MARINE (Agent of Time Book 1)

by Tanya Allan

  “It is quite wonderful. You can take some fruit or vegetable, place it in a can, seal the metal lid on, and it lasts for a very long time. Think of the ramifications for the military, and for expeditions across Africa.”

  “How clever, and how clever of you to think of investing in it,” I said.

  He smiled.

  “My brother was supposed to be the clever one, whilst I am the clod of a soldier. Now look at us, he is fighting and I am in commerce.”

  “You have not mentioned your brother before,” I said.

  “James is two years my junior, whilst Maud is a year older than I. James is in America and is fighting the British. It is rather embarrassing really.”

  “I think this war is rather silly really. It is, after all, some thirty years since their independence was recognised by the Treaty of Paris, so what is this war all about?”

  “It all stems from the Royal Navy’s insistence on searching American ships. The Colonialists say we have no rights to do so outside our territorial waters. I think some people in the Navy Office forgot we lost the war, and that we still rule over there.”

  “It is too far away to govern properly, and if we make a sensible peace deal, then we will always be good allies. It is so silly to want to hang on to control like this,” I said.

  “I actually agree, but it doesn’t do to say so. I am fond of my brother, so hope he survives. I doubt they will win though.”

  “They will. Mark my words,” I said with a grin, and he looked at me sharply.

  The other thing he was excited about was that he had visited a friend, who was also a General, who assured him that they would call Roger back to the Duke’s army as Boney was being chased into France. He wanted to be in at the end, and was certain that the end was now in sight.

  He changed the subject and spoke of the forthcoming Christmas.

  “I was wondering what to get for Katie. William is no trouble, as I have ordered a fort, with some soldiers for him. But I have not the slightest notion about Katie.”

  “She would adore her own pony.”

  “Really? But I have a stable full of nags of all sizes.”

  “If you were to take her to buy her own foal, to then train herself, it would be the most wonderful present. She would then have to learn how to look after it.”

  “Then it shall be as you suggest.”

  “She will adore it,” I said.

  “And then we come to you.”

  “Me? You needn’t worry about me.”

  He fumbled in his pocket, placing a small box on the table.

  I looked at it, knowing instantly what was coming. I suddenly felt nervous, despite expecting it for some time.

  “Open it,” he said, so I did. It was a ring, with six diamonds in a line, set in gold. It was lovely. I looked at him.

  “Jane, would you do me the honour of becoming my wife?” he asked.

  I paused, catching my lip in my teeth.

  “When I asked Katie what she wanted for Christmas, she said she wanted you to be her mama, so here I am, with not a care for myself, as am only asking you for her sake,” he said with a naughty grin.

  I smiled as he continued. “Seriously, I fell in love with you that first day in the library, and cannot think of growing old with anyone else. And before you mention having no dowry, I have no such expectations or requirements. I seek only you, and only if you love me.”

  I looked into his eyes as he took my hand.

  “Dear Roger, I do love you. I would be honoured to become your wife, if you can put up with me that is,” I heard myself say.

  He made a strange whooping noise, gathered me into his arms, and I found him kissing me properly for the first time. I responded, feeling his tongue gently and tentatively touch my teeth. I allowed him in, and kissed him back with all the passion I could muster. His arms pulled me close to him, so I placed my arms around his neck and held his head.

  It was one of those moments that I had been looking forward to for a very long time. As Ed Ryan, I had hardly allowed myself the merest fantasy, but ever since becoming Jane, I had dreamed of this moment of physical contact constantly. Would I respond, or would the male within me reject it?

  I now had my answer, and found my dreams and fantasies didn’t come close. My whole being responded with everything it had. The sensations I experienced can never be humbled into words. I felt myself become aroused, and could even feel him through the layers of clothes that we wore. We kissed for many moments, but finally he broke away, taking the ring and placing it on my left ring finger.

  “Dear Jane, you have made me the happiest man alive.”

