes, so I apologize in advance."[/i]
She knew what he expected. An unlady like pout, or perhaps at best a brave smile and a quiet night that left her disappointed in him. As if he hadn’t provided, or wasn’t being the best husband. Instead Claire grinned widely, picking up the skit of her dress as she stood. “You mean we get to have our honeymoon away from home?” she asked quickly, keeping her positive smile as she grabbed his hand. “This will be exciting, won’t it? Kind of secretive…nobody knows where we are. Almost like we ran away for the night to be alone. I do hate that you won’t take your medication, but it’ll be all right. I’ll take care of you.” She sounded confident, not once looking back at the boat. Yes things would be uncomfortable and not exactly what she was used to, but how could it be?

“Now if I were alone that would be a different story. I’d probably sit right there and cry,” she said, pointing back to the bench as they started back for the carriage. “You said you know of somewhere we could stay? Do they serve dinner?”

Thankfully the place under their new budget was close by, but one look in the windows and Claire knew they were out of place. It had clearly been there for a while, the white paint chipping at the doorway and the brick color faded. It wasn’t in a dangerous area or a ‘poor house’, but just as Nicholas had warned, it wasn’t like anywhere she’d ever stayed.

“Well. This is a memory in the making, wouldn’t you say?” she said as they stepped out of the carriage. As Nicholas paid the driver she took a few steps toward the door but waited for him before going in. “I’m going to look like a pampered child in there. Perhaps we could get the food taken up to our room?” she offered, hoping it was possible. 

It was surprisingly loud inside, not something Claire was particularly used to. The tables were crowded with friends and family, and since it was past dinner time most were drinking a beer or something a little stronger. The smell of alcohol and the haze of smoke that filled her lungs caused Claire to cough, squeezing the hand of his she still held onto. The noise, and probably the look of their attire, got them a few stares without hesitation. By the looks of the building the inn served food at the entire downstairs area and the rooms were up the stairs on the other side of the large room. There was someone playing a fiddle in the corner by the fireplace and multiple women in plain brown dresses with low cut necklines waiting on the tables. It was a nice enough establishment- the bar, floor, and round tables were clean, well kept. Everything was well lit, which had been her biggest fear.

“Um…do you mind if I come with you to get the key and room from the inn keeper?” she leaned in to say close to his ear, knowing her voice wouldn’t carry with the noise around them.