Part VII

(Chapters XIII & XIV)

(Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with Jane Austen or any republication of her works. I only wish to express an idea inspired by her novel Pride and Prejudice.)

Warning: This is the section where we realize the rating folks. 'M' for a reason.

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Chapter Thirteen

(Surviving)

"This weather is miserable," Mary muttered angrily. "You would think the storm would have been polite enough to have dispersed by now."

Kev laughed as he rode beside her, "It must not have been raised with proper etiquette."

Mary smiled at him and shook her head, "It would be bearable if these woods were not so treacherous. How is a traveler not supposed to lose their way in this muck?"

"By knowing where they are going of course," Kev responded flippantly. "Of course, it does not help when one does not have a specific direction."

Mary looked at him apologetically, "I am sorry to have gotten you in this situation. I should have continued on alone."

Kev shook his head and smiled down at her, "Non-sense. What sort of gypsy would I be if I spurned a good adventure?"

Mary laughed and looked ahead in the seemingly endless dark, "I believe I see lights up ahead. Perhaps, it is a nice family willing to give shelter to weary travelers."

Kev rode ahead, bidding Mary to stay where she was. It would not due for them to encroach upon a potentially dangerous dwelling. He must stealthily perceive if the inhabitants were a threat. Mary sat shivering in the seat of her saddle. The rain had persisted since she and Kev had left the village early that morning. The day had seemed like night. Mary thought it could not possibly get any darker… and then came night. They were lucky to have seen the lights on the edge of the road. She prayed it was some kind family.

The dark seemed oppressive as she waited for Kev to return. The shadows played easy tricks on the eye and the wind made frightening sounds as it blew through the forest. The seconds ticked by as she waited for her traveling companion to return. She closed her eyes to take a deep calming breath and was nearly startled out of her saddle, when a heavy hand came to her shoulder. She nearly let out a shriek until she noticed the hand belonged to a laughing gypsy that was entirely too fond of embarrassing her.

"Kev, you nearly scared my wits out of me!" Mary chastised angrily. "What the devil were you bloody well thinking?"

"Well, well a certain miss has a temper," Kev teased and then added somewhat apologetically, "I did not realize your eyes were closed. I called your name but I do not think you heard me over the wind."

Mary sighed and shook her head, "No. I could not hear you over this screeching. What have you found out?"

"The house belongs to an old woodman and his wife. They are willing to provide shelter for the night. I promised them money for the lodgings."

Mary nodded, "Of course, I have the money…"

"I already gave them the money," Kev said well naturedly.

Mary looked at him with wide eyes, "There was no need to spend your money on my quest, Kev."

"Do not worry your pretty head about it," Kev responded and grabbed the reigns of his horse to swerve back towards the farmer's house. "Now, let us quit dawdling in this delightful weather. I am starving."

Mary shook her head and followed his lead. She had grown fond of him since their last argument. True to his word he had ceased his flirtatious attentions. His teasing and easy going nature made him an easy friend. She could liken him to Charles, only a bit wilder and fonder of getting a laugh at her expense. If she had had an older brother, she could imagine him behaving as Kev might.

The two reached the house minutes later. It was a welcome feeling in the small, warm, home. A fire was in the hearth and the heavenly smell of a freshly cooked meal tantalized Mary's nostrils. They had not stopped to eat since their quick breakfast before departure. Her eyes widened with embarrassment when she began to thank their hosts (with Kev's assistance… for the couple spoke no language Mary knew), and her stomach rumbled quite audibly. Kev chuckled and covered his mouth to hide his smile of amusement.

"Oh my," Mary murmured clutching her stomach.

The farmer's wife smiled and gently took Mary's hand to lead her to a table laden with a hot meal.

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"Damn it all!" Edward swore as night fell on another day and he had still not found John.

It had been three days since their altercation. He simply did not understand how someone could get that far away in such short amount of time. Then again, this wilderness was impossibly complex and even in the day it would play tricks on your sight. Sighing, he took rest in a cave. The downpour was detrimental to his attempts of creating shelter with his supplies.

Carefully, Edward secured his horse and lay out his pallet. He started a small quick fire, near the entrance, and took out some of the provisions he had packed along for cases where he could not hunt for food. He ate his meal and quickly took his rest.

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John groaned as he woke. He was in a small farmhouse; he could barely remember getting there. He heard voices outside the room he was in. He had been separated from Edward in a small inconsequential fight against hungry, desperate, men. He had been fine and the fight had not lasted long. Then the storm set in and his donkey had skirted off, at first strike of lightning. He had had to chase the stupid animal and lose his way. He had tried searching for Edward, but with the rain washing away his tracks… it was nearly impossible.

