This story was written by myself and a friend of mine, Lisa. I hope you enjoy it.
A beautiful pair of blue eyes crept out from beneath the hood of a threadbare shawl. She again cursed her well-worn shoes. Suddenly she felt the heel on the left give way and she stumbled forward, losing her balance. Her hood came off to reveal her beautiful curly blonde hair, elegant face and enchanting eyes. A small cry of alarm came from her full lips as she began to fall forward.
Frederick left the pub, placing his hood over his head. He had no desire to be recognized here, and his was a face that was easily recognized. He was walking swiftly when a sound made him stop; it sounded like a cry. He almost dismissed it until he spotted the young to his left. He rushed to her side, catching her as she fell to the ground. "Are you all right, miss?" Not knowing if she was ill or hurt, not knowing whether he wanted to even involve himself with a woman in this area he waited to see what she'd say.
"Forgive me, sir," she returned in an elegant tone with regal diction, startling against the local street dialects. Her blonde hair, the few strands that had fallen over her shoulder and out of her shawl, draped down to her waist beautifully. "I seem to have broke my heel and injured my ankle something fierce."
"No need to apologize, miss, if you've hurt yourself. Obviously you couldn't have prevented it." He looked at her in the dim light the streetlamp provided; her hair even in the lack of light was beautiful. "What were you doing out here by yourself anyway?" She didn't appear to be a lady of the night, she didn't talk like one but he could think of no other reason why she'd be here. He looked at her, his icy blue eyes narrowing, as they looked at her the only feature of his clearly visible through his hood. The rest of his face and hair were hidden, as was his normal habit when out in public. Normally he wouldn't have given her the time of day; he would have dismissed her as someone common who was looking for an easy target. But he happened to be in a good mood this evening and so he stood slowly waiting for an answer.
The blonde opened her mouth to reply and then suddenly felt offended. "I beg your pardon sir. I do not know you. Why then should I tell you where I am going? If you'll excuse me..." she tried to move from him and gave a small cry of pain as she applied pressure on her ankle.
He took hold of her arm harshly to keep her from stumbling. "No, you don't know me from Adam, but I'd say compared to the other rogues you could meet in this area who would have let you fall on your face and taken the cloak off your back you could do far worse than myself. I was simply trying to figure out if I should offer you assistance in getting you to wherever you were going. If you don't wish for my help, then I'll leave you to your own devices. The first thing I'd do if I were you is to get that ankle looked at." He released his hold on her arm, wondering why he was bothering to let her get to him. "The decision is yours, miss. I don't make a habit of forcing myself on women to any degree."
She sighed, "actually I was running away." She lowered her head. "My father is attempting to sell me for money to buy more ale. She turned her head at the indignation. "He's driven my family into debt with his bad habits since my mother's been gone these two years." She added after a moment’s pause as she thought, "I really don't know where I'm going."
He breathed in sharply as he analyzed what she had said. "I'm sorry," what exactly he was sorry for he had no idea but it sounded good. His head was screaming she was a foolish girl, but she seemed sincere and though she tried to come across as being proud he could sense she was scared. "Well, given it seems you have few options, unless you are planning on heading in the direction you were. I'm sure there are a number of fine upstanding London citizens in the pub over there who would be happy to give you a place to stay, though you might not be too happy with the rate of exchange in the barter." He pulled his hood back, revealing his shoulder length raven black hair. His face was rugged with hard lines and scars, but there was a softness in it despite his eyes and their ever present icy blue stare. "I could take you to an inn if you'd like, or I could offer you a night free of charge at my home. A warm dinner, a hot bath, a good breakfast and then perhaps we could discuss options for you in the morning." He waited, wondering why he was doing this.
She thought over her options. What else could she do? She bit out softly, "would you please be so kind? I would be very grateful." She offered him a stunning smile a moment later as she clutched her garment about her. They did not match her beauty, nor did they seem to be keeping her warm against the chill of an early spring night's air. "Have you a carriage?" she inquired with a raised brow and her face knitted in concentration. Suddenly she wasn’t so sure if she wanted to be alone with this man whose face was rather scary to look at. Though she had to admit to being curious as to how his face got to be that way. "I'm afraid I won't be much good walking on this ankle," she sighed.
He looked at her curiously asking if he had a carriage. Perhaps she had fallen on her head before he'd come along, but he dismissed it. Even if she hadn't fallen, the fact that her father was trying to sell her could perhaps cause her distress. "I have a coach, miss. Over here, if you put your arm around my neck I'll help you walk. I'm not a doctor, but I've sprained enough ankles in my life that I'll look at it when we get to my home." He saw her hesitancy and took her arm, placing it around his neck. "Come, I'm not going to bite. And I don't see you with too many other alternatives. I'd feel more comfortable having you with me, I'd feel bad leaving you on your own under the circumstances." If she was delirious, he didn't want to risk her wandering around in the streets again. He led her to the coach, helping her in carefully as he instructed his driver to take him home. He closed the door, sitting across from her, his tall, broad figure taking up most of the space. "Do I get the pleasure of learning your name, mayhaps?"
The blonde sighed softly. Obviously he was just like all the other men she had met. He was doing her a favor and now he would expect favors. "Saraphine, my name is Saraphine Marsette. And your is?" She raised a brow in question. She was beautiful, her deep sapphire eyes looked at him curiously, her voice had tones like a songbird.
"Miss Marsette," the name rolled off his tongue with curious ease. "Frederick VonWaggoner, miss." They rode in silence a while, though his eyes never strayed far from watching her. This was not something he normally did, got involved with people. It served him right for meeting that blasted Simpson at that pub, but it was the only place to meet him without drawing overmuch attention to himself. They pulled onto the roadway leading to Frederick's home and he breathed out heavily, not even realizing that he had been holding it. He had been worried now that he thought about it that somehow the girl had been followed. Or that someone had found out he was meeting Simpson and used her as a ploy to get to him. His driver would have led them down the other path had they been followed, so he was confident that it was safe. He handed her out of the coach, helping her walk to the front door. He opened it and led her to the living room to the right of the entryway. He set her on a sofa near the fire, propping her ankle on an ottoman. One of the servants hurried in, surprise obvious on her face that her master had company. "Ah, Mary. Perhaps you could rustle up some dinner for Miss Marsette. I've already eaten. A room and bath water will need to be prepared as well, please Mary." He returned his attentions to Saraphine, removing her shoe. "Pardon my forwardness, miss, but I need to see if it's broken." He applied pressure to her ankle.
She winced a little but the ankle was only sprained not broken. Saraphine removed the hood of her ragged cape and her beautiful hair became visible in all its glory. Both sides were pulled back and fashioned with a jeweled comb; the only thing left of her mother’s. She sighed at the gentle way he probed her ankle. She knew she should be offended, but his touch was so polite it was difficult for her to get upset.
He stood and went to the doorway asking Philip to fetch something for him to wrap her ankle with, coming back he noticed the comb in her hair; it was a beautiful piece. Even he with his little knowledge of female accessories could tell that it was well crafted and would fetch a good price. He wondered briefly how she managed to hold on to it if what she'd said about her father was true. He walked to the door, meeting Philip who handed him a bandage and he returned to her, wrapping her ankle tightly to keep her from moving it. "I'm afraid you'll have to go without your shoes for a day or two, Miss Marsette." He placed her skirt around her foot properly, feeling a little odd at the ease with which the woman allowed him to touch her. Maybe his first instinct had been right and she was a woman of ill repute. He looked up to meet her sapphire eyes with his own ice blue eyes as he removed his cloak. He had a scar on the left side of his face ran from under his eye to his hairline and then down to his ear. Another scar ran along his left cheek horizontally. And yet a third ran down from under his left eye near his nose to his mouth. The right side of his face was unscarred and from that side of his profile one would think he was a handsome man. But it was the left side of his face was the reason that he found himself a bachelor at the age of 42 despite his standing and wealth. Despite his offerings of intellect, loyalty and a true heart, women wanted perfect looks; somehow they seemed to think the scars would transfer to any babes they had together. He opened his mouth to speak as Mary opened the door announcing Saraphine’s dinner had been prepared. He offered her his hand. "It seems your dinner is ready. My staff must be wanting to impress you, had I come home wanting a meal on a moment's notice they would have made me wait for hours." He offered a half smile, his white teeth a drastic contrast from the raven black moustache and goatee he sported.
Saraphine smiled and nodded in Mary’s direction. "I don't think I could have waited for hours, I haven't had anything since breakfast and I'm pretty hungry. I can't thank you enough for your kindness," she sighed. "Anyhow, I thank you for taking me in and I will do whatever I can to repay you for your kindness..."
He led her to the dining room, looking curiously at Mary as he noticed the extra place setting had been set to his left. He poured himself a brandy and a glass of wine for her after helping her sit in the chair. He returned to the table and sat in his chair. "If you tell me where you live I could go tomorrow and fetch your belongings from your home. I don't think your father could best me, few can." He thought a moment. "Do you have skills? Something you can find work with?" Realizing he probably sounded incredibly insensitive, he stopped. "Pardon my inquiry, Miss Marsette. I don't mean to make it sound like an inquisition. I'm afraid I don't find myself in the position of being the rescuer of fair maidens, so I'm not quite sure what to do."
"I don't have a clue either and I, well I don't have any other belongings. As I told you my father was preparing to trade me for ale and I fled. I don't know in the city and I haven’t any skills. I've never had a job, other than to care for my father’s home." She looked at the glass of wine, impressed with his generosity.
He looked at her genuinely puzzled. She had no other belongings yet she knew no one in the city. Did she leave her home with nothing but the dress on her back? How did she get to the docks then? He set his brandy snifter down, bringing his hands to his temples trying to rub the confusion from his head. This was why he avoided women - they made no sense. "No clothes. Well, I can't very well send you out into the world with no clothes and no skills." He sighed heavily. "You have no guardian here? No family or friends?" Why would she come to London if she knew no one. He tried to process all of this, his face breaking into a slight scowl.
Saraphine picked up the glass with trembling hands and sipped the wine. "I know no one here at all. You see I’m not from London. I stowed away in the luggage compartment of someone’s coach and when they stopped I let myself out. That’s how I came to be where it was you found me. You probably think me mad, but I'm not. I mean why else would I be wandering around London, knowing no one and having only what I wore unless I was here by accident?" She posed the question and took another sip of the wine hoping that he would understand her and not do something terrible like commit her to an asylum or something.
He stood from the table and ran his fingers through his hair; his hand pulling the length of it out from his collar briefly then released it loose at his back. She was delirious, that had to be what this was. He turned to look at her scrutinizing her closely thinking perhaps her father had beaten her, but he saw no bruises. He should turn her over to the police or a doctor and be rid of her, but as he glanced to her face and met her eyes he saw nothing that suggested madness. He could tell she was lost and confused, but there was no look about her that suggested she was mad. He noticed her trembling hands and wondered if she was frightened of him. He knew his appearance could be unnerving to some, but he had stopped concerning himself with people's reactions to the image his tall, muscular, scarred figure presented long ago. "Well, it seems I have little choice but to hold the position of guardian until we find someway to get you back," he paused not willing to repeat what she had said. "You've obviously had a trying day, if you're done eating I'll show you to your room and have Mary see to your bath." He looked at her clothes; she hadn't removed her outerwear he realized. "I'll have to see about finding you something more suitable to wear tomorrow until we can get you some clothes."
Saraphine opened her mouth to protest but then thought better of it. "Thank-you. That is very kind of you," she smiled. She finished her meal quickly for she had been very hungry and then she followed the housemaid upstairs to see about a bath. The man she had just eaten dinner with both unnerved her and fascinated her. He made her stomach tense and yet she wasn't afraid of him. She put her thoughts to rest when she heard a sound outside her door.
Frederick knocked on the door to her room, pushing it open slowly. "Miss Marsette," he was relieved that she hadn't begun getting ready for her bath yet. "I'm afraid I have little suitable for a lady to wear, but I've brought you one of my shirts you could sleep in." He set a plain white shirt on her large four-poster bed, judging the fact he was a good bit taller than she was he figured the shirt would at least reach a somewhat appropriate length. He looked from her to the room, realizing it was rather depressing. He so seldom had visitors, and those he did have were men so everything in the house lacked any feminine charm. "Well, if there's nothing else you need, I'll take my leave. My room, should you need anything is the last door at the end of the hallway. I'll send Mary up here shortly so she can wash your things so they're dry by morning and I'll see you at breakfast." He offered her a smile, the first he had offered her so far this evening. She was still quite perplexing, but there was something fascinating about this girl. He thought back to the way she had nervously sipped her wine, as if she had expected him to forbid her to imbibe in it. His brow furrowed slightly.
