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Conversations of the Heart
A Journey of Love

Chapter 8. ~ The Next Morning ~

Elizabeth awoke to the sunshine streaming in from the window; they had not closed the drapes last night, choosing instead to enjoy the moonlight. She needed to get up for a few minutes but was enveloped by her husband who had her tucked in close with his arm around her. It was like now that he had her he wasn't letting go. Frankly, she felt the same way.

The night they had shared had been intensely beautiful; she had come to understand that it had everything to do with their being soulmates. The evening had added yet another dimension to the deep connection they had between them. Lucas had told her he had faith that instinct would guide him on their wedding night. And he was so right; if he hadn't told her that it was his first time, she would not have guessed. It had been perfect, and with Lucas being the romantic that he was, she would not expect anything else. She had never felt anything like she had with him even before last night. He simply knew how to reach her and just how to make her feel loved and adored, and he brought out her sensuality in a way that surprised her. But he had told her before they were even engaged, that day of the sleigh ride that had gotten a bit steamy, that he didn't want her to be embarrassed about her feelings. He embraced everything about their relationship and she could honestly say that she had complete trust in Lucas. She knew that he would be true to his principals and she was so grateful that they had waited.

As much as she would have loved to stay curled up in his arms, she had to get up. She didn't want him to wake without her next to him so she decided to wake him at least momentarily. She managed to loosen his hold enough to turn to face him. She reached to kiss his cheek and then kissed his neck and whispered his name. He moved closer but didn't wake. She then began kissing his chest and stroking his back. He soon groaned and opened one eye and looked at her sleepily. He then closed his eye again but a smile lit his face. "Good morning, Mrs. Bouchard, I love you and I have been waiting a long time to wake up to your beautiful face."

"Well, it looks like you will be waiting longer since you have your eyes still closed." With that, his smile deepened until his dimples were on full display.

He slowly opened his eyes to gaze at her. "Good morning, Mrs. Bouchard. You do look as beautiful as I imagined. I could drown in those deep blue eyes of yours." He raised his head and kissed her on the cheek.

"Lucas, I woke you because I need to get up for a few minutes and didn't want you to find the bed empty if you awoke while I was gone."

"Thank you, it would have felt lonely to wake up without you. I will be right here when you get back and don't be surprised if I am back asleep. But, feel free to wake me up if you want to." He gave her a mischievous smile as she slipped out of bed still looking at that handsome face of his.

She found the robe to her peignoir set and put it on; she then decided to go to the bathroom in the adjoining room just in case Lucas got up and wanted to use the one in their suite. She entered and was greeted by a maid who had come into the room to change the towels. The water had been emptied from the tub and her dress had been hung in the closet. The maid asked her if she would like a bath prepared for her. Her first instinct was to decline so as not to be a bother, but she thought about how lovely it would be to freshen up before returning to Lucas. So, she accepted. Meanwhile, she used the bathroom and then slipped her suitcases in the room so she could retrieve a nightgown to change into. She knew just the one she wanted. It was not a silky confection like the one she wore for her wedding night but it was lovely. It was in an old-fashioned Victorian style made of fine white cotton, with embroidery, open-work, and ribbons that made it feminine and appealing in its own way. And it would be appropriate for lounging in if they had breakfast served in their room.

The maid completed preparing her bath and left the room wishing her a splendid day. Elizabeth undressed and stepped into the bath. She moaned as she slowly slipped into the hot water. It felt marvelous and the maid had added some bubble bath that had a light lavender scent. She began humming a tune as she slouched down further into the water leaning against the back of the tub. This was a little taste of heaven; the only thing that would make it better is if Lucas was there too.

As if on cue she heard a tap on the door and Lucas' voice. "Elizabeth, I can hear you humming, may I come in?"

"Absolutely", she replied not at all embarrassed because the bubbles kept her covered. "Sorry I thought you would go back to sleep and got tempted by this wonderful luxury that the maid offered me."

"Well, that does look wonderful. I would ask to join you but there is no possible way that I would fit. I may go now and draw a bath in our suite. Is there anything I can get you before I go?"

"Hmmm, have you ever washed hair before? It would be nice to feel completely fresh when I get out of the tub."

"Well, I have washed a dog before, but never a woman's hair," he chuckled. "But you know me and my magic hands, I am sure I can figure it out."

Now she blushed remembering those magical hands and what they could do. Oh yes, she wanted him to wash her hair. "Well, I have some shampoo in my small bag on the bed and there is a basin and pitcher of fresh warm water right here. You can use the bathwater to start with and then the fresh water to rinse with."

"This, Mrs. Bouchard is another in what will probably be a long line of firsts for me." He looked at her and smiled softly, she knew that his mind had drifted to last night when he had experienced one of those firsts. She shuddered suddenly as she felt the thrill from the memory of their time together. "Are you cold Elizabeth; I can stoke the fire and get it roaring again."

