[M] An Ideal Husband [Roleplaychick x Kiki]

[Kiki]

[Rated M for crude language, possible sexual situations and other adult themes.]

[Notty]

"Well of course I think it's a good idea Mother!" Stephen exclaimed, running a hand through his dark brown hair as he moved towards the window. Stephen Hawthorn was 30 years old, far too old, in his mothers opinion, to be single. "I'm not saying that you aren't able to find a wife yourself, you just....haven't had the best luck." his mother replied sweetly. Letting out a long sigh, Stephen nodded.

Dressed in a khaki suit with a white shirt, dark blue vest and matching tie, he turned to look at his mother. A very attractive young man, Stephen had been raised and attended the best and most exclusive private colleges in the nation. "You know this is for your good. Besides, I know plenty of charming young women." she said as she placed a hand on his cheek. He smiled and placed his hand on top of hers, then turned and kissed her palm. "I know Mother, and I trust your judgment." "And I trust that you will bare me a grandson so that your father and I can rest comfortably knowing the Hawthorn name will continue on." she said with a smile.

"I shall do my best mother." Stephen said with a smile. His mother squealed with delight, "all the better! Now then! There are several balls coming up and I have already come up with a list of eligible young ladies I would like you to dance with!" His mother continued chittering on, happy to have something to occupy her time with.

[Kiki]

Emma was smiling, very thinly, softly. Her hands, gloved, were wrist-deep in fresh soil. She turned the soil, watching her own work intently. This smile, it was reserved for the flowers. Emma sat on her knees, her long gardening dress sprinkled with soil and a makeshift basket for crocus bulbs for the moment. She lined the bulbs up in their little holes she'd dug for herself, and, almost lovingly, she'd pat the soil back over them, smiling gently. "See you next spring," she murmured softly.

Emma turned and stood, clapping her gloved hands together getting the dirt off, before pulling one of them off. Fine manicured nails shone in the light as she used the back of her hand to wipe the small bit of sweat from her delicate brow.

She adjusted her gardening hat, complete with a large bow and flower arrangement, as one of her footmen approached slowly. Jones was balancing a large water jug and a single glass cup on a silver tray. The tray winked in and out of the sunshine as he passed beneath the trees to Emma's small plot of flowers. "Jones! You doll!", Emma called to him. She met him halfway, and immediately took it upon herself to lift the jug, filling the cup with water. She raised the glass and drank demurely before smiling cheekily at her footman, "You always do think of me. Thank you, Jones." She replaced the glass and the footman sank low before stating, "Your parents await you in the drawing room, m'lady."

Emma knew it better than to bad mouth her parents in front of Jones. She sighed and muttered, "Gosh, what do they want now?" Jones's response was a small shrug as he led the way from the gardens, up the path. One of her handmaidens awaited her at the front door, automatically reaching for her hat and gardening apron for washing. Emma smiled gratefully at her, her mind occupied with what her parents could possibly want now.

She crossed the main hall, past the library, and into the drawing room - a plush place, full of fashionable couches, and plush armchairs and intricate glass tables. Her parents sat side by side on the largest couch, leaving her just enough room to argue there was not enough space, as she silently took the armchair nearby. They were looking at her expectantly, and her likewise. Her mother, gratefully, finally broke the silence with a slight cough before stating quietly, "Emma. There is to be a ball held here in two days time. You have known this for over a month. You have not prepared, whatsoever."

Emma wanted to flip the glass table in front of them. This again. By ball, they meant a boring soiree with rich snotty people, and by prepare, they meant, get ready to start looking for a man again! Emma was 22, but by these standards, she was becoming an old maid. Emma had had, in her opinion, zero prospects for marriage. Her parents on the other hand, had scolded her multiple times for chasing away, avoiding and discouraging several would-be suitors. Emma covered her face with her hands as her mother began telling exactly what dress she was to wear and listing off every single possible suitor who would be in attendance.

[Notty]

Stephen grumbled to himself as he slid on his evening jacket. His suit was tailored for him, fitting like a glove. The dark grey of the suit bringing out the flecks of grey blue in his eyes. He moved to the mirror to look at his reflection. His hands buttoned and unbuttoned his jacket, unsure of how it looked best. It doesn't matter. Mother has my wife picked out for me and my first five children named.

"Stephen! The carriage is here!" His mother called out, her voice ringing through the halls of the great estate. He rolled his eyes and ran a hand through his hair, "I'm coming! Don't worry! 5 more minutes won't delay the impending engagement of me to one of your predetermined lovers."

Making his way down the halls, Stephen stepped out into the cool of the night, the horses nickering and pulling at their bits, eager to begin their journey. His mother already comfortably inside and reviewing her list of eligible ladies that would be in attendance that evening. As he stepped into the carriage, his mother turned her attention to him. "Now then, the Monroe sisters. Lovely girls, four of them. Though the eldest is the fairest, you will find the next one to be just as delight and very witty, and the the Camberton girl- oh, she is charming! And then there's...." She continued to chatter the entire way over, Stephen doing his best to drown out her voice with the rhythmic beat of the horse hooves.

[Kiki]

The day of the ball was upon them. Since the early hours that day, the house was abuzz. Butlers, handmaidens, cooks, and interior designers were bustling all over the large estate, ensuring its occupants that tonight's ball would be spectacular, the talk of the town for months. Of course, this made everyone in the estate extremely nervous as well. Emma had been roused extremely early for her handmaiden to meticulously help her bathe, douse her in perfumes, pin her straw blonde hair up in elaborate ways. She kept yawning through the whole process, her bright green eyes nearly closing every time the handmaiden left her alone even for a minute. Then came the elaborate dressing. Tugging, pushing, pulling into a corset and several layers skirts. Emma was sure her ribs were bruised by the end of the torture. She had to admit though, when finally she faced the long mirror, all decked out, save for her long white gloves, she looked pretty good. Her hair was gently pulled back, her eyes taking center stage as the dress her mother had picked out was a deep forest green. She turned this way and that, her handmaiden smiling and standing behind her, "You look lovely, m'lady."

Emma smiled into the mirror, and then turned to smile at the handmaiden, Jessie. Emma always got on better with the service in her house than her family. She surmised that they understood how she must feel, being ordered around all the time. She sympathized. She took and held Jessie's hand, "Thank you, Jessie. You're a gem." She gave a proper lady kiss on Jessie's cheek, and with that, her handmaiden gave a slight curtsy, taking her leave of the lady.

She sighed. Well, she better not doddle, lest her mother start bickering after her. The footmen were waiting by the main door, for the arrival of guests, as Emma made her way carefully down the marble stairs into the great main hall. Her mother stood waiting for her off to the side, her eyes studying her person with a scrutinizing eye. "Very nice," her mother managed once Emma had reached her.

Emma smiled a bit, adjusting one of her long sleeved white gloves. "Well, I should hope so," Emma stated cheekily, "for how long it look." She respectfully kissed her mother on the cheek. "And which gentleman am I to be wooing tonight, mother?" They turned and walked together, Emma's heeled shoes clacking against the hard marble floors as they made their way to the guest drawing room, which was connected to a large room, previously empty. Now, it sparkled with silver trays and bowls, shining cutlery, a long table. To the side, I tastefully sized spot for dancing, should the guests feel the compulsion. Tall vases with cut lilies and orchids stood about the place; the band was still setting up for the arrival. The chandelier shone very bright, Emma felt transfixed by it.

Emma's mother eyed her carefully, sizing her up. "There is a distinguished older gentleman coming tonight. His name is Stephen Hawthorn, and as his mother never ceases to speak, it has been told that he is actively seeking." Emma sighed, rolling her eyes slightly. Looking to her mother, she furrowed her brow. "So it is this gentleman that I am to impress? An older gentleman?" She felt a bit remorseful. Older meant more desperate. Why couldn't she just find someone younger like her sister had? Why did her bloody sister have to bypass her and get married first?

"Yes, and impress him, you shall," her mother stated firmly. Emma hung her head as her mother turned on the spot and walked out of the grand guest hall. Emma pursed her lips. Well, there was naught to do until the guests began to arrive.

[Notty]

"And then there's Miss Doltham! A splendid dancer!" Stephen's mother continued. "Enough, enough Mother!" He called out wearily. "I shall dance with every woman in the county if you would just stop babbling on.." Her cheeks flushed a bit, "well I never! I certainly did not raise my son to speak to me like that! Now I am seeing why you don't have a wife! Well if I ever..." Her voice continued, now in a scolding and condescending tone.

Off one subject and onto another. Will there never be a moments peace? Stephen thought to himself as he ran a hand through his hair. He tried to ingot the sound of his mothers voice, the rattling of the carriage over the bumpy dirt roads helped, but it wasn't until the house was in sight that she ended her rant.

"Ah! There it is! How splendid it looks! I hear that this is to be an unrivaled party! Now, your main concern this evening is Miss Emma, the daughter. She is more than beautiful and at a good, ripe age for marriage." She smiled and folder her hands on her lap. Stephen sighed and rolled his eyes in the darkness, "please do not speak of her as if she were a piece of fruit..."

When the carriage had pulled up in front of the house, a servant came to open the door, and Stephen stepped out. Straightening his jacket before he reached in and took his mothers hand, helping her out of the carriage and into the cool night air. "So beautiful! I cannot imagine what the inside looks like!" She piped up, looking around with awe. Stephen smiled politely and helped her up the stairs into the home, waiting in line with the rest of the guests to greet the hosts.

[Kiki]

Emma was so not cut out to greet guests. What was she supposed to do? Oh hey, I don't know you, I don't care. Welcome to the party where I'm supposed to find a husband., Emma rolled her eyes at the thought. As if her mother knew this and did damage control, she sent Emma off to wait for a bit in her room, allowing more guests to arrive. "That way," her mother eyed her, "when you come in, Jones can announce you. All eyes will be on you."

All eyes. Yeah right. All the men's eyes on me. Emma had clucked her tongue impatiently, gathering up her deep green skirts, hiding just above the main entry way. If she had to wait a bit, she might as well snoop on the guests as they arrived. She had sneakily stolen a glass of champagne off of a silver tray perched near the end of the stairs. She sipped in the semi-darkness, enjoying the cool bubbly sensation in her mouth.

She leaned over the balcony slightly, peered down at the guests, watching the footmen and ladies in waiting taking everyone's coats and bags and whatever else they did not feel like carting around the place. There were couples, of course. Literally tons of men showing up alone. Oh mother, what have you done? She took a heavy sip, attempting to douse her sudden anxiety. And that's when she saw the first funny thing of the night.

At first, she thought it was a gentleman showing up with his wife... but on closer inspection. Oh, Emma couldn't help, the champagne starting to take over her empty stomach, coursing liquor through her system quickly, she snorted into her glass. This guy is with his mother. She watched from the darkness, trying to get a good look, even though she felt fairly amused, smirking the entire time. The mother's mouth never seemed to stop moving. Emma was amused right from the get-go.

[Notty]

Stephen groaned as his mother continued chattering on, will the madness ever stop? he thought to himself as he formally bowed and greeted the hosts, giving some compliment or other about the party and how lovely it was. He already couldn't remember what he had said. "Now then!" his mother said, pulling him aside for a moment, "the girl- the daughter Emma is the one whom you must seek out! I shall keep a wary eye out for her myself, but she is the target for tonight!" Stephen groaned, "Mother! She is not a bird or a deer, and I not a hunter!" She laughed merrily, "pish-posh! That is exactly what you are! Now carry on dear!"

Moving away from his mother, Stephen found a servant and took a glass of champagne, drinking it a little quicker than he probably should, but he needed something to help dull the pounding headache his mothers voice gave him. Settling back against a pillar in the grand hall, he began to glance out over the guests in attendance. He saw several other men that he knew, raising his glass and giving them a smile in acknowledgement of their presence.

It's not as though I am opposed to marriage. On the contrary, I am very for marriage. Its just Mother pushing me into it. I know that I am older, and should have married before now, but I am not just doing it because she has good breeding or comes from a wealthy family. I would like to think I could marry for love.

Stephen sighed and tipped the rest of his champagne into his mouth and swallowed before placing the empty glass on the tray of a passing servant. He smiled a bit and shifted in his jacket. "Never felt comfortable at these events..." he mumbled, only to hear a soft voice interrupt him.

"Never felt comfortable when?" Stephen turned and smiled when he saw his friend Annalee. He smiled and bowed to her, "how lovely you look this evening. And where would be that rogue of a husband?" Annalee's brown eyes searched the room and then she shrugged. "I'm not sure, though I am dying for a dance, would you do me the honor?" Stephen smiled and held out his hand, "it would be my pleasure." and with that, he led her out onto the dance floor.

[Kiki]

Emma's green eyes danced in the semi-darkness. Her eyes had already flitted to the next couple, watching them fork over their coats and other belongings to her servants. "Emma," she heard her mother hiss; Emma jumped a foot in the air. Her mother appeared practically out of nowhere. "Are you already drinking?!" Her mother scolded, grabbing ahold of her elbow. "Come on now! There's enough guests! This is your evening. Do not disappoint me!" And with that, she gave Emma an hard shove towards the stairs.

It's my evening, but I can't disappoint her? Ugh. Emma glared unhappily back at her mother, but as soon as she turned back to the stairs, a beautiful smile had cemented itself onto her face. Please just kill me. Emma took the stairs slowly, smiling at all who looked her way, admiring her dress and her countenance. A butler stepped forward from the bottom of the stairs, holding a tray of more champagne glasses. "Would you like a dr-", he started. Emma deposited her empty glass, quickly grabbing another delicate flute of the bubbly stuff. "Yes," she said to Jones, "And keep it comin'." The only way I will survive these people is with booze.

Her mother again appeared out of nowhere, again at her elbow. "Alright, Emma. You look lovely, darling. Now just be genteel and your wonderful self, and it will all be okay." Emma quirked an eyebrow at her mother. It was... almost encouraging. Almost. Emma took another small sip of champagne as they got closer to the dance hall. Emma's eyes were preoccupied with the beautiful vases filled to the brim with lilies. "Lady Tanya, and presenting, her daughter, Miss Lady Emma!", called the footman behind them both. Her mother was right; all eyes did turn on her. The music had not stopped, but it felt silent. Emma smiled brightly, bowing her head slightly to the closest gentleman. The party quickly resumed, and Emma blew out a small breath.

Emma was not detached from her mother for even a moment before there was already a gentleman asking to dance with her. Emma put up a finger as if to say "one moment", and sucked down the rest of the champagne, plunking the glass down on the nearest table. She tried her best to smile, as the gentleman grabbed her waist and her hand and began carefully spinning her about, as was the dance of the time.

Emma did not feel like making small talk, her eyes peeking around. How am I to find Stephen Hawthorn if I do not even know what he looks like? All mother said was older and handsome. Emma glanced near her and saw a very old gentleman sitting alone. Oh! Certainly not. Emma shook her head, and took her leave of the gentleman. She looked around briefly again. Grabbing another champagne glass, Emma hurried past the tables, and managed to slip out of the ajar side door, escaping onto a small patio. She caught her breath, quelled her nerves, attempting to will herself to go back inside. She sighed instead, taking small sips and stared off into the night.

[Notty]

Stephen had retreated to the outdoor patio, completely missing the grand entrance of Emma. Damn, Mother would kill me if she knew that I had missed it. he thought to himself, but he had more pressing matters on his mind. And that was hiding from Lady Athana and her husband-crazy daughter Susan. Twice before had be been preyed upon by this woman. Never before had be met anyone so desperate to find a husband. More than once he had to pry her hands off him and stop her lips from meeting his. And now she had seen him across the room and was making her way over. The first thing that came to his mind was a speedy retreat.

"Oh! Forgive me!" Stephen said, noting the stranger now sharing the balcony with him. He smiled, the moonlight playing off the young woman's features. He chuckled a little and lifted his glass up as to raise a toast to the young woman. "I see I am not the only one seeking solitude out here." He smiled a little wider and then peeked past the woman into the hall, "or perhaps you are hiding from a young suitor with sweaty hands." He chuckled a bit at his joke, then looked to the young woman.

"Regardless, you are more than welcome to share in my hiding place. Though I fear there is no champagne service out here." he added with a smile, "one of us shall have to venture into the lion's den if we require more to make it through the evening." He ran a hand through his hair and leaned back against the cool stone of the building, staring up at the darkening night sky and the full moon. Letting out a long sigh, he turned to the young woman. "I'm sorry, I should have introduced myself. I am Stephen."

[Kiki]

Emma realized she was not alone. She glanced over at the gentleman who shared the small patio with her. She found herself getting hot behind the ears. Is there a dignified word for hot? Because whatever it was, that's what this guy was. The moonlight had carved out his features from the dark night, his skin illuminated. Emma immediately gulped down some champagne. She heard his name and took another gulp, the glass not moving away from her lips. She should slow down or it would be a rough morning. Her bright green eyes narrowed.

She forced a small smile on. "Well if I am hiding from a suitor with sweaty hands, you must be hiding from..." Emma spotted a crazy-eyed Susan from the other side of the glass panel, watching them warily. Emma chuckled, lifting her glass and her eyebrows towards the girl as if to say, 'I've won'. The girl looked resentfully at Emma and stormed off. Emma chuckled into her glass. "I don't think Lady Susan or her mother will bother you anymore. At least not tonight. She would not mess with the party's lady of honor." She glanced over at him, seeing if he would figure out whom she was. She smiled cheekily, "Best be careful for ones like that, they have claws."

[Notty]

Stephen's eyes immediately widened for a moment, and then he nodded, an amused smile on his face. "It is a pleasure to meet you Lady Emma," he said softly, his eyes moving over her face. He wondered if she knew why he was there this evening, if her mother had made her privy to his mother's plans. He chuckled a little and swallowed some champagne. "I suppose the polite thing would be to now compliment you on your lovely home and exquisite floral arrangements." His lips turned up a little in amusement, "both of which are true statements."

You've done it now you idiot, gone rambling on, trying to be charming, hiding from the one person your mother wants you to find, and here you are, chatting with her as if she's an old friend. Stupid, stupid. Would have been better to stay in and dodge Susan.

"Now, I can't help but wonder, what is the lady of honor doing out here, hiding from her guests?" He smiled a bit, leaning against the wall near her, probably a little too near, but it felt comfortable, almost intimate, and the moonlight played off her delicate features. He couldn't resist. "Am I to assume there is a particular gentleman that you are avoiding?" Stephen let out a soft laugh, "every party has them," then he straightened up and leaned closer to her so he could glance in the window at the party as well. "Whom is it that you are avoiding?"

[Kiki]

Emma tried to hide a smile but the corners of her mouth turned up beside herself. She took a sip of champagne to cover her amusement. He was witty too. She liked that. Did he really just snarkily discuss her house and the plants? She watched him lean into her and did not mind. He would not intimidate her. She also was not about to spew that she did not try very hard to find him amongst the party though she had been ordered to.

She stared straight at him, leaning in a bit as well, smiling cheekily again, putting on overexaggerated airs, "Good of you to come, Mr. Hawthorn." She looked into the glass door to peek inside. "The flowers and the party are indeed grand but have you no compliments about my attractive countenance?" It was a dare but she did not care. If he thought himself truly witty, he would have to impress her. No easy feat in her mind.

She took another slower sip of champagne, not looking at him but instead still into the party, her eyes moving about all the people. "And I can't mention just one gentleman, there are far too many I am purposefully avoiding." She'd leave it at that, moving away from the glass door, looking back out into the night, her back to him.

[Notty]

Stephen laughed softly to himself. She is feisty, I'll give her that. "Is there something that I can say that has not already been said?" His eyes traveled over her face, taking in her features. With her back to him, he ran his hand through his hair, then reached down and gently took her arm, turning her back towards him. Stephen didn't speak for a few moments, but rather held her arm, his hand slowly moving down to take her hand in his.

"You're beautiful," he said softly, sincerely, his eyes smiling with warmth and genuineness. He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it. "I prefer to show a woman her beauty by actions, rather than words." he said softly, "words tire out and lose their meaning. But actions....isn't it said that actions speak louder than words?" Stephen did not let go of her hand right away, rather he let his thumb brush over the top of it before slowly releasing her hand.

He smiled, then leaned his back to the wall, turning his face from her so his profile was illuminated in the darkness. "Though if you wish, I've got poems memorized, sonnets...." he chuckled and brought his glass to his lips, taking a drink. "Not my idea, but, they are there nonetheless. If you are one of those with the belief that poetry is the fruit of love."

[Kiki]

Emma almost felt herself gag just a bit. Was he really trying to woo her this way? It was too much.

She squirmed away a bit, looking at him cautiously. "So I guess the rumors are true of your looking for a wife." She drained the end of the cup. "If you think touching me is appropriate the first time we meet than you may want to go back to etiquette class."

Emma gave him a sideways look as she turned back, "Sorry Stephen, but you're handsome and all and you speak eloquently, but you're going to have to tell your mother that you failed to woo me." And with that she stepped back into the party, away from him.

[Notty]

Stephen's smile faded but did not disappear. "Thank you for explaining yourself so fully." He said quietly, watching as she walked away. He downed the rest of the champagne and ran his hand through his hair.

Idiot. Stupid. I thought things were going well. Then I had to try and be charming. You always mess things up when you try that.

He sighed and glanced back inside. He could see Emma, but now she was the last person he wanted to see. Stepping inside, he kept to the walls, watching the couples as they moved through the roll, keeping an eye out for Susan. He spotted her across the room, catching her eye for a split second before he set his countenance, deciding within himself to look upon her no more. She had made herself more than clear.

[Kiki]

Emma stood clear across the room from Stephen. Through the dancing people, the vases, the tables, she watched him warily. She felt a little embarrassed. Mother would absolutely have her head for this and she had a feeling he would never hear the end of it either. She sighed.

Her mother caught her eye and immediately began gesturing for her to go over to him. She shook her head silently but her mother kept gesturing bigger and wilder. Emma thought people would soon notice; she wanted to hide under the table.

Emma stole a glance back to Stephen. She noted the multitude of girls around him giving him giggly looks and lustful glances. Her brow furrowed. Emma marched across the space between them. Her saw her coming but that did not deter her.

[Notty]

Stephen had seen the looks and motions that Emma's mother was giving her, and couldn't help a soft chuckle. Thank god my mother is nowhere to be found. She would be doing the exact same thing. he thought to himself as he took another champagne. Almost instantly the girls had swarmed around him, fanning themselves and winking and giggling. Lord, the giggling. If there was one thing that Stephen hated, it was giggling.

From the corner of his eye he could see Emma approaching him, but he made no movement to show that he was going to turn his attentions towards her. If she wanted to speak with him, she would have to initiate, not him. He smiled politely at the young woman- he couldn't even remember her name now- that had just been introduced to him by her parents. "Yes, yes, lovely to meet you." he said softly, bowing to the young woman. Her cheeks flushed as she smiled, turning with her parents and walking away.

He supposed that he should be used to it. He was thirty, and the heir to the Hawthorn fortune. A fine prize for any young woman. But he hated that being what was foremost in their minds. He wanted to marry for love, the money was just a perk, right? Tipping his glass back, Stephen took another drink of his champagne as the lovely figure of Emma drew closer to him.

[Kiki]

Emma saw the girls swarming. She pushed her way past. It was her party, and she was going to do as she wanted. She watched as he blatantly ignored her and was paying attention to girls that he probably did not even care for. Emma marched up like she had a mission. Of course, there were eyes on her, but she did not care. Now, under the chandelier's gleaming light, she got a good look at Stephen. He didn't look old at all. In fact, he looked really handsome, Emma admitted. She watched his dark eyes, looking pretty much everywhere except her direction. She managed a smile as she stopped in front of him. "Stephen."

She reached forward and daintily took the champagne glass from his hand, taking a sip from it before plunking it on the table beside them. Her smile grew sly as she leaned forward, knowing full-well that her mother and many guests were looking onward, easing herself into his arms. "Oooh, scandelous," she whispered close to his ear, before giving him a peck on the cheek. Emma then stood away, a hand to her mouth, as if slightly shocked. "Oh, you'd like to dance with me? Well of course I'd love to."

And with that she grabbed the hand that she stole the champagne flute out from, pulling him off to the dance floor. Without much hesitation, she scooped up his hand in hers, the other curling around his neck. She did not force his other hand to her waist, but instead, she pulled herself into him, turning on the spot.

She chuckled lightly into his neck, "Everyone is watching us." She managed a smile up at him. "Are you cross with me? I was only playing hard to get. I don't like things chosen for me, and my mother put me up to talk to you tonight. She is interested in your money. I don't have much interest. But, I have to admit, just this once, she might have chosen well... as far as looks go," Emma quirked an eyebrow slightly, "Other than your looks and your name however, I know little else." She let her hand dangle behind him, the space between them small. "I apologize for being rude before. Did you only talk to me because your mom put you up to it?"

[Notty]

Stephen raised an eyebrow when she took the champagne glass from him and then curled against his body. He couldn't help the corners of his lips turning up a bit when she kissed his cheek and whispered into his ear. Before he could even manage an answer, she was pulling him across the room and onto the dance floor. He could hear the whispers, knowing that many knew of their parent's talk of them being together. It seemed as though the room went silent for a bit as Emma pulled herself against him, the lack of space between the two was scandalous.

Unable to resist the chance to scandalize the group further, Stephen decided to go along with Miss Emma's little charade. His hand grasped hers, the other snaking its way to her side, gently holding her against him. His eyes focused on her alone, a slight smile playing on his lips. "Cross with you?" he said softly, "my dear, two can play hard to get." he answered, the smile growing a bit more. "I saw you watching me."

Stephen's eyes scanned Emma's face for a moment, as if formulating his next answer. "My mother greatly desires that we get to know one another," he said, gently spinning her before pulling her in close again. "But on the patio, I honestly did not know who you were. My words there were genuine." His hand gently moved from her side to the small of her back, causing a soft gasp to come from some of the older ladies in the crowd. "And are you only talking to me because your mother put you up to it? Because believe me dear Emma....two can play the game of shocking the crowd." And before another word could be spoken, Stephen lifted his hand to the back of Emma's neck and leaned down and kissed her gently.

[Kiki]

Emma could do little more than to laugh gleefully into the kiss. Oh, he is good at this game. The crowd was absolutely going berserk, though, it being proper England, that registered to be little more than a buzzing amongst the guests. Stephen's lips were soft and his hands gentle, it was almost instinctual that her mouth moved against his before carefully pulling away. Her mother's jaw must be somewhere on the floor. Emma's green eyes were doe-like as she stared at him, sheepishly. She whispered, "Well now you've gone and done it. All of England shall hear of this."

She released her arm from his neck, pulling away slightly. Emma offered her other hand to be kissed, bowing her head whilst bobbing a perfect curtsy. In a more natural tone, as if nothing had happened at all, "Thank you for the dance, Sir Hawthorn. It was a pleasure." Her eyes gleamed wickedly. As soon as she received her kissed hand back, Emma brushed close, whispering again, "Call on me for tea in two days time. If my mother has not banned me from seeing you, that is." Her fingers brushed against his and she passed him completely as Emma's livid mother intercepted her, sweeping Emma clear out of the ballroom.

[Notty]

Stephen smiled widely, "I know that dear Emma." He took her hand and kissed it, giving her a polite bow. As she pulled close to whisper to him, he caught her lips once more before she pulled away. "I look forward to it." He watched as she swept off the dance floor, and then was caught by her mother. Lord I hope mine doesn't find me, she'd be dancing a jig in celebration.

As he made his way off the dance floor, several of the ladies that had been preening and flirting around him earlier were wearing scowls, their eyebrows drawn together and an altogether unpleasant look about their face. Stephen couldn't help the small smile that worked at the corner of his lips. He knew that they had scandalized the entire congregation, and most likely it would be the talk of the town for some time.

Taking a glass of champagne from a nearby servant, Stephen pushed through the crowds, women and girls whispering, men chuckling and raising their glasses to him as he passed. "He did what?!" he heard his mother's voice from somewhere in the crowd, and he darted down a darker hallway, desperate for some peace and quiet.

[Kiki]

Was it the excessive champagne consumption or that last kiss that made Emma woozy? Emma could not bite back the grin she held so proudly, ducking glances from the other guests, feeling Stephen's eyes on her retreating back.

As soon as they were out of the bathroom, Emma's mother cornered her. "How could you? How could you be so reckless? Should there be any other men who may have wanted to court you they shall not now!" Emma's mother pulled her by her elbow harshly a few more steps away from the entrance of the ballroom.

"I did what you asked of me," Emma hissed back. "He kissed me. I must be quite a catch. Isn't this what you wanted?" Emma huffed and brushed past her mother, out the hallway, heading up back towards the second floor, to the bedrooms. Emma felt conflicted as she made her way out of everyone's sight. Perhaps Stephen was just using her as a pawn? She did behave rudely; she saw reason to him possibly wanting to tarnish her reputation. This did in fact dirty up her chances of finding another suitor, should there be one. Should there be one, Emma repeated.

She idly wondered how Stephen would hold up in the backlash as she gathered up her skirts, ascending to the higher floors. I shall have to wait to see if he calls on me for tea.

[Notty]

After a few good slaps from young ladies who had thought that they had caught Stephen's eye, and another glass of champagne, his mother found his hiding spot. "Stephen! Stephen what were you thinking!?" she called out, her voice echoing down the hallway and up through the rest of the house. He sighed and ran his hand through his hair, leaning back on the wall. "Kissing a woman you aren't married to, not even engaged!" She scoffed and smoothed her skirts, "I doubt that you had even been properly introduced!" She feigned a faint, leaning against the wall. "You have scandalized the entire congregation!"

Stephen's eyes moved over his mother's face, then he leaned his head back and laughed heartily. She was obviously not as amused as he, and kept her hands on her hips, her cheeks colored deeply in anger. "This isn't funny!" she cried out breathlessly. Stephen shook his head, still laughing. "Oh yes it is Mother, isn't this exactly what you wished for? A romantic evening, dancing, maybe ending it with a kiss?" He coughed a bit, trying to regain his composure. "And if I know her mother, I believe Emma was forced to have those expectations as well. Did we not deliver?" Stephen said with a grin.

"Yes, but.....ugh!!" His mother sighed and fanned herself with a dainty lace handkerchief. "You have done it in the most scandalizing way possible! Could you not have danced together as a normal couple?! That was so intimate...and then....then you kissed her!" Stephen nodded, smiling a bit as he took another drink of champagne. "Mother, you need to be careful what you wish for." he said softly, before turning and heading back out towards the party, leaving his mother as ruffled as a wet hen.

[Kiki]

Emma was wrist deep in soil two days later when the rose showed up. Emma clapped the stray dirt off of her knees and gloved hands, then adjusting her hat as Jones made his way gingerly towards her, his usual silver serving tray having nothing on it, save for a long-stemmed lavender rose. Emma nearly gasped as she saw the peculiar color of the rose. Standing up in her garden to get a better look, she touched the velvety petals of the rose. She realized she was smiling. Emma picked the rose up from the tray quickly before Jones could dare say a word of her reaction, and turned away. It was a beautiful flower. More wonderful than anything she'd grown in her own garden.

Emma turned to peer at her house, Jones had left her moments ago. All hell had broken loose since her soiree. She had not been sure Stephen would actually call upon her at all. She did not receive any calling cards from him and there had been no communication. She idly wondered if her mother was somehow withholding letters from her. Still... Emma looked down at the rose, rolling it between her fingers. Who else would have sent such a flower anyway?

[Notty]

"I hope I didn't come at a bad time," Stephen's voice broke through Emma's solitude. "I was told that I would find you here..." His eyes moved over her face, smiling slightly when he saw the color to her cheeks and the inexplicable smile on her face. He bowed and then let his eyes meet Emma's. "I do hope that your offer for tea still stands, otherwise this may be very awkward." He glanced around the garden, noting her work. "I can't say I'm much use in a garden, but I could stand by and make remarks about the weather..."

He reached up and ran his hand through his hair, a nervous habit he had never been able to get rid of, much to the chagrin of his mother. He motioned to her hand with his hat, "that's an exquisite bloom there," he said, stepping a little closer to Emma. "I trust you know the language of flowers, certainly a learned woman such as yourself does." His eyes moved over her face, a playful smile on his lips. "But whom would send such a gift?"

[Kiki]

Stephen's voice startled her. Emma put a hand to her chest in surprise, facing him, her eyes wide. Almost forgetting her courtesies, she bobbed a quick curtsy, realizing she was in her drab gardening outfit. She managed to speak, clearing her throat, "It does still stand, of course. I apologize for not being better prepared."

She gestured towards the house, rose still in hand. Emma walked slowly beside him leisurely, not meeting his eyes yet. Her eyes were on the rose, but she dropped her hand casually, a small smile gracing her lips as she stared ahead towards the house, trying not to feel self conscious in her gardening attire; it was hardly the outfit she had imagined she'd be wearing when he called upon her. "I do much gardening, Sir Hawthorn. It is a past time of mine, as it gets me out of the house, and away from my mother. There is something soothing in watching flowers grow."

Emma glanced at the rose in her fingers, posed between them. "I understand that a rose is a rose, but its color signifies different meanings and emotions. Or so they say." Emma twirled it again, feeling the slight bite of a thorn, but not minding it. "As to who sent it, I can hardly guess whom." A smirk crossed her mouth as they neared the house, but still not quite there. She had still not met his eyes entirely.

[Notty]

Stephen smiled as they walked, his eyes transfixed on Emma. To be honest, he had hardly noticed that she wasn't properly dressed to entertain guests. Her cheeks had a flush, and her eyes a sparkle that even the finest of gowns couldn't have brought out. He held his hat in his hands in front of him, his thumb stroking the rim as they walked. As they neared the house, Stephen took a few more steps to be in front of her, moving so that he was blocking the door into the house.

"Before we go in," he said, his eyes moving over her face. "I uhm, I trust that our actions the other night did not prove to be too harshly judged, on your part that is." He smiled a bit and then chuckled, as if remembering something that had happened in the past. "I got quite an earful from my mother that evening, still am." He pretended to lean his ear towards the direction of the Hawthorn Estate, "yes, I think she is still going on about it." He smiled, "I am sorry if you got in trouble on my part."

Opening the door, he let her in first, stepping in behind her. "Well then, if its all the same, I'll just sit and wait for you." he said with a smile, "I am a patient man, I don't mind." He let Emma lead him into the drawing room, glancing around the room with a smile before turning back to Emma. "I do believe Miss Emma," he said softly, stepping a little closer and reaching forward, taking her hand with the rose in it in his, "that the lavender rose means 'love at first sight', though I could be mistaken." Gently releasing her hand and letting his thumb brush over the petals, he lowered his voice, "who indeed could have sent this?"

[Kiki]

Emma had little choice but to look at Stephen as he crossed in front of her. She smiled beside herself, "'Trouble' is a pecular word to use based on the soiree's events. I have not had another gentleman call on me since. I suppose I should feel relieved, but my mother worries I shall never get another suitor ever again." It was a fact and only a minor worry in her mind. It was more her mother than anyone else who was concerned.

"I have heard that you disappointed a good deal of fine, marriageable women that night, Sir Hawthorn," Emma's bright green eyes shone brightly in the afternoon sun. She reached up and removed her gardening hat, releasing her piled up straw blonde hair as they moved inside, discarding the hat on a table they passed. She followed Stephen into the drawing room.

Emma wordlessly pulled on a velvet cord in the drawing room, calling for tea. It was then that Stephen held his hand in hers, a blush creeping up her neck. "Who indeed?", she echoed softly. She smiled fondly at the rose, "There were many man I had not met nor seen before that night. Which would be so bold as to send me a token of their affections?"

[Notty]

Stephen smiled and nodded, "I wish that the woman had been so kind as to send me a rose," he chuckled, "I got several good slaps." His eyes flicked up to hers, catching her green eyes. "I would have much rather a rose." Stepping back slightly, Stephen smiled and nodded to her, "I shall not keep you any longer if you wish to change," he said politely, turning towards the window and glancing out over the estate.

Bold, hmm? Is that what she is calling it? Well I guess bold is better than undesirable. Stephen thought to himself, a small, amused smile playing on his lips as he stared out the window. He could hear a servant enter the room, setting tea out for the couple. Turning slightly, he nodded and offered the servant a smile, silently thanking them for their services.

Worry not my dear Emma, there are plenty more where the rose came from. And if I am so bold as to think so, you will be receiving them much more frequently in the future.

[Kiki]

Emma quickly slipped out of the drawing room, as the servant entered with the tea. Emma bolted up the stairs, stripping herself of the dirty apron as she drew close to her bedroom. Emma threw the soiled apron on the bed, closing her bedroom door with her foot. Emma rummaged through her closet for a dress that she could get on without the assistance of a handmaiden - a deep royal blue flowy dress that stopped around her knees, beading around her slender shoulders. She yanked on black tights and pulled her heeled boots faster than she ever had in her entire life. She glanced at her profile in the mirror - her hair was a bit messy, but it would have to do. Emma realized her heart was racing, her adrenaline pumping. She actually cared what she looked like for him.

