AH/AU. A Klaroline historical story.

This is the first of this type I have tried my hand at. I hope you all enjoy it! It took forever to get this thing done.

Thank you, Ashleigh and Eve, for keeping me going during this whole process! You girls are the best!

This has NSFW moments.

Please excuse any mistakes.

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Caroline's stockinged foot slid up his back, wrinkling his waistcoat with each upwards and downwards pass. Her naked bottom sat perched on her tall cushioned stool with his fingers pressed firmly in its soft flesh. Her rose colored dress fanned out behind her while the front was clutched tightly in her fist. Only one of her long stocking covered legs and the man currently feasting on her nether regions were laid bare to the morning sunlight filtering in through the window.

Her chest heaved within the confines of her corset as her other hand gripped and pulled at his long blonde hair that had long since been pulled from its tie.

A deep throaty hum vibrated against her core at her tug pulling a gasp from her lips that turned into a soft whining moan as his hot tongue slithered around her throbbing clit.

He pulled back just a hair, his heated breath warming her center, "Shh Love. Your Lady's maid will hear."

Her rosy cheeks deepened in color as she realized she had forgotten herself, as she so often did when it came to him, yet again.

Her hips undulated, seeking out the friction and pleasure only his mouth could give her. She felt his chuckling breath puff over her soaking core a mere second before his lips closed around her throbbing nub.

His suction combined with the rapid flicking of his sweet tongue had her gripping his hair tighter, her head falling back as her climax rushed over her trembling body. Caroline's mouth fell open with a soft cry as he continued licking her vigorously, his calloused hands pulling her hips closer to his face as he extended her high.

The sudden sound of a rapid knocking at her door had her scrambling with a gasp of surprise. Glancing down in fear she was met with equally frightened gray eyes.

"My Lady, are you all right?" The voice of her Lady's maid inquired at the same time the handle on her door began to turn.

Thinking quickly, she flung her obscenely large skirt and petticoats over his form effectively hiding him from view just as the door creaked open.

"Is everything alright My Lady? You look a touch flush."

Caroline cleared her throat, sitting high and putting just enough sustain in her voice required to stop the woman from entering her room any further, "Everything is fine Mary. 'Tis just these blasted stockings. You know how I loathe them."

Mary took a step forward with an understanding grin, "They are fickle things. Would you care for my assistance?"

"No!" Caroline shouted, shocking her lady's maid before remembering herself and continuing calmly, "No, your assistance is not required. I'd thank you though to give me a few more moments to myself."

Mary bobbed a quick curtsy and turned to leave only to stop with a slightly stern warning, "The Viscount is expecting you down to break your fast shortly." A light blush hued her round cheeks, "And might I say My Lady, the young suitor he has in mind for you is quite fetching to look at."

"Duly noted." Caroline spoke dryly. "Please inform my Father I shall be down momentarily."

With a quick bob of her head Mary took her leave.

Neither moved for a few moments after the door clicked closed. Caroline nibble on her lower lip as her reality sank in. She could only fathom a guess as to what he was thinking beneath her dress as his forlorn sigh brushed against her inner thigh.

Lifting her skirt, she whispered with a heavy voice unable to look at him as she did, "You can come out of hiding now Niklaus."

Her blue eyes glanced towards him as he righted his slightly shabby waistcoat in her full-length gold gilded mirror.

In attempts to break the tension she giggled, "You know I've often joked that my skirts are large enough to hide a person. I never did imagine putting that theory to the test."

She winced as his grunt was her only response. Nibbling her lower lip again, a bad habit for a young lady of her station as he Father always reprimanded, she closed the distance between them and helped to fix the back of his clothing.

Caroline quickly pulled her hand back when he jolted as if she had burned him with her touch. Though in his mind perhaps she had, she thought sadly as she rubbed her hands together anxiously.

"Are you truly going to wed this sod?" His voice was soft and quiet but his tone rang loud and clear in her mind.

"What would you have me do Niklaus?" She pleaded with him as he turned to face her, "What can I do?"

"Be with me, Love. Run away with me Caroline."

She gasped in astonishment, her eyes rounding as he stepped closer taking hold of her left hand and incasing it within both of his work-hardened palms.

His voice filled with passion and love as he professed, "I know I do not have much to offer you. I cannot keep you in the life of luxury you are accustomed to. But Sweetheart I can offer you so much more. I can give you a life filled with love and adventure. Of seeing the world together as you have always dreamed. It is not much but I do have enough to see us off and secure our passage on a ship. To keep us warm and fed for the weeks to come until I find another place of employ."

Caroline's eyes danced between his, searching for what he did not know so he rushed to continue in their limited time left.

"What can any man your Father deems worthy offer you? Can they offer you what I do in kind? No Caroline." Niklaus shook his head dejectedly as he thought of what would lay instore for her, "You will be nothing more than a trinket, much like those that sit upon your shelves. Brought down only to be dusted before they are placed back again, long forgotten. There will be children, of that I am sure, but only enough to secure an heir as well as a backup. No love. No laughter. No world full of wonders for you to see. Nothing more than a title and a dowry. Those will be your only worth."

Caroline's blue eyes brimmed with tears and upon seeing this he moved hastily forward cupping her delicate cheek as he shushed her tenderly, "I'm sorry Love. I do not say such harsh things to upset you."

"I know." She croaked. "I know that just as I know all these things you speak of are true."

"Then come away with me my precious Love." He bent down slightly staring in her eyes as he begged, "My light, my heart, my love. Marry me. Build your life with me."

Caroline gasped at his words and feeling emboldened by her look of wonder he pressed his body against hers. His voice echoing deep within her chest, "Marry me Caroline. Be my wife for all time as I long to be your husband in every sense of the word."

