This story has been beta'd by The Duchess of Fanfiction Sunflower Fran.

BD Chapter 28

Edward

"Ahh!" Bella cries out.

"That's it. Feel me moving inside of you. Filling you as only I can." I continue to chase the euphoric feeling that runs through me as I am sheathed in my wife's heat.

"Yes! God Yes!" Bella arches off the bed as I continue to ravish her.

I press my forehead against my wife's as I move inside of her. We have been connected all night and all morning trying to delay the inevitable.

My departure to London.

Bella pulls me towards her; our lips greedily crash together while we are still connected. One of my hands grips her thigh, while her fingers run through my hair.

Our tongues make love to each other, sensually moving as one. My other hand lays flat against her head. We cling on to the other desperately as if we shall never again see each other.

Bella squeezes me, causing me to cry out in ecstasy. "Oh, Darling!"

"Edward!" She yells throwing back her head.

My lips attach to her long, delectable neck, finding it irresistible. Sucking and biting, I grind my lower half against hers, hitting her sensitive nub and feeling her skin sliding against my own. The sounds of our joining fill the room and causes a hunger to grow inside of me, and I want nothing more but to possess my wife.

Bella's grip on my neck increases while I pull her closer trying to close any space between us. It's as if I cannot get near enough to her.

Her fingernails trace down my spine to my derriere, where she squeezes hard.

"You little minx." I bite at her neck.

I continue peppering kisses up the column of her décolletage along her chin leading to her plump lips.

I suck her bottom lip into my mouth, running my tongue against it as Bella meets me, upward thrust for downward thrust.

My hand goes to her womanhood where we are joined. I reach my fingers down to rub furiously at her nub.

"I'm close," I say letting out a very un-gentlemanly growl.

"Mmmhmm, Ahh!" Bella's body stills, her walls constrict against my cock as she is hit with her own completion.

I continue to thrust inside of her as I take her pert pink nipple between my lips. Looking at the vision that is my wife, I am blinded by love and desire. Her teeth are sunk in her bottom lip, eyes closed; her beautiful hair is a mess around her gorgeous face, which is flushed from her pleasure.

Unable to contain myself any longer, I release inside of her letting out a cry of pleasure as my grip on her waist increases. When I am spent, I collapse next to her pulling her close to me. My lips ravish hers hungrily as I explore the depth of her mouth.

"Don't go," Bella whispers against my lips as she stares into my eyes.

I am unable to contain the constant dread I feel in the pit of my stomach the closer we come to my leaving. To be away from her for even a matter of days causes pain to pierce my heart.

Bella has not been her usual happy self the closer we've come to this dreaded day. It wounds me dearly to see her so forlorn. On several occasions, I've come very close to canceling my trip.

After the dinner party, I sent my response to McCarty informing him that Carlisle, Jasper and I will arrive for the hanging. I sent a second missive to Jenks to prepare rooms for us all.

Last evening we retired early after dinner and this morning we've missed breakfast. I'm sure Charles will be very cross with me when I see him. He has been extremely amiable since the dinner party, but I am sure he will not be very pleased with my wife and me not being present the entire day. It is unquestionable that there is much speculation as to what we have been doing.

My imminent departure would be bearable if my wife were not constantly in tears. Although she has agreed to the trip, she is not at all happy about it. I have regularly found her in tears when she thinks no one is looking.

After dinner, I took her to our room where I kissed her tears away and spent the remainder of the evening worshipping her and showing her how madly in love I am with my beautiful wife.

I do not want to leave her and our unborn child, but I need to see the former Baron Cromwell pay for his wrongdoings. I realized that I want to see James hang, not just for his crime against poor Kathleen Cooke, but for Ben's sister and every other young lady that had to endure his cruelty. As well as for the intentions he had for my wife.

Bella runs her hand through my hair kissing my lips again and officially bringing me back to the present.

"I shall return before you can miss me." I kiss her temple.

A rumble from her belly fills the room. She blushes profusely burying her head in my neck.

"Darling, I must feed you and our son." I kiss her hair before I rise from the bed.

Strolling over to the servant bells on the far wall, I ring for Mrs. Cope before I put on my nightshirt and banyan.

"What time will you depart?" she asks sadly.

