#mayhaps i shall regret in the morning but oh well

[realtapiocafan]

unserious lyric for unserious boys <3

[astarriscus]

HI LOVE GRATZ ON 50 !! <333 fr the event HAHA copy pasting this from our dms, i'd like to request fr oikawa/megumi/childe !! your pick heh, + mix of fluff/angst surprise me hehe c: 🌙🌃 🌌🤍🌠 + so much words to pick from sob but i'll shorten it to: selenophile & star-crossed lovers ^^ tysm astria !! gz again, i can't wait to watch your account grow even more mwah <3

🌙🌃 🌌🤍🌠 SELENOPHILE. childe x gender neutral!reader ; angst, hopeful ending, star-crossed lovers, hurt/comfort-ish, can be seen as either canon compliant or modern au. WC, ≈ 0.7k. 50+ milestone event ongoing !

but the moon and sun were never fated to be together, forever fated to be loved and love worlds apart (and yet, so close).

; hi beloved !! thanku smm ily 😭👊💗 i hope you enjoy this ! hehe time to break your heart >:D /pos /lh but i also broke mine in the process oh no D": <3 anyways ty so so much again mwah !! <3 happy endwalker release to all my ffxiv homies as well 😎

from the beginning, you should have already known—for if you had known beforehand, perhaps all this pain could be unwritten from the pages of history—but not all wishes are meant to be granted (or perhaps, that night, the moon was silent and content to merely watch).

in the deepest depths of the night, you tend to stare up at the moon in all of it's silent splendor, the night's breeze still and all other sounds merely muted and muffled. the stars, lovely as ever, are strewn across the blue yonder, and you feel at peace.

that is, until you heard a yell—and then, a thump, a big "ow!", and then... a groan?

a groan of pain, it seemed. it made you wonder who would be up at this hour when even you should be sleeping, 2 am in the morning? pfft, no way you're going out to check whatever the disturbance may be. for all you could know, it may be a trap! or, just some weirdo? still, you couldn't just ignore what you've just experienced, lest you not be able to rest properly throughout the night with unanswered curiosity.

they say 'curiosity killed the cat', and mayhaps if you had known earlier, you would have agreed—maybe, if you hadn't come out that night and saw the young fatui harbinger with his wounds and bruises and so obviously in pain, you wouldn't have been so affected by his inevitable departure.

and yet, they say too to have 'no regrets'—and, even as he kisses you for the first and last time 'neath the night sky you love so much, and his hand leaves yours and you can no longer reach out in yearning of his soft touch, your mind is clear as the azure skies without a hint of fog.

ironic, really, that 'twas on this day, wherein the moon's light reached out to all mortals up on this late night and the moon you so loved sat so lovely and brightly up in the sky, that your beloved left you.

"don't wait for me. you deserve better." (and yet, it is you who i want, isn't it?)

fate is cruel, if even such a notion even exists. and so as you stand there, bitterly waving him goodbye, but he daren't look back (because if he does, he's terrified he'll come running back in your arms and never leave). the moon looks down upon you once more, and you stare up at it in wonder. or is it numbness?

maybe, at least, you may be at peace knowing that he will still stay under this same night sky shrouded by the light of the moon.

until the day you meet again (if you ever even will, if the fates are kind and merciful), you shall stare at the moon at night and think of him, wherever he may be—hoping that, perhaps, he thinks of you too.

you were a fool to believe this love of yours would go well. not, when the moon which you so loved and admired had so many holes and imperfections, reminiscent of your relationship. but it isn't bad to hope, isn't it? perhaps you really were just a thorn in his side, burdening him—or, perhaps you were his sun and he your moon, giving him much needed light for him to continue forging on despite already falling deep into the abyss he can never get out of now. perhaps, you were really just his own special shooting star, fleeting yet ever memorable in his mind.

maybe, it would be better to bury this fleeting dream of what could have been more, what could have been us deep below, 'neath the dark waters of the neverending deep—but no.

for, though your starlit paths cross different lines and times in space, he will remain in your heart as the boy you once met under the moonlight, and you in his as the person he shall never forget.

until such a day comes when you meet again, you shall hold your memories of him close to your heart, and in the comfort of the moon's watch—keeping them close to your heart, until the day you meet him again under the your loved moon's light. that is if the archons are kind, but in any case, you shall keep the faith and forge ahead. until the day under the same moonlight happens once more with him.

