Diana and Matthew meet at Oxford as Diana returns to teach history and research manuscripts at the Bodleian for a new book. Jealousy and mystery hinder their romance but their desire is made real. (All Human) NO VAMPIRES/NO WITCHES/NO DAEMONS. First story in a few years. Keeping it simpler by not adding the supernatural aspect.
Desire Made Real
By Goode Girl
DISCLAIMER: All rights to Deborah Harkness. Just borrowing the characters.
Chapter | ELEVEN
In the early morning hours of December 20th, I lay in Matthew's arms. Content in my place and where we were heading in our life together. Ideally, I would have liked to have the wedding on December 8th, so we had time for a mini-honeymoon before we had to return to Oxford after Christmas. But we do what we can with the time we have. There was one question that randomly popped into my head, and it would require an answer from Matthew. He was still asleep and I knew it wouldn't be long before it was discovered I was not in my assigned bed for the night.
Matthew shifted, and hugged me tightly before his eyes blinked open, meeting mine. "Morning, Love." He greeted sleepily. "Morning." I replied, turning my body to face him. My fingers moved through his hair, pushing it into a semblance of order. "I can't wait to marry you." He added, kissing my neck. "I had a question about that." I replied. He abruptly lifted his head before questioning me, "What do you mean?". He looked worried. My hands moved to cup his face. "It's nothing to worry about, just confusion on my part." I explained. I could feel him relax at my comment. "You scared me." He confessed. "Matthew, do you really think I have any reservations about marrying you?" I prodded. "I don't' know why I'm like this, I keep feeling like I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop. Like you'll realize you can do better." He admitted. His grip holding me firmly against him. "There is no one else for me, but you." I confirmed, pushing my lips to his in a sealed kiss. "What is your question?" He urged, moving to his back and pulling me up so I was closer to his face, our eyes holding one another's gaze. "When you first introduced me to Ysabeau, you called her 'De Clermont', but you're 'Clairmont', so what is my name to be and why is yours not the same as hers?" I rushed out. His head fell back and he laughed. "That's all? Jesus, Love, I was thinking the worst." He smiled.
Matthew explained that for his work, he changed his name from 'De Clermont', to 'Clairmont', in order to keep his family and their wealth separate from his career and any accolades he may receive. Although, he is 'De Clermont' on passports and identification. He's 'Clairmont' on anything associated with Oxford or his work. "So, I'm going to be officially a 'De Clermont' but at Oxford, there will be two 'Professor Clairmont's'?" I teased. "Yes, Love." He smiled. I giggled as his lips found my neck again as his hands moved down my body. We made love one more time, before dozing off once again.
Voices were mumbling in hushed tones, but I could hear them. I was still firmly ensconced in Matthew's embrace and felt his grip tighten suddenly. "Diana, if you're awake, you should look to the side of the bed." He whispered in my ear. Turning over, I was met with the faces of four women, clearly bothered that I was here. Although, Marthe seemed a little giddy. "Can we help you?" I asked and Matthew threw his head back, laughing. "Why are you here?" Sarah asked calmly. I sat up, pulling the sheet up with me to keep myself covered. "Because. I was still awake at midnight and I couldn't sleep. I can't sleep without Matthew, so I snuck up here. I took the stairs." I huffed out. I hated being treated like I was breaking rules. "Diana, it was one night." Emily challenged. "I can't believe you climbed one-hundred and fifty stairs." Sarah mumbled. "One night too many. Now stop it, please." I cried. "Hey, Mon Coeur, they're only teasing." He comforted as he pulled me into his chest. I didn't know why I was so emotional. Matthew shook his head at the four women in a 'leave it alone' gesture. They seemed to get the point. "Alright, I have breakfast for two." Marthe interjected as she moved to the elevator outside the bedroom door to roll the cart in. Sarah turned her head to Marthe. "For two? Did you know?" She challenged. "I expected it." She clarified. "When you're finished Diana, please take a shower and meet us down in the parlour. We have hair and make-up waiting." Ysabeau stated sweetly. I nodded in understanding and they finally left us.
