Chapter 16
Future Plans
Three Months Ago- Bombay, India
Darien stood at the dock watching the ocean liner sail through the channel and in to the sea. The harbor was busy and noisy but he heard nothing.
He had not felt this unbearable loneliness since his parents had died ten years ago. It was agonizing, an open wound in his chest.
But Serena was not dead. She was alive and she… She belonged to him. The thought was fierce and anger flooded through him.
Who the hell did her brother think he was taking her from Bombay with out his permission? Kidnapping her. Stealing her from him.
He knew one thing and one thing only. He had to get her back.
His head was filled at first with the impossibility of it all and then his military brain starting working. Fitting together the pieces of a plan like a jigsaw puzzle.
Darien stood up straight and walked toward the shipping office. He did more than enough business here at the port and he was well known and very connected.
The harbor manager was more than willing to give him the cruise liner's scheduled stops and time of arrival in England. Darien decided that he would not meet Serena at the first port in Hope Town but in Naples, Italy. He expressed that he needed to get Italy before the cruise liner. The manager grinned because this was an easy task.
Cruise liners took their time as they were big, bulky ships. Their main goal was for luxury and smooth sailing. It was explained that Darien could beat the ship by five days weather permitting by using a trade ship and there were many to come by. Some of which were transporting his goods.
Darien arrived back at the Bombay house early in the afternoon. Aja's worry lined face was ignored as Darien requested that everyone join him in the family room. He had made up his mind and they would not stop his departure. He had already known that Rei was going to give him hell and she did not disappoint. The screaming match between the cousins could be heard all the way to New Delhi. Mina did not scream but her raised tone did her best to talk him out of going after Serena. She wanted Darien to let Serena be, as she listed all of the things he messed up on and why he was satan incarnate. When Malcolm tried to calm Mina down, he called him satan's minion.
There were quite a few mentioned items that caught Darien's attention, one of which was a honeymoon. He sighed in defeat with himself as he realized that he must give Serena time alone. He needed to get so many things organized for her benefit…no for their benefit.
It didn't take long to clear things with Colonel Westbanks before heading to the Bombay house.
Darien had become curious as to how Serena had left so easily. There was no way she could have carried her own truck and clothing. Veeral or Nalini would have told him if she had been packing items.
Vaulting up the stairs toward his wife room he quickly opened the door. Almost everything was intact. All of her clothing in the dresser drawers, her clothing in the wardrobe.
A four week voyage home on a luxury liner could not be done with out proper attire. Serena was more deceitful than he could have imagined. Even now she intrigued him which only made him more determined to have her back in his life.
Gathering a group of his own guards from the mines they set sail on a trade ship to Italy. The shipping manager was correct. They made it to Naples almost five days earlier than the cruise liner.
He had set up as much as he could in Italy before he met with Andrew. A letter was sent to be delivered to the ship for Andrew Kingsley the moment they docked in port.
Darien sat in the small cafe waiting at the furthest table away from the windows. He felt odd dressed so casually in a white button up shirt with the sleeves rolled up and black slacks. He was use to being in uniform but he fit in better this way as he dressed as Italian as possible. When he saw the British man enter the cafe he tensed. Andrew Kingsley looked very much like Serena except his hair was a tad darker. He thought he would recognize him from childhood but he was wrong. Darien stood to acknowledge Andrew as he approached. Darien had just enough time to see the green in Andrew's eyes before a fist hit Darien in his right jaw. Pain exploded in his head and then he saw stars but this is not the first time he had been hit like this and he was sure the pain would not be the last.
When Darien could finally see straight he noticed Andrew was sitting at the table, crossed legged waiting impatiently.
"Lord Kingsley." Darien greeted as he wiped some blood from his lip as he tried for causal. Like he was hit in the face everyday. Darien had to remain in control.
" Lt. Shields." Andrew nodded as he waved a finger at the waitress to bring him a coffee.
Darien sat meeting Andrews piercing green stare.
"I was not sure you would come." Darien stated as he resisted to rub his jaw.
"I was not sure I was going to either; however, the state that my sister is in forced me to meet with you." Andrews voice was firm and anger laced the tone even though he was sure Andrew was going for indifferent.