— © astarriscus. please do not plagarize, steal, copy, repost, edit, translate, heavily reference, or profit from any of my works in any way !!

. . . taglist ; answer this form or send in an ask to be added ; @tofuthoma @noxtivagus

[innerpostmentality]

The Road to Gretna Green Part 8 - Ripon Confessions

 This is an AU Desire & Decorum inspired fan fic.

All rights and many thanks are accorded to Pixelberry Studios.

This takes place immediately after Part 7. Seriously, it will be very confusing if you haven’t read the other parts.  Please see my Masterlist if you wish to catch up on the series. Rating: M                                         Warnings: long post Word count: around 5200 and a bit Tagging: @darley1101 @hopefulmoonobject @blackcatkita @speedyoperarascalparty @hellospunkiebrewster @tornbetween2loves @gardeningourmet  @melodyofgraves @thequeenofcronuts @symonde

Dominique was sitting in the conservatory sipping her tea when Mister Woods returned and announced Mister Hartfield and Mister Konevi. She raised a brow in silent question looking at Mister Woods as each gentleman in turn bowed over the aged elegant hand she extended in greeting.  “Mister Hartfield, Mister Konevi, I thank you for coming.”  Mister Hartfield blushed a bit and cleared his throat, “Ah, Lady Dominique please forgive my forwardness and allow me to explain. I extended the invitation to Mister Konevi as the missive I received from Mister Sinclaire informed me that Mister Konevi had been retained by Miss Edgewater as her solicitor to act on her behalf.” He smiled a bit shyly as he met the dowager countesses steady gaze.  “I see.” She gestured for the two gentlemen to sit before turning to Mister Woods.  “Mister Woods would you please ask cook to send us some biscuits and fresh tea? And there after see that we are not disturbed.”  Bowing Mister Woods left the Dowager Countess with the two attorneys.  When Mister Woods closed the door she turned to them quietly measuring them with her dark blue gaze for an extended moment before pulling a folded letter from her reticule on the small table where she had been tending an orchid.  She looked at the letter with a pained expression as she unfolded it and handed it to Mister Hartfield. “I received this letter from my Granddaughter this morning. Reading it I smelled the brine of this pickle I fear I have put us in. I am hoping that with your counsel we may somehow navigate this to a mutually agreeable conclusion.”

Mister Konevi reached into his satchel and pulled the letter from Rose that he had received the night they left and passed it to the Countess. “Lady Dominique please forgive my intrusion. I must ask if you have signed settlement papers with Duke Karlington? A verbal agreement is one thing to overcome, signed agreements quite another.”

 Mister Hartfield nodded in agreement even as he perused the letter he was handed. But rather than being distressed he got a very self-satisfied smirk. “Indeed they are.”

 “You’ve the look of the cat in the creamery Mister Hartfield. Pray tell us what begets such a countenance?” The Countesses tone was far from amused.