She felt his hard body against her and even though she knew he meant more than just the carnal sense, her mind couldn't help but travel down the path they had never gone. Sure, they had begun dabbling into the lustful side of their secret relationship but that was a line they had yet to cross. Both had wanted to dearly, but to cross the line could mean ruination for her and chains and whips, if not death, for him.

A person of his background simply did not dally with one of her station and social standings in life. She thought in disgust. He was far more of a gentleman than most of the titled dandies with all their flop and flare.

He laid his forehead to hers sighing as she melted into him before whispering tenderly, "I love you Caroline. I always have, I always will."

"Niklaus." She breathed sweetly against his lips.

"Say yes my darling Love. Put me out of my misery and say you will be mine."

Caroline opened her mouth, to say what she was not sure of, when a quick tap on her door broke their moment.

"My Lady, you had better hurry before your Father works himself up into a tizzy." Mary's muffled voice sounded from the other side of the door.

"I have to go." Caroline whispered as she extracted herself from his arms. Picking up her skirts she hurried across her floor.

With a swish of her dress and the click of the door he was left standing there alone. His heart clenching at what he had saw within her blue orbs at the interruption.

Relief.

With a heavy heart, he waited a few minutes more, tormented by the smell of her all around him before he marched silently out her door and down the back hall designed for the servants.

He was stopped when he reached the servants stairwell by a butler before he could make his full escape.

"You! Boy! What are you doing at the upper levels of the estate? This is no place for you."

Niklaus spun in his heels with his chin held high his cold voice echoing in the small area, "Believe me I am aware. The Lady requested firewood for her suite. I was merely seeing to its delivery."

The imposing man eyes him critically with a harsh curl of his lip, "Well now that it is done be on your way back to the stables where you belong. And see to it that in the future you are more mindful of the time. You could have caught the Lady still in her rooms."

Niklaus nodded his head with a short bow that was required between the lesser and higher rankings of the staff before making hast to get out of this home that reminded him nothing but of her and all that stood within their way.

XXX

Caroline had tried her hardest not to huff or grumble under her breath throughout the morning meal. She clenched her teeth, offering more of a grimace than a smile, when her Father suggested they all take a turn through the gardens.

She had never been so grateful for her Father's busy and demanding schedule. Just as they had begun to ready themselves for their stroll he received an important missive that demanded his immediate attention. Thus, putting an end to their impromptu and unwanted walk.

Father and daughter escorted the young man outside to bid him their apologies and farewell. Niklaus brought the man's horse around to the front of the estate and Caroline tried not to feel hurt when he never glanced her way to share a secret smile as they were oft to do.

"I grow tired and quite frankly I am fed up with this nonsense Caroline." Her Father's voice boomed loudly beside her after the man and his horse were out of earshot.

Feigning innocence and confusion Caroline turn and looked at her father with wide eyes, "Whatever do you mean Father?"

"You know very well what I speak of child, do not play coy with me. You've had a better life and afforded more opportunities than those of your own social class. At your dearly departed Mother's insistence I had you tutored from the best scholars my family's money could buy. I did all this for you even when educating a woman is as taboo...as...things I shall not name around your delicate ears." He ranted in anger.

Caroline gently laid a hand to his arm as his face reddened, "Father, calm yourself. You know what the doctors have said."

"Blast the doctors! And blast your Mother for making me agree to her terms for your life on her deathbed." His voice rose to a high pitch squeak as he mimicked a female voice, "Let her find love, she said. Not all are as fortunate as we, she declared. Well I have had more than enough!"

Caroline felt her face pale and her palms begin to sweat, "Father what are you saying?" Out of the corner of her eye she could see Niklaus's shirt sleeve from where he was hiding and eavesdropping but she could not pay it any mind. Not with her Father's angry glare pinning her to the marble steps.

"I am saying that I am done with your snubbing and your scowling. I'm through with you turning your nose up and being down right rude to every suitor that parades themselves through my doors!" His chubby finger pointed and waved in her face. "You have shown no inkling of choosing a husband nor of settling down. Now you leave me no choice in the matter but to choose for you."

"Father please!"

"No! No more. I will no longer give into your whims. My decision is final." He shouted before turning to head back into the manor.

Caroline caught hold of his arm rushing to stop him from this path, "And if I had found someone to love? Someone worthy of my heart, would you reconsider?"

"If he was worthy of your heart and title? Of course. But it matters not. You have shown no interest in any of the suitors who have come to call and I handpicked those lads from the highest stock myself."

His attention was diverted to the butler waiting patiently at the door, nodding his head he turned back to his stunned daughter. Taking hold of her arm and wrapping it within his own he began guiding her back into their home. "Come now. I have important matters to handle along with now choosing the pick of the litter for your life partner."

He left her standing in the foyer as he walked to his study to meet one of his many business partners feeling as if she couldn't breathe.

Numbly Caroline wandered through her home, the only home she had ever known, her mind so caught up in the recent events she could not form a complete thought.

Xxx

Her Father had bid her goodbye and left just after the noonday meal claiming he would not return until the morrow. With a swift pat to her cheek and a softly murmured "Worry not all with be well." he was gone. Leaving Caroline to muddle through her thoughts with only the servants hiding in the shadows. They all left her be. With most having been in her family's employ since prior to her birth, they knew what a devastating turn of events this was for her.

She took advantage of being out of their prying eyes and weaved her way through her ancestral home. Smiling at memories here, running her fingertips over the shining trinkets there. Niklaus's words echoing in her mind when she would find one that had a slight coating of dust upon it.

"You will be nothing more than a trinket, much like those that sit upon your shelves. Brought down only to be dusted before they are placed back again, long forgotten."

