Hello everyone!

This is a very long chapter which took me forever to edit, so I am sorry for the long wait. I tried cutting things out but it all felt important so I included it all in the end.

Thank you so much for all of your kindness and support- especially with the last chapter I posted. I cannot tell you how encouraging it is to read your comments but please know how appreciated they are. It is the thing which inspires me to keep writing!

More will be on the way soon, and thank you again so much!

Hope everyone is well,

xoxo

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Several days later the Rochesters attended John's funeral in the small church on the edge of their estate. Edward had approached Leah and offered to handle all of the responsibilities of the funeral which the widow had agreed to instantly. She had no knowledge of how to organise such, and she did not know that John's brother, whom she had sent for, would arrive early to help. When he did arrive, Edward was only too happy to oblige him in any way he could, allowing him to arrange anything he wanted to.

After several days of deliberation, Leah had chosen to retire from her duties in the house and move into the cottage which had once been offered to her and her husband. The truth was that she had nowhere else to go- and certainly had no place where she would be half so comfortable, or looked after half so well. Jane had been very happy, as was Edward, that she would be living close by but no longer working into old age. It was the least that they could offer her after so many years of dedicated service, and in truth Jane felt it was nowhere near enough.

It was obvious that the transition away from the life she had lived since the age of fifteen was very difficult for Leah. She seemed to wander lost through the house in her final days of work, torn between imagining what her life would be without her rigid schedule and having no desire to return to it without her husband. Things became better when her sister arrived, yet Jane suspected it would still be some time before she truly adjusted to her new life.

One early morning Jane found Leah in the kitchen doing something she had never seen before. She was standing stationary, not busy with a task nor trying to anticipate what else needed to be done. She had one hand on the knob of a door, torn between leaving and staying but not having a mind to do either. It made Jane stop, the basket in her arms dropping to her side. She had, no doubt, been thinking of her husband, and Jane considered approaching for a moment, but if she did, what could she possibly say? The truth was that she did not know anything of the marriage that Leah and John had shared for over fifty years. She had always assumed that they were close, but she knew none of the particulars- not what they talked about at night, or in the morning. Nothing of the problems which plagued them, or the joyful moments they shared. It made Jane's heart ache. It was a love which had passed though the world quietly, and completely unknown. She thought to herself in that moment that she would have taken such love with its quiet days and eased nights over one which was assumed to be known by all in a heartbeat. So she walked past, allowing Leah the only thing she could offer- time.

. . .

The morning of John's funeral all of the staff were given time off to attend. They walked down to the church in several different groups, followed by the Rochesters. Henry had been fussing, and Jane did all she could do to ease his discomfort so that he would not cry during the service. Edward in the meantime assisted with the carriages that had been brought around for the older servants who could not walk the distance to the church. When he finally reappeared they began the slow walk to the church, talking time to talk as they did so.

Jane and Edward had been talking quite a lot lately, even more so than was normal for them. Jane felt a new found and wonderful freedom in him, reminded that he was the only person in the world that she could entrust with her soul, and be accepted for everything that she was. She felt incredibly safe with him. And he had been lighter, more loving, and more at ease than Jane had ever known him to be. Laying in bed in the nights and mornings with his head on her chest, her hand stroking his hair in long gentle motions, Jane could tell that his heart was peaceful, and for as long as they were married that was all she would care about.

"How are you feeling?" Jane asked, the little church slowly coming into view.

"Well enough, given the circumstances" he assured, rubbing the hand on his arm, "And you?"

"Well enough. Though I wish there was more that we could do for Leah"

"You cannot take away her pain" Edward said gently, knowing where his wife was leading. "I know you wish that you could, but I also know she is already very grateful for all you have done"

"Mmm" she replied, still unsatisfied. A moment later she turned to look at him, "Did I tell you that her sister will be staying with her in her house?"

"No" he said curiously, "For how long?"

"I do not know. She did not specify a time when she asked, though I believe her sister is also a widow. She said that having her sister remain with her would be a distraction, and that she would feel better if she stayed to take her mind off of things''.

"Well, I hope that she does. I worry about her being down in that cottage alone. Did you tell her that she and her sister would still be welcomed at the house for anything they needed?"

