#the return of mister and mistress sinclaire

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The Return of Mr & Mrs Sinclaire – Part III A Rose By Any Other Name

A Choices Desire & Decorum based AU fanfic All rights to characters and settings from the Desire & Decorum fiction belong to Pixelberry Studios Featuring: Rose Sinclair, Luke Harper, Caiden Lykel (oc), Marina Burke (oc) Rating: PG-13   Warning: Captivity, Language Word count: Long post around 3446 This takes place after Part II - The Fire Tags: @darley1101 @hopefulmoonobject @blackcatkita @speedyoperarascalparty @hellospunkiebrewster @tornbetween2loves @gardeningourmet @melodyofgraves @thequeenofcronuts @symonde @ritachacha @hellooliviaolivia @paisleylovergirl @allaboutchoices @regencylady1810​   Rose was bounced hard against the floor of the wagon as the team strained for speed. The hay wagon lacked the suspension designed to add comfort for carriages. Trussed in the feed sack with her arms bound she couldn’t brace herself. Time was measured in bruises. But she could feel the fatigue of the horses even as she heard one of the men yell and the whip crack.  “Garrik, ease up mon. T’weren’t no good if yas kill tha horses.”  “Shut it Hob. I ain’t dyin on this bloody plain over no doxy. Tha horses will make it to tha farm and we can hand er over and get our quid and be done.”

   She heard the edge of nervous anger in the second voice even as the whip cracked again. Rose tested her bonds and realized her luck as the rope was bound around and around her but her wrists and feet weren’t bound. She wasn’t gagged. And the bonds were all inside the sack where she could get at them. The problem was even if she could get free and manage to get out of the cart in the daylight there was no practical cover to hide in. And if she tried to get away and they caught her she knew they would secure her better.  The more the wagon slowed the more the men argued until finally Hob bellowed, “I’ll piss on you if you don’t stop, mon. I need to piss and there’s water here. You got ta let them rest and drink for a bit or we’re all gonna be walkin’. We need ta check her ladyship and gag her like you said. They was specific ‘bout her bein’ in good state. She ain’t made no sound she could be daid.”  “Fuck she ain’t daid. Don’t say that. Bloody fuck.”  They stopped.  Rose felt the wagon shift as the men got down. She did her best to relax as much as possible knowing it wouldn’t serve to struggle. She heard some rustling but couldn’t discern what was happening.  “She ain’t movin’” The man she thought was Hob sounded close. Abruptly her ankles were grabbed and she was drug to the end of the bed of the wagon. Somehow she managed not to scream fearing they would let her drop to the ground.  “She ain’t daid just fainted is all.”  She was pulled and nudged. “Come on girlie, wake up.”  She remained completely limp. “She ain’t movin’, Garrik.”  “Fuck. Come on girlie it’s time ta wake up.” He shook her again. “Fuck.” “Put on your scarf and get me some fuckin’ water, Hob. I’m gonna take er head sack off.”  “What about, ‘I gotta piss’ did you not ken? You get your own water. I told you not to go so hard. Now you broke the horses an the doxy. I knowed we was shite outta luck when you took this job haulin’ er ladyship cross tha country cause she ran away from tha high nob. Ladyships is delicate like flowers and yas broke er.”  “I’m gonna break you, ya piss fer brains.” Grunts and curses and noises of scuffling were coming from the ground close to the wagon. For a moment she considered if they really thought she was dead they might just leave her. Then she almost panicked when she considered they might try to bury her. She settled on playing senseless and incapacitated. If she could convince them they would be less likely to restrain her as well. So when the sounds of the fight changed from angry shouting to more petulant sniping and grousing she moaned softly.   “Ya bastard, ya broke me nose.” She moaned a little louder.   “Bet ya wish now ya’d got me wat..”       “Hush!” She moaned again, softer.   “I tol ya I ain’t killed er! Now get me some water for er! And put yer cloth oer yer face.” A moment later she was being shifted in the wagon remarkably gently. And the voice she had decided was Garrik was again trying to persuade her to wake up. “Come on yer ladyship just wake up a wee bit.” She thought he was untying the top of the sack she was in as he coaxed her.  “We got a commission from es highship yer husband tha Duke ta get ya back ta em.” She stayed limp but moaned in reality as he shifted her and hurt one of her many bruises. The sack over her head was removed and she concentrated on staying relaxed and resisting the nearly overwhelming desire to open her eyes. She could tell it was light out by the deep red she saw through her eyelids. He was adjusting her again then cold water was dribbled on her face. She gasped and moaned and fluttered her eyes open a moment before she rolled them up in her head closing them again and going limp.  “Fuck! Somethens wrong wit er.” He started to shake her again but almost immediately stopped when Hob yelled at him.  “Garrik, for fucks sake stop mon! She’s sore hurt cana ye ken! Prolly smashed her brains. Ain’t gonna serve ta shake her none. Leave er ta me and go tend tha horses so’s we can get ta tha farm.”  Her plan seemed to be working well as Hob tended her undoing the rest of her bonds and then patting at her face with a soaked handkerchief that made her twist away from the smell of stale sweat which only encouraged him to renew his efforts to rouse her.  “Come on Ladyship, let me know ya’s gonna be foine.”  She fluttered her eyes open again and blinked doing her best to look confused. “I.. I… “ She frowned as though trying to focus. He was dressed in workers trousers and a dirty green sack cloth shirt. A scarf covered the bottom half of his face and his left eye was swelling shut. A cut over his brow continued to seep.  She blinked and whispered softly “You’re hurt… Did, did you save me?”                                 -----------------------------------------  Marina smiled as she exited the Turks Head Tavern and saw The Captain was waiting with four horses, two of them saddled. She adjusted the pack she had put together over her shoulder and fished a couple of carrots out of her pocket breaking them into four pieces and giving each horse a piece before she walked around them trailing her hand gently over them. She checked their legs and hooves making certain of their soundness before she adjusted her tweed cap and glanced at Caiden.  “Good horses, Captain. Are they yours?”  “Aye. They’re Arabians. I first encountered Arabians on a trading expedition years ago. They’ve got the best endurance of any horse I’ve ever seen. As a boy I loved horses.” He frowned. “Then I joined the navy and had to ship them.” He trailed off and shook himself nodding at the mare that Marina was inspecting. “That’s Sheba. The one next to her is Jezebel. She bites so have a care. I’m sitting on Samson. And Zibiah is my lead.”  Curiously she turned a steady assessing gaze on him.  The Captain was not an especially large man though he had the aura of command that pulled attention and filled spaces. He possessed an elegance in his bone structure that spoke more of French or Spanish heritage than Germanic. His eyes had always fascinated her. They shifted from a dark steel gray to a blue so dark they looked black. For just a moment she allowed that he was a handsome man. The recognition bothered her. Her awareness of him bothered her. Her experience with men as a woman was not a happy tale.  “Am I sound?” His deep voice shook her from her contemplation and she dropped her eyes and adjusted her cap to hide the heat in her cheeks before taking a deep breath and meeting his dark gaze.  “Philosophers of the ages may debate that. It’s beyond my ken for certain.” She secured her pack behind the saddle and grabbed Jezebel’s lead before carefully fitting her foot to the stirrup and springing herself into the saddle. She caught his grin before he turned and led them off.  They rode silently north along the carriage road and Caiden set a steady mile eating pace. Having lost the morning they were pushing the fresh horses just a bit.          

  Marina found herself enjoying the opportunity to study The Captain even as they rode. Perhaps because they were leading horses and the speed they were travelling they travelled single file. Keeping to the road as much as possible for safety and speed. Still she noted how he focused on the horses and regularly would drop back to check on her.   Hours later Caiden departed the road and headed for the river Wharfe. The river had been getting closer and closer to the road for the last hour or so and now was a shimmering silver grey band winding its way beside the road.  Eventually he pulled up under a large sycamore tree by the bank. He dismounted and allowed his horses to drink while he went to her, “May I assist you?” He lifted his arms in offer.  She hesitated, lifting a brow and looking down at him. It was a strange moment for her, the first moment the Captain was treating her in a manner that proved he recognized her as a woman. She noted the afternoon sun had turned his eyes silver grey like the river and it momentarily transfixed her. At last she nodded and swung her leg over the saddle to face him. He gave her a gentle smile as he grasped her waist and lowered her carefully to the ground. Holding her a moment to be certain she was steady before he stepped back and went to pull the saddle from Samson.  “We’ll change horses here.” He spoke to her as he saw to Samson rubbing him down with sweet grass and checking his hooves. “I had fancied making Skipton when we set out but I think not now.” He paused looking at the light and back over at Marina who was pulling the saddle from Sheba. “If you allow I can saddle Jezebel for you.” His voice was soft with the offer his face hidden from her as he gave Samson a fond pat before taking his blanket and saddle to Zibiah and checking her before saddling her.  “It’s a kind offer and I thank you, but I can manage.” Marina frowned realizing that she was becoming increasingly discomfited by the Captain’s gentlemanly behavior toward her. “I’m not helpless.”    Caiden snorted with laughter and Zibiah shied a bit til he placed a calming hand on her neck speaking gently. He looked over at Marina, “Forgive me. But you are the least ‘helpless’ person I think I’ve ever encountered.” He was shaking his head. “I would not have engaged you on this had I thought you were at all helpless. That you are not helpless does not mean that you are not worthy of every consideration.” Just then Jezebel decided to try to bite Marina as she was preparing to saddle her. Marina slid her hand up on the reins to just beneath Jezebel’s mouth holding the horses head down and pushing her backwards as she spoke firmly “Ty budesh' podchinyat'sya! No! You will obey me!”  Caiden’s mouth fell open as the diminutive woman backed the horse up. He watched as she walked forward forcing the horse back with sheer strength of will and determination. Finally she stopped and stared at Jezebel for a moment sliding her hold on the reins back to a more natural lead position. Her voice was soft but firm as she addressed the mare. “Are we in accord? Good. Now come.” She led her back to the tree and the blanket and saddle.  Caiden chuckled and shook his head. “Jezebel, I could have told you not to try such foolishness with her Ladyship.”  Marina’s eyes went wide. “I’m not a Ladyship!.”  “Oh, but you most definitely are. And I am your Captain.” The words fell from his mouth without thought as some admission of his soul’s desire even as his personal measure of proper decorum was cringing at the most unsuitable retort.

He strode over to her picking up the saddle and settling it on Jezebel’s back before he reached beneath the horse to grab the cinch and fasten it. His mind was trying to formulate an apology but he wasn’t sorry.

 Her black eyes were lancing him, one arm braced on her hip in agitation. “I am NOT some Ladyship to be owned by anyone, Captain. Others have tried and failed before. I may have foolishly agreed to help you; and I hold to my word. I am your employee. But mark this well when your friend is safe we are done. Do you understand me?”

 His eyes went wide and locked with hers studying her carefully. Her reaction was far more extreme than he could anticipate. Finally his voice as gentle as he could manage, “Miss Burke please forgive me. Truly I intended no offense. I fear this endeavor will necessitate some levels of intimacy between us that may prove awkward for both of us. We actually know little of one another.  Be assured that I respect you in every way.”

 She turned without a word and riffled through her pack pulling a couple of carrots and a cloth wrapped piece of cheese. She wordlessly handed him a carrot and then unwrapped the cheese and cut a chunk of it off handing it to him before cutting a piece for herself. She wiped her blade on the cloth before rewrapping the cheese and stowing it again.

 Caiden fished a dried summer sausage out of his own pack and sliced chunks off for each of them. Then pulled a bottle of wine out of his pack and deftly pulled the cork with his teeth before offering her the bottle first.

 Marina took a deep swig of the crisp summer wine before handing the bottle back to the Captain. They stood as they ate their travelling repast and walked each horse to the river allowing them to drink. At last as they were tightening their girths and checking their packs were secured on their lead horses she addressed him. “So you should tell me of your friend and this Lady I’m to impersonate.”

 He looked at her a moment noting that she had not accepted his apology nor uttered a word of forgiveness. And he was still trying to fathom how his banter had so seriously offended her. He wanted to press it but thought better of it and decided to answer her question.

 “Ah. Well, Earnest Sinclaire I’ve known since we were both boys. We made our maiden ship together. It was one of his father’s ships and I came aboard as cabin boy and cook’s mate. We were bound for China. Being of an age and our first time at sea we found soon enough that we got on well. We both planned to get our experience and then serve commissions in the Royal navy and fight Bonney.” He frowned looking pensive for a moment. “It sounded so grand when we would talk about the future to pass our watch hours. Then James, Earnest’s elder brother and the heir died and his father fell gravely ill. He went home. I went to the Navy commissioned as a lieutenant.” He shook his head pulling himself from the past and looked over at her.

 If he hadn’t seen her when she rescued him from drowning he would never have guessed that the trouser and coarse linen shirt clad diminutive figure was aught but a boy. She was fascinating to him. Even dressed as she was, sweaty after riding steadily for the last four hours there was an energy about her and a quality that spoke of nobility. He frowned at himself so addled by this woman. As he forcibly brought his thoughts back to her question.

 He’d never actually met Rose Sinclaire but Earnest had given him fair description. Miss Burke was smaller he suspected. Earnest was fairly tall and commented on how his Rose fit perfectly in his arms as they danced. Caiden met her dark gaze as she studied him.

 He smiled and shrugged. “To be truthful I’ve never met Rose Sinclaire. I have her description from Earnest’s letters.” He grinned, “Hair like the sunset spun into fiery waves… Skin fair as alabaster, angel’s kisses dusting her perfect nose…”

 Marina snorted shaking her head and laughing. “Your friend is drunk as a sailor just paid with a week before shipping out again on this Rose of his.”

 Caiden chuckled feeling his heart lift at the pure joy of her laugh. He was having his own moment caught again in his own fascination with one Marina Burke.

 She continued, “So does she have an accent? You said they are new married now? I know we are in haste to Gretna Green. Then we assume their names and leisurely journey back to where? Hoping as a fisherman teases for fish to lure those who would collect this bounty out to attack us?” She lifted her brow.

 Caiden was contemplating the perfection of her tiny rosebud mouth. He finally managed to process what she had asked him and nodded. “That’s the plan so far.” His voice was warm and soft as he met the rich darkness of her gaze.

 She cocked her head slightly puzzled by the delay in his response and the strange note in his tone. “And you think we can manage this impersonation?”

 “Aye.” He was certain in that moment he could convince any observer that he was besotted with this woman. He was leaning toward her and caught himself. He cleared his throat and noticed the length of the shadows. “We need to go, Marina.”

 She nodded and took a small hop setting her left foot flawlessly into the stirrup and vaulting into the saddle.

 He took an extra minute to check the cinch on his saddle girth before mounting. “Let’s make for Addingham while we have the light.”

 “As you lead, Captain.” And they were off again.

This leg they did not push their mounts and it was well after the sun had slipped below the horizon that they made their way into the village of Addingham and found stable at The Fleece Inn.

Caiden went first to secure a room at the inn and was pleased to find they had one to let with stabling for their four horses. He paid for the room and extra rations for the horses then went out to join Marina and lead the horses around to the stable. As they were tending them he kept watching her as she fed them and gently cared for them.

 “You have a hand with horses, Marina.” His voice was whisper soft as he looked over the stall wall at her brushing Jezebel.

He frowned. “It would be good if I had a name to call you besides your own. Introducing you as my stable lad Marina won’t do.”

 “You shouldn’t introduce me.” She lifted her brow at him as she looked over Jezebel’s back. “If you introduce me I’ll have to remember to answer to it. Just call me Boy for this journey.”

 It made perfect sense and Caiden hated it. She deserved so much more than this hell paced ride to swap places and put herself in mortal danger. But he knew better than to argue with her so he nodded and went back to brushing Zibiah.

 When he was finished Caiden went around to the stall where she was putting up the tack. “There’s lamb stew in the common room.” He waited for her and she looked up at him and smirked.

“I don’t think you escorting me in to dinner is going to be good for our cover, Captain.”

He fidgeted suppressing his inclination to offer her his arm. Then he met her dark eyes, his voice soft and sincere, “Marina… I am sorry to put you through this. I want you know… I appreciate this.. I appreciate you…” His voice dropped to a whisper, “so much.”

She turned from him ducking her head to put her cap between her flushed cheeks and the warmth of his gaze.

“Apology accepted Captain.” She nodded toward the opening of the stable. “Lead and I shall follow you.”

------------------To be continued -----------------------

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The Return of Mister & Mistress Sinclaire Part II - The Fire

A Choices Desire & Decorum based AU fanfic All rights to characters and settings from the Desire & Decorum fiction belong to Pixelberry Studios Featuring: Ernest Sinclair, Luke Harper, Lady Dominique, Caiden Lykel (oc), Marina Burke (oc) Rating: PG-13   Warning: Angst Word count: Long post, sorry it’s nearly 5000 words This takes place after Part I - Idyll Tagging: @darley1101 @hopefulmoonobject @blackcatkita @speedyoperarascalparty @hellospunkiebrewster @tornbetween2loves @gardeningourmet @melodyofgraves @thequeenofcronuts @symonde @ritachacha @hellooliviaolivia @paisleylovergirl @kennaxval @regencylady1810    He was bone weary as he hadn’t been since his days in service to the crown fighting Napoleon. His fortune in being able to get fresh mounts had taken its toll on him keeping him in the saddle for twenty eight of the last thirty two hours. And for the last two hours, Luke’s heart had been in this throat and it took all the restraint he could muster not to spur his horse as he watched the towering plume of black smoke rise from Gretna Green. The flat plains broken only by hedges and occasional rock fences delineating farm borders allowed him ample view of the smoke of a serious fire. Now he was still several miles away and his horse wasn’t fresh so he spoke softly to the horse and urged him into a canter.      The road had been empty this morning once he got in view of the billowing black tower of smoke, everyone living within sight had already sped to aid the village. He could just barely start to see the buildings when a hay wagon with two men aboard barreled toward him headed away from the village. He moved to the verge frowning as they passed in the light loaded hay wagon. The driver snapped his whip over the team of two to urge them to greater speed.  He frowned after the two hale looking men running away from the fire struck village but had no time to pursue them as he made for the town. A few minutes later the strange encounter was forgotten as he pitched in with every man, woman, and child in the village trying desperately to contain the fire and keep it from spreading to other buildings. There were a couple of bucket lines and several men who were using shovels to throw dirt on any embers drifting into grass. It looked like the fire had started at the stable and blacksmith. It was hours later before he could look for the Sinclaires. He finally found Ernest covered in soot and mud deep in conversation with some other men.   Ernest looked startled for a brief moment as Luke approached him then gave him a huge smile extending his hand to him. “Master Harper!! Forgive my state, and please allow me to introduce you to Mister Camran and Master Smith Elliot. We were just discussing this bit of villainy.”  “Villainy?” Luke raised his brow even as he shook Mister Camran’s hand.  Master Elliot nodded. “Tis certain. Gled tae meet ye, Master Harper.” The smith’s hand dwarfed Luke’s as he shook it.  Ernest was frowning. “Mister Harper I am happy that fortune brought you to us in this time of need. But I know that you are not here without cause and I am anxious to know it.”  Luke nodded. “Indeed sir. We need to speak. Is there an Inn where I might acquire accommodations?”  Ernest shook his head. “Mister Harper you will stay with us at the cottage. There are beds in the loft aplenty and I know Lady Sinclaire will be in accord with me on this.” He smiled.   Luke lifted his brow, “I should not wish to intrude. And please allow me to congratulate you on your nuptials.”  Ernest nodded to the other men and patted Luke on the shoulder. “Gentlemen, please excuse us. I know my lady wife will be very happy to see her friend and anxious for my return.”                                 ________________________

