Chapter Ten

"Oh, is it not splendid Belle?" Gwen says patting her stomach with motherly affection.

My heart swells with happiness for my new friend. "Its amazing Gwen. Congratulations I'm so happy for you and your husband both."

She smiles down at her abdomen before looking up at me, "Laurence is quite proud himself. Everytime he looks at me since we discovered the news, he looks as if he has made a great accomplishment."

"How could he not? You look radiant." I confess studying her flawless complexion.

She reaches over and picks up her tea cup bringing it up to her mouth and takes a sip.

"How about you Belle? You've been married less than two months, are you expecting?"

I nearly choke on my tea. Me pregnant? I really never gave the topic much a thought. I always wanted to be a mother but I always pictured it more later in my life after my traveling and settling down. But I never did such things as I was expecting to do. I married into a loveless marriage. Although we had many passionate nights together, I could, but prefer not to picture myself round with a child of a man I barely loved.

Barely loved? I confessed to such thoughts in my head. Could I? Certainly not.

Yes, Gaston and I get along quite well considering he has matured since the beginning of our marriage, but is that the seed of affection to grow?

Have I grown to enjoy his company and teasing manner, that I had thought aggravating?

Panic swells inside of me as I come to terms with myself. I have.

I have grown to accept my husband and have slowly come to love him.

Even though it was not the kind of love that leaves you yearning and heated, it was a subtle kind that was slowly building.

As subtle as it was, it was love none the less.

I look up at Gwen who sits and waits for me to answer patiently. I shake my head and her complexion slightly frowns. "I am not." I confess.

Her face washes in an emotion that could be taken as sympathy. "Has he not been Intim-"

She flushes slightly, "Affectionate?" She corrects herself.

Taken aback at her blunt question I shake my head and frown, "He is quite… affectionate. But I have not shown signs or symptoms." I state my testimony.

Although 'quite affectionate," is an understatement. Within the last month we have been active almost every night and morning. Sometimes in the days too. Just last week when Harriet and John went into town he took me on the very table after we ate.

I flush slightly as I recall him pounding mercilessly into me this very morning. He had himself pinned between my legs and had one of his hands cupped under one of my knees pushing my legs apart. My throat was on fire from yelling in pleasure and he cursed as I came around him, clutching him tightly. Soon he followed suit spilling his seed in long hot spurts and I mewd in aftershocks as I milked him until not a drop was left.

I come out of my daze as Gwen leans over and places her hand on my thigh reassuringly giving me a happy smile. "Ah, well maybe you are, but it is too early to tell. I was just over three months before Laurence and I found out the news."

I nod my head and bring my cup to my lips for a distraction. When the door opens Gwen and I look up to see Gaston and Laurence enter the room.

In a flash Gwen is up and across the room to greet her husband. "Oh Laurence! How was the hunting party? I presume it went well darling?"

Laurence smiles affectionately down at his wife. "Marvelous my dear. Gaston shot almost all of the game. The majority of the men left disappointed and empty handed."

I look up and over to my husband who looks quite proud of himself. "Oh well, Its unfortunate indeed to leave empty handed. Think of the wives who are at home expecting something to cook over the fire."

" And the husbands needing to explain to them of their loss and as to why."

He smugly adds

The men look over at each other and share a laugh. "My word Belle, you will be well stocked for weeks. Your husband very nearly cleaned my estate out." Laurence addresses over to me.

Gaston looks over at me content and happy. I smile up at him and smile at Laurence, "I hope its not to much. It would be disappointment to become sick of it so quickly. And since you hosted this hunting party we would be more than happy to return the favor." I say looking up at my husband daring him to refuse.

Hesitating he looks over and grins at Lawrence, "We would be delighted."

Seeming disappointed about being ignored Gwens beams at her husband placing her hand on his chest. "Oh Laurence did you share the excellent news with your party?"

Laurence beams back down at his wife before looking at his company. "No my dear I have forgot! Silly me. Gwen and I are expecting our first child" He informs us.

Gaston gives him a sturdy handshake and a clipped congratulations and I walk over and hug Gwen. "She has already told me of the news. And I can't help but be ecstatic."

Laurence leans down and kisses his wife's temple and I smile at their obvious love for one another. I look over at Gaston and see him looking at me with a small smile. I walk over and place a hand on his chest and return the smile.

Smiling brightly Lawrence looks at both Gaston and me both. "I soon expect to hear of similar news from you as well, surely."

I give a smile while Gaston smirks, while wrapping an arm around my waist pulling me closer into his side. "It will be any day now we hope. Aint that right Belle?" He says smiling down at me happily.

My smile was not forced and I addressed both Gwen and Laurence. "Of corse. Any day now."

But on the inside I was conflicted about wanting to and not being a mother.

Authors Note: Aright viewers, since this is my tenth chapter I wanted to ask for your input about the story. Do you believe it is progressing well or that I should slow things down a little? Let me know your observations and opinion.

~ xXxFairyTalesxXx