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.
Upon their return to London, they found themselves with very little time alone. Between Frederick's business that he had paid little attention to in the months since he'd known Saraphine, the parties, dinners and balls they were invited to, and the company that called on them to wish them well their days were kept full. They had been married a little over a month when Frederick surprised Saraphine with an evening to themselves. He had instructed Mary on which of Saraphine's gowns he wanted her in and gave her no indication of where they were going until they stepped out of the coach, he handed her out and she found herself in front of the theater. "An evening of Romeo & Juliet and dinner just the two of us, I promise. No disturbances, no interruptions, no servants, no company. You have been more than patient."
Saraphine smiled brightly; "It's a splendid surprise. I hope, however, that I don't tire out before the evening is over. I have been so tired of late. I suppose it's all that we've been doing catching up with me." She smiled brightly when they entered the lavish restaurant and she gave over her order, rather large for her.
As they ate, Frederick talked of his business. Oddly he felt very comfortable talking to her about the activities at the shipyards and his other businesses. He groaned under his breath as he spotted someone walking towards them. It was obvious the displeasure was not with Saraphine as he squeezed her hand lightly. He stood, his napkin held in one hand bowing his head politely at the stunning dark haired woman who approached their table. "Gwyneth. What a pleasant surprise, I didn't realize that you were in London. Where's Clinton?" His tone was congenial, but there was a sharp edge to it that Saraphine had never been witness to before. "He's at home, Frederick. I am here visiting some friends." Frederick glanced in the direction from which she had come and caught glimpse of these "friends" she spoke of. He nodded acceptance it was too bad things were as they were Clinton was a good friend. Frederick was almost sorry he hadn't agreed to marry Gwyneth, at least he didn't love her like Clinton did. "Forgive my rudeness. Gwyneth, may I present my wife, Lady VonWaggoner." He looked at Saraphine, his first genuine look of pleasure in the last few minutes. "Saraphine, this is Lady Anderson." Gwyneth couldn't hide her surprise. "Your what?" She said almost too loud. She looked at Saraphine intensely. "You must be paying her quite a bit, Freddie. I can't imagine anyone actually marrying you otherwise."
Saraphine, without regard to social situation or where they were grabbed up her glass of wine and doused the other woman with it, "my husband loves me. Something you must surely know nothing about and the only one being paid for her services is you!"
Frederick almost stifled a laugh successfully as Gwyneth stared wide-eyed at Saraphine. "I think, Gwyneth, it would be best if you returned to your so called friend. I wonder what Clinton would think if he were to know just who your friend is." He smiled widely. "And I think you'd be wise not to insult my wife again. Should I hear you have been uttering one foul word about the woman so help me God, Gwyneth, I'll pull every bit of dirty laundry I know about you out of the bag and air it for all of London to see and hear about. Now I'd like to finish my dinner in peace, I promised Saraphine a quiet night out undisturbed." Gwyneth said nothing, it was evident in her eyes she knew that Frederick's threat wasn't an idle one. She glared at Saraphine one last time before returning the direction from whence she came. Frederick laughed lightly at her hasty departure and at the eyes that were still on their table. "I guess I needn't worry about your handling yourself, but might I suggest it's best to fight with your tongue my dear. You have a mouth on you the likes I've never seen in a woman. Use it to defend yourself." He finished his dessert. "I'm sorry, Saraphine. Truly."
Saraphine smiled. "It's quite alright, she was unimportant to me and her words don't really matter. They weren't true anyhow and she got her just desserts in the end.”
He touched her cheek lightly with the palm of his hand, kissing her forgetting for a moment they were still at dinner. He broke the kiss. "You're wonderful. I'm sure I've forgotten to mention that today." They left the restaurant, Frederick chuckling lightly at the buzz their departure created. When they got into the couch and were on their way to the theater. "She was my betrothed. The woman I was to marry. Perhaps now you understand my hesitancy in doing so. I'd rather have been married to a hellcat than her."
Saraphine laughed her voice like musical bells as the carriage moved along. "She was only envious tonight, love." They arrived at the theater and she walked in regally on his arms. She was a delight to watch as she enjoyed the theater, her face aglow. Afterwards they were walking down the stairs of the lobby to return to their carriage when she gripped the stairwell and fainted.
He took her into his arms and led her to the theater office telling one of the employees to send for some smelling salts and a doctor. He sat cradling her in his arms, brushing her hair back from her face. This is what he feared, he had given her his heart and he was going to lose her. He'd rather have never loved at all than only catch a fleeting glimpse of it. Someone who seemed to love him regardless of his battle scars or his money or his name, it had taken him years to find it. "Please wake up, love."
Salts were quickly found and after a couple of wafts under her nose Saraphine quickly coughed back to life. She still lay weakly against him. "I just don't feel good," she complained weakly.
"A doctor should be here shortly, darling. Please don't scare me like that again." He laughed lightly. "If I could command it of you I would, but I realize it's something you can't control. As long as it wasn't the performance that made you ill." He brushed her hair lightly as he lifted her to kiss him, his lips ran a trail to her ear. "Mm, maybe I'll have to make sure you remain in bed all day tomorrow. I might have to take the day off myself and remain by your side." His fingertip ran from her chin down her neck and over her covered breasts. He saw her blush and looked up to see the doctor. He released her setting her down gently, kissing her lightly. "Doctor." He left the room at the doctor's command.
"I feel very badly doctor. I've been feeling kind of funny for the last week and a half at least," Saraphine replied softly.
The doctor listened to her symptoms, nodding with a smile obviously trying to wordlessly reassure her there was nothing to worry about as she spoke. He sat next to her and patted her hand lightly as he put his things back into his bag. "You're find, child. Nothing that won't cure itself in about eight months or so." He nodded at her questioning look. "Yes, you're with child, Lady VonWaggoner. So soon, too. This is a truly good sign, you should have a plentiful union with your husband. The corset will have to go in about two months, until then you might want to suggest your maidservant not tie it so tight. Eat when you're hungry. Sickness and fainting are normal, and there is no rhyme or reason to the sickness. Some call it morning sickness, but it's not limited to the mornings." He wrote down his address on a card and handed it to her. "Should you need anything, please call on me. If you prefer a midwife deliver the baby I can put you in touch with some of the best in London." He stood to go. "Should I send for your husband now or do you wish to remain alone for a while? I assume this is somewhat of a shock."
"Very much so," Saraphine replied wishing she could simply curl up in a ball. "No, please send for my husband. I would feel much better at home."
Frederick came into the room a short while later, concern still evident in your eyes. "Dr. Siebel says you'll be fine. But I'm still going to bring you home and take you straight to bed." He offered her his arm and led her out to the coach, handing her in. Assuming her quietness was due to his behavior earlier he cleared his throat. "I apologize if I embarrassed you earlier. I realize I shouldn't touch you like that in public, but I find it hard to resist sometimes. I need to touch you every once in a while and know that you're real."
"That's quite alright. I don't mind that you touch me," Saraphine replied forcing herself to give him a smile. As soon as they arrived home she went directly to her chambers and changed. Then she thrust herself upon the bed and curling up she began to weep softly.
Mary came in to help Saraphine get ready for bed, seeing that she already was she couldn't help but think that she had somehow done something dissatisfactory in her duties. "Will there be anything else tonight, milady?" Her voice was timid and nervous. She had never been frightened of Saraphine before, but she valued her job and hoped that if she would tell her before telling his lordship if there was something wrong. The thought of asking her what was bothering her entered her mind. Before she had been married to Frederick she could have, but now that was no longer her place. She stood as if glued to her space on the floor.
Saraphine rose up, not having noticed Mary before. "Oh Mary no. No, thank-you. There's nothing more you can do for me tonight. Thank-you," Saraphine swiped frantically at her hot stinging tears. "Oh Mary I'm pregnant," she called out in a terrible moaning, weeping sound amongst her renewed tears.
Mary sighed slightly. That hadn't taken long at all. She had grown fond of Frederick over the years of serving him and while she had known there would never be a place for her in his household other than as a servant she had watched over the years as women treated him poorly. "Oh, milady, that's wonderful news. His lordship must be so very happy. He's waited so long I'm sure he thought he'd never have any. And now within a year of being married he'll have one. But why are you crying, milady?"
"I don't, I don't want to be pregnant," Saraphine wailed softly, "I can't do this, I can't. Frederick doesn't yet know that I am."
"Not want to be pregnant?" The girl must be daft. "Oh, madam. It is just a shock to you. You must not tell his lordship of your hesitancy, he will not be pleased." The fact that Mary would have gladly traded places with the girl baffled her further. "Just get your rest, I will tell his lordship that you are not well. Perhaps he will stay away for the night."
"No Mary, don't." Saraphine said softly attempting to momentarily recompose herself. "Let him come, please."
"Yes, madam, whatever you wish." Mary bowed slightly and left. She brushed past Frederick in the hallway and rather than stop to chat as she might normally do about something the house needed she walked quickly away without saying a word not even lifting her eyes to meet his. He came into Saraphine's room and remained at the door. "I just came to bid you a good night, madam. Since you're not well I will leave you to sleep." He turned to go, not wanting to impose on her when she was not well.
"I'm not contagious," Saraphine replied. "You can stay, if you want."
"Yes, I understand that, but you fainted. I want you well and rested so that I don't have to spend my time worrying about you when I'm at work." He came and sat on the edge of her bed. "Has Mary somehow displeased you, Lady VonWaggoner? She went scurrying out of here without even looking at me. If something is amiss please let me know and I will discipline her for you."
Saraphine scoffed and turned away. "Only that she's upset because I don't want to be pregnant," she said softly. "It was a difference of opinion is all and I'm afraid I'm at fault."
"Well, she shouldn't be ...." he paused. "You're what? And you allowed me to spend this whole time worried that there was something wrong with you?" He knew he should be happy but the fact that his servants more than likely knew of her state before he did was upsetting. Not to mention the fact that they would know she didn't want his child. He stood suddenly and walked to the door. "Apparently I was wrong about you." He turned to face her. "Servants are bigger gossips than my social circle. It will be out at the house by night's end and lord knows how soon the rest of the town will know. I'm a patient man, Saraphine. But I will not have you embarrassing my family's name or me. So either get used to your condition or learn to keep your mouth closed. And I suggest you sing a different tune to Mary when she comes to dress you in the morning." He turned and left, slamming the door behind him. A few minutes later the door to his own quarters could be heard shutting loudly.
For a moment Saraphine was too shocked to do anything and then she flung herself down upon her pillows and began to cry once more. She hadn't received the support that she had expected from him, a little tender love and kindness, and now she felt even worse than before. Finally she cried herself to sleep. She was ill the next morning but did as her husband had requested and pretended a joy she didn't feel concerning the baby she now carried. She asked to be excused from breakfast and claimed her illness as her excuse but as soon as Mary had gone she curled up on the bed again. She didn't know what she was going to do now.
Frederick kept himself busy over the next week, avoiding the house and his wife as best he could departing before she woke and arriving after she normally went to bed. He felt foolish and no better than any other man for falling for a woman, allowing himself to be taken in. She loved him apparently so long as the love went undemonstrated beyond words. He hadn't set foot in her room since that night she told him, nor had he inquired about her. He assumed that if she needed something that he would learn about it somehow. He was in the music room enjoying a brandy and allowing himself to get lost in the harpsichord when he heard the door open. "I told you I was not to be disturbed," he looked up and stopped playing. "It's you. Is something amiss, Lady VonWaggoner that you need to seek me out?"
"Yes, something is very much amiss," Saraphine replied after closing the door behind her. "We're very much amiss. I'm sorry for what I've caused between us by being afraid. I just don't know how to deal with all of this. I'm scared, I'm only seventeen and now I'm responsible for a little life inside me. Forgive me if I'm slightly overwhelmed."
He stood. "I don't know what your age has to do with it, my mother was pregnant with her second child when she was 17. But that's not the point, we're not talking about my mother. While I can't change your present condition I can see that it doesn't happen again. My intent is not to make you unhappy." He gave her a half-hearted smile though his blue eyes clearly reflected his mood was not a happy one. "Why are you out of bed? It's late and it's cold. You should be in bed where it's warm. Go and I'll bring you some hot tea. I assume everyone's sleeping, so it'll take me a while to make it."
Saraphine smiled and hurried back to bed. "I don't know what to expect. I don't know what's going to happen to me."
"Well, I can't tell you what's going to happen to you either, Saraphine. Other than in seven or eight months you're going to have a baby. And until the baby comes I don't want to see you doing anything more strenuous than running a brush through your hair or lifting your teacup to drink. We have a house full of servants who until I married had it pretty easy. Let them work for once. Take advantage of it, when I'm at the office order whatever you want for breakfast and lunch. Eat it in bed for all I care. These next few months it's important to take care of you not only so the baby's healthy but so that you're healthy when the baby comes. I'm afraid as much as I will help you, there are a few aspects of mothering I cannot replace you with. I could send for my mother or my sisters if you'd like some help, I'd send for Sabrina but with her would come the half dozen children and she’s due with her seventh shortly. I'm not quite sure my staff is ready for that."
Saraphine smiled softly. "No, no that's quite alright. I think I can handle this myself, at least I'm going to try to." She sighed softly, "I just wasn't ready is all."
He brushed her hair back. "I know you weren't, love." He took the cup from her setting it on the table. "And I haven't helped you deal with it very well. I thought you were rejecting me, that you found having my child offensive. And the fact that you told Mary before telling me, I thought you were going to have her help you do away with the child." He looked away ashamed that he had given voice to his thoughts.
Saraphine gasped and looked visibly pale and a moment later rushed from the bed to be ill. "What a horrible thought," she said when she had finished. "I just was hoping Mary would be the support I needed to tell you, she wasn't."
"Well, that's what I thought." He turned to face her, his hand resting gently on her arm. "Have you been sick often? I should know these things I realize, but I'm afraid I've purposely made myself scarce. I can shield myself from many wounds, but my heart I'm afraid I'm unsuccessful at protecting. And the idea that you wouldn't want my child was more than I could bear to face." He smiled slightly, his eyes growing softer and obviously more content as the conversation progressed.
"I'm sorry Frederick," Saraphine replied softly. "Yes I have been rather sick, my least favorite thing in the world. Not much I can do about it though aside from stay in my room and let things happen," she sighed.
"On the contrary, my dear." He stood and went to her closet, pulling out a wrap for her. "How about a walk with your husband in the gardens? It will do you good to get some cool evening air." He held her hand in his. "I have to admit the idea of kissing my wife under the stars has its appeal, so don't be offended if a walk turns into such things." He led her downstairs and out the back to his gardens. "Has Mary been helpful? She's never had to care for someone in your condition, so if you're not satisfied with her I will hire someone else and move Mary back to her duties before you came."
"I think I've already offended her enough," Saraphine answered. "I think she'll be adequate, I hope. And she so wants you to have an heir I'm sure she would like to be a part of this."
"I'd like to be a part of it, too. But I guess I've already done my fair share, so I'll leave you to handle Mary." He stopped walking suddenly and took her into his arms. "I missed you, Saraphine. I prayed you'd seek me out, that you'd come to me but you never did. I haven't slept more than an hour or two this entire week for fear that I'd not only lose the baby but you." He kissed her passionately, his hands against her hips pulling her to him. He bit her lip gently. "Mm," he groaned huskily.
Saraphine answered his kiss with one of her own, just as passionate. "I want you to be as much a part of this as you want to. I want to know I'm not alone in this, and Mary's not the one I want to confide in. You are."
"You can confide in me about anything, love. Anything at all. I can't guarantee I'll understand all of it, but I'll at least listen." He kissed her again, his hands growing bolder in their exploration of her curves. He sat on a nearby bench, pushing the hem of her nightdress up so he could kiss her bare thighs before placing her gently in the grass, laying next to her his hand caressing her bare legs. "I want you, Saraphine. Here. Now." He kissed her again, placing her hand against his shirt.
Saraphine kissed him and caressed his chest through the shirt before struggling to remove it from his form. She kissed the length of his neck and then returned to take his lips once more.
Frederick's lovemaking was gentle but there was an air of neediness to it. After he lay next to her, his hand over her bare stomach. He kissed her face and neck lightly then turned his attentions to the sky. "A beautiful night made even more beautiful." He leaned on his side and kissed her again. "You are an amazing woman. Have I told you that?"
"Many times milord, and I still don't believe that I live up to the compliment," she laughed lightly. "The stars are so beautiful up there in the sky. I love to look at them."
