A/N: Uh-oh. Turning point for some, tragic for others.
All mistakes are my own.
I do not own FSOG. Just this plot.
…Have I not my own mind? What shall you 'suggest' for me on this day? You say I will suffer the consequences of my actions…then let me suffer them. I would rather meet my maker than to live through what someone has chosen for me. –Gossip columns.
If Ana believed Lady Ackley's home to be a dream, then the captains was as close to paradise as one could get.
Once the carriage came to a stop, Christian nodded to his footman who opened the door. Jumping from it, he held out his hand, assisting Ana. Taking his hand, she gingerly stepped out of the surprising comfortable transport, onto the gravel. Glancing up, she instantly gasped.
"Oh, my."
Following his lead, Ana glanced around the wide, spacious porch, that wrapped around the entire home. She'd never seen anything like it. Ascending the four steps, she smiled at what looked to be the groundskeeper. The door was opened instantly by a thin, tall, older gentleman with kind eyes.
"Sir."
"Gavin. This here is Lady Anastasia Steele. She is the duke and duchess of Essex's daughter. She is here by my invitation."
Surprise could be seen on the man's features, before he made a hasty bow.
"Of course. Welcome Lady Steele, and please, feel free to seek me out should you need any assistance."
Opening the door wider, he allowed the captain and lady to enter before closing the door behind the couple.
"Sir, several correspondents came in today. I've set them on your desk."
"Very good, Gavin."
"Also, your sister has requested your presence tomorrow at noon."
Of course she has, Christian thought wryly
Rolling his eyes, Christian nodded.
"Yes. Thank you."
Knowing he was being dismissed, he made another bow before heading off to the right of the home, down a long hall. Christian noted that Ana had left him speaking with Gavin, and had drifted off to a window in the sitting room. Christian studied her profile, marveling at how her skin was made even more appealing by the sun. Her bountiful hair, which was currently askew due to their travel in the carriage. The smile that graced her lips as she gazed out into what was surely the ocean made him feel things that he was unable to identify. As if she could sense his stare, she spoke.
"I thought I would tire of the ocean after being upon your ship. However, staring at the beautiful water, and waves, has only increased my yearning for more."
"More? More of what?" he asked quietly, stepping further into the room.
"I see the ocean every day. And although it is the same water as before, it is different somehow. It's almost as if the water has a new story to tell every day. I wonder what the different shores would say if they could speak."
Standing behind her, Ana could see the reflection of them in the window. She could see his gaze focused only on her, and it made her a bit nervous, and-
Excited.
She was not a foolish young woman. And although her experience between the opposite sex had been a limited one, she understood what certain glances meant. And she wanted him to look at her in that way. She was pulled from her inner thoughts by his voice.
"You have such a way with words, Lady Ana. I wonder, if you've missed your calling as a poet in a former life."
Laughing softly, she turned, glancing up into his warm gray eyes.
"Nay. I would have to have more life experience to pull from in order to pull that off. Isn't that how the great works of fiction were created?"
Eyebrow raised, he smirked.
"I would have to disagree. I believe that one's imagination is the key to success. The more outlandish, the more successful. Granted, your earlier argument is true, I still believe imagination supersedes else."
Ana's eyebrow furrowed.
"Earlier argument?"
Amusement lit his features. "Oh, you know. I believe it was you who said on my ship that, 'most fiction tales are based in truth?' While that may be true, my argument still stands. Now, I promised you a tour, and by George, I am a man of my word. After you, Lady Steele."
Giggling at his formality, she took his offered hand, and followed him throughout his large home.
…
Whistling, Elliott smiled while thinking about his future wife.
Wife.
Miss Susanna was everything he wanted in a woman. She was kind, smart, and funny. Although soft-spoken she was very much stubborn, and had spirit about her. Her spirit let him know that their days would never be monotonous. Above all, she had such a giving heart. She was his one true love.
"Son? If I may, a word?"
Turning slightly, Elliott frowned.
"Of course." Elliott noted the stiff way in which his father held himself, and knew the matter they were about to discuss would be a serious one. Walking into his study, he stood by the door.
"Father?" he asked.
"Close the door, son."
Once it clicked into place, Elliott strode into the room. He saw his father lean back into his seat before pinching the bridge of his nose.
"Is everything alright? Has there been word on Ana's whereabouts?"
At that inquiry, Ray blinked his eyes open.
"Yes. Your sister is on the isles right now. She has been aboard Capt. Greystone's ship."
Eyes wide, Elliott took the seat in front of his father's desk.
"The Earl of Greystone? Does Ana know of their almost betrothal?"
Scoffing, he shook his head.
"No. He does not. At least, I wouldn't be too sure."
Elliott thought it was strange. He remembered long ago, when his sister had first come out to society, his father wanted to make sure the family name was secured, and the line continued on in the proper way. Sadly, no one seemed too keen on being married to Ana.