Saraphine smiled back at him softly, enchanting as a delicate rose after a soft rain. "Thank-you for being so kind to me, milord. Until the morning then," she nodded barely and waited for him to leave her. Once he had she enjoyed a wonderful bath and was thankful for it. She slipped into the shirt and marveled at its design. She climbed into the bed and enjoyed the lavish furnishings. She curled in warm and snug and slept well. The next morning Mary helped her dress and fussed at the state of her undergarments. Then Saraphine made her way nervously downstairs, feeling very self-conscious after Mary's tongue-lashing.
Frederick had been awake for a few hours and eaten his breakfast when Saraphine descended the stairs. For some reason, eating with the girl with the unusual name of Saraphine wasn't something he was ready to do yet. He joined her after Mary had talked to him, mentioning the state of her clothing, particularly her undergarments. He shrugged slightly, trying somehow to settle Mary down who was trying to figure out what kind of girl Lord VonWaggoner had brought into his home. Had she not seen that the girl had slept in the room provided her, she would have been suspicious. Frederick rolled his eyes slightly wondering what kind of gossip was already spreading through his household. It was rare that they had company, at least female company. And he was sure it didn't escape anyone else's notice that she was different. He entered the dining room once again shaking his head at the presumptuous place Mary had set her place setting. "Good morning, Miss Marsette. Did you sleep well? I hope my shirt provided you enough warmth. I know it can get chilly at night in this house."
Saraphine smiled softly and even flushed slightly, "I was very comfortable, thank-you though I'm afraid I've upset your household and I'm not exactly sure why." She sighed. She enjoyed her breakfast. "I apologize if I'm keeping you from something," she said after a few moments.
"Nothing that can't wait. I was going to go visit my parents, but it's nothing that can't wait for a while. Besides, I couldn't in good conscious turn you out with nothing and no means to support yourself.” He brightened slightly, a smile tugging at his mouth. "Whenever you're ready I will take you into town. You've done nothing to upset my household that can't be corrected with the proper attire. You must have left your home in a hurry to leave without," he paused flushing slightly at speaking so intimately to this girl. "It was night, you must have been ready for bed already when you decided to leave?" That was a more tactful way of presenting his question.
Saraphine was going to argue with him but then decided not to and merely nodded. She finished her breakfast and then clung to her garments as they went outside. Suddenly seeing the other women she realized just how awful she looked in comparison to all their rich gowns.
Frederick watched her take in the people they passed by and wondered about this girl. She looked about as if she thought she wasn't a fetching sight to behold. The dress she wore wasn't overly flattering, but it certainly didn't prevent anyone from noticing her fine features. He helped her into the coach, directing the driver to the dress shop his mother used most often when she was in London and entered the coach. "Did you have other brothers and sisters? Are they in any danger?" He shouldn't have asked it, he shouldn't be allowing himself to get involved in this situation. The less he knew about her and her situation the better, he reasoned. But for some reason he found he was curious and wanted to know.
"No, I was an only child thank goodness," Saraphine answered softly. "My father didn't even really want me I don't think, but he got me. But that's another story."
"Not want you?" He stared at her in disbelief. The idea that someone wouldn't want a child was beyond his comprehension. Of course he reasoned there were probably men out there who didn't want children, but that was the way of life. In Frederick's eyes, there was no greater source of pride for a man than his children. Of course, it was easy for him to say that since he had none. He didn't know what else to say so he pushed back the curtained window of the coach to look outside at the London streets as they passed by. When the coach finally stopped in front of the shop, he handed her out of the carriage and offered her arm as they walked to the store. "I'm going to leave you here after I've told Mrs. Roberts what she is to fit you for. You'll probably be here for most of the day, and I'm afraid I've already cast suspicion on you by taking you into my home. I wouldn't want to be the cause of your getting a reputation. Is that all right?" He placed his hand gently on top of the hand she had placed on his arm. "You're not going to run away from me are you?"
"No, no I wouldn't dream of it," Saraphine answered honestly. "Where could I go that would be better than this?" She went with him into the shop. When he returned later in the day he met with messy blonde curls in a beautiful French blue gown trimmed with white lace and navy ribbons. Saraphine was beaming, as he had never seen a woman appreciate a dress before. She turned around at all angles to get a better look at herself.
He leaned against the door and crossed his arms in front of him, a curious smile on his face as he watched her. She acted as though she'd never seen a dress before. He cleared his throat softly to let both of the women know that he had arrived. He talked with Mrs. Roberts briefly before returning to Saraphine. "Well, it appears from Mrs. Roberts' report and your appearance you came by a few dresses that were suitable to my tastes until your gowns can be made. I trust these meet with your approval?" He watched her, his ice blue eyes focusing intently on her wondering what she was thinking. Was she really this naive? She mentioned her father having debts. Perhaps she was so poor that she really hadn't a huge array of dresses to choose from. Though from looking at her now, she would make some of the ladies look like peasants.
"The dresses are beautiful," she exclaimed. "I'd no idea that wearing a dress could be so enjoyable. I feel like a princess." She twirled around again and laughed lightly. "Gowns? You mean there's more?" She looked at the astounding array of dresses that had been purchased for her already and then to him as if she had heard him wrong.
"Of course there's more, Miss." Surely she was joking. He looked at the dresses that she would be leaving with today, and while there were a dozen or so, surely she had to realize that wasn't enough. "What sort of guardian would I be if I didn't provide you the proper clothes? We'll be notified in a week or so to return when the dresses are finished and you'll come back for alterations. Then I can take you with me to my parents' home in Nottingham." He had no idea why he had said that, the thought had crossed his mind earlier at his house. His parents were having a ball at the end of the month. He had planned on spending the month there with his nieces and nephews, but instead found himself taking on the role of guardian for this girl. Perhaps if he bought her the right dresses, the right hairstyle and accessories he could introduce her to a young man whom would fancy her. It was apparent she wasn't planning on returning home, and she couldn't remain with him forever; not without her gaining a reputation that he didn't want to bring on to the girl. He knew how people gossiped, and the fact that he was rarely seen in the company of a woman would only add fuel to it if it were made known she lived with him.
"Oh," Saraphine was pleasantly shocked. The dresses were all loaded away to be taken home and Saraphine and the master of the house with them. Mary whisked Saraphine upstairs to dress her for dinner and hours later she appeared. Her hair was gracefully styled upon her head with a few ringlets in the back still falling to her waist. She had on a green brocade dress. Her waist was cinched like she had never imagined possible and her breasts were pushed up so that she thought they just might tumble from the beautiful gown. It had a v-waist to accent her slimness and the petticoats flared it gracefully to the floor with a trestle in the back for highlight. She stopped at the doorway and flushed. Everything was unfamiliar to her, dressed like this, but it felt amazingly wonderful.
He waited for her in the parlor across the hall from the dining room, hearing the rustle of her skirts and then heard her pause. "In here, Miss Marsette." He stood from the sofa, dressed in a navy jacket and a pair of tan trousers and walked towards her. "You look quite lovely, really. Far more striking than that mouthy young lady I met near the docks last evening." He paused a moment to look at her, his icy blue eyes watching her closely.
She was flushing softly his comments having flurried her senses. Her deep sapphire eyes met his ice blue ones briefly before returning their gaze to the hands folded in her lap.
He nodded slightly; her behavior was so odd. One minute she was speaking in a way he'd never heard a lady speak, and the next she was acting demure. He had to work on her mouth a bit, if he could get her to bite her tongue somewhat with her new wardrobe she would hold appeal. Their plates were set before them, he saw Mary look at him curiously when he had seated her to his left of his own free will. Mary gave Saraphine a slight smile and left the room while Frederick poured them both some wine. "So, you mentioned having no skills. Can you read or write?"
"Yes, my mother saw that I got some schooling before she died. I can read...both in English and French," Saraphine answered cautiously. She ate her dinner politely and with good graces. She sat with the proper posture although she hadn't much choice thanks to the corset. She continued to fidget with the front of her gown until she noticed him watching and immediately thrust her free hand into her lap.
He looked at her incredulously, her fidgeting with her gown attracted his eyes to the front of her gown and her breasts. He glanced up to meet her eyes, no hint of embarrassment or attempt to hide the fact that he had been looking. It certainly wasn't his fault, if she would stop fidgeting with herself as though she'd never worn a gown before he wouldn't think about looking. He smiled and sipped some wine, finishing his meal after setting his glass down. He scooted his chair back slightly, making himself more comfortable and focusing his attention on her. The French he could understand, it could be a necessary and useful language. All right, she knew how to read and speak a language other than English. There were some men who would find a learned woman appealing. He needed to find out what else she knew. "Do you dance? Sew? Read music? Are you familiar with the runnings of a household?" He was toying with her now, of course she would know these things, he knew no woman who didn't. Women were trained from the time they could walk to care for their husbands. He stood to pour himself some brandy, bringing the bottle of wine over to the table with him. He filled her glass and left the bottle on the table.
"I play the piano, and yes I know how to sew." Saraphine answered with a sigh, "I've never learned how to do any beautiful dancing, but I've always wanted to."
He nodded, curious now about whom her parents were that they hadn't taught her these things. She mentioned her mother dying, perhaps she had been ill and her father had assumed she'd always be there for him. "Well, I have two weeks to teach you to dance. Is your ankle well enough for you to learn? And I suppose I should make sure you don't mind me as a dance instructor." He knew this was not normally done, but again he didn't know what else to do. He could bring someone here to the house to teach here, but then that would draw attention to the fact he had an attractive, young girl staying with him that no one seemed willing to claim. That would be wrong, and when it came time for him to find her a suitor he wanted no question about their relationship to come into play.
"I...I suppose I could. It's still a little tender but I think I'd much rather learn to dance than sit around. You will teach me?" She looked excited. Maybe this wasn't so bad after all...
He laughed heartily. "If it pleases you, Miss, I will gladly teach you." He stood and offered her his hand, leading her into the parlor. "Of course we have no music, but I can teach you the steps and then after I think you've gotten them down well enough we'll go someplace where there's music to find out how good of a teacher I am." He shook his head slightly. "If my brothers could see me now they would show me no mercy with their endless ribbing." He held her hand up and bowed slightly, arching his brow and dropping her hand when she made no effort to curtsey. He cursed softly under his breath; he was in over his head. He knew little about the ways of women.
"What? What now?" Saraphine asked dropping her hands totally confused. "Look I have no idea what I'm doing. You have to tell me what it is that you want me to do. I don't know how to dance but I'm willing to learn if you'll be patient and teach me!"
He ran his fingers through his hair. "I will do my best, Miss Marsette. I'm afraid I may not be the most appropriate tutor for the type of teachings you apparently need. Perhaps I should hire someone to work with you. You have a lot to learn in two weeks before I present you to my family. I'd like them to think I'm being responsible in my duties as your charge." He looked at her finally, noticing the look of confusion on her face. "Curtsey's. Do you know how to curtsey? Should we perhaps start there?"
Saraphine's lips parted slightly and she nodded in a daze. There was so much she was going to have to learn if people weren't going to think her totally crazy. "Like this?" she asked trying a curtsey.
"Yes, well, it's a start. But it's more like this." And so it went most of the evening they worked on curtseys. He realized he must make quite a sight trying to curtsey, but he did the best he could. He enjoyed watching her; he had no doubt that when she got the customs of being a lady under her belt she would be quite elegant. "I wish my sisters were here, they'd be much better at this than I am. I'm afraid I enjoy watching the female gender performing these tasks, but I've never taken it upon myself to actually try them." He shrugged slightly suddenly he looked concerned. "How's your ankle? You must think me a horribly thoughtless fool to keep you on your feet for hours when I know full well that you've sprained your ankle. But truthfully, I enjoyed watching you so much I lost track of the time."
"It's okay really," Saraphine smiled and flushed softly. "I mean it's not like I broke it or anything. Really I'm having a wonderful time learning, sir." She tried the curtsey again and this time did it beautifully. Her hair fell over her shoulder in its blonde glory presenting him with a breathtaking view.
"Perfect, and that's the one you will use when you are at my parents' home. Everyone there will be of title, above me. I suppose I should instruct the staff to start setting the table formally for meals so you get acquainted with the way of things as well. I'm afraid you'll find my household rather lax in formalities since it's just me, but when need be my staff is beyond compare. Why they stay with me I have yet to figure out, I guess there's something to say for loyalty. Mary has been with me for ten years, she came to me when she was 13 after her sister left my household to marry a man who worked in another estate. I couldn't bear being the reason a young married couple who was so obviously in love to live apart, so she is now working for them with her husband." He paused slightly taking in her hair flowing freely along her front. He brushed it back gently with his hand startled slightly at the feeling of warmth that rushed through him at such contact.
