Bride and Prejudice: Secrets

by tarskeewee08

John looked up smiling to see Evangeline step through into the dinning room with Marcie. She wore her hair down, how he liked it around her shoulders and her makeup made her looks fresh and natural. Walking into the room in a lavender pantsuit with a cream blouse underneath, he was reminded of how classy she always was. Smiling at everyone she greeted his parents and their houseguest coming to the table and sitting across from him.

When he came down this morning he was upset to see the Baroness and her husband along with Carla and some other political officials in Dublin had all stayed the night in the Palace. He knew his mother was trying to keep the atmosphere tense and to make his fiancé uncomfortable, but he wasn't going to let her get away with it. Evangeline was everything to him and he wanted her happy and secure in their love. Looking at his mom staring at her he knew she was cooking up something and wondered what.

"Evangeline dear have you picked a date for the wedding?"

Everyone at the table looked at Evangeline. She looked up smiling. "I was thinking this spring maybe."

Eve smiled "Spring is wonderful."
Baroness Ingrid smiled "Oooh how delightful"
Carla looked at John who returned her stare. She dropped her gaze and he saw the hurt look on her face. Evangeline caught the exchange between them and so did Eve.

"Well we need to start the process. There is a lot to do and even more to consider." Eve said clasping her hands in front of her with her elbows raised on the table.

Immediately she went into explaining her agenda for the day and how she'd planned to start preparing for the wedding. John looked up to see Evangeline staring at his mother with a heated look and knew that a traditional royal wedding wasn't exactly what she had in mind. He wished his mother would just shut the hell up.

Marcie started talking about her wedding and Eve immediately over talked her and dismissed her contribution. The rudeness got under Mike's skin and he refused to ignore it.

"Mum, I really wish you would show the respect that you demand in your home"
"I beg your pardon?" Eve asked shocked looking at her younger son.
"Marcie was stating something and you cut her off!"
"Michael its okay honestly" Marcie said embarrassed.

"No it's not okay! I won't have you dismissed as if your opinion doesn't count. Now mother I am asking you to respect her and treat her with dignity" Mike said glaring at Eve.

Evangeline looked over to John who was staring back at her. She saw him wink and smiled as his sexy blue eyes looked at her adoringly. Each time she felt tension or the need to put her foot down she would look into his face and be renewed in her love for him. She didn't like what she saw between him and Carla and had to admit part of that was her own jealously. Why in the hell was the woman still here? Looking at Carla who kept staring at John she felt her temperature rise. But she was no where near as upset as Michael with his mother right now.

Eve became upset at the way her children openly challenged her. Especially in front of her dignified guest. "I am fully aware that Marcie is your wife Michael and I have every intention of respecting that union. But I am the lady of this manor! Marcie or any other woman's opinion will come secondary to my own."

"Eve….that's enough!" Thomas McBain said embarrassed by the way she embarrassed his son in front of their guest.

"Thomas, please dear….this does not concern you. I want Michael to be clear on how things will be as long as he and his bride are our guest."

"That's it we're leaving" Michael said rising.

Marcie jumped up and grabbed his arm. "Michael sit down. This is your family and Chelsea deserves an opportunity to know them. So we will make this work" she said grabbing her husbands hand and pulling him back to his seat.

Evangeline observed how Marcie was the one forcing this reunion of the McBain's not her husband. Michael wanted far from this family and their pretentiousness. Looking back at John she saw his hurtful glare at his mother. She wondered why Mike was able to take a stand against Eve and John remained silent.

Michael looked at Marcie and softened. Sitting back down Eve smiled. "Very well, today at 3 I have a wedding planner coming by ladies. We will go over the plans for the wedding."

"I don't think that will work for Evangeline today mum" John said breaking his silence.

Evangeline looked at him amused. Everyone at the table turned and looked at him.
"Why is that John?" Eve asked
"Today I'm taking her to McBain House, and the McBain Hospital" John said looking at his bride to be smiling.

Evangeline wondered what the field trip was about. Eve stared at her son silent for a moment. "Well that can't possibly take all day."
"We have dinner plans this evening with friends."
Evangeline smiled knowing that could only mean that Ming and Sam were coming to Ireland as she hoped and the thought of them joining them was a big relief.

John looked at his brother. "I was hoping you and Marcie would join us"
Michael smiled "Sounds like fun"

"Wait one moment here!" Eve snapped. "I have dinner plans for us all tonight. Of course we can reschedule the time with the wedding coordinator, but I am having a charity event John and you must be here to greet our guest."

John reached across the table and squeezed Evangeline's hand "You should have cleared that with me mum. I have friends coming and that takes precedent"

"Then bring them to the party!" Eve snapped
John stopped staring into Evangeline's smiling face and looked at his mother. "What in bloody hell is wrong with you this morning? I told you we have plans. Why are you forcing your will on everyone?"

Eve rolled her eyes and pushed from the table. "Excuse me" she said rising.