At least until they figured out Karina's dowry, Elliott thought snidely. To be fair, Elliott knew nothing of the Earl. However, upon his sister's return, he would make it his mission to judge the man's character.
"Do you think she is safe?"
At that, Ray took a long sip from his glass.
"I would hope so. She is a Duke's daughter. And with the ways of the world, that can be a good thing or a bad thing."
"Hmm."
Studying his son, Ray noted, that while he seemed saddened by his sister being absent, there was still a lightness about him that wasn't present before. He knew the reason; he just didn't know if his choice would produce the proper results.
"The Earl of Greenlee has contacted me concerning his daughter. He believes his daughter would be a good match for you. I would have to agree."
Elliott tried to not give any indication to his alternate plans. Save for a stiffening of his shoulders, he made sure his face was blank.
"Oh?" he asked, instead.
Ray was surprised. He was unable to read his son, and that was a first.
"Yes. I've spoken to the man. He will bring his daughter to the Mayfield estate at their ball this evening. You two can speak briefly."
I cannot do that! I have already planned to leave with Susanna tonight!
This had gone on long enough. Elliott knew that he couldn't marry anyone other than Susanna. It might seem ludicrous, and completely unheard of, but he knew his life was his own. He would just have to take the consequences.
"I'm sorry father, but I'm afraid I will be unable to speak with Lord Greenlee's daughter. She will not be a match."
Leaning back in his seat, he raised an eyebrow.
"Pray, tell me how you would know this?" He asked Elliott coolly. Taking a deep breath, the man in question squared his shoulders.
"I would know this, because I have found another in which I choose to marry. Someone, who will make me more than an agreeable wife."
"Ah. I take it this is about the maid, then?"
Stunned, Elliott opened his mouth to speak but was interrupted.
"Your sister made sure that I was aware. Thank God for her."
"Wha-What?" he said quietly.
Narrowing his eyes at his son, Charles slammed his fist on the table.
"I am glad she had the decency to warn me. I forbid this union! This will never happen. You cannot marry Susanna. She is a lovely woman, son, but she is a servant! I will not have it!" Angry at his father, he raised his voice as well.
"You will not have it? I cannot marry someone whom I barely know!"
"Tis' the way it is done!"
"Then maybe it should be changed! Father, you and mother have a great relation. I am sure yes, that you would even say you are in love. But you know as well as I that there have been more marriages that have ended in disaster! Why, just three days past Lady Emily killed herself when she found out her husband's mistress had just had their third son. Third! Why should he have bothered to marry Lady Emily in the first place if he knew he would never see her more than a business transaction? We have the power, you and I, to at least amend certain society rules, father. Why not start it now?"
"When did you become some dandy or sort? While others may be afforded the luxury to have the right to choose whomever they marry, we do not. You are a Steele. Act like it."
"Father, you are someone whom I admire, and respect. I however, cannot in good conscience marry someone who would see me as nothing more than to better her status in society. I, in turn, would never subjugate a woman to the same fate."
Leaning over the desk, he snarled at him.
"I figured you would say as much. That is why I have already sent Miss Susanna away."
Eye's wide, Elliott stood. He stared at his father in disbelief.
No!
"Father, she needed this job! Her brother is but a babe."
"I know this." Walking around his desk, he moved over to his window.
"That is why I have sent her off with funds. Enough funds to not only start a new life for herself, and brother, but to live comfortably. Should she need to find work, it would be for her own enjoyment, or to pass time." The Duke had originally planned to send the girl off with enough wages for several months only. However, when he asked her point blank if she'd been with his son intimately, he could see the truth in her gaze.
She could be carrying the next heir. The Duke would carry that to his grave. He would not have the family name tainted. It was already in tatters, with his daughter being kidnapped, then held at sea for days aboard a ship with men of a lesser class than herself. He had to salvage what he could of the family name in his son.
Meanwhile, Elliott kept shaking his head. He felt as if he barely knew the man standing in front of him.
"How could you do this?" he bit out, more than incensed with his father.
Turning from the window, he glared at his son.
"How could I do this? How could I? If you were thinking for one moment with your brain, instead of your baser needs, we would not be in this predicament. Once again, it is up to me in order to save this family. I have to make the hard decisions! From this day forth, you will never speak of this indiscretion. If you think of defying my rule, I will make sure Susanna never sees the light of day, and her brother is raised as an orphan."
Stepping back, Elliott's eyes took on a haunted appearance. He needed her safe. Elliott could imagine the hurt, shock, and fear of being unceremoniously tossed from her position because of him.
"Father. I have never asked of you anything. But please, I beg of you, take me to her. Let me see with my own two eyes that she is safe."
Ray could see the desperation in his son's gaze, but he couldn't budge. Even if he wanted to, he knew it would only lead to the family's destruction. Deciding to give him some peace, he spoke quietly.
"She is safe. She and her brother. They are living comfortable, and have no worry for food, water, or proper attire. That is all I can say to you."