Saraphine flushed at the contact. "Mary said I should wear it all up when I'm there, if it suits you. So I suppose I won't have to worry about it falling over my shoulder. Do you really think I can do this? I don't want to embarrass myself in front of everyone especially you." Saraphine sighed, "I promise I'll be as diligent as I can about learning these next few weeks until I get it right, if you'll help me."
"Mary knows what should be done as far as your hair and grooming far better than I would, Miss Marsette. But yes, I believe up is the custom. Here at the house, of course, whatever suits you will be fine with me. She will accompany us to my parents', she's well trained in such things and until you have occasion to leave you will consider her your servant. I will instruct her of her new duties tonight and I'm sure that she will be thrilled. She's always wanted a young lady to serve, so I imagine she'll enjoy it while it lasts. Perhaps you would like to do something with your room? Make it more suitable for a lady?" Now he was offering to redecorate his home for her? Of course it was only one room, but still he had no idea what had come over him. He glanced up to meet her eyes, certain that this young girl was going to be his downfall.
"That would be very nice - if you don't mind. Maybe I could get Mary to help me," Saraphine suggested in her softly accented voice. "You are very kind to me. I only hope that someday I can repay you." She curtsied to him gracefully and then laughed lightly her sapphire eyes lighting with elation.
Taken in by her laughter, at the ease with which it came and that she seemed so easily amused he picked her up and spun her around. He laughed heartily, "See I knew you could do it. That was perfect." Suddenly realizing what he had done, he set her down gently though instead of extending his arms and setting her down he wrapped his arms around her and kept her pressed against him as he let her down gently. His eyes met hers, an apology on his lips but for some reason he didn't want to apologize. He realized he still held her in his arms and loosened his hold on her.
"Mm, thank-you," Saraphine replied, blushing all over. "This has been a wonderful day, maybe the best I've ever had. I think maybe I'd better go to bed now though." She fidgeted with her hands and then with a smile turned and fairly fled the room to hurry upstairs and go to her suite of rooms. She was thankful when Mary dressed her for bed and she sighed with satisfaction as she slipped between the covers and was soon claimed by sleep.
Frederick watched as she fled the room, cursing himself for his behavior. He had known her not even a day and he was embracing her. No wonder she fled she probably thinks I have no control whatsoever of myself. He remained downstairs for quite some time, sitting at the harpsichord and playing for hours paying little attention to the fact his fingers grew sore from overuse. Once bored with playing he still felt restless, so he put on his cloak and went to a pub nearby to have an ale or two. One turned into his being gone for the night. He entered the house wanting nothing better than to find his bed and sleep the effects of the ale off. He groaned slightly when he saw Saraphine already sitting at the table. He shed his cloak, handing it to Philip and walked towards the table, smoothing down his clothes somewhat successfully. He rested his hands on the back of the chair he normally sat in. "Good morning. Did you sleep well?" His mouth felt as though it was full of cotton, and he was certain he must smell like he brought the atmosphere of the pub home with him, which was why he remained standing.
Saraphine waved her hands and made a face, "I slept fine. Or at least better than you did." She giggled lightly, “it looks as though you slept in your clothes. I can wash your things for you if you need me to.” She was used to taking care of her father in this state and she was just going by what she knew.
He made a face trying to once again decipher what she was saying. He went over to the side table, poured himself a brandy and then sat in his chair watching her for a prolonged period of time before he spoke. "Miss, I don't know what manner of speech this is you use. I guess I should assume you're referring to my current state, and I assure you I'm quite well. I managed to walk home of my own accord. As far as cleaning up, you're here as my guest - my ward. I would never ask you to lift a finger while you're a guest in my home. I imagine that once you've been properly trained it won't take long for a young man that meets your requirements to snatch you up and then you will no longer have a need for my guardianship."
Saraphine frowned at him a lack of comprehension painting her face. "I beg your pardon? What did you just say? I don't believe I'm catching on," she looked puzzled.
"Well, isn't that what you want? I mean, what any girl wants? Surely you realized I'd be bringing you with me to royal functions - balls, dinners, parties - and there will be young men of an appropriate age and appearance who I'm sure will find you appealing. I just expect you to listen to me if I tell you to stay away from a few of them; there are a few than can be quite smooth with the ladies. But they're not looking for wives, and I wouldn't want you to fall victim to their charms. Gossip spreads quite quickly in the royal circles."
Understanding dawned on Saraphine's features. "Oh, a husband. I can't help but look forward to the dinners and parties and I promise to try and do my best..." She smiled. Then she got up from the table and brushed her hand across both his shoulders as she walked past. She went out into the garden. It was a beautiful spring day and having gotten a book from his library she settled in a rod iron chair in the beautiful courtyard garden. Letting her hair down so that it fell most attractively around her she settled to read while she listened to the songbirds and the noise from the street beyond the rod iron fence, which was covered with climbing roses.
He watched her curiously as she left the room, she had touched him so easily that he couldn't help but be affected by it. Women just didn't do that where he was concerned, it seemed in his experience most were too frightened of him to. Suddenly very tired, he retired to his room leaving instructions with Mary that if the lady wished to go to town for some things for her chambers Mary was to accompany her and put any purchases on credit. Sleep didn't come easily to him. His quarters ran the whole width of the house, and one of his windows offered him a view of the garden. Instead of sleeping, he found himself standing in his window for quite some time glued to the spot watching as she read. What a fascinating woman she was. She not only read, but from appearances she enjoyed doing it. He ran his fingers through his goatee, smoothing it down as he went from the window. His manservant, Oswald, woke him for dinner hours later. Cursing slightly for having slept overmuch, he bathed, shaved and dressed quickly hoping the woman wouldn't think him too horribly rude. As it turned out, she wasn't even home. He went into his music room and sat on the harpsichord to await her return. For some reason it seemed wrong to start dinner without her. With a heavy heart, he found he also realized that he hoped she did in fact return.
A chorus of laughter accompanied the opening of the front door from both Mary and Saraphine. “Delightful, positively delightful miss," Mary commented cheerily. Saraphine found Frederick in the music room and hands behind her back she swayed slightly from side to side, enjoying the movements of her skirts. "I believe I outfitted my suite all in one afternoon. Mary's spoiled me royally I fear and I hope you won't be upset that we were so extravagant. Everything was so beautiful I couldn't resist. It's going to take me days to set it all up!" she laughed lightly. When she noticed him watching her she finally stopped her swaying and moved her hands to the front to fidget nervously.
"You're quite fine, Mary had her instructions. She wouldn't have gone against my wishes." He nodded at Mary, dismissing her to see after the purchases being brought in. He stood and walked slowly towards her, placing one of his large hands on top of hers. "You're quite beautiful when you're not fidgeting, Miss Marsette. Do I frighten you?" He scowled slightly, his blue eyes watching her closely. He hoped that was not the case, certainly he wouldn't go out of his way to be kind to her just to harm her. Unless she thought he'd expect liberties from her in exchange for his kindness, she had made mention of repaying him. Perhaps she thought that's what he expected.
"No you don't frighten me, it's the idea of being improper that bothers me. I've set myself to trying to fit in but I fear it's hopeless and every time I try to do something and impress you I get hopelessly nervous and before I know it I have a stomach full of butterflies." She blushed bashfully.
"Butterflies," he looked at her curiously. Certainly she couldn't be serious about what she said. "I'm afraid I don't understand exactly what there is to be nervous about. I'm quite an easygoing man, at least I've been told that. I hope you will allow yourself to be at ease with me, this is your home for now." He brought her hands to his lips, kissing them politely. "What did you buy today? Will you show me?" He raised an eyebrow slightly, he was genuinely interested in getting to know this woman and he knew one way would be to see what she had purchased. It would be nice, he realized, to have a feminine influence on his estate. He had noticed even in just the short time she'd been there the servants had carried themselves differently. It was almost as if they worked more efficiently with her present. He found himself curious as to how she would run such an estate, the thought not overly offensive.
"Sure I'd love to," she eagerly walked with him to the stairs and then carefully lifted her skirt to ascend the stairs gracefully. She led him to her suite past the staff who was moving the furnishings no longer needed there to other rooms in the house. "I kept the bed of course. This four-poster is so beautiful. Then I found some beautiful lace curtains to hang at the French doors here, both sets. These pretty little rod iron holds were on sale and see they'll go here at the side and when the doors are open or you want all the light to come in you just tuck the drape behind there like that." She smiled, pleased with herself. "Then I found this beautiful desk for practically nothing and I had the little chair here refinished in this fluffy down and this white velvet. Then I got this vanity and bench so I'll have somewhere to sit while Mary does my hair. I got this plum satin down comforter for the bed and new silk sheets to sleep on. I even found these two pretty pillows with the cute little tassels here to go on top. I ordered a white chaise for my sitting room too, but it isn't ready yet of course." She turned about hands out as if to display everything. "So what do you think?" she smiled.
He smiled at her enthusiasm, it was so pleasing to him to see her excited about something he found rather dull. He walked around, touching the desk, the comforter, the sheets, looking at the curtains and rods a smile crossing his lips. "I think the Lord VonWaggoner estate will be greatly improved by your purchases. Perhaps I should ask you to see to some of the other rooms of the house, add some accessories. Make my home look more lived in. I have a dozen rooms I've probably never set foot in, I'm sure they could use some work." He realized what he was saying and stopped talking. He turned to face her, "Who are you?"
She looked at him suddenly alarmed and slightly frightened. "I told you yesterday my name is Saraphine Marsette." She took a small step back and gasped as she bumped against the desk, trapped.
He walked towards her, not wanting her to escape. "Yes, I know your name. But where do you hail from? Are you a witch? I've never met anyone like you. I don't understand how you can read and write and know music, yet seemingly have no clue as to the simple customs of your people. Has someone paid you to get close to me? My only problem with that scenario is I don't know how anyone would know I'd find you so damned tempting."
Saraphine began fidgeting again. "No, I don't know anyone here at all. I'm not a witch I'm just terribly lost!" She looked at him, sighed and turned her head. "Never mind, this doesn't make a bit of sense to you and now you really probably think I'm crazy or a witch." She began to sniffle but then stiffened up she wasn't about to cry in front of him. "Anyhow I'm here now, I know no one here except for you I can't tell you anything other than the truth as it is to me,” she sighed.
"Yes, well, I think you're confused, you've experienced a shocking experience and maybe you just don't trust me enough to tell me the complete truth, which is fine I don't blame you." He backed away from her, rubbing the scar that ran along his cheek with the back of his hand. It was going to rain; he could always tell when the old wound started bothering him. "I'll leave you to tend to your arrangements then until dinner and we begin our dancing lessons. I have one request of you, though before I go." He turned away from her, raking his fingers through his hair. "Please work on your fidgeting."
Saraphine opened her mouth to oppose then dropped her shoulders. "I'll try milord," she replied. What in heavens name was she supposed to do when she was nervous if she couldn't fidget? She dropped the matter a few minutes after he was gone and returned to fixing her suite. It didn't take her nearly the week she thought it would and with the staff's help she was finished by dinner. When she appeared for dinner she had on a gown of deep blue. It had an empire waist and a sheer overlayer that gave it sort of a Greek goddess flair to it. Her hair was in a cascade of curls starting up at the tiara delicately placed on her head and reaching to just past her shoulders. Mary had done an amazing job. At her throat she wore a piece of ribbon due to a lack of jewelry to make the off the shoulder dress look its best. She stood there smiling at him wondering with great curiosity just what would happen next to her.
"Ah, you made it just in time." He walked towards her in a pair of black trousers and a dove gray jacket. He took her hands in his, bringing them to his lips for a gentle kiss. "You look magnificent, it's almost as if Mrs. Roberts had made the gowns for you they fit you so well and are very becoming. Would you care to join me for dinner then, Miss Marsette?" He bowed politely, releasing her hands after glancing upon them once more. Her hands were so small and pale compared to his, of course they would be he reasoned. But he had never really paid attention to such things before. He met her eyes and smiled slightly.
Saraphine smiled back and placed her palm atop the back of his hand for him to lead her to dinner. She sat down gracefully, light as a feather. Dinner was served and once they had been eating for a while she asked. "So what is it that you do milord? What allows you to bestow such amazing gifts on me?"
"My gifts aren't really that amazing, Miss Marsette. I just like to see beautiful women dressed accordingly, and I've yet to find one who would allow me the pleasure until you." He took a sip of wine. "As far as what I do. I oversee several of my father's businesses as well as his properties since he's no longer here in London. I dabble in quite a few things; I'm on the board at two of the local theaters as well as the library. I have a few ships that I'm in charge of, too. Perhaps the next time one of them is in port if you're interested I can take you on a tour. Or if you'd prefer tickets to a play, I believe they're performing one of Marlowe's works currently."
"Oh a trip to the theater would be marvelous!" Saraphine exclaimed with wonder. "I always imagined being able to do such things!" She ate dinner ravenously and then went with Frederick to the parlor to continue their dancing lessons.