"Not nearly as beautiful as you are, though, my dear wife." He paused slightly.
“I love you," Saraphine barely whispered. The sincerity and honesty of her thought was in her eyes.
"That ever powerful emotion. I'm glad, of course." He stood and dressed slowly, offering her his hand. "Let's get you back into bed before we fall asleep out here and give the household something real interesting to talk about tomorrow." He brushed her hair back. "I hope it's a girl, just like you. Blonde haired and bright eyed, smart, and mouthy." He chuckled lightly. He placed her hand on his arm and led her indoors and up to her room, where he undressed her and joined her in bed for the first time since they had been aware of her condition. He made love to her again, unable to keep his desire in check. Despite his words at not caring, it was obvious the idea of her carrying his child was exciting to him.
Saraphine slept late into the morning and was wont to stay in bed. She propped the pillows up and lay there lazily.
After lunch, Mary entered Saraphine's room cautiously. "Lady Saraphine, you have a visitor." It was obvious that Mary was nervous as she helped Saraphine dress in one of her most flattering gowns, arranging her hair quickly but nicely up as was proper. She followed Saraphine down the stairs and as they approached the parlor. "I'll send for tea, milady." Mary left hesitantly as Saraphine opened the door to find Gwyneth standing at the fireplace looking at Saraphine's wedding portrait. She turned upon hearing the door open. "Lady VonWaggoner, what a pleasure to see you again. I hope I'm not interrupting." Her hazel eyes narrowed as she took in Saraphine's appearance disappointed to see that her dress was of better quality than her own.
"No, not at all," Saraphine smiled. "Is there something I can do for you?"
Avoiding her question, she sat on a nearby sofa as Mary brought in the tea service. "It appears Frederick is treating you well. I always found this house too big and lonely. He works such long hours, though of course you would know that by now. I hope he didn't promise you that would stop once you married. Men often do that, promise things they have no intention on doing." She stirred the cream into her tea as she watched Saraphine.
"I do not mind Frederick's absence I myself have many things to do and he is always home at a more than reasonable hour if he can help it. He's very good to me and I love him dearly. A man has never treated his wife better."
She snorted quietly. "Well, I suppose that's well and good. I understand you're not from London, dear. No one seems to know how the two of you met. I must say I'm curious, you're far different than the other women I've seen Frederick with over the years. And he does seem to dote on you, I never would have thought it possible." She sighed slightly, Clinton didn't even know where she was half the time.
"Frederick and I have a wonderful relationship and we understand each other. I'm sure you understand that because of your marriage with your own husband." Saraphine said trying to be polite and not spar with the woman before her.
She laughed lightly. "No, I don't. I've been married for twenty years to a man I didn't even have the pleasure of meeting until my wedding day because your husband decided to go against our fathers' wishes. While Clinton is kind, he lost interest in me when a doctor confirmed after a while I couldn't have children. I hope you don't run into that problem, dear. It's almost stunning how fast they lose interest in you when they find out you can't carry on their name for them." She smiled wryly, drinking her tea as she observed Saraphine.
"Oh I'm very sorry to hear that," Saraphine replied softly. "There is nothing that can be done? I wish that I could help. I of course wouldn't know anything about having children having been married so very briefly."
Mary knocked and came into the room after Saraphine bid her do so. She smiled slightly as she handed Saraphine a note. "Milady, I apologize for the intrusion, but I don't read so well and the man who delivered the note indicated milord wants to see you straight away." She left the room with barely a glance at Gwyneth watching to be sure that Saraphine opened the note before she left. The note simply asked her to meet him for lunch in an hour's time and to be prepared to be gone for the rest of the afternoon.
"Lady Anderson you must forgive me, it seems that my husband has made plans for us for lunch and intends to keep me away the rest of the afternoon. I hate to cut our visit short but I'm afraid I must go. Hopefully you can call some other time and I can be a better hostess to you," Saraphine said diplomatically.
Gwyneth left after a few minutes, leaving Saraphine to get ready. When she arrived at Frederick's office, he stood and smiled helping her sit before returning to his desk. "Oswald came and told me you had unexpected company. I figured I'd save you from Gwyneth and steal myself an afternoon off." He glanced up at her. "I'm sorry if I've offended you, Gwyneth is just one person I don't trust."
Saraphine raised a brow. "Me either, I think the claws were definitely drawn and I was running out of ways to be diplomatic."
"Well, I'm glad I could be of service at the same time as fulfilling my own selfish desire to see you." He stood, taking her hands in his as he leaned against his desk. "You will do me a favor and tell me if she ever says anything that makes you question your place in my life. Or if nothing else, don't listen to her. I'm sure she'll try her best to make you doubt my intentions with you. She's miserable, and expects everyone to be the same."
"I'm sorry that she's so miserable. I hate to see anyone like that," Saraphine replied. "She was telling me today that you would grow tired of me and leave me alone if I could not give you any heirs. I didn't tell her that apparently won't be a problem."
"Well, that's really none of her business and as far as leaving you alone, I'm afraid whether you have ten children or one I can't see myself wanting to." He shrugged slightly. "She tried to discredit me years ago. After they figured out it was she who couldn't bear children, she tried telling my father that I had compromised her before I canceled the wedding and it was because she didn't get with child that I refused to marry her." He laughed suddenly. "I don't know that I've ever heard my father laugh so hard in all of my life. This was quite a few years later, and my father knew full well that if there was one woman I had no desire to," he paused realizing what he was saying. "Well, anyway, Father knew I had never laid a hand on her." He kissed her hands. "I promised you lunch. And then we'll come back here and I'll show you what it is I do all day when I'm away from you."
Saraphine smiled delightedly. She looped her arm in Frederick's and walked with him to lunch. "I am absolutely famished and I can't understand for the life of me why," she commented as they regarded menus.
He chuckled lightly. "Probably because you know of your condition and so think you need to eat more." He ordered for the both of them and when they had finished eating brought her back to his office. After introducing her to the people there, he led her back to his office. "You mentioned you speak French. Do you read and write it fluently?"
"Pretty close to it," Saraphine replied. "I may have trouble with a few words but then even the French have that problem."
"Well, I'd like to enlist your help if you'd allow me to. We have a few customers in France and while they speak and read and write English I was thinking it might benefit us if we began corresponding with them in their native language. Would you be willing to do that for me? There might be a bit to start with, because I'd like to send out letters to all of them right away. But once the initial contact has been made, there wouldn't be much after that."
"Sure I'd love to do that," Saraphine smiled. "Whatever I can do to be helpful, and I am sure that it would be much clearer for them in their language. Just tell me what you want to say and I'll write it for you, love."
He smiled. "Good. Thank you. I figured it was something you'd be interested in doing, and it will give me reason to spend time with you during the day. Not that I need a reason, mind you. But it's hard for me to expect my employees to work if I'm lax in my duties." He leaned back in his chair slightly. "What else would you like to do today, love? This afternoon is yours."
"I really don't have an opinion on the matter. Left to my own devices I'd probably sleep. Pregnancy seems to make me sleepy."
"Well, perhaps I could join you in sleeping." He smiled widely. "Far be it from me to make you tire yourself out. Give me a few minutes to finish up here and we'll be on our way." He left his office returning a short while later. "All set, let's go milady." He offered his arm as he led her to the coach, handing her in. They arrived at the residence where he joined her for her afternoon nap. Sleep wasn't peaceful for him, though and he woke Saraphine with an ear-shattering cry. Though his eyes were open, staring above where he laid it was obvious he was still quite asleep and terrorized by whatever vision it was he saw.
Saraphine rose up suddenly and then began to shake him. "Frederick, Frederick love wake up. It's just a dream, please wake up."
He stared at her, his eyes wide as they took in his surroundings and Saraphine a look of confusion on his face. He was shaking slightly and had broken a sweat. "Did my father send for you? You're awfully young for a nurse."
Saraphine shook her head confused, "I'm not a nurse I'm your wife, Saraphine, and your father didn't send for me. Please Frederick snap out of it."
"Not the nurse? But I need a nurse." He mumbled as he drifted off again then his speech cleared again. "There was so much blood." He looked at her still no recognition but confusion in his eyes. "How did you get here? You shouldn't be in my room with the door shut. People will surely talk."
"But, I'm your wife, I've been here before. Frederick please, this is some dream, some nightmare you're having. Please, please Frederick!" Saraphine shook him again her own fear rising.
"Oh," he mumbled slightly, somehow content with her response. He returned to sleep, though it was obvious it wasn't peaceful. He was shaking severely and when Saraphine applied her hand to his brow, he was burning up.
She immediately removed herself from the bed and sent for the doctor urgently. The doctor announced that it was influenza and that they must bring the fever down. Saraphine and Mary began to take turns wiping his brow with a moist cloth. Saraphine refused to sleep until finally exhaustion claimed her.
He finally came to and flinched slightly at his state of undress and Mary hovering over him. "What the hell?" He said irritably. He noticed Saraphine sleeping. "What the hell are you doing, Mary?" After she explained to him what had happened he sat up, his head pounding from the fever. "Have Oswald bring me a ice bath, Mary." He leaned over Saraphine. Kissing her lightly, he stroked her cheek.
Saraphine came to drowsily. "Frederick?" she questioned his awareness.
"Yes, love. Who else would be kissing you in your quarters?" He looked at her curiously. "You sound surprised." He suddenly grew concerned. How long had he been sick? What had he said to her while he was out of it?
"I am surprised, that you know me and that you want me here," she replied. Then she smiled, "I'm so thankful you're doing better. I've been watching you as much as I could for four days now. I was beginning to wonder if you'd ever be well."
"Well, I don't know if well is what you should use to describe me. I feel like I've been sitting under water for too long, but at least I'm here with you. I've asked Mary to have Oswald to bring me up a bath full of ice water, you might not want to be in here for that." He wasn't sure if she was able to see that, then his thoughts turned to her. "You didn't get ill, did you?"
"No," Saraphine said. "She only dropped of exhaustion carin' fer ye!" Mary interjected as she returned to the room.
He looked from Mary, his eyes dropping to Saraphine. "Oh, love, I'm sorry. Why didn't you have me brought to my bed? Oswald is perfectly capable of caring for me, but he wouldn't dare set foot in your quarters without my permission. He's odd that way." He brushed back her hair. "Have you eaten at all? Why don't you let Mary take you downstairs for a while then get yourself a bath? Maybe if I'm well enough later I can brush your hair for you."
Saraphine smiled softly and patted his arm. "You just worry about getting well love." She gave him another smile and then left the room with Mary. She went to the library but all she did was fall asleep by the fire. She had practically forbid anyone from caring for him save herself. Occasionally she had allowed Mary to step in but only briefly and only when she had absolutely needed to.
Mary had Oswald bring her up to her room a few hours later when she was found in the library sleeping. Frederick was no longer in her room as Mary got her ready for bed. The next morning Frederick sat on her bed, feeling better though still somewhat weak. He brushed her hair from her still sleeping face. He kissed her lightly on the lips. When he saw her stir, he smiled. "You are an amazing woman, Lady VonWaggoner. I hear I owe it to you that I'm well."
Saraphine smiled at him softly. "I did what I could. You frightened me so that first night when I felt your forehead was so hot and knew you must be ill. I sent for the doctor and when he told me it was influenza I remembered having it when I was little and how the doctor told my mom to treat it and I tried my best to duplicate that."
"Well, I have your parents to thank than." He brought himself next to her on the bed. "Well, while I'm feeling better I'm staying home today. And I'd like to lay here with you for a time, unless you have objections. Maybe you'll suggest a way for me to make it up to you for my frightening you so."
"Milord I want nothing in exchange for saving my own husband and providing a father for my child. I did what I did because I love you and it matters not now that you scared me. By all means please lay here with me, I'm afraid in my weariness there's not much else that I can do."
He kissed her lightly. "It matters to me, you're much too precious and carrying too precious a parcel for me to not feel bad for causing you harm. I'll think of something on my own." He brought her towards him, pressing up against her. "Maybe a new nightgown, something scandalous that would let me feel your legs against mine without fabric in the way."
Saraphine turned her head away. "It wouldn't fit long anyway, I'm going to get fat soon, unbelievably fat!" She sniffled, "maybe you'd better give me jewelry or something instead, something even a pregnant woman could wear."
"Who says you're going to get fat? And who says that my unbelievably sexy wife has to stop being sexy because she's pregnant? No one but me will see you, so it's not like we're dealing with propriety." He kissed her softly again. "Besides, I don't think you have it in you to be fat, pregnant or not pregnant."
"You have to get fat with a baby!" she objected and then gestured an approximation of a baby bulge.
He chuckled. "But dearest, it goes away. And it's not fat. The bulge comes as the baby grows, I'm a man and even I know that. Darling, you'll be fine. Is that what scares you? You think you're going to be fat? Look at Sabrina, she's had a half dozen of them. And I personally think she looks better than she did before the first one."
Saraphine opened her mouth to object but then thought better of it and instead merely shrugged and sighed. "I suppose what will be will be. After all I'm sure this won't be my last pregnancy. I wouldn't want to limit our family to only one child. Will you still love me when I look like that? Large with your child? Will you take your interests elsewhere?"
"Sweetheart, is that what you think? I told you when we first married that I would never do that. How could I not love you when you're carrying something inside of you that we created together? I've never done anything so incredible in my life, and I love you for giving me such a gift. Whether we have only this one or a dozen. Besides if I go by what Matthew and Peter tell me, and I'm like them in most every way, they found their wives more desirable with child. That's probably why they have so many."
Saraphine smiled softly and then she kissed Frederick happily.
Two months passed by and soon Saraphine was instructed to give up her corset. She had been spending all of her time out and about in a frenzy the last two months, even Frederick could hardly catch her at home and now she was bound there. She was sitting on her balcony in the early morning hours now, quietly contemplating her life and all of the changes that would soon take place and that were taking place already.
Frederick watched her quietly from the doorway for a few minutes. He had a hard time telling anymore whether she was content or bored. He tried to keep her occupied with a generous supply of books. His twin sisters were due to arrive within two week's time for an extended visit. Both very excited at the prospect of Frederick finally becoming a father. "I was coming to inquire if you wanted to have lunch with me in the gardens? It's a lovely day and I'd very much enjoy your company if you're feeling up to it."
Saraphine jumped out of the thoughts she had apparently been entrenched in. "Oh Frederick," she said his name lightly and smiled. "Yes, lunch in the gardens sounds wonderful. It's such a lovely day for it and seeing as I should not leave the house without proper undergarments it's the only eating out I'm going to be doing for a good long while."
"Is that why you've not wanted to go out? Saraphine darling, you're pregnant not diseased. Would you like to go out to lunch? You certainly wouldn't be the first woman to be seen without a corset, and you'd be sitting at a table out of view for the most part. Say the word and I'll take you, damn what anyone else says."
"Please take me out," Saraphine pounced on the suggestion eagerly. "I'll try to wear something where no one will notice. Will you help me dress? Mary refuses to help me dress if she thinks I'm going out. She said it would be too scandalous."
He raised a brow with a slight smirk. "You're asking me to help you dress? Of course I'll help you dress, just forgive me if my clumsy hands have difficulties. I'm much better at undressing than I am at dressing, but I will do my part." He then added, "Can I assist in the undressing part as well?"
Saraphine laughed lightly. "Of what I have on now, of course. Of what you're going to put on me, well you'll have to wait until later." She led him back into her bedroom and stood in her dressing area arms spread for him to undress her.
"You drive a hard bargain, madam. But I'll take whatever I can get." He undressed her slowly. His eyes taking in the slight changes in her body that pregnancy had brought, his hands touching her lightly. When he had removed her dress entirely, he looked at her with a slight smirk as he knelt before her. He brought his hands to her hips and his mouth to her breast through her chemise suckling lightly. He stood after a few minutes, rubbing his thumb over her nipple. "You haven't chosen your dress, my dear."
Saraphine was softly flushed. "I was leaving that to you milord, but if you'd like me to choose I'd say the blue one with the pearl accents."
He smiled slightly. "Believe me, love, you don't want to leave it up to me. If it were up to me, I'd leave you just as you are." He shrugged slightly getting the chosen dress from her closet then returning to help her into it, his hands were clumsy but it was obvious it was intentional. He kissed the side of her neck once she was buttoned and ready to go. He felt her pulse was slightly accelerated and suckled gently and briefly on her neck. "Am I succeeding at convincing you to let me stay home from the office for the rest of the afternoon?"
