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Chapter Five
Friday
Hotel de la Minerve, Roma, Italia
Waiting for the lady's maid which the hotel promised to send up to her well-appointed room, Julia stared at the sumptuous dresses she had purchased during the trip, evaluating each one individually, yet knowing that there was only one valid choice for a grand ball at an embassy: the sapphire, jewel-toned Doucet gown she'd bought in Paris. Taking the dress from its silk garment bag, she laid it out along with the matching shoes and accessories and stared at the ensemble, acknowledging her mixed feelings.
Wearing this gown ensured only one outcome: this evening would end with her and William making love. She couldn't help but feel conflicted: she was ready to resume this aspect of their relationship, yet was plagued with a fresh prick of guilt, as she hadn't yet told William about the medical device she'd acquired from a discreet, yet well-regarded physician who catered to the well-to-do women from his well-appointed office just off the Promenade des Anglais in Nice. She hadn't wanted to use the it without William's knowledge (she was terrified he'd be furious over it, or worse- angry with her for keeping yet another secret) but she was far too frightened of the consequences of a pregnancy to not take precautions, certain that they'd managed to conceive without the hormone treatments; thus her dilemma over the past few weeks.
It is past since time we resumed relations, she chided herself, then, grabbing the box containing the device, she slipped off to the water closet, disregarding the voice in her head that reminded her that she hadn't yet told William of its existence, determined to take the control in her own hands.
A short while later, as the young lady's maid styled her hair into an appropriate coiffure, Julia took a deep breath and did her best to disregard her queasy feelings, sipping a most excellent Italian red wine. Staring at her reflection in the oval dressing table mirror, she agreed with the maid's choice of a loose knot atop her head festooned with peacock feathers which complemented the iridescence of her gown. Just like the dress, her complete ensemble was nothing like she typically wore, yet she had to admit that it suited her well. She even consented to more cosmetics than she was wont to use, lining her eyes in kohl to make them appear more dramatic. Satisfied with her toilette, she pushed back from the vanity and stood to dress, holding her breath as she was laced tight and then finally stepped into the gown, relishing the cool, whisper-like touch of the silk as it flowed over her body, then slid into her midnight blue silk slippers.
"Come un gioiello, Signora," the young woman smiled. "Bellissima," she added.
Julia smiled in agreement. "Yes, it does flatter me, doesn't it?"
Nodding, the young woman curtsied and left. Staring at the reflection in the mirror in her complete ensemble, Julia wondered how William would react to her uncharacteristic appearance. Finishing her glass of wine, Julia dabbed her parfum purchased from the House of Guerlain behind her ears and in her décolletage for the final touch. Taking a deep breath, she opened the doors from the bedroom and glided into the living area, waiting for William's reaction.
William felt the door sweep open and heard a brush of silk behind him. He was turned towards a full length mirror, smoothing the front of his evening clothes hoping the hotel valet had revived the outfit sufficiently to be presentable, considering it had been packed and repacked several times over the course of their trip. The garment had been expertly brushed and sponged, and was accompanied by a very fashionably embroidered white waistcoat and tie which his Parisian tailor insisted he take in anticipation of the full bespoke suit to be picked later.
His initial satisfaction about getting the coveted invitation to the ball was replaced with nervousness about going to this affair as a guest of the Canadian Delegation at the British Embassy, especially since they were to be presented to His Majesty's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the King of Italy, Sir Edwin Henry Edgerton and The Very Reverend Bishop Fergus Patrick, appointed Privy Chamberlain by Pope Leo XIII and rumoured to be on the shortlist to be the next Archbishop of Toronto. He wanted to make a proper impression, feeling the responsibility of representing Toronto and the Constabulary weighing rather heavily. It would not do to embarrass himself as an uncultured colonial...
When William caught her image behind him in the mirror and swung around, his mouth fell open. Encountering Julia swathed in her new blue silk ball gown positively stole his breath.
Good Heavens! No one will pay the least bit of attention to me...
If he thought the dress looked remarkable in Monsieur Doucet's atelier, it was nothing in comparison to how gorgeous Julia looked in it as she stood like a vision before him. Every line of the garment accentuated her features: upright carriage, narrow waist, a dancer's strong arms and long neck. Her hair was softly gathered and crowned with a simple spray of feathers in lieu of a tiara. He found himself falling in love with her blue eyes, so alight with gaiety. In his imagination, Julia's entrance into the Embassy was going to be met with awe.