Emma smirked to the thought, rushing back out of her room and down the stairs, careful to pick up the dress. She slowed herself to a subtle walk as she reached the drawing room door. She slipped back through the small space of the door, noting that Stephen was still peering out of the window; the servant had left. She cleared her throat daintily, "Tea time?"

She smiled at him, carefully making way over to the large plush couch to the side of the room. She moved over to the far side, giving him space to sit next to her if he wished. She said nothing now, passing him a tulip-shaped delicate teacup with a saucer. She poured his tea first, as was proper, then herself. She set the large floral teapot back upon the silver tray it came upon. She glanced over at him. "Do you take it with sugar?" She suddenly was distracted by the look he was giving her. His dark eyes were soft, and her eyes moved down to stare at his lips briefly. She looked away, scooping sugar out of the small bowl with a silver spoon, adding it to her cup, now a twinge of a blush on her cheeks.

[Notty]

Stephen turned and smiled when he saw Emma. "You look beautiful," he said softly as he sat down beside her. Taking the cup from her, he watched intently as she served him tea, nodding a bit. "Just one sugar please," he said, a slight smile playing on the corners of his lips. It amused him to see the blush on her cheeks, and he had a feeling that he was the reason for it.

"I take it your mother hasn't completely forbidden you from seeing me," he took a sip of tea and smiled, "I wasn't run off your property like a feral dog." He shifted a bit on the couch, leaning back and getting comfortable. He was a bit intrigued as to why she had invited him for tea. It seemed at the party that she was simply playing him, but could it be more? He wasn't quite sure, but he was determined to get to the bottom of it. With as much blushing as possible.

"Why exactly did you invite me to tea, dear Emma?" He said softly, his fingertips tracing the rim of the cup, his blue-green eyes scanning her face, warmth and amusement behind them. "Are we to continue our charade of scandalizing all we come into contact? Or do you really desire to get to know me?"

[Kiki]

Emma picked up her teacup, sipping at it before replacing it back on the saucer with a soft glass noise. She coughed, trying to let her blush fade. She managed to smile, leaning back as well, turning her body towards him. Her bright green eyes finally met his. "No, you haven't been run off... yet. Mother is not pleased with you. She is actually out on a picnic with my younger sister and her... husband," the last word choked out like she'd tasted something funny. "But I'm sure if she knew you were calling upon me, she would have the last word of it. She did not appreciate our performance."

She studied him slightly, sizing him up, before she said, "I suppose I have to answer your question with a question: Are we continuing a charade, or do you desire to get to know me? And...", the blush came back, but she was determined to keep her eye contact, "did you send me the rose?"

[Notty]

Stephen smiled, happy to see her turn towards him. He chuckled, "ah, so this is a secret meeting." He shook his head as he took another drink of tea, then set the cup and saucer down on the side table. "It would be scandalous for a young man to visit a young woman, especially unchaparoned and at home alone." He smiled and crossed his legs as she spoke, enjoying the blush that colored her cheeks.

"My mother desires that I get to know you for one reason and one alone, but...." His eyes scanned her face as he reached down and brushed her fingers with his. "But I do want to get to know you. Before I even knew your title, I wanted to get to know you." He smiled a little more, "the girl on the patio was charming, witty and beautiful. I desire very much to get to know you more." Pursing his lips with a smile, Stephen spoke softly. "Did I send the rose?" He repeated her question, "do you want it to be from me?"

[Kiki]

"As if there is not enough scandal between us anyway," Emma mused, moving in a bit closer, conspiratorially. Her tea was long since forgotten about, looking towards him. She felt his fingers brush her own, she turned her hand palm up without looking at it, offering her hand to him. Sounds like that's what his mother wants me to do too, she thought dryly.

She could not help but feel flattered at his compliments. She managed to smile cheekily despite her present blushing, "You speak as though I am the only marriageable one in the room. What about you?" Her eyes searched his face, a warm feeling starting to blossom in her chest. She was bold enough to run her fingers across his knuckles. "Stephen, I've never been too much interested in getting married. It makes a lady's life so dull. Why is that to be the only thing attainable?" Her fingers now stroked his wrist, moving up his arm, slowly, carefully. Her eyes did not break from him. "But when I had run into you on the patio, nervously running away from your would-be suitors, I found you... attractive. Cheeky. Smart." She moved a little closer to him, "I want to know that person. Not the rich bachelor Sir Hawthorn. I want to know you."

She removed her fingers from him, now clutching her hands in her lap. "And the rose does not have to be from you. But if you are interested in me, one would think that you'd like to know where such a flower came from, especially given its color and thus, its meaning," she smiled teasingly.

There was a moment's pause. Her eyes flicked back up at his, looking mildly vulnerable. "You know... I will fight you every step of the way. I've... never been interested enough to court anyone."

[Notty]

Now it was Stephen's turn to blush. He held her hand for a moment, but before long her fingers were moving over his hand, then wrist, and then up his arm. His eyes glanced down as she retracted her hand, a bit disappointed in their absence. He was surprised that she was being so open. Perhaps they could be more than a scandalizing couple that gave old women something to gossip about.

"You say it makes life dull..." He began, "but I see it as the chance to do something extraordinary." He smiled a bit, his eyes moving over the softly sun-freckled face before him. "I have always wanted to travel with my wife. Egypt, the Orient. There is so much of the world to see. I just did not want to see it alone." He smiled and shrugged a bit, "that is my idea of marriage. You can let it be boring and stay home, have a family and all that is proper, or you can have an adventure with someone you care about."

"I wouldn't want it any other way." He said with a smile. Boldly, he lifted his hand and cupped her cheek, brushing his thumb over her cheekbone, "you are a fiesty, fiery woman, I would feel as though I was extinguishing that flame if you simply gave in to everything I said." Giving her a warm smile, Stephen nodded. "Yes, the rose is from me."

[Kiki]

Emma's eyes brightened as she listened to him. "I should think adventure is the last thing my mother wants for me. Does your mother know that your goal is to travel once you are married? I am supposing she just wants to make sure there is someone to carry your last name around." She paused, thinking. "I should think that your version of marriage sounds much more fun. Exciting, even." Her eyes flickered, dulling. "I just do not know if we are proper for each other."

If they weren't, then why did his hands feel so good? Emma leaned a little bit into his hand, some of her straw blonde hair falling over her shoulder. It was good to hear that he would not try to change her. Reassuring.

But, oh, she was acting like it was a done deal! She pulled herself away from his hand, already fighting it. Her eyes still dull. "If you sent me such a flower, then that would mean...", Emma just let it hang between them. Something unspoken. Something she'd never uttered in whole life. It was daunting to her, and she did not believe for a second that he actually felt such things about her.

[Notty]

Stephen's brow furrowed, seeing the light in her eyes dim. "Have I said something to offend you? Because the very thing I fear most, I just watched happen." He frowned for a moment and then spoke again. "She does know I have always wanted to travel, but as far as that is concerned, it is my business. And my wife's if I have one. My mother needn't not worry about that."

He could feel the tension in the air. It had set in quickly, drowning out the light of a beautiful day. Stephen shifted uncomfortably in the couch, trying to decide how to put his words. "To be honest Emma, the woman I met on the patio- had I thought she would have agreed, I would have married there on the spot." He smiled a bit, "that kind of woman I know could keep me in my place, and stay 2 steps ahead of me." Stephen ran a hand through his hair, and smiled weakly, standing up from the couch.

"Just...don't settle Emma. Don't settle for a man that will keep you caged up like a bird." His eyes moved over her face, unsure if he should leave or not. "You deserve to be free."

[Kiki]

"No!" Emma said a bit too loudly. She stood up quickly as well, to see him, biting her lip. Lowering her voice, "No, you did not offend me. I just -", she paused. She managed a small smile, her eyes almost level to his. "All I've known are gentlemen who'd like to trap me. I have had little choice in my suitors. My mother thought I should try for you, but it would be pure luck if you took to me."

She eased past him, over to the window, looking out, waiting for him to join her. She looked out at the lawns, the gardens, the estate. "None of this is mine, you see." She turned slightly towards him, the sunlight catching her hair, turning it gold. "I cannot give you lands, I am not an heir. I cannot give you a title, I am just a Lady. I cannot give you much, as my sister, my younger sister, managed to marry before I." She gave him a wary look. Had he known about that?

She continued, carefully. "My father is away in the States at the moment. He is the one who has spoken highly of your family, and not just the bit about your money. My mother, well." She smiled again, "She was actually right about the handsome part. I am pleasantly surprised." She put out her hand, outstretched, towards him. "I don't want to be settle either. I refuse to, and have refused to... up to this point."

[Notty]

Stephen smiled a bit and moved through the room, joining Emma next to the window. He looked with her over the grand estate, then turned his attentions somewhere more pleasant. Her face. Her hair. He smiled in spite of himself when she turned to him. "I was aware of your sister's marriage," he said softly, turning his hat over and over in his hands as he spoke, his gaze catching Emma's every now and then. Is she worried that I will not want her because she has no money or dowry? Or what little is left is embarrassingly small? I care not for those things.

Taking her hand, Stephen raised it to his lips and kissed it, then let his thumb brush over the top, refusing to let go. "I have no desire to ensnare you Emma. Were you to agree to court me, and even in the future marry me, trapping you would be the last thing I would want." He smiled a bit and set his hat down on the nearby table, taking both of her hands in his.

"Your dowry, however big or small matters not to me." He smiled a bit, "I'm sure your mother has made you aware of my financial status, though I hope that is not the only reason for your interest. I desire the woman on the patio," he said softly, his voice nearly a whisper. Letting go of one of her hands, he reached up and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "One word will silence me on this subject forever Emma, but one will also allow me to hope, as I've never hoped before." Stephen smiled gently and let his fingers brush over her cheek before dropping back to her hands. "The choice is yours."

[Kiki]

Emma watched as he kissed her hand doe-like. She was beginning to be a bit mystified by his genteel character. She liked it. He did not grab at her like the others had. He did not force himself on her. A semi-permanent smile was finding her face, she hadn't stopped smiling for a while. Her tea long since cold and forgotten on the table, she stared at him in the golden light, admiring his dark hair and eyes.

"If I had interest in money, I would have been married a while ago," Emma stated matter-of-factly. It was true, and not meant to be offensive. There had been many attempts of courting, all of which she rudely had dismissed. She flushed when he tucked her hair behind her ear and his hand brushing her cheek, turning her face closer to his hand, her green eyes peering at him, softly.

"If you want one word, then my word is yes." She nudged him playfully, gently, easing a bit closer to him, both of her hands in his. "Get on with the courting," she laughed, finally. Her smile widened, "Are there rules to this courting? Or," she leaned a little bit closer, "can I kiss you now?"

[Notty]

Stephen smiled as she moved closer, her answer cementing a permanent smile on his face. "My dear Emma, you may kiss me as often as you wish." He placed a hand on her cheek, letting his thumb brush over her cheek before leaning in ad kissing her gently. God, those lips. he thought to himself as his pressed against hers, deepening the kiss a bit before he pulled back.

"I will willingly let you kiss me as much as you like." He said again, his voice soft as he remained close to her. His hand on her cheek tucked some hair behind her ear again, then traced down her neck. "You're beautiful," he murmured softly, placing both of his hands on her sides and looking at her. "And I'm happy to call you mine."

[Kiki]

Emma enjoyed the feel of his mouth on hers. She did not move much, just savored the feel of his lips. Emma hadn't much experience kissing anyone. She liked this. She looked up at him shyly, through her eyelashes. "I'll make sure to kiss you a lot then."

She felt his hands somewhere near her lips, she curled her head, laying it against his chest, hugging him slightly. "You're handsome." Then the resistence bubbled up to the surface through the warmth coursing through her. "Though, I am not yours. I'm not anybody's, in fact." Her brows were slightly furrowed as she pulled away slightly, looking up again at him. "Are you going to run home and tell your mother?"

[Notty]

Stephen smiled weakly, shaking his head. "No,I am not. And I don't mean that you belong to me, I never want to own a person." his eyes moved over her face and he reached to take her hands again. "I meant mine in the sense that I hope you won't be entertaining any other young men." He smiled a bit and placed a finger under her chin, tipping her face up towards his. "I will not be entertaining any other ladies." He gently brushed his thumb over her chin affectionately, "I meant mine in that sense."

He could tell it would be difficult with Emma, that she would push and pull against him every step of the way. But he also knew that it could be wonderful, and it could be something that grew into much more than an attraction and inkling. Stephen smiled and gently put his arms around her, bringing her into his chest and holding her there a moment. "Emma, I want you to tell me how you want this to go. However fast or slow, however public or private, I leave to your discretion. I don't want you to feel smothered or trapped."

[Kiki]

"What if she asks you to entertain other ladies?" Emma murmured up to him. "What if I am asked to entertain other men?" She sighed slightly, her eyes closing, resting her nose against his. She could feel her heart beating against her chest. She could feel his breathing, slow and steady How is he so calm?, she wondered.

"I don't know how I want it to go," she found herself muttering. "I just want to feel... cared for." The last bit was barely a whisper. Some kind of vulnerability was opening up, her resistance fighting hard. She brushed her nose against his, almost affectionately, her hands not leaving his. "I don't really know what I am doing. I'm not good at this. What do you want of me?" Her eyes finally opened again, her eyelashes fluttered against his cheek as she did so.

[Notty]

Stephen smiled, gently nudging her nose with his, his voice a whisper. "Then let me care for you Emma," he breathed, one hand moving up and to the side of her neck, cradling it gently as his eyes searched hers. He pressed his lips to hers again, finding refuge in her kiss. To be honest, he had never been this close to a woman. Well... that wasn't entirely true. There had been several times when desperate ladies had forced themselves into the intimate closeness that Stephen now stood in with Emma. But he had never kissed them, nor had he wanted to. He pulled back slowly and pressed a kiss to her cheek.

"What do I want from you?" he said softly, his eyes remaining focused on hers. I could get lost in those. "I want to be cared for- me, not my money." His thumbs brushed over the top of her hands as he held them, but he never took his focus off her. "I want someone to make my house feel like a home, someone I want to come home to." he chuckled a little, "certainly you know the feeling." He brought both of her hands to his lips and kissed them each in turn. "I want someone to question me, to push me to be better, to travel with me, experience life with me."

I don't even know what to do at this point? How do I make it official? Or is it official? This is intensely more confusing than I thought it to be. "I choose you Emma, only you." He smiled and pecked her lips gently. "You're the only one I want to send flowers to, the only one I want to hide on patios with, and scandalize all we know with."

[Kiki]

Emma found herself smiling into the kiss. Her resolve waning each time it happened. The way he looked at her, it was so intimate. She just wanted to stand there all day. "Then, by all means, keep sending me flowers. Especially ones that mean what the singular rose you sent me meant." She still could not bring herself to say the words. They were daunting.

A clock chimed somewhere behind them. It startled her a little, visibly, and she chuckled. She brushed her nose against his. "Lady Amelia is having a ball in three days. I expect you will be in attendance? We can hide on patios then too." Emma smiled up at him, drinking in his dark eyes, how they creased slightly on the sides. She could see herself in them, making her blush. She released a single hand, pulling back a little. "You had best be off soon, Sir Hawthorn. My mother is due home within the hour."

[Notty]

Damned clock Stephen thought to himself when the clock interrupted their intimacy. He nodded slightly and smiled, stealing one last kiss from her. "You can most certainly expect more roses, especially if they make you smile like that one did." He said, his smile growing as he thought back to the flush on her cheeks and the warm smile that moved across her rosy lips. He slowly let go of her other hand and retrieved his hat from the table near them.

Stephen walked slowly to the front door with Emma, one hands fingers tangled with hers as they walked. When he got to the door, he smiled a bit, hearing the familiar sound of his horses gait as it was brought around front for him. "I certainly shall be at the ball, and I hope that I see you there." He smiled a little more, "if I do not see you, I shall be sure to check all the patios." Reaching a hand up, he gently tilted her chin upwards, allowing his lips to catch hers. He let their kiss linger longer than the others had, "farewell Emma," he whispered softly against her lips. "I shall see you soon." Then slowly releasing her, he turned and headed down the stairs to where his horse waited. Mounting it, he turned and gave her a smile and nod, then urged his horse forward, back towards his estate.

[Kiki]

Emma allowed him to hold her hand as they walked to the front door. She was relieved to hear he'd be at the ball. "Perhaps balls and soirees shan't be so boring in the future, knowing you'll be there," she smiled small at him.

Emma leaned against the door frame, watching him depart. A horse instead of a carriage. How curious. His last kiss lingering still on her lips. She realized she was trembling. "Farewell, Stephen," she whispered to no one.

The footman that had fetched Stephen's horse gave her a slight look. Emma straighted quickly, brushing the front of her gown off, turning from the door. "You saw nothing," her voice firm. She glanced back again, Stephen was but a dot on the horizon. She sighed, closing the front door and retiring to her room. She would not mention any of it to her mother. Not yet.

[Notty]

Stephen's mother was beside herself when he finally returned home. Where had he been? Whom had he seen? Was it a lady? Had he made an offer of marriage? And how on Earth could he keep these things from his own Mother?! Stephen simply smiled and shook his head, his mind preoccupied by a pair of fine eyes and the hope for the upcoming ball.

Never before had three days passed so exhaustibly slow. But each day, Stephen had sent a flower to Emma. The first day, a lilac. First emotions of love. The second day, a small pink rosebud. New love. The third day, an orchid. Beauty. The woman at the hothouse smiled and shook her head each time he entered the flower shop, telling him how glad she was that there was someone that was receiving flowers from him at last. Slipping her a few extra coins, Stephen asked for her silence about the flowers, not wanting news of their relationship to get out until Emma was ready.

Standing before the mirror, Stephen took extra time that evening to dress. His smile was contagious, unable to hide it as he picked out his attire for the evening. Finally choosing a black suit with black boots, a white shirt and a sage green vest, making his eyes look greener than ever. Dressing quickly, he was anxious to get to the ball. It had seemed like an eternity since he had seen Emma, never before had he been so anxious to see someone. "You look very well this evening," his manservant Lucas said with a smile, helping him into his jacket. "Is there a particular reason for the suit you've picked? I haven't seen you wear this one in ages..." Lucas looked at his master through the mirror, unable to help a smile himself. "A man can look nice if he wishes.." Stephen said, and Lucas nodded, though obviously not convinced.

"Are you ready mother?" Stephen called out, pacing anxiously at the bottom of the stairs near the front door. "Just a moment!" she called out, hearing her steps descending down the stairs, along with soft mutterings, "never before! He's the one ready to go! Ordering me about! If only it was because there was a lady!" She smiled widely when she saw Stephen, "you look so handsome!" she squealed, and kissed Stephen on the cheek. Stephen laughed softly and kissed his mother's cheek. "Thank you Mother, I-" "now is there a reason you look so dashing?! Perhaps a young lady in attendance?!" she interrupted, eager to get information from him. "Just looking forward to an evening out is all Mother, there has been much on my mind as of late." Stephen said with a knowing smile, though in truth, there was only one thing on his mind. Emma.

[Kiki]

Emma never said a word and thankfully neither did the footman that saw Stephen off. As such, the three agonizing days in between were filled with constant and annoying nagging by her mother, reminding her of the ball. As IF she needed reminding.

On the night of the ball, Emma donned a deep burgandy gown that fell below her collarbone, barring her freckled shoulders. Her straw blonde hair was pulled up, her long neck exposed in a tasteful yet sensuous way. Emma turned and smiled at her own reflection. The door opened slightly, her handmaiden poking her head back in. "Your carriage is here, m'lady. Your mother as already gone on ahead." Emma smirked. She no doubt gone ahead to scope out what men she could talk to that night. Emma only had one man in mind to spend her time with.

Emma hurried down the stairs and nearly jumped into the carriage. They set off and Emma mentally willed them to go faster. She breathed deepily, willing her heart to slow down. Her hands were twisting on her lap. Finally, gratefully, the carriage halted at her destination.

The footmen opened the carriage door, helping Emma out. She smiled at both, heading up the stairs. Of course, her mother wasted no time and grabbed her by the elbow the moment she walked through the hallway. Emma sighed heavily, and she swiped a delicate glass of white wine off a passing server's tray, taking a gulp. To endure her mother at these kinds of things, she always found drinking helped.

Emma traded pleasantries with both lords and ladies. She willed herself not to look around for Stephen. She did not want to make it obvious that she was searching him out. Her mother came over and grabbed Emma's hand, forcing it into the hand of a young gentleman she had never seen before. "Emma, this is Daniel Lanark. Lovely fellow. Please dance."

Emma shot her mother a scathing look as she set her near empty glass down and was pulled onto the dance floor by the young gentleman. Emma struggled to smile at Daniel, as he forcefully began leading her in the current dance.

[Notty]

Stephen was on his second glass of wine when he saw Emma enter, and he couldn't help the smile that came over his face, despite trying to keep himself composed. He watched, however, in disappointment as her mother gently took her by the arm and led her to a Mr Lanark that he was vaguely familiar with. He could feel a sort of jealously as he took her in his arms, moving silently and effortlessly with her across the dance floor.

Unable to help himself, Stephen moved slowly to the dance floor, asking a young lady, Charlotte or something to dance. He took her into his arms, though nothing like how he had danced with Emma at the previous ball. Smiling pleasantly, he meticulously navigated them over the dance floor, until they were dancing beside Emma and Daniel. As the ladies turned out, Stephen caught Emma's eye, giving her a warm smile, with just a hint of amusement.

The music quieted and finally ended, and after clapping for the orchestra, Stephen turned and bowed gently to the woman, thanking her for the dance. But he had no sooner let go of Charlotte's hand, then he walked over to where Emma and Daniel stood. "Forgive me, might I have the next dance." Stephen said with a smile, holding out his hand to Emma, his eyes fixed on hers, never wavering.

[Kiki]

Emma was not good at hiding discontentment on her face. She looked brooding as Daniel Lanark moved her this way and that. He could probably sense that, as he made zero effort to talk. She silently prayed for the music to end soon. Daniel was a decent dancer, spinning her at all the right times... including the time she realized that Stephen was dancing right next to her with... Who the hell is that? Her eyes accused him, so she turned them away abruptly, trying to ignore his close proximity. She felt something boiling up in her... was it jealousy? She started flushing. What could she do about it? Nothing. As far as everyone is concerned there is nothing. Anger and frustration welled up within her. I shouldn't care this much.

The music came to a blissful halt. Emma clapped accordingly, politely. Emma robotically curtsied at Daniel. He seemed prepared for another, but she could think nothing but bailing. She suddenly realized Stephen was standing behind her. Frustration welled up again. She did not return his smile. "No, thank you," was her reply and she swept between the two gentlemen, scooping up her drink as she did so. She did not look back as she headed away from the dance floor, over to a quiet standing table in the corner, as if to brood alone. Emma stared at her fingers and willed herself not to feel upset.

[Notty]

Stephen frowned, watching as Emma retreated from him. Daniel smiled smugly, "suppose after your last dance the other night, she isn't very interested." Stephen forced a smile and nodded, gently pushing past Daniel and following Emma. His eyes scanned the crowd, seeing where she had gotten to. When he spied her, he smiled a bit, pulling a pink rose from an obliging floral arrangement.

"Emma..." His voice was soft, the pain that he felt from the look she had given him was evident. He reached out and gently took her hand, his thumb brushing over the top of her hand. "Please Emma, I did not do that to upset you. I saw your mother push you into Daniel's arms, I simply wanted to alert you to my presence." His eyes scanned her face, realizing how stupid his idea had in fact been. "I know neither of us have said anything about...us..and I didn't want to put you in an uncomfortable position." He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it gently, then lowered it, gently pressing the rose into her hand. "Please believe me dear Emma, I have thought of none but you."

[Kiki]

He managed to find her, and she was somehow relieved. Emma did her best at a cold shoulder routine, still hearing every word he said. All of that sort of melted when he kissed her hand. She could feel her heart again. Her hand came away with a rose, a pink rose. The smile started in her eyes, but quickly tugged at the corners of her mouth. She smiled fondly at the rose, not looking at him yet. "A pink one, eh? What, pray tell, does a pink rose signify?"

Her body shifted slightly, seeming a bit more inviting. She carefully placed the rose on the table, and picked up her glass, sipping carefully, looking around the room. She was not yet satisfied enough to feel like she could look at him. She grimaced as she spotted that Charlotte girl he had been dancing with before. Never so much in her life than now did she feel like fighting with someone. Jealousy screamed in her chest. A fit of unfairness warred in her head.

[Notty]

"Grace, beauty, admiration..." He said with a smile, thankful that she was seeming more inviting. He watched as her eyes avoided his, then turned to see who she was looking at in the crowd. He shifted a bit, putting himself between the crowd and her gaze. "Emma.." He murmured softly, gently tilting her chin up. "You look beautiful tonight," he whispered before kissing her gently.

How have I gone this long without her? I've never felt like this about anyone before. I don't want to let her go. Pulling back slowly, Stephen smiled and gently brushed his fingers over her cheek. "Will you dance with me now? Or would you rather find a patio to hide on?"

[Kiki]

Emma kissed back, but then a small panic seized her. She pushed him back a bit, hissing low, "Stephen, not here." She peeked around him and finding her mother in the crowd, her back to them, chatting it up with some mother of undoubtedly another would-be suitor. She sighed in relief. She looked cross, her own green eyes glaring up at him. "You must be careful, darling. My mother is like a hawk. She sees all."

She realized she called him something affectionate, and could not help but smile out of nowhere. She suddenly reached for his hand, gently placing hers on his. "Are we to dance as we did the other night?"

[Notty]

Darling, hmmm? Well that's a good sign. Stephen smiled and squeezed her hand gently, the smile on his face growing, "I won't complain, and I'm sure it would give the congregation something to gossip about until the next ball." His eyes sparkled a bit, loving that Emma still wanted to scandalize those in attendance.

Lacing his fingers with hers, he kissed the top of her hand before slowly leading her out to the dance floor. They had no more than stepped from the quiet intimacy of their secluded place, then whispers started. Stephen smiled a bit to himself, squeezing her hand gently, reassuringly as they moved through the crowd that seemed to part before them.

Stepping onto the dance floor, Stephen put his arm on the small of her back, holding her gently and close to him. His hand grasped hers, and he let his eyes meet those emerald green eyes of hers. "Don't worry about them," he whispered, the congregation much quieter now than before, "just look at me," he smiled a little wider, "and let's give them something to whisper about, eh?"

[Kiki]

Emma felt remotely like she was in a zoo. Or an art exhibit, but she was the painting. So many stares, looks, whispers behind hands. Never had she felt stage fright before, but now it felt like she was performing for those in attendance, rather than just enjoying herself. She felt irritated, though she did her best not to show it. She swallowed thickly as he paused on a spot on the dance floor. Her eyes registered nervousness. He seemed calm as a cucumber, to which she felt envious.

She took his hand in hers, whilst the other found his shoulder. She looked into his own, green eyes. Green eyes looking at green eyes. He heard his whispers, and she nodded slightly, allowing him to lead her quietly into their first real dance together.

[Notty]

Stephen's lips held a soft smile as he moved Emma gently across the dance floor, his feet moving effortlessly as his eyes remained transfixed on her face. "Feel like a goldfish?" He whispered softly, smiling a bit as his hand on her lower back gently pushed her closer to him.

The music seemed to go on forever, but maybe that's because Stephen could feel the eyes of all in attendance on them. As the orchestra slowly faded out and their feet stopped, Stephen smiled a bit wider, his hand gently rubbing her back. "We made it through our first dance, nothing too scandalous I hope." He leaned his head closer to hers, his cheek brushing against hers as he whispered, "though perhaps the intimacy we seem to be sharing is scandalous enough. Or the fact that we are even speaking to one another." Relaxing from her, he turned and applauded the orchestra, then bowed to Emma.

[Kiki]

Emma lost it. The dancing. The clapping. The stares. She'd show them.

The cherry on the cake? Charlotte was making her way over as if to be the next in the line to dance with him. I don't think so, sweetheart. Emma took two quick steps forward, threw her arms around Stephen's neck without warning and kissed him, harshly. There was something drastically different about this for her. She wanted this. She moved her mouth against his, hearing all the sighing, gasping, the whispering. She could feel the stares, drilling holes in her head, but she did not care. Why should she?

She released him roughly, shoving him away slightly, breathing heavy. She curtsied at him, overbearingly so. If Charlotte wanted him now, fine. She brushed past him for the second time that night, disappearing into the parted crowd and out of the ballroom entirely.

She rushed slightly down a hall and ducked into an empty, dark side room. She sighed, and leaned against the wall, her face in her hands. What am I doing? It feels good to kiss him. It feels good to get flowers, but is this even something I want? Do I really care? Emma peeked and found a couch within the darkness of the room, she felt her way over to it, and took a seat, her back to the entrance of the room. She just wanted to sit until she calmed down.

[Notty]

Stephen's eyes widened a bit as Emma threw herself against him, but he pulled his arms around her and kissed her back. He had to admit, it was different than she had ever kissed him before, but he wasn't going to complain. However, when she pushed him away, his face fell, then his brow furrowed in confusion. What did I do? he thought to himself, watching for a moment as she retreated from him. M

"Emma! Wait!" He called out, beginning to push through the crowd after her. He could feel the stares, hear the whispers now. Pushed him away she did! Mind you, I'd have slapped him! The nerve! he pushed through the crowd, his throat thickening as he tried to follow Emma.

"Emma?" Stephen called out softly, now in the deserted hallway he had last seen her. He walked slowly down the hall, glancing into each room. "Emma please..." He called, glancing into a room, he saw her sitting alone. Stepping into the room, he quietly made his way over to her and knelt down on the ground in front of her. He gently reached up and took her hands from her face, his eyes searching her face for an explanation. "If I have offended or hurt you, please tell me Emma," his voice breaking slightly. "I couldn't bare to know that I have caused you pain."

[Kiki]

Emma heard him approach. He took her hands away from her face, feeling the softness of his palms on hers. Her eyes were slowly adjusting to the darkness, finding his face within the room. He was kneeling in front of her, looking absolutely beside himself. Despite the slight concerned look to his forehead he looked, well, perfect. Even in the dark, he looked handsome. Her eyes scanned over his pale skin, his dark hair. She landed on his eyes, and felt embarrassed. She glanced away, lips pursed. Emma felt doubt rising into her throat. Perhaps this is not what you want at all.

She sighed softly, touching his hand, looking back down at him. "I'm sorry, I just-", she broke off, trying to collect herself. "I'm having a bit of a public issue with our secret." She managed a chuckle, "Obviously." She continued to smile, giving him a shy look, "I don't mean to be driving you mental." She tugged at his hands, urging him silently to sit with her on the couch. "I just sort of lost it when I saw Charlotte coming up...", she let the sentence hang. Now that she was saying her feelings aloud, they felt trivial.

[Notty]

Stephen moved up onto the couch beside her, but kept her hands in his. He smiled a bit and nodded, letting go of one of her hands and cupping her cheek gently. "Probably felt a lot like I did when I saw you dancing with Daniel." His thumb brushed over her cheek and he leaned down, letting his forehead rest against hers as he closed his eyes. "Would you rather us come out and tell everyone? Then we wouldn't have to worry about Daniels or Charlottes." He smiled a bit and nudged her nose with his.

"Regardless of what happens," he murmured, nudging her nose again, his smile growing. "You are the one I want, and as long as you'll stand up with me, I will dance with only you." Stephen moved his body closer to hers, letting his hand that had been cupping her cheek push gently back into her hair as he pulled her closer, letting their lips touch. Though somehow it seemed different this time. There was emotion behind it, a longing. And dare Stephen even think it- love.

[Kiki]

Emma felt better with him sitting next to her, the plush couch lowering a bit. Emma turned to Stephen, swiveling just so their hands would stay together, undisturbed by her moving. She turned her face into his hand, liking the feel of his palm against her cheek. She closed her eyes against it, listening to his voice. She felt his forehead against hers, and she opened her eyes back up and thought of nothing better than to kiss him... and keep kissing him. "I am tempted to just out the whole thing, yes. That prat Daniel that my mother forced on me is just one of a dozen more whom my mother will find to try to woo me. Charlotte is just as aggravating."

Her nose nudged back, her own smile widening. "I'd also like to dance when we're not being stared at," she murmured, her lips hovering near his. "and you're full of it, because you already danced with Charlotte."

He silenced her, however. As soon as he kissed her, the pent up warmth in her chest began coursing through her. He pulled her close, but she moved closer. Her right hand slowly reached up and touched his shoulder before easing over him to grasp at the couch, pulling herself up, her chest against his. Her body folded delicately into the space around him, curling into him, her lips not leaving his. Almost cat-like, she stretched her length against him. It was a sweet gesture, getting close as possible, without being entirely improper at a ball in someone else's home.

Emma managed a small laugh in the dark as she pulled away only slightly. It was a cheerful laugh, bell-like. She was not much for giggling, but she felt giddy, curled up to him. Her hair, her head, pressed firmly somewhere into his collarbone, her face buried into his neck, her arms curled around him. Something about sitting in the dark with him hit her to her core. She felt some kind of sensation reverberating in what felt like her very bones. His name sat on her tongue, and she had not said it much. She turned her face slightly out, murmuring his name against his neck, before placing a soft kiss at the base of his throat. Her emotions felt like a wave, and she planted another kiss, this time under his earlobe, and let the wave just sweep her away.

[Notty]

Pleasantly surprised by her actions, Stephen's hands moved as Emma curled herself against him. Gently sliding down her neck and then her shoulders to her arms, he pulled his arms around her, holding her body against his. He could feel both of their hearts beating, nearly in sync with one another's. He smiled as she laid her head against his chest, and tilted his head down to press a kiss to the top of her head.

Stephen could feel his body warm to her kisses, thinking that his name had never sounded so good. His hands gently moved up her back and to her sides. His lips parted slightly, a soft breath escaping them, her name as well. "Emma..." he whispered in the darkness, the intimacy in his voice apparent.

As her lips neared his, he turned his face to hers, kissing her with a bit more intensity, feeling his cheeks warm against hers as he deepened the kiss. Breaking the kiss, he kissed her cheek, then her jaw, her collarbone and then her shoulder. "Emma," he murmured, lifting his eyes to meet hers, smiling affectionately, he brought a hand up to her cheek, then pushed his fingers back through her hair. "I don't know that I can keep this a secret long."

[Kiki]

Emma sighed as he laid a trail of kisses to her bare shoulders. Her hand laid on his chest. She could feel his heart beating against her hand. She felt herself quiver as he raised his head, his eyes level to hers in the dark. "What should we do?", she whispered to him. Her eyes a mix of fear and longing. "I want to, just. Does it seem too fast? We still don't know much about each other. Still...", her voice trailed off, she found herself kissing him again. Still if I could have these kisses every day...

Emma shook herself, pulling away against slightly, realizing the hand that was over his heart was now gripping his shirt. "I feel... passionately, about you. And we've only barely spent time together. Shouldn't we do more... see more together? I know it's a secret, but well," she planted a kiss under his ear, whispering, "it's a poorly kept one at the moment anyway."

Emma thought for a moment, pulling away slightly, enough to look at him squarely. She carefully pushed her fingers through his hair, admiring the feel and look of it. She imagined doing that... in an even more intimate setting. Her cheeks flushed fully, though he could not see it. It was the first time she'd had such a thought. She'd not known lust, but she was becoming well-acquainted. She settled for kissing him a few times sensually against his throat.

[Notty]

Stephen couldn't help but chuckle softly at her words, "a poorly kept one indeed," he murmured, closing his eyes as her lips pressed against his skin once more. He could feel her hand gripping at his shirt, and wondered for a moment if it would wrinkle, and how he would explain that away. Caring not for wrinkles or otherwise, he leaned his head down and kissed her several more times, unable to get enough of her.

Reaching up to push back some hair that had fallen in the passion of the moment, Stephen could feel how warm her cheeks were, and he smiled, pressing his lips to them. He could feel a warmth spreading over his own body, a desire, a longing to be closer to Emma. His eyes flicked up to hers, questioning what she was feeling, wondering if it was the same.

A soft sigh escaped his lips as she kissed the base of his throat, and he couldn't help but close his eyes. Visions of him and Emma, their clothes a bit more revealing and their actions more intimate. He smiled a bit, leaning his head down to catch her lips. He gently rubbed her sides as he took his turn in planting kisses. A string along her shoulder and up her neck. Then another across her jaw to her chin. He didn't understand how he could feel something so deep for someone he just met. His lips murmured her name as he kissed her, sealing his affection for her.

[Kiki]

"Stephen," Emma murmured softly. She bared her neck to him, allowing herself to be and feel vulnerable. It was well worth it. Exquisite pleasure ignited each and every time he kissed her, wherever he chose. She gently sighed when their lips met again. And again.

Emma released the hand gripping at his front, relaxing against him. She needed to catch her breath. Emma rested her head on his shoulder, as they were side by side. Emma stretched a bit, allowing her legs to span across the couch. She grinned turning into his chest, breathing him in. Her hand slid down and found his, intertwining the fingers carefully. She sat quietly, enjoying their mutual silence. Her eyes closed against him, she did not feel like moving from this spot.

