Don't own it. Edward owns me, though.
As always, thank you so much for your support of this story. I am always stunned at the kind words and encouragement you send my way. I will admit that I have been very guilty of reading so many stories and not reviewing. However, now that I know how precious they are, I try to review everything I read. My sincerest thanks to those of you who let me know what you think of this little tale.
EPOV
"Bella, are you awake?" I brushed the hair from her face and let my fingers trace the curve of her neck as she began to slowly stir. I had awakened early and lay for some time watching her sleep in my arms. It was only when it became painfully necessary to rise and see to my morning needs that I left her resting comfortably in our bed. After dressing for the day and retrieving a tray from the kitchen, I returned to find her still sleeping and was hesitant to wake her, knowing I had exhausted her last night.
My memories of last night were overwhelming. The unguarded trust she had placed in me to care for her, the responsiveness of her body to my touch, and the manner in which she offered herself to me fully had given me the single greatest night of my existence. Knowing she was exhausted and would be uncomfortable so soon was the only thing that kept me from claiming her repeatedly in the night.
"Edward?" Her quiet voice roused me from my thoughts. She rolled to face me as I sat beside her on the bed. I reached for her hand, bringing it to my lips as she looked up at me.
"Good morning. I would inquire as to your rest, however, I know for a fact that you rested well, my love."
She blushed beautifully as she looked away. "I did rest well. Thank you."
I could not help but laugh at her shyness. "It is I who should thank you, sweet wife. Come, I have some breakfast."
She sat up as I held her robe out to her. It did not escape my notice that she flinched and winced as she moved.
"Are you well, Bella?"
She immediately burned bright red once again and her eyes grew large and round as she looked away quickly.
"Bella?"
She gave me a small smile before speaking quietly. "I am well, just a bit… um… sore."
Realization dawned, and truth be told, I was proud to have marked her that way. I could not voice that to her, but felt it none the less. Grinning at her, I responded in the only way I could, arrogant as it was.
"While I regret your discomfort, love, I must admit that I do not regret the cause of it. I will own to hoping for a quick recovery so that we may support that cause avidly."
"Edward!" She pushed at my shoulder, rising from the bed while gaping at me.
Laughing heartily at her shocked expression, I wrapped her in my arms and cocked a brow at her when she met my eyes.
"Speak the truth, Isabella, your hopes are the same, are they not?"
She giggled as she reached up on the tips of her toes to kiss me. It was a playful, sweet kiss and I could not help but marvel at her lighthearted mood. I could not help but believe that the woman I held this morning was the woman she would have always been had her circumstances not changed the course of her life. Guiding her over to the table that had been placed near the hearth, I held her chair as she was seated before taking the seat across from her.
"What have you planned for the day?"
"I would very much like to see my father. It has been several days." I could sense her nervousness as she waited for my response. Reaching across the table, I took her hand in mine, giving it a gentle squeeze.
"I believe he would be glad to have your company. Would you like me to accompany you or would you prefer to go alone?"
"I am uncertain." She was quiet for a moment as she contemplated her options. Finally meeting my gaze, she smiled hesitantly. "Would it be troublesome for you to accompany me in the carriage and then determine whether you should enter the house once we arrive?"
"Not at all. I would very much like to be with you today. I do have a few matters I need to attend to, but I would be happy to accompany you this afternoon."
The remainder of our breakfast was filled with conversation, longing gazes and laughter. There was a joy in my Bella I had not seen before and could not help but marvel at the difference made in her by a sense of security. I silently vowed to be unfailing in my efforts to provide a secure and safe life for her. It would be well worth the effort for the joy it would bring her.
With breakfast behind us, I left Bella in the care of Jane who had come to draw a bath for her. I was certain Alice had something to do with this, and was grateful that Bella had a woman to look out for needs that I would be unaware of. I had not thought of the discomfort she might experience as a result of our lovemaking and resolved that perhaps Jasper or my father could give me some guidance regarding the care and nurture of my wife.
