“Can you stay awhile?” Nora inquired.

“I wish that I could but I must return and get ready for the Frasier wedding.”

“Ben Frasier’s sister Evie?”

“Yes.”

“She has always been a sweet girl, send her my best.”

“I will.”

“Eva. Are you alright? Did Eric see you with David?”

“David did not tell you?”

Nora simply shook her head.

“Eric was so rude to him.”

“ I knew sending you with David would only cause trouble.”

“It is not so much the words we had in regard to David, but the fact he vehemently declared to Ben that he did not love me, would never love me, but did enjoy our… physical relationship. He used quite a different word for it though.”

“Oh Eva, I believe he does care for you regardless of what he declares.”

“You are a good friend Nora.”

Eva returned home. She was met by Celeste on the steps.

“Good morning Celeste.”

“Good morning. My brother was looking for you at breakfast.”

“I went out early to visit with Nora. I was in need of a bit of friendly conversation.”

“I understand. I wish we were able to talk more.”

“We will just have to start making time will we not.”

She took Celeste’s arm in her own.

“So I understand you have been seated by Ben for the wedding dinner.”

“You did not…”

“I did.”

“You are incorrigible.”

“You are in love.”

“I most certainly am not, but I do admire Mr. Frasier the junior, Ben.”

“I see. Well I think he admires you too.”

As soon as they entered the house Celeste was very loudly summoned by her mother.

Eva started up the stairs and nearly ran into her husband.

“Where are you off to in such a hurry?”

“I need to start getting ready.”

“Where were you this morning?”

She heard the slight agitation in his voice.

“I went to visit Nora.”

“I see, and how is Nora?”

“She is fine.” Eva knew where this conversation was going.

“And what of her family?”

“I only saw her Father and he is doing well.”

“We must leave shortly after noon.”

“I will be ready.”

Ben addressed him first. “Eric, you have come to steel your beautiful wife away have you.”

“I have. Everyone has a busy day tomorrow. We will see you at the church.”

He guided her to the carriage and assisted her in. It never failed when he laid eyes on her his desire soared. He could not love her, she was in full understanding of that now, but he could show her how much he desired her. He would let her know he would always take care of her and their future children, protect her. It was important to him she not think him immune to her, unaffected.

Eva knew Eric would to come to her. She knew she could not deny him face to face, so she asked Mary to inform him she was not feeling well and she was retiring immediately in hopes she would feel better for the ceremony tomorrow. Perhaps if she withheld her body from him, one thing she knew he did want from her, he would understand she was not his whore, she was his wife, not only to be enjoyed and to carry his heirs, but a person to be loved. She realized she wanted his love. Eva’s first inclination had been to play the whore tonight. To shock him, make him feel as dirty as he had made her feel in that moment, but found she could not. She wanted to give him another chance. She lie awake as she heard Mary knock on his chamber door. She heard their muffled voices. She could not fall asleep. Nearly and hour later, he came into her room. She immediately pretended she was asleep. He walked to her bedside and stood. After a few minutes he picked up a piece of her hair and twirled it around his finger. He paced by the windows for a while and then finally went back to his chamber. Sleep came slowly.

“You knew how it was to be Eva when you agreed to marry me.” She smiled, “Yes, I knew.” She wiped her own tears away.

“I just forgot my reticule in the carriage would you get it for me?”

“Of course.” She stood stoically as he walked off to gather her belongings from the carriage.

Ben watched her sympathetically, but did not intrude. Eric returned and handed her, her things.

“Thank you Eric.” She walked away.

Eva stopped in an alcove, she was still stunned by the fierceness with which her husband had denied loving her and stated he would never love her; but those statements did not come close to injuring her as his comment basically referring to her as his whore. She felt a sharp ache in her chest. How could she feel such emotion for him and he feel so very little for her.

Eva rejoined the ladies once she had regained her composure. The day went by too quickly. She was not ready to face Eric yet, but dinner was being served. Luckily she was sat between Ben and his mother. Eric was a few seats down. After dinner, instead of going along with the ladies to the sitting room she walked outside to the Garden for some air. She needed to think about how she was going to continue in her marriage. Was she going to accept the status quo or was she going to love him and do everything in her power to make him fall in love with her.

