A/N: Thanks to all who took the time to review last chapter. Please continue to let me know what you think!
Chapter 12:
"Are you sure you want to attend?" William asked. "You know how these lectures are. It could be embarrassing for Neil if they don't allow you admittance"
Adelaide smiled at her father. "That's why I'm meeting Edward there so he can accompany me in. Don't worry"
"But Adelaide, darling, I'm not sure it is at all proper to..." Julia began and Adelaide turned towards her mother, her look silencing her from continuing.
"Now, mother, before you say anything, maybe I should tell you how Simon and I truly met" Adelaide said. The girls were upstairs so she could speak freely about her first husband. Simon still didn't know about his biological father- Neil and her felt that he wasn't quite ready to understand. It had been over 6 months since Neil returned and they didn't want to shake up the contentment they had finally reached together as a family.
"What do you mean?" she asked, curious.
"I sneaked into a lecture of his and he noticed me. That's why he came up and spoke to me at the party" Adelaide said. "It feels so freeing to finally tell you the truth"
Julia and William stilled and then turned at the same time to look at each other then back at her. William's face finally broke out into a smile.
"Did you?" William chuckled. "And kept it from us all this time"
"I did" Adelaide put on her hat, pinning it on. "Don't worry about me. I'll be just fine"
"Clearly" Julia shook her head, not knowing quite how to respond to that confession so many years later. Truth be told, she wasn't overly surprised that Adelaide would do something like that. "I'm going to go make sure your daughters are not getting into too much trouble unlike their mother"
Adelaide laughed, "You missed me here" she went up and gave her mother a kiss. "I know you did"
"Of course I did" Julia declared. "You must come for visits more often. Next time, during school break so Simon can be here as well. I miss the boy"
"We miss him too" Adelaide said, "But he was excited to spend the time at the mission and Christy and David..."
"adore him" Julia finished for her.
"I hope Christy isn't overwhelmed"
"I doubt it" Julia responded, "Miss Alice and Evelyn will help. Simon isn't usually a bit of trouble"
Adelaide titled her head. "Neil gave him a stern lecture before we left. Simon wouldn't dare step out"
William chuckled, "Did he give you the same lecture about coming here?" he teased her.
"No" Adelaide's eyes were filled with mirth. "He knows that is futile"
Julia just shook her head and left Adelaide with William.
William kissed her cheek, "Good luck, darling girlie"
"Thank you, Daddy" She told him as she headed out the door.
Adelaide looked around for Edward, who wasn't there yet. She frowned. The older men lingering in the hallway were giving her looks. She had almost forgotten what it felt like all those years ago, but the memories now came flooding back. She didn't miss this part one bit. Even eight years later, the same biases and prejudices were still there. She put her hand absently on her stomach, which was churning. She was nervous about being here more than she would admit and that with the rich food that she wasn't used to eating, she had to quell down the queasiness. She knew that she would be okay once Edward arrived, but in the meantime, she did feel out of place and out of sorts.
"May I help you, miss?" One of the younger men came up to her- a handsome one and she felt like she may have found an ally by his jovial smile, which made her feel better already.
"I'm just waiting for a friend" Adelaide said.
"I don't think we have met" he extended his hand, "Dr. Thomas Smith"
"Adelaide MacNeill" she shook it. "Very nice to meet you"
"MacNeill" he studied her hand and the wedding ring on it, "your husband is giving the lecture"
"He is" she nodded.
"I must admit I'm fascinated by his trachoma research" he told her.
"It is fascinating" Adelaide agreed with a nod.
"Are you aware of the particulars of his research?" Thomas asked, curiously, but before she could respond, they were interrupted by a familiar face from the past.
"Adelaide" Dr. Grant exchanged a look with his colleagues as he swept over to her.
"Dr. Grant" she greeted him, her voice sweet. "It's so very nice to see you"
"This is no place for a woman" he whispered to her. "I would have thought you would have stopped that foolishness when you married your country doctor"
"My country doctor" Adelaide's voice turned considerably cooler.
"I don't know why Edward arranged this lecture. We do have standards"
"His research seems promising" Thomas interjected, but Adelaide's temper was lost, unraveling under Dr. Grant's words. How dare that man who basically left her father for dead insult her husband, whose guidance helped restored her father's health? Neil was a million times better doctor than he ever was. And what was he even doing here? Wasn't he retired?