  The Dowager Countess of Edgewater took Mister Hartfield’s hand to assist her out of the carriage then took but a moment to smooth her skirts before she proceeded to the grand entryway of Addington Farm the residence of his Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury. The door was opened as they reached the top of the stairs by the majordomo who swept into a bow inviting them into the entryway. Servants bustled about taking their cloaks and the gentlemen’s hats.    “Lady Dominique, Mister Hartfield, Mister Konevi please allow me to welcome you to Addington Farm. I am Master Graham at your service. We have prepared rooms for you if you would like to settle and rest before dinner. Or we may set a tea for you in the parlor if you prefer? His Grace has scheduled your meeting for after dinner.”    Dominique smiled at the silver haired majordomo, “Thank you Master Graham. Some tea would be quite refreshing though I cannot speak for Mister Hartfield and Mister Konevi.   I was wondering if Lady Mary is in residence? I must confess that I was hoping that despite the suddenness of this visit I might see my old friend while I’m here.”    Master Graham returned her smile inclining his head. “It is a happy circumstance then that you are here now. Her Ladyship travels to Bath at the end of the week to visit her daughter. She instructed me particularly that if you were to take tea she would join you. Though she would not want to impose upon your rest if that was your desire.”   Dominique turned to Mister Hartfield and Mister Konevi. “Will you join us? You are most welcome if you so desire.”    The men exchanged a look and each bowed to Dominique. Mister Hartfield nodded to Master Graham. “If her ladyship will permit I would retire for a bit before dinner.”  Mister Konevi smiled at Master Graham, “I should most like to take a walk about the lovely gardens I spotted as we approached and stretch my legs a bit before dinner if that is permitted?”    Master Graham escorted Dominique to the parlor. It was a beautiful room with two grand windows faced East providing a lovely view of the gardens. An enormous fire place mantled in Italian marble dominated the North side of the room with a life sized portrait of the archbishop hung above it. A portrait of Lady Mary hung on the East wall between the two large windows and a whole gallery of smaller but exquisite family portraits were proudly displayed on the Southern wall of the room. The Western wall was graced with several large paintings of Addington Farm and the surrounding forest and gardens. Four comfortable couches and four matching armchairs upholstered in dark blue satin brocade were arranged around the room. Rosewood sofa tables graced with vases of fresh flowers sat behind the couches and matching parlor tables sat beside each of the armchairs.  “This is a lovely room, Master Graham.” Dominique spoke softly admiring the thoughtful arrangement and pleasant airiness of the room as she walked about it admiring the pictures.  “Thank you Lady Dominique. I will see to your companions and send for your tea. I’m certain Lady Mary will join you shortly.” He bowed and left her alone.  Mere moments later Lady Mary entered going to her with open arms and a welcoming smile. “Dominique!! It is wonderful to see you!”  Dominique laughed and embraced her friend of more than thirty years. “You are kind and beautiful as ever Mary. I was just admiring your paintings. If my old eyes don’t deceive me these fine pieces are yours.”  Mary laughed. “Ah yes. I found it a thing to do. And once I got started with our first child I felt I must continue with the others.” Her smile softened. “In fact it is why I journey to Bath the end of this week. Our youngest daughter Isabella has had her first child and I want to paint them.” She took Dominique’s hand and told her about each of the paintings until the tea cart arrived. Then they sat in the armchairs close to the fire with their tea.  Mary smiled as she sipped her tea, “But Dominique, I know something must be amiss. You must tell me what is about that you come with two solicitors and but a few hours notice? You know you are always most welcome but I know you and that was very strange. I told Charles that something dire was afoot.”  Dominique nodded. “You are right as always, Mary. I fear I made a horrible mistake and now I’m desperately trying to right it. I know not what you may have heard of the goings on the last several months. But I am…” Dominique pulled her handkerchief from her reticule and covered her face a moment collecting herself before continuing. “It has been so hard. And I have muddled things badly with regard to my granddaughter Rose.”  Mary reached over and took Dominique’s hand. “Dear, now, now, I am certain Charles will help you. It surely cannot be so bad.”    Dominique squeezed her hand. “You are such a comfort to me. Truly. But you do not know the mess I have made.    I sought a match with Duke Karlington for my granddaughter Rose. I knew he was a bit older than her. Still I thought he was a handsome man, and wealthy, and titled. His lands match Edgewater admirably.” She sighed and sipped her tea. “Alas he is no gentleman. He did not deal honestly with me, Mary.”    She shook her head. “And I had no notion of the agreement that had been drawn between my dear Vincent and Mister Sinclaire of Ledford Park. It was not until after my foolish announcement that I had agreed to the betrothal with Karlington that I learned all the details of the agreement between my son and Lord Sinclaire regarding Lady Rose.    Only once we arrived back home after my foolish announcement did Rose show me the marks on her arm where the Duke had bruised her. Even then I still did not know about the previous agreement between my son and Mister Sinclaire. And honestly, it shames me to say I was still too caught up in my own fancies to comprehend how deceived I had been by the Duke. I was working to draft suitable terms for their union providing for Rose’s support. And Karlington was being ever more unreasonable. In the end Rose fled.    Only after... Only after I lost her.. did I learn. When her Solicitor Mister Konevi came to me with Mister Hartfield  who is Mister Sinclaire’s solicitor did I learn of Vincent’s arrangement with Mister Sinclaire.   Mister Sinclaire it seems was so impressed with Rose upon their meeting that he went straight way to Vincent to ask permission to court her; and if she came of her free will to find affection for him, he asked permission to wed her. Vincent thought of Mister Sinclaire much as a son already and with Mister Sinclaire’s proposed betrothal arrangements they came to a happy agreement. But all was kept in secret. After the misfortune of Mister Sinclaire’s first marriage he was adamant that Rose know nothing of the proposed arrangement between her father and him regarding her betrothal. He wanted her affection to be a true one not forced in any way.”   Dominique shook her head. “Had I only known; I never would have undertaken to approach Karlington.”  Mary’s rapt attention was held by Dominique’s confession. And she nodded sympathetically. “You did not know, Dominique. You must give yourself some reprieve for acting in good faith with insufficient information.  Have you found Rose?”  Dominique dropped her eyes from her friend, uncomfortable with dissembling but convinced in this small part it was necessary. The three of them had spoken at length on their journey here deciding their course of action as they approached the archbishop. Her part was to secure the support of the Archbishop’s wife Mary who was her long time friend. No direct mention of Rose’s elopement would be made. The intent was at the end of it all for the Archbishop to insist that as soon as Rose was found she and Mister Sinclaire be wed. That way there could be no conniving by Countess Henrietta as to the legitimacy of the match or the Edgewater inheritance.   Her voice was very quiet. “Not yet. Mister Sinclaire, Mister Harper, Mister Lykel have all been dispatched to search for her. But I have no word yet. And worse, Mister Hartfield fears that in his anger Karlington may have arranged for a bounty to be put on her and possibly Mister Sinclaire as well after I withdrew my consent to the betrothal with the Duke.    The Duke certainly threatened me after he read my withdrawal in the paper. He said he would sue for breach of contract and ask the crown to forfeit Edgewater to him! In truth I believe it is all he wished from the beginning.”   “I went straight to Bishop Monroe with Mister Hartfield and Mister Konevi and the papers drawn between Vincent and Mister Sinclaire that predate my foolishness. As well as all the copies of the rejected arrangements I tried to make with Karlington. And Bishop Monroe wrote his Grace the Archbishop a letter supporting all that I’ve said. I very much hope that Charles can help me and my dear Rose.”

 Mary patted Dominique’s hand. “Charles will help. I know he will after you have told him all that you have told me.”                         -------------------------------------------

   Caiden Lykel absently scratched the scruff on his jaw and glared at the macabre sign depicting a decapitated turbaned head swinging above the entrance of the Turk’s Head Tavern. It had taken him two days he really didn’t feel like he had to locate Miss Burke. He had spent more than a handful of pounds a pence at a time supporting half the street urchins in Leeds to find her. If she wasn’t so vital to his plan he would have gone with Mister Harper. But she really was the only woman he knew who he could trust to pull this off and handle herself in a fight if it came down to it.   If, and it was a big if, he could persuade her.

 He had met her on a trade junket. He grinned with the recollection, “met”, he had caught her stowed away on the ship he’d been sent to return from Calcutta for the East India Company, the Hercules a fine new merchantman on her maiden voyage loaded with spice for the London markets. He caught her the first time dressed as a boy hiding in the cargo hold between crates of spice. Her disguise kept him from realizing that the urchin he dragged from between the crates was actually a woman. He put her to work as a cabin boy. The cabin boy went missing a day later.  The second time he found the stowaway was ten days later.  The urchin was hiding in the stack of empty livestock cages in a used pig cage to be exact. They had cast anchor in Mauritius for recaulking and to take on fresh water and supplies. He had been directing unloading the water barrels and empty livestock crates when he saw the filthy lump in a swine cage. Fearing some mischief had befallen and thinking he was dealing with a dead body he opened the door of the cage and reached in only to have a filthy foot planted squarely into his jaw knocking him back before she rolled from the cage and round house kicked him in the solar plexus knocking the wind from him before dashing for the rail. It was the wrong rail apparently because she stopped and grabbed a free belaying pin before sprinting back across the deck to the seaward side of the ship. One hapless sailor tried to grab her only to meet the expertly wielded end of the belaying pin. Caiden had, had enough and recovered enough he bellowed at the men to catch ‘him’!   She turned long enough for him to catch the flash of her dark eyes and in that moment he was stunned. Somehow despite all the filth and men’s clothing he realized two things about this urchin. He was a she. And She was amused. There wasn’t an ounce of fear or concern in that look. She was laughing at him. She was laughing at him, and the men coming after her had no clue what was happening.  She rolled beneath the reach of one sailor only to headbutt another man in the crotch sending him sprawling and clutching his bruised manhood. The belaying pin thwacked another swabbie in the side as she spun up and over to the far rail. She tossed the pin rather casually in Caiden’s direction before she dove off the rail into the sea. Caiden didn’t even think about the insanity of what he did as he followed after her. Boots, belt, hat, pistol, rapier and daggers all went into the sea with him as he dove twenty feet into the warm Indian Ocean. Caiden could swim but not with his boots full of water and twenty pounds of cutlery and clothing weighing him down. It struck him as somewhat amusing that his crew was cheering him on as he was about to drown. He was trying to divest himself of his belt that held his pistol and blades when he felt her hand grab his jaw from behind. She was swimming behind him, she struggled but managed to pull him up to the surface.  “Idiot.” She hissed in his ear her face next to his as she stroked for the shore. A few minutes later she let him go and he realized he could stand. She swam away from him and he saw her glorious red hair coming unbound as she strode from the sea onto the beach.  “Wait.” He called after her. Only vaguely aware of the calls of his crew as they began to realize the nature of the stowaway.  She turned her head looking at him over her shoulder with a lifted brow. “I don’t think so.” Her voice was low and silken with an accent that wasn’t from any Indian dialect he could place. Her sea cleansed features revealed alabaster skin and a delicate almost ethereal beauty completely at odds with the expectation one would have of someone, anyone, much less a woman who could elude or disable at least six men before rescuing him from drowning.  “You… you have my thanks.” He mumbled feeling almost dizzy from the events of the last few minutes.    She laughed and gave him a bow. “And your dagger which I suspect will be of more use to me.” Her eyes darted to the ship where crewmen were still calling to their captain at the rail.                                                   ***  Caiden’s reminiscing was interrupted as he saw the lad with the cap atop his red hair exit the tavern he’d been watching and heard her laugh. If he didn’t already know, he wouldn’t know at a brief glance that there was a female beneath the clothes. He shook his head amused that two years later she was still posing as a boy. He dashed across the street and saw her posture shift the instant he turned in her direction.  “Wait!”  She stopped and turned her head. The bow of her cap shielded her eyes from him but he saw the dimple of her smile and heard the chuckle in her voice. “I don’t think so, Captain Lykel.”  “Caiden. Just Caiden. Please Miss Burke. I need to speak with you.”  She wiped her face and adjusted her cap. “I’m going to the market to get some chickens for the tavern.” She continued her walk toward the market.  He fell into step beside her. “I need your help. I have a friend in trouble.”  She smirked at him, cocking her head to look in his black eyes. “Well I’m surprised.”  “That I need your help?”  “That you would ask.”  She went to a stall giving a sack to the merchant and picking out three fine chickens which she paid threepence for before taking the sack with the chickens from him. She turned and looked Caiden up and down, assessing before heading back toward the tavern. “What sort of trouble is your friend in that you need my help?”  “I believe my friend and his new wife have a bounty on their heads. Put there because she ran away rather than marry Duke Karlington, an arrangement made by her grandmother without her consent.”  Marina stopped and turned to face him fixing him with her dark chocolate eyes. “A bounty?”  He nodded. “The Duke has some connections that are less than savory.” She arched her brow, “Without agreeing but entertaining my curiosity, what sort of assistance can I provide, Captain?” “I have a plan. It requires someone who might pass themselves off as Mister Sinclaire’s wife; and who I know can handle themselves in a fight.  And I’m not a captain anymore.”  She laughed at him. “Captain there is one thing I know. A Captain is always a Captain.”  He shook his head but smiled. “Miss Burke, I can pay you.”  “Really?” She smiled enough to show perfect pearl white teeth. “What is the bounty on them?”   “What do you mean?”  She cocked her head and there was a mischievous note in her voice. “What if the bounty was more than you are offering?” She shook her head and switched the bag with the chickens to her other hand. “How do you trust me, Captain? You know little of me. We are even. I stowed away on your ship. Beat up your men. Stole your dagger. I pulled you out of the sea. You got me to England. We are even.”  “You stowed away multiple times on my ship.”  “Only because you kept putting me off.”  Caiden smiled at her. “It didn’t deter you. And it’s how I know you can handle this if you are willing. I don’t know how much the bounty is on them. But I promise if we find out I will more than match it.”  “So if I agree what will be required of me?”  “First we must ride with speed to Gretna Green. That will be two or three days in the saddle if we can get fresh horses. Once we are there undercover of night I will send the Sinclaires to catch a boat to Ireland and thence to find passage back to London. You and I will assume their roles and leave Gretna Green as Mister and Mistress Sinclaire. Travelling by coach back to London.”  “So we are to be the bait?”  “Aye. And if we are fortunate we will capture those who may testify to the bounty and who set it.”  “You will have to buy me suitable clothes for this charade you propose.”  He nodded and his grin got big as he realized she was seriously considering helping him. “Done.”  “You must also provide all my expenses, horses, room, food.” She was watching him carefully.  “Done.”  “You must also keep my room above the tavern while I am gone. You must arrange to pay my rent for the next six months.”  His eyes widened but he nodded.  She held out her hand to him to shake. He looked at her tiny hand and resisted the urge to bend over it and place a kiss on her knuckles. Taking it in a surprisingly firm shake feeling the calluses on her fingers that told tales of hard work.  “We have an accord, Captain. I’ll meet you before the tavern in an hour ready to ride.”                 ______________________________

    Luke told Ernest of his meeting with Mister Lykel as they walked toward the cottage leading his tired horse. He told him of his friend’s words about the nature of Duke Karlington’s companion Gideon Payne and Mister Lykel’s concern that a bounty may have been placed on their heads.

  Ernest nodded gravely and steered them toward the river that they might rinse the worst of the soot from their hands and faces before going to the house.  

   At the rivers edge they found one bucket filled with water and another laying on its side as though dropped. Both men frowned as what they were seeing registered. Then Ernest turned dashing for the cottage shouting for Rose.

   Luke tied his horse where he could drink but not trod where the tracks by the river were. Then went to look carefully around the river bank.

 Ernest’s heart felt like it would explode in his chest and his vision was tunneling with panic and despair as he burst into the cottage calling for Rose.

 The silence was a knife in his heart as he dashed from room to room. The dishes from their morning breakfast sat unwashed in the tub. The chamber pots were unemptied. He dashed through every room looking, crying her name. Terrified he might find her body. Broken at the thought that she was gone. He abandoned the house and went to the stable calling. The cart horse and cow still secured in their stalls greeted him but no Rose. He stumbled back out howling her name desperately.

 Luke ran to Ernest when he heard the mortal despair in his voice. He found him on his knees in the yard weeping, moaning her name.

 “Ernest,” He put his hand on his back and helped him to his feet leading him into the cottage and sitting him on one of the stools in the kitchen. He looked around and found a bottle of Scotch and poured a good measure into two glasses for each of them. “Ernest, drink.” He watched Ernest take the Scotch and gulp it then bury his face in his hands as he wept.

  Luke’s deep voice was the soothing tone he used to calm skittish horses as he spoke softly to the distraught man.

 “Ernest, you must take comfort that she is alive. Mister Lykel is on his way. And, I believe I saw the men who took her.”

 Ernest’s head whipped up, “What? How? We must go rescue her.” He stood and stumbled toward the master bedroom.

 Luke followed him. “Sir, stop. You must listen to me. If we are going to go after them we have to have a coach and a fresh team. Neither of us are in any shape to chase after them on horseback. The horse I rode in here is exhausted and needs to be cared for. Unless you have some fine horses in that small stable you don’t have a horse that could go after them.”

 Ernest stared at the bed a long moment tears streaking down his sooty face. His voice was soft and broken, “I can’t believe I lost her. I…”

 “You haven’t lost her, sir. Bad men have taken her. Doubtless to collect the bounty we feared. But they didn’t kill her. I saw their foot prints in the soft soil by the bank. I saw wagon tracks. And I remembered the hay wagon that I saw this morning. It was lightly loaded with two men but headed away from Gretna. And the driver was using his whip on the horses. If I hadn’t seen the village afire I would have had words with them for the way they were driving their horses. But I was in haste to get to you. I had no idea that they had Lady Sinclaire until just now. Their horses will not hold to that pace long. So either they are going to have to make camp somewhere close or they are going to be slowing down trying to change or rest their team. What’s more, the right wagon wheel has a smith mark in its rim. I saw it in the print.

 We need food. And we need a coach. We need rest. Neither of us is up to riding after them. I need you to think. Is there anyone here who may be able to help us? It’s going to be dark before we can leave and we might miss any sign of them departing the road if we try to pursue in the dark. So we need to prepare. You need to write to Mister Lykel so he knows what transpired should he arrive after we have left. I can see about packing some food and tending the animals here. I need you to see if you can enlist us some help and find us some horses. We also must be prepared to help Lady Sinclaire should she have any injury when we find her. We will find her sir.”

 Ernest nodded, setting his jaw and pulling himself back in control. He walked over and rinsed his face and arms in the bucket of fresh water that was sitting on the hearth by the banked fireplace. “You are right. Please forgive me. I, I thank you for your support in this dark hour Mister Harper. It means more than I can express.

 Can you show me the tracks with the mark you spoke of? I must go speak with Mister Camran and Master Elliot. I know they will help if they can.”

His blue eyes filled with pain fixed with Luke’s. “She is my life, Mister Harper. I must find her. I will find her.”

  To Be Continued………….

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The Return of Mister and Mistress Sinclaire   Part 1 - Idyll

A Choices Desire & Decorum based AU fanfic  The sequel to The Road to Gretna Green All rights to characters and settings from the Desire & Decorum fiction belong to Pixelberry Studios Pairing: Ernest Sinclaire X Rose Sinclaire (MC) Rating: M – Erotica and mature themes Warning: bondage Word count: A smidge over 2200 This takes place a few days after the Road to Gretna Green series. Tagging: @darley1101 @hopefulmoonobject @blackcatkita @speedyoperarascalparty @hellospunkiebrewster @tornbetween2loves @gardeningourmet @melodyofgraves @thequeenofcronuts @symonde @ritachacha @hellooliviaolivia @paisleylovergirl @kennaxval @regencylady1810 Rose leaned against the doorframe and sipped her tea smiling over the cup at the stretched out form of her sleeping husband. She blushed as she thought of the vigor of their lovemaking the previous night. 

