Mary came to her soon thereafter and was wonderful. She had insisted on unpacking her, and seeing to her every need. “Mary, the room is beautiful, thank you so much.”
“It was at Mr. Butler’s request he wanted it to be beautiful for you.”
He said I could choose a maid from his staff, would you be willing…”
Mary’s face lit up. “It would be an honor my sweet.”
As Mary hung her gowns in the wardrobe she insisted Eva lie down and rest. She disrobed down to her chemise and laid down. The bed felt so good after riding in the carriage for so long.
“My sweet, it is time to bathe and dress for dinner.” Mary cajoled.
“I fell asleep.”
“You were more tired than you thought.”
“I suppose I was.”
“Come let’s get you in the tub.”
She soaked in a warm rose-oil bath and Mary helped her dress. Dinner time came. She and Mary descended the stairs and then Mary indicated she should walk towards the sound of voices. She entered the dinning room. Everyone was already present. Her eyes found him almost immediately, he was dressed in a black dinner jacket that clung to his muscular shoulders. He rose. His eyes were for her alone. He approached, took her by the arm, and guided her towards a stern looking older woman with the same chestnut hair as his own, and his grey-green eyes.
“Miss Clark, I would like you to meet my mother, Mrs. Sarah Butler.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you Mrs. Butler.”
The older woman merely nodded her head. He moved her gently along to another woman, much younger, with darker hair and dark brown eyes.
“This is my sister, Celeste.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you as well Celeste. I guess we will be sisters soon.”
His sister smiled briefly before her mother quelled it with a stern glance. He took her to her seat next to his. Her Aunt spoke up after they were all seated and served.
“Mr. Butler, when may I ask is the ceremony to be held?”
“Tomorrow.”
Her Aunt nearly choked. “I am sorry. I did not realize you planned it so soon.”
He looked to Eva with concern. “You are ready?”
Without glancing around for anyone’s opinion she answered. “Yes.”
The way he looked next to her, she would have married him that very moment to gain the right to be in his arms tonight. She could see he was pleased with her response.
“When are your other guests to arrive?” her Aunt inquired.
“There are no other guests than what you see here Mrs. Bell.” he replied as a matter of fact.
“The ceremony will be held at 6:00 tomorrow evening. Dinner will be ready upon our return and then we may all retire for the evening.”
His gaze lingered on Eva a moment with the last bit of information. Her body reacted accordingly. After dinner he escorted her back to her room. This time he did not enter.
“Sleep well.” He started to walk away.
“Mr. Butler. Please call me Eric.” He wanted to hear his name on her lips.
“Eric. May I speak with you a moment?”
He came back to her door. He waited.
“We will be asked to kiss at the ceremony tomorrow will we not?”
“Yes, that is traditionally the custom.”
“I need to tell you something rather embarrassing.”
“What would that be?”
“ I have never kissed a man before, and I do not particularly relish making a fool out of myself before everyone.”
His pulse jumped at the knowledge he would be the first man to taste her beautiful lips.
“I assure you it is something that comes naturally.” He could see she was not comforted.
“What can I do to help?”
The totally unexpected response she gave nearly caused him to loose control of the barely disguised lust he was feeling right now at her innocent admission.
“Will you kiss me tonight, how you will kiss me tomorrow, so I will know what to do?”
He thought about that a moment. He realized if he kissed her now, she may get more than she bargained for, more than either of them bargained for.
“No.” The look she gave him was precious. He took her hands and leaned close to her ear. “I deny you tonight because tomorrow it will be all the more special.”
When he pulled back and looked at her face her eyes were dark with desire. Desire for him. He could not stop himself from bringing his mouth to her cheek, painfully close to the corner of her mouth, for a gentle kiss.
“I promise I will never deny you again.” He whispered.
When he stole his lips from her face she thought she would limply slide to the ground, but she held strong until he disappeared inside his door. Neither fell asleep easily that night, but when they did, their dreams were filled with visions of each other.
Tags: Historical, Romance