  “It is I, sir, who is the happier,” I teased.

  He simply smiled and kissed me again.

  “I intend to invite a few friends for dinner this Saturday, I would ask that you would be my hostess and mistress of the household from this time on.”

  “It would be my pleasure, sir.”

  “Oh, dear Jane, I would so rather you used my name.”

  “Very well, I’d be pleased to, Roger.”

  Groves came into the dining room, and the eyebrow was once more raised.

  “Groves, my dear fellow. You are the first to know, but Jane has accepted my proposal and we are to be wed.”

  “Congratulations, sir, and Miss Jane. I am sure this will come as no shock to those below stairs,” he said, with a humorous twinkle.

  Roger wished us wed as soon as possible, but he explained that he had enquired with the vicar of St. Helens, the local parish church, and we had to wait for January, as the Christmas period was just impossible.

  “You assumed I would accept,” I chided him.

  “I earnestly hoped and prayed that you would.”

  The remainder of the meal passed with him sitting close to me, with a huge smile on his face.

  “When will you tell Katie?” I asked.

  “I was going to tell her tomorrow. If that is in order?”

  “She only asked me a few days ago whether I would marry you,” I said.

  “Really? And what did you say?”

  “I told her that you hadn’t asked me, but if you were to, I thought that I might,” I said, and he smiled.

  “Dear Jane, I never thought I should love again, but I find that I love you more than life itself.”

  “I love you too, but I fear for you going off to war again. I have no wish to be a widow.”

  “Pshaw. It will be all over by the time I return. And France shall have a King once more.”

  “I hope you are right, but I still fear for you. You have responsibilities now.”

  He took my hands and raised them to his lips.

  “Aye, and one of them is the most beautiful girl in England.”

  We retired soon after, each to our own room where, once more, I almost hoped he would come to my bed. The light of the moon came through my open curtains, as I liked the silvery tint. I reflected on the comprehensive changes I had undergone. Not only did the agency’s programming allow me to think and speak in the manner of the period, I also acquired all the necessary feminine reaction to life. It was as if Ed Ryan was but a distant memory of a life that no longer mattered.

  Once more, I was about to drop off to sleep, slightly disappointed, when there came a knock on my door.

  “Come,” I whispered, and Roger slipped into my room. He was dressed in a long nightgown, and he looked at me nervously.

  “Jane, forgive me, but I, …”

  I sat in bed, my bare breasts showing, and I lifted the covers for him.

  He shut the door, and was just getting in, when I stopped him.

  “Take it off,” I said. He grinned and pulled his nightgown over his head. His erection was large and very ready.

  He slipped in beside me, so I lay on my side, looking at him.

  “Do you always sleep naked?” he asked.

  “Always.”

  He traced the outline of my shoulder with his finger, drawing it down to my breast
. My nipples had swollen in eager anticipation, so he cupped my breast with his hand. His touch caused me to shiver in delicious anticipation.

  “You are so beautiful,” he said, and kissed me tenderly.

  I touched his broad chest with my palm, letting my fingers run through the hair and stroked down across his muscular stomach, and then down to reach his engorged manhood. He gasped as I touched it, so I held it tightly.

  “I want you so much,” I said, and he kissed me again, but this time with building passion.

  I lay on my back and opened my legs, as he touched me there with his hand. I almost screamed with pleasure, pulling him on top of me. He knelt between my legs and kissed my breasts, so a surge of pleasure coursed through my body. I arched my back, thrust my pelvis towards him, reached down and guided him into me.

  As he impaled me to the hilt, I felt my hymen give, as a wave of emotion mixed with pleasure hit me. He began to fuck me in slow rhythmic strokes, whilst whispering endearments into my ear as he kissed the nape of my neck. I had my arms behind his back, hugging him close to me. The strokes became faster and deeper, so I raised my hips to add to the depth of his movements. I felt the wave of pleasure grow, and gasped as he brought me to my first orgasm.