“The breeze is wonderful tonight.” It was Ben.

“Yes it is.”

“I am sorry you had to hear what Eric said, you should know the context in which it was said. I was teasing him, saying he was in love with you. He was angry with me and lashed out at me.”

“He meant every word.” she said.

“Eva, Eric does not understand love the way most people do. His parent’s relationship turned him against love, but what his parents shared, was not love. Oh his father loved his mother desperately at first I believe, but she never loved him in return, so he then became obsessed with trying to please her and trying to make her love him. His quest tore them all apart.”

“It is so odd that you should put it in such a way. I was just standing here wondering if I was going to accept Eric’s feelings as they are or whether I was going to do everything in my power to make him love me.”

He took her hand in his, “Eva, I have known Eric all my life and I know he is falling in love with you.” She smiled and accepted his word, she only wished it were true.

“Where am I going?”

Mr. Butler told me you will be joining him at the Frasier’s for the day.”

She was so happy, after last night she was surprised he wanted her along. Eva ate breakfast alone. Eric finally came downstairs, escorted her to the carriage without a word, and they were off.

“Eric, I want to apologize again for what I said last night. I truly did not mean it.” Eric said nothing.

They arrived at the Frasier’s and Ben was the first to greet them. He assisted her down from the carriage and immediately noticed Eric’s foul mood.

“Come Eva, I want to introduce you to my family.”

He leaned down and whispered. “What is with Eric?”

“I said something I should not have last night. He is angry with me.”

“I see.”

“I apologized, I truly did not mean what I said, but it made no difference.”

“He will get over it soon enough, he always was a brooder.”

She and Ben entered the drawing room, “Everyone, this is Eric’s best kept secret. His wife, Eva.”

“This is my sister Evie, she is the one all this uproar is for.”

“Ben has told us so much about you. Come, we are doing some last minute preparations. Ben’s family was so nice. Soon the men went off to do their own thing and the women were busy with last minutes items making sure all was ready for the big day.

Ben rejoined the men. “So Eric, I hear your beautiful wife has a bit of a temper.”

“What did she tell you?” Eric asked.

“She told me she said something to you in anger that she truly did not mean, but you have yet to forgive her.”

“She had dinner with Nora and her family last night. When I came home she was being escorted by David across the front lawn.”

“He is sending you a message I suppose.” Ben suggested.

“A message, what message?”

“Two can play the same game, perhaps.”

“You mean he is trying to show me he can get to my wife. Fiona was not David’s wife when I perused her, and we were barely Eva’s age at the time.”

“Yes Eric, but he was in love with her, always had been.” Ben reiterated.

“I did nothing more than flirt with her and steel a couple of innocent kisses in fun. It is not the same as. Eva is my wife.”

“Fiona was infatuated with you, what did you think would happen. She had nothing more to do with David afterwards.”

“What did Eva say to you?

“I told her she could not trust him. She said from what she had heard it was I who could not be trusted.”

“Why was she so angry that she would lash out at you? What you are telling me does not justify it.

“I approached them simply held my hand out to her. When she took my hand I turned and immediately rode away without a word to David.”

Ben started to laugh. “My friend, against your better judgment and resolve I am here to tell inform you that you are in love with your lovely little wife, and she is in love with you.”

Eric’s response was nearly violent. “I do not love her! I will never love her! I needed her money. Yes, she is beautiful. Yes, I enjoying making love to her, but I will never love her!”

Eva turned to David. “Thank you for seeing me home.”

She then turned and took Eric’s hand. He pulled her up before him. Eric felt her surprise when he immediately rode off without a word to her escort. Once home, he handed her down to a groom. Once he dismounted he took her by the arm and walked her in the house and straight up to her room.

“What were you doing out walking with David at this time of the evening. I would have thought you would be already abed.”

“I spent the day with Nora. She invited me to stay for dinner. It was almost dark so her father suggested David walk me home.”

“I realize you were not told before, but let me be very clear now, you are not to be out after dark without Mary, and I do not want you anywhere near David Law, alone, ever! You cannot trust him, do you understand?”

