A/N: Hello! I apologise for the size of the chapter. I'd meant to update quicker than this, but real life (blurggh) got in the way, so thought I'd post this, and then hopefully get on with tweaking the next part. Many thanks for reading, and please do leave constructive criticism/reviews if you have any

Adam awoke that morning and walked to the window. He looked out, noting that the weather had improved a great deal. Winters were always harsh in this part of the country, but spring finally seemed to have made its way to this part of the country, the sun shining brightly.

He rubbed his eyes, tired. He'd never slept well, not since he was a child before his mother died. He felt the most at ease that he'd felt for a long time, yet since he turned back he'd had awful nightmares, dreaming of the night he'd died. Though, this time with Belle's love unable to redeem him. He sighed. Maybe the dreams would ease when he and Belle were married when she could lay beside him, and he no longer would have to sleep alone.

Belle had seemed frustrated lately too, albeit for different reasons. She had been attempting to expedite time alone with Adam, though she had not been successful. This, however, did not lessen her trying, with her subtle collusions becoming increasingly obvious as time went on.

She did not give up easily, easily being the most stubborn woman he'd ever met. He smiled. Maddening as she was, it was quite gratifying to his ego, though he would never admit it to her. She could glare at him all she wanted, however, the naked longing in her eyes simply steeled his resolve more. Adam could be just as obstinate, and he refused to dare to leave himself alone in her company.

When she organised outings, he managed to always have a chaperone, however, Mrs Potts was getting rather annoyed with getting pulled away with her duties. Adam had invited Monsieur Maurice to stay hoping that this would temper Belle's appetite for being alone with him. It hadn't. Regardless, as soon as Belle suggested a walk or carriage journey, Adam immediately asked Maurice if he'd like to join them.

He left his room, going down to join Belle and Maurice for breakfast. They didn't notice him walk in, each reading their respective books. He was pleased to be marrying into a family in which reading at the dining table was acceptable.

He brushed his fingers against Belle's shoulders, and she looked up. 'Good morning.'

'Morning.' She smiled up at him, then went back to Twelfth Night. He expected nothing less.

'Morning Monsieur Maurice. I hope you slept well?'

'Please, you must call me Maurice. I slept marvellously. Very comfortable bed.' Maurice said amiably. Adam wondered again at how he could forgive him so easily for his prior transgressions against him.

'I'm very glad it is to your liking. Perhaps we could journey out in the carriage today. I'm sure Mrs Potts would not mind making us a picnic lunch for us to take. The weather seems to be much improved, and it might be nice to get out of the castle.'

'Wonderful idea Adam. I can't remember the last time that I went for a picnic.'

Belle nodded in concurrence, not bothering to raise her head from her book this time.

As they finished their breakfast Cogsworth walked in.

'Monsieur Maurice, the master has ordered you some oil paints. Would you like them left in your room?'

'Oh, I haven't used oils in years, maybe decades! Adam, I cannot thank you enough! Can I look at them now please?' Maurice's face was shiny and bright with happiness. It had been a long time since he could afford oils, maybe as long ago as Paris, before Belle was born.

'Oh Papa, you could spend the morning painting, that would be lovely! And just the weather for it too!' Belle enthused. She beamed at Adam, and he remarked to himself how he wanted to devote the rest of his life to making her look that happy.

'Oh well, if that would be okay with you both. I'd hate for you to think I was being unsocial.'

'Papa, we're all sat here with our heads in books. I assure you that no one will think that.'

'Well, a day spent painting for me it is then. How exciting!'

Belle stood up and went to Adam's side. She kissed him on the cheek. 'How kind you are to think of Papa.'

'No thanks are needed.'

'It's a shame that I will have to miss the picnic, but you can both have a lovely day out all the same.' Maurice remarked.

Adam realised his plan to have a chaperone in the form of his beloved's father was thwarted, as Belle glanced at Adam, her eyes sparkling and an amused smile on her face.