I own nothing.
I am so sorry for being so late with this update. I teach and we are in a testing window. I have been completely covered up in the last couple of weeks and have found it extremely difficult to write. I know that there have been so many of you who have just recently found this story and have reviewed. I also know that there are many of you who have been with me for a loooonnnng time and continue to review. To all of you, let me say thank you so much! I am posting this chapter rather than responding to reviews, but I didn't think you would mind.
Thank you!
EPOV
The next morning was a flurry of activity. I rose early and as loathe as I was to do so, I left my Bella sleeping as I sought out Eric to send him into town to find the constable. He arrived some time later and interviewed first Tyler, then Rosalie with Emmett by her side. I stayed upstairs with Bella through most of those conversations. She woke feeling a bit ill and was violently sick when she rose from the bed. I was concerned as it had been some weeks since she had experienced this difficult symptom of pregnancy. I was certain it was her nerves, fear and worry that had caused it.
Tyler brought in a tray that Mrs. Cope had prepared, containing ginger tea and some toast. Bella sipped a bit of the tea before again attempting to dress herself. I offered her the only reprieve I could.
"Sweetheart, there is no reason for you to trouble yourself. I will simply inform the constable that you are unwell."
"No, Edward. I wish to put this to rest. I will speak to him today and be done with it."
She was determined and I knew better than to continue this line of reasoning as it would only upset her further. Instead, once she was presentable, I took her hand and led her to the library where my father was conferring with the constable and Justice Clearwater who had just arrived. My Bella immediately fell into her role as mistress of Collingsworth.
"Good morning, gentlemen. Can I offer you some refreshment?" Both men declined her offer and she sat facing them before speaking once again. "I am certain you have some questions for me and I am more than ready to finish this, so please, proceed you're your inquiry."
As always, I was stunned by her strength. She stoically answered their questions and recounted the frightening event. While I had prepared myself to stop the interview at the first sign of her distress, she did not falter once. It was only when Justice Clearwater spoke that she showed any frailty. Her hands covered the roundness that held our child and her chin quivered with her struggle to contain her tears.
"Mrs. Cullen, I wish to extend my sincerest apologies at our inability to protect you from his madness. The thought that Smith could cause such terror to a woman in such delicate condition is beyond appalling. Please forgive my lack of protection in this incident."
"Justice Clearwater, I do not hold anyone responsible for Mr. Smith's actions other than Mr. Smith himself. I never feared his ability to take my home. He was clearly delusional in his reasoning. Even if he had succeeded in removing my husband and myself, he would never gain access to the estate as it would pass to Edward's family. I believe his actions were caused by his mental instability. It was that instability that worried me. He was so singularly obsessed with gaining this property that it overruled his judgment and made him dangerous. As much as I hate that Rosalie was forced to take his life, I will be grateful for her courage for as long as I live. Please tell me you have no intention to arrest her."
The constable was quick to answer, "Of course not, ma'am. We only needed to document the event as it ended in a death. We will bring no charge against Mrs. Cullen."
The interview lasted only a few more minutes and it was obvious that Bella was exhausted. My father noticed her pale countenance as well and was quick to address it.
"Edward, I would be happy to see our guests out as I am certain you would rather stay with Isabella." Turning toward the men, my father made the easy transition to lead them from the library. "Gentlemen, this way please. Justice, my son tells me you enjoy the hunt. Perhaps we could find a time…."
My father's voice drifted away as he led the men from the room, leaving me alone with my wife who sat silently staring out the windows. Her right hand was rubbing absently across her belly as she seemed lost in her thoughts.
"Bella?" She did not respond, so I walked to her, kneeling at her feet and pressing both of my hands to her belly. Her eyes immediately found mine. "How is our little one this morning?"
The hazy look in her eyes seemed to clear as she smiled and covered my hands with hers, moving them to a different spot on the left side of her belly. "Very busy. He is awake and wishes to play."
We sat for some time, simply enjoying the movement of our child, resting comfortably and safe in Bella's womb. The gentle flutters and bumps bringing a calm to Bella's face and causing her to finally relax. I rose from the floor and seated myself beside her, drawing her into my side and holding her close. It was only moments later that I felt her breathing deepen and her head dropped onto my chest. It was an easy decision to lift her tired body and carry her to bed to rest.
BPOV
I woke to the afternoon sun shining brightly into the room. I could tell from the angle of the light coming into the room that it must be close to the evening meal. Turning my head, I fully expected to see Edward resting beside me, but was instead met by a peacefully sleeping Rosalie.