He was talking to her as if she were a child. She did not like it, not one bit. She went on the attack. “From what I hear, it is you who should not be trusted!” Oh no, why had she said that? She regretted the words the moment she realized she had said them aloud. He had given her no reason to believe he would not keep the vows they took on their wedding day. She had seen him flinch as though she had stuck him and she saw all the ground she had made with him slip away in a matter of seconds.

“What did he tell you?” Eric demanded

“Just that you placed your attention on a girl he cared for, and she no longer cared for him as a result. I am sorry Eric, I should not have said that. I was just angry with how you were talking to me.”

“You said it, so you obviously believe it!” he shot back.

“It does not matter, you were young. I said it in anger, please.” She tried to reach out to him.

He took a step back from her. “You will stay away from David, if you visit Nora, fine, but you are never to be alone with him.”

“I understand.” She assured him.

He left her room and did not return that night. She could not seem to get warm without him.

“I overheard my sister jest with Eric about all the young women who will be mourning his marriage, but I must tell you, the world of men has been dealt a severe loss by losing young Eva to Eric.”

“Eric you must bring her tomorrow.” Anne pleaded.

He promised he would.

Eva woke early. She rose and ran to the window when she heard his horse carrying him away from her for the entire day. She was too late, he was already riding down the lane. She had decided she would visit with Nora today. She broke her fast, and headed out to greet her new friend. She knocked since no one was about, then caught sight of a very handsome young man walking her way from around the side of the cottage. He had a head full of curly golden blond hair and grayish-green eyes oddly similar to Eric’s, but encircled in the blondest of lashes.

“May I help you?” He walked up extremely close to her, he was flirting.

“I am looking for Nora.”

“She is out gathering herbs in the wood, you may wait for her here, or I can take you to her.”

He picked up a strand of her hair and wrapped it around his finger. She took a step back from him. I would appreciate it if you would take me to her. He offered his arm. She reluctantly took it.

“May I ask your name?” he inquired.

“Eva, Eva Butler.” He paused.

“You are Mr. Butler’s new wife.”

“I am.”

“I heard you were the most beautiful creature walking the earth; I thought it an exaggeration, but I see I was mistaken.”

An exaggeration to say the least.” She scoffed.

He started walking again. Then he let out a big chuckle.

“What is so amusing?”

Eric could not even lower his standards in marrying for money.

“You refer to his reputation with women.” Eva asked.

“He is known for cavorting with the most beautiful women whereever he goes. I should not be telling you this though.” They walked on. Soon Nora came into view. She smiled as soon as she saw them.

“I see you have met my brother.”

“Well, he has not told me his name.”

He took her hand and brought it to his mouth. “Forgive me, I am David.”

Eva sensed his attraction to her. At any other time in her life she would have been attracted to him as well. Now, Eric was all consuming in her mind, heart and body. Nora seemed to notice David’s infatuation as well.

“Thank you for escorting her, she will be safe with me.” He recognized his sister’s censure.

“It was a pleasure to meet you Mrs. Butler.”

“Eva, please, and likewise.”

She stayed with Nora the entire day. Near sundown Nora invited her to stay for dinner. Nora’s father was a wonderful man who seemed to be genuinely happy Eric had returned to Lexington Hall.

“Finally, young Eric is in his rightful place. I hope you, Mrs. Butler will not be a stranger. You are always welcome here.”

“You are very kind.”

It was nearly dark when she readied to leave. Mr. Law insisted David see her home.

She took his arm once they were outside and they began walking toward Lexington. Eva spoke first. “It is so beautiful here at night. I love to see the stars.”

David was quiet.

“You are not as fond of my husband as your father is are you?”

“No, I am not.”

“Did something happen between the two of you. Not between the two of us, but between Eric and a young tenants daughter I happened to love.”

“Do you mean to say he compromised the girl? He smiled at her.

“No, I cannot accuse him of such, but his attentions turned her eye from me and then he was gone.”

“The girl?”

“She was sent away to family in London not long after and married off. Eric could have had any woman he wanted, and did, but he still… You do not want to hear all of this. It was ages ago.”

“Not so long ago that you do not still hold it against him.” Eva chided.

He chuckled, “You wound me.”

“Eric and I have many wedges between us.”