 He looked up realizing that he was under her scrutiny, “I intended no offence your Ladyship. And Mister Konevi’s question is quite valid. Have you drawn up settlement agreements with the Duke?”  “Indeed Not!” Disgust was clear in her tone and her frown. “His Grace seems to be under the impression that as Rose is a Natural daughter and her inheritance of Edgewater dependent upon her marriage that he need not provide for her. I will have none of that! It is a daily thing. His solicitor sends documents. I read them and reject them insisting on stipulations for her support and inheritance should anything happen to him. They take my notes to him. He sends back a revised document addressing none of my requests but adding requirements that she produce a male heir within two years. That was this mornings set that I rejected.”  “Well then…” Mister Hartfield began and abruptly cut himself off as Mister Woods returned with a tea service cart elegantly set with a variety of biscuits and tea sandwiches and a large pot of fresh tea with cups and plates.  After they had been served and settled again and Mister Woods had departed. Mister Hartfield smiled and pulled a sheaf of papers out of his satchel handing them to her with a huge smile that he tried to hide by sipping his tea. Mister Konevi raised a brow at the older gentleman and then heard Dominique’s gasp which drew his attention to her. She was reading through the pages he had handed her. Her hands were shaking and tears were running down her cheeks but she was smiling.   Her eyes met Mister Hartfield’s when she finished reading. “How can this be? I, I don’t understand?” Her gaze stayed on Mister Hartfield as she handed the papers to Mister Konevi.   Mister Hartfield looked to her and then to Mister Konevi. “I believe Mister Sinclaire was quite enamored with Lady Rose from their very first meeting. Being an orderly, responsible, gentleman and very respectful of the late Earl, Rose’s father he wished there to be no impediment to his courtship of the lady. He felt it only proper to inform the Earl of his interest and request permission to court her. That permission was granted and he immediately instructed me to prepare the documents you hold as he had no question of his intention regarding the lady. Because of past personal experience he wanted her to have the freedom to follow her heart where ever it might lead her, hence the condition of winning her consent and affection was put in writing.

  He was quite adamant that nothing be forced upon her. All this was in order before his Lordship had his will altered making Lady Rose the heiress of Edgewater provided she be engaged.  

 Perhaps it is presumptuous of me to say it but I suspect the Earl was doing a bit of matchmaking in a subtle way since he was party to this betrothal settlement agreement being held should they find mutual affection. I believe with the letters in your and Mister Konevi’s possession from Lady Rose, and her current travels we have sufficient evidence that the requirement of her affection has been met. 

 Lacking an agreed upon written settlement between you and the Duke I hold this betrothal settlement between Mister Sinclaire and the late Earl Edgewater to hold precedence. And as it is of an earlier date I believe the courts would find in favor of this settlement.” He grinned at the countess.  “It would help of course if you renounced your support of the Duke in this matter.”  Dominique gave him a puzzled half smile. “There is one point I do not understand. Knowing this existed why did Mister Sinclaire not simply approach me with his claim? Why did he not stand up and announce this when I was in the midst of my folly?”  “You would have to ask him for certainty. I can but speculate knowing some of his past with Duke Karlington.”   Mister Konevi nodded, “The Duke is a powerful man. He is used to getting his way in matters. I feel certain he will fight this. And not necessarily in an honorable manner. Mister Sinclaire removing Lady Rose from the Duke’s presence combined with the letters that prove their elopement is with her full consent strengthen the settlement made by the late Earl and himself. And serve to protect her from any unpleasantness that will arise when the Duke discovers the prize he sought is beyond his reach. That said, I fully expect that this matter will end up in the courts.”  “Mister Konevi and I are in accord on this your Ladyship. The Duke has a history… a long history of acquiring properties in the courts. What you told us this afternoon of the unsuitability of his settlement proposals support my suspicion that his interest lay less in the Lady than in acquiring Edgewater. And while I am loath to ask it of you I think a public retraction of your consent is most advisable. You say that he has sent you multiple settlement papers that you have rejected?” Her eyes widened and she nodded. “It would not be beyond precedent for one of those to come before the courts bearing your signature. Actually, it would be most propitious if you can agree to the Earl’s settlement for you to post in the papers your retraction and the announcement of betrothal endorsing the settlement between the Earl and Mister Sinclaire. With it in copy it will undermine as a forgery any document he might bring to court.” She nodded. “Then let it be so! Mister Sinclaire’s settlement seems most generous. Especially in light of the recent ones I’ve received from his Grace. Let us retire to my study and you may witness my support. Then if you would be so kind as to take it to the papers for publication I shall have but few regrets remaining.” Mister Hartfield and Mister Konevi both asked at the same time, “Regrets?”  “Indeed. I shall always regret the betrayal I saw in my granddaughter’s eyes the night I made that announcement. And while I’m certain to witness and deal with Duke Karlington I am unlikely to witness the moment he realizes the prize has slipped through his fingers.” ****     ****    ****     ****     ****     ****     ****     ****       Slowly ever so slowly Ernest became aware that he was being kissed. It was a sweet dream that he was loath to leave. So he kept his eyes closed to see if the dream might persist. Soft fingers stroked his hair as gentle kisses landed on his forehead then his nose, then his lips, teasing, sweetness. His name murmured like an angels kiss, “Ernest, Love, I’m sorry but it is time to dress. We’ve sausages and cider to break our fast. I love you my sweet.” 