She will be the belle of the ball….
Julia saw his smile was wide and genuine, and his eyes twinkled in a way she hadn't seen in weeks. Any misgivings she had about being less than fully forthcoming with him were immediately dispelled as she glimpsed the joy on his face.
Recovering himself, he bowed to her, catching a blush on her cheek. He took her hand and raised it to his lips, lingering to catch her eye, his own eyes black with desire, and Julia felt her belly coil with passion.
There was no doubt that this evening would be a long prelude to a climactic event back in their suite later that night.
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Friday Night
British Embassy, Via Venti Settembre, Roma
The second floor grand ballroom in the British embassy at Porta Pia was lit by four of the biggest crystal chandeliers Julia had ever seen. Pale yellow silk wall-coverings complemented the warm honey-ochre colour of a granite ribbon of low wall which girdled the rectangular room and created architectural interest. On one side of the room, mirrors in granite half-moon arches and on each set of double doors reflected light plus the colour and swirl of the women's' gowns. One end of the room held space for the two chamber orchestras which were expected to supply continuous music over the course of the night, and in the exterior wall opposite of the double doors were tall windows which looked out on the night sky.
Ladies and gentlemen displayed their best behaviour: manners were more ceremonial, clothing was finer, and bows were deeper. William had been correct that a ball was the pinnacle test of social etiquette and graces; fortunately Julia herself had been schooled in the art of gliding across a dancefloor, for once grateful for the tutelage of her iron-fisted grandmother. Julia had never attended a formal ball at an embassy before, but she assumed that it would be very proper, very decorous, and very intellectually dull.
She was very correct.
In fact, Julia was one of the younger guests there, and by far the most scandalously attired, judging from the looks of disapproval and scorn from the far more conservatively dressed women who were undoubtedly gossiping about her from the hallway on one side of the high-ceilinged room.
As if those old biddies were anything I cared about.
Even if the conversation was less than scintillating, she never lacked for a dancing partner the entire evening, receiving both courteous notice and more than a few speculative glances from the men in attendance, to the great displeasure of a few young ladies who had thought it was supposed to have been their night to shine.
Her admirers included Sir Edwin Henry Edgerton himself, who declared her a "lovely jewel in His Majesty's crown, indeed" as she was presented to him and who even asked her for a dance later in the evening, which only set the other women off to titter about her all the more. She guessed him to be in his late sixties, yet Julia suspected that despite his dignified manner, he enjoyed causing some consternation amongst the women as much as she did, particularly given that he winked at her as he bowed at the conclusion of their spry turn around the dance floor.
William paid little mind to her dancing with other men, and tonight was no exception, always watching her with a Cheshire grin on his face. As fun as reveling in outrageous behaviour could be, there was only one man whose attentions she was concerned about, and when she wasn't dancing with others, she basked in her husband's beaming smile. It was not typical for a married couple to dance with one another in Society, and while it is a sign of unusual attention for a husband to dance with his wife, he may do so if he wishes. Therefore William took advantage where he might, partnering with her on the occasional waltz.
Julia delighted in the fact that he seemed to be having great difficulty in keeping his hands off of her, going so far as to break with propriety to dance with her twice in a row! Any guilt about not being fully forthcoming with him was forgotten as she delighted in the way he looked at her all evening along with the equally delightful French champagne she sipped. As an added bonus, William partook in the bubbly beverage as well, leaving Julia to anticipate the pleasures of a slightly disinhibited husband later on. She looked over at William, hoping to catch his eye.
I am having a hard time waiting…. she admitted to herself.
Julia's blush caught the attention of her partner, a young Italian military attaché. "Are you very warm, Signora?"
She laughed as lightly as she could, employing her fan. "Why, not at all. Shall we...?"
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...Across the dance floor, William fidgeted a little with his waistcoat as Julia took her place for the next dance. Midnight cannot come soon enough, he thought, since at that hour the dancing portion of the party would end with supper being served.
"Your wife is exceptional, Detective Murdoch," Ambassador Edgerton commented privately whilst they stood by one of the tall windows, watching the musicians strike up a lively tune. No one else was near enough to overhear their exchange.
"Of that I am aware, your Excellency." William could not deny the truth of it, but he raised an eyebrow at such a personal statement from the diplomat.