"I have tallied long enough; we must leave within the hour if we plan to reach Denali's Inn before nightfall." I take a seat on her side of the bed.

My fingers run through her long chestnut hair as my eyes greedily roam her person. The small protruding bump causes a smile to grace my lips as I bend down to kiss where my child is safely kept.

"Take care of your mother while I'm gone," I whisper with a smile on my face.

Bella's hand runs through my hair. I look up to find tears falling down her beautiful face.

"Oh Darling, please, no." I wrap my arms around her, and now it is my turn to bury my head against her chest to conceal my teary eyes.

Knock. Knock.

I rise, wiping Bella's eyes as she dabs at the tears in my own.

Striding over to the door, I open it slightly coming face to face with Mrs. Cope.

"You rang, Your Grace?" She curtseys.

"Yes, could you have a meal set up in the view room? Her Grace is famished."

"Of course, right away. The carriage is ready, and the rest of the family is in the Blue Drawing room."

"Thank you, Mrs. Cope."

I close the door turning around to find my wife slipping on her chemise. Rushing over to her, I pull her into my arms kissing her madly.

"Mmm, I must get dressed, your child is ravenous." She gives me one last peck before she leaves.

~TBD~

I watch my wife eat as if it was her first meal in days. Several times I've let a laugh escape my lips causing her to give me a deathly glare. At least I have learned my lesson to never keep a woman in her condition from eating.

"I shall never keep you hostage in our room for hours again. I've nearly starved my child!" I say in horror.

"I personally like when you keep me hostage." She leans over kissing my lips.

I pull her closer to me, my hands grasping the nape of her neck. I lose myself completely in my wife, so much so, that I do not notice that we now have company.

"Goodness! Did you two not have enough of each other?" Mother Es says.

Everyone enters, Alice is giggling as Charles glares at me. Carlisle and Jasper both have grins on their faces.

"Edward, we really should be going," Carlisle says standing by the entrance.

"Yes, of course. Let Bella finish her meal first." I sigh out in frustration.

"I'm done, Edward. I can always have something brought to me later." Bella tries to argue.

"No, I will wait until you're done. You and the baby need to eat." I push her plate towards her.

"Listen to your husband, Isabella," Charles says firmly nodding at me.

I am momentarily stunned as Bella again begins eating. I knew she was still unsatisfied as I watch her try to eat slowly.

"Darling, you mustn't wait too long to eat. You need to keep your strength." Renee rubs Bella's arm affectionately.

"I am mother. Edward, you should eat as well." Bella gives me a pointed look.

"Do you ladies have any plans to entertain Charles while we're gone," Carlisle asks smiling widely.

"We have great plans for Charles." Mother Es smiles over at my father-in-law.

"There are no plans for me. I am only here to make sure you ladies are carefully looked after and that my grandchild is comfortable." Charles clears his throat.

I have noticed that anytime he speaks of Bella's and my child he gets very emotional. This is very endearing indeed. It is in moments such as this that I think Charles and my friendship will survive my marriage to his only daughter.

"The baby is fine, Father, there is no need to worry." Bella delicately wipes her mouth with her napkin. "I'm done. You three must be going. I do not want you on the roads at night."

"Come now, we will walk you all out front." Mother Es takes Carlisle by the arm and leaves the room.

I reach out for my wife, taking her by the hand. We slowly follow the others through our home. My arm wraps around her waist pulling her closer to me.

Her body is trembling as tears fall from her eyes. I hastily wipe my own eyes, trying to mask my sorrow for parting with the woman I love for the first time in months.

"I love you, so much, Darling," I whisper against her temple.

Everyone walks outside to the carriage as I take Bella into the Ante-Library that sits right outside the entrance. This is the smaller of the two libraries at Chatsworth.

Once the door is closed behind us, I press her against the wall, kissing her lips as my thumbs wipe her tears away.

"I'm going to miss you so much, Edward. Hurry back to us." Bella stares into my eyes.

"Nothing could keep me away from you, Darling." I kiss her once more before I fall to my knees and kiss her stomach. "Nor you, little one."

Bella giggles wiping her eyes. "I love when you do that."

I stand to kiss my wife passionately one last time before we join the rest of our family outside.