After some time, she murmured, "What are we to do? You did not answer me, my darling." There's that word again. She bit her lip. "Should we just... tell them? What are we even saying? Are we courting or... what?" Her fingers played with his absentmindedly.

[Notty]

Stephen gently pulled an arm around her as she laid her head against his chest, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. He felt incredibly...satisfied. He closed his eyes and gently rested his head against hers, just taking in the silence of the room and the nearness of her.

"Darling, hmm?" He said with a slight grin, leaning his head up. He loved the feeling of their fingers intertwined. "If we make it public now, I would say that we are just courting..." His voice trailed off a bit, unsure if he should add on to that sentence, unless you want more. He smiled and kissed the top of her head again, shifting a bit and rubbing her side affectionately. "What do you wish us to be?" He murmured in the darkness.

The party seemed a distant memory now, it was almost as if they were in their own little world. Secluded from everyone else. Here they were at liberty to be free with their affections, to show one another how they cared. Stephen couldn't help but think of a future with Emma where he could share a home with her, a bed with her.

[Kiki]

"Yes. Darling.", she enunciated now, her mouth a crescent moon of teeth, a bonified grin. "I think we should say we are courting... as much as I am also hesitant to just not say anything at all. But as you said, there'd be no more Daniels or Charlottes." She smiled into him, at repeating his clever words. "If courting means I can lure you into dark rooms and kiss you as I see fit, then let's do that." She drummed her free fingers on his other land.

A thought struck her. "Stephen... can I ask you something?"

[Notty]

"Very well then, my dear," he whispered, kissing her gently. He laughed softly and nudged her nose with his, closing his eyes and inhaling slowly. She was perfect. All that he could have hoped for, and then some. Opening his eyes, he smiled wider, "courting sounds very nice. I think I shall be quite fond of it." he said softly, pressing another kiss to her lips.

"What is it?" he murmured, pulling back slightly so that he could see her entire face. It was softly illuminated by the light from the hall, and he could barely pick out a flush to her cheeks. Stephen smiled and stroked her cheek with his fingers, awaiting her question.

[Kiki]

Emma chose her words carefully. It was hard to think as he smiled at her so. "I don't, um. I'm not trying to be improper or rude in the least -", she glanced at him, gauging his response thus far, before continuing. "Can I just ask, why haven't you married yet?"

She felt herself wincing. She felt rude, but it was an honest question. She found herself amending her question, "I mean, my mother had mentioned your age. I was hesitant when I heard." She chuckled, shaking her head. "I suppose I thought on it and realized I shouldn't be judgmental. I mean, my sister, my younger sister married before I. My mother treated that like it was my own courtship death sentence. You'd think I was 65 the way she spoke of me." She sighed a bit.

She could hear the music drifting into the room, but just barely, as if there was a music box tinkling somewhere far off. Emma, still curled around him, felt warm and secure. She wondered idly how long they'd be sitting in there. She was sure her mother had noticed by now, but hopefully she assumed she had gone home with the shoving incident earlier. A flicker of a smile appeared as she thought of announcing that she was courting someone, and better yet, that they were courting her in return.

She continued, softly. "I mean, I don't care of your age, now that I know you. It was just a curious question." She smiled sheepishly, curling her other hand around his. "You know, to get to know you."

[Notty]

Stephen couldn't help an amused smile as Emma fumbled for her words, and then quickly tried to amend them. He leaned forward and kissed her gently. "No need to apologize, it is a valid question." He gently drew her nearer, his eyes scanning her face.

"To be honest, I haven't found someone that I wanted to marry." He smiled a bit and brought her hand to his lips to kiss. "My mother, as I'm sure yours has done similarly, has found me plenty of eligible and marriage ready women, though when we've met, they are all silly, giggling and love struck girls who desire nothing more than my fortune." His eyes scanned her face.

"None before have stimulated my intellect, challenged me, and captured me with her beauty and wit quite like you have." Stephen's eyes smiled as he spoke, his free hand gently curling a loose strand of her hair around his fingers. "I haven't married because I haven't wished to be tied to someone that couldn't make me smile. Truly smile." He leaned forward and kissed Emma again gently, "you, my dearest Emma, make me smile."

[Kiki]

"I don't understand how that's possible," Emma managed a small smile, despite her eyebrows being drawn together. "Not one other has ever come close?" Emma found herself leaning back against the couch, lounging beside him. She suddenly realized she would be perfectly comfortable doing this... in a home of their own. She smiled wider, glancing over at him, affectionately. "You have such a lovely coy smile. What a shame no other lady can admire it such as I have."

Emma lifted her eyes to look at the ceiling, then around the room for the first time, taking in the expensive furniture and trappings within the darkness. She wondered if things like this were in Stephen's estate. She'd heard rumors of course, but she did not know anyone of her age that had been invited to call upon him at his home. She smiled slightly, finding herself to ask, "Do you want to marry me then? Seeing as I seem to be the only marriageable lady that has made you smile ever," she teased.

[Notty]

Stephen smiled, letting his body move and lean over hers, similar to what she had done. His arms held him over her body, "indeed, I never smile for any other ladies." He teased, leaning down and kissing her gently. "I am a complete statue, stoic." He laughed softly, unable to keep a straight face around her. "See? Even if I try, I can't not smile around you."

He went silent when she asked if he wanted to marry her, his eyes moving over her face. Before he spoke, he leaned down, kissing her gently and tenderly, letting his kiss speak. "I would love to marry you," he murmured softly against her lips. Then gently nudged her nose with his, a soft smile playing on his lips. "I cannot lie, these past three days, I could not help but imagine what my home would be like with you in it. Sharing it with me."

[Kiki]

"Aren't I already, darling?" Emma smiled cheekily, swooning from the kiss. "We're already spending time together." She turned her eyes towards the entrance of the room, nodding her chin, "It's too bad we can't seem to keep it together publicly." Emma turned her eyes back to him, nudging her nose against his again, she murmured to him, "I suppose that will all change soon." Her hand squeezed his a bit, for reassurance.

She ran her fingers over his jawline, admiring the slenderness of his face, his bone structure as he loomed over her. "Oh, yes, you are definitely statue-like," her eyes shimmering, something suddenly mischievous about her tone, her fingers moving from his face to his neck, running her fingers down slowly, watching as she did so. "Very statue-esque, I'm sure", her voice dropping slightly, her fingers now playing over his collarbone and as they drifted down, her palms open, smoothing over his chest. She could feel the tautness of his muscles through his clothes. Her eyes were hooded as she glanced up at him, "I wonder how much of you seems statue-like?" A wicked smile found her equally wicked mouth. Her mother would cut her tongue off if she heard her speaking in such a fashion, which only made Emma smile even wider.

"I've imagined a great many things in the week or so of us meeting, Stephen," the wide smile could not be wiped from her face, "marriage is but one of them."

[Notty]

Stephen grinned, his eyes moving over her as she spoke. "Well, if I am statue-esque, then you must be akin to the goddesses in the paintings of Da Vinci and Michelangelo." His eyes moving over her, noting the soft fullness of her breasts, then her hips and waist, the sensuous lines and curves created by her dress. Had he not been holding himself over her, he would have let his hands do the work of his eyes, feeling each soft curve of her body.

"So I am to believe that I am not the only one who has imagined us in a more....intimate setting?" he whispered, his voice low and sensual. He let his lips meet hers, kissing deeply before they trailed along her jaw and down her neck. Stephen could feel the rise and fall of her breast. God, he suddenly understood all the poets and writers when they talked about a yearning and desiring for a woman. It was a fiery feeling, wanting to spread and overtake her.

Pulling himself back from her slowly, he smiled, then stood. "As much as I have enjoyed this...conversation..." he said with a small grin, "I fear that we should return to the main room, before someone comes looking for us." He reached a hand out and helped Emma up, then suddenly felt a wave of nervousness wash over him. Except now we have to tell everyone. He lifted a hand to Emma's cheek, then leaned forward and kissed her gently, "shall we go and shock them all?"

[Kiki]

Kiss after kiss, warmth filled her to the brim. Emma flushed when Stephen mentioned being more intimate; the blush becoming positively crimson when he kissed her on her neck. Emma could feel her heart, her breath harsh. She watched as he stood up, a small pout appearing, her bottom lip sticking out. Emma reached up and out for his hand, as he helped her up carefully. She quirked an eyebrow, "I am sure both of our mothers have noticed we have been gone quite some time. My mother most likely thinks I retired and returned home."

Emma reached up and kissed him as he kissed her. The kisses were starting to become more and more familiar, yet still intimate. She smiled up at him, but a knot was forming in her stomach. "How shall we tell them? Another scandalous dance? Another public kiss?" Her eyes searched his. "Would it be right to do it here? Wouldn't we be holding court at someone else's house and party?" Emma had little clue as to how these things worked. All of this was new to her.

[Notty]

Stephen smiled, his eyes scanning hers as he tried to decide what they would do. He let his fingers intertwine with hers, thinking to himself as they stood in the dark room, longing to remain in the intimacy of the room, but knowing that they couldn't stay there all evening.

"Perhaps my dear..." he began, "we have been in here quite some time, perhaps we should remain close to one another, make no indication that we wish to be with another." Stephen smiled and kissed the tip of her nose, "because I don't want to be with another, and then perhaps tomorrow or the following day, we can tell our families ourselves." He smiled and pulled his arms around her, gently pressing her against his chest.

He grinned a little wider, remembering the events of the evening, "and I will chase off Daniel and you Charlotte," a soft chuckle erupted from his lips, "though I doubt many would get close to us after the display this evening." Stephen smiled softly, creases forming in his cheeks, wrinkles from smiling so much. His hands gently ran up her back, then holding her as he leaned down and kissed her, not wanting to leave the familiar intimacy of Emma's lips.

[Kiki]

"I'd be happy to chase off more Charlottes. You can tell that prat Daniel to bugger off, I don't mind." She kissed him gently in return, the kiss more like a pact. She tugged at his hand, urging him to move from where he stood. "Come on then, let's go back to the party. But," her smile a shy one, "hold my hand the whole time? I want to, to walk beside you. And to sit at a table with you. Um. Please." She smiled prettily, the look suiting her.

Emma straighted his jacket a bit, pulling out the creases she had caused. She smoothed the front of her dress, reclaiming his hand in hers. "I want to spend tonight with you. Please let me? If mother asks, we can just say we shall discuss it tomorrow. My father comes back. He thinks highly of you. You can call upon him." She began to beam at him slightly, "You can ask him for permission to court me, or..." her smile eased a bit, "or whatever else it is your plan for me is." She tugged at his hand again, to set back off into the party.

[Notty]

Following her lead, Stephen followed Emma out of their hiding place and into the brightness and gaiety of the party. He glanced over at her, giving her a warm smile as he gently squeezed her hand. "I don't plan on straying from you," he murmured softly as they walked into the main room.

Several pairs of eyes glanced their way as they entered, brows raised in question as to where the couple had been for so long, and why they seemed in such a good mood, and together? Stephen stared ahead, not meeting the questioning stares of his peers and elders.

The music of the orchestra had died down as they came in, and a slow melody began to play. Stephen turned slightly to Emma, a smile taking over his face. "May I have this dance?" he asked, his eyes seeking hers. He wanted to be close to her, and dancing was the most inconspicuous way of being near her without being bombarded with questions.

Leading her out onto the dance floor, they brushed past Daniel, a smug smile on Stephen's face, and a small voice inside him wanted to shout, she's mine! Take that! but he kept his mouth shut. Holding Emma was familiar, her body warm and soft as he brought her closer, the intimacy they had shared just minutes ago being brought back to his mind. "Lets dance Emma," he whispered, "as a couple."

[Kiki]

Emma smiled cheekily, whispering back, "That's good. I don't intend on allowing you to leave my side far enough for you to stray." It was matter-of-factly, her challenging nature back. She did not blush. She wanted him, and did not feel embarrassed about it.

This time around, Emma did not hesitate. Her eyes did not stray to the curious eyes of others. She followed him gracefully, her burgundy gown catching in the light, swaying as she came to rest in his hands, in his arms. She did not feel as though she was even in the same room as anyone but Stephen anymore. Their intimate time together had definitely created some kind of bubble that only the two of them shared. She beamed at him softly. She clasped his shoulder in one hand, his free hand in the other. "Please lead the way, Mr. Hawthorn."

[Notty]

It was the first time that they truly danced together, that they moved as one. To those watching, it was flawless, graceful and fluid, as if they had been dancing with one another all their life. It was different than before, neither of them was trying to put on a show, neither was worried about what others thought. They were simply focused on the person in their arms.

Stephen couldn't have been happier. He held Emma close, moving around the dance floor, quickly becoming the envy of every man there, as Emma became the envy of every woman. And it was easy to see, that as the couple danced, they danced not as friends, but as lovers. The gentle way that Stephen's hand rested on her lower back, urging her body closer to his, how his eyes never left hers, a warm, affectionate smile on his lips.

Or whatever you plan on doing with me Emma's voice resounded in his ears as they danced. Marry you, that's what I plan on doing. Stephen thought as they danced, smiling as he watched Emma's face. I want to marry you.

[Kiki]

Emma was not much of a refined lady at her core, but if there was anything about higher society she enjoyed, it was dancing. Simply put, she was good at it. She knew many dances, many styles. She never thought much when she danced, it was more of an automatic routine of movements. Now, however, as Stephen pulled her close to her, the dance took a whole new mood, a whole new feeling. It was like a warm current passed through them, through their hands. Emma watched Stephen as they danced about, a glimmer in her eyes the entire time.

As the music stopped, she found herself not letting go of him as she should have. The audience around them began to clap politely, Emma realizing that there were other people that had joined them in the dance. She had not noticed them during the entirety of their dance. She slowly slipped her hand from Stephen's, clapping along with the others to the orchestra, her eyes not leaving his. She then turned back, grabbing a handful of her dress, bowing her head slightly, dipping into a graceful curtsy towards him, a small smile on her lips, thanking him silently for the dance. She was in awe of him as she rose back up, straightening back up. She reached for his hand again.

[Notty]

Stephen had been entranced, thinking of nothing or no one else but Emma as they danced. How was it that he was feeling so much for her, in such a short amount of time? He didn't understand it, but he didn't care. Tomorrow. I shall talk to her father tomorrow. he thought to himself as Emma slipped her hand out of his to clap, signaling him to come back to reality from his daydreaming and applaud the orchestra as well. Giving her a genteel bow, Stephen gladly accepted her hand again, not even looking around to see if there was another standing by, waiting for either of them.

Those in attendance that had chosen not to dance, but were instead standing around the edges of the dance floor, certainly had much to talk about. The couple- if that is indeed what they are- that were so scandalous the previous ball, and then tonight, Emma's harsh kiss and then pushing him away- and now...they were dancing as if they were lovers! A state of utter confusion- but sweet, dramatic confusion it was. Old ladies whispered back and forth to one another as they watched the couple dance, seemingly unaware that there were any other people in the world, let alone the room.

"Emma," Stephen murmured softly, her name dripping sweetly, intimately off his lips as they danced. "May I escort you home this evening?" he asked with a smile, his striking green eyes sweeping over her face, lingering on her lips for a moment before meeting her eyes. "That way neither of us have to face our mothers," he said with a bit of a grin, "and your face can be the last I see before I sleep." If I sleep at all. For I fear that if I close my eyes, I shall open them to find that this was all a beautiful dream.

[Kiki]

Emma flushed happily when he took her hand again, the warmth seeping back into her skin. She took a few steps towards him, her other hand taking a hold of his free one to stand close to him, looking up into the face of her darling. She swayed a little before, hugging herself to him, her hand sliding over to clutch his shoulder. She was as close to him as she deemed appropriate for having all the eyes on them as they began to dance again. Their closeness only radiated a kind of sweetness this time around, there was no tones of scandalous-ness in their movements.

Emma smiled fondly at him, leaning just a teeny bit closer as he began to speak to her again. Both of them keeping their tones low, their looks secretive and intimate. "Of course you may escort me home," she began with a soft look to her, flushing to his other comments, "I should like to see you before I retire as well."

Emma slowly leaned her head on his shoulder, still dancing with him. She loved the feel of him, the smell of him. "How shall we head home? I noticed you rode your horse when you called upon me the other day. A curious feat, for a gentleman. I highly expected you to arrive in a carriage." Emma was making idle conversation, the swaying against him subduing all her thoughts. She longed to just listen to his voice.

[Notty]

The act of Emma laying her head against his chest was so simple, yet so intimate. He smiled, and despite of the crowd, leaned down and pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "I much prefer to ride if the choice is up to me, I enjoy the sunshine, and it much quicker than by carriage." he smiled a bit and let his hand gently rub Emma's back as they danced, the feeling of her body near his was intoxicating. "Though we came by carriage this evening. I'll just arrange for my mother to go on home before, and the carriage return." He grinned a bit and leaned down, his lips near her ear, "then we can wait for it in darkened rooms."

Never before did Stephen wish to stop dancing, but he knew that he would have to give Emma a break, so as soon as the song ended, and all etiquette rules were followed, he gently took Emma's hand, leading her towards the patio. The ballroom had grown quite warm, not to mention crowded with eager eyes watching the couple. Gently pushing the door to the patio open, Stephen stepped out and then helped Emma out, the cool night air refreshing him. "Much better," he said with a smile as he shut the door. Unable to help himself, he backed Emma up against the wall, his hands on either side of her and kissed her deeply. "I've missed that," he murmured with a smile, kissing her again.

[Kiki]

"I'd very much like to return to the darkened room with you," Emma turned her head slightly as he has whispered in her ear, their lips coming close. As if he had read her mind, having been lead out to the patio, she gasped as he pressed her into the wall. As soon as their lips met, she sighed despite herself, melting into him. The wall was cool, and her back and arms began to spring up into goosebumps. She shivered slightly against him, her dress cut below the shoulders. She curled her arms around his neck, pulling him in closer. Their chests touch, and she eased the rest of his body to lean against hers, using the wall as a support.

The wind tugged through her hair, the cold air only making his arms all the more comforting to be in. Passion was growing inside of her, her mouth moving against his hungrily. She pulled herself away a little bit less than genteel-like, staring into his eyes. Emma reached up, running her hand up through his hair, never taking her eyes from his. Her nose nudged his nose, her mouth hovering near his lips. Emma's hips angled up into him, pressing against him comfortably. "What will you speak of when you call upon my father tomorrow? You will come to call tomorrow, won't you? Should I be there when you arrive?"

Her eyes searched his, hopefully. She felt nervous, but excited. Could she possibly be getting a marriage proposal? The idea made her head swim. There had been suitors, yes, but never a marriage proposal. She'd starting to think that her mother was giving up mentally that she ever would have a proposal. The thought of shocking them all again made her smile infectiously. She touched her lips to his ever so lightly, "I want to see you when you do come to call."

[Notty]

Stephen smiled and gently ran his hands up her arms, but when he felt the goosebumps and how cold they felt, he gently slid off his jacket, pulling it around her, his body warmth still lingering on the jacket, warming her. He smiled and gently returned each kiss, rubbing her arms, trying to help warm her. "Of course I will come tomorrow." he whispered, nudging her nose back gently. "I told you I would."

It was all he could do to keep from kissing her passionately as he had in the side room, but he knew that even on the patio, it was far too public to do such things. Feeling her press her body into his, only fed his desire for her. His lips curled up slightly, feeling her breath against his lips only made him want her more. Unable to resist, he leaned down, kissing her passionately, his lips moving against hers, pulling her tightly against his body. Breaking the kiss, he let his lips hungrily trace down her neck to the base of her throat, kissing several times, feeling her inhale and exhale.

"I want to see you Emma." he panted softly against her skin, though to what extent, he kept to himself. He couldn't help himself, maybe it was the moonlight, or the way they had kissed earlier. Or the fact that he knew she desired him as well. Stephen kissed her lips several more times, each more passionate and full of desire than the first. "I want to see you everyday." he whispered between kisses, "I never want there to be a day when I do not see you.."

[Kiki]

Emma smiled gratefully as he wrapped his jacket around her. She pulled in the sides of it towards the middle of her chest, beaming up at him. The coat was obviously big on her slender frame. She smiled in a goofy kind of way, blushing at him. "Yes, you said you would come, darling, but you didn't say what you'd be talking about with my father. Must you be secretive?" She smiled, fully well knowing what he might want to ask her father.

She sighed in pleasure, feeling his lips on her neck. Emma dipped her head towards his in response, her arms curling around his middle, hugging herself to him. She could feel her blood in her ears, her heart picking up speed. "Stephen," she murmured, her forehead against his, peering into his eyes, "If you want to see me everyday. You know what to ask." She looked apprehensive, but managed a small smile, reassuring. She kissed him again, and again until a shiver ran through her, making her pull away. She glanced over through the window. "Perhaps we should make our way home bound?" Her eyes searched his. "I'd like to take the trip with you."

[Notty]

Stephen chuckled softly and nodded, giving her several more sweet and tender kisses. "Of course I have to be secretive. I must keep you on bated breath, wondering when I shall call, what I will ask your father..." he teased, though he knew that Emma was most likely well aware of what he would be asking her father tomorrow.

"Indeed, the hour is late, and we both should rest before the events of tomorrow." he said with a smile, giving her one last kiss before pulling away. Stephen slowly opened the door into the main room, and helped Emma into it. It was significantly quieter now, the majority of people having already gone home. Holding her hand as they walked into the room, a servant came up to Stephen and bowed. "Sir Hawthorn. Your mother has retired and the Daniels took her home. The carriage is ready for you whenever you need it." Stephen smiled and nodded, "you may call for it now, thank you."

He glanced over to Emma, "do you want to check for your mother? I can wait for you." he said as they entered the main room, scanning for her mother, but praying that she too had already left. Stephen just wanted more time with Emma.

[Kiki]

When Stephen helped her back into the main room, Emma peered around. It was a lot quieter, very few people left. Emma's eyes looked about the room as a servant came and spoke to Stephen quietly. Once the servant left and Stephen's eyes were back towards her did she look at him. "I honestly doubt my mother is still here - she has probably long since retired home. Her mouth was probably tired out after talking the absolute ears off of Mrs. Larkin. You know, that prat's mother?" She couldn't help but manage a wicked smile - now that they were entirely alone, she did not care for swapping niceties about the people that had been present. Emma hardly cared for over half the people that attended these types of things anyway. She felt no love towards the Larkins, mostly due to the ridiculous way their son Daniel had already attempted to court her. She could not stand it.

Emma shook herself, a smile remaining as she looked to him, her hand gentle within his. "We can go now. I won't bother myself with checking for her. It's best if I do head home soon, lest my mother think it fit to give me a curfew or some other nonsense for returning so late."

[Notty]

"Then let us go home," he murmured. Let us go home. If only we were going to the same home. Soon. Stephen caught the attention of the servant, who quickly bowed and headed out to pull the carriage around. He smiled down at Emma, his eyes moving over her face. Bringing her hand to his lips, he kissed it gently. "Are you anxious for what tomorrow may bring?" He asked, his eyes bright with anticipation.

"The carriage sir," a servant said, breaking the lingering question in the air between them. Stephen led Emma outside and to the carriage, helping her in and then climbing in behind her. Settling down in the darkness of the carriage, he smiled and took her hand again. "We always seem to find ourselves in small, dark, intimate places," he whispered, a finger under her chin to gently turn her head towards his. Closing the distance between them, Stephen let his lips meet Emma's.

Is it too soon to know that I love her? That I wish to spend every day of the rest of my life with her? He smiled warmly in the darkness of the carriage and gently pulled her closer. "Now..." He began, a soft smile playing on the corner of his lips. "You should expect me sometime before noon. Do not be surprised if I seek a private audience with your father, and then with you." Stephen smiled and kissed her again gently. "And then my dear, I hope to be seeing you more often, and in far more intimate settings."

[Kiki]

Emma had just opened her mouth to answer the question, but quickly closed it as the servant approached again. She thought it best than to advertise what the outcome of tomorrow may be before it actually happened. She knew how these things worked gossip-wise. If his servant overheard, her mother would somehow know before daybreak tomorrow. She did not want to risk it. She glanced at Stephen, giving him a small smile.

He led her out to the carriage, kindly helping her get in. It was dark inside the carriage as soon as the door was shut behind Stephen. She felt for his hand in the darkness, feeling the carriage coming to motion and the horse's hooves clomping over the hard ground as they headed off. She smiled at him, blinking, as her eyes adjusted to the light. She kissed him back softly through the darkness, her other hand sweeping up through his hair. She pulled back slightly, murmuring against his lips, "This is going to sound so silly, but." She smiled closely to him, sharing a secret, "I'm actually a tad bit scared of the dark. So I feel better with you here." She chuckled.

She quieted for a few minutes, just listening to the comfortable silence between them. She felt him pulling her closer, she eased over to his side of the carriage. She could hear his amusement in his tone. She grew excited, saying, "I am looking forward to you calling tomorrow. My father will be happy to see you. He has been gone for a little while, but even before you and I had met, he spoke highly of your family. He's said that you are... very charitable. With your money, that is. I find that...", her voice dropped, dripping with sweetness, "I find it commendable. But either way, father will surely agree to see you. And then I want to be able to see you as much as my heart's content. Which will be quite a lot." She kissed him sweetly.

[Notty]

Stephen smiled and held her all the way to her family's estate. The ride certainly didn't feel long enough; and the sights of the home soon brought them out of their lovers intimate embrace. Pressing a gentle kiss to her temple, Stephen rubbed her arm gently, having felt her body relax against him as they rode. "Love, we are here," he whispered. The carriage soon slowed and the horses huffing could be heard in the wee morning hours.

Slowly climbing out of the carriage, Stephen reached in and helped Emma out. Before she could get her foot on the second step out of the carriage, he picked her up and slowly set her down on the ground, holding her close to him. "Look for me in the morning my dear," he whispered before kissing her quickly, lest her mother should see. "Tomorrow my dear, just a few short hours."

Stephen reluctantly let go of Emma and watched as she entered her home, a small smile playing on his lips. When she had entered and the door was shut, he turned and climbed back into the carriage. "Home, smith." Stephen said, leaning back in the now empty carriage, Emma's scent lingering. Tomorrow I will ask for her hand.

[Kiki]

Emma did not need to be roused the next morning. Emma was already pulling on her robe and brushing her own hair as her handmaiden came in to wake her. Surprised, her handmaiden continued to prep her for the day. Emma bit her lip in excitement as the time rolled back. She must have changed her outfit 6 or 7 times before deciding on a beaded shift dress to later meet Stephen. Her mind was buzzing, and she could only keep her thoughts to herself.

As Emma sat rearranging her dress alone in her room, she heard the sound of hooves outside. Emma rushed to the window, spotting a carriage coming up the driveway of her estate. Emma hurriedly gathered up her skirts, darting from her room and rushed to the top of the stairs, hidden in the shadows of the upper foyer. She glanced over the side, waiting to see her darling. But... it was not. Daniel Larkin appeared at the door. Her mother came from nowhere, and embraced him, murmuring to each other. Emma, confused, continued down the rest of the stairs. She came to stop at the end, staring at her mother and Daniel. "What is the meaning of this?"

Her mother, distinctly startled, turned towards Emma, as Daniel bowed, a smug look on his face. It was not her mother who answered however, it was Daniel. He rushed forward, grabbing her hands in his, his face close to hers. "Why, my dear Emma, my beloved. Your mother -", Daniel glanced at her and then back to Emma, "Your mother has us betrothed."

"She, WHAT." Emma could not contain herself. She threw Daniel's hands away. She turned on her mother, fists balled. "Mother! You cannot be serious! This cannot be!" But her mother only gave her a look that confirmed the situation.

Emma took steps backward away from them both. "No," she said, "I will not stand for this. I am betrothed to no one. I am promised to no one. I can choose for myself!" She yelled the last part, throwing a scathing look at both of them. And with that she ran, wrenching the front door open, darting out into the early morning light.

[Notty]

Owen had been up before the sun rose, barely able to sleep, his mind racing with what was to happen the next day. Dressing in a blue suit with a brown vest and brown boots, he looked at himself in the mirror for probably the hundredth time that morning. Today. You'll ask for her hand today. he thought to himself, unable to keep himself from smiling.

"My horse please," he said to his servant, who smiled and nodded. He slowly made his way down the stairs, hoping his mother wasn't awake yet. "Stephen! What are you doing up so early?" She cried out softly, still in her dressing gowns. "Just something I have to take care of," he said with a smile, kissing her forehead. "And where were you last night? I could find you so I came home early." Stephen smiled and nodded, "thank you mother. I shall just be gone a few hours."

He jogged down the steps and out to where his horse waited. He pulled himself up and gently urged him forward. He pushed his horse harder, eager to get to Emma's home, eager to ask for Emma's hand in marriage. The trip seemed long, longer than it had before. Maybe it was because he was eager to get there. Finally the house came into sight, a smile on his face, urging his horse faster towards the house. As he came closer, he saw the carriage, his brow furrowing, wondering who was there.

[Kiki]

Emma stood momentarily outside, fuming. She would not stand for this. She would not allow this to happen. Where was her father for this decision? Had he not come home yet? He clearly had not spoken to Stephen yet. Emma glanced over, seeing the young sun of the day. It was still too early for Stephen to come calling. He's said noon, she thought. But... what if I go to him?

Emma glanced behind her. There were no footmen, no maids to tell her mother that she had set off on foot or even what direction she was heading in. And with that, Emma set off on foot. Instead of taking the worn path, she chose to go off to the right, through the grasses. It would be rough, but she'd get to Stephen's estate faster this way. She regularly would turn around checking that no one was following, and each time, she would only find lush grasses, and her own estate shrinking behind her.

Emma was a good far distance, when she heard the first peal of thunder, far off. She glanced up and ahead, the sky darkening. She would have to hurry. She needed to beat the rain there.

[Notty]

Stephen dismounted in front of Emma's fathers estate, a footman coming and taking his horse. "May I ask who is calling?" A maid asked, smiling warmly at the familiar figure of Stephen. "Mr. Hawthorn. I wish to speak to Miss Emma." The maid curtsied and lead him inside, "please wait here," she said with a smile. He settled down in the very room he had taken tea with Emma just a few days prior.

"You means she just took off?" A voice whispered from out in the hall and Stephen moved towards the door, intrigued. "Mr Daniel came in this very morning!" Another woman's voice called out, "betrothed is what I heard. Miss Emma will finally be married." "Indeed, Miss Emma didn't seem too happy though. I just heard her run out the door, most likely to her garden."

What? What does he think he's doing? What right does he think he has to just come in and ask for her hand? Stephen was becoming frustrated. He picked up his hat from the table where he had laid it down. He opened the door and jogged outside. "Sir! Wait!" The maid cried out.

The footman had yet to put away his horse, and he took the reins from him. "Forgive me, I must go." He said as he pulled himself up onto the horse. He steered his horse in the direction of the garden, but there was no sign of Emma. Where are you Emma? he thought to himself, then urged his horse forward. If she had been told, she may have taken off in direction of my home. Let us hope. And with that, he pushed forward. He hadn't seen her on the road, so she would have had to take another way.

[Kiki]

Another peal of lightning webbed across the sky, another after that. Emma was doing her best to keep up a steady pace across the long green acres that separated her estate from Stephen's. A deafening roar of thunder followed. Emma ducked her head from the noise, the sound having suddenly frightened her. She had never been outside in a thunder storm before. Emma suddenly took off into a jog, heading towards the top of a grassy hill.

The sun was no longer visible. She was unsure of how long she had been jogging along. Moisture was collecting on her forehead from exertion, her breath coming in slow pants. One more crack of thunder so loud it seemed to run along her spine, and the sky opened up. Thick drops fell along Emma's shoulders, at her hair. Emma looked up, helplessly, as the rain began immediately as a downpour. Emma now ran as fast as could, Stephen's estate finally coming into view.

The mud collected easily, as Emma trudged along. Her ankles and knees were splashed with the stuff, her dress soaked through. Her hair was so wet that it fell out from the neat pile she had had on the top of her head, sodden and dripping around her shoulders. The rain was cold, chilling her to the bone, but she would not stop. Not until she reached his front door.

[Notty]

Stephen furrowed his brow as the skies darkened, his eyes scanning for any sign of Emma. Emma, come on. Where are you? he thought to himself as the rain started. He shivered as it quickly soaked him through. He knew he had to find her, in the cold and rain, she would certainly catch ill. "Emma!" He shouted, but his voice was quickly frowned out by the rumble of thunder.

Urging his horse forward, his heart began to sink as he neared his home. Where could she have gone? Had she even gone in the direction of his estate? "Emma!" He shouted again, his horse galloping through the forming puddles, splashing mud upon his legs. Please Emma, please be there.

When he reached the crest of the hill near his estate, movement caught his eye. Stumbling down the hill in the rain, was a figure. Emma. Pushing his heels into the sides of his horse, he raced closer. "Emma!" He shouted, drawing nearer it was undoubtably her. She was soaking wet, her dress clinging to her small frame and her hair sticking to her face. "Emma!" He shouted again as he all but jumped from his horse. He ran down the hill after her, quickly catching up.

"What are you doing?" He asked as he gently took her arm, pulling her towards him and into his embrace. "You're freezing..." He whispered, then reached down and almost effortlessly took her up in his arms. "Let me get you home." He whispered, pressing a kiss to her forehead. Slowly, Stephen made the final trek to his estate, doing his best to shield her from the rain and keep her warm. "Almost there Emma, then we will get you warm, you'll be okay. I'm here," he cooed softly, his lips finding her forehead again, praying that she would indeed be alright.

[Kiki]

Emma thought she had heard her name upon the wind, but had not stopped to look around. The wind had lashed at her face, she could not see around. But then she heard heavier footfalls, like a horse. Emma spun around and saw a darkened figure coming towards her. She halted on the spot, and the person jumped from their horse, coming to reach her. She realized it was Stephen.

She prayed him not to be cross with her - she simply had wanted to warn him of the new developments. She did not mean to get them both caught in the rain. He reached down to her legs, and she allowed herself to be picked up into his arms, the both of them sopping wet. She shivered against the rain, feeling his arms closing around her. She curled her face into his chest, shielding herself, curling her arms around his neck. She could feel her cold cheeks in contrast with his warmth. She was very cold.

"Stephen, I'm sorry!" She yelled against the thunder. It was all she could manage to choke out - the wind carrying her words away across the grassy hills.

[Notty]

Stephen moved as quickly as he could, making his way to his estate and up the front steps. A maid opened the door, her eyes wide. "Sir! What happened?" she cried out, fussing over Emma. "Never mind, quickly, stoke the fire in my room and find some dry clothes for her." the maid nodded and hurried off up the stairs. He carried her into the parlor, kneeling down in front of the fire, gently rubbing her arms. "Dearest," he murmured, trying to warm her up. "What were you thinking?"

"I told you to take the carriage!" his mother's voice called from the hallway, her footsteps nearing the parlor. "Ah! look at the floor! We will have water stains and if you have gotten it o-" she said as she entered the room, but quickly quieted when she saw Stephen holding Emma. "What happened?!" she cried out, moving over quickly, pulling off her shawl and draping it around Emma. "She was out in the rain, I saw her and brought her here." He answered quickly, his eyes never leaving Emma's face.

"The fire is ready master," the maid piped in, and Stephen pushed himself up, carrying Emma up the stairs to his bedroom. The room was large, furnished in various shades of green. A large bed set against the furthest wall, plush blankets and pillows filled it, a roaring fire nearby. The windows were draped in a sage green color, a large mirror in one corner with a massive wardrobe nearby. The maid had followed them in and was carrying a nightgown and woolen socks.

Carefully, Stephen set Emma down on the edge of his bed. "Mary here will help you change into some dry clothes, alright?" he said softly, a hand gently cupping her cheek. "I'll be back in as soon as you are changed." He kissed her forehead and turned to leave, Mary staying close to help Emma change.

[Kiki]

"Stephen, I need to te-", Emma tried to convey the message she had been told in her own home, but his mother came in and she clammed up. She seemed to be immediately curled around in his mother's shawl; she idly aware of how expensive it must have been, and how she was only going to get it wet from her soiled clothes. She kept quiet while Stephen explained how he had found her, not daring to add her input as to why she had been in the rain.

Emma felt something pleasurable twist in her stomach as she stared up at Stephen, his face screwed up in concentration as he carried her up the stairs to her bedroom. She had imagined the circumstances of such an instance in much different ways. Emma could not help but admire the trappings of his room. Such expensive items. Such lavish things.

Stephen had set her on the edge of the bed, she tried reaching for his hand before he left them but she was too late. Emma was left with the maid. Emma felt embarrassed and a bit guilty at having people fawning over her, but she was still appreciative of having the maid strip her of the wet clothes. The maid had to literally peel off her small clothes, as she was wet all the way to her skin, which had taken on a bluish hue from the cold. The maid helped Emma don the nightgown, but as she reached for the socks, Emma's hand laid over hers, "Please. You've been so kind. I can do the socks myself." She smiled kindly to the maid, feeling a little flushed, putting a hand to her forehead, trying to push her wet hair from her face. "Please send for Master Hawthorn, I should like to see him now I am more decent."

