This story has been beta'd by The Duchess of Fanfiction Sunflower Fran.
Happy New Year!
Chapter 35
Bella
I wake to soft kisses peppering my neck and shoulders. One of my husband's large hands caresses my breast causing a moan to force its way through my lips as my eyes open slowly.
"Hmmm, Good morning, Your Grace." I reach one of my hands back grabbing his hair as I turn to bring his lips to mine.
Edward pulls me closer causing my behind to graze deliciously against his member. He lets out a groan as our tongues intertwine passionately. His fingertips pinch at my nipples, causing pleasure to soar through me as I pull away from the kiss to take a much-needed breath.
Turning me onto my back, Edward begins trailing kisses down my body. "I love seeing you round with my child," he says as he kisses the swell of my abdomen.
I also love seeing myself full with Edward's babe. There is now no question that I am with child. A fortnight ago, one may have questioned it, but now every gown shows the visible bulge.
"Ahh," I cry out as he begins laving my womanhood with special attention.
My hands grip his silky tresses as I try to pull him closer. It is becoming more difficult to maneuver around the marriage bed freely as spring grows closer.
"Edward! Yes!" I moan as he inserts two long fingers inside of me.
I massage my own breasts, as the feeling of ecstasy takes over me. My toes curl in pleasure, my head shakes side to side while my husband pleases me like no other has before or ever will.
"Mmm, I love the taste of you on my tongue," he whispers against my lips taking me by surprise.
So enraptured in my own desire, I had not noticed him rise up my body.
I taste my essence as we devour each other as if we are starving.
Sitting up on his knees he looks down at me licking his lips. "You are very naughty, Your Grace." I tease as I turn on my hands and knees.
I wiggle playfully knowing he has become very fond of this position since we can no longer join in the traditional way.
Slap.
"Edward!" I cry out as he massages my now stinging derriere.
"Don't tease your husband, My Duchess."
Before I can offer a reply, he enters me forcefully. I cry out in pleasure as he fills me, a moan fleeing from my lips. I lose myself in being one with him, feeling every inch of him as he moves inside of me. The firm hand on my hip as he moves me back and forth reminds me that he is in charge of our mutual pleasure.
"Oh, Edward!" I cry out as he bends down to place an open mouth kiss to my back careful not to put any of his weight on me.
"That's it, darling. Feel me. Hmm, so good, Bella," he groans out between what sounds like clenched teeth.
His speed increases as a wonderfully euphoric feeling dances in my belly. I clench around him wanting nothing more than to feel his weight against me and his lips pressed against mine.
His free hand begins rubbing at my nub causing my body to shiver. "Yes! Yes!"
I hope none of the ladies come looking for me, as I am sure that we can be heard in the halls. I was scheduled to be in Angela's room at first light. The late morning sun is a reminder that I am running late to assist in dressing the bride.
"My God, Bella!" Edward cries out as we find our ecstasy together as one.
"Ahhh," I yell gripping the duvet as if my very life depended on it.
Placing a soft kiss on my back, Edward falls to the side of the bed bringing me with him. I turn finding his lips immediately. We kiss hungrily his hands roaming my person. A soft sheen of perspiration covers us; his hair is damp from our vigorous lovemaking.
"I love you," I whisper against his lips.
He opens his eyes, his gaze holding me with an intensity that takes my very breath away.
"And, I you. You are my very heart and soul Bella." His eyes water slightly.
I pull him closer to me pressing my lips to his. We lose ourselves in each other once more officially making me late to dress the bride.
~TBD~
I hurriedly enter the rooms that serve as the bride's for the day. All eyes turn to me questioningly as I put down the box in my hand.
I am technically mother of the bride, which is very entertaining as Angela is my elder.
"Pray, what kept you, Your Grace?" Alice teases me as my mother, and Mother Es shake their heads.
"No doubt her husband had urgent business he needed her to attend to," Mother says giggling.
"In his bed!" Mother Es says loudly causing everyone to burst into a fit of giggles.
I eye the decanter of sherry, noticing that it is empty. "Who allowed them to drink so early?" I question giving both Angela and Alice a raised eyebrow.
"You know very well they only listen to you," Angela says smiling as Leah, one of the housekeepers from Forkshire fixes her hair.
Having both being orphans, Angela and Leah were very close. When Angela was not with Alice or me, she would be with Leah.
Alice is busy placing rouge on Angela's face as Mother and Mother Es giggle like schoolgirls as they fluff out the wedding gown.
"I have more wine! Mrs. Cope says we must not tell Bella she provided it-" Frances giggles as she practically trips into the room.