 He opened his eyes to the blue green emerald gaze of the most beautiful woman he’d ever known. It took a moment for him to find his voice. “Me thinks I must have died. For tis certain I am waking in Heaven.”

She blushed and grinned at him. “Oh, well, mayhap you will forgive me then if I stole one of your sausages.”

 He blinked sleepily returning her smile, and stroking her cheek. “All my sausages are yours, my Love.” Then he realized the unintentional double entendre and the morning state of his soldier and he felt the heat truly rise in his cheeks.

 She kissed him again before going to the fire to retrieve his stockings and breeches where she had laid them to drive the dampness from them. “Can, can you give me a moment Rose?  I fear there is no privacy here.” “Of course, Ernest. I will go down and inform Mister Grissom that you are finishing and we will be down shortly. Then I will return. Await me that I may help you dress. I do not wish you to hurt your shoulder further.” 

 He watched her slip on the shawl he had gotten her before leaving the room. She amazed him. She was completely outside his prior experience with ladies who he had mostly thought of as rather simple, delicate creatures, prone to embracing ignorance and seeking shelter from any experience that might inform them of a world outside their parlors and gardens. He knew of course that common women could not be so fragile. But he also knew that his Rose was as much a lady as the queen herself and yet she had a brave curiosity, a sense and devotion to purpose that was extraordinary. 

  He dealt with his needs as best he could. His shoulder and ribs better but still plaguing him if he stressed them. He was chuckling as he sat in the chair by the fire in his state of undress and helplessness eating the biscuits and sausages awaiting her when he heard her enter.  “I await you to put me in my skeleton suit my dear. Surely you are regretting this bargain you have made by now.”

She came to him and kissed his head and then his lips and grinned at him. “Well, at least you are well behaved.” She lifted her brow smirking as she bent to put on his stockings, breeches, and shoes. “Stand Love. Let me fasten you.”

He watched her as she cared for him with gentle efficiency. “You bless me Rose. I know not what I’ve done to earn your affection but I am most glad of it.”

 As she finished helping him into his vest and coat she smiled at him nodding. “Well you can return the favor now. My stays need tightening. I had to loosen them so I might turn them but they don’t serve this way so if you might adjust them a bit it would be most helpful.” She lifted her blue day gown and he carefully tightened the lacing before smoothing her gown back and placing a kiss on her shoulder.  “Am I in order, Mistress Henley?” He turned so she could examine him.    She smiled, “Oh Aye. Enough so I shall need a switch to fend off the ladies throwing themselves at you.”   He shook his head but looked at her with the serious honesty that she had marked from the first she met him. “I am yours. Only yours Rose. Before you even knew, I was certain.”  Her gaze locked with his for a moment before she stepped close and pressed her mouth to his. His good arm went around her holding her close to him a moment before he broke the kiss. “Mistress Henley you will have to walk before me least everyone in the common room witness the attention of my soldier.”

He saw her eyes go wide and she covered her mouth with one hand, blushed crimson and squeaked “oh!” He grinned. He couldn’t help it she enchanted him at every turn.

Then she was grabbing her shawl, folding it, tying it. “Here. Lean over that I may put this over your head.” She carefully arranged his right arm in the sling she had made adjusting it so that the knot was at the bottom of the loop rather than behind his neck. The ends dangling long down the front of his breeches at least partially obscuring his arousal. He arranged himself a bit more and then lifted a brow at her. “Shall we?”

