Once again, he was there to meet her, grunting and shouting – shaking his head as her tight tunnel sucked and drew from him every drop he had to give.
He finally collapsed on top of her, holding her head in his hands as they both gasped, sucking in much needed air to regulate their breathing. She did not want to let him go, never wanted him to separate his body from hers – wanting them to stay as one. He finally chuckled, “I am too heavy, I would move less I crush you.”
“I don’t care, this is how I wish to die, with you, crushing the last bit of air from my soul, what do I care – only that you never let me go.”
Stroking her hairline, Quinton smiled, “Well said,” and began kissing her once more, slowly this time, with leisure; because he’d grown soft, he moved his lower half off of her, with Sarah closing her legs and turning more securely into him, against him, now that their connection was lost. She wrapped her arms around him, a hand stroking his back, she asked around his fervent kisses, “Why did you, marry me?”
She was thinking about the things Ellen had said to her. He gave her lips one last kiss, lifting his head a mere fraction to look into her eyes, “Because you are everything a man could want and more. And because, I love you, how can you even ask? Certainly you must know how much I love you? How can I not,” He gazed into her eyes with so much love, “How can I not…” he repeated.
She was speechless, sure that she could love him, but to hear that he loved her as well, sent her into a world of wonder she never wanted to return from.
He lay above her, smiling, stroking her skin, the contours of her features, murmuring softly, “I know your fear Sarah; I know your fear well. I too, felt such terror I could not swallow at times. I had to face it all, all alone. You will never be alone – I will be there. I will stand firm for you, I will protect you and those that cannot bear it - we shall show them the door. Even with the offer, they will not go – once they get to know you, as I know you, they will sing your praises, and be glad to have you. I know, because I – was once one of them.” He smiled a smile so beautiful Sarah knew for that alone; she would do all he had asked of her, and more.
He finally grew tired, lying beneath the covers, their arms wrapped tightly, their legs entwined - they fell asleep.
The winter was harsh, with such temperatures that it left four dead in its wake, one of them a child.
Quinton and Sarah, thanks to her advanced preparation, went through it smoothly. When someone could not get to them, they both went out facing the howling winds and frigid temperatures because she would not under any circumstances, no matter what he said, let him go without her; those times, were the only times when she became fierce and unrelenting, refusing his orders – threatening him with; “You leave me, I will follow and you will not know it, if I should die, it will be because you left me, when you know that I should be by your side.”
“Silly woman – you could very well die – by my side!” He would blaze, for her to nod, answering, “As it should be – I will not be left without you.”
With a heart full to bursting he would grab her and kiss her, holding on to demand “What am I do with you, tell me this? Perhaps lock you away?”
“To get to you, nothing will hold me, nothing. It is best you be convinced of that about me, surely by now, you know.”
Accepting that truth, he did know and so together, sometimes with Moose coming along, sometimes not, the two of them went out helping with food, ointments, medicines and care. One of their trips out was to father Hannah – again, because of their combined efforts, his life was saved.
Knowing this, father Hannah felt it was a sign from the heavens; in a rare moment of conscience he believed that they had indeed forced Quinton into marrying Sarah for reasons higher than their own; he reminded him that the marriage was still binding, that no matter what, God would hold him to the vow he gave. To assure that she was cared for, he went so far as to write out a copy of their documented marriage – this would serve as a reminder to the commitment he must stick with, he handed it to him. Word of her had gotten around and back to him several times and because she was instrumental in saving his life, he felt God was saying something to him that he must follow through on, seeing to it that the marriage held fast.
He needn’t have bothered; one thing was certain, they had a bond so strong it was as if God himself had brought them together and ordained them as husband and wife. Naturally incorporated into their routine, every time they went out, they made it a point to check on the Murrays – and each time, they were happily greeted; if on that visit they had Moose along, they were made to stay the night. On their last visit with them, Quinton gave notice, “I think you two should start considering who you will give the things you plan to leave behind. So many families are starting with nothing, it is certain they will appreciate anything you can offer. It is time for us, to do the same.” He finished, turning to Sarah, letting her know, as the weeks grew closer to spring, they needed to be ready to depart.
“My mother, what of her?” She was a bit worried because he hadn’t spoken of any plans of getting her as he’d promised. “I have not forgotten – believe that there has been little else on my mind. I’m still trying to figure out how I will approach her master to purchase her.”
“I can tell you now, it won’t happen until my servants arrive and then there is the matter of what I shall do with you as I travel there for her.”
“I will go with you.” Sarah spoke up as if it were that easy. “No, you will not – it is the South, I would not risk it.”
She was about to say more, but snapped her mouth shut – although, the expression on her face told him loud and clear, his decision would not be the last word on it.
The weeks were fleeting as he and Erwin poured over a map gauging the distance from where they resided to the plantation in Virginia where they would retrieve her mother. The closer time moved them to it, the more stressed Quinton became concerning what to do with his Sarah. He was afraid of leaving her behind. They were not used to being apart, they did everything together, the idea of leaving her for weeks terrified him, giving him nightmares of returning to find her gone; it was that, that made him see, he had no choice, but to take her.