Caroline began planning before she had fully realized what she was doing. Carefully and discreetly she gathered what she felt she would need and penned a message to be delivered.

A short while later, she pulled a young servant aside and in hushed tones spoke of all that she required of him. Now all that was left to do was wait while trying not to work herself up until the clock struck midnight.

Xxx

The manor had long sat silent as Niklaus crept cautiously through the home. His mind had been racing since receiving the letter from Josh that Caroline had written him. He had tried not to speculate on her simple words that requested his presence at the midnight hour as he went about his daily duties.

After overhearing her Father's newest demands, Niklaus could not help but be plagued with the worry that she would be sending him away. He did not know which would be worse; never laying eye upon her beautiful face again or being forced to look on from afar as she married and bore the children of another man.

Each carefully treaded step closer to her suite was met with a new and horrendous thought.

Which would be the greater hell? Seeing it all transpire right before his eyes? Or her sending him to some far-off place with only his memory to sooth him as he wondered how she would fare? Would the man her Father selected treat her as she so deserved? Or would that man do unto her as he had predicted earlier that day?

While his heart pounded loudly within his chest his feet had carried him silently to her door, reaching it before he felt ready to see what laid in store for him.

Laying his palm flat against the smooth wood he ran three circles over its front, a quick and quiet pat followed by three more circle. It had long been their secret knock.

The door was pulled open before his hand had even left the door's surface. Her anxious blue eyes and nervous face doing little to disquiet his trepidation.

Closing the door softly behind him he watched as her robe swirled around her ankles as she paced across the room with twisting her hands together.

Unable to stand the quiet any longer he stood tall, bracing himself for the blow that was sure to come, "Just say it Caroline."

She startled as if his presence shocked her out of her deep thoughts, "What?"

"Just say what you called me here to tell me." His throat bobbed as he swallowed past the traitorous lump that had formed before speaking shakily, "I can handle it."

"Did you mean it? What you said?" She blurted before licking her lips and starting again, "Do you truly love me and wish me to be your wife?"

"More than anything." His low voice sent shivers over her skin before his next words stunned her to her core. "Though I do not rightly see what that matters now."

One hand pressed lightly against her throat as the other flew down her body clutching her stomach. "I do not understand." She whispered with dread.

Niklaus waved a hand towards the chest and overstuffed satchel sitting next to her bed, "I assume you've gathered things to aid in my departure." He cursed the shaky sigh that left him as well as the tears gathering in his eyes, "You called me here to send me away, haven't you?"

"No, you blundering blockhead! Unless you have taken a fancy to wearing women's dresses and frills I do not see how these things shall aid you. I've gathered the items I will need to run away with you. As for the rest…"

His gray eyes widened in surprise before he strode over to her, grasping her shoulders gently as he interrupted her, "What are you saying Caroline? Are you sure? As I have told you before I…"

She placed her delicate finger upon his lips effectively silencing him with a tender smile, "All that matters is that I love you. I would go anywhere with you. I want to build a life with you Niklaus. I want to be known as yours just as I want the world to know you are mine."

A single tear leaked from the corner of his eye at her declaration, his emotion filled voice cracking, "That is all I have every wanted since first laying eyes upon you Caroline. But you do realize that my means are very little. It shall take me years to make us a stable home."

"You have forgotten about my dowry." She said knowingly with a cheekily smile. "I have gathered enough trinkets and odds and ends to help us get started. I might have also raided my Father's locked desk drawer and took a bag of gold coins."

"No Love." He began shaking his head vehemently, "I shall not be taking your money. Tis yours and not why I want to be with you."

"Then think of it as ours." She huffed in aggravation before rushing to continue as he made to argue, "I know that is not why you want to be with me Niklaus. Think of it as my contribution to our long and happy future."

He grimaced, "It will not be enough to keep you living in the style you are accustomed to. Even after I am able to secure employment."

"True." She offered with a half nod and a grin, "But that is not the life I envision for us."

Caroline stepped away from him to pick up the lone book she had sitting on top of her case, opening it to show him a small bundle of papers hidden inside.

"My Mother, worried over what would become of my life, left me this."

His eyes widened as he read all that the small packet contained. "Caroline." He breathed in amazement.

She giggled at his stunned expression, "My Mother held back on my Father. She had a small strip of land that was gifted to her from her Mother as well. It seems it has been a family tradition on her side; gifting this land to every female heir in case they ever had a need for escape."

She clapped her hands in glee, "Think of it Niklaus! We can build a horse breeding farm here. We can raise the best stallions of the land! With our mutual love of horses, we can build it together." She smiled as she watched the wheels turn in his mind, "And do not think I have forgotten your other dream my darling. There is a large wooded lot that belongs to this property as well. You will have all the wood you need to craft your furniture."

Furrowing his brows, he glanced to her, "But what of you Caroline? Your dreams to see the wonders of the world? Leaving your Father behind?"

Her eyes twinkled merrily as she shook her head with a grin, "Niklaus, when will you understand that my dreams of fancy were nothing but a girlish hope to live my life outside of the confines of my social confinements? You Niklaus are the wonder of the world I spoke of. Living with and loving you is all I ever truly wanted."

The passion in her voice, the honesty blazing from her shimmering blue eyes drew him in as he wrapped an arm about her waist and pulled her close for a searing kiss.

He held her close after their lips parted, "And your father?"

Caroline shrugged her shoulders but caved under his worried stare. "Once we have established ourselves I will send a missive to him. It will be up to him to decide what he would like to do."

Niklaus gulped and voiced his greatest fear, "And if he chooses to disown you or tries to force you back here?"

"I will not claim either option would not hurt, but forcing me back?" She voiced shaking her head, "No courts, not even the Ton or the Queen herself would void our marriage when such a time comes to pass."