"Mhm. And she thanked us for it, though I suspect she will not want such. Having some kind of task in her day may help them to pass a little quicker, and anything which keeps the days moving must be a good thing"

"You are probably right. Tomorrow I shall go and call on her, just to see if there is anything she needs. Then I shall leave her be until she wishes to speak to us again".

"I will come too" Jane said, "If you do not think that the two of us will be overwhelming for her?"

"You could never prove to be overwhelming to anyone. I am sure she would love to see you".

When they reached the church there was a small crowd of people standing outside, talking amongst themselves. Some were servants from their home, but others were unknown to Jane, most likely people from town or neighbouring houses. Edward nodded to them and received nods in return, one man even tipping his cap. This respect which he showed to everyone, no matter their station or position in life, meant that he was greeted in this warm way wherever he went. It was also one of the incredibly attractive things about him that made Jane's heart swell.

Arriving at the church doors, Edward pulled them open so that Jane could step inside with Henry in her arms. As she did, someone called out to Edward and he groaned.

"Christ. It is Martin. You go and sit down with Henry, love. It is freezing out here and this man is intolerable".

Jane grinned at him,

"You should try to hide some of that enthusiasm" she teased lowly.

Edward looked meaningfully at her as she stepped through the threshold, smiling slightly to herself.

In truth she wasn't sure that the church was any warmer than it had been outside, only that it did not have any wind blowing through it. It was exceptionally cold, especially in the winter months, and had uneven stony floors that had been the result of hundreds of years of wear. The ceiling was low, and the stone walls left no opportunity for natural light to slip in, making it very dark. It had been neglected for some time before Jane and Edward bought the main house, but slowly they had been restoring it. Currently, however, it radiated a sort of warmth, for it was almost completely filled. John's casket sat at the front of the church with Leah and her family sitting in the closest pews. All dressed in black, they held and comforted one another, several dabbing their eyes with cloths they pulled from their pockets. Jane sat down in one of the empty pews which was close to the front, though not close enough to be considered family. She looked down at her son in her arms who was content, so much so that he was falling asleep, and was immediately happy that she had wrapped him in so many blankets before they had left the house.

There was a steady stream of people still entering the church when a low voice spoke her name.

"Hello, Ms Rochester"

Jane turned and saw the husband of one of their servants. He worked in the sawmill and she knew him casually from her visits into town.

"Oh, hello Mr Andrews. I'm so sorry, I did not see you when I sat down. How do you do?"

"Very well, thank you miss".

"I hope that applies to all of your family?"

He nodded.

"Yes, thank you miss. I thank you and your husband for the basket you sent us. We have eaten very well these past two weeks".

"Of course. We were only too happy to do so. After all, all women are deserving of good food and rest after they bring a child into the world".

He smiled,

"Yes, but I am all too aware that very few servants are given time to rest after they give birth. I am grateful for the time you have given my wife. She spends much of it in bed".

"How is Molly? I was told that her delivery was a difficult one"

"She is much better as of recent, thank you miss. Tired of being confined to the bed, of course, but very glad to be a mother".

Jane smiled.

"I imagine her to be a very natural mother. Please pass along my best wishes. And please, tell her that she may take as much time as she needs before returning to work".

"Thank you, miss. But you and the master are good and fair employers to her. She will not take advantage of your kindness".

"I know that, of course. Though I know your wife is like myself, determined to be up and about whenever possible, and sometimes that is not always best".

He laughed shortly and nodded,

"Aye, miss. Very true".

At that moment Edward entered the pew and sat down next to his wife and son.

"Hello Andrews" he said, shaking his hand, "How do you do?"

"Very well sir, thank you".

"And your wife and child?"

"Very well, sir. I have just thanked your wife for the basket you sent us".

"Of course. I am glad we were able to do it. How is the mill?"

They spoke for several minutes about some incident which had taken place at the mill where several men were fired for misconduct, but Jane only listened to parts of the conversation. In truth it went above her head, and Henry was fussing ever so slightly.