He and Erwin agreed, the fastest route of going south was by ship. Both men had experience with travel by sea; as well knowledge of the best firm in which to travel with.
Ramsey Fleets.
They would have to first book passage from New York to Jamestown and from there they would travel inland to Clover Grove plantation, to try to buy Cora, Sarah's mother, off of one Gareth Kuiper. Watching them discuss it so intently, Sarah felt better knowing that Quinton would do all that he could to get her before they left America, possibly, for good. Finally there was a break in the weather, the snow was melting, the temperatures increasing, the sun shining more each day and Moose was no longer barking like a puppy, but the massive animal that he'd grown to be, and one day someone was visiting. Quinton and Sarah were out of bed at the same time, grabbing their clothes and dressing quickly, there was some kind of racket going on outside their dwelling and then, a banging at their door.
"Bloody-hell!" Quinton exclaimed, rushing to the window to peek out, “Upon my soul! They’re here!” He turned to Sarah with a broad smile, “They’re here!” he dashed out of their room and down the stairs to the door, Moose ready to tear it off of its hinges – whoever stood on the other side was unfamiliar to him. Quinton stood trying to keep him back while cracking it open to look outside, he exploded into a mighty bark of laughter, "By God, look at you! Wait right there, I've a beast that will surely devour you before our first hug!"
Sarah rushed down the stairs, giving Moose the command of silence and to come by her side; she ordered him to the wood store and locked him inside. From there, she quickly made her way to her dressing room to do a quick tidying up while just down the hall, Quinton knew that he was free to open the door, throwing his arms wide, he greeted his laughing brother.
"Chestnut?! What are you doing here?!" He asked, his voice loud, his manner transformed now that he had family present.
"Looking for thee! Mother wud’nah hear of sending the servants alone, might never see them again! By God, you look well – is it true?"
Quinton smiled, his brother wasn't wasting anytime, but getting right to the crux of the matter, after all, he swore to never marry. “Should we not first see to everyone before we get into that?”
“Let them see to themselves, ah – you lettin’ me in?” Evan Leonard Caine asked.
“Of course! Come in, come in.” Quinton widened the door for him to enter, realizing he had a yard full of servants to see to. Immediately upon backing up, he turned with his arm across his brother’s back, about to introduce his wife when his brother saw her coming from her room just a bit down the hall - calling out to her right away, “Be a good lass, giz’us a bit of tea, we’ve set up a mighty thirst!” He obviously thought her a servant.
Sarah looked from Evan to her husband, communicated a silent message with her eyes, ‘not yet’ and nodded her head and backed into the kitchen to do just that, realizing she had to get all the people who were outside, inside and warm. She took off to do just that before Quinton could get a word in otherwise.
He sighed, turning to his brother and without saying a word, led him into his study. “I’m stunned you’re here, but just as glad – we have a lot of catching up to do.”
“Aye, we do – first – thee wife – where is she? Me minds been spinning from imaginin’ what she must look like to get you to the altar; by God, you swore never!”
Evan, the younger brother, had similar looks to Quinton, however he was more blonde in coloring, of fairer complexion and not quite as good looking, but what he lacked there, he made up for in charm. Both were of the same height, Quinton heavier, more solid, more refined and educated – something Evan had no time for, nor was there a need, they were wealthy.
After all, he was not the eldest – neither had he inherited, his good fortune was that he was the brother of the Earl of WhistHirst, that was enough so long as his brother was willing to let him remain within his estates so that he could continue to sponge off of him; refinery, etiquette and airs, he need not bother.
“Yes, so I did. Let that be a lesson to you, never should one say, never.”
“Aye, where is she?”
“If I know her, she is no doubt seeing that the servants all get in, warmed up, fed.”
“Let thee servant girl see to them; I wish to see her, she mus’ be a bonny lass t’have won thee.”
“She is bonny indeed. Yet, it is not what the eyes can see that won me, but what my soul needs. I am wed, because she is a match for all that I am, all that I need –
filling in holes I had no clue existed. Aye, she is more than special.”
“Her name?”
“Sarah, Sarah Abigail Caine…”
“Call the lass to us then, why do you stall?”
Just then Sarah walked in with a tray and tea for Evan, made the way Quinton liked it, laced with just enough brandy, setting the tray down, she passed a cup first to Quinton and then to his brother.
“This should take the chill from you, warm you within.” She spoke to him, smiling. Evan looked up into her eyes, not sure what it was about her that caught his attention and then it hit him, she spoke as if educated. He watched her turn back to his brother, Quinton, “All are in except for those seeing to the horses, as well the goods they have fetched at your orders. If there is nothing more, I should further see to them.”
Quinton stood, taking her into his arms, “There is one thing, I would introduce you to my brother,” They both turned facing Evan.
Chapter XII
Evan stared up at his brother, whose arm was around the shoulders of the serving girl, unsure of what was about to happen; whatever was taking place before him, he must have a clue because his heart began missing a beat as heat stole over him.
“Evan, have you no manners? Stand…” Quinton instructed him first.