Emma picked up the socks as the maid left her with the many pieces of wet items, but did not move to put them on. Instead she picked them up and padded over to the fireplace, sitting down quite close to it. She let the flames warm her face, and begin to dry her wet hair, which hung loosely and dripping. She even put her hands out close to the fire, warming them.

[Notty]

Stephen knocked on the door to his room and then stepped in a few moments later. He smiled to Emma, moving silently across the room. He had changed himself, now wearing simple brown trousers and a white shirt with a dark blue robe tied around his waist. It was very informal and had his mother known he was wearing such an outfit and seeing a lady, she would have had a litter of kittens.

"Emma," he murmured softly, taking her hand and kissing it before he settled down near the fireplace with her. He smiled and placed a hand on her cheek, stroking it gently with his thumb. "My love, what were you thinking?" he whispered, leaning forward and kissing her gently. He rested his forehead on hers for a moment and took in a deep breath. He had heard from the maids what had happened, but he wanted to hear what Emma had to say.

"I was on my way to your home, but when I arrived, you had fled." his eyes moved over her face, the firelight casting shadows that danced across her face. She looked so beautiful right now, he couldn't help but smile and kiss her again. "What happened?"

[Kiki]

Emma heard the knock and then his entrance. She turned her head from the fire to give him a small smile as he moved towards her. She realized he was in extremely informal attire, and she could not help the slight blush that crept across her cheeks. She supposed it was flattering, for him to meet her in such a state; that his comfort with her was high enough to appear in a night robe. After all, she herself was in a nightgown. She assumed she'd be staying the night, given the circumstances. She received the kiss to her hand and stroke to her cheek without a beat, but when he finally sat with her, her eyebrows narrowed together.

"Oh Stephen, it is awful!" she began. Feeling like she sounded ridiculous, like some genteel maiden in distress, she checked herself. She cleared her throat, her eyes meeting his squarely. "I had been getting ready to see you. I heard hooves out front. I should have known it was not you, for there was a carriage. I went down to greet you anyway, but instead it was that prat-", she nearly spat the word, her eyes becoming dark, "Daniel Larkin."

Emma folded her arms over her chest, looking back to the fire, shivering slightly. All of a sudden she felt cold again. Her voice dropped a bit, almost ashamed to speak the words. "My mother has agree to giving my hand to him. He called it a betrothal. I do not think they have each received my father's blessing. I don't know where they get off on agreeing this to happen, without even speaking to me." She frowned, shivering again. "I- they, they don't know what we have discussed between us. I was so furious I stormed out. I decided to find you before you came to the house. I must have missed you on the way."

Emma glanced back to him, biting her lip. "You know it is not my wish to be wed to him." Emma shivered once more. Turning off to the side, she suddenly sneezed once. A pause, and then another sneeze. Emma sniffed slightly, murmuring, "Excuse me," before sneezing a third time. Oh no.

[Notty]

Stephen nodded, listening to all that Emma had to say. Makes sense now. I'd be running too if I were her. He smiled a bit and pulled his arm around her, feeling her shiver. Gently rubbing her side, he nodded. "I should have stayed and talked to your father." he murmured, inwardly cursing himself for not settling the marriage while he was there.

His brow furrowed as she began to sneeze, feeling her, she didn't seem to be any warmer, despite sitting near the fire. He felt her cheeks and then her forehead, frowning a bit. "Emma...you're so cold," he whispered, kissing her forehead. Stephen tried not to sound alarmed, but he was worried about her. "Lets just get you warmed up," he murmured, pushing himself up. Just as he had before, he leaned down and lifted Emma up, carrying her over and gently laying her in his bed.

It seemed so natural, to see Emma laying there on his bed. He smiled and pulled the blankets over her, sitting on the edge of the bed. It was a very intimate act, something that was reserved for only husband and wife, but he didn't care. He gently smoothed her hair back from her forehead and kissed her cheek. Pulling a cord beside his bed, he called for a maid.

"What is it sir?" Mary asked, looking at Stephen who was sitting on the bed near Emma. He stood and moved over to where Mary stood, "the doctor please, quickly." he murmured, not wanting to alarm Emma. Her eyes widened a bit and she turned, moving quickly down the hall. Stephen turned back to Emma, a smile on his face. Sitting back down, he took her hand, holding it gently. "Are you feeling any warmer?" he asked, bringing her hand to his lips and kissing it again.

[Kiki]

"Stephen, I'm fine, really." Emma had attempted to protest, though after her bout of sneezing, she was not so sure herself. She sounded congested, and she sniffled. But he had already scooped her up, placing her in bed. In his bed. Oooh, she thought, amongst the plush pillows and soft downy comforters. It feels so good. She glanced up to Stephen, who was watching her intently, before pulling the covers over her, encapsulating her in warmth. She felt sort of drowsy. She sneezed again as he smoothed her hair back and pulled on a cord next to the bed.

Emma did her best to cement a pleasant smile on her face as the maid came in. Stephen got up and spoke to her in a low voice before she retreated from the room. When Stephen came back, Emma narrowed her eyes, playfully. "That had better be for tea and more woolen socks," she said, a grimace coming upon her. "Please tell me you've not sent for the doctor. I'm fine!" The last word came out a bit whiny, but she was already a bother to them all without her folly. She suddenly sneezed again, making her head throb. She held her hand to her forehead, turning off to the side. She was feeling worse by the minute. "I'm warm," she murmured into the pillows, her head still faced away from him, her hand shielding her eyes. "I'm sorry," she sniffled.

[Notty]

Stephen smiled and shook his head, "there is nothing to apologize for love." he said softly, turning her face back towards him. "You don't have to hide from me." he whispered, gently pulling her hand away from her eyes. His eyes scanned her face, unable to believe the love that he felt for this woman. He hadn't even thought as to where he would sleep, it didn't matter. As long as she was safe, everything else would be fine.

"I did call for the doctor, I'd rather be safe than sorry." he said with a smile, letting his fingers gently push back through her hair. "Is there anything I can get you? A glass of wine, tea perhaps?" He smiled weakly, feeling incredible useless. He didn't know how to take care of someone that was ill, much less someone that he deeply cared about. "Emma," he began, his words catching a bit in his throat, unsure if he should even say them. I love you. I love you. He smiled a bit and laced his fingers in with hers. I love you.

[Kiki]

As if reading his mind, "Stephen, I can't stay in your bed all night long. Where will you sleep? And now you're sending for the doctor! How long do you intend on keeping me captive?" Emma's smile widened a bit, cheekily. Her head was burning up, the headache becoming worse. She winced slightly, trying to hide it by putting her hand back over her head. "I was not hiding, I'm just, tired," she finished, lamely.

She felt herself getting groggy. It had to be the fever taking over. She had been outside in the cold, rain and wind too long. She coughed into the pillows, hiding her face. She murmured gently, feeling weak all of a sudden, "Darling, some tea would be wonderful. Will you stay and have tea with me?" Emma looked up at him, her eyes distinctly feverish. She heard him say her name, but her eyes were looking past him, at the fire. "Yes, Stephen?" Her head was starting to spin. She could not keep her eyes open. Her head was bounding.

She grabbed for his hand, her palm sweaty. "Darling." She panted slightly, "Where is the doctor..." She asked, not even fighting how she felt now. "I am feeling quite unwell."

[Notty]

Stephen smiled as she tried to explain away her actions, but his face fell when he saw that she wasn't looking at him. "Emma?" he murmured, gently placing his hand on her cheek. The cheek that moments ago had been ice cold, now burned beneath his hand. He couldn't deny that he was starting to get worried, pulling the cord again, hoping that Mary would return and say that the doctor was on his way. "You're okay Emma, I'm right here, I'm not going anywhere."

Mary entered the room quickly, "what is it sir?" she asked, slightly breathless. "Is the doctor on his way?" he asked, turning to look at Mary. "Yes sir, Jonathon has gone after him sir." Stephen nodded and smiled weakly, "she is burning up Mary, fetch me some cool rags or something." Mary looked to Emma and then nodded, running from the room.

"Hold on Emma," he whispered, forcing a weak smile as his fingers brushed over her fever flushed cheek. "I'm here, you're going to be fine." He swallowed hard, trying to keep his voice level. Blinking back tears, he brought her hand to his lips. "I love you."

[Kiki]

Emma was still lucid, but very feverish. She heard Stephen call for the maid, but did not hear the exchanged words. She felt him touch her hot cheeks. And then she heard his voice crack, lips touch her hand. Her eyes darted up to meet his, right at the moment that she saw his mouth form the words, I love you.

Emma did not think it was possible to feel more flushed, but she had been wrong. Her hand felt for his, fingers intertwining automatically. Emma rose up onto her elbows only slightly, looking at him, struggling to keep her eyes on his. "Darling," she whispered. Love. Her mouth tried to form the word herself, but she doubted herself. Did she really hear him? I'm sick. I must have imagined it. "Darling, what did you say?" Her eyes searching his, her eyes a bit dull green, moisture on her forehead.

[Notty]

Stephen smiled and gently cupped the back of her head, his other hand holding hers. "I love you." he said again, louder this time so that she could hear. "I love you Emma." He leaned forward and pressed a kiss to her forehead, "just lay back and rest, you need to rest, okay?" He smiled as he helped her lay back on the bed.

Mary entered the room with a bowl of water and some fresh washcloths. "These should help hold her fever down sir." she said, starting to wet them. Stephen gently pushed her hands away, "thank you Mary, but I will do it." He smiled up at her and nodded, signaling that she could leave. "Just keep an eye out for the doctor and inform me the moment he arrives." She nodded and curtsied, hurrying out of the room.

Stephen wetted a cloth and placed it on her forehead, trying to cool her flushed face. His eyes moved over Emma's face, still holding her hand as he did all he knew to do to make her comfortable. "Please, Emma. I love you."

[Kiki]

Emma sputtered. He's saying it like it's so easy. Emma fought back weakly as he eased her back against the bed off of her elbows. She stared up at the ceiling, her head fiery. She pushed back the feeling of passing out, swallowing deeply.

A cold cloth touched her forehead, shocking her slightly. She gasped softly, but it brought instant relief to her head. She closed her eyes against the feeling, relaxing a bit. Her head slipped a little bit off to the side, the cloth staying still. Emma's hand closed over his as well. She whispered to the pillows, "You tell me while I look my worst," there was no hint of humor, although she intended for it to be funny - it just came off matter-of-factly.

[Notty]

Stephen smiled weakly, gently cupping her head and placing it back on the pillow, wiping the cool cloth over her face. He laughed softly, "if I love you now, when you think you look your worst, things can only get better, right?" he murmured, his eyes moving over her face as he tried to cool her down.

Mary ran in a few minutes later, "he's here sir! The doctor!" Stephen nodded and turned to watch the door, the figure of the doctor jogging up the stairs and down the hall. He laid his bag down on the end of the bed, Stephen stood and moved over, but never let go of her hand.

"What is wrong with her?" the doctor asked, sitting where Stephen had been and placing a hand on Emma's forehead. "She was out walking sir, when the rain hit. I brought her in as quickly as I could and tried to warm her. The fever has taken over incredible quickly. Less than an hour I'd say." The doctor nodded and pulled out a stethoscope, listening to her heart. He pursed his lips and took her temperature.

Leaning over to Stephen, the doctor whispered. "It is a very high fever, I just hope we have caught it in time." Stephen nodded and swallowed hard, keeping his hand in Emma's. "Mary, come here!" He called out softly, Mary entering the room. "What is it sir?" Stephen glanced to Emma and then to Mary, "I need you to dispatch a letter to Emma's mother, tell her that I found her and brought her here. She is ill, but the doctor is here even as we speak tending to her. Make haste!" Mary nodded and ran from the room.

Come on Emma. Fight it. I know you're stubborn. Please. I love you.

[Kiki]

Emma was only slightly aware of the doctor being present. She endured as he picked and poked at her, her head still off to the side. She heard whispers but was far too weak to bother striving to hear them. Emma felt her eyes drifting closed, her arm and hand in Stephen's going slack. She managed to murmur to anyone listening, "I just... I just need ... a nap..." Emma was so very hot, but she felt Stephen near and felt safe. She drifted off, falling asleep almost instantly.

[Notty]

They had been the longest three days of his life. Stephen refused to leave her side, sleeping on the floor near her bed, sometimes sitting up in a chair nearby, but never out of eyesight of Emma. The doctor stayed the entire first day and night, her fever ever growing. And now, all they could do was wait.

Her mother and father had come to see her, and fussed over her but thanked Stephen for his excellent care, visiting with his mother for a while before they returned home. Keep her until she is well! She has such a delicate disposition, I don't want her moved before she is strong enough and then get sick again! her mother had stated, to which her father explained how grateful he was for Stephen's care and how well he was taking care of her.

The early morning light poured into the bedroom, and Stephen groaned softly. His right hand held Emma's, though she did not hold his back. He ran a hand over his face and back through his hair, sighing. "Good morning my love," he whispered, smiling weakly. His free hand moved and gently stroked her cheek, "please wake up Emma, " he whispered, his voice breaking as his eyes filled with tears. "I love you sweetheart, please wake up."

[Kiki]

Emma heard him before she struggled to see him. She felt herself waking up, slightly. She sensed the window open, the birds calling to one another outside, the slight breeze playing off her face. She felt the soothing sunlight caressing her eyes, warming her hair. Emma let out a soft sigh. Her head was not pounding. She was a little warm under the covers, to which she took a hand and carelessly pushed them down off of her a little. The air from the window felt divine. The same hand was lifted to her eyes, shielding them slightly from the sun, resting across her eyebrows.

Emma murmured, her eyes still closed, "Good morning, my darling," to Stephen. She groaned a little, turning slowly, carefully towards where she'd heard his voice, her hair sliding across the pillows, over her shoulder, falling down her front. "I'm here, Stephen," and with that, her eyes opened, revealing a pair of shining green eyes, a small smile finding her mouth.

[Notty]

Stephen grinned, trying to blink back tears, but they fell down his face instead. "Emma," he murmured, then leaned down, put his arms around her and hugged her tightly. "God, you had me so worried," he whispered, the emotion in his voice now evident, but he did nothing to hide it. He pulled back slightly and kissed her, tenderly, gently. "I love you." He whispered against her lips when he finally pulled back, smiling through his tears and tucking some hair behind her ear.

Helping her sit up, Stephen took her hand, the smile now permanently stuck on his face. He interlaced his fingers with hers, brushing her hair back, stroking her cheek. "I love you Emma." He said softly as he sat down next to her. "I want to marry you, I want you to be my wife." He smiled, then kissed her again. Maybe it was over the course of the past 3 days, he feared that he would lose her entirely. But he knew that he could not live without her.

Mary stepped in the room and nearly dropped the tray of food she was carrying. "She's awake! Oh Lord she's awake!" She cried out, setting the tray down on a nearby table and running back through the house shouting the good news. Stephen simply laughed and shook his head, kissing Emma once more.

[Kiki]

"Oh darling," Emma could not help but chuckle at him slightly. She carefully wiped his stray tears away with her thumb, as her hand found his cheek, after he had kissed her a few times. She heard him loud and clearly this time, a flush finding her cheeks to his enthusiasm, to his unabashed emotions. She patted his chest with her open hand a few times, calming him, but looking at him with fondness. "Honey, I just woke up. That's a lot to process at the moment."

Truth was, she was still tired. His emotions were a bit overwhelming for her within the first minute or so of her waking back up. She wanted to return the feelings, to say the words, but she was little off-keel, still weak. She hoped he would not expect nor beg her to say it back just yet.

Emma looked over to the window, frowning. Her brows furrowed, her forehead creasing. "What day is it?", she asked, not looking at him. "How long have I been resting?" She turned her eyes back to him, smiling reassuringly. He must have felt relieved, as did she. The sickness had come upon her quickly, completely taking her under. She reached over for his hands, taking them in hers. "Darling, I hope I am not coming off abrupt. I am just a bit foggy."

She smiled over to the door, listening to the maid telling everyone and anyone about her having woken up. She realized she was still sitting in Stephen's bed. Oh! She quickly looked at him again. "Oh darling! Where have you been sleeping!" She studied him, as if seeing him for the first time all over again. His eyes looked so tired, despite having that coy smile on his lips. He was pale. "My love, my sweet. You need to sleep yourself! You look so tired, Stephen. Please tell me you've gotten some sleep while I was sick."

[Notty]

Stephen smiled and kissed her forehead, "forgive me Emma, I had to say it though, I've wanted to, I've prayed so many times that you would open you eyes...and now that you have- well I would have burst if I didn't say it." He brushed his thumbs over the tops of her hands, shaking his head. "No...don't worry yourself, I should have been more patient." he said softly, his blue/green eyes scanning hers, finding refuge in the emerald green of hers.

"This is the fourth day my dear," he said with a weary smile. "You had a very high fever, and the doctor feared that you wouldn't recover..." he let his voice trail off for a moment before he spoke again, this time, shaking his head. "Don't worry about me, I'm fine." he said- not a complete lie, but then, not the truth.

He hadn't shaved for a few days, his face slightly scruffy and his hair tousled. He gave her a reassuring smile, "I did sleep dearest, though it was very light. I had to be here if you needed anything. If you had woken for even a moment, I wanted to be here." Stephen gently squeezed her hands and then kissed the tops of them.

"Are you hungry or thirsty?" he asked, glancing back at the tray on the table that Mary had left. It had tea, oatmeal, fruit and bread on it. "Would you like some tea? There's oatmeal as well if you feel up to eating." He turned back and looked at her, smiling widely. He gently let go of one of her hands and placed his on her cheek. "I'm glad you are better, I've missed those eyes."

[Kiki]

"Well that's the last time I go running to find you in the rain," Emma said, smiling cheekily. She winked as well. "Good thing that doctor doesn't seem very good, because I feel fine." And she looked it too, her eyes shining brightly, her cheeks resuming a healthy, bright pallor. Even her hair shone gold in the light. She grinned, trying to ease his still obvious nerves, "I'm just kidding about the doctor. But really. It's me we're talking about here. I feel as fit as a fiddle! No silly head cold is going to knock me out forever."

Emma reached forward, clasping Stephen by the cheek, kissing him intensely. She moved her mouth against his, turning her head into the kiss. She slid the hand from his cheek to his shoulder, leaning into him, her arm now drifting lazily down his back. Her lips against his ear. "So. It's your estate, right?" He could no doubt feel her smile against his ear; she did not need his confirmation, she knew it to be true. "You should have slept while I was sick, my love. How scandalous would it be for you to join me in bed? It is your bed, after all." She could feel his hesitation. She pulled back a little, her eyes looking reassuringly into his, "I swear. We won't do a thing other than sleep. You need to rest too." She nudged his nose with hers. "Food can wait."

[Notty]

Stephen was taken aback by the intensity of her kiss, but he quickly met it, letting his hand run up her neck and gently tangle in her hair. God, I've missed this. he thought to himself as he kissed her, but all too soon, she pulled back. He smiled warmly at her, his eyes scanning her face. It was a tempting offer, to sleep in his own bed. His body had been crying out in protest over the chair and floor the past few days. "Do you still wish to sleep my dear?" He asked, his eyes searching hers.

Then Stephen did something that he never thought he would have. He climbed into bed with a woman that was not his wife. He laid down on top of the blankets, letting Emma remain beneath them. He settled down into the bed, his body relaxing as it felt the familiar plushness of the mattress and blankets. He shifted a bit onto his side so he was facing Emma. "Is this better?" he whispered, pulling his arms around her and holding her close. Yes, yes it is much better.

Mary entered the room a while later, opening her mouth to speak, but before any sound came out, she smiled widely. There, on the bed, was her master and the young woman. He held her in his arms as they both slept, him on top of the blankets, preserving her dignity. She glanced around the room, then backed out, shutting the doors behind her and staying nearby to make sure that no one disturbed her master or Miss Emma.

[Kiki]

Emma rolled over sometime later. The sun was still out, but much lower in the sky. Emma glanced around the room - everything was still and quiet, the door to his chambers closed even. It was almost as if the entire house was holding its breath. She realized she had fallen asleep very quickly.

Emma turned back, a ghost of a smile finding her lips. Stephen was still sound asleep. He must be so very tired, she thought, watching him. His breath was slow, but steady. She watched his side rise and fall. His face even seemed more relaxed in sleep - pale and smooth, like polished marble. She did not want to wake him, but she could not help but reach over slowly, carefully towards him. She felt some resistance between them and looked down before realizing that it was his body weight holding down the covers around her. She could not help but grin, whispering to him in his sleep, "Ever the gentleman, wouldn't even get under the covers..." she found herself swooning with feelings of gratefulness, and... love.

She blinked back against the shock. There it was. Love. She glanced back up at him quickly, checking to make sure he had not woken up. He had not, but her sudden nervousness built. Oh gods, how will I tell him? She eased closer to him, as much as the blanket's resistance allowed, laying her arm across the width of his hip, her hand dangling onto his back gently. She closed her eyes, their noses nearly touching, trying to recite the words in her head. I love you. I love you.

[Notty]

Stephen stirred slightly, feeling movement against him. He stretched his hand out as if feeling to make sure that Emma was still there, almost second nature. A soft smile moved upon his lips even before his eyes were open. He could feel her nearness, even the warmth of her breath. Slowly, he opened his eyes, finding hers looking back at him. "Hey beautiful," he murmured, his voice deep and gravely with sleep. Moving his hand up to the side of her head, he gently nudged her nose with his and then leaned his forehead against hers. "How did you sleep?"

He pulled back slightly, but not out of her embrace. There was...something different. He wasn't quite sure what it was, but there was something different in the way she looked at him. Gently pushing his hand through her hair, he pulled her close again, not wanting to leave her embrace. Not wanting to leave the bed. It was perfect here. Quiet. Intimate.

Stephen gently nudged Emma's nose, almost an affectionate gesture. He closed his eyes again, just taking in her nearness. He had never felt more in love with her than this moment, this quiet moment where they simply held one another. He let his hand slip down to the side of her neck as he leaned in and kissed her tenderly. His lips moved against hers, deepening the kiss. "I love you." he whispered against her lips, a small smile on his face as he brushed the hair from her face.

[Kiki]

Emma was so happy to see his eyes open. To hear his voice. To feel him next to her. She knew this is what it would be like to sleep with him. To be with him. To be his wife. There was no doubt in her mind. She thought she'd just make idle talk of how she slept, before obligatorily asking him how he had slept too.

But the kiss did her in. The "I love you" cracked her resolve. Emma felt her chest nearly splitting open. Now she understood why he blurted out that he wanted to marry her as soon as she woke up. That's all she wanted to do now. Her eyes became urgent, "How do you feel about waking up to my face every day?" She suddenly clutched at his hand, taking it in hers, pressing it to her face, staring intently into his eyes, "Because." She almost didn't do it, but the floodgates burst. Tears teetered on the edge of her eyes. "Because, I love you. I love you."

And then the tears spilt over. "Because I love you. Please don't let me go. Please don't let them marry me off to Daniel Larkin," she almost spat the name again, but the tears drowned out any kind of anguish she had. "Don't leave me. I love you. I'm an idiot for taking this long to figure it out." She gripped at his front, burying her face into his chest, letting herself cry it out. It had been a long time since she'd cried in general, much less cried in front of anyone at all, let alone her suitor, husband-to-be. She sniffed delicately into him, still feeling tears on her cheeks. She whispered into the folds of his shirt. "Marry me. Please. I love you."

[Notty]

Stephen furrowed his brow a little as she placed his hand on her cheek. His eyes searched hers, suddenly worried that she was going to say the exact opposite of what was about to come out of her mouth. But the words that came out surprised him. He smiled wider, then pulled her close, holding her tightly as she cried against him.

"I love you too," he whispered, kissing the top of her head over and over. "Yes, yes I want to marry you. Yes I want to wake up next to you every day." He gently raised her chin so that she was looking up at him. He gently wiped away her tears and kissed her wet cheeks. "I want you Emma. I want you to be my wife."

He smiled and kissed her gently, "now my love, no more tears." He smiled and brushed away the lingering tears. He kissed her forehead and then her lips again. "As soon as you are well, I will go talk to your father." His eyes moved over her face, smiling as he took in her face. She was beautiful, even like this. Gently pulling her into his arms, he held her there. Feeling her heart against his. I love you.

[Kiki]

Emma let him raise her chin. She peered up at him as he wiped up her tears, kissed her embarrassed and wet cheeks. She flushed to her sudden outburst of emotion. She was surprised at her own reaction but she felt is necessary. And now it was all oit there. She did not have to hide anymore.

"I'll stop blubbering, I promise. I am sorry I... got overwhelmed." Emma managed a small embarrassed smile. She released his hand finally, willing her heart to calm down. Her eyes had a sense of instilled hope. "Thank you for taking care of me while I was ill. Thank you for coming to...", she paused, choosing the words carefully. "Coming to rest with me. You looked like you had needed it too," she said as he held her close to his chest, to his heart.

She smiled into the folds of his shirt. "Might we be able to have dinner together tonight? I should like to have it be private, in here even if you're okay with it. Provided your mother does not insist otherwise?" Her eyebrows were raised slightly with the question. Would they think it improper?

Emma was hardly much for the strictness that their class asked for. She already was terribly fond of Stephen and their mutual declaration of love was enough for her to be more cozy with him.

[Notty]

"I shall speak with Mary, it should not be a problem for us to have dinner in here." Stephen smiled and stroked her cheek gently. "Mother knows you are ill, and even though I'm sure she knows you're awake, she certainly won't expect you to come downstairs for dinner." He smiled warmly and nudged her nose with his. "In here. Together." He murmured softly.

Mary came in a while later, and Stephen explained that they wanted to have dinner in his room together, as Emma was still not strong enough to leave the bed. She nodded and smiled, curtsying as she left the room. Stephen had sat up and on the edge of the bed when Mary came in, but as soon as she retreated and shut the doors behind her, he laid back down beside Emma.

Laying on his back, he glanced over at Emma, a smile on his lips. His hand moved over the blankets, searching until it founds hers and their fingers were intertwined. "I love you Emma. I never wish to be parted from you." He whispered, letting his eyes take in her features. It was different now. The passion that was there just days ago- the passion he felt as he kissed her in the dark at the ball. It was still there, but now something else grew. Almost an ache. He knew that she was the only one he wanted to lay beside. To kiss. He wouldn't be content with anyone else. He would do anything, go anywhere, pay any sum for Emma.

Gently pulling their hands over to him, he laid them on his chest, letting her feel his heartbeat, feel his chest rise and fall. He smiled quietly over to her, just enjoying the intimacy of the moment. Because for now, everything was perfect.

[Kiki]

Emma smiled fondly, laying her hand flatter, feeling his heartbeat beneath her hand. It had quickened a little bit, but it was steady, and strong. She smiled wider, leaning into him, their noses touching. "Have you always been this romantic? Or am I just lucky?" She nudged Stephen's nose with hers. She slipped one of her hands free, reaching up to trace the curve of his jaw, smooth her fingers over his cheek.

She stole a look at him. "You know, handsome. I'm feeling better. I just wanted a good excuse to have dinner with you alone." She smiled cheekily. "Just this once. I'll humor your mother some other time."

A thought occurred to her as she now traced the curve of his mouth. "Did my parents come to visit me while I was sick? Did you say anything to them? I am going to assume they must have their suspicions given the circumstances." She smiled softly before leaning in slightly, daring her body to get a little closer to his if even only through covers.

[Notty]

Stephen smiled, his eyes following hers, then let his lips kiss the ends of her fingers as they smoothed around his mouth. "I suppose I have always been this romantic," the mused aloud, "though never had a chance to use my skills until now." His hands slowly found their way to her hips and then up her sides. "And don't worry about my mother, she'll be bursting in here the moment she thinks you can catch breath without feeling ill." he chuckled a little, sensuously gliding his hands around her back and pulling her closer.

The question. I knew it was coming. "They did come, yes." he stated, his body tensing slightly at the thought. "Your mother and father both came, both were quite taken aback by your serious condition, but both were glad that you had been found and were being properly looked after." He smiled weakly and kissed her gently. Did that cad of a 'fiancé' of yours show up? The one your mother so easily betrothed you to? I haven't seen hide nor hair of him. Closing his eyes, Stephen let out a long breath, then a large smile grew on his face. "I'm surprised you still will have me." he said, opening his eyes and looking up into the deep green pools of hers. "Here, dressed so informally, a robe...unshaven..." he chuckled slightly as his hand ran up and over his face, feeling the stubble of a few days without a shave.

[Kiki]

As if reading his mind, she said slowly, carefully, "And... Daniel Larkin. Did he ever come by?" Emma hardly needed to ask, she was fairly certain he had not. He was just some puppet her mother had chosen. Some ridiculous pawn, a lustful man who assuredly only wanted her maidenhood and little else.

Emma stroked his face again as he pulled her close, they teetered close to an indecent embrace. But she did not care. She would marry this man. She loved him. She murmured against his mouth. "Of course I will have you. The stubble, the robe, they only add to your sexyness." She whispered the last word, a word she had never uttered. Her mouth found his passionately, her lips pressing to his hungrily. Her mouth eased against his, her tongue touching his briefly, a naughty smile finding her lips. "I want you and only you, Stephen Hawthorn," she said firmly, "As long as you will have me."

She eased back slightly. "I am sure my parents are undebted to you for taking care of me. Looking after me. You look like a wonderful suitor. A handsome man."

[Notty]

Stephen shook his head, his eyes following hers, watching her face for her reaction. "No, he never came by." He said softly, then leaned up and kissed her gently and deeply. It didn't matter to him, he was glad that Daniel hadn't come by. He probably would have gotten quite upset. He smiled and rubbed her sides gently.

Surprised by her kiss, Stephen quickly responded, his lips hungrily moving after hers, even letting his tongue meet hers. He let out a soft moan, pulling her tighter against him. I want you so badly. God, I want you. he thought to himself, gently rolling over, playfully pinning her down. He smiled and nipped at her lips, then kissed along her jaw and down her neck, wanting her so badly. "Emma..." He murmured softly against her skin, letting his lips drag over her neck as he spoke. "You, my love, are the...sexy one." He whispered, his desire for her ever growing.

[Kiki]

Emma forgot all about Daniel, her parents, everything, as soon as he pinned her down. Her mouth went dry, though she lent up to kiss him, allowing their tongues to meet again and again, each time harsher, more fervent. She caught his bottom lip at pulled on it gently with the teeth. Her mind swirled with dozen of fantasies, all of them involving Stephen taking some or all of his clothes off.

Her breathing hitched up as his lips came to meet her neck, and she sighed heavily into his neck, "Stephen, my darling," he found a particularly soft spot on her neck, his teeth grazing it, igniting a fire within her, she tried to ease him away, "Oh, my sweet, we mustn't. We mustn't." But a gasp escaped her anyway. Emma felt herself weakening to him. She pressed her mouth to his ear. "My darling, I love you." She pressed her lips firmly to his temple, patting him on the chest, trying to get the both of them to calm themselves before they did something terribly - albeit wonderful - stupid.

[Notty]

Stephen pulled back slowly, his eyes meeting Emma's. "Forgive me..." he whispered, kissing her forehead before sitting up beside her. He ran a hand through his hair and closed his eyes for a moment, taking in a slow, long breath. He slowly turned to face her, taking her hand in his, his eyes now refusing to meet hers. "I'm sorry Emma. I didn't mean to disrespect you..." Letting his eyes flick up for a moment to meet hers, he gave her a weak smile. The last thing he wanted her to think was that he wanted to take advantage of her.

"I love you Emma, and I will wait as long as I have to." he said, kissing the top of her hand as he looked into her eyes, his own reflecting sincerity. A knock at the door turned his face away from hers, and Mary entered the room with a tray. "Forgive me, here is your supper." She moved quietly across the room and laid a silver tray laden with food on the table near the bed. Two bowls of soup, large chunks of fresh bread, a pitcher of water, various fruits and cheeses. Stephen nodded and smiled warmly to Mary, "thank you Mary, that will be all." he said softly, dismissing her. Mary curtsied and turned, leaving the couple alone once more.

"What would you say, to eating our supper beside the fire?" Stephen said, standing and picking up the tray. He carried it over and set it down on the floor near the fireplace. Moving over to the bed, he pulled off several pillows and arranged them on the floor. "Here, this is perfect." he said with a smile as he returned to the bed. "Only...." he said, dramatically thoughtful. "It is missing something..." Leaning down, he gently scooped Emma up into his arms and carried her to the fireplace, sitting her down close by. "There, a masterpiece." he murmured, kissing the top of her head before he settled down next to her.

[Kiki]

Emma watched him work, building up the pillows into cushiony seats for them by the fire. The silver tray of food winking in the firelight. She gave out an absolute raucous and light-hearted laugh when he picked her up clear off the bed, settling her on a pillow by the fire before he sat down beside her. She could feel her love and admiration growing with every single thing he did. "It's only a masterpiece when you sat down as well," she teased, flushed with inner pleasure and happiness.

Before they started to have dinner, she grasped his hand in hers. She brought it to her mouth and kissed it gently, smiling against his knuckles. "I just wanted to assure you, you did not disrespect me, nor did you need to apologize." She gave him a reassuring grin, "I love you. I fully intend on giving myself to you, but when the time is more appropriate. I would not want to shame you nor my self by doing it early." She dropped her voice low, almost dangerous, her eyes glinting mischievously, "Once we are wed... you can do whatever you want to me." And with that she reached over, grabbed a single piece of grape and popped it in her mouth, smiling prettily as though nothing had happened at all.

Emma carefully reached forward and picked up one of the bowls of soup, setting it in her lap carefully. She had not forgotten her table manners and conducted herself appropriately, using a bit of bread to mop up some of the soup. She moaned softly, food felt amazing to her after 3 or so days of not eating.

Emma felt a comfortable silence settle between them, nothing strained or forced. She asked finally, between a bite of soup-soggy bread, 'Stephen. Will you tell me something about yourself, love?" She glanced over to him, admiring his dark hair and eyebrows. "What kind of hobbies do you enjoy? What do you like to do? Besides of course going to balls looking for young marriageable women." She added cheekily, popping the piece of bread into her mouth, glancing off into the fire, and amused smile playing on her mouth.

[Notty]

"Whatever I want, huh?" he asked, his eyes dancing over her face by the light of the fire. He chuckled a bit, "I think I like the sound of that." he said as he took a bite of bread and chewed it thoughtfully. "I shall make sure then, that we are undisturbed, and neither of us surface for air until we are completely, and exhaustibly satisfied." He grinned, watching the flush on her cheeks with his responses, how her lips moved as she ate.

Taking a few bites of soup and bread, Stephen thought to himself before answering. "Well my love, that is my hobby." he teased, his eyes moving from the fire to her face, a hint of amusement in his smile. "Atleast that is what my mother thinks my hobby should be." He let the peaceful silence fall between them again as he finished his bread and soup. Setting his bowl back down on the tray, he shifted a bit so he was laying on his side, his arm propping him up with the help of some pillows. "I love to ride, though I'm sure you are now aware of that. Hunting, reading." He reached and grabbed a grape, popping it into his mouth and chewing before he spoke again. "I would say travel, but I have yet to do any." He smiled and looked over at Emma, gently brushing some hair from her face. "It is my hearts wish to travel the world. The Orient, Egypt, maybe even a tropical isle. I have read so many books, now my eyes long to see them in person." He ran his hand over his face and then smiled over to Emma again, "do you know much of those places?

He began telling her of all the places he had read about. "The Orient...they say that the air is full of spices, and in Egypt, the sand there is so far, it is like looking out upon the ocean...." he continued, talking passionately about the places that he longed to see. "But I do not wish to go alone." he finally concluded. Taking her hand in his, he laced their fingers. "I would like my wife to go with me."

[Kiki]

Emma did in fact flush when Stephen had cheekily replied about their intimacy during marriage. Was it odd of her to feel excited to get married simply to see if he would keep his promise? Emma thought so, but would keep her intensely lustful feelings and thoughts to herself... for now. She grinned inwardly to the thought.

She playfully batted him on the shoulder. "You had best give up your intense hobby of finding a marriageable woman then," she gazed over at him teasingly. "I believe you have exhausted that hobby to its end at this point," she smiled, knowingly. Emma settled on the pillows a little closer to him, feeling the warmth of the fire. The soup was settling in her empty stomach, making her feel very comfortable and a little drowsy. Emma welcomed the feeling; she was feeling so much better.