"I wish I had your confidence." Niklaus grumbled in shame over his lower-class and how it left him unable to provide for her as he would like.

"Hey." Caroline's soft voice and hand cradling his cheek drew his eyes back to her, "I care not for any titles other than being called your wife. It seems I shall have to have the confidence for the both of us until such a time as my words are proven true."

Niklaus felt his heart pound within his chest. Shyly he ran the backs of his fingers against the soft skin of her cheek. His hope pouring from his eyes as his voice floated reverently between them, "You truly wish to become my wife?"

Her lips lifted into a thrilled smile, "It would be my greatest pleasure and joy."

His smile was as blinding as hers as he replied, "As it would be mine. As well as my greatest honor to become your husband." Their eyes locked, both elated over the future they could see within the other. Niklaus shook his head as reality sank in, "We must make haste. When is your father due to return?"

"Not until after the morning meal. I have Joshua readying two horses and the cart as we speak."

"Sure of ourselves were we?" He teased.

Caroline giggled sweetly, "When it comes to us? Without a doubt. Now help me with these bags. You and Joshua will have to bring the larger one down. Just be sure to remain as silent as can be."

Within the hour, under the dark cloak of night they were gone. Traveling across the countryside under the guise of a newly wedded couple off to make their own path in the world.

Two days into their journey they were wed. For all the flare that a Lady of her station demanded of a wedding; theirs was small and quant. Viewed only by the preacher and his wife in a small church two towns over from the land her Mother secretly left her.

Caroline blushed heavily as the older woman tried her best to explain the upcoming night and what would come from the consummation of their vows. Having seen many a young couple flee the scriptures of life within the Ton the older woman offered them a boon that, while embarrassing, Caroline rushed to except in hopes that one day her Father would see the proof that they had not transgressed so far against him.

Niklaus and Caroline would spend their first night as a wedded couple in one of the small one roomed cabins the church offered for travelers. In the daylight hours, the preacher and his wife would bear witness to the marital bed and the proof of Caroline's virtue it would hold.

Shortly after the small intimate ceremony and a small repast with the older couple, Niklaus was escorted away while she was led to the small cabin so they could both ready themselves for the night to come.

Caroline stood by the stone fireplace, nervously fiddling with the ties of the nightdress that held the fabric closed at her neck. While they were accustomed to each other's bodies, they had never seen the other completely in the nude before. Their more promiscuous meetings had only just started a few weeks prior and all of their touching had been done fully clothed and was limited to hurried moments and clumsy fondling.

At the soft rap on the door Caroline cursed her quivering voice as she bade her husband to enter.

Husband.

The title alone would have been enough to calm her raging nerves. But the way his steely eyes swept slowly over her form, combined with the awed gasp that fell from his open lips, sent a delicious heat straight down to her core.

Giving him a sultry grin Caroline opened her arms welcoming him in as he shut the cabin door, "Husband."

A possessive light shone within his eyes as his husky voice replied, "Wife."

Dressed in a loose pair of britches he slowly stalked across the floor towards her causing his half-buttoned dress shirt to move showing off his smooth muscled chest.

Caroline nibbled on her lower lips as she felt her cheeks heat with the way his eyes moved over her thinly covered body and her long flowing hair. Niklaus stepped in closer to her, one hand shakily gripped her hip while the other slid across her cheek before his fingers ran admiringly through her long golden locks.

She felt shivers dance over her skin at his gentle touch and the heat from his hand placed at her hip bringing a nervous gasp from her lips.

"We do not have to do this now Caroline. We can wait until you are feel ready." His deep voice eased her nerves slightly.

"But the proof of…"

"Damned the proof." He declared firmly. "This should only be about you and I. Not some evidence for us to leave behind for your Father. If you are not ready…"

"But I am!" She squeaked loudly before clearing her throat and hesitantly let her fingers trail over the skin showing through his shirt of his chest. "I am ready. I supposed I am just, you'll think me strange," She puffed a laugh, "but I am just a smidgen nervous."

Niklaus chuckled softly, "You think I am not?"

Her wide blue eyes glanced up to him with innocent surprise, "You are?"

"Aye." He answered with a half-grin, "But what was it we vowed just a few short hours ago?"

Caroline's eyes twinkled as a lazy grin lit her lips, "That we would face the world together. That we would share in all our adventures as one."

"And if this adventure is one you are not quite ready for then we shall postpone the journey." Niklaus uttered softly as his heart pounded in his chest. As nervous as he was about taking this step with her for the first time, he was just as equally excited to do so.

Caroline's tongue peeked out to swipe over her luscious lips, her fingers still drawing circle on his chest as her other hand slid up to cup the side of his neck. "Kiss me Niklaus."

Slowly he lowered his head, pressing his lips to her soft waiting ones as he drew her body in closer. Tentatively he brushed the tip of his tongue over the crease of her mouth, groaning deeply as she opened for him.

The wet heat of his tongue tangling with hers brought a moan of pleasure from her. Her hands slid around his neck pulling him down closer as she walked them backwards to the bed. When she felt the mattress hit the back of her knees she stopped and pulled her mouth from his.

The two newly wedded lovers stared deeply into each other's rapidly heating eyes, their panting breaths ghosting over the other's face. Caroline hesitantly pulled his shirt from his britches and with trembling fingers she clumsily undid the remaining buttons. Her eyes followed the movements of her hands as she glided her palms up his chest and over his shoulders, brushing the shirt down his arms.

She couldn't contain the awed gasp at the sight before her. His upper body was all smooth skin and lean muscles that he had gained from his work on her Father's estate. A small part of her felt she had deprived herself of seeing such a sight but their wait had been worth it; for it had made this moment all the more special to her inside her heart.