Making my way downstairs, I found Jasper in the study pacing as he perused an accounts log. I recognized it immediately as the log for estate accounts and knew instinctively that he had uncovered information regarding the estate's financial history.
"What have you found?"
He stopped pacing and quickly looked up as I entered the room. Turning several pages, obviously looking for something particular, he walked to the desk and placed the log down beside another stack of papers. Ruffling through the sheets until he found the one he was searching for, he placed it alongside the log and motioned me over.
"Look at this, Edward. The statements from the depository show amounts matching exactly to the signature of one James Smith."
Not understanding the significance, I shook my head as I compared the numbers.
"This shows only that he made large deposits into his personal account. What has that to do with the estate?"
Pulling another log from beneath the stack already visible, he pointed to the page.
"And would you find these numbers any more interesting?"
Once again comparing the numbers, the truth was glaringly obvious. The amounts made to the depository were the exact amounts signed to Mr. Smith by Mr. Swan for household and estate expenses. The entire story was contained in the handwritten ledgers laid before me. Mr. Swan had signed over the funds to Mr. Smith with the intent that they be used to provide for the estate. Mr. Smith had simply deposited the funds in his personal account. No one had bothered to seek out the ledger for Mr. Smith's account until now, and the evidence was undeniable. The only piece to the puzzle was finding Mr. Smith and holding him accountable for his theft.
"Have you come to this information through legal means?"
"Of course. It was only a matter of asking the proper authorities. Having a legal practice certainly does nothing to hinder my progress either."
Jasper was an exceptional attorney. He had an innate ability to read people which seemed to allow him the advantage in most situations. I trusted his judgment entirely.
"Jasper, have you revealed this to anyone else?" At his denial, I continued. "I am uncertain as to whether I should tell Isabella. I do not want to raise her hopes, but I do not wish to deceive her either. Perhaps we should alert the authorities and proceed at their recommendation."
"I have requested an audience with the constable. I would prefer you leave this to me as your counsel. I will handle the more unseemly details and secure your wife's fortune. You can simply step in at the last moment and provide her with a knight in armor to save the day."
We were laughing by the end of his speech. I did understand his meaning, however. I would be able to keep my name and reputation from anything concerning Mr. Smith and once located, the Swan name and fortune would be restored. It took us only a few more minutes to finalize details for his meeting with the constable. I gave him free reign to do whatever necessary to find Mr. Smith and took my leave of him, heading for the sitting room. There were two women I desperately needed to confront and I hoped to find them quickly.
As I rounded the corner, I could hear shouting and immediately recognized one of the voices to be Rosalie's. Upon entering the room, I found Tanya and Rosalie standing face to face, obviously furious with one another, surrounded by my mother, Alice, Garrett and Kate. Stepping inside, I closed the door behind me, and looked to my mother for an explanation. She immediately moved to my side and began to make inquiries.
"Edward, tell me honestly, had you ever met Garrett before last night?"
"No. We did have a brief exchange through correspondence to arrange a meeting after Christmas. It was set to discuss some business matters regarding Uncle Robert's estate. We had never met face to face before last evening. What has that to do with the shouting?"
Upon hearing my answer, Rosalie turned her furious glare on Tanya. "You lied to me! I spoke for you, recommended you to this family and you have lied to me!"
Looking to my mother, I asked, "What has happened? What has it to do with my correspondence with Garrett?"
Alice stepped around the angry women to where we were standing and offered the full story.
"It seems that Tanya was dishonest with Rosalie regarding the nature of your relationship. She led Rosalie to believe that there was an understanding between the two of you and that you had, in fact, contacted her father with the intention of betrothal. She played herself to be the wronged party at the announcement of your marriage to Isabella. Rosalie has discovered the truth this morning while visiting with Kate and is understandably offended at her cousin's unseemly behavior."
Turning my attention to Garrett and Kate, I felt it necessary to assure them of my innocence regarding their daughter.