The ambassador caught him. "Detective, you would not do well in the Foreign Service corps, where bland, inoffensive and opaque are necessary skills." Edgerton explained with a chuckle as he gestured to the inlaid ballroom floor where Julia was dancing with an officer. "My apologies, sir, but I must speak the truth and I am old enough to have an opinion on these matters. Your wife is not only intelligent and brave, but very beautiful."
William nodded politely at Edgerton's jovial mood, since he and Julia were the major cause of the ambassador's good humour and for creating a fond place in Lady Olga's heart.
"I now see why you requested an invitation to this party as the reward for your most recent services to His Majesty's Government, Detective." He laughed again. "A wise man understands a happy wife is the path to one's own domestic bliss."
William saw a fond look in the Ambassador's face as the man's gaze fell on the much younger Lady Olga Edgerton.
"I also have a spirited wife of my own." Edgerton sounded proud and very serious. "You have also made her happy; we are in your debt sir."
"Not at all, Your Excellency," William demurred.
Edgerton took his companion's measure, then rocked a bit on his heels with a satisfied expression on his face. "You know," he confided, "I too married for love, even if it took me half a century, or more, to find the perfect woman and I have never regretted it for a single moment."
"Indeed, sir." William was not going to argue that point either as it mirrored his feeling about Julia.
Edgerton gestured at the guests in the ballroom. "My sole occupation as an ambassador towards the end of my career is maintaining cordial friendship between Italy and His Majesty's government, and to make sure no questions of any great moment arise between the two. If my obituary says as much I have done my job. You have rescued my reputation, Detective. I am sorry I cannot offer you more, but you understand the delicacy of these things."
"Of course, sir. Julia and I are honoured to have been able to assist." Out of the corner of his eye, William saw a member of the diplomatic staff approach the Ambassador and whisper in his ear before withdrawing.
"Detective, I am told supper is ready. The usual bullion followed by chicken and peas… and by special request, Beef Wellington," the man patted his waistline with a wink. "I cannot stand the local food, and I understand you have the same complaint. The final dance will be a waltz, so perhaps you will collect your wife for the last turn on the floor, then do join us for supper."
"Thank you sir. I believe we will be going now, as our train departs very early tomorrow."
"As you wish, Detective. Godspeed." Edgerton inclined his head very slightly, signalling he was taking his leave.
William bowed to his host, eager to claim his bride. As much as he might look forward to some English food (and after midnight on a Friday so he could enjoy the beef) what he wanted more than anything was to convince Julia to leave after the last dance, another kind of hunger on his mind.
He reached her just and the final waltz began to take her hand. "May I have this dance?"
On the floor Julia flowed with him in his arms, caught up just in the music and his embrace. "You know," she whispered, "I am just dying to know what was in that diplomatic portfolio you picked up."
"Julia?! What portfolio?" He smiled and winked. "It is safer for us that we do not know, and we have been warned to erase this incident from our memories. You never did tell me what the princess had to say for herself."
"That was what was so extraordinary! And so romantic." Julia leaned in closer. "Lady Olga explained that she believes her sister, Princess Alexandra, was in love with that man, but when the princess discovered he stole sensitive material from the Embassy, she confronted him. It was she who brought the knife to the Porta Pia meeting. They struggled and she was wounded accidentally. Princess Alexandra is both glad he escaped and that the secrets did not fall into enemy hands."
William thought that the daring, headstrong princess took too many risks. "I can see how embarrassing that would have been for the Embassy and the ambassador particularly. I also get the distinct impression that Lady Olga's sister is more than a hanger-on at the Embassy. I am thinking she is possibly in Terrence Meyers' line of work."
Julia nodded in agreement, thinking that was very likely. "But William, the romance of it! She was willing to sacrifice her love for him, her relationship with him for a higher loyalty, but she was not willing to sacrifice his life to the law."
William twirled her around. "Indeed. It is hard to make those choices, and it shows her character that she did what she did."
"Yes," she said, "it does."
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William escorted Julia back into their suite, the both of them giddy and stumbling on champagne and excitement, lunging for one another as soon as the door closed behind them as all demands for restraint and propriety were finally gone. William had imagined this very movement, how it would feel to make love with Julia again after so much pain and estrangement. Their connection was going to validate all that he surrendered to have it.
"Do tell, Detective. Just what exactly were you thinking tonight?" Julia teased him, brushing her right hand along the inseam of his trousers.