He continued on in the general direction they had been traveling, praying they would reunite along the way. However, the following day as he traveled… he came upon an angry, swollen, river. His donkey had slipped along the bank, tossing him and causing his head to hit a boulder. He remembered waking up to a strong older man dragging him out of harm's way. The man had then put him over his foolish donkey, as gently as possible, and then set off towards what John supposed was his home.

The kind man brought him into the warm house and called for a woman… his wife, John supposed. The couple had fussed over him. The woman cleaned his wound and bandaged his head. The man had given his clean clothes to wear. They tucked him into the small warm bed and left him to rest. Every few hours they would come to check on him. He would be eternally indebted to them. The most frustrating part was that he could not even say thank you. The couple spoke not a word of English. Now, as he listened, he could hear that the home had visitors… visitors that clearly spoke English.

Moving to stand, he had to grip the table near the bed as a wave of dizziness gripped him. Once it had passed, he moved to open the door and walked into the large room that served as kitchen, dining, and sitting room. There he saw the most oddly dressed woman and a gypsy at the dining table. The woman was very pretty, although she was dressed in trousers and her long chestnut colored hair was damp and clinging to whatever skin it reached. The gypsy was wearing respectable clothing and looked up as he walked in.

"Hello," the gypsy murmured. "They told us they had an injured Englishman. We had hoped it was a man we were searching for… but the description was wrong."

"Aye, and who be it that yer lookin' fer?" John questioned sitting at the table.

"I am looking for my fiancée," the woman spoke, her green eyes wide and imploring. "This was the last area I know he was in. I know it seems mad, but I just had this horrible feeling that he needed me."

"Aye and who is yer fiancée?" John asked looking at the young woman curiously.

"He is a duke," she answered with a shy smile. "His name is Edward Gerard Eckert of Dodgewood."

John spit out his water, surprising the whole table, "Sweet Jesus, Miss Maria?"

Mary looked at him startled and yet full of anxious hope, "Are you John? He has written about you so many times. Why is he not here with you now?"

John shook his head in wonderment, "We were separated when a band o' thieves set their sights on us. I lost me way back on account o' me stupid ass and this dreadful maelstrom. That was three days ago. 'e should not be far, but could be anywhere in that forsaken' wood."

Mary jumped up in excitement, "Oh, he could be hurt. We must find him!"

Kev put a steadying hand on her shoulder, "Miss Bennet, we will look for him in the morning. From what I have heard he is a tough man. He can survive another day without you. You have not rested, you are soaked clean through to your bones, and you cannot possibly survive like that."

"The man is right, Miss Maria," John urged. "Edward would murder me in me sleep were I to let ye out in this weather… especially in the state ye're in."

"I know, but what if he is hurt?" Mary argued, stricken at the thought. "He could have suffered great wounds and he is all by himself!"

John chortled, "Nay miss, those band o' misfits were scrappy and just desperate fer food. There'd be no way 'is lordship would be injured."

Kev nodded and leaned his head toward the kindly woodsmen that had taken them in, "Not to mention, Mr. Bolivar has said the river where you were found is several hours away. We are going to need a night's rest to venture forth. Storms like this can last for days."

Mary frowned but conceded with an unhappy nod. She finished her meal quietly and then excused herself. Mrs. Bolivar showed her to the other spare room and helped her prepare a bath. Mary nodded her thanks and disrobed. She slid into the warm bath and quickly washed up. She dressed for bed, quickly wrote something in her journal, and said her prayers, before slipping into the warm bed and closing her eyes.

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"Maria," she heard him murmur into her ear. "I love you."

"Oh Edward," she sighed and leaned back against his chest.

"I need you," he whispered.

"Edward?" Mary questioned, his voice sounded weak and faint.

Silence greeted her query and she realized that she had lost the feel of him behind her. She turned with wide panicked eyes. Her heart raced as she called out his name. Only the eerie silence and seemingly endless darkness answered. Then with a shock, like a bolt of electricity, she heard the distant call of her name. It was 'his' voice... he was calling her name in desperation.

Mary sat up in the bed, her hand clutched her heart and the wind howled its anguish outside her room. Its raging howls echoed the turmoil of Mary's beating heart. Her nightmare had pushed its feelings of desperation straight to the core of her soul and she knew she could not sit in this warm bed a moment longer. Despite the storm's persistence outside this safe haven of a home, Mary knew her place was outside its walls. Her place was searching for the man she loved.