Darien's anxiety rose. "What state?" He snapped, worry in his voice.
Andrew's glare was equal to Darien's. "A state of depression. We send my sister to you with her love and liveliness and she is returned to me depressed and broken. You are lucky that you are still standing, Lieutenant." Andrew said as calm as possible.
Darien ran his hands through his hair pulling on the back strands before bringing his hands back down to the table.
"I need time to set things right with her but she needs more than your protection. I have set up five guards to follow you inconspicuously." Darien was not going to let Andrew intimidate him. Darien was the one in control. He had always been and alpha and he would continue to do so.
"And where would they be following us? Aboard a ship that I am sure Davidson Black is not on?" Andrew scoffed.
"I have denied Serena many things, I understand this now. Take her to see Europe for two and a half months and I will pay for it all. Anything you two need. Anything she wants. Let her think your father is paying the way. Pull her off the ship here as I have already made you accommodations here in Naples. Take her where ever she wants just be back at in England in two and a half months. I think everything I need to take care of will be completed by then. I will meet you in Paris in a month." Darien said with his authoritative military tone.
"You really think you have everything figured out? What if I say no? What if I just take her back to my parents and tell them what a bastard you really are?" Andrew said matching Darien's arrogance.
"She is my wife and I could take her back now." Darien snapped at him. Daring him to not follow his orders.
Andrew narrowed his eyes. Andrew was a worthy opponent and Darien could see how he had kept Serena strong and safe at the same time for so many years. He also could see where Serena learned to disarm Darien at almost every turn.
"Look, I am willing to give up everything to be with Serena. I can not lose her and I know she deserves more than me. Let me give her this time to think and relax. Spend time with her as I know she loves you. She will never know I had anything to do with this and she can't know I had anything to do with this. Your sister is far more sneaky than I anticipated. Who knows what she may do if she finds out that I am pulling the strings. The possibilities with her an endless and I will not make the same mistake twice. I am lucky to even be this far ahead of her."
Andrew grinned. "She is quite the creature isn't she."
"That girl had a whole new wardrobe made so I would never notice she planned on leaving me. She stole my car twice and she never left any evidence that she was in contact with you."
Andrew laughed and then shrugged his shoulders. "It seems that you are quite her match. You somehow beat us to Italy and have gathered a small army to protect my sister. I never would have believed such an occurrence could happen. I also did not think you would have the gall to show your face."
"I can do anything with the right motivation." Darien stated.
"Yes, like marry a girl to gain rank." Andrew mocked.
Darien scowled at his words even though they rang true.
"I am willing to give up everything to be with your sister." Darien pulled out a slip of paper.
"Here is my account information. My manager will western union any money you need." He then pulled out a large sum of lira and gave the money to Andrew.
"This should be more than enough for a a few weeks travel through Italy. I want her back in England no later than October." Darien said with finality.
"I will not consider any of this if you do not love her. I mean really love her. She is a beautiful girl and many a men have been infatuated with her but I can not do this for simple infatuations for you to resent her in the long run. Changing your life for her could result in a worthless marriage. She can not be crushed twice." Andrew said looking him in the eye.
Darien met his eyes. "I love her. It would be pointless to be anywhere other than where she is."
Andrew nodded and then held out his hand.
Darien gave a half smile and then shook his hand.
"Paris?" Andrew asked.
"Paris. I will book you an apartment at Hotel d'Alsace for the second week in September. We can figure out the end date when I meet you." Darien told him.
Andrew looked curiously at him. "And you needed my sister to gain rank in the military? Fool."
"I will take that as a compliment." Darien grumbled.
Andrew laughed and he hated himself as he genuinely liked the ass that sat in front of him at the moment.
"I need to go talk to Sere." Andrew stood.
Darien nodded and stood as well.
"Go see a tailor here and send your measurements to the hotel we are staying at. You will freeze your behind off in Paris and England if I do not have clothing made for you. I wouldn't want my sisters husband to die of sickness." Andrew told him with a smirk.
Darien could not respond before Andrew exited the cafe and Darien had to wonder if he would have ended up just like Andrew had his parents never died.