I do believe that since she does not have to perform her duties as a cook while here, she is as wild as the other two ladies.
"Oh dear! It seems we have been figured out!" Mother Es calls out while walking over to pick up an empty glass.
I walk over to Frances taking the decanter out of her hands. "There will be no more wine for any of you until the wedding breakfast."
"I believe she was more entertaining before she was married," Mother says with a pout on her face.
I ignore my mother sitting by Angela as she is being pampered by Alice and Leah.
"You look absolutely breathtaking, Angela." Tears fill my eyes; my heart is so full of joy for her.
"Don't cry or you shall make me cry!" Alice reprimands dabbing at her own eyes.
"I cannot help it. I am so happy for her!" I exclaim.
"All my little girls are growing up! Leah will be next if her disappearing behind the stables with Samuel Uley isn't a sign, I don't know what is!" Frances giggles causing Leah to stiffen; eyes firmly on my mother who happened to be her employer.
Mother shakes her head. "What is with you working girls and stable hands?"
"It must be the fact that most of them are hard all over. Have you actually looked at a stablehand, Ren? You could wash a gown on their abdomen!" Mother Es giggles taking an unsteady seat on the bed.
Alice laughs uncontrollably taking a step back to admire the finishing touches. I turn my gaze to Angela who gives me a conspiratory wink confirming Mother Es's statement.
My eyes widen in shock at her boldness, she rarely acknowledges her affair with Harrison. I let out a breathy sigh, knowing I have the pleasure of feeling a hard body every night. Now I know why my own husband is in such fine shape; spending time in the stables and riding horses whenever time permits.
I shall be more encouraging in the future.
Angela stands, taking me away from the thoughts of my husband's physique. I walk over to her gown trying to lift it, but my mother and Mother Es rush over to take the dress from my hand. I suppose they are never too inebriated to mother me.
"You are not allowed to lift anything. Edward will surely have our rears," Mother says shaking her head.
"Your mother is right. Gowns are terribly heavy, Bella. Why do you think my arms are so well defined?" Angela walks over to us and steps into her dress.
Everyone assists Angela as Alice, and I observe.
I turn to Alice to see she is looking a little ill. It seems that she is not yet out of the early stages where sickness appears to plague her constantly.
"Have you eaten anything this morning?" I ask smiling over at her.
"I could not dare to chance it. At least an empty stomach means that I cannot dispel the contents, but it seems as if nausea is my constant companion." She sighs.
"It will end soon. I admit I believe I was done with sickness by now but Mother says every woman is different. " I pat her hand affectionately.
"Indeed," Mother says taking a step back to admire Angela. "Beautiful!"
I look at my friend in her blue wedding gown adorned with a lace trim and pearls. The dressmaker, Mr. Talbert, had truly outdone himself on this magnificent piece.
It hugs her figure as an intricate design of gold swirls across the bosom leading down to the hem of the dress. Long sleeves will keep her warm from the chill the cool October weather will provide.
"You look gorgeous, Angela!" I walk over giving her a quick hug careful not to wrinkle her.
Stepping aside, I let the others shower her with affection. I open the box I brought with me earlier looking down to admire the necklace and matching earrings.
Turning to Angela, I give her a wide smile. "As acting parents of the bride, Edward and I wanted you to have mementos to pass on to your own daughters one day."
She looks down at the open box. "Oh, Bella! They're absolutely stunning!"
She traces the sapphire gemstones that are set in silver floral patterns the length of the necklace. The stones sparkle in the daylight as Alice removes the earrings handing one to Leah so that they may place them on Angela earlobes.
I take the necklace and begin putting it around her neck. Her quiet sniffles pull at my heart knowing that she truly appreciates our gift.
"None of that now, you will ruin your rouge." I clasp the necklace just as both Leah and Alice finish with the earrings.
"How perfect!" Frances cries into her handkerchief.
My mother leads Angela over to the looking glass to admire her person.
"You look like a proper lady, Angela!" Leah says.
"I hope Ben recognizes me!" Angela looks at herself in awe.
"He will indeed know you as you are his true love. Now we must be off before you are late to your own wedding," Alice says with very little energy.
We gather ourselves and rush out the room. Mrs. Cope is waiting and gives Angela an affectionate smile.
"Mrs. Cope, can you please have a few biscuits sent for Alice to nibble on in the carriage? I fear that she will faint if she doesn't eat something." I watch as a pale Alice follows the others. "Oh and please do not provide the mothers with wine. They become very jovial."
"Yes of course. I will send a maid for a biscuit right away your Grace!" She hurries away moving fast for a woman her age.
