Chapter 5

Marianne climbed down the stairs carrying a laundry basket, humming to herself. She had been walking on air for the past two weeks. She and Christopher had settled into a nice domestic routine. Christopher was happy to see Marianne feeling so at home and settled. By no means did Christopher expect Marianne to clean up after him and keep the home clean. He was not like that at all. She giggled at him when he explained that to her. She knew he had a cleaning woman come in once a week, but he himself was tidy and so was she. She just told him that she lived there now and wanted to take part in taking care of the daily routine of keeping the house and their needs. They were able to happily take turns doing chores and settled in a nice routine of domestic bliss.

Marianne was done with her classes early and only had another two days left before she was on her Christmas holiday break. It was Monday, 9th of December. Marianne and Christopher were so excited to decorate for the holiday. Marianne because it was the first Christmas with Christopher. Christopher usually did not do any decorating because he had not been home much to enjoy it before. They had made plans to go get their first tree together Sunday afternoon. They had promised to spend the weekend at Sir John's with her family for a little riding weekend. They were going to come home early afternoon Sunday.

Marianne had put her load of laundry in and was happily reading in the living room waiting for Christopher to get home. Christopher had texted her and told her he was going to bring take out home for them for dinner. She heard the door open and looked to see Christopher walk in. He was taking off his coat and put down the bag of food on the table. She walked over to him to kiss him hello. "Hi darling." He reached down and kissed her back and wrapped his arms around her. "Hello sweetheart" He sighed. Marianne could tell something was wrong. She pulled away to look at him. "What's wrong Christopher?" She asked concerned. He smiled softly. "I just got word I have to go to Moscow this week for a contract meeting with some of the design team who is going to be working on the project. I thought I would be able to just do a conference call, but they want me there just to go over everything and make sure everyone is happy. I will be gone until next Monday." Christopher explained with a heavy heart. He felt bad for having to cancel their weekend plans, but more importantly he was going to miss her so much. They hadn't spent that long apart without seeing each other since he had to go to China with Elinor. Since then they had grown so much closer. He leaned his forehead against hers. "I wish you could come with me." He whispered. She grinned. "I wish I could. But I have an exam I have to take. If it was only a week later. I will miss you too." He gave her a soft kiss. "I am sorry we are going to have to wait to get our tree. You should still go to Sir John's and enjoy the weekend with your family." Marianne smiled. "I will, it is not going to be the same without you here." She declared. They exchanged another small kiss.

The enjoyed their dinner together and Christopher packed for the trip. Marianne said she might stay at her Mum's a night or two while he was gone. He thought that might be good, even though he had nothing to worry about. He felt better that she wasn't staying in the house all by herself for that long.

The next morning they stood embracing each other. Christopher's car had just arrived to take him to the airport. "I will miss you so much." She whispered. "So will I." He said nuzzling her neck. He pulled away to look her in the eyes. "I will call you when I get there. Remember to keep the door locked when you are here and the neighbors number is in the kitchen." She smiled at him. He was so sweet and overprotective of her sometimes. "I know darling. I will be fine. I just wish I could go with you, or better yet you could stay." She declared wrapping her arms around his neck. She tried to hold back the tears. She was trying not to be over dramatic about this. It was just a week. But they have grown so close over the past months. He was like a part of her now. Christopher felt the same way as well. "So do I. I should be home Monday night. You are leaving for John's on Friday afternoon correct?" He verified. She nodded. "Okay, I have to go now darling. I love you" He declared. She squeezed him tighter. "I love you too. Have a safe trip. I will miss you." She responded. He leaned down and they exchanged a passionate kiss goodbye. It was practically torture to break apart. He turned and headed to the car. Before he got in he waved goodbye. She waved from the door. She stood in the doorway watching the taxi pull away and turn down the street. She closed the door and leaned against it and let the tears fall. "It is just one week Marianne." She told herself. But it was going to be a real long week without him.

The next few days proceeded. Marianne didn't really sleep well. She missed his presence and would reach for him in their bed at night. She tried keeping her mind on her classes. Thursday afternoon she took her last exam and headed back home. She packed her bag for the weekend. She was heading over to her mothers and spending the night. Elinor and Edward were picking them up the next morning to head to Sir John's. Elinor was taking the day off and Edward took a couple of vacation days. She was hoping that would take her mind off of Christopher for a bit.

