Aria's POV
I wake up to a loud BANG, and I immediately sit up and let out a terrified shriek. My eyes dart over to the other end of the room, and I let out a long sigh of relief when I realize that it's only Ezra getting ready for work. Slowly, the details of last night come flooding back into my mind. Ezra and I were going to have intercourse, but then we got into an argument. Though Ezra and I have squabbled on a few occasions, this was the first time we got into an actual fight. For some reason, I feel incredibly distraught over it. Perhaps it's because I know he'll start beating me now that there's been a major conflict between us.
"I am sorry, darling. I did not mean to wake you." Ezra mutters, as he avoids looking into my hazel eyes.
Darling? Did he just call me darling? Ezra is furious with me! Why must refer to me in such an affectionate manner? It confuses me a great deal.
"Why do you call me darling, Ezra? Surely you are still incredibly upset with me..." I start to ramble.
Ezra does something peculiar. He walks straight up to me, and then kisses my lips. For some reason, I find myself kissing him back with even more force. Maybe I won't get beaten after all. This is a grand sign.
"Aria, can we please forget about last night? I still care for you a great deal, and I do not want you to worry all day. We can talk after I get home from work, okay?" Ezra suggests, as he grabs one of my dark locks, and tucks it behind my ear.
"Yes. Okay." I say, as a blush begins to form on my cheeks. Why am I acting this way? I do not understand myself.
"Have an excellent day, sweetheart. I'll miss you." Ezra says before kissing my forehead, and hurrying out of the bedroom we share.
As soon as Ezra is gone, I get an empty feeling in the pit of my stomach. As much as Ezra terrifies me, and as much as I despise him at times, I do not like when he leaves for work. I feel so lonely when he is gone. Probably because I am locked up in this estate, with nothing to do and no one to talk to. Things will be better when I have an estate of my own. I will be free to come and go as I wish, and I can invite Spencer over for tea whenever I please. The best part is that I will never have to see Ezra's wicked mother. I will only invite her to the estate when Ezra insists upon it, and surely after we have sons of our own he'll forget about the evil woman who raised him.
I hear a knock on the door. That must be Charlotte, coming to dress me for the day. Now that I am a married woman, Charlotte spends even more time combing my hair, and powdering my face. I do not understand why she does this. The only people who see me during the day are the servants, and Ezra's mother.
"Come in!" I call out to the older woman.
"Good morning, Mrs. Aria. How are you, dear?" Charlotte asks as she enters the bedroom, and closes the door behind her.
"I am quite well, Charlotte darling. How are you?" I ask, as I take a seat at my normal spot in front of the mirror.
"I am feeling rather well myself. I think I shall start with your hair. It looks rather tangled this morning, Aria. I presume Ezra is keeping you up late at night?" Charlotte asks with a chuckle.
I do not wish to speak with anyone about my personal business with Ezra. Probably because we have yet to engage in any personal business, and I know we have to soon. If we do not, Ezra will become extremely grouchy and dissatisfied like he was last night. Not to mention, I will never have any children if we do not have intercourse.
As Charlotte is combing my hair, the bedroom door bursts open. My goodness! Why has come into my bed chamber without knocking first? I am a married woman now, so I need my privacy. Charlotte could have been undressing me, and I would be mortified if anyone other than my nursemaid saw me in my undergarments.
A startled gasp escapes from my lips when I realize that it was my mother-in-law who intruded. She is standing in the doorway, and she looks absolutely furious. Oh my. What have I done now? Perhaps she thinks I've gotten fatter since out last meeting?
"How dare you! How dare you insult my family like this!" Dianne screams, as she storms over to where I am sitting.
"Excuse me, Ma'am?" I ask, as my eyes grow wide with shock.
"You know exactly what I am talking about, you spoiled brat! I am ashamed to call you my daughter-in-law! What kind of woman refuses her own husband? You live in this estate because it is your duty to give Ezra children! How dare you!" Dianne says, as she begins to shout even louder if that is humanly possible.