I walk to the main entrance to find the ladies waiting with my husband. He looks very dashing in his black waistcoat and trousers.
Edward turns to find me staring at him. "There you are darling," he says rushing up the stairs before I can continue. "Why weren't you with the others?"
"I only tarried a moment." I stand on my tiptoes to kiss his lips chastely.
"I do not want you walking the stairs alone." He slips his arm around my waist.
I ignore his chastising. "Why did you not go to the church with the other gentlemen?"
" I was waiting for my Duchess." He leans in brushing his lips against my temple. "I cannot bear being apart from you."
We descent; him with a firm grasp upon my waist.
Angela practically runs over to us wrapping her arms around Edward's neck. "Thank you, Your Grace, for everything."
He pats her back oddly, and I giggle at his discomfort. "There is no thanks necessary. You are family, and you deserve the best on your wedding day."
Edward pulls me back into his arms once Angela releases him. He clings to me as if I was his lifeline. It is somewhat comical how we both cannot bear to be apart even months after the accident.
"Let's get you to the church." I urge her as Mr. Cope opens the door.
"Bella, are you riding with Edward or with us?" Mother Es asks.
"My wife will ride with me Mother if you don't mind," Edward says as we all walk outside.
Alice is nibbling on a biscuit, and I turn to smile at Mrs. Cope. I do not know what I would do without her.
"Please try not to disturb her appearance; you know how you two are when alone." My mother giggles like a schoolgirl.
"Come now Ren, I do believe she has grown too big to maneuver freely in the carriage, but I dare say that may not stop them!" They cling to each other laughing as the others step into the carriage.
Edward turns to me raising an eyebrow. "You allowed them to have sherry so early?"
I giggle, shaking my head. " I allowed them nothing, they were inebriated when I joined them."
Both mothers turn towards us, an icy glare on their pretty faces. "You two act like we are the children!" My mother wags a finger at us.
"Really, it is not our fault that you two are very active!" Mother Es says causing another fit of laughter between her and Mother.
Edward ignores them and escorts me into our waiting carriage. I watch as our mothers laugh their way into their own coach.
"Thank heavens they are leaving this weekend!" Edward says as the carriage begins moving.
"Oh stop! You know you will miss them terribly." I place my hand on his chest looking up at him.
Bending down he glides his lips against mine. "I suppose I will, but I shall enjoy having you to myself."
He wraps his arms around me pulling me onto his lap. "Edward! There is no time to be distracted, and I do agree with our mothers, I have grown too large," I purr as his lips find the sensitive skin of my neck.
"I will not risk your comfort, but I will enjoy my wife's sweet kisses."
His lips press against mine in a searing kiss that leaves me wanting more time alone with my husband. The hand that is not around my waist massages my sensitive breasts causing a wanton moan to free from the confines of my throat.
My fingers grip the silky tresses of his wild mane pulling him closer to me but not close enough. I hunger to be one with him as we were this morning.
I lose myself in my husband, enjoying our limited time together.
Edward
I hold my wife's hand watching as the bride and the groom say their vows. It seems like ages ago when I, myself, was standing up in front of God professing my love to Bella.
Has it only been months?
I press a soft kiss to Bella's knuckles causing her to turn away from the bride and the groom. Her smile is wide and full of love as she looks at me.
My hand goes to where our child is growing. The obvious protrusion informs the world of our happy news. I contain a laugh as I think of how Bella has been fussing over how she can no longer fit into any of her gowns.
It seems that it has become a rather large task to let out a few dresses and a new wardrobe has been ordered.
I focus back on the ceremony watching as Ben pledges himself to Angela. Tears shine in his eyes, and there is a permanent smile on his face; he is a man in love.
Angela only has eyes for him as he holds her hands and recites their vows.
Next to me I can feel the heat of my wife vibrating off her, she is still aroused from our carriage activities. I look down at her plump lips that are still bruised from our amour. Oh, if only I could spend every second of my days kissing those lips while she was wrapped in my arms.
A nudge to my ribs by my wife takes me out of my musing to find that the now married couple is standing from their communion to face the congregation. We stand to cheer as Ben places a chaste but long kiss on Angela's lips.
Following the happy couple outside into the cool autumn day, Bella pulls me to the front of the line where everyone is embracing both Angela and Ben.
"Congratulations!" My wife says through happy tears.
She holds Angela as close as she can with her bulging abdomen.
"I can hardly believe it!" Angela says holding on to Bella.
"Well done, man!" I shake Ben's hand as our wives continue to embrace.