Caroline marveled at the heat of his skin even as her fingertips brought on goosebumps as she slowly touched every inch of his uncovered skin she could reach.

For his part Niklaus felt as if he was in Heaven. The way just the simple touch of her fingers made his body feel alive and the way her eyes darkened as she looked him over, it felt as if lightening was coursing through his veins. The thought arose that if it felt that way now, how would what was to come feel? As her fingers brushed against the ties of his britches and she sucked her lower lip into her mouth, he quickly stayed her hand.

Caroline glanced into his eyes quickly, "What is the matter? Why did you stop me?"

Niklaus let out a puff of air, not wanting to tell her if she continued this exploratory path she was on, it would be over far too quickly. Instead he huskily requested, "Let me see you as well my Love."

The vivid blush that stole over her cheeks continued down her neck making him wonder just how far beneath her nightdress it traveled. Regrettably her hands left his body to fall to her sides, but his remorse was shortly lived at her nod of approval.

Steadying his own riotous emotions, his trembling fingers gently pulled at the bow's ends at her neck. His heart beat a frantic tune in his chest as each new inch of her heaving chest and shoulders were revealed to his eyes. Just as tenderly as she, he carefully brushed the fabric over and down her shoulders, sending the nightdress to the floor with a soft wisp.

His breath caught in his throat at the sight of her standing bare before him. Her slender neck curved down to her full breast with their tight pink peaks. He happily discovered that her blush went all the way down to the tops of her beautiful breast.

"Beautiful." He uttered unknowingly as his eyes continued their journey over her stunning body. Her narrow waist and slightly flared hips made his fingers flinch with the need to touch her. The dark triangle of curls covering her delicious center had him licking his lips as he recalled the taste of her. Seeing her lean legs, naked all the way down to her dainty toes had his mind filling with images of them being wrapped around his waist.

The way he all but devoured her with his lust filled gray eyes had Caroline rubbing her thighs together as she recalled the other ways he had devoured her prior to this moment. Her breath caught as she wondered; if those things had felt so wondrous, what would feeling all of him do to her?

"Niklaus."

Her husky whine of his name drew him out of his lustful haze. Finding similar thoughts within her eyes he lunged towards her. Her hands instantly went to his hair, his gripping her hips and pulling her against him. The feel of the skin of their upper bodies meeting for the first time sent equal gasps and groans into the other's mouth before their lips danced in a heated kiss.

When Niklaus felt the heat of her press against his ridged member he felt grateful that he had had the mind to stop her before she had removed his britches. He would have lost himself in her the moment their lower halves would have touched otherwise. With the feel of her breasts and their hardened peaks rasping against his chest, his mind thankfully took over and reminded him of what he had overheard some men boost of over the years. One of them had come to mind before he had even walked in the door.

Be sure to take care of yourself before your first time Laddie, if there be a chance to. Otherwise it will be over before you even start.

His hand curved in-between their bodies, cupping and tweaking her nipple just as her hands rounded and gripped his backside, making him thankful that he did indeed have the chance.

Caroline's head fell back breaking their kiss as the way he fondled her breast sent sparks of pleasure through her body. Niklaus trailed his lips over the curve of her jawline, her hand threading through his hair as he lavished her neck with his lips and tongue.

A Lady's first time need not be too painful for her, if'n you get her ready enough and you know what you be doing.

His meager experiences with her had taught him well what she liked. He wound his arm around her lower back, slowly tipping her body down to lay her across the bed. His calloused palm slid up her side, cupping her breast as his lips trailed a hot path downward. The first flick of his tongue over her hardened peak had her gasping. The second pulled a moan from her. The third was followed by his warm lips wrapping around it and sucking causing her back to arch off the bed with a keening cry.

Caroline's mind whirled with desire and pleasure as his lips lavished her breasts. The way he all but worshiped her as he kissed and laved his tongue over her flesh made her feel as if she was a goddess of old.

She felt his lean body slide further down, her breath hitching as he fit his shoulders between her thighs. His tongue and lips softly brushed a path over her lower abdomen, trailing lower still as his nose nuzzled into her soft bed of curls.

Her body tensed as she panted at the feeling of his scruff scratching the soft skin of her inner thighs. At the slow glide of his hand up her leg spreading her wider, she glanced down to see only his lustful eyes blaring up at her right before his hot tongue flattened in a long swipe over her wet core.

Her body thrashed at the way he feasted on her. His hands racing to hold her hips down as his tongue chased her succulent core. Her first climax of the evening had just rushed over her when she felt his fingers probing at her entrance.

With one hand gripping the sheets at her side the other fled down her body to grip his curly locks just as he pressed his finger inside, curling it against her inner walls. Her thighs trembled, her grip on his hair and finger tightened bringing a low rumbling growl from his lips that vibrated against her core sending her quickly over the edge once more. A keening moan of his name bursting from her throat.

Her heart hammered within her chest, her body still quivering from her climaxes, as she felt him leave the bed. Caught up in her blissful daze her mind barely registered his movement or the sounds of the fabric of his pants hitting the floor.

Within seconds the bed dipped as he rejoined her on the bed. His warm trembling body covered hers, nudging her legs open with his knee to fit his body between the cradle of her thighs.

Caroline's hand held the side of his neck as the other pressed into his lower back. Both groaning as the pressure drew his hips closer, his shaft brushing against her dripping folds.

Niklaus leaned his body on an elbow, one hand cradling her face as the other slid down, hitching her thigh over his hip. He wanted to ask if she was sure, if she was ready but his throat would not allow words to form. Thankfully her eyes and soft smile told him all he needed to know. Adjusting his hips, lining his ridged manhood up to her quivering folds. Their mouths hung open with bated breath as he pushed in the first inch, gently rolling his hips to sink in further.

