They were got down to the path and she was taking him to the lake. She didn't even notice they were holding hands until she tried to point something out with her right hand only to realize it was firmly in his. Oh…
''You will love the lake. Groundkeepers really take good care of it…''
''Can you swim in it?''
''Well, I've never tried, but I know my brothers are known to have drunken incident or two when they fell into it.''
''So, you could swim?''
''I guess…''
''Maybe I should try?''
''It is a bit cold…''
''I am used to it.''
''If you wish to swim, maybe it is better for us to ask either my brothers or groundkeepers before you do anything.''
''I think groundkeepers are vise choice. ''
He saw corner of her lips turn into a smile.
''And do you swim?''
''No, I am afraid we, I mean girls, never learned how to.''
''Oh, that is unfortunate.''
''Why?''
''I think you would have loved it… Especially floating on the surface… I remember, one night in Scotland… I couldn't sleep so I sneaked out from the house and went to the lake. It's not far from the house and removed my clothes. I got in and just floated on the surface looking at the most beautiful stary sky I've ever seen… It looked like someone spilled millions of fireflies all over this dark surface…''
''I hope to see something like that when I accompany you there. Maybe not from the water, but at least from the ground. We can lie in the grass and just watch the sky.''
''I can't wait. You will love Scotland and the estate.''
She had sad smile for a moment.
''What is it Frannie?''
''I want to ask something and please don't be angry…''
''Why would I be angry?''
''Have you spoken to John?''
''Oh…''
Now he understood why she wondered if her would be angry.
''No, not since the night in the garden.''
''Maybe you should go and see him after we come back. I don't want you to lose your brother over our marriage and what happened.''
''You would be comfortable with seeing him?''
''Well, I don't think we should be seeing each other yet. It is too fresh…but YOU… You should see him. I know two of you are close. You should keep your relationship with him no matter what. Our marriage shouldn't be the reason your relationship fails.''
''Frannie…''
''Please… Talk to him, be with him. I don't want to stand in a way of your relationship.''
''Frannie, I promise…You are not in a way of anything.''
''Then spend time with him when we get home.''
''Fine, I promise I will write to him and ask him to do something.''
''Thank you.''
They were far from the house now, so Francesca dared to pull him into a kiss. They spent some time exchanging tender kisses and laughing at the fact that they were hiding like they were doing something wrong.
''Oh, I have something for you Michael.''
''Oh?''
She got her hand into her pocket and got out a white bundle. She opened it and it and he saw cookies.
''Ah, the last of our pray…''
''Yes, I wished to eat it in front of Colin, but this is more fun.''
''Do you want to save them for some other place we could sit and have our little feast?''
''Yes, and I know just the place.''
She took him away from the gardends to her secret spot. It was not far from the house and it was well hidden.
''Lady Sterling, this is a pretty good hiding place.''
''I know. I came here as a girl when I was hiding from my family.''
''Were they bullying you?''
''No, never… We tease each other, but it was never anything serious… It's just that I am a loner…just like Eloise… She had her books and I had my piano… The rest is more outgoing.''
They took a seat and leaned to the wall of the hall they were in. They had beautiful view to the estate and river and Michael really couldn't stop thinking about Kilmartin and how much he wished they were there. He knew Francesca would love the place and would never get into the house.
''What are you thinking of?''
''Kilmartin…How much I miss it and how much you would enjoy every corner of the estate.''
She took his hand.
''For us to go there, we must have a normal relationship with John and his mother. It's too early for me, but you have to fix it for you.'''
''I know. It is not easy for any of us.''
''You are right, bit all the good things never come easy.''
He smiled at her and kissed the top of her head.
''You are smart cookie Frannie…''
''Oh, speaking of cookies…''
Se got the out of her coat and now it was perfect time to share them. They spent some more time at her hiding place and then continued the walk. At some point the skies changed and it was clear that storm and hard rain are about to fall. He saw her very happy face and knew that he married the right woman. He loved rainstorms and strong winds…as did she.
''Should we start waling toward the house?''