"Thank you, Your Grace." He pulls Angela into his side once she and Bella release their hold on one another.
I bend down and bestow a kiss on the bride's cheek. "Congratulations Angela. I hope that you and Ben are as happy as we are."
"Thank you, Your Grace! You have made Bella the happiest of women," Angela says falling into her husband's embrace the both of them smiling widely at us.
I pull my own wife to me, feeling a bit emotional over the nuptials, remembering our own wedding and how happy I was that day and every day since.
Bella and I move aside allowing others to address the couple. We stand by Jasper and Alice, whose mood seems to have improved.
"Are you feeling better?" Bella asks her.
"Yes, thank you, Bella. I swear you have grown so wise since being married and expecting." Alice takes Bella's hand.
Charlie, Renee, Mother Es and Carlisle come and join us after greeting the couple.
"I feel a sort of pride in seeing Angela so happy, it seems like only yesterday she joined our household from the nunnery," Charles says happily.
"You should feel proud, father, you have accomplished a great feat. A daughter and a niece married and now Angela who you raised as well." I give him a wide smile wanting him to know that he has done very well by all the women in his household.
"I think I deserve all the credit, Edward," Mother Renee says giving me a hard stare.
"Indeed you do, Ren! It must be very difficult installing values in one's daughter. You could've easily raised wild women who enjoyed dalliances in carriages!" Mother Es teases, her eyes twinkling at Bella and myself.
Renee starts giggling uncontrollably causing Charles to raise a questioning look at her.
My wife's cheeks grow red at the teasing, and I pull her closer to me kissing her temple.
Several Derbyshire occupants who seemed to have attended the ceremony uninvited come to speak to Bella and me.
"Your Graces, it was a beautiful ceremony. We would've of course hosted it at the end to save you such trouble," Mrs. Smith says.
"Thank you, Mrs. Smith. It is no trouble at all as Angela and Ben are close to our hearts." Bella smiles gracefully.
I have heard the gossip of how some people feel that we have gone too far for our servants. Bella sees Angela more as a sister than a servant, and I am very fond of Ben as well.
"I believe we should gather everyone to return to Chatsworth for the wedding breakfast," I say to my wife.
"Oh, yes of course!" Bella clasps her hands together.
She pulls Ben and Angela away from the Vicar and his wife to usher them into a carriage. Once the bride and groom are removed, the crowd slowly departs.
~TBD~
The wedding breakfast is well on its way as I sit at the head of the table in the Great Dining Room. My wife sits on the other end of the table, and I long for her to be closer to me.
The servants from Forkshire stare around in awe but happily converse with Ben and Angela. Our servants are happy as they take care of the guests.
My wife bows her head to me once everyone is served, alerting me that it is time to give a toast.
I stand to raise my glass as host.
"Her Grace, and I would like to personally thank you all for traveling here to join Ben and Angela on the most happiest of days. And we both sincerely hope you are enjoying your stay with us." I turn to the happy couple. "Ben and Angela may your days be filled with joy and love for the rest of your lives. I learned that once you find true love, you find happiness and everlasting peace to fill your heart and soul. I pray that you will always find it with each other as I have with the love of my life. To Ben and Angela!" I raise my glass catching Bella's glance.
Tears shine her beautiful brown eyes and she mouths 'I love you' before she takes a small sip of champagne.
"It is very kind of you and Her Grace to host the wedding, Your Grace," Vicar Biers says from my left.
His wife sits next to him conversing freely with one of the Swans servants.
"Vicar Biers, you will find my son is a very kind man. I know the Ton will have us to believe otherwise." Charles smiles proudly at me.
"You cannot believe everything you hear Charles!" Mother Es says from the middle of the table drinking happily with Mother Renee.
I give my wife a look as she talks freely with Frances, and Alice. She catches my eye, and I tip my head towards our very inebriated mothers.
"Mrs. Cheney, can you please pass the champagne?" Bella asks Ben's mother although there is a fresh decanter at her end.
"Of course Your Grace!" Mrs. Cheney hands Bella the carafe, causing both Mother Es and Mother Renee to glare at her.
I stifle a laugh as my wife passes both decanters to a servant whispering to them. Sitting back up she turns her attention back to the table.
I am in awe of her as Duchess; she makes it all look effortless and does not bring any attention to the situation at hand.
"I am sure you will be happy once we are all out of your hair. I do think Es will miss you all terribly," Carlisle says from beside Charles.
"I am afraid Renee will go into fits from being separated from her now dearest friend." Charles takes a sip of his own champagne.
"I believe we are to visit your home in Forkshire a fortnight after we leave here Saturday." Carlisle takes a bite of pigeon.