They worked on the variations of the waltz that evening; Frederick impressed with the ease in which she allowed him to lead her. That made for a wonderful dance partner. He had danced with so many women who seemed to want to take charge when on the dance floor; it was refreshing to find one who did not. When he thought she was doing well enough to break for the rest of the evening, he continued holding her in his arms. He held her eyes for a moment with his own and bent to kiss her. His lips were gentle but insistent as they met her lips, one hand reached up under her chin to keep her from pulling away.
At first Saraphine gasped but then as he continued to kiss her she began to kiss him back. Finally, she had to breathe and they parted only slightly. She was dazed and sagged in his arms, a beautiful flush to her cheeks. “What was that for?”
He brushed his thumb against her cheek. "Such a thing to say. I'm not sure if that's encouraging or if that's replacement for a slap. Either way, however, I feel I must apologize for such behavior." He kissed her forehead politely, his hand reaching around to the back of her head so his fingers could run gently through her hair. He didn't want to let her go though he knew he should. He should leave the room and tell her to bar her chamber door that evening, but he couldn't voice such things not without having to apologize further.
"No please don't apologize," Saraphine said breathily. "It was nice, it was more than nice." She was swaying in his arms. "I think I'm a little - maybe I should sit down. I've never been kissed like that before."
"You've had a long evening, perhaps you should go upstairs and Mary can help you get ready for bed. I imagine getting out of your constricting," he paused searching for the polite wording, "clothing would help. I would have to agree with you though, it was very nice." He turned and walked to the door to call for Mary, turning to her before opening the door. "I don't mean this as an insult, but I really don't make it a practice of kissing women very often. So I guess before it happens again, and I think that it might, I should inquire as to whether you have a betrothed or a husband. I assume by your mention of living with your father you don't have the latter."
"I'm not in any relationship," Saraphine replied diplomatically, "yet." She smiled and then kissed him on the cheek, quickly catching him off guard before she hurried upstairs to wait for Mary. She was all smiles and excitement and it took her a long while to go to sleep. The next morning she had already had breakfast before he woke and she was reading a book of etiquette out in the garden. She had on a baby pink gown with ruffles in all the right places of soft sheer material. She looked very much like a Duchess in her serene beauty.
He ate breakfast and after talking with Mary and Oswald about the upcoming day and went to meet Saraphine in the gardens. "Put a pair of spectacles on you and you could pass for a librarian or a school teacher." He looked over her shoulder at the book she's reading. "Tutoring yourself I see. Am I failing that miserably?"
"No I don't want to fail that miserably," Saraphine replied. "I figure I can use all the help I can get if I'm going to pass for a lady in this titled circle."
"Mm." He rested his hands on her shoulders politely. "Stick by me and I think you'll be fine. I'm not exactly the finest specimen of Lord's either." He walked around her and sat in a chair. "I'm one of the black sheep of our circle I'm afraid. So having you walk in on my arm should provide quite a row among the others." He paused slightly. "Are you sure you'll be all right with that? The women will ask you questions. Where we met, where you're from, where you live. I'd like very much to take you as my date, but that would bring into question our living arrangements. But after last night I'm afraid I don't think I like the idea of going under the pretense you're my ward and have other young men try to woo you." He paused, "And they will, I have no doubt about it. It's not your mannerisms that worry me; you are a natural lady, Miss Marsette. It's obvious in how easily you learn your lessons."
"Well then tell me what to say and that's what I'll tell them," Saraphine replied. "My mother always said a smart person is one who realizes when they're not the most knowledgeable at something."
"Well, Mary and Oswald will be the only two servants accompanying us, so it depends on how you'd prefer accompanying me. If you'd like to be my date, then Mary and Oswald will be instructed to hold their tongues. If, on the other hand, you'd prefer to get your feet wet in society life and weigh your options. A girl like you, Saraphine, could do far better than myself and I certainly wouldn't want you to close your eyes to other options because I kissed you."
"Okay," Saraphine said as if in disbelief. She sighed and with a shake of her head went back to her book. Two weeks saw them one day before departure. Saraphine had sent Mary for her gowns and kept them secret wanting to surprise everyone. She had perfected behaving like a Lady so that when she descended the stairs to dinner that evening in a black and white formal dress with her hair in a French roll, she looked every bit a Lady save her obvious lack of jewelry. "My, my but she is lovely," Mary said only loud enough for Frederick and Oswald to hear as Saraphine descended the stairs.
Frederick turned his attention from Saraphine to Mary scowling slightly at her comment then met Saraphine at the stairs and led her to the parlor before going to the dining room. "You look lovely, really. But I'm afraid it's not quite good enough." He paused slightly, knowing he was taking the chance she'd be insulted by his comment but he wanted to toy with her a little. She had come along amazingly well, and he would be proud to present her to his parents and siblings in a few days time.
"What's wrong?" Saraphine immediately asked, wanting to please. She checked to make sure her hair was all still in place and began to look over her dress as much as she could with her corset keeping her ramrod straight.
"It's nothing you've done, my dear. I'm sorry, I shouldn't tease you so cruelly." He helped her sit on the sofa and presented her with two gifts. "I hope it meets with your approval." He watched as she unwrapped the gifts, opening the first jewelry box to reveal a pearl choker and a pair of pearl earrings. The second, smaller box contained a beautifully set pearl ring. He watched closely, hoping he had not gone overboard.
Saraphine was frozen with awe and surprise. "Oh Frederick they're beautiful. This is so pretty so wonderful I don't deserve them. Thank-you." She moved and kissed him quickly on the cheek. "Would you, would you put the necklace on please?" she asked shyly as she put the earrings and ring on herself.
"Of course," he took the choker and fastened it. He smoothed down her hair, then pulled it back with one of his hands. He kissed her neck just above the choker, his hand going to her cheek lightly moving her head so that he had better exposure to her neck. He released her hair, placing his arm around her waist. His breathing grew heavy. "You smell wonderful."
"Thank-you milord, as do you. You flatter me more than I deserve," she replied eloquently. Over dinner she bubbled with excitement about their upcoming trip. "I can't wait to meet your family. Do you think they'll like me? Find me suitable? Is there anything I'm not doing right? Something I need to know?"
"You'll be fine. My father and brothers will love you, you will be asked to dance with them I'm sure and you need to accept. You would insult them if you said no, as my guest they will treat you as part of the family. Mother will be cold towards you, but it will be a test. My sisters will more than likely be jealous of you, they're twins and both still single you see. And I'm afraid they're going to take one look at you and realize that as long as you are around they stand little chance of gaining the attentions of the other man at the ball." He shrugged. "Needless to say, I will find it more than amusing. I've never quite fit in, family is important but I wouldn't marry the woman my father arranged for me to marry."
"Oh," was all Saraphine answered with. The next morning she was dressed half asleep in order for them to leave on time and once in the carriage she soon fell asleep on Frederick's shoulder. She wore the beautiful black velvet cape he had given her and she looked beautiful in it, a few strands of her blonde curls hanging out in the front down to her waist. She was asleep like a comfortable little angel.
Three nights they spent at inns, finally arriving at his parents on the fourth day. Frederick was having a difficult time figuring out how he felt about Saraphine. The thought of her dancing with other men made his skin crawl, but he couldn't help but feel she could do much better than him. But she kissed him willingly, even if it was only on the cheek it was still something. That had to mean something. He woke her when they turned onto the road that signaled the beginnings of his family's land. They still had miles to go, but he figured she would enjoy seeing what encompassed his family's properties. They passed through two villages before finally turning onto the road and passing through the gates that led to the VonWaggoner estate. He breathed easier when they were in familiar territory. When they arrived, Saraphine was quickly removed from his presence to be shown to her quarters, he presumed near his sisters' rooms. He wouldn't see her again until dinner, as he would spend the day with his father talking about business. He was confident in her ability to fit in with his mother, sisters and sister in-laws, as Mary had taught her how to sew and do the other things ladies of the court did whenever men weren't around. Frederick didn't know what else they did, nor did he want to know. He imagined, however, when his mother wasn't present the younger girls spent their time talking about men. He wondered if he would be a topic of conversation in the room today, making a note to ask his brother Peter's wife, Sabrina later. Soon, but not soon enough, it was time to get ready for dinner. Frederick ascended the stairs towards his suite followed by two of his brothers. The day had gone relatively easy, questions regarding Saraphine he managed to answer adequately while still remaining vague in his responses. Dressed formally for dinner, he descended the stairs from his suite and went into the parlor with his father and brothers where they sat waiting for the women to arrive.
Saraphine was the last to walk down the stairs. She had on a lavender gown with an overlayer that shimmered and sparkled. It was barely on the shoulders with an attractive v-neckline. The pearl choker and earrings made her even lovelier. Her hair was in a gorgeous updo full of curls and nestled at the front was a small, elegant tiara. Sabrina smiled fondly at Saraphine. She liked the blonde already just from having spoken with her this afternoon.
Frederick stood upon her entry and began walking towards her but was beaten by his younger, more persistent brother, Max. Max was almost the direct opposite of Frederick. Where Frederick was tall, broad shouldered and well built with his dark hair contrasting drastically with his blue eyes, Max was tall and lean with dark blond hair to go with the VonWaggoner blue eyes. In fact, as Saraphine looked at the family she noticed they all had the same color eyes as Frederick’s father. Unlike Frederick, Max was clean-shaven and sported short hair. He was also younger than Frederick. He offered Saraphine his arm with a slight smile. "Allow me, Miss Marsette. Please say you'll sit next to me. It's been so long since I've been to London and Freddie never fills me in on anything that goes on." Frederick's eyes pierced through his younger brother when he turned his attentions from Saraphine briefly to look in the direction of his oldest brother. He met Frederick's sinister gaze with a callous shrug. Turning his attentions back to Saraphine. "Surely you must have some interesting stories for me to hear. London cannot be nearly as boring as Freddie makes it out to be." He held out a chair for Saraphine when they got to the dining room, his smile genuine hoping she would take the offered seat.
Saraphine felt helpless and took the seat hoping to avoid conflict and confrontation. The last thing she wanted was for Frederick's family to think ill of her. She sat and smiled. "Really it's nice but not all that interesting to me. I like the courtyards the best. Though I haven't yet been to the theater or the opera," she replied politely and smiled. She looked to Frederick quickly hoping he was not mad at her.
It was a large gathering, Frederick had 2 brothers in addition to Max and his twin sisters as well as his two sister in-laws and a dozen nieces and nephews who were seated away from the adults in another room. His father, George, sat at the head of the table, his mother at the opposite end of the table with Frederick seated to his father's right. He couldn't even see Saraphine from where he sat because she and Max sat on the same side of the table as he did at the other end. He had no idea if it was intentional or not, but Max had placed Saraphine closer to his mother than Frederick would have. His mother wasn't a bad person, but she liked to appear cold and aloof at first to see how people reacted to her. If they were pleasant to her without getting rude or uppity, she then warmed to them on their next visit. That's just how she was. A better mother the six of them couldn't have asked for, though. Dinner seemed to take forever for Frederick and when it was finally over he heard Max mention to Saraphine showing her the music room, Frederick had had enough. "Enough," he announced just a little too loudly. Loud enough that everyone stared at him. He clenched and unclenched his fists slowly. "You don't need to monopolize the young lady's time all evening, Max." His eyes narrowed, his jaw tightened and though it was obvious who his anger was directed at it was obvious one would not care to be on the receiving end of one of his tongue-lashings. He turned to Saraphine. "Unless of course, you'd like to see the music room, Miss Marsette. Forgive me for being presumptuous."
"I'd appreciate it if you'd give me the tour. I'm sure that I've bored Max to death already and I don't wish to further obligate him to boredom. He is being so wonderfully attentive. Perhaps you could show me something else at a later date Max?" Saraphine offered diplomatically.
Max smiled, but the smile was not for Saraphine instead it was for Frederick. He glanced back to Saraphine. "I would be happy to, Miss Marsette. But somehow I highly doubt that will be necessary." Max chuckled lightly, while the girl was very pretty and obviously from their brief dinner conversation well read he was really trying to gauge Frederick's feelings for this girl. While Max was 14 years younger than Frederick, he couldn't recall Frederick ever bringing a woman to the Nottingham estate before. Regardless of the occasion. Max's intentions were also in part for Saraphine's benefit. He knew Frederick would have sat the girl as far away from their mother as was possible without sitting at another table, and Max had sensed that this would be unwise with this girl. He bowed politely, tossed Frederick another smile and left the dining room. Frederick felt like he was on display because the rest of the family was still seated at the table. He quickly took Saraphine by the elbow and after politely making their excuses left the dining room. He led her to his favorite room in the house, the chapel. He handed her into one of the pews and sat in the pew in front of her. For some reason he felt completely at ease with her after only knowing her barely three weeks and placed one leg on the pew bench, his arm along the back and looked at her. "You survived my sisters I see. Are you regretting ever meeting me yet?"