It had been a month and Darien sat outside a cafe in Paris drinking a glass of red wine. He was thankful in this moment for Andrew's smart thinking to have clothing made for him. It had been a long time since he had been here and last time it was in summer. He was not used to the cold even if it was only fifty degrees outside. The last time he had been cold like this was during the first world war. Moments he never wanted to remember.
Darien had just wanted to see Serena before moving on. He was heading back to England to stay with her parents and he needed to see her just once. He did not need to look at her face for reassurance in the decisions that he had made. No, he was always set on those. He just needed to see that she was happy. Against his better judgement he had looked upon her in Italy and what he saw he was not his beautiful, happy wife but a woman who looked as if she had lost everything. He was right in letting her have time away from him.
Andrew had kept his word and they had already met up a few times while in Paris. They actually had become quite close in the few times they met or in letters sent. Andrew was a good man. A trustworthy man.
He tipped his hat up when he saw her as she had an appointment across the street with a stylist. She was wearing a black dress with a beautiful long jacket that was gold at the bottom. She carried herself with such grace and poise. He was glad that the brim of her hat hid the other side of her face so he could stare at her profile. Her blue eyes not shining as they had before but much brighter than in Italy. His heart beat faster as he gazed upon her from his hiding spot.
Chanel. He pinpointed her designer right away and the Parisian fashion made her look like a woman. She could have passed for twenty but she was only eighteen. The most brilliant eighteen year old he had ever come across. He realized that he was not the only one looking at her as men tipped their hats to her on the side walks. He could see her blush from here. Staying here, in this very seat outside the cafe, was taking all of his self control to not cross the road and steal her away. Andrew had already confirmed that Serena was staying true to Darien. She let everyone know that she was married when asked and she never entertained men nor, had the desire too even if Andrew would have allowed it. Darien figured that she had just sworn off men all together. Getting her to come back to him may not be easy but he was not going to give up.
He saw one of his guards following her at a respectable distance. He knew that her carrying a weapon at all time made he feel comfortable so she had no need to be nervous or worried.
Leaving a francs on the table, Darien got up and walked toward Le Nord. He needed to make his train time to board the boat to cross the English Chanel so he could meet in his in-laws. He only hoped that Serena's father had not recovered enough to hit as hard as Andrew.
Present Day. Kingsley Estate, England
Serena was flushed and trying not to show it. The kiss that they had just shared was more than her heart could bare at the moment. Darien at least had not touched her hair so everything seemed intact and she graced her gloved fingers over the golden strands. If anything she prayed her parents thought they were fighting… which they were in addition to making out like teenagers.
"Serena, darling here you are." Lady Kingsley smiled and her smile grew as she looked at her beautiful daughter with her handsome husband. Her delight was palpable as she gazed at them and Serena could read her mothers eyes. She was more than pleased with this marriage. Unease grew in Serena's stomach seeing how her mother glowed looking at the pair of them. If she did annul the marriage her parents would be devastated.
"Good evening, Lady Kingsley." Darien said with a wolfish smile.
"Darien, dear well I am glad to see that you two have not killed each other." Lady Kingsley stated with a smirk.
"It was a close call…" Serena said under her breath.
"I believe my wife was too shocked to attempt anything right away." Darien laughed as did her mother.
The scowl on Serena's face was quite prominent. Oh yes, he was a master manipulator.
"Not your best feature, wife." Darien whispered in her ear. She had uttered those words to him months ago and the irony was not lost on her as she paled. Had she turned in to Darien? Cold and distant toward him like he was to her? Not admitting to love him as he had denied her those very words for the first month they had been married. She was not a heartless person like he had been but could her contempt for the man make her just as vile. And here he was trying. Really trying and she was acting as he had the moment she stepped off the Rubi four months ago. She could not just forgive him. Could she? Serena needed to know the whole truth before she exonerated him and what of returning to India? The thought made her sick to her stomach.
"Well, hurry up. There are many people here to see you, Serena." Her mother scolded as she led them to the yellow drawing room.
Of all of the rooms in the house to entertain this was her least favorite but it was the largest to have drinks in. The room was paneled in a rich mahogany and large paintings occupied two of the walls. They were painted in a rich yellow with large landscapes. The furniture was dark as well with yellow striped sofas. Over all the room was dark and the new electric lighting made the room seem dull even with a fire lit in the large fireplace.