Saraphine whirled around almost too fast, but she recovered in time to thrust her arms about his neck and kiss him passionately, followed by another.
He kissed her just as passionately, pulling away slightly. "Wow, kiss me like that and I'll forget about lunch altogether." He smiled as he kissed her again, one hand at her waist the other creeping up to touch her breast. "I could feast on you all day, love."
"Yes, but that wouldn't feed my growling stomach," Saraphine laughed lightly. She kissed him lightly on the cheek then and turned around slowly. "Will I do? Can you tell?" she asked nervously.
"Well, I can tell, but that's because I know what you look like with and without your clothes." He kissed her lightly, his lips brushing her cheek. "You'll do just fine the way you are, love. Let's go get you some lunch. We'll work on whether or not I'm going back to the office today when we return." He winked as he led her out of the room, downstairs and to the coach. Frederick smirked slightly at the look Mary shot him and brushed her off. When they arrived at the restaurant, Frederick exited the coach and handed Saraphine out hoping she hadn't changed her mind.
Saraphine clung unusually close to her husband and the nervousness she had voiced earlier was visible in her eyes. Otherwise she held her head up and walked gracefully on his arm as though nothing was different. When someone would look at them he could feel her tremble.
He held her hand on his arm with his free hand hoping to reassure her until they arrived at their table. He dismissed the host, seating her himself and sat next to her. "You're fine. You're beautiful and you have nothing to worry about. Certainly there are women who have gone outdoors without corsets on before and there are women who have been outdoors much further along in your condition than you are." He kissed her lightly. "You can always blame it on me. Tell them I made you." He winked as he placed his hand on top of her hand, which was lying on the table.
Saraphine smiled brightly, her eyes lighting then. "Frederick, you are so very good to me. I don't know what I would do without you. You take such good care of me and you always know the right thing to say."
"It's easy to take care of someone whom I love so much, Saraphine. I want nothing but good things for you, so of course I'm going to take care of you." They ordered lunch and were left undisturbed as they ate. Whether anyone even noticed they were there he didn't know. When they left the restaurant and got into their coach, Frederick brought Saraphine onto his lap. "Now, was that so bad?"
"No, it was wonderful!" Saraphine was quick to reply. "I was afraid I was going to be housebound and miserable for the next six months."
"Hardly. I'll take you out whenever I can. There are, agreeably, some places that are inappropriate. But surely lunch, walks and what not that I would never deprive you of - you can always come visit me at the office, love." He kissed her lightly, tapping her nose with his index finger. He nuzzled her neck lightly with his lips. "Is there anything else you would like to do, dearest?"
"Could we perhaps just ride around and look at all of the homes and people," Saraphine asked. "You know perhaps I should start doing my Christmas shopping now since I shan't be able to do it then."
"Of course, I know when Jenna and Jennifer get here they'll be happy to go with you. And as far as riding around, we can do whatever you want, love. That's why I asked." He let his hand graze her bare thigh under her skirts. "Though you tempt me overmuch dressed as you are. It's not every day I have a tempting woman dressed scantily in my coach." He chuckled. "Add on top of that said woman is carrying my child and it becomes even more tempting." He kissed her, his moustache grazing lightly against her cheek as he moved to kiss her ear.
"I do believe if you had it your way you would keep me in my chambers all the time," Saraphine teased. She let him kiss her while she looked out the window at all that was going on in London around them.
"Well, perhaps not all the time, but most of it." He chuckled lightly. "Can I help it if I'm of the opinion that I have the most enchanting wife and I desire more than anything I've desired until this time? I like to demonstrate that at every opportunity." He let her look at the streets of London as their coach led them around while he slowly worked the buttons of his trousers and managed to get them off a bit. He pulled her skirts up, and before she could protest he brought himself inside of her. His movements were quick, his thrusts deep as the movement of the coach along the street provided him extra motion. He groaned loudly as his time came, upset that it had come so quickly and that she seemingly did not get to spend herself. He rested his head back on the seat, caressing her thigh gently. “I’m sorry that was so fast, love.”
Saraphine smiled softly and caressed his cheek. "You take very good care of me Frederick and I love you very much." She kissed him softly.
"Well, I'm not done yet. I've got a lifetime to do good by you and any children we have. So, I hope I can continue to." When they returned home, he handed her out of the coach and walked with her inside. Seeing that she was in safely, he shrugged slightly. "I'll see you around dinnertime then I imagine."
Saraphine nodded and kissed him chastely on the cheek and made her way upstairs. She slept the rest of the time until dinner when Mary dressed her conservatively; frumpishly Saraphine called it, and felt the need to walk with her down to dinner. Saraphine ate heartily as she had now become accustomed to doing and Mary seemed to lord over her making sure that Saraphine ate plenty.
The next few months were spent in much the same fashion, Frederick willingly and seemingly without care for anyone else's opinion continued to take Saraphine out, though he kept their time to the daytime. He kept to his word and put Saraphine to work with his correspondence that required the French language. He watched in delighted wonder as her body changed from the childlike body of before to that of a woman. He sat with her one evening in their bed, her bed though he rarely slept in his own, listening to her as she read a passage from a book. "Our children are going to fall in love with your voice. I already know who it is they're going to go to to soothe and coddle them." His thoughts turned dark suddenly, wondering if he would frighten them or be the cause of their embarrassment when they grew old enough to realize not all fathers were scarred like he was.
"I'm sure they'll come to use as well," Saraphine replied softly laying a hand on his arm, her other hand resting on her large baby mound. "Besides, who shall tell them all of the wonderful stories of court and about sailing and... Our children will adore you just as much as I do."
The next day Frederick came home from work in a somewhat foul mood informing Saraphine that he had business to tend to that would take him out of London for at least three weeks. Ordinarily he might have brought her with him, but with her condition he didn't want to risk her traveling overseas. He had Oswald pack his things as Frederick returned to Saraphine's room. He watched as she brushed out her hair, something that even after all these months had gone by still fascinated him. He smiled as she walked towards the bed and him, pregnancy obviously taking its toll on the way she walked. His eyes ran up and down her body appreciatively. "Take off your nightgown, Saraphine." He sat up on the bed once he had made his request and began unbuttoning his shirt.
"Is this your way of saying good-bye," Saraphine trembled. She did as he asked though and struggled out of her gown. Her belly was tight and round with his baby and, when he felt it, rather warm, hard and tight. She joined him on the bed with some effort.
He shed the rest of his clothing and laid back on the bed, taking her hand and placing it on his manhood. Once his arousal was complete, the warmth and ability of her delicate hand completing the task quickly he opened his eyes, extending his hand towards her. He pulled her on top of him, and while he was attentive to her it was obvious that pleasing her played no factor in this lovemaking session. When he felt his time draw near, he held her firmly in place with his hands at her hips driving into her hard. Spent, he moved her from on top of him to his side where he lay looking at the canopy above the bed.
Saraphine curled on her side, placing her back to him. Hurt to the core she wouldn't give him the benefit of tears. Never before had he treated her like this. She asked herself over and over what she had done as she fumed and at the same time was afraid. She wanted him to leave. She wanted him to leave for a long time.
He got out of bed the next morning. He knew she was awake but had no idea what to say or how to say it, so instead he left returning to his chambers to dress for his trip and leave. The entire morning as he was working with his men to prepare the ship to sail his thoughts turned to the night before and his behavior. He'd treated women like that before, but they had been whores not his wife. He ran his finger along the scar on his face his mind wandering until one of the crew came to him with a question. He penned a letter to her while they sailed to France, and ended up throwing it overboard. This was something he couldn't apologize for in a letter. He spent his time conducting his business, returning to the ship every night alone. One night he and his men had imbibed too much in ale and he found himself presented with a situation he hadn't encountered since being married to Saraphine. He left the tavern and as women of the night were known to do there was a group of women near where his ship was docked. One apparently decided despite his scars he was worth approaching. Agreeing upon a price, they returned to his cabin and after watching her undress out of her cheap and obviously well worn clothes he bade her leave. He paid her the agreed upon amount and a little more to insure her silence. Three days later they were on their way back to England. The trip had been worthwhile, though he wondered if it might have in a round about way cost him his marriage.
"Oh good you've come home and just in time. Her Ladyship has returned today as well. She couldn't bear to be here without you and so she left the same day you did for your family's home," Mary enthused as Frederick returned. "Now she's up in her chambers, hopefully napping in her condition but I'm sure she wouldn't mind if you woke her up."
He ate dinner alone before going up to her chambers entering without knocking. He stood in the doorway. "Are you awake?"
"I am milord," Saraphine said evenly, coldly.
"No baby yet, I take it?" He asked, the answer obvious by her still pregnant body. He walked towards the bed, sitting on the edge of it. "I'm sorry, Saraphine. I have never felt so awful in my life. I know I treated you cruelly, but I was angry and upset not at you but I took it out on you. I've always sought sex after I do battle, and I treated you as I would someone common."
"That's what I am to you isn't it?!" Saraphine fumed, "just some, some whore to you, just another piece of property?! Well I won't be used as one, enjoy me pregnant now because it's the last you'll see of it. I'm through being nice to you if you're going to hurt me like that. You've made me fear you and I won't live in fear."
"Fear me?" He brought his hand across her face. "How dare you speak to me that way, milady?” The last word was said sarcastically and stressed. "One time in almost a year of my knowing you I've been unkind to you and you accuse me of thinking you are a whore. If you'd like me to treat you like a piece of property I can gladly oblige you such a wish. And if that's how you want it, then don't even let the thought enter your mind that this will be your last pregnancy. As my legal wife and my property you will bear me more children, if I have to rape you to get them you will. You decide how you want to play it, Saraphine, and let me know." He noticed her lip was bleeding before he turned from her bed. "I will send Mary to tend your lip. And Oswald will be outside your door instructed not to let you leave without him as an escort and only to see me to tell me of your decision." He stormed to the door and turned towards her once more. "Think hard, Saraphine. I can be just as cruel and miserable to you as the next man, I had up until that night treated you with nothing but kindness and devotion. Why don't you go talk to Gwyneth and see how happy she is."
Saraphine said nothing and only trembled until he left before she collapsed on the bed in tears. Mary tended her and left but still Saraphine would not leave her chamber. She was afraid, genuinely afraid now. Were all men like her father? Finally she decided it was better to have him nice than mean. She hoped to stay on his good side by apologizing. However, as Oswald was leading her to Frederick's chambers she grabbed her stomach and cried out in pain. It was only minutes later that Oswald appeared before Frederick. "It's Lady Saraphine, as she was on her way to your chambers she experienced some pain. The baby is coming milord."
"Well, Oswald, send for Mary to prepare for the baby and you send for the doctor." Frederick put his robe on and walked to where Saraphine lay on her bed. Her lip was swollen and there was going to be a bruise there, guilt washed over him once more for his actions. Never had he struck a woman before today. "Saraphine, darling, Mary will be here shortly. Oswald is sending for the doctor. Let's get you out of this gown, all right? You don't want the evidence of childbirth on one of your good nightgowns."
Saraphine nodded but before he could do anything she gripped his wrist. "Forgive me," she gasped out then she was seized with another pain and two tears appeared.
He took out his handkerchief and blotted her tears. "We'll speak about it at another time, Saraphine. Concentrate on you and our baby now." Once the pain had subsided he helped her sit up and into a different nightgown, one he admittedly had never been fond of. Helping her to lay back on the bed, he held her hand. "Love, you can't hurt me. As you can tell from my body, I've been wounded more times than I can keep track of anymore. Squeeze my hand as hard as you need to. Cry out in if you must. No one but me and Mary will hear you." He grew uncomfortable, this was something he was totally unfamiliar with.
"Oh god," she cried out an hour later as the labor had progressed. She was now in pain much more frequently. She was drenched in sweat and tears and she seemed to be wearing. "I want it to stop," she wailed after the next pain had seized her.
The doctor arrived after about three hours had gone by, he had been in no hurry when Oswald admitted it was the woman's first child. He brought a midwife with him and once he examined her declaring her fine just in labor he left the midwife in charge bidding Oswald to fetch him should the need arise. He didn't think it would. Frederick watched as the midwife took him in, like most people she saw the scar first and shrank away. "I'm not your patient, madam. Tend to my wife and I'll stay quiet. But I'm not leaving this room until the babe has been born." Hours passed, but Frederick did not move from his spot next to her nor did he remove his hand from her clutches.
Finally in the early morning hours when Saraphine thought that she could not bear anymore, with a loud and final cry Frederick's first child was born. The midwife had no trouble getting it to cry. "It's a boy," she announced and Saraphine gave a small cry of relief.
Frederick's attention was focused on Saraphine while the midwife and Mary tended the boy. He watched as the placenta was delivered a short while later, realizing why it was men weren't generally wanted present in the room during childbirth. It certainly wasn't a pretty event. He watched as the midwife set the boy in Saraphine's arms to be fed. She assisted Saraphine in helping to get the boy to latch and after she was certain everything had been tended to she quietly left. Frederick sat on the edge of the bed his eyes shifting from his wife to the child. "Amazing."
This resulted in Saraphine's bursting into tears, which amazingly did not disrupt the hungry baby from his task.
He brushed his hand lightly over the nursing child's cheek. "What are the tears for, dearest? Don't you find it amazing that he has been within you all this time?" He smiled slightly, his eyes dropping to her exposed breast. Something he hadn't seen in months, and the last night they had been together he didn't notice. "Pregnancy does interesting things to more than just your belly," he said as he circled her free darker nipple with his index finger playfully.
He discovered he must have said something that was near the root of the problem for her tears increased and something akin to humiliation was on her face.
He did his best to soothe her until the baby had finished his feeding. He handed the child to Mary to be put into his bassinet to rest. Once Mary had left the room, Frederick looked at Saraphine with genuine concern and confusion in his eyes. "What is the matter, love? Please tell me, you can speak freely to me."
"This all feels weird. It doesn't feel right. What's happened to my body?" she gasped out finally finishing in a soft moan.
He brought his thumbs to her face trying to dry her tears. He lowered one of his hands to her breast, squeezing her nipple lightly. He held his finger up to her face with the clear, murky like liquid on it. "This is what's happening to your body, Saraphine. It's part of having a baby." He shrugged as he traced his finger along her breast wiping the chollostrum along her breast. "And if you hadn't just had the baby and I'm quite sure totally disinterested in it, I would demonstrate to you exactly how appealing you are to me right now. Never have I seen something more beautiful in my life."
Saraphine's sapphire eyes regarded him for several look minutes without expression, searching him, reading him. The baby began to fuss and flail his tiny arms and for a minute Saraphine just looked at him. "Oh right, burping." She carefully moved the baby to her shoulder and attempted to burp him. She was finally successful and the baby gave up his crying. "Would you like to hold him for a few minutes? I don't especially like sitting here undressed like this before you just at the moment. This is all going to take some real getting used to for me. I honestly was expecting to wake up from a dream but I guess it's all real enough now." Saraphine looked down into the tiny baby's face and couldn't help but smile though. "You're a little bundle of love but it certainly took a lot to get you here," she cooed at the baby.
He laughed lightly. "Stay where you are, Saraphine. You just had a baby and if you could see the bed below you you'd realize you lost quite a bit of blood in the process." He took the boy from her and walked to the door looking at his son the entire way. He opened the door and called for Mary who had wisely been waiting in the small sitting room off Saraphine's room. "Milady needs a bath." He returned to her bedside. "The doctor left some laudanum if you should need it, but I'd rather not give it to you unless you really need it."
Saraphine nodded, but she didn't want any. Mary helped her to bathe while the bed was restored to its previous beauty. Once Saraphine was resettled, even though it was now time to be waking for the day, she was just finally finding sleep.
Frederick returned their son to his bassinet and pulled the bedding around Saraphine. He kissed her on the forehead lightly, "You've had a long night, love. I'll see that Mary tends to the baby until he's hungry again. Get some rest, and I'll be right here by the bed should you need something." The concern was evident in his voice, she looked so pale though he imagined that was common after childbirth. But he had no idea. He cringed once more at the sight of her lip before bringing a chair up by the side of the bed for him to sit.