"His research is promising" Adelaide said, firmly, "I'm not sure what you mean by standards" her tone captured the attention of others, who were watching the exchange carefully, but Adelaide was so incensed she failed to notice,
"but Doctor MacNeill studied in the finest medical school in Scotland, completed his residency in Jefferson Hospital and just spent the past two years helping soldiers with Trachoma at a research hospital in Scotland, traveling all over England with the most esteemed doctors in the field. He is more than qualified to speak at this university. He's chosen to continue to practice in Cutter Gap, where the need for a competent physician is so great, especially one who specializes in trachoma, which plagues the people there"
She paused, noticing the attention of the others and added, quietly, "It's really quite noble of him, but I'm afraid I might be a bit biased as he is my husband. I'm sure you as well as the other doctors here wouldn't deny a wife the opportunity to support her husband. It is really so kind of you to allow me admittance"
Thomas looked amused as Dr. Grant just shook his head, exasperated. "Be that as it may, this is no place for a lady" Dr. Grant said.
"I can be both a lady and attend this lecture" Adelaide said, with a genteel smile, sure to impress even Julia. "Surely, you have to admit that at least is true"
He frowned. "You aren't doing your husband any favors by you being here. If he wants to be taken seriously, then he better leave you at home where you belong"
"I hardly think that is a fair statement" Thomas interjected again. "Woman all over the country are being admitted to medical school"
"Times are changing" Adelaide said, evenly, trying to reel in her temper. Knowing she was being watched, she swallowed hard and forced herself to remember her manners, determined to make her mother proud by her propriety in this moment. "But we don't need to have a debate on the merits of woman doctors right now. You are looking well, Dr. Grant, I thought you retired years ago" she said, her voice turning sweet again. "Are you feeling well?" she acted so concern for his health and wellbeing that Dr. Grant backed down from insisting she didn't belong.
"I'm fine" he grumbled, "And I did retire, but I attend lectures"
"That's lovely" Adelaide said, "I'm glad you are in good health. Oh, Edward, there you are" She met his eyes, which were twinkling, having overheard some of the conversation.
"Adelaide" Edward kissed her cheek. "I'm so sorry to keep you waiting. You look lovely today. That color suits you" he turned to the others, "Dr. Smith, Dr. Grant, how nice to see you both. Is everything alright?"
"I was just talking to Mrs. MacNeill" Thomas said, "I'm quite interested in this research and Mrs. MacNeill seems to know about it"
"She would" Edward said, easily, "as she is Dr. MacNeill's nurse. One of the finest there is, though I do think she should have attended medical school ages ago"
"Really now?" Thomas said and Doctor Grant huffed.
"Dr. Shaw is being too kind" Adelaide demurred. "but I do thank you for the compliment"
"Nonsense, I'm being completely truthful" Edward responded, kindly, "Dr. Grant, isn't Adelaide looking well today? I'm so glad you two have gotten the opportunity to catch up. You have been her family's physician for so long before your retirement. I'm sure you have inquired after her children and health"
Dr. Grant, shifted awkwardly, "How are your children, Adelaide?"
"They are well" Adelaide said, with a smile, "How kind of you to ask"
"You have twins, do you not?"
"Yes, the girls are five now and Simon will be seven in December"
"They are adorable children and smart as can be. Must be the result of her stellar parents and Adelaide's genteel mothering" Edward said as he offered his arm. "Come, Adelaide, let's find a seat"
"I'll come with you" Thomas said.
"Dr. Grant, so good to see you" Adelaide said, kindly, "I hope to see you again while we are in Asheville. I know how highly my parents think of you- always have"
He nodded and the left him to go into the room.
"I'm glad you are here" Adelaide confessed. "I should have sneaked in like before"
"Do you make a habit of attending lectures?" Thomas asked as he walked with them.
Adelaide's color heightened as Edward chuckled.
"Adelaide was married to Dr. Simon Napier before his death" Edward said.