"She wanted to see you. Emmett said she was beyond exhausted but refused to rest until she saw you. This seemed to be the easiest solution."
I lifted my head in the direction of Edward's voice and found him seated in his chair near the fire. He held a book in his lap and a cup of tea in his hand. Smiling gently, he rose and poured another cup, bringing it to me as I sat up and rested against the pillows. Glancing back at Rosalie, I worried for her state of mind.
"Edward, is she well?"
"She is. She was simply worried about you and wished to see for herself that you were alright. The last she saw you was yesterday in the pump room."
"I must have looked a fright." He did not answer, but his furrowed brow and clenched jaw were enough to indicate that I had indeed been in a poor state yesterday afternoon. Placing the tea on the bedside table, Edward glanced at Rosalie before squeezing my hand and taking a step back.
"I have need to finish my book before dinner." He released my hand and smiled softly as he turned and strode back to his chair. I was puzzled for a moment until I felt movement beside me. Turning my head to face her, I was met with Rosalie's tear filled eyes.
"I am glad you are better today, Isabella."
"I am glad you were here yesterday."
"We are family. Even more, we are sisters, Isabella. We need speak of it no more."
* * * A H R * * *
Emmett, Rose and Emma stayed a few days longer than they had planned, giving Rosalie and I time to strengthen our relationship. There was a bond between us now that not even Edward could understand. He was never far away, but he did allow me all the time I wished to spend with Rosalie as he knew I would be upset when she left. When the day arrived, it was made less difficult with the knowledge that they would return soon for the Winter Ball. A few days later when Carlisle and Esme left, it marked the first time since our marriage that Edward and I were alone in the manor.
The weeks passed quickly then, as the cottage school opened and we were nearly overwhelmed with the number of children who attended. Mr. Cheney was an excellent tutor and it was obvious that the children were enjoying their new endeavor. He and Angela had, in fact, been betrothed and were planning to wed at the new year. I was thrilled to have her moving closer to me and looked forward to spending more time with her once my confinement was finished.
The days grew cold and short and I was reminded of the past winter when I worried about whether we would have enough candles and grain to see us into the spring. I would never have considered that my life would change so drastically in only the span of a year. Now I was preparing for my second Winter's Ball as mistress of Collingsworth while carrying my first child. It would be a highly irregular event for an expectant woman to be present, much less act as hostess for a Ball, but then, very little about our lives over the past year had been normal. For the most part, the townspeople were curious about the events surrounding Mr. Smith's death as well as the arrival of the heir of Collingsworth. I had less than a month to prepare and had yet to determine what I would wear to the event. Most of my dresses had been let out to accommodate my expanding belly, but I had nothing that would pass for a ball gown. As it happened, I had no need to worry.
Edward had just left for town when Tyler informed me that Angela Webber and Lauren Mallory had come to visit. Entering the sitting room, I found both ladies giggling and highly excited.
"Lauren, Angela, what a grand surprise!" Both ladies were quick to rise and we embraced as though we had not seen one another in years. I turned and asked Tyler to have some tea and cakes sent in. He strode quickly from the room, leaving me to visit with my friends.
"Isabella! Look at you! You fairly glow with joy." Lauren seemed truly sincere in her appraisal and I was quick to remember that it had not been Lauren, but her mother that had shunned me when we left Collingsworth. Lauren was still as kindhearted and loyal as ever. I could not help but wonder if her mother was aware that she was here or if she perhaps sent Lauren here to renew our friendship in hopes of gaining the approval of my husband, Either way, it held no importance to me. I was only thrilled to have my friend in my home.
"Thank you, Lauren. I feel very well today."
Angela spoke up for the first time. "I am glad to hear it, as we have much to accomplish today."
"What is your meaning? Are you not here for a visit?"
Both ladies simply smiled at me and grasped my hands, pulling me forward toward the door. Stepping just outside of the sitting room, I was startled by the sight of Tyler, who held no tea but instead had my cloak at the ready. Addressing Angela, he placed it around my shoulders, "The carriage stands ready Miss Webber."
"Thank you, Mr. Tyler. We will ensure that Mrs. Cullen is home before the evening meal."
My plea for information went unanswered as both Angela and Lauren were being secretive and clearly had a plan. We rode to town giggling and gossiping like old women and it felt as though my friends had never been missing from my life. I was grateful for the companionship and the joy that I knew the afternoon would bring.
Arriving in town, we were assisted from the carriage by Eric and Angela clasped my hand in hers, leading me directly to the dress shop. Mrs. Crowley looked up from her needlework and a wide smile graced her excited face.