 The day was particularly beautiful, everything washed clean the day before by the rains and the verge of the road was covered in blankets of blossoming Lady’s Thimble. The sky matched the deep blue of the flowers and Ernest’s eyes Rose thought as she admired the view both outside and inside the coach. Meadows and pasture bordered by hedgerows and occasional rock fences and copses of trees dotted the pastoral landscape as they headed north through Yorkshire.  Ernest was pleased with their progress and decided they might take a little longer break for their lunch.  A beautiful spot on the bank of the Wharfe river made the perfect place for a late picnic lunch. They shared a blanket and a basket of figs and cherries, bread and cheese and a bottle of wine.

 Rose could tell that he was feeling a little better this day. She wanted to speak to him about the anxiety he had the previous evening. She just didn’t quite know how she should speak to him about such a thing. She was muddling this over when he leaned to her and stroked the crease between her brows.

 “Rose? What are you fretting about?” his blue eyes searched hers his smile gentle.

 She met his gaze and blushed then studied the fig she’d been eating. “Umm, I’m trying to think of a way to ask you something.”

 “Well, I’ve told you that you may ask me anything.” He took her hand and brought it to his mouth kissing her knuckles, grinning.

 Nodding, she glanced up shyly at him. “I know. And I do. It’s just… you seemed. Well… distressed last night. I don’t want to distress you, Ernest.”  His face fell and he stroked the back of the hand he held with his thumb for a long moment before settling. He met her eyes and she saw such acute vulnerability there she thought her heart might burst. She held fast to his hand desperate to reassure him.  “Rose… I would not wish to bring my life before you here with us. And yet, despite my best intentions, it seems its mark is upon me. You know of the history between myself and the Duke. And he is a foul man….” He closed his eyes struggling and finally continued so softly she barely heard him. “He didn’t force himself on Roselyn. I was her father’s choice not hers.” He rubbed his face and looked at the river as it gently made its way along its course caressing the tree roots that sheltered schools of minnows, soothing in its imperviousness to his distress.   “My brother was gone. My father was dying. I was young and desperate to please my father. Perhaps had my focus been less on pleasing him and more on the lady I was courting I might have realized that what she was fishing for wasn’t me.”

 Shaking his head he met her eyes again and brought her hand to his mouth sighing deeply. “There is… There is a thing that I wish you to know, Rose. You should know. Before, before we wed.”

 He swallowed and looked down at her hand in his. “I wanted to please my father. I tried, I tried to get her with child. I tried for the six months my father lived to get an heir on her to no avail. She blamed me for that failure. And it is a certainty that she was not barren.” His voice broke but he looked in her eyes. “I want you to know. To know that I will always love you. I will give you everything I can. But I’ve no evidence that I can give you children. Before we are joined I want you to know this.”  Rose nodded, dropping her eyes from his so he would not see her distress, her anger. That he had suffered such an accusation at the hands of his previous wife who had been unfaithful to him made her struggle to be gracious. She held his hand firmly and brought it to her cheek nuzzling it as she searched for words to comfort him with. Finally she mastered herself and met his gaze again.  “Ernest, while I am not particularly fond of the church, I do believe that such things are the will of God. And I believe with all my heart that we are intended to be. That I was made for you, and you for me. I do not know if we will be blessed with children. But if you were not her choice then perhaps it was simply not intended to be.”

Stroking his hand she blushed, “Perhaps it is a sin that I say this. But I am not marrying you only for the possibility of children. I would welcome them as a blessing, yes. But it is you, your way of thinking, your way of speaking, your concern and consideration that make me love you, that make life without you unthinkable. I love you, Ernest. That is why I will marry you.”  Slowly he smiled and kissed her hand. “You know they smile at us. Thinking we are newly wedded.” He nodded at Mister Grissom and the coachmen who were finishing up their lunches and giving them occasional smiles.    She glanced at them then back at him. “Perhaps they are wiser than we know.” Grinning she whispered, “Think you we might have a bath this evening?”  He grinned to show his dimple, standing and extending his left hand to her. “Only if we get to the White Horse in time. Come Mistress Henley.” They changed horses two more times but made Ripon and The White Horse Inn with an hour to spare before the sun set. Rose stayed in the coach while Ernest saw to the accommodations for Mister Grissom and his men as well as the two of them.