  I dug my nails into him, urging him to go deeper and faster. He did so, bringing me to another and another peak of pleasure. Finally, with a grunt and a shudder, he thrust himself deep, spilling his seed in my womb.

  I held him there, enjoying the sensation of him shrinking inside me, as our intermingled fluids seeped out of me.

  I released him. He kissed me and lay next to me.

  “”My God. What have I done?” he said, looking aghast at me.

  “You have done something that I have wanted you to do for weeks,” I said.

  “But we are not wed.”

  “Not one jot!” I said and kissed him.

  He smiled at me. “I felt something, so you were indeed a virgin?” he said.

  “No more it seems,” I said.

  “I am truly sorry.”

  “Are you? I’m not. Besides you will soon be my husband, and I can safely say that the only man I have ever known is my husband.”

  “Dear Jane, I adore you.”

  I reached out, pulled him to me, and we slept so entwined. The smile on my face was one of complete fulfilment.

  I awoke in the night with my arm numb, as Roger had gone to sleep on it. I moved slightly and released it. I then reached out and touched him, taking his limp penis in my hand. Within seconds, it started to respond. He awoke and looked at me sleepily.

  I kissed him and pushed him onto his back. I then knelt astride him and sat myself onto his now erect penis, sliding it deep within my hot and damp little hole.

  It was my turn now. I rode him hard, and each time I brought him right to the brink, I stopped and allowed him to ease away, but after I had come several times, and was on a crescendo of pleasure I could not slow down, and we came together in an explosion of emotion. His back arched and I imagined the end of his cock could touch my heart as he ejaculated deep inside me.

  I stayed on top of him, my long hair sweeping across him, as I smothered his face and shoulders with kisses. His hands grasped my bottom, and I just found I wanted him even more. I rubbed my breasts across his chest, so after some minutes, he became erect once more.

  We made love all night, resting briefly in between. By morning, we were exhausted and encrusted with each other’s sweat and love juices. At seven thirty, I dragged myself out of bed, telling him that I had to wash and dress, as it was a normal day for me. He grabbed me, and wanted to make love again. I was tired and sore, and he needed a shave.

  “Roger, you will wear me out, you are smelly, and stubbly, so go and shave, and save yourself for tonight,” I said, and slipped out of his clutches.

  I heated up some water in the kitchen, and carried the pitcher to my room, and I stood naked in front of him and washed myself as thoroughly as I could.

  He lay in my bed watching me, with his head propped on one hand.

  “By the Gods, you are such a beauty.”

  I smiled at him and blew him a kiss.

  “You send me wild,” he said.

  “You aren’t so bad yourself,” I said, and I started to get dressed.

  “What if you should conceive?”

  “Then you shall be forced to marry me.”

  He smiled, “That would be a hard thing.”

  “I’ll not take no for an answer,” I teased.

  He laughed and got out of bed.

  He held me in his arms for a moment.

  “For a virgin, you seem to know how to please a man.”

  “This virgin was so pleased, that it came naturally,” I replied and he kissed me.

  “Never have I had a woman such as you.”

  “Sir, so I should hope, for I am a wanton hussy.”

  “Not even Marjorie was able to bring to me such pleasure.”

  “Roger, please do not compare me to anyone. It does us all a disservice. I am me, so do not wish to be made a marker against anyone else.”

  “Forgive me, I meant no offence, my darling,” he said, kissing me.

  He then left me alone, and I sat down at my dressing table. In all my moments of fantasy, and with the most vivid imagination, nothing prepared me for the experience I had just been through. The level of pleasure was just so wonderful, that I was still shaking. No wonder the human race had not become extinct. It was a great experience for a man, but for a woman?

  My broad smile said it all. I had no regrets whatsoever about pushing that button marked Female.

  I put on my make up, and looked at my engagement ring. The diamonds sparkled and I smiled, I did love him, and I was as happy as I could be.

