I woke the next morning, slowly and luxuriously, in Emerson's arms. Lazily, I thought about the events of last night as I contemplated Emerson's arm, the only part of him I could see. The tanned member was well muscled and took on a bronze glow in the soft morning sun which cast warm pools of sun on my skin.
The sun.
With a gasp, I sat bolt upright. The blankets fell away as I turned to shake Emerson's shoulder.
"Emerson. Emerson! Wake up"
The sun made his sable locks shine and his dark lashes lay against the tan skin of his face. His saphirine eyes opened into slits and a smile spread across his handsome face and he pulled me down on top of him.
"No, Emerson! Emerson, stop that at once. Emerson… Oh Emerson…"
His actions quite distracted me from my original intent, until I turned my head and was temporarily blinded by the sun.
"Emerson… No, Emerson- The Sun, Emerson, the Sun!"
Emerson stopped (regrettably) what he was doing and looked out the window.
"Hell and damnation!" he roared leaping up. I followed him. Emerson reached my nightdress before I did. He handed it to me, I began pulling it on as Emerson yanked on a pair of trouser and a work shirt. We spoke at the same time
"Damn, Damn, DAMN. How could I have been so careless?"
"You are not the only one at fault. I need to get back to my cabin before anyone-."
"Quite. I am a damn fool, Peabody, not to have anticipated this."
"Don't be ridiculous, the blame is half mine, Emerson." I said struggling with my garment. In my haste I had caught the clasp of my nightdress in my hair. Emerson's hands removed my own and gently began untangling it. When it came free, he took hold of my chin and turned my face up to kiss me.
After all too short a minute, Emerson pulled back.
"Peabody" he said in a hoarse voice "I think we'd better get to breakfast before Walter or Evelyn…"
"Decide to come looking for us? Quite" I said, stepping back hastily, flattening my hair.
Emerson crossed to the door and pulled it open, carefully looking left and right. "All clear Peabody", he called in what I assume was his idea of a whisper.
We ran across the hall to my door and, pulling it open, I ran inside. Emerson pulled it shut behind me.
I ran to my bureau and pulled out the first dress I laid my hands on. It was a lovely green and white garment that Evelyn had insisted on me purchasing with a square neck line a skirt that draped gracefully to the floor.
I yanked off my nightdress, pulled on my combinations, and slid the dress on. I brushed out my tangled hair, splashed water on my face and ran out to join Emerson. He offered me his arm and I took it.
When we reached the upper deck we discovered Walter and Evelyn sitting close together at the table, laughing. I glanced at Emerson. He looked at me. We both looked at Walter and Evelyn. Emerson cleared his throat.
Evelyn looked up, her fair hair catching the sun's rays, a bright smile lingering on her face. Her expression did change except for a slight elevation of her eyebrows.
"Good morning Amelia, dear Radcliff. Michael said breakfast will be ready in a minute. Tea?"
Emerson pulled out a chair for me and I sat, doing my best to avoid Evelyn's gaze. I turned to Walter. His mouth hung open and shock stamped his expression. For the second time this morning, Emerson, who had settled himself in a chair next to me, and I spoke at the same time.
"What the devil are you gaping at Walter?"
"Do close your mouth, Walter. You look most ridiculous."
Walter did not move, until a gentle nudge from Evelyn pulled him back to the present.
Evelyn handed Emerson and I our cups of tea.
"Amelia, did you and Radcliff reach an agreement last night?" She asked politely.
Emerson choked on his tea. I kicked him under the table.
"Yes, actually you could say we did, in a matter of speaking. Er… Emerson?"
Emerson opened his mouth looking from Evelyn to Walter to me. I nodded encouragingly. Emerson cleared his throat.
"I… we…" He trailed off staring helplessly at me. I turned to Evelyn, only to find myself at a similar loss for words. She smile and patted Emerson's hand.
"Congratulations Radcliff." She stood and embraced me. "Think of it Amelia. We won't have to part company at all." I returned her sunny smile in equal measure.
"Sisters at last." I agreed "A better alternative to winding wool and growing old, I think, my dear Evelyn."