"No, it feels fine. I wasn't shivering from the cold…. uh my mind had drifted to something else." She blushed and he realized what she was saying and this time it was his turn to blush. "Let me get the shampoo," as he quickly left her to find the bag.

He soon returned with the shampoo and the chair so he could sit next to her. She handed him her bath sponge so he could scrub her back before attending to her hair. He did so, and then grabbed a pitcher that stood next to the tub and filled it with water from her bath taking care to skim off the bubbles. He told her to close her eyes as he tilted her head back and poured the water over her hair. He then put a bit of shampoo in his hand and began to massage it into her hair. He moved his chair behind her and massaged her scalp as the barber always did. She moaned and purred and he knew he was doing a good job. He decided he better get back to finishing with her hair as it was getting steamy and it wasn't the hot water. So, he began to rinse her hair with the pitcher and basin of water that the maid had prepared. Once it was rinsed, he handed her a towel to wrap her hair up on her head so it wouldn't get soapy from the bath. He kissed her on the forehead. "Elizabeth, I will let you finish. But don't take too long or I will be back to get you even if I have to get wet to do it."

"I promise to be quick about it, although the prospect of you coming back to carry me to the bedroom does have some appeal." With that, he splashed her and quickly left before she retaliated.

Lucas felt elated; he had wanted to be a husband, but he hadn't quite imagined how wonderful it could really be. He was married to his best friend and the love of his life and he couldn't be happier. He went into the suite, drew a bath, and found the bottoms of some lounging pajamas to change into. He quickly bathed but didn't wash his hair as it felt clean enough and he figured he would save that task for Elizabeth so he could get reciprocal treatment. Plus, he knew how she loved to get her hands into it. It is something that he understood because he loved to stroke hers as well. He loved when she let him take out her hair ornaments and run his hands through her long tresses.

He put his robe back on and joined Elizabeth who had changed; she couldn't look lovelier. The nightgown she had worn last night had highlighted her curves as the silk clung to her; she had looked like a siren. But this was somehow equally enticing as he now knew what was under it and his imagination was not lacking. Her hair was still up in the towel he had given her so he invited her to join him by the fire. He motioned for her to sit on a footstool and went to get a dry towel which he draped over her shoulders. He then removed the towel from her head and used it to rub out some of the moisture and then spread her hair out so it would dry as they sat by the fire. She stared into it with a dreamy look on her face while he watched her. She was just so beautiful. They remained that way for a time and then Lucas went to get her hairbrush and brushed until it was smooth and nearly dry. He set the brush down and reached for both hands and pulled her up and walking backward, led her back to bed. He felt the back of his knees hit the edge of the bed and she pushed him over tumbling into bed with him as she giggled.

They then were both giggling as suddenly it was just a tiny bit awkward as both of them had the same thought on their mind and didn't quite know how to transition from playful to passionate. There was such comradery between them and had been for a long time, but now that they were truly together it was going to be a sweet journey getting to know each other in a whole new way.

They scooted up to their pillows and turned to face one another. They looked into each other's eyes and the connection was immediately there. He smiled slightly and spoke first, "Elizabeth, I want to tell you how happy I am to be your husband. It is something I longed for and now it has come true. Last night was magical for me, it was everything I had hoped for and more. I am so glad that I waited for you because you are truly the only woman for me. It is a lot more than your beauty, although you certainly have that in abundance, it is the spiritual connection I felt last night. That perfect moment when it was only you and me and the moonlight. Everything else fell away as we had one heart, one soul."

His words touched her, and a tear slid down her face as she listened quietly. "And I am so glad that you waited patiently for me because you are the man for me and I will never love another. You are my soulmate and last night, I felt the connection as I was with you in that one perfect moment. I love you, Lucas Bouchard, you are both my wings and my anchor. You help me soar and keep me safe. I promise to always be there for you. I will be there when you need my friendship, as I will listen to your sorrows and your joys. I will be there to comfort you, as I will hold you tightly in my arms. I will be there as your lover, as I will find your heart and soul. Her tears were now spilling over and his were threatening.

He dried her tears with the edge of the bedsheet and then kissed her tenderly He rolled her to her back and spread her hair over her pillow. He then nuzzled her neck, tickling her with his beard and kissing along her collarbone, and then nibbling on her ear. He whispered endearments in French. She tried to understand but only heard the beautiful cadence of his words. She was having a hard time focusing on what he was doing to her; this was pure seduction and she was ready to go wherever he wanted to take her. "Soar for me, my love," he whispered. And she obeyed.

He gathered her to him and just held her while stroking her hair. Now and then he would kiss her forehead as he felt her relax in his arms until she was cuddly and content.

After a while, she pushed away a little so she could look into his eyes. They crinkled at the corners as he grinned at her with a slightly smug look. "Now tell me, you say you have no experience and have only knowledge gained from books. Just what kind of literature have you been reading?" Elizabeth asked.