Darien led her into the room and she could see many people congregating in all areas, sipping on drinks and having conversation. She recognized her Uncle and Aunt Wentworth right away.
"Rini, dear. Here you are. Late as always I see." He father hobbled over to them. Serena blushed not wanting to him to know what kept her so long.
"It is my fault sir, I kept her occupied for far too long." Darien told her father and she saw the twinkling look is her father's eyes for her boorish husband. It annoyed her. Betrayed by Andrew and now both parents.
"I can imagine. As much as I missed her I know you missed her just as much." Her father sighed.
"Maybe more sir." Darien added on and Serena was ready to gag at the full hearted look her dear father bestowed on Darien.
"Darien you are keeping her all to yourself. We have not seen her in ages." Her uncle, Mina's father smiled. She was lucky for the interruption as her father noticed the not so ladylike face she was wearing.
"Uncle Roland. I have missed you so. Does Mina still write?" Serena questioned wanting to know what Mina had been telling her dear father. Letters were hard to come by from India while traveling. Her correspondence had been one sided to India. Her parents frequently kept in touch as letters in Europe were quicker to come by.
"All the time of course." He answered her back. "She is quite happy but she plans on returning with her fiancee in January."
Serena's smile grew. "Engaged! Truly? Oh and I missed such an event, surly she will be upset with me."
"Never, Sere, she loves you and she plans for a May wedding once the flowers are blooming in the gardens and the snow long gone." His eyes twinkled. "You will have to indulge me later with what happened to poor Elmer." She whispered to him. Roland gave her an amused smile and Serena felt bad for poor Elmer.
"Darling, Serena. Darien." Her aunt Vivian walked toward them. "Aunt Vivian, always a pleasure." Serena smiled as her aunt looked her over with speculation.
"How did you enjoy your travels? I hear you and Andrew have been all over Europe." Vivian stated a hint of jealousy in her eyes.
"Aunt Vivian it was quite spectacular. Have you ever been to Monte Carlo?" Serena started engaging in the same conversation as she made her way though he parents guests.
Serena tried not to be displeased that the Gardener's had been invited as they were the Marques of Hexshire estate. She was indifferent about the Lord and Ldy Gardener but she truly disliked their eldest twins. Alan and Ann Gardener were the two most obnoxious people Serena had ever encountered in their circle. Andrew was always leading Alan away from her as Ann tried to catch Andrews affections. There was a silver lining of course. The youngest daughter, Rita, was a joy. Beautiful, polite, kind and intelligent. Serena had hoped that Andrew would have courted Rita, but he did not mention her once during their travels. She would have to speak with him about this later.
"Lt. Shields, it is a pleasure to see you again." Ann approached them dismissing Serena entirely. "Lady Ann." Darien greeted.
"Have you two been introduced then?" Serena asked with a charming smile.
"We have been to dine twice since Lt. Shields has occupied your parents home." Ann stated with a flutter of her eyelashes. Serena wanted to roll her eyes at Ann's clear affection for her husband. It was Beryl all over again except Ann had no redeeming qualities. If she did she would have been married by now; however, it did not stop her mind from wondering if Darien had slept with Ann. She felt ill at the thought
"Yes, twice, however it was quite dull without you here, Serenity." Alan walked up clearly eavesdropping on their conversation. "Hello Serenity. Welcome home. Pleasure to see you again Lt. Shields."
"Thank you, Alan. It is a wonderful to be back even with the colder season approaching." Serena was just going to make polite conversation. She despised the look in Alan's eye when he looked at her. Not as degrading as Diamond's but Alan had been one of the arrogant bastards in her life prior to marrying Darien. His offers of marriage to her with his arrogant title of Marques made him think he was far superior. Darien had acted the same way during their first dance made her almost glad Alan had made those remarks prior. She was not scared to tell Darien he was also a bastard in those moments of fury. Alan was good for something. Ann was good for nothing.
"Ah, yes, but we will be hunting soon. Do you have plans to join us again this year?" Alan asked.
"You hunt, Serena?" Darien looked down at her clearly entertained.
"I ride with the hunt." she stated. "It is quite fun."