In the mid-afternoon she was finally finished sleeping and she woke to feed her son his third meal. It all seemed so strange to her now, being a mother, feeding her own baby from her own breast, being married. It was nonetheless true though. She was propped up against all of the pillows watching her son feed. She gently traced his tiny nose and small soft cheeks as she smiled and then she picked up the hand her son had laid on her breast and played with his tiny fingers, rocking him a moment went he began to squirm in protest of her action. "Now, now little one," she cooed to the infant softly.
Frederick came into the room after knocking on the door. He sat on the edge of the bed and watched as the two of them bonded. He placed his hand over his son's head, careful of the soft spot. "How do you feel?" He looked up at Saraphine. "Are you feeling well enough to try and walk around a bit once he's finished?" He was pleasant, but more formal than where their relationship had been before. Still not knowing where things stood between them, he was trying not to wear his heart on his sleeve.
"I'm not sure," she answered honestly. "I feel so weird I just don't know, but I'd like to try. It would let us know where I am at recovering. If you wouldn't mind helping me?" Saraphine asked. She was doing nothing but wearing her emotions on her sleeve.
"If you want me to I will, otherwise I'm sure Mary or one of the other staff would be happy to." He stood and walked to the door. "Ring when you've finished. Mary will let me know if it's me you've requested." He left, closing the door behind him.
Saraphine felt like she wanted to cry but instead she was determined to make the first step towards improving things. Mary appeared and helped Saraphine clean up and then she nestled the baby in his bassinet nearby. "Sir," Mary poked her head in, "the lady Saraphine requests your assistance in some matter. She said you would know what it was."
"Yes, of course, Mary. Thank you." He came into Saraphine's chambers a few minutes later. "You're ready to try then?" He offered her his arm to help her from the bed and out the door. As they left her room, he spoke softly. "I don't want you to overdo it, Saraphine. If you grow tired or feel faint let me know please. I will do our son no good when it comes to nourishment." He smiled slightly, there was so much he wanted to say but knew not how. He had tried to apologize, a sincere apology and she had struck back with words of fearing him. He was lost.
Saraphine smiled softly at his words and held tightly to him as she readjusted to walking. "I never got to apologize yesterday. I was coming to say I was sorry," she said softly hoping that her words would not be met with wrath.
He shook his head slightly. "I don't want your apology, Saraphine. I want to know why on earth you accused me of scaring you. Did I hurt you that night? I realize I wasn't as attentive to you as perhaps I normally am, but I don't recall hurting you." He stopped walking leading her to a window opening. "I made you a promise that I would not seek comfort from other women, and I'll keep that promise Saraphine. But you must understand there are times that men have needs. It doesn't mean I don't love you, it doesn't mean I think you're a whore, it doesn't mean that I think your sole purpose in life is to bear me children."
"I guess I just wasn't expecting it. It didn't hurt really it just didn't feel good either," Saraphine replied softly. "It was so different from the way you normally treat me I wondered if I had done something wrong to make you change."
"Hardly. I was upset, one of my men got himself in quite a mess in Paris. That's why I had to leave so suddenly. Your letters have done a great deal of good, so much so that your presence is requested the next time I make it to Paris. Of all the good you've done over the past few months, my man could have destroyed it in one stupid moment. I know it's no excuse, but the way I've lived. The life I'm accustomed to. When I'm angry I need a woman, I need what I took from you. It's how I am. I don't hit, I don't throw things, I take my aggressions out that way. I'll try not to let it happen again."
Saraphine leaned against his chest then. She just stood there for a long while and then she looked up at him. "I think I need to go back to bed now. I'm weary of standing and I want to see our baby again."
"Of course, love. That's easy enough to fix." He smiled genuinely, picking her up suddenly as he carried her back to her room. He set her on the bed. He sat on the edge of the bed after gathering their son in his arms. "I think this little guy needs a name. Any ideas, Lady VonWaggoner, on what you'd like to name your son?"
"Christopher Frederick VonWaggoner," Saraphine put forth. “I like the name and I think it would suit him." She smiled down at the baby. "He's so tiny and beautiful. Amazing that something like that came from me."
"I don't find it amazing at all, love." He glanced at her stomach, placing his hand on it lightly. "I'll bet you thought you'd never see your feet again." He lay on his side next to her on the bed, watching the two of them together. He took hold of his son's tiny hand. "Well, Christopher Frederick, it's nice to meet you. It's about time you got here." He smiled, kissing the top of the boy's head. Moments later he had fallen asleep.
When next Frederick woke it was to the sight of Christopher nursing while his mother was yet again sleeping. As if she felt his gaze on her she woke again. "Morning love. I hope the baby didn't wake you last night. I tried to keep him quiet but I'd no idea they woke so often and were so hungry!"
"Not at all." He watched as his son eagerly suckled his mother's breast. The next couple of months passed much the same way. Frederick spent long days at the office, sometimes leaving shortly after Christopher's first feeding and arriving home before dinner if he was lucky. Saraphine's shape had returned to normal, the benefits of being a nursing mother aside. He came home one evening and gave Mary and Oswald the evening off after he and Saraphine had eaten and she had gone to tend to Christopher. He went up to her room and presented her with a gift. She opened the box to reveal a sheer lace black negligee, judging by the length it would do well to reach her knees in its length. He watched her apprehensively as she opened the box.
Saraphine opened the box smiling at the beautiful black lace and then staring wide-eyed as she removed it and saw what it was. "It's beautiful, Frederick, truly beautiful. I love it." She smiled and then looked at him, "you want to start making love to me again don't you?"
"Well, truth be told I've wanted to start the day Christopher was born, but I knew that wasn't possible. But in answer to your question, yes, very much so. It's been almost three months and watching Christopher indulge in your womanly attributes made me a little jealous at times." He shrugged, embarrassed to admit he had been jealous of his own child. "I'd like to see you in that."
Saraphine smiled softly. She kissed him on the cheek and then slid off the bed. She checked Christopher in his bassinet to make sure he was still sound asleep and then she went behind her dressing area. She emerged a few minutes later with the black negligee on and walked over to stand in front of her husband.
He was actually at a loss for words. The woman he had asked to make it had been hesitant to make it, but like most things with the right amount of money it had gotten done. He took her into his arms, his hands going to caress her lightly covered buttocks. "You're beautiful, thank you." He kissed her, breaking away briefly. "Are you sure? I mean, it's all right for me to make love to you."
"The doctor says so," Saraphine smiled. "And how could I refuse?" she smiled softly at him and then leaned up to kiss him. Tipping her head back her hair came loose from her dressing clip and tumbled down her back over his arms in all of its beautiful blonde glory. It was down past her buttocks now, having grown significantly during her pregnancy.
"Well, you could have lied." He picked her up and brought her to the bed, bringing her on top of him. "Let's try this again without my being angry, shall we? Bring yourself on to me, Saraphine." His eyes reflected his apprehension at requesting such behavior from her.
Her apprehension at being able to accomplish such appeared in her eyes but wanting to please him she tried anyhow. She moaned softly when she was successful and once again remembered what it felt like to have her husband inside her. She kissed him, her hands playing with his nipples even as they supported her so that she could begin a gentle rhythm to pleasure them both.
After a few torturous minutes of touching her through the negligee he removed it and brought her to him. His mouth sought her breast; he sucked eagerly. He groaned loudly in response, the palm of his hand replacing his mouth briefly as he looked to her when she pulled away.
Saraphine looked shocked. "I'm sorry, I didn’t want you to get more than you bargained for, milord," she attempted to apologize for her body's shortcomings at the moment. She couldn't possibly imagine that he could enjoy her breasts without producing the same results that her son got from his suckling.
He smiled slightly with a shake of his head, understanding in his eyes so he returned his mouth to her breast. It was evident by his sudden desire to take control of their love making and the thrusting that he was aroused. His eyes were open as he looked up from her breasts to watch her reaction to what he was doing.
Saraphine relaxed when she realized she was pleasing him and soon began to allow herself to enjoy his attentions. She gasped and moaned softly enjoying his suckling at her breast which especially surprised her as well as his being within her. It did not take much longer for her to climax and it was an especially powerful one.
After her climax had subsided, he rolled her over to her back so that he could finish himself off. He was too aroused to deal with a position that didn't bring him easy release without effort. He lay on top of her once his orgasm had subsided, rubbing her stomach, her breasts, and her neck. "Now I know that I have reason to be jealous of our son." He smiled slightly with a slight chuckle.
"You make me tingle inside." Saraphine replied honestly.
He raised an eyebrow with a slight smile. "Tingle, eh? Is that a good or a bad tingle?"
"A good tingle, definitely a good one" Saraphine replied, her eyes drunken with satiation.
He chuckled lightly as he moved to lie beside her on the bed. "And you thought I wouldn't find you attractive any longer." He kissed her then moved his mouth to her breast again briefly.
Saraphine sighed softly. Just then Christopher began to cry out with hunger and Saraphine left her husband's side to fetch him from his bassinet. When she resettled in the bed she began to feed him. "No, not the same exciting pleasure at all, something different."
Frederick watched as his son fed. He stood from the bed more to stretch than for any purpose and picked up the negligee he had bought off the floor. Tossing it on the bed. "When you're done with him, put that back on do you mind?" He laughed. "I spent a small fortune in order to get it made, I'd like to see it get some use other than decorating our floor." He winked as he walked to the window and looked out at the moonlit sky. The stars were bright and luminous, a sky like this he hadn't seen in a very long time. A sailor's dream night, he realized. "Saraphine, we've never talked about our argument. I struck you. I want to assure you I never meant to harm you, and I'm deeply sorry. I would have apologized sooner, but fresh in my mind was the response from you I got when I tried to apologize for my behavior that night that I didn't."
"I know," Saraphine replied with a voice full of tender love. She finished feeding Christopher and slipped back into the negligee before joining her husband. She curled against him and then looked up into his eyes as she had not in a very long while. "I love you Frederick."
"Even though you're 18 and have a child? Even though your husband has odd quirks and enjoys suckling on your full breasts?" He wrapped his arms around her. "Even though your husband can't deny how much he thanks the lord for the day you were brought into his life?"
"Because of all that, not aside from it," Saraphine answered with a smile. “And I'm sure I'll have another child before I'm nineteen, I've resided myself to enjoying the nuances of being pregnant. As for the suckling on my breasts you wouldn't do it if I didn't like it."
"You know," he looked at her seriously. "Have you ever wondered, because I surely do." He thought a moment before continuing. "You're 18, women from my understanding can bear children for at least 20 more years. How is it that people don't end up with 20 children, or more? Do they just grow tired of making love?"
"I think the body grows tired of making children perhaps or something," Saraphine mused. "I'm not exactly sure you could handle 20 children anyhow. Surely you don't want quite that many."
"No, of course not. That's not what I was asking. I was just curious. Because as you stand here before me I couldn't imagine never making love to you again, and that's the only way I can attribute people going for years with no children in between. I mean, of course there are ways of being careful." He shrugged. "Just a thought, sorry." He kissed her. "Would you like to go downstairs with me and get some tea? I don't recall when the last time I've been inside my kitchen is, but I'm quite sure I can manage to boil water and put tea leaves in a strainer."
Saraphine looked down at the negligee. "Surely you'd like me to dress or get a robe?" she raised a brow. "Yes I could do with some tea though."
"We're alone tonight, I've given everyone the night off, but if a robe makes you more comfortable than don one." He checked on Christopher to make sure he was sleeping while she got her wrapper and they went downstairs. It was obvious he was unfamiliar with the kitchen, but he did manage to make them both tea. "I wonder if I can claim to be domestically educated now. Do you think?" He winked as he sipped his tea.
Saraphine laughed, "I hardly think so my husband. You should enjoy not being domestically educated. Where I used to live there were no servants and we had to be and it was a pain. I like things much better this way. I feel like a princess."
He eyed her sweetly, his eyes falling to her exposed cleavage and then falling to the meat block. He smiled widely as he took the cup from her hand, picking her up he set her on the block a wicked grin on his face. He knelt before her and brought his arms around her hips, moving her towards the edge of the table as he brought his mouth between her legs. He paused after a few minutes, gazing up at her. "You don't mind do you?"
"In the servant's kitchen!" Saraphine gasped softly, "Frederick you're crazy!" She laughed lightly, "no I suppose I don't mind but no sleeping down here."
"I assure you, madam, sleeping is not at all on my mind. Three months, two of them spent torturously watching as you sat before me unclothed and with barely anything covering you from my gaze. I'm afraid you may have to endure my advances a time or two before the servants return in the morning." He returned his mouth to the spot between her legs until he felt her release come. He stood and caressed her breasts lightly through the negligee after he had parted her wrapper. Lowering his hands to her hips he pulled her onto him, a wicked smile came to his mouth. "I always knew this table would be good for something someday." He chuckled as he used his hands to adjust her legs around him.
Saraphine merely smiled at him. She met him thrust for thrust and moaned as she enjoyed his attentions. "Oh tis a fate worse than death to have to make love to one's husband when he is so arduous, gentle and loving." She laughed lightly before gently biting his neck as her release slammed into her.
He followed soon after, resting his head against the top of hers lightly. "The same can be said about you. If you weren't so receptive to my lovemaking I probably wouldn't enjoy it as much. No probably's about it, I know I wouldn't. There's nothing worse than making love to a woman who doesn't want you to be there." He kissed her softly, nibbling her lip gently. "I love you, milady."
"I love you," Saraphine whispered back softly. She was quiet for a long few minutes and then she spoke again, "you realize your mother and sisters should be here tomorrow to see the baby."
"Yes, I know." He kissed her neck. "Is this your way of telling me I have to behave myself in less than 24 hours? My mother should be quite thrilled to see Christopher, and to see that you're looking so well." He traced his hand down her breasts and to her stomach. "And you do look very well. Take it from me."
Saraphine blushed a full deep red. "Thank-you. That means a lot." She yawned and laid her head down on his shoulder. "You don't have to get up all night and feed a baby. I do."
"I know love," he moved from in front of her, helping her from the table and led her upstairs. He got into bed with her, pulling the covers around them. "Good night, love. And thank you for being so wonderful."
Saraphine curled up against him and was soon asleep. She woke at the first cries from her son to feed him.
Frederick woke as he normally did and went to the office, telling Saraphine to send one of the servants for him once his mother and sisters arrived. Knowing his sisters, even though they were expected today they wouldn't be here until late. They loved to dawdle in the towns. He returned early for dinner to find that Saraphine had arranged not only for a meal perfectly suited to his mother and sisters, but a most elegant table had been set for their company. He found both her and their son in the parlor, a smile crossed her lips when he noticed both had fallen asleep while the child was feeding. He crossed to her softly, taking Christopher from her arms and holding him while he spoke softly to the boy. He felt Saraphine stir against him and looked at her. "Milady, it seems you've exhausted yourself. Not only in your duties as mother, but also as wife. The table looks wonderful." He eyed her exposed breast. "I best leave instructions that only Mary should enter rooms you're known to be in behind closed doors with the baby."
"That might be a good idea before I simply appall someone someday and ruin your good name or disgrace the family or something." Saraphine replied seriously. She straightened her beautiful light blue satin gown back into order. Just then it was announced that Frederick's mother and sisters had arrived.
He stood with Christopher in his arms, helping Saraphine up from the sofa. "It's not a disgrace I worry about you causing, love. Please don't think that's what I'm suggesting, I simply realize you're a private person and would it have been Oswald and Philip come in here and seen you as you were when I came in you would be embarrassed." He kissed her lightly as he cradled his son in his strong arms, arms looking oddly comfortable holding an infant in them. He walked out to the foyer, applying a gentle kiss to the top of his son's head knowing it would be the last he'd hold him for he rest of the day with his mother's arrival. "Mother," Frederick called out. His mother walked towards him and Christopher while Jenna and Jennifer went instantly to Saraphine full of questions about the baby, the birth, Frederick's behavior towards both her and the baby. Frederick eyed the girls, trying to listen to the conversation unsuccessfully, as his mother was full of her own questions regarding her grandson. While she had 13 grandchildren, Christopher was only the second grandson. And being Frederick's son, he would be heir to the VonWaggoner name.
Saraphine patiently tried to give the best and least revealing answers to the sisters and watch Frederick and his mother at the same time with their son. She was actually thankful when Mrs. VonWaggoner took the baby into the parlor. She sighed when this left her free to devote even more time to answering their questions.
