Barnabas was doing his best to adjust to his new life surrounded by so many people - one of which was his most beautiful bride. If she were to be by his side, he would be able to find happiness even in his discomfort. He tried not to make his pain obvious to her so that she wouldn't worry. After spending so many years primarily alone - his department was small, his office even more so and having lived alone save for the recent edition of his dog Queenie - not having a moment of peace and quiet could wear a man's nerves thin.

Whenever he was feeling irritable, all he needed to do was think of Maeve and he would feel refreshed and overjoyed at being lucky enough to be graced with her love and affection. It was almost as if it were magic, though that notion was ridiculous.

After breakfast, they had decided to talk a walk about the grounds. It was cold and windy, so they were huddled close together to share the warmth. He didn't mind it of course. It was a perfect opportunity to slip his hand beneath her cloak and give her bottom a cheeky squeeze, entirely unseen by anyone who happened to be watching them from one of the house's windows.