It took a while but she could tell he was well pleased when he came to escort her in. The White Horse was very clean and looked almost new with its smartly white washed exterior and newly painted rooms. A mouthwatering aroma of a venison stew filled the common room and Ernest seated her at one of the smaller tables by the fire before going to get some wine for them and order their supper.  He returned with the bottle a couple of glasses and a game box of Noughts and Crosses for them to play for a bit while they waited for their food. They quickly had the measure of each other and were laughing as they tied game after game. 

 “We are well matched, my Lady.” He smiled as a young lad came to their table with bowls of the stew and a basket of bread. Ernest gave him a ha penny for the service then turned back to Rose who was smelling the stew her eyes closed an ecstatic smile lifting her mouth. “Oh that is a look I pray I will put on your face one day my Rose.” He murmured and watched with delight as her eyes flew open and her cheeks turned pink as new roses. His smile was filled with mischief, “I heard a rumor that there was a fair hand with a razor that only charged ha penny a shave. Alas I seem to have given my last ha penny away to the lad for bringing our stew.” He lifted his brow and started eating his stew.

 Rose grinned, “Oh, Aye. But I heard the price was much, much higher. Though might be bargained with personal accommodation.” She broke the loaf of bread offering him a piece before taking one for herself. “Hmmm. What sort of personal accommodation might be needed?” His eyes were sparkling in the fire light as he sopped a piece of bread in the soup. “Mmmmm…” She purred as she locked eyes with him over her spoon. Then smiled sweetly at him. “Mister Henley, I could tell you but…” She took a careful bite of the bread. “as you remind me often, it won’t do for you to have to wrestle with your soldier when we are in public.” Ernest nearly choked. He coughed, his face going crimson. But he was still grinning. And wishing that he had taken their supper in the privacy of their room.  It wasn’t possible since there were no adjoining rooms at the small inn and a hot bath was being prepared for them. He sipped his wine and shook his head. “Tis a lost cause Milady, his attention is steadfast with you in the firelight. I would that I might sip the wine that clings to your lip and taste your sweetness for my dessert.”   His words lit the fires in her cheeks and he saw her eyes widen even as her perfect pink tongue peaked out to swipe the wine he spoke of from the center of her lower lip.  When their supper was finished Ernest got them another bottle of wine and some of the Wensleydale apricot cheese before escorting her to their room. It was larger than their room from the previous night and a merry wood fire was laid in the hearth. But what drew her eyes immediately was a very large bathing tub lined and covered with wisps of steam rising from it.   “Oooooh! Ernest!” She dashed to the trunks set at the foot of the bed and got their grooming boxes. He loved the delight written across her beautiful features. He thought no feeling in the world could compare to knowing he was the root of her joy that lit the whole room.  He secured the door and then went to insure the windows were also secure. He turned and she bounced up to kiss him. Then her fingers were busy on his coat buttons, vest buttons, she was carefully, gently slipping them down his arms. Turning so he could help her.

Amusement at her haste was in his voice as he teased her “Now how might a man bargain for a shave?”

She turned in his arms and arched one brow. “You know my price. But you should let me shave you first. It’s best while the water is hot.”

 Her mercurial playfulness combined with her efficient precision fascinated him. She pulled a chair close to the tub and finished taking off everything he was wearing but his breeches. He knew that this is what she would be like as a mother, decisive, efficient, and somehow playful. There was joy and care in everything she did. She smiled at him and gave him a searing kiss before laying a hot damp towel over his throat and cheeks. Then she was at the wash stand wetting another cloth with cold water and laying it over his eyes and forehead. He sighed as the cool cloth eased the low level throb in his head he hadn’t even realized was bothering him. But she had. 