Frederick placed his hand at Saraphine's waist after placing a kiss on the cheek of each of his younger sisters. "You two haven't even gone to see your nephew. You're just more interested in hearing about the making of them then you are of them." He saw them stifle giggles and pointed. "Go, acknowledge my son, both of you. Then we'll have dinner." He stole a kiss from his wife. "Whatever you've arranged for dinner tonight it smells wonderful. You really have grown accustomed to this Lady VonWaggoner stuff, haven't you? I don't know that my household has ever run so efficiently as it has since I came back from Paris."
Saraphine smiled, "well you're mother gave me some very good advice while you were away milord." The noble family walked in to dinner, which was a highly formal affair showcasing Saraphine's manners and good taste for hosting.
After dinner, Frederick took his mother and sisters into the parlor while Saraphine went upstairs to tend to Christopher's own dinner in private. The four of them talked, his mother speaking highly of Saraphine's obvious innate abilities as both a hostess and a mother. Frederick had to agree. She seemed to take to both tasks easily, as if she had been made to do them. When she returned to the room. He made room for her to sit with him on the loveseat. "Saraphine, love, how would you like to hold a ball? Here at our home. I think it's time that I opened my home to my friends and family. And showed off my wife and son in the process."
"A ball," Saraphine showed immediate interest. "Yes, that sounds wonderful, fancy gowns, wonderful music, delicious food. It could be an evening I'd never forget." "I think she said yes!" one of Frederick's sisters exclaimed delightedly. “We can come can't we? I'm going to dance every dance," the other sister enthused.
Frederick laughed lightly. "I don't know," he shrugged his shoulders. "We'll see how you two behave. London may not be the same if I let you attend our ball." He saw the disappointed look on Jenna's face and laughed. "Now why in the world would I talk about a ball in front of the two of you if you weren't going to be included?" He looked at Saraphine. "You're up to planning it, love?"
"Of course," Saraphine smiled. "I want it to be a grand and splendid ball, one that London will never forget!" she smiled. "A moonlight romance ball, with masks of roses and corsages for the women and roses everywhere, silk and real. We could have the moon, stars, and roses for our theme elements and say that everyone must incorporate them into their attire."
Frederick's eyes lit up in admiration as she spoke. It was obvious to the three women in the room related to him by blood that he was more than lightly in love with the woman he had claimed as his wife. "Whatever you'd like, love. I leave it in your obviously capable hands. Mother can help you I'm sure, and I'm quite certain Jenna and Jennifer would pitch in as well." He stood and poured himself a brandy when Oswald entered the room asking for Frederick to come to the foyer. Oswald returned to the room a few minutes later informing the women that Frederick had to leave and that they were to go up to their rooms for the rest of the evening. He caught Saraphine's eye as she passed by and waited until the other three had passed before he spoke to her. "There's been trouble, ma'am at the shipyard. Milord has gone to tend to it, but in case it's a personal attack on the VonWaggoner name he requests you and the child come with me."
"No," Saraphine gasped blanching immediately, "Frederick." She raced upstairs quickly and fetched Christopher from his bassinet and wrapped him tightly in blankets. Then she returned to follow Oswald. "He never should have gone," she fretted softly.
"He had to madam." He led her into the music room, through the music room into Frederick's private library. Oswald pushed on the edge of one of the bookshelves to reveal a tunnel. He led her to through the passageway and to a door, which he opened. "You should have all the comforts of your room here, ma'am. And you will be safe here. If for some reason you feel the need to come up to the house, take the candelabra and continue walking down the passageway until it ends. The door opens and you will come up underneath the stables. Don't come back the way we came, ma'am." He stood in the doorway, waiting to make sure she was comfortable and for her to dismiss him.
"You will send for me when it's safe?" she questioned. "Oswald be safe." Then she dismissed him and once shut away she paced until she had worn herself and then curled up on the bed, sleeping with Christopher nuzzled next to her. However, she didn't sleep for long, the anxiety over her husband's circumstances kept her awake and wondering. She got off her bed and knelt at its side and after performing her cross she began to pray long and fervently.
It was sunrise before Frederick returned to the house, he tended to his horse and made his way to the rear of the stables once he was certain he had not been followed. He knocked lightly on the door to Saraphine's room a few minutes later, "Saraphine, it's me love."
"Frederick!" she gasped with delight and making her way wearily to the door from lack of sleep and worry she wrapped her arms around him and kissed him passionately before giving into weakness and going limp in his arms.
He smoothed down her hair. "I'm sorry I scared you, dearest. Someone set fire to one of my ships. I wasn't sure what the damage was or if it was an attempt at drawing me out. It's all right. Some of my men were killed, trapped in their cabins."
Saraphine burst into tears from the tension of it all and buried herself against him. "I was so worried I'd lose you. I love you," she whimpered out between sobs.
"I know, love. I'm sorry. But I have to tend to these things. Let's get you back upstairs, things are safe. I promise you." He released his hold on you and went to Christopher in the bassinet, not worrying whether or not he woke him. "I'm pleased you listened to Oswald. Oswald knows things no one else in the house knows. I was worried you would not listen."
"You would have wanted me to I felt sure, so I did for you and for Christopher," Saraphine replied walking with him back into the house. "I did not sleep a wink last night praying for your safe return my love."
He led her up through the stables after grabbing them both cloaks by the passageway door. "It shall appear we were out for an early morning walk." He went out first, helping her up through the door in the stable floor and closed it readjusting it. They returned to the house, Frederick allowing Mary to lead Saraphine upstairs while he spoke with Oswald. He came up a couple of hours later to find them both sound asleep. He left the room telling Mary to fetch him when his wife woke up.
It was nearly dinner when Mary brought him news that Saraphine had awoken. She was feeding Christopher when he appeared.
He came in quietly and sat on the edge of the bed. "I'm glad you got some rest, dearest. What would you say to dinner out? Christopher will have been fed; he should be fine for four or five hours. I figured you'd enjoy getting out of the house and Mother feels you're going to too much trouble for them."
Saraphine smiled, "Very well then, dinner out. I'll wear the new dress I had made." She finished feeding Christopher and shooed Frederick out. She appeared on the stairs an hour later with her hair up in a beautiful ponytail of golden ringlets. She had on a gown of deep green satin with light green chiffon butterflies sewn on to it, their wings jeweled with miniature diamonds. She had a beaded wrap of the same sheer material and an ornate silver tiara sat in front of the ponytail atop her head. Jenna and Jennifer gasped simultaneously when they saw her.
"My wife, the only woman who could upstage the Queen herself." He walked towards her and kissed her, placing his arm around her as the five of them made their way to the two coaches - Saraphine in Frederick in one, his mother and sisters in the other. When they arrived at the restaurant, they entered and Frederick could feel the eyes on Saraphine. "You look lovely, my dear. Perhaps I should release my hand from you and allow you to enter before me."
"Nonsense my love," Saraphine smiled. "I am happiest at your side." She walked with him to their table. The soft violin and piano music made Saraphine smile. "Thank-you love. This was a wonderful idea."
Dinner turned into dancing and Frederick soon found that his wife was in demand. He turned his attentions to his younger sisters, his eyes rarely leaving Saraphine. Soon it was time to go, and they returned home and retired to the parlor for the rest of the evening. Frederick's mother went to bed leaving the four of them alone until Saraphine's presence was demanded with their son. She returned a while later to find Jennifer and Jenna sitting over Frederick's chessboard and Frederick by the fire reading.
"It couldn't get any nicer than this, "Saraphine smiled, settling near her husband. "What are you reading love? And Jenna who's winning?"
Jenna and Jennifer were too deep in thought to pay attention to her, Frederick chuckled lightly. Ordinarily he would scold them for dismissing Saraphine so rudely, but he knew it was unintentional and let it go. "They're pretty evenly matched actually." He glanced at the book, "Moliere. Are you familiar with his works?"
"Yes, I like the one about the man, it starts with a T. Anyhow, yes he has good works." Saraphine replied.
"Tartuffe?" He chuckled saying it more as a statement than a question. Looking over at his sisters, ensuring they were still not paying attention he kissed her deeply. Breaking away he traced her lips with his finger lightly. "So when would you like to hold this ball? And you'll have to get with my mother to find out who exactly should and should not be invited. I don't stay up on those things."
Saraphine smiled. "How about in a month, the Friday evening a month from now. I want time to make everything as splendid as it can be and to have a dress made."
"A month would be fine, love." He placed the book on the arm of the couch and stood, offering her his hand. "I think it's time for your husband to be put to bed for the evening. Good night, girls." He kissed Saraphine lightly. "Are you going to join me?"
"Yes of course," Saraphine smiled. "I'm rather tired myself." She looped her arm in Frederick's and bid Jenna and Jennifer goodnight though they paid little attention to anything other than the game.
When they had retired to her chambers, Frederick undressed and got into bed. He meant to stay awake, he enjoyed watching his wife get ready for bed but sleep overtook him as soon as his head hit the pillow. He woke the next morning to find Saraphine and his mother sitting at the dining room table obviously working on something for the ball. He shook his head. Women, he thought. It doesn't take them long to latch on to the mention of something and run with it. But he was pleased. It would keep Saraphine distracted and busy, something he realized she needed to be. He left for work, sending a message home late in the day that he would not be home until late and for her not to worry or to wait up for him. When Saraphine woke the next morning he was not home. There was no evidence that he had returned during the night, though Oswald assured her he had been. This continued for the better part of two weeks. Frederick would come home for a couple of hours, check on his wife and son catching an hour's sleep and then he was gone again. He had no idea when his mother had left, but when he came home for the first afternoon in over two weeks he found just Saraphine and his sisters in the parlor. He smiled wearily, it was obvious he was exhausted though he tried not to let it show. "How are the three women in my life?"
"Well I can't imagine how poor Saraphine must feel," Jenna spoke up and Saraphine's head snapped up from her beadwork that she was doing. "Jenna!" Jenna flushed and went back to her stitching as well. "We're fine love, just working on things for the ball. It's going to be splendid. How about you go up and get some rest before you fall ill and I'll bring our dinner upstairs. Your sisters are going out this evening."
He rolled his eyes slightly. "Going out? With whom? And where?" As appealing the thought was of bed and food, he was more interested in what his sisters were to be doing that evening.
"We're going to dinner and the new opera with Edward and Brandon," Jenna replied, thinking of the handsome dark haired Edward and blushing.
"You will do well not to speak unless I'm addressing you." He looked to Saraphine. "Who are these men and what are they doing taking my sisters out without my permission?"
Saraphine gasped, she had totally forgotten about that. "These men obviously know your family. They have danced with your sisters several times. I saw no problem in their attending an opera and eating dinner at a restaurant," Saraphine fumbled nervously.
"You've observed them together then? I know not whom you speak of, but if you feel they are suitable companions for them this evening, then I will trust your judgment. You will apologize to them for my inability to greet them, but I fear if I stay here much longer that I will fall asleep right here. And that would look worse than my not greeting them at all."
Saraphine nodded and sent Frederick up to nap. Once she had seen the girls safely off with their gentleman callers then Saraphine brought up a large bowl of soup and two smaller bowls in which to eat it. "Love I've brought dinner and seen your sisters off for the evening."
He mumbled something incoherently resembling "thank you" and continued sleeping. He slept for over 24 hours, waking up at dawn two days later. He noticed the sun coming up, heard his son squalling and heard the rustle of the bedding indicating Saraphine was getting him. "I've overslept. I needed to be back at the office before now," he moaned. He placed his head on his forehead, still groggy from sleep.
"You're doing no such thing," Saraphine said forcefully, putting her foot down. "You're exhausted and not doing your family any good like that! I can't remember the last time you held Christopher and I don't even want to hazard a guess at the last time you actually held me! This has got to stop! I won't stand for it! You're killing yourself!" she fairly yelled at him exercising as much control as she could as upset as she was.
"I hold him every night, Saraphine. I try not to disturb either of you, but always I do. He's the first thing I look upon when I wake up and the last thing I look upon when I go to sleep." He groaned slightly as he rolled onto his side. "There's so much work to do, but a little more sleep I suppose won't hurt me any." He drifted back off to sleep.
Saraphine left the room and went to where she was sure she would not disturb him and sitting on the floor dropping her head onto a chair she wept. She felt so helpless she wanted so much to make things better and then Gwenyth's words came flooding back to her. She cried even harder then thinking that she was somehow being a bad wife and so that's why Frederick was working so much. She had cried her cheeks raw and still she was continuing to weep.
Oswald came into the room, unaware of Saraphine's presence. "Pardon me, madam. I was not aware you were in here." His eyes softened as he saw her reddened eyes and puffy cheeks. "If I may be so bold, madam, as to inquire whether something is amiss?"
"Something is very amiss Oswald. I'm very amiss and I've done something very wrong and messed up my family. I'm a failure and I don't know why I ever thought I could pull this off, how I ever thought I was enough to make him happy." She dissolved into tears again.
Oswald continued dusting the paintings and figurines in the room as he listened to Saraphine speak. "Perhaps, madam, it has nothing to do with you. He is a busy man with a lot of burdens falling on his shoulders, burdens that as a man, a husband and now a father he must face. Burdens that as his wife and mother to his child you are better off not knowing about. If I may be so bold, I think you shouldn't jump to conclusions based on a few days actions."
"And what am I going to do when a few days turn into a few months and I forget what it was like to love and be loved by him and begin to go mad from being stuck in this house with a baby all day?!" Saraphine sighed.
"Perhaps, madam, you should instigate what it is you seek. You want love, but perhaps he, too, needs reminding that you love him. We men do get busy from time to time, we are prone to focus too intently on something." He turned to leave and then turned back to the pewter ballerina figurine and dusted it. "As far as being stuck, madam, you are free to come and go as you please. The coach can be readied for you within a few short minutes. Milord always leaves money for you to do with as you please."
Saraphine smiled at Oswald and watched him go. Then she rose and knowing Frederick had gotten another three hours of sleep she went back into her chambers. Locking her door behind her and then she removed her gown and naked as the day she was born she crawled upon him and sat feather light on his chest as she leaned over to kiss him awake and teased his nipples at the same time.
He came to with a smile and a slight groan obviously enjoying her attentions. He kissed her lightly, opening one eye slightly when he realized he wasn't dreaming. "Who are you and what have you done with my wife?" He chuckled lightly, his hands going about her waist.
"I am your wife. I just thought it had been a little while since you'd really seen me," Saraphine replied and then she leaned down and kissed him. Her fingers made short work of the shirt he had on and with some effort she managed to get it off of him.
"I don't know that I've ever seen this part of you, please show me more," he said as he leaned up slightly to help her in the removal of his shirt. He pulled her down to claim her mouth in a kiss of his own. "I always see you, Saraphine. Always," he whispered.
Saraphine kissed his jaw and his ears and then down his throat, playing with his Adam's apple before she kissed a trail down his chest to play with first one nipple and then the other while she deftly freed him from his pants.
"Saraphine," he whispered huskily as he ran his fingers through her hair, his hands taking hold of her shoulders as she released him from the constriction of his pants. "Don't stop," he was able to force out in between his moans of enjoyment.
She began to caress him then and placed his hands on her breasts to encourage him to touch her. When she was sure he was ready she settled herself on him and their mouths met again as she moved.
His relief came much too soon and he groaned slightly in disappointment. "Sorry," he whispered. "I'm afraid my body has a mind of its own when it comes to being seduced by my wife."
Saraphine leaned down and kissed him. "That I have pleasured you so Frederick makes me happy. Much happier than you can imagine," she sighed and lay down on his chest.
He wrapped his arms around her waist, moving her alongside him. "You always pleasure me, Saraphine. But having you do that was an added bonus, and much needed. I thank you. I've been much too tired and have had my mind on other things to even think of such matters. I take it I'm not going into work today." He chuckled lightly.
Saraphine shook her head, "I'll make love to you all day if I need to to keep you here." She kissed him lovingly.
"Oh please do, madam. Don't let me stop you." He chuckled. "Though I think our son may have a word or two to say about it." He looked at her curiously, "So what happened with Jenna and Jennifer the other night? I assume everything went well."
"Delightfully I believe," Saraphine smiled brightly. “It seems that they've been penning notes back and forth ever since. Especially between Edward and Jenna I think we might have romance on our hands."
"Oh dear lord," he looked at Saraphine and laughed. "I was about to say she's too young. But I guess they're older than you are so I shouldn't talk. Tell me about him, this Edward. Who is he? What does he do? Is he titled?"
"Have you not been to court lately?" Saraphine asked with a raised brow. "He's the son of the Earl of Sussex, one of the most eligible bachelors in all England and quite smitten with your sister. He's an only son. He sees his father's lands and also owns a few factories in London."