  It had been four days since they were wed. After their wedding night Ernest had been most solicitous and gentle. He had kissed and cuddled her and brought her to joy with his tender ministrations. He’d allowed her to pleasure him in turn but steadfastly refused to couple with her their second night holding her against him and telling her she must heal first.  She woke the third morning to him stroking her hair and feathering kisses on her face. He had made her morning tea and come to wake her. She had pulled him to her moaning her desire for him. Ernest had given in to her ardor and the ease and joy of their second coupling had reassured him.   Afterward they had walked into the town proper and done a bit of shopping and had lunch at The Queens Head pub. They had playfully teased and flirted with each other as much as somewhat extended public decorum would permit the newlyweds and by the time they had returned to the privacy of the cottage they were both urgent in their desire. She had pulled him onto the couch as soon as they got inside. Then later as she was peeling potatoes for their supper, he had come up behind her and kissed the nape of her neck where upon she rolled her hips into him. He moaned and hesitated but a moment when she pulled her skirts up to expose her bottom to him. Ernest obliged her coaxing with enough vigor to roll the potatoes onto the floor and move the table across the floor until it butted against the wall with his thrusting. They managed to get through their supper, feeding each other bites of the boiled potatoes and ham, laughing, and stealing kisses. Then Ernest swept her up and carried her to their bedroom declaring she was in need of washing. Not wishing to wait for water to heat he decided he should wash her with his tongue which he undertook with great enthusiasm if not efficiency.   The night was a haze of joy and discovery and desire; Rose blushed thinking about how wondrous Ernest’s passion unleashed was to her before she bit her lower lip and frowned. Her courses had arrived this morning; and she knew that Ernest would be certain he had somehow done some grievous harm to her.   Most of the women of the ton took to their apartments if not their beds for the duration of their monthlies as though they were gravely ill; but her mother had not raised her so.    As a single woman raising a child on a small farm her mother had never had the luxury to lie abed for a week every month. It was a natural thing that all women bore for the sins of Eve her mother said. But like childbirth and life itself it was part of the natural order of being a woman and to be endured with grace. So she was taught you put on your girdle to hold the rag pads and your brown underskirt and you did your chores as usual. The thought of her mother brought a soft smile. She knew she would very much approve and love Ernest Sinclaire. He really was the very best of men.  Smelling the porridge she returned to the kitchen of the cottage and stirred and tasted it. She spooned it into two bowls on the tray where she had prepared plates with slices of cured ham and fresh berries. She put a small pot of treacle on the tray with the sugar, cream, and tea then carried it into the bedroom and set it on her trunk before going to sit beside Ernest on the bed.     Leaning over she kissed him sweetly on his forehead and watched as he smiled and opened his eyes. He reached for her even as he rolled to his back.  “Good Morning, Wife.” He murmured as he pulled her down for a kiss.  She returned it happily but pulled away when he started to deepen it giggling. “Ah Love, don’t tempt me. I brought breakfast for us. And…” She dropped her eyes, blushing, still not really comfortable talking with him about such things. She sighed and squared her shoulders. “My monthlies arrived.”    Even in the dim light she saw the color drain from his face. “Oh, God, I have hurt you! Oh, Rose I’m so sorry. You should be abed.” He was scrabbling trying to get out of bed and put her in it at the same time.  She tried, she really did but him tangled in the bed cloths struggling got the best of her sense of humor and she started giggling even as she tried to fend him off. “Oh Ernest… Stop… Stop.  I’m fine.” Finally she managed to still him by kissing him.   His arms went around her as he melted into her kiss before taking her face in his hands and breaking the kiss to search her eyes. “Are you certain that you are well?”  She nodded and smiled at him. “Quite certain, my Love. Tis the way of healthy women and has been my nature since I was ten and four.”  He held her to him and kissed her forehead. She stroked the smooth planes of his back as he held her. “I cannot help but think I was excessive last eve. I should be gentler. I should not tax you so. Should you not be abed? Why are you up? You made breakfast? I am certain you should not be carrying things and bending to tend fires and..” Rose silenced him again with another kiss though she was still giggling at his fretting.     “Rose, I’m trying..” She grinned and kissed him again.   “You shouldn’t.. “ She was laughing as she sealed her mouth to his again and reached beneath the covers to stroke his soldier standing at full morning attention. Ernest groaned giving in to her questing tongue even as her warm fingers coaxed him to greater passion. She broke the kiss finally smiling softly and blushed as she looked in his beautiful eyes dark with his need. “I, I want to pleasure you Ernest. Please?”  He groaned as the soft pad of her finger swiped across his tip and around and nodded lost for words as his breath hitched.  She pulled the covers back and his night shirt up then addressed his cock with formality that made him chuckle. “My brave, magnificent Soldier, so smart and broad and tall. You gave me such pleasure last night. Now I must kiss you properly in thanks.” She murmured as she leaned over him caressing him with both hands before tonguing over the exposed ultra-sensitive ridge and slipping her lips over his dripping tip. She heard his soft grunts of pleasure as she started to suckle him gently while she stroked his length with both hands.  His fingers tangled in her hair and he couldn’t control his need to thrust into her mouth. “Rose!... “ he cried her name as his back arched with the waves of his climax as he came in her mouth. “Oh my Love. Beauty. Sweet Wife.” He pulled her up and kissed her tasting his seed in her mouth as their tongues tangled. “I love you.”  She nuzzled into him. “And I love you my husband.” She grinned as his stomach rumbled its hunger. “I did make breakfast. Though I feel as though I’ve had dessert first.” She kissed him again sweetly then went and got the tray and set it on the bed.  “See. I thought we could have a picnic. I wasn’t sure if you like treacle or sugar in your porridge or just a bit of fresh cream.” She smiled and fed him one of the raspberries she’d picked that morning.  He kissed her hand and studied her. She constantly amazed him with her self-sufficiency, her bravery and calmness. Her passion and curiosity fascinated and aroused him. He blushed and cleared his throat, “I thought we might go looking in the woods this morning for mushrooms… If a walk wouldn’t over tax you?”  She poured a bit of the treacle and cream in her porridge and tasted it before adding a bit more treacle. She nodded, “I should like a walk with you very much. And some nice mushrooms would go very well with the fine fish I’m sure you will catch us for our dinner.” She grinned at him.  He lifted a brow at her stirring a lump of sugar into his tea and adding several lumps to his porridge. “Oh, so now you wish me to go fishing?” He teased her even as he tasted a spoonful of the porridge. She smiled taking a bite of the ham she’d sliced. “Um, hmm… I was looking at the lovely books in Mister Wilson’s study this morning. He has a copy of Grimm’s Fairy Tales. A collection of stories most wondrous and terrible!” She giggled. “I fancied sitting on a blanket ‘neath a tree and reading with you until I got the frights and you had to comfort me. But that sounds much too fanciful for my serious husband so I thought to ask you fishing instead and accidently take the book along.” She batted her eyes at him coquettishly. “You need not dissemble with me Rose.” He chuckled as he ate his porridge. “If we are together I am content to do as you wish. We can read by the river at leisure unless you fancy fish for dinner in which case I’m not opposed to seeing what the stream may provide for us.” “I think some fish would be lovely. Perhaps I’ll find us some watercress to go with it.” She smiled at him a deep contentment suffusing her heart as she shared her breakfast with her husband.  A short time later as Ernest was tucking his shirt into his trousers and telling Rose he wanted to see if he might acquire some more suitable clothing for mucking about at leisure they heard a great bonging noise. He frowned and ran out the door and Rose followed. To the east where the village was they could see great black clouds of billowing smoke rising over the thatched roofs.  “Oh God.” Ernest stopped and pulled Rose tight to him. “Stay here. I have to go help.” He kissed her holding her tight. “I love you.” Then he took off at a full run toward the village.  “I love you too!” she called after him. “God keep him safe.” She murmured. Rose went back in the cottage and started planning. She knew she needed to fill all the containers she could with water. And start a large pot of stew she thought. Ernest would return dirty and hungry and she wanted everything to be in order. She pushed the thought away that he could be injured but checked the rag bin to be certain there were sufficient clean cloths for bandaging should the need arise. She grabbed a couple of empty buckets and headed for the river to get more water. She could hear the constant clanging and saw the smoke continuing to billow from the village. She hurried and was very glad the river wasn’t far and that unlike so many of the streams in England the water of the Sark was clear, cold, and sweet smelling. She set one bucket down and was filling the other when she was grabbed from behind and a sack put over her head. Rose screamed and struggled but arms like iron were wrapped around her. She kicked and clawed but her attacker lifted her off her feet.  A gruff deep voice commanded, “Settle. Ain’t gone hurt ye lest ye’s harm yerself.” He shook her like a rag doll till she feared her neck might snap and she went limp.   “Let me go. My husband will end you for this.” She felt someone else tying ropes around her even as she tried to struggle. She was lifted and put in another bag she thought then hefted over someone’s shoulder and carried for a bruisingly long hike bouncing on the shoulder in her stomach before she was dumped into something padded but not soft. She thought it likely hay.    “Let me go. I can pay you. Please.” She heard two men laugh at that. “We ought ‘ave gagged ‘er.” “Ain’t none gonna mind another woman screamin’ ‘ere. We can gag ‘er when we break ta piss. Feed ‘er some an then gag ‘er.” Rose realized they were covering her with something but it wasn’t heavy. She felt what she was on shift a bit then heard them click at horses and felt the lurch as the conveyance she was on set in motion.              ---------- to be continued ------------- 

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Six Sentence sort of Sunday

Author’s Note: It was my intent to post the next chapter of The Return of Mister & Mistress Sinclaire this week while I’ve been on vacation. I told a lovely anonymous asker this. Life however laughed and blew raspberries at my good intentions.  This story is at the point it is eating my brain so I would say I’m about halfway on this chapter and it’s at 3000 words. I wish I could promise the upcoming week. But I go back to work in the morning after a week off and the week promises to be a brutal one. A little head canon trivia here, Caiden Lykel in this story is Bastien Lykel’s great, great, great, great, great, grandfather. Tagging: @hopefulmoonobject @darley1101 @gardeningourmet @tornbetween2loves @kennaxval @ritachacha @texaskitten30 @blackcatkita @speedyoperarascalparty @hellospunkiebrewster @melodyofgraves @thequeenofcronuts @symonde ….She turned long enough for him to catch the flash of her dark eyes and in that moment he was stunned. Somehow despite all the filth and men’s clothing he realized two things about this urchin. He was a she. And She was amused. There wasn’t an ounce of fear or concern in that look. She was laughing at him. She was laughing at him, and the men coming after her had no clue what was happening.  She rolled beneath the reach of one sailor only to headbutt another man in the crotch sending him sprawling and clutching his bruised manhood. The belaying pin thwacked another swabbie in the side as she spun up and over to the far rail. She tossed the pin rather casually in Caiden’s direction before she dove off the rail into the sea. ...

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The Return of Mister and Mistress Sinclaire - Sequel to The Road to Gretna Green

  Dominique fanned herself piercing me with her gaze. “It’s time for you to bring them back dear.”   I gave her a sad sigh and sipped my iced sweet tea. “But they are happy and safe. And it’s dangerous.   Are you sure you wouldn’t like a glass of iced tea, your ladyship?”   She smiled and shook her head. “I’m too old for such novelty. Thank you dear. But what I want is to see my granddaughter and her husband. Oblige me dear; we’ve arranged for them to have some assistance. It’s time...”

Tagging: @darley1101 @hopefulmoonobject @blackcatkita @speedyoperarascalparty @hellospunkiebrewster @tornbetween2loves @gardeningourmet @melodyofgraves @thequeenofcronuts @symonde     Luke Harper studied the young man with the serious face reading the letters he had brought from the dowager countess of Edgewater and Mister Sinclaire’s solicitor Mister Hartfield, Caiden Lykel. He was young, 25 or so Harper would guess, blue-black hair, neatly trimmed beard, steel grey eyes. He had the intense gaze of someone who had seen action. Sinclaire had met him on his first trip to China and being of an age and good disposition they had become good friends was what Mister Hartfield had told him. Meeting him he could credit it. Mister Lykel was possessed of a directness that he appreciated and believed would also suit Mister Sinclaire. Finally Mister Lykel laid the letters down and looked up meeting Luke’s dark gaze. “Mister Harper do you know what was in these letters?” Caiden walked over to his liquor cabinet and picked up a couple of glasses. “Have you got a preference?”  Luke lifted a brow and smiled. “Scotch if you have it. Anything that I can drink sitting on something that doesn’t move would be excellent.” He rubbed the scruff of his three day beard. “I know her Ladyship the dowager countess of Edgewater has withdrawn her support of Duke Karlington’s engagement to Lady Rose in favor of Mister Sinclaire. She was going to the Archbishop of Canterbury with a letter from Bishop Monroe and Settlement letters for their betrothal drawn up by her son the Earl and Mister Sinclaire before Earl Edgewater’s death. I know Karlington was in a rage and threatened to take the matter before the crown to ask the crown to grant him Edgewater for the breach of promise.”  “Please have a seat. Your timing was fortuitous. I was going to leave tomorrow to start making arrangements for the Sinclaire’s return home.” He poured stout measures of the fine Scotch into both glasses and handed one to Luke before taking one of the oriental style arm chairs and nodding for Mister Harper to have a seat. “That was in the Dowager’s letter. In Mister Hartfield’s letter is a matter which concerns me more to be frank. The association between Karlington and Gideon Payne that Mister Hartfield mentions is troubling. Gideon Payne is the spider that sits in the center of the web of the criminal web of England. If what I’ve heard of Karlington’s pettiness and ego is correct and they have certainly dealt him a serious bruise I do believe he may have put a bounty on them. And if that is the case then I will need to rethink their journey home.” 

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

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Will part 2 of The Return of Mister and Mistress Sinclaire be posted soon?

Hopefully next week. Work has been a bear and I’ve been trying to catch up on some things. But next week I’m off!  At the risk of jinxing things... It’s next on my list of things to write!

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The Road To Gretna Green Part 11 - Rejoice

All rights and many thanks are accorded to Pixelberry Studios. Happy Valentine’s Day!! This takes place immediately after Part 10.  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, Erotica, seriously M                     Warnings: erotica Word count: around 2700 and a bit Tagging: @darley1101 @hopefulmoonobject @blackcatkita @speedyoperarascalparty @hellospunkiebrewster @tornbetween2loves @gardeningourmet @melodyofgraves @thequeenofcronuts @symonde

  Ernest met her smile as he escorted her out into the deepening evening. “You have no idea how long I have waited, wanted to address you so.”   “Oh? I suspect no longer than I fancied calling you husband, Husband.” “What if I told you that I knew from the first I escorted you around Edgewater when you first arrived I knew?” Her laughter caressed him and he stopped and leaned to kiss her sweetly. “I’ve proof.” “Ernest,” She shook her head, “you near ran me down the first time I saw you. I cannot believe that you bore me such affection so shortly thereafter.” He looked at her a long moment. Then patted her hand on his arm and continued over to the pub. 

When they entered they were greeted with cheers and all the patrons raised their glasses as Mister Camran introduced them to the assembled crowd. Rose blushed, “Thank, Thank you.” Then she turned to Ernest, “How is this possible?” He looked down at her and smiled to show his dimple before leaning in and whispering. “I think it’s traditional for me to buy them all a drink and for us to share our cake. Oh, and they may want to kiss you…” He grinned at her. Then raised his hand. “Drinks for everyone!” 

  All the assembled cheered.

  Mistress Camran lifted Roses travelling bonnet and announced, “Aye! A drink aen a kiss fer luck from tha bonny bride.”   Rose clung to Ernest’s arm blushing furiously and smiling. They stood at one end of the bar and the people lined up taking their drinks from the barkeep then shaking Ernest’s hand wishing them joy before leaning in to plant a kiss on Rose’s cheek. Then they each dropped a coin into the bonnet that Mistress Camran held before going back to find a table. It seemed the whole village had turned out to Rose, and she was kissed til she thought not a spot on her face had not met some stranger’s lips except for her lips that no one touched until all had their drinks and started chanting at Ernest. “Kiss her! Kiss her!” Ernest blushed as he looked down at her and leaned to kiss the top of her head.  “Ach Mon! Kiss er loike ye married tha bonny bride! Kiss er! Kiss er!” Someone in the crowd yelled and then the chorus started again with “Kiss Her! Kiss Her!” He turned to her looking in her eyes and gently stroked his finger along her jaw before sealing his mouth to hers. The pub erupted in more cheers as Ernest deepened their kiss for just a moment before they broke apart blushing furiously.

 Then the Camrans were tugging them through the crowd over to a table where a great cake was set for them. Mistress Camran cut them each a slice and pointed at the next table over where two plates of stew and drinks were set for them. The stew was delicious and the spiced cider perfect though they both were kept in a constant blush by all the attention as well as the continuing congratulations and occasional well meant but inappropriate advice. One man advised Ernest on the application of walnut oil. Another man advised him on honey. A third said oil of the olive. Another advised twine about the base ta stay standn tall. Ernest nearly choked on his drink with that and was pounded on his back.

A woman advised Rose strong drink afore and a pillow beneath the bum if you want bairns. Another whispered to ride the horse from the top and pee right after if you didn’t want bairns. Several people presented them with baked goods and bottles of scotch and ale, candles and Mistress Camran gave them a beautiful soft dark brown wool blanket. Then leaned over and told Rose, “Neath ye this night and on yer courses twill save yer bed” Rose was fairly sure her complexion would remain flushed forever more by the time Ernest leaned over to her and asked if she was ready to return to the cottage. She smiled and nodded and he rose and addressed the room. “I wish to express our deep appreciation and gratitude for the generous hospitality you have all shown us. Now good friends I pray you excuse us. But continue please to enjoy the evening.” Ernest paused at the bar to pay the barkeep with extra for another round for the house and then they went out into the coolness of the night. Mister Camran was there holding the largest horse that Rose had ever seen. She held to Ernest’s arm as they slowly approached Mister Camran and the horse that towered above him even at the shoulder. “Tis Buttercup. A sweet a lass as there be. Soft gaited ta hie ye home. Ye can stable her there and hie her bak ere on a ‘morro.” “Would you like that, Mistress Sinclaire? A ride on Buttercup to the cottage?” Ernest was grinning. Rose nodded and Ernest kissed her hand before he let go and climbed on the mounting stool to get on the Clydesdale. He scooted back and held his hand down to her. Mister Camran stepped up on the mounting stool and begged her pardon before lifting her by the waist to set her sideways on Buttercup. Ernest slid up so that she was secured across his lap. And nodded to Mister Camran thanking him for all his assistance. Buttercup walked off at an easy pace toward the cottage and at last they were alone. Somehow the chill of the night seemed naught in Ernest’s arms she looked up at him smiling. “I think I have not told you how very much I love you since we wed, Mister Sinclaire.” He chuckled and brought her left hand to kiss the ring of their union on her finger. “If I didn’t hear it will you tell me again?” “Aye. I love you Mister Sinclaire. I love you. And I want you. I’ve waited all my life for you.” He kissed her then teasing her lips apart and thrusting his tongue into her mouth to dance with hers. She moaned her rising desire into his mouth even as she felt him harden beneath her. Ernest tightened his legs around Buttercup urging her to a gentle canter as his need for privacy with his wife increased. Buttercup’s gait was silky smooth and the gentle rocking of the horse with Rose in his lap was exquisite torture for him. 

At last the cottage came into view and he broke their kiss pulling a moan of protest from Rose. “Patience Love. I am yours forever. But I must put Buttercup in the stable. I will join you soon. I promise.” He walked Buttercup to the step of the cottage and eased Rose down. She grinned at him. “Hurry, Mister Sinclaire. Your wife awaits you!” Removing her lace spencer she hung it on a peg by the door then she banked the fire in the kitchen before she went to the bedroom. She stirred the fire there adding extra wood and put water on to heat. Digging though her trunks she found her grooming box. Taking her tooth powder she rubbed her teeth and rinsed her mouth with mint water. There was an oil lamp on the bed table and she lit that before she turned down the bed. She sat in one of the arm chairs and pulled the rose from her hair. She smelled it and smiled then put it on Ernest’s pillow. Grabbing her brush she returned to the chair and carefully started pulling the pins from her hair, unlacing the braids before she started brushing out her hair.  She heard him enter the cottage and her heart raced in anticipation. Moments later Ernest entered the room. His bride was sitting before the fire brushing the fiery gold of her tresses her beauty unequaled in his eyes. He dropped the blanket and bottle of wine on the bed before he went to her and took her hand urging her to stand. Then kissing the soft perfection of her mouth he murmured his love into the kiss as his arms went around her. “I love you, Rose. There is one more thing I want you to see this evening, before… before we have each other.” He went over to his chest and pulled a satchel out and a sheaf of papers he brought over to her. “I know you doubted. But here is the proof.” Rose scanned the documents, eyes going wide, mouth falling open. “But, but Ernest this… This is a marriage settlement bearing my father’s signature. I, How can this be?” Ernest walked to the bed and retrieved the bottle of wine and two glasses telling her as he opened it and poured them each a glass. “I knew Rose. I knew I wanted you to wife after our first walk together. 

You father, perhaps more than my own father always cared for me, helped me, loved me as a father should love a son. I saw much of him in you. And I loved you with a certainty I’d never felt before. So I went to your father and asked him for permission to court you. To wed you if you would have me.”

 He walked over and handed her a glass of the fortified rich burgundy. Gently tapping his glass to hers. “Long life and joy.” She looked in his eyes as she sipped the sweet wine before setting the documents back on his trunk.

  He closed his eyes and sighed. “Even then Rose. Even then I wanted you. But your father knew of my previous failure as a husband. And we both wanted you to have choice, to be certain. So the stipulation was written that I must win your affection.” He sipped his wine and shook his head. “I knew it would be hard. You have no idea how hard it has been for me to watch other men fawn over you trying to capture your affection. I think I am generous. I try. But I find myself quiet,.. quiet possessive when it comes to you.” His gaze was steady on her his voice deep with his confession.   She sipped her wine then set the glass on the mantle and went over to him. “Ernest, no other has, or ever has had my heart. I think no other ever will.” She took his glass and turned it to sip from the same place he had. Then she set the glass on the bed table and started unbuttoning his coat looking in his eyes the whole time. Ernest’s fingers were shaking as he started unlacing her gown searching her steady gaze for any sign of fear or hesitation. Her smile was a healing balm on his thirsty soul as they disrobed each the other. He hesitated, smiling as only his pocket watch remained nestled between her breasts. Her hands were soft and sure as she lovingly stroked him. Delicately exploring every sensitive inch of his skin with her fingertips. His voice was hoarse with his need, “Do you trust me Rose?” She nodded, “With all my life, Ernest.” He nodded then he heard the water she had put on boiling in the kettle and he went and poured it back into the bucket she had taken it from so the water was just warm. He went to his trunk and took an exotic looking tin and set it on the bed table. Then got some cloths from the wash stand. “Come here love.” She went to him by the fire and he gently sponged her most intimate parts with the warm water. She closed her eyes and sighed with her pleasure steadying herself on him. His voice was low as he knelt before her, “Rose, may I pleasure you with my fingers?”

“Oh yes, Ernest, Please.” The tremor in her voice he felt in his heart. 

Carefully, gently he stroked her folds. Stroking the sensitive nub then down testing her entrance with one finger and finding her soaking wet. Just at the depth of his knuckle he felt the resistance of her maidenhead. 

  He withdrew his finger and kissed her sweetly. “Love will you wash me?” She opened her emerald eyes to his filled with longing and nodded. He gave her the cloth and she carefully sponged his towering soldier all the way down to his ball sack. Then gently between his buttocks. She watched him fascinated by his response as his tip was exposed when his erection got even harder. On impulse she kissed the very tip. A primal groan was pulled from his core even as he began to leak the clear precursor of his seed. “Rose… You need not…” He pulled her up. His voice was trembling. “Let us put the blanket down.” They quickly pulled the other comforters off and spread the dark blanket on the bed. Ernest looked in her eyes and stroked her cheek, “You must promise me. You must promise me if it is too much you must tell me. I will stop. I promise. Trust me Rose. Please.” “Please Ernest. I love you. I have waited so long for you. Please.” Ernest nodded then began to kiss down her body. His fingers were stroking her, coaxing her, gently probing. First one, then another, spreading her silky moisture across her swelling nub. Urging her channel to a wider passage. His mouth was suckling at her breasts and she was mewling with the tension building inside her womb. Then his mouth was traveling down her stomach and lower. And he was suckling her swollen nub rolling his tongue across it over and over while his three fingers now pressed ever deeper into her. She cried out his name as pleasure exploded through her body arching her up off the bed against him.  Ernest gasped, as he sat back on his heels kneeling between her legs then reaching over for the tin he had put earlier on the night stand.  “Help me love. I must take you soon. You see how my soldier weeps for you. Put this palm oil on me. It will ease the passage.” She looked at him every muscle corded and trembling as he waited her ministrations. There was an ache deep inside her for him. So she took the tin and opened it finding a white creamy butter that she smoothed over him as he moaned his need and bucked against her hand more of the clear fluid dripping  from his swollen tip. He groaned, “Easy, love, easy” he held himself and thrust slowly through her folds rocking back and forth before pressing his tip into her channel. She moaned and he stopped. “Please Ernest, more. Don’t stop.” He pulled out thrusting again through her folds across her ultra sensitive nub before once again pressing his tip into her. She tried to relax as he filled her, mewling “More, please, more.” His whole body was trembling and sweating as he fought for control. She arched pushing him deeper and then cried out as the resistance of her channel gave way and suddenly he was buried deeply in her. “Yes, Oh Ernest my love, Yes.” She was weeping in joy. The pain reducing to an ache that warmed her with the knowledge that she was truly his wife.” Ernest wept shuddering sobs as she held him to her seated completely welcoming their union. Rejoicing. His heart was beating with hers. And she was moving gently beneath him. Softly urging him to keep thrusting within her. To stay with her. He reached between them and found her nub and stoked it even as they found their rhythm, “Rose, My Love…I.. Rose…” He gasped as his release slammed through him his tip pressed deeply against the kiss of her womb. He registered her impassioned cry of his name as her walls milked him of his seed. Spent. He rolled them on their side still buried deeply. “I love you my darling wife. We are one, now and forever more.” ----------------------------------to be continued--------------------------------------

[innerpostmentality]

The Road to Gretna Green Part 10 - With This Ring

Song inspiration: All of Me by John Legend, Locked out of Heaven by Bruno Mars, Now by Dave Carroll Heartfelt credit and thanks to the poets whose work I’ve featured here, Ben Johnson’s ‘Drink to me only with thine eyes’, and Lord Byron’s ‘She walks in Beauty’

All rights to their characters and many thanks are accorded to Pixelberry Studios.