"No, they're delightful. They've decided I'm just what you need and try as they might to unmask me you obviously prepared me well and I think I passed with flying colors." Saraphine smiled, "your family is charming Frederick. I can see where you get your loving heart from."
"That must be Sabrina you've been talking to. She's been hell bent on getting me married for over ten years now. Meanwhile, she's got six children and one more on the way. As wonderful as they are I'm sure glad that they aren't mine at the end of the day. That's a lot of mouths to feed and I'm afraid I'm a bit more of a rogue than my brothers are. I'm not afraid to pick up a sword and defend what I think is right or mine, where my brothers would rather settle things with a pen and exchange of words. My parents and both my brothers were married in this chapel." He paused to look around him. "We have a cousin who was a priest and we would have services here for the family rather than have to transport everyone to a church. I used to come here to think, or ask God for answers. I don't know that I ever gotten any answers but I got a lot of thinking done in here."
Saraphine smiled, "This place is absolutely beautiful. I'm sorry about dinner. I would have felt better with you but I didn't want to ruin my chances with your family already. It's very important to me what they think about me, because it's pretty important what you think about me." She took a long pause and then looked at him, trembling slightly. "I want to be your date Frederick."
He closed his eyes those six words feeling as good as a caress at the moment. He swallowed hard, his throat feeling suddenly dry. "Are you sure, Saraphine? I mean, if you're worried about Max he was just testing me." He shook his head. "Don't get me wrong, your words are the most pleasant words I've heard in years. I just don't want you to act in haste because you like my family. They'd like you regardless."
"No, it's not that," Saraphine answered. "It's you, the way you are and the way you are to me. The way you make me feel when I'm with you." She reached out and touched his cheek.
He stood suddenly feeling slightly odd talking about this subject in what was his family's house of God. Taking her hand he led her from the chapel to a window opening nearby. There was a bench for them to sit on and it offered them privacy without being in an enclosed room together. He allowed her to sit while he stood, his broad shoulder leaning against the thick wall. "I appreciate your compliment, my dear. But you must understand my hesitancy. I met you while you were running away from a father who was going to sell you in exchange for ale. The clothes you wore were essentially rags. I haven't been overly kind to you, at least from my vantage point. I'm not making fun of you, nor am I trying to suggest I'm not very pleased with your desire to be with me this month as my date. Because I can tell you I would have challenged anyone to a joust in no time that tried to offer you his hand in marriage. But I just want you to be sure that you're not mistaking my taking care of you for something deeper."
"No," Saraphine answered. "It's not that, it's those times when we're just talking. It's the way the world stands still when you kiss me. It's the way you sat up with me half the night because I couldn't sleep during that thunderstorm. It's all the little things you do. The things that cost you nothing but mean so much to me."
He knelt before her on one knee and took her hands from her lap. "I'm glad to know it's not just me that happens to when we kiss. It was almost as if I'd never kissed anyone before." He reached up with one hand, placing it gently against her cheek bringing his mouth to meet hers. He kissed her intensely, so overjoyed at her revelation he allowed himself to get carried away with the moment. His tongue traced the edge of her lips, tempting her to open her mouth in response so that he could meet her tongue with his. He stood, pulling her to him without breaking the kiss a low groan leaving his throat as he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her to him. Though he could have kissed her like that forever, he knew that he had to stop. He broke the kiss hesitantly, his breathing broken.
At just that moment Saraphine sighed giddily and then passed out in his arms due to the breathing restrictions caused by the corset and heady from his kiss.
He cursed lightly under his breath, he hadn't really thought of her being so delicate. But apparently she was like most women after all. He picked her up effortlessly, bracing her against his chest as he carried her down the corridor up the stairs to her chambers asking Sabrina to send for Mary to get her ready for bed. Sabrina hesitated briefly in the door and as he set Saraphine on the bed he turned to Sabrina and scolded her harshly. "Come now, Sabrina, if I was going to ravish her do you think I'd bring her here to her room knowing you and my other sisters would see or hear me. Be reasonable. Unless you plan on undressing her yourself, Mary needs to be gotten. She passed out, I'm assuming when she comes to she'd like it to be to a more familiar face then one she just met hours ago she sees." Sabrina nodded her head and did as bid, there was no use arguing with him and she knew it. She really wasn't worried about him doing anything unkind to the girl, but she was worried that if others found out he had brought her to her chambers others would think unkind thoughts about the girl she had quickly grown fond of. She returned a few minutes later with Mary and Frederick left after instructing Mary to stay with her until she came to. He returned downstairs where he poured himself a brandy and sat with his father and brothers by the fire. He wasn't in the mood to talk about business at the moment, so he just sat and listened to the four men talk. He was the last to retire that night, hoping Mary would come down and tell him Saraphine had come to. When she did not, he eventually went to bed. He woke in the morning and after shaving and bathing, made his way downstairs stiffening slightly when he saw Max once again engaging Saraphine in conversation. He bit his tongue and took a deep breath. "Good morning, Max. Miss Marsette. I'm glad to see you're well. You gave me quite a scare."
Saraphine flushed with embarrassment. "I'm sorry that was so silly of me. I told Mary not to do me up so tight this morning. It's really not important to me whether I'm a 20 or a 21; so long as I can function I'm happy. I trust you slept well, milord? Max was just telling me all about your gardens and that you have stables here. I'd love to see it all if we get the chance."
He scowled slightly. "Your corset was too tight? And here I thought it might have been my kiss that caused your light-headedness. I guess I'll have to try harder next time." He chuckled lightly. "The stables? I can take you there after we've eaten if you'd like to. We have plenty of sidesaddles for you to choose from if you ride."
Saraphine's eyes sparkled. "I believe, milord, that you know as well as I that I would not have needed the extra room in my corset had not your kiss set my heart to fluttering and made my breathing erratic." She paused and thought on the rest of what he had said. "Actually I'm a very poor rider, unfortunately, but I do love to look at the horses," she finally replied with a smile. She wasn't going to allow him the upper hand in anything.
He laughed lightly. "Well, we'll see what we can do about making you into an above poor rider." He noticed the amused look on Max's face and shot him a look indicating he was not overly amused by his brother's behavior. After breakfast, he took her out to the stables and after talking with one of the workers Frederick helped her onto a horse that had been fitted with a sidesaddle for her. The horse was a beautiful white animal with spots of brownish-red and Frederick had been assured she was suitable for a beginner. "I've been guaranteed she's gentle. We'll just ride for a short while, if you're not accustomed to riding you'll be sore on the morrow from using muscles you never dreamed existed." He kissed her hand once she was adjusted in the saddle, handing her the reins. He mounted his horse, almost the exact opposite of hers in coloring being he was dark brown with a few spots of white. They spent about an hour riding, he instructing her on how to rein the animal in, slow her down, speed her up. He remained by her side most of the time; one exception when his horse decided it wanted to stretch its legs. He returned to her side a few minutes later apologizing. When they returned to the stables, the staff was gone more than likely for lunch he realized. He helped her down from the horse, holding her close against him as she slid down. He was tempted to kiss her again, but decided against it at the last minute. He showed her how to cool down and brush the animals and gave her a bag full of crushed oats to put around the animal's snout. "You'll have a friend for life now." He put his hand at the small of her back, his other hand stroking the animal's head. "You're so beautiful, Saraphine. I sometimes wonder wherever you came from if you weren't brought here for this purpose. To have me admire you, care for you, love you."
Saraphine smiled. "I'm beginning to wonder the same thing. You make me feel Frederick, I think I like it."
"Oh, Saraphine, you make me feel things I never thought I'd have the pleasure of feeling. I've often gone over things in my mind and wondered if I should have done as my father wished twenty years ago and married the girl he wanted me to marry. She was the daughter of an Earl; her family's land borders ours. It would have made our family combined one of the most powerful in the area. But I couldn't do it, I held out thinking that true love really existed." He sighed. "A month after I should have been married is when I got wounded in battle and this scar as a result. Ever since then women have been scared of me, I've gotten a bad reputation I'm afraid regarding my temper. And many think that my fierceness on the battlefield carries over to my actions in my bedroom." He blushed slightly embarrassed. "I apologize I shouldn't have said that. But you don't even seem to notice it,” he gestured to the scar. “Or at least if you do you don't fear me. So I wonder if you're whom I was holding out for. I don't normally go to the docks; I was meeting someone trying to sell me information about one of my ships' workers. I feel that God had a hand in our meeting. And I'm pleased that you addressed me by my first name."
"Maybe it was destiny," Saraphine smiled and then reached up and traced her hand along one of the scars on his face. "Frederick. I like using your first name and I never notice this." She looked at him and then rose up and kissed him.
He kissed her intensely wrapping his arms around her waist as he pushed her back against the stable wall. As one hand reached to caress a breast through her dress he broke the kiss seeking the side of her neck and her ear giving her the chance to voice her displeasure at his forwardness. But he was unable to help it, she was far too tempting and if the stable hands came in they would never say anything. He groaned slightly as he realized how aroused he had become embarrassed that she could tell and think him inexperienced in such matters.
"Frederick," she gasped softly. "Please no more. I'm frightened, I've never - never done this before. I’ve never even been kissed before you." Her breathing was ragged, it was obvious he was effecting her deeply.
He dropped his hand as he kissed her ear lightly, "I'm sorry, I'm afraid I allowed myself to get carried away." He kissed her mouth gently, chuckling lightly as he realized how easy it was to tell they had just been kissing by her lips. "Your lips look beautiful after they've been kissed. I believe I should like to see them look like this more often. But only If it pleases the lady, of course. I hope it wasn't my kiss that you felt the need to stop."
"No," Saraphine smiled and flushed softly. "No, it most certainly wasn't. I didn't mind that one bit"
He returned her smile, brushing her cheek lightly with the back of his hand. "At least we agree on that much, and I apologize for my behavior. I'm afraid it's been quite some time that a lady has responded to my kisses in the way you do, most shy away. I'm glad you don't, however, because your lips are very kissable and I plan to see that need is met often." He placed his hand in hers. "Shall we go back to the house? I think I've had enough temptation out here alone with you to last me quite some time."
Saraphine walked gracefully on his arm back to the house. "This place is beautiful, so large and so alive. You could stay here forever and never have to venture forth into the world and you wouldn't feel that you were missing anything for a long time I don't think." They walked back towards the house. "Your brother Max I've met. He's very determined in that manner, but what of your other brothers. They watch me from across the room but I apparently do not interest them."
He chuckled lightly. "My dear, that is quite simple. Maxwell does not have a wife who sat in the ladies' chambers to tell him about you whereas Matthew and John do. Besides I think he was trying to goad me, and my married brothers couldn’t do that without getting tossed out of their marriage beds in the evening. And as pretty as you are, I don't think they were ready to do that. As you can tell between the two of them having twelve children and one more on the way, they enjoy those pleasures far too much to risk losing it." He paused, "as far as my sisters, Jenna likes you I believe. I can tell by the way her eyes look upon you. Whereas Jennifer I think has yet to form an opinion. Jennifer has always been the worrier, and I think she worries you are going to stomp on my tender heart and leave it shed to pieces."
Saraphine smiled, "I have no such intentions love so you may rest easy." They returned to the house. Saraphine was obliged to take tea with the women and then everyone retired for a rest before dinner. Saraphine appeared in a nondescript sea green gown that on Saraphine it was beautiful.
Max seemed better behaved at dinner that night, engaging Saraphine, who sat in between Max and Frederick, in conversation but remaining polite. After dinner, Frederick took her for a walk around the wing of the house that contained the armory, the battle hall, and other aspects of war. The next two weeks passed much in the same way, they would go for walks during the day weather permitting outside the estate and in the evening he would show her something new within the dwelling. His pride in his family, his home, his land and their people was very obvious. Sometimes he would sit in one of the rooms adjacent to the library and listen to her read, getting lost in the soothing sound of his voice. By now it was apparent to him that he was falling in love with the girl if it hadn't already happened. Other than polite kisses, he had done his best since that day in the stables not to go beyond the line of propriety. Finally, the day of the ball arrived. Frederick couldn't remember looking forward to a ball as he did this one. The morning of the ball, he took her horseback riding into a nearby village to have lunch at a local inn and to let her do some shopping. He gave her several coins and bid her and Mary go off on their own for two hours while he conducted some business. It was obvious that he was well respected amongst the people in the village, and in turn Saraphine by way of being seen with him was treated as if she herself were a duchess or a lady. He waited for her at the inn, drinking a glass of ale hoping that he requesting the time apart did not put her off.
Saraphine returned bright and bubbly and stacked high with books. Mary followed behind with two dress boxes. "Have you been enjoying yourself? I had a wonderful time." She leaned down and kissed him, as she had become accustomed to doing.