She climbed out of bed and she opened her pack. She gathered about her warmest, driest, clothing; a thick shirt and equally thick riding trousers. She pulled her hair into a serviceable bun, bent and tightly secured her boots to her feet, and picked up the necessary bags she would have to take on this journey. Edward was out there, waiting for her. She grabbed her already battered coat and secured its place over her person. Taking her packs, she quietly crept out of the small room.

She made her way, almost silently, towards the door of the home. She nearly had an apoplexy when she heard Kev snore from the nearby room he was sharing with John. She caught her breath and moved on. The hardest trick would be opening the door. Thankfully, she had thought to bring a lantern. She could easily see what she was doing. After a few moments of struggle (to be absolutely silent), she made her way into the unruly night. When that task was over, she hurriedly made her way to the barn.

The animals, already frightened by the fierce weather, cried out in alarm at her entrance. She carefully made her way to the stall where her mare was kept. She placed a soothing hand over the horse's nose.
The horse calmed at the familiar smell and presence of her master. It settled down and Mary kissed the side of the animal's face.

"Alright, Aurora, we have ourselves a nearly mad undertaking," Mary murmured to the mare. "Are you willing to go along with me?"

Aurora nuzzled Mary's hair and the woman laughed. She moved to get her saddle and secured it to the beautiful and wonderful animal. She secured her packs and then mounted her steed. She grabbed the lantern she had sat aside and quietly urged Aurora out of the barn. When she had met a safe distance, she urged Aurora to a steady gallop towards the direction of the river. She felt in her bones that this was where she would meet Edward again.

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Edward sighed as he set up camp. He tethered his horse, who was complaining about the weather in his horse language. He patted the beast and set about to try and start a fire. He knew the river was nearby and knew that he needed to cross it to get a start back towards civilization. He still hadn't found any trace of John and feared the worse. His heart was heavy with the guilt of the fallen captain and he deeply dreaded the same fate had befallen John. He would never forgive himself. Still, he could do nothing whilst this terror of a storm raged through the country he was in.

Thankfully, he had found a clearing canopied by a thick outer cropping of fir trees. The earth was unusually dry; it seemed to spite the storm outside of the clearing. He had little trouble finding suitable firewood and soon had a comforting blaze going. He moved to his packs and pulled out his sleeping pallet and a few rations of preserved food. It was hardly satisfying fare, but one could not be fastidious in his precarious situation. He sighed as he realized the real possibility of a night of sleep without disturbance... no man or beast would travel about in this weather.

No sooner had he thought that, a scream sounded through the trees and he felt a chill of awareness travel through. He knew that voice... but that was impossible. Edward ran, leaving his horse, supplies, and fire to whoever might find them.

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Aurora whined in the cold rain. Mary patted the beast soothingly, and reached to pull the hood of her cloak more firmly over her eyes. The rain was almost impossible to see through, and it felt like pinpricks of ice repeatedly falling and penetrating straight through to her skin. It had been at least a half hour since she had left the haven of a farm house and the weaker side of her began to regret it. The stronger side, the one who was desperately in love, could not regret it and pressed on.

Of course, if it had been a half hour since she left the farm house... she would not have been able to tell. There was no moon or stars to chart her travel by. She had no watch; her flickering light would have made it impossible to read it anyways. The wind, lightning, and deafening thunder continued to barrage her senses; thus leaving her nearly blind, deaf, and dumb.

Still with a sure feeling in her heart, she pressed on in the direction she knew was right.

Thick branches and brambles snagged and scratched at her and her horse. The 'silent-noise' created by the storm made her feel as if she was going mad. She began to hum, at first it was senseless noise to create a distraction from her predicament. Soon, she was humming to the tune she had written inspired by the love she and Edward shared. The soothing notes calmed her spirit amidst chaos and she felt as if the song was actually leading her towards Edward (later she would deduce this madness to be caused by the isolating storm). Even Aurora seemed calmer as Mary continued to hum. The mare continued in a confident path, seeming to feel the same pull Mary did.

It was several minutes... hours... Mary honestly could not have said when she came upon the roaring river. She nearly shouted in joy and bent to kiss the horses neck.

"Brilliant, Aurora!" she laughed, "we've found the river!"

Mary surveyed the channel of rushing water. She felt a pang of uneasiness and remembered a tumble she had taken in the not too distant past. She smiled to herself as she saw the face of her beloved fiancée in her mind's eye and became determined to cross the river. She urged Aurora forward. In their conversation at dinner, Kev had relayed Mr. Bolivar's words that the river was not too deep for someone astride a horse... but if the water overpowered you and knocked you off your mount, you had best be the strongest swimmer alive. The current was dangerous and would quickly overpower a person of inadequate strength.