''Yes, we should…But I don't wish to.''
''Frannie…''
''Storm is coming…''
''Yes, it is…''
''Storms are fun…''
''Yes, they are…''
''I can't wait to be soaking wet from the rain…''
He came closer to her and whispered.
''Storms can be fun inside too…''
She looked at him trying to figure out what was he talking about…
''Oh…a good time for rest and interpretive dance, my Lord?''
''Oh, you have no idea, My Lady…''
''I think I do…''
She took his hand and they started walking toward the house. They were not too far from it when thunderstorm started and they were soaking wet after few seconds in the rain. It took them about twenty minutes to arrive to the house and entire family was standing and the entrance hall making planes where to search for them. Benedict, Anthony and Colin were in their rain coats and boots trying to figure out where to ride out first and would each of them bringing one horse be enough to get the couple back. Kate was in their bedroom with curtains pulled up and trying to ignore the weather. She really hated the storms and now she was scared for Francesca and her husband. In her personal experience, storms never brought anything good. They were very surprised when the couple run into the house with smiles on their faces. Violet covered her mouth in relief.
''Francesca Bridgerton Sterling! What were you thinking? Look at the weather?!''
''I am sorry mama… But we had so much fun. Michael missed the rains and I love them… We ventured a bit further than we intended to…''
''Go and change… Someone will draw you a bath…''
''Yes, mother…''
Violet returned to the sitting room where now little Edmund was playing with his new toy and sat on the floor with him. Bridgerton brothers removed their coats and left them with the valets and followed their mother. Only persons remaining in the entrance hall were Penelope and Eloise. Wet couple was running up the stars still giggling about their adventure. Penelope watched them wet as rats and happy as children in the candy store and simply shook her head.
''I don't understand… How can someone be in this weather and this happy?''
Eloise looked at her sister and her husband and smiled.
''Maybe you've never been caught in the rain with the right person?''
''What do you mean?''
''They don't care they are soaking wet because they are together… It was their adventure. Yes, my sister loves the rain and storms…but she might love him too…''
Penelope leaned her head to the side and watched them climb the stairs and whisper.
''Oh…''
''What?''
''I think you might be right…''
As soon as they entered the room, their wet clothes ended up on the floor. They were only in their robes now, since everything they had on was wet. She was at her vanity trying to fix mess of her hair and he was adding logs to the fire to make room warmer. He didn't want them to get sick or his malaria to sneak up on them during their stay here. Maid came with buckets of hot water and filled in the tub.
''Miss Francesca, do you need us to help you?''
She did want all the pampering, but she also knew that Michael needed to get warm as soon as possible so she said no.
''Thank you, but I think I will manage alone this time…''
''Yes, Mam.''
They left the room and she locked the door. Michael just lifted his brow.
''We don't want another Eloise incident.''
She took off her robe and offered her hand.
''Join me.''
''Dinner will be soon…''
''I am sure they are not really counting on us.''
''Are you sure?''
''We can always sneak into kitchen later.''
He took of his robe and followed her lead. They were lucky tub was big enough for both of them to fit. She took her soap and started washing herself. Michael just enjoyed her closeness and the warmth of the water. He helped her wash her hair and dry off after that. She brought him her brush and he patiently delt with every knot. She really loved how intimate that felt. Not just taking the bath, but this, him combing her hair. He looked at the clock and saw that they missed dinner.
''Do you want to eat something?''
''I could…''
''Should we get dressed?''
''Maybe we could sneak into the kitchen just in our robes?''
''We have to have something underneath?''
She put on her nightgown and he put on his breaches and they used servants' stairs to get to the kitchen. When they got there, they found servants clearing out the dinner dishes and plates like well oiled machine. One of the girls noticed the couple and just stopped.
''My Lady? What can we do for you?''
''Well, we missed the dinner… So, we were wondering if we could get something to eat?''
''What would you like?''
''Is there some leftovers?''
''Yes, My Lady…''
''Well, we can eat that?''
''Do you want it in your room?''