Donning a pair of yoga pants and a sweater of Matthew's I traipsed into the parlour to see a team of people, clearly hired for a job. I was introduced to Marjorie Cooper and Catherine Streeter, in charge of my hair and make-up. I was ordered to sit, and then stand, then to sit again as my hair was pulled and styled. I was obeying instruction when a sense of nausea overwhelmed me and I had to push them away and run to end of the room. I vomited on the floor unexpectedly and Marthe and Emily ran towards me. "Diana! Honey, are you okay?" Emily called in concern. "I'm so sorry. I just felt nauseous." I cried as Emily ran a comforting hand along my back. "It's probably just nerves." Marthe interjected. "But I'm not nervous. Not about Matthew." I pointed out. "Diana, could you be pregnant?" Emily posed in a quiet whisper. My head shot up to meet her eyes. "But I'm on birth control." I explained. "Well, still it's only 99.99% effective." Emily added. "Also, you were so emotional this morning, have you been having more mood swings?" Emily probed. I nodded. "I feel like I want to cry at the drop of a hat." I admitted. "I'll make a store run, and get a test, or five." Marthe stated. "Discreetly please. I don't want anyone else knowing until I know, and even then, Matthew will know first!" I pleaded. "You can trust us, honey." Emily assured. Under the guise of needing a spare pair of panty-hose for herself, Emily and Marthe headed off.
The ceremony was at four o'clock. It was now 2:00PM and my hair and makeup were complete. "Can I have something light to eat please? Like soup or something?" I posed to Ysabeau, as she hung my dress, attempting to flush out any creases. "Of course, dear. Marthe said she'd bring you something. I just saw her and Emily return." She added. "Thank you." I nodded. "Are you alright, Diana? You look a little pale." Ysabeau stated. "I'm fine, just nerves I guess." I used the excuse that was the least likely answer. Ysabeau was at my side when Marthe brought in a tray and Emily trailed behind with a bag on her arm. "I have your things Diana." Emily stated plainly. "What things?" Ysabeau queried. "Please don't say anything, not yet." I pleaded, feeling like crying once more. "What's going on?" Sarah interjected when she saw us all huddled around. "Everyone, please, just stop." I whined. They all looked at me expectantly, although Marthe and Emily already knew. "You can tell them, but if any word of this gets to Matthew before me then you're all in trouble!" I called, taking the bag and storming off to the nearest bathroom. I could hear them talking in hushed whispers, some shouts of what I would hope was excitement and some in shock.
After taking the tests, I set a timer on my phone. I took all five. I must be crazy. It felt like ten minutes had passed as I waited for it to count down. I brushed my teeth with my finger after the fact that I vomited. There was mouthwash as well, and I took a swig. A knock on the door startled me. "Diana?" Matthew called. "Are you okay? Maman said you needed me." He added. I opened the door slowly, not realizing that I had been crying. "Jesus, Love, what's wrong?" He comforted, cupping my face. All I could do was point to the counter where five pregnancy tests sat. Matthew looked at the tests, looked at me and back to the tests. "Really?" He asked. I couldn't seem to speak and was nodding at every question. My emotions at an all-time high. "Look at me, please. Mon Coeur." He coaxed and when I did, I was surprised that his smile wasn't splitting his face. "What if I am?" I cried. "Then we'll be a family, sweetheart." He replied. "I love you, so much Diana." He cooed, his hands moving down to my abdomen and rubbing gently. The timer suddenly beeped and I silenced my phone. "Well?" I urged as he came in and closed the door so we could find out together.
Everyone had gathered in the parlour, so when we emerged from the bathroom together, they all stood there expectantly. "Well?" Emily expelled in excitement. I looked at Matthew, urging him to tell them. "I'm going to be a father!" He called in reply. The room erupted in excited bursts as we were surrounded in hugs. Our celebrative atmosphere was broken by an amused shout, "What is all this? You're ruining her hair and make-up!" Marjorie Cooper complained. Everyone stepped back at the admonishment. "You're still beautiful, you always will be, Mon Coeur." Matthew complimented, kissing me sweetly.
After the news of my pregnancy was confirmed, Matthew didn't want to leave my side but he was forced to go shower and dress. I took my seat and ate the soup and crackers Marthe supplied before Marjorie and Catherine reset the work they had started. I apologized for ruining what they'd worked so hard on, but after Ysabeau explained why, they were very understanding. "Well at least he didn't see the dress." Catherine added with a smile.