While they were speaking, a priest walked up the aisle that Jane had ever seen before. He moved slowly with austere purpose, observing the crowd with his bible folded in his relaxed arms. He was tall and slender with a serious square brow, a long hooked nose, and severe cheekbones which stuck out prominently from his face. His hair looked as if it had once been dark black, through large amounts of grey now streaked it and prematurely aged him. When he turned, Jane could see his face was not old, though he was also not young. He looked exactly middle aged. The seriousness of his countenance made him difficult to read, but Jane did not think that such was rooted in any cruelty. He simply seemed to be the type of man who was serious in all aspects of his life. It reminded her of the way that St John had once been. When her husband turned back around, Jane leaned into him.

"Edward, do you know who that man is?"

Edward glanced at the priest now speaking to Leah at the front of the church, surveying him only for a moment.

"No, I have never seen him before. I suppose he is the new priest that Lady Denver spoke about at Christmas time"

"Oh yes" Jane said, remembering the conversation, "I completely forgot"

"John's brother organised the priest, otherwise I imagine I would have met with him beforehand. He has a rather serious look, does he not?".

Jane nodded, "I thought the same thing. He reminds me, in a way, of St John Rivers".

Edward looked at his wife quickly, but his eyes focused on her and his face became concerned.

"Are you warm enough darling? You look freezing"

But a moment later the priest moved to the front of the church, waved his hand towards someone at the back of the church and the doors were shut, sucking all natural light from the space. He bowed his head, silence fell, and the opening prayers began. As they did, Jane felt Edward place his scarf into her hands.

. . .

When the service ended Jane and Edward were one of the last people to leave the church. Leah and John's family had walked out behind his casket followed by people at the back of the church, leaving the Rochesters to discuss how beautiful his sendoff had been while they waited for the crowd to thin. The priest had been very good indeed. He used straightforward yet comforting language that was not the empty sort too often called upon in situations of grief. He had spoken from the heart, and as a result had reached every person in the room. This included Edward, who was generally suspicious of the priesthood as simply being where power hungry men went to exude privilege over others.

When the Rochesters eventually made it outside they were temporarily blinded by the bright sun that bounced off the snow in all directions. In the time they had been indoors it had turned into a rather beautiful day. Most who had attended the service were still standing around, waiting for the chance to speak to Leah and her family who were conversing in low tones with those who approached them. Jane and Edward took turns bouncing Henry to keep him content while they also waited, speaking with their servants who passed by. Suddenly, the crowd parted and the priest who had given the service appeared in front of them, bowing quickly and straightening up, his hands behind his back.

"Mr Rochester. My name is Father Frank Roberts. I am sorry that we cannot have a more formal introduction, but I fear there is no one here I know well enough to introduce us. I do hope you will not think me impetuous".

"Not at all Father. I am not particularly fond of formal introductions. It is very good to meet you".

They shook hands, and Edward turned to put his hand on his wife's back.

"Father, this is my wife Jane Rochester and our son Henry".

He bowed to Jane, smiling briefly.

"Good morning, Ms Rochester. I am sorry that we are meeting under such unfortunate circumstances. My condolences".

Jane nodded,

"Thank you"

"Forgive me for not coming to introduce myself sooner. Usually when I arrive in a place I am more prompt in introducing myself to my parishioners, but I have been asked to split my duties between several different Parishes for the time being. As a result I have been rather busy with introductions''.

"Which parishes?" Edward asked curiously.

"Several between here and Lady Denver's property. I was actually there only yesterday for she wished to meet with me. I understand she was disappointed with the last priest assigned to this county".

"You could say such," Edward said, a dark humour in his voice. "We are actually well acquainted with Lady Denver and the woman currently staying with her. Lady Denver is a family friend and Ms Rivers is Jane's cousin".

"I see" he said, nodding at Jane, "Both were kind to me. I look forward to getting to know everyone here better. In truth when I was transfered I was rather relieved. I have been moved often in the last two years and I now wish to settle. The country suits my temperament better".

"Then you were in the city last?" Jane deduced.

"Indeed. I was in Bristol. I do not mind the nature of cities but it is rather hard to get to know parishioners. I found that the wealthy and influential easily overshadowed those of a poorer class, and I did not like such. In the country such distinctions are known, but not so defined. Besides, there is nothing more refreshing than country air, and this part of the country is very beautiful indeed".