''That would be wonderful…''
''Do you wish something to drink?''
''Pitcher of water would be nice.''
''Yes, My Lady.''
They went upstairs and after ten minutes two girls came with food and water for them.
''Ring for us when you need us to take the remains to the kitchen.''
''Thank you, we shall…''
They ate at her little table and really enjoyed this intimate meal.
''I miss the food fight…''
''Well, maybe you can eat with the little rascal tomorrow?''
''It's fine… You can do.''
''Oh, thank you Major Sterling. I am honored…''
He laughed at her fake jealous comment.
''Should we invite Miss Eloise to have dessert with us?''
''In this state of undress?''
''Well, we definitely can offer her the repeat of what she saw.''
''How about we don't do that?''
''She is not happy about it?''
''Who would be?''
''I guess you are right…''
''New rule…we lock the door.''
''Yes, Mam…''
After the dishes were taken away, two of them spent some time sitting on Francesca's window seat together. It was not that dark yet so you could see some shapes of the trees and lake.
''I wish we could live in a place like this.''
''Aubrey Hall?''
''Not your family estate… But to have our own estate.''
''Why?''
''I love the peace and quiet of the nature… I love London from time to time, but this is priceless. Smell of the nature, sound of silence, water around us. Sky…''
''You really miss Kilmartin?''
''Deeply.''
''Maybe after you talk to J…Earl he will let us visit in his absence.''
''Earl?''
''I don't think it is appropriate to call him John…''
''Oh…''
''Do you want to talk to him?''
Michael feared that conversation and her answer. They were good, really good and any contact with John could change that.
''I do not think we have anything to say to one another anymore. The moment he chose to listen to his mother and believe in the gossip, he made his choice.''
She turned to face Michael…
''We agreed to be honest, so I am going to be…''
He nodded expecting a blow in his gut.
''I really cared about him… I wanted to marry him and I believe we would have been happy in our own way. But it didn't happen, so I don't think about it. Thinking of what it is not fair to any of us. Especially to you. You believed me, you saw right away who the culprit was and you stood by me even when members of my family doubted me… So, due to your trust, I don't want to talk to him. I have nothing to say to John.''
She looked at Michael with a bit of fear in her eyes. She was not sure if he would understand what she wanted to say.
''My John died that day in the garden. Person, I believed I knew and whose Countess I wanted to be, died before my eyes that day. You said you will marry me and you kept your promise and I shall not break mine to you. I am your wife, your woman and your partner. Nothing and no one else matters.''
He didn't like death metaphone. He had seen death too many times and he was not comfortable with declaring alive people dead. But he also understood that she had her own way of expressing how she feels.
''When it comes to Earl of Kilmartin, I have to be his sister-in-law and behave respectfully, and I shall. When we get the news of his nuptials, if we are invited, I will accompany you and be the supportive and respectful sister-in-law. I will be polite to him and his new wife. I will do all that is my duty to the family. I am a highborn lady and I know how to behave. But that will be all. If they want relationship with you, you should have it. I don't think Countess wants me near him and I am fine with it.''
''My aunt is a woman from an old generation. She doesn't see some things the same way.''
''Well, that is her problem and problem of the woman he married. I have my mother-in-law and my husband and no one else matters.''
She kissed him and he carried her to bed where they made love again. He wondered if she would be with child soon. They made love very often since they got married and he hoped they would soon be with child.
Michael woke up first and then woke up his wife. It was time for their ride with Kate. She put on her riding dress and she was surprised it still fit her. She was in a velveet copper dress and her hair was in a braid. Michael passed her matching cape from the closet and they were ready for the morning. They met Kate at the stables. She was glad to see them both.
''Good morning… Are you ready?''
''I sure am… I missed riding…''
''Then you will enjoy. We really have perfect estate for the morning rides.''
Michael was given a horse, Kate was already riding hers and now it was Francesca's turn to mount her horse. She didn't ride her often, but she would come every day to the stables and give her carrots or something, just so she wouldn't foget her.
