You will see, it will be a beautiful wedding and now we'll make you pretty for Robert. Cheer up and who knows, maybe the sky will clear up."
Encouragingly, she nudged Moira in the shoulder. Moira began to smile and gained new hope.
"You're right. We won't let a little wind like that spoil the beautiful day. Let's go."
Robert had ridden out with Samuel in the early morning hours, before everyone else was awake, to inspect the first damage of the pastures and fields. Although he had experienced such violent
weather changes in his homeland, it annoyed him very much, since God knows he had other things to do on his wedding day. The house was full of his guests and actually he needed to take care of them.
But he was also responsible for a lot of people and animals on his land and this had priority now.
In the afternoon, however, he stood punctually dressed in black pantaloons, an elegant black tailcoat and his full plaid, which was thrown over his shoulder and hat a pattern in the colors of his clan, in front of the chapel of the castle. He was waiting impatiently for his carriage, which was sent to pick up Moira at her home. While he nervously paced around outside, the voices of his crowd of guests drifted out to him. They all were waiting for the bride. Then she came and behind her a cart loaded with the children, all dressed in Sunday best. Robert had to smile. Even on her wedding day she could not be without her protégés. The carriage stopped, and immediately he helped his bride and Eileen out. Eileen gave a wave to the children who spread out on two sides behind Moira to carry the long train of her dress. She looked gorgeous in her glamorous wedding dress. The tight top and the skirt accentuated her narrow waist.
A wide collar which was lined with small pink florets, fell loosely over her bare shoulders.
A matching ribbon was tied around her waist and the ends of it fell over the whole train. The florets and the ribbon were the only color accents that she had set, otherwise she was all dressed in white. Eileen had her hair artfully pinned up and a veil covered her face. Robert grabbed her hand, which was in white long gloves.
"You look breathtaking and now I can hardly wait to get you out of all these clothes tonight."
Mischievously, he winked at Moira and saw the blush rise to her face. He squeezed her hand, for he noticed how suddenly unsteady she was.
"Nervous?"
She just nodded.
"Me too. Are you ready?”
Again she nodded and squeezed his hand a little tighter.
"Good, let's go."
It was a beautiful wedding ceremony and when the priest had taken the couple's vows and pronounced them husband and wife, the wedding party let the young couple celebrate.The celebration that followed, began with a sumptuous dinner in which Gwyneth and her maids had displayed truly masterful cooking skills. The small band, from the day before, played for the dance and the hours passed quickly. When the bride and groom retired well after midnight only a handful of guests were left in the hall. Robert led the beaming bride up the stairs to his bedchamber. At the door, he paused briefly and suddenly took her in his arms, which she acknowledged with an astonished laugh. Robert, however, gave her a fleeting kiss and replied, "It is the custom to carry the bride over the threshold."
Thereupon he pushed the door open with his foot and carried her inside. Slowly he let her slide down his body, which he visibly enjoyed, then he closed the door behind him. Finally he was alone with her. The whole evening he had thought of nothing else. She was now his wife and from now on she would share his bed every night. Every morning she would be the first thing he would see and he was sure he would never get tired of the sight of her. Moira, however, had gone quiet, she seemed tense. It was the first time that she had entered his bedchamber. Nervously, she looked around and her gaze lingered on the large, dark bed which dominated the room. The interior was absolutely masculine, she thought, it was kept dark and nowhere could she see that a woman had left her feminine features within these walls. In time, perhaps, she would give the room a different touch, but now she worried more about what Robert would do. What was a wife supposed to do? He seemed to have noticed that she had become quieter and quieter, because he tenderly stroked her cheek, took her by the hand and led her to the small seating area by the fireplace, where there was a small table with a bottle of champagne and two glasses, waiting for them. He poured them both and then handed her a glass.
"Finally we are alone. The whole evening I wanted to toast with you without being interrupted - to your health Lady MacIntyre."
