Eva turned to see her husband, his expression fierce. Nevertheless, she could not help but be captivated by his appearance. Her mind ran unbidden to the nights they had shared. He dismounted and inquired “Is something amiss here?”
“No, I was out walking and I met Nora. We have just been getting to know one another.”
He greeted Nora with a smile and a nod.
“Are your father and brother well?”
“They are, thank you for asking Mr. Butler.”
He turned back to Eva. “Do you realize how long you have been gone? No one knew where you were.”
“I told your Mother and Celeste I was going for a walk.” It was obvious he had not been told.
“Forgive me, next time I will leave you a note.”
She took advantage of the opportunity and asked him to show her the rest of his property. She doubted he would deny her in front of one of his tenants.
“Of course, come along.”
“Nora, I will see you again soon.”
“Goodbye Mrs. Butler.”
“Eva, call me Eva, please.”
Eric turned her to face him and lifted her up on his horse. He mounted behind her. They rode for most of the afternoon, he introducing her to each of his tenants. She was happy to have this time with him.
Eric had been so relieved when he saw her sitting with his tenant’s daughter, Nora. He had become concerned when no one he questioned knew where she was, not even Mary. He now saw he had his Mother to thank for that. She had probably warned Celeste not to tell him as well. His new wife was so dammed beautiful, she sorely tested his resolve. She would be so easy to love were he to allow himself to fall. He knew he could not. He had decided long ago, he could never allow himself to fall in love with a woman as his Father had. His responsibility was to any children he fathered and she his wife was a vessel to that end. He knew it was likely his first child grew inside her at this very moment. With that knowledge he could not help but splay his hand protectively over her belly as they rode. His second responsibility, was to his tenants who relied on him to manage his holdings properly, so that they and their children could prosper. If he mismanaged Lexington they would suffer as well. His wife was his companion, his friend perhaps, the mother of his children, his lover, but not someone to get lost in and loose all sense of responsibility. He was glad to see Eva taking an interest in his tenants lives. “I see you are instantly trusted and well liked. You will be an asset to Lexington.” he offered. She smiled and his blood rushed. She had a beautiful smile.
“I am glad you think so husband.”
Eva twisted and pulled his face down to her and kissed him gently on the mouth. She tasted so sweet. He deepened the kiss. Mere moments found him lying her down on a bed of long grass. Her beautiful dark hair splayed out across the ground, he was not satisfied until he bared her entire alabaster body. “If it were not for others I would keep you naked always.”
Tags: Friendship, Historical, Romance