Steeling herself, she moved closer to the turbulent waters. She knew the dangers but thought herself strong enough to defeat the current. Her desire to find Edward had overridden her common sense. Her sense that he was nearby clouded her judgment. She was a wild woman on a quest to find her mate. She knew the dangers and turned her nose at them... despite knowing the consequences.

Aurora's gait was strong, albeit slow, as she made a straight course across the churning river. Mary urged the magnificent beast on, shivering as the water began to soak her legs to just below her knees. The current also caused it to splash and coat her with the frigid liquid. Still she managed to press on. Mary and Aurora had made it to the middle of the river when the unthinkable happened.

The rough current and burgeoning river caused a log to strike the horse and her rider. The log was just large enough to knock Aurora off balance and unseat Mary. There was a blind moment of panic and she screamed as she heard Aurora's whinny of terror before the horse found footing... but Mary was already lost in the current. Her head went under the water and she came up choking and gasping for air.

Mary gasped for breath as her head broke the surface of the cold, dark, rapidly moving water. She watched, with briefly clear vision, as her horse made it safely to the other side. Her sight was then blocked as another harsh current knocked her head below the angry waters. When she rose above the surface again, she took a greedy breath and swam towards the root of an old tree.

The water was freezing and her body was already tired from the exertion of getting to the root. She had had to fight the current and her muscles screamed as she fought to continue her hold of the wood. She feared letting go, but she could feel the weariness and cold slipping in. Her vision clouded and blacked in and out. Her hearing became impossibly muffled. She was losing the fight against unconsciousness… and that unfortunately meant death.

She would never know the shout of her name in the darkness of that foreign wood. She would never see the valiant jump into that dangerous river as her rescuer came to her while she lost her battle against nature. She would never remember how the man reached the shore and carefully looked over her for more severe damage. She would, however, remember the dream of Edward's blurred face against the blackened sky.

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"MARIA!"

Edward would never be able to truly describe the terror that filled his veins at the sight of Mary clutching that tree root, the ice that had nearly stopped his ability to breathe as he realized how very close to death she was. It was obvious that she was losing consciousness and without another thought, he jumped into that river and fought against the current like the desperate man he was. His heart pounded in his ears and adrenaline thundered through his body.

Every second that it took to reach her was like a knife piercing the very fabric of his soul. Every shuddering breath almost became a sob, a plea to God to save the woman he loved... even if it meant sacrificing his own life. If Mary died, he honestly would not be able to go on living. His soul would be lost without her and Daniela would lose two mothers in a life-time...

The moment his fingers touched her, the world began to make sense again. He wasted no time in swimming back towards the bank; where he saw a beautiful mare standing there. He mentally shook his head and even grinned, despite his terror, at his beloved's tenacity. The current struck at him, fought against him at every turn. He pressed on; he would not fail in this mission. His muscles ached as he fought to reach land and to keep Mary's head above water. He was never so glad that he had chosen an athletic lifestyle as opposed to the lethargic one that aristocracy offered. Several precious minutes later, Edward made it to the bank.

He offered a prayer in thanks as he pulled Mary out of the water. His sapphire eyes caressed her face as his hands ran over her body in search of any serious injury to her perfect form. Finding none, he sighed in relief. However, the pallor of her skin worried him. He needed to get her dry and warm. His breath was labored as he lifted her into his arms and also reached for the mare's reigns. Clutching Mary close, he led the horse to the clearing where he had made camp.

He let go of the reigns, trusting the beast to remain where he had left her for the time being, his fiancée was more important to him. He laid her on the ground, not wanting to get the bedding he was planning to lay her in wet. Gently, he began to undress her. He took off soaked garment after garment. Her cloak came first and he tossed it near the fire to dry until he could hang it. He pulled her shirt from the breeches she was wearing, his breath catching as he caught sight of her form encased in only her chemise... which he thankfully noticed was merely damp after all that activity. Gritting his teeth against the lust building within him, he unfastened her breeches and gently tugged them off. His eyes gazed at her long, shapely, legs for a moment before he remembered what he was doing.

He lifted her up and tucked her underneath the blankets of the pallet near the fire. He then stood, shrugged out of his clothes and pulled on a pair of dry breeches. He moved to tie Mary's mare near his own horse and quickly hung up the several articles of wet clothing. Edward then moved to the pallet. The frantic duke quickly moved himself beneath the blankets and wrapped his arms around his fiancée. Steeling himself against the feel of her scantily clad body against his own bare chest, he held her close... letting his warmth spread around her. He kissed her forehead and took in deep, calming, breaths.