Alice is in Jasper's arms with her head on his chest, while Mother Es and Carlisle hold hands next to the carriage. Thankfully, no one comments on our quick departure from the group. It is obvious that Bella has been crying, and I do not want our family's teasing to upset her more.

Ben walks over to me leaving Angela to stand with Renee and Charles. "Your Grace, the carriages are packed and ready to depart."

"Thank you, Ben" I turn to Bella wrapping her in my arms.

I ignore the fact that we are surrounded by both family and staff and press my lips to hers in a soft kiss. My hands cup either side of her face as hers grip my wrist.

"I love you," she whispers as tears fall.

"I love you, too, my Duchess." I peck her lip one last time and turn to join Carlisle and Jasper in the carriage.

Once I am seated, I turn to find Bella in Charles's arms crying. The carriage begins to move, and I wave until the house is no longer in sight.

"Don't worry, we'll return soon. I dare say her condition makes her more emotional than normal," Carlisle says patting my knee.

I clear my throat trying to dislodge the knot that seems to have formed. "What is my excuse?"

I sit back closing my eyes trying not to focus on the dread that seems to be sitting in the pit of my stomach.

I will see James receive the punishment he deserves and then I will return to my wife and child.

Bella

I stand outside watching the carriage disappear until it is just a tiny speck in the distance. My father leads me back inside the house with the rest of the ladies.

"I'll say you need a bit of cheering up, Darling." My mother says wrapping her arms around me.

"That is an excellent idea. What do you all think of a picnic?" Mother Es asks excitedly.

"That would be wonderful, don't you think Bella?" Alice comes to my other side dabbing at my tear-stained cheeks with a handkerchief.

"Yes, it does, indeed." I turn to Mrs. Cope. "Please have tea sent to the Blue Room and have Uriana join us so that we can discuss a picnic."

"Of course, Your Grace."

I take a deep breath remembering that I am a Duchess and not a starry-eyed maiden. My husband will return, of that, I am certain, so there is no point in me moping about.

Father parts ways with us, going into the larger library. It seems he prefers books over the company of ladies. We reach the Blue Room, taking our seats. I sit between Angela and Alice hoping to avoid both my mother's constant doting.

"Angela, have you and Ben discussed when you would like to have the wedding?" I ask smoothing out my gown.

"He wants to tell his parents in person. He really wants them to attend so it depends on when his father is able to get away. He said he will ask His Grace to speak to his father's employer if necessary." Angela's face is glowing with happiness.

"I'm sure one word from Edward will do the trick with any employer," Mother Es says as one of the maids come in with our tea.

"Thank you, Lucy." I smile to her, but I notice she glances at Angela at my side.

How odd.

"Since we are being forced to leave, we shall come back for your wedding, and I dare say a few of your friends from Forkshire will want to attend." My mother gives me a pointed look.

"You are not being forced to leave. You were asked very politely, and you both will be back in two months time or sooner depending on Angela's wedding." I shake my head at her trying to be the victim.

A sharp rap is heard on the door and then Uriana enters. I smile, standing to greet her. She is a very stern woman with a large physique, and I always find her a joy to be around.

"Your Grace, you wanted to discuss a picnic?" she asks looking around the room.

"Yes. Uriana, but I don't believe you've met everyone." I wave my hand at each person. "Of course, you know Angela, but you haven't met my sister, Lady Hertford or my mother, Lady Renee. And, you know Lady Esme." I look over to find Mother Es and Uriana glaring daggers at each other.

"Uriana, I see that you have not changed," Mother Es says rather coldly.

"Neither have you." Uriana pierces her with a stare.

"Uriana, please sit." I wait for her to get comfortable. "We're going to have a small picnic in three days. Nothing grand, but this little one has been dying for your pigeon pie." I pat my abdomen affectionately.

"Of course! You also love my rice and apple cakes, and I'll make you some stewed fruits as well." She smiles widely at me getting excited over the additional dishes.

"Yes, that sounds lovely. Any request ladies?" I turn smiling.

"I would love a cold ham," Mother says wistfully.

"Of course. How many are we expecting, Your Grace?

"There are six of us, and I was going to invite three or four more ladies. I believe most of their husbands will be occupied, but I will confirm the final number tomorrow." I smile standing once again.

