Safely ensconced in Eric’s study Ben questioned him. “So, when was the wedding?”
“Two weeks ago.”
“I assume there is a reason I was not invited.”
“No, I did not compromise her if that is what you are thinking. I needed the money.”
Eric poured himself some Brandy and quickly drank it and poured another.
“Friend, she is not the kind of woman you marry only for money.”
“Well, I did; however, I did not say I do not enjoy her other attributes.”
“Such as the fact that she is the most beautiful woman either of us has ever laid eyes on.” He smiled and Ben caught a glimpse of the man he was.
“You are just having a problem with the one woman concept.”
“I suppose. Enough about my wife, what are you doing here and how long are you staying?”
“My father has finally agreed to let my baby sister marry. It is in just a few days, Celeste and your Mother have already acknowledged they are coming.”
“I am sorry, she did not inform me.”
“I am inviting you and your lovely wife, now.”
“We will be there of course.” Eric replied.
“All the men are going hunting tomorrow would you come?”
“I would love nothing more. Will you stay for dinner?”
“Anything to get away from my sister’s soon to be in-laws.”
“Well if you will excuse me a minute I need to ah, clean up, our ride this afternoon had some unplanned activities.”
“There’s my Eric! I knew you were still in there, but listen do not go up there and continue what you started on your ride, I am hungry. Why else do you think I came so close to dinner time.”
It felt good to have his old friend around. He was able to lighten up about Eva for a while, his friend would always see him as a rake. This was what he needed, to be reminded he could enjoy his adorable wife but not take his lust for her as something more than it was. He cleaned up and changed clothes then gently pushed open Eva’s door. Mary was helping her get changed.
“Mary, I thought you may want to say Hello to Ben, he is down stairs. I will help Mrs. Butler finish getting dressed.”
As Mary left, he walked to the bed and picked up her dress. She walked to him and allowed him to slide it over her head. She turned and he buttoned her. After, he reached around and pulled her hair back over her shoulder so that it hung down her back. When his fingers grazed her neck her eyes closed with pleasure and her lips parted. He could see her face in the mirror. He had never had a problem getting a woman whenever he wanted, but not women like her. Not a woman who could have any man she wanted, not because of her money but because of her beauty. Those women stayed away from him, held themselves out for the highest bidder. Not her though, she wanted him from the beginning, even though other men could have given her so much more.
“Why did you marry me?” Eric asked sincerely.
He turned her to face him.
“The truth Eva.”
She could not tell him the truth because the truth was that she had fallen for him the moment she laid eyes on him.
“I wanted you, and you needed me, every woman wants to be needed.”
Tags: Friendship, Historical Romance, Love, Marriage