Emma couldn't take her eyes off of him. The fire was doing amazing things to his complexion, the fire catching in his dark hair, illuminating his eyes. She watched how his eyes gazed somewhere far away, far beyond the fire and even the room they both sat within as he talked of his wishes to travel. Emma finished her soup, placing it on top of his, chewing her last piece of bread before reaching for a small piece of cheese, her eyebrows set high in her forehead, "I've not traveled to much of anywhere. I went with daddy once to the States. He is building the railroad over there, so we went with him to see New York. It was... very different. So many people. Buildings taller than you can crane your neck to look upon. I've not been anywhere else since then. I always wondered what other places were like. Daddy's told me about Egypt. As you said, sand as far as the eye can see. Camels too." She eyed him playfully, "You'd probably do finely on a camel, Mr. Hawthorn, given your skill on horseback."

Emma smiled fondly as he held her hands, though her eyes were a bit passive. "What if your wife does not wish to travel so much?" She leaned into him slightly, whispering to his fingers as she raised his hand to her lips, brushing them over her own lips, "What if your wife finds the simple pleasure of just laying with her husband in bed all day?" It was a bit of push-back, resistance on Emma's part. Her mind was a bit unable to imagine going to distant places when she had much to discover of her own suitor as he sat right beside her. She lowered his hands, still intertwined in her own a bit, back to her lap, "What if any place won't be as good as this very room, this very moment? I should think that it matters not where I go." She smiled at him, now fonder, "I know this matters very much to you. I shan't spoil your fun with my playing devil's advocate." She smiled widely, showing her teeth prettily.

[Notty]

Stephen smiled and gently pulled her against him, letting her back rest against his chest. His hands moved down her arms slowly until their hands met, gently curling hers into his. "My wife wanting to stay in bed all day, hmm?" he mused aloud, his voice low and gentle against the sound of the crackling fire. "That.....may be the greatest adventure. Even over Egypt and the Orient." Stephen pressed a kiss to Emma's shoulder, then leaned his head against hers. "I would rather spend a day with my wife, the person I truly and deeply love, than an entire lifetime traveling and seeing the things I've always dreamed of. She is my dream."

He let a comfortable silence fall between them for a few minutes, just feeling her breathing against his chest, his heart against her back. "I don't think that there could be anything better than right now, this very moment, and this very room." he finally whispered, smiling against her. The room was slowly darkening, the sun low in the sky and beginning to set. It had crossed his mind as to where he would sleep tonight. Emma was awake, and feasibly could be moved into a guest room...but he wanted her here. In his room. And he wanted to stay there. In his room. With her.

Releasing her hands, he pulled his arms around her and hugged her gently back against him. "How are you feeling?" he asked, kissing her shoulder again. "Would you like a bath? I can call Mary up to draw a bath for you, we can get you a clean nightgown if you wish." His eyes settled to the fire, a slight smile spreading to his lips, a plan starting to form in his mind. And he needed her out of the room for it.

[Kiki]

Emma lounged lazily against Stephen's chest, allowing him to run his hands over her as he wished. She could've fallen asleep like that, if he allowed her to. He was so warm, all of his touches gentle and soothing. She could feel his smile form against her cheek, which only made her smile as well - his smile was infectious, her heart fluttering happily.

Emma hadn't thought much of the topic of what to do next, she was letting Stephen take control as she was still in his home, at his estate. He was the master after all, and he had already done such a wonderful job at taking care of her, she would not protest much against what he wished.

"I feel okay," she answered, a bit drowsy. The warm fireplace and his voice was lulling her to sleep. She turned her head affectionately toward him as he kissed her shoulder. Emma could not help but smile. "A bath would be absolutely lovely. Three days in the same bed probably made me a bit unsightly." She turned a bit to lay a kiss on his mouth, gently, sleepily. "You're spoiling me," she murmured gently.

[Notty]

Stephen smiled and kissed her back tenderly. "Isn't that what a husband is supposed to do? Spoil his wife?" He liked the way that 'wife' rolled off his tongue. It suited her. He wanted her to be his wife. Never before had he wanted someone to carry that title, but for Emma- it was perfect.

He stood slowly and then helped Emma up, holding her in his arms for a few moments before letting her go. He kissed her forehead and gently brushed her hair back from her face. "I'll call in Mary, she will help you with your bath." he whispered gently, placing a kiss just below her ear. "I have a few things to attend to."

Stephen stepped out of the room as Mary came in, a smile on her face. "I'm glad to see you feeling better Miss Emma." She moved into the bathroom and began filling up the large clawfoot bathtub with warm water. A soft, clean white nightgown laid beside the bathtub, as well as a pale green robe. "The bath is ready for you ma'am, is there anything else you'll be needing?"

Stephen had made his way downstairs to a guest room and was filling up the bathtub there for himself. He would bathe quickly and then get on with his plan. He caught Mary in the hallway as she was coming down from helping Emma. "Mary, could you send Jacob out for a dozen lavender roses?" she looked at him curiously and then nodded with a small smile, "yes sir, I can do that." Stephen grinned, "tell him as quickly as he can, waste no time."

[Kiki]

Emma breathed in deeply as Stephen and she embraced for a few minutes. She did not want to move from the spot. How could just standing there hugging mean so much? She could feel him breathing, his heart beating, his hands moving through her hair. And she knew, this is exactly where she belonged. It's where she always had belonged, right there in his arms, his hands on her. She never wanted anyone else more. She never would.

She pouted a little inwardly as Stephen left her, her fingers trailing over his as she let go of his hand. She watched him leave, thoughtful for a moment, before turning to Mary. She smiled graciously, a bit out of sorts with a different handmaiden tending to her. Emma regarded her kindly, bobbing her own curtsy, "Thank you for caring for me while I was ill," she said, and followed her into the bathroom. Oh, she almost sighed aloud. Of course the bathroom is lovely. She looked back to Mary, shaking her head politely, "No, Mary. Thank you very much. Please let Mr. Hawthorn that if I am not out of the bath in a half hour's time, I most definitely fell asleep in the bath." She let herself laugh with the maid, before reaching to undo the nightgown she had on.

Emma slipped off the nightgown and her small clothes underneath that, leaving them on the floor. She went hesitatingly over to the warm bath, she could see the water steaming. Testing it with a hand, it felt amazing. Her body felt grimy and stiff from sickness and laying in bed for so long. Emma carefully placed a foot firmly into the tub, followed by the other. She lowered herself and sighed gently, the warm water enveloping her naked body. She sunk lower into the tub, dipping her hair into the water. She stifled a small gleeful laugh. She could get used to treatment like this. She floated in the tub, closing her eyes, relaxing for a few minutes to herself.

[Notty]

Stephen climbed out of the bathtub, drying off quickly and pulling on a pair of green plaid pajama pants, a white undershirt and then tied his robe around his waist again. He glanced in the mirror, deciding to keep his facial hair for one more day. Emma seemed to like it. Running his hand through his damp hair, he set off towards the main hall, anxiously awaiting Jacob.

The sound of hooves soon caught his attention, and as he made his way to the front door, they opened, revealing Jacob carrying a large bouquet of lavender roses. Stephen grinned and took them from him. "Good man Jacob, thank you." Jacob smiled, the young man's cheeks flushed from riding so quickly from town. Stephen looked over them, the fragrance already apparent, and their color was even more vibrant than the first he sent to Emma.

Mary was on her way back up to Stephen's room when she saw him. A gasp escaped her lips when she saw the flowers. "Master! Those are lovely!" she cried out, unable to keep from crossing the hall to smell them. Stephen smiled widely, if Mary gave that response, I can't wait to see Emma's. "Mary, if you would be so kind," he said, gently pressing the bouquet into her hands. "Would you see that these are arranged and put on the table near the bed so Miss Emma can see them?" he grinned and lowered his voice, "preferably before she gets out of the bath." Mary smiled and nodded, heading quickly up the stairs to Stephen's room.

The flowers had been arranged in a large vase, clearly visible from the bed. Their fragrance soon filled the room, the color almost glowing in the firelight. Stephen paced outside the room, waiting for Emma to get out of the bath. Waiting to be reunited with the one he loved.

[Kiki]

Emma had rested her head on the side of the tub for a few moments, almost in a relaxed trance-like state, the warm water easing her tired body. Emma raised her head slightly, listening. She could have sworn she heard some soft noise outside the door. She glanced over, listening still, but heard nothing more. How long have I been in here anyway? She mused silently. Emma lifted herself carefully, water sliding off of her body as she stood, holding onto the side of the tub for support. She glanced over to the nightgown, and carefully stepped out of the tub near it. She pulled it on, savoring the warmness of it.

Emma pushed her long straw blonde hair back, running her fingers through it like a comb, pushing it out of her her face. She grabbed the robe, smiling at the color. It would undoubtedly bring out her eyes. She pulled it on, not bothering with tying it around her middle. It felt like it belonged to Stephen; it was a little big on her. Emma approached the bathroom door hesitantly, listening. She did not hear anything, other than the crackle of the fire. She carefully pushed the door open, a wonderful scent catching her immediately.

She saw Stephen standing there. Putting her hand out to catch his, smiling bashfully, she began, "Darling, what is that smell?" She took his hand, turning as though they would head back into his room, "It smells wonderful, like -", Emma turned towards the bed. Her breath caught. She brought her free hand to her chest with a gasp. There were the most beautiful flowers she'd ever seen in a vase beside the bed. They had most assuredly not been there before.

Emma could not control herself, darting over to them, her hand slipping from his. She fingered the soft petals of the lavender roses. She smiled to herself, her heart leaping out of her chest. "They are absolutely exquisite. The most beautiful roses I have ever seen!" And that meant a lot coming from Emma; she'd seen and tended to many roses in her garden.

She spun on the spot, took the three strides to reach him and flung herself around his neck, hugging herself to him as hard as she could. She laughed softly as she held him, tears coming to her eyes. She was overwhelmed. Overwhelmed with gratefulness, adoration and love. She struggled against his neck not to cry, saying, "I love them. They're beautiful. You're beautiful. I love you. I love you."

[Notty]

Stephen grinned and put his arms around her, picking her up off the floor slightly and spinning her. "I love you." he whispered, feeling her tears on his neck, his own eyes watering, knowing that she truly meant that she loved them. He set her down and cupped her cheek, kissing her several times, each kiss longer and more passionate than the one before.

"I love you Emma, you are the only one that I want." Stephen admitted, putting his arm around her waist and leading her over towards the bed. His eyes scanned her face, her green eyes looking even greener now, her cheeks rosy. He hesitated beside the bed, looking at her as if deciding whether or not to say something, his lips parting and then closing again several times before he actually spoke. "Do you....would you..." he began, hesitantly, smiling sheepishly. He took her hands in his, still struggling to get the words out. "Do you want me to sleep in here tonight?" he asked finally.

Honestly, there was nothing he wanted more than to lay down beside her, like they had earlier today. Holding her close, keeping her safe and warm. His eyes met hers for a moment, full of hope. He wanted so badly to stay there, but he knew he would be pushing his luck to stay there all night. Especially since the household knew that she was awake and had eaten supper. "I'll stay only if you want."

[Kiki]

Emma pulled back, her head spinning. The kisses igniting the fire in the pit of her stomach again. She felt like such a lady, a well-treated spoiled lady, by this wonderful man, who wanted to be her husband. She almost could not believe it. It was almost too good to be true.

"I love you, Stephen. I am yours." Emma would have married him right then and there if he asked her to, so unsurprisingly without hesitation, she eased herself back on the bed, pulling her arms out of the nightgown, abandoning it on the side of the bed, pulling his hand, reeling him in onto the bed, "Yes, sleep with me. Under the covers this time. Get rid of that robe. I want to be able to actually feel you against me." Again, Emma cared very little of the proneness of their class to try to be proper all the time. She loved this man. She wanted to sleep next to the man she loved, whether she had married him or not.

He was not working as fast as she wanted him to, so she crawled over the space between them as he hovered at the side of the bed. Her eyes held his, a slow smile coming to her mouth, as she reached up, untying his robe for him. Her eyes did not leave his, as her hands worked. Emma ran her hands up his chest before trailing her fingers up over his arms, pushing the fabric away, the arms of the robe off of his arms. She let it drop down on the floor behind him. Her eyes still had not wavered away from his, "There. Much better," she said, barely above a whisper. "Now. Come to bed."

[Notty]

It was all Stephen could do to keep his composure. God, he wanted her. He wanted to make love to her right then and there- he didn't care about etiquette or what was proper. He loved her. He voice was sensuous, low and sultry. And those eyes, those eyes....he could get lost in them. He smiled dreamily as her hands moved over his chest, pushing away the robe and then pulling him into bed.

Stephen pulled the blankets back, sliding into bed after Emma did. The sheets were cool to the touch, drawing him closer to Emma. Sighing softly, he laid down on his side, facing Emma. He couldn't explain how he felt laying in bed next to her. It was comfortable, not stiff and awkward like he thought it would be. It was almost as if they had always been sharing a bed. He smiled, reaching up and tucking some hair behind her ear. "I love you," he whispered, his eyes moving over her face in the twilight of the room.

Sitting up, Stephen turned a bit, facing Emma. He let his fingertips drag over her bare left arm, from her shoulder to her wrist, then down to her fingers, to her ring finger. He gently rubbed near the knuckle, where a ring would sit. "Emma," he began, his eyes finding hers, smiling as he watched her skin glow from the light of the fireplace. "I want you here, I always want you here. Come live in my heart, and in my home." he smiled warmly, his finger still caressing where a ring would be placed.

"Will you marry me?"

[Kiki]

Emma could hardly keep herself from grinning as he slid into the covers with her. She watched as he put them back, covering them completely. She couldn't help it - she laughed into the covers over them, into the pillows under them, into his arms; she was absolutely giddy and recklessly in love. Enough to be in bed with him.

She experimentally reached out her foot and touched his with hers. The touch a little shocking to her, though she had expected it. She quickly replaced it back, easing into touching him, one body part at a time. First her foot, then her arm, then he took her hand in his. Emma watched, her eyes gleaming in the semi-dark enveloping them, as if they existed only with each other. She was hopeful she would get the question he had not yet directly asked.

Her answer, unorthodox as was her usual, was to grab him about the neck, kissing him fiercely. She broke away and yanked the covers abruptly over both of their heads and then she pushed herself up and onto him in their own personal bed tent. Her mouth found his neck, kissing him greedily, before whispering under his ear, "I thought you'd never ask." She kissed his ear, his cheek, his nose, and then his mouth, murmuring into the darkness, to him, her voice a soft ache, "Of course I will."

[Notty]

Shocked by her kiss, Stephen pulled his arms around her, chuckling slightly as she pulled the blankets over her. And then her lips, god, those lips. They were kissing at his neck, his ear, then his own lips. His lips pressed against hers passionately, desperately. His hands found her hips, holding her gently on top of him as they kissed, the darkness only adding to the intensity of the moment.

"I love you," he whispered breathlessly against her lips, kissing her over, time and time again- it was incredible. He couldn't get enough of her. He planned on waiting until she was home, until she had returned to her father's estate to ask his permission, but he couldn't. Hell, he would have gone that very moment had it not been nightfall.

"Tomorrow," he said as he kissed her, pulling her body down against his so she was laying on top of him. Their chests pressed together as they breathed, his arms moving around so that he was holding her close against him. "Tomorrow I will go and talk to your Father." he said with a smile. He could feel her hair around him, his senses heightened in the darkness. Each movement was like a new sensation, the feel of her skin, her breath, her lips. "I will ask for your hand in marriage." he promised as he kissed her again.

[Kiki]

Emma smiled through the darkness, whispering against his mouth, "I look forward to it", before kissing him again. Emma was breathy from their close proximity, the sheets over their heads an added bit of privacy. She held onto him, hugging his middle, her head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat. She listened in wonder for a few silent minutes before a thought occurred to her.

Emma eased herself up and off of him, coming to lay right next to him, her side still touching his. Emma glanced over now at him, barely making out his face within the semi-light and asked quietly, "What if... what if father says no? What if he says no because of Daniel?" She was afraid of the response, so she responded with a slight edge afterwards, "I still do not understand why they would choose without consulting me." Her voice cracked a little, fearing a terrible answer. She willed herself to continue as he had not yet responded, "Because, I don't love him. Can they honestly force me?" Emma nervously pulled at the ends of her hair in the darkness.

[Notty]

Stephen's smile was forced, and he hoped that she wouldn't be able to tell in the darkness. "I don't know sweetheart. I don't know why they would do that. But I will talk to him, it'll work out, you'll see." he said, trying to encourage her as well as himself. He tucked a piece of hair behind her ear and kissed her forehead.

"I'm sorry my love, but..." he said, then pulled the blankets off from over their heads. "It was getting a little stuffy under there, besides," he began in a whisper. "The rest of the house will be in bed now, it's dark. We will remain undisturbed until morning." His fingertips trailed up her bare arm as he spoke, smiling to her in the darkness.

He wanted to be positive, to be strong, to tell her that her Father would allow them to marry. But truth be told, he was afraid that he wouldn't. If her Mother had made Daniel Larkin a promise...he wasn't sure that it could be broken. But he hoped. God, he hoped.

[Kiki]

Emma could not tell that his smile was faked or forced on. It was much too dark. As he peeled the covers off of their heads, moonlight struck their faces. Emma blinked against it, feeling Stephen's fingers trailing up her arm. She smiled small at him, but her eyebrows were still furrowed with worry. What if her father said no? Was there a way around it anyway? Daddy will not tell me no. He will see us and know we are meant to be together. She found herself saying aloud, albeit just barely above a whisper, "Daddy will take one look at us and know we are recklessly in love with each other. There is no way he will say no." It was almost as though she were convincing herself of the fact, to make it true.

Emma eased herself into Stephen. "I love you," was all she said, though the words were heavy, her tone saddened. She laid her golden head on his chest, her left hand on his chest, her right hand finding his under the covers, intertwining her fingers in his. She appreciated everything about how he felt - the smooth skin of his hand, his muscular chest, the way he smelled, the way he kept he managed to keep his voice always hopeful, always loving. She loved him, and she was not about to give up, not without a fight.

"I love you," she said again, a bit firmer. "And I will keep loving you," leaving out the rest of her sentence: No matter what happens.

[Notty]

Stephen smiled in the darkness, his free hand running up and tangling in her hair for a bit, before moving to rub her back gently. "It will work out love, I'm sure of it." he whispered to her. His chest was moving slowly, rhythmically, and every now and then he could feel her lips move, or the flutter of her eyelashes against his shirt. He rubbed her back slower and slower, feeling his body relaxing despite his desire to stay awake. "I love you Emma..." he murmured, nearly asleep. "I love you."

The next morning dawned bright and sunny, the early morning light peeking in at the young lovers. Stephen groaned softly as a ray of light hit his eyes, shifting a bit in the bed. Then he smiled. Emma. Opening his eyes, he looked to see Emma curled up beside him. His left arm was pulled around her, her head resting against his shoulder. The morning sun made her hair glow like gold, a soft flush on her cheeks from sleep. He pulled the blankets over them a little more, the fire having died during the night and a chill had crept into the room. Kissing her forehead, Stephen smiled and settled back in the pillows. This is exactly how I want to wake up every morning. This is who I want to wake up next to. Now all I have to do is talk to her Father.

[Kiki]

Emma did not remember falling asleep. She had settled against Stephen and that had been the end of it.

She came to softly, gently. She felt the sun on the side of her face, warming her ear, her hair. Her other cheek was turned towards the bed away from the sun, pressed into Stephen's shoulder, close to his collarbone. She could feel him shifting beside her carefully, and she sighed sleepily, her lips parting slightly. As if responding to her resistance to getting up just yet, she felt him pull the covers over and around them a little bit higher. She turned her head into the space between his collarbone and shoulder after he kissed her forehead, smiling into him, blocking out the light entirely, her hair spilling over her shoulder. Her thoughts moved slowly in her state of half-sleep. She did not want to move from the spot, she was so comfortable next to him.

[Notty]

Stephen smiled when he felt her move against him, pulling closer, holding tighter. "Morning beautiful," he whispered, kissing the top of her head again. Gently, he brushed the hair back from her face and kissed her cheek and then her nose. He had the most restful night of sleep in a while- maybe it was because he wasn't trying to sleep in chairs or on the floor, or maybe it was because he had the woman that he loved beside him. "I fear we shall have to arise soon my love," he whispered, nudging her gently with his nose. "For if I am to see your Father, the sooner is the better I believe."

Mary was humming to herself, carrying a tray with two plates of eggs, ham, toast, fruit and tea. She tapped quietly on the bedroom door, "Mr. Hawthorn?" she said aloud, unsure if he was up yet. "I have your breakfast sir, if you are ready for it." She could hear his voice, low and gentle. Craning her neck and pressing her ear towards the door, she tried to make out what he was saying, but was unable to. Frowning a bit, she contented herself with waiting to be given permission to enter.

[Kiki]

Emma found herself giggling into the pillows under them as he kissed her nose. It tickled! She wrinkled her nose up, eyes still closed. She ignored his prompts to get up, burying her head under the covers. She moved her hands against him, curling them around his middle, pressing her lips to his chest. She sneakily pulled down his thin undershirt, playing kisses around his collarbone. She quietly laughed into his skin. She was carefree, she was in love.

A brisk knock on the door made her jump. She threw the covers off of her head, her straw blonde hair sticking up haphazardly from sleep and her fooling around. She looked to the door, trying to flatten her hair to her head. Her emerald eyes turned to his, smiling at not being caught. She was silent, allowing him to grant Mary entry.

[Notty]

Stephen gave Emma a boyish grin and climbed out of bed. His shirt was pulled down slightly where Emma had placed kisses, and he scooped up his robe, pulling it on as he moved towards the door. "You may enter," he said, his voice still somewhat groggy with sleep.

Mary entered, a slightly amused smile on her face. She had been the one to shut the door last night, and had a feeling that her master hadn't slept on the floor. "Good morning sir, Miss Emma." She said cheerfully, setting down the tray of food on the table and gathering up the dishes from last night. "Is there anything I can get you?" She asked, then glanced over to Emma. "You look very well this morning Miss, I'm glad to see you doing better."

Stephen shook his head, "that will be all Mary. Though I will be needing my horse later this morning." Mary nodded and curtsied, then disappeared from the room, shutting the door behind her. Stephen turned, then ran and jumped into bed beside Emma, causing pillows to fly about. He grinned and crawled up, gently pushing and pinning her down as he had the previous night. "I love you," he whispered, then kissed her gently several times. "Were I a bandit, there would be no finer treasures or gold on Earth than the taste of your lips."

[Kiki]

Emma watched as he pulled on a robe, pulling the covers up to her chin, hiding herself from Mary's view. She did not want to look indecent. It was already painfully clear they had shared a bed again - this time under the covers. Emma smiled cheerily when Mary addressed her, nodding when she complimented on her looking better. She looked after Mary as she collected things up and left them alone once again.

Pretty much as soon as the door clicked shut, Stephen had run over boyishly, pouncing on the bed like a child, his face alight with excitement. She laughed wholeheartedly as the pillows flew off the bed, the whole thing bouncing with the force of his pounce. Emma put her arms out and wrapped them around him as both of them tumbled into the covers. She landed with a soft thump, her back against the bed, finding herself staring up at the love of her life. She was grinning as was he. She kissed him back enthusiastically, happily. Once he pulled away slightly, she found herself laughing again, "You, Stephen Hawthorn, are adorable. I can't believe you just hopped up on the bed like a child." She kissed him again, long and slow. She whispered to him gently, "I love you so. Please let's have breakfast. I want to ride back to my estate with you right after."

[Notty]

Stephen grinned and kissed her again, nipping playfully at her lips. "Do you have a problem with how I get into bed?" he chuckled, giving her another kiss. "Would you rather I climb in properly? Or fall in stiff as a board?" He couldn't believe how happy he was, and he didn't even try to wipe the foolish grin off his face. He was in love, and anyone could see it.

"You want to ride back? Horseback or in a carriage?" he asked, pushing himself up and then sitting upright, carefully pulling the tray off the table and into bed with them. "Here," he murmured, popping a grape off the stem and feeding it to her. Stephen let his eyes move over Emma's face. Her cheeks were rosy from laughter, her hair tousled from sleep, and her eyes bright and full of life. "Either is fine by me, but perhaps the carriage since you were just ill." He grinned even wider, then leaned forward, whispering, "not to mention, we can take advantage of the intimacy of a carriage..."

[Kiki]

"I most certainly do not have a problem with how you get into bed, if pounding over like a puppy is what you prefer." Emma felt silly giggling, but she was giddy - her heart was full. If being in love, and more specifically with Stephen, meant waking up and finding herself giggling and laughing so early in the morning, then that's what she wanted to do with her forever. She kissed him softly, whispering between their mouths, "My husband can get into bed however he wants, as long as he promises to get in with me every night." Emma moved seductively against him, pushing her hips into his hands, her voice low, "So that his wife can do terribly wonderful things that fair genteel social circles would burn upon hearing the details of." She grinned.

Emma sat up a little as he pulled the tray over to them. Breakfast in bed made her smile widely. Could he get any more perfect? She received the grape appreciatively, wrinkling her nose up at him playfully, chewing the fruit daintily, politely, a small smirk resting against her mouth. "It makes not a difference to me whether horseback or carriage. Either way I shall wrap my arms around you, and either way I am going to marry you." She leaned over, resting her head against his shoulder, her hair falling over her shoulder. She sighed happily.

[Notty]

Stephen smiled even wider at her response, "burn you say?" he chuckled, gently feeding her another grape and kissing the top of her head. "I think I like the sound of that...." he murmured, eating a grape himself. Shifting a bit in bed, he stayed there until the tray was empty, tenderly feeding Emma between kisses and whispers of his affection for her.

"Now my love," he sighed, placing the tray back on the bedside table. "I fear that the time has come for us to dress and get on with our day." Stephen leaned over and kissed Emma gently, "I'm going to get my clothes and go into the next room to change. I'll be waiting for you in the hall when you have dressed." Hesitantly, he stood and crawled out of bed. The coolness of the room became more apparent as his bare feet moved across the wooden floor and over to the wardrobe.

Trousers, shirt, vest, jacket and boots in hand, Stephen gave Emma a wink and disappeared out of the door and into the hallway. It was all he could do not to throw his clothes on haphazardly just to see her again. He couldn't explain it, he was crazy for her. He didn't want to go a moment without seeing her, without touching her. Making himself take his time, Stephen dressed and even tried to calm his bed head.

A tap at the door interrupted his thoughts, "yes?" he murmured, pulling on his jacket as he looked towards the door. "Pardon me sir," Mary's voice came, then she appeared around the door. "Would you like me to call your horse?" Stephen smiled widely and shook his head, "no Mary, today I think I shall take the carriage. Miss Emma will be going with me- I am taking her home...." he said, his voice dropping a bit when he realized that she would be going home and he would no longer be with her. Mary nodded and smiled, "I'll be sad to see her go sir."

[Kiki]

Emma took each and every grape from him gratefully, her heart growing fonder and fonder with each and every tender kiss and gentle words he gave her as he fed her. Her eyes were trained on his the whole time, giggling and wrinkling her nose at him, occasionally kissing the fingers that fed her.

Emma made a noise of protest once Stephen left bed, playfully grabbing after him. She watched on bent elbows, her feet up behind her girlishly, as she laid on her stomach, watching him collect up his clothes from his wardrobe. She grinned as he winked at her, disappearing from the room. She watched him go, her grin fading as soon as he was gone from her view. She stuck a pout lip out at no one, forcing herself to sit up and get off of the bed. She shivered when he bare feet hit the unforgiving frigid wooden floor. Curling her arms around herself, she realized she had nothing to wear. Everything she had come in was still undoubtedly wet, if not outright destroyed. She rubbed at her arms, feeling slightly awkward. She did not want to have to call upon servants in a house that was not her own; they were not under her charge.

Emma found herself feebly calling out, "Mary!" while facing the door, hoping the young servant would hear her.

[Notty]

Hearing her name, Mary moved down the hall to Stephen's room and slowly opened the door. "Yes miss?" She asked, then immediately smiled, "oh forgive me miss, I should have brought it in....just a moment." She said, the curtsied and turned from the room. Only a matter of moments later, she reappeared, carrying a parcel that was wrapped in brown paper. "This is for you ma'am, hopefully you find it to your liking. Let me know if you still need me." Then once more, she curtsied and turned and left the room.

Upon opening it, Emma was find a simple sage green dress. Three quarter length with a cream sash about the waist and a matching shawl with a delicate floral print. It was a beautiful dress and shawl, Stephen had sent Mary to fetch Emma something that would be suitable to wear, knowing that the dress she arrived in was all but destroyed from the rain and mud.

Smiling to himself, Stephen paced outside the room, waiting for Emma to appear. And then he would ask her father for her hand.

[Kiki]

Emma smiled gratefully when Mary had returned. She was curious as a parcel was laid into her hands. Mary did not explain but instead left her to figure it out. Emma, intrigued, ripped the paper back, fabric coming into view. Like liquid, the simple green dress tipped out of the parcel. Emma grabbed it quickly to keep it from falling to the ground, pulling the rest of the fabric from the packaging. Oh my.

Emma turned to the bed, placing the empty package paper down on the bed. She smoothed the dress out. It was absolutely beautiful. She smiled to herself, fingering the green fabric, knowing this was Stephen's doing. Of course he had chosen a dress that would bring out her eyes and fair features. They were not even engaged, and he was buying her things. Her heart wrenched when she realized this dress alone cost more than most of her own personal gowns back at home.

With this in mind, Emma took great care in pulling the dress on. She found Stephen's long looking glass. Her hair was loose from her sleep, and she ran her hands through it, her fingers acting like a comb. It was a bit unruly, but it would have to do. The dress of course hit her in all the right places, and she was absolutely grateful it did not have a corset. The fabric seemed to float around her feet as she moved to the door and out into the hallway to look for her love.

[Notty]

Stephen heard the door and turned, a smile growing on his face as he saw Emma come out into the hallway. He swallowed hard, unable to keep his eyes off her. "You look beautiful." He whispered, gently pulling her against his body and kissing her. "And it looks perfect on you." He reached up and gently tucked some hair behind her ear, kissing her jawline several times while staying close. "Are you ready?" He whispered even quieter, reaching down and lacing their fingers together. "The carriage is ready, let's go."

Leading her down, Stephen helped Emma navigate her way through the grand estate, which hopefully, they would soon be sharing. "Stephen! Stephen! Where are you going?!" A shrill voice cried out, soon followed by a pair of pattering feet. "I apologize in advance." He smiled and straightened up, just in time for his mother to turn the corner. "Oh! Emma! How well you look!" She cried out, hurrying to the couple, and taking their hands. "My Stephen has done a fine job of making sure that you received the best care!" She smiled widely and looked at them, a curious look coming over her face. "Why are you so happy Stephen? Is there something I don't know?!"

Chuckling, Stephen leaned down and kissed his mothers cheek. "I'm taking Miss Emma back to her home mother, I shall return shortly." Then he gently pulled Emma's hand, urging her to follow. "But! But! There is something you aren't telling me!" She called out after them, her shouts soon quieted as they exited the house, into the mid-morning sunshine.

[Kiki]

As soon as Stephen had drawn her to him, Emma found herself nuzzling against his face. He was intoxicating, his lips on her jawline shooting fireworks through her. She closed her eyes to the pleasure, loving the feeling of being so close to him. She felt his hand finding hers, their fingers working themselves together. She did not need to answer him, he knew she would follow him. Once he took her hand, she would follow.

Emma nearly froze at the bottom of the stairs, her hand tightening around Stephen's. Emma, truth be told, was afraid of Stephen's mother. She seemed bossy and just downright overbearing. Emma found a smile lifting the corners of her mouth, imagining the future conversation they'd be having about getting his mother her own estate to live in, far away from them. She would not voice this now, but she was sure Stephen could sense it coming off of her. Emma bobbed a polite curtsy to the older woman, just as she had grabbed her hand. Emma held her tongue, and tried not to break out laughing.

Emma was grateful when Stephen took a hold of her hand again, urging her away from his mother before she kept them any longer. Emma carefully kept up with Stephen, smiling at him as they entered the sunshine outside. She whispered quietly, "I think you know what I want to say." She glanced at him sideways, her hair tossing over her shoulder as a gentle breeze came over them, "She's going to need her own place to live." Emma tapped his chest playfully, a small laugh escaping her as they capered in joint glee towards the carriage.

[Notty]

Stephen chuckled, opening the door to the carriage and helping Emma in before climbing in himself. Once settled, he moved his body towards her, turning her face towards his and kissed her deeply. "We shall find her a small home near her sister." He murmured, then kissed her again, "a 4 hour ride from here." He grinned a bit and nipped at her lips, "which is far enough away that she will have to give us warning before she arrives, which means...." He whispered, his fingertips trailing along her jaw, then down her neck and shoulder. "We won't be caught off guard."

Pulling his arm around her, Stephen let Emma rest against him as they traveled the short distance to her Father's estate. He couldn't help it, he was nervous, and grew quiet. He could feel his heart pounding harder with every turn of the carriage wheels. He knew that her mother had promised her to Daniel Larkin. Would her Father uphold his wife's choice in her future husband?

Forcing a weak smile, he looked over to Emma and pressed a kiss to her forehead, but remained quiet, linking their fingers together as they traveled. "I love you," he managed to whisper out, swallowing hard and glancing out the window at the passing countryside.

[Kiki]

Emma hopped up and into the carriage with Stephen's hands to support her. She felt him climb in after as she arranged her dress around herself properly. She felt him draw close to her with a smile. She glanced up just in time for him to cup her face and kiss her quietly, deeply. She felt herself grin at his suggestion for his mother's future living situation. "We most certainly cannot be caught off-guard with her around." Her voice became dangerously low, "I would not want her walking in while I am pleasuring my husband," and somehow her grin became almost wicked.

Meanwhile, his arm had pulled around her, reeling her into his chest, his shoulders, his arms. Emma settled carefully, her head leaning sideways over his shoulder, her other arm fished around him, snaking around his middle so they sat side-by-side comfortably close. It grew quiet around them.

Emma's brows furrowed, she glanced up at Stephen, but his eyes were somewhere else, staring out the carriage window. It did not appear as though he was looking at the trees or nature either; he was worried. Emma leaned up a fraction, "Stephen." Emma was just as equally worried about what her mother said, but she had confidence. The plus side about Emma being last to marry is that she was also a daddy's girl, and when she spoke to her father in a calm, rational way, he could generally navigate the situation and help her speak to her mother.

Emma thought for a moment, Daddy had been away, she can't just make this decision without him. Stephen kissed her forehead, as if kissing away her thoughts, easing her. She smiled at him, her hands finding his. "Darling, and I love you", she kissed his hands in hers. She nudged his nose as he once again tried to turn away from her. "My love, it will be fine. I promise." She smiled a bit wider, "And if it is not fine, I shall run away. We could elope?" She smiled widely. If Stephen was that intent on traveling with her, she was sure he would not be too opposed to eloping. Them eloping would only hurt her inheritance, but as there was minimal amounts of that left anyway, Emma did not think it too damaging. Stephen had made it clear: he was interested in her, not the benefits that would come from marrying her.

[Notty]

Stephen's eyes moved to her face and he smiled, gently placing a curled finger under her chin. "I know love, all will be well. Just...preparing myself for the worst I suppose..." he murmured, kissing her forehead gently. He pulled both his arms around her and pulled her close, until she was sitting in his lap. He wanted her close, as this would probably be the last time that they would be able to hold one another like this for a long time.

Sooner than he would have liked, her Father's estate came into view. It was beautiful and stately, and suddenly- seemed quite condemning. Stephen's grip tightened on Emma for a moment, and then he released her, knowing that they could not be seen coming onto her Father's property in such a fashion. "Regardless of what happens," he began, reaching over and squeezing her hand gently. "I love you Emma."

Giving her a reassuring smile as the carriage slowed and finally halted, Stephen leaned back in his seat, straightening his jacket and rearranging himself to look presentable. The driver of the carriage stepped down and around, opening the door. "Sir," he said gracefully as Stephen stepped out. Stephen turned and reached his hand in the carriage, certain that the entire household was watching him. "Miss Emma," he said politely, giving her a polite smile, while his eyes spoke something completely different.

[Kiki]

Emma shifted slightly to slip up onto his lap. Emma curled her arms around him protectively. She felt the carriage bump and churn over rocks as the carriage made its way forward. Stephen was so quiet. His worrying was making her now nervous. She could help but open her mouth a few times, in an attempt to lighten the mood, before silently closing it against him. She did not think her efforts of cheering him up would be successful right now.

Emma glanced over his shoulder towards the window, still in his embrace. She could see the long driveway leading up to her own home. Stephen eased her slightly off of his lap. She took the hint and slid off entirely, settling on the other side of the carriage's seat. Emma felt a bit crestfallen - today was supposed to be a happy day, but Stephen seemed so upset, so discouraged. She turned her face away from him for the last few minutes of the carriage ride, unable to look at him.

Emma felt a hand on her hand, squeezing. Emma met Stephen's eyes just as he said he loved her. She felt her heart grow softer - her anxiety piquing. "And I love you, Stephen." Her eyes pleaded with him. Please don't go even if he says no. She could not imagine things without him now. Her life was starting to take shape solely around the thought of marrying him. She could not lose him.