"I have been expecting you! I can hardly wait to show you the gown. Come, I have everything ready." Reaching out, she grasped my hand and pulled me toward the back of the shop. I was certain my confusion was evident on my face as I struggled to understand what was happening.
"Mrs. Crowley, I have ordered no gown. I am uncertain what preparations you…."
"Tell me, Mrs. Cullen, what is it you were intending to wear to the Ball if not a gown?"
I had been uncertain as to what I would wear. I had been busy with preparations and overseeing the cottage school and had neglected to consider my need for a gown. It was apparent that someone had considered it for me. Turning toward my friends, I intended to discern their part in this when I was brought up short by the sight of Lauren and Angela holding the most stunning gown I had ever seen.
It was made of a golden champagne chiffon with delicate blue embroidery covering the bodice. The sleeves were a sheer cap with the same blue needlework. The skirt was full and flowing and would drape beautifully over my growing belly. The hemline was also adorned with the ornate embroidery and I knew it had been a tedious labor for Mrs. Crowley to complete it. As if the gown were not enough, it had been presented with satin slippers to match. I was overwhelmed as Mrs. Crowley stepped toward me to offer an explanation.
"I do hope you are pleased. I suggested perhaps a ruby color, but Mr. Cullen was insistent that you would prefer a gown that would showcase a particular piece of jewelry."
"Edward did this?" At first, I was stunned by this revelation, but as I considered his thoughtfulness, it made perfect sense.
"He did. Are you unhappy with his choices?"
"No, not at all. It is the most beautiful gown I have ever seen. It must have consumed many hours of your time, Mrs. Crowley."
"It did, but it was surely worth it to know that you are pleased. Come now, you should try it on so that we may set any alterations."
I allowed her to lead me to a dressing area as Lauren and Angela followed behind with the gown. It truly was stunning and needed only a few adjustments in fitting. Mrs. Crowley made the markings and guaranteed delivery of the gown to Collingsworth the following afternoon.
We spent the remainder of the afternoon in the markets, picking up items that we fancied as well as some time at a local restaurant for afternoon tea. As the day grew late, Lauren excused herself to return home for the evening meal and Angela journeyed with me to return to the estate. Upon our arrival, she was quick to state her need to return home and refused my invitation to stay for the meal. She abruptly turned and reentered the carriage, leaving me with a promise to return in a few days. I stood baffled at her quick retreat, hoping I had done nothing to offend. Shaking my head, I opened the door and entered the manor, confused that there was no one to greet me as there usually was.
"Tyler?" My voice echoed in the entry hall and it was clear that there was no one to hear me. I removed my cloak and draped it over a chair as I continued into the house. Entering the dining room, I was startled to find it empty and void of any meal preparations. I contemplated where I might find someone home when I heard a door close somewhere behind me. As I exited the dining room, I was surprised by the presence of rose petals scattered in a pattern along the floor of the great hall. They were specific enough to follow and I carefully stepped over them so as not to slip as I followed the path they directed.
After a brief walk, I found myself silently twisting the knob attached to the door leading into the conservatory. Pressing it slowly open, I entered to find Edward standing in the center of the room, wearing formal dinner attire and holding a single rose in his hand. The room was softly lit by candles scattered throughout and a table set for a meal was prepared near the window.
"Edward?" I was overwhelmed at such a romantic gesture and was unsure what his immediate intentions were. He smiled and stretched out his hand toward me.
"Come, my Bella."
I closed the distance between us and was immediately wrapped in his arms. I gazed up into his warm, gentle eyes and could not help but smile back at him.
"Do you have any idea what this day is, my sweet wife?" At my blank stare, he pressed his lips gently to mine then met my eyes as he spoke, "It was but a year ago this day that we were wed. You slipped from that ladder and I caught you in my arms. It was a fortunate event, as I have thoroughly enjoyed the feel of you in my arms ever since. I love you, my Bella."
"As I love you."
We shared a meal together. The very same meal we had shared the night he brought me to Collingsworth as his wife. I had fought tears that evening as I had been without a good meal for so long, but this night there were no tears as we dined together.
"Have you any regrets at all?" He seemed thoughtful for a moment before he met my eyes once again and answered sincerely.
"Only one. I regret very much my anger the night we were wed. It was all so sudden and shocking that I could not grasp any feelings but my own. I know that my anger caused you to be fearful and I will always regret that you were afraid and upset when you returned to Collingsworth. Have you any regrets?"
"I regret only that I was not more forthcoming regarding my feelings for you. I was afraid to lose my heart to you and not be loved in return. You were clear in your intent, but I struggled to believe it."