His thoughts raced in his head. Filling his minds with the 'what ifs'. What if he had not heard her? What if she had slipped away before he had reached her? What if he had not been able to save her? Forcing himself to stop, he turned his mind towards thoughts of their future. He thought of a future with Daniela and their future children. His heart warmed as he thought of Mary's stomach swollen as she harbored their child within her womb. He thought of the nights they would spend in each other's arms, and his blood warmed at the passion filling the images; the passion that he had already tasted in her kisses.

He heard Mary sigh and he looked down. Edward was relieved to see that color had returned to her beautiful skin. He placed a tender kiss on her lips and removed himself from the pallet. Tucking the blankets around her, he moved to pull on a dry shirt and stoke the fire. He was determined to keep watch. There was something too precious to lose lying nearby. Besides, he needed to reign in his barely controlled passion. He did not want to lose control with Mary. He would never forgive himself.

Edward sat there, for long moments. He didn't know how much time had passed but the call of nature soon found its way to him. Glancing at his Maria, he decided it was best to relieve himself out of sight. He wouldn't want to disturb her sensibilities. He chuckled as he walked away... although the shocked look on her face would be well enough payment for the terror she had just put him through.

Chapter Fourteen

(Finding)

Mary woke to the smell of wood burning in a warm crackling fire. She heard the crackle of the flames and felt the warmth nearby her form. She opened her eyes to see the golden flames flickering beside her. She sat up bewildered, the blanket covering her fell down to her waist. She felt the air touch her skin and she looked down to realize that someone had undressed her to her undergarments. She blushed furiously and searched for a sight of her would-be savior. She only prayed they were paying her a sincere kindness… and had not taken indecencies from her.

Mary jumped as she heard the crackle of brambles as they were stepped on. It was a wonder the earth was so dry in the thick wood. However, she could see above her a thick canopy of trees… they seemed to form a roof that protected the clearing from the down pour. Her attention went back to the sound of footsteps. She grabbed the blanket to preserve what modesty she had left. Her breath caught as she saw the form of a man stepped out of the shadows in front of her. The firelight washed over his face and her breath caught again… although covered with several days' worth of beard, she would never be able to mistake that face.

"Edward!" she cried it startled joy and jumped from the pallet.

Without care to her appearance, she ran into his open arms and buried her face into his warm chest. Tears ran down her cheeks and she laughed as he wrapped his arms around her in a fierce warm embrace.

"What the bloody hell are you doing here?" he asked savagely, kissing her forehead. "Are you mad, woman? You could have been killed!"

Mary looked up and smiled before standing on her toes to kiss his lips earnestly, cutting off his next angry, terrified, remark. Edward soon found himself participating in the hungry kiss. His hands buried themselves in her hair and hers clutched his shoulders. His tongue reached out to taste hers when she traced his lips. He reveled in her gasps and she basked in his moans. Her nails dug into his shoulders and she nipped his bottom lip. Edward practically growled and lifted her into his arms.

He moved to the pallet and gently got to his knees before laying her upon it, never breaking the kiss whilst doing so. Mary moved trying to be closer, a moan coursing through her throat. She spread her legs and Edward settled himself between her thighs. Edward's lips moved from her lips to leave loving nips on her jaw, to trail down her throat, and linger on her clavicle. Mary's breaths came in a staccato rhythm and her fingers moved to bury themselves in his ebony curls. She gasped, his name coming out breathlessly, as his teeth nipped her skin and her nails grazed his scalp. With a groan, Edward mindlessly thrust himself against her. Startled, Mary gasped and released her hold on his scalp.

Edward cursed and quickly rolled himself away from her. He laid on his stomach in the grass his head resting on his forearm. His breaths were coming in heavy pants. Mary rose to rest on her elbows and she looked at him. Her green eyes were wide and curious, and her own breath equally labored. She reached a hand to gently touch his head.

"Edward?" she murmured, unsure of what to say or do.

He looked at her, blue eyes glistening in the night, "I am sorry Mary. I should have never. I lost control. Believe me, darling, I never would have..."

He stopped at the sight of her smile.

"Oh Edward, I believe we both are to blame. I was so excited to see you again."

Edward smiled and moved to take her hand and kiss her fingers, "Although I still think you are mad and I am angry with you, I am excited to see you as well."

Mary nodded and then her gaze turned curious, "Edward... what was that?"