Jane smiled,

"Where is your current residence, Father?" Edward asked,

"Relatively close. About two miles away. It is on the Ashbusy estate"

"Then you have a lovely walk in either direction"

"I would not know" he answered swiftly, "I must confess I am not much of a walker. I am well enough to admire the beauty of the world from my window. I hired a carriage when I arrived, though it may be an indulgence, because I am afraid I prefer it. Besides, I am sometimes called quickly to see to parishioners in an emergency. My transport must be faster then what my legs can carry me".

"Of course" Edward smiled politely.

Henry began to squirm, and Jane picked him up so that his face rested upon her shoulder.

"How old is your son?"

"He is nearly nine months old" Edward said, his voice filling with pride.

"He is a strapping one" Father Roberts said, eyeing Jane curiously.

She knew, or rather suspected what he thought, for it was not the first time people were interested in the way Edward engaged with his son. It was out of the ordinary, even strange, for parents in their social position to care so closely for their son. Often nannies and governesses were the ones to raise the children while parents saw them on occasion, and primarily began raising them as they began preparing for marriage. But the Rochesters had known from the time Jane became pregnant that such would not be the case for their household.

Lost in these thoughts, Jane had lost track of the conversation until she heard Edward chuckle and then say,

"Well you would be welcomed to our home any time you wish. Perhaps you could come for dinner next week"

"Thank you, I would be very happy to".

Father Roberts turned and looked at Leah and John's brother who were just saying their goodbyes to the last few people still gathered outside the church.

"I should let you speak to the family" he said bowing lowly, "Good day to you both".

. . .

Hours later, long after the sun had set and Henry had been put to bed, Jane pushed open the door to the study with a tray of tea and biscuits balanced in her arms. Edward had spent the majority of the night working, making up for lost time in the afternoon when they attended John's funeral. Jane knew he would enjoy the tea, but she also had another more important motivation for going to see him.

"Hello sweetheart" he said in surprise, "What could I have done to deserve this?"

"It is just a little something. I thought you might be hungry"

When she laid the tray down on the desk in front of him Edward pulled her onto his lap.

"Thank you, I am hungrier than I thought".

"And how is your work?"

Arranging the teacups and saucers, he poured the dark amber liquid on top of small amounts of milk before stirring it with a spoon.

"The same as always, not especially stimulating".

Jane paused, surveying him as he handed her a cup.

"You look tired, Edward"

He looked up at her, the tone in her voice more concerned then he had expected.

"I am tired. But I take my role as master of this estate very seriously. People rely on me for their employment, meaning they rely on me in order to take care of their families. I cannot slack when such is at stake".

"That is not what I meant" she replied softly, "Of course taking care of our tenants is important. But you do take care of them. You are never irresponsible, late with payments, or capable of breaking the promises you make, yet I know you fear that you will".

Edward looked away from her, glancing sightlessly into the fire at the far end of the room.

"I always think of the type of master my father was. I saw what trouble and disorder he caused by being indifferent to his servants. And I saw what that neglect resulted in- families left destitute. I swore never to be like him. I swore to offer some level of comfort and stability to those I employed, if I was ever in his position".

"You are not your father" Jane promised lowly, "Even if you let go of all expectations you have of yourself, you still would not become like him. You are admired for who you are, and the strength of your character".

"Mmm" he said thoughtfully.

She leaned in and kissed his temple,

"When I come in here so late at night and still find you working I cannot help but worry about you. You care for me and our son, you run this estate as well as Eshtons, you assist him with his magistrate duties, you help with the horses in the stables and gardeners in the gardens and probably one hundred more things I do not even know of. By the time you have cared for everyone else I wonder if you have even one free moment to yourself".

His face ceased with concern and he looked back to his wife,

"Am I neglecting you, Jane?"

"No. Though perhaps you should if it meant some time to yourself".

He chucked to himself and Jane smiled before turning more serious, her hand moving to his curls.

"When we were first married I was brought into a life which was utterly strange and unfamiliar to me. To compensate, I tried to do far too much. You told me that I could not manage it all or else I would exhaust myself, and I trusted you. I am returning the same advice to you now. I promise that the roof will not fall in if you take a break, even if I have to hold it up myself".