Everyone watched her storm out and John sighed. He let go of Evangeline's hand and went after his mother. Evangeline turned to watch him leave the room and a feeling of
disappointment washed through her. She was ready to leave this place and resume their life in London. Sipping her coffee she wondered what will transpire between him and his mother now.

Eve walked into her library with her arms folded. She was extremely agitated at how her family was being ripped apart. Both of her sons were great sources of disappointment to her and they would destroy what has been in existence for hundreds of years.

"Mum…"
Turning she saw John walking through with his hands in his pockets.
"Go back to your fiancé Johnny, its obvious she's your priority now."
"Don't do this mum, don't push people away"

Eve turned around angrily. "I'm trying to keep our family in tact. Something you swore was important to you too! Why didn't you tell me about her before now John? Why spring her on me like this!"

John glared at his mother "HER? Her name is Evangeline so address her by it. As for not revealing sooner that she was a black American I didn't find that of importance. You knew I was in love and we were living together in London."

Eve chuckled "Of course you didn't find it of importance, because I was the one that always had to handle these issues for you. Carla thought you two were going to work through your problems….what about her?"

John shook his head "Carla is as confused as you are snobby. There was never a chance for us and she knew that. You gave her hope and you shouldn't have mum."

"Marriage Johnny? Why do you have to marry her for Christ sake?"
"I love her mum, I did it your way before remember? I need to follow my heart this time and I want you to be a part of it."

Eve stared at him. "She doesn't even want a traditional wedding."
"How do you know? Have you spoken to her? All you do is talk at her. Evangeline is a wonderful person, take the time to get to know her."

Eve cut her eyes away and sighed "I don't know what this will do to our reputation. We are nothing with out it. People respect and admire us, what we symbolize is something pure and unchanged. You threaten to destroy it all with this union."

John heard her speak of his heritage and now understood why Evangeline was turned off by it. If the McBain's were to use their influence for good then they would have to stop playing into the stereotypical hatred and separatism of his mother's generation. They had to move along with the rest of the world.

"It's up to you mum, I am staying here in hopes that you will give Evangeline a chance and we can be a family. But if after two weeks there's no change, I'm taking her back to London and maybe even getting married in America."

"NO!" Eve shouted tears in her eyes. "John, please….please son" she said going to him and throwing her arms around him.

John held her as she cried and recalled maybe only two other times in his life where his mother held him, one of them being when Caitlyn and his son died.

Evangeline came around the corner and peered into the library watching John and Eve embrace and seeing Eve openly sob. Carla came behind her and peeked over her shoulder. "He wants the Countess approval most of all." she said smugly

Turning she looked at Carla "What do you want?"
"I wish I knew, I will say that I'm still in love with him…"
Evangeline looked at her surprised, she turned and looked at John still holding Eve. Shouldering past Carla she headed back to the dining room. Carla quickly walked up to her "Aren't you going to say something?"

Evangeline looked over at her amused "Why? Your wanting to give your heart to a man that has given his to another is your problem not mine"

Carla grabbed her arms stopping her "It's your problem if he still has unresolved feelings for me"

Evangeline looked at the woman confused "Are you really that dense? Do you really think that I could be threatened by the likes of you?"

"Listen to me there's something you don't know!" Carla said

"Save it honey. I don't want to discuss John or anything else with you. If you keep pushing this I will take my man and leave this castle. I don't want to do that because I know he loves his family but I won't have you on the sidelines looking for in roads with him. So back the hell up and heed my advice. Stay the hell away from John!"

Carla saw the rage on Evangeline's face and lost her nerve. If she shared her little truth with Evangeline she could destroy that confidence she had, but she could also destroy any hope of winning John back. By the way Evangeline dismissed her let her know that John hadn't told her the reason their wedding was called off. "Fine Evangeline, but I won't leave this Palace. When you know the truth and see John for who he is I will be right here waiting to pick up the pieces."

Evangeline rolled her eyes "Bugger off!" she said using John's favorite word and walking away. Carla watched her strut into the dining room and hated her more. How in the hell did she get her hooks into him? Why did he choose this American snot over her? Running her hands through her hair she fought the urge to cry. John didn't love her and she knew that, but she loved him and she was more connected to him than Evangeline could ever hope to be. She would find a way to get him back.

Several minutes later

John walked in with Eve, he looked over to Evangeline and gestured for her to come to him. Evangeline smiled and left from her conversation with Michael and Marcie to join him.

"Mike, we will be back around 6 to get ready for a night out. You and Marcie be ready"
Mike smiled "Sure thing bro!"
John kissed Evangeline's cheek and she looked over to see Carla glaring at them. Turning her head she kissed him fully on the mouth with tongue in front everyone. Thomas McBain and Michael clapped as well as some other men in the room.

Finally letting go John looked at her smiling. "Keep that up and we are going back upstairs sunshine..."

She giggled as he grabbed her hand pulling her out. Once they got to the main foyer the butler waited with their coats. John took them both and helped Evangeline into hers then slipped on his black cashmere trench. Pulling out his gloves he put them on and she was reminded at how sexy he looked in the black coat in gloves. Hell she loved him in black period.

