THE COLONIES ~ 7 ~ A CALL TO ARMS
I awoke in the empty bed chamber with a linen sheet covering my exposed body. Next to me Sir Caleb, my husband, lay sleeping peacefully. There was no going back now. We were joined in holy matrimony and as much as I loathed his presence, I had to admit, he was a gentle lover.
A chill came in through the open window and I pulled the sheet up higher before turning on my side and laying my head against his chest, letting my touselled curls fall haphazardly across his arms. He stirred in his sleep and let out a guttural cough.
"Morning," his voice a throaty groan.
"I didn't mean to wake you, my lord," I placed a kiss just below his clavicle.
"My lord," he laughed. "Since when am I afforded that symbol of reverence?
"If you prefer," I traced the outline of his jaw, "I can refrain from using it in future."
"Darling," he laughed, "as long as you remain a dutiful and loyal wife, you may call me whatever you wish."
"You're a changed man," I smirked.
"Admit," he ran his fingers through my tangled hair, "you thought ill of me since the day we met in the square."
"I had yet to experience," I retorted, "how you navigate the bedroom."
"Shall I remind you?" he asked.
His hand roamed my stomach and steadied itself next to my ear. Then he hoisted his body over mine leaving a trail of delicate kisses across my chest. My once morose attitude toward this man was melting into a puddle of relenting adoration.
As his lips met mine, I felt the full weight of him resting on my bare skin. Without hesitation, he took control rocking the bed back and forth as we panted in unison. In a moment of pure bliss, I felt everything around us disappear as my eyes locked with his. It was as if he was the only thing she cared about.
His body tensed in a quick series of grunts until he finally collapsed on top of me, rolling over ever so slightly and then leaving a sloppy kiss upon my cheek. Granted, this exchange was very unlike the one I had imagined with Clay, it was still a rather remarkable experience and pleasurable in its own unique way, albeit the prodigious discomfort.
"I am ravenous," he said finally. "Get dressed. We shall take our breakfast in the dining room. Tell your friend Alison it would be my honor to have her grace our table."
"Thank you my lord," I smiled at the prospect of retaining the company of my dearest friend.
I swung my legs across the bed and let my feet land delicately on the rough wooden planks. My chemise had landed nearby and I swiftly threw it back around my shoulders before exiting through the door and returning to my chambers.
"Darling!" Alison stood up and hugged me. "I was up half the night fearing the worst."
"I am fine," I assured her. "Lord Rivers requests our presence in the dining room."
"How dare you!" she protested. "I nearly die of worry and in response, you invite me to dine? Are you ill?"
"Better than ever," I responded. "It was magical."
"Are you mad?" she burst into a fit of laughter. "Is this some sort of trick?"
"Believe me," I sat on the edge of the bed, "it's not. In a million years I never imagined I would feel this way, especially not about a man like him, but he's so gentle and kind but ravenous and unyielding at the same time. Being with him, it made me feel complete."
"And the virgin becomes the harlot," Alison smirked. "And here I was plotting our escape."
"There is no need for that," I smiled. "I think I may grow quite comfortable with Sir Caleb."
It had been three blissful weeks since we stepped foot on the New World. Alison and I had grown accustomed to the budding town of Rosewood in what could possibly become the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Sir Caleb spent his days tending to the care of the estate and his nights, well those, he spent with me.
Our life was quickly coming together and I busied myself with the task of becoming the lady of the house. A role that also entailed, finding a proper suitor for Alison, not an easy feat considering the small providence of Rosewood.
"Darling," I placed a reverent kiss on Caleb's chest, "do you care to tell me that you have no eligible bachelor for my dear friend?"
"Lady Alison has high standards," he reminded me. "Higher, might I say, than yours. The prince regent himself would hardly meet her expectations."
Our languid morning chat was brought to an abrupt end when a pounding was heard on the front door. He gingerly tilted his head wondering who could bother to wake us so early. I watched with bated breath as he slid out from underneath the covers and slipped back into his trousers. I waited patiently while he answered the door and returned moments later with a sealed letter.
"What is it?" I asked eagerly.
"I've been called to war," he replied. "The colonies want independence."
"What does that mean?" I asked. "What will happen to the crown?"
"Darling," he kissed my forehead. "Everything will be alright. I will send you and Alison back to the duke's estate and return once we settle this small predicament."
"You'll be fine in my absence?" I asked.
"The memory of you will bring me courage," he replied.
Then his strong arms wrapped themselves around my slender frame and he held me close so our beating hearts were positioned beside one another. I buried my head in his chest and made a great effort to keep from shedding a tear at the prospect of his impending absence from my daily life.
