Her fingers fidgeted with the necklace. Its faceted surface caught the moonlight and sparkled like stars over her ceiling and walls. It reminded her of the night under the stars when she and Robert had met. Tonight they had traversed the veranda looking up at the moon. Robert stroked her fingers in a loving manner. Her skin had been heated from the dance they had just completed. They enjoyed the cool evening air in silence and when they returned, Robert brought them both glasses of punch. He was being considerate, he was being attentive and he was being the husband she had hoped for. These thoughts made her wring her hands as she continued to pace. What she was feeling confused her. She was married to Robert and it should be like this, but what of Elisabeth? Adelaide was not willing to give up her friendship, her relationship, or the feelings she felt with Elisabeth. A soft knock on her door drew her attention away from the murky luck of the growing internal questions.
Robert shifted his weight from foot to foot while he waited to see if Adelaide would open her door to him, and if she did would she allow him in? He lifted his hand to tap on the wood once more, perhaps she was asleep. He did not have to wait to confirm his assumption, the door cracked open and he could see his wife peering out.
“Adel, might I come in?” he was nervous and his words came out in a rushed hushed tone.
Adelaide stood still.
“Please?”
He stood silent, holding his breath until the door eased open enough for him to exit the hallway and enter her bedchamber. He took her hand and led her to the edge of the bed.
“Thomas I don’t…”
He looked at her and her words stopped. “I came to you tonight to apologize.”
Her expression softened. “I don’t understand. Tonight was wonderful. You have nothing to ask for forgiveness for.”
He took both her hands in his and knelt down in front of her. “I do, Adelaide. Not for tonight, no, tonight I feel,” he paused. “I feel right, everything felt right after such a very long time. I need your forgiveness for all the nights before tonight, the nights I let you down as a husband, as a man and as someone who cares for you. I love you Adel, I want you to forgive me and give me the chance to prove that to you.”
Adelaide opened her mouth and nothing came out. She tried again to no avail. Robert took the opportunity to ease her discomfort and kissed her. He hadn’t kissed her in so long that he had forgotten how soft her mouth was, and the way she tasted. It excited him and he cupped her cheeks in his palms, letting his lips become more demanding. He felt her whimper against the pressure and when he attempted to release her lips and step away she wrapped her arms about his neck and returned the aggression he was feeling in her own kiss.
Her mouth was greedy, needing the touch of her husband. Robert sensed her desire and eased her back onto the bed covers, allowing his finger to untie the ribbon on the bodice of her dressing gown. His warm breath bathed her exposed cleavage and she let her head fall back, opening her frame to his touch and his kiss. Her fingers tangled in his hair and urged him forward until they were consumed with one another in passion and want. The moonlight bathed their bodies as they connected physically as man and wife once more.
The two women sat sipping juice and tea at a table set for four. Robert and Thomas had yet to arrive. Unlike the previous morning, neither opened her mouth for anything more than a bite of pastry or another sip from her cup. It was deafeningly silent. Elisabeth was absorbed in her mental pros and cons list regarding Thomas. As much as she would like to discuss him with Adelaide, she no longer felt that she could. It would not have mattered; Adelaide was fumbling around in her own head debating her real emotions when it came to Robert and Elisabeth.
It pained her that her tongue was tied so tightly in her mouth. She should be gushing to Elisabeth about Robert. Elisabeth was someone she felt safe with, the one person she confided in. They talked with ease, without barriers. Adelaide had not been prepared for this. She had not considered how it would feel when Robert was also included in what made her happy once more and the effect it would have on her relationship with Elisabeth. She was not certain she wanted anything to change now. What she wanted was for Elisabeth to talk to her.
“I would speak of the weather, but it seems it never changes anymore.” quipped Elisabeth.
Adelaide sighed a breath of relief and then laughed. “You do know what else never changes?” She paused and looked directly at Elisabeth with her deviant smile. “That dreadful Lady Talbot and her forever stretched dress seams.”