  He heard her moving about and stropping his razor. Moments later the hot towel was removed and she was massaging soapy oil into his beard. She tilted his head this way and that holding his skin taut and shaving him immaculately close in what seemed a heart beat. She wiped the soap from his face. Then he felt her straddle him. He gasped in surprise. And her mouth was on his coaxing him, teasing, tracing his lips with the tip of her tongue. Her fingers busy at the buttons of his fall and his waist. He was free. She broke the kiss and pulled the cloth from his eyes. She was smiling as he opened his eyes. His brain was still reeling from the passion of her kiss.

 “Come Love. I need your help with my stays. Then I need you to stand so we can get you out of those and into that lovely bath you got for us.”

 His fingers were deft at her laces freeing her from her stays then pulling her hair aside so he could kiss the nape of her neck. She sighed for an instant before stepping away from him to put her stays on the trunk then she lifted her camisole over her head and dropped it on top leaving her bare in the firelight.

 She knelt before him pulling down his breeches leaving them both as heaven made them. She looked up at him and murmured softly, “I look upon you and see the perfection of His creation in you. You are masculine beauty personified in my eyes.”

 He stroked her cheek lost in the forest of her gaze his voice low, “And you are Aphrodite herself stepping from Olympus to steal my heart.” He took her right hand in his left and led her to the bath. “Get in my beauty. Let me accommodate you.”

 She stepped in the tub still comfortingly warm and relaxing. He went to get a couple of pieces of soap and cloths to wash with.  She watched him noting with satisfaction the ease returning to his movements. “You have a fine leg Mister Henley. I’m a very lucky woman. I think if we both stand we can wash together. Someday perhaps we may have a bathing tub large enough that both of us can stretch out together at once in it. The Romans had such baths did they not?”

He came to her handing her a piece of soap and a cloth before carefully stepping into the warm water. They bathed each other, both smiling as they carefully coordinated their movements so they didn’t fall or make a great mess on the floor. Rose thought it was rather like a dance in close quarters. Their desire ever present as they sighed in pleasure and noted each the others response to the intimacy they enjoyed. It wasn’t until they had donned their night clothes and climbed abed, nestled together that Ernest stroked her cheek and urged her into a deep kiss in the darkness. When they both moaned with their need he broke the kiss. Stroked her cheek murmuring. “I am so glad that you came to me Rose. My heart is so full for you. I have waited my whole life for you. This week, these days and nights with you have meant more than you can know. I am so torn between hope and fear for our future.”

Her gentle fingers found his lips and she stroked them with a feather light loving touch before she trailed them down his throat and brought them to rest in his hand over his heart. “When you were little did you ever fall when you ran and scrape your knee?”

He turned his head and kissed the top of her head. “Indeed. I was terrible. If you look closely at my knees in the light you can still see some of the scars of my youthful folly.”

She smiled and brought his hand up to her mouth to kiss. “So you did not forever more cease to run? Or turn in anger from your play friends because they had encouraged you to play that resulted in some injury?”

“No.” She felt him shift and knew he was looking at her in the darkness.

“Why? Why would you not spite them for hurting you?”

“What are you about, Rose. The answer is obvious. They were my friends. It is the nature of children to play and scrape their knees and elbows. It is most natural for these things to happen.”

She lifted herself on her elbow and stroked his cheek. “There is your answer Ernest. Yes, I do believe you when you tell me that our first joining will cause me pain. It is most natural for this to happen. I am glad I am virgin for you. I was made for you. I know you would that we could be joined without that fact. But this is the way of things. I will love you even more I promise. Women do not turn from their children or their husbands because of the pain from breeching their maidenhead or of childbirth. I am so, so sorry for this pain you bear, this worry that was seeded in you. But its cause is not from you. It is another’s fear unfairly cast at your feet that in your distress you have taken up. I promise you. I promise you I will cure this.”

--------------------------------to be continued--------------------------------