This takes place immediately after Part 9.  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 6000  Tagging: @darley1101 @hopefulmoonobject @blackcatkita @speedyoperarascalparty @hellospunkiebrewster @tornbetween2loves @gardeningourmet @melodyofgraves @thequeenofcronuts @symonde 

The Dowager Countess carefully sealed the notes she had written after inviting the Duke to leave. “Mister Woods, please deliver this to Mister Konevi, and this to Mister Hartfield. I believe it is time for me to pay a visit to Bishop Monroe and I should very much like their company when I do so. They may return with you so you may take the carriage. I need to prepare. Please ask Abigail to meet me in my room.”

While Abigail brushed and pinned her hair into an elegant braided chignon, Dominique scanned her late husband’s financial ledger.

 Rupert was meticulous when it came to money. Every ha penny recorded. But she didn’t have to read the notes on the ha pennies. She’d read it all before.  When he passed she had read it. The detail he put on every entry made a diary of their life. The early part so joyful, filled with gifts for her among the household expenses. Then Vincent was born and his training and education were documented. Then a few years later the mistresses started. She knew of course. A true spouse always knows. But Rupert was always discrete, except perhaps in his ledger.

And then there was ‘Henrietta Marlcaster, received 2000 pounds from the widow Marlcaster for betrothal to Vincent’. That Vincent was in love with someone else didn’t matter to Rupert. That he was married… Well that was an unfortunate inconvenience. The next week there was ‘Bishop Monroe, paid 500 pounds for annulment of Vincent’s marriage’. She laid ribbons across those pages to mark the places in the ledger.

 Softly running her finger down the page her voice quiet but determined, “We were wrong Rupert. I didn’t listen either. Both of us have hurt our only grandchild. But I will fix this.”

Taking the book she instructed Abigail to bring her lace shawl before she went downstairs. Searching for some peace she sat at the pianoforte and played from memory the songs of her youth, joyful Cordonian festival songs, sorrowful ballads of lost love. All those skills she wanted Rose to accomplish were the same ones that she had been drilled in. Some things no amount of practice would ever bequeath; her voice had been fair when she was a maiden, not the extraordinary instrument Rose possessed but sweet enough and pleasant, she smiled at the memory. 

 A knock on the door heralded the return of Mister Woods with Mister Konevi, and Mister Hartfield. She rose to greet the solicitors thanking them and offering her hand which they each bowed over. “Gentlemen let us be off to the Bishop’s and I will tell you of my morning and my intent.”

  Once settled in the carriage she related the encounter with Duke Richards before sitting back. “After the Duke threatened me I resolved that I would have some words with Bishop Monroe to see what agreement we might come to or if my request will need to go to his Excellency the Archbishop. It would be such an unfortunate event for the Bishop were I to show this ledger detailing the price for dissolving an inconvenient consummated marriage sanctified by the church between two people who loved each other to his Excellency I would think.

 And my requirement is quite simple. Since I have been advised by you and Mister Hartfield of the pre-existing settlement made with Mister Sinclaire and have announced my support of that agreement. And since the Duke never offered an acceptable settlement I simply want Bishop Monroe to be steadfast in his support of Rose’s claim to Edgewater. No wishy-washiness.” The gentlemen looked at each other and nodded. But it was Mister Hartfield who spoke after looking at the ledger. “Your Ladyship are you familiar with his Excellency the Archbishop? This plan has a dependence on his; how shall I put this, his honorable nature.”  There was a twinkle in her eye as she smiled at them. “Ah, aye. It’s been many years. Many years. But I expect Charles would remember me.”  Both men were the very picture of astonishment at the Dowager Countesses’ familiarity with the senior bishop and principal leader of the Anglican Church.  She scoffed at their looks, “Come now gentlemen. What do you imagine? That I have always been this old associating only with sewing circles and afternoon tea guests at Edgewater?” She shook her head. “Tis the advantage of age. Youth always forgets that we were there first.”

 The carriage pulled to a stop in front of an impressive town house and Dominique waited for Mister Woods to open the carriage door for her and offer her a hand for her descent. He escorted her to the door of the town house and knocked and a moment later a surprisingly young man opened the door. He quickly recovered his calm demeanor after a momentary look of surprise overcame him. “Your pardon. I was not aware his Grace was expecting company. Do come in.” “Oh thank you, young man. And forgive us. You see I’ve had a most distressing incident this morning and am in dire need of Bishop Monroe’s council. If you might see if his Grace would see me and my associates, Mister Hartfield and Mister Konevi.” She handed him an elegant card from her reticule with her name. He bowed as he took it and showed them in to a small parlor just off the entry way before excusing himself to announce them to the Bishop. Dominique took a seat in a chair next to the cleaned fireplace. This time of the summer in London required no fires during the afternoon and only for a bit of additional light and to take the dampness off the evening. The room felt somewhat ostentatious to her with its dark green brocaded walls and velvet chair cushions. The window covers were drawn back at this hour of the afternoon and the light filtered in softly illuminating the room.   Mister Konevi went over and perused the book case while they waited. Mister Hartfield with his ever present satchel made himself comfortable on the sofa.    Only a few minutes had passed before Bishop Monroe joined them. Dominique rose and extended her hand to him. “Your Grace thank you for seeing us without notice.”   “Of course Lady Dominique.” He bowed over her hand.   Mister Hartfield rose and extended his hand and Bishop Monroe shook it and Mister Konevi’s before turning to his man and ordering refreshments for his guests. The bishop took the other chair in the room leaving the sofa for Mister Hartfield and Mister Konevi to share. “Now your Ladyship tell me what has distressed you so?”   Dominique dropped her eyes and wrung her hands. “Where to begin? Your Grace I’ve made a terrible mistake and I hope that you will assist me to right it.” “Now, now, surly it cannot be so bad, my good Lady. We have known each other for many years. You are a good woman with a good heart.” She nodded. “I had only the very best of intentions it is true. But in my ignorance I have betrayed my son and my granddaughter. I am trying to right it. But I need your support.” Mister Konevi felt that he was watching a master play from a seat onstage as he watched the Dowager Countess and the Bishop. Nothing betrayed her intentions. And only the slightest widening of his eyes gave any indication that the Bishop was more cautious than he appeared. Dominique continued without waiting for reply. “I don’t know if you have seen this morning’s paper?” Bishop Monroe shook his head. “I fear I’ve been occupied this morning composing letters. So you must enlighten me what has transpired to distress you?” “Over the last few days since the announcement of my granddaughter’s engagement I have been trying to come to a settlement with Duke Karlington. His solicitor would bring me papers. I would amend them and send them back.” The Bishop nodded. “That is the nature of these negotiations your Ladyship.” “Indeed. I thought there would be some negotiation. But Duke Karlington’s response was not one of suggestion of compromise. He was making no accommodation for my granddaughter’s care or security. Each successive document answered none of my questions but added ever more demands. I have copies if you would like to see them.” “I have known your Ladyship for years. I do not need to see them. Do you wish me to speak to Duke Richards on your behalf?” She shook her head. “No, your Grace. For this tale is not complete. You see yesterday afternoon these two gentlemen arrived with news that was most enlightening.” She turned to Mister Hartfield and Mister Konevi. They looked at each other and Mister Konevi met the Bishop’s dark gaze. “Your Grace, prior to the announcement by the Dowager Countess of Lady Rose’s engagement to Duke Karlington, Lady Rose engaged me as her solicitor. She was frankly concerned about the machinations of the present Countess Edgewater who she felt was scheming to undermine her father’s will. From what Lady Rose told me I believe you can bear witness to the validity of her concern in this matter.” The Bishop flushed and fidgeted in his seat before he nodded. “Indeed.” “Later that evening I received a letter from Lady Rose informing me that prior to her grandmother’s announcement she was already engaged to be wed to Mister Sinclaire.” Bishop Monroe’s eyes widened and he looked at Dominique. “Is this true?” Dominique nodded. “It is.” She turned to Mister Hartfield who stood and handed Bishop Monroe a copy of the settlement papers between the late Earl of Edgewater and Mister Sinclaire of Ledford Park. Mister Hartfield smiled at Dominique. “As you see. Miss Edgewater was already engaged by her father’s and Mister Sinclaire’s settlement. The Bishop scanned the papers. Finally looking to Dominique. “You did not know of this?” She shook her head. “No. It was kept between them. Mister Sinclaire was very specific about Lady Rose being allowed to freely make her choice. All this was contingent upon her choosing him without pressure.” Dominique locked eyes with the Bishop then. “And your Grace you know, you know how much my son valued choice in true love. I know with all my heart that this settlement between himself and Mister Sinclaire is the one he would support if he were standing in this room with us this day.” A remorseful look came over his face as he handed the settlement papers back to Mister Hartfield. “I begin to see the problem.” Dominique nodded. “When I was shown this I had to withdraw my consent to the Duke. So I published my withdrawal of consent and the announcement of the engagement of Lady Edgewater and Mister Sinclaire in the paper.” “Has he truly secured her affection? This is naught without that.” He lifted a brow at her. “He has. Enough that she has eloped with him.” Dominique handed the Bishop the letter Rose had sent her.                        ---------------------------------------------------------------    Ernest gave Rose his left hand helping her into the dark coach and then climbing in after her. He settled and she sat beside him snuggling against his side.  All their trunks were secured and Ernest had given Mister McManus extra coin to retain an additional postillion and torch bearers for the pre-dawn leg of their journey. When all were arrived the coachman called down to them inquiring if they were ready. And then they were off.   Rose smiled as she nestled against his good shoulder at the slow rocking in the darkness and stroked his thigh feeling the muscle tighten at her gentle touch.

  Kissing the top of her bonnet he murmured, “Are you excited?”

  She nodded. “Oh very. I was just thinking we seem to have come full circle. Riding together in the darkness. It reminded me of the night you saved me.”   He took her hand from his thigh and brought it to his mouth. “I think we are beyond the full circle my love.”   She heard his smile. And couldn’t resist teasing in her most innocent voice, “How so?”   In answer he kissed each knuckle then gently ran his tongue between her fingers. He grinned at her gasp. “Even as Eve after the apple. You know.” He took her hand and pressed it firmly to the iron rod straining his trousers. His voice was low in her ear. “Please have a care Rose. I would be mortified to soil myself and it would take little to get me there.”   “Oh Ernest! The priest told me not to be as Eve. How can I help you?”   He laughed and brought her hand back to his mouth. “I love you Sweetheart. You are my Eve. You said it yourself, you were made for me. I do not wish your ignorance. True love cannot be born of ignorance and fear. How can that be? To live ever fearful that some flaw will be discovered, some transgression revealed and affection lost? That cannot be love.” 

  He nuzzled her hand. “You do help me. You have helped me. You are not the only one who has learned on this journey, Rose. You took my fear and taught me joy. Soiled and broken in an alley you found me and held me to you and gave me aid and never turned from my weakness, never rejected my frailty. Over and over you have been constant. Proving your love by deed. I do not know if I can ever be worthy of you. But I promise you I will give you all my life to try.”   She tilted her head up to him, “Surely, Mister Sinclaire you do not think you can speak to me so and not kiss me.” She put her hand on his jaw and guided his mouth to hers. They kissed til they were both panting and breathless. Then laughed together at their circumstance. Ernest briefly kissed her hand again then moved to sit across from her. “I’m sitting over here before I make a total mess of us both.” “Are you running away from me Ernest?” her grin was in her voice as she teased him. “Oh yes. Completely. Right over here to the other side where even my soldier isn’t long enough to reach you, Minx. I will worship you from afar for the next oh so many hours.” She giggled and their conversation turned to comical speculations on what might be transpiring in their absence back home. Rose postulated that her grandmother was offering herself to the Duke in her stead since she had been so enamored with him. Ernest pretended to be the Duke completely oblivious to the change in the identity of his fiancée as he went on and on about his personal perfections and merit until Rose was gasping and holding her aching sides from laughing so hard. There were also long moments of easy silence between them as they were caught up in their thoughts neither feeling the need to force conversation. “Ernest, may I ask you something? It is not of significance, just my curiosity.” He chuckled, “Of course my darling. I am bemused by what you would feel the need to ask my permission to ask about?” “Well…. You said I might ask you even forbidden things. And well…  Well… Well, it is none of my concern of course but I do not really understand how it works between Mister Chambers and Mister Konevi.” Ernest coughed. Half choked really. And was glad for the darkness as his cheeks flamed and he tried to figure out how to explain such a thing to her. It never occurred to him to refuse her. Finally he mastered himself and settled on frankness, “Rose, the physical side works much the same as the coupling between a man and a woman but the bottom hole is used rather than a lady purse as you would say. I’ve witnessed such between men who were of such proclivity with little social discipline aboard ship.” “Oh. I…” She was silent a moment contemplating that. “Ernest, I like Mister Konevi and Mister Chambers. Honestly they are very kind gentlemen in all manner that I have seen. And they seem happy each with the other. I do not see how their affection can be so terrible. How is it anyone’s right to condemn that which neither harms them or should concern them? They are both men of full stature. They are both accomplished, dependent on no others. Should it not be their concern alone how they spend their affection?” “Perhaps. But Rose, such alliances beget no legitimate offspring. And the Church condemns it. I do not think society will ever accept it.” “Well, I shall like them anyway. The church condemns much if it doesn’t profit by it me thinks. I think it insufferable that good people are shunned for reasons that are foolish. While others are held in high regard for no merit they perform simply the accident of their birth.” He lifted one brow and studied her intently for a long moment before he smiled, “Tis another thing I love about you my dear. You are so brave in your unwavering fairness.”

 The dawn was breaking as they stopped in Kirkby-Thore to change horses. It was a small village surrounded for miles by fields and pastures filled with well tended cattle and crops. Ernest went in to the Bridge End Inn and returned shortly with baskets with meat pies, bread, and cider for Mister McManus and his men as well as for them. She watched him thank and shake the hands of the torch bearers and extra postillion before rejoining her in the coach.

 The chill was in the dawn air still and the fresh team were anxious to be off. Rose never thought about it much before but she realized that this trip had made her aware of the difference a team of horses could make in the ride of the carriage. She could tell a seasoned team from a green one by how the ride in the coach felt. She could feel the speed and power of a fresh team and the tiredness of one at the end of their turn. Ernest rolled up the window covers so they had the morning light. There were rolling hills to the right in the east and the lake district stretched off to the left in the distance. All covered in fields and pasturage. A short time later they changed teams again in Temple Sowerby a very fast few miles down the road. Ernest explained that the next leg into Penrith had no stables to afford a change in teams. They would stop and water the horses but it would be a long pull on rolling roads for the team. Nine in the morning they pulled into the Dockray Pub in Penrith. They got out and walked for a bit while the horses were changed. Ernest retrieved a satchel from one of his new trunks and brought it in the coach with them.

He sat beside her again as they started. Color was in his cheeks as he pulled a book from the satchel. “Rose, I, I should very much like to read to you some. If it would be agreeable to you?” She cocked her head, curious at his shyness, “Oh that would be most delightful. I should love for you to read to me if it is not a burden.” “I am particularly fond of Ben Johnson. This poem, reminds me of you.” His voice soft and deep spoke directly to her heart.  “‘Drink to me only with thine eyes, And I will pledge with mine.’” The book was open but Ernest knew this by heart, his sapphire gaze met and held, enraptured her clear blue-green emerald eyes as he spoke to her. “’Or leave a kiss within the cup, and I’ll not ask for wine. The thirst that from my soul doth rise, Doth ask a drink divine.’” He brought his lips to hers softly, then murmured, “’But I might of Jove’s nectar sup, I would not change for thine.’” His kiss deepened as they sighed into each other’s mouths. He broke the kiss and gently pulled her head against his chest. “’I sent thee late a rosy wreath, Not so much to honor thee as giving it a hope, that there it could never withered be. But thou thereon didst only breathe and sent it back to me. Since then it grows, and smells, I swear, Not of itself, but thee.’” Ernest reached forward tucking a strand of hair behind her ear and held a beautiful deep red rose when he pulled his hand back that he presented to her. She burst into tears smiling into his eyes then kissing him. “Where did you?... How did you? You, you just make me so happy. I love you so, so much.” He pulled a handkerchief from his coat pocket and gave it to her. “I would not make you cry my Love.” He held her a bit helplessly gently stroking her back while she sniffed and dabbed at her eyes. She smiled, “They are good tears. Tears of my love and joy with you. Don’t distress, for you will be ever more plagued with them I trow.” As they traveled on Rose sang to him and they played travelling games. When they stopped at Harker for the final change of horses Ernest spoke with Mister McManus before rejoining Rose as she walked along the verge. It was early afternoon but out on the Solway plain the wind was fierce and Rose had put her shawl over her bonnet for better security as well as to cut the chill. He smiled as he joined her. “It is so barren here. So few trees.” She looked up at him returning his smile. He nodded. “The trees are all floating in the harbors. The English Fleet needed the wood. Tis sad really. The fleet needed the wood. The farmers needed the pasture and fields. So now we ship wood from the Americas to build our ships. Hey, look there!” He pointed north and she shielded her eyes and strained to see what he was looking at before giving up and asking, “What is it?” “Gretna Green.” He smiled at her. “You jest with me.” She swatted him playfully as she grinned up at him. “Only a little.” He helped her into the coach and knocked on the wall when they were settled and they were on their way again. It was three in the afternoon when they drove through Gretna Green. They didn’t stop until they were on the north-east side of the town and they pulled up at a small cottage nestled in a bend of the River Sark.  They’d barely braked when a middle-aged man and woman came out to greet them. Evan and Gwenith Camran who were tending the cottage for their neighbor Seamus Wilson. They were there to assist them and be their witnesses.

  Ernest and Evan helped Mister McManus and his men unload the coach. While Gwenith took Rose inside the cottage and fixed her a cup of tea. Rose had to listen closely to Gwenith to understand her but she was a cheerful woman and happy tae be helpin sooch a bonny lass. She learned that the owner of the cottage was off in Dumfries visiting his daughter and new grandson. And that they would be on their own for a week. Of course Gretna was only a short walk away and they also had the use of Seamus’ two horses and his cart if they needed it.

 It was a small stone cottage made of local rose and gray natural stone with a thatch roof. Stone chimneys sat at either end of the house and six windows were spaced so that each room inside had its own window, as well as two windows in the roof for the loft.

The sitting room and kitchen adjoined and were open. A well-padded sofa, a beautiful rocking chair, and a worn but comfortable looking arm chair graced the sitting room. The kitchen was situated around the fireplace which was outfitted with a cast iron cooking rack. Five buckets of water were drawn and set with covers next to the fireplace in the kitchen. 

Through an archway there was a small room that seemed to have a dual purpose of study and dining with bookcases lining one wall that were all filled with books. Rose asked about that and learned that Seamus had been a professor in his youth and loved to read.

There was a stairway leading up to the loft along the back wall of the dining room. The loft was set up as another bedroom with two smaller beds in it as well as a sofa, a washstand and a couple of armoires and a chair.

The final room downstairs was a large bedroom with its own fireplace. There was a large kettle and stand on the hearth and five more covered buckets of water. She stood in the doorway of the room looking at the welcoming room with beautiful woolen tartan blankets draped over the foot of the richly carved footboard of the gorgeous Mahogany bed and additional tartans folded on both arm chairs. She realized that she was blushing as she contemplated the evening ahead. Their trunks had been set in the room at the foot of the bed. The fire was blazing and the room was comfortable. She suddenly realized that Gwenith had been talking to her. “Oh, pardon me please. The whole house is so beautiful!” Gwenith got a huge smile on her face with the compliment. “Ach Lady tis what I’m ere about. I was wonderin’ if yea woold be wantin’ ta change? Twil be time soon ta gae.” Rose got a huge smile. “Yes. Oh yes!” She ran to her trunk and pulled the silk camisole with the bodice of Venetian lace, pristine silk stockings and garters, then the new blue satin embroidered gown and the gold lace spencer. She carefully pulled Ernest’s watch out from beneath her breast. And laid it with the rest of the garments. With Gwenith’s help she was dressed in fairly short order. Gwenith exclaimed and praised the beauty of her fiery tresses as she brushed her hair she made several thin braids and pinned it in the back in intricate loops forming a love knot then fastened the rose that Ernest had given her earlier in the center of the love knot. When she was finished Gwenith stood back nodding her approval. “Ach yer a bonny a certain. Yer boun tae hae a standin nigh.” She grinned and nodded. Rose found herself blushing after that pronouncement she just wasn’t sure why. Gwenith hugged her then and they went out. Ernest thought he was going to pass out her beauty took his breath completely. Then he was at her side and they were riding in the Camran’s carriage into the town to the blacksmith shop. They held each other’s hands, fingers intertwined. Ernest stared at her until she fanned herself blushing.  Then he leaned close and whispered in her ear, “Your beauty has stolen my words so I must borrow Lord Byron’s She walks in beauty, like the night

Of cloudless climes and starry skies; And all that’s best of dark and bright Meet in her aspect and her eyes; Thus mellowed to that tender light Which heaven to gaudy day denies.