I am so surprised, that I cannot even find the words to express how I am feeling. How does Dianne know about what happens between Ezra and I after she falls asleep? Surely he must have told her! Ezra lied. He said he wasn't angry anymore, but surely he still is. Why else would he drag his mother into this mess? This is the end. Everyone in the Fitzgerald estate probably hates me now. My life will be hell. Why didn't I just let Ezra touch me? I've been a fool...
"Aria, have you been refusing Ezra at night?" Charlotte asks, as her eyes grow wide with shock.
"Y-yes." I say, as tears begin to pour out of my eyes.
"They have not had intercourse once since they've been married! I cannot believe you had the nerve to lie to me yesterday in the parlor. You have absolutely no respect for me, or for poor Ezra! I do not even know what to do with a brat like you!" Dianne says, as she takes a giant step towards me.
Charlotte steps in front of Dianne, to shield me from the livid woman. Thank goodness dear Charlotte is here! What would I do if I did not have her to protect me? My head would probably be on a silver plater at this point in the conversation.
"Aria, will you please explain why you have not let Ezra take your precious virginity?" Charlotte asks, as she stares into my hazel eyes.
"I am so afraid. I have tried to let Ezra touch me, but then I get far too upset for intercourse. I am so sorry, my dearest mother-in-law. I did not mean to offend you, or Ezra in anyway. I care about him a great deal, and I want more than anything to have his children. Please forgive me." I say, as I burst into tears.
"Forgive you? Any woman in the state of New York would have killed to marry my son! My husband and I decided to give him to you, since you come from such a well-respected family. I trusted you with an important duty, and you have failed me. I am afraid I cannot forgive you that easily." Dianne says, as she crosses her arms over her chest.
"You mustn't be so hard on Aria. She is still young, and her mother was not alive to instruct her on what to do. Aria can fix this. Her window has just began, and she has plenty of time to provide Mr. Ezra with the children your family so deeply desires." Charlotte tells Dianne seriously.
"I will not be spoken to in such a way! Especially by a servant! Aria, tonight when Ezra gets home, you will do exactly as he pleases! If you do not, there will be consequences! Do you understand me?" Dianne asks, as she glares at me.
"Yes." I mutter, as I stare at the ground.
"That is yes, Ma'am! And look at me when you speak! For heavens sake! You are a young lady! Who taught you manners?" Dianne asks, before storming out of the bedroom.
As soon as Dianne is gone, I burst into tears and collapse in Charlotte's arms. Charlotte hushes me, as she strokes my long hair. I expected her to be as furious as Dianne, but obviously she isn't. If anything, Charlotte is being kind, and understanding with me.
"She hates me!" I exclaim through my tears.
"No, darling. She does not hate you. Your mother-in-law is just angry, that's all. As soon as you get pregnant, she'll forget all about this incident. Do not fret." Charlotte whispers, as she begins to rock me like she used to when I was a little girl.
"B-But Ezra hates me! He hates me, Charlotte!" I say, as I begin to cry even harder if that's humanly possible.
"Aria, you should know that I despise men like Mr. Ezra. I see the way soldiers treat their women, and I certainly saw the way your father treated your poor mother. At first, I was absolutely devastated when I found out that you were going to marry a West Point Graduate. I was tempted to kill Mr. Ezra when he walked through the door of your father's estate because I disliked him so much..." Charlotte rants.
"Charlotte, that is enough. What are you trying to tell me?" I ask, cutting her off before she can finish her sentence.
"Mrs. Aria, I do not hate Mr. Ezra anymore. Not in the slightest. He's nothing like your father. I see the way he looks at you, and I see how gentle and kind he is with you. Mr. Ezra does not hate you, sweetheart. He's in love with you." Charlotte says, as she stares right into my hazel eyes.
Ezra couldn't possibly be in love with me! I've treated him terribly, and I haven't even let him touch me yet. Besides, why would anyone love me? I am so broken...