Both ladies fell into fits of laughter.
“I do think they must be made of steel thread to endure her form stuffed into that same gown every winter.” Elisabeth added.
By the time both men had joined the women for breakfast, Adelaide and Elisabeth were smiling and trying in earnest to contain their twitters of laughter and whisper their gossip about guests from the previous evening. The mood was light and their worries all but forgotten.
* * *
Chapter 22
Lissa had finished setting up the tea service when Adelaide arrived in the sewing room for a final fitting on her last gown of the season. “Oh Lissa, thank you but please do take the cakes away with you.” She wrapped her arms around her middle and made a sour face. “After the noon meal I am feeling like one of those stuffed sausages cook served with our meal. Afternoon is a dreadful time for a fitting. Don’t you agree?”
The young girl nodded her head in agreement, “Yes Ma’am.” Her frail, but rough weathered fingers lifted the plate of cakes away from the center of the tea tray and took them with her as she exited the sewing room, leaving Adelaide alone amongst the gowns, dress forms and various sewing materials. She wondered where Elisabeth had gotten to.
Loosening the buttons on the side of her day dress, she slipped from the fine cotton material and moved about the quiet room in her corset and stockings, feeling comfortable and at ease doing so. Often she was in the process of dressing or undressing in this room and it was now done without thought. Her finger tips stroked the broad array of garments. Elisa had out done this collection, it was original, it was unique and it was their join, exquisite creation. Adelaide was proud of herself and her friend. She allowed her fingers to strum through the fringe that draped freely over the skirt of the last gown. It was fun, frilly and different. It was her favorite of all the garments they had constructed thus far. Elisabeth had only to finish the hem and it would be complete.
Adelaide stood on the platform, twisting from side to side causing the long, silk strands of the fringe to swirl about her in flashy waves of black. They rivaled the silver color of her eyes when the sunlight from the window caught them in the precise flow and movement given by her turning form.
“Adel, it looks perfect. I had my doubts as you are aware, but you were correct in choosing this one. It is beyond what we had hoped for.” Elisabeth stood behind the platform admiring the view of Adelaide before her.
Adel smiled into the reflection of them both, one fair and petite, the other dark and statuesque. “It does appear to be fitting. I only wish that I had skipped that last bite of potato.” She groaned holding her abdomen.
Elisabeth giggled. “Do not be silly. You look radiant.” She moved closer and began to adjust the seams and hems of the dress. Her hands worked with skill and her attentions went to the garment, stealing her voice from her lips and dropping the duo into silence.
“Elisa?” Adel’s hands pulled her friend up from kneeling before her, so that she would have her full attention.
“Mmm?” Elisabeth mumbled over the pins she had perched between her lips.
“I have an idea.”
Elisabeth held the beautiful silver pools with her own warm hued eyes.
“Let’s reveal the collection here at the chateau.” The excitement in her tone was infectious and Elisabeth’s eyes lit with intrigue.
“We can host a tea. We will have the dining room cleared of furniture; it is the biggest room after all. We will need seati
ng and oh,” her excitement was growing, “I will ask some of the ladies to wear the dresses, show them off just as they do in Paris.” She stopped and stared at Elisabeth waiting for her reaction an input.
Her heart was beating with a ferocity she had not anticipated. She knew her designs were perfect in appearance, but could they pull off a show the likes of what they did with the designs in Paris. She tried to envision the room as Adelaide talked a mile a minute about the preparations. With each new idea and bubbling words of joy that came from Adel’s lips, Elisabeth’s excitement grew. This had been her dream, to show her own work, her personal style and feature her talents. Adelaide had done this for her. By bringing her into her life on a personal level, believing in her and allowing her the freedom and resources to make these decisions. Her heart swelled and the tears collected in the corners of her eyes, threatening to spill out over her cheeks.