Ray saw the light that once made his son's countenance an easy one disappears, and in its place, was a lifeless being.
"I will never forgive you for this."
Without another word, Elliott turned and quickly left his father's study.
…
"Your library is astounding, sir!"
After having a tour about the large home, Ana and Christian stopped at one of the last door at the end of the hall. Instead of the library being on the main floor, Christian made sure his was on the top floor. He thought reading, and doing business was more conducive when one could see the view of the ocean. Looking into Ana's eyes now, however, Christian was glad he made that decision.
"Captain. I would have to say these are the most number of books I have seen in my life, especially in one's residence." And it was. Almost every section of the large study space was filled with books. They seemed to be a part of the walls. There was a fireplace to the right of the room, and that was even surrounded by works of literature. The French doors behind his desk showed the wondrous sea, and the glass windows, similar to his office in town, demonstrated a craftsmanship rarely seen in London. Hands clasped to her chest, she continued to roam about the room, stopping when she saw a familiar text, or book that caught her eye. While she was exploring his space, he continued studying her. She looked to be in her element. Her enjoyment was tangible, and it caused him to feel the same. Joy, contentment. These were not typical words or feelings he would ever consider himself to feel on a daily basis. But, with Ana, everything was different.
"How did you ever obtain a wealth of these many books?"
"You consider this wealth?" he asked, amusement in his voice.
Turning around, she raised a brow in challenge at him.
"How can you not? Everything from economics to business, from the art of war, to treaty and peace keeping lies within the pages of books. Even lessons in morality could be discovered here. Everything a man would ever need to succeed in this world lies within a book. History exhibits man's constant mistakes. If it were not for books, we would never know of past grievances, and be in fear of a vicious cycle, which prohibits individual growth."
The more Cole got to know Ana, the more enraptured he became with her. Not with only her beauty, which was a distraction in itself, but of how her mind worked.
"You would have made a great strategist, Lady Steele, among many things."
Laughing, she pulled out a book of what looked to be poetry.
"A novel thought. However, my gender is what holds me captive, I'm afraid." Holding up the slim, golden brown book, she smiled.
"May I?"
Gesturing to her, he nodded.
"Of course. As a matter of fact, I will even allow you to take it."
"Thank you. I think I will start young Henry off with poems. It may help him to learn quicker."
Walking closer to her, he gently took a strand of her hair, which escaped its confines, and smiled.
"I am glad you convinced me to bring you here. I am glad to see you here, Ana."
Breath hitching, she could see the warmth in Cole's eyes. It was drawing her in, and making her very much want to be more than what they were.
"Why?"
Taking a deep breath, he took another step closer.
"Because I enjoy your company. I love to hear you speak. Lady Steele, I wonder if I might ask you something."
"You may," she stated, head tilted up to his face.
"I would like to formally ask you to the ball. I know this is short notice, but I would prefer if you accepted my invitation."
Blushing with pleasure, Ana bit her lip before smiling widely. It was probably one of the biggest smiles he'd ever seen on her face, and it brightened up her entire visage.
She was breathtaking.
"I would love to, sir."
Matching her smile, he nodded.
"Good."
Staring into each other eyes, Christian didn't know when the mood shifted in the room, but it became more intimate.
"Ana."
"Yes?" she asked, anxious of what his next words were going to be, yet curious at the same time.
"May I kiss you?"
Unable to speak, she only nodded. Closing her eyes, she waited for the feel of his lips descend of hers, sighing, when she felt them joined once more. Resting her hands on his arms, Ana moved closer into his embrace. She moaned when she felt Christian press his lips harder against her. She felt herself melting into his body when he kissed the top of her lip. She felt his tongue slide against her bottom, silently asking for entry. Gasping, she hesitantly opened her mouth, allowing his tongue to slide against her own. Christian was barely holding on to control. He knew bringing Ana to his estate would test his will. Throughout the tour of his home, he had to constantly remind himself that she was a lady, and should be treated as such. However, she was tempting, and innocent. Kind, and devious. He'd never met a woman such as her, and Christian was slowly starting to discover, he never wanted to find out.
Meanwhile, Ana had never experienced a kiss such as this in her life. She thought she never would, and now that she had, she found it difficult to think she could ever return to a life without it. More specifically, without Christian.
He needs to know, she thought suddenly.
Needing oxygen, Ana pulled away taking deep, steady breaths. She rested her forehead against Christian's luxuriating in his unsteady breaths against her skin. It gave her a bit of confidence to know she wasn't the only one suffering from the same breathless feeling as she was.
"Christian," she started, hesitant to speak, but understanding that it was important.
"Ana," he answered, opening his eyes to look into her troubled gaze. "What is it?" he asked, not liking to see the woman distraught.
"I lied earlier. About returning home. I have no intention of returning."
Alright folks! We're picking up speed. I'm thinking one more chapter before the ball, then….um….LOL leave me a review! It makes my day!