"No-No, Charlotte. You're sadly mistaken. Why would he tell his mother about our personal business if he loved me? If Ezra loved me, he would protect me from that heartless woman." I say, as I begin to shake my head vigorously.
"Goodness gracious, Aria! Why must you be so stubborn? Mr. Ezra does not believe that his mother is heartless, or that you need to be protected from her. Mrs. Fitzgerald raised him, darling!" Charlotte argues.
It does not matter. Daddy was around during my upbringing, but I did not justify his cruel habits. I would do anything I could to protect the people I love from him. I wish I could have protected Momma...
"Aria, there is something I must tell you. I have been meaning to get it off my chest for some time now, but I was afraid you would despise me..." Charlotte starts to ramble.
"Good heavens, Charlotte! Please tell!" I exclaim.
"It's about the letter, the letter your Momma wrote to you." Charlotte says, with a breathy sigh.
The letter? How does Charlotte know about the letter? I kept it with me for a few months after Momma's death, but after I got engaged I burned it. I did not want Ezra to find it, and hate me for secretly hating him. If he had found the letter, he probably would have beaten me merely for loving someone who insulted him.
So how does Charlotte know about the letter? Perhaps she read it before I threw it into the fire? Charlotte was always around after Momma's death. Maybe she read it one evening after I feel asleep in her arms?
"You had no write to read that letter! Momma wrote it just for me!" I say, as I begin to raise my voice.
"Honey, you do not understand. I did not read the letter, I-" Charlotte starts to say.
"Enough! We are never to speak of the letter again! Do you understand me? Ezra can never find out that it even existed. It would be the death of me." I say, as I stare right into Charlotte's hazel eyes.
"But Aria-" Charlotte protests.
"But nothing! If you mention the letter again, it will be the last time I ever speak to you. Do you understand?" I ask Charlotte seriously.
"Yes, Mrs. Aria." Charlotte says, with a breathy sigh.
"Very well. Please leave me, Charlotte. I would like to spend the rest of my morning in solitude." I say, after regaining my composure.
Charlotte nods before scurrying out of the room, and not looking back once.
Ezra's POV
When I arrive home from the military academy, I go straight to the bedchamber to greet Aria. To my surprise, she is laying on our bed, and sobbing into one of the pillows. Why is she so upset? Did I do something to hurt her? I honestly hope Aria isn't hung up on the disagreement we had last night.
"Honey, what is wrong? Why are you so upset?" I ask, as I hurry over to my wife, and scoop her into my arms.
"How could you?" Aria asks, through her heavy sobs.
"How could I what?" I ask, with confusion in my voice.
"How could you tell your mother about us, Ezra? How could you do that to me? Now your entire family hates me! I can't believe I was starting to trust you!" Aria exclaims, through her tears.
My mother? What does my mother have anything to do with this? The only thing I've told my mother about Aria is that she is a delightful girl, and a beautiful bride. As far as I am concerned, my parents adore my wife. How could they not adore little Aria?
"Sweetheart, I am afraid I do not know what you are talking about. What happened between you and my mother?" I ask, with confusion in her voice.
"Of course you know what happened! You told her, Ezra! You told her that we haven't slept together. Why? Why didn't you just talk to me instead of crying to your mother?" Aria asks, as she stares into my blue eyes.
Huh? I did not tell my mother about my personal business with Aria. The only person I told was my father. Perhaps he mentioned it to my mother? They are extremely close. I still do not understand why Aria is so upset. My father does not judge her for not wanting to have intercourse, so surely my dear mother does not judge her either.
"Darling, you have it all wrong. I did not complain about you to either one of my parents. Last night after I got home from work, you were sound asleep on the bed. I did not want to wake you, so I took my spot on the couch without saying a word. My father came in and saw me laying there, so he dragged me outside and asked for an explanation. I had no choice but to tell him the truth. I did not do it in a mean, or spiteful way. I just wanted his advice because we have to have intercourse soon, but I am so nervous that I'll hurt you. You are so dear to me, Aria, and my worst nightmare is hurting you..." I start to ramble.