Adel’s words stopped flowing in rushed sentences. “Elisa, what is it? Did I say something wrong? You do not wish to have a show?” She was concerned and stepped off the platform to wrap her friend in her arms and soother her assumed sorrow.
Elisabeth shook her head and tried to speak. “No no Adel, it is none of that. I am so very grateful and happy to know you and all you have done for me. I feel that you have done far more for me than I could ever repay you for.” She wiped at her free falling tears with the back of her hand.
Adel cupped her face and drew it upward so that she had to look straight at her as she spoke. “You owe me nothing. You are my friend, my dearest friend. It has been my pleasure and my fortune to have you living here with me and creating such wonderful items that I am the envy of anyone who sees me.” She smiled a warm genuine smile that melted Elisabeth’s heart to a puddle.
Before she could stop herself, Elisabeth was kissing Adelaide with a renewed passion. The excitement that was causing her heart to thump in her chest was now surging through her breasts and out into the kiss. Without thought, for now it was routine, Elisabeth allowed her fingers to unhitch the clasps on the fringed dress and pull it away from Adelaide’s form. She kissed her exposed shoulders and lapped at the line of her throat. Adel’s body responded by arching into the warm contact of Elisa’s mouth. She assisted Elisabeth with her own clothing and soon they were both bathing in the sunlight that streamed through the windows and caressing one another with familiar hands.
Elisabeth stopped kissing Adel and looked at her, the rush of excitement more subdued now. Why had she stopped? Adel did not question her actions and gazed at her friend without concern, her own intimate passions cooling now that they were both off the topic of the fashion event. They stood their together, hand in hand, knowing that they were feeling the exact same emotion. It was Adelaide that broke the silence first. She smiled and interlaced her finger into Elisabeth’s. She giggled. “I…you…” She laughed again.
Elisa joined her until they were both laughing so hard that tears were running down their faces. Elisa wrapped her arms around Adel and held her in a warm embrace. “I still care for you.” She whispered in her ear.
“And I you.” Adel kissed the salty wetness from Elisabeth’s skin.
They smiled, neither one had noticed the door had been opened until Robert cleared his throat.
Elisabeth reached for her dress and held it in front of her bare frame. Adel did not bother. She placed her small fists on her hips and stomped her foot. “Robert Lovelace, how long have you been standing there?” she half heartedly admonished.
Robert did not say a word. It was obvious that the wheels in his head were mulling over what he thought was taking place in the sewing room between the two nude women. He had not lied when he told Elisabeth days ago that we would not break them apart, but he had not planned to witness them in the throes of passion. He loved Adelaide and he would do anything to keep her happy, but what of his happiness? Two moments ago he was steadfast in his decision to accept what circumstances he was faced with to save his marriage and retain his wife, but now two minutes later, he was one hundred percent certain he could no longer share her.
“Not in my house, Adelaide.” he hissed through clenched teeth. “I cannot stand by and watch you toy with my emotions, playing me against her.” He glared at Elisabeth. “I tried, Adel, I honestly tried but my heart is heavy and broken. I will not have it any longer. Decisions will be made and circumstances will change.” He stated with no uncertainty.
Adelaide and Elisabeth stood stock still as he ranted, both unable to utter one sentence as to what took place and what had not taken place. Robert stormed off, leaving them both dumbfounded. Adelaide looked stricken and Elisa reached for her hand to console her. Adelaide laid her head to Elisabeth’s shoulder.
“Is everything all right?” Thomas’ words halted as he turned the corner in the hallway and happened upon the open door of the sewing room, where the two women stood still stunned and comforting one another, his eyes grew wide and his jaw hung slack. It was now Adelaide’s turn to reach for some form of cover to hide her naked body, finding her discarded dress nearby. Thomas’ respected their exposed figures and turned away. “Excuse me ladies.” Thomas left in a swift fashion. The women still flabbergasted.
