Benjamin: A Second Chance

Benjamin Danvers, cousin to Lord Simon Danvers, father of Devlin Danvers, had returned from London to his home and vineyards in Bordeaux nearly a month ago. He was still daily thinking about Lady Olivia a friend of his family. He accepted it was some time since he had thought about his deceased wife Lisette. Oh he had not forgotten her. He would never been able to do that, yet the depth of loss was gone.
After years of mourning, the despair, the cloak of sadness, darkness that had shrouded his life like a heavy dusty curtain had lifted. He rationalized it was because time was passing, but in his moments of self-honesty he knew, he had begun to wish to see Olivia again.
Was it betrayal of the wife he had loved beyond all considerations? The one for whom he had without hesitation surrendered his inheritance of title, wealth, family?
Together they had made a new life, prospered, inherited the vineyard, created his son and heir. So much to look forward to, then suddenly she was gone!
He had sought the assistance of his cousin Simon to whom he was greatly attached in the raising of his son Devlin who now lived with that family in England. He had kept his promise his wife’s request, that their son be educated in England as a gentleman. That he may become acquainted with his grandparents and family.
His son’s attachment to Olivia through their shared love of music must be an influence he thought, but then well, that was not the whole.
Ah Olivia. She made him think of light, of sunshine, of music, of loving a woman physically as a man may.
Acknowledging his feelings he thought of ways to keep her aware of him. He corresponded frequently with her and when in the last letter, she had said how she loathed the cold of winter he decided to invite her to spend the winter here at his chateau, because well…..the house seemed empty and though he did not lack for company he was lonely.
He struggled to come to terms with the thoughts that invaded his peace of mind. The horrific abuse Olivia had suffered when her former husband and Duke became unhinged. A history of events related to him in confidence by his cousin Simon who had been instrumental in removing Olivia from the Duke’s estate following a particularly violent beating.
He could not turn back her life’s clock. He could with patience and loving care invite her to enter a new, different life. He picked up his pen to write before logic questioned his decision.
Time had become important and he wished to spend his coin of time with Olivia!
He was seeking a second chance of happiness.