"Of course we are always fighting... Well I can't help it that he gets on my nerve... Yes..yes, I know. Love you too." Marianne Bonnefoy closes her phone. Lightly tapping the phone to her lips she sets the cell down on the nightstand and pushes up off the bed and walks to the washroom.

"Kirkland... Are you almost done in the bath? I would like to start getting ready to you know." Marianne peeped her head around the conner. "Tsk tsk. Falling asleep again in the tub will one day lead to your death you know?" Marianne walked over to the tub and slightly pushed on Arthur's shoulder. "Kirkland... I want to get ready.."

Arthur's hand grabbed Marianne's forearm, pulling her into the tub.

"Ah! Kirkland!" Marianne struggled against him as she tried helplessly to escape the water that was now soaking her thin nightgown making it cling to her.

"My dear Marianne... forgive me but I couldn't help the thought of you not wet..." Arthur ran his nose up and down her neck. Licking the hollow base where her neck and shoulder meet.

"You are a pervert and have no respect for my cloths anymore. This is my favorite chemise..."

"And it's about to mine as well dear." Arthur's hand began to roam, going over Marianne's soft curves. Making his way to her firm breast, he teased her nipples through the wet fabric.

"Arthur... you know we can't..." Marianne's breathing became rugged. She pushed her breast into his hands. "We'll be late again..."

Arthur stopped moving his fingers causing Marianne to look at him."The only reason why you're saying no, is because you don't want to try again." Arthur pushed lightly on Marianne and stood up. Looking down at her, he paused. "Have you ever thought to consider that maybe my feelings were hurt and even though they failed I still want to have hope and keep trying?" He place his foot on the rug, grabbing the towel off the shower handle he placed his other foot on the rug as well. Wrapping the towel around his waist he walked to his closet and shut the door.

Marianne sat there looking at the door. Of course she had thought about his feelings, which is why she wanted to wait a little less than a week to have to try again. Sighing, she reached over and grabbed the chain, pulling up the water began to rush. Standing, she placed the plug and chain in the corner. "My chemise is ruined..." Pouting she got out of the tub. "Kirkland!" She called out. No answer. "Kirkland!" Her voice creaked with the high pitch tone of it.

Arthur opened his closet door, his thick brows in a deep set frown and his dress slacks half way on. "What Bonnefoy? What?"

Marianne made up her mind. "Will you help me wash my back?" She pleaded with her eyes to him. She didn't want to go to a dinner party on a sour note.

"Stop being childish Bonnefoy. We- I don't have time for this." Arthur closed his closet door once more.

Marianne stood there stunned. He had never once turned down an offer like this. Her eyes started watering, turning she opened the shower door and turned the faucet. Letting a few tears down her cheeks, she pulled lightly on the straps of her chemise and rolled the wet gown down her body. Stepping into the shower she closed the door and let the water run over her.

Later

Marianne sat in the Lincoln with ankles crossed. She looked out to the countryside watching the trees pass by. Arthur sat with the arm rest between them, looking over paper work that would be discussed at tonight's dinner.

Marianne turned to Arthur, looking at his thick brow and how it made a almost v-shape when he was angry. "Can we-"

"Not now Bonnefoy. Unlike you I go over my topics so I can at least try to better the world."

Marianne bit her cheek. Now he's just being childish. She turned back to the window and studied the trees. "When do you think we will arrive so I can escape this unpleasant car. I think I'll stay in town for a week or two."

"Suit yourself. We should be there in about twenty or so minutes."

She would not let herself cry. She looked perfect tonight. As she looked out the window she could see the town lights sparkling from the mountains. Closing her eyes she let time take her to the hotel.

"Mademoiselle Bonnefoy and Monsieur Kirkland." Arthur was kind enough to escort Marianne down to their table but after that he left. Engaging himself with Braginsky and Ludwig. She looked around for friendly faces but it seemed that no one she knew was there yet. Walking over to a table with wine glasses set out she looked for a waiter. Spotting one she snapped her finger twice at him.

"Yes Mademoiselle?" The handsome Swiss man looked at her, waiting on her reply.

"1811 Chateau d'Yguem and 1787 Chateau Margaux mixed please."

The Swiss waiter looked at Marianne, nodding, he set out to find the bottles.

"You do know it is not ladylike to have that strong of wine at a discussion with countries present, no?" Gilbert's voice sounded softly behind Marianne.

"It helps with raising the chances of becoming with child. And if it helps Kirkland love me then I'd rather be a fool tonight then have him hate me." The waiter had come back with the mixed wine glass. Holding the base down on a silver platter, he waited on Marianne to take the glass.

"Marianne... If you honestly believe that thick brow fool hates you... Then you are just as much of a fool as he." Gilbert turned to Ludwig. "Even though I'm only here to sever the just of people... Know that little no brain Kirkland loves you. He is even watching you now. Also Marianne... You must cook for me again... I miss your home cook meals."

Marianne had taken the win glass from the waiter and started sipping on the tangy sweet wine. "Clean the auvent and I will cook what you most desire Gilbert." She smiled at him behind the wine glass, taking a full swig of it.

"Marianne... You are a doll." Gilbert leaned in and kissed her cheek. "Promise you'll have Kirkland take you home before you embarrass yourself too much?" Marianne smiled and nodded her head slightly. Squeezing her elbow gently, he set off into the now growing crowd.

As the night drew on, Marianne could feel the wine going to her head. Though it just wasn't her head; it was her muscles. Her muscles started to feel as they were moving at the time of light. Arthur was sitting next to her, leaning in on his elbows, giving his forearms that taut feel to it. She placed her hand on his inner thigh, moving it slowly up and down.

"Bonnefoy, stop. If you need someone to take you home have Weillschmidt do it for you." Arthur took her hand and dropped it on the table.

Marianne pouted. "Arthur... I want you to take me home... Can't we leave this boring place... They always have these meeting... And we go to every single one..." Marianne had long ago finished her white/red wine fusion and was on her fourth bottle of both.

Arthur closed his eyes and counted to ten. He raised his hand slightly, signaling for a waiter. Opening his eyes he turned to Marianne. Staring for a minute into her violet eyes he turned to the young Swiss waiter. "Have a car ready in five minutes. Be waiting by the door with both Mademoiselle Bonnefoy and mine coats." He dismissed the waiter with a flick of his wrist. Turning his focus back on the topic at hand he stood. "I would like to discontinue my backing of this agreement. It has come to my attention with statics showing in my country that this won't be working for me." He bowed slightly and stood straight. Shuffling on his feet he came behind Marianne's chair and pulled it back. Helping her out of it wasn't a great feat like he thought it would be. Placing her hand in the crock of elbow, he walked them to the grand staircase.

Marianne grabbed the side of gown, allowing her to climb the stairs with ease. "I wish I had asked the waiter for one more glass." Her lips fell into the familiar pout.

Coming to the doors', Arthur had quickened his pace slightly. He hadn't meant to call out and draw so much attention to them, especially while Marianne was drunk. The waiter stood to the side waiting with their coats.

"He reminds me of Moscow 1918... I met Ana for the first time... and last... she was such a pretty girl... the son sickly..." Arthur hurried the minx onto her bare shoulders. 'Their father was a handsome man... I wish he would have taken my offer that night to go to Paris and see the tower... We would have brought Ana... She was found of my western style of dressing... I wanted her as my daughter... I had loved her at that moment... But Ivan wouldn't let me... He wanted to marry Ana and keep her close to him... I..." Marianne broke down in tears as Arthur hugged her in the Lincoln. He made a motion to the driver.