(Two Weeks Later)
Ezra's POV
The honeymoon was quite enjoyable. Aria and I spent our days in Boston, where we'd visit old friends, and then go to the theatre. Nights were by far the best part. Sometimes I'd kiss Aria's lips softly, and other times we'd just whisper in the darkness. Aria would tell me about her Momma, Rosewood, and her favorite books. It never mattered what she talked about, as long as she was talking. I love the sound of her voice. Every night I slept on the couch, but I did not mind because it made Aria happy. For some strange reason, her happiness is the most important thing to me, and I care about her happiness far more than I care about my own.
I look down at my wife, and smile when I see her sleeping soundly in my arms. We departed from Boston early this morning, and we're expected to arrive in New York at any moment. I want to tell the carriage drivers to hurry up, but I quickly decide against it. If the horses go any faster, they might wake Aria, and she needs her sleep.
When we arrive at the estate, I see my mother and father standing outside of the gate, and waving towards the carriage. I wave back, and elicit smiles from both of them. I suppose now would be an appropriate time to wake Aria. I shake her gently, and Aria's beautiful hazel eyes flutter open. For a moment she looks confused and afraid, but I quickly put her mind at ease.
"It's okay, sweetheart. We're finally home." I whisper before tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
Aria nods, before letting out a tired yawn. I chuckle, before pressing my lips against her forehead. Afterwards, I spring to my feet and offer Aria my hand. After I help my wife out of the carriage, I run into my mother's open arms. I've missed my parents a great deal.
"Mother, Father." I say with a warm smile.
"Ezra! It's so nice to see you. The estate has been lonely without you." My dad says with a smile.
Aria approaches us slowly, and I immediately grab her hand. I am quite fond of my new wife, and I hope that my parents are fond of her as well. I don't know how you couldn't be found of Aria. She's so... Beautiful. Inside, and out.
"Aria." My father says before grabbing Aria's hand, and kissing it softly.
"Mr. Fitzgerald." Aria says with a little curtsy.
"Brian and Dianne will do, darling. You're family now." My father says as his tone turns serious.
"As you wish, Brian." Aria says with a nod.
"You do not look well, dear. Are you falling ill?" My mother asks as a look of concern washes over her face.
"No, I cannot say that I am. It's just been a long journey, and I usually nap at three o'clock." Aria informs my mother.
"Well, we cannot have you tired. Ezra, why don't you escort Aria to your bed chamber?" My mother suggests.
"Very well. I will speak to you both shortly." I say before leading Aria into the estate, and walking her to our bed chamber.
As soon as we arrive in the bedchamber, Aria collapses on our bed and lets out a breathy sigh. I smile, before taking a seat next to her, and running my fingers through her dark locks.
"Sleeping in that dress cannot be comfortable. Shall I have Charlotte fetch you a nightgown?" I ask my bride.
"No. I am feeling rather hot this afternoon. I'd prefer to sleep in my undergarments. Ezra, can you help me remove my dress?" Aria asks me softly.
I nod, before unbuttoning Aria's dress and sliding it off her head. The only thing she's wearing is a tight corset. I don't think I've ever seen her this exposed before. Without thinking about it, I bend down to kiss her shoulder blade. To my dismay, Aria pulls away almost immediately. An angry look washes over her face, and I immediately regret my actions.
"I did not give you permission to touch me!" Aria growls furiously.
"My apologies." I say as I lower my head in shame.
"Men. You are all animals. The only thing you ever want is to be inside of a woman..." Aria starts to ramble.
"Darling, that was not my intention when I kissed you. I did it because you are my wife, and I care about you a great deal." I say as I stare into her hazel eyes.
"Please leave me. I am tired, and you are making me more angry." Aria says as she crosses her arms over her chest.
I sigh before standing up, and walking out of the bedchamber. Aria does this quite often. Sometimes she's kind and affectionate, but other times she's cold and dismissive. I do not know why Aria shuts me out like she does, but it always hurts a great deal. I could never be angry with Aria though. She's not trying to hurt me. My wife is still young, and she has not gotten used to having a husband yet. Surely that is the problem.
When I enter the dining room, my parents are drinking tea, and chattering amongst themselves. They immediately stop their conversation when they see me, and smile warmly. My mother and father sure are happy to see me.
"Hello, Ezra. We did not expect to see you out here so soon. We assumed you'd want some time with Aria." My mom says as she takes a long sip of tea.
"Aria wants some time to herself. She's very tired from the journey." I say as I take a seat next to my mother.
A strange look washes over my mother's face. She almost looks... Angry. No. Why would my mother be angry? She has one of the most mild-tempers I have ever seen, and she rarely gets rattled or upset.
"That is understandable." My mother mutters.
"Speaking of Aria, how is she?" My father asks me curiously.
How could I possibly explain Aria to someone who doesn't know her well? She's smart, and funny, and beautiful, and cold, and hurt all at the same time. I only wish I knew why she was this way. Surely she'll tell me someday, but right now I have to be patient.
"Aria is wonderful. I married the right woman." I tell my father truthfully.