One shade the more, one ray the less,

Had half impaired the nameless grace Which waves in every gilded tress, Or softly lightens o’er her face; Where thoughts serenely sweet express, How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.

And on that cheek, and o’er that brow, So soft, so calm, yet eloquent, The smiles that win, the tints that glow, But tell of days in goodness spent, A mind at peace with all below, A heart whose love is innocent.

  Surly he saw you. Even as you are now. Just so. And wrote this to honor you.” He smiled at her as they stopped before the smithy.

  Mister Camran opened the carriage door for them and set the step then went to assist Mistress Camran. Ernest got out then offered Rose his hand. She took it, her cheeks rosy, eyes holding to his bright with joy. The Camrans led them into the smithy and introduced them to Master Elliot the smith priest, a great strong man with large calloused hands and a surprisingly gentle voice. He shook hands with each of them before giving them a big smile. “Sae ye cam tae bae wed?” They both answered at the same time. “Oh aye.” Then looked at each other and grinned.   He took the leather apron he was wearing off and went to a desk at the back of the shop and came back with a rather plain wooden box which he opened pulling out a quill and bottle of ink and a large book that turned out to be a register. He took out a pen knife and trimmed the quill to his satisfaction before he nodded at them. “Weel ye’ve cam  tae tha roight place. Now guid man tale me yer birth name an where ye abode.”  “I am Ernest Sinclaire, Master of Ledford Park in Essex.” Master Elliot wrote Ernest’s name and residence into his register and then pulled a sheet of paper from the box and wrote a heading:  Be it known this day in the year of our Lord 1816, Mister Ernest Sinclaire, Master of Ledford Park in Essex County England came before me, Master Smith Priest Robert Elliot in Gretna Green, Dumfriesshire Scotland with the stated intent to be married to .. He looked at Rose and smiled. “Now bonnie Lady I will need yer name and abodin. She nodded smiling at Ernest, “I am Lady Rose Amberjohn, Lady of Edgewater in Essex.” It was a bit strange to see the large hand dwarfing the quill produce such neat, bold writing as her name was written in the ledger and then added to the paper.  He straightened and looked at each of them before asking, “Ye stand afore me and all witnesses affirming ye be single and here of free will to bind your self one to the other?” Ernest looked him in the eye and nodded, “Aye, I am.” Rose looked at Ernest then smiled brightly at Master Elliot. “Aye, I am.” Master Elliot completed filling out the paper and the register then and stood before them. 

He turned to the Camrans and asked if they were there to bear witness to this marriage and they agreed. He motioned them to come closer to attend. He nodded then turned to Ernest, “Do you take this woman to be your lawful wedded wife, forsaking all others, kept to her as long as you both shall live?” Ernest nodded, “I will.” Then he turned to Rose, “Do you take this man to be your lawful wedded husband, forsaking all others, kept to him as long as you both shall live?”

She nodded and smiled, “I will.” He turned back to Ernest, “Hae ye got a ring?” Ernest smiled at Rose and pulled a gold ring set with seven blue green emeralds from his coat pocket and gave it to Master Elliot. Rose gasped as she saw the ring and looked at Ernest who returned her smile. Master Elliot prayed over the ring that it be blessed with fortune and love everlasting then gave it back to Ernest. “Now take her left hand and repeat after me.” Ernest looked in her eyes as he took her hand, repeating the words of eternal union, “With this ring I thee wed, with my body I thee worship, with all my worldly goods I thee endow. In the name of the father,” Ernest slipped the ring over the tip of her thumb, “In the name of the son,” he passed it over the tip of her index finger, “In the name of the holy spirit,” he passed it over the tip of her middle finger, “Amen.” He gently passed it over the tip of her fourth finger and pressed it carefully over her knuckle settling it in place. “Now clasp your hands together and Lady Rose repeat after me.” Tears were running down Rose’s cheeks and she could see them in Ernest’s gaze as she spoke, “That which God hath joined together let no man put asunder.” Master Elliot put his large hand over their clasped ones and nodded to them then said, “Forasmuch as this man and this woman have consented to go together by giving and receiving a ring. I, therefore, declare them to be husband and wife before God and these Witnesses in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Amen!” Master Elliot grinned then and patted Ernest heartily on the back. “Congratulations young mon! And tae ye Mistress Sinclaire!” The Camrans congratulated them and then urged them to go across to the pub where they had arranged for a cake and a round of drinks when they were finished with Master Elliot. Ernest thanked Master Elliot and paid him a handsome sum of gold guineas. Master Elliot handed Ernest the certificate of marriage he had filled out and they shook hands. Then Ernest offered her his arm. “Mistress Sinclaire?” 

Rose blushed and slipped her arm through his. “I like that very much.”

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

[innerpostmentality]

The Road to Gretna Green  Part 7  - Games

This is an AU Fan Fic inspired by the Choices story Desire & Decorum

All rights and many thanks are accorded to Pixelberry Studios.

This takes place immediately after Part 6. 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  Very M Erotica             Warnings: emotional trauma, long post, erotica Word count: around 4000 and a bit Tagging: @darley1101 @hopefulmoonobject @blackcatkita @speedyoperarascalparty @hellospunkiebrewster @tornbetween2loves @gardeningourmet  @melodyofgraves @thequeenofcronuts @symonde

  The Dowager Countess of Edgewater paced in her room in the Edgewater London town house in great agitation. It was the morning of the third day since her granddaughter had run away. This morning she had received a letter from her. Explaining quite politely that she was honoring a previous engagement agreement with Mister Sinclaire of Ledford Park. 

  Dominique had known that Rose wasn’t disposed to Duke Richards and if she was honest with herself; which she always tried to be, she had reservations when the Duke had approached her regarding a betrothal without Rose present. But she also had seen Countess Henrietta conspiring with Bishop Monroe so the engagement to Duke Richards seemed a prayer answered.

  She knew after their carriage ride that evening when Rose had displayed her bruised arm in the entry hall that Rose was upset with her. So she hadn’t pressed it that evening. Knowing Rose’s ire with her, she wasn’t alarmed when she didn’t come down to break her fast. But she never imagined that Rose would be so wayward as to elope.

 It was when the Duke came to call for her to ride in Hyde Park and she sent Briar to call her down to join them that she got the first inkling that something was truly amiss. Briar went and returned after a few minutes and whispered to her that Rose’s monthly courses had arrived and she was indisposed. So Dominique had advised the Duke that she was indisposed for the week and he had graciously if somewhat reluctantly wished her well and left with assurances that he would return in a week to take Rose for the promised turn in the park. After he left she went up to Rose’s room to speak to her. Briar’s protests that Rose was asleep only ignited her suspicions further that Rose was in fact being rebellious rather than actually suffering her monthlies. But it really hadn’t prepared her at all for her granddaughter’s absence.

 Briar declined to reveal anything of her mistress and friend’s whereabouts. Which was aggravating at the same time it bespoke an admirable devotion to Rose. Dominique sent Briar to help in the kitchen as a scullery maid and reflect upon her choices.    Dominique paced and frowned considering her resources. When she discovered that Rose had run away she had asked their Stable Master Harper to go to Grovershire and look for Rose at her old home thinking that would be where Rose would flee to. Harper hadn’t returned yet and he was the best of their horsemen were she to send someone North to try to find Rose now that she knew that Rose and Mister Sinclaire were doubtless bound for somewhere in Scotland.

 Oh this was a disaster. She had lost too much time she knew. Visiting the Parsons and the Suttons thinking Rose might be there. Even having tea with Prince Hamid looking for some sign that Rose might be seeking sanctuary with him. Three days she had been gone. They were half way to Scotland by now. Even if she knew exactly where they were it would take another day and a half of hard riding with lots of horse changes to get to them. And then another four days at least to return by coach.  And she knew well that if Rose could be found she wouldn’t simply return and go through with the arrangement.

  She looked again at the letter Rose had written her. ‘… I must answer my heart and hold to my promise…’ Those words took her back to her youth and a summer nearly fifty years ago when a handsome young man of good prospects named Rupert stole her heart.  Her father wanted her to vie for the hand of the Prince of Cordonia but she would have none of it after she met Rupert. But Rupert was an Earl with title and holdings. Ernest Sinclaire’s legacy was trade and new money. And yes, he had Ledford Park, saved from his father’s and brother’s foolishness with guidance from Vincent. Her breath caught with the thought of her lost son. Too soon. Too young. Her beautiful boy. And then another thought, she knew that Vincent admired and loved Ernest as a son. He would support Rose’s choice. And knowing that, her decision was made.

 She set her jaw and went to her desk to draw up a note to Mister Sinclaire’s solicitor Mister Hartfield.  Dear Mister Hartfield,    I address you as solicitor for Mister Sinclaire of Ledford Park.    I have received a letter this day from my beloved granddaughter Mistress Rose of Edgewater informing me of her favor and previous acceptance of an engagement to be wed to Mister Sinclaire of Ledford Park. I was not privy to this information when Duke Richards made the request of me for her hand and as her engagement was a necessary condition of her father’s will I accepted on her behalf.

In light of new information that has come to me. And with the full knowledge that my late son, Rose’s father held Mister Sinclaire in the highest esteem I would favor their union as I am certain it would be in accord with Vincent’s wishes.  To this hopeful, happy end I would request a meeting with you as soon as possible that we may conspire to navigate these waters to our mutual benefit.  In this matter haste is essential. Sincerely, Lady Dominique of Edgewater  She sealed her note and called for Mister Woods to take it to Mister Hartfield in all haste.

 ****      ****        ****        ****         ****       ****        ****

 It was the first day on their journey that the weather turned rainy. It slowed their pace as Mister Grissom had great care for his rig and the horses. Rose kept a careful eye on Ernest pleading her needs for necessities a bit more than usual when she would note his jaw clenching. A short walk and a sip of wine would ease him and then they would continue.

 Sometime after they had crossed the river Trent and she noted he had settled into a sullen silence she leaned over and kissed him on his cheek. “Ernest, I think we should play a game.”  He lifted a brow and gave her a small smile. “Oh? And what game might we play in the coach with the rain banging like a drum?”  She took his hand stroking it. “A rhyming one to make you smile. Here I will start. Let me think.

 ‘A lovely young Lady from Leeds,

  Her carriage got stuck in the reeds,

  The coachman did ask her…’     Now you continue. ”

 He looked at her a long moment then finally smiled, “A lovely young Lady from Leeds, Her carriage got stuck in the reeds, The coachman did ask her, What caused the disaster?...” Rose grinned, “Her horse, she said had too much speed!” Ernest was smiling so she nodded. “Now you start.” “Ah, I’ve heard similar before. Though perhaps not quite as wholesome.” He lifted his brow and smirked.

‘There was a young Lady from Leeds,

 Who was trying to settle her needs,

 Her coachman implored her….’          Now to you my Sweet.” She considered for a bit wanting to surprise him. Finally with a twinkle in her eye she said,

“There was a young Lady from Leeds,

 Who was trying to settle her needs,

 Her coachman implored her,

 To favor his soldier,

 That was lauded for magnificent deeds!” Ernest burst into laughter groaning and holding his side as he laughed then pulled her in for a kiss. “Rose! Oh what mischief have I created?” He kissed her again til the jostling of the coach made him fear for their teeth. “I love you. I do not ken ever knowing such joy as I have found with you.” Lacing their fingers together she blushed. “It is good to hear your laughter, Ernest.”   Their journey in the rain was long that day and they pulled up to the inn yard at the Salutation posting inn at Doncaster well after dark. Ernest spoke with Mister Grissom thanking him and inquiring if he would be willing to take them on to Ripon. He was amiable to the additional leg of the journey on the condition they would have quarters and meals provided both there and back to Grantham afterwards. She could tell that Ernest was pleased with the agreement at the late hour that saved him having to find another coach to hire for the morning.  She asked Ernest to inquire of the inn keep if they perchance might have some Willow bark that she could brew some tea for her head.

    The inn was fairly busy despite the lateness of the hour and Ernest told her that they were expecting a Post Coach within a few hours. The rain had settled in to a light but steady drizzle and the fires had extra coal to chase the chill and damp away.  It was the first room they had where there was no adjoining room. The inn was practically full with travelers and merchants and there was only one room available on the third floor. Mister Grissom and his men were situated on the second floor in two rooms that were much nicer than the stable but smaller and not so well furnished as the rooms on the third floor.

  Ernest escorted her to the room then excused himself to go below and arrange for their supper.  Rose busied herself sorting the clothes for the next day and laying things out on chairs before the fire to drive the dampness from them. There were two covered buckets of water and a fair-sized kettle which she filled and set on a trivet over the fire to heat. She took off her shoes and set them before the fire then got her brush and sat on the bed to brush out her hair.  Ernest returned shortly with a basket of crusty bread, cheese, a small packet of willow bark, cherries, and figs and a bottle of wine. “I fear our supper is going to be a cold one this evening, my dear. The inn keeper did have some willow bark. He said his mother used it for her teeth.”

 Rose nodded, “My mother used to make a tea with it for her head. I was hoping I could make some for you that it might ease you. I know you have been suffering this day, Ernest.”

 He set the basket down on the wash stand table then carefully removed his coat and hung it on a peg before going to her taking her face in his hands and looking deeply into her eyes. “You are so good to me, Rose.” His kiss was soft, reverent as he bent to taste the fullness of her lips. 

 She sighed into his kiss, “No more than you deserve, Beloved.” She pulled back a little and carefully stroked his hair from his forehead. “I watch you. You care for everyone. Even when you are injured and hurting you still have courtesy for all.”

She grinned at him sassily, “You know, while I was awaiting you I thought of something.” “Oh?” His dimple peaked at her as he smiled curiously at her mischievous tone. She nodded, “A handsome young man named Sinclaire…” “Oh No,” he groaned and she saw the color rise in his cheeks. Her grin deepened and she nodded, “A handsome young man named Sinclaire, Was graced with a manner so fair, The maids would all say, They were dying to play..”

 “Rose!” His voice held a warning that didn’t match the sparkle in his deep blue gaze.

 “Just to touch the gentleman’s hair!” She giggled.  “I should send you to your room for that. Alas, that would be here. Hmmm, what shall I do?” He pressed his finger to the corner of his mouth as though contemplating for a moment. “I know!” He ran his hands up and down her sides tickling her as she squirmed and giggled til she got the hiccups and batted playfully at his hands but didn’t run away.   He was laughing and groaning when he finally stopped tickling her and slipped a finger beneath her chin lifting it for a sweet kiss that turned deeper and left them both breathless staring into each other’s eyes. She blushed. He cleared his throat, finally he brought her hand to his mouth kissing her knuckles. “It’s late. We should eat.”

  She nodded and went to put the willow bark he’d procured in a cup and added some of the piping hot water to it. She smoothed her skirt. “So how much longer do you think it will take?” She heard him open the bottle of wine he’d brought. “Without mishap, we should be in Ripon tomorrow night. Appleby the next. And Gretna Green the evening after that. Three days.”  She felt him behind her as he moved her long russet tresses to the side and placed a kiss on her neck. He nuzzled her, then ever so carefully nipped her earlobe. “Three days. Rose.” His voice was low with need. His arms slipped around her waist and he held her kissing her hair for a few minutes. “Mistress Henley our supper is going to be cold.”  Turning her head she arched a brow at him then burst into laughter. “Why Mister Henley I declare I think you have been bitten by a whimsey moth.”  He turned her stroking her cheek with his thumb and then kissing her nose. “Come. Let’s have a picnic here before the fire.” He grabbed the basket and set it down having a care for his ribs and shoulder he sat on the floor and took his shoes off setting them next to hers on the hearth. Rose handed him the cup of willow bark tea and brought the wine and sat on the floor beside him. He sipped the tea and made a face. “Why does all the best medicine taste so evil?”  She laughed. “Perhaps because it has to be strong to be good?”  Ernest finished the tea then took the knife in the basket and sliced up the bread and cheese putting the cheese on a piece of the bread and offering it to her. She ate it from his fingers smiling at him, “It’s quite delicious. Here.” She fed him a bite and he licked her fingers looking in her eyes, “Indeed, Mistress Henley, utterly delicious.”  “Speak you of my fingers or the cheese?”  “Yes.” He caught her forefinger between his teeth and ran his tongue over the pad looking at her.  Heat rushed to her face and low in her belly making her squirm and drop her gaze before pulling her finger from his mouth.

“Here.” He rubbed a cherry across her lower lip.  She lifted her eyes to him as she sucked the cherry into her mouth. His eyes were focused on her lips as she savored the sweetness before carefully plucking the pit out and tossing it in the fire.     He kissed her teasing her lips with his tongue, tasting the sweetness of her flavored with the cherry. His eyes closing as desire washed through him. He was trembling beneath her touch. Two days ago she would have feared he was getting ill. Now she recognized his struggle with his passion. Recognized her own need gathering, tightening, aching for the glory they could grant each other. She stroked his jaw and breathed his name as she broke their kiss, “Ernest… Help me.” turning and lifting her hair so he could undo her buttons.   His fingers were clumsy as he struggled caught between his need to kiss the nape of her neck and the need to unbutton her. He finally managed and she lifted her arms and bent to him so he might pull her day dress over her head. Then he was at the laces of her stays. Kissing her nape and shoulders as he freed her leaving her in nothing but her white cotton chemise the firelight behind her illuminating more in silhouette. Her beauty stole his breath. 

  She turned and kissed him briefly before pulling back to untie his cravat; then her fingers were at the buttons of his vest. Carefully she helped him remove it. She stroked down his shirt her emerald gaze locking with the sapphire of his eyes silently asking permission. Not sure he had a voice he nodded. Then her fingers were at the buttons of his fall. Then the buttons beneath at his waist and he was free.

 “I want you Ernest. So much.” Tenderly she stroked his length only his shirt separating her hand from his velvet hardness. She stroked him once, then again before stopping and pulling his breeches off completely. She stood then and held her hand out to him. 

  “Rose,” voice was so low it came to her as a growl of need. He took her hand rising from the floor and let her lead him to the bed. His eyes never left her as she turned the covers down for him. “Get a cloth.” He sat on the edge of the bed watching her as she went to the wash stand and pulled a couple of washing cloths out before returning to him. “You are so beautiful. May I touch you?” She nodded her own voice lost in her desire.

  He closed his eyes and reached beneath her chemise running his hands up the back of her thighs as she stood between his legs. His hands were so warm as he stroked over her hips. His thumbs made circles around the points of her hip bones. Then trailed heat up her sides caressing each rib, exploring the silken plane of her back up to her shoulders and neck then beneath her arms. She watched him and didn’t realize she had been holding her breath until his thumbs swept the fullness of her breasts circling the tight peaks and she gasped as his attention sent molten heat to the center of her womanhood.   His eyes opened at her gasp and they were almost black with his pupils so wide only a bright rim of blue remained. “Please Rose… Please touch me.” he moaned his need.    She leaned forward licking his lips with her tongue before tasting their fullness. Her hands delved under his shirt stroking up his strong thighs feeling the tremble in his muscles. She carefully stroked his ballocks, lifting them gently, exploring how they floated in his seed sack. “Is this pleasant for you?” she broke the kiss to whispered shyly.

 “Aye. Your touch on me is heaven.”

 “Teach me, Ernest.” 

  His eyes never left hers but his hands withdrew from her. “Here, sit across my lap with your feet to my left.” He kissed her gently, slowly. “I am sorry… I cannot hold you properly.” He adjusted their clothing so that they were not bound and could be reached under with ease. “I love you Rose. I do not want to frighten you or hurt you ever. Please know that. If I do anything that displeases you… promise me that you will tell me. You must promise me.” His tone was very solemn as he searched her emerald gaze in the firelight.”

   Nodding she murmured, “I will tell you.” 

  He took a deep breath, closing his eyes and trying to settle himself before he met her gaze again. He took her left hand with his and brought it to his mouth kissing it before putting it back under his shirt on his ballocks. “This part of my manhood is most vulnerable. It is a thing for you to know were anyone to ever try to force themselves on you. Punching a man here causes great, incapacitating pain. But your sweet caress here fills me with seed and makes my need for you even greater.”

 “Touching you like this makes me want you even more Earnest. I would never hurt you.” Her gaze was so sincere he thought his heart would burst with his love. 

 “I, I know Rose. But I want you to know you have that power should you ever need it.” He kissed her as he took her hand to his aching hardness.  She smiled and murmured, “Your soldier.” She felt it twitch as he wrapped both their hands around him. “Hello handsome.”