He grinned and then chuckled, kissing her jaw sweetly.

"I know. And I love you for it. Besides, I know the sense in what you are telling me, so I will abide by your commands".

"They are not commands" Jane said, but Edward cut her off,

"No. But I wish to treat all of what you tell me as seriously. I promise you to be more temperate. Perhaps it is time to tell Eshton to man up and start managing his own affairs. It has nearly been two years of him looking on, quite content to allow me to do the work".

But he furrowed his brow in amusement, not anger.

"Come to think of it, he has men on his estate to help with such even if he did still require assistance"

"I think he simply likes socialising with you, and you him. But perhaps it is better to do such over a drink rather than paperwork".

He looked at her, his eyes dark and feeling in the firelight.

"You are probably right. Well, seeing as I am now quite finished with my work for the night let us go over and sit where it is more comfortable. I want to hear about the rest of your day".

Jane settled herself in front of the fire while Edward carried over their tea. Sitting beside his wife, he placed the warm cup into her hands and laid his arm around her.

"Do you know what I was thinking of today?"

"You will have to tell me" Jane smiled, tucking her feet comfortably under herself.

"I was thinking of how we spend so much of our lives communicating with other people- trying to form meaningful relationships which sometimes last and sometimes fall apart. In order to create them we chose what parts of ourself to share, and what to keep private. And there are always things which we keep hidden- the things which define us to ourselves in our quietest moments. Sitting in that church I was wondering what John kept to himself all his life, what lived in his mind that died with him".

She smiled weakly at him,

"I suppose the types of things which are too difficult to put into words. The things we spend our whole lives trying to understand and which make life so interesting and so wonderful".

Jane smiled when she looked upon his contemplating face.

"It is odd. I suppose a person can never truly be known because there is too much that they learn over the course of a day, let alone a week, or month, or year to be able to share with another person. Especially you, Mr Rochester" she smiled, looking into his eyes.

"Why? Am I so unknowable to you?"

"No" she said easily, "Not in the fundamentals. Not in the things which matter. But in terms of your mind, which turns at a constant rate, I am sure I do not know you at all".

He grinned but shook his head,

"Yes, you do. I feel very fortunate to have married a woman who is far more than my match in intellect".

She raised her eyebrow at him,

"What I know, I know because you have encouraged it in me"

"You do not give yourself enough credit. Your natural curiosity is what makes you endlessly fascinating. It is the reason I married you".

"It is not a matter of credit" she said, playing with his fingers, "I do have a natural curiosity, though how much I would be allowed to explore it would have been entirely dependent on whether or not the man in my life would have allowed it".

Jane lowered her tea, looking around the room.

"I could take any book down from these shelves and open it to any page I liked, and read for however long I wished, and not face any consequences for doing so. I am well aware this is not a reality for most women. I am very grateful that you have shown me the difference".

Edward looked at his wife seriously, his eyes filled with the honesty of how painful that was to him.

"But one day, when we are both gone from this world, there will be more men like you. I pray that will be the world our children and grandchildren grow up in".

"Yes" he agreed gently, kissing her wrist. "But I promise you this. If God grants us a daughter I will never allow her to become trapped by a man, nor any person who does not see her as an equal"

"I do not worry about that" Jane assured him honestly, having been comforted by this thought before, "In truth I worry far more for the man who would dare take you on as a father in law".

Edward chuckled darkly,

"And if God grants us only sons?"

"Then they will grow knowing that they are nothing more or less than a woman's equal".

Jane stroked his face affectionately, her thumb grazing his lips.

"Do you know what I thought of today?"

"Tell me"

"I thought of the bond that marriage creates between two people, but how each of these bonds are unique. I thought of John and Leah and I wondered what sort of life they shared together. I wondered what they thought of and dreamed of, what they talked about in the mornings and nights- the things they planned together".

Edward was looking at his wife with a hint of amusement before she succumbed to his look.

"I know" she smiled shyly, "I am not sure why such became lodged in my mind today. It is rather noisy of me, is it not?".