"Dr. Simon Napier?" Thomas asked, "I've read several of articles of his work. He is quite well esteemed at the university even all these years after his death"
"He was a good doctor and a good man" Adelaide said, "and I'm glad his legacy is living on. He interceded for me plenty of times with the old guard"
"I think you handled the old guard just fine by yourself" Thomas said, "There are some friends of mine. Excuse me. It was nice to meet you, Mrs. MacNeill"
"You too, Doctor Smith"
Adelaide took a seat next to Edward and turned to him, "I'm not causing Neil too much of a problem by being here, am I?" she looked troubled, "I just wanted to support him"
"Don't worry about that, Adelaide. Thomas was right- you were surely handling yourself quite well. I'm not sure Dr. Grant knew what to make of you asking after his heath in retirement so sweetly"
"Now, Edward" Adelaide smiled, "I was just trying to be nice"
"You are so different half the times, I forgot that you were raised by Julia Huddleston" He laughed, "And to be frank, Neil wouldn't have it any other way. He wouldn't be half the man we both know he is if he tried confining you. Unthinkable" he patted her arm, affectionately. "I'm going to go introduce him"
"Thank you, Edward for doing this for Neil"
"It's my pleasure, Adelaide" Edward said, "I believe in his work too"
Edward made his introductions and then sat next to Adelaide while Neil gave his lecture. Neil was a complete natural and a dynamic lecturer, which Adelaide shouldn't have been surprised given his personality. He seemed to be in his element up there. She was so proud of her husband.
Edward leaned over, "I'm not sure your husband is long for Cutter Gap"
Adelaide shook her head. "No, I don't believe so" she murmured.
"You were brilliant" Adelaide said as they relaxed in Edward's office at his practice. "Absolutely brilliant"
"High praise" Neil told her.
"Coming from Adelaide, that is high praise" Edward said. "I'm going to go fix us some tea and scrounge up some biscuits. The water should be boiling by now"
"Let me do that, Edward" Adelaide said.
"Are you sure?"
"Of course" Adelaide responded, "I remember this office quite well"
She left them alone and Edward turned to Neil. "Adelaide had a run in with Doctor Grant"
"Did she now?" Neil asked, "Did Doctor Grant survive the encounter?"
Edward laughed, "I think he did, though he retreated pretty quickly once I arrived. Adelaide looks well, Neil. So much better than the last time I saw her. Her color has changed"
"Do you think so?" Neil asked, "I suppose she was strained by my illness, but I haven't quite noticed a difference"
"She has a glow" Edward said, "Asheville must agree with her"
"I wouldn't go that far" Neil chuckled, "though she did admit to me that she likes the opportunity for new clothes"
He laughed, "Simon did always say that Addie had a weakness for pretty dresses" He paused, "You really should consider looking for a post at university. They would have the resources for you to advance your research. I know you and Adelaide love Cutter Gap, but it seems like you would do well elsewhere"
"We have talked about it" Neil admitted, "but we thought the children could use some time without any major changes and I'm not sure Adelaide is ready to leave. I have had made contact with some hospitals"
"When you are, let me know" Edward said, "I'd do whatever I could to help"
"To help with what?" Adelaide asked.
Neil looked at her as she handed them the tea, "Finding a post at a university"
She sat down and sipped her tea. "You should explore the options at least, though I'm not sure if you have the type of wife who can advance your career. I quite think I may be a liability for you"
"Listen to her" Edward chuckled, "Are you scared of the busybodies, Adelaide?"
She shook her head from side to side. "Not particularly. It's just I know how this works"
"Imagine their surprise when my wife instead of catering to it all decides to shun it all and go to medical school" Neil said, with a small grin.
"Really, Adelaide?" Edward asked. "You should. That would be brilliant. If it is the right university, it wouldn't adversely affect Neil's career"
"Now, not you too" Adelaide countered. "We'll see"
Neil's smile was wider, "That isn't the outright no that it was a month ago"
She shook her head, "It's a maybe" she conceded. "but we still have to get through tonight"
"You'll be fine" Edward said, amused, "You'll have to save me a dance or two"
"I thought this was just a reception" Adelaide groaned, "Do we really have to dance?"
Edward laughed loudly, "Yes, and if I'm reading this situation correctly, Adelaide, you'll charm everybody tonight, but that most likely includes dancing"
"But I'm married" Adelaide protested.
"Which makes it even more acceptable" Edward countered. "You do remember how to waltz, don't you?"
"Yes, of course" Adelaide said.
"Well, I do hope" Neil laid aside his teacup, "that my wife will save a few dances for her husband"
"Now, do you know the dances?" she asked, frankly.
"I just spent a two years attending fundraisers for the war in England" Neil nodded, "I can hold my own, Mrs. MacNeill"
"Well, when you put it that way, maybe we should go home" Adelaide said, rising.
Neil and Edward looked at her confused.
"Is everything okay, Adelaide?" Edward asked.