It seemed like things started moving in a time lapse and before I knew it, Sarah was escorting me to the door of the ballroom where a makeshift aisle was laid. She helped to drape my dress, before she went to take her spot. The dress was a simplistic spaghetti strap, silk gown. With a slight 'V' dip neckline, revealing a small amount of cleavage. It was backless but had a sheer cover of lace that covered the satin and was form fitting. The lace covering extended the length of the gown, creating a small train. My hair was curled, and half pinned up. The ringlets cascaded down my back. Make-up was kept simple and natural and a light shimmer was added to highlight my cheeks. I was handed my bouquet of lilies as the doors opened. The filtering notes of Canon in D could be heard as I started down the aisle. The sight of Matthew in his tuxedo, standing next to the officiant made my breath catch. He smiled, large and full and my eyes met his. I floated toward him like I was in a dream as I placed my hand in his. "Excellent." He whispered as we stood facing one another. The officiant, who we were introduced to earlier, was Agatha Wilson. She was Nathaniel's mother and Sophie's mother-in-law. They were discreet as they took their photographs, but I knew where Sophie and Nathaniel were in the room.
Now that I knew I was pregnant; the emotions would flood me at any time and I couldn't not cry as we said our vows. I repeated words as we were asked to at the appropriate times. "I do." I intoned, when directed. It was surreal and I felt Sarah take my bouquet so we could exchange the rings. Our wedding bands in place, Matthew cupped my cheeks, and wiped away errant tears with his thumbs. "You may kiss the bride." Agatha instructed. "Finally," Matthew smiled and I giggled at his reply as his lips met mine. We agreed to keep the kiss chaste, but I couldn't. Emotions were overtaking me and my arms wrapped around his neck pulling him closer. We kissed for much longer than was likely appropriate, and a little tongue action happened as well. When we finally pulled apart, the tail end of laughter could be heard. "May I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. De Clermont!" Agatha announced as everyone applauded.
Ysabeau had taken the initiative to invite a few family and friends for the reception. After the obligatory first dance, we proceeded with various 'traditions'. We'd done the cutting of the cake and the bouquet toss before guests starting dancing and entertaining themselves.
Emily stood to make a toast. Tapping her glass with a piece of silverware to get everyone's attention. "Helping to raise Diana has been one the greatest joys of my life and I have Sarah to thank for that. But we always tried to remind you, honey, about the things your parents would have wanted for you. They would be so proud." She started. "One thing Rebecca always wanted was for you to find your magic. And to her, love was magic. You found that with Matthew. He is your desire made real. Congratulations to you both!" She finished. Reminding me of the quote my mother used to regale me with when it came to fairy tales. People mingled, danced, and ate, enjoying the celebration.
I was surprised and ecstatic to see Marcus and Phoebe as well as Miriam. "I'm so glad you guys could come, and at the holidays! And nice catch of that bouquet Phoebe." I expressed in delight. "We're just sorry we can't stay through the holidays. Our flight takes us back home on the 23rd, and I get to meet the parents." Marcus stated, a small scared look on his face. "You'll be fine." Phoebe coaxed. "And it was a good throw!" She added. "Congratulations, Mrs. Clairmont." Miriam smirked. Matthew and I decided to keep the pregnancy news from others until I'd seen a doctor and knew how many weeks into the pregnancy I was. He suspected I was eight to ten weeks, attributing our luck around the time we were at Sept-Tours the first time. When I asked his reasoning for it, he would point out times where I seemed emotional. Warranted emotion but sometimes to the extreme. I was pulled in multiple directions meeting new people, when all I wanted was to be with my husband. After an introduction to a close family friend, Fernando, I left him in Sarah and Emily's company, in search of Matthew. I couldn't see him through the crowd of people dancing or the few scattered at tables.