"Very well, Your Grace. I shall have everything prepared." She bows her head and then exits the room.

"Es, what happened between you and the cook?" Mother inquires.

"Really, it's as if you two wanted to attack each other's person!" Alice says dramatically causing everyone to giggle.

"Cook is usually very intimidating, but that was downright frightening to watch!" Angela lays her hand on her chest.

She and Alice love to be dramatic. I shake my head at the both of them as they giggle like Mother and Mother Es.

"We've never seen eye to eye. After Edward Senior had died, she had difficulty taking orders from me since I remained on for a few months to help Edward. Also, it may have something to do with her lover ending up in my bed one time," she says rather innocently.

Everyone stares at her with their mouths agape.

"Don't look at me like that! The man was a phenomenal cook. I was upset over Edward Senior's passing, and I believe he and Uriana had parted ways because he was departing soon for Paris, leaving her here at Chatsworth. He lefta month later, and she never forgave me." She takes a sip of her tea as if she was speaking of the weather.

"Indeed! Angela, I think we should invite Mrs. Clinton. I haven't had an opportunity to visit with her and the children again." I prattle on trying to ignore Mother Es's admission.

"I say Es, thank heavens you found Carlisle. Who knows how many lovers you would still have!" My mother says giggling.

"True love can do remarkable things!" Mother Es says throwing her head back in delight.

We all giggle like girls and for a moment I forget that Edward is not home but on a lonely road to London.

The remainder of our time is spent going over details for the picnic and solidifying the guest list.

After sending missives to Lauren, Lady Bolton and Lady Elgin, Angela, and I take the carriage to the Clintons to invite Mrs. Clinton to the picnic. I hope she will not be disturbed by the other ladies.

Before I can knock on the door, Mrs. Clinton comes out with young Eliza on her hip. The babe happily reaches for me, and it causes a joy to surge through my being. I take little Eliza Clinton in my arms smiling as her little hands tap my face playfully.

"Your Grace! What a lovely surprise." She bobs a curtsey.

"Thank you, Charlotte. I do not mean to intrude, but I wanted to invite you and the children to a picnic in three days time." I bounce the babe in my arms.

"You are too kind, I would love to attend. However, my sister is staying with us, and she is not herself. I do not feel comfortable leaving her," she says sadly.

A flutter in the window causes me to look up at a retreating figure that I assume is her sister. A cold chill runs down my spine, but I quickly forget it as Eliza tugs at my hair.

"I am very sorry your sister is not feeling well. She is most welcome to come of course. His Grace has gone to town with my sister's husband and his mother's husband, so we are left to entertain ourselves. Please do try to visit, I want to discuss child rearing with you as I am expecting."

"Your Grace! How wonderful! I will try to attend." She reaches over for Eliza, and the child goes happily.

"Have your husband send word. Good day, Charlotte." I bow to her and turn towards the carriage.

Once I am seated, I look to find someone staring out the window. I can tell from the stature that it is a lady, but her face is concealed.

"Eliza adores you, Bella. I think that means you are having a boy!" Angela says excitedly.

"Wherever did you hear such an old wives' tale?" I tease her as the carriage starts to move.

"Cook said it once when Carol was expecting, and little Beth loved following her around," she smiles thinking of the staff at Chatsworth.

"You must invite everyone to the wedding once you have a date. I will host it and make sure your day is magnificent."

"Oh, Bella! Thank you, but I do not want you to overexert yourself. His Grace will not be pleased," she says squeezing my hand.

"His Grace will have no choice but to allow me this one vice. It's not every day my closest friend gets married!" I bounce excitedly.

"Very well, but if you feel unwell at any time, you must rest." Angela gives me a somber look.

"Of course, but do not start acting like Edward." I sigh out missing him more with the mention of his name.

"They shall return before we know it. I cannot wait so that Ben and I can finally make wedding plans."

The carriage stops at my home, and we exit talking excitedly about the upcoming events we have planned.

A/N: My dear ladies! I am sorry for the wait! Up next is the picnic and a surprise … I am in the middle of a family crisis and I've started a temporary job assignment! The good news is Fran had me split this chapter in half so the next chapter is done and will post in a sennight. Thank you!