Frederick nodded slightly, realizing he had been neglecting his duties as his father's son. "No, I've been so concerned about things at the shipyard I haven't had time to go to court. Well doesn't she stay with us then?"
"I think that she should, it may be just what she needs," Saraphine smiled. "You know it just may be time for your sister to marry."
"I don't know that either of them are ready, Saraphine. Honestly. And age has nothing to do with it. Mother and Father coddled them so because they were the babies, twin girls. After they had me all they wanted was a girl, so they kept trying until they got two in the bargain." "Speaking of which, when can we try for a daughter of our own?"
"Isn't that what we were doing earlier Frederick?" Saraphine asked rubbing her nose against his with a sweet cooing sound.
He laughed, "Yeah, I guess. I haven't been very good this week I'm afraid about trying. You're all right with having another so soon? I mean, a year ago you didn't want one."
"I think I'd like to be pregnant again," Saraphine replied. She kissed him lovingly.
"Well, I'd say you just made a gallant attempt at bringing that about." He laughed as he took a breast into his mouth with a slight smile. He stopped after a while, his hand taken his mouth's place as he went to kiss her. "Thank you, love."
"I enjoy it," Saraphine smiled, "why would I want to deny myself. You rest up now and I'll bring you some lunch in a little bit and then we can spend the afternoon together." Saraphine kissed him then she went downstairs. She had wanted to serve wine with their meal but couldn't find any. She told Oswald she was going for some wine and that she knew they way and she slipped down into the tunnels. For the life of her though she couldn't fathom which way she should go to fine the room where the wine was kept.
A young child, about 5, walked by her and upon seeing her hurriedly returned in the direction he came. "Pa, there's someone down here," was heard spoken in a quiet but heavily accented voice a few minutes later.
"Wait, wait! Who are you and what are you doing in this tunnel?" Saraphine called following the sound.
"Who are you and what are you doing here would be the more appropriate question," the older man stated, his voice gruff the accent more prevalent than the child’s. He was a stout, graying man. In the room were six children; the boy Saraphine had first seen being the youngest. He did remove his hat, realizing he was addressing someone of station but he made no other effort of being courteous. The room was well furnished, the people in it cleaned dressed well.
"I am Lady Von--my name's Saraphine," Saraphine caught herself midway.
The boy looked at her and then looked up at his father. "I didn't know he had a wife." He was hushed by the man, but the boy said, "But she started to say his name, Pa." "I think, Miss Saraphine, you need to forget you've seen us and go about your business. Whatever it is that brought you down here."
"I, um, was looking for a bottle of wine to take to my husband for dinner," Saraphine replied.
"I believe that's the other way down the tunnel, ma'am." He hesitantly separated himself from his children and walked to the hall pointing in the direction he had seen the older man go. "I believe it's that door there." He refused to look at the woman despite his being polite in his speech.
"Th...Thank-you," Saraphine replied in a frightened hesitant voice. She went the way the man directed and found the wine returning quickly upstairs with it. She took it and the soup up to her husband.
Frederick was lying in bed with their son lying on top of him naked. It was obvious that he had been changing the child and apparently had fallen asleep before getting the new diaper on the boy. Christopher seemed perfectly contended to remain sleeping on his father's chest.
Saraphine smiled and for a couple of minutes watched the scene silently, committing it to memory. Then she set down the tray and leaned over to kiss her husband awake. "Careful love, our son is using you for a bassinette. I brought us some soup for dinner and some wine too."
He sat up carefully. "Oh boy did I fall asleep?" He stared at his naked son and laughed heartily. "I guess I did. It's a good thing he's not rolling over yet." He kissed Saraphine. "Soup sounds wonderful. But I do need to go into the office tonight, love. I should have been there much, much earlier."
"Take me with you," Saraphine begged suddenly. "Please, I miss you so much love." She dished up the soup and handed him a bowl as well as herself.
"Not so late at night, love. Perhaps tomorrow during the day I can bring both you and Christopher. You'd be bored with my work anyway. It's just bills I need to pay, accounts I need to set straight." He looked at her curiously, never had she asked him to be taken anywhere. "Are you feeling cooped up, darling? Oswald knows you may go anywhere anytime you'd like."
"Going out would be like staying in," Saraphine sighed and finished with her soup she put her bowl back on the tray and stretched out on the bed lethargically.
“What’s wrong, love? Talk to me. Try as I might I’m no mind reader. What is it you want to do?”
"I want back what we had when I was first pregnant Christopher and before that when you couldn't wait to get home to me and we went places and did things together and we talked and..." Saraphine sighed.
“You think my necessary presence at my office indicates my lack of desire to be with you. How wrong you are, Saraphine. Even on the nights you don’t see me, you and our son are the last things I look upon before I go to sleep and the first things I search for when I wake up. I’ve been busy, I know. But my father counts on me to keep up our businesses, keep up our name. I haven’t been to court in weeks because of my work. I figured with this ball you’d have a pleasant distraction and not notice quite so much my absence.”
Saraphine gave him a small smile. "It's okay. It will all be over soon and things will be quiet again for us." She kissed her husband lovingly and then she herself gave in to sleep.
He stood from the bed quietly and went to his own room to get ready for his evening. Bidding good night to the servants he made his way out to the stables. When Saraphine woke the next morning for the day, Frederick was sitting in the chair by her bed holding Christopher. Whether he had just returned or was leaving for the day it was difficult to tell. He eyed Oswald curiously when the older man brought him the morning paper, something Frederick normally perused in his chambers or in his office. He was reading when he noticed Saraphine was awake, as did Christopher who grew insistent at requiring his mother. “Good morning, love. Did you sleep well?”
"I suppose I slept well," Saraphine smiled softly. "I don't remember sleeping unwell." She reached out for Christopher and propped the pillows up behind her to feed him. He was quiet as soon as he had what he wanted. "Did you sleep well?"
“Mm, I didn’t sleep last night. You neglected to tell me when I woke yesterday that I’d been sleeping for two days,” he realized his voice sounded harsher than he had meant it to. “I’m not upset, that’s not what I meant. It’s just I am in the middle of something that I really wasn’t in a position to lose those two days so I spent the night at the office.” He gazed once more at the paper then at her. “I don’t want you going anywhere after dusk, Saraphine. Anywhere but the gardens until I tell you differently.” He stood and kissed her, kissing the top of his son’s head gently so as not to disturb him from his task. “Please don’t question me on this, just do as I say.”
Saraphine sighed. She was frustrated and she was tired of staying in the house. When Christopher had finished his breakfast and she knew that he would not need her for a few hours she had Mary dress her and then taking a good deal of money she had Oswald bring the carriage for her. She went to her tailor's right away. There she ordered the making of twelve new dresses all with beautiful and rare details. Then she found a painting she liked and she bought that for her room. Then she bought a good deal of bulbs for the garden. She stopped and had sandwiches and tea at a restaurant afterwards and then returned home. She fed Christopher and then took him with her out into the garden laying him on a blanket while she stirred in an empty bed and planted the bulbs she had bought in a design all her own. "This will be our garden area Christopher," she told her son as he lay beside her. Once she had accomplished that she picked up the book she had also brought with her and read her son some poetry.
While the servants stayed out of Saraphine’s way, it was obvious that wherever she went there were always eyes upon her. Things were more somber and serious than normal, the servants going about their tasks diligently taking little time to talk. Frederick arrived home in time for dinner and sat at his place at the dinner table pleased to see Christopher in the room with them. “Surprised, love?” He kissed her cheek, “See I do hear you even when you think I’m not paying attention.”
Saraphine smiled softly, "Yes of course. That's why you're going to let me go to the opera tomorrow evening instead of sitting at home bored. Everyone has gotten so stiff lately this place is starting to feel like a tomb. I could suffocate in here."
“I can’t, Saraphine. Not at night, and not when I have things to do. Two more weeks and I swear I will have more time for you and Christopher.” He eyed Oswald sharply when the man cleared his throat. He sighed heavily. “A young lady was murdered two nights ago, Saraphine. She’s not the first. I know I’m driving you nuts with my protectiveness, but you must realize that I have reasons. I’m not just a mean ogre who is bidding you stay indoors because I want to keep you to myself.”
Saraphine sighed, "as you wish. Thank-you for your concern, perhaps I shall play a game of solitaire then."
“You have me for the rest of the evening, Saraphine, until the two of you go to sleep. No solitaire,” he glanced at Oswald with a slight nod of his head. Once dinner was served and they had finished he set his napkin down. “So tell me what you both did today. Is Christopher rolling over yet?”
"He's working on it but he hasn't made it all the way over just yet," Saraphine smiled. "I think he's being cautious."
After dinner he took Christopher into the parlor and set him on a blanket on the floor, lying beside him. He glanced up at Saraphine with a smile. “I think he smiled at you, not that I could blame him.”
Saraphine sat down with them as well and in trying to see his mother Christopher finally rolled over. Saraphine smiled proudly. Christopher laughed and did it again.
Frederick took Christopher in his arms and held him above him while he lay flat on the floor smiling up at his son. “He has your eyes, which I’m glad of. Your shade of blue is much less severe than mine. The king once tried to convince me to leave my father’s estate and enslave myself to him. He thought that I could scare enemies away just by looking at them.” Frederick laughed lightly. “I’m glad now I made the decisions I have.”
"Me too and I love your eyes," Saraphine countered. “But our son has sapphire eyes like mine. The most beautiful color, it suits him. I think he looks a lot like you though, but that's definitely my blonde hair too."
“Mm,” he groaned lightly. “It would seem that little of me was required in the making of our child. I got the fun, you get the glory - is that the way it works?” He chuckled lightly as he looked from Christopher to her. “Any hope of continuing our attempt for another one, love? Or would you rather play solitaire?”
"Come along Christopher," Saraphine scooped her son up. "It looks like you get to play on your blanket upstairs." She glanced seductively at Frederick before walking upstairs. Once she had put Christopher down she removed all of her clothing and lay on the bed before him.
Frederick undressed and joined her on the bed. He watched her as his hands gently caressed her body, working at bringing her relief. He moved on top of her, lowering his mouth to hers as he entered her slowly a soft groan emitting from his mouth. He moved his mouth along her jaw and cheek to her ear. “Put your legs around me. Can you do that love?” He nibbled lightly on her earlobe.
Saraphine adjusted and then wrapped her legs around Frederick's waist. Her mouth never broke from his as they shared sensual kisses.
With that movement, her legs wrapping around his waist bringing him deeper within her, his release came. He kissed her hard until his orgasm subsided. “You’re beautiful, love. Simply beautiful.” He felt her legs move. “No, don’t move. Stay just like that. I don’t think I’m done yet. I have to make sure I’m better than solitaire.”
"You're always better than solitaire my love," Saraphine was quick to reply. "But I'm happy just here."
He chuckled lightly. “Judging by your facial expressions as of late I’d begun to think that you’d prefer solitaire. I’m glad that I was wrong.” He traced her lips with the tip of his finger. “I do not always tell you things, I don’t want to worry or upset you.” He moved against her, his other hand at her hips pulling her to him.
"You worry and upset me anyhow," Saraphine replied with a sigh the grim expression immediately returning. “Truth be told I was contemplating going to the country or something and taking Christopher with me for a distraction. I found another distraction to keep me right here in London."
“Oh. And what would that be?”
"I shall not say love for I fear it might upset you," Saraphine replied, defiance in her eyes.
His face hardened as he moved suddenly, standing from the bed. “Not saying upsets me, Saraphine. This is not a time for you to be secretive with me, love. I trust you with the care of my son. Our son. And perhaps an unborn child. Tell me I’m not foolish in doing so.”
"A piece of the garden Frederick!" Saraphine returned almost bitterly, feeling hurt and defeated. "I've stolen a piece of your gardens from the gardeners."
He laughed heartily. “You honestly thought that would upset me? Take the whole thing if you want it, if it pleases you we’ll dismiss the gardeners, love. I had no idea you had such an interest. What did you plant?”
"No I did not honestly think that it would upset you, well not to the degree that I made out. I wanted to put the shoe on the other foot so to speak. I don't want the whole garden, just what I have," Saraphine replied. "It's full of bulbs and maybe if they do well I shall make a place for roses eventually, or perhaps something else."
“But Saraphine, it is not your place to do that. I consider myself to be quite considerate of you, love. I don’t have to leave you money to go to market with as you please. I could take the coach with me every day and leave you stranded here, but I know you enjoy your time away from the house.” He sighed and sat on the edge of the bed wondering how this turned into this. “I know I’ve been working ungodly hours, but it is truly work that’s keeping me away from you Saraphine - nothing else. I’m hoping in a couple of weeks things will calm down and I can spend more time here at the house.”
Saraphine sighed, "You've no idea how I miss you though. Christopher only reminds me of you and our poor blessed little angel isn't much company. I've read half of the books in your library I think and I suppose being bored is what has made me impatient. I ordered dresses and bought the bulbs today and even that made me wish that I could share it with you. I'm sorry I'm being so ill-mannered or pretentious or exactly whatever it is I'm being but it's just because I love you and I miss you!" She calmed herself then, "I don't wish to end a perfectly pleasant evening like this, forgive me. I'm surely tired. I'll go to bed now and perhaps be of a better temperament tomorrow."
He smiled slightly. “There’s no need to apologize, love. Nor have you done anything that requires my forgiveness.” He returned next to her on the bed. “It’s been a couple of weeks, love. Any signs that our effort has produced another heir? Any feelings of sickness?”
"No," Saraphine shook her head, "Alas! none." She curled against him, "I pray such will occur soon."
He held her against him. “In God’s time, love. In God’s time.” He kissed her forehead lightly and fell asleep clutching her tightly against him. The next morning he woke early and went into work. Oswald knocked on Saraphine’s door and when bid to enter stood within the doorframe. “I have been asked to inform you you and milord’s sisters are to be ready to leave for an evening out within two hours. Mary is fetching your bath water now, ma’am. I would suggest one of your best gowns.” He bowed slightly and left the room. When Frederick returned home, he bathed and changed into his formal attire knocking on his wife’s door. “Ready, madam?”
"Almost, okay come in," Saraphine replied. She was standing before her full-length mirror. Her blonde hair was in a highly details style with many twists and ringlets upon her hear, nestled amongst which was a gorgeous tiara. Her gown was navy blue velvet, off-the shoulders. The neckline such as it was, was covered in a sheer material which was studded with a polka-dot pattern of pearls. The gown had a v-waist and then a full eight-foot, at its widest, hoop skirt beneath it. The hem at the bottom of the skirt was attractively scalloped. She wore white opera-length gloves with pearl buttons up the outside. There were even pearls tucked within the curls of her hair, the sapphire and diamond necklace that she had on matched her eyes exquisitely.
“Almost? I’d say you’re more than ready, madam. Jenna and Jennifer are going to be even more jealous of you than they already are. Especially when Edward gets a look at you, it’s a good thing he already knows you’re my wife.”
"It's all Mary's doing," Saraphine smiled and then she delicately place her arm in his and grabbed her skirt to hold it properly and the couple emerged from her room.
“I must remember to increase her wages next month.” He led her downstairs where Jenna and Jennifer waited and stared in amazement and awe at Saraphine who truly looked the part of princess. The coach let them out in front of the opera house and up to Frederick’s family’s box. When they had been seated, Frederick took Saraphine’s hand in his and placed them in his lap. “Surprised, love?”
"Very pleasantly so," she smiled at him. "I appreciate your taking an evening off from being so busy to escort your wife to see what I have heard is a wonderfully impressive opera."
“Not nearly as impressive as the woman sitting next to me who has so easily claimed my heart.” He brought her hand to his lips for a brief kiss to the giggles of his two sisters. He leaned in to whisper in her ear. “Which one is Edward?” He knew he was there that evening, but didn’t know who he was.
Saraphine leaned in to her husband and whispered. "The one there with the navy suit and the black hair. The one smiling and making your sister blush."
He nodded as the performance began. Afterward, he placed Saraphine’s hand on his arm and led her downstairs followed by his sisters. “Jenna, why don’t you invite Edward over here. I’ll see if he’d like to join us for dinner.” That done, the five of them went to dinner. It was apparent that Jenna was indeed taken with the man, and the feeling seemed mutual. Frederick sighed slightly realizing a trip home would be called for to discuss this with their father. He turned his attentions to Saraphine, who seemed happy for Jenna while Jennifer seemed a bit lost. He felt sad for her in a way, she and Jenna had always been so close almost inseparable. But they were reaching the age where marriage and other duties would separate them. He squeezed Saraphine’s hand gently with a slight smile.