They had talked everyday and exchanged texts. The connection where Christopher was not that great so they could not Facetime. Marianne got to her mother's house and they had dinner together with Margaret. They sat in the living room just chatting with the telly on while Margaret finished her homework. Margaret was so looking forward to riding tomorrow. Marianne had agreed to meet with her mother with Christopher to discuss the guest list for the wedding and narrow down a date. Marianne actually enjoyed seeing her mother so excited about planning this wedding. She kept reminding her though that they wanted simple and small so that it didn't involve that much planning ahead. She told her mother the only thing that is important is if the immediate family is there and that the were married.

Anne could see Marianne was down and obviously missed Christopher greatly. It was like when he was gone before. Only Anne didn't really know the full reason Marianne was quiet and subdued. She was hoping this riding weekend would take her mind off him being gone for a bit.

Sir John, Mrs. Middleton and Adele greeted the family at the door. They exchanged hellos and they thanked them for inviting them this weekend. Adele wrapped her arm around Marianne as they headed into the sitting room. "My dear I know you must miss Christopher terribly, but I brought several catalogs we can look at for wedding dresses" Adele explained enthusiastically.

The rest of the afternoon was lovely. Marianne and Margaret took a walk around the grounds. It was a bit cloudy and misty that day, not good for riding. Marianne did enjoy looking at different gowns. She wanted something simple and elegant. She found a couple she might like to look at and try on. Dinner was nice and Marianne excused herself and decided to go to bed early. They all said goodnight to her as she headed up stairs.

"Poor girl, so lovesick. You can tell she misses him terribly." Adele stated. "Yes, she does. She is so quiet, but she did seem to enjoy herself while we were looking at dresses. Don't you think Elinor?" Adele asked her eldest daughter. "Yes, she did. But just remember they want a simple wedding. Lets not pressure her. I also think she will feel better when both her and Christopher can sit down and develop more concrete wedding plans." Elinor explained. "I agree. They don't want anything overblown. That is what Christopher mentioned to me when we were talked the other day." Edward chimed in.

"I know, but I just want them to have a nice wedding. Everyone has been through a lot this year and they deserve it." Anne explained. But she knew it was ultimately Marianne and Christopher's wedding and their decision on what to have.

Upstairs in the usual room that she and Christopher would end up sharing in Sir John's house, Marianne lay in bed looking at photo on her phone of her and Christopher together. It was so nice to be able to act as a couple out in the open now and now have photos that she didn't have to hide. She knew it was a simple business trip and he was going to have to take other ones down the line after they were married, but it wouldn't stop her from missing him.

Just then the incoming call message on her mobile lite up and she smiled when she saw it was Christopher. "Hi darling! How are you? I miss you so much." Marianne greeted him with such happiness. She couldn't hold bake. "Hello darling. I am well. Just tired. I miss you too. I have trouble sleeping without you." He explained in a soft voice. Marianne giggled. "Me too, I keep reaching for you." She confessed. He giggled on the phone. She heard some background noise and voices. "Where are you? Are you in your room?" She asked. "Uh, yes. Sorry I just had the telly on. Watching Star Trek in Russian is not the same." He explained. Marianne giggled. "How is it going at Johns? Are you having a nice time?" He asked changing the subject. She sighed. "Yes, it has been nice. Not the same without you. It was a bit cold and misty today. So we just spent the time mostly inside. Adele, Mum, Elinor and I spent time looking at wedding gowns. They are out of control. I think they should just going into wedding planning for themselves as a business." She explained in an amused tone. Christopher laughed. "I think you are right. It doesn't matter how much we explain to them simple. By the way you could wear a raincoat down the aisle and look gorgeous." Christopher told her. Marianne smiled and felt herself blush as well. "Same with you. You are so handsome in just a tshirt and jeans. Maybe that should be our attire. At least we know we will both be comfortable and will get people talking." Marianne started laughing as well. Christopher let out a laugh as well. "Yes, it certainly will."

They continued chatting on as well until Christopher explained he had to go. She heard someone speak sounded a bit over a loudspeaker. "I am sorry darling. I have to go. I will call tomorrow. I miss you so much and can't wait to see you on Monday." He explained. "Me too darling. Get some rest and I can't wait for you to get home. I love you." Marianne said. "I love you too darling. Sleep well." He stated. They said their goodbyes and hung up. It helped Marianne feel better to speak to him. She set her mobile on the nightstand and closed her eyes to try and sleep.