 Ernest couldn’t help but be pleased as she addressed his full arousal with the joyful familiarity of a beloved acquaintance. He took her finger to his tip, wet with his aching desire and ran it all around the exposed sensitive ridge then back, around then firmly down. His breath caught and she felt him throbbing in response as he showed her how to pleasure him. He moaned softly, “Rose… can I, can I touch you?”  She nodded and took his hand under her chemise, “Please…oh, Ernest.” His fingers found her slick folds, her sensitive bundle, her wet, tight passage. He kissed her as he pressed gentle circles around that most sensitive bundle. She was making a mewling purr drawn from her depths as she writhed in her need. “Please… more, Ernest, more.”  He pressed a second finger into her even as she was stroking him to the point of no return. His voice broke, “The cloth… ah” He cried out in his release even as she barely got him covered. He was trembling his hips bucking beneath her as he throbbed in her hand soaking the cloth covering him.  Her tongue was rolling against his as she panted her need for him. “Please, more, I..” She arched her back and begged for more. “I need you in me. Please.” His voice was hoarse, “Rose, Rose, please. I fear I’ll hurt you. Gently, love.” Her pearl was so swollen and she was so wet for him. He pulled his fingers out and she moaned in protest. “Here. Here, straddle me. Gently, gently. Only a little.” He was still so hard but easing. “Just the tip. Rose, look at me.” She pulled her gown off tossing it and got on her knees straddling him. He took himself firmly in hand about three inches down from his tip. And as she lowered herself onto him she cried his name in ecstasy. He filled her entrance impossibly, painfully, gloriously full and she wanted more. Needed more. “Gently. God Rose.” He thumbed circles around her pearl til he felt her stretching even more, her walls starting to flutter around his sensitive ridge. She was trying to lower herself further onto him. A wave of complete panic shook him as his past and another woman’s cries and rejection slammed into him, he rolled them both to the left on the bed shaking his head and weeping. “No. No. Rose, No. I don’t want to hurt you. I love you. Please. I would never hurt you.” The anxiety in his voice pulled her from her passion into concern. She stroked his hair looking in his eyes she realized he was weeping. “Shh, shh, I’m well. I’m well. I love you. Oh Ernest, you didn’t hurt me. You didn’t hurt me. I love you. Shh. I promise I will tell you if it is ever too much. I promise.” He pulled her to him tightly. She felt him wince as he did but he didn’t let her go. He held her kissing her head, murmuring I love yous into her hair. 

  Rubbing circles softly around his back cooing her love of him eventually she felt him relax. After a bit he murmured softly, “I’m sorry. It is not your fault Rose. I’m sorry.” She kissed him gently then got up to put all their things in order, double checking the security of the windows and doors. Making sure the fire was properly banked for the night before she returned. He had situated himself properly under the covers leaving room on his left side for her. She climbed in next to him and he pulled her into his side.

His voice was soft in the darkness of the room, “You know I came up with something as you were putting things in order.”

  “Hmmm?” She nuzzled him sighing happily.    

“My beautiful Rose so lovely and fine

I long for your kiss much sweeter than wine

I’ll take you away

To Scotland one day

And make you forever more, mine”

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

[innerpostmentality]

The Road to Gretna Green Part 5 - Fears and Questions

This is a AU Fan Fiction inspired by the Choices story Desire & Decorum

This takes place immediately after Part 4. If you wish to catch up on the series please see my Masterlist for links.

featuring the pairing of Ernest Sinclaire X Rose (MC) All rights and many thanks are given to Pixelberry Studios

Rating: M, very M     Warnings: Erotica, character injury, long post Word count: around 5325

Tagging: @darley1101 @hopefulmoonobject @blackcatkita @speedyoperarascalparty @hellospunkiebrewster @tornbetween2loves @gardeningourmet @melodyofgraves  @thequeenofcronuts

     “No.” The word escaped her as she dashed into the shadows leaving Ned behind. Racing to the crumpled figure lying in the waste of the alley. Some how she knew before she ever saw his face that it was Ernest. She threw herself to her knees beside him heedless of the filth, heedless of anything but her need to help him. Gently, gently she rolled his limp body cradling his head into her lap. There was a barely audible groan from him. Her heart started beating again. “Ernest, Ernest, oh my darling, please, please…”

 Ned had very cautiously followed her and stood over them with his torch looking about. “Mmmiss ttress, wwe has tta gget hhim oout o hhere.”

“He’s hurt. You have to go get help.” She was gently feeling his head and trying to discern his injuries. There was a large lump on the back of his head but beyond that she hadn’t found anything she could tell in the darkness with just her touch.  “Nno. I I ddare nnt lleave you, Mmiss tress.” He held the torch out to her. “Hhere. Ta take th this. I I’ll gget hhim.”  Rose looked up at the young man his comely face filled with deep concern. She nodded taking the torch; and silently praying that Ned could lift Ernest. She helped Ned get Ernest into a sitting position. Ernest groaned aloud as they pulled on his arms. The youth squatted in front of Ernest straddling his legs and leaning to grasp him about the waist before leaning back pulling the larger man over his shoulder. She scrambled to her feet and tried to help as Ned stood wrapping one arm around Ernest’s waist and the other around his thighs. He was staggering under the weight but started determinedly walking back toward the inn. She walked beside him, one hand on Ernest’s back the other holding the torch having to remind herself to watch where she was walking when all her eyes wanted to do was look at Ernest.   Ned went to a different entrance to the inn than she had been to before nodding for her to open a door on the side of the building. It opened into a small dimly lit entryway with pegs on the wall for coats and a set of stairs going up on the left side while the hallway continued further into the back part of the inn.

Ned immediately, as carefully as he could lowered Ernest onto the stairs.  “Mmiss ttress Hehen ley, I I’ll gget hhelp.” He was panting from the exertion as he went down the hallway into the inn’s interior.

 Rose sat on the stairs holding Ernest. “I love you. Ernest, you must be well. I love you. Please, please be well,” she murmured the litney to him, arms wrapped around him stroking his back as best she could as she balanced him against her.

In short order she heard footsteps returning from the hall and the Innkeeper came with Ned who was holding a candle. He looked at the two of them and she saw the compassion in his eyes as he nodded. “So sorry Mistress Henley. Let’s get you up to your rooms.”

“Son, go fetch the doctor for Mister Henley.”

Ned nodded and left back through the door to the outside.

“Please forgive our inconvenience. We are most in you and your son’s debt for your assistance.” Rose was embarrassed realizing that she didn’t know his name.

“Ach, not to worry Mistress Henley. Your husband is a fine gentleman. I see tha caring. Deserves better than a run in with bully thieves n cut purses.” The large man looked over Ernest a moment then nodded at her. “I’m gonna take him up now if you’ll let go of em for a minute.” He stooped and scooped Ernest up like a babe as she released her grip on him. “Now if you go up those stairs you’ll find a door into the hallway and your rooms are just round tha corner. If you can get the doors I’d be much obliged.”

Rose hurried up before him to open the door. Just as he said when she opened the door at the top of the stairway she found herself on the opposite end of the hallway from their rooms. She realized this was a servant stairway to allow access to the rooms without navigating the busy common room. In their current state she was most grateful for Ned’s astuteness and added it to her ever growing debt list to the boy and the kind innkeeper.  She opened the door to their rooms finding it almost strange it was in the same order she had left it in so recently and yet what seemed like so long ago.

Ernest was gently settled across the foot of the bed before the innkeeper stood up nodding at her and giving her a remarkably gentle smile. “He’s young and hale. He’ll be fine. Doctor Emerson tis a right hand at caring for folks. He’ll be here soon.” He nodded at the table and the food and wine going to pick up the shepherd’s pie. “I’ll send a fresh one up. You should have hot dinner and some wine to settle you proper. I’ll send some buckets of hot water up and sponges so you can clean up.” He turned to the door as he continued speaking and she realized that at some point he was speaking to himself as much as her. “See if my missus might spare a frock for you; might be able to wash that one up.” He walked out closing the door behind him. She struggled out of her filthy redingote dropping it to the floor and going to the bed where Ernest lay insensible. She leaned over to his ear and whispered softly, “Love, please, please wake up. I love you. I need you to wake up now.” He made no stirring at her plea.

 She swept the tears from her cheek and went to light more candles about the room dissatisfied with the light. Going back to him she stroked his cheek. He was filthy and his clothes were destroyed but aside from the hen egg sized lump on the back of his head she saw no sign of injury. The thieves had stolen his hessian boots. Cut the polished buttons from his coat and vest and turned his pockets out. Angry and frustrated she was afraid to move him to get him out of the tatters of his clothes. Afraid she would hurt him more.  Wringing her hands she paced hating her helpless desperation. Finally she decided no harm could come from cleaning him up a bit so she set about pouring some water from the pitcher into the basin at the washstand. Soaking a clean cloth she wrung it out before going to gently wash his face. He groaned and she saw his eyes flutter as she stroked the cool wet cloth over his forehead. “Ernest, Love, come back to me. Please Sweetheart.” She continued to call to him and carefully pressed the cloth along his jaw cleaning the debris from the scruff of his beard.

There was a soft rap on the door and she went to answer. A handsome, hearty woman was there with a bucket of water in one hand and a day dress in the other. “Hello dear. I’m Winnifred Fitzhew.“

 “You poor dear!” Her eyes had gone wide as she took in Rose’s state. “Tha mister said your husband had a run in; and bless it that tha war is done or for sure he’d be on a boat ta fight tha Frenchies. But tush enough of that. Here.” She handed the bucket and dress to Rose. “I’ll watch over Mister Henley here while you freshen up. Ned went to bring Doc Emerson. He’s a good boy, my Ned. And Doc Emerson’s the best. Good hands and a right gentle way.”

 “Go, go dear. Don’t mind me prattling on. You need to freshen so your handsome husband doesn’t wake to you lookin’ all distressed. Here, give me that.” She took the dirty cloth from Rose’s hand. “There’s fresh cloths on the wash stand in yon room and that water is warm so you won’t catch a chill. Stir that fire up a bit. I’m just gonna clean Mister Henley up a tad more for you while we wait on the doctor.”  Rose felt numb the shock was beginning to settle on her but she took the bucket and sponge to the adjoining room. She left the door open just a little and could hear the older woman continuing to talk, asking permission to take the liberty of washing Mister Henley up a bit and assuring him that she’d taken care of many a fine young man.

Rose pulled off the filthy day dress she was wearing and washed her face and sponged herself off before slipping on the day dress that Mistress Fitzhew had brought for her. It was overlarge and a bit short but heavenly clean, smelling like sunshine and silky soft cotton. Even its minty green color felt lovely and fresh.  She returned to the other room as Mistress Fitzhew was telling Ernest about her apparently soon to be daughter in law Tessy. She barely broke the stride of her one-sided dialogue as Rose entered. Nodding, “You look lovely dear!” “Now Mister Henley you should just open your eyes and see your lovely wifey. I know she’d be a smilin’ to look in your eyes.”

 There was a knock at the door. And Rose went to answer it. Ned was there with an older gentleman with a case. “D doc ttor Em Emm Emers son. M Miss Mistress H Henley.” The older man extended his hand and Rose shook it.  “Thank you Ned.”

 “Doctor Emerson. Please come in.” She stepped back.  He looked her over as he entered, “Mistress Henley do you wish to be present while I examine your husband? I would not wish to distress you.”

 Rose looked him in the eye. “I will stay with my husband.”

He nodded. Then turned to Mistress Fitzhew. “I will need the room and some hot water and fresh cloths.”  She turned to Rose patting her arm. “The Doc will fix him right up. You’ll see. You give Ned your dirty clothes when he comes back with the water for the doctor and I’ll have them all washed and fresh for you in the morning. Hang them in the kitchen over night and they’ll dry. Though maybe you’ll be staying…”

“Winni I need to examine this young man today please.” Doctor Emerson smiled as he interrupted her.

“Ach, aye. I’ll go get your water then.” She winked at Rose as she left the room.  The doctor turned to her as the door closed. “Mistress Henley I will need to remove your husband’s garments to assess his injuries. How long has he been unresponsive?”  “He went with Mister Sweet to speak to Mister Grissom about arrangements for our travel tomorrow. That was just as the sun was setting. He told me he would not be long and I told him I would wait our supper on his return. When, when he did not return and our supper was cold I went to Mister Fitzhew to beg assistance finding him. His son, Ned accompanied me and we found him but a little down the road in an alley way such as you see. There is a large bump on the back of his head.” She pointed on her head where it was on Ernest. “He has groaned when moved. And his eyes fluttered. I I thought, hoped he might awaken when I cleaned his face a bit with a cool cloth.”

The doctor nodded and went to the bed motioning her over. “If you feel up to it you may assist me removing his clothes?”  She nodded. “Of course.”  “Good. I will turn him as we need and you can remove the garments.” She watched him as he carefully examined Ernest’s head first, feeling his scalp through his curly hair, carefully noting the lump and pressing around it with a look of great concentration. At last nodding. “The bone is sound. Though he took a nasty blow from behind.” Next he carefully felt his neck before he unwrapped his cravat then again after. “Okay, young man, we are going to sit you up now and your lady is going to take off this coat and vest.” The doctor climbed on the bed over Ernest and slid his arms under Ernest’s arms then braced him and pulled him into a sitting position. Ernest groaned as the doctor moved his arms back so that Rose could slip the coat off his shoulders. Quickly followed by his vest.  “Mistress can you hold him here? I want to check his shoulders.”  “Yes.” Rose braced herself against his back to keep him upright.  The doctor felt along the tops of both shoulders and his collar bones and frowned. “His right shoulder is out of place. The bones are sound.  You said you found him in an alley?”

 “Yes. He was out of the light of the street.”  “Likely drug there by his right arm. Have to put that back in.” He climbed on the bed. “Hold him steady.”

“I will.” She lifted his left arm over her shoulders and wrapped her arms around his waist. “Is this good?”

“Aye.” The doctor took his right arm moving it a bit, pressing one hand on the front of his shoulder and one hand behind it and then with a sudden, forceful jerk Ernest’s shoulder popped and he cried out in pain his eyes popping open as he struggled in confusion and agony. “Easy, easy, son. You’ve had a bit of a rough time but you are safe now.”

 Ernest blinked trying to make sense of his state of undress in a bed with Rose and the strange man both of them holding him, “Rose?”

“Oh Sweetheart!” She hugged him tight bursting into tears.

Ernest grimaced patting her. “Love, please. My, uh ribs…please…”

“Oh.” Tears were streaming down her face in her joy and relief but she quickly released her grip. “Ernest this is Doctor Emerson. He’s here to help you.”  “Mister Henley, it’s a pleasure to meet you. A real pleasure to see you awake for the introduction. Your wife has been a great assistant to me treating you. Can you tell me what you recall happened?”  Ernest blinked at Rose a minute before turning back to the doctor. He reached back to scratch his head and winced as he gingerly touched the knot on his skull. “Owww. I remember walking to the church with Rose. And then I was going to make arrangements for our travel tomorrow. And I was coming back to supper with Rose.” He shrugs and winces again. “Now I should like to examine you more Mister Henley but with you awake it’s your discretion if you wish your wife in attendance. I will need you to remove your shirt at the least, unless you feel that your lower parts are involved you may keep your trousers.” Ernest turned to Rose kissing her forehead. “What do you wish my dear? I know this eve has been stressful for you. What would comfort you most?” She took his hand. “I would stay with you. I would not have either of you uncomfortable but I came too close to losing you this eve. Please let me stay.” Ernest didn’t look at her as he got off the bed reaching out to steady himself on her shoulder as a wave of dizziness washed over him as he stood. “Ernest?” He heard the concern in her voice. “Just a little dizzy, Love. Don’t be alarmed.” “Do you hear ringing in your ears?” Doctor Emerson asked.

“A bit.” He answered wincing as he pulled at his shirt jostling his arm but not managing to free it from his trousers. Rose moved to assist him. “Let me help you dear.” He was blushing as he looked over to the doctor. Doctor Emerson smiled thinking them a lovely young couple. “You must learn to let you wife help you Mister Henley. We should secure your arm that I had to put back in place and you should use it sparingly for a week or two.” Rose gently pulled his shirt from his trousers and tears ran down her cheeks as she lifted it from him exposing his horribly bruised right side. “Oh, Ernest.”

He wiped the tears from her cheek with his left hand. “Don’t cry, Rose. I’m here and I will be well.” The doctor nodded. “Indeed Mistress Henley he’ll be fine.” He carefully felt each of Ernest’s ribs. Paying extra attention to any that had Ernest flinching in pain. Eventually he nodded stepping away. “You’re bruised but solid. You may have a headache from that knot for a week or two. You need to rest and let your good lady wife help you with dressing. No lifting. And no fisticuffs or encounters with scoundrels at least for a few weeks.” There was a knock on the door and Rose went and opened it just a crack until she saw Ned there with a bucket of steaming water with a sponge, fresh drying cloths and a clean shirt. “Mmum ssaid I’m ta ta g get yyour ssoiled t things ffor hher.” Rose let him in thanking him and taking the bucket and clean garment and cloths. Then going to gather all the soiled clothes that had been discarded about both rooms. She handed them to Ned thanking him. And seeing the young man blush with her attention. “I I’ll bbring y your sa supper sa soon as it it’s d done.” He ducked out and Rose smiled. Doctor Emerson patted Ernest’s arm gently then turned to her extending his hand and shaking hers gently. “You’re a good wife to have found him. It’s good to have met you both.”

 “How much do we owe you Doctor Emerson?” Rose asked.

“I’d ask a crown but with your help shall we call it four shillings?” He smiled.

Rose went to the table and pulled the shillings from her reticule pin money. She handed it to him curling her fingers around his hand and shaking it again. “Thank you so, so very much Doctor Emerson.” The doctor left and Rose leaned against the door looking at Ernest sitting in only his stockings and trousers tentatively moving his arms, grimacing as he tested his shoulder. She ran to him and leaned over him kissing him when he looked up. Weeping in her joy and relief. Kissing his forehead, his nose, his eyes, his mouth. “Ernest, my love, my heart. Oh Ernest.” She murmured as she continued to feather kisses on his face and softly stroke his bare bruised shoulders and neck.

 He returned her kisses finally grabbing her hand and bringing it to his lips. “My love I am unfit to touch you I am so filthy. I fear I do need your help; and it would be such a shame to let that hot water go to waste.”  She went to their trunks and dug though his until she found the box with his grooming necessities. She brought it to the table for him. Next she opened the bottle of wine and poured him a glass and gave him that.

 Ernest watched her as she scooped some of the still steaming water into the basin at the wash stand then brought it over to the table. She sorted through his grooming tools taking his razor and piece of leather over to him. She picked up a piece of the soap and one of the smaller cloths and came to him. She studied his beautiful blue eyes a long moment before she stroked his cheek and kissed him softly.  “Let me wash your hair, my love.” He nodded and brought her hand to his mouth for another kiss before he closed his eyes relaxing in the chair. 

  She took the sponge and dipped it in the hot water wringing most of it out before using it to soak his curls. Then she rubbed the piece of soap in his hair and used her fingers to massage his scalp being ever so careful around the bump on his head. It was a bit of tricky business. She was using the sponge to add more water to rinse his hair at the same time she was drying it to keep it from running all over him. Being ever mindful of how sore his poor head must be. It took a bit before the water running off his head was clear. And she took another cloth and gently rubbed it over his curls to get most of the water out of them. 

Just then there was a knock on the door. She went and cracked it open and Ned was there again this time with a fresh shepherd’s pie for them. “Oh, please come in! And thank you so much. Please thank your parents as well!  Ernest, this is Ned the wonderful young man who carried you home for me and has been so very helpful this evening.”  Ernest stood blushing and extended his hand. “Ned, I owe you and your family a great deal. Please accept my apologies for my most unfortunate state of dress. That pie does smell wonderful!”

 “Pplleased ta ta mmmeet y you, Mmister Hhen lley.” Ned set the pie on the table and blushed as he shook hands with Ernest. Rose saw Ernest’s jaw tighten and knew his arm was paining him as he extended it.

 “Good evening to you Ned. Thank you so much for all your help.” She escorted him to the door then secured it for the evening as she expected no further visitors.

 When she turned again Ernest was standing right behind her and leaned down to kiss her, trapping her between his body and the door. “Rose.” Her name fell like a soft caress from his lips as he kissed her. “You cannot fathom how remarkable you are.” His hands were on her waist as he pressed himself to her. “You risked yourself and came to find me.” He kissed her throat below her ear. “Your care of me this evening. You cannot know what that is to me.”  

She moaned with her wakened desire. “I love you, Ernest. More than my life; I love you.” She found his lips with hers tasting him, teasing his tongue with hers til his moans of need joined hers. Her knees were shaking when he finally broke the kiss, breathing hard, pressing his forehead to hers, chuckling. “I would that we were wed Rose. I declare I would take you here at this door and we would still have no supper. Are you shocked?”  

She locked gazes with him boldly reaching down to find his rock-hard soldier. He gasped and she felt him twitch beneath her touch. Her voice was a deep purr as she delicately measured his length through his trousers with her fingertips from the base of his fall up and across to the tip nestled at the point of his hip bone beneath the right most button of his fall. “We should eat.”

“Aye” his voice broke as her thumb circled that button. He was holding his breath.

 Leaning forward she kissed the center of his bare chest. Sighed. Then took his left hand in hers and kissed his knuckles. Her cheeks were rosy as she smiled at him. “I love that you say such things to me. I love this closeness we have. But my question is all about the protocol, Mister Henley.” She lifted her brow and her mouth twitched with controlled amusement. “As a good wife, should I bathe you so that you can be properly garbed for dinner and risk a second cold dinner? Or should I implore you to dine with me even in your current state? Or risk confirming my total wantonness to you and encourage your desire risking a very cold dinner?”

 He laughed and grimaced as it hurt his bruised ribs. “You should definitely have us eat our dinner while it’s hot. A cold bath is probably in order for us both.” He stepped back stealing another kiss before he went to the table and sat back down taking up the glass of wine she had poured him earlier. He watched her as she poured herself a glass of the wine and then served them each a plate of the delicious shepherd’s pie before taking her seat. As they ate she told him all about the adventure of finding him and how helpful the Fitzhews were. He was smiling and chuckling as she related the vivacious kindness of Winnifred Fitzhew. He was staring. He couldn’t help himself as he watched her; completely captivated by her resilience as she smiled and shared her joy with him despite what had to be one of the most stressful days.