Edward felt his skin heat. He was by no means an innocent naïve schoolboy, but it was an embarrassing situation to be found in.

"That, my love, is what happens whenever you are near," Edward answered honestly.

Mary gave him a perplexed look and then her eyes got wide, "Oh, you mean that was your... your arousal?"

Edward almost choked at the comedic nuance of it all, "Yes darling."

Mary fell silent for a moment and then turned innocent green eyes toward him. The magic effect those eyes had on him stung him yet again. He was under her spell, willing to do whatever she asked of him. She opened her mouth to speak, and the words she uttered completely bowled him over. He was sincerely stunned speechless.

"What is it like? Is it painful?" she asked worriedly.

Edward chuckled and shook his head, taking in a deep breath. His Maria was always full of the most interesting surprises.

"No, it is not painful. It can be after a prolonged period of time. Really, it is as if my blood was on fire. I feel feverish, I can only think of you, and I have to kiss you. It's like an ache."

Mary nodded and looked at her fiancée with a tentative glance, "Is it strange for me to feel the same way when I look at you? I mean, to an extant of course..."

Edward nearly groaned at what those words implicated and he moved to kiss her softly. His hands cupped her cheeks and he nipped at her lips. Mary moaned against his mouth and she fell back against the pallet. Edward found his way back between her thighs and Mary met his kiss for kiss. Her hips arched against his and she murmured his name against his lips. After weeks of rigorous travel, and months of not seeing on another... she was lost in the passion. She felt as if she was on fire and she ached for something she did not wholly understand.

"Edward," she sighed as his lips moved over the smooth column of her neck once again. "Please..."

This made her lover pause and he moved to look down at her. His breathing was ragged, his curls disheveled by their activity, and his midnight eyes were focused entirely on her. He brushed a stray curl away from her face and took a deep breath.

"I am not going to compromise you," he murmured. "We will wait until we are wed."

Mary made to say something in agreement; despite the fire tearing through her, but his next words stopped her and thrilled her at the same time.

"But... I can ease the fire, Maria. If you trust me," he murmured.

Mary looked at him and smiled at his foolishness; she cupped his cheek and kissed his lips softly. "If this journey of mine did not prove that I trust you beyond all doubt... I honestly cannot conceive what could."

Edward laughed and kissed her thoroughly once again. Mary sighed against his lips and moved to wrap her arms around his shoulders. It was not long before they lost themselves to their passion yet again. Heavy breathing moans and the sounds of clothing being moved filled the clearing. Edward settled himself once more within Mary's outspread thighs. They parted from their kiss to stare into one another's eyes, emeralds sparkling and reflecting sapphires.

Settling his weight on his knees and holding himself up with his left hand, Edward used his right hand to run a caress over Mary's jaw and exposed neck to low cut neckline of her chemise. His lips followed the trail his hand had made in soft reverent kisses over her supple skin. Mary sighed and arched her neck to give her lover more access. Moving to hover over her, Edward took the straps of her chemise and slid them off her shoulders. With a tug, and a wiggle here and there, he pulled the garment to her waist and exposed her breasts to the fire lit night.

Mary looked up at Edward as he gazed down at her with a strong mixture of rapture and unadulterated lust. Her skin was smooth and flawless alabaster. Her breasts were high and just large enough to be perfect for his hands. In their centers her nipples were pointed and aching, from the cool air and her excitement. Her areolas were a dusky rose that beckoned his mouth to taste them. Moving his right hand to the center of her chest, Edward took his fingers to caress the sensitive skin between her breasts.

"You are the most beautiful creature I have seen in my entire existence," he murmured adoringly. "I am so blessed you have agreed to be mine."

Mary moaned out his name and pulled his head down for another thorough and passionate kiss. He groaned into her eager mouth and palmed one aching breast. His fingers circled the globe teasingly, getting closer and closer to the aching point. He ended their kiss to roam over her neck. He suckled at her skin and used his tongue to soothe love nips. He made his way slowly down; his fingers had begun to play the taught nipple of her right breast. He lightly pinched the peak between thumb and forefinger and then tugged teasingly. Mary made a high pitched sound from the back of her throat and clutched one hand to his head and the other over the hand playing at her breast.

Edward murmured her name adoringly, along with strings of endearments and undistinguishable phrases. He kissed over her neglected left breast and his tongue circled over the other peak. Mary cried out at the shocking pleasure, only to cry out again when he took the nipple into his mouth and began to suckle. He tugged at the peak with his teeth and soothed over it again with his tongue. He continued on with this delicious torture until deciding to pay homage to her other mound with his mouth. He paid tribute to her other breast with his mouth and switched to his hand with the vacated one. He could not get enough of the mewling sounds coming from his darling love.