"Garrett, Kate, I can only imagine what you must be thinking if you truly believed there to be an understanding between myself and your daughter. There is nothing I can offer in my defense except the truth. I have never had any intention of courtship or marriage where Tanya is concerned. It surely has no reflection on her, but rather my unwillingness until very recently to settle down. You must know that I – "
"Edward." Kate's soft voice stopped my ramblings. "We have had no illusions concerning our daughter for quite some time now. She desires an advantageous marriage and for that there can be no fault. The fault lies in her endeavors. She has claimed an untruth where you are concerned and for that we are very sorry."
Hearing her mother's words, Tanya focused on me. "Edward, how is it that you fail to see the life we could have. I know you feel something for me."
"I am married, Tanya, and I love my wife."
Her next words shocked me. In truth, I believe they shocked every person in the room.
"I have no issue with you keeping her. We can be discreet, Edward. You can keep me in the manner to which I am accustomed and I will keep you satisfied."
Even more shocking was the small, yet clearly confident voice that answered her.
"I am the only one who will provide his satisfaction. I share his name, I share his life, I share his bed, and I alone hold his affection. However, I no longer wish to share my house with you. You will collect your things and leave my home immediately."
Turning to face her, I was stunned at the brave young woman I beheld. She was stunning in her indignation and it required every bit of my restraint at that moment to keep from kissing her senseless in the presence of our guests.
Tanya turned her disbelieving eyes on me. "Edward?"
Standing resolutely beside my Bella, I wrapped my arm around her waist and met Tanya's glare, raising my brow in challenge. "I believe my wife has asked you to leave."
With a piercing shriek, Tanya turned and left the room, slamming the door behind her. Immediately, Bella's knees collapsed under her as she leaned heavily against my chest. Grateful that I already had a hand on her, I lifted her and gently moved her to a nearby chair. Once she was seated, I knelt in front of her, holding my hands in hers as she began to tremble. Alice quickly brought a glass of water which I placed in Bella's hand, holding it steady until she began to calm herself. When her eyes finally met mine, they were shining with unshed tears.
"Please do not be angry, Edward. I could not hear her speak such vile things. What she suggests… I cannot… I –"
Holding her gaze, I spoke quietly to reassure her. "I am in awe of your courage, Bella. If you had not entered the room, I would have demanded her departure as well. I am filled with pride at your determination and protection of our marriage. Thank you, love."
She wrapped her arms around my shoulders and buried her face in my shoulder. Placing my lips at her ear, I whispered words that I intended only my wife to hear. "Truly, Bella, your passionate declarations have filled me with much more than merely pride and awe, and I will be only too happy to show my gratitude when we are alone."
Raising her eyes to mine, she sought for sincerity in my gaze and found it easily, grinning and then finally allowing a giggle to escape. At the sound of it, there was a collective sigh of relief in the room. Standing and turning my attention to Garrett and Kate, I took a deep breath and tried to control the damage done by their wanton daughter.
"Garrett, I can only imagine what you must be feeling. I will not speak of this incident as I would not have your name tarnished regardless of the scandal Tanya has brought to this house."
Garrett held tightly to his wife's hand as he spoke. "Edward, I am truly sorry for the behavior of my daughter. In truth, she has been fixated on you for some time now. I had hoped that the announcement of your marriage would dispel some of her fervor. I regret that she has so disrupted the nerves of your dear wife."
I opened my mouth to speak, but Bella spoke before I had opportunity.
"Mr. and Mrs. Denali, you are always welcome in our home as you have clearly demonstrated the honor of your character. I regret I cannot extend the same courtesy to your daughter. My attachment to my husband is too dear to allow her any opportunity."
The moments that followed were full of kindly spoken words and assurances of friendship. It seemed that my Bella had easily won over the hearts of our family friends. Through all of it, however, Rosalie stood silent near the hearth. Needing to determine her involvement, I made my way to her.
"I would hope that you had nothing to do with Tanya's deception."
