Chapter Eleven

The tavern is packed today, laughter and conversations float about the room as I make my way through the aisles leading to Gaston.

He doesn't see me yet as he listens to the conversation at his table, but I can tell from the look on his face that he is bored. I notice that the triplets, Mary, Marie, and Mariah chat excitedly to the men at their table and expose their low necklines dresses as much as possible.

Jealousy sparks within me as I see Mariah place her hand on Gastons arm and l leans in to tell him something. I relax some when I see him shake his head and pays no mind to her.

Just as I about reach the table he looks up and see me and smiles. Seeming delighted by my presence. "Ah, Belle, what are you doing here?"

I smile at my husband and walk on over carrying my wicker basket paying no mind to the scowls from the tripletts. "I just thought I would surprize you. I was on my way to Papa's and decided to stop by."

The conversation at his table stops as they all glance between me and Gaston. Gaston sits up and points to a vacant spot, "Please sit down Belle."

I shake my head and smile, "Its alright, I was not going to stay long. I just wanted to bring you some of these," I gesture to the pastries in my basket.

I reach in the basket and hand him some of the pastries I set aside for him. I hand them over and he pops one in his mouth.

"How are you Belle?" Mary asks displeased about me being there.

I brush a few strands away from my face and muster a polite smile. "I'm as good as always, Mary."

"Still reading those useless books?" Marie asks smirking when the table erupts into a laugh.

I stand my ground controlling my temper. "On occasion. I havent got much time these days."

"Oh? Feeling under the weather lately Belle? Maybe being a wife has taken a toll on you." Mariah adds feining concern.

I shake my head and sway my basket. "No, not at all."

I manage a smile when Gaston wraps an arm around my waist and rests his hand on my rear. "No, she is is quite well."

I nod my appreciation, although I'm livid inside at them insinuating I'm a poor wife. I look down at my husband and lean in and place a kiss on his cheek. "Anyway, I must be going. Have a drink on my account."

The whole table erupts into a cheer at the free beer and I make my through the tavern towards my father's cottage. I pass the baker and purchase a few loaves of corn bread and give one to a poverted child begging for scraps.

The child eyes the load greedily and hungrily, "Are you sure mame?" They ask cautiously.

I bend down and laugh softly, "Of course. I wouldn't have given it to you in the first place. Here, hold on to this and use it wisely. I tell the girl pressing a coin into her hand.

My heart nearly breaks as she gives me a hug before running off.

"That was very generous of you."

I jump and stand up and look at my husband in surprize. "Gaston? Is everything alright?"

"Of course, why wouldn't it be?" He asks me skeptically.

"It's just-" I look up at him trying to form words. He watches me patiently raising a thick dark brow. "It's just you left your company to come after me." I finish.

He wrinkles his brow and looks at the tavern in distaste. "Actually I just needed some fresh air and a break. Having you stop by gave me the perfect excuse to leave."

I nod and frown. "Alright. I'll see you at home," I dismiss him turning and walking away.

"Belle, do you not want company?" He asks hurriedly and I stop and turn around and get a good look at him. He stands there waiting for me to answer him looking uncomfortable.

I smile and indicate my head towards the cottage. "Come along then."

He breathes out a gush of air and follows me. He reaches over and takes my basket and I smile at how small it looks in his hand. For awhile we walk side by side and our shoulder brush against each other. I don't object when he takes my hand in his and we walk through town.

I notice people stop and stare as we stroll along the street hand in hand. I smile when people point to us and smile and chat excitedly.

"Care to take a look at the new saddle straps Gaston?" The blacksmith asks as we walk by.

I watch and I notice Gaston try to appear disinterested so I place my free hand on his arm.

"Why don't we stop and take a look?" I ask him stopping.

He looks down at me and nods, "Can't hurt to take a look I suppose."

I smile as he tries to fien curiosity when I clearly know he is excited. We walk to the saddle strap display and I'm amused as he studies each with carefully.

When he is done examining them, he looks down at me. "Which one do you think we should get?'

Stare I look up him speechless, "Uh… the uh…." I look down at the table and look at the straps and the black one with vine designs stand out. "That one," I point to the black one.

He looks at it and I watch i'm anxiously, "I liked that one too." He looks over the blacksmith.

"We'll take that one please." He indicated to the strap.

After our purchase we make it to Papa's without anymore interruptions. We walk up the steps and I knock on the door. Gaston catches me as I almost slip of a step as the door swings open.

"Belle! My goodness gracious girl, common in you two," Papa opens the door and steps aside as we walk in. I almost frown when I take in the state. Things are cluttered about the room but it is still very clean.

"Common take a seat," Papa says indicating to the chairs in front of the fire.

I walk over and plant a kiss on my fathers temple before I sit down. "How are you Papa?"

"I'm very well dear. Exhausted from getting ready for the science fair." He chats happily.

I nod making small talk. I get up from my seat putting everything in the basket away and watch as my father and husband chat about things animatedly.

"Belle?" Papa asks concerned.

I snap out of my trance. I didn't realize I was looking into thin air, "Yes Papa?"

"Are you alright dear?" He asks me trying to get me to sit down.

I smile up at my father, "Yes, im fine. Just suddenly very tired," I say around a yawn.

My fathers smiles. "It has been a long day. Go home and rest dear."

I dont argue. My father sees us out and we want home joined by the hands.