The First Anniversary: Chapter 1
"Dearest?" Brandon asked casually from behind his magazine. He was in bed, waiting for Marianne to undress and join him.
"Yes?"
"I was thinking I should go check on one of my fishing lodges soon. Would you like to come with me?" Brandon was still posing his question as casually as he could, as if it was just a thought that popped into his head then and there. The truth was that he had devised a complete plan around this seemingly casual question and her response now would trigger his plan of operations – one way or another.
Some days ago he had started to think about ways of surprising his beautiful wife on their wedding anniversary. Once or twice she had mentioned it. Not in a way as to fish for something from him, but she had been a little prone to summing up the past year they had had together. Probably not the least because of the miscarriage ordeal on her part paired with Elinor's happy delivery. Marianne was absolutely besotted with her little niece an Brandon could tell that his wife's mind was now very much set on having children of her own. There was no denying he was keen on a child, or children, too. It had taken some time but he could honestly say now that he had come round to accept and believe that there was no particular danger in them trying for pregnancy again. Despite the scare and the incredibly sad loss, the doctor had assured them that while there always was an element of risk, it was no greater or smaller with them than with any other average couple. Elinor's beautiful child had given them new hope and courage. Him in particular.
The last time the pregnancy had been one that they had hoped for, but had not exactly planned for. Since then, the miscarriage, after they had resumed marital relations they had both been very aware of the potential outcome of their activities and they were both (there was no denying it) always vigilant for any signs of pregnancy. Whilst in most ways everything was well and good between them, Brandon was also just a little worried that they might just be stressing a little too much about the chances of pregnancy. He had decided that it would probably do them good to step out from their usual circles for a little bit and just be together. No babies, no staff around, no Marianne's mother or Mrs Jennings giving Marianne's waistline inquisitive looks.
Hence, the fishing lodge. He would take her there and there would be absolutely no one else there. No staff, not even a game keeper. It wasn't unusual for him to go on his own, but to take one's wife along would raise a few eyebrows for certain. He could only hope now that Marianne was game, so to speak.
"When were you thinking of going?" Marianne asked, still brushing her hair out.
"Oh… I hadn't a definite time in mind, but it should be soon. I haven't checked up on the place for a while and I like to do it myself instead of sending someone. It could be nice, just you and me." He tried to still keep his answer casual. Marianne still had adventure in her and if he understood her at all she would find the prospect of "sneaking off" with him appealing. Ever since their courting there had been a special lure in "sneaking off" as they called it. They had stolen moments together by taking a stroll here and another there in a way that allowed them to steal a kiss or two away from prying eyes. Once they married there was no longer any need to sneak off as such, but the game had remained and it was something of a turn on for them both. Brandon was now banking on Marianne not being able to resist the temptation and the chance of a little adventure.
"Just the two of us, did you say?" Marianne asked, and Brandon could hear the playful casual tone she put on. The game was on: they were sneaking off for a bit.
"Yes, I usually go by myself, but I think I'd miss you too much," he replied.
Marianne now climbed into the bed with him and snuggled close to him. He put his magazine away and pulled his wife close to him, planting a kiss on the top of her head.
"Do you think we could go there for our anniversary?" Marianne then asked in almost a whisper, as if she could hardly bear thinking of such an exciting prospect. Brandon bit himself steadily in the cheek so as not to laugh: this was going better then he had dared to hope!
"Hmm. Don't see why not – but are you sure? I thought you'd want to celebrate here? Maybe have your mother and sisters over?" he played innocent. His Marianne was not one for such events. And perhaps he was also right about how she was feeling about the baby prospects. On one had there was Elinor's gorgeous little girl and on the other there was all the expectation and attention from her mother and anyone else passing. It was a lot of pressure and stress.
"Oh, they won't mind. What's it to them anyways, our wedding anniversary? I like the idea of spending it on our own." Marianne pondered, her hand starting to chart his familiar chest as she was saying this.
"That would be nice, wouldn't it dear? Just the two of us. The lodge is perfectly comfortable, if you don't mind that we'll have to do the heating and a bit of cooking? I'll have Mrs Dobson pack us something convenient that will see us through a couple of days, shall I?" Brandon outlined a little plan for them, as if he'd just thought of this, and allowed his hand to start roaming over her shoulder and down her side towards her hip. Beautiful, naked hip.
Marianne was smiling broadly. Just the two of them and absolutely no one else around. She had become accustomed to a small household after she and her family had left Norland Park. At first it had been odd, but quite quickly Mother, Elinor, Marianne and Margaret had learned to be almost if not fully self-sufficient. They had a housekeeper and a servant, but they pitched in the best they could as well. After marrying Christopher she had no complaints, but still sometimes felt quite odd for not being so free to spend time absolutely alone when Christopher was out and about. There was always someone around.
"Excellent, let's do it!" she exclaimed. "I'll take some books with me so you can do your fishing and I'll read."
And so it was decided. Brandon had to work hard to keep his smiles to himself on this matter when he nudged Marianne on to her back and stopped all conversation by claiming her lips.