At the first wince of pain on her face he lowered his head, whispering, "I love you Caroline." Catching her response within the cavern of his mouth as he tenderly kissed her swollen lips and seated his shaft to the hilt feeling her silky warm walls contract around him.

His body shook with the effort it took to hold still, wanting nothing more than to thrust his hips and rut against her but needing to give her a moment to adjust.

Caroline slowed their kiss, resting her lips against his scruffy cheek as she attempted to catch her breath and adjust to the foreign feeling of his manhood deep within her. For all the warnings she had heard of the pain she would feel during her first time, it had turned out to be nothing more than a mild discomfort. Whether that had to do with their love for each other or how he had lovingly prepared her, she had not a clue.

Experimentally, she rolled her hips feeling his shaft leave her just a fraction before sinking back in. Her breath came out as a soft moan as his head fell to her shoulder with a masculine groan. She arched her hips up once again, this time pressing on his lower back. It must have been what he was waiting for, for in the next moment he had her leg hitched higher over his side as he slowly pulled his hips back before thrusting gently back into her.

They clumsily found their rhythm. Hips rolling and thrusting, hands skating and sliding over each other's sweat covered skin. Caroline's nails dug into his back and shoulder when he hit a particular spot within her, dragging a cry of pleasure from her lips. Niklaus must have noticed her reaction, soon after he focused his thrusting hips on that area over and over again. Feeling her walls quiver and tighten as her core heated around his torrid length had him groaning deeply, gripping her thigh tightly as he felt his orgasm sneaking closer.

Caroline's head thrashed on the pillow, she could feel the end coming ever closer but hanging just out of reach. That was until he gripped her thigh, pulling her hips closer still, his pelvis hitting her swollen nub with every thrust causing her body to stiffen as her climax crashed over her. Her hoarse voice cracked as she shouted his name and feeling her walls clamp down on his shaft was the final trigger needed. He roared her name, his body trembling as his seed spilled within her quivering depths.

Niklaus collapsed facedown beside her, his arm pulling her in and securing her shaking body against his. Nothing but heaving pants were heard echoing throughout the room as the fought to control their pounding hearts.

Sluggishly Niklaus turned onto his side, tenderly brushing the sweat matted hair off her face. They smiled lazily at each other with flushed cheeks before Caroline giggled happily bring forth an elated chuckle from his chest.

He pulled her body with him as he rolled onto his back, her head fitting perfectly within the nook of his neck and shoulder as if it was always meant to rest there. Lifting her chin with his knuckle he brushed a few soft tender kisses to her lips, sighing as her tongue swept slowly through his mouth.

Her eyes sparkled with all her joyous emotions as she ran her fingers over his jaw, "I love you Niklaus. Always and forever."

"As I you my darling. Always and forever."

They settled down for rest, her fingers brushing slow soft circles over his chest as his trailed up and down the smooth skin of her cooling back. Both smiled as they fell into a blissful slumber, thinking over all they had gone through to get here and all that was yet to come. But both knowing that when it came to matters of the heart, they were exactly where they both belonged.

Xxx

Six years Later.

Caroline stepped out onto the covered wooden porch of the modest stone cabin wiping her hands upon her apron.

"May I ring the bell Mama?"

Caroline smiled happily at her nearly five-year-old son. "Of course, you may Henrik." She shook her head at the loud whoop he shouted, surely that was enough to call his Papa in for lunch.

Even with the decent state they had found the land's stone cabin to be in, it had taken them nearly two years to fix the homestead up. Discovering she was pregnant so soon after their wedding had come as a pleasant surprise. And even though Niklaus had fretted over her constantly, her stubbornness along with the assurance from the towns midwife had seen her helping right up until the end of her pregnancy.

They had their bumps and trials along the way. The horse farm did not take as they had hoped; leaving the vast land open for raising livestock as well as farming the foods for their own root cellar as well as to sell or barter with among the locals.

It was Niklaus's woodworking that seen them through. His talent in crafting marvelous pieces out of nothing was something that always left her gasping in awe. His intricate designs both with wood and paints had customers flocking to him to place special orders.

He was making a name for himself and Caroline, outside of her own pride in him, knew just what that meant to him. Business had become so well that he had even taken two apprentices underneath his charge. Something unheard of for one as young as he.

Caroline beamed brightly as Niklaus appeared from around the corner of their home dusting wood shavings off his work clothes.

Henrik dashed off the porch, "Papa! Papa! Mama let me ring the bell did you hear?!"

Niklaus chuckled as he ruffled his son's curly blonde hair, "Aye my boy. And a mighty fine bell ringing it was. Have you been a good lad at helping your Mother?"

Henrik grinned a toothy smile, his face shining with pride as he nodded his head vigorously. "Uh huh. I set the table and everything."

Niklaus gave his son a pat on his back as they stepped onto the porch. Upon seeing his wife he smiled lovingly, "How are you faring today Sweetheart?"

"A little tired," she answered honestly. "But all is well."

Niklaus laid his hand gently to her rounded stomach, "And this wee one? How is she?"

Caroline rolled her eyes at his presumption at the baby's gender, "Dancing a jig as always." She answered bringing a chuckle from her husband.

The small family gathered within their home eating their noonday meal as Henrik regaled them with tales of his latest adventures with his friends.

The sound of horse hoofs and carriage wheels off in the distance could be heard coming up the dirt lane.

Niklaus wiped his face on his napkin before placing it on the table. Standing he bent down brushing a kiss to his wife's cheek, "That would be Thomas with supplies." Glancing at his son when he made to rise he held his hand out, "Finish your meal and help your Mother."

Henrik groaned as he slumped back into his chair bringing a smile to his parents faces.