"I need to practice" Adelaide said, "it has been eight years since I have attended a function and dancing in the Cove is so different than in Asheville. I'm nervous now that you have proclaimed yourself an expert, Neil"
"Are you serious or teasing?" Neil asked, standing too, not sure how to read her expression.
She gave him a small smile, "A bit of both. And it's going to take me hours to get ready"
"Now, that part is true" Edward said, "Simon and I always waited hours for Adelaide when I convinced the two of them to go to these things"
Neil just shook his head, "I don't see how it could possibly take you hours to get ready"
"You'll see" she laughed, "This is going to be a completely new and different experience for our marriage, love"
"I'm beginning to realize that" Neil confessed.
"I know you want to talk to Edward while everything is fresh in your mind" Adelaide said, "I can see myself home"
"Are you certain?"
Adelaide laughed. "Of course I am. This is my hometown. I'm more than capable of navigating it"
"But who will you practice dancing with?" Edward teased.
"My father is an excellent dance partner" Adelaide said, her eyes twinkling. "We used to practice all the time"
"Did you realize she was such a daddy's girl when you married her?" Edward asked Neil.
"I had my suspicions, but as I feel the same way about Julia and Annie as William does about Christy and Addie, I can't say I find fault with it" Neil responded, with a chuckle.
Adelaide grinned, "And that is why I adore this man" She leaned to give him a kiss, "I'll see you later tonight. Ed, thanks for helping me out today"
"Always" Edward nodded, "I'll see you tonight. Don't step on my toes"
"A lady never steps on the toes of her partner. I wouldn't dare. Wouldn't that be the talk of the old biddies?" Adelaide said, with mock haughtiness, leaving the men to their laughter.
Adelaide turned to her mother as she put on the long gloves on her hands and pulled them up her arms. "Do you suppose this will do?"
Julia inclined her head, "I should say so, darling. You look like you have never left Asheville"
"The dress is stunning" Adelaide said, "I'm so glad I splurged on it"
The dress was black, beaded with turquoise sleeves and a turquoise wide belt that fell into a sash that was so popular in fashion these days.
"and the headband and the long pearls" Julia said, "do you think Neil will mind you are wearing jewelry Simon bought for you?"
She shook her head. "I asked and he said to go ahead and wear what I want"
"Simon did have exquisite taste" Julia responded. "You look gorgeous, Adelaide"
"Thank you, mother" Adelaide smiled as the girls knocked on the door and bounced in.
Julia's mouth fell open, "Mama, you look like a princess"
"You do Mama!" Annie's eyes were wide. "You are so pretty!"
"Well, thank you ladies" Adelaide said, leaning down to give each of them a kiss and slip on her shoes. "I need to go find Papa"
"He's with Grandpa downstairs"
"Okay" Adelaide turned again to her mother. "Wish me luck, mother"
"You don't need it, darling" Julia said, adamantly. "looking like that, no one is going to say a word to you about where you have been living these past years"
"What's wrong with where we live?" Julia the younger asked, curiously.
"Nothing, sweetheart" Addie told her, firmly, "we love the Cove. It's just that people in the city sometimes look down on people who live in the country. That's why it's important for Papa's career that we make a good impression tonight, so they can see him more than just a country doctor"
"Are we moving?" Annie asked, perceptively.
"We don't know that" Addie said, quickly. "Papa is just looking to get some more funding for his eye research. No worries"
"Good" Julia said, "We love the Cove" she paused, "although, I like the water in Grandma and Grandpa's house and we don't have to use the outhouse"
Adelaide laughed and bent over to whisper to the girls, "Me too! That's the thing I always missed most about the city"
She left the girls with her mother and walked slowly down the stairs, her hand holding the end of her sash and the other hand on the banister. She walked into the living room and Neil rose.
He stared at her, not quite knowing what to say. She looked breathtakingly beautiful, between the dress and the rosy glow on her cheeks which was now intensifying under his scrutiny.
She glanced at her father, who looked amused. The silence was getting awkward and Adelaide finally spoke up.
"In all my time that I have known you, I don't think I have ever witnessed you speechless before" she smiled at him, "Do I need to change?"
"No" Neil said, slowly.
"Is there a problem?" she inquired.
William cleared his throat and rose. He clasped his son-in-law's shoulder. "This is where you tell me gorgeous daughter that she is beautiful and offer your arm" he teased. "How many years have the two of you been married?"
"Apparently long enough that he is immune to my charms" Adelaide teased as well.