He stood laughing, kissing her politely and taking the books from her. "Why didn't you leave these with the driver?" He shook his head and gave the books to one of the inn's men to take out to his coach. "You don't have to carry those things, Saraphine. Really." He walked with her out to the coach, handing her in before getting in himself sitting next to her as he'd grown accustomed to doing over the past month. "You remember that curtsy we went over for meeting the queen? Perhaps when you get home you should practice it a time or two, my mother has taken it upon herself to introduce you to her majesty. I will not be with you, it will be yourself, my mother and my sisters and sisters in-law." He hoped this wasn't too much for her, but she had taken to her lessons very aptly he had no doubt in her ability to pull this off.
"Oh my goodness," Saraphine gasped. The shock left her silent all the way home and no sooner had she arrived than she was whisked off by the women of the family where they were all getting ready for the ball. Dinner was taken separately and was only light nibbles as they continued to ready. Frederick's mother appeared in a red off the shoulder gown completely with hoopskirt and petticoats. It went well with her raven tresses. Sabrina wore purple velvet with hoops and golden braided trim on the tiers of the skirt. Finally Saraphine appeared. She had on a gown of white chiffon; it was nothing short of a Cinderella miracle. It had beautiful silver shimmers in the sheer fabric. The off the shoulder straps were gathered to the center between her breasts. The bodice was plain and narrowed to her miniscule waist then the skirt flared majestically down to the ten-foot diameter ballroom hoop measurement at the bottom. Her hair was in a beautiful collection of curls on her head and surprisingly she donned Frederick's mother's elaborate diamond tiara and diamond necklace and earrings. The Duchess VonWaggoner smiled as Saraphine slowly and regally descended the stairs; one white opera-length glove clad hand resting on the banister.
Frederick nervously walked to the stairs and handed her down. It was odd seeing him nervous because he normally carried himself with such confidence one would think nothing affected him. He had tried all afternoon to have a few moments alone with her but it had not been permitted. "You look lovely, my dear. Radiant. But I fear there is one thing I must object to." He tugged off her gloves and held them with the palm of his hand. "If you wear these it will get in the way of display of this." He opened a small, square jewelry box to reveal a large oval shaped fire opal surrounded by diamonds. He held slid it gently on her finger, "I was hoping that you would do me the pleasure of escorting me tonight as my betrothed." He looked up at her hopefully.
Saraphine looked at the ring in shock. For a long few moments she said nothing. Finally she barely managed to choke out, "Yes." She still seemed in quite pleasant shock.
He picked her up, mindless of the fact they weren't alone and hugged her tightly. "Thank you, Saraphine." Suddenly realizing they weren't alone, he turned to his family and smiled. "The lady has accepted." Loud shouts of congratulations were heard throughout the foyer until Frederick's mother reminded them the guests would be arriving soon. Frederick allowed everyone else to go on ahead of them, holding her back by placing his arm on hers gently. "Not so fast, milady, I believe as your betrothed I have the right to collect a kiss or two or three since I've been holding back ever so much over the past weeks." He placed his hands gently at her hips, sliding them around her waist. He brought his lips to hers passionately without hesitation, he had every intention on making it well known that she was his and the first thing was to take care of her lips. He brought her closer to him, he was sure she could feel his heart thumping he felt it going so fast. The kiss at the stables had been about desire, this one was a mixture of both desire and possession.
Saraphine returned his kiss with all that she had in her, begging to make her love known to him. She would not have cared if the entire world were watching at that moment for as far as she was concerned they were the only two on earth. Finally she had to pull away to breathe lest she should faint and ruin the ball. "Frederick," she gasped, her sapphire eyes deepened and enriched with her love for him.
He allowed the break of the kiss, but was not willing to relinquish his hold on her. "Yes, love?" He chuckled lightly, "Too much kissing? Are your laces too tight? I'd volunteer to loosen them for you, but they'd be loosened and laying on the floor if I had my say in the matter. And I fear we'd be missed." He met her eyes, he was sincere in his statement he would have liked nothing better than to carry up to her chambers but he could not, would not, until she was his wife.
Saraphine flushed softly and smiled at him. Then just to prove he was wrong she kissed him again with the same ardor. She smiled at him, "shall we go now? You promised me the first dance."
"You may have as many as you want, but I shall not hold you to more than one. Remind me tomorrow we need to talk about this further, I need to explain to you what goes with being my wife." He led her to the ball, where he felt a bit of pride at the looks she received. "It seems we made the right choice coming in late as we did. My father will hold off making an announcement of any kind until you tell him it's all right. He understands this might be a bit overwhelming to you." He led her to the dance floor where they began a waltz, he kissed her left hand politely. "You like it? I can get you another if you like but for some reason I've always been partial to this stone. I like the way it catches light." He released her hand, bringing her closer to him.
"It's beautiful," Saraphine smiled. “I would pick it a hundred times over if given the choice." She danced wonderfully in his arms. Once they had finished their second consecutive dance she added, "I'm ready for your father to announce it now. I want all the room to know how lucky I am."
"Tis I who am the lucky one, Saraphine. But let's go find him then. And then I believe my mother and the women will monopolize your time for the rest of the evening. The bad thing about our hosting the ball is I have no excuse to leave early and steal you away." He stopped her suddenly, taking her by the arm away from the people steering her easily towards his father. "You'll need to decide when you want the wedding, Father will need to announce that as well. Tomorrow would not be soon enough for me, but I understand these things take time. So whatever you tell my father I will be content with." He kissed her cheek politely as he took her hand and placed it on his father's arm so the two of them could talk, Frederick remaining close by but out of earshot. George led her out to the dance floor. "Tell me, Miss Marsette, my son has made mention of your not having any family. While I trust him and know he would not dishonor himself or you by lying about such a thing. I just want to make sure that there is no one he should be asking permission from to marry you."
"No one at all sir," Saraphine answered. "I sadly have no family."
He smiled widely. "Now that is not true at all, my child. You have us now, and I will gladly accept you as my daughter. My wife may not say it as freely as I do, but she feels the same. It was Celia’s suggestion that this be made into an engagement party, so she planted the seed in my son's head." He kissed her hand politely. "So when is it you'd like to find yourself married to my son?"
"Well it has always been my wish to have a garden wedding, and with your permission I would like to have it in the morning three Saturdays from tomorrow. I believe I shall be able to have a dress made by then."
George chuckled. "My child, you don't know my son. You'd have a dress made in two days time if that's as you wish. Frederick has inherited my temperament and ruthlessness I'm afraid when it comes to business, and few people wish to argue with him." He put her hand on his arm and led her to the head table making the announcement that Frederick had finally found a woman to satisfy his demanding tastes. The date was announced and other than a dance with Saraphine after the announcement Frederick didn't see Saraphine again for the evening. He thought about going to the ladies wing but decided against it, instead taking a late night ride on his steed returning shortly before dawn. He saw her standing in her window in her nightdress as he walked to the house, raising his hand in a wave he lowered his gaze determined not to retain the image of what she looked like standing there. When he came down for breakfast and saw her sitting at the table, he realized his attempt had been futile. The brief image of her in her nightdress along with the knowledge of what her breast felt like from the brief caress at the stables were on his mind. He sat across from her this morning, wanting to look at her. "You were up early? Were you unable to sleep?"
"Not very well." She replied, "I suppose I was too giddy and excited. I'll wear by afternoon and need a nap I'm sure. And you, why were you up so early, milord?"
"I couldn't sleep, so I decided to go for a ride and took a moonlit swim in the lake. It was very brisk but refreshing, and very much what I needed." When they had both finished eating. "What would you like to do today? We still have some guests that are staying, but I think under the circumstances that there is a wedding to be planned in three weeks time I will be excused from my duties. You need a dress, which I realize I can have nothing to do with but I will go with you and make sure it's done in two weeks so you have no worries. Tell me, and it will be done." He smiled slightly amused at himself with his desire to please her so heartily.
"Well I'd like a picture of me in my wedding gown so I can remember it forever," Saraphine speculated. "We'll need chairs and a carpet for the wedding party to walk on. We'll need lots of flowers to make it look beautiful and we'll need a priest."
"Of course, we can do all those things. The portrait might be difficult, but I'll see what I can do. If nothing else you'll have to sport the gown when we return to London and get it painted there. Mother will talk to you about the arrangements here at the house, you just need to tell me what I as the groom need to do. I'd also like to take you on the tour of the lands you will be lady of one day. I know we've ridden through a lot of it, but I just want you to know what you're getting into. My father has worked very to keep his people happy, and I want to do the same and part of that happiness were with the people knowing my mother went above and beyond the call of duty in times of need. I plan on continuing that. We had one woman who died in childbirth, gave birth to twins. The father had never held a child let alone diapered or fed one. My mother sent one of our servants to the man's house for a month until he was adjusted to taking care of two children. It's not much, but those two children are now twenty years old and their father swears if it weren't for my mother's kindness they wouldn't have seen their first year out."
Saraphine smiled, "I shall strive to honor you always Frederick. As for what you as a groom need to do, you need to get a suit together - whatever you're going to wear. You need to find groomsmen, and you need to see to the registry through a notary or lawyer I suppose."
He led her outside to his coach and they made their way to the village. He tended to the things he knew he needed to after talking with the dressmaker about the dress being finished. When she met him at the inn, he treated her to dinner and then they returned home. On the way, he placed his arm around her and kissed her lightly. "Would it upset you if I returned to London until a few days before the wedding? I have business to tend to first of all, I was planning on returning next week. And secondly, quite honestly, I don't know that my being in the same house as you for the next three weeks will do me any good. Between your willingness to receive my kisses and the image of you standing in your window in your nightdress - I'm afraid I'll have to live in that lake if I'm to stay here. And I'm sure you'd like to have a healthy groom. But if you mind overmuch, I shall remain here."
"I can hold my own here if you can't take the heat. Go on back to London if you need to. I can handle things here and I'll see you soon enough - just don't get cold feet." Saraphine smiled, though she had to admit to the thought crossing her mind.
She wrote him often while he was gone and told him of her teas, quiet walks and all of the time spent on wedding preparations. She was careful to tell him about every gift they had received and always that she missed him. Soon she could count the days on one hand until he would arrive.
He arrived late two nights before the wedding, he hadn't meant to cut it so close but it couldn't be helped. He went straight up to bed and came down the next morning to breakfast to discussions of the wedding and gifts. "Watch what you say, heaven forbid I hear something I'm not supposed to and my marriage is cursed before it even begins." He kissed his mother on the cheek, gave Saraphine a slight smile with a raised eyebrow before kissing her chastely on the mouth. "My feet never got colder than lukewarm, milady." He took his seat across from her, enjoying sitting across from her much better than he did next to her.
She barely picked at her food and Frederick's mother sighed and laughed lightly. "This is the longest run of wedding jitters and excitement I've ever seen."
He glanced from Saraphine to his mother and back to Saraphine a slight smile of amusement. After breakfast was over and his mother had left the table he pushed his plate aside. "All is well, I trust. I'm sorry I cut it so close, but I think when you see the reason for my delay I'll be forgiven. At least I hope so. Would you care to walk with me and see?" He smiled, obviously anxious to show her. "But you'll need to change into a riding habit. We'll be riding to get to it."
"Okay," Saraphine smiled and a while later appeared in her navy riding habit. They walked to the stables and Saraphine looked about waiting for her horse to be saddled.
He looked at the stable hand, shook his head slightly as the man watched Saraphine and then led her to the last stall. "This is your horse, Saraphine. She is the reason I was late, the man I purchased her from was being difficult after we had agreed on a price about signing her papers over to me. I couldn't come to our wedding without your gift. I hope I am forgiven." He opened the stall door, leading the horse out. "Moonbeam is her name, and I think she's very well suited to your riding style and abilities."
Saraphine gasped and then rushed to the horse to hug her neck and pet her mane. "Oh Frederick she's beautiful, she's perfect! I love her. I love you!" She hurried to him and then kissed him passionately.
He laughed lightly, returning her kiss. Pulling back slightly as he ran his fingers through some loose strands of hair. "She's but an animal, Saraphine. You are the one who's beautiful." He pulled her closer to him, his hands resting lightly on her hips a slight groan escaping his lips. "You torture me, woman. Never have I waited so long." He kissed her again.
Saraphine smiled. "I'm sorry, I'll try to torture less." She mounted her horse with his help and they went for a ride.
After their ride he led her back to the house avoiding the gardens where the wedding was to be held the following day. "I never thought I'd enjoy spending my time with someone as I do when I'm with you. You know I know little about you, though. What did you do before you knew me? What did you do for fun? Did you have many suitors? Were you ever betrothed?"