"I have a hankering for an afternoon nap." Caroline shared a conspiring grin with her husband, "Perhaps your Papa could use your help in the woodshop."

Niklaus chuckled at his son's large begging blue eyes. With a contemplative demeanor, he rasped his hand over his scruff covered chin, "I suppose I could use an extra set of hands." He smiled as his son's face lit up, "Only after you finish your food and assist your Mother to bed."

Caroline scoffed, "Hey! Who is the adult and who is the child here?"

"For a brief time yet my lovely wife, you are a bit of both." Niklaus laughed as he dodged the napkin she swung his way.

Henrik hid his giggles behind his hand at his mother's pout, "You will catch bird droppings with that lip Mama."

Niklaus doubled over in laughter while Caroline looked at Henrik is shock, "Pardon me?"

Henrik looked between his parents in confusion, "Is that not what you tell me when I pout my lip out?"

"He has you there sweetheart." Niklaus chuckled with a smirk.

"Now I do hope this one's a girl." Caroline huffed as she rubbed her protruding stomach, "I am far too outnumbered as it is."

Niklaus chuckled as he walked towards the front door, "You love us none the less."

Caroline's retort died on her lips at her husband's ridged stance after he opened the door. "Niklaus? What is it?"

He turned his head to face her, swiping his tongue anxiously over his lip, "Henrik, how about you head out back and see if Liam needs any assistance."

Ignorant of his parent's strange mood Henrik did not think twice before wiping his face off and running towards the back door with an excited whoop.

Caroline waited until her son had left before standing carefully from her chair and made her way over to stand next to her husband in the doorway. There in front of their home sat a carriage with a crest emblazoned on its side that she had not seen for nearly six years.

Linking her arm through her husband's they cautiously walked out onto the porch just as Joshua opened the carriage door. Shinning booted feet were the first thing she seen of her Father before he emerged and walked down the carriage steps.

The group stood eyeing each other speculatively before her Father's large frame sagged as he sighed with his arms spread wide, "Is that any way to greet your Father after so much time has passed?"

Niklaus held tightly to his wife as she made to run towards her Father. The older man sent a glare his way thinking the man meant to keep her from him before watching as Niklaus carefully guided his daughter down the steps of the porch.

His blue eyes widened comically as he noticed for the first time his daughter's protruding stomach heavy with child. "I see much has changed in the past six years." He croaked.

"We are properly wed Father I promise you." Caroline rushed to defend.

Her Father raised a hand to stop her, "Aye I am aware. I have been in fact for the past six years." At their confused looks he shook his head, "You two did not really think I would not try to find you now did you? Within a few days' time after your leaving I came across the small church a few towns over and the lovely couple that attested, rather bluntly I might add, to the legality of your marriage. After quite a bit of heated words were exchanged and not knowing where you ran off to, I went back home."

Caroline and Niklaus had enough decency to glance to the ground sheepishly.

"Of course, at the time it is probably best I was not aware of just how close you were. With the state I was in I would have drug you back home kicking and screaming and set this matter before the Ton." The Viscount said straightforwardly.

Caroline swallowed harshly, "And now Father?"

"And now," He sighed heavily, "I have had many a years to think things over. And after receiving your husband's missive and giving his holdings a deeper inquiry I find…" He trailed off before grinning, "I would quite like a drink after such a long ride and perhaps some time to catch up."

Caroline bit her lip to hold back her smile, "Take a seat on the porch while I gather some cool mead." She shot a glare at her husband before walking away.

Niklaus quickly offered a grimace to his father in law, "I suppose I should help her. Please excuse me my Lord."

"William." He waved off his son-in-law's bow, "With all that has come to pass, I give you leave to call me William."

"Thank you, William." He added hastily before scrambling after his wife.

William chuckled, hearing his daughter demanding to know why her husband had sent off the letter without her knowledge, as he inspected the well-crafted chairs on the porch. His son-in-law's reply gave him pause as it caught him off guard.

"You missed him Caroline. But I knew you were too frightened that he would not respond so I took matters into my own hands."

"Still, you should have told me."

"And have you staring at the road every hour of every day wondering if he would show? Not bloody likely."

William missed whatever else was said as a small blonde haired boy walked up beside him.

"Hello Sir. Are you here to purchase some of my Papa's furniture? He really does make the best furniture in the whole lands. My Mama does some of the sewing. She does a pretty job. Though she does say naughty words when she pricks her fingers." His blue eyes the same shade of Caroline's rounded as did his mouth, "You will not tell my Mama I told you, will you?"

William slowly eased into one of the chairs, his eyes taking in the cherub face of the lad. Even with Caroline's eyes and her penchants for rambling, if you added a few more years to the boy he would be the spitting image of Niklaus when he had first come to work on his property.

William had always liked the boy and had felt pity that his own Father had sold him off to pay off his debts. Niklaus had been a fine and hard worker and, to be honest with only himself, there had been plenty of times as he watched Niklaus and his daughter play and interact that he wished he could form a match between the two. He had often thought what a perfect match they would make, both in life and love. But as a daughter of a Viscount she had obligations and such thoughts of fancy had to be shut down.

William had known of their fancy with each other, but he had no idea that it ran that deep and that his demands of her would cause her to run off. He had regretted it deeply the moment he had left that day. He had full intentions of returning home and making things right again. Only he arrived to discover the manor in an uproar. Mary was weeping, Joshua was ringing his hat in guilt while Niklaus and Caroline and their things had vanished into the night. Upon discovering the church, and that blasted woman's rantings of virtue and honor, he had taken solace in the fact that Niklaus had done right by his little girl and trusted that he would look after her.