"Immune?" Neil said, shaking his head, "how about completely captivated?"
William chuckled. "That's more like it, Neil" he stopped to kiss Adelaide cheek, "You are beautiful, girlie" he told her before heading upstairs to find Julia and the girls.
"You are acting in a way that I've never seen you act before" she said.
"I forget sometimes..." Neil told her huskily, "you are so entrenched in life at the Cove and you are beautiful always, but I forget how stunning you truly are. You deserve this all the time"
"I never wanted this" Adelaide said, reaching to grip his hand, "I wouldn't trade our life for pretty dresses or comforts of the city. You are what makes everything worth my while. You and Simon and Julia and Annie"
"Still" Neil reached for her hand and spun her around so he could study her. "How about we forgo this party and I take you back upstairs?"
Adelaide laughed. "I don't think so"
"For a bit then. We won't be long" Neil suggested and Adelaide blushed even more.
"Neil MacNeill, such words from you" she chided.
"I can't help it" he replied as he leaned over to kiss her neck, "You smell like lavender too. Why won't you humor your husband?"
"Do you know how long it took me to get ready?" Adelaide said, with mock sternness. "You will behave. You have people to impress. And then if you are a good boy, I'll let you undress me tonight" she added, mischievously.
He offered his arm, "I will take you up on that" he told her. "Ready to go?"
"Yes, I am" she took his arm.
"By the way, lass, this isn't the first time you have rendered me speechless" Neil told her, lightly.
"Oh, really?"
"Aye" he turned his head to look at her as they left her parent's house. "I seem to remember not being able to put two words together at our shivaree until you broke the silence"
She smiled at the memory. "Yes, that is true"
"And it put that pretty blush on your face too, though then all I had to do was look at you a certain way and you would get all red-faced" he teased.
She laughed, "That's because you made me so nervous with your intensity"
"It's a good thing for a husband to be intense about his wife, is it not?"
"Yes, you taught me that" Adelaide said, turning to look at him.
"You do look beautiful tonight, Adelaide" he told her, "I hated when you told me that you were wearing black, but you knew what you were doing"
"Are you telling me that I was right and you were wrong?"
"Don't get used to it" Neil told her, "but in terms of this, I concede to your superior knowledge and judgment"
Adelaide giggled, "Well, thank you very much, Doctor. You look quite dashing yourself tonight"
"Thank you, love" Neil said. "I hate these getups"
"You might have to get used to it" Adelaide replied. "If you are serious about this, this is our future"
"Let's see how tonight progresses" Neil said, "One step at a time. It's about the dance, Mrs. MacNeill"
"Very fitting analogy for tonight" she said, wryly. "Let's just hope we don't get muddled up in the steps that we forget to enjoy the dance"
"Very nice, Adelaide" he chuckled, approvingly at her wit.
"Why, thank you, Neil" she grinned.
"Did you know that she lived in the wild for the past eight years? That she chose that for her child is downright neglectful" Adelaide recognized Grace Thompson speaking- a girl that she had grown up with in school.
"But her husband- he's so rugged and handsome. Did you hear is accent?" another woman that she didn't recognize countered.
"And my husband says he is quite brilliant. That is probably why Adelaide married him"
"But she had all the Napier money. It's distasteful she would need to lower herself. As well as he is presenting himself, he is still beneath her"
"I hardly think that is fair" Susan Evans spoke up, "Adelaide has never cared about such things. She's always been such a sweet, lovely person"
"You are just happy she refused your Stanley once upon a time"
Adelaide coughed. "Hello ladies. Mind if I join you?"
"Adelaide, darling. You are looking well tonight. You haven't aged a bit in the past eight years"
"That's so kind of you to say"
"And your figure...how many children do you have now?" Grace asked.
"Three" Adelaide responded, lightly as she looked in the mirror and adjusted her hair.
"Three?" she laughed. "Two was far too many for me"
"You don't say? I adore my children" she responded, and continued to adjust her hair.
"Even without a Nanny?" the unknown woman asked, aghast.
Adelaide gave a sweet smile, "Of course"
"You were always different" Grace said. "How do you do it living out there?"
"I suppose having my ruggedly handsome husband there helps enormously" Adelaide said, dryly.
The other woman fell silent, finishing adjusting their dresses and then said their goodbyes, but Susan stayed behind.
"It is good to see you, Addie" Susan said, sincerely.