''Hello, Clara… Long time… Let's make this enjoyable morning…''
She got on the horse and they started their ride. At first, they just rode very slowly and Kate was telling Michael some things about the paths or estate. When they got to the clearance, that is when the real ride started. Both Kate and Michael started riding pretty fast and jumping over hay stacks or old fences. Francesca followed slowly and actually enjoyed riding at her own pace. She enjoyed the fact that Michael left Kate in the dust. He was only member of the family that could beat her and there was a bit pride in Francesca and she knew Anthony would have a lot to tease his wife about. She even believed that the Viscountess herself would start food fight with her husband today… She couldn't wait for the family to learn about this. When they slowed down, she rode with them and then Kate had to go back to the house because of the baby. They rode alone for a moment and he even got Francesca to ride a bit faster than usual. When they came back to the house entire family was awake and on the way to breakfast. Anthony noticed that his wife didn't have her usual pep in the step so he was pretty sure that Michael beat her in the race. Part of him was glad, but he had to cover it up if he wanted to survive the day.
''How was the ride, Major?''
''It was amazing. Your estate is beautiful. I really had so much fun.''
Anthony turned to Francesca.
''And did you have fun?''
''Yes, I actually did. I might take morning rides from now on.''
''Well, I am glad you would. There is nothing like it. It helps me clear my head before I start my day and all the things that would cause me headache.''
Michael nodded and agreed.
''It helped me too when I was abroad. I would always find a place to ride.''
After breakfast they moved to the family room, with exception of Anthony. He had books to balance so he couldn't be with the family. Michael was playing cards with Hyacinth, Francesca and Eloise were chatting about something, Violet was doing her embroidery and Penelope was on the floor with Kate and baby Edmund. At one moment valet entered the room and came to Michael. There was an envelope on small tray. He took it a bit surprised and noticed his mother's seal. He looked at Francesca who looked at him a bit surprised.
''It's from my mother.''
She just nodded and waited for him to open it and see what is in it. When he opened the letter, there was another envelope wit Kilmartin seal. Now he was confused. He opened the letter and found it was from his aunt Janet. She was informing him (and his wife) that at the end of the next month John would be marring a woman from their estate. Francesca saw look in his eyes and it was clear to her that something was wrong.
''Michael, what is it?''
He gave her the letter and she read it. She was a bit surprised.
''Lord Kilmartin is getting married?''
''Yes…''
''Why are you angry?''
''Because of who her father is… That is a man who tricked my uncle and took part of the estate.''
''So, you think it is marriage so he would gain something from John?''
''Yes, so his grandson would be Lord of Kilmartin…''
''Oh…''
''And he would inherit our estate.''
''Why is he marrying her?''
''I think he has something over my cousin's head.''
''That is horrible.''
''It makes me mad… I feel like I could hit something…including my stupid cousin. I told him to try to get back that part of the estate…''
''Are we going to the wedding?''
''Yes, and I think we should leave as soon as possible. Maybe I could somehow prevent it from happening and get back that part of our estate.''
''Shall I ask them to pack our things?''
''Could you please? I think I need a minute alone… I don't want to say or do something to insult any member of your family or you. Just a minute…''
She nodded. He got up from the chair and kissed her forehead.
''Thank you, Frannie…''
He left the room and Francesca stayed with the letter in her hand. someone Michael said John was getting married… John was getting married…to someone else…to had terrible father and who is trying to get their hands on Kilmartin estate, that her husband loved deeply. She knew that Michael would not go without the fight and there would be some reckoning when they reach Scotland. She instructed their marids to pack them and in two hours, young couple was ready to travel to Scotland. They agreed that they would take breaks only when it is necessary and she said yes to that because she knew it mattered to him very much. It took them about twelve days to reach Kilmartin estate and Francesca fell in love with it right away. Janet and John were surprised to see young couple almost two weeks early, but they did show hospitality to them. Janet told them to sleep in the main house that night because Michael's cottage was not ready.
''It is a surprise to see you here, but you are just in time for family dinner with McDougals.''