Standing on a nearby chair I rose above the crowd. "Matthew!" I called, turning my head around the room, trying to find his tall six-foot-three frame. Suddenly I was falling off the chair into a pair of arms. "You called, sweetheart?" He smiled, setting me down. "Where have you been?" I pressed, wrapping my arms around his neck, as his moved around my waist. "Being accosted by family I haven't seen since last year." He replied, pressing his lips to mine. "Mmm…I love you, wife." He teased. "I love you…husband." His hands moved to my belly. "I love you little one." He crooned, as we were interrupted once again. "Matthew!" An older gentleman called as he approached. "Uncle Hugh," Matthew greeted, as they shook hands. "Please meet my wife, Diana." He introduced. "What a beauty you are!" He complimented and I couldn't help but smile at his charm. "So, how are you related?" I posed. "I am Philippe's brother." He clarified and I nodded in understanding. "I also have a sister, who's now your aunt I guess…" He trailed off. "He mean's Verin and her husband Ernst. She's the youngest." Matthew added. "I've not met them yet." I clarified, when the people in question sauntered up.
Congratulations were tossed around and I admired my husband at how well he dealt with people trying to pull him into various conversations. "If you'll excuse me now, I'd like to dance with my wife." He stated plainly, leading me onto the dance floor. The soft strains of Moonlight Serenade by Glenn Miller filled my ears as the DJ announced it was the last dance for me and Matthew. When the song came to an end, the crowd clapped as Matthew led me out of the ballroom where Ysabeau, Sarah, Emily, and Marthe stood waiting. They were giving their congratulations once more, although I got their double meaning on that one. I started rubbing my arms as the cool air from the open door was chilling me. Matthew noticed right away and slipped his tuxedo jacket over my arms before leading me to an awaiting limo. "Ummm…where are we going? Christmas is in a few days." I stated, as he helped me into the limo. "Just a few miles away to a family cottage. We are going to be alone, and will be back on Christmas Eve, Mon Coeur." He stated, slipping in beside me and closing the door. He undid his tie as the driver pulled away. Matthew pressed a button on the door and the divider between us and the driver went up, giving us privacy. "Come here." He purred, pulling my body onto his lap. His arms held me securely as his lips fastened to mine. It was instinct at this point to run my hands up into his hair, tugging gently. I loved to hear that soft growl come from his lips.
The cottage was not 'small' by any means but it was smaller than Sept-Tours at least. Matthew insisted on carrying me over the threshold. "I want to change out of this dress, the lace is starting to itch and my boobs are tender." I complained and he just smiled at me. Matthew had brought up a small suitcase before carrying me inside and handed it to me. "I'm going to start a fire. Did you get enough to eat at dinner?" He probed, slipping off his tie. "Yes, now please don't take anything else off, I want to do that for you." I replied, slipping my high heeled shoes off. "Where is our bedroom?" I called, heading towards the stairs. "First door on your left, Love." He replied, undoing the cufflinks on his shirt to roll up the sleeves. I'd no idea what had been packed as I didn't pack our bag. When I did open it up there was a small bag with my name on it and a note that said 'Open Me First'. Confused, I untied it and pulled out something in tissue paper. Upon further inspection I realized it was lingerie. A lace and satin baby-doll slip and a matching thong, with a satin thigh length robe. Removing the dress felt so good. The strapless bra felt confining, but now that I knew about the pregnancy, the tender breasts made sense. After letting my hair down and ruffling the curls, I slipped on the baby-doll nightie and the thong, before pulling the robe on and tying it loosely.
Tip toeing out of the room, I wanted to peek over the bannister to see where Matthew was and what he was doing. He was seated on the love-seat, slouched down slightly and a tumbler in his hand as it rested against his cheek; with what looked like brandy or maybe whiskey. "Hey handsome." I called down. His head shot up and he smiled. A slow, lazy smirk crossed his face as he bit his lip. His eyes followed me as I descended the stairs. When I reached the bottom, I slowly untied the robe and let it fall open as I approached him. Standing between his open legs, he ran his left hand along the back of my thigh and up towards the thong. "So, fucking beautiful." He murmured, setting his tumbler down. His other hand joined in and ran along the back of my other thigh, squeezing gently. "Come closer, darling." He murmured, lifting me over his legs so I straddled him. He pushed the robe off my shoulders and the cool air of the room caused my nipples to pebble. I took a shuddering breathe at the look in his eyes. It was like he was seeing me for the first time as his hands moved around my mid-section pulling me close. "Matthew?" I called as he just hugged me. "What's wrong?" I probed, pulling back slightly to hold his face in my hands. "Nothing's wrong, Love. I just. We didn't get to be alone earlier after we found out about the baby, and I just wanted to hold you, both of you." He finished. "You do say the sweetest things." I teased, just like last night. Only this time it really was sweet. "I try." He taunted in return. My hands moved around his neck as our lips joined tenderly in a soft kiss. It was almost tentative at first as our lips moved and changed against one another. I pulled back slightly to find the first button on his shirt. My hands moved along the seam, separating them until I could pull it free from his pants. Sitting forward slightly, Matthew held me close as I pushed the shirt off his shoulders.