Saraphine laughed lightly. "The less you know about before I knew you the better. Before I knew you I went to school and sometimes I would go out and draw pictures of London. I had a few suitors but they no one serious, and no one ever kissed me. I've never been betrothed."
He thought for a moment before speaking, taking in what she had said. "You draw? I wish I had known that. Transporting charcoal and papers would have been much easier than that horse." He laughed lightly. "I think I like that you've never been kissed before. Though I may as well have never kissed anyone before you as well it sure feels that way when I do." He paused a moment thinking over what she had said again. "Why, if what you say about your father and these men you've had experiences with, were you willing to trust me then the night I met you? For all you knew being down at the docks like I was I could have been a thief or worse. I mean I'm glad you did, I don't normally go out of my way to help people." He shrugged, "But I couldn't leave you there."
Saraphine smiled, "You didn't look like the type and you had the opportunity to hurt me and you didn't. It was fate I guess."
He smiled slightly. "I guess so." He took her in his arms, "After dinner tonight I won't see you again until the wedding. Oddly, even though it's such a short period of time it seems like it will be much too long for my taste, so be prepared to not be allowed out of my sight for quite some time after tomorrow." He brushed her cheek with his thumb gently as he kissed the top of her head.
Saraphine smiled and then nudged him. "We'll see about that Frederick." The day passed quickly and soon it was dinnertime, Saraphine appeared in navy gown with silver beads in little clusters all over it.
Frederick led her to the formal dining room where the night's dinner was to be held where they had dinner with all the guests that had arrived for the wedding the following day. The dinner itself lasted for hours with everyone seeming to have a story to tell about Frederick that he was quite sure Saraphine didn't need to know. After dinner was over, Frederick's sisters took Saraphine to the ladies' quarters and Frederick returned to the parlor with his father, brothers and a few other friends for the evening. He woke the next morning and bathed, shaved, and dressed enjoying his breakfast in his room. He laughed at Oswald when he brought him his tray, he was informed by his manservant he was not allowed out of his room or the men's quarters until the wedding was about to begin. Thus confined to his room, he spent the morning and early afternoon trying to keep himself busy by playing chess with Max. Finally, he was led to the gardens where the wedding was to be held. The staff had done an outstanding job of getting everything ready he realized. He knew three weeks hadn't been a very long time, but he was pleased. He smiled slightly at the priest and his brothers and waited for the bridal party.
The gardens were brilliant with roses everywhere and other beautiful flowers. The actual ceremony would take place under an arbor full of wisteria. The orchestra was told to begin and the small voice group began to sing “Ave Maria”. Frederick's sisters and sisters-in-law all walked up the aisle. Their gowns were the lilac color of wisteria, barely on the shoulder and with a small lace trim around the edge. The bodice had white roses embroidered on it and it had a v-waist with a full hoopskirt. Finally Saraphine appeared. Her hair was rolled on the sides and in long ringlets to her waist in the back. She had roses stuffed into the front and sides. Her wedding gown was made of the most delicate silk. It was off the shoulders and the bodice had white satin roses embroidered on it. The skirt was covered with tiny strands of small seed sized clear beads. She was stunning. An artist was already beginning to sketch the way he wanted to paint her. She met Frederick under the wisteria, a bouquet of roses in her hands.
He took a deep breath and smiled at her, placing her hand on his arm as they turned to face the priest. The ceremony went by quickly, since it was outdoors some of the usual Catholic traditions were overlooked. Frederick would make sure that when they had returned to London Saraphine would have a bouquet to present to the Virgin Mary. Finally, after what seemed like forever to Frederick he was able to kiss the woman who had so easily claimed his heart as his wife. The reception lasted well into the early morning hours, Frederick was careful to keep his imbibement to a minimum. Had it been his choice they would have left hours ago, but Saraphine was obviously having such a good time that they stayed until they were one of the few people left. Mary was waiting in their chambers to bathe Saraphine and get her ready for their wedding night. Though he had no desire to leave while she was tended to he offered. "I can wait downstairs, my love, until you've finished."
"Please," Saraphine entreated shyly. "Besides it will give you a surprise to look forward to," she suggested. She waited until he was gone and then Mary helped bathe and dress her. Saraphine was looking nervously out the large windows standing in a lacy white see-through nightdress when Mary sent Frederick up to her.
While Saraphine was making herself ready with Mary's help, Frederick went to his own room to bathe and change into something less formal than his wedding clothes. He thought he had taken plenty of time, and much to Max's amusement he was not pleased when he came back downstairs to find Mary had not returned downstairs. He was amazed at how lucid his youngest brother had remained during the night's events and was grateful for his sobriety until Mary came downstairs. He downed the rest of his brandy and made some attempt at a good bye and went upstairs. He opened the door after knocking lightly to let her know he was coming in. He closed the door and walked towards her. He stopped as he got near the bed and took advantage of her back being towards him. She was beautiful, a tiny waist, slender hips, and her hair was down as he preferred it. "Will you turn around for me, Saraphine?"
It was obvious she took a deep breath and then she turned around. She stood before him in the translucent gown, waiting.
He, too, took a deep breath but he realized it was for an entirely different reason. He stood transfixed, his eyes finally lifting to meet hers. "You're breathtaking, Lady VonWaggoner. But you appear as skittish as a cat. Are you frightened of me, Saraphine?" He knew women were delicate, but surely her mother had explained to her before she died what came with being married. He sighed suddenly, wondering briefly if he would be unable to please her. It had been quite some time since he'd been with someone inexperienced; maybe that's what frightened her. Perhaps she thought he would not be thoughtful or kind. He hoped that was all it was, but he still made no effort to move further towards her.
"I'm not frightened of you," Saraphine replied. "I'm frightened of what I know is coming, anxious you might say of what I don't fully understand." Yet it was also obvious to tell that at least partially she was aroused. Her nipples stood erect in the moonlight and her breathing seemed just a little fast.
He shook his head, understanding her anxiousness yet recognizing that at least on some level she was not repulsed by the idea. He walked towards her and brushed her cheek gently. "Well, I will do my best to make you unanxious. I realize there's little I can say to reassure you." He kissed her gently, his hands resting at her hips. He enjoyed the feel of the lace against his skin. "Who had this made for you anyway? I have to remember to thank them. You're even more stunning in this than you were in your wedding dress, which I would never have thought possible." He kissed her neck and her ear, nibbling lightly on her lobe.
He heard her breath catch in a gasp and that was followed by a soft moan. "Mm, nice," she said as her hands came up behind her and wrapped around his neck.
He groaned slightly in her ear as he moved one hand from her hips to her buttocks caressing lightly as his lips returned to her mouth. He brought his hand to her face, his palm pressing gently against her cheek. "Can I touch you? I don't want to scare you, but it's all I can do not to tear this nightdress off you and be done with it." He took one of her hands from around his neck and kissed her fingertips one by one, then the palm of her hand tracing his tongue along it gently.
"Yes, please touch me," Saraphine said softly, her voice taking on a husky quality. Her hand began to roam over his chest and she soon had found his nipple by accident.
He groaned slightly, inhaling sharply at the contact. Putting his hand on top of hers as she began to pull away with a slight chuckle. "No, that was good. Don't stop that, please." He released his hand from hers and pulled back slightly as he placed his hand on her breast lightly, his thumb gently stroking her nipple. He stood transfixed for a moment watching her reaction, and then realized he wanted to see her face. He looked into her eyes, hoping that her reaction was even close to what her touch was making him feel.
Saraphine's eyes had turned deep with passion for him. She was trembling barely with the sensations he was causing in her. "I love you," she gasped out in a whisper.
"And I you, Saraphine." He smiled at her slightly, taking her hands and leading her to the bed. He sat on the edge of the bed, looking up at her as his hands rested on both her thighs. He eased the nightdress up gently until he was able to reach underneath with his hands and touch her bare skin. He kissed both of her thighs, standing slowly as he lifted the nightdress off her letting it fall to the floor. "You're beautiful, Saraphine. Thank you." He ran his fingers through her hair sitting again on the edge of the bed as he brought her to him, taking a breast in his mouth while his hands rested at her hips. He turned suddenly bringing her with him so she lay on the bed beside him, his hands caressing her body as he brought his lips to hers for an impassioned kiss.
Saraphine returned the kiss with all of the love that she felt for him and she removed all barriers between her palms and the firm skin of his chest. She caressed his chest seeking eagerly to please him. She emitted soft moans and gasps as he touched her, awakening in the naive virgin new feelings and sensations.
His arousal grew with her verbal responses and touches. He shed his trousers and the rest of his clothing, lying next to her on the bed when he had finished. His hands and mouth continued their exploration of her body until he knew he could take no more. He moved between her legs, taking hold of her hands in his. "Squeeze my hands as hard as you like, love." He entered her slowly, feeling the barrier give he gasped.
Saraphine dug her nails into his hands momentarily as tears sprang to her eyes but then a moment later she was fine. Her eyes were full of a wonder and understanding that had never been there before. She brought her lips to his for a quick kiss. She didn't know what was proper for lovemaking, so she remained still and waited for him to lead.
Surprised by her willingness to kiss him, he brought his mouth to hers kissing her gently moving to her neck, ears, shoulders, breasts, moving her hands so he could kiss her fingertips then returned to her mouth. He released his grasp of one of her hands bringing his hand to her breast rubbing it as he brought his mouth to the other. Feeling her nipple and body respond to his mouth was more than he could take at the moment. He moaned lightly, biting gently on her breast as his time came. He continued with his attention to her breasts, then moved to her mouth to kiss her before breaking away. He moved to her side, wrapping his arms around her waist, bringing her to him. He kissed her gently. "Are you all right, love?" He looked to her eyes for some hint that she was all right.
Saraphine was quiet for a moment and finally he received a nod. She was totally glassed over with awe and amazement. She stayed that way until she cuddled tightly against him and went to sleep.
He drifted off to sleep himself, his arms firmly around her. He woke during the night, moved slightly so he could watch her in the moonlight. He brushed her hair back gently, his hand caressing her fast, pulling the covers back so he could admire her body. She seemed so peaceful, and he couldn't help but hope she was truly all right and that he wouldn't find himself stuck with a wife who wouldn't enjoy this aspect of marriage. He kissed her lovingly. "Saraphine, love. If I didn't hurt you overmuch might I again?" He ran his finger along her neck, down her breasts, along her belly and between her legs where he lingered.
Saraphine moaned slightly as she forced herself to wakefulness, surprised to find it still the dead of night. Then his caresses became obvious and she moved her hand to trace his chest and then she kissed him lovingly. "Yes," she replied softly. "Gentle," she couldn't help but caution even though she knew she didn't need to.
He kissed her, "always, milady. You are too precious to be any other way with." He took an arm and placed it around his neck, her other he held against his chest until he was sure she would leave it there. When he had finished he remained on top of her, his hands caressing her face and hair gently. He kissed her softly, "Thank you. That was honestly more than I had hoped for."
Saraphine gave him a puzzled frown at that comment but soon gave it up in favor of more sleep. She slept very late into the next morning her sleep having been interrupted during the night.
He shook her awake gently after Mary had come and gone with their breakfast. "Saraphine, love. Are you hungry? We have a feast here good enough to feed the king himself." He kissed her lightly from where he sat at the edge of the bed.
"Five more minutes mom," she moaned incoherently and rolled over to continue sleep. It was a moment more before she finally realized where she was and came awake. She sat up holding the sheet protectively against her. "Mm, breakfast does sound nice."
He chuckled lightly. "We're alone, love, no need to cover yourself up." He held up a wrap for her to put on and sat across the table from her. He watched her somewhat attentively, trying to decipher her mood. "Anything you would like to do today? We leave for London tomorrow, but today is yours? If you have nothing in mind, I have an idea or two." He smiled slightly as he poured them both some milk.
"Whatever you would like, Frederick. I had nothing in particular that I wanted to do," Saraphine answered with an agreeable smile. "So long as I'm with you."
"And with me you shall be. You might even grow tired of me by the time I end up going back to work." He chuckled lightly. He watched her eat for a moment, "why did you look at me strangely during the night when I thanked you?" He hadn't meant to bring it up, but it had bothered him that he had unknowingly said something that had somehow upset or offended her.
"I was simply confused," Saraphine replied hesitantly. "I mean all I did was what we were supposed to do. Why did you think I wouldn't?"
"Well," he thought not knowing if she really wanted to hear the truth. "There are plenty of women who under general circumstances would have thought once was more than sufficient for a night. And given the fact that there was pain associated with it this time, I thought perhaps you might think there would always be pain and be hesitant to allow me to enjoy you a second time so soon. I was being selfish I realize, but it had been far too long since I've enjoyed the company of a woman in such a fashion. I have to admit to the fact that your not being just a woman but my wife was a bit of an incentive for me." He finished eating and took her hand. "I'll have Mary prepare your bath and if it won't be too uncomfortable for you we can spend the afternoon going for a ride and a picnic. Would that please you?"
