"Stop sulking William." Julia laughed as she took the dishes from the table, walking into the kitchen.
"I'm not sulking, I don't want to go that's all." William said, taking the newspaper that was next to him.
"Then don't go!"
"I can't let this … Sergeant Lenny alone there. I have to go if I want to understand what happened. And my father's name is on this list. God only knows what trouble he got himslef into this time."
"He does tend to attract problem." Julia laughed, coming back to the dining room table with a tray of tea and buiscits.
She put the tray on the table and poured two cups. She put one before and husband and sat down next to him.
"I have the impression you don't like Sergeant Lenny, am I right?" Julia asked softly.
"You are right… as always." William conceded, trying to hide behind the newspaper.
"And why is that? You have known him only for a day."
"I don't know Julia, it's just … the way he is. Always so sure of himslef, the way he talks … even the way he walks annoys me!" William said, getting angry.
He let the newspaper fall on his lap when he heard his wife brust in laughter. When he looked at her he saw that she was clearing tears from her cheeks.
"What is so funny?" William asked, completely lost.
"You really don't see it?" Julia asked, trying to calm herself.
"See what?"
"He's just like you William! In every way! Even the inspector saw it and had a good laugh when you complained to him. George has his suspicions as well but hasn't really made the connection yet."
"He's not like me! He is so … rigid." he said. "I have a bag to pack." he declared when Julia started laughing again, leaving the table
"Oh William come back, don't be such a child!" she called from her chair.
When she heard the door of their bedroom slam behind her husband, she got up, cleaned the table and closed the house. When every door and window was locked, she went upstairs. She slowly opened their bedroom door and found her husband rummaging into one of the drawers.
"I'm sorry William, I didn't want to hurt you. I just thought it was funny." Julia said, placing a hand on his back.
"I know, I'm sorry too, I clearly over reacted. It's just that … I don't like him. And you saying that he is like me … that's just not a comparison I like." he said, taking some clothes to put them on the bag which was waiting open on the bed.
"He is a lot more rigid than you William. And you know why?" Julia asked, undoing her hair.
"No I don't but I have a feeling you are going to tell me." William smiled.
"He doesn't have me. You do. And I know how to make you less rigid." she said, walking seductivly towards him.
"I'm so lucky to have you for that. How would I have turned out if I hadn't met you to make me less rigid?" he asked, pulling her to him and kissing her passionately.
"Lucky for us, you won't have to find out." she breathed against his lips, trying to control her breathing.
"Maybe you should show me again how you do it so it lasts long enough for me to come back here intact." William suggested, his hands looking for some buttons to undo.
"It will be my pleasure." she replied, untucking his shirt from his trousers.
She was there, waiting for him when the train stopped. They had been away for a couple of days … an eventful couple of days … and it was too much. All the more because of the state they were when they had to separate. After a night full of passion, William had to literally tear himself from his wife not to miss the train. And now that he saw her in her light blue dress, he just wanted to kiss her in a way that was definitely inapropriate for the public place they were in. Julia couldn't resist though. She walked to him as he got off the train and through her arms around his neck, pulling him to her without any restraint. They kept the kiss short, still making sure that the other got the message that there would be much more coming. They separated when they heard someone clear their throat behing them.
"Well, William, it was a pleasure to meet you. I'm sure we'll keep in touch now". Sergeant Lenny said.
"Of course Jasper." William said, shaking the hand he was presenting to him.
"Until next time brother." Japser said, walking away in his uniform.
"Brother?" Julia asked.
"Oh yes, one of Henry's many exploits." William said.
He explained how he discovered that he had a brother on their way to the carriage Julia had come in.
"I was no so far from the truth when I said he was exactly like you." Julia laughed, squeezing the arm she was holding.
"Ugh, don't remind me." William said, making a face.
"Now, I have a surprise for you." Julia announced
"A surprise? Why?"
"Maybe you forgot but I didn't."
"Forgot what?"
"Tomorrow is your birthday William!" Julia laughed, getting into the carriage.
"The key word here being "tomorrow", why do I get a surprise today?" William asked, joining her inside.
"Well, it was today or in two weeks so I decided on today." she said, getting closer to him.
"It better be a very good surprise because I had another sort of activity in mind to celebrate my return." William whispered in her ear.
"Don't worry William, you will love it, I promise."
"I love you."
"Maybe you can love both me and the surprise at the same time." she said before kissing him.
"Where are you taking me?" William asked, suddenly scared.
"Don't worry William, I promise it will be great." she said, reassuring him. "But … we are getting closer so I will have to blindfold you now." she continued, untying his tie.
"Why?" William asked.
"So it can be a total surprise. Do you trust me William?"
"Of course I do, you know that."
"Alright then. Close your eyes."
William did as he was told. He felt Julia tie his tie on his eye. Not long after, the carriage stopped. Julia helped her husband out of the carriage and they walked for a couple of minutes. When they stopped, Julia felt her husband tense.
"Relax William. I know you will like it. Now stay here for a while, I have to check something, I'll be right back." she said, kissing him quickly before walking away. "Alright, everything is ready. Are you?" she asked as she came back to him.
"I guess." William answered.
Julia laughed, untying his tie. He blinked a lot and finally saw his surprise.
"What is that?" he asked.
"It's a hot air baloon." she answered. "And I am taking you for a ride." she said, taking his hand and pulling him towards the baloon.
"YOU are taking me on a ride?"
"Yes. I have been taking lessons for the last month with Regie. He taught me everything to fly it." Julia said excitedly.
"Alright then. Let's get in this thing." William said, almost running to it, as excited as a child.
Julia laughed and followed him. She showed him everything she had learned and they flew for about an hour.
"This is the best surprise ever Julia, thank you." William said, a huge smile on his face as he pulled her into his arms.
"You're very welcome. Only the best for my husband." she said, kissing him passionately.