"Serena, I can not believe you partake in such an event." Ann chastised.
"I think it quite admirable." Darien said giving Serena the grin she loved. She could not help but to smile back. Ann looked annoyed.
"You care to join the hunt this season, Lt. Shields? It would be a pleasure having you, as Lord Kingsley can not join again this year." Alan asked truly entertained with the idea.
"We shall have to see about such things. I am not accustomed to the English way and even though a folly on my part would amuse my dear wife, I would hate to embarrass my in-laws." Darien said with a laugh.
Serena laughed out loud and then covered her mouth at such an outburst. The thoughts running through her head were humorous indeed.
Ann looked at her with scrutiny and Alan looked intrigued. Darien gave her an eyebrow raise that conveyed she wold have to elaborate later on. Felton came in at the very moment and announced dinner and Serena realized she needed a breather. Darien and Serena stayed behind everyone else as they made their way to the dining room.
"Visualize something funny, wife?" He stated as he tried not to let a smile come to his lips.
"Only you in a black coat trying to fit in with the elite of this world and you possibly falling off your horse." She smiled up at him.
"I guess I should be pleased it was not a thought of me getting shot." He told her, the corner of his mouth twitching.
"We do not hunt with guns here. It is a simple fox hunt." She laughed but then became quite serious.
"Speaking of vixens, Ann is quite taken with you, Lt. Shields. Should I schedule alone time with the two of you later?" She was pushing the envelope and she knew it.
He growled. "I will not even engage in this conversation, Serena."
"It is easier to just address the situation head on than be railroaded again. I know how you feel about red heads. Rita is far prettier but she is off limits so stick with Ann." She challenged him.
He glared at her not taking the bait. "After dinner we will have this conversation to clear everything up but I will not speak if you refuse to listen as you have so many times in the past."
Her lips pursed together.
"Do you agree?" He asked her.
"We shall see as I do not want to make a false promise. I may not like what you have to say and I may not be able to listen to your indiscretions." She stated calmly even though the realization that he understood her had just been made very clear. He knew why she laughed. He knew that she would stay behind.
Then she did something so unexpected Darien could have fallen over. She reached up slowly and brushed the hair from his eyes.
"We are going to need to do something about this hair yours always being in your eyes." She said as her fingers gently brushed along his temple, cheek and then jaw. He shivered with delight at her touch.
"We can do that." He told her eyes roaming every inch of her face.
"We should get to dinner." She told him her eyes bright but her face stoic.
"We should." He replied taking her arm again and leading her to dinner.
"Ah, the happy couple decides to join us." Lord Gardener stated with a what he thought was a knowing grin.
Serena blushed, because she was late and no other reason, and Darien pulled out her chair.
They had been joined by not only the Gardeners and the Wentworth's but Melvin and Molly Minchin, whom Serena adored.
Felton started the first course and he poured a corresponding wine. Wine was Felton's passion and Serena was thankful for it. While traveling abroad she did not feel so idiotic when enjoying wine. Others treated her as if she was 'quite smart' but it was only due to Mr. Felton.
"Serenity, dear how did you enjoy India." Molly Minchin asked her. Molly is her cousin but from her father's side. From earlier conversation she found out that she was visiting with her husband Melvin on their way to see her parents whom could not join.
"It was lovely, but very hot." Serena gave her typical answer.
"Did you see any exotic wildlife? Tigers?" Lady Gardener asked and the table seemed intrigued to also know the answer. "Lt. Shields has told us many stories regarding such animals while you were abroad."
She wanted to tell them about Beryl the exotic tiger but she put on a pout.
"No. I dreadfully wanted to see one though. I did however come in contact with a deadly pit viper and it is an encounter I wish never to stumble on again." She shivered thinking about the green serpent.
Many at the table gasped.
"Were you bitten?" Ann asked in what seemed as hopeful tone.
"Where was Darien?" Her father asked in correspondence.
Serena softened thinking about the encounter.
"Lt. Shields and I were having a friendly horse race when the snake bit my sweet Baladeva and I was thrown from him. It would have bit me, and most likely killed me had it not been for Darien's quick hand with a gun." She told the tale, her heart now aching for Baladeva.
