There was no honey moon because Howard is a very busy man but he promised, that when America won the war he will take her to Paris and Rome, and they will have all the time of the world to make up of it.
They spend their first night as wife and husband at the Waldorf Palace, and there Howard with infinite care and patience, shows his blushing bride the pleasures of intimacy. It is a wonderful night and Maria is sure that even if Howard does not say I love you, having him inside her and then sleeping in his arms, must be love.
"I love you" she whisper, lying in his arms, when they are done.
Howard does not answer. It appears he has fallen asleep.
The house of Stark is a big house. It has 12 bedrooms. It has been abandon for a while, since Howard`s parents died. It urgently needs a feminine touch, which Maria is glad to give. And of course she will have help. Dear Elena and his husband Jarvis have accept to work for her. Her mother was not happy about this particular arrengement, but it was true that Elena has raised her, and the woman was mortified that her "baby girl" went to live to another house.
Howard was very amused when he arrived to the house and found dinner and a clean room for once.
At dinner they talk about what Maria does with her day, which basically consists in organizing the house, visiting some friends and doing her duties as member of the ladies club around the city.
Howard talks about his machines and his weapons, Maria understands less than the half of it, but listens politely and tries to understand as much as she can. Howard eyes will get brighter and his face will relax when he start talking about the monstrosities he created in his lab. But they will get brighter and his voice will fill with warm and admiration when he talks about the Howling Comandos and his Captain Steve Rogers, Maria remembers the shy handsome Captain and wonders what Howard sees in the man. She hears more names, and of all those she will like to meet Peggy Carter, she sounds so brave and also...also she will like to see if she has any interest in her husband.
"Decent women do not work. They are liberal and promiscuous and may tempt your man if you are not careful. Specially those...women soldier" her mother had warned her.
Those first six months are happy for Maria. Howard travels a lot and works very hard, but he when he is at home he is his charming self, and they make love and have breakfast at bed and go to the opera at night.
Every time he leaves to travel, she tells him, she loves him. He only kisses her back.
It is not different this time. Howard is very secretive about where he is going and looks nervous and tired. Usually he is very relax at home, being very good about leaving his work problems at home.
She says "I love you" as usual and Howard answers with a kiss. But this time she holds his hands and looks at his eyes, and asks for a promise.
"Come back. Come back to me"
Howard opens his eyes, moved by the heartfealt petition and his face breaks in a rare sincere smile. He kisses her hands, and nods.
"Of course sweetheart, I promise"
As it happens, Howard is a fucking liar. He came back, yes. But he as well may have sinked with the shy handsome captain.
NOte: All my respect for all the working and army women out there. Remember this are the 40´s so people was a little more antiquated.