He toasted her and watched her take a sip, too, then he put down his glass and pulled her into his arms. His lips were soft as they closed her mouth. Tenderly, he nibbled on her lower lip until Moira gave up her resistance and opened her lips a little. She snuggled tightly against him. He tasted of the champagne he had just drunk and she noticed how his kisses became more demanding and passionate. A warmth rose in her, but she couldn't quite tell if it was from the champagne or if it was Robert's presence. She didn't care either way. Everything seemed so easy to her that she simply let herself fall and thus handed over the lead to him. But Robert was not in a hurry, after all, they had the whole night ahead of them.Slowly he pulled the pins out of her hair and ran his fingers through it. Her brown, wavy hair fell over her shoulders. In the light of the fireplace her eyes sparkled like little emeralds. Passion flared up in him and so he quickly got rid of his tailcoat and vest and threw the clothes heedlessly over the back of the nearest chair. With a quick grip, he grasped Moira's waist, pulled her close to him and began to slide his mouth over her body. He kissed her forehead and cheeks, her neck and collarbone. Again and again he paused briefly and watched his wife.
His wife - the word sounded strange and yet so good. Moira, on the other hand, had her eyes closed and purred in his arms like a little kitten. He felt his desire growing stronger and stronger.
Tonight they would continue where they had left off back at the pond and the very idea of it made him moan. Without stopping his caresses, he fiddled with his fingers at the fastening of her dress, until he had loosened the small hooks and the dress slowly fell to the floor. With nimble fingers he pulled the ribbons from the corsage, so that it too slipped down, then he carried Moira over to the bed, where he laid her gently onto the soft sheets. He knew he had to proceed slowly and carefully if he did not want to frighten her, but the sight of his young wife lying on his bed in heralmost transparent underwear, and
looking at him nervously with big green eyes, demanded an immense restraint from him.
"Moira, you are so beautiful. I love you."
Without taking his eyes off her, he brushed off his shoes and laid down on his side next to her. At length he looked at her. Her petite figure with a narrow waist lay stiffly on the white sheet. Her firm breasts rose and fell and her breathing was intermittent. She was so innocent and had no clue about what the sight of her was doing to him. Smiling, he let his eyes roam over her body. Her slender legs were encased in long white stockings attached to a waist band and inwardly he pictured how he was about to free her from all those obstructive garments. His blood began to boil and he felt himself getting hard at the thought. He would have liked to tear the pieces off her body, but only an amateur would do such a thing to his inexperienced wife. He wanted her to enjoy the act as well and that required all his restraint at the moment. Moira seemed to misinterpret the silence between them, because in an uncertain voice she turned to him:
"Don't you like me? I know I'm not exactly well-built."
"Don't like you? God, Moira, you're the most stunning woman I've ever met. The sight of you drives me crazy and I want to hold you in my arms forever and love you. Don't be afraid. Let me show you tonight what love means."
He tenderly caressed her cheek and kissed her passionately on the mouth. Spontaneously she put her arms around his neck and pulled him half on top of her. She felt his hard muscles against her breasts and his touch made her shiver. The blood pulsed in her veins, she p
ulled him even closer to her and let her hands slide over his back. The coolness of his shirt was a great contrast to the heat that was rising in her, and growing bolder, she pulled the ends out of his Pants and let her fingers rest on his skin. Moira's hands on his skin brought Robert's blood to such a boil that he gave up his restraint and boldly slipped his hands under her chemise to cup her breasts. Moira gasped and dug her fingers into his flesh. Her passion was further stoked when he began to play with the hard bud. As he changed his position a bit and took off her chemise over her head, she drew in her air heavily. Robert, on the other hand, tore off his own shirt in such a way that the buttons popped off and scattered around the room. He had to laugh so hard at his wife's horrified face that for a moment it was difficult for him not to pounce on her immediately.