The carriage eventually halted in front of her home. Her eyes turned slowly towards Stephen. He went ahead and stepped out, turning carefully, putting his hand out for hers. She was waiting for her, but she just sat there staring back at him; his eyes looked so sad - it was something she had not seen yet. She'd almost thought that he was incapable of looking sad, as he had always seemed happy or cheerful. She loved that about him. She loved everything about him. Emma knew the handmaidens, footmen and probably some of her family was staring too. She still did not move, not until the look in his eyes shifted into something more positive.

[Notty]

Furrowing his brow a little when she didn't move, he turned to the driver and nodded, dismissing him to return to the front of the carriage. He leaned back into the carriage, looking at Emma. "What is it love?" he murmured softly, his eyes scanning hers. His lips turned upwards into a warm smile, the warmth moving to his eyes and softening the look of sadness. Stephen couldn't be sad around Emma, even with the uncertainty of what was to come in his visit.

Knowing full well that he was about to scandalize the household, he stepped back into the carriage and partially shut the door. There, in the dimness of the space, he drew closer to Emma, resting his forehead against hers. "I love you Emma," he murmured in the darkness, gently nudging their noses together before he gave her one last kiss. It was gentle and tender, holding the promise of another kiss soon to come.

"We should go inside," he whispered, keeping his lips near hers, but did not kiss them. Pulling back, he let his eyes search those beautiful green eyes of Emma's, making him smile despite himself. "Let me go ask for your hand properly, eh?"

Stepping out of the carriage, Stephen straightened his jacket again, then leaned once more into the carriage, his hand outstretched to Emma's. "Come my love, let us go and talk to your Father. Before anything else is done." He was hopeful that her Father would listen. That he would understand. She didn't love Daniel, she couldn't love Daniel. And to be honest, Stephen couldn't think of loving anyone else. His entire world sat inside the dimly light carriage, wearing a soft green dress, and carrying his heart.

[Kiki]

Emma was relieved when she saw Stephen's mouth turn upwards. She sighed audibly, her body language distinctly relaxed, her shoulders dropping. She smiled wider as he climbed back into the carriage, kissing her carefully. She murmured against his parted lips, "Darling, you just looked so upset. I've not seen you sad before." She hardly cared how the situation looked to her family or the servants. If she could not settle something between the two of them, then the marriage proposal might go just as poorly.

Emma studied Stephen, both of them finally smiling. She nudged his nose. "Please ask for my hand, I can't wait a moment longer. Just...", she gently touched his chin with her hand, "Please keep smiling. For me. For us."

She watched him move from her, back out of the carriage, the sunlight pouring back into the space between them. The time there was no hesitation when she reached for his hand, the same hand that she prayed she would be allowed to have with her Father's blessing. She climbed out with his assistance, and instead of allowing their hands to drop, she looped her arm through his, holding on, not allowing to go. Before he could protest or question it, she was already sweeping them over the short dirt path straight up to the front door of her estate, her green eyes furrowed with determination.

[Notty]

Stephen couldn't help but smile as she pulled him forwards, quickly closing the distance between the carriage and the house. He suddenly became aware of the sets of eyes that were watching them as they neared the house. Curtains could be seen fluttering as they were hastily shut, a lame attempt of hiding the curiousness of those inside. He stopped at the door with her for a moment, before it was opened and they were let in.

It had been less than a week when he was last at Emma's home, yet somehow, it seemed more daunting and foreboding than it had before. He smiled at the servant that had opened the door. "Might I speak to your master?" he asked, the servant nodding and disappearing.

The two were left for the moment, alone in the hallway. Stephen turned and glanced at Emma, giving her a slight smile as he squeezed her hand. "I'm surprised we haven't seen your Mother." he whispered softly, his eyes moving around the room, his ears listening for any sound of coming footsteps.

[Kiki]

Emma was a little beyond caring of decorum. She half-dragged Stephen up the stairs and through the front door as it was opened for them, not sparing a glance, curtsy or nod to anyone they passed. Stephen looked like he was trying to be respectable, but now that she was back in her own house, the old anger at finding out about her snap engagement flashed in her mind and she was immediately aggravated.

Emma released Stephen once they reached the inner corridor. Emma squeezed Stephen's hand back when he grabbed for it; she nearly spat, "If she knows what is good for her, we had best not see her." As if on cue, however, she heard the beginning of steps starting at the top of the stairs. Emma whirled around, and caught sight of her mother rushing down the stairs towards them, Daniel Larkin behind her also moving speedily, but her father who had been behind both of them had paused at the top of the stairs, watching the other two make their way down the stairs, catching Emma's eye. There was no sight of any particular emotion on her Father's face, but a look of simple observation.

Emma nearly charged Daniel when she saw him. "You," she pointed harshly, moving aggressively towards him. "Get out," she hissed, breezing past her mother who had her hands up defensively. Emma's hands were fists, her green eyes dangerous as she paused only a few steps from Daniel Larkin. He had stopped walking as well, his look a mix of apprehension and worry. Emma grew hot in the face, "Did you not hear me? I said to get out."

Emma spun again, this time marching up the stairs to her father, who stood nearly perfectly still aside from his eyes, which now moved to follow his daughter's ascent up the stairs. "Father, please. Please." Her voice lowered as she reached him, respectfully bowing her head slightly before glancing up at him again, "Please don't make me do this."

[Notty]

"Emma..." Stephen murmured softly, but before anything else could be said, she was charging up the stairs. He couldn't help but smile inwardly, she was steamed and there was no denying it. His eyes moved to Daniel Larkin, the smug young man had a smile something like a crocodiles. Stephen nodded, politely acknowledging his presence, but doing nothing more than what was socially necessary.

His eyes now moved to Emma, and stayed there as she spoke to her Father. When she had fallen silent, Stephen took a step forward, moving to the bottom of the stairs. "Forgive me sir, but there is a matter of great urgency that I must discuss with you." he began moving up the stairs, until he stood next to Emma. His hand instinctively found hers and their fingers laced together. He could feel Daniel's eyes burning into his back, which only made him move closer to Emma, having broken the socially acceptable boundaries of a man and woman.

Please, please, just hear me out. he thought to himself as he waited for her Father to answer. He knew that her Father respected him, and in all honesty, he was a better match for Emma- socially, financially. But that wasn't why he was here. He loved her. He cared for her. He found her when she had run away, watched over her as she was ill, and provided for her when she recovered. He loved her, desperately, passionately, ardently; and he prayed that her Father could see that.

[Kiki]

Emma turned slightly to look to Stephen as he called out up the stairs. She flushed pleasantly as he made his way boldly up the stairs, a small smile managing to muscle its way onto her face as he grabbed her hand gently, interlacing their fingers. Emma lifted her eyes to her father, chiming in, "Father, please allow Stephen, Mr. Hawthorn, to speak with you privately."

Emma's father noted their hands touching, woven together, but his features did not change to hint at his feelings towards the situation. Once Emma spoke however, once he saw her smile, his eyes brightened a fraction, and he held a hand out to Stephen. "Good to see you, Hawthorn." He delivered a strong single handshake. "I would gladly have your reception. Please. Follow me to my study." Emma's father sidestepped slightly, putting the same hand out gesturing him to follow.

Emma gleefully smiled, inwardly smug at Daniel. She slowly removed her hand from Stephen's, standing up on tip toes and placing a soft kiss to his cheek. "Good luck, darling", she whispered, barely audible. She turned swiftly away, darting down the stairs.

Daniel Larkin was still there, somehow still looking self-satisfied. His triumphant smile instantly fueled her temper. She marched over to him, this time not leaving any space between them. She hissed at him, loud enough for all of them to hear, including the servants waiting in the hall, her chest nearly touching his as she harshly pushed into him, intimidating him, "If I have to marry you, I will literally make your life hell." She pushed him back away from her roughly, sending him to stumble back slightly. Emma tossed her golden hair over her shoulder. She did not even acknowledge her mother's presence before giving Stephen one last sidelong look, and disappearing away down the hall.

[Notty]

Stephen couldn't help but smile as he felt her lips on his cheek, and turned and watched her descend the stairs for a moment, before turning and nodding to her Father. He finished climbing the stairs and followed him into his study, taking a deep breath as the door was closed behind them, and he was sealed off from Emma.

"Sir..." Stephen began, waiting until Emma's Father sat down before he continued. "It has been brought to my attention, that your daughter has been promised to Mr. Daniel Larkin..." Stephen's eyes moved over her Father's face, looking for any sign of emotion one way or another. He cleared his throat a bit, "I would," he sighed a bit, then chuckled slightly, running his hand through his hair. "Sir, I love her. I love Emma." he smiled, his eyes full of sincerity of anxiety.

He went silent for a while, unsure of how to continue. It was almost unheard of for another man to make an offer of marriage after a girl was promised to someone, but he had to take his chance. "Please Sir, please. I love her, so completely and ardently. I swear to you, there isn't a thing that I wouldn't do for her, a price I wouldn't pay." His eyes searched her Father's as he spoke. "I do not know if you are aware, but Emma was very ill this past week. I found her, soaking wet in the rain. I brought her to my home, saw that her every need was taken care of, and watched over her, brought her back here- well and healthy as you can see." he smiled a little and sat down across from him.

"Please sir, I am asking for your daughter's hand in marriage."

[Kiki]

Emma meanwhile had found her father's large, red plush armchair within the living room. She sat, trying to calm her nerves. Her mother nor Daniel had tried to follow her, thankfully. She did not think she could bear having either of them speaking to her. She drummed her fingers on the arm rests impatiently. If she had to wait, she'd at least want something soothing. She reached over, found the familiar velvet cord and rang for tea. The sun was now filtering through the window and she turned her face towards it, shutting her eyes briefly, doing her best to just enjoy the warm rays, biting back her anxiety.

-

Upstairs, Emma's father studied Stephen carefully. His mouth, face and expressions remained unchanged for a few minutes, allowing Stephen to explain himself. He had brought his fingertips together, resting his chin against his hands, only his eyes wavering as he listened to Mr. Hawthorn. He had a great deal of respect for Stephen and for the family he was born into. He was beyond aware of the kind of wealth he himself had been left.

Emma's father pulled his hands from his face, but only slightly. He spoke gently, "Hawthorn. I have heard of your caring for my daughter when she took ill. I thank you. You prove once again to be a man of great morals." His hands dropped to his lap, averting his eyes slightly, to glance out of the window, "I was away these past two weeks. In the States." A smile found his face finally as he looked back to Stephen from across the desk, "I have been investing in the rail system abroad. It has proved lucrative. So lucrative," he paused here, choosing his words carefully, his eyes gentle, "that I will be leaving the fortune I have made from it to my dearest daughter, Emma."

His stood, allowing Stephen to take in the information. He turned his back to him, now looking out of the window, his arms clasped behind his back. He spoke resolutely, "I had no part in my wife's decision making. I did not choose any sort of suitor for Emma; it has always been my wife's discretion, putting our daughter through the paces of finding a suitable match. I feared," he turned slightly, catching Stephen's gaze, looking genuinely concerned, "I feared that once her younger sister had wed over her that she would be disgraced from the public. Seen as un-marriageable."

Emma's father turned back to him, his face hard set again. "I know you could not have known about the increasing value of my most recent investment, nor that I would leave the inheritance to my daughter. I know you are not ignorant, being a businessman yourself. You know my daughter would not have much financial worth to marry." He crossed the room finally, putting his hand out, forcing Stephen to stand to shake his hand. "Because I know your intentions have not been motivated in such a manner, which cannot be said for Larkin, you have my permission to marry my daughter." He smiled again wider, the smile finding his eyes. "She is my favorite daughter. High-spirited, stubborn. If she has chosen you in return, then I know you are good for her." And with that, he shook on it.

[Notty]

Stephen watched her Father as he moved around the study, his eyes widening as he spoke of his investments in the states. He had no idea that Emma would be heir to such a sum, and to be honest, he didn't care. It wasn't the money he loved- he had always had money, it was nothing new or special to him. Emma, Emma was all he cared about.

For a moment, he feared that her Father wouldn't allow him, especially when he turned his back on Stephen. He could feel his heart sink, and he know that his face dropped as he turned away. He won't let me. He will stand by his wife's decision, and that fool Daniel will marry her. He doesn't even love her.... But then the next thing he knew, he had turned to him with a smile, and was shaking his hand.

"You....you mean it sir?" he said, hardly able to contain his joy, an infectious smile spreading across his face. He couldn't help but hug him tightly, then laugh a bit as he pulled back. "Sorry sir, I just...you cannot believe how happy this has made me." he said with a smile, then bowed to him and turned for the door.

Opening the door, Stephen stepped out into the hallway and then closed the door behind him. Breathing a sigh of relief, he started down the stairs. He caught of glimpse of Daniel Larkin and wiped the smile from his face, giving him a stoic look. He'd let him think that he had won- that he was to marry Emma, only to have it universally contradicted when she cried out in delight at whom her Father had chosen. Nodding slightly to Daniel, Stephen passed him looking cool and collected.

After inquiring from a servant where Emma was, he knocked lightly on the door and then opened it. His eyes swept the room and settled on Emma, still not letting his emotion, or the judgment of her Father show on his face. He moved quietly over to her, looking more serious and proper than he ever had around her. Clearing his throat, he began to speak.

"Miss Emma, I know it has not been long that we have known each other, and though we opposed it, in the beginning, our families had intended us for one another." He stopped for a moment to let his eyes move over her face. "Our relationship began as a mere tool for gossip, and then ignited into something much more passionate. I regret..." he hesitated for a moment. "I regret to inform you that it cannot remain so."

He knew he was being evil and cruel, but he couldn't help the chance to tease her a bit. "I fear, I fear that your Father does not wish for us to be lovers." Then he broke out into a huge grin, unable to contain himself any longer. "He wishes for us to be wed. " Then settling down on one knee, Stephen took Emma's hand in his, "Emma, would you do me the honor of being my wife?"

- - - Updated - - -

Stephen watched her Father as he moved around the study, his eyes widening as he spoke of his investments in the states. He had no idea that Emma would be heir to such a sum, and to be honest, he didn't care. It wasn't the money he loved- he had always had money, it was nothing new or special to him. Emma, Emma was all he cared about.

For a moment, he feared that her Father wouldn't allow him, especially when he turned his back on Stephen. He could feel his heart sink, and he know that his face dropped as he turned away. He won't let me. He will stand by his wife's decision, and that fool Daniel will marry her. He doesn't even love her.... But then the next thing he knew, he had turned to him with a smile, and was shaking his hand.

"You....you mean it sir?" he said, hardly able to contain his joy, an infectious smile spreading across his face. He couldn't help but hug him tightly, then laugh a bit as he pulled back. "Sorry sir, I just...you cannot believe how happy this has made me." he said with a smile, then bowed to him and turned for the door.

Opening the door, Stephen stepped out into the hallway and then closed the door behind him. Breathing a sigh of relief, he started down the stairs. He caught of glimpse of Daniel Larkin and wiped the smile from his face, giving him a stoic look. He'd let him think that he had won- that he was to marry Emma, only to have it universally contradicted when she cried out in delight at whom her Father had chosen. Nodding slightly to Daniel, Stephen passed him looking cool and collected.

After inquiring from a servant where Emma was, he knocked lightly on the door and then opened it. His eyes swept the room and settled on Emma, still not letting his emotion, or the judgment of her Father show on his face. He moved quietly over to her, looking more serious and proper than he ever had around her. Clearing his throat, he began to speak.

"Miss Emma, I know it has not been long that we have known each other, and though we opposed it, in the beginning, our families had intended us for one another." He stopped for a moment to let his eyes move over her face. "Our relationship began as a mere tool for gossip, and then ignited into something much more passionate. I regret..." he hesitated for a moment. "I regret to inform you that it cannot remain so."

He knew he was being evil and cruel, but he couldn't help the chance to tease her a bit. "I fear, I fear that your Father does not wish for us to be lovers." Then he broke out into a huge grin, unable to contain himself any longer. "He wishes for us to be wed. " Then settling down on one knee, Stephen took Emma's hand in his, "Emma, would you do me the honor of being my wife?"

- - - Updated - - -

Stephen watched her Father as he moved around the study, his eyes widening as he spoke of his investments in the states. He had no idea that Emma would be heir to such a sum, and to be honest, he didn't care. It wasn't the money he loved- he had always had money, it was nothing new or special to him. Emma, Emma was all he cared about.

For a moment, he feared that her Father wouldn't allow him, especially when he turned his back on Stephen. He could feel his heart sink, and he know that his face dropped as he turned away. He won't let me. He will stand by his wife's decision, and that fool Daniel will marry her. He doesn't even love her.... But then the next thing he knew, he had turned to him with a smile, and was shaking his hand.

"You....you mean it sir?" he said, hardly able to contain his joy, an infectious smile spreading across his face. He couldn't help but hug him tightly, then laugh a bit as he pulled back. "Sorry sir, I just...you cannot believe how happy this has made me." he said with a smile, then bowed to him and turned for the door.

Opening the door, Stephen stepped out into the hallway and then closed the door behind him. Breathing a sigh of relief, he started down the stairs. He caught of glimpse of Daniel Larkin and wiped the smile from his face, giving him a stoic look. He'd let him think that he had won- that he was to marry Emma, only to have it universally contradicted when she cried out in delight at whom her Father had chosen. Nodding slightly to Daniel, Stephen passed him looking cool and collected.

After inquiring from a servant where Emma was, he knocked lightly on the door and then opened it. His eyes swept the room and settled on Emma, still not letting his emotion, or the judgment of her Father show on his face. He moved quietly over to her, looking more serious and proper than he ever had around her. Clearing his throat, he began to speak.

"Miss Emma, I know it has not been long that we have known each other, and though we opposed it, in the beginning, our families had intended us for one another." He stopped for a moment to let his eyes move over her face. "Our relationship began as a mere tool for gossip, and then ignited into something much more passionate. I regret..." he hesitated for a moment. "I regret to inform you that it cannot remain so."

He knew he was being evil and cruel, but he couldn't help the chance to tease her a bit. "I fear, I fear that your Father does not wish for us to be lovers." Then he broke out into a huge grin, unable to contain himself any longer. "He wishes for us to be wed. " Then settling down on one knee, Stephen took Emma's hand in his, "Emma, would you do me the honor of being my wife?"

[Kiki]

Emma had gotten her tea and was about to pour herself yet another cup of the steaming stuff when a knock came to the door. Her hand froze midair, reaching for the teapot, her other hand clasped around the golden-rimmed saucer, her cup perched on top of that. She opened her mouth but no noise came out. Stephen slipped in anyway. Her heart sunk. His face looked far too serious for it to be good news. She lowered her hand from midair, both hands now resting on the saucer. She watched as he made his way over to her, a terrible feeling coming over her.

Once he began to speak, her hands shook. The cup in her hands trembled. "No", she breathed before he could finish. She quickly set the tea cup down carelessly, turning fully to him. Her eyes were beginning to rim with tears. "No, please. Tell me father said yes." Her eyes begged him, tears beginning to cut down her cheeks.

And then he got to his knee, her hand clasped in his. She breathed out shakily, immediately hitting him with a soft fist on his shoulder, closing her eyes for a moment, a small sob escaping her in relief. Her eyes sprung back open, her eyes the color of fresh spring grass after a rain. "That was cruel," she whispered, desperately, reaching for him, sniffling. "You scared me." She laid another soft punch to his shoulder, a watery smile meeting her mouth. "I love you, Stephen, and I will absolutely marry you." And with that, she clasped him around the neck, bringing her knees down to the living room carpet with his, kissing him hard enough to bruise.

[Notty]

Stephen smiled, immediately pulling his arms around her and pulling her close, holding her body against his. "I love you Emma, I love you..." He murmured against her neck as he held her tightly. Pulling back after a few moments, he chuckled, "give my lips a break love, they're yours for the rest of our lives." He said with a smile, brushing back her tears and kissing both of her cheeks. "I love you," he said again, suddenly unable to say it enough.

"I'm sorry, I couldn't help it..." He finally apologized, standing from the floor and gently pulling her up with him, though he kept his arms tight around her. Stephen's hands gently rubbed her back, keeping her close to him. "Though I do fear," he began, kissing her lightly a few times before continuing, "someone will have to break the news to poor Daniel."

"Now then," he continued, gently easing them both down onto the couch. "We have much to talk about, to plan." Leaning forward and letting his lips brush over hers as he whispered, he smiled, tangling his fingers in her hair, "for I'm sure you are just as eager as I am for a wedding." Stephen kissed her several times, unable to believe that she was actually his. He was going to marry Emma.

[Kiki]

Emma could have kept crying in relief, but she was comforted by Stephen's tight embrace. She buried her face into the folds of his jacket, breathing him in, steadying her breath. She smiled widely against him. He was hers, and she was his. Forever and ever. "I love you. I love you so much," she breathed into him, filling the space between them.

She felt herself grimace slightly, not pulling away from him enough for him to see it. "I don't care about that prat Larkin," she muttered into him, her arms tightening around him protectively. "If I tell him the news, I shan't be nice about it. Perhaps we should leave it for my mother." She breathed in deeply again - he smelled wonderful. "And anyway, don't talk about him as though you feel bad for him. I know you don't feel bad about it." And with that, she smiled against him.

He eased her up onto her feet finally, and over to the couch. Decorum still said that she should behave herself, but still did not care. She was still reeling from expecting it to be bad news. She slid herself onto his lap sideways, curling her arms around his neck, her head and face burying into the space between his shoulder and neck. She turned her face to receive every one of his kisses and to return them gently as well. Her lips parted fully into the kisses, drawing them out, lingering as her mouth touched his. Just because they were now promised to one another did not mean she was going to stop taking her time with him; if anything, she'd kiss him more now that she was sure they would be wed.

She sighed appreciatively as his hands ran through her hair, her hand reaching up to clasp his cheek in her hand, angling her face to his. "I am indeed eager for a wedding. There is certainly a lot to plan. The wedding, my moving to you -," she quickly looked at him, unsure, "If that is what you wish, that is." She cleared her throat slightly, continuing, "The estate. My handmaidens. A honeymoon, if you wish." Her nose nudged his lovingly. All this talk was absolutely melting her heart. She felt lovesick, but it was wonderful. Perfect.

[Notty]

Stephen smiled as Emma pulled herself onto his lap, his free arm moving around her body, holding her close to him as they sat nestled together on the couch. He couldn't help but smile as she talked about their future, feeling giddy, excited and like he was on top of the world. His fingers moved gently through her hair, tucking some behind her ear as he planted kisses along her jawline.

"Of course I want you with me in my home," he murmured against her skin, pecking her lips quickly. "You say the date, and it shall be so my love." Stephen said with a smile, his eyes sparkling with excitement. His head was reeling with the things that would have to be done to prepare his home for a wife. He was certain that there would be things that she'd like to change- maybe some linens, decorations, how things were arranged. He couldn't help but smile widely as a plan began to form in his head- he would get it started the moment that he returned home that day.

"Now then," he murmured softly against her lips, pressing a few more gentle kisses before he pulled away. "When do you want to get married?" he asked, smiling even wider than before. "Now, we have to give ourselves some time to get things settled before then- maybe a month? Would that be enough time for you to get everything in order?" His eyes searched her as he thought, "to find my Mother somewhere to live and get her settled, have your things brought over...." he couldn't help the growing smile, the excitement within him as they continued talking.

[Kiki]

"I can't say today, can I?" Emma grinned against him, her nose touching his. She peered up at him gently, her green eyes wide, doe-like. She continued, cheekily, challenging him, "I mean I did already share your bed with you." She leaned over to kiss him under his ear, whispering naughtily, "Not as much sharing as I would have liked, but still. I'd like to lay beside you again." She sighed slightly close to his ear, tantalizing him. Truth be told, had Stephen agreed to it, she absolutely would join him back at his house that very night, but she doubted he would allow her.

She curled her head into the space under his chin, feeling some of his stubble catching in her fine hair. She smiled widely, her heart aflame, full. She was brimming with happiness. She cared not for the details, all she cared about was being able to see him, spend time with him, learn about him. She longed for the quiet intimacy they had had when he picked her up and placed her beside the fire in his room; how he had fed her grapes in the morning's light.

Emma felt exhilarated as he kissed her lips, whispered to her softly. She was getting lost in him. She murmured against his mouth, her eyes closed, listening to his voice, "A month sounds good to me." She opened her eyes, her eyes shining gently, staring into his, "It will be the longest month ever to pass. But a month should be enough for both of us to get our affairs in order." She kissed him once, twice, gently. "You should probably come to dinner here in the next few days. We also need to send the announcement out. Baffle everyone we saw at the balls." And now Emma was grinning like a fool, a light tinge coming to her cheeks.

[Notty]

Stephen happily returned each gentle kiss Emma gave him, his heart feeling as though it would burst with happiness. He kept his arms around her, happy to have her curled up against him. He closed his eyes for a moment, just taking in all the feelings- joy, ecstasy, love, passion. All he could have ever wanted and more was sitting on his lap, her small frame curled up against him.

His fingertips traced up and down her arm as he went silent, thinking for a while. Very soon, things would be different. He would have someone to look after, to take care of and provide for. He pulled a protective arm around her and kissed the top of her head, letting his lips linger, inhaling her scent. "I love you Emma," he murmured against her hair, kissing her head again. He felt a sudden urge to keep her close. He didn't want to wait a month, he wanted her beside him today, tonight. He didn't want to sleep alone, it just wouldn't be the same.

Smiling gently, he pulled back and let his blue/green eyes meet hers. "I cannot wait to make you my wife," he whispered, gently resting his forehead against hers. A soft nudge to her nose with his brought about a wider smile, "in every sense of the word," he added, his voice low and sensual. His hand reached up and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, then he let his fingertips trail down her neck and then shoulder. God, I want her. he thought to himself as they remained close. He could feel the gentle rush of air as she breathed, the flickering of her eyelashes as she blinked. He wanted to feel all of her, every part- so familiar that it was like she and he were the same person. "I long for you," he murmured quietly against her lips before kissing her, letting his lips tell the rest of the story.

[Kiki]

Emma stuck her lip out slightly, a small pout, "Is that a no then? I can't come today?" She nestled into the folds of his clothes, nearly purring against his chest. His graceful, gentle motions sent sparks up and through her veins, pumping wanton passion into every part of her, into the deepest bits of her body. She could feel her body humming within his grasp, and every time he moved to kiss her, it would electrify her, a steady jolt.

Her eyes were glazed a bit as she looked to him, her body beginning to ache for his. Visions of them together, back within the dark confines of his room, exploring, touching, caressing each other swam into her view, distracting her. Her breath picked up a bit to the thoughts. A heated, fiery flower was blooming her chest. She leaned into him as their lips met again. She disengaged herself slightly from his lap, pushing herself into the space between his legs, aligning their hips, her back to the rest of the living room study, pressing his back into the sofa behind him. Her lips found his collarbone, breathing him in, a string of burning kisses laid there, up to his ear. She pushed her hips into his hands; Emma was allowing herself the full freedom of moving against him as she wished - the burning fire within her burning brightly.

[Notty]

Stephen closed his eyes yet again as he felt her push her hips against him, her sensual body pressed against his. It was all he could do to keep his composure. He opened his eyes, his fingers gently fondling her hips as she lay against him. "Emma...." He murmured, his voice full of want, "we could elope. Today. And you could come home with me." He growled softly, pressing his lips against hers, letting them part, panting softly.

"It could be our secret, we could go along with things as planned..." He murmured against her lips, each moment he found himself more and more desperate for her. His hands gently squeezed and kneaded her hips, then let his hands slowly move up her sides. Stephen had never felt this way for anyone before. He could seem to get close enough to her, to taste her lips, drink in her skin. Suddenly every story he had heard of lovers passion made sense. He knew why men did insane feats, traveled great distances for their lover. Stephen would do anything for Emma.

"Let's go get married," he murmured, pulling back from her lips, looking up at her with a slight smile. "And then we can share my bed tonight."

[Kiki]

Emma's eyes flew open against him, her hips swayed up against his sensually. "Darling, are you sure?" She peered at him, her eyes suddenly not matching the sexual way her body was pressed against his. She searched his gaze, "I mean, won't your mother absolutely kill you? If she found out?" And there was that word, hovering between them, if.

Emma pulled herself down a bit, pulling their hips away from one another's. Her affection softening as she looked at him. Stephen seemed to mean it. "Oh darling," she whispered low, "Where would we go to elope? Do you know?" Her mind began to race a bit. She wanted to, but how could they manage it? She felt her heart pull. She wanted him. She wanted all of him; to lay with him, feel him against her. She wanted them to be lovers. She was ready. It felt foolish, but she could not tug herself away from the urging insistence she felt. So long as they went on as planned with the wedding, went through the motions, no one should find out otherwise.

"Yes," she finally breathed between them. Her eyes were wide, loving. "I've never wanted anything more."

[Notty]

Yes. Had he really just heard that word? Was she really agreeing to marry him? Stephen grinned and kissed her several times, his hands gently cupping the small of her back and holding her body against his. "I love you Emma, I love you."

Standing slowly, Stephen straightened his jacket and ran a hand over his hair, making sure he didn't look too ruffled. He reached out a hand and helped Emma up, a smile on his face, as if he had a secret and wasn't going to share the answer. "I know a man," he murmured softly. "He's a preacher, well, was. Retired now. Not 4 miles from here, he could marry us." He said with a smile, tucking some hair behind her ear and then kissing her gently.

He chuckled a bit, "the only problem now, is getting out of this house..." He said with a grin, lacing their fingers together. "I can easily take care of Mother," he said, "it doesn't take much to get her to go see her brother. He's an hour ride from here. I'll make her think it was her idea." He chuckled softly. "Now then love, how do we get out if here?"

[Kiki]

It was a huge risk, Emma knew. But she would do it. For him, for them. She kissed him back carefully before he extricated himself from below her. She turned, and took his hand as he offered it out to her. She eased off of the couch, her dress slipping back down to her feet. She brought herself close to him, her green eyes looking to him, conspiratorially she whispered, "Darling, can we trust him? With our secret?" She peered around, checking no one had walked in on them yet, before turning her eyes back to him. "He won't tell anyone? If he did...", she hesitated slightly, "It could ruin both of us."

She did not grin when he did, but instead, thought deeply, her eyes turning to the window, then to the space behind him. She eyed her discarded tea tray, propped on the table behind them. Her eyes brightened with a sudden idea. She unlaced their hands, pulling away from him. "I have an idea," she said simply, and drifted over to the velvet cord, pulling it. She waited but a moment before the door to the study was opened, a young maid appearing. She bobbed a respectful curtsy, "M'Lady?"

Emma crossed the room to the maid and stated, "I want to see my handmaiden - send for her. As you do, send for a horse and bring it around the back of the servant's quarters. Alert the staff that I and Mr. Hawthorn will be down in a few minutes simply to pass through. And," she eyed the girl harshly, "Tell no one other than the people I have just mentioned specifically. Make haste."

The maid blinked, her eyes wide and surprised, but knew better than to question Miss Emma. She bobbed a rushed curtsy, not bothering to take the old tea tray, leaving the room quickly, shutting it behind her somehow quietly. Emma turned her eyes back to Stephen, "Send your carriage back home, tell the footman you are staying for dinner later this evening. Do not bother with your mother. We shall go straight from here to this preacher you mentioned." Emma's eyes glinted in the light, "I shan't wait much longer to be your wife." And there stood the challenging Miss Emma once again.

[Notty]

Everything happened so quickly, Stephen was hardly able to keep up with what was going on. He nodded, a smile on his face, then kissed her quickly and stepped out of the room. He moved down the hall quickly, out the front doors and down the steps to where his carriage waited. "Sir?" the driver asked, confused as to how quickly Stephen came out of the house. He smiled and shook his head, "you may return home, I am staying for dinner and will not return until late." The driver nodded slowly, tipped his hat to Stephen and pulled away.

A smile on his lips, Stephen headed back inside the house, making his way back into the room where Emma waited for him. "Carriage has been sent home..." he said softly as he pulled his arms around her, kissing her tender lips. "And I am anxiously awaiting what on Earth you have planned." he chuckled softly, kissing her once more. His hands rested on her full hips, rubbing gently as their bodies remained close.

"Come now, no secrets." he whispered against her lips, "you are about to be my wife." One hand moved up to her cheek, stroking it gently. "All secrets laid bare," he whispered, his lips finding the curve where her neck met her shoulder. He placed several kisses there, feeling his desire for her ignite once more, desperate to be with her. "Let's go Emma, let us not waste another moment..."

[Kiki]

Emma waited as Stephen had listened to her wishes and left to the room to tell the carriage to leave. She was nervously twisting a strand of her fair hair around a finger when he returned. She embraced him immediately as he crossed the room back to her. She chuckled softly in the space between their lips, "You have no idea, Mr. Hawthorn. I can be quite devious when I want to be." She softly moaned aloud as his lips met the tender spot at the base of her neck, pulling herself closer to him. "Oh, darling," she breathed shakily.

She moved to grab him closer to her, but there was a soft knock on the door. Emma slightly disengaged herself from him, grabbing a hold of his hand innocently. She was still breathing fairly shallowed, as she said, "Enter." The small yet familiar handmaiden entered. Emma smiled fondly. "Jessie. Jessie, my dear girl. I have sent Angelica to fetch a horse and bring it to the servant's quarters. Stephen and I are going for a ride. We might get dinner while we are out, could you tell mama and papa that I might not be home for dinner?" Emma grinned like a rebellious child, but idly wondered if her handmaiden would see right through her.

Even if she had, Jessie would not say so. She bobbed a quick curtsy. "Of course, M'Lady. I shall tell them. Angelica passed me saying that the horse was ready, if you'd follow me."

Emma grabbed Stephen's hand a bit harder, whilst taking steps towards the handmaiden, "Yes, of course, please. Show us the way. I apologize that we must pass through the servant's quarters, but that is the direction we are headed." A fairly feeble lie, but one that no one could dispute openly. She tugged Stephen after her, following the handmaiden deftly out into the hall, and taking a quick left, one that Emma had rarely gone down. A small plain staircase lead downwards, and out into the servant's quarters.

[Notty]

Stephen did his best to hold back a smile, knowing that Emma was lying through her teeth. Well, not a complete lie. They were going on a ride, just where to was a bit vague. He gently squeezed her hand as she spoke with Jessie, watching as the girl curtsied and left the room, following her mistresses instructions.

Feeling Emma tug his hand, he followed her out of the room and down a small hallway. He could feel his pulse quickening, unable to believe that this was actually happening. He was going to marry Emma. Stephen gently squeezed her hand as they came out into the servants quarters. He glanced around, though he wasn't looking very hard. "Much further love?" he whispered softly as Emma led him along.

The sway of her hip, how her hair fell down her back, the slight color to her cheeks, or how she always seemed to have an amused smile on her lips. He loved everything about her. He couldn't get enough of Emma. And how, how in the world did this beautiful, vision of perfection even notice him in the first place? He had no idea, but he knew that he loved her with something more powerful than he had ever felt.

[Kiki]

Emma brought Stephen's interlaced hand to her mouth, kissing across the knuckles, soothing him silently as they weaved along the servant's quarters. There were a few servants here and there that spotted them, and took the time to bob curtsies and lower into bows as they passed. Emma would nod her head politely, greeting each one, smiling at all of them. She was grateful. They had no idea, but this group was like their sending off party... to be wed in secret.

Emma grinned to the thought. She looked back at Stephen, marveling at him. His light eyes were curiously looking about the place, his dark hair ruffled just so. She'd hit the jackpot. Her heart softened looking at him, but she could not look for long - they'd reached the end of the quarters, another set of stairs, these made of stone, leading up and out to the outside. Jessie lead the way, the wind feeling refreshing compared to the stuffiness of the basement of the estate. Emma grabbed up her skirts, following in line with Jessie, nearly throwing open her arms as she was lead into the sunlight.

"A fine day for riding, M'Lady, Sir," Jessie bobbed a curtsy, before gesturing over to the horse awaiting them. Emma went to nod to Jessie, but after spying the horse, she let out a laugh, touching the handmaiden's arm fondly. "Oh dear, tell Angelica she's done well. You both have." And with that, Emma pulled the girl into a hug. "Don't forget to tell momma and papa of my dinner plans. Don't let them fret over me. Tell them whom I'm with." Jessie murmured, "I will, M'Lady", before letting go of Emma, taking a step back. She regarded both Emma and Stephen quietly for a few seconds before saying, "Good luck", and then hurrying back down the steps, the door closing behind her.

Emma looked over to Stephen, smiling widely. "They know something is up." She tipped her fair chin to the horse, "They brought us my father's fastest horse." Emma hopped up in the air slightly, before rushing over to the saddled horse. She bounced once, her foot connecting with the stirrup, pulling her leg up and over the horse. She grabbed the reins, pulling the horse around to face Stephen. Her eyes were shining brightly, her hair nearly aflame in the bright sunshine. She put out a hand, "Are you coming?" Her mouth was a crescent moon of shining bright teeth, and she made no effort to hide her absolute excitement.

