Sometimes men could be quite dense, Lady Edith Strallan mused as her fingers worked deftly over the tiny strands of yarn. She smiled inwardly as she surveyed the results of her efforts, the pale pink yarn slowly taking shape into tiny little booties. She had made some in other pale colors as well, just in case. But this pair, this would be a part of her Christmas gift to her husband. Of course he had no clue, even though she'd been quietly knitting for the last few weeks. It wasn't that he ignored her but he would look at her in that absent way of his, smile, and then turn back to whatever reading he was involved that night.

It had been over a year since they'd lost what would have been their fourth child. The twins were growing like little sprouts, Robbie lean and lanky like his father with the same bright and oh so expressive blue eyes. Little Cora had been properly named for she was growing into a demure little lady with dark hair and equally mesmerizing blue eyes. The baby, Charles, was now quite a small force running about gleefully, finding mischief in everything. He'd inherited his mother's coloring, his ginger hair growing into a mop flopping over his doe colored eyes that never seemed to want to close. Having three under the age of four proved to be a handful at times and Nanny was compensated quite well for her troubles reining them in. She had little help from Anthony as he was often joining into whatever adventure they might invent. And Edith couldn't be happier with the state of affairs. Her fingers stopped their work momentarily as her eyes flickered up to her husband, engrossed in some farming journal now that the children were all safely tucked in bed and the house was quiet.

Edith never tired of watching her husband. He was a handsome man, she reflected. She knew other women thought so too which made her even happier. Those women who dismissed him before were suddenly quite interested in the sweet natured gentleman from Locksley. Last week at a dinner given by Anthony's long time friends, the Gervises, Edith had overheard two women who were at least a decade older than she whispering about Anthony. They seemed quite taken with him and were consoling one another that they had let him escape into the clutches of the younger woman. It had been Maud Strallan's friend from years ago, Lady Elizabeth Cogsworth that had taken Edith aside and filled her ears with praise. "I don't know what it is you are doing, my dear," she had begun, "But do keep at it. Dear Maud would be so happy to know he is doing so well. We all worried about him, you know, for so long after her death. And just when he seemed to be perking up a bit…and I'll wager you had something to do with that too…but just as he was perking up, the War came and after his injury…well, it just seemed to age him so. I remember seeing him not long after he returned and it was if he'd aged twenty years. But now…now it is as if the clock were moving backwards for dear Anthony. And I just know you are the cause of that, my dear." Then the lady had fluttered away leaving Edith warm and smiling in her wake.

Yes, he did seem to be growing younger as everyone else was adding on the years. She remembered meeting him again in her Granny's sitting room after the War. His blonde hair was threatening to go completely gray and there were such sad shadows and lines in his face. And when she confronted him in his library later, he looked positively defeated. But now there was an energy to him, the energy she remembered about him when they'd first courted… a quiet, patient force that surrounded her with serenity. Oh how she loved her man…

"You're staring again," he piped up smugly, his eyes not leaving the pages of his journal.

"And why shouldn't I?" she replied cheekily. "You are without a doubt the nicest ornament in the room."

Shifting his weight, Anthony closed his journal letting his eyes sweep over the decorated room. Finally his eyes settled on her, their intense blue lighting with serene contentment as a smile formed on his lips. But there was a hint of mischief there as well. "I see, I am merely an ornament to you now," he teased. "Should I worry that you will pack me away with the others after the season is done?"

Edith tried to look thoughtful but her own good mood spoiled the contemplative demeanor and she broke into a smile of her own. "There is only one place I will pack you off too. In fact, I think it is time we were going there now." Edith's body was already beginning to respond to where her mind was taking her.

Anthony tilted his head coyly. "Oh and where might that be? Are you planning a trip, my dear?"

Setting her needlework aside, Edith rose from her chair. Holding her hand out towards him, she replied. "You, my dear husband, are about to take me mountain climbing."

Anthony had risen and crossed the room, grasping her hand in his. "Am I? And what mountains are we going to climb?"

"Rather high ones, I think," she answered. "That is, if you are game? I did seem to wear you out a bit last night."

Letting go of her hand to pull her body closer to his and wrap his arm around her, he nuzzled into her ear. "You were rather energetic last night, my dear." Then nibbling at her neck as they walked he continued. "But I mustn't slack off. Must keep my form, don't you think? No… regular exercise is just the ticket, I should say…" he said as he stopped and turned to her for a kiss.

Anthony proved quite adept at helping Edith with mountain climbing. His tender kisses, first to her lips and face, and then her neck, and on southward to her own sweet peaks, until he descended into her most mysterious valley. He lingered over her valley, playing and teasing, all the while building an excruciatingly wonderful need in her. She decided that turn about was fair play and began to explore his features, making sure to spend time over his most sensitive areas until at last, she descended on his most prominent outcropping, impaling herself onto his manhood. They moaned simultaneously, each finding a piece of the relief they both needed. Edith remained absolutely still for a moment or two, simply relishing the feel of him within; it was glorious. Anthony's hand rested on her hip, his fingers clinching her as his hips rose in an effort to delve deeper into her sweetness. "Oh my god, Edith…"

Looking into his face, into his lust laden blue orbs, Edith grinned. "Make me," she taunted.

His eyes widened and then a deliciously crooked smile broke onto his face. "Be careful what you ask for, my sweet. You may find you are not ready for the consequences…"

"Oh really?" she dared.

All in one motion Anthony rolled them, pinning her underneath him, somehow managing to remain connected. Once she was pinned, he supported himself with only one arm and began to thrust wildly, each time pushing a little deeper, a little faster. Edith's surprise was quickly overcome by her pressing need to help him in his endeavor. Wrapping her legs around him, she clung to him, meeting each thrust with small cries of joy and more need. Their pace became frantic as they rose to the heights together. That was something else they were getting quite good at, finishing together. She didn't know how he did it, only that when they exploded together it was so much more intense and satisfying.

And then it came; the inevitable eruption between them, neither able to control their bodies any longer. And when they were done and the after trembles had faded away, Edith felt the shaking in Anthony's arm before he collapsed on top of her. With a grunted apology, he rolled off, taking his warmth with him. Immediately, Edith was snuggled against him, needing to touch him, feel his warmth, and continue the connection. They fell asleep like that, sated and happy, content in the feel of one another.

So this was the first bit of the story. More to come;-) I have this other story just bursting to get out of my head so I need to wrap this up quickly. Let me know what you think?