"I had to earn your trust. You could not feel safe to declare your feelings until you could trust me. I will be forever grateful for the gift of your heart, my Bella."
When our meal was complete, we strolled for a bit in the garden which Edward had lit with lanterns. Most of the flowers were dormant for the winter, but the evergreen plants and trees were beautiful in the soft firelight. When we retired to our room for the night, a bath had been prepared with lavender oil and vanilla. Though it was becoming a snug fit with my belly, we nestled into the tub together before reclining on blankets and pillows before the fire. Edward recited romantic, and sometimes erotic, passages from my favorite poets as he alternated feeding me my favorite French chocolates and tasting those same chocolates from my lips and tongue as he kissed me deeply. It was the early hours of the morning when he finally carried my exhausted, but well loved body to the bed and wrapped himself around me snugly. The weight of his arms and the warmth of the room was quickly bringing sleep, but I had yet to thank him.
"Edward?"
"Yes, love?"
"My gown is beautiful. Thank you."
"You are more than welcome. I am happy you are pleased with it." His lips pressed softly against my temple.
"Edward?"
"Hmmm…."
"Our life is perfect. Thank you."
"You are more than loved, my Bella. I am happy you are pleased with me."
"I love you, husband."
"As I love you. Sleep now, love."
* * * A H R * * *
EPOV
A light snow began to fall on the afternoon of the Winter Ball. My family had arrived only a few days before and the house and staff had been well prepared for the event. My Bella had created a stunningly beautiful atmosphere for our guests and had left me speechless and breathless when she had descended the stairs only a short time ago.
On the evening of the last Winter Ball, I had sworn there would never be a lovlier sight than that of my wife adorned in her blue gown, blushing as she shyly walked toward me. However, her beauty on that night paled in comparison to the vision she was this evening. Draped in that golden color with a delicate hint of blue and bejeweled with her mother's pendant, she was indeed lovely. But the sight of her adorned this way while round with my child had stolen my thoughts as well as my breath and I found myself mumbling incoherently as she met my eyes and walked confidently into my embrace. It took every bit of willpower I possessed to escort her into the ballroom rather than carry her quickly back to our rooms and have her repeatedly.
I was, after all, a gentleman. I could certainly hold off my urges for a couple of hours. At most.
Isabella truly had become the mistress of the manor. She was a warm and gracious hostess and was concerned for the needs of every guest. I was so proud of her and proud that she was mine. Our guests were eager to visit with her and to offer their congratulations on the impending birth of our child. Several of the ladies even brought her gifts for the child as well as some words of advice that seemed to encourage my sweet wife. Of course, there were some who offered her information that made her pale with discomfort as she worried privately about the actual birth. I knew she was a bit fearful concerning that event, but she remained ever the stoic hostess even though I could see her doubt in her eyes.
When the last carriage departed, we escaped quickly to our rooms where I once again placed my Bella in my favorite chair and removed her slippers before massaging her feet and legs. However, this time she did not wait for me to remove her gown, but rather, she found her way out of it quickly and waited for me in our bed. We had begun to explore several different options to keep her comfortable as her belly continued to grow. On this night, as had become our favorite, I held her from behind as we lay on our sides with her leg draped back over my hip. It was a gentle push and pull, punctuated by heavy breaths and quiet moans as I moved within her and my hands played over her body. Her body was easily stimulated as of late, making it a quick climb to her pleasure. It was only moments before she was trembling and crying out my name, causing me to follow her immediately into that bliss.
"Mmmm… I much prefer this dance to those we shared earlier this evening, Mrs. Cullen."
"Edward!" Her shocked exclamation was quickly overtaken by her giggles. "How bold you are, husband! I will never be able to share a dance with you again that I do not think of this moment."
"Which is exactly what I intended, love."
"You are a sly creature, Mr. Cullen, but I will gladly dance with you at any time you feel the desire."
"At any time?"
"Any but now. I am exhausted husband, and blissfully satisfied at this moment. I wish to sleep."
"Then sleep, my love. There is always tomorrow." I gathered her into my arms and brought her back snugly against my chest. Placing my hands over her belly, I gently caressed her skin where she carried our child as I felt her relax and her breathing slow and even out.
Our lives had changed dramatically in the course of a year. My wife had learned to trust me and had become the confident, joyful, and competent woman I knew she was from the beginning. I was learning to be the husband she needed, to be understanding and patient with her and to be attentive to her needs and encourage her hopes and dreams. We had overcome great threat and rumor and would soon be blessed with a child. I slipped into sleep that night knowing that I had more than I ever thought possible within my arms.