That did not mean just because he had taken a liking to Niklaus that he had not wanted to see him drawn and quartered when he discovered they had ran off and wed. As he had told Caroline, it was a mighty fine thing that he did not know of their whereabouts at the time.

Truth be told he had known where they were now for almost a year. The boy, well the man now, had begun to make quite the name for himself among the Ton with all the Ladies in a tizzy over this one's high back chair and that one's armoire. But it wasn't until a month ago when Niklaus's letter sat upon his desk, fear eating at him with what the missive would contain; had his daughter fell ill and passed? Was she hurt? That he knew whether he was welcome to their home or not.

His attention was drawn back to the young lad that fidgeted before him. Leaning forward with a conspiring whisper and a wink, "Your secrets are safe with me my boy."

The young lad beamed a toothy grin just as his parents walked back onto the porch.

Caroline narrowed her eyes at her Father as Niklaus offered William and Joshua their drinks, "Conspiring already are we?"

"No Mama." Henrik said as he rocked on his heels, "I was just telling this man about Papa's furniture."

Caroline pressed her lips, knowing something had happened but chose to let it pass as the happiness of seeing her Father and her son together was overwhelming.

"I would like to introduce you someone Henrik." Caroline told her son as she placed a hand to his shoulder. "My Father has come to visit us."

His eyes rounded excitedly, "Where is he Mama?"

The adults chuckled and William leaned closer, "I am right here Henrik."

"You are my Grandfather?" Henrik's eyes rounded innocently. At William's wide smile and nod Henrik launched himself into his arms shouting, "I have a Grandfather! Mama, Papa look! Now I can tell the other boys they are not the only ones with Grandfathers."

The group indulged Henrik and his million questions. Caroline and Niklaus watched as William told him story after story and promised to head into town tomorrow to meet his group of friends.

Niklaus glanced at Caroline from his spot next to her on the bench as she stretched her back yet again and smothered a yawn behind her hand.

"Are you well Love?" He whispered in her ear.

"Yes. Just a little sore from sitting so long and tired." She replied quietly.

Not missing the exchange William spoke up, "Now, how about we let Caroline rest and you show me around this shop of yours that has all the old buzzards worked up in such a raucous?"

"Father! Please. You will set a horrible influence on Henrik." Caroline reprimanded him.

Thankfully Henrik was too excited to pay much attention as he was near bursting at the seams to run off and tell his friends all about his new Grandfather.

It did not take long for Caroline to fall asleep after Niklaus helped her to bed and sent Henrik on his way. Afterwards Niklaus showed his Father in law around his woodworking shop, anxiously waiting for what the man would say. Niklaus had always been grateful to the man and respected his option, he could only hope that in light of all that had transpired things would not go sour.

"You have done very well for yourself and your family Niklaus. I do hope you feel a profound sense of pride in yourself as I do for you." William declared with a clap on his back after a tour around the shop.

William grinned happily at the pride and relief that rolled off Niklaus as he nodded, "Thank you my Lord."

"None of those titles now Niklaus. We are equals now." William scoffed as he fumbled in his overcoat pockets withdrawing a packet of papers.

"What do you mean?"

"You married a Viscount's daughter, born a commoner or not, that elevates you to a higher social ranking." William explained.

"I did not marry her for her title or holdings. I..."

William waved him off, "You have no need to defend yourself or to reassure me. I know quite well that you married her for love and not her wealth."

"How can you be so sure? Why are you not…"

"Raging like a bull?" The two men shared a chuckle, "Six years ago while the wounds were still fresh I would have likely spoken differently."

"And now?" Niklaus asked with a gulp."

"Now?" William laughed as he spread his arms out wide, "Look around you my boy! Look at all you have built, all that you have acquired. Lands, financial and social standings. You did that all on your own."

Glanced down sheepishly Niklaus admitted, "Mainly on the back of what Caroline brought to the marriage. I had very little to offer her in the start."

"Oh poppycock." William huffed. "You did more with what could be considered her dowry than any of those, what did she fancy calling them? Popinjays? Would have ever done with it. Besides, you gave her what I have always wanted for her, what her Mother wanted for her. Happiness and love. As a Father yourself, you cannot claim to truly want more for your children. You would be so luck, should the babe in her now be a girl, to find a man much like yourself as a son-in-law."

Both men cleared their throats gruffly, "Now enough of this feminine chatter. Here," William handed him a stack of papers, "These are the accounts and records of your title and holdings. Letterheads with the proper addresses upon them so your business will be more lucrative. A draft of my will and testament. Though with the added heirs' I was not made aware, of those will be changed shortly to include them by name."

Niklaus swiped his tongue nervously over his lips as he skimmed through the papers. Glancing up at his father in law with a squinted eye, "I think it might be best if we hold off on telling Caroline of such things."

William hummed thoughtfully, "I think you might be correct on that matter Niklaus." Clasping an arm over his shoulder, "Now, show me around this house of yours. Does it happen to have a spare room for on old man such as myself?"

Niklaus grinned as the two walked back towards the house, Henrik could be seen running over the grassy hill towards the house and the sounds of Caroline making dinner within the kitchen filtered through the air to their ears, "Thinking of staying for a while?"

"Aye. I missed the birth of my first grandchild. I do not plan to miss the next."

"We have plenty of room to spare, we made certain of that form the very start. Caroline and I would be honored to have you stay for as long as you wish." Niklaus smiled, knowing just what this new development would mean to his wife.

As the larger group pulled in chairs to accommodate their growing numbers around the dining table, all could be caught having a brief moment of silent reflection on how full their hearts felt once more. With all the laughter and the many years missing, there was not much time for quiet as the stone cabin rang with laughter and infectious joy of a family made whole.

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Yes, no, maybe so? Let me know. Thank you all so much!