She realized he was staring and she grinned and cocked her head at him. “Pray tell? Am I wearing my pie?”

He reached for her hand shaking his head. “No. I just realized how truly happy you make me. Look at me Rose. I am sitting here after being attacked and robbed and I am… I am joyful. And that is the gift of your love. Do you have any idea how extraordinary you are? You take my hand and lead me from all the shadows of uncertainty and fear and have me believing in possibilities I never entertained.”

She felt the heat go to her cheeks as he praised her. And dropped her eyes for a moment before meeting his sapphire gaze still so intent upon her. “Oh Ernest, I have no great plan or courage. I just do  what seems natural to me. But your words remind me. Should we delay our departure? I know not what they stole other than your boots and buttons. If we get more buttons I can mend your vest and coat. I still have most of the pin money you gave me.” “Rose, we are fine. Here.” He took his grooming box and emptied it’s contents on the table, closed it, then pressed on the center of the decorations on either end turned it over and opened it again. A false bottom had been released and 30 gold guineas fell out. He gathered them and put them back in the base replacing the false bottom. Then put everything back in. He stood and walked over to his trunk opened the lid and showed her another secret compartment in the lid lined with more pound coins. He pulled a clean pair of buttery soft doe skin trousers and showed her a purse with more pounds already in the pocket. He took her to the bed and showed her another purse stashed beneath his pillow. “There is a similar compartment in your trunk and grooming box Rose. I also arranged to have money sent here, to Rippon, and to Gretna Green to the inns for Mister Henley. I am sorry I didn’t tell you this before. If I had remained insensible…” He shakes his head. “I was remiss. And I am sorry. Forgive me for the worry I have caused you?”  

“Heavens Ernest! I have never seen such. Did the thieves steal a great deal?” Her eyes were wide at the fortune she now realized they were traveling with.  He shook his head and chuckled. “No. I suspect I got a kick to the ribs and my buttons stolen because I had already paid Mister Grissom and only had a few pounds on my person when they attacked me. I have court shoes and they will do until we are wed or I find another pair of boots to my taste.” He pulled her to him and kissed her. “I need to marry you my darling.” He grinned down at her. “There is nothing amiss with my soldier and I was more than concerned the doctor would note his response to your gentle touch.”  She giggled. “So that is why you would not look at me.”  He nodded and blushed murmuring softly. “I have no defense, no control when it comes to you Rose.”

 Her eyes locked with his again. “Is that not what love is? Is that not proper that we were made by heaven for each other? Does a lock have defense against it’s key? Does a key have purpose without it’s lock? If I did not understand before this evening seeing you in that alley made things very clear to me.”  He kissed her then deeply with all the passion in his heart. “Help me Rose.” He kissed her again. “I need you so desperately.” He took her hand back to the button that rested over the tip of his aching member. Holding his gaze she stroked his cheek with her right hand before using both her hands to start carefully undoing the buttons of his fall.  He gasped and she felt him come free as she undid the buttons at his waist. She saw the passion and vulnerability in his gaze. “I want to see you Ernest. May I look upon you?” She felt him trembling. Heard his breath catch before he closed his eyes and nodded. She stroked his cheek. She wondered if she would ever learn how he had become so insecure about his desirability.

 Tracing her fingers down the line of his body her eyes were following, she stroked the softening scruff along his chiseled jawline, the perfect cords of his throat, feathered over his collarbones and pec’s drawing to the center of his chest dusted with silky soft hair. She saw his small nipples respond to her touch even as she continued down across his taut abdomen and his navel. He was trembling. He was holding his breath. There was a primal response in the very core of her as she beheld him for the first time fully aroused. “You’re so beautiful,” her words caressed him even as the warmth of her fingers stroked him, explored the velvety steel that twitched in her hand the creamy offering at the ruby tip.

 Her name was a plea and a prayer pulled from his heart as she gently traced his sensitive ridge. “Rose… I need.. Please let me see you my darling, please.”

 “Help me Ernest.” She let him go and pulled off the oversized day dress. Turning so he could reach the lacing of her stays. His fingers shook as he struggled to unlace her. Then she was free and letting them fall to the floor. She lifted her chemise over her head and dropped it and stood before him flushed with passion and need rather than any embarrassment. She giggled happily. “Oh we are a pair. Here in our stockings and bruises and want.”

He wrapped his left arm around her and pulled her flush against his bareness kissing her. “You aren’t frightened at all are you?”

She shook her head. “Not of you.” She kissed him. “I am terrified of ever losing you. Of being separated.” She stroked his cheeks looking in his eyes. “Tell me why you want to wait to take me until we are married, Ernest? I know you want me. You know I want you. I do not believe that jumping over a broom, speaking vows over an anvil, or signing a parchment will change what I feel for you or what you feel for me. I felt for the worst moment of my life tonight like I might have lost you. Lost you before we were ever together. Before you ever saw me. Before I ever touched you. I love you Ernest Sinclaire. I always will.”

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

[innerpostmentality]

The Road to Gretna Green Part Three - First night

A Choices AU Desire & Decorum Fan Fic

All rights belong to Pixelberry Studios

This take place immediately after Part 2. Please see my Master list for the link.

 Pairing Ernest Sinclair X (MC) Rose

Rating: Mature 18+       Word Count: 6100 words

Warning: Erotica, Long post, not for work!

Tags: @darley1101 @blackcatkita @hopefulmoonobject @speedyoperarascalparty @hellospunkiebrewster @tornbetween2loves @gardeningourmet    He turned from the window at the knock on the door. His footmen bearing the chests entered and set them both at the foot of the bed. Opening the one he arranged for Rose he pulled a redingote and bonnet out then set about artfully arranging it into a packet he could inconspicuously carry back out to the coach for her to don before he escorted her in.  He dashed down the stairs and knocked on the carriage door before he joined her handing her the packet as he sat across from her.  She had pulled the covers down over the windows and greeted him with a huge smile in the dim light.   “Oh Ernest! You are so thoughtful!” she exclaimed unrolling the coat revealing the bonnet, she  straightened the bonnet a bit before putting it on. He held the redingote for her as she slipped her arms in and then stood as best she could in the coach to arrange it.   “My Darling, the Innkeeper here believes us to be Mister and Mistress Henley. In case there are any inquiries I would like our precise whereabouts to remain as uncertain as possible for the time being. There are too many people in the common room for my taste so we will have our supper in our rooms.”  Rose grinned and offered him her hand. “But of course Mister Henley.”

 He helped her from the coach and led her into the inn. Pausing only to let the innkeeper know that they would be ready for their supper as soon as possible before leading her through the crowded common room and up the stairs to their block of rooms.  He opened the door to his room and paused, looking at Rose for a long moment before he picked her up and carried her through the doorway.

She giggled in his arms and felt her cheeks go hot as he set her down. Impetuously she rose on her tiptoes and pressed her mouth to his in a sweet kiss.

 She had no idea of the fire her kiss kindled in him. “Rose…” He groaned her name pulling her to him returning her kiss, his passion igniting before he could damp it. He was trembling as he stepped back then took her hands placing kisses in both palms, closing his eyes struggling to master himself.

 She stood there flushed with her desire for him and studied him seeing plainly the strain in his face, resolving then and there that she was going to help him. She knew he was stubborn. She also trusted him with her life. Her heart was his already freely given to him alone. What she didn’t know was exactly how to go about seducing him out of his mad idea of waiting until they were wed. She didn’t want him to think her brazen. But her fingers itched to touch him and feel his touch in return. And his presence ignited a hunger in her that had her wanting to leap beyond any boundaries of propriety dictating their separation.  A bit of a plan began to form. She knew their supper was to be delivered soon so she would have a little time to think on this.  His eyes opened at last his pupils blown with his desire as he looked at her flushed face. 

 “Ernest?” She smiled and nuzzled her cheek to the back of his hand. He looked dazed and dropped her hands.  She pulled the tie of her bonnet and removed it then started unbuttoning her redingote as she started slipping out of it she heard his breath catch.

 “I, I have to go see about a coach.” He blurted and dashed out the door. Leaving her more than slightly perplexed.

  Rose hung the redingote on a peg on the wall then turned and inspected the room. It was of fair size though not as large as her bedchamber at Edgewater. There were two doors. One that led to the hallway and a second that connected to another room similarly appointed with a bed, writing desk, and a couple of chairs. There were clean chamber pots in both rooms under the beds. The sheets seemed fresh and the beds well made. The fireplaces in each room were lit but well banked for later in the evening when the room would get chill in the night.

 She looked at the two trunks at the foot of the bed in the first room and opening one found it full of Ernest’s clothes and a box with shaving and grooming provisions. She closed her eyes gently stroking the fine weave of a night shirt for a moment before closing that trunk and moving to the next.

 There she found what she sought. A couple of lovely soft day gowns, a couple of pairs of silk stockings, a couple of chemises, a spencer, and a straw bonnet and shawl. Beneath she found a box with a hand mirror, brush, hair pins, a bit of lemon scented soap, and tooth powder. She pulled the brush out and closed the trunk smiling at how thoughtful her beloved had been for her comfort.

  Before the day light failed entirely she realized she should write her Lady Grandmother so she opened the writing desk and happily found paper and quills. So she set about writing her letter to her grandmother.

Dear Lady Grandmother,   Please forgive the worry I may have caused you. I know that you were looking out for my interest and Edgewater’s. I only regret that I had no chance to tell you that I had already accepted Mister Sinclair’s proposal prior to your arrangement with the Duke. I mean no disrespect and hold you always in the deepest regards I must answer my heart and hold to my promise. I pray for your understanding and forgiveness for any discomfiture I have caused you. With all affection, Your loving granddaughter,

Lady Rose of Edgewater Digging in the desk she found a small wax candle to seal her letter with just as there was a call at the door that their dinner had arrived.

---

  Ernest fled the room. Taking the stairs two at a time as though the hounds were on his heals. It was true he needed to secure a coach for the morrow. But more immediately he had to relieve himself.

  He had never in all his years had his passions so inflamed. He had never had anyone look at him with that focus of passionate desire and pure love that Rose gave him every time their eyes met. He strode through the common room and out the door heading toward the stables but stepped into the darkness between the buildings walking deep into the shadows before leaning against the building. He fumbled with the fastenings on his over tight trousers fingers clumsy with his need to release himself where he was tucked into the waistband. It was the best he could manage to conceal his embarrassing state. Finally he managed to pull his long shirt to free himself. He was holding his shirt clear with one hand while he grasped himself firmly with the other shutting his eyes and thinking of her as he stroked himself. It was quick. So quick and strong as her sincere soft plea, ‘Let me help you..’ rang through his memory. He stood there gasping as he spurted forcefully down the alley. A few moments and he was relieved if far from satisfied. He put himself back in order. He smoothed himself making certain he was in properly tucked in and buttoned then ran his hand through his thick curls shaking his head. For a man of twenty and five and married before, this raging, consuming passion was all new to him.

He headed to the stable to look for Mister Majors and arrange for a coach, team and footman for the early morning. He looked at the stable horses. Introduced himself as Mister Henley to the graying Mister Majors before returning to the inn. He stopped at the bar to ask for them to start setting the bath in his wife’s room and learned that their dinner had been delivered.

Taking a deep breath he checked himself again before knocking gently and entering. His breath caught as she smiled at him from where she sat on the bed brushing out her long auburn curls. A table had been set and candles lit. The room was filled with the mouth-watering scent of the hearty stew served with a bowl of hard biscuits with butter. His stomach rumbled its demand and he blushed at his body’s clamoring. Then he returned her smile and went to pull the chair out for her.  “Ah, my Beauty is everything to your satisfaction?” As she took her seat he leaned over and kissed her neck just below her ear. “Your beauty takes my breath my Darling.” 

  She turned her face to his blushing, as his kiss sent heat to her core. Smiling up at him she noted he seemed more at ease since his return. She reached for his hand and nodded. “Now that you are here I am content.” She kissed his knuckles looking into the deep blue of his eyes a moment before she dropped her gaze and turned to dish bowls of the stew for each of them. He found his seat across from her. She worked to make her tone as casual as possible with her senses rioting from his attention. “I took your advice. I wrote a note to my Lady Grandmother. I think I should like to send it for her to receive the day after the morrow.” She took a biscuit cutting it and spreading butter on it before offering him half.

 Her hair was a shining halo in the candlelight. Her fingers a soft silken touch against his as he took the biscuit from her. He knew that it had been a grueling journey and yet he heard no complaint from her. “Have you looked in yon room?” He asked nodding at the door to the other apartment.  “Oh aye. It was unlocked so I thought it was permitted. It’s a lovely room.” She took a bite of the stew and sighed happily. “The stew is very good. Pork and some rabbit in there with the potatoes and carrots I think.”

 He smiled watching her enjoying the stew and tried some himself. It was a decent stew and quite pleasurable to sit still, sharing this with her. “The stew is quite good. Though it pales in comparison to your company, my dear.”

 She laughed, grinning at him. “Oh la, now I know you tease me. I recall quite well waking disheveled and drooling like a teething infant on your vest this morning. Such excellent company I am.” She lifted a brow and used a napkin to delicately dab her mouth. “Truly Ernest you are very good to me. I know you have taken much thought to my comfort and it is no small thing to me that you should show your regard so.”

There was noise in the other room and her eyes widened as she turned to the door. “There is someone over there!” “Don’t be alarmed, Love. It is a little surprise I’ve arranged.” His cheeks flushed as he contemplated that if she was agreeable this would certainly be a most pleasurable test of his resolve. He dropped his eyes to his stew and took another bite to cover his discomfiture.  She watched his face and saw his blush and her heart swelled with her love for him. “You are the very best of men, Mister Henley. And I am the most fortunate of women to be your wife.”  His eyes flew to hers and he saw such open joy in the green depths he felt she was somehow healing his soul. In that moment he understood the impulse that had him carry her across the threshold. He wasn’t certain exactly when it had happened. Whether it was in the garden when she accepted his proposal, or when she came to him and took his hand last night, or perhaps when she in all her innocence wanted to help his discomfort even flying in the face of all the strictures of the church; whenever it had happened he knew now with his head as well as his heart that she was his true wife. Society’s ceremonies would only put record to that which already was. There would be no more relieving himself in the dark. He was hers even such as he was.   A soft knock on their door interrupted the moment and he rose to answer it. One of the lads from the stables told him that the bath was ready before tugging his forelock and departing. Ernest went to the trunks and pulled the grooming boxes out then turned to her with a grin. “Give me a few moments my Love to be certain your surprise is ready.”

   She smiled and finished her stew. He seemed to be responding well to the subtilty of domestic informality she had decided on for her seduction. The ruse of their disguise as a married couple was perfect for her purpose. She wasn’t sure what happened when he fled the room before supper but there was a marked difference in him when he returned. She knew he was a bit of a perfectionist and obsessive about caring for her. Perhaps he just needed to have everything in order to be able to relax.  He returned then smiling and extending his hand to her gazing in her eyes. Taking his hand she stood and he escorted her into the other room.  Candles were lit around the room and he had stirred the fire and added a bit of wood to chase the evening chill out. There at the foot of the bed was a wooden hip bath lined with linen cloths and filled with warm water a fresh scent of lemon and mint wafted from the water.  She gasped and turned to him tears in her eyes. “This, oh Ernest it’s so beautiful. You are giving heaven to me!” She kissed him and he returned her kiss for a moment before he pulled back and rubbed her upper arms. “Um, Ernest..” she blushed and asked him very softly, “would you help me?”    His heart lifted with her request. He had been trying to find the right words to offer, hoping, and dreading her answer. “Of course, Mistress Henley it would be my pleasure my beautiful wife.”  Her heart turned over and she turned her back to him lifting her hair. He placed a kiss at her exposed nape then undid her buttons on the back of her gown. She turned and bent over facing him so he could pull it over her head. He went to her toiletry box and pulled some hair pins out. She was watching him as he laid her dress carefully on the bed then pulled some hair pins out before turning back to her. She could see the flush of his cheeks and knew the heat was in hers as well. She rolled her hair on top of her head then took the pins from him one by one to secure it. Turning her back to him again her voice was sweet and soft, “Ernest, could you help me with my stays, please?” She felt his fingers trembling as he unlaced her.

He placed another kiss on her neck beneath her ear when he was finished. And breathed into her ear, “You are my heaven, Rose.”

  She turned to face him and reached between her breasts with one hand before pulling her stays away and showing him his watch that he had given her that she had put beneath her breast held in place by her stays. She held it out to him. “Will you hold this for me?”  His eyes locked with hers as he took the watch still warm from the heat of her body and brought her hands to his mouth.  She smiled and then laid her stays on the bed by her dress before unlacing her half boots and sliding off her stockings. She stepped into the tub sighing blissfully. She turned and caught him staring. “Love, could you bring me a fresh chemise?”

He turned and went into the other room. She slipped her soiled chemise over her head and sunk into the warm water. Closing her eyes a moment and letting the warm water soothe and refresh her.  He knocked and called softly to her before coming in the room with a fresh cotton chemise. “Rose? I brought you a bit of soap if you like. There is a sheet for you to dry with. Is there aught else you need?”  She opened her eyes looking over at him standing with his eyes averted. “Only you, Ernest.” She smiled and reached for the soap he was holding. “Thank you, my love. I promise to be fast so you can enjoy this lovely bath if you wish.”  He walked over to the door before he lifted his eyes to hers. “Enjoy your bath Rose. My greatest pleasure is watching you happy.” He went into the other room and finished his stew then moved the small table and dishes out of the room. He closed the door to the hall and locked it before he went down to the common room and procured a bottle of wine and a couple of glasses. When he returned he opened the bottle and poured himself a sip. It was a pleasant summer wine, not too sweet but he could taste notes of apple in it.  He sipped and paced the room his mind calculating the journey ahead. If the weather held and there were no mishaps in four days they would be wed. Then he heard her. She was signing and his heart swelled at the beauty and joy in her voice.

The glossy sparkle on the board,

Thy wine is ruby bright,

The reign of pleasure is restor’d,

Of ease and fond delight.

The day is gone, the night’s our own,

Then let us feast the soul;

If any care or pain remain,

Why drown it in the bowl.

This world they say’s a world of woe,

That I do deny: Can sorrow from the goblet flow?

Or pain from beauty’s eye?

The wise are fools, with all their rules,

When they would joys control:

If life’s a pain, I say again,

Let’s drown it in the bowl.

That time flies fast the poets sing;

Then surly it is wise,

In rosy wine to dip his wings,

And seize him as he flies,

This night is Ours; then strew with flowers

The moments as they roll:

If any pain or care remain,

Why drown it in the bowl.

He wasn’t sure when he went to the door and opened it drawn by her siren’s song. He only knew his life was blessed as he beheld her beauty in the candle light rising from the bath, wrapping the drying sheet around her and picking up the chemise he had brought for her. She turned and saw him watching her. He saw the blush color her throat and cheeks. Her breath caught and her eyes dropped for just a moment before he saw her straighten her back and lift her eyes to him again. Her smile was shy and her voice soft. “It, It’s still warm. If you would like.” She watched him close his eyes and his jaw clenched. He opened his eyes and strode across the room to her sweeping her up in his arms in the drying sheet. She dropped her chemise as he lifted her putting her arm around his neck. He carried her into his room and laid her on his bed and kissed her soundly coaxing her mouth open with his tongue and stroking her tongue with his. A deep, primal groan was drawn from him before he stepped back panting. He went to the other room and returned with her chemise a moment later. He sat on the edge of the bed and put the garment in her hands and held them. His voice deep and hoarse with need. “Sweet innocent, I know you do not understand this.” He shook his head. “I do not, how could you? I have no defense with you Rose. None. I could not bear… could not bear to ever frighten or hurt you. There is a beast in me that would take you. Rages to claim you as mine. Now.” He shook his head and stood going to the desk and getting the wine he poured for her taking it back to her.  “I love you Rose. Never doubt that. I’m going to find that bath now.” He turned and strode back into the other room.  She smacked the bed in frustration, then got up dropping the drying sheet and slipping into the soft cotton chemise. She stared at the door separating them and bit her bottom lip weighing whether she should invade his privacy. There was a war going on in Ernest Sinclaire that she didn’t fully understand. It was clear to her that he was afraid that somehow he would offend her, frighten her, hurt her in some way. And she suspected that it was somehow connected to his experience with his first wife. She sighed resolved that this was not a battle he would face alone. Going over to his chest she opened it looking for a reason to go to him. She found a downy soft cotton sleep shirt it smelled fresh of the forest and limes when she held it to her face and smiled then turned and went to the door. She knocked softly then called his name.  “Oh! A moment.” She heard a splash. “Come.”