Her eyes snapped to mine immediately. "Edward, you know I would never take part in any scheme that would affect my daughter's future. Please, you must believe that I was informed that you intended to marry her. She declared to me her love for you and assured me that you had contacted her father to make an arrangement and eventual betrothal." Turning her eyes to the fire, she continued in a whisper, "I am ashamed to have trusted her, only to come to the truth and find she was entirely false. Please, forgive me."
"You have not wronged me, Rose. And it is not my forgiveness you need to seek."
Catching Bella's attention, I smiled at her, chuckling at the quick blush that adorned her face. Walking over and taking her hand in mine, I pulled her to me, kissing her cheek.
"Are you ready to depart? The carriage is waiting to deliver us to your father."
"Of course. Let me gather my shawl." She turned to take her leave.
I frowned at her words, grasping her hand tightly, stopping her departure. "Have you no cloak? It seems to grow colder by the day and a shawl will not provide you with enough warmth."
Her cheeks reddened in embarrassment as she looked away and spoke quietly. "I do not."
"Then we shall remedy that today. Gather your shawl and I will await your return."
She smiled widely and pushed herself up on her toes to kiss me on the cheek before turning to quickly leave the room. Shaking my head, I could not help but chuckle at her enthusiasm and wondered if each day would bring new joys with my Bella. Already I had witnessed a playful lover, a fierce protector, a compassionate hostess, and who knew what revelations the remainder of the day would hold.
* * * A H R * * *
"Were I to make an inquiry, would you answer me honestly, Isabella?"
Her eyes were wide and she seemed startled by my words. "Of course I would. I have never spoken an untruth to you, Edward. I will admit to withholding information out of fear or doubt, but I have never given you an outright lie."
Moving to sit beside her in the carriage, I took her hand in mine and smiled gently. "I did not mean to imply you would lie. I only wished to convey that I did not want the question considered lightly."
Nodding in understanding, she kept her eyes on mine as she waited for me to speak.
"Are you truly happy, Bella?"
"Yes, of course I am." She was obviously perplexed as to my line of questioning. But as I had watched her fidget with her clothing and bite her lip nervously for the past several minutes, I knew her worries concerning appearing publicly for the first time as a married woman had gotten the better of her. I simply wanted to find a way to put her at ease.
"Then tell me, why are you concerned with the opinion of others? If you are truly content as my wife, and I am beyond thrilled to be your husband, what matter is it to us what the good people of our town think?"
"It is not the good people that worry me, husband."
"Do you fear that I will love you any less?"
"No."
"Will you love me any less?"
"Never!"
"Then let us not worry on it any longer." Placing my hands on her cheeks and pulling her to me, I kissed her soundly while brushing my thumbs along her jaw and tilting her head to deepen the kiss. If it were up to me, we would turn the carriage and return home to the privacy of our bedchamber, but, alas, we were already arriving on the outskirts of town. Not wishing to cause her discomfort, I reluctantly pulled away and met her eyes as my hands cradled her face. "I love you, my Bella. Never doubt that and never let anyone convince you otherwise."
"I love you, my Edward." She was smiling and seemed more at ease as the carriage door opened and I stepped out and reached back to offer my hand. After a moment, she took a deep breath, placed her hand in mine and allowed me to assist her from the cab.
Once her feet were firmly on the ground, I draped her hand in the crook of my arm and turned us toward the dressmakers shop. I knew Mrs. Cope had ordered several dresses for Bella and that most of them were ready, but I was glad for the opportunity to be certain that they met Bella's approval before having them delivered. I also intended to purchase cloaks, shoes, and whatever else she would allow me to provide for her.
An hour later, we are walking out of the dress shop, handing packages to Eric to load into the carriage. Bella was now wearing a dark blue wool cloak that caused her skin to glow. She was lovely. I would have paraded her all over town, but I knew she was nervous and anxious to see her father. We had one final stop to make before heading for the cottage.
"Miss Swan! Oh, pardon me. Mrs. Cullen, lovely of you to stop in." Mr. Banner was thrilled to see her. He leaned in and kissed her cheek, smiling proudly at her the entire time. "Have you come to brighten an old man's day, or is there something I can get for you?"