She turned to her. "Thank you, I'm glad to have a friend here"
"Don't mind the others. You know how it is" Susan said, softly.
She nodded, "Yes, I do know. That doesn't mean I have to like it"
"You were never one for all of this, were you?" she asked.
"Does it show?" Adelaide frowned.
"No" Susan responded quickly, "You are charming, Adelaide, truly. Your husband is making quite the impression too"
"I'm surprised to see you here" Adelaide admitted.
"Stanley is a benefactor for the university. He loves supporting these causes that better the lives of the poor"
"That's noble" she said.
"It is" Susan rose. "I better be getting back. Are you coming?"
"Soon" Adelaide said, "I need a bit of a break from dancing"
"You have been called upon a lot tonight" Susan said. "Have you danced with your husband yet?"
"No" Adelaide said.
Susan smiled, "Make sure you do that. He is so ruggedly handsome, it would be a shame to miss that opportunity"
Adelaide laughed and Susan left her alone.
She took a breath and leaned against the vanity table, gripping it. Her stomach wanted to rebel- maybe from the food, maybe from the dancing, maybe from the glass and a half of champagne that she wasn't used to. She looked at herself in the mirror and took some deep breaths. She could do this. She would do this and try to ignore the comments. This is the way it worked. She knew the moment she married Neil that coming back to this would be next to impossible without the catty remarks. Still, it was frustrating and hurtful nonetheless. Tears sprang to her eyes. She didn't know why she was so emotional about it all, but she was. She spent a few more minutes alone, before pulling herself together and heading back to the party.
Adelaide reached for another glass of champagne, sipping it slowly.
"How are you, Adelaide?" Edward came up beside her as he took one from the waiter.
"Just wonderful" Adelaide gave him her most proper lady smile.
Ed laughed. "Don't let them get to you"
"Who?" Adelaide asked, still drinking her champagne.
"Whoever is putting that look on your face" Edward said, "It's not worth it" He reached to take her glass of champagne. "Come dance with me. You promised me a dance and you have been so occupied all night long"
"I know" Adelaide sighed as she spoke in low tones to Ed, "Why do they all want to dance with me?"
"Well, this is partly a reception for your husband. But more than that, the benefactors here are people you grew up with in society. They remember you and you have always been an enigma. It's incredibly attractive quality for any man"
"I've danced with quite a few doctors tonight"
They began to waltz.
"You made quite a stir coming to the lecture. Again, it's the enigma. And you look absolutely lovely tonight. And frankly, they want to dance with you because you are a stunning woman and it is always enjoyable to dance with one so beautiful"
"You mustn't let Neil hear you say that" Adelaide murmured.
"He knows it" Edward laughed, "He's commented on it all night to me. It's a shame that he is forced to be occupied with making contacts and discussing his research with the doctors who are here. It's driving him mad"
"Really?" Adelaide asked, surprised.
"Yes, really" Edward responded. "Are you surprised?"
"He loves talking about his research- it's his passion"
Edward laughed. "You are his passion, Adelaide. Be confident and don't let those women bother you. They are jealous"
"They said I've lowered myself"
He laughed harder, "Jealous, Adelaide" he insisted. He stopped dancing and took her hand, "Come, Addie"
"What are we doing?" she asked.
They approached Neil. "Excuse us" Edward said, "but this lovely woman would like to dance with her husband and I think since this is the final dance we should oblige her"
"For sure" Thomas Smith said, "How are you, Mrs. MacNeill?"
"Well, thank you" she smiled.
"Did you enjoy the lecture?" he asked, his eyes twinkling.
"Immensely" she responded as Edward gave her hand to Neil.
"We'll see you later then" Thomas said.
"I haven't seen you all night" Neil complained as he took her to the floor. "Well, I've seen you dancing with all but me"
Adelaide laughed as they began to waltz easily- them in complete natural unison with each other. "Edward said you might be a bit jealous"
Neil chuckled. "That's an understatement"
"I'm so surprised" she said, honestly.
"You would be" Neil told her frankly. "I have the most beautiful wife in the room, yet I have been unavailable to enjoy her charms tonight"
"My charms?" Adelaide chuckled. "I didn't know I had any"
"You have it in spades" Neil retorted. "And there is no one I would rather dance with than you"
"It's feels so perfect when we dance together" Adelaide said.
