Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters from Murdoch Mysteries. If I did, Julia and William would have been together from episode 1!

Chapter One: Daring to ignore the rules

It had been three months since Julia's death row scare and things were finally starting to calm. The waves of the whole scandal were beginning to subside and she was greatly relieved. Julia knew her name would surely drift into the conversations of the high-and-mighty for a while yet. She also knew that the standard time for her to mourn the death of her late husband was a year, and to go against that rule would surely bring more ridicule down on her. But no matter how much she reasoned with herself, Julia didn't miss Darcy or care about his dying as much as society thought appropriate. And she simply could not wear black one more day, no matter how well she pulled it off.

Julia was to meet William for lunch at noon and she wanted to look her best. People were going to talk about her; she might as well be a pretty subject. Like before the trial, William and Julia could be seen walking arm-in-arm through the city, totally unknowing of everyone around them and what was being said. Or at least they did not care.

Julia chose her soft periwinkle dress and matching hat. She had finally gained back the weight she lost in prison from not eating due to shear fear and anxiety of not being exonerated. She was now back to her healthy hourglass figure and look great in her form fitting dress. "Well," she said, looking herself up and down in the mirror, "this should attract some glances." Whether good or bad, Julia did not care. All that mattered to her was what William thought.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

William had been waiting only five minutes when the carriage pulled up outside the station house. He approached it to assist Julia in exiting but when he opened the door he was dumbstruck.

"Julia… I…" his mouth gapped at the sight of her. She had discarded the dull mourning clothes and donned her regal linens once more.

"I know it's a bit of a shock," she smiled apologetically. "But I simply could not handle wearing black one more day!"

"I see," was all William could manage, for he was still at loss for words.

Julia noticed his state and said "Come, get in. We will take the cab to the restaurant. It seems you are unable to function at the moment." She flashed him a teasing smile as he climbed in. Julia then gave the driver the address and they departed.

"This is a very daring decision for you," William commented, finally able to control his speech.

She gave him a sultry look. "Well, so is this…" Julia leaned over the space of the cab between her and William and gathered his lips into a passionate kiss. William, caught up in the spontaneity of it all, slid one hand around her waist and let the other's fingers entwine in hr beautiful golden curls.

Julia leaned further into the kiss, enjoying the romance she so longed for every minute of every day. She kept one hand on his chest, feeling his heart race. The other she let caress the soft hair on the back of his neck, driving him mad. William could not control himself any longer; he pulled his love onto his lap and held her face to his. He did not want this glorious moment to end.

Julia giggled girlishly at his actions. She nipped at his lip, coaxing a moan out of him. Running her tongue over the place she bit, she successfully caused him to writhe with lust.

A breathy "Oh Julia…" was all that managed to escape his beautiful mouth. He was desperately trying to regain control of his body and mind but was failing miserably. Unfortunately the carriage began to slow, forcing them to break the kiss before it progressed any further.

Julia sat back for a moment gathering herself and preparing to renter the public. William opened the door, stepped out, and turned back to assist Julia. He offered her his hand and helped her down. Had it been his choice he would have grabbed her waist and spun her down, but that is too much too soon for the public.

"Oh William," Julia said laughing softly, "your hat…"

"What? What's wrong with it?" he asked anxiously.

"It's just a tad askew," she smiled. "Someone might get the impression we were up to something in that carriage." Julia repositioned his hat and straightened his shirt collar as well. "There, perfect."

William offered her his arm and she accepted. They walked up the path and into the restaurant, receiving several glances from passing city folk.

After they were seated and had ordered, William asked Julia how her day had been so far. "Splendid," she replied with a smile that lit up his life. "My maid questioned my choice in attire but I told her that nothing was going to deter my decision, even if the whole town chose me as their topic of gossip. Honestly I do not care, it is nothing new."

"And by decision you mean your wardrobe." He stated with a hint of question in his tone.

She smiled again. "Yes. But also my decision to be with you so soon after my husband's passing." She said with an air of exasperated sarcasm.

William searched her eyes, quietly deciding his next move. "Julia, I was wondering… If you are really ready to move on, would you like to accompany me on an outing?" He paused for a moment searching her eyes "I know you have long since moved on from Darcy, but I mean letting society see-"

"Yes, William!" she interrupted, "I would love to join you!"

"Oh good." He breathed a sigh of relief. He felt like a massive weight had been lifted off of his shoulders.

"And just where are we going might I ask?"

William smiled slyly, not something she often sees him do. "You must wait and see my dear." He said the last part with love lacing his words and a twinkle in his eyes.