"I've been hearing that I shall be going to your estate early November and we all shall come to the Winter Ball together." Charlie laughs at his wife's planning.
I sigh out knowing that Bella, as well as myself, will miss our family dearly. However, I do believe it is time that we are alone.
"I do hate to see you all go." I nod my head at them.
"We can always stay if you like old boy!" Carlisle teases causing me to choke on air.
"Do not fret, we will return for the ball, and then we shall have to drag them away until my grandson is born," Charles says causing both ladies to turn their gazes on us.
"He's not just your grandson Charles!" Renee practically yells from the other end of the table.
"Here, here! You shall not claim my one and only grandchild Charles Swan, and we are staying after he's born… I would like to see Edward try to send us away," She says giving me a hard stare the way she did when I was a young boy.
"I would not dream of it, Mother." I give her my best smile causing her gaze to soften.
Bella giggles from the other end of the table raising a glass to me. I throw her a wink, glad that she saw how I avoided the ire of Mother Es.
Mr. Cheney stands with his own glass in his hand putting an end to our family squabble. "I would like everyone to raise a glass to my son, Benjamin and his bride. Benjamin, you have become a fine man, and I wish your sister Lilian were here to see this day. We are so very proud of you, and Angela, welcome to the family. To Ben and Angela." We all drink to the happy couple.
The breakfast carries on with more toasts to the couple followed by cake. Bella was able to keep the champagne from our mothers and Frances, so the remainder of the meal was fairly peaceful.
Once the breakfast is finished, the wedding guests usher the happy couple out to the waiting carriage where they will spend a few days at Smith's Inn, a gift from Renee and Charles.
I hold my wife to my side as we happily wave after the carriage as it travels down the brick road leading to town.
"Thank you for agreeing to everything, it means a great deal to me," Bella says kissing my cheek as everyone makes their way back into our home.
The Biers come over to bid us adieu. "It was a beautiful wedding, thank you for having us," Victoria Biers says smiling widely.
"Yes, your kindness knows no boundaries. We are due at the Bolton's, a sad bit of business there. I am told Lord Bolton is still away, who could blame him." The Vicar says causing Bella to give him a harsh glare.
"Please inform Violet that I will visit her on the morrow with a piece of wedding cake. She has become a very dear friend to me, you know," Bella says giving no room for anything harsh to be said about Violet and the situation in which she finds herself.
"Of course, Your Grace." The Vicar bows and then escorts his wife to their waiting carriage.
"I cannot believe the nerve of some people. To gossip about Violet and what has befallen her. That could have been me scarred for the rest of my life."
I pull Bella close to me shaking my head fiercely. "Never speak such a thing. I cannot bear the thought, Bella."
She places her hand on my cheek trying to calm the fire that has grown inside of me. "I am sorry, my love. I shall never again speak such a thing."
I kiss her lips hungrily not giving thought to who may see us in such an intimate embrace.
Bella pulls away opening her eyes to stare at me. I press my head against hers calming myself.
"I am sorry I became upset. It is very hard for me to think of the accident and what could have happened." I pull her closer not wanting any space between us.
"I know. I am so very thankful. It was unkind of me to bring it up. I was just so upset that Vicar Biers could speak so freely about Violet." Bella shivers against me.
"Oh, Darling! Let's get you inside." I lead my wife inside to find Mr. and Mrs. Cope waiting for us.
"Your mothers are insisting on more champagne," Mrs. Cope says smiling at us.
"We are retiring to our rooms; you may give the mothers whatever they ask for. Let their husbands deal with the two of them," I say leading my wife up the staircase.
"You are terribly awful, Your Grace." Bella teases me.
"You know those two will only become worse as the evening progresses. I for one would like to be alone with my wife." I pull her close to me when we are out of view.
My lips find hers in a searing kiss.
"Hmm, and I want to be alone with my husband." Bella palms my hard cock, and I let out a very ungentlemanly growl taking my wife in my arms and carrying her to our rooms.
"Edward! The servants will see!" She laughs as I walk through the halls.
"Let them see. I am a man who hungers for his wife, and I will not apologize for it."
I kiss her lips one more time before I take her to our bed, where I spend the day showing her how much I adore her.
A/N: Ladies! Ladies! Here we are! I do apologize for the wait! I've been terribly busy working which is a good thing! I hope the next chapter moves a little faster as I have already begun and feel wonderful about it! I dare say we are coming to an end! Only a few more chapters left then an epi! What a fun ride! As you Americans say! (bwhaaa y'all know I'm from Detroit!)