"How glad I am to hear that!" My father gushes.
"Could Aria be with child? Has she shown any of the signs?" My mother asks me suddenly.
There is no way Aria is with child. We have not yet slept together, but I cannot tell Mother that. She couldn't possibly understand, and the truth might upset her.
"She has not told me of any." I mutter as I avoid looking into my mother's eyes.
"I suppose it is too soon. You've only been together for two weeks, and the signs do not always show right away." My mother says after thinking about it for a minute.
"A child, Ezra. A little boy or girl to love and protect. Doesn't that sound incredible?" My dad asks, with a twinkle in his eyes.
Having a baby sounds like it would be the greatest joy in the world. Before I married Aria, I did not want to have children right away. Getting through the night without screaming was almost impossible to do, and it did not seem fair to drag a child into that sort of chaos. Things feel different though. I haven't had a nightmare since I married Aria, and I feel happier than I have in a long time. Having someone to look after makes me feel secure, and I feel that with Aria. Surely I'll feel that way about my own child. But will Aria give me a family? She refuses to let me kiss her shoulder-blade, let alone make love to her.
A familiar aching in my stomach begins to arise. It's the same feeling I get every time Aria is upset with me. The painful sting of rejection. It hurts that I am so fond of Aria, and she can only stand me half of the time. I wish she'd care about me the same way I care about her. I know I'm being selfish. Aria and I have been married for two weeks, and I cannot expect her to trust me. My father always told me love is patience, so I need to be patient with Aria. But it's still not easy.
"Ezra, are you alright?" My mother asks, snapping me out of my thoughts.
"Yes. I am wonderful." I say, as I force a smile.
"That is good. I invited Spencer and Toby over for dinner this evening. They are eager to see you, and meet Aria." My father says with a warm smile.
A feeling of joy immediately washes over me. Spencer is my darling little cousin, and I've been her best friend and protector since my aunt birthed her. Last year, my aunt and uncle married Spencer off to a successful lawyer by the name of Toby Cavanaugh. At first, it was hard seeing Spencer with another man. I wanted to make sure he was a gentleman, and that he cherished her in every way. Fortunately, Toby is a fine man, and he loves Spencer a great deal. She loves him too. I can see it in her eyes.
"I am quite pleased. Thank you for making the arraignments, Father." I say with a grin.
"Of course. Would you like to wake Aria and tell her the news?" My father asks me curiously.
My heart sinks in my chest. I want to tell Aria the good news, but she asked me to leave her alone. I do not want to upset my wife, and I certainly do not want her to yell at me again.
"Aria needs her rest. I will tell her later." I mutter.
"Ezra, are you sure you're alright? You seem... Sad." My mother says with an ounce of concern in her voice.
"Yes, I'm more than alright. Just a little tired from the journey." I assure her.
My father seems to believe my story, but my mother isn't convinced. She just stares at me like I'm transparent, and she can see all the problems with my marriage.
Aria's POV
If only there was a word to express how much I despise Ezra. I hate the way wears his navy uniform everywhere he goes, and how he speaks so proper all the time. He is so... Showy. The worst is probably the way he looks at me. There is so much passion and focus in his eyes, that it makes me want to curl up into a ball and hide. I know if I don't hide, I'll begin to look at him the same way he looks at me.
To my dismay, there is also no word to express how fond I am of Ezra. He's so kind, despite the fact that he slaughters other people to make money. And then there's the way he holds me. I feel safe when I'm with Ezra, even though he has the power to break me.
Maybe that is why I exploded when he kissed my shoulder earlier today. I felt more than I expected. At first, I was overjoyed, and then I became furious. Perhaps Ezra wants me to give myself to him, and that is why he is being so kind and gentle. As soon as I open my legs, Ezra will become just like Daddy. I want to keep him out of me for as long as possible, so I can continue to live comfortably. Dare I even say, happily?
"Aria, may I come in?" Ezra asks from outside of the bedchamber.
I do not wish to see Ezra, but I know I must. I run my fingers through my hair, before giving him permission to enter. As soon as Ezra enters the room, he slowly makes his way to the bed. Surely he isn't trying this again! Luckily, Ezra stops right before he reaches the bed, and stands tall near the edge of it. What does he want?
"How was your nap?" Ezra asks me softly.
I never actually fell asleep, but Ezra does need to know that. He would worry, and Ezra is difficult to be around when he worries.
"It was delightful." I say, as I force a smile.
"I am glad you slept well. I am afraid I've been feeling rather distraught." Ezra says with a breathy sigh.
"Why?" I ask him curiously.
"I upset you a great deal earlier, and I want you to know that I am very sorry. I never meant to disrespect you in any way, Aria." Ezra says as a single tear rolls down his cheek.
Goodness! Is Ezra crying? Could my outburst really be the cause of this sadness? No! Ezra must have dust in his eye.
"I have already forgotten, Ezra." I say, trying to calm him down.
"But you seemed so upset..." Ezra starts to ramble.
"I was tired." I say, cutting him off mid-sentence.