Finishing a hasty fastening of the buttons on her dress Adelaide left the sewing room in search of Robert. Elisabeth decided it would be fitting to locate Thomas and explain the full situation, not only for his understanding on of what had occurred and Adelaide’s virtue, but for a need to explain her emotions for Thomas himself. Her stomach was in knots. The look upon his face had burned into her senses and she felt her heart drop to her toes. With her dress swathed haphazardly about her form she ran into the hallway, bare footed with all intentions of going to his room to find him. She did not have to go any further than the top of the staircase. He had stopped and now stood stock still at the rail, frozen.
She approached him with caution, “Thomas?” she whispered. Her long, slim fingers reached for his arm and he drew it away before she could touch him, as if her touch would harm his skin. “Thomas please, allow me to explain.”
His eyes blazed and he turned towards her. His look was fierce and she took a step back, clutching her clothing to her body for a protective barrier. “What could you possibly say, Elisabeth? I saw you, saw her in your arms, naked.”
Elisabeth shook her head and felt the hot tears forming behind her eyelids.
“I do not understand. You kiss me, you allowed me to kiss you. I thought we might be finding a connection between us. Was last night simply a distraction for you? Am I to be a passing phase, someone to take up your time when Adelaide is not available to you? Or is this a parlor game that the two of you are playing at and Robert and I are the losing game pieces? No, Elisabeth I do not want to hear your lies, I saw you with my own eyes, there is nothing you can say to me that will have me un-see that scene.”
Elisabeth stood still with the tears now flowing freely. His words were digging into her soul, burrowing into her heart and rendering her silent and confused. She knew the truth and she prayed to speak the words, but he had already left her standing there on the stairs alone. He had vanished down to the foyer and out of the chateau.
Adelaide heard the loud tone of Thomas’ voice echo down the long path way of the hall as she made her way to Robert’s suite of rooms. She tapped upon the surface of the wooden door. “Robert?”
There was no answer.
Sweeping the lose strands of mussed golden hair away from the side of her face, she pressed her ear to the door and knocked again. “Robert, are you there?” she listened to the shuffling inside, just beyond the door. He had retreated to the safety of his own suite. This fact made her relax slightly. He had not left as she had feared he would. Her fingers tried the handle only to find it was locked, barring her for the first time in all their years of marriage, from entering. “Robert, please.” She pleaded.
There was no opening of the door, physically or emotionally. He had sealed her out and she sank to the floor,
her back against the wood, her heart in her hands and realization in her head. How many times had she locked Robert out? How many times was it Robert on the outside trying to get to her, to explain his feelings and reasoning? What had she done to their marriage?
It should not have gotten this far. If she had only made herself available to him emotionally months ago, before Elisabeth, before the Grays, before they even married, would their life together be different? She did not have the answer to that question, but she did know that she wanted to find out the answer. Adelaide was ready to give back what Robert had tried to give her for so long now. She wanted him to be happy, to be cared for, to feel the love she did have in her heart for him.
Her head rested against the frame of the solid wooden door. “I am sorry, my love.”
* * *
Chapter 23
The morning sun found Adelaide awake in bed in her own bedroom suite. She ground at her tired eyes with small fists. Sleep had avoided her for hours her mind reeling with scenarios and questions. Each new scene raised a new set of questions until she was so wound up in confusion she had not realized the sunrise had taken place and the day had begun, bringing with it the morning sounds of inside staff and outside grounds keepers.
The line between remorse and ager was thin and interspersed with desire and care for Robert and Elisabeth. Robert had no right to be upset with her; she and Elisabeth had done nothing wrong. If he had only listened to her explanation he would see that. He would see that she was ready to try with him as his wife and only his, but he was stubborn and unbending. Then again, she had led him astray, she had pushed him aside and subjected him to more than any man should have to deal with. And yet, he had not raised a hand to her, or imprisoned her forbidding her to see Elisabeth. He had instead chose to seek comfort in strong drinks that impaired his faculties and wasted his hours, making him unbearable and an embarrassment in their social commitments.
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