They left out of the front to the awaiting limo and as soon as they got in she snuggled him close. Carla's profession of love for him was bizarre and understandable. She had only spent two weeks with him and loved him for over 15 years.

"John…"
"Yes…"
"This Carla woman told me today that she was in love with you."

Her head was on his chest and she could feel his heartbeat through his clothes. Rising she looked into his face and he saw it darken with anger. "What's wrong?"

"I am sick of Carla…..that's the final straw. I will call mum and have her thrown out."
Evangeline sat back. She didn't care for Carla, but she was in no way threatened by her. As a matter of fact she felt he should have her thrown out on her ass, because she was sick to death of her taunts. What she didn't like was his reaction to her and wanted to know why he was so agitated.

"Why did you two call off the wedding?"
"Because I didn't love her." He snipped
"Is that all?" Evangeline asked narrowing her eyes on him.
John looked at Evangeline confused "Why are you asking me all these questions about her?"

"Because she claims you are keeping something from me" Evangeline said noting him avoiding the question.
"I told you the truth. I didn't marry her because I didn't love her, end of story!" he hissed angrily at her.

Evangeline bit down on her lip. Her feelings were hurt at the way he snapped at her. John turned and looked out the window. What happened with him and Carla was apart of the past. He felt no need to hash it all out with her. He would take care of Carla and remove her from their lives. She will not jeopardize his happiness.

Seeing his anger still simmering within him, Evangeline slid her gloved hand to his that rested on the seat next to him. John looked at her once he felt her touch and she was smiling at him.

"I don't want to fight baby, I trust you and if you say that is all to it then that's all to it." she said

Feeling like an ass he moved over and lifted her face with his index finger kissing her. He was so happy to finally have her and the life he wanted. He would protect her at all cost. The limo drove around the countryside and John pulled her under his arm pointing out different mountains and terrains explaining the history of the town. He told her it was first settled by Vikings from Normandy and it was Henry II king of England that drove them out. But after the civil wars of 1649 protestant refugees from Europe poured in and colonized the area. They created their own monarchy with his great, great, great, grandfather leading the movement. It was the birth of the McBain dynasty.

Evangeline was comforted by the sound of his voice. He loved Ireland and to hear him talk of it this way was so romantic. Rising her head she kissed inside his neck. John's eyes rolled in his head as she slid her hand under his coat rubbing it against his chest. She moved her face and brought her mouth to his. Kissing her he immediately helped shed her coat from her as she pulled him out of his clothes. He wanted to be near her, especially with the mentioning of his ugly history with Carla.

Letting go he reached for the intercom button and buzzed the driver.
"Yes sir.."
"Keep driving around until I notify you. We aren't ready for our destination yet."
"Yes sir…"

Evangeline removed her suit jacket and unbutton her blouse. John watched her undress; it was the best part to him to see her come out of her clothes. Slowly he undid his tie and as his blue hungry eyes traveled over her body. She moved to the long seat across from him and he undid his pants coming after her. Pushing her backward she giggled as his tongue made contact with the crease in between her breast and then traveled to the lacy fabric of her bra.

Closing her eyes she felt his hand at her hips pulling at her panties and rolling them down. She moved under him to free herself and he showered her neck with demanding kisses that made her blood boil with passion. Bracing himself with one hand he reached in his boxers and pulled himself free to enter her. Feeling him push through she sighed and raised her knees as he drug her further down the seat underneath him. He made love to her and whispered his undying love for her in her ear. It wall reaffirmed why she would never leave his side.

As the car moved and turned she matched his thrust fighting hard to stifle her cries of ecstasy. Kissing him again she felt his silky hair brush against her face and each time a strand touched her she shivered with more desire for him. He commanded every feeling she experienced and climaxing before he did she shook from the onslaught of emotions racing through her veins. Panting she squeezed her eyes shut tighter as he wore her down. She felt he would never release her and there was such an insatiable need he was forcing on her making it hard to breathe.

When she thought she could take no more she felt his body stiffen as he climaxed inside of her. She held onto him and couldn't believe the intensity of their lovemaking in the back of the limo. Something was wrong and she felt it in the desperate way he made love to her. It was as if he was fighting to keep her. His head buried in her neck she raised her hand and ran her fingers into his hair. "You okay?" she asked

"I am as long as you promise to never leave me." he said hoarsely in a muffled voice.

"John what is it?"
Raising his head he looked in her face. "I just love you so much sunshine, I don't want you to ever doubt it. Not even for a minute."

She stared at him as he brought his face to hers kissing her nose. "Promise me, you won't ever leave me"

"I promise John" she said a little confused..
She saw his anxiety lessen and he reached over to the bar to get a towel to clean them up with. They had to be ready for the day's events. Evangeline felt him slide out of her and accepted to the towel from him to clear away the remnants of his seed he left inside of her. Watching him collect their clothing she decided tonight she and Ming would have a talk. She needed to know what he was keeping from her. She was more than certain now that he was hiding something.