"No" he said, this time without humour. "No, it is not at all. You thought of it because they were happy in their own quiet way, and that made you happy too".

Jane sipped her tea, looking at her husband over the rim of the cup.

"I would like to think so, so I will not argue with you".

Jane turned away from him but cuddled closer, laying her back against his shoulder. She looked into the glowing blaze in front of her for a long time, her eyes closing slowly. She felt a warm hand at her hair line, the touch so feather light that it was hardly more forceful or intrusive than a summer breeze. She breathed deeply, letting her chest rise and fall in a slow rhythm. Her husband's finger caressed her forehead and moved across her eyebrow soothingly before she felt his lips against her closed lid.

"I cannot keep myself away from you" he breathed lowly, his lips brushing against her cheek as he spoke, "I cannot keep my hands off of you, witch"

"Well I have no objections".

He wrapped his arms around her.

"If you were not so tired, I could most definitely think of some things for us to do".

Jane opened her eyes, tilting her head to look at him regretfully.

"I am very tired" she managed to say, "And I wish I were not".

But Edward shook his head, kissing her again.

"I know," he said lowly, "Do not sound so apologetic. It has been a very long day".

But she continued to look at him and Edward smiled.

"I know, sweetheart" he repeated gently, kissing her temple before standing. He held out his hand and helped her easily to her feet as she staggered slightly. She squeezed his hand before walking towards the door, turning as she did so.

"Will you be very long?"

"Only as long as it takes to check on Henry" he promised.

. . .

As soon as Jane crawled into bed, however, she realised she would not be falling asleep as quickly as she thought. It was one of those strange nights when the moment she closed her eyes and pulled the sheets up around herself comfortably, the sleep that had been temping her all night deserted her completely. Her mind turned too fast, and before she could slow it the latch of the door clicked. At first Edward was very quiet, moving around the room carefully, but when he looked at his wife and saw she was awake he began undressing in his usual way.

"I thought you may already be asleep".

"So did I, but I fear you have put unspeakable ideas into my head and thwarted my plans".

"Have I? I'm sorry"

"I doubt that very much," Jane said, grinning when Edward's laughter filled the room.

Having slipped off his pants he pulled his shirt over his head and Jane furrowed her brow, examining his naked body carefully.

"Edward, can you come here for a moment"

He eyed her curiously as he approached. When he was near enough Jane sat up and gripped his arm, looking up into his face.

"What is it?"

"When did you become so... fit?"

He laughed, his eyes filled with amusement.

"Whatever do you mean?"

"Look at you"

Edward's body had always been more like that of a man's ten years his junior, for he was naturally very active and easily maintained his health. But tonight the lines of his stomach looked more defined, his shoulders looked broader, his collarbone more pronounced.

Jane knelt up, smoothing her hand over his chest in curiosity. She explored him, her lips kissing his chest for only a moment before he had stopped her hand in midair, the strength of it making her core burn.

"Jane. Don't"

"Why?"

"Because, when you look at me like that, and you touch me like that, I do not trust myself"

"And yet I trust you", she admitted.

Edward bit his lip.

"Ms Rochester, you do not know the power of that blushing face. Be very careful".

"What if I do not want to be careful?"

He raised his eyebrow,

"Or more specifically..." she clarified, "What if I do not want you to be careful?"

Edward grinned before grabbing the collar of her nightdress and pulling her towards him. She gasped in surprise as their mouths met in a slow but passionate kiss, her hands finding his neck and her thumb caressing his jaw. The feel of it made Edward deepen the kiss, tightening his hold on her. She felt his fingers trace the inside of her thigh before they moved between her legs, and when his thumb found her centre he massaged her so attentively and so skillfully that she was sure any women would have been brought to their knees by his attentions. Jane broke the kiss and moved her lips to his neck, kissing him in the same spot repeatedly as she moaned her satisfaction. She reached down and took his manhood before drawing back to look into his flushed countenance. His hold on her slackened as she began to stroke him, the feeling within him bringing him to a point of complete distraction. Jane felt triumphant as she kissed his neck again, increasing the speed of her motion. She felt her husband's groan ripple in his throat before it escaped from his lips. She could tell he was trying to be patient, allowing himself to savour her for as long as possible, but patience had never been his strong suit. He dropped his hand from her altogether and instead placed it in the small of her back, holding her securely against him. He brought her lips to his with surprising gentleness, despite the heaving breath escaping from him. The kiss, however, was rough and made Jane crave his touch again.