She was so delightfully innocent, but after this night she would know what fun they could have together and so he closed her mouth with a kiss before she could make a remark. But Moira was no longer being reserved. She had admired his upper body at the pond and now she let her eyes roam over his chest appreciatively. With her fingers she traced the contours of his muscles, which nearly drove Robert out of his mind. It was hard for him to keep still, but he let her do it. Moira's gaze slowly slid down to the point that was pulsating strongly. Robert began to sweat. She had no idea what her looks did to him. Slowly he bent over her and buried her body with his. His weight pressed her into the soft mattress. Teasingly, he ran his hand along her thigh until he touched her most intimate place.
Moira clung to him and called his name. She had never experienced such feelings.
Only vaguely she remembered how Robert took off the last of her clothes before she lay completely naked under him. Ashamed of her nakedness, she closed her eyes.
"Moira, look at me. You are so beautiful."
Slowly she opened her green eyes, which were now dark with passion.
"Robert, I can't do this."
He grabbed her hand and placed it on his chest.
"Can you feel my heartbeat?"
Speechless and surprised at how wildly his heart was beating, she just nodded.
"That’s you! You're driving me crazy, and my body is craving you. Let me make love to you tonight. Trust me."
Without another word he took possession of her mouth and kissed her so passionately that Moira forgot to be scared. His hand touched the sensitive spot again and it didn't take long until Moira's body was jerking wildly under him. But Moira could not think clearly anymore and no longer wanted to. The feelings she was experiencing right now were the most beautiful she had ever felt. She no longer wanted him to stop, on the contrary, there was something that demanded more, and so she instinctively bent toward him. Robert knew that she was ready for him. He quickly removed the rest of his clothes and carefully penetrated her. Moira moaned and so he remained motionless for a moment, so that her body could get used to him. Just as Moira was about to say something, he pushed his body deeper inside. A sharp pain ran through her body. She cried out and a small tear ran down her cheek. Tenderly he kissed it away before he slowly began to move inside her with a rhythm. The initial pain was quickly forgotten and she had the feeling of floating. Something indescribably beautiful inside her became stronger and stronger and when she thought she could no longer stand it, her body exploded wildly jerking under him. In their ecstasy they climaxed together. She called his name, curled her fingers into his flesh, and let the tremors of her body subside until she fell back exhausted into the sheets. Robert, on the other hand, still breathing heavily lying on top of her, rolled to the side and pulled her into his arms. Exhausted, but happy, she let her head rest on his chest and played dreamily with his chest hair. She listened to his gradually calming heartbeat. My goodness, she had had no idea what wonderful feelings he could evoke in her. Would it always be like this?
"You're so quiet, is something bothering you?"
Uncertainty was in Robert's voice. He hadn't exactly been restrained at the end and should have been more considerate the first time. Moira had responded so passionately to his touch, that his good intentions had been over. Now he feared that she might be in pain.
"I'm sorry if I hurt you, but it's only the first time."
Moira looked up and looked into those eyes that looked at her with love and concern at the same time.
"Will it always be like this?"
Embarrassed at having apparently caused her great pain after all, he quickly assured her, "No, it only hurts once."
"That's not what I mean. I don't have any pain. I wanted to know if it would always be this nice. That feeling, it was indescribable."
Relieved, he smiled at her and replied, "It will get even better."
Incredulous, she looked down at him and in Robert the fire awoke again. How did his wife manage
to bring him to ecstasy with only a look.
"Can I feel it again?"
"Heavens, you are a little glutton – I love you."
Smiling mischievously, he added, "Give me a moment and then we'll see."
Moira laid her head on his chest again and let her fingers playfully wander over his body. Thereby she came dangerously close. She felt him draw in his breath sharply and before she knew it, Robert had her with a nimble turn back into the pillows. The sound of shock from her mouth was immediately smothered with a heartfelt kiss. In an instant their passion for one another was rekindled and so they loved each other that night one more time.