"We were made for this dance, Adelaide" Neil told her, appreciatively. They finished the waltz and Neil kissed her head. "Thank you for supporting me with this"
Adelaide took his hand in hers, "I'll always support you, Neil. Always"
"I know that and I am so grateful to you for it, lass" Neil told her, squeezing her hand. "Come now. It's getting late. We should go home"
Later, Neil turned the lock to their room, its click breaking the silence that they found themselves in. He strode over to her. "I do believe you made a promise to me tonight" he told her, his voice intimate.
"I did"
"Give me your hand" he told her and she complied, him reaching to tug off the long glove from her hand. "Now the other, lass"
She stared at him as she put her other hand in his and allowed him to take over her glove. He stepped closer to her, his presence filling their room, the fire was in his step and in his eyes. She was already light headed from the champagne and the look he was giving her just intensified the feeling.
He reached around her to unclasp her pearls, catching them with his hand. "These are beautiful, Adelaide" He put them on the vanity that they were standing next to and reached for her headband. "And this" he slid it off, "You were the most stunning woman in the room"
"You are flattering me for a purpose" Adelaide teased.
"I am" Neil put his hands on her waist and with a quick movement turned her around, her squeaking in surprise. "But it still remains true" he pulled her against him. "Look at you, Adelaide. I can't believe I was only able to dance with you one time. What's the good of you looking this perfect if I can't enjoy you?"
She cleared her throat. "You are enjoying me now, are you not?"
"Aye" Neil responded, "Immensely, but do you know what I'll enjoy more?"
"What's that?" Adelaide asked, lightly.
"Taking this off you" Neil told her. He began to kiss down the back of her neck and around, rubbing her hands up and down her sides.
"Neil" Adelaide's breath in was sharp as he continued to kiss her neck and began to unbutton her dress, his touch intimate.
"You promised" Neil murmured, breathy.
"I did, but maybe I shouldn't have" she coughed slightly, "We are at my parents, remember?"
"In the opposite side of the house and everyone is asleep and the door is locked" Neil continued his attentions, now kissing her shoulder. "Relax, I've been wanting to do this all night. Don't spoil my fun"
She remained quiet and focused on watching what he was doing, facing the mirror. The women were right about one thing tonight- her husband was ruggedly handsome. And brilliant. And compassionate. And his accent made her swoon. They were insane to think she would trade him for this. The dress slipped to the floor.
"Blast it" Neil groaned as he witnessed what she was wearing underneath. He reached to undo her corset. "I hate that you are wearing these things"
"Of course I have to wear them" Adelaide said. "They aren't half as bad as they used to be when I lived here 8 years ago. Now, that was uncomfortable"
"Simon should have put his foot down and told you no. He was a doctor. He should know the stupidity of these things"
Adelaide laughed, "Love, he knew the necessary evils of this life. They aren't as dangerous as they were fifty years ago. I wouldn't have worn those, but these are fine"
"Then why don't you wear them at home?"
"Because no one does" Adelaide said, easily. "I have to wear it while I'm here because everyone does"
"You have always been a rebel, why not with this?" He leaned down to kiss her skin. "It left marks" his tone was disapproving.
"Because I'm still not used to it. It's fine, I promise" Adelaide retorted. "Now, get on with it"
"Demanding, Mrs. MacNeill" Neil slide her corset down and helped her step out of it. He turned her around.
"It's the two and a half glasses of champagne I drank" Adelaide said. "I forgot that champagne goes straight to my head"
"Wait" Neil froze. "How many did you say?"
"Two and a half, I think. I'm not really sure" Adelaide leaned over to untie his bow tie and began to work on the buttons to his shirt. "I've had a glass or two before at parties and we would always have wine with dinner. Simon never had a problem with it. I didn't think you did. Do you?"
"Of course not, lass, but it's been eight years" Neil said, "You are going to pay for that tomorrow"
She giggled, "No, don't be silly" she pulled off his shirt. "I'll be fine"
"I'll remind you of that tomorrow" Neil told her. "Are you up to this? Do you feel lightheaded now?"
"You just undressed me and now I just took off your shirt" Adelaide said, "Of course I do. I'm about swooning over here from the attentions of my husband" she mimicked a proper southern drawl, an accent that she only carried slightly, but could bring it out in full force when need be.
"Just quiet already" Neil chuckled as he scooped her up and carried her to the bed.
"What if I don't want to be..." Adelaide's voice trailed off as Neil deposited on the bed and proceeded to effectively silence her. And she decided she was just fine with not talking.
Up next: Their Asheville visit continues...