Evan cleared his throat, stammered a bit, set his cup of tea down and leapt to his feet, eyes wide staring in amazement at the dark beauty before him.
“That’s better; Lady Caine, my brother, Evan Leonard Caine – Evan – my wife, Sarah Abigail Caine, Countess of WhistHirst.”
Sarah could remember seeing no one go so red, so quickly; she gave her slight smile, nodded her head as she had been taught, and with her heart about to stop, feeling her face burn just as heatedly, she offered her hand.
“How very nice to finally meet you.”
Evan had enough sense to recover quickly and take her hand, leaning down he brushed her knuckles with his lips and rose, “The pleasure – is all – mine.” He grinned.
It took everything he had within not to break into uncontrollable laughter; as it was, his eyes twinkled, dancing from her to his brother’s. “Bye Jove, you’ve done it this time ol’cock!” He turned back to Sarah, smiled, kissed her hand the second time, and released her, standing back with a hopeless smirk on his face, tears gathered in his eyes from fighting not to give in to his laughter.
Sarah supposed his laughter was better than outright rejection; she turned back to Quinton, “I really must go, see to them.”
He kissed her brow, “Yes, I know – go on, we will join you shortly so that I may extend the introductions to them.”
She gave Evan one last glance, smiled, and nodded and was gone as fast as she appeared.
The brothers stood staring into each other’s eyes and then one erupted, Evan – sputtering in his mirth, “I knew thee hated’im, but never that much!”
“Don’t be absurd, watch your tongue! I will not have her think my marrying her was for any reason other than that any man would make in choosing his wife! I love her! This is no game, no joke, nor act of revenge! Think you I would marry and be stuck with someone for the rest of my life, if it were not that I’d given my heart!?”
Evan stopped laughing.
“Thas lost thee mind!”
“No, idiot, I’ve lost my heart – to her.”
“Aye, she’s a bonny lass, I can see you know, but you needn’t’ve married her.”
“Lady Sarah Abigail Caine, Countess of WhistHirst – is my wife! You will treat her no different than you would have had she been as pale as milk. If you find that you cannot, at our return to England and my estates, you can gather what you have grown a liking for and depart - immediately. That invitation will be open to any and all that wish it.” Quinton turned on his heels and made his way to the kitchen, to his wife’s side.
When he first sent the missive, his thoughts had been on remaining where they were to make their home, however, after his experience within the town hall that forced him into doing something he found completely soul-destroying, his plans had changed. The surer he was of his love for her, the more absolute that decision became.
Now, they had three wagons loaded down with furnishings that were no longer any good to them since they weren’t staying. He would have to inform the servants of that as well.
When he entered the kitchen, it was to be greeted by familiar faces, two women, middle aged, a seamstress, a cook, and a young girl who was to attend to Sarah’s needs, whatever they might be. Three male servants; each had driven a team of the wagons. They’d been specifically called upon to attend because Quinton knew them personally and trusted them; also, always needed, two younger males, as gofers and stable boys. Sarah had called them all into the kitchen, thankfully it was big enough to accommodate the group to sit or stand without being right on top of each other. They were sipping tea, warming up while she served them all bowls of steaming rabbit stew – filled with wild herbs; roots; mushrooms and plenty of meat; a fresh pot that had only been going since the night before, it was now ready to eat, delicious to smell and even better once consumed. She had not explained anything other than to direct them on coming in to take in refreshments; she would leave t
he rest to her husband.
Upon going out to them, she introduced herself with a smile saying, “Greetings to all, please - you may call me Sarah. Come in, warm yourselves; we have tea and stew to offer, leave all of that for now.” At doing so, one thing she was glad to see, was that neither of them had looked at her oddly – they merely nodded and followed her inside, too tired, cold and hungry for murmuring or turning down her hospitality.
So it was to that scene that Quinton entered the kitchen, with his brother Evan – much sobered, in his wake. The men and women were at the table, three to a side upon the long benches, devouring the delicious stew.
The two young males stood at the counter doing the same. There was a large loaf of bread in the middle of the table for those seated to share, and half a loaf between the two lads at the counter. The stew was so good, the meat so tender, a couple of the men could not resist groaning in pleasure from each mouthful they scooped and savored.
Sarah went immediately about getting a bowl out for his brother Evan, filling it and placing it at the table end before a seat with the others. She looked at him and smiled, nodding towards the steaming bowl.
With nothing more to say, already accepting things as they’d been presented to him, Evan made his way around his brother towards the vacant seat, and returned her smile speaking up, “Thank you Milady.” His addressing her with gratitude did not fall on deaf ears.
Each of them looked up at her, a bit surprised and then turned to give Quinton their attention, as he was speaking. “If you will all excuse me as I must interrupt your meal to begin first by saying it is quite a joy to see that you have all arrived and in one piece, following the instructions given. Now that you are here, I’m afraid there will be a change in plans, before that is addressed, introductions are in order.” His eyes went to Sarah; lifting his arm, he extended his hand to her. She did not hesitate in going to him as he pulled her into his side, making sure she faced all in attendance.
The Fancy Page 14