"Your story does not add up. It does not explain how your mother knew about us." Aria says, as she shakes her head slowly.
"Honey, my mother and father love each other very much. He probably told her what was going on." I tell her gently.
"Now both of your parents hate me." Aria says, through her tears.
"Hate you? My parents couldn't possibly hate you, Aria. You are their daughter now. Besides, you are far to lovable to ever be hated by anyone. " I tell my wife truthfully.
"Ezra, your mother screamed at me this afternoon. She reminded me that it is my duty to give you children, and when I apologized she told me she couldn't forgive me that easily. She despises me, Ezra." Aria says, as she begins to cry even harder.
Aria's words come as a complete surprise to me. I have never heard of my mother screaming at anyone. She is easily one of the most loving and compassionate people I know. Then again, Aria indescribably upset, and surely she would not lie to me. For the first time in my life, I am furious with my mother. How could she upset the woman I love so much? Poor Aria is still getting used to being a married woman, and my mother failed to understand that. Perhaps my mother is just angry. Surely she will apologize to Aria after she comes to her senses.
"Aria, this behavior is not characteristic of my mother in the slightest. After she calms down, she will surely apologize to you for being so harsh. My father did not blame you for wanting to wait a while. He was sympathetic towards your situation, as am I." I say before grabbing Aria's hand, and kissing it tenderly
"Now that your mother and father know the truth we are going to have to sleep together. Please take off my corset before I change my mind." Aria says, through her tears.
"Aria, surely you are not thinking about what you are saying. Do you honestly expect me to touch you tonight, while you are so upset?" I ask, as my eyes grow wide with shock.
"Ezra, we do not have a choice. Your mother told me that I was to sleep with you as soon as you got home from work. I do not want to offend her more than I already have." Aria says, with a sniffle.
"Aria, this is ridiculous! If mother has a problem with us waiting a few more days, she can address me directly. I have no problem explaining to her that I do no want to touch you until you are completely comfortable." I say, as my tone turns serious.
A startled gasp escapes from my lips when Aria wraps her arms around me, and begins to sob into my chest. Aria rarely allows me to comfort her, and I am shocked that she is practically asking to be comforted by me. I will give Aria what she wants tonight. I cannot stand that she is so upset.
"Do you resent me, Ezra? Do you regret marrying me?" Aria asks, as she begins to choke on her own tears.
What foolish questions. How could I possibly hate Aria? Thought she does not know it yet, I love her with all of my heart. I always thought she resented me.
"Aria, I do not resent you. You have been the best wife I could have ever asked for. Marrying you was the smartest thing I've ever done." I say, as I stare right into her hazel eyes.
"Surely you are lying!" Aria exclaims.
"No. I would never lie to you, my darling." I say, as tears begin to form in my eyes.
Aria cries, until she apparently runs out of tears. Her eyes begin to droop shut, and a tired yawn escapes from her lips. It looks like my princess is tired. I am about to tuck Aria into bed, and go to the couch, when she stops me.
"Do not let go of me, Ezra. Please do not let go." Aria says, practically begging.
"Honey, you must get some sleep. You are so tired, Aria." I tell her seriously.
"Stay with me. You can sleep here. Please hold me. I do not want to be alone." Aria says, as she stares up at me with her hazel eyes.
"A-Are you sure?" I ask, as my eyes grow wide with shock.
"Yes, Ezra. Do not leave." Aria says, with a bit more force this time.
I do not protest anymore. Instead, I slip into bed with my wife, and pull her even closer to me. Within minutes, Aria is asleep in my loving embraces.
AN: What did you think of this chapter? What was Charlotte trying to tell Aria about the letter? Did you like the Aria and Ezra scenes? Is Aria staring to fall in love with him? How will Ezra deal with Dianne now that she knows the truth about Aria? Please review and tell me your thoughts! I will be updating my stories on Thursdays from now on, just so you know :) thanks for reading!