 “Be easy Love. I, I thought you might be in need of a fresh shirt.” She opened the door keeping her eyes averted though she saw that he had pulled his drying sheet over the entire bath up to his neck.  “Aye…”he cleared his throat. “I am covered. Though not in proper state.” Rose lifted her eyes to him then and took in fully his state. She could see the wet lumps where his knees were bent and lifted the sheet and the wetness where it clung to his upper chest and he held it to his neck. She gave him a saucy grin. “Mister Henley I do declare you need a bigger tub!” They both laughed then and all trace of embarrassment between them dissolved.  She laid the shirt on the bed and then turned to him. Stepping close, he looked up at her eyes wide as she leaned down and kissed the top of his curly wet hair. “Is there aught else I can get you?”  “Oh, Aye.” He let go of the sheet and reached up tilting his head back and pulling her head down to kiss her lips. He let her go after a moment. “I’m far from done with you Mistress Henley. Though I needs remove myself somehow from this undersized pickling pot least I turn into a prune. A happy, clean, prune, mind you. None the less not a proper state to attend you. Now go. I’ll be but a moment.”  He watched her as she went to the other room. And he couldn’t keep the grin from his face. When the door shut he stood up from the tepid water and stepped out holding the drying sheet around his tall frame and standing before the fire as he dried himself. He donned the shirt she had brought him then folded the drying sheet in half and secured it around his waist not trusting the length of the shirt to be even close to preserving his modesty. He snorted at the thought. If he were a betting man he wouldn’t give a half pence on his little soldier not being at full attention all night. As if taking that bet his cock twitched. Shaking his head he retrieved their clothing taking them and her engagement watch to the other room.  Rose was back in the bed where he had put her, under the covers but sitting up with the covers over her lap holding her wine glass that he noted was half empty. He hung their clothing on the pegs and secured both the doors. He opened the window just a fraction before he went and got his glass of wine and the bottle. She watched him as he came to her and filled her glass then set the bottle down on the small table by the bed next to the watch he had given her. He went around the room putting out the candles. Then over to the fire place and tended it putting the screen in place. And finally he came to the bed and put out the last candle leaving the room in deep shadow. He shifted and she wasn’t sure exactly what he did before he climbed into the bed next to her. His voice came to her in the dark. “Is this well with you, Rose?” She nodded and realized he might not be able to see that and found her voice, “Oh yes Ernest.” His hand found her hair stroking her head gently. Then tracing down her cheek, her neck, her shoulder, her arm, til he found her hand and brought it to his lips kissing it and whispering to her. “You give me such joy Rose. I am yours. Truly as much this night as I will be for the rest of my life. I realized that this evening. And I am afraid. Afraid of disappointing you. Afraid of frightening you.”

“Ernest it’s not possible…” he pressed his finger over her lips. “I love that you think that. I only know what I have known. But you make me believe. So here. You have my heart now take my hand and I will take yours. This night let us explore each other. I will not touch you without your leave. And you may discover any of me that you wish. I only ask that you be honest with me.” “Ernest I want you to touch me, and kiss me. But I don’t want to hurt you. Am I terribly wanton? I want to be a proper wife for you. More than anything. I love you so much Ernest.” She pulled his hand to her mouth kissing it. “I know you want to wait. I just don’t know why. I am already yours you know. I would not have come to you. I would not have said I would marry you if I did not love you.”   His breath caught at her words. “I do not have the experience you may think, Rose. I am not such a creature so subjugate to carnality as many of the men I know. I have not sought out the company of women to ease myself upon. I very much want to touch you, and kiss you, and join with you in every way. And I am wary of the intensity of the desire you awake in me.” He felt the bed shift and realized she was turning to face him. Then she took his hand and laid it between her breasts over her heart where he could feel it pounding in her chest. 

 “Ernest do you know what I have always done when I was afraid?” She took her other hand and reached out to lay her hand on his chest and felt his heart pounding even as hers was.  “What?” was his whispered response.  “I have done what ever it was I was afraid of. It is the only way I know to conquer it. So I played with frogs when one was put in my desk. And I jumped in the creek.. that one may not have been the best idea. It was cold and mother was furious. And I went in the dark corner, and I crawled under my bed to find the monster. I did those things and my fear went away. I want you to trust me now. I want you to show me what you fear most. Put my hand where you are most concerned it will be.”

It took a minute and she could not see his eyes close in the darkness but he took her hand beneath his night shirt and put it on his erection. He felt her soft fingers explore his length traveling so gently over his towering velvety hardness. He gasped as she traced the burgeoning tip smoothing the pearly drop of his passion that had leaked down and around the sensitive ridge. “This is your soldier you told me of?” His voice was a breathy gasp, “Aye” “Are you well Ernest?” Her fingers were like an angel’s kiss so soft yet sending hot, needy fire deep into his body as she drew them down from the most sensitive part at the base of his tip down the long column to his seed sac tight with his need, ever gently holding him, stroking one nut then the other with her thumb. He managed to moan “Aye, Rose.” Her hand went around him though his girth was far too large for her fingers to meet. Her voice was like silk, “Teach me Ernest. Teach me how to pleasure you. How to help you. I still don’t understand what you are afraid of.” He groaned deep and wrapped his hands over hers. His voice was broken with his need. “I am too large, Rose. I will hurt you. I don’t want to hurt you. I can’t abide the thought of you ever being afraid and she felt his shaft pulsing in her hand growing even harder. 

She leaned in and kissed his mouth slowly. “Well, your soldier may be mighty but he is not so large as a baby. So I think we will get on well enough.” She was glad he couldn’t see her blush and she giggled a little. “He seems to like me.” “Help me Ernest. Teach me how to coax him to ease so you are not hurting.”

He was desperately afraid he was going to wake up and his need was upon him so strong he was gasping, “Get a cloth!”

She was very confused, “A cloth?”

“Ach, aye… hurry.”

She let go of him and reached to the floor where she had dropped her drying sheet earlier pulling it up. Even as she felt him struggling pulling down the bed clothes and pulling his shirt away while holding himself hard. “Cover it. I can’t hold..” he gasped as she covered his tip. Then he took her hand and wrapped it around his throbbing shaft pumping it rapidly as he writhed and groaned and a moment later cried out her name, his back arched and she felt the strong pulsing of his member even as the cloth she held to him grew wet with his seed. Finally she felt him relax. His soldier easing. He pulled her against him and kissed her whispering “Thank you, oh my sweet Rose. Thank you. Are you well? You are so brave. I love you.” “Are, are you well Ernest? That seemed so very… intense for you.” Her warm hand was on his taut stomach rubbing gentle circles on it to sooth him.

He smiled in the dark kissing her again. “Yes. I am very well. And it was most intense. Intense as my love for you.” He held her close for a long moment before his voice came to her soft with shyness, “Rose… I have read that it is possible… That is, that women can also have such release. If, if you are willing, I would like to try to share such pleasure with you. Though I would not wish ever to offend you or over tax you with such.”

Rose kissed him deeply sighing in his mouth. “I do not feel over taxed. I am most eager to share everything with you my Love.” “Will you permit me to touch you? I think it must be necessary for this.” His voice was laced with concern.

 She chuckled softly, “Aye my Love I should like for you to touch me very much indeed. Ernest, I am disinclined to be missish with you after taking such liberties with your person.”

 He rolled to his back pulling her on top of him, his hands travelled her back first down over her chemise to her pertly rounded bottom which he squeezed in his large hands while kissing her. “You must tell me what pleases you Sweetheart.”

 “I like your hands on me. They are so warm and strong.” She sighed her pleasure as he lifted her chemise delving under it up her sides and finally running his fingers over her breasts, rolling the pads of his thumbs over her nipples feeling them grow hard even as he was growing firmer again beneath her. She sighed softly, “Ernest will you, will you kiss them?”

He groaned adjusting in the bed and leaning to kiss and tongue one nipple and then the other. His voice was hoarse, “Like so? Or more as a child suckles?”

 She found it hard to choose or find her voice but managed. “Both?. I know not. It is.. I feel it in different places.”

She was making little purring noises and his soldier was swelling again. He adjusted himself. And asked, “Where do you feel it Rose?” Then he sucked strongly on the tip of one breast and she groaned aloud. 

She took his hand and pushed it down between them. “I feel… it in my lady purse. Oh!” She gasped as he stroked between her slick folds with his index finger.

He gasped as she did murmuring, “Rose… may I? I want to show you how we will join when we are wed. Is it too soon?” 

He felt her shake her head. “It cannot be too soon. I want you so much, Ernest. Please.” 

He suckled her other nipple and she moaned and he slipped his finger into her wet tight passage. She cried out and he immediately withdrew his finger. “I’m sorry, Oh Rose.”

“No.. Ernest it was wonderful. Please, please, I need you more. Don’t stop.” She panted and grasped his head pulling him to her breast again.

Taking the hint he laved her breast. And stroked her folds discovering her swollen nub which she moaned softly “oh, yess” as he rubbed her very gently before once again slipping his finger down her slick folds and into her wet tight passage. She moaned and grabbed his hand pressing him into her even more.

She felt tight and still needed more. And she knew his finger was very small compared to his soldier. And then there was beautiful tension building in her unlike anything she had known other than in dreams. She also was very aware of him growing hard beneath her. She wanted, needed him.  “More..  Rub me.. Please Ernest... I need you.” 

 He was afraid he would hurt her but she was mewling, panting, begging him for more. Her passion was a revelation for him. “Rose, I want to try…” He lifted his shirt exposing himself and pulled up her chemise.

She realized what he was doing and pulled her chemise off tossing it aside. Then positioning herself so his hardness was pressed against her most sensitive nub. She moaned her need as she moved against him. “I want you in me Ernest.”

 “Not yet.” He pulled her up higher pressing his swollen tip against her aching nub and reaching around her pressing one and then carefully a second finger into her wet passage. He rocked his hips against her keeping his fingers pressed deep. He tried to keep his focus on her even as his own need was growing more urgent. He knew her passage was stretching his fingers moved smoothly now going even deeper. Then he felt her walls fluttering, tightening and she gasped arching her back crying out his name in her joy. She collapsed against his chest kissing him, whispering how much she loved him.

 He held her bareness tightly to him and there was peace in his heart that he’d never known before.

----------------To be continued----------------- 

[innerpostmentality]

The Road to Gretna Green Part 4 - Grantham

A Choices AU Desire & Decorum inspired Fan Fic

All rights belong to Pixelberry Studios This takes place immediately after part 3. Please see my master list for links.

Pairing: Ernest Sinclaire X Rose (MC)

Rating: M                                   Word count: around 2900

Tags: @darley1101 @hopefulmoonobject @blackcatkita @speedyoperarascalparty @hellospunkiebrewster @tornbetween2loves @gardeningourmet @melodyofgraves

  Rose stirred sleepily gradually becoming aware of her state. A strong, warm arm lay over her and along her arm, his large hand covering her hand. Spooned together her back to his chest lying on her side. His scent from the bath and faint wood smoke surrounding her. It was dark as pitch in the room. The moon had set and the fire had dwindled to ash covered embers. Night’s chill was in the air but cocooned beneath the covers they were embraced in their own warmth. 

  Thoughts drifted through her sleep haze. How strange this journey had been. Was she a complete wanton that she had no distress at all waking unmarried in the embrace of a man? No, her inner voice answered. This was Ernest. This was her husband. Their hearts were bound by higher power than the paperwork of man. Was she still a virgin? She could still feel the ache in her most private parts where his fingers had penetrated her. The memory of the night brought the blush to her cheeks even as she smiled. Ernest certainly did not seem to be offended by her forwardness in the night. 

  He rolled to his back and his fingers brushed along her arm and waist and she realized that she was completely naked. Then she remembered tossing her chemise when they were struggling with their garments in their need. 

  Freed from his embrace she eased out of the bed reaching for the chamber pot to relieve herself while the darkness still provided some privacy. She cleaned herself carefully realizing that she was indeed sore from the night’s activity. Then she was groping around in the dark trying to locate her chemise when she heard him murmur her name. She found both their discarded drying sheets but not her chemise. Ever so carefully she climbed back in the bed feeling about, trying to discern between the bed sheets, Ernest’s night shirt, and possibly her chemise. Then he turned toward her and caught her hand bringing it to his mouth before nuzzling it against his cheek scruffy from his two day beard. He curled around it possessively and sighed, relaxing again in slumber. She thought she had found her garment but most of it was under him so she tried pulling on it with her free hand; but rather than letting go of her hand and rolling over he slid his lower arm under her wrapping around her waist and pulling her body close. He snuggled into her neck at her shoulder. She was loath to disturb him. He seemed so peaceful. And truly the moment was like a dream so she kissed his curls and relaxed into his embrace drifting back to sleep. There was a sharp knock on the door and a calling to wake that roused them.  Ernest was momentarily disoriented by the gordian knot of bed linen, and woman he was entangled with. He had never in his memory slept over the night in a bed with anyone. He realized that some couples certainly did. He thought when he married that he would. None of that had been how he’d imagined. It wasn’t really his intention this night.  He smiled at the thought of the magical past night that had exceeded his best intentions in so many ways and restored his hope.

 She groaned as he shifted extracting himself enough to lean over and place a soft kiss on her forehead.  “Rose, my darling face the window a moment that I might relieve myself. We must pack so our trunks can be taken down and we can break our fast. Grantham is not as far as yesterday’s journey but the condition of the road is less certain. We need to leave as soon as we have the light.”   “Oh Ernest, Please don’t look.” She found her chemise but was somewhat mortified that she had slept without it the whole of the night.  She heard his chuckle. “You test me sorely Rose. Last night I saw you rise as Venus herself from the bath and now you bid me not chance another glance? I am but mortal, my love.”  Her cheeks were red as roses from his flattery and she was glad for the deep darkness of the room. “You, you tease me Ernest! It is too dark to see even if you were looking.”

 His voice was soft. “Tis true. But, I will do as you ask and pray that you will allow me to see your beauty before too long. I love you Rose.”  “And I love you as well Ernest. I just… I do not usually sleep so.” The heat in her cheeks was giving more warmth than the remains of the fire she was certain. She slipped the chemise over her head. Before feeling around on the bed table for a candle.  “Would you believe me if I told you that I had never slept so? Over the whole of the night with another.”

 There was a softness in his voice and she knew instantly that it was true.“I believe you. But I don’t understand. You were married.”

  “Aye. All the paperwork was in order.” He came over to her pulling her into his embrace and a deep kiss. “I was married and knew nothing of love. Nothing.” A shudder ran though him and he kissed her forehead before taking the candle from her.

 “Sweetheart, make haste. I need to get you to Scotland. And to accomplish that we must be away as soon as the light will allow.”    Candles were lit and the next half hour was a frenzy of packing, and dressing. She washed her face. Rubbed her teeth with tooth powder. Brushed her hair and pinned it back. Blushed charmingly as she asked Ernest’s help with her stays and put back on what she thought of now as her traveling gown.

 Ernest found himself distracted frequently from his own morning ritual captured by the vision of her gracefully turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. When she asked his aid so sweetly it was all he could manage to assist her and settle his urges with a gentle kiss at the nape of her neck as she held her hair up. He was mesmerized and his soldier came to full attention as he watched her slide her stockings on slipping her garters up high to hold them before putting on her half boots.

  He frowned as the dawn light began to creep around the window covers. He felt his stubble, torn between his fastidious nature that demanded he shave and his desperate need for haste and more distance between them and London. If they were not already pursued this morning would surely bring it.

 “Mistress Henley could you tolerate me another day with this scruff? I’m loth to take the time to remedy it this morn. The light mocks me.”

 She giggled stepping up to him and stroking his already softening whiskers. “Oh la, Mister Henley perhaps you shall set a new fashion? Soon all the fashionable men will be sporting two day beards!”  He stroked her silky cheek and returned her smile. “Then if I am other wise meeting your standards let us away.” He stood for her to examine him a moment before she nodded.  “You are indeed. I shall have to muss you so that we look a match.” She teased.   He offered her his arm and escorted her downstairs giving instructions for their trunks to be taken to the coach that was awaiting them. He escorted her out and got her settled before going back inside to procure a couple of baskets. One for them inside the coach to break their fast and another for the coachman, postilion, and footmen. He gave instruction that they would break their fast when they changed horses before joining her in the coach. 

  Once the coach was underway Ernest rolled the window covers up so they could enjoy the morning light and the beautiful countryside they were traversing. It hadn’t rained in a few days and the hard road made for good speed but also a bit rougher, dusty, and very loud travel. They were changing teams more frequently than Rose had expected and Ernest explained that he was trying to take advantage whenever fresh teams of horses were available. 

  She couldn’t fathom how much he must be spending for this private journey in such haste but she knew it was more than a small fortune. She noted how Ernest spoke to all of the men serving them even though they were hired; he spoke to each briefly asking after their needs. He spoke to the postilion and the coachman and looked over the team of horses. He spoke to the stablemaster. Only when he was sure everyone was in good order would he signal to send them on their way.

 They arrived at the Angel Inn at Grantham well before dark. It was barely six and Ernest was pleased with their time. They would be posing again as Mister and Mistress Henley. He made the arrangements for their rooms and saw their trunks unloaded. He thanked all of the coach attendants and spoke to Mister Sweet the coachman asking if he would speak with the stablemaster on his behalf regarding their transportation needs for the next day and their journey to Doncaster. Mister Sweet seemed very honored to have such a commission offered to him. 

 At last he came back to her in the coach, smiling he offered her his arm. “My Lady, would you care to enjoy the last of the light with a bit of a stroll to ease ourselves after the journey?  I am glad for the light. Grantham is a market town so we might find some fancies to your liking.”

 She returned his smile and stroked his arm as she took it and allowed him to assist her from the coach. “You are too good to me Mister Henley.” 

  They strolled to the impressive church of St. Wulfram with its towering spire. Along the way they stopped and purchased a basket of cherries from a street vendor and Ernest purchased a beautiful shawl for her when she admired it. She blushed and impulsively rose on her tip toes to kiss his cheek.

 His blue eyes locked with hers and he brought her hand to his lips. “When we come back perhaps we may stay a day or two and visit the library and the market. The church has a chained library so filled with rare volumes it is a sight to behold. And the market is renowned. Even more so since the channel was built to further accommodate trade. It is too late now for it and the risk of being recognized too great to enjoy before our return.”

   He leaned close and whispered, “I can not wait to register and introduce you properly my Love.” 

 Her eyes dropped and her cheeks were rosy his words causing a stirring she now recognized as passion in her. Her voice was very low and she couldn’t meet his eyes for her shyness. “Will, will we have a bath again tonight?”

“Alas, no. The inn has not the staff to provide for it. But we will have buckets of warm water and sponges and cloths to remove the road from ourselves. And I will be happy to rid myself of this wool.” He scratched his scruff.  

  Blushing she murmured softly, “Would it be terribly risqué for me to confess I’ve been looking forward to this evening all day?”

 He pulled back looking at her and lifted a brow. “Mistress Henley I declare you have grown quite forward!”

Her eyes leapt to his and she saw the amusement twinkling there belying his stern tone.

He looked into her green eyes a moment and then winked at her. “Indeed, my Lady I think I must escort you to our rooms and investigate further this new boldness of yours.”   Mister Sweet approached them as they were about to enter the inn tipping his hat to them. “Master Henley I done as you bid. There be a Mister Grissom what has a coach and team o six can take you to Doncaster on the morrow. I can take you to meet em. I looked over it and it’s in good order. I nary met Mister Grissom afore this evenin’ but Mister Hascomb who I’ve met afore on several occasions is who gave me his name to inquire of.”  “Mister Sweet allow me but a moment to settle my lady wife in our room and I will rejoin you. I would be most obliged if you would introduce us. And would also like to inquire if you are available when we return if you would be willing to take us back to London?”

  Mister Sweet’s face lit up with the prospect of future employment and he extended his hand which Ernest shook. 

 “Twould be my pleasure to serve you again Master Henley.”

 Ernest took Rose up to their rooms. Once again he had secured rooms that adjoined with a connecting door. The rooms were smaller but a bit more elegantly appointed with wall paper featuring heather colored Grecian urns in one room and pale yellow rosettes in the other. The chairs had finely made if slightly worn cushions on them. And the windows were larger with actual cloth draperies.

  While Rose removed her bonnet and shawl she saw Earnest checking the windows to be certain they were secured. He checked the beds and chamber pots. Looked in each of their trunks to be certain all was as it should be before he returned to her. He took her hands in his and kissed them.

 “I shan’t be long my Love. I must meet this Mister Grissom if he is to take us tomorrow and make certain the arrangements. I will have them send our supper up.”

  She squeezed his fingers looking in his eyes and smiling. “I shall await your return. And we can have the cherries for our desert!”

  Ernest left and she found her grooming box. She pulled the pins from her hair and started brushing it. After a bit there was a knock and a maid and boy arrived and set a small table with a bottle of wine, a couple of plates and a lovely smelling dish of shepherd’s pie. She thanked them and went back to her grooming. She looked out the window for a bit noting how many streets were lit in the town as the darkness grew. Then lighting candles in the room. And finally becoming alarmed that Ernest had not returned.

 He had given her over a pound in pin money. Insisting that she have some coin of her own to spend as she fancied. As the time lengthened she fingered her reticule wondering if she couldn’t hire someone to go find him. Worrying that she would seem insecure and nagging and offend him. She frowned and paced for a bit longer before her worry for his safety had her pinning her hair back up and putting back on her redingote and going down to the common room in search of the inn keeper. The common room was busy with tradesman taking their dinner and it took a few minutes before she managed to get his attention.

 He nodded politely to her, “Mistress Henley? Is aught I can do for ye?”

 “Good man, I am concerned for my husband. He went to find a Mister Grissom regarding our travel arrangements for the morning a while ago and has not returned. He advised me that he would not be long away and our supper now has grown cold. Could you possibly spare someone to escort me or go to seek for him?”

 He nodded and whistled toward the back of the inn where the kitchen and servants quarters must be and a few minutes later a well formed young man of perhaps thirteen or fourteen came over, nodding to her and blushing slightly as he looked at her.

 “Don’t stare boy. This is Mistress Henley and she requires escort to Grissom’s stables.”

 “Mistress Henley, this is me son, Ned. He’s a good lad and will see ye safe there and back.”

She followed Ned outside and he picked one of the torches out of the sconce at the inn gate to further light their way.

He led her silently through the torch lit streets. The moon would be full but it was still too early for it to be up. As they were passing between two buildings he stopped short. He turned to her and stuttered, “Mmist tress, I ssee ssometthin ddown tthere. Pplease ddon’t sscream Mmam.”

Her heart was in her throat as she looked down the alley and saw the form lying on the ground in the shadows.

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