Gasps again filled the room and her mother looked sickened at the telling.
"Well I am even more taken with Darien after such a tale." Her father said trying to hide his fear and replacing it with admiration.
"I was quite ready to put down the horse when he threw Serena but even after I shot the snake he persisted and Baladeva finished off the snake with his hooves. It is a moment that I never wish to re-live." Darien stated quite seriously.
"I could imagine." Andrew said looking pale. Serena noticed with Andrew's entrance in to the conversation that he was sitting next to Rita. Rita was elegant, with a reddish brown hair and pale clear skin. Her amber eyes were always so full of life and yet they hid no secrets. Her eyes were on Andrew and Serena knew that she cared for him. If only Mina was here to aid in a true love quest. She had not had one in so long.
The conversation flowed much easier than Serena could have predicted as the courses continued. She assumed that most of the nitty gritty political conversation had occurred with her husband in previous dinner conversation. She was thankful for as much. Darien was easily engaged in the conversation and he seemed to be fitting in quite well. Darien surly was a chameleon to any situation. She could tell that everyone was in love with him and as much as she wanted to be annoyed by the fact she was anything but. She was… proud? Proud to have such a husband who could charm anyone with his wit and handsome features. He never tried to charm her though and she never tried to charm him. They had spent a good part of their time together fighting with each other and battling the desire for each other. When normalcy finally occurred they spent most of their time bickering and laughing as they poked at each others invisible shields.
It was on the final course that a question was raised that made her freeze.
"When will you be returning to India, Lt. Shields?" Alan questioned.
Darien cleared his throat. "I do not have a return date as of late."
Serena was biting the inside of her lip wondering what that meant.
"You will have to get back to your position in the military, correct?" Melvin asked, pushing his glasses back to the bridge of his nose.
Darien hesitated and the conversation stopped at the other end of the table to tune in to his answer. Serena was going through all of the arguments in her head to give Darien and her parents later as why she would not be going back to India.
"I have been retired with full honors and praise from the King and Queen with my services during the war and to the King's Army." Darien stated proudly, his shoulders squared and his poise perfect.
Serena's mouth dropped open. Her eyes wide in confusion. She was not the only one. Her parents and Andrew were watching him confused.
Darien did not flush or make any indication that he was unsure with his latest proclamation.
"I am sorry. I have not yet, told my wife or her family about my announcement for it only became official this morning." Darien turned and looked at Serena taking her hand. She could not look at him. She was too confused and now overwhelmed by his touch.
"Darien, being in the military myself I am quite intrigued as why the King would retire you himself? It is something I have only seen once before." Lord Kingsley stated. His brow was furrowed in worry and frustration.
"I truly wanted to speak with Serena before I made any announcement. I guess now is as good as anytime."
Serena's heart was pumping furiously. A fools dream, a fools dream, a fools dream. She said over and over in her head.
"I am the heir to Rose Park and have taken the title of Duke of Queensport, as it is my birthright." He said it with pride but his face stayed stoic.
A fork dropped on to a table making a clash but no one said anything.
"You can not serious." Serena finally said breaking the silence. Disbelief was evident on her face. She could not believe that he would do this.
He looked at her and used his finger to tip her chin up to look at him. "I am quite serious. I have all of the paperwork upstairs if you wish for visual proof."
"I do." She said in defiance. Darien laughed but her parents were not happy with Serena's reaction. They had always hoped for the best for their daughter. They had betrothed their daughter as a child to their closest friends. They had kept the agreement even when they moved to India with a dream and when the Shields passed away they stayed true to the contract. So many reasons to call off the arranged marriage and yet they had faith. They sent their only daughter across the world to India with a hope and a prayer. And now… their daughter would have title of duchess and she would be sixth in line to the throne. Their children would prosper with Darien's business dealings and inheritance. They had only wanted happiness and love for Serenity Anne and they believed that her good heart had blessed their family with so much more.
"Serenity Anne!" Her mother scolded appalled at her reaction to her husbands announcement.
Serena gave her mother a look telling her that she had no idea what she was talking about.
"Well Lord Shields, I am going to say that this was quite unexpected but the happiness in my heart can not be quantified." Lord Kingsley said with a joyous yet nervous laugh.