Eva decided she liked him. He deserved a woman to love him alone… She would have to see what she could do. As they started across the front lawn a figure came into sight on the lane. It was Eric. It was too dark now to see his face, but she saw his body stiffen at the site of her with David.

“You left me with Ben on purpose did you not.”

“I did, I hope you are not angry, it is just I could see you had an interest in him.”

Celeste hugged her. “It was the best time I have had in a long time, thank you. Now run along to my brother, he looked as though he was ready to devour you.”

“Celeste!” Eva practically ran to her room. Something had changed that night and she was going to take full advantage of it. When she entered her room he was waiting for her and immediately pulled her into his arms.

Eric rose before dawn the following morning and disentangled himself from Eva and left her bed. The physical relationship they had was unbelievable. He just had to keep telling himself that is all it was. He cleaned up and changed clothes, he would enjoy the hunt today. As he rode to the Frasier’s he thought of how different his life had been before receiving his sister’s summons. He could go anywhere he pleased, sleep with whom ever he pleased, wear and say whatever he pleased. Now he had boundaries set upon him, but he did not mind as he thought he would. The responsibility he now carried for his family, and his tenants was a welcome change. He desired no other woman than his lovely wife, which turned out to be the biggest surprise of all. She completely satisfied his every need. Eventually she would bare his child and he found himself anxious to have it so. To watch his child round her belly filled him with feelings of fierce protectiveness. He could not imagine a better mother for a his child. Upon his arrival at the Frasier residence he was warmly greeted by all. He had not seen Ben’s little sister Anne in seven years. She had grown into a lovely young woman. She took him to task though.

“Ben tells us you are a married man now Eric.”

“I am.”

“Oh, I feel for all the poor women you have left bereft.”

“I see you have not grown out of your temperament.” he smiled at her.

She smiled back.

Eva and Eric joined Ben nearly an hour later for dinner. He gave Eric a knowing look. Dinner was actually fun, for the first time since she had arrived. Mrs. Butler had been quiet, clearly outdone by Ben’s charisma. Celeste, however, was the liviest she had seen her. Eva had actually caught her several time gazing at Ben longingly. How interesting she thought. Mrs. Butler retired early and actually left Celeste to her own devices. Eva grabbed her immediately after dinner.

“Celeste let us sit on the steps and look at the stars rather than go to the drawing room tonight.”

“Very well.”

Eva took her obviously besotted sister-in-law’s arm and led her out.

“We have never really had a chance to get to know one another.”

“Yes, please forgive me, I have wanted to talk with you, but Mother demands much of my time. In case we do not get another chance to talk like this. I need to ask you to please give my brother some leeway where his feelings for you are concerned. The relationship my parents had tarnished his idea of love. He does care for you, I can see it in his eyes when he looks at you, but it will be difficult if not impossible for him to ever show it.”

“Thank you for telling me, it helps.”

They sat quietly alone for a while.

“Celeste, speaking of love… I see you have an interest in Mr. Frasier.”

“Do you think my Mother noticed?”

“I do not believe so, why.”

“She is afraid if I marry she will be alone.”

“You do care for him though.”

“Yes, I always have.”

“You should follow your heart.”

“I am going to see if the men would like to join us.”

Eva ran in without giving Celeste a chance to protest. Eva knocked on the library door and poked her head in. Celeste and I decided to sit outside and look at the stars, would you two care to join us. Eric knew immediately she was up to something, but tonight he was game.

“We will be right there.” Eric replied.

Eva made sure Ben sat next to Celeste. Celeste was uncomfortable at first but quickly warmed and started talking to him. She wanted to give them some time alone, so she pulled on Eric’s hand, he looked at her, so she started walking backwards away from him. He followed, so she ran, ran and hid behind the garden wall. It was the first time since she had been at Lexington Hall that she felt giddy. He was different tonight. His guard was down. As Eric walked past she reached out and grabbed his arm and pulled him toward her. One look into his eyes in the moonlight and she knew she had him. She initiated the kiss but he expertly took over from there.

After making love Eric took her hand. “We should go and rescue Ben from my sister.”

“Or perhaps your sister from Ben” she replied.

“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.”