[Notty]

For a moment, Stephen thought that they had been found out, that the servants were going to give them up. But as Jessie wished them good luck, and his attention was drawn to the horse, a large smile following on his lips. He chuckled and moved over towards the horse, grabbing the saddle and pulling himself up behind her, his arms immediately placed around her, grabbing the reins and urging the horse in the opposite direction. He pressed a kiss to her cheek, "lets go," his voice murmured into her ear, before the horse took off.

Emma's home quickly faded in the distance, Stephen navigating the horse down the road, a trail of dust following them. He couldn't help but smile, inwardly thanking the servants for providing the quickest horse. It wouldn't be long until the preacher's home came into view. Gently tightening his grip on her waist, Stephen held Emma close to his body, pressing kisses to her cheek and temple every now and then.

After about 20 minutes, a small cottage came into view. It was surrounded by well maintained shrubs, a lowly cow out grazing lazily in the field and several chickens pecking around near a small garden. Stephen couldn't help but smile, gently slowing the horse as the cottage drew nearer. When the horse stopped finally, Stephen slid off and then reached up, helping Emma off. He laced his fingers with hers, squeezing her hand gently. "Now then, are you ready my love?"

[Kiki]

Emma turned her face up and out towards the sunlight, closing her eyes, marveling in the moment again. She felt the bouncing of the horse as they rode onward - they seemed to be flying through the countryside. Emma eased into the feel of Stephen's arms as he took full control of the reins and of the horse, enjoying herself. She did not look back to her estate, knowing her future, her happiness was ahead, towards the future, towards their destination.

She sighed happily, feeling the kisses Stephen touched upon her face as they rode. Her heart swelled feeling him near, knowing where they were going, what they were heading towards. Her hands reached for his as they clasped over the reins, holding them firmly. Once they reached the cottage, she finally let go of his hands, allowing him to slip off the horse. Emma gazed around at the quaint, yet lonely cottage, before turning her bright eyes back to Stephen. She felt nervous. She slipped her hands about Stephen's neck as he lifted her clear off the steed, placing her firmly on the ground. She pressed against him, her heart going wild. Was she having second thoughts?

"I'm ready. I'm just." Emma found herself holding her breath. She looked up at Stephen, doubt clouding her vision. "Are you sure about this? You won't -", she felt embarrassed a bit, but the concern was very real for Emma. "It's just all so fast. Are you sure you won't grow tired of me? Bored of me? You won't leave, right?"

She pushed back against him carefully, gently, taking her hands with her, out of their embrace. She wrapped her arms around herself protectively, her fair long hair falling over her shoulder. She did not meet his eyes, but instead gazing over at the cottage again. She idly wondered how many other couples had gotten this far, only for one of them to get cold feet and back out. Emma felt guilty, but she was scared! Her heart was beating wildly. She forced her eyes up to meet his, her brow still furrowed, biting at her lip. Her resistance was evident again, rearing its ugly head for the first time in a few days. "Do you remember when we met? Do you remember what you said?" She didn't give him time to respond, "You said -", why were tears rushing to her eyes? She let one cut down her cheek, "You said words tire out and become meaningless. All I hear is your saying your love to me. Are you willing to prove it? Will you really marry me and stay?"

After the countless times Emma had had to meet suitors, some she liked, some she did not, the numerous balls and events, soirees and parties she'd been forced to attend in the hopes of finding a suitor, had she really come to find the one? The one who actually cared and loved her? Her parents had wound her up so tight, had put such pressure on her just to marry to be married, she'd thought love might be lost to her. She loved Stephen deeply, already. She could not bare it if he did not truly love her in return. She refused to marry for any other reason, and she had to be sure.

She felt foolish as she stood there crying, feeling small and vulnerable, but her resistance was hot and fiery, "I will not marry you if you do not truly love me."

[Notty]

Stephen felt his heart ache slightly as she pulled out of his grasp. He swallowed hard, knowing the resistance, seeing it in her eyes and her body language. He smiled weakly, forcing his voice to stay calm and soothing as it always had been. "Emma," he murmured, taking a small step towards her, his eyes moving over her face, each tear paining him. Reaching up, he gently brushed away the tears on her cheeks, planting a kiss where each had fallen.

"Emma, I love you." he whispered softly, placing his hands on her hips. "And I know that they are but words," he murmured, reaching up and brushing some hair from her face, tucking it behind her ear. "but it is the actions, the emotions behind them that give them their weight." His eyes traveled over her face, trying to get a reading of how she was taking this. "I would wait 1,000 months if I had to." his lips turning up in a small smile, "thought I doubt," he murmured, nudging her nose with his, "that you would allow me to sleep alone that long." he said with a bigger smile.

His hands gently rubbed her sides, then pulled around her and brought her into his embrace, holding her against his chest. "I will marry you today, I want to marry you today," he said as he pressed a kiss to the top of her head, "but if you would be more comfortable with waiting the month out, I will wait." Stephen pulled back slightly and tilted her chin upwards so that she would look at him. "You are worth waiting for Emma."

[Kiki]

Emma groaned in aggravation against him, as he pulled her in, the resistance pushing back. "A thousand months is just barely over two and half years," she snapped, suddenly. "That is not a very long time to have to wait. I want true love. Love that waits forever."

She was shrugging out of his arms, trying to extricate her body away from his, but he pulled his arms around her as if feeling her insides becoming volatile. "It's not about waiting the month out, either!" Now she was shouting, but the shouting was shaky, distinctly having a hysterical note to it. She kept crying, now harder. If she kept it up, the occupant of the house may come out and see what the matter was. Emma was beyond caring - the resistance growing higher and stronger, "I won't marry you ever if you don't love me. If this is just some kind of desperate move by you to be married just so you can have your inheritance or whatever it is you're expecting, I don't want to be part of it."

[Notty]

What on Earth was going on? What had happened between her home and here, that upset her so much? Stephen could tell she was getting worked up, and he gently let go of her, stepping back a bit to give her space. "Emma, you know the money means nothing to me!" he cried out softly, his eyes pleading with hers. "Emma, if it had been about the money and coming into my inheritance, wouldn't I have married years ago? I'm an old man in marriage standards!" He was desperate, fearing that Emma was pulling away forever.

He ran a hand through his hair and paced for a moment in front of her. "Emma, please. I love you, I truly do." He took her hand, holding it in his. "Please Emma," he said, his voice thickening with emotion, feeling the hot stinging of oncoming tears. "I love you." he said as his voice broke, tears running down his cheeks. "Please, please believe me."

[Kiki]

Emma fitfully rubbed her eyes, they were stinging from her crying. She looked to Stephen again, her eyes rimmed with red, just in time to see his well up. It was enough to get her going again. The tears cut angrily down her cheeks, and she began to hiccup. "How could the money mean nothing to you?", she questioned, but her voice was softer now, she rubbed her eyes again, "It's all anyone talks about. Even before we met, it's what my mother talked about, why she wanted to force me onto you."

She threw her hands up slightly, "I'm sorry. I'm sorry, really. I believe you. I just," her tears were stopping now, she took a deep shaky breath. "This just scares me so much. All anyone has cared about was that I get married. Like it's some kind of trophy, or a prize. It's all ridiculous, the world we live in. The circles we're forced into." She hiccuped again, glancing back up to him, her eyes a bit clearer, "You're right. You're totally right. You would have been married a long time ago if you really cared about the money, the status, any of that nonsense." Emma tightened her hand around his, pushing herself into his arms, curling her own around him protectively.

She stood there a moment, trying to get her heart to slow down, to ease her breathing. Finally, she said, "There is so much pressure to marry. To marry for all the wrong reasons. When we first met," she dared to peek up at him, "I thought you were just another one of them. But," she pulled her eyes away, tucking her head back into the safety of his chest, "you're not. You're not just one of the rest. You're not desperate. You care. You love. And best of all, you love me." Her body finally eased, her shoulders dropping from their guarded positioning. She grew slightly worried, so she turned her head back towards his, reaching a hand up to his cheek, her voice almost a whisper, "I love you. Do you believe me?"

[Notty]

Stephen smiled and nodded, leaning his cheek into her touch. "I believe you Emma, I love you." he tilted his head down and let their lips meet, kissing her gently several times, feeling each of their bodies relax, giving into each other. "Please don't scare me like that." he chuckled softly, reaching up and pushing away the tears from his face. He let out a long, soft sigh and let his eyes travel over her face, a smile on his lips. Stephen reached up and brushed away Emma's tears, and then kissed her again. "Let's get married."

Taking her hand in his, he moved them from their spot and up the small cobbled path to the front of the cottage. Three knocks produced an older looking man with grey hair and spectacles. He smiled warmly at the couple. "Good day to you, what can I help you with?" he asked, his cheeks slightly rosy, and an all over 'grandfatherly' look about him. Stephen smiled and gently squeezed Emma's hand, "forgive me sir, but we would like to get married." The older man looked at the couple curiously, then chuckled. "Now, what would bring a fine pair of lovers like yourself to me, when there is a church in town?" Stephen shifted a bit nervously, "we are intended to be wed at the end of the month, but Father...." his voice trailed off. "I understand," the Father said, a smile on his face. "I was young once too. Married just the same as you." he chuckled and shook his head a bit, "come in, come in..."

[Kiki]

"You scared me just as badly when you came in after speaking to Father," she smiled small against his mouth before allowing him to ease back. She thumbed his cheek, pushing away the stray tears from his face as he returned the gesture on her own face. She sighed softly, relaxing. She nodded quietly, their hands intertwining again.

Emma still felt nervous, watching Stephen knock on the front door of the cottage. First, nothing. Then, a small older man had appeared. Emma couldn't help but stifle back a small chuckle... the little man was so cute! But Stephen had squeezed her hand, so she attempted to appear a bit solemn, as if the situation were dire.

As soon as the grandfatherly priest had turned, gesturing them to come in, and disappeared into the cottage, Emma's fine eyebrows raised high on her forehead, looking up to Stephen, before smiling and then tugging him to follow the priest. As she stepped over the threshold, glancing about the cottage which was small but full of rustic charm, smelling of fresh firewood, Emma said softly, "It is very kind of you to allow us to come in on no notice. We are trusting you with our little secret." She shared a small secretive look and smile with Stephen before glancing back to the priest whose back was to them.

[Notty]

The older man turned and looked at them when Emma mentioned it being a secret, his eyes moving over them. Stephen smiled nervously, sucking in a breath. He's going to think she's with child....he thought to himself, glancing over at Emma. But instead of saying anything, the old man simply nodded. "There are a lot of reasons we keep things secret." he murmured, leading them through the small cottage into a well kept parlor. On the mantle was a small bible, he picked it up and motioned for them to stand before him.

"It is not my place to judge you, only marry you." he said with a warm smile. Stephen breathed a slight sigh of relief and stood in front of the Father, holding Emma's hand. "Now join both of your hands. I fear this will be the abbreviated version," he chuckled as he shifted his spectacles and flipped through to find the right page. "Repeat after me," he continued, looking up at Stephen.


"Do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?" the Father asked, looking to Stephen. Stephen smiled and nodded, his thumbs brushing over the tops of Emma's hands. "I do."

"I, Stephen, take you, Emma, to be my lawfully wedded wife. I will stand by your side in good and in bad, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, as long as we both shall live or death parts us." Stephen smiled and gently squeezed Emma's hands, his eyes full of love and adoration.

[Kiki]

Emma felt the sudden tension, felt the old man's eyes on her. She froze. Have I said something wrong? She kicked herself for saying anything at all, her body tense. If he turned them away, they'd be out of luck until at least a month. She almost held her breath. But then he lead them further into his home, with an encouraging word. She locked her hand around Stephen's, still nervous. How hard could it be to get married?, Emma wondered.

She turned to face Stephen, her heart pumping, she could hear the blood in her ears. He brushed her knuckles, his thumbs soft, reassuring. Emma's mouth almost dropped open as he recited the words perfect. How had he known what to say? She was clueless! But she found herself smiling, a flush to her pale cheeks, her own eyes shining brightly, her hands shaking nervously.

And then it was her turn. The old man looked to her quietly for a moment, then said, "Repeat after me, dear." Emma nodded, listening. The man lapsed into a pause, giving her time to repeat him, but when she did, she spoke the words as if they had been of her own invention, her mouth forming the words softly, her eyes intently locked on Stephen's, "I, Emma, take you, Stephen, to be my lawfully wedded husband. I will stand by you in the good and the bad, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, for as long as we both shall live, or death parts us." She paused, smiling harder than she'd ever smiled in her life, adding, "I love you."

The old man broke her look with a small cough of his own, then stated, "Do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?" Emma looked back to Stephen, her hair falling over her shoulder as she did, "I do." Her hands squeezed Stephen's, as the priest then turned back to Stephen, smiling widely, "No one here to disclaim this, so with the power invested in me, I pronounce you husband," he gestured to Stephen, then to Emma, "and wife." He closed the Bible with a little snap, a large smile on his face. "You may kiss the bride."

[Notty]

Stephen just looked at Emma as she spoke the words, each one filling his heart with more love and adoration for her. She's mine. She is pleading herself to me, and she will be mine. my wife. The snap of the Bible brought him out of his daydream just in time to catch those five words- you may kiss the bride.

At first, Stephen felt a bit hesitant, as far as he knew, no one had ever seen them kiss. Well, except for the first when they were trying to scandalize the congregation, but that really had no emotion behind it. He let go of Emma's hands and let his fingers gently push back through her hair, both hands cupping the back of her head as he slowly leaned down, his lips meeting hers for the first time as husband and wife. It was like electricity, like nothing he had ever felt. Even before when they had been kissing, it wasn't like this. Like a dam had been unleashed, he felt passion coursing through his veins as he kissed his bride, their lips moving together for a moment before he pulled back, adoration written all over his face.

"I love you." he whispered softly, giving Emma a soft peck on the lips again before he pulled back completely. The Father smiled and patted Stephen on the shoulder. "Congratulations." he said with a smile, "whom do I have the pleasure of meeting?" He chuckled, looking at the couple. Stephen looked at him curiously for a moment, then smiled wide, taking Emma's hand, "Mr and Mrs Hawthorn."

[Kiki]

Emma had almost jumped right up into his arms! But she tried to contain herself. Emma concerned herself with studying Stephen. She felt as his hands met her face, pushing lusciously through her hair, the nerves of her scalp standing on end in pure pleasure. He's mine, her brain said hushed, gleefully. Her lips parted expectantly, right before their mouths connected, fireworks shooting off behind her eyes. She wanted to envelope him on the spot. She thought she was going to lose her balance, and grabbed a hold of his arms, roughly, full of need. She had the overwhelming sense of suddenly wanting to be alone with him, in the dark, intimate.

The spell broke, however, as they parted. It took her an extra few seconds to get her eyes open, her mind still reeling with all sorts of emotions - love, lust, need, want. "I love you, Stephen," she managed after a moment, before her eyes flickered open, her look heated, pointed. She smiled widely as Stephen said her new title, she nudged her nose to his. "Mrs. Emma Hawthorn, hm? I like how that sounds. I think I'll keep it," she teased, somewhat lost in their own little bubble, forgetting about the small grandfatherly priest.

[Notty]

Stephen smiled and the Father patted them on the arms. "Congratulations Mrs. Emma Hawthorn." he said with a bit of a chuckle, "and Mr. Stephen Hawthorn. I'm glad to have married you." he said, motioning for them to start back towards the door. "I know you don't want to hang around here." he said, smiling knowingly. "I'll let you two love birds get on your way. I'm sure there are places you'd rather be." Stephen smiled, actually blushing a bit as he looked at Emma, his eyes matching the passion, lust, need, want that hers held.

Before he knew it, the elderly man had ushered them outside and had shut the door, and they were standing alone near the horse. He laughed, picking Emma up in his arms and spinning her around as he held her close, finally setting her down and kissing her deeply. "I love you Mrs. Hawthorn." he murmured against her lips, kissing her several more times before he pulled back. "To my home?" he whispered, helping her up onto the horse and pulling himself up behind her. He wrapped his arm around her, kissed her neck, and urged the horse forward, desperate to get to his home and let the fire that burned inside ignite.

[Kiki]

Emma blinked as they had been pushed out of the old man's house. Well that was easy, Emma thought, smiling widely. She grinned over and up at Stephen, barking out a laugh, "Did that old guy just kick us out of his house?" She hardly cared really, they were married! Everything else seemed silly, bathed in a golden glow. Nothing could make her angry right now. The only thing that mattered was him.

Emma laughed too, her golden hair swinging, bringing her forehead down to rest against Stephen's as he spun her about. Even as he set her down, she refused to remove her arms from around him. "I love you, Mr. Hawthorn. My Mr. Hawthorn," she said grinning like a fool. She returned his kisses warmly, her mouth moving against his, drawing him in closer with each one returned. "To our home," Emma stated, teasingly. But she was already up on the horse.

She could not help but smile as Stephen seemed hurried. She called over the pounding of the horse's hooves. "In a rush, my love?" She eyed him sideways-like on the horse, careful to keep her balance, feeling his strong chest against her back as he held her in place, "We have forever now. No need to rush." But in the back of her mind, in the deepest parts of her, she never wanted something as much as she did to allow her darkest passions out within the quiet confines of his, their, bedroom. Visions of countless close, intimate things floated through her mind, making her need greater, hotter, a primal urge emerging. Emma had never felt something so strongly, aside for the love she felt for the man holding her close.

[Notty]

Stephen chuckled, kissing her cheek as they rode, calling back to her, "only as urgent as you are." he said, turning the horse westward, towards their home. Within minutes, his estate came into view, only making the smile on his face grow larger. Urging the horse forward, dust flew behind them as they neared the grand home, only slowing down once they were within the gates.

A servant came out to meet them, a peculiar look on his face. "Sir? I did not expect you back...." he said, furrowing his brow. "When your mother got word you were staying at Miss Emma's for supper, she took the carriage and went to visit her brother." Stephen smiled, nodding. "That's fine George, nothing wrong with that." he climbed down off the horse and then reached up, helping Emma down. He wrestled within himself as to whether or not he should tell George. He had a feeling that the Estate would soon be filled with sounds of pleasure, and he figured best to tell him than have rattling tongues gossiping about.

"George?" he said quietly, "you are one of my most trusted and loyal servants, so I expect you to keep this a secret. Even from my Mother." Stephen said, leaning down towards George. The older man nodded, "of course sir." Taking in a deep breath, Stephen murmured. "Miss Emma and I have married, but no one is to know of it. As far as it is concerned, we are only just engaged." The man's eyes widened and then he smiled and nodded. "Congratulations on your engagement and upcoming nuptials." Stephen smiled and shook his hand, "thank you George."

Grabbing Emma's hand, Stephen moved towards the door. Never before had he moved so quickly through the home. He glanced back every now and then, smiling at Emma. Then he suddenly stopped, the doors to his, their bedroom looming before him. "My love," he murmured, reaching down and scooping her up into his arm. "As is tradition I believe," he said with a smile, kissing her gently. Very carefully, he reached down and opened the door enough that they could pass through, and he carried Emma over the threshold and into their bedroom.

[Kiki]

Emma swung down from the horse, clutching Stephen's hand quickly. She regretted her decision to stick right next to him near immediately. She flushed a bit, knowing that his mother being gone would only give them more of a reason to be intimate - and to not be quiet about it. She blushed a lovely, yet deep shade of crimson once Stephen had stepped forth and explained to his servant, that they were married. There was only one reason in her mind as to why he would do that: to explain the noises, the pleasurable sounds that would emanate from his room, from his bedroom. Their bedroom. She could do little but blush and find incredible sudden interest in her feet, feeling embarrassed, though her insides were tight knots of impatience.

Emma moved just as quickly through the Estate. She fleetingly acknowledged that all she saw now belonged to her too, but it was a far-away thought. "Ooh!" she exclaimed, as soon as he scooped her up, her arms leisurely curling around his neck, she was positively beaming at him now, "Did not realize I married such a hunk of a man too," she said teasingly, entirely informal with him now, easing up to his face fondly as he took her through the doors and into their now shared bedroom.

Everything was almost as they had left it, though the bed was now made. That will change quickly, Emma thought darkly. The lavender roses still sat, near immaculate, within the glass vase propped near the bed. As soon as she spotted flowers, she smiled anew. Her green eyes turned up to him, full of love and appreciation for this man who was now her husband. "Stephen," she said simply, her voice punctured by want of him, her lips finding the base of his throat lustily as he held her within his arms still, her feet dangling. She gave him no signal nor extra encouragement, letting her lips do the talking for her.

[Notty]

Stephen could feel the passion, the heat behind her kiss. He laid her down on the bed, his own body moving over her, holding himself up. He let their lips meet, burning desire fueling his movements. "Emma..." he murmured against her lips, finding that his heart was racing, his skin feeling as though every touch was electricity. He leaned up slightly, pulling his jacket off and tossing it aside.

When he moved down to her again, his hands wandered to places that he had never dared before. To her sides near her breasts, and then to her breasts themselves. He moaned softly as he felt them, kissing her several times, leading the kisses down her neck to the crevice between her breasts, breathing in her scent, needing her, wanting her more. Never before in his life had he cursed something quite like the dress she was wearing. How did he get the confounded thing off? Moving his hands over her, he leaned her up, panting softly as his hands found the buttons on the back of the dress.

It took all the willpower he had to pull away and move behind her. Each movement was deliberate, intimate, sensual as he began unbuttoning the back of her dress, each time exposing a little more of her body. He placed kisses along her shoulders and down her back, taking in the sight of her creamy skin as it was unveiled to him. "I love you Emma," he whispered, kissing her neck again, unable to get enough of her. As the last button was undone, he reached and pushed the shoulders of the dress down Emma's shoulders, revealing more of her to him, his desire only growing.

[Kiki]

Emma sighed as he easily laid her back, her golden hair hair spilled across the sheets, over the pillows like a thick river. Her stomach was twisting, tensing with anticipation. She raised up slightly on her own elbows, bending up slightly to him, letting her lips move against his. She watched as he yanked his jacket off and how he carelessly tossed it to the side, her eyes darkening with desire at his movements.

Emma gasped in surprise and pleasure, letting him feel her mounds, her legs already slipping underneath them, aligning their hips. She felt their legs touch and her fingers found their way in his hair. She could not resist him as he said her name like that, letting him lift her slightly, bending up at the waist, letting him unbutton her dress. She giggled girlishly, throwing him a small saucy look over her own now bare shoulder, a smirk gracing her mouth. "I love you, husband," she said, turning to him further, the dress falling away from her shoulders, skimming down her front.

She smiled wider, pushing off the bed away from him, holding her dress to her chest before it could fall lower. Her smile turned wicked, a fake pout, "No fair, you get an eyeful with just one simple motion -", and with this she dropped her hand on the dress with a bit of a flourish. The heavy green material slid easily down her slender frame to a heap at her feet. In the light of the window, the late day sun shone off her bare skin. Only a small nearly see-through slip clothed her as she stood there. "-but you're still in all your clothes. Do you need some help, Mr. Hawthorn?"

She waited for no answer, stepping out and away from her piled dress on the floor, a sway of a sensual hip slowly, her long hair swinging behind her. Her fingertips reached and touched his cheek gently before she crept onto the bed, on her knees, facing him. She reached forward and pulled herself up on his lap, her slip doing little to hide the curves of her body. She felt like she might catch on fire, she was so hot, so flushed with her want of him. She reached forward, kissing his cheek, then trailing her kisses down to his ear, his chin, across his jaw, all while her fingers moved deftly over the shirt wore, unbuttoning it. Once she reached the end of the string of buttons, she forcefully pushed her hands up into the sleeves, taking the shirt clear off his body, and tossing it carelessly somewhere into the room. She gasped, seeing the expanse of his torso - how strong his chest looked, his taunt muscles leading down to the slightest hint of abs, his skin smooth, milky.

Emma's mouth hit his hard then, a soft moan behind it muffled, taking his face in her hands, forcing the both of them back quickly, her body lining over his, his head pushed into the mound of pillows. The blankets under them were already beginning to shift and become skewed beneath them.

[Notty]

Stephen's eyes widened slightly as Emma dropped the dress, her sensual curves and every part of her body that had been hidden from him before, now lay in front of him, all that sat between was a thin slip that left nothing to the imagination. "By all means," he murmured, kissing her, his lust for her growing, "undress me." As her fingers moved over his skin, and her lips over his body, he couldn't help but moan, overcome and overwhelmed with passion. His chest was uncovered and before he could even kiss her bare shoulders, she had pushed him down into the bed.

"Determined to tease me?" he growled, leaning up and kissing her several times, his hands now exploring her body where they hadn't been able to reach before. Her legs, running up the sides and pushing under her slip, moaning against her lips as he felt her hips, rubbing and kneading with his hands. "Emma..." he moaned, his hips pushing up against her slightly, letting her feel his arousal. He couldn't wait much longer, and briefly let his hands move off of her hips and to his trousers, pushing them down his hips and legs, awkwardly kicking them off.

The sheets and blankets were now completely askew under them, and Stephen panted softly, laying naked underneath Emma. "And now..." he murmured, sitting up a bit, his hands pushing under her slip, "your turn." he whispered. Taking in every inch of her skin, Stephen slowly pushed up the sheer slip that covered Emma's body. Slowly, inch by inch, she was revealed to him. Creamy, milky skin, her hips, stomach, breasts...god, he couldn't get enough of her. Once the slip was off, he tossed it to the side, pulling her body against his, letting their skin touch completely for the first time. "I love you Emma..." he moaned as he kissed her, "let me make love to you.."

[Kiki]

Emma allowed his hands to move freely along her. She heatedly kissed him back, her mouth opening a little wider, hungry. Her tongue found his and she invaded his mouth, gently but forcefully. She moaned into his mouth as he grabbed at her hips, pulling her into him. She could feel his excitement, and before she had a chance to cup it through his trousers, he had already deftly reached down and yanked them off, discarding them quickly.

Emma thought he looked beautiful, as he laid fully naked below her. She opened her mouth to say so, but was quieted as his fingers crawled up her slip, exposing her bit by bit, pushing it off over her head. Emma shivered once he tossed it away into the room, the temperature change making her body respond - with a tremble, goosebumps dotting her fair skin. He pulled her down to him, and she allowed her body to line along his, her toes touching his, the flat plains of their stomachs against one another, their noses touching. She nudged his nose gently, her eyes peering into his lovingly, though there was a fire burning her insides. "I love you, Stephen." She shifted slightly, stifling a small moan, her anticipation sky-rocketing.

Emma leaned down and kissed him once, twice, before pulling him up carefully to sit up, then releasing him. She carefully flung the covers back before slipping down against the cool sheets underneath, giving him her best 'come-hither' look, spread out easily for him to crawl on top of her. She clasped him quickly about his neck, pulling him down to her. She said, her nerves nearly on fire, pleading quietly, "Please. There's nothing I've wanted more, than you..."

[Notty]

How long had passed since Emma had uttered the words, "there's nothing I want more, than you..." and when Stephen finally collapsed on the bed, exhausted beside her, he wasn't sure. All he knew, was he had never felt better in his entire life. He had made love to Emma- the woman he loved- until neither of them could continue. Feelings and sensations ran rampant through his body like he had never felt before, and he couldn't imagine life without Emma beside him.

Pressing a kiss to her glistening brow, Stephen smiled, his eyes moving over the flushed face and body of his lover, his wife, Emma. "I love you," he whispered as he gently pulled his arm around her naked form, pulling her body closer to his once more. As they lay there, he could feel their bodies move as they both took in and let out breath, the warmth between them, and the communal exhaustion of their love-making.

Stephen moved a hair from Emma's face and tucked it behind her ear, kissing her temple before he pulled the sheets over them. The whole time he never let go of her, almost as if he was afraid that if he let go, this entire scene would dissolve before him, and he would find himself alone once more. "Emma, you have made me the happiest man alive." he murmured as he pressed a weary kiss to her lips and then laid back against the pillows. "Though I fear, you have exhausted me," then he added with a soft chuckle, "though I doubt it will be the last time that your love exhausts me." His hand ran over her flushed skin as he gently rubbed her side, allowing his eyes to close as sleep threatened to take him.

[Kiki]

Emma had uttered her last soft moan before Stephen collapsed beside her. Her body tingled and tinged with pleasurable waves that pushed her down into the soft down of the bed. She breathed harshly, her heart beating wildly. She'd never felt anything else like it in her entire life. Emma's eyes were still shut as the last magnificent waves of pleasure rolled over her, subsiding back into the core of her. She knew her body was still arched, excited but she willed herself to curl up, off to the side, pressing her forehead to Stephen's muscular forearm, resting.

Emma sighed gently, as Stephen's lips connected to her forehead. She opened her eyes slowly, her bright green eyes looking up to him, filled with affection, "I love you, Stephen." She easily slipped into and over his arm as he opened it to her, easing up to his chest. She could feel the moistness of both of their bodies, the slight sweat beading on them. The whole room felt muggy, but Emma was unsure if she was imagining it. Emma flung her arm over his chest, curling up to him, his body becoming more familiar to her, though she still appreciated the feel of him. She nuzzled into him, even as he pulled the blankets over them. She listened to his voice, the way it vibrated through his body, against her, like a gentle lullaby. She mumbled sleepy nonsense against him, her body quickly slipping into sleep, her body reeling from their love-making. The last thing she remembered was pressing her face into the small space between Stephen's neck and shoulder.

--

Emma stirred slightly. She thought she'd heard a noise, but perhaps she'd imagined it. Emma drifted just above sleep. But then came the noise again. Knocking. Emma bolted upright, her hair a jumbled golden mess around her head. She began to panic. That did not sound like the maid's knocking. It was more urgent, insistent. And then she heard his mother's voice ring out from the other side of the door. She could not tell what exactly she was saying, but it sounded perturbed.

Emma quickly glanced over to Stephen, who was seemingly still somehow fast asleep. She shook him rather roughly, her panic rising. "Stephen," she hissed, bringing her mouth close to his ear, her teeth were clenched, "Stephen, it's your mother." She kept shaking him, her heart beating wildly, rousing him unceremoniously from his sleep.

[Notty]

Stephen grumbled sleepily as he was pulled from his slumber, his eyes forced open to the panicked look of Emma, no, his wife. He couldn't help a brief smile. Emma, his wife. That's why he was so tired.... Then in an instant, he felt panic rise in his chest. "Stephen! You have some explaining to do! The rumors I have heard...." His eyes widened and he groaned softly, running a hand through his hair as he tried to think of what to do. Stephen looked to Emma and then to the door, for once, his mind blanking.

"Give me a moment Mother, I have just awoken and here you are pounding at the door as though the house was on fire. Let me dress and we shall talk..." he said as he climbed out of bed, his naked form fully exposed now in the sunlight of the new day. He glanced back at Emma, giving her a weary smile. "I'll try and sort things out.." he mouthed to her as he tugged on a pair of pajama pants and a shirt. His mother's exasperated sigh could be heard from the other side of the door.

Stephen made his way slowly to the door and opened it, then stepped outside and shut the door behind him. "Stephen, I had heard such things! Things that make the hired help's tongues wag!" His mother's voice could be heard down the hall and through the bedroom door, a pathetic attempt at whispering. "I have heard tales of you and Lady Isabella courting, that it was not in fact Emma that you were after, but Isabella this whole time! Stephen, I cannot allow you to go about town trying to twist young girls' affections." Stephen all but laughed, wondering who started this rumor that was going around.

"Mother, calm yourself. I give you my word of honor that I am not courting Lady Isabella." Her eyes widened, but she said nothing. "In fact, I am engaged to marry Emma." With that, she let out a squeal and hugged him tightly. "Oh Stephen! How marvelous! I knew that you two were a good match! Well, when can I see her? We have so much planning to do! When is the wedding? Come now, I need details!" she rattled on. Stephen chuckled slightly, running a hand through his hair. "She has agreed to come over this morning for breakfast, I am certain that by the time you change and ready yourself for company, she will be here..." She lit up once more, "oh yes! Yes of course!" then turned and hurried down the hall towards her room.

Stephen waited a few moments and then opened the doors to his room and stepped inside. Shutting them, he leaned against the closed door and let his eyes meet Emma's, then burst out into laughter.

[Kiki]

Emma shooed Stephen out of bed, batting at his naked backside, making sure he ushered himself to the door. Emma sunk down low into the sheets for fear his mother would come barging in. She peeked her emerald eyes over the sheet top, just in time to see him mouth assurances to her. She nodded silently, and stayed as she was. Once he opened the door and stepped outside into the hallway, she blew out a small quiet breath.

She could hear bits and pieces of what was said, a smile finding her mouth as she listened. His mother was never exactly quiet. You mother-in-law, she reminded herself with a big sigh. That was definitely one part of the deal she was not thrilled about. But still, she smiled wider to herself, her eyes fixating on the lavender roses beside the bed, still crisp and lovely as if he had given her a new bouquet. The morning light played off the petals, and made her smile, especially hearing the commotion in the hallway. But finally, it seemed he managed to send his mother away.

She smiled at her husband as he reentered the room, but the smile turned to a grin as he leaned against the closed door and began laughing. Emma cocked a fair eyebrow, pushing the sheets away from her naked form. She swung her legs over the side of the bed, rising to her feet, bare as the day she was born. "Lady Isabella, huh?" Emma swung her hip purposefully as she took a few steps towards him, his back against the door, having nowhere to back away from her. Her hair swung behind her, like a thick golden sheet, the opposite hip swinging seductively. "There had best be no Lady Isabella, or I will cut the tongue from your mouth," she said, her voice low, dangerous, but jokingly, a smile plastered on her face as she made her way over to him. "Now I don't know about any of those rumors, but I can assuredly give the servants more to talk about."

Emma reached him, every bit of her bare to him. Her hands reached out and immediately smoothed over and down his shirt, before they slipped up and under the shirt, her nails grazing his skin as they had the night before. She pulled her naked self up against him as he lent against the door, the curve of her body lustily pushing against his, "So, Mr. Hawthorn. Am I staying for breakfast?" She raised on slight tiptoes, her mouth finding his gently.

[Notty]

Stephen chuckled as he watched Emma saunter over towards him, his eyes taking in every inch of her nude body, and he could feel a desire for her rising up again in him. As she pressed her body against his, he let out a soft moan, leaning down to kiss her lips hungrily. "I would love nothing more than to give the servants something to whisper about..." he growled against her lips, then kissed her several more times. "But do you wish to make love to me before breakfast?" Stephen said as his hands moved over her smooth bottom, then up to the small of her back, pulling her closer to him.

"I do believe, that you are expected at breakfast, Mrs. Hawthorn." he said with a smile, closing his eyes, as his lips found hers again, melting against them hungrily. "Oh, forget it all, Mother takes forever to get dressed..." he moaned, then picked Emma up, allowing her legs to wrap around his waist as he carried her back over towards their bed, the sheets still in disarray from the previous nights session.

He laid her down on the bed and gently held himself over her, kissing her again, then letting his lips trail down her neck, collarbone and slowly down between her perfect breasts. His hands ran up her arms and then he let his fingers tangle in her hair as he moaned softly against his skin. "I know not how we will make it a month...." he panted softly against her, his eyes moving to catch hers for a moment before his lips kissed her breasts once more.

[Kiki]

Emma could not help herself but to grin as soon as he scooped her up off the floor, tangling her legs around his middle as he carted her off back to the bed. She landed with a soft thump onto her back, right into the mess of pillows and blankets, the sheets asunder from the night before.

Emma felt her temperature peaking as he lent over her, his mouth finding her bare skin. Emma softly moaned frustratingly against his, her body rising up to meet his, their hips meeting. Emma nearly ripped his shirt off of him, yanking it over his head in a rush, her mouth instantly meeting his as soon as she tossed the rumpled shirt away carelessly. Emma's fingers traced the waistband of his pants tantalizing as she allowed him to do what he wanted with her.

"What do you mean make it?" Emma struggled out, combating against the want to rush him along, to feel their bodies meet completely. Her head turned, her eyes closed, enjoying the feel of his hands on her, his mouth on her, suppressing a louder moan. "We'll still see each other, now more than before, and we'll still-", then a moan escaped her, his mouth seemingly urgent on her naked form. She struggled to continue talking, "-still be able to be together, perhaps not like this," Emma ducked her head to his neck, beginning to lay a pattern of heated kisses there, "but we are still together."

Emma raked her fingers through his mass of dark hair, lust scorching her body. "Do we have time before breakfast?", she asked, though her hands were already slipping over and down the waistband of his pants, her teeth tugging at his earlobe. Last night had been a gentle and exquisite release; the early morning brought a heat, a need, a fierce lust for him that absolutely needed to satiated, especially after being woken early by his mother.

[Notty]

Stephen couldn't wait any longer. He didn't care if his mother sat waiting at the breakfast table for them. He had to have Emma. Now. With the urging of her hands, Stephen's pants soon fell away to his ankles, kissing her several times up between her breasts and to her collarbone. Stopping for just a moment, he pushed her back on the bed a bit more, allowing room for him to climb up and over her. How could his desires be so much different than they were last night? Last night he wanted to be tender, loving. But today, all he could feel was a burning passion that called for heated kisses and fierce love-making.