Congratulations filled the air. Some honestly glad, some with envious eyes and some still in disbelief.
Then Lord Kingsley stood and lifted his glass. Other followed in lifting their glasses from their seats.
"To my son in law and my beautiful daughter on their new adventure of Duke and Duchess of Queenport. May they be blessed with many heirs to fill their vast home and to continue the Shields line."
Serenity gulped her wine to hide her blush at her fathers words of creating an heir. She was not processing Darien's words. Stay here in England? A duchess? What about Rei and James?
"Serena?" Darien asked as he stood next to her. She had not noticed everyone leave the dining room and head to the blue room or the billiard room. He offered his hand and Serena took it standing up next to him and then he was leading her out of the room.
"Darien… I am… not processing this information. Would you excuse me if I went upstairs?" She said quietly.
He looked stunned. This is not the reaction he was looking for in her after his big announcement. He controlled himself and nodded.
He walked her to the stairs and when she realized he was going to walk her up she halted.
"It is rude of me to just leave. Can you tell my parents that I have retired for the evening, please?" Her voice sounded strained.
"Serena. We are going to need to discuss this." He said gently.
"And I will listen but just give me a moment. Today has been… a lot." She finally said her blue eyes pleading with him to leave.
He gave another nod and left on the heels of his new shiny black shoes. She began to climb the stairs and when she reached the hidden landing the voices below floated up.
"Has Serena retired for the evening? I was hoping to congratulate her one on one." Serena recognized Ann's high pitched voice.
"Yes, I am going to bid her parents goodnight and join her. Excuse me." Darien said politely but Serena could detected his distain.
"She did not seem too thrilled at your grand proclamation. If I was your wife I would be over the moon at such announcement." Ann said trying to be seductive but failing miserably.
"Thank you for sharing your joy on the matter; however, it is not your opinion I value. Excuse me." Darien said with a clipped tone.
Once she heard Ann's shoes click out of the foyer Serena crept down the stairs and went through the back hallway and out the double doors to the back of the manor home. The air was crisp and it stung her more than she thought it would. The trance she had been in since Darien's announcement was gone and she looked in to the blackness in front of her. She forgot how dark it was at night as the stars above twinkled like small diamonds.
Diamonds… what about Darien's mine? She had never asked much about the mines while she was in India. She was always more concerned with the military position as that part took up their lives. She sat down on the steps sinking in on herself, elbows sunk in to her legs above her knees. Her face dropped in to her hands and she sighed.
He was going to resent her. She knew it in her heart. But now he was willing to give up everything that he had known to be with her. It was quite the twist in events. She laughed outright. She was willing to live in a small base house to be with him and now he would be willing to live at Rose Park.
Rose Park… a monstrosity of a home. Not that Kingsley estate was small by any means but it was just a fraction of Rose Park. Darien had already mocked her wing of the house. He called he a Princess. She snorted.
He was more a king if anything. A diamond mine. A large estate in Bombay and now a castle with a full duchy.
She laughed again at his dismissal of Ann Gardener. Serena tried to never look down on anyone but Ann was a hopeless twit who deserved to be shut down after coming on to a married man.
"Miss? You are not to be out here on supervised. Please head back inside." A male voice boomed through the night's darkness.
Her thoughts had been broken. She looked up at the man who was clearly in some sort of a uniform. Her eyes narrowed but before she could retort another voice broke through the night.
"It's alright. I have her. You are dismissed." His voice had her head turn quickly and she spied the outline of her dark haired captor.
He kneeled down and gently placed his dinner jacket on her. She breathed in his smell and she was lost. He was like a sin that she would be willing to commit again and again.
Darien sat next to her watching her face. He always found himself looking for a flaw and yet he never could. Even her soft freckles were each perfectly placed upon her skin.
In the soft glow of the light protruding from the house he could see that her cheeks and nose had become red from the cold. She was beautiful.
"Did you think I was not going to watch you like a hawk?" Darien asked, irked by her tendency to sneak off.
"I didn't think I would add another stalker to my list so soon. Your moving up rank to first place." She taunted.
"I think of my self more like a guardian. You can call me your champion if you would like to." He said in all seriousness.