Ezra nods, but he does not look at ease. That is normal though. Ezra rarely looks at ease. He always seems so... Tense. Maybe even afraid. My husband tries to hide it from me, but I am no fool. Momma was the same way. She always looked as though something was wrong.
As much as I despise Ezra at times, I do not want to see him suffer. It occurs to me that Ezra always seems calmer at night when we cuddle, and tell stories. Maybe letting Ezra hold me right now will calm some of his nerves.
"Ezra, can you do something for me?" I ask him softly.
"Anything, darling." Ezra says with an eager nod.
"Lay right here." I say as I gesture towards the empty side of the bed.
Ezra looks surprised, but he quickly climbs into bed with me. My husband wraps his arms around my waist, before pulling me close to him. I feel exactly how I did when he kissed my shoulder earlier. Happy, but a little afraid. I will not push him away this time though. I have already upset Ezra enough for one day.
"Would you like to hear a story?" I ask as I run my fingers through his dark curls.
"I would love to hear a story." Ezra says with an eager nod.
"When I was a child, I acted in ways that were very unladylike. Daddy always complained that I acted more like a little boy than I did a little girl." I say with a chuckle.
"Yes, I do remember you telling me that." Ezra says as he runs his fingers through my silky hair.
"Well one day when I was about nine years old, I decided to go tree climbing with my childhood friend Noel. There was an old pine tree near the city hall, and Noel and I got to the very top. As we were looking down at the world below us, Noel put his arm around me, and whispered that he loved me." I say as I stare into Ezra's blue eyes.
"And what did you say?" Ezra asks, with an ounce of uneasiness in his voice.
"I said that loved him too. I was very young, and I did not understand the meaning behind my words." I say with a chuckle.
Ezra nods, but doesn't look amused in the slightest. How unpleasant he is at times like these!
"After I professed my undying love for Noel, he told me that he would like to have a child with me. I did not yet know how Mommas and Daddies made children, so he agreed to show me..." I start to ramble.
"Darling, I am afraid I do not like this story very much." Ezra says, cutting me off mid-sentence.
"Do not ruin the fun, Ezra! Besides, you will like this part. It turns out that Noel did not know how babies were made either because he lifted up my shirt, and then stuck his finger in my belly button. After moving it in and out for a few minutes, Noel stopped and announced that we had made a baby." I say with a giggle.
"What a fool!" Ezra exclaims, although he is laughing along with me.
"It gets worse! That week, everyone in Rosewood found out that a local seventeen year-old girl conceived a child out of wedlock, and my grandmother threw a fit! She told me that her family should be ashamed, and that the girl was a godless human being." I say as I shake my head slowly.
"My goodness! I cannot imagine how terrible you must have felt!" Ezra says as he stares into my hazel eyes.
"It was horrible. I did not want to shame my family, so a few days later, I climbed back up the tree, and jumped off it. Unfortunately, I did not fly up to heaven like I expected to. Instead, I broke my leg, and the local doctor had to cast it for me." I say, shuttering at the painful memory.
"Your Momma must have been so worried about you." Ezra says as his voice softens.
"She was. Momma kept asking why I jumped off the tree, and I told her I was going to have a baby. At first, Momma wept. She thought someone had hurt me, and she forced me to tell her exactly what had happened. When Momma realized that Noel was a young fool, she told me that I was not going to have a baby. Afterwards, she explained how Mommas and Daddies actually make them." I say, with a nervous blush.
"Well, I am glad the fall off the tree didn't kill you. If it had, I suppose I'd be rather lonely right now." Ezra tells me softly.
"No. Surely you would have married another woman." I say as I shake my head slowly.
"But I wouldn't have wanted to marry another woman." Ezra says in a barely audible whisper.
His words make me feel guilty. If only Ezra knew how I felt about marrying him. Surely, he would hate me if he knew the truth about my feelings, and Momma's letter.
"Are we going into the city tonight?" I ask, changing the subject.
"No, actually. I meant to tell you this, but my cousin Spencer and her husband are coming over for dinner tonight. Spencer is very special to me, and I'd like for you to meet her." Ezra says as pulls me even closer to him.
"What is she like?" I ask him curiously.
"Spencer... The more I think about it, the more I realize she's a lot like you. You're both intelligent, kind, and incredibly beautiful." Ezra says before kissing my forehead softly.
"Thank you." I say with a nervous blush.
"Spencer is your age, so I imagine you two will have a lot to talk about. I'm sure you'll become the best of friends." Ezra tells me, with a hopeful look on his face.
"I am sure we will be too. Should I start getting ready for supper?" I ask my husband curiously.
"No. We have a while. Why don't we just lay here for a while?" Ezra suggests.
I nod, before closing my eyes, and falling asleep in Ezra's cozy embrace.
AN: What did you think of this chapter? Obviously Aria's struggling quite a bit... Is the way she treats Ezra justified, or does she need to be kinder? Do you think Ezra's parents are picking up on the tension? What will they do about it? Aria meets Spencer and Toby in the next chapter! What will she think of them? Please review, and thanks for reading :)