"That this evening you were the most beautiful, accomplished woman in the whole embassy." Her touch was exquisite, fueling his passion. With a throaty chuckle, he pushed her against the door, his finger tracing around her neckline. She had worn the Mobius pendant he'd given her so he moved it delicately aside.
"I was also imagining this…and...this…" he murmured, nibbling along her neck, holding her in place with his body. "Along with how I couldn't wait to divest you of this dress, even though I have been waiting weeks for you to wear it," he whispered into her ear as he slid his hands down the silk before moving his fingers around her back, unhooking the fasteners and smiling at her as he peeled it over her shoulders and down her body, allowing it to pool at her feet.
William helped her to step out of it, then she kicked off her slippers as he bent down to retrieve the dress and drape it over a chair lest it be ruined.
Silently, she began stripping him of his own finery while he enjoyed the feel of her palms on his bare chest. As she moved to his trousers, he grabbed her hands. "My turn," he heard himself growl, reaching around her for her corset, deftly unfastening it with ease and making equally quick work of her chemise. He took advantage of the opportunity to feel the velvet of her bare back, before untying her pantalettes and allowing them to join her other undergarments on the floor. She snuck hands to his trousers again and tried the buttons which strained under the pressure of his arousal.
Oh it seems we desire the same thing… With effort he resisted. "Not yet," he answered in a deep rasp, picking her up and carrying her to their bed.
Laughing, she protested. "William, this is hardly equal...you're still half-dressed and I'm completely nu…Oh!"
Having placed her on the bed, he proceeded to kiss her all over her face and torso, eventually sliding down to the junction of her thighs which he proceeded to explore…
For the most part her misgivings were drowned out by passion for him, and she soon pushed it out of her mind altogether, just being in the moment with him. Her laughter turned into moans of pleasure as he settled between her thighs, his tongue and fingers bringing her immense pleasure. Her release was fast and intense, having not enjoyed one in months. Kissing his way back up her body, his smile was wide and she thought a little smug.
This time he laughed. "It's been too long, Julia. Oh, how I've missed you, wife," he confessed, cradling her head on his chest, burying his face in her hair for a moment before shifting to divest himself of the rest of his clothing. Having worshiped Julia, he was ready to take his own, long delayed, pleasure. "Nothing will come between us ever again," he murmured, taking her mouth in a fervent kiss and settling his hips between her legs.
Whereas Julia had been floating in a cloud of pleasure and champagne lightness before, reality abruptly hit her squarely on the nose with those words. But there is something between us...you can't resume relations with him if you're keeping secrets, especially that kind of secret… her conscience screamed at her.
Going rigid, Julia groaned and pushed at William to get him off of her, panic and guilt awakening her conscience...
William was so intent on what he was doing, his normally perceptive mind swirled by champagne and lust, he mistook Julia's moan for one of pleasure, so when she pushed against him he grabbed after her thinking he just needed to alter their position for him to enter her. He was delirious with happiness.
Finally! So close…
Then she was gone before he could understand what happened.
In her effort to get away she grabbed her dressing gown and slippers, fleeing their bedroom for the sitting room in their suite so fast she dropped one of the slippers before slamming the dividing doors shut. William heard the 'click' of the lock, then stifled sobs.
"Julia? Julia!" William pounded on the door. "Julia! What is going on? Julia...answer me!" William was stunned, his desire transforming into distress.
Sobbing harder, Julia hurriedly pulled her dressing gown on, the thin silk offering no protection from the ugly truth of what could no longer be ignored.
William picked up the slipper and stared at it, his frustration leading him to shouting. "Julia, open this door right now!" He had a moment of déjà vu, recalling being outside her house after she turned down his marriage proposal. When the suite's doors stayed shut, he considered breaking them down. Turning back to set the slipper aside, he found his own robe and rummaged in his valise for some of his tools. Turning back, he knelt by the crystal door knob.
"I'm sorry, William. I'm so sorry. I can't," she whimpered. "I'm so sorry."
He heard her through the door but did not respond...he was busy picking the lock. When the latch gave way, he hesitated. What awaited him on the other side?
Julia heard the lock turn, realizing that of course William had defeated the lock and took a deep breath. "Give me a moment, William, I'm not ready," she gasped in between sobs.
But she heard the doors flung open anyway.
Taking several deep breaths to calm herself, she exhaled one last time, trying to make herself feel calm enough for the discussion that was going to destroy their marriage. Hearing his footsteps, she prepared herself for the fury to come.