Mary was sure she was losing her mind. The fire was building inside of her. Every caress, every kiss, every moment of his torture...for this surely must have been torture, sent shoots of pleasure through her body like lightning. A steady heated pulse was filling her lower abdomen and she wanted it to end and never stop simultaneously. She knew she was headed for something wonderful, life-changing, but she could not fathom what it could be. All she knew was she wanted her lover to ease the ache between her thighs.

Just as that though occurred into her passion hazed mind, Edward reached down between them and sought the slit in her drawers. His seeking fingers found her sleek curls and hot wet flesh. He groaned and swore against the skin of her breast as he fully realized the state of her arousal. She was as primed and eager as he was... and yet so oblivious as to what she was primed and eager for.

Mary arched her back and moaned his name as his fingers found the nubbin of flesh at the core of her. He circled around it with slow fingers and pinched it between them. Mary moaned helplessly as tendrils of fire shot through her, her thighs lax and open even wider to his welcome invasion. Edward moved to claim her lips desperately as he entered her slowly with one finger, and then a second, all the while circling his thumb over the taught bundle of nerves at the crux of her. Mary had clutched his back in a vice like grip, her nails digging into skin, as her hips moved wantonly with the steady rhythm of his fingers... a rhythm so new and yet so very familiar to her.

"Oh dear God," Maria cried as something burst within her young body. "Edward!"

Edward held her close, still caressing her and stroking her as her body clenched around his fingers. He murmured soothing words of love and praise, and kissed over her cheek and temple. He fought against the lust rising within him and the animalistic pride that he had brought his lover to such a height. Mary felt tears on her cheeks as her body clenched and unclenched around him. Her nails had cut into the skin of his back, but neither had noticed with their passion. Slowly, Edward brought her down caressing her until she was a simple mass of relaxedness.

Mary looked at him at him. Her breaths coming out in pants, her eyes wide with wonder and newly found lust. Edward gazed down at her with reverence and equal lust. He kissed her languorously and Mary returned it ardently. She ran her hands over his back in a caress and was surprised when he pulled back with a wince.

"Are you alright?" she whispered.

Edward chuckled and kissed her cheek, "I think you may have lost your mind in passion tonight, love. I do believe my back is bleeding."

Mary's eyes widened in dismay and moved to check his back, "Oh my goodness! I am so sorry, Edward. I... I..."

Her lover grinned and kissed her mouth lovingly, "Battle scars made in the throes of passion are the best kind, darling. I shall wear them proudly."

"Oh, do not tease me so," Mary blushed and looked toward the fire. She realized her state of undress and made to cover herself.

Edward cupped the side of her face and pulled her to look at him. His blue eyes serious as he gazed down at her, "Darling, do not be embarrassed. What we just shared was magical and beautiful. You are the most amazing woman on this earth. I am only so blessed to have the scratches on my back. They are proof of your passion and your choice to have me."

"I love you, Edward," she murmured and moved to kiss him. "You are the greatest blessing in my life."

Edward smiled and moved to tuck her into the pallet once more. He stood and Mary looked at him with questioning eyes.

"I am going to check on the horses, Maria... and to take care of some pressing business."

Mary's eyes were blank for a moment and then her skin flushed a pretty pink as she took his meaning, "Surely Edward... I could... I mean you helped me... and..."

Edward halted her speech with a desperate kiss, "Darling angel, if I could trust myself... or I wanted you less... I might let you. However, I know that if I touch you again tonight... or were I to let you touch me, I would never be able to stop until I had fully claimed you."

Mary nodded understandingly, "I will mind the fire."

"Good girl, I love you."

"I love you, Edward."

He smiled at her before disappearing into the surrounding woods. She heard the tell tale sound of the horses as they acknowledged his presence before settling down once more. She sighed and moved to adjust her clothing until she was fully covered again. She stood and stoked the fire, and then sat on the pallet. Mary stared at the flames and pondered over the recent events that had led her to her spot in the woods.

She could not fathom not knowing that such a pleasure existed. The young woman could barely describe the still fresh need she held within her body. She blushed as she realized she was just as eager to experience their marriage bed as Edward was. She was curious about every part of him, just as he was curious about every part of her. Mary smiled to herself as she remembered how she had responded with such abandonment and Edward's own wild reactions. She still felt the left over heat of their tryst and the memory of their kisses and shared passion was enough to leave a slow burn coursing through her.

