A/N: Sorry this chapter took so long. With the holidays and January being the busiest time where I work, well you can imagine. The rest of the chapters should be out much faster. A HUGE 'thank you' to all the people who reviewed my first chapter. You made me smile! I don't have a beta person, so I apologize for any mistakes. If you are interested in helping beta, let me know. As always feel free to review, all comments welcome.
On with the show…
Disclaimer: I really wish I owned them… well maybe just Roxton… But nope, still not mine…
(2)
They had found the way off the plateau. Amazingly, after 5 years, it was right in front of their noses the whole time. They were spending the last few days getting everything ready for their departure.
"No, George, I am not going back to get you another bloody pterodactyl egg. I almost got killed last time," Roxton stated crossly. "It is not my fault that did not work out," he stopped to turn and glare at Ned who was smirking behind his back, "Besides, we'll be back."
"But…" George started, but Roxton quickly cut him off.
"NO, George." He admonished and quickly turned and walked into the elevator going down to the ground.
George turned and looked hopefully at Ned. Ned smiled and shook his head. "Count me out too, George. I am not THAT crazy." With that he left the main room towards his room, leaving George standing there alone.
~*~
Roxton stood still, staring at her through the bushes. She was only washing her clothes, but it seemed to him that she was even more beautiful than ever. Perhaps it was just that he just kept falling further in love with her every day. He exhaled and shook his head, this was not going to finish his work. He took in her loveliness once more and briskly walked away disappearing into the jungle. Marguerite was in for a surprise alright, he chuckled as his plans worked themselves out in his head.
Marguerite snapped her head up and peered out into the lush jungle. Her eyes narrowed as she searched out the noise she heard. She could have sworn someone was out there. Seeing nothing, she sighed and went back to rinsing out her clothes. She could not wait to buy all NEW clothes. Quickly finishing her chore, she headed back to the treehouse. Looking at the sun's position in the sky, Marguerite picked up the pace to a brisk walk. She and Veronica were making a trip to the Zanga Village this afternoon and they needed to get started on their trip as soon as possible. As the treehouse loomed into view, she found herself smiling. She had a feeling things were going to start looking her way. They were going home.
~*~
In the early hours of the morning, John Roxton found himself staring blankly at the sunrise on the balcony, not really noticing its beauty. He was convinced his stomach was turning itself inside out. He let out the breath he realized he was holding. He compulsively gripped the railing of the balcony and his knuckles turned white. His mind was racing. 'What if he was wrong? What if it was not the right time?' He took a deep breath once more and pushed all worries out of his head, it was too late now and he was determined to make this the best day of his life. He strode into the kitchen and grabbed the basket and his rifle in one fluid motion. He headed for the elevator and went to wait for his beautiful lady, the person who had stolen his heart.
Marguerite and Veronica had reached the pond. They had a wonderful evening and morning with the Zanga, and even had a wonderful conversation about men on the way back.
As they chatted, Marguerite could not help but think back to the piece of paper in her pocket. She had gotten the little parchment as a "bonus" on a trade she had made. It looked interesting and even a little promising. The Zanga had said that it was a map to a 'boundless treasure'. She was, of course, skeptical. If there was such a thing, she would have assuredly heard of it by now, but the man had been very enthusiastic and the feeling had been infectious. What was one more treasure hunt before they returned home? Oops, Veronica had asked her a question. Something about Roxton. Surprised at her own lack of concentration, she just shrugged an answer to Veronica.
"Veronica," she started as they reached the pond, "I think that I will stay and perhaps take a stroll around the pond. You can head back and I will be back to the treehouse after a little while."
"Are you sure? I could keep you company."
"Oh no, that is quite alright. Go back and enjoy some quiet time with Ned."
Veronica began to grin and Marguerite knew she was happy with that idea.
"If you are sure, " Veronica stated, still smiling.
With a wave of her hands, Marguerite smiled again and stated matter-of-factly, "Of course. I am a big girl and will be perfectly fine."
With that Veronica headed off towards the treehouse and called out, "Don't be late and stay out of trouble."
Marguerite chuckled at that. She never looked for trouble, trouble always found HER. As soon as Veronica was out of sight, Marguerite took out the small parchment and looked at the tiny map. It led to a relatively safe area that was not too far from the treehouse, but far enough.
As she followed the map, she convinced herself that this was all probably a foolish chase with nothing at the end, but she had not had an adventure in some time and was happy to follow this one. She wished John were with her though. Of course, he would definitely think it was a foolish quest, but secretly wished for his company anyway.
As she moved closer to the end of the map she was following, her thoughts moved towards Lord John Roxton and just what she was going to do. That man had stolen her heart, changed many of her views and outlooks on life, forced her to face the fact that she was capable of love and most horrifically (or endearingly, depending on how you looked at it) made her admit that she loved him. She loved him, she truly did. It scared her to admit that even to herself, much less out loud, even with all the time that had pasted between them. She could not help but think that this would somehow end up hurting her in the end, and wondered exactly what would happen when they reached London.
Lost in her thoughts, she almost ran into the huge tree at the top of a flat hilltop, that was supposedly the marker for the 'boundless treasure.' As she grazed over the ground, she noticed that earth was disturbed at the foot of the tree, but not greatly so. She took out her tools from her pack and started digging. In no time at all, she unearthed a small wooden box, about as big as a breadbox. She started to laugh at the size of a 'boundless treasure' but then her eyes narrowed as she thought about the ease in finding this. The map, the route, the digging. This had been way too easy. She looked up and scanned the landscape for any signs of something or someone else. This had simply been too easy and it would have been just her luck to be a trap of some sorts. Seeing nothing out of the ordinary, she turned her most of her attention back to the box, still keeping an eye on her surroundings.