  It took me quite a long time to dress, I was not impressed with the fashions for women, elegant, yes, but practical, definitely not!

  The day passed like a dream, Katie was a delight, and when Roger came into the schoolroom at about eleven, she read him a passage from her French book. Then she told him what it meant.

  “Katie, you know that I asked you what you wanted for Christmas?” he asked.

  She nodded, glancing at me.

  “Well, I am afraid that it is not possible this year.”

  She frowned and looked rather miserable.

  “You see, the church is booked solid, and so Jane and I will not be able to get married until the first Saturday in January. Jane will have to wait a little longer before she becomes your new mama.”

  Katie’s shout of joy tore my heart, and tears came to my eyes as she leaped up and hugged her father, and then me. Soon we were all crying and laughing together, and her French work was conveniently forgotten.

  “So you shall have to go to the dressmakers and get your new mama a wedding dress, and as you will be her bridesmaid, you shall have to get a pretty dress for yourself,” he said, and her eyes simply gleamed with delight.

  It was then she noticed the ring on my finger, and she looked at her father.

  “When did you ask her?”

  “Last night, after you went to bed.”

  “Did he get down on one knee?” she asked me.

  “No, he didn’t.”

  “Then he hasn’t asked you properly,” she announced, and made him go down on one knee and ask me again.

  He did so gravely, so I simply said, “Yes.”

  She clapped her hands and rushed around the room singing, “I’m getting a new mama,” at the top of her voice. Roger placed his arm around my shoulder and held me close.

  “She is a different child. Thank you so much.”

  “She is the same child, but a happier one,” I said.

  As Groves had said, our engagement came as no surprise to anyone in the household. Indeed, Groves took the trouble to take me to one side.

  “If I may be so bold, Miss. I thought the Major would take to you the moment you arrived on the doorstep.”

  “That early?” I
asked, faintly shocked.

  “Indeed. We were all praying at chapel for a miracle. It was so wrong for someone like him, with the children, to be so miserable. So we prayed for you to come along.”

  “Me?”

  “Not you specifically, Miss, but it seems that it was you in the end.”

  “Oh,” I said, rendered speechless.

  My position in the home changed overnight. It needed nothing to be said, but I became the mistress of the Manor, and it was as a natural step as I could take. Even cook, who used to consult with the Major for meals and menus, started to consult with me, and Roger smiled as he happily relinquished the running of the home to me.

  Katie took to her studies eagerly and studiously, and as I promised she could have a holiday from the 10th December, she worked hard to the day in question. Her academic level was far in excess of her age group.

  Little William was a joy, as I began to spend more and more time with him. The nurse, or Nanny as she was now called, would call me his mama, and he started to call me that whenever I saw him.

  After hearing him call me ‘mama’, Katie frowned and looked at me curiously.

  “What do I call you?”

  “What would you like to call me?”

  “Well, I should call you ‘step-mama’, but that sounds silly. My real mama is dead, so I don’t imagine she would mind me calling you ‘mama’, do you?”

  “Katie, I couldn’t love you any more if I was your real mama, so I would be so honoured if you call me that. But you must call me whatever you think is right.”

  “William calls you mama, so I shall too. But not until you are married to daddy.”

  “That will be fine,” I said, and gave her a hug. I saw Roger push open the door and watch us. I smiled and he smiled back.

  “Are you and daddy going to have lots of babies?” she asked.

  “I don’t know. Perhaps, but maybe we have enough with just you two,” I said, looking over her shoulder at Roger. How could I tell him that I couldn’t have children?

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Wedding Bells.

  December flashed by, and before I knew it, Christmas was almost upon us. The banns were read in the local church, and I heard much more gossip about me living under the same roof as my intended husband. It did not bother me at all, but I was concerned for Roger. Roger simply smiled, and said, “Not one jot, Jane, not one jot!” The Manor had changed, as we had several dinner parties in the weeks leading up to Christmas week.