Chapter 17
The gray gelding trotted joyfully in front of the buggy and moved swiftly along the deserted road.
The birds were chirping merrily in the trees and a few clouds passed by in the blue sky. It had become summer, the temperatures were quite high already in the early morning hours and the landscape was in full bloom. Lush green meadows, where her husband's cattle and sheep grazed, lined the path. The grain was thriving and the pregnant mares were getting fatter and would foal for the first time in a few months. Moira's life had changed in the last few weeks since her wedding. She was now the mistress of Shepherds King and with that many new tasks had come her way. Not only was she married and enjoying married life with Robert to the fullest, she was now in charge of the household and that had been a big adjustment for her. Robert had a whole court around him and it had not been easy for her at the beginning to find her way around his house. But he had supported her in word and deed. In the early days, he had always been near her to help her when questions were asked about her wishes and changes. But except for lighter curtains and a dressing table with a mirror in the bedroom, she hadn’t made any changes so far. Now she took a deep breath of the fresh air with relish and looked forward to the visit she was about to make.
"Eileen!"
Eileen looked up when she heard the voice. She was just outside with the children in the garden, weeding, when the little carriage pulled up in front of the house.
"Moira!"
Joyfully, the children and Eileen ran to meet their friend. The boys and girls welcomed Moira stormily.
"Oh how I have missed you all. Come here and let me hug you."
Moira pressed a big kiss on each of their foreheads. She understood only half of what the children were saying to her, because they were all talking at her at once. Laughing they jumped around in a circle.
"Eileen, I need you to free me. Help!,"
Moira joked, casting a pleading look over at her friend. But Eileen stood with her arms folded with an amused expression on her face slightly off to the side, watching the scene.
"No, no, no. That's the punishment for not showing your face for so long."
But she took pity on her friend and clapped her hands.
"All right kids, now let me say hello to Moira. Go play, we'll continue later."
With a loud roar, the group of children ran around the corner of the house. Moira had to laugh.
"I almost forgot how lively they can be."
Eileen and Moira hugged e
ach other warmly.
"Yes, they can be quite exhausting at times. Come on, let's make a cup of tea and then you can tell me all about it. And I really mean everything."
With that, she nudged Moira knowingly in the arm, who rolled her eyes in amusement. A little bit later they were both sitting on the porch of the orphanage, watching the children playing and sipping the hot drink.
"Is everything okay with you here, Eileen? I feel so bad that I'm leaving you alone with all this work."
"You don't have to. Everything is well taken care of. Robert has offered to help Samuel and me, but as long as we still live here it's a good solution after all."
"Really? Does Samuel feel the same way? He'd probably much rather live alone with you in the new house instead of having the kids around all the time. You know what I mean by that."
"Of course it would be nice if the house was finished and we could live there, but it will only take a few more weeks and then it will be ready. We are so grateful to Robert that he gave us this piece of land and is building us a house on it. Samuel is a little ashamed that we can never repay him."
"You don't need to do that. A gift is a gift and I think Robert knows what he has in Samuel. He
appreciates your husband very much and I'm glad that Samuel took the opportunity to propose to you. You look well, Eileen. Married life seems to be treating you well."
"Yeah, I can't believe it's been two weeks since we were married. It all feels so nice and every morning, when I wake up, he's lying next to me. I can't believe he's there. But I always talk about me and Samuel, when I would much rather know how you are? You look exhausted. Robert shouldn't put so much strain on you. Everything's all right between you, isn't it?"
"Why, yes. The last few weeks have been the most beautiful I've ever experienced. Robert cares a lot about me and I feel his love for me every day. When he looks at me in the morning, beaming with his blue eyes, my heart opens. We try to spend every free minute together and I count the hours in between, until we meet again in the evening. I miss his closeness when he is busy during the day and I know that he often leaves work on the desk in the evening so that we can spend at least a few hours together. I should not complain and yet I wish that he had more time for me."
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