"No, no ride. How about a walk and a picnic?" Saraphine replied hesitantly. "That would be more pleasant anyhow."
He smiled slightly. "Good, you're going to be honest with me. That pleases me. But please don't look at me as if I'm going to tan your hide because you've said no to something that I've asked you. It will please me to no end when we're amongst people to know that you are capable of such behavior, but when we're alone just the two of us or amongst my family I expect you to tell me the truth. I want you happy, and if you feel you have to lie to me than I'm failing miserably." He kissed her lightly.
Saraphine smiled. "I think this marriage stuff may not be so bad after all. You're a good man Frederick and I already believe that I'm very lucky to have you for a husband."
"I'm not so good really, I just know that I want you by my side and will do whatever it takes to keep you there. So a walk and a picnic it is then. I will send for Mary and supervise the preparations of said picnic. Anything you dislike eating or like eating overmuch that I should request? I personally could feast on you all day and be quite content, but I suspect I'll need some nourishment." He smiled slightly as he finished dressing.
Saraphine blushed softly. "I'd like some chocolate cake and turkey would be nice. However I like almost anything except raw vegetables and plums."
"No raw vegetables and no plums. You should be quite easy to please then, madam." He kissed her and walked towards the door, "I will see you downstairs in a while, love." He sent Mary up to prepare her for the day while he made arrangements for the picnic and the carriage to be prepared for them to take. He bathed quickly, returning downstairs to wait for her. Most of the guests had left after breakfast, so the house was less busy than it had been for a number of days. Max was in the parlor, seeming to enjoy the tranquility that came from a mostly empty house. He and Frederick discussed some business; Max seemed to find it necessary to come to London - something he rarely did. Frederick wasn't in a position to argue with him, but he didn't like it.
Saraphine came down in a sapphire blue satin that matched her eyes. She had a large sapphire at her throat held there by four strands of pearls. Her hair was pulled back in the front but left down in the back the way he liked it. "I'm ready love," Saraphine kissed Frederick in greeting. "Oh good morning Max," she added cheerfully.
Max smiled slightly in response to her greeting and told them to enjoy their afternoon. Frederick led her to the back of the house and helped her into the carriage. "I know you said you'd rather walk, but I figured this would work until we got out a fair distance and then we could walk." They rode for about an hour before he stopped the carriage and tied the horse off, handing her out before taking the food out. He laid a blanket down and opened a bottle of wine, pouring them each a glass. "I thank you, Saraphine, for helping to make me not only the happiest man in all of England, but with you by my side we will be the best lord and lady our people could ask for. And hopefully one day a great father on top of it." He kissed her. "So what did Mary say to you this morning, love? I've always wondered what brides are told both before the wedding and after."
"I was told before the wedding to be obedient and to bite my lip and not to lock my bedroom door," Saraphine replied. "This morning I got to hear all about how wonderful it was to see your bed untouched and how great it will be when I continue the lineage." Saraphine shook her head and laughed lightly, "as if that's all I'm good for in life because I'm a woman."
"Yes, well, that sort of thing is important in our family, as you can tell by my two brothers having twelve between them and one more on the way. You were told to be obedient?" He chuckled lightly as he set his wineglass down, his hand reaching under her skirt to rest on her leg above her knee. "About the continuing the lineage part, I'd hope that you'd grow to enjoy that aspect of marriage. I am an honest man, you will not find me keeping mistresses or seeking comforts elsewhere. I know there are some men who do that, and I want to assure you I'm not one of them."
Saraphine smiled, "that's very comforting to know. As for continuing the lineage, maybe in a few years."
He smiled slightly as he ran his hand up to work her bloomers down. "In a few years, love? A few years that we'll continue the lineage or a few years that you'd grow to enjoy the effort that goes into continuing the lineage?" Once they were off, his hand reached up once more and his fingertips grazed her bare thigh. He raised his eyebrow slightly as his hand moved to the other thigh.
Saraphine shivered with pleasure and dropped her head back onto the blanket to allow him to continue. "Maybe in a few years I'll grow to enjoy the idea of continuing the lineage. I'm too young to get pregnant."
He moved his hand from under her skirt, gently caressing her breast and stomach as he pushed her skirt up smiling slightly as his efforts exposed her ankles, calves, knees and thighs. His hand and fingertips rubbed gently until finally reaching their destination. Using his thumb to gently rub where he knew women to be most sensitive, he moved so that he could kiss her mouth, neck and ears. He chuckled lightly as he felt her body reacting to his kisses and the actions of his hand. "Lady VonWaggoner, an interesting position you've allowed yourself to be put into." He stopped kissing, pushing her skirt up further giving her one last kiss before he replaced his fingers with his mouth and tongue.
"Mm," Saraphine moaned in response. She was obviously enjoying the position she was in for she offered up no resistance.
Frederick continued, feeding off her response and growing bolder in his attentions. Once he was certain she had been satisfied he sat up, his fingertips tracing her thighs as he looked up at her letting her collect herself. Smoothing down her skirts, he placed his hand in hers and lay down next to her on his side. "Care for that walk now, love, or are you ready for lunch?" He chuckled lightly, his blue eyes never leaving her face. "I have another idea or two in my head, but I'll leave it spoken as a walk or lunch for now."
"Mm, lunch in a minute." Saraphine said content to lie still a while longer. Finally her body decided that lunch would be nice and she sat up smiling at him. "Okay so what wonderful surprises have you brought us?" she asked cheerily.
"I'm not sure, but it appears they've packed the whole kitchen. Maybe they think we're going to be gone for days instead of hours." He began pulling out turkey, roast beef, salads, side dishes, and two kinds of chocolate cake. "I think you have enough chocolate cake here to last you quite some time. I imagine some of this is left from the wedding, but I didn't eat any of it yesterday so I may as well enjoy it today. I was too nervous to eat." He laughed lightly. He made himself a roast beef sandwich with some fresh bread offering her a bite before he tried it.
Saraphine partook happily of everything, savoring each bite and her expressions of pleasure were themselves amusing. "This is a wonderful picnic, perfect weather, perfect company, wonderful food," she looked around. "The sky is so blue here and the grass so green and the flowers so bright, no noise, nothing to dim it's pleasure. I wish I could always live in moments like this."
"Well, I plan on you having many more moments like this, Saraphine. I don't know what all of your experiences were before you met me, but as far as I'm concerned you'll never have to endure pain or suffering again. I will protect you from anyone and anything that tries to bother you. That is my job, and I won't take it lightly." He stood, brushing off his trousers, offering her his hand. "Let's walk for a bit and stretch our legs. It looks like we'll have the whole day to spend out here left alone from people or storms."
Saraphine smiled. "I am glad that I can please you so easily," she commented as they walked along. She had to get used to roaming around in the beautiful, and to her, extravagant gowns that she now wore everyday. She held to it and had donned a hat to keep the sun from her fair skin.
"You do please me, Saraphine. You would please me more if you told me what you thought of the more personal aspects of marriage, love. I so very much want to please you, which in turn will benefit me. If you're unhappy well it's not as pleasing to me. I realize you were probably taught it was a duty, but I'd much rather you not view it as that. It's not just for making babies, though I'm probably the only VonWaggoner who realizes this." He chuckled lightly. "Will you tell me what you think?"
"I think it feels good when you're doing it but afterwards makes you feel absolutely dirty. Not to mention it's a little scary and I don't like everyone talking to me about it either. You I don't mind, but taking my bath and listening to the maids discuss my sex life is way more than I can handle," Saraphine replied.
"Well, I'll address the issue of the maids first. Tell them to stop talking about it. I can see where before we were married that you perhaps felt it wasn't your place, but you are my wife now. You stand to inherit these lands with me, Saraphine. So they will do as you bid them to do, whether it's put fresh daisies on your bed stand every day or to not discuss such things as you deem inappropriate." He sighed. "As far as the feeling dirty part, I don't know what to tell you other than this. In my opinion, what two people who love one another do in the privacy of their bedroom that makes them feel good is acceptable. Now I realize the blanket wasn't our bedroom, but we were still private. I'm sorry if you feel that way and I will restrain myself in the future."
"But I enjoy it and I don't dread it when I know that it's coming - it's only afterwards. Please do not stop, I think I would feel terrible." She glanced at him a long moment, "in fact I wouldn't mind going to the house and taking a nap."
He smiled slightly. "I would like that, Saraphine." He led her back to the blanket and then to the carriage. "We didn't get much of a walk in, love. Are you sure? I don't want you to think that's all I want you for." He kissed her passionately. "Just most of the reason." He chuckled lightly as he hugged her to him.
"I didn't feel much like walking as it turned out," Saraphine replied. "I feel rather lazy today."
He chuckled lightly as he started the horse on its way back to the house. "Are you sure you don't want to start working on continuing that lineage?" He placed his hand on top of hers. "I'm kidding, love. Honestly. When we get inside, I'll tell Mary we'll want our dinner upstairs. That should keep the servants talking for the rest of the afternoon. Make them think we're busy working on that lineage. We'll just have to assure them in a month or two that we're diligently trying, it's apparently not yet God's will." He laughed loudly. "Do you lie well, Saraphine?"
"No," she sighed. "Actually I'm a terrible liar. It eats away at me and I can't even tell one without my face contorting. Why would I need to lie? What about?"
He laughed lightly. "Never mind, love, it was a joke." He helped her out of the carriage. "I was simply asking if you'd be able to pull off telling my family we were trying for children when we're not. They won't ask for a while, though. And besides, I have a project of my own I've got my mind set upon. I would like to make a baby with you without you feeling dirty afterwards, so that's my project." He brushed her cheek lightly with his thumb, his other hand at the small of her back holding her to him. "I love you, my dear. You are beautiful, amazing, and so alive. I couldn't imagine anything you do being dirty or wrong."
"I feel dirty because I'm scared," she finally burst out. "Scared I'm going to get a baby when I'm scared of having one." She began to cry then softly.
He wrapped his arms around her to comfort her. "Oh, my sweet. You don't think I'm scared? I'm petrified. I'm petrified that maybe I'm wrong and our child will come out with a large scar on its face. I'm petrified that I might fail at fatherhood. Sweetheart there's nothing wrong with fear, it's what you do with that fear that decides what kind of person you are. I'll tell you a secret my brother Peter, Sabrina's husband, has been petrified every time she's been with child. You would think after seven of them he'd stop reacting that way." He ran his fingers through her hair. "I'm so sorry, love. I had no idea. I'll put it off as long as I can, but I'm not perfect. Sometimes God's will takes over." He kissed the top of her head, pressing her head lightly against his chest.
Saraphine cuddled against him letting him soothe her. The day passed quietly for the two newlyweds. They returned back to Saraphine's chamber and she convinced him to make love to her. Then she slept off their exhaustion, took dinner in their room and afterwards lay down to talk before bed.
He held her to him, caressing her hair and shoulders gently. "Do you want to know what I'm scared of Saraphine?" He looked at her and when he was sure she was awake, he continued. "I'm scared that if we wait overlong to have children, a child that we won't have any, that you'll be taken away from me just as suddenly as you were given to me and I'll have nothing to remember you by." He exhaled sharply, relieved that he had said what had troubled him all afternoon.
Saraphine looked at him, a soft tenderness in her eyes. "Oh Frederick, don't even think such a thing. I'm not going anywhere. I'm happy, the happiest I've ever been."
"I hope not, because now that you're here I don't know how I ever lived without you." He looked at her curiously. "Is there anything you miss? You speak of being so happy here, but surely there must have been some happiness with you originally. You don't become as good a person as you are without something making you that way."
"I miss my mother, but she was lost to me before I came here," Saraphine replied. "No I don't really miss anything all that much."
"Well then maybe you'll stay." He kissed her lightly, sliding out of his robe and sliding down next to her. "Would you touch me?" He laughed lightly realizing how ridiculous that sounded. "I would like to you to very much, love."
Saraphine rolled to her side, laying her head on his shoulder and she caressed his chest. Her fingers every once in a while stopping to play idly with his nipples as she watched their reaction to her touch, she found herself getting aroused knowing that she was bringing about those feelings in him.
He smiled slightly as he lay with her; his eyes closed with one arm around her. He groaned slightly when her fingers came in contact with his nipples. "That feels very good, love," he mumbled his voice indicative of the fact he was drifting off to sleep. "I think your lips would feel just as good." He opened one eye briefly, looking at her with a slight smirk before closing his eye again letting the warmth of her hands carry him off to sleep.
They were up early the next morning and the caravan began to make its way back to their home in London. Saraphine found carriage riding tiresome and so she chose to sleep most of the way each day, spending the evenings dancing and making love with her husband.
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