"Isn't it romantic," Saraphine whispered watching Edward and Jenna. She too looked over to Jennifer, "she'll make her own way, don't worry Frederick a man will fall in love with her too."
“I know, love. I just hope she’s all right, and it makes me wonder if I shouldn’t do something special just for her one of these days. I have the feeling that now that I have accepted this courtship, and though I’m not my father I can speak for him in this case, that Edward will be keeping Jenna busier.” He looked to Saraphine for some guidance, he had no idea how to deal with girls and emotions that girls had.
"Yes she'd probably enjoy that," Saraphine smiled. "In fact we should perhaps look at some of the other young men of good standing that we know and see if they would make a good match. But yes, spending time with her will help."
“They’re just too young, Saraphine. I know I’m being unfair because they’re older than you. But it’s almost as if they’re my children with the age difference. To think of them pregnant, having a child, I don’t know that I’m ready for that. I can’t imagine what Father thinks.”
"It's time, contrary to your belief," Saraphine replied softly. "You have to let them go sometime and if I have to try and persuade your father of that then I will." She watched Jenna with Edward, "I want her happiness. She wanted happiness for me and now I shall do whatever I can to help her."
“I know, love. I know, but still. It wasn’t too long ago I was supposed to stop a man from handling her, now I’m supposed to look the other way.” He kissed her cheek, and asked Edward if he would care to join them for dinner at his home the day after tomorrow. With the plans made and their meal finished, they left the restaurant. But Frederick put his foot down at allowing Edward bring Jenna home, he wasn’t about to be talked down by three women and Edward finally excused himself and bid them a good night. Jenna was unhappy, that much was obvious, but it just wasn’t done. When they returned home, he was grateful to get out of the coach and away from Jenna’s stares. In Saraphine’s room after she had undressed and was tending to Christopher, he sat on the edge of the bed. “Am I so wrong? Would I be a better person for allowing her to do what she pleases regardless of propriety and what others would say?”
"No..." Saraphine answered. "Society and honor are very important here. That much I know. She's a very important young woman and it would speak ill of your family if we just let her run lose. Let her court him but in the proper fashion and one day she will thank you for it."
He sighed, “Thank you, love.” He kissed her politely. “I’m going to go tend to some things in my study downstairs. I’ll try not to be too long. Keep my side of the bed warm, please.” He brushed Christopher’s head lightly with the back of his hand and left the room. Oswald was waiting for him in his study anxiously. The two men talked for over three hours, there were times Frederick didn’t know what he’d do without Oswald. This latest feat that Frederick was embarking upon made him appreciate the man all the more. A more loyal servant, and confidante, Frederick couldn’t have asked for. He returned to Saraphine’s room later and crawled into bed alongside of her after he undressed. “Are you awake, dearest?”
"Hmm?" Saraphine woke immediately at the sound of her husband's voice. "Yes love?"
He brushed her arms lightly. “I love you,” he kissed her lightly. “Good night.”
Saraphine curled up against her husband and soon returned to sleep. A loud sound outside of the home woke her in the middle of the night and she gripped Frederick's arm. "What was that?" she whispered.
“Just thunder, love. It’s been raining quite hard.” He stood and threw some clothes on. “I’d best go check on everything. I’ll be back in a few minutes.” The sound of the rain could be heard beating against her window, but Frederick knew it hadn’t been thunder at all he had heard. He met Oswald by the front door, obviously he had heard the same thing Frederick did. Taking the gun Oswald offered, he went out into the night and the direction Oswald said he had seen light. Frederick, despite his size, could be as silent as a cat when he wanted to be. He was an excellent prowler, and he took advantage of that this evening as he walked in the direction of the stables. When he got near them he wasn’t sure what to do first. His first instinct was to rescue the horses left in the burning building, he could hear them. Placing his coat over his head he rushed in to open the stall doors. All but one horse free, Saraphine’s horse, he heard footsteps behind him. He turned expecting Oswald, his eyes looked in surprise as he stared down the barrel of a gun. He thought quickly, he’d have one chance. He lifted his gun quickly trying to dislodge the gun from the perpetrator’s hands. He heard the gun fire, he wasn’t sure which gun it was. And then the man fled as the flames started to quicken near the opening. Frederick tried to get the stall door open, but he found his arm wouldn’t cooperate. That was when he realized he had been shot. Switching hands, he managed to get the stall door open and get himself onto the horse hoping the animal would be smart enough to take him back to the house. Next he knew he was in his room, he instinctively reached for his shoulder where he now felt the pain of the bullet. He smiled slightly with obvious effort when his eyes rested on Saraphine. “It requires my getting shot in order for you to set foot in my chambers, milady?”
"I would have any time you asked," Saraphine replied. "Can I get you anything?" She knew better than to speak of the fire or the shooting. It would only make him mad at her.
He groaned in reaction to the pain that shot up his arm. “You and Oswald can get this bullet out, that would be a start love. Oswald will know what is required.” He placed his hand on hers gently. “And then maybe some whiskey.” His words grew slow and slurred as he drifted out again.
"Oswald!" Saraphine called. "We need to get the bullet out, Frederick told me to. I'll do anything I can to help. He said you'd know what to do."
Oswald left the room with a slight bow of his head and returned a short while later with needle, thread, tweezers, alcohol, torn bits of cloth, water, and some brandy. “All right, madam, you can start by removing his shirt and cleaning the wound while I get the needle and thread ready.” He set about his task, clearing things off the stand next to Frederick’s bed obviously no stranger to this situation.
Saraphine removed his shirt and threw a hand to her mouth as first sight of the carnage almost made her ill. She steadied herself and then washed and cleared the wound as delicately as she could. "I believe it's clean now," she told Oswald.
Oswald handed Saraphine a lamp and bid her hold it while he worked on getting the bullet out. It was deep and behind the bone. “Madam, I’m afraid if I take it out it may do more harm then good. I can stitch it up. The bullet should cause no harm where it is, but if I were to try and remove it it could. I leave it up to you, madam.”
"No let me look," Saraphine ordered herself looking at the wound. She had had a little medical training, her father hunted and she had removed bullets before. "I can get it out." She carefully in a way Oswald had not thought possible she removed the bullet. "There it's done. Now the stitches and he'll be good as new."
Oswald nodded, obviously grateful not only for her thought but for her lack of fear in touching the wound. He moved so that he could stitch the arm. “He’s going to wake up sore and irritable, madam. I’ve tended to enough of these for him by now to know him. Perhaps it would be best if I sat with him. I wouldn’t want him to say something to you he’d later regret.”
"I can agree with you there, Oswald," Saraphine smiled. "You can tell my husband, when he's slightly less irritable, that my heart and thoughts are with him always but as a wife I found that I could not endure such suffering as to watch him sleep in pain." Her speech delivered Saraphine took her leave and wandered downstairs to the library to read.
Oswald kept his vigil by Frederick’s bed throughout the night and into the morning. Finally after lunch Frederick seemed to come to for more than a few minutes and to be fully aware of his surroundings. He took hold of his shoulder, cringing at the unexpected stress grabbing for it brought on. He took the offered brandy that Oswald offered and after the two men had spoken asked him to send for Saraphine. He smiled slightly when she entered, “I understand I have you to thank for mobility of my arm. Thank you.”
"I've done it before." She sat down near the bed. "How are you feeling?"
“Like I’ve been shot and had a bullet dug out of my arm,” he replied gently. “The horses? I tried to save them all.” He met her gaze.
"They're safe," Saraphine smiled, "even mine. Oswald told me you went in after her even after. Thank-you," she finished softly.
“She was your wedding gift, I couldn’t let her die in such a fashion.” He swallowed hard. “Oswald mentioned you’ve been below.” He trailed off, hoping she would know what he meant.
"Yes, I went after a bottle of wine to go with our meal," Saraphine replied. "There is a man and children in our tunnels."
Frederick nodded slightly, obviously with great effort. “Yes, there is. The man works for me. Oswald will need your help this evening, Saraphine. You must do as he says; he will use you as a decoy. The supplies below must be on the water before sunrise.”
Saraphine frowned and then gently rubbed his good arm. "You know I will do anything you ask of me to the best of my abilities." She leaned down and kissed him. "I love you my darling. Please don't worry, rest up."
He returned her kiss and placed his hand in hers. “Don’t go. Or do you need to? Why don’t you bring Christopher in here for a short while?”
Saraphine smiled and shortly returned with their son. She sat him on her lap, leaned back against her and he waved his arms about excitedly as his eyes darted around to take everything in. "He'll be able to sit up by himself soon, I think."
“Yes, I’d say a couple more months if he’s like the other children I’ve been around.” He patted the bed. “Come set him by me, love. He always seems happy on my chest. My bandage probably needs to be looked at, too. Oswald forgot to do that before he left.” He groaned slightly as he shifted on the bed.
Saraphine carefully set Christopher on Frederick's chest making sure that he was guarding their son with his good arm. "Remember he can roll over," she cautioned. Then retrieving the necessary supplies she removed his bandage and examined the wound. She cleaned it again and placed a new bandage on it. "Feel any better love?" she asked with soft concern.
“Well, I’m sure compared to having a baby it’s not quite so bad, but Oswald says he had to dig around a bit to try and find the blasted thing. And my arm feels like he did just that.” He kissed Christopher’s nose as he brought his face up to look at his father. “It’s too bad you weren’t here for the others.” He gestured to the scars on his left leg, “There’s still a bullet in there somewhere. I don’t even remember which one it is anymore.”
"Well it was nothing to get it out --" Saraphine stopped not wanting to appear to disrespect Oswald. "Yes because I probably could have done something about getting it out." She was silent then and smiled as she watched Christopher cooing gleefully at his father and waving his arms in his excitement.
“You should look into nursing. You seem to have a knack for it.” He glanced at her, his grip on Christopher tightening when he felt the child try to roll off of him. “I know you have an excellent bedside manner.” He chuckled lightly. “If anyone comes to inquire, the fire was started by a lantern left in the barn and I’m not at home. This is something I’m going to tend to on my own when I’m able.” His eyes grew heavy, “take him, love. Take him but stay in the room, will you. I enjoy hearing the noises he makes. Even in my sleep.”
Saraphine smiled, "of course. We'll be nearby, you rest now." Saraphine kissed him lovingly and then took their son into her arms. She spread a palette on the floor and sat down while she let Christopher lay on it, rolling over, as he liked unless he reached the edge of the blanket when Saraphine would return him back to the center. He was getting more and more expressive each day. For the longest time Saraphine made faces at him just to hear him laugh. She leaned down and kissed his nose and then blew on his stomach.
Frederick dozed on and off and finally later in the evening felt the ability to get out of bed. Oswald wasn’t strong enough to support the weight of his body, and while it was his arm that had been injured he knew that Frederick would grow dizzy when he first stood. He had lost a lot of blood - he didn’t want to think about how much more he would have lost had Saraphine not been there to remove the bullet. Easing into his robe, he made it to Saraphine’s room. “Good evening, milady. Care to walk with your wounded lord for a spell?”
"Oh Frederick, my love, are you sure you should be up?" Saraphine asked alarmed when she first saw him. She rose from where she had been leaned over Christopher's bassinet and walked to her husband. "Of course I shall go with you."
He smiled slightly. “But first I shall need your assistance in getting some clothes on. I enjoy the prospect of you getting me into my trousers much better than Oswald. And I’m afraid my arm isn’t well enough yet for me to do much with it other than to hold it still.” He smiled shyly. “Of course that would require your coming to my quarters.”
"I've been there before Milord," Saraphine smiled. She walked with him to his chambers and then aided him in putting on his trousers and fastening his shirt. "There, as handsome as any man I know, nay the handsomest in my eyes. My husband who loves me alone," Saraphine rose up and kissed him.
“It’s easy to love you alone, Saraphine. Unlike most wives, you give me no reason to seek love from another.” He breathed in sharply when he inadvertently moved his arm as he went to hold her. “Damn this, you’re going to have to assist me here, Saraphine. As much as I’d love to take you into my arms, I’m afraid I can only give half the effort on my part and I’d like very much to return that kiss in an appropriate fashion.”
Saraphine curled against him and raised her head to allow him to kiss her back. "You will heal soon."
He growled lightly as he lowered his mouth to her neck, nuzzling gently. “Not soon enough, my love. Not soon enough. Let’s go for that walk then. I think it’s about time you saw what it is your husband does that leads you to complain about my lack of attentiveness. And then when we’re finished, I shall think about engaging in more of that kissing.”
Saraphine nodded and walked with her husband, eagerly. She was anxious to see what had kept him along from her for so long.
He led her to his music room and walked to the fireplace, pushing on the corner of it so that it moved. He led her down some stairs and into the corridor where there were several doors along each wall. He led her slowly along the corridor to a large open room with a few tables and chairs with a kitchen extending from it. There were two women preparing food who turned and were obviously startled to see Saraphine, but said nothing only nodded their heads and returned to their tasks. Frederick walked towards them. “Priscilla and Regina, this is my wife, Saraphine. In light of last night’s incident I decided I should show her around a bit.” The two women bowed their heads politely as they spoke. “Milady,” was spoken in unison and they returned to work. “It smells wonderful as usual, ladies.” Frederick took Saraphine’s arm and led her back to the corridor. “Regina is Oswald’s wife, Priscilla is their daughter.”
"My heaven's I'd no idea he was even married. They're very charming. But what in heaven's name are they doing cooking down here and why is there a kitchen?"
“Well, to feed people of course.” He chuckled lightly followed by a sigh. “I’m about to tell you things I shouldn’t. I’m putting you in danger; I’m putting Christopher in danger of being without his mother. Are you sure you wish to proceed further in this.”
"Yes, I'm a smart woman Frederick. I can profess ignorance quite well if I need to, but I'm sure you'd rather not sleep by yourself until Christopher sees his first birthday," Saraphine replied.
He chuckled lightly. “Not on your life, madam.” He sighed. “I help export weapons and supplies to the America’s, Saraphine. You’ve heard of the war they are having there, they are fighting amongst themselves. The Confederacy and its people need food, need clothes, and the soldiers need weapons. I’m one of a few who are trying to help the Confederacy have a chance, without us the war would have been over long ago. I have a crew that’s used specifically for this task. They are paid well and are the most loyal men I can find.”
"So what is it that you want me to do tonight?" Saraphine asked very interested.
“Well, we have to get them to the ship. And as much as I’m able to walk, I fear being jostled about in a coach would not be prudent. Oswald will bring you something to wear, something inconspicuous. I may come along as well if I’m feeling up to it. The rest will be handled, and it’s best you don’t know the details.”
"Okay then," Saraphine nodded. "We can do this if we must."
He shook his head slightly. “You’re a good wife, Saraphine. Thank you. We’d best go upstairs. I know you saw one the family, but it’s really better if you don’t see anymore. The less you know about what goes on down here the better. So now you know what I do when I’m working late, tending to these things. Trying to fulfill orders, trying to load ships in the middle of the night so they can be on the water before dawn.” He raised an eyebrow with a slight smile. “I hope I am forgiven now.”
"You're whole-heartedly forgiven," Saraphine smiled and kissed him lovingly. She walked back up with him and then tended their son. "And now what milord?" she asked. "Perhaps I should let you rest? I could sit beside you and read if you'd like."
He smiled slightly, though it was obvious by his eyes that he was perhaps being outwardly braver than he felt. “I have a better idea, Lady VonWaggoner. Why don’t you come sit atop of me, I think I’ve got something a little more interesting for you to look at than a book that will enable me to rest much more effectively. I need help undressing anyway, and in my amorous condition I’d rather it be you than Oswald.”
Saraphine flushed but quietly followed him anyhow, leading him to her chambers that she might attend Christopher if he needed her. She carefully helped him undress and then caressed him amorously for a while before they were melded together as one. When they both had finished she lay down gently on his chest after kissing him. "I love you Frederick, like I never thought I would love in my life."
“And I you, my love.” His one arm held her at her waist, he grunted in discomfort as he tried to shift. “Before you go, would you get me some brandy? I don’t need it now, but it will aid me in sleeping. And since I don’t want the authorities involved, I have to lessen my pain somehow. I don’t need them finding the doorway to the tunnels.”
