The change that had come over Rose since Baldwin's confession was wonderful. She still had her moments. Baldwin had his. Most of the time, however, he tried to help her see, figure out, and understand. Rose loved him all the more for it. She was becoming reliant on him. The damage her father had done was slowly working itself out under Baldwin's charge. Baldwin's tactics were also changing. Rose felt truly understood.
Today they would be making the journey to Sept-Tours, Baldwin's home in France. Rose awoke early and made her way downstairs. He said they would be leaving right after breakfast. Making a pot of tea she was distracted and didn't hear Baldwin sneak up behind her.
"Good morning." Baldwin whispered in her ear while snaking his arms around her waist. He felt her jump from surprise and then settle against him.
"Good morning to you. You, sir, scared me."
"I know." Baldwin replied gruffly. "You're beautiful in the morning."
"Why thank you." Rose smiled and placed her hands on his entwined ones.
Baldwin started a trail of kisses up from her shoulder. He heard Rose gasp and it embolden him to continue until she melted into him. Rose titled her neck to grant him more access.
"Did you know that when you kiss me it's like a rush of cold air to the spot?" Rose managed to get out.
"I had a feeling. Apparently it's not an unpleasant sensation."
"Not at all. It's just heightened."
Baldwin made his satisfied sound as he continued his attentions to her. "You do realize we should start getting ready if we're to go anywhere today." Rose said between breaths.
The both laughed. "Yes of course." Baldwin kissed her temple before moving away and sitting down at the table. The moment he step away Rose felt cold. What was happening to her? She was starting to depend upon him, enjoying his attentions to her, to miss the way his cool skin made hers warm. Rose grab her usual breakfast of fruit, a boiled egg, and tea and sat down opposite him with a smile.
"You know we could hire your cook for longer." Baldwin said with a bit of a frown.
"Yes. Father had, I really don't see the need. I can cook eggs and put together a salad or sandwich. Will you tell me our schedule?" Rose liked to know what was going to happen before it did. It gave her a chance to prepare for the coming activities and she liked it that way. No surprises.
"You're not going to like this Rose, but you're just going to have to trust me. It will be a learning experience. I've some ideas about what is to come, but you can't predict behaviors. Don't give me those eyes. I will lead you through as best as I can. Be flexible, yes?"
"Oh alright. For you. "She was still a bit nervous.
"Good. Do you know if the paper came yet?" Baldwin stood kissed the top of her and checked outside the kitchen door, for the paper. It was always still delivered to the old servant's entrance. "Ah here it is!" He came back in, sitting down to read the paper as Rose finished her breakfast.