He smirked at her, "I can share some titles with you if you like."

With that, she poked him. "You are too pleased with yourself. Mr. Bouchard. They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery." With that, she pushed him over on his back and pinned his arms in place. She then began to kiss his neck and nibble on his ear as he had done, and whisper sweet nothings to him. She brought her lips to his and kissed him deeply. She rose up tossed back her hair as it swirled around her. She was back, the elven queen who looked magnificent as she looked down at him. The look on his face told her he would follow her to that special place.

She lay in his arms, listening to his heartbeat. She looked up at him. He had propped them up with more pillows and she gazed at him. He was an angelic sleeper. So peaceful with all those waves of hair falling in every direction. She reminded him of a painting by a Renaissance artist. Perhaps Adonis sleeping in a meadow. She thought how silly she sounded in her head but it was true, this man was the most gorgeous she had ever set her eyes on. It was his aura on top of his handsome and perfect features. What woman wouldn't give up a lot to have those perfect eyebrows? The perfect nose? That creamy skin? And the lovely eyelashes that now rested softly on his cheek? She realized that he wasn't asleep, but just resting peacefully as he began stroking her back.

"My sweet, I would love to just stay like this all day, but in a moment or two you are going to hear what happens if my stomach gets any hungrier." He opened his eyes and smiled down at her. "I will have our breakfast brought up to us. I assume you must be getting hungry as well."

About thirty minutes later, they heard a knock at the door and Lucas greeted an attendant that pushed in a cart holding their morning meal. He stoked the fire and proceeded to set the table for two. He placed fresh flowers in the center and two covered plates on opposite sides. There was a basket of croissants along with a pot each of coffee and tea. Fresh squeezed orange juice was poured for each of them and a fresh pitcher of lemon-infused water was set out as well. Lucas picked up the lid on his plate. "This looks positively delicious. Please send my thank yous to the staff." Lucas said. He closed the door and then went to the bed to escort his bride to the table.

"This is so wonderful," Elizabeth exclaimed as Lucas removed the silver cover on her breakfast. "I love eggs Benedict, as you obviously have gathered." She dove in with relish, moaning as the taste hit her tongue. Lucas thought to himself, "I will never get used to that… meals with Elizabeth are going to be a sensual experience if this is any indication." He certainly wasn't complaining, her pleasure was his delight.

They chatted amicably, discussing the options for the day. "I would love to visit the book shop and see if Mr. Darcy has any new treasures." Said Elizabeth. "What do you think?"

Lucas replied, "that sounds wonderful. I would say that there is nowhere else I would rather be than with you and some books. But that is no longer true; now it has become my second favorite." He looked at her with an intimate smile.

"Well as soon as we have finished our breakfast, I will go wash up and change. I guess the adjoining bedroom has now become my boudoir. My suitcases are already there so it seems convenient and besides that gives you the in-suite bathroom to do whatever you do to make yourself ready for the day. That hair looks like it is going to take a bit to get tidy. I have a feeling it always looks like this in the morning… perfectly rumpled but I am sure that I helped it get that way this morning."

"You are correct on both counts." I had the concierge take some of my clothes for ironing. If there is anything you would like taken care of just leave it on one of the beds in your boudoir and we will tell the concierge."

"Oh yes, Rosie made me a couple of new dresses that could definitely benefit from ironing. Tonight, I plan to wear the one she made specifically for dancing. I think you mentioned that we would go to the pavilion in the park tonight. I will never forget the first time; it was like a dance in a snow globe."

"It was an enchanted evening with the music and lights and the snow softly falling around us. I thought you could never be more beautiful, but I have been proven wrong many times since then. Last night in the moonlight while you lay on the bed where I had just placed you, you looked to me like an elven queen. That ethereal light from the moon casting shadows on you. That is a sight that is etched in my mind, my heart, and my soul forever."

"Lucas Bouchard, for someone who claims not to have the words of a poet, you can make me swoon with yours. That is the poet in your heart speaking to me. The man who makes me feel like the elven queen…... loved and adored."

With that, he came around the table to help her from her chair and encircled her in his arms. He kissed the top of her head and whispered, "You are my inspiration. The words have been waiting for you all my life. I love you, Elizabeth; I will never tire of saying that. Now, let's get ready to go out. We must have some stories to tell them when we get back. Otherwise, I will look like a beast who kept you locked away in a tower for three days. That will not favor my reputation." She laughed and gave him a peck on the cheek before heading to prepare herself for the day.

They donned their coats and gloves and warm hats as it was extra chilly on this fine sunny day. They stopped to speak to the concierge and his wife to thank them for the lovely preparations and wonderful service. Lucas mentioned the dresses that needed ironing and double-checked that the arrangements were in place for the pavilion that night. They would dine at their favorite table by the fireplace in the restaurant before going dancing.