As she pried open the box, she found herself staring at another box, smaller than the first. She took that box out and opened it, only to find the same thing. Another smaller box. Twice more produced the same results. Puzzled, she opened the last smallest box yet and looked inside.
Nothing. There was nothing in that box. Nothing at all.
A frown grew on her face. She was disappointed despite telling herself in the beginning that this was all a waste of time. With a look of disgust, she moved to head back to the treehouse, when something caught her eye. She looked at a piece of white paper attached to the lid of the original box. It read, 'You came all this way, but don't you fret, you will find what you came to get. Down the hill and take a peek, there you will find the treasure you seek.'
She laughed at the bad poetry. 'Now I know something is up,' she thought, but her curiosity was bubbling over and she took off to the top of the hill. As she looked down the hill, her eyes grew wide with amazement. The hillside was full of vibrant colors. It looked alive with a kaleidoscope of flowers, each more dazzling than the next. She had never seen so many colors, so many flowers as in that field. She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. The aromas dancing in the air were as heavenly as any she had ever smelled. She slowly opened her eyes, once more drinking in her surroundings, when she saw him. He literally seemed to pop up out of the field of flowers. She walked over to him and saw a blanket and picnic basket in the middle of the field.
With a mock glare, she said, "This was not funny, Roxton."
He smiled sheepishly, "Not funny, romantic."
She could not hold the fictitious glare any longer and a dazzling smile broke out on her face. "Oh, you don't have much of an ego, huh?" She gracefully sat down on the blanket facing him.
He reached out and squeezed her hand gently, "Come on, it was fun!"
She laughed, "I suppose it was a little amusing. How did you arrange all this without me finding out?"
"I cannot reveal my secrets, milady."
She raised her eyebrow. "So this," her arms sweeping across the picnic laid out before them, "is your idea of a 'boundless treasure'?"
Roxton stared into her eyes, his own darkening with love and passion as he carefully almost whispered his next words. "No, this is…" and with those words out in the open, he stretched out his hand and opened his palm. Lying in the middle of his strong hand was the most exquisite ring she had ever seen. A beautiful golden circle with a bluish tinted diamond atop it. She stared at him in shock, a volley of emotions flashing over her face.
Roxton noticed the fear in her eyes and quickly continued, "Marguerite, I love you. Will you marry me?" As he proclaimed the words he quickly brushed his other hand against her face and his fingers against her lips, preventing the sharp denial he knew she would voice. "Please, just listen to me. I love you. I cannot imagine my life without you. I know that you are scared about the future and what London will hold for us, but I know that together we can make everything and anything work. I cannot promise that life will be perfect or that we will never have problems or tough times, but I can promise that my love… Our love will last and there is nothing that you and I cannot face. Please say yes, Marguerite. I could not face a world without you." He smiled lovingly at her and cupped her cheek in his hand. Her skin was so soft. Inside, he was holding his breathing, waiting.
Marguerite just stared openly at him, still in shock. Her impulse to run was immediate, but his hand on her face compelled her to stay. As she listened to his love poured over his words, she could not help but feel a hope inside of her heart grow warring with the fear in her mind. As she looked over and over at the beautiful ring in John's hand, she suddenly thought of an obscure memory. Something an associate once told her. When the person had learned of Marguerite's love of gems and jewelry and how it had related to her marriages, the woman had been a little dismayed. The old woman had looked at her sadly and stated to her without real love, those circles of gold did not mean a thing. At the time Marguerite laughed it off and waved the woman and the advice away. She did not agree with or even truly understand the sentiment at the time. Gazing into John Roxton's eyes, she was beginning to understand those words now. In his eyes, she saw warmth, compassion, honestly, and above all a never-ending love that he had for her. As she thought about her life up to the point, she realized that she had never backed away from anything in her life. Perhaps it was time to take a stand. Taking a deep breath, she held his gaze. " John…" Her voice trembled and she stopped and willed calmness into her body.
He met her eyes and held them, willing his love for her into her very being. His mind was racing, she was going to say no, it was taking too long. His heart was already breaking and she had not even said anything. As she began to speak, he once again held his breath and his heart seemed to stop as he waited for the words he longed to hear.
"John, I love you too. I always thought love was a curse, a mixed up emotion to lead people astray or to pain, but perhaps love is something more. A truth, a belief in something greater than yourself." A beautiful smile began across her face and as she spoke, the smile took over and reached even into the depths of her eyes. "I am terrified, but I hope… believe, together, we could overcome anything. So…. Yes."
"Please Marguerite, I do…" He suddenly stopped as the words she spoke registered in his mind. He had been so sure she would reject him that it took a moment to realize what she had said. "Yes?!!?! You said yes?!" He practically shouted at her.
"I said yes," she whispered and if possible, the smile upon her face grew brighter as if to rival the sun in warmth.
"YES!" He jumped up and picked her up, twirling her around until they were both dizzy. Suddenly, he leaned into her and his lips brushed hers lightly, then with a mind-numbing passion he deepened the kiss and gently laid her down on the blanket. They stared at each other hungrily and as they reached for each other, the world around them faded.