Some time later, Stephen let himself lay to rest beside the glowing body of his bride. Emma's cheeks were flushed from their love-making, and Stephen was panting softly as he let his fingers trace over her stomach and up her side. Closing his eyes briefly, he took in a deep breath and let it out slowly, trying to calm his body, knowing that they would now have to quickly dress and head down to breakfast. He turned his head to Emma and smiled, pressing a kiss to her flushed temple. "I love you Mrs. Hawthorn." he whispered breathlessly, reaching up and caressing her cheek with his fingers before leaning up to kiss her.

"I fear that now we must get up and dress, otherwise we are at risk of being invaded upon again." he chuckled softly, kissing her once more. "And after we have breakfast, I will begin looking for somewhere for my mother to live. So..." he whispered, his voice husky and hinting at lust, "we no longer have to conceal the sounds of our desire for one another."

[Kiki]

Once they came back to rest, both of their bodies heaving heavy sighs and panting breaths, Emma glanced over at Stephen. She began to grin, and then easily, began to laugh, running her own fingers up through her hair. Her body felt pleasured, she felt satisfied, her thoughts and feelings exuberant. Her laughing was gleeful, and she fell alongside Stephen, hugging her form to his. "God, I love you so much." She kissed a few spots around his chest as she snuggled up to him, noting slyly how he had a few distinct marks, nail marks, from their previous love-making. She kissed him as soon as he bent down to her face, smiling against his mouth.

"I should like that very much," Emma's fingers tracing over his stomach absentmindedly, taking in what he was saying. Her heart grew very full to the thought of them having the Estate all to themselves. How easily he was giving her so much. How readily he gave her all of him. Emma actually felt a little tearful, quickly. She smiled through the feeling, his apparent love and trust for her strengthening the feeling.

Emma leaned up finally, her hair falling over her shoulder, grazing along her naked front. She scooted over to the side of the bed, swinging herself out of it, to stand. She looked around, smiling at their carelessly strewn clothes all over the room. She spied her slip on the floor near the end of the bed. She threw him a small grin as she leaned over and grabbed it up off the floor, pulling it over herself, allowing the silken material to slide down her skin, covering her once more. She turned to him, only mildly more clothed. "How shall I enter breakfast? With you? Make your mother assume I came through the front door and you met me there?" Emma gathered up her long dress, slipping the beautiful green material over her head, tugging and pulling on it to all the right places. She moved her hair over to the side, displaying the open v part of the fabric, with the buttons that he had undone the night before. "You're so good at undressing me, Mr. Hawthorn. Might you be able to help dress me too?" Her green eyes glittered wickedly over her shoulder, glancing at him and his still bare form on the bed.

[Notty]

Stephen chuckled and watched as Emma pulled on her slip and then her dress. He slowly stood and moved over to her, his fingertips dragging over her skin at the edge of the open back of her dress, teasing. "I much rather enjoy undressing you though," he murmured softly, letting his lips meet her shoulder, kissing gently several times. Slowly, Stephen began working the buttons, her bare skin disappearing as he worked, until her dress was completely buttoned.

He smiled and moved around in front of her, pushing his hand through her hair and kissing her gently. "You look beautiful." he whispered as he pulled away, his eyes scanning her bright green eyes. "I'll get dressed now if you need to fix your hair or ready yourself further." Letting out a soft laugh, "I'm not completely sure of what ladies must do to get ready, so I fear I may not be very useful to you." His hands moved to her sides and he rubbed them gently before pulling away slightly, turning to move towards his wardrobe to get dressed.

Several minutes later, Stephen had pulled on dark brown trousers, shiny black boots, a white button up shirt, and a light blue vest. He smiled at Emma's reflection in the mirror, his eyes following her as he mindlessly ran a comb through his hair, trying to tame his bedhead. "Think we can pull it off?" he said softly as he turned to Emma, moving across the room to where she waited for him. "Do you think my Mother will suspect the truth? That we have just come from a night- and morning- of passionate love-making?"

[Kiki]

"You had best learn what ladies must do to ready themselves, Mr. Hawthorn," she said after him, her challenging nature coming to her. She watched him move over to his wardrobe, admiring the way the sun shone off his bare backside. She padded after him slowly but only part of the way, pausing in front of the long mirror attached to his wardrobe. She began combing through her fair tousled hair with her fingers, smoothing it down over the crown of her hair, making sure there were no knots. "You have a lady in this house now, so you should know what I require in order to be taken care of," she smiled slightly. "Though, I must confess, my hair would look a bit better should I have a handmaiden to attend to me this morning, but it shall have to do." She sufficed for how to her hair looked after running her fingers through it, finding no tangles.

Emma padded silently back over to the bed, sitting on the edge of it, fishing down under the end of the covers, finding her shoes. She smiled up at him as she worked her heels into the back of the heeled green pumps, matching her dress. "I think we can. Haven't we managed this far?," she asked, though confidently. She stood carefully, reaching her hands for his, moving into him. Her voice dropped a bit, her eyes meeting his, sharing a secretive look. "I do not think your mother will suspect us. After all, before this morning, she thought the rumors meant you were after Lady Isabella." Emma smiled widely, standing up on tiptoes, kissing softly against his left cheek. "Though, I am unsure I will be able to contain myself at the table with you looking this way." Her hands folded over his as she said, "You look very handsome this morning." She tugged at his hands, encouragingly, "Come now. Shouldn't we go down to breakfast?"

[Notty]

Stephen smiled as Emma pulled herself against him, and he leaned down to catch a quick kiss before he pulled away. "And to breakfast we shall go, Mrs. Hawthorn, though I fear for the time being, I must refer to you as Miss Emma," then his voice lowered as he tilted his head down, letting his lips brush her ear intimately. "Though there is nothing to convince me that you are an innocent "miss" anymore." He murmured softly, nipping gently at her ear. Emma proved to be an exceptional lover, and her passion and love for Stephen made him long for her even more.

Taking her hand, he led her out of the bedroom and down the hall towards the dining room. He couldn't help the slight smile on his lips as they walked, recollecting on the events of the previous night and that morning. The door to the dining room was shut, but he could tell from the silence on the other side, that his mother had not yet come down. A servant opened the door for them, and Stephen led Emma inside.

It filled his heart with such joy to know that soon she would be the mistress of the house, and breakfast would be something they would always share. The table was spread with fruits, breads, cheeses and some ham. The smell of eggs and light breakfast delacies wafted in from the kitchen, promising of an especially fine breakfast that morning. Helping Emma into a seat, Stephen sat beside her and pressed a gentle kiss to her cheek.

[Kiki]

Emma flushed prettily as Stephen spoke softly, mischievously into her ear. She peeked up at him, through her eyelashes, demurely. Somehow he made her feel both naughty and shy at the same time. "I'm fine with just being called Emma too, you know," she smiled up at him, challenging once more as he grabbed for her hand.

There was a semi-permanent smile etched onto Emma's face as they walked. Emma was careful to tread lightly, keeping track of her dress and her movements, trying to stay graceful. She might have had Stephen's heart, but she wanted to continuously appear genteel, light on her feet. They were but newlyweds, secret lovers, but that did not stop Emma from wanting to make sure he still found her attractive, lithe.

She kept her green eyes fixed forward, posturing herself as they made their way. Occasionally, something shiny or especially expensive-looking would catch her eyes and she'd have to force herself to quickly glance away. She felt a little overwhelmed. All of this was his. All of it was soon to be hers. Emma's estate was wonderful, but it was nothing to the caliber of Stephen's. His wealth was seemingly unmeasurable to her. Her heart quickened a little, realizing she felt slightly intimidated by him. She was already wed to him, but she felt she hardly knew him. The thought made her heart squeeze painfully.

Emma glanced over at Stephen, his smile infectious. He looked perfectly pleased with leading her to the dining room, his eyes bright. She studied him, wondering what was going on in his head. Was he easily satisfied? She swallowed heavily as they paused, as the servants nodded to them both and opened the door to the dining room. Something about the way the silver on the table sparkled, the way the fine bone china glinted in the early morning light, something made Emma feel a little sick. The smell of food nearly repulsed her.

Emma forced a smile on her face, immediately turning her head to Stephen as soon as he sat down, to be rewarded with a kiss to her cheek. She grasped his hand, her eyes searching his. She prayed his mother would give them a few more minutes alone. She thought she could feel sweat on her forehead. "Stephen. Darling. You know I love you... don't you?" She paused, but briefly, her voice lowering, her stomach still clenching, still somehow nervous. The challenging part of her was rising. "I love you," she repeated. "But. I feel like. Like I might be ill." She slipped her hand from his, pressing the hand to her mouth, as if going to be sick. She honestly thought she might be; her anxiety like a raging ocean. "I just don't know. Have we made a giant mistake?" Her eyes were beginning to water, stunned by her own realization. Her womanhood was given to him, her hand was his, her heart was his, but she felt, sitting in a room, in a house, at a table, all far more elegant, rich and more expensive than she could have dared dream, that she still had somehow been roped into marrying someone for money, someone she hardly knew. Her heart thudded in her chest.

[Notty]

Stephen's smile faded when he saw the look of sheer panic on Emma's face. Had he said something? He furrowed his brow and moved from his chair, kneeling down beside her. "Yes, I know that you love me." he said with a gentle smile, his hand moving to her cheek and resting there. "And I love you. You mean the world to me." His ocean blue-green eyes searched hers, trying to silently unlock the mystery behind her sudden mood swing.

"Have I said something to upset you?" he murmured, thankful that his Mother was always late. He didn't want her coming in now, not with Emma like this. "Please, tell me what is wrong." he whispered as he pushed himself up a bit, sitting on the edge of the chair next to her and taking her hands in his. He was baffled at what it could be that had caused such a disapproving and fearsome spirit to come over her. She was practically trembling in his hands. "Please Emma, tell me what has caused you such grief and I will remedy it." He leaned forward and touched his forehead to hers, closing his eyes. "I am your husband. I love you." he whispered, pulling a hand to the back of her neck and resting it there protectively.

As he silently waited for a reply, he played back the last 10 minutes in his mind. What had gone wrong? She seemed perfectly happy as they exited the bedroom- their bedroom. But by the time that they had made it to the dining hall, she was trembling like a leaf, anxiety having taken her like it did when they reached the preacher's cottage just the day before. Certainly it wasn't his Mother that caused her such anxiety, but what else could it be? Stephen took in a long, slow breath and then pushed his lips forward, gently meeting Emma's in a soft, reassuring kiss.

[Kiki]

Emma dutifully and gingerly returned the kiss, but her mind was elsewhere. Kissing was not in the forefront of her mind. She prayed that his mother would not burst in at any moment.

Emma carefully extricated her hands from his grasp, carefully placing them on his leg, as he shared her chair with her. Her look was honest, sincere. "You did not do or say anything to upset me," her look waned, and her gaze dropped to the space between them - she was still shaking slightly. "It's just, I'm just, I'm intimidated," she admitted, embarrassed and a little breathless.

Emma forced herself to look back up at him, meeting his look, her voice dropped to a whisper, "Just look around. Look at all this stuff. Such beautiful things," Emma glanced over, picking up a fine teacup made of polished, beautiful bone china, holding it carefully in her palm, gesturing with it, "Everything here is yours. Everything in this house is yours. All of it," she carefully replaced the cup to where it had been resting, not meeting his eyes, "All of it you expect me to take as my own, as I marry you. I love you, I do. You know it. It's just so difficult, coming from where I do, to come to have all of this." Her green eyes finally slid back over to meet his shyly, a little less tremor in her voice, "It is all just so sudden, don't you think?"

[Notty]

Stephen's eyes tried to follow Emma's hesitant gaze, trying every now and then to catch them, to understand what it was that had her so upset. He watched as she picked up the teacup and motioned to it, then at the room. And slowly he was beginning to understand. She's scared of....of me. In a way I suppose. He smiled a bit, and raised his hand to her face, gently tilting her chin upwards so that she was looking at him.

"It was mine love, it is yours now too." His eyes moved over her face, trying to read her emotions. "If....if it is too much, we can have a smaller house. It is not the fine things, grand tapestries and expensive table settings that I care about- it's you Emma." His thumb brushed affectionately over her chin as he smiled a little more. "And we do have a month love," he cooed gently, pulling her body against his slightly, cradling her, wanting her to be near. "We have time to adjust- in whatever the sense of the word that may be. Whether that means adjusting our house or our belongings to suite us, then that is what we shall do."

He placed a loving kiss on the tip of her nose and hugged her gently towards him. "I love you Emma, fine table settings or broken, wooden cups." Stephen's hands gently rubbed Emma's back as he held her, silently praying that his Mother would continue to be fickle about her clothing, as she usually was, and allow them more time together.

[Kiki]

Emma allowed him to direct her chin, so her eyes met his gaze finally. She cleared her throat hesitantly, but stilled once he spoke to her quietly. His voice calmed her, tranquilizing her. She felt herself soften a bit - the rigidness in her shoulders easing, slumping slightly. He reeled her in, tugging her body against his. A shy, embarrassed look took over her features, a demureness in sharp contrast with the previous panic that had consumed her mannerisms. She felt a little bad at having flipped out again, for comporting herself so improperly. Stephen seemed to be becoming more apt and able to handle her anxiety.

Emma reached up and tugged her stray hair behind her ear, before looking up at Stephen, still bashful as he kissed the end of her nose gently, his breath dusting over her cheek. She felt her heart swell a little, blue eyes on green. She finally laid her head against his chest, her breathing resuming a more even pace. "Thank you, Stephen," she murmured, her mind more at ease. "For calming me. I know I'm not easy to... to talk out of when I get like that." She bit her lip slightly, her hand resting over his heart, the other arm curled around his back. "I love you. Where have you been all this time? Why did it take me so long to find someone like you?" Emma almost dared his mother to come in at that moment, to see them in a love and close embrace, one clearly filled with adoration and fondness for each other.

[Notty]

Stephen smiled and gently rubbed her side as she laid against him, his cheek tenderly pressed to the top of her head- lost in their lovers embrace. "I could ask myself the same question about you," he murmured softly, his hands stopping and resting on her hips. "I am nearly certain that we have attended parties and balls together, though I honestly cannot recall knowing you." His brow furrowed ever so slightly as he tried to think back to other events, yet he could not place Emma being there. "Regardless, we are together now and that is all that matters."

A shuffling at the door and the sound of his mothers voice soon broke their intimate silence. "Ah! Well Stephen!" She cried out, only to stop several feet into the room, eyes wide and mouth gaping when she saw Emma upon his lap, his hands on her. "Why..I....I never...." She stuttered, obviously shocked and flabbergasted at the sight of the young couple. It was all Stephen could do to keep from laughing, as he gently helped Emma stand and then stood himself.

"Mother, I do believe you know Miss Emma..." He began, introducing the ladies. "And Miss Emma, my mother- Mrs. Hawthorn." Stephen's mother curtsied politely to Emma, but the flush on her cheeks still spoke of her shock. "As you have probably already guessed," Stephen continued as his mother and Emma sat. "Emma and I wish to be married. I love her mother," he said with a warmth and sincerity in his voice, his hand nearest Emma reaching and taking hers. "We wish to be married before the end of the month. It gives several weeks for planning and preparations." His eyes moved over her face. "Well yes yes very well!" She finally exclaimed, her face breaking into a smile as she jumped up and hugged Stephen, kissing his cheeks. "And so happy I am that you have found a suitable woman to make your wife! Oh! And what a lovely bride she will be!"

[Kiki]

Emma opened her mouth to retort gently, but immediately closed it, as the door suddenly opened, and Stephen's mother appeared, all decked out in an extravagant mess of colored silken skirts. Emma was beyond aware of her being on Stephen's lap, perched almost proudly, but once his mother entered, Emma nearly shot up off of the seat she'd made of the softness of his legs. Stephen seemed to sense her anxiety, and helped her stand genteelly, seemingly unfazed himself, a small smirk across his mouth that made Emma want to smirk as well and then kiss him harshly in the privacy of his bedroom.

He held her hand gently, and Emma took the opportunity to curtsy, lower than his mother had, to show respect. She kept an inner-monologue to keep herself calm. Stephen reclaimed her hand, and helped her into the chair beside him, his mother taking the plush seat across from Emma. Emma sat demurely, lady-like, careful to comport herself properly. She had nothing to prove to his mother, but she did not want to embarrass him either. She smiled gently, her eyes hooded slightly, shyly, as Stephen grabbed back for her hand, expressing his love for her in front of his mother.

Emma could not bite back the wide smile that spread across her face as soon as his mother jumped up and hugged her son tightly, kissing at his fair cheeks. She looked onward, feeling her heart lighten as soon as she was complimented. Emma reached for Stephen's hand, laying her palm across his warm skin, smiling naturally, her cheeks aglow, "Thank you for the compliment, Mrs. Hawthorn," she said, politely. She looked over and appraised Stephen, her heart feeling incredibly full, her eyes on her lover, "Your son is beyond suitable for me, a gentleman," her eyes glided over to his mother, smiling widely, "An ideal husband."

[Notty]

Stephen's mother crooned and fawned over the couple the entire meal. She made plans, re-made plans and then re-made them again. Everything was talked about- much to Stephen's dismay. Flowers, wedding clothes, food, where the event should take place. She rattled on as she smeared more strawberry preserves on her toast. "Oh and of course we must make an announcement in the paper! Such news will be kindly regarded and celebrated by all!" She squealed with delight as she licked a small morsel of jam from her fingers.

His eyes moved to Emma, scanning her face with a warm smile. He couldn't help but envision what she looked like without her wedding clothes on, her supple and lithe frame beneath him, as it had been not an hour ago. Moving his hand to find hers, Stephen's thumb brushed over the top of her hand, letting their eyes meet silently as his mother jabbered on.

"It is all very well Mother," Stephen finally said, standing up. This caught her off guard and her jaw dropped, to be stopped mid-sentence, rather mid-inspiration, as she was describing what she believed would be the most elegant spread of roses and tulips... "And you shall have plenty of chances to speak with Miss Emma on roses and tulips and silk and lace- whatever it is ladies speak of when weddings come about." he smiled to Emma and squeezed her hand gently, then turned his attention back to his mother. "I have some affairs which must be put into order before the wedding, so if you will excuse me..." he bowed slightly to his mother and then turned to Emma.

"I will be in my study, if you need me," he whispered softly, then leaned down and kissed her shamelessly in front of his mother. "I love you," he followed after his kiss, and then slowly let go of her, disappearing from the dining hall and making his way to his study- his mind full of plans and preparations that needed to be made. And the first and foremost in his mind, finding his mother somewhere to live.

[Kiki]

Emma pressed her hand to her temple carefully, slowly, as it pulsated irritatingly as Stephen's mother prattled on about every small detail of their wedding, as though she had the greatest say in how it should look and be conducted. Emma hid her annoyance behind a gentle smile, her eyes occasionally drifting downward to her plate as she carefully ate through her breakfast. She could sense Stephen's irritation as well.

Emma glanced over to Stephen slowly, as his hand suddenly laid over her own. His hand felt warm and reassuring - her headache not seeming so acute now. Their eyes met, and Emma smiled small. It vanished quickly, once Stephen stood up suddenly. A small look of hurt came over her features, though she accepted his kiss, her eyes following after his retreating back as he left the tea room for his study.

Emma quickly glanced away, to her hands, now pressed into her lap firmly together, trying to avoid Stephen's mother's gaze. She cleared her throat, uncertain. "Mrs. Hawthorn. Would you like to meet for tea this afternoon?" Emma looked up to her future mother-in-law, her eyes gentle, trying to make up for the slight betrayal she felt for Stephen leaving her alone and defenseless with his mother after he'd left. "I should like to discuss what kind of floral arrangements I'd like the tables to have." Emma could have cared less, but she wanted to make amends - she felt Stephen rude for having left so suddenly.

She picked at her breakfast for a few more solid, uncomfortable moments before feeling her irritation piquing again at both his mother and at Stephen. How could he leave her at the table like that? Emma moved her napkin from her lap, placing it in a neat lump upon the table, and pushed the seat out to stand carefully. She curtsied quickly to Mrs. Hawthorn, "I should hope you would like to meet me later. Please let me go confer with your son - with Stephen," and with that, she swept from the breakfast table gracefully, and stalked off down the hall, her blood boiling a bit higher with each step.

She did not bother with knocking on his study, but instead pushing the door open, marching inside. Even her skirts seem to swirl around her angrily. Her green eyes flashed as she made her way closer to him, as he sat behind his desk, quill in hand, scrawling along a page of paper. "What in the devil were you thinking, Stephen? Leaving me at the table like that! I know she's your mother, but you might as well have thrown me to the wolves!"

[Notty]

Stephen heard the door and turned to see Emma storm inside, and he immediately laid down his quill and turned to look at her. His lips pursed for a moment and he sighed, standing from his chair to move to Emma, taking her hands in his. His thumbs brushed over the tops of her hands, his eyes downcast, like a child who knew that they had been caught doing something naughty.

"I'm sorry," he murmured, daring to let his eyes meet Emma's. "I should not have left you, she was prattling on about decisions that I am happy for you to make." His eyes now had moved fully to Emma's, searching them. "Emma, I love you. It matters not to me what color the flowers are, or what is eaten at the party following." He sighed a bit and leaned down, letting his forehead touch hers for a moment. "It was wrong of me to leave. Say the word, and I will be at your side, regardless of the topic or the members of the conversation."

"Please do not punish me by being angry at me, I cannot bear your avoidance. I apologize for my behavior, I acted as an uncaring brute. And you have my word of honor, that I will never leave your side." He offered Emma a small smile, hoping that she had accepted his apology, that amends had been made. He released one of her hands and placed his on her cheek, brushing over her cheekbone with his thumb. "You mean the world to me."

[Kiki]

Emma watched him warily, her eyes still dark with anger, her stance distrustful as she watched Stephen lay down his writing utensil and rise to his feet. She tipped her chin up almost in a belligerent and daring fashion as soon as he stood before her, taking her hands in his. She felt her angry flare slightly at his look, even though she knew she could feel her resolve weakening. His eyes captured her fully.

As soon as their foreheads connected, his cool, calm skin touching her warmed, agitated forehead, she felt her insides crumble. All her fighting power was drained from her, and was left with nothing but a growing sense of love for the man who held her. Without thinking, her arms moved up to his frame and encapsulated him. Once they were there, Emma was not about to move away from him.

Emma studied him with her grass green eyes momentarily, listening to him, taking in his sincerity. She almost felt a twinge of guilt for having stormed in his study in the first place with him looking so apologetic. Almost.

Emma smiled beside herself as he smiled himself, his hand moving to her cheek. She nuzzled his open palm, like a cat might, enjoying the feel of him against her. Emma's arms tightening around his middle ever-so-slightly, pulling him to her, making their bodies meet as they stood there in the middle of his study. It was another moment before she finally allowed herself to say, "I forgive you." She smiled wider, her eyes gleaming up at him, "But don't do it again. And, if you must know, the flowers on the tables are going to be lavender."

Emma teasingly pressed herself up closer to him. There was about 5 layers of clothes between them, but Emma's mind was not bad at recalling information, and she could exactly remember what Stephen looked like naked, and how she longed to see him again, even if they were standing in the middle of his study, and they had just been fighting.

[Notty]

Stephen smiled as her body drew closer and he leaned down, letting his lips meet hers. "My dearest Emma," he whispered, kissing her several times. It was all he could do to keep from entangling his fingers in her hair and undress her there. Forcing himself to pull back, he looked at her lovingly before placing a kiss on her forehead. His hands now at her side, perched atop of her hips and rubbing ever so slightly. He longed to feel the skin beneath, it's cool, creamy texture and how it responded to his touch.

"I was sending out inquiries for a home for my Mother," he said with a smile, kissing her forehead again. He was intoxicated by her presence, and felt that he could never wipe the smile from his lips as long as she was his. "And I love lavender," he said with a smile, his hands moving daringly up her sides and resting beside her breasts. He smiled and squeezed slightly, his thumbs brushing against the sides of her breasts. "Then, we may make love and be as loud as we wish. We won't have to hold anything back."

He kissed her forehead again, then rested his against hers, trying to will himself to calm down. "All I can think of," he whispered softly, "is how you looked this morning when I woke up beside you." Stephen smiled and nudged her nose with his, "do you want children?" He asked, his hands moving around her and to the small of her back, gently pressing her against him.

[Kiki]

The effect was immediate. Emma's eyes sprung open, the edge of her nose bumping against Stephen's. Her anxiety piqued, with a distinct tinge across her cheeks. "Ch-children?", she stammered. All previous thoughts of anger wiped from her mind, Emma now stood nearly aghast. They had not broached the subject before, but shouldn't have been obvious? Children, of course, were the next step. She willed herself not to pull away from him with her worry.

"Stephen, I don't know. Your mother hasn't even moved out yet," she whispered urgently near his mouth, her chest tight. "I am not saying no," she added quickly, her eyes studying his, watching for a change in his emotions, gauging his response, "I just do not know how I feel at the moment about it." Emma then grew silent, her mouth pursed, afraid to say more - she already felt like she was digging herself into a hole; she dared not say more on the subject, lest him think she did not want him.

She remained as she was, their noses nearly touching, her hands rested on his shoulders, feeling the fabric under her palms, silently admiring the broadness of his body. Her tongue felt like lead.

[Notty]

Stephen smiled and gently leaned down and kissed the tip of her nose, unable to hide his smile. "I had only asked because we had never talked about it. I'm in no rush to start a family," he said softly, stroking her cheek as he spoke. He could sense the worry and anxiety in her voice, and in all honesty, he had just been curious- no other reasoning behind his inquiry.

"Now then," he said with a smile, "the woman I love, is standing before me. I can only assume that my mother is off somewhere making arrangements of some sort..." He grinned, looking down at her lovingly. "Whatever shall we do with ourselves?" His lips descended the small space between them and he kissed her firmly and deeply.

"Though I do suppose..." He began after he pulled back from the kiss. "That at some point, I should return you home..." He grinned and kissed her again several times, unable to get enough of her. "Do you think your parents are wondering where you are?" Though returning her home was the last thing on his mind.

[Kiki]

Emma relaxed slowly. She felt the tension between her shoulders ease first, her spine and back following. She felt a little lighter as she did so, feeling more comfortable in his arms. Her embrace against him warmed, her hands moving from his shoulders as he kissed her face, her nose, her mouth. She smiled bashfully beside herself; his unceasing calm and collected nature gathering her racing thoughts and casting them aside easily with his hushed tones and demure gestures. She felt so much more at ease to his touch, to when his face bent to hers, soothing her fears, her anxieties.

Emma's eyes softened, half-lidded looking to him, melting against the strong structure that was his outline, her golden hair falling over an ear as she held his gaze after their lips met. She almost didn't hear his questions; as soon as he calmed her, she felt sort of dream-like. She blinked slightly, her smile widening up to him, her hands curling about his waist, her fingers tracing lazy circles on his back, feeling the undoubtedly expensive material that his suit had been crafted from. She moved her hips back and forth, side-to-side, using her hands to move him against her as well, so they they were both swaying on the spot. She was swooning, like a young girl.

"Do I have to return home?", she questioned, her voice soft, her eyes trained on his. "I thought this was my home now." She smiled a bit wider, a hint of mischievousness to her look. She leaned closer, resting her cheek against his chest as they stood and swayed in the otherwise quiet study. She fell silent, listening almost in awe at the realization that she could hear his heartbeat from the way she was pressed against him. Emma's eyes fell closed as she said barely above a whisper, "I don't want to leave you. I love you."

[Notty]

Stephen couldn't help but smile as she curled against him and began moving their bodies together. It was reminiscent of their love-making, how their bodies worked together, how they synced almost perfectly. His lips turned down and pressed several gentle kisses to the top of her head, loving how close they were, and how much closer they would come to be in the coming months.

"Of course this is going to be your home, it is your home..." He murmured quietly, closing his eyes as his hands gently rubbed her back. "But to your parents knowledge, we are but engaged." He dared to let his hands move lower over the firm, roundness of her rear, and then back up her body, allowing himself to visualize how she looked naked. "And I cannot wait for the day when you move in with me, properly."

The soft whisper that escaped Emma's lips was probably the most intimate thing that he had ever heard her say. He smiled and gently lifted her head upwards, his eyes meeting hers immediately. Stephen couldn't begin to explain the love he felt for her. He didn't want to imagine a day without her, a night without her body pressed against his, or a moment when she wouldn't be by his side. In fact, it was difficult for him to decipher how he had managed to live without her. She seemed to complete a part of him that he hadn't known was missing. "I love you," he whispered back, a smile starting on his lips. "I never want you to leave," he replied before kissing her gently.

[Kiki]

Emma smiled a bit wider, secretively, against Stephen, as he had laid a number of kisses to her hair. She loved the closeness, the gentleness in the gesture. When he did things like that, it made her feel like it was just them, in the whole world. Like a warm bubble encapsulated them together, alone. Undisturbed. She was growing more and more comfortable with that image, with the feeling of their closeness. It was unlike anything she was used to before, and certainly not a thought she had previously entertained. The coldness of their society shut out such forms of intimacy and love within public spaces. Emma's heart swelled as he reciprocated her motions, their swaying, and she could not imagine ever going back to being alone, without love, and without Stephen.

She dared but pout for a second or so, which disappeared entirely as his hands traveled her backside, and as his hand came to clasp under her chin. She felt a tug of reluctance to look at him, after exposing her deep feelings, feeling vulnerable. Stephen was smiling, and she melted without holding back. This man was changing her. She knew she had needed a husband, but what she found in him, was so much more. Her love was growing for him by the second.

And his kiss sealed the deal. Emma dared pressing her mouth to his a bit harder, her lips meeting his a bit harder than even she had expected, but the force and drive fully expressing her need of him. She dared not go further than that in his study, so Emma pulled back quickly, allowing a gold sprig of hair to fall over her ear, between them as she pulled away slightly, her eyebrows furrowed a bit, as if nothing had just happened, though her eyes danced. "Well, fine. If you want me to go home so badly," and she nudged him - reminiscent of their first few talks together, laced with playfulness.

"I suppose it is for the best if I do retire to my home shortly. My parents will wonder where I have gone of to." The gentle furrowing of her brows eased a bit, a small hopeful look replacing it. "Might you want to join me for dinner there?"

[Kiki]

(Bump. So we don't die off again.)

[Notty]

Stephen couldn't help but smile, reaching up and lovingly tucking the strand of hair behind her ear as he placed a kiss on her forehead. "Of course I shall, my love," he whispered before kissing her forehead again and gently pulling her against him. He couldn't help but pull her close. He loved her. He was absolutely and completely head-over-heels in love with her.

"All that worries me now, is the fact that somehow I now have to pretend like I haven't had you..." He murmured, his hips pressing against hers gently. "When every time I look at you, I can imagine how you looked when I undressed you, how your skin felt against mine..." His voice was low and thick, whispering against her ear as he smiled.

Stephen then pulled back and let go of her, acting as if nothing had happened. "What time should I be at your home for dinner?" He smiled and let his eyes dance over her, taking in the sight of her as she stood before him.

[Kiki]

Emma smiled, averting her eyes slightly, demurely. His words made her flush brightly, crimson across her cheeks. Still he reeled her in, like a fish out of water. She held onto Stephen's every word, as they dripped with enticement, secret lust.

But then he was gone, and she left slightly gaping at him, sputtering slightly for words. She blinked blankly, before her lip curled slightly, slyly if for but a moment. She drew herself up, her deep green eyes regarding him, her voice light and airy, "Why, eight o'clock should serve just fine for dinner, Sir Hawthorn. I shall be delighted to see you there."

And just like that, Emma swept aside from him, her long skirts whispering, her hip brushing his as she passed by. She did not look back as she called back to him, "Fetch a carriage for me, I shall be returning home." She disappeared out of the threshold of his study, to the hallway, making her way towards the front door, as though she owned the place. A small hint of smugness fell over her as she made her way - the fact of the matter was: she now did own the place.

[Notty]

Stephen couldn't help but smile widely as he watched her sensually sway out of the room. His eyes were fixed on her figure until she disappeared from sight. Chuckling softly to himself, he rang for a servant, and soon a carriage was pulled around front, waiting to deliver the fair Miss Emma, home to her parents. Soon, the falling of hooves and the quieting sound of the carriage wheels on the road, told him that Emma had left.

The rest of the day passed uneventfully. Honestly, it was all Stephen could do to keep from going mad. He couldn't believe how much he loved Emma. How quickly, how easily, and how hard he had fallen in love with her. Throughout the rest of the afternoon, as he struggled to get things straightened with his mother about the upcoming nuptials, he found himself smiling, daydreaming almost of Emma. It was going to be a long month.

A quarter to seven, and Stephen was nervously pacing his room, having tried on several coats, but couldn't seem to find one that he liked. Well...that wasn't true. The one he really liked had run into a bit of a problem in the passion of his and Emma's love. A slight tear in the sleeve where it had been pulled off quickly, and it was noticable enough that he knew his mother would never let him leave the house. Still, he couldn't help but grin as he looked it over, then tugged it on anyways. It'll keep her fresh on my mind, he chuckled to himself as he tied his tie, watching himself in the mirror. I love her. And already it has seemed like years since I have seen her.

[Kiki]

Emma pouted slightly once the carriage had approached, as she was helped by footmen rather than by her darling. She had hoped Stephen would have followed her out, but she checked herself quickly. It was clear what kind of man Stephen was, and it was not one that chased after her like she wanted. He was calm, collected, and most of all, reserved. He made it clear that if she wanted him and wanted things from him, she was to ask, not just to receive first. This included apparently smaller things, such as walking her out to the carriage. Emma glumly folded her hands in her lap, her lips pressed silently together as she stared out the window, as it made its way away from the Hawthorn residence, her heart already sinking a fraction. I already miss him, she realized.

Once home, Emma set to alerting her much smaller staff and her parents to the upcoming arrival of Stephen, and his plan to dine with them. The house itself became much more alert, as it had the night of the ball - the ball when Emma and Stephen had met. Emma found herself smiling in her mirror just to the memory. It felt like a long time since then, but it was fond and still fresh. She could feel a sense of excitement rising in her, from the pit of her, just at knowing he would be near her within hours.

Her maids fussed about her, staff milling about, adjusting this and that within the house, making sure everything looked spic-and-span. The hallways already wafted with smells of delicious food. Once finally dressed, Emma surveyed herself silently, turning about. Her handmaiden had chosen a frothy-looking pale rose gown. Her golden hair was gently pulled back from her face, sparkling barettes adorning her hair. Feeling an increasing amount of anxiety, Emma herself snuck out via a side back door, not followed and unnoticed by anyone else. She knew it would be not too long until Stephen would arrive, but the house felt stifling, and it had been ages since she had even set foot in her garden. The garden where she had first received a rose from Stephen. Again, a smile rose to her mouth, and even bashful with only herself, she stifled it secretly. Emma made it a point to make a few turns about her garden, admiring her flowers, just waiting for the familiar noise of a carriage approach, with her heart's desire riding within.

[Notty]

Come on, come on, come on... Stephen inwardly growled as the carriage jostled down the road. Scooting forward and leaning his head out the window, he yelled, "a little more speed in their step, please?" The driver nodded and urged the horses faster, and with that, Stephen leaned back, taking in a deep breath and smiling.

It was only minutes later, though it felt like hours, when the carriage was pulling up the drive to Emma's home. He smiled, and the carriage had barely stopped before he pushed the door open himself and stepped out. The footman that waited greeted him with a smile, and Stephen eagerly pressed, "Miss Emma, where might I find her?" he asked his eyes dancing around, scanning the premises for her. "Ah, I do believe I saw her in the garden, Mr. Hawthorn," and before the man could finish, Stephen was headed that direction.

Stephen tried to quiet his footfall as he entered the garden, his eyes scanning, and then locking on the frame of Emma. He couldn't help but smile, in the falling dusk, the pale pink of her gown made her seem to glow. His pace quickened, Emma seemingly unaware of his presence in the garden. Slowly when he was just a few feet from her, he stopped, a warm smile on his lips. "Miss Emma..." he all but whispered, his eyes dancing, waiting for hers to meet his.

[Kiki]

Emma, lost in her own quiet thoughts, failed to realize the time - the sun casting wide shadows over the grounds and the garden. The sun was a beady red spot on the horizon, threatening to sink over the edge of the earth at any given second. Her small secretive smile was still hovering about her lips, when she heard a soft voice behind her, breaking her daydreaming.

She did not jump, as a warm feeling began to spread through her veins just to his presence. She turned slowly, her gown whispering on the dirt ground beneath their feet. The warm bloom blossoming in her chest expanded as soon as her eyes set upon him. "Stephen," she replied, simply, quietly. Emma's smile tugged at the corners of her mouth, expanding as she studied him silently - admiring his pants suit, his tie, the tousled look of his dark hair. How has it only been but a mere few weeks since he first called upon me here?