With dizzying speed, Edward lifted her off the bed and pressed her up against the wall. She hit with a thud, her hair bouncing in front of her eyes for a second. She smiled, not able to help herself when her husband's mouth closed around her breast through the thin fabric of her nightgown. His tongue cirlced and then rolled over her nipple, making her throw her head back and exhale sharply, but it was not enough- there was still too much of a barrier between her skin and his mouth.

"Edward" she breathed, hitching up her nightdress and trying, in vain, to remove it.

When he understood what she was trying to do he brought her down slowly.

"Here, darling"

He pulled off her clothes easily, leaving her exposed and shivering slightly in the cold room.

"I intend to remedy that,'' he promised tantalisingly, taking her hand and guiding her in front of the fire. Dropping down blankets and cushions from the nearby couches and chairs, Jane lay down before him with her arm thrown peacefully over her head. She looked up at him and his impressive form, feeling instantly warmed in more ways than one as he moved over her, kissing her lovingly and with far more composure than he had before. His lips were at her throat, and the warmth of his kisses kindled fires throughout her entire body. When his dark deep eyes meet hers, Jane found herself transfixed for a long moment, but a second later he was gone, and she did not need to look to know where. His hair tickled the inside of her leg as she sat up for a better look, but he had his hand on her stomach in an instant, pushing her back down.

"Don't" he said, flashing his irresistible smile, "Don't you dare".

She bit back an intoxicating rush of pleasure that threatened to consume her as her whole body tensed and relaxed under his experienced mouth. Her limbs felt numb and weak, yet every nerve she had sent fire surging to the tips of her fingers and toes. Her heart pounded in her chest in eager anticipation, but she was calm and at ease in this familiar and safe place. With one flick of his tongue, Jane's back arched as her hands desperately grabbed fistfuls of the blankets around her. In the shock of the motion she did not have time to control the cry of pleasure which hurtled from her. By the time her hand flew to her mouth her leg was shaking uncontrollably, and she gripped it thoughtlessly in an attempt to stop it.

"No, don't stop yourself" Edward said, lifting his head and kissing his wife's stomach. He threw her legs over his shoulders and brushed his lips over her core temptingly, causing another shutter to roll through her. "It makes me feel like God himself when you do that"

Jane blused before his mouth closed hungrily on her again. This time, it did not take long for her exhales of pleasure to become choked in her throat and turn into moans. The shaking returned stronger than before, but with her legs thrown over her husband's shoulder there was little she could do but succumb to it. She gasped loudly, knowing what was coming before it did, and cried out a second later in absolute relief.

She buried her face in her husband's chest as he lay down beside her, trying to steady her shallow breaths. The orange firelight glowed behind her closed eyelids as her heart fluttered so fast that it beat in her ears. She did not want to open her eyes- to in any way disturb the peace she felt- but she was too eager to look upon Edward. Slowly, she allowed her eyes to open and focus on his proud and loving face.

"You are a very, very good lover".

"And how would you know that?" he grinned.

"I suppose I do not, for certain" Jane breathed heavily, "But I doubt that there are many men in England who could leave their wives feeling the way I do at present".

He chuckled darkly, kissing her forehead with painful gentleness.

"Well" he said, lifting her chin, "You make it very easy".

"Is that what it is?"

"Mmm" he said lowly, taking her chin between her finger and thumb and drawing her to his lips.

"And now" she began, sitting up and tying back her hair, "I intend to be a very good lover to you".

He watched her as she lay back down and curled into his frame comfortably, resting her head on his outstretched arm. She looked into his face as she took his manhood into her hands, seeing his brow relax instantly and his eyes slide into unfocused ease as she stroked him. Low, guttural sounds of relief escaped his lips as she moved her head to his chest so that she could watch herself. They lay this way for some time, Jane enjoying listening to his voice- the telling sounds he made as she stroked him with differing rhythms and pressures. He rested his lips against the top of her head, kissing her in appreciation when he could. Eventually however, he reached down and stilled her hand.