"Thank you, Mr. Banner. I have actually come for both. I am so very glad to see you." Her voice quieted as she continued. "I wished to thank you for holding my possessions. It was overwhelming to know you had kept them in the hopes of returning them to me."
"Your husband was quite adamant in returning your things to their rightful owner. His persistence has paid off, I see. You look happy, dear girl. That is the only thanks I need."
Bella lifted up and kissed him sweetly on the cheek and then promptly wiped at her eyes. I held out my handkerchief to her and smiled as she met my gaze. The worries of this morning were gone and she seemed confident and happy. It was to be short-lived however, as we encountered Mrs. Mallory only moments later. Bella had followed Mr. Banner to the far side of the store to find a new book for her father while I perused a selection of gloves in the hopes of finding some to match her cloak. I did not hear the door to the shop open to allow that hateful woman to enter. The first indication I had that something was terribly wrong was the sound of Mr. Banner's voice as he shouted from the back of the store.
"You are a vile woman, Caroline Mallory, and your money is of no value in this store without an apology to Mrs. Cullen."
"An apology? She has the audacity to make a claim on Mr. Cullen and good society is to sit by as he is taken at advantage for his wealth. Surely she has forced him into a compromising position. He would never have wed her otherwise!"
As I stepped into her line of sight, her shocked expression told me she had no knowledge of my presence in the shop. Offering my hand, I waited for her to place hers in mine. Once she had, I quickly grasped it and gave a gentlemanly bow before raising my eyes to hers. "I have not had the pleasure, Mrs. Mallory. Edward Cullen."
She stood speechless for a moment and I took the opportunity to glance at my Bella. She stood frozen beside Mr. Banner, waiting for the confrontation to play out before her. Turning my attention back to Mrs. Mallory, I spoke confidently, defending my wife delicately.
"Mrs. Mallory, it would appear that news of our marriage has traveled quickly. I believe I can put to rest any concerns you might have regarding the way our marriage occurred. I will gladly admit that I loved Isabella from the day I met her. We married that very day. I begged her unashamedly for our marriage and have not regretted a moment of it since. I look forward to getting to know her acquaintances as I know you have all loved her much longer than I. For now, I must bid you good afternoon as Mrs. Cullen and I have another visit to make before the evening meal."
Offering my hand to Bella, I pulled her to my side immediately and turned her toward Mr. Banner. "Sir, I have chosen a few items that I wish to purchase for my wife as well as those she has chosen for her father. We are prepared to settle our account at your leisure."
He was quick to handle our purchases and I walked Bella back to the carriage at a gentle stroll. Once inside the carriage, she quickly turned her inquisitive gaze on me. I addressed her questions before she could voice them.
"I spoke no untruths. I have already told you that I knew I loved you the night I brought you to Collingsworth. And I did beg you for our marriage. It was decidedly after we were married, but I did beg you for it to remain." Watching her carefully for any sign of upset, she took me by surprise a moment later when she grasped my face in her hands and kissed me with no small amount of passion. Her lips were insistent against mine, pressing forward until her tongue found entrance to my mouth and tangled with my own. She had nearly climbed into my lap and was pressing her body tightly against my own when I felt the warmth of her tears on my cheek. Pulling away from her just enough to observe her face, I was overwhelmed with the emotion I found there.
"You have completely disarmed the gossips with a few words. How is it that you always know what to do or say? I am either reduced to tears or wish to strike in anger, but you always know how to manage a situation. And I cannot begin to understand how, in doing so, you cause something inside of me to burn so that I feel out of control of my own body!" Her next words were whispered as though she would be mortified should someone hear them. "Is it shameful to feel desire in the daylight when there are others near? I cannot help myself, husband. What have you done to me?"
I could not contain my laughter at her wide-eyed innocence. "I certainly hope not, wife, for I burn for you as well. And as for what I have done to you, well, it is nothing compared to what I plan to do to you very soon."