He stood suddenly and lay me against a pile of pillows I hadn't noticed before, laid out in front of the fire. He reached for the tumbler and downed the last of his drink before moving his hands up under the nightie and pulling the thong down. "As much as I love you in lace and satin, I want to see what's under it even more." He smiled. My hands moved to his pants and I popped the button, while using my feet to help push them off. He laughed at my efforts before standing and shedding his pants and his typical black boxer briefs. Laying back over me, he settled between my thighs, his arms at my sides. "I love you, so much, Matthew." I cried. "Fucking pregnancy hormones." I spewed. He just laughed. "I love you, Mon Coeur. Hormones and all." He smiled, his lips meeting mine. His lips moved down to my neck, sucking and gently biting at his favourite spot before moving down over the tops of my engorged breasts. "Fuck, your boobs have gotten bigger." He noticed. His eyes transfixed. The laugh that escaped my lips was uncontrollable. "You, of course would notice that." I smiled. "Of course, I would, I know how big they are, or were." He stated, a confused contortion transforming his features momentarily. His facial expressions caused me to giggle, and that giggle made my boobs shake, and then he was like a teenage boy seeing boobs for the first time. "Do that again." He stated, watching my chest. "Do what exactly?" I laughed. "The giggle thing, made 'em shake real nice." He smiled. "You're such a perv." I teased, slapping his shoulder. "Can you blame me? You're gorgeous." He replied, his lips moving against mine, as he lay his body flush against me. My nipples were extra sensitive and it didn't take much from him to have me gasping for his touch. "Matthew," I breathed as his lips sucked on the side of my breast before he moved his lips down. It made me want to cry when he cradled my tummy and kissed so tenderly before moving on. His eyes found mine and we locked our gaze as his tongue flicked at my clit. My body arched at the sensation as he slipped his tongue inside me, while his thumb played with my clit bringing on my first orgasm. He didn't even allow me to come down from my release before he moved back up my body, his lips fastening to mine. "Trade places with me, Love, I wanna watch you on top." He explained, helping me to straddle him. Leaning forward, my hands by his head, he guided his cock inside me and I sat back fully, taking him all in. "OH, fuck." He moaned as I gyrated my hips against him. His hands moved up, cupping my breasts and playing with the sensitive nipples. "You just wanted to watch my boobs jiggle, admit it." I toyed with him. "Bloody hell, of course I did." He smiled, leaning up to kiss me as his hands gripped my ass, pushing and pulling me over him. An idea struck me and I slipped from his lap. "Where you going?" He called in confusion. "Take be from behind." I asked, getting on my hands and knees. "Here kneel on this at least." He offered, handing me a pillow. The hard wood floor would not be kind to my knees. I felt him behind me. He pressed against me and I felt his cock slip inside my pussy. "Jesus, that feels good." He cried aloud, gripping my hips. The only sounds were the slapping of his thighs against mine and our heavy pants of breath. "Harder, Matthew." I called as he sped up and pounded into me from behind. "I'm gonna come." I called. "So close, sweetheart." He replied. He slowed his movements but was still hard and firm with each stroke. I felt his hands move around me and he gently cupped my breasts before trailing a hand down. His thumb pressed to my clit and I felt my orgasm rip through me. "That's it, Love." He crooned as his hips stilled for a moment before he sat back, bringing me to sit on his lap. He gave a few more slow strokes. The groans that left his lips were all I needed to know he'd released. We sat in that position for a few moments and his arms held me tight.
Matthew carried me up the stairs where we cleaned up in the bathroom before cuddling up in bed. We made love one more time, long and slow before settling in for sleep. It was the first night with my husband and I was Mrs. Matthew De Clermont.