"I will finish if you continue, sweetheart"

Jane kissed his hand, holding it in hers.

"That is alright"

"No" he argued, smoothing her hair "I would rather finish with you".

Jane nodded, kneeling up and straddling him comfortably.

She reached for a pillow that was resting above them and propped it under her husband's neck. He looked at her appreciatively before she lowered herself onto him with ease, already slick with her desire for him. He held her bottom and massaged her legs as she rocked against him, leaning forward as she increased their pace. Edward grunted in satisfaction, pushing deeper into her before taking her breast in his mouth and sucking her nipple. With this, she was lost completely to him.

He kissed her jaw tenderly before turning them over effortlessly. He teased her at her opening before entering her only shallowly, the closeness of relief and distance of satisfaction making her mad with frustration. Jane squirmed impatiently, looking pleadingly into his face. He kissed her lips before answering with one deep push, his arm resting above her steadying them as Jane's head knocked against it with each thrust. She smiled at the feel of him, the perfect way that he filled her completely. God had surely designed man and wife for each other, but she could not help but think that God had designed her and Edward specifically for one another when they were together this way.

With several more deep thrusts Jane felt herself come apart in his arms, her chest heaving deep breaths as one burst, and then two bursts of pleasure crashed over her in quick succession. She gasped before her eyes were forced shut, her body suspended in some time or place she did not know, until she felt her husband release himself into her. She smiled, his groan of relief ringing in her ears as his head dropped onto her chest. She moved her hand to his hair, smoothing it as she marvelled at the irregular breathing of her heart.

Edward eventually rolled onto his side, throwing his arm above his head and closing his eyes. Jane turned and reached over him to grab a blanket. Opening it, she laid it over him and then cuddled close, tucking in the ends behind her. When she looked back up at him he was watching her serenely as his finger traced the now yellowing bruises still covering her body.

"I hope I do not leave you in this state again"

Jane shook her head,

"I do not care either way"

"I know you don't, but I do"

"You shouldn't. I have never felt better in the whole of my life".

Edward grinned, kissing her cheek in response.

They were silent for a long time. Jane only spoke again when her heart had resumed its regular and steady beats and her voice was steady. She lifted herself up and placed her chin on Edward's chest so that she could look at him.

"Do you think that sex gets better over time?"

"Mmm yes. Just like wine" he responded.

Jane looked at him, not understanding, and he chuckled.

"What I meant is that sex is a very important part of any relationship, and it should get better overtime if the people are doing it right"

"Is that your experience?" she asked, in no way phased by her husband's sexual past.

"No" he said thoughtfully, "Apart from you. My previous relationships were not long enough for me to find out, though I know the answer would still be no. When sex happens for shallow and base reasons it is difficult to share yourself, and without that level of trust sex is nothing more than a means to an end. That is why when I lay with you on our wedding night I was aware for the first time in my life what it was to be truly satisfied by another human being. No one has ever suited, satisfied, or mastered me as much as you have, Jane, and you have only become more irresistible over time."

She looked at him meaningfully as he kissed her forehead.

"I know that sex has gotten better for us, though if someone had told me such on our wedding night I would have thought them to be mad".

He kissed her as she continued to talk, his lips tracing her jaw and temple and nose and chin...

"I know you better now. I know what will make you grunt, what will make you groan, and what will make you wild with impatience. I know the things to whisper in your ear, the things to ask you, and the things to beg you. I know where to touch you and how to touch you-".

But she was stopped with a kiss, a long deep kiss which made her feel lightheaded and senseless. His hand was at her throat, his gentle grip steadying her mouth. She moaned in disappointment as he pulled away.

"And I know how to make you moan, and sob, even when you don't want to, for you cannot help yourself. I know how to make you sigh like your heart is breaking and then scream with wanting me. I know how to make your body only exist where I touch it".

His lips were on hers again as he moved over her, kissing her lips and then down her chin, jaw, collarbone, breasts, and stomach. She breathed deeply,

"You win".

But she felt his smile spread across her skin,

"If only you knew how wrong you are".