"Should I call you a baby-sitter?" She bantered back.
He was not up for their typical repartee tonight. He had other matters to discuss with the woman he had been waiting to see for three long months.
"Your thoughts, Sere." He said gently.
"I have many at the moment." She answered back as she looked up at the stars.
"I think it would be best for me to answer them inside." He stated not holding back a shiver.
She peered over at him and could tell her was cold. She snorted.
"Not India." She bit her lip to keep from smiling.
"More like Antartica." He said with a shiver.
She laughed again and stood. He got up quickly, ready to be inside and out of this weather.
Once they were inside she gave him back his dinner jacket which he graciously took.
"You are aware that this is only October. Winter has not even breached us." The smile was not hidden this time.
"I am sure that even if I freeze to death it will all be worth it. Come." He took her hand and led her up toward her room.
Once inside he shut the door and quickly pulled her in to his arms. Her back pressed in to his chest.
"Don't hate me." He breathed in to her ear making her skin tingle with goosebumps. It was a plea of desperation.
"I don't hate you… as much." She said but she turned in his arms so she was crushed to him. She breathed him in, missing his scent as it assaulted her like it had the first time they were this close.
Tears pooled in her eyes and she had to fight them as she tried to speak. "Why? Why do it all?" Her voice became thick with the unshed tears.
"Because I love you. I can't be without you and like I said, I am a mad man without you." He gripped her harder.
"You are going to resent me in the end. After you give up everything you will hate me and I couldn't bare it. Why not just stay in India and let me be here? You could have hired a manager for Rose Park and I could have kept up appearances for the both of us. You didn't have to leave your home." She gripped on to the lapels of his dinner jacket unsure of which emotion was the strongest at this point.
"You stupid girl. You are not listening to me again. What is the point of living in India without the person I love?" He asked. She could tell he was annoyed.
She backed away. Anger had taken over as the emotion of choice and the emotion of safety.
Her eyes narrowed. "You do not know the meaning of the word, love."
"And you do Serena! You just left. You never once let me explain anything to you. If you loved me, you would have listened rather than disappearing out of my life for three god damn months." The words were firm and clear.
"That was YOUR idea if memory serves me correctly. Or was Andrew lying to just make you look good." She spat back at him.
"Of course it was not a lie. You could have written. Andrew knew where to find me." His words were loud but he was not yelling.
"And what was I going to say.. dear adulterous husband as you can see I left. Let me know if we are getting divorced or not? PS. How's Beryl." The sarcasm was thick and her eyes were wide, feigning innocence.
"I do not want to play the blame game." He said pinching the bridge of his nose. He took very calculated steps toward her. "I want to start over. I want to get to know this you, how I should have from the beginning. I do not want rules that keep us apart. If you think me standing here right now does not serve as a testament to how much I love you then you must be blind."
Tears fell from her blue eyes. "Lt. Shields, I will have you know I have very good vision." She sniffled wiping wet specks on her beautiful face.
He let out a strangled laugh at her ill timed banter.
She wiped the tears away. "Okay, explain to me what happened the night… the last night we were together." The memory burned in head. The passion and then the betrayal.
Darien knew he had to bare his soul to her and he prayed for God to help him use the right words. If not, his confessions could be disastrous.
Sorry for the SUPER late update. I have only proofed this chapter like three times so if there are mistakes just let me know so I can fix them. (There are always mistakes, I am dyslexic so yeah Gomen.)
Speaking of which- I am using Pages now so I can cloud everything and its a SUPER pain as it changes a lot of words… so if things are REALLY wrong it is due to Pages thinking its smarter than I am.
Some one asked what the Oedipus Complex is… Well it's based on a Greek play named (drum role please…) Oedipus. Basically the dude unknowingly marries his mom and has kids with her. (Antigone is his daughter if you have read of that play… FYI Antigone2 is one of my FAV SM authors.)
Anyway- Good Buddy Freud's scientific name for when a son wants to bang his mom is… The Oedipus Complex.
Note: Darien does NOT want to bang his mom.
Oh and you know I love Reviews!
The last guest review - Missing your updates- Is the reason I am posting with only a few edits.
LOVE THEM! Make me so very happy!