Edward was finished with his business in the woods. He took a deep breath and stood staring out into the dark forest. He still needed to gain his composure before returning to his beloved and their campsite. He chuckled quietly to himself as the reality of recent of events occurred to him.

His bride to be was here in this dangerous foreign land. They had just discovered the intensity of their passion for one another. He would never forget the look of her as she reached her first pinnacle of pleasure. It was the most beautiful sight he had seen in his life. He sighed to himself and took a calming breath before he excited himself again. He slowly made his way back to camp.

Mary looked up as Edward came back to the campsite. She smiled lovingly and invited him to share the warmth of the sleep pallet. Edward moved to slide in behind her. He wrapped his arm around her and held her close. He kissed her temple as she rested her hand above the one that lay possessively on her stomach. With his free hand Edward began playing with the still drying tresses of his lady fair.

"I missed you," Mary murmured softly. "I know it is mad but I had this intense feeling that you needed me. I could not shake it. I had nightmares of you calling for me. I had to find you."

Edward sighed and nuzzled her soft chestnut mane, "It is not mad. I did and do need you. I just think that it was an emotional need that you felt. Terrible things have happened. I do not want to discuss them now. I will tell you... just not now."

Mary turned her head to kiss him softly, "I understand. I love you."

"I love you. Let us speak of brighter things. How is our little daughter?"

Mary smiled proudly, "She is so bright. She is progressing so fast and has real artistic talents. Her voice and piano skills are developing remarkably. Right now she is under the watchful eye of my sisters. The Bingleys and Darcys have encamped at Dodgewood."

Edward chuckled as his thumb caressed her palm, "No doubt they are preparing to do me in for putting you through such insanity."

Mary shook her head adamantly, "Fitzwilliam will have words with you. He takes his responsibilities as a brother very seriously. My sister is lucky to have fallen in love with him. However, they understand that I am irrevocably in love with you. I will be your wife whether we have approval or not."

Edward kissed her deeply then. Mary sighed and turned in his arms. She laced her own around his shoulders and a daring leg moved over his hip. Their movements were slow and reverent. The lovers were much more interested in exploring one another then succumbing to a higher intense passion. Soon though, exhaustion caught up with the couple and they fell asleep wrapped within each other's arms.

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Kev and John were woken by a frantic Mr. Bolivar. He was nearly shouting in the Slavic tongue he spoke with. A man, normally, of few words from what Kev and John had experienced it was quite startling to be disturbed from their dreams by his excited state.

Once Kev was coherent enough to understand what Bolivar was telling him, his eyes widened and he quickly stood from his pallet on the floor. He cursed violently and began to dress quickly. John followed his lead.

"What the 'ell is goin' on?" John demanded his new friend.

Kev looked at him with fear and frustration in his eyes, "Mary has gone against sense and sometime in the night disappeared to go in search of your lord Dodgewood."

"What!" John yelled, falling over his own feet as he rushed to get ready to leave after their runaway.

(Author's Note: I have not disappeared! I am back and in writing action yet again. Life has been incredibly crazy/hard since I last updated and I apologize. I will explain a few reasons why it has taken so long.

First, however, I want to address my shameful (in my opinion) short word count. It took me so long, and I felt I got the main points across, that I wanted to give this to you guys and gals as soon as possible. There is so much I feel I could have added, but with my life in its current state, my mind couldn't organize these into completion. So, here it is and I hope you enjoy.

Secondly, I am currently a full time student again. (eighteen credit hours yay!) On top of this, I am also working full time at my place of employment. So, my concentration is almost always focused on these two aspects of my life. So, bare with me, we will get there.

Thirdly, a year ago this past Sunday, one of the greatest influences in my life left me. My grandmother died, quite suddenly to cancer. It was seriously, one minute we were told she was sick... the next she was gone. It has taken a lot to be able to be okay with this. I still cry a little every day.

Okay, now that I've explained some things. I want to say thank you to all of those who do bare with me. I know I'm so terrible at updating and for the things I felt like I should have added; they will be added when I go over the story in the future. I am always glad to hear from everyone reading my story and I will see it to the end, even if that is far away.

May Your Lives Be Blessed. XOXOXO –swtimperfection21)

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(Play-list for Part VII (Chapters Thirteen & Fourteen))

"Hot" –Avril Lavigne

(C.13) "Because You Loved Me" –Celine Dion/ "This Song Saved My Life" –Simple Plan

(C.14) "Irresistible" (Mary) –Jessica Simpson/ "Need You"(Edward) –Lynard Skynard