"Of course my love," Saraphine went quickly to fetch it and then she returned, leaning over him and kissing him passionately. "I love you."
“Oh, don’t kiss me like that now, love. Not so soon after I don’t know that I have the strength for a repeat performance so soon. And certainly not when you need to leave shortly. But I would like to lay with you and our son for a while before you go.”
Saraphine smiled and obliging him she retrieved Christopher from his bed, waking him and then laying him on her stomach as she lay next to Frederick on the bed. "He's going to grow up to be as noble, gentlemanly and loving as his father."
“I hope so, love. Though if I get caught undertaking the task I’m doing, he will grow up fatherless. I will kill myself before spending a day in custody. I will not disgrace my father or my family’s name by being arrested.”
Saraphine trembled as she took a deep breath. "We'll just have to make sure that doesn't happen then, I don't know how I could live without you."
“Nor I you, but I somehow think you’d rather be a widow than the wife of a prisoner having to bring our son to jail in order for him to see me.” He caressed her face gently, letting his hand drop to Christopher’s cheek. “Such a beautiful child, Saraphine. I never thought I’d have one, let alone one so precious.” He closed his eyes, his hand cupping his son’s head. “The soft spot is closing,” he whispered as he drifted off.
Saraphine smiled softly and leaned down to kiss her husband's cheek as she removed her son from his grasp. "That it is love," she whispered softly as she left. She laid Christopher back down and she herself found sleep.
Oswald woke her a short while later. “Madam, your clothes are waiting for you in the parlor, I would suggest you change there and cover yourself immediately with Frederick’s cloak. Priscilla and Regina will be there shortly. Can you be ready within the half hour?”
"Of course," Saraphine replied. She carefully extradited herself from the bed without waking Frederick. Then she made her way to the parlor and dressed, cloaking herself. She paced the room a moment to steady herself. She could do this she knew she could.
Regina and Priscilla came into the room a short while later both offering her a curtsey and a slight smile. Neither were sure whether or not Frederick was a fool or brave for trusting his wife, but they would have to go with what he deemed fit. “Milady, the coach is ready whenever you are,” Regina stated simply yet there was an air of grace to her voice.
Saraphine nodded, "Very well then, let us go and ensure these people the freedom they deserve." She walked with them to the carriage and got in.
The three of them walked out to the coach, Regina allowing her to enter first and sat across from her. Benten, the driver, and Priscilla sat on top. They were led many places between the countryside and the city limits of London, stopping only when the horses required rest. Someone approached the coach on horseback, and Regina found herself catching her breath when the coach stopped. The coach door was opened and Oswald stood with Frederick clinging to the older man and helped him into the coach. He did not meet Saraphine’s eyes, only deposited her husband into the safe confines of the coach after bidding Regina to move next to Saraphine so that Frederick could have the whole bench seat. “I’ll be at the house later to tend to him, madam.” He departed with a tap to the roof indicating to Benten to be on his way. Frederick’s arm was bleeding once more and by the condition of his torn shirt it was obvious that it wasn’t due to the stitches from the bullet wound.
Saraphine had to bite her tongue to hold it and she fumed internally at what she thought of at the moment as foolishness. Still she remained quiet and continued to prepare herself for whatever she would have to do.
They arrived at the house and true to his word; Oswald waited by the front door and was out to fetch Frederick as soon as he heard the coach pull in front of the house. He met Saraphine’s eyes and looked away quickly, bringing Frederick indoors and up to his room. He knew Saraphine was behind him without even having to look. “He’ll be fine, madam.” He turned to face her. “I couldn’t stop him, I’m afraid he has a mind of his own.” He looked to Regina, “Love, please go with Benten and fetch Frederick’s clothes from the abandoned tannery at the edge of the estate. You and Priscilla should go back at day break and clean up the mess.” She nodded and left the room quietly. He tore the rest of the shirt’s arm to reveal a stab wound. “It had nothing to do with the evening’s events, madam. There was a thief there to steal his purse I’m afraid. He met with a thrust of a dagger is all, luckily.”
Saraphine sighed and helped tend the wound. "This wears on my mothering instinct Oswald," she commented. "I wish that I could protect him, to ensure that he would always be here for Christopher and I."
“He’ll change, madam, when he gets used to your being here more and more he’ll settle down,” Oswald whispered. “He’d been on his own for almost twenty years before you came into the picture. Your love will be the ultimate protection I believe, madam.” Oswald finished stitching up the wound, “If it wasn’t on the same arm as the gunshot wound I’d send for the doctor to get something for the pain. But I’m afraid he’d grow upset with me for doing that.”
"Yes," Saraphine sighed. Then she had an idea. "But you could make one for yourself and send for the doctor, an injury that would appear to require medicine but wouldn't."
“Of course, madam I could.” He bowed his head. “We should get him a doctor anyway, we could always claim that gunshot wound was an accident. Frederick likes to hunt.” He shrugged. “It’s your call, madam, but I’d feel much more comfortable with two wounds in less than a week knowing a doctor has seen him. Besides, it’s not as if the doctors aren’t accustomed to his being in an injured state.” He looked at his watch, “the ship should have left by now, madam. It should be safe.”
"Yes go," Saraphine said suddenly. "If he's going to be angry I'll take the wrath for the decision. You're right he needs a doctor." She added once he had reached the door, "and thank-you Oswald."
“Thank you, milady. And may I say without sounding too weepy, of all the women milord could have chosen as his wife the entire household is very pleased with his choice.” He bowed slightly, a slight smile on his mouth as his eyes met hers. It was the first time he had addressed her as milady and not madam. The old man left the room quietly to fetch a doctor.
Saraphine smiled softly and stayed with her husband. "Ah Frederick," she sighed softly to his sleeping form, "I pray that you'll not be mad at me for the choice I have made."
Oswald a short while later with a doctor, and as Oswald stated the doctor thought nothing of Frederick sustaining a gunshot wound. The doctor forgetting for a moment Saraphine was in the room made a comment about it being a wonder Frederick was able to function as a man from all the wounds he’d sustained. When his eyes fell on his wife, he cleared his throat and color crept to his face and neck. He tended to the dagger wound without another word and left some laudanum for the pain and left the room with Oswald, another embarrassed glance at Saraphine before he left. Oswald returned a few minutes later. “Dr. Hedman said to apologize once more for his comments. Though you should get used to it, milady. Your husband’s survival rate is a topic of interest for some people. Of course it’s not my place to speak, but you might want to ask him sometime how many times exactly he has managed to escape death.” He shrugged, “He told me after the two of you had married that he felt you were what he was kept alive to find.” He tended to a few things by Frederick’s bed.
Saraphine sniffled, touched. "Maybe he's what I was brought here to find and if so bless fate for I am the luckiest woman on this earth." She watched her husband as he slept and hoped that he was comfortable.
“I’ll leave you two alone now, madam. If Christopher stirs I’ll ask Mary to bring him in here. You have a change of clothes over there, if you put the robe on I’ll have Mary bring you bath water. Store the clothes you have on away please, madam.” He offered her a slight smile. “He’ll be fine, Dr. Hedman gave him an injection and he’ll be out for most of the night.” He gathered some things and left the room quietly, closing the door behind him.
Saraphine quickly removed her clothes and hid them where no one else would look, in the foldings of the lining of the underside of Christopher's bassinet. Once that was taken care of she waited in her robe to have her bath.
Mary came in a short while later with her water and hurried out of the room when she saw that Frederick was asleep on the bed. “Should you need anything else, milady, I’ll be in my chambers.” She offered Saraphine a slight bow and left the room.
Saraphine took her bath and then making sure the door was locked she laid out near the French doors to air dry in the light of the full moon. She wound up falling asleep that way, in the moonlight.
Before daybreak Frederick started to stir. He came to slowly, and it was clear by his verbal babblings that the injection Dr. Hedman had given him was wearing off but left his mind cloudy. He looked about him and seeing no one he grew worried. “Oswald?” He’d never forgive himself if something had happened to Saraphine.
The sound of his voice woke Saraphine and without thought as to her state of dress she rose in the nude, only shielded by her long blonde hair and went to his side. "It's me, Saraphine. I'm here," she said taking his hand into hers.
He smiled slightly clearly his head was still foggy as was reflected in the haziness of his eyes. “I see that. And what exactly is it you were doing undressed?” His gaze fell to her breasts and between her legs. He reached out and traced his fingers along her stomach gently. “My head feels like it weighs more than my entire body put together.”
"I was drying off from my bath last night and was so comfortable I fell asleep like that," Saraphine smiled. "The doctor gave you some medication which is why you feel that way. It has taken the pain away but made you sleepy."
He nodded in understanding. “Why was the doctor called? It was just a flesh wound.”
"The gunshot wound plus the dagger wound in the same week had us both worried about you. Not to mention you were in terrible pain," Saraphine replied.
He chuckled lightly. “Ah my dear, Saraphine, pain is subjective and relative. After having my face sliced open in four or five different places and being left for dead, I’ve learned to roll with the punches. But thank you, I’m sure I slept better with the medication in turn allowing you to sleep. Though had I known you were going to sleep like that you couldn’t have forced the pain medication upon me.”
"Now I wouldn't have been able to sleep like that had you not been medicated, now would I?" Saraphine replied back in jest.
“I would have eventually let you sleep. What exactly are you accusing me of Lady VonWaggoner? An insatiable appetite when it comes to lusting after my wife?”
"Guilty as charged," Saraphine laughed and then she leaned down and kissed him lovingly, "but you know what? I like it that way."
He returned her kiss then broke away slightly. “Oh really? I think I should ask for proof - that is if you don’t mind doing all the work once more. And if that part of my body is even functional right now, I wouldn’t be surprised the way my head feels if it won’t. So tell me again how much you like it madam.”
"You need your rest and I would really like some more myself if you don't mind." Saraphine yawned even as she was replying.
He groaned lightly. “I don’t need that much rest, but all right. It’s not very fair, I couldn’t even convince you otherwise as it is right now because of my arm. But fear not, I’m in no condition to accost you so I think that you’re relatively safe.” He moved his arm and bellowed loudly as he felt the stitches pull.
"Don't," she scolded softly. She eased his arm back and leaned down to kiss him. Then she moved and gently lay on his chest. "There, good enough for both of us."
“I think Oswald was seeking revenge on me for something when he stitched up this one. Did I curse him or something? He left no room for me to move my arm, much less flex the bloody thing. How am I supposed to wield a sword or fire a gun?”
"You're not," Saraphine replied. "You're staying in bed or in this house for a week until the stitches come out and if that's not convincing enough I'm not leaving your side for the entire time."
He groaned lightly, “he’s gotten to you, too, has he?” He chuckled. “Very well, madam. You came here to sleep, so quit talking to me and go to sleep since you so cruelly warded off my overture.”
Saraphine leaned down and silenced him with a long, loving kiss. "I love you Frederick," she whispered softly and then she laid her head down on his chest and went to sleep.
Frederick slept through the night soundly and woke the next day feeling groggy and sore. He smiled as he saw a tray next to him by the bed and glanced up to see Saraphine. “Why thank you, love.” His eyes were half-mast and glazed, but otherwise he appeared fine. “I apologize if I’ve scared you once more.”
"Not so badly my love," Saraphine smiled. "I think perhaps I may be getting used to it!" She laughed lightly and kissed him. "How are you feeling?"
“A little sore I suppose,” he chanced a glance at his arm. “Oswald sewed the stitches too tightly though,” he scowled slightly. “Everyone’s all right? No one was hurt? The ship sailed?”
"The ship made it off without a hitch," Saraphine smiled. "No one was hurt save you and a minor scratch I received to my ankle getting in the carriage foolishly."
He took hold of her ankle and kissed it lightly. “I’m sorry for that.” He sat up to eat his breakfast and once finished stood slowly from the bed. “I’m going to dress and then take you to lunch, I feel like we haven’t been out of the house together alone for weeks.”
Saraphine smiled, "Okay then. Are you sure? I mean with your arm? I'd be just as happy to stay here with you while you rest."
“No, it’s important I go out as if nothing’s wrong. We’ll bandage my arm securely, it should be fine.” He kissed her. “Besides, I relish the opportunity of being seen with my wife in public.”
Saraphine nodded. She understood his logic. She put on a beautiful light pink gown with large red roses patterned on it. The gown was rather lovely with even the hint of a train in the back.
“You look the vision of beauty as always, love.” Frederick kissed her politely before taking her arm. Jenna and Jennifer, with Edward meeting them at the restaurant, joined them for dinner. Frederick noticed the smile on Jenna’s face when Edward arrived and realized it was time he sent his father a letter and let him come to London and handle this situation. Everything he could find out about the man interested in his sister was honorable, so he had no reason to stand in the way of a courtship if Edward wish to court his sister. They left the restaurant and returned to the house, Edward joining them for tea afterward. Frederick was in no mood for company, to act the host but he knew he had to. He was pleased when Mary brought Christopher down, his son could bring a smile to his face no matter what the circumstances.
Saraphine sat near her husband and smiled and laughed lightly as she watched him with their son. Christopher was always delighted to see his father and he cooed and squealed in demonstration every time Frederick smiled at him. “He adores his father," she said softly while Janna and Jennifer were engaged in cards with Edward.
Frederick sucked in his breath sharply when Christopher grabbed hold of his arm, though he managed to keep from showing his true discomfort. “Not even six months old and already he’s got a grip. No sword’s going to fall out of this little one’s hands.” He handed him off to Saraphine and excused himself, kissing Saraphine lightly. He returned a short while later and sat next to Saraphine on the love seat. He offered her a half smile, seeing the look of worry cross her eyes he bent to take Christopher from her once more and whispered, “I’m fine, love.”
"I know," Saraphine sighed. "I still worry."
“I know, love. You’re too good to me.” He joined Edward for a drink of brandy after the Saraphine took Christopher up to bed and Jenna and Jennifer retired to bed themselves. Frederick had to admit to being impressed with the man, and he seemed likeable enough. Frederick’s main problem was he just trusted no one at the moment. Frederick’s ability to remain polite when his arm was throbbing grew thin, however, and he was more than pleased when Edward announced he would be leaving. He showed Edward to the door, approved of his calling on Jenna to take her to dinner and went upstairs. “Dear lord, I thought the man would never leave. Tell me why is it again I love my sisters so much,” he chuckled lightly as he sat on the edge of the bed.
"Because they're your sisters and they watched over me while I was with child and you were so far away and I've no doubt they'll do it this time if need be," Saraphine replied.
“This time?” He looked at her questioningly. “Are you saying what I think you’re saying, love?”
"Yes," Saraphine smiled. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. Despite her hesitation to have children, Saraphine felt like she had found her destiny. She had found love with this unusual man and she couldn’t think of a better way to display that love than to have his children. She cupped his scarred cheek with the palm of her hand. “But I worry about you. I worry that this time I will have to go through it alone.”
“Never. That ship was the last one I’ll do, Saraphine. As much as I think it’s important to help the Confederacy’s efforts, I think it’s more important that my children have a father, and that my wife has a husband. But I had to finish what I started I hope you can understand that.” He stood slowly from the bed and undressed, returning to the bed he pulled back the covers to join her.
“But the people, Frederick, they count on you. Don’t they?” She ran her fingers along his cheek and neck lightly; she knew it bothered him when she did it. But she didn’t find his scars offensive at all; instead it made her proud of him. And she knew that when he told his sons the tales of how he got them that they’d be proud as well.
“Well, yes, but I can work out something. I’m not the only person involved with this, Saraphine. There are others like me who see their side. I’m not so much for the Confederacy and their efforts as I am that I believe they deserve a fair chance. My house, my tunnels, was easy to use because I had no family that counted on me. But now I do so I must act the role of husband and father.” He pulled her hand away from his face and kissed her fingertips lightly. “I’m not complaining mind you.” He rolled onto his side easily to face her. “I don’t understand why it is I’m able to speak so freely with you about these things. An aspect of marriage I never thought of.”
“I know you’re not complaining, Frederick. And as far as being able to speak to me, I imagine that comes with love and trust, love. Knowing that I’m your wife because I want to be, not out of obligation or to join our family’s lands or anything other than I love you.”
He smiled and returned to his back, soon drifting off to sleep the thoughts of his second child making its appearance in the months ahead.
THE END
Story ©Susan Matthews/APCKRFAN/PhantomRoses.com & Lisa Bland