Of course, a myriad of blessings and thanks to dear, dear LuvinEvian and Courtaney for their laughs, suggestions, and loads of help :) :) :) -EF
Julian led Eve to another bedroom, heartsick that his beloved wife did not recognize him. He did know how he would help her, but he did not want to upset her any more than she already was.
"You can rest in here, Eve. There is a bath prepared, if you wish you are welcome to make use of it." He held his hand out to her. "I will also see to some clothing for you as well, my dear."
Eve stared at him. Strange to her though he was, his manner soothed her troubled spirit. She was just so confused about his claim to be her husband. Wouldn't she remember her own husband?
"Thank you, sir."
"Julian, my dear. Please, call me Julian. " His eyes searched hers for any glimmer of recognition. He was saddened to find none.
"Julian." He still held his hand out to her, so she timidly placed her hand in his. "I am sorry that I have no recollection of being your wife."
"There is no need to be sorry, my love. I will do all that can to make you feel more at ease. The last thing I would ever want to do is distress you in any way." He squeezed her hand, then walked toward the door. "I will send Lisette in to assist you."
The thought of another unknown person filled Eve with dread. As unfamiliar as this Julian was, his assertion he was married to her gave her some slight comfort and stability.
"Wait," Eve called to him. "I...I don't want to be alone. Will you stay with me?" She looked down, her face crimson. "I don't mean do what you were doing before...can you just stay with me?"
"Of course, my darling. I will do anything you ask of me." Julian returned to her side. "I swear to you, I will not cause you the slightest upset. "
"Thank you for understanding." Eve smiled shyly at him.
Julian looked at her in earnest. "I will stay right here until you are finished bathing. Take as long as you need," he said.
"I feel so awkward, so out of place. " Eve shook her head. "If only I could remember everything." She sat down on the bed, holding her head in her hands. "I feel so lost."
He sat down next to her. "I will help you, Eve. I will do all I can to make you feel secure and cared for." Julian lifted her hand and placed a chaste kiss upon it.
Eve stared at him a moment, before slowly drawing her hand away.
"I will go bathe now," she said weakly, her hand trembling. Julian watched her walk away from him, and felt a twinge of hope. He would continue to be gentle with her, and build her confidence in him, and hopefully them. How else, he wondered, could he help her remember?
Helene, Julian thought triumphantly. Surely their baby daughter would help to spark Eve's memories, as the baby still needed nursing. That bond was sure to evoke memories for her. A pang of hurt stabbed his heart. Oh how he wished their deep love would cause her to remember.
Julian rang for Lisette. When she arrived, he requested a carriage be sent over to the Bennetts to bring Helene home.
"And Grace Bennett--please ask her to come as well. Eve is having a bad time of it, and she needs to have her dear friend with her." Julian felt it prudent not to mention Eve's amnesia just yet.
"As you wish, Lord Crane." Lisette curtsied, then hurried away to see to her tasks.
Julian got up and started pacing the chamber. What else could he do to bring back his beautiful Eve? A thought came to him. Perhaps if he would take her ...or if he would become...but no. He shook his head. Only if there was no other way to reclaim her. Seeing their daughter, and showing Eve their bond as a family, had to work.
center/center
Eve lay in the marble tub, her thoughts troubled. Her only memories were of being in bed with Julian--a husband she could not remember. She felt terrified when she found herself with him, both of them unclothed. Yet after she asked him not to touch her, he was nothing but a complete gentleman.
She couldn't help but wonder how long they had been wed? He truly seemed to love her. The hurtful look in his beautiful hazel eyes when she couldn't acknowledge him or his love said more than his disbelieving words ever could.
How was it that she came to be married to him? How did they meet? She turned her attention to the door. He was just beyond the structure and she was certain he would answer any questions she might have. She had so many questions.
"Julian?" she called out. "May I ask you something?"
"Of course, my dear. Shall I come in?" Julian walked over to the door.
"No-ah, that is not necessary. I would like to know how we met. Would you tell me about the first time we saw one another?"
Julian closed his eyes. Dear Lord. Eve is already traumatized by no recollection of me or our daughter, how can I tell her I was a giant? That I kidnapped her as she lay injured, and kept her with me against my will?
Julian shook his head. He could not do that to her in her fragile state. He so hated to lie to his beloved, but he would not cause her any more pain then he had to.
He decided to tell her of when he returned to normal size. "It was at a masque I held, my love. You see, I am a Lord, Lord Julian Crane. I saw you from afar, and you captured my heart at first sight. "
"A masque?"
"Yes, my darling. You were dressed as an angel, and you took my breath away." Julian grinned at the memory. "You were equally enamored with me."
A gentle smile touched Eve's lips.
"How so, Julian? Tell me of how enamored I was of you. What are things I did to show you?"
"You cured me from the bite of a viper, my dear. I was so very ill, and you saved me from the brink of death." He closed his eyes. "And that was when you first told me you loved me."
"Well, I would say that is quite a demonstration of love," Eve whispered to herself.
"I never knew that I could be as happy, as I was with you, Eve. You were the reason I realized the world was not full of darkness and pain."
"Pain? What happened to you, Julian? What would make you feel that way?"
Julian's heart sank. What was he to tell her? That he had been cursed as a result of lack of compassion, and spent several years paying the price?
"A lesson I learned several years ago. It truly does not matter, my love," he hedged.
Eve sensed Julian's unwillingness to elaborate on the subject, so she posed another question. "What other things did we do together, Julian?"
"Oh, looking at the stars. The Gemini constellation is a favorite of ours. We also enjoyed picnics, and bathing. Just as you are doing now." He chuckled.
"Bathing?"
"Of course," he answered. "We bathe separately, but occasions arise when we bathe together."
"I see. And we enjoyed that?"
"It was and is an exquisite pleasure, my dear. One of many we share together." Hearing a splash, he thought it best to change the subject. "We also share a beautiful six-month-old baby daughter named Helene."
"Helene? That is such a beautiful name." Eve rose from the tub, reaching for the soft robe that lay waiting for her. "Where is she now?"
"She is at our friends, the Bennetts. She and Grace Bennett will be here in a while." An idea occurred to him. "Would you like to see a portrait? I had one commissioned when she was three months old."
The door opened suddenly, Eve's beautiful eyes filled with curiosity. "I would love to see it, Julian."
For his part, Julian's attention was fixed upon Eve's bare toes curling into the lush carpet. Oh, Eve, he moaned to himself. I wish I could show you how much we love one another.
"Julian? Aren't you going to show me the portrait?" Eve asked, confused by the faraway expression on his face.
"Oh-ah, yes, my dear. Forgive me. I was just thinking about something." Julian offered his hand to her. She took it, and they left the room together, each with their thoughts of the other.
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