''Aunt, how did he trick you this time?''
''Michael, watch it…''
''No, please, tell me…''
''Your uncle had a debt he didn't pay and marriage is a way for it to be forgotten.''
''And Kilmartin to go into that man's hands.''
''It's John's son's estate…''
''As soon as she marries him, John will not matter anymore and we both know it. He will control it, even more if the son is born.''
''Michael, that is enough. My son is capable of taking care of the estate…''
''I see that…''
With that Michal left the house and slammed the door… One of the maids came to Francesca.
''My Lady… Your rooms will be ready soon.''
''There is no need for two rooms. My husband and I share…''
Both Janet and John looked at her in surprise. They share?
''I see you got very comfortable with my nephew…''
''He is my husband Lady Kilmartin…''
''But sharing a room already?''
''We did from the very first day. My mother said it is the best for couple to get to know one another and becomes familiar.''
''I see… You are familiar with Michael…''
Francesca was done listening to jabs.
''Lady Kilmartin, I did nothing wrong. I share room and a bad of man who is mine in front of the God and people. Man, I married because you believed some gossip and didn't let me marry your son. So, any inappropriate comment toward me, my husband or our marriage, I will not tolerate. Yes, you ARE lady of the house and aunt to my husband, but I will not let you disrespect me or him. I am that man's wife and our union deserves respect. No matter what you think of me or lies you choose to believe.''
''So, you are still sticking to that story.''
''It is not story, it is true…''
''You were seen.''
''No, my cape was seen… Not me…''
''Same thing.''
''So, if I sneak out of the house in your cape and steal something, does that mean that you, Lady Kilmartin did it?''
''Michael believed you. I never expected him to be so naïve.''
''He is not… It took him five minutes to peace it all together. He knows who was in my cape… He knew since the night in the garden. I was at home Lady Kilmartin. I was playing my pianoforte in front of six members of my family… I couldn't have been outside. It was my sister Eloise who took my cape and went to see a boy she likes… I never did anything that could sabotage my marriage to your son. At that moment, I believed he was the best person possible for me and that he loves me. That the following day was beginning of our wonderful life together where we would be happy, we would love, laugh and enjoy our silent moments…. But he didn't' believe me and he shattered the idea I had of him.''
She turned to John.
''I was sitting with my family telling them how happy we would be and what we would do when I start living with you here. I was looking forward to our hikes, our time together and marriage to someone who I believed understood me. Now I see that it was all a lie Lord Kilmartin. If you really knew me, there wouldn't be a way for you to believe I did something like that… But you did believe it and you shattered all the images of our future I had… God sent your cousin my way to restore my faith in good men and men who stand by the women they choose… If you excuse me, I would like to be escorted to my chambers.''
Maid took Francesca to the bedroom on the opposite side of the rooms John was occupying and that were getting ready for the new Countess. She took off her cape and gloves and put them over the chair. Michael came soon after her and found her sitting in the window seat.
''Are you well?''
''I am, thank you… And you?''
''I will be…''
He came to her and kissed her hair. He looked through the window and smiled.
''Look at this beauty…''
''It is unreal…''
''I am glad you are here… Not so much for a reason we are here.''
''I want you to take me to your favorite places tomorrow.''
''I shall take you wherever you want Frannie…''
''Let's survive this dinner and then we shall make plans for tomorrow.''
He kissed her and they shared a very long kiss. It was interrupted by the knock on the door. A girl entered the room.
''I'm sorry… Lady Kilmartin sent me to help Lady Sterling to prepare for dinner.''
''Of course… ''
Michael kissed her and went to change himself.
Francesca got dressed in green dress and put on new emerald necklace and earrings her husband gave her as a wedding present. There was plenty of nice jewelry in their safe. Michael sometimes felt sad she would never get to use Kilmartin jewels and that they would end up in the hands of horrible woman like Josephine McDougal. Michael and Francesca were getting down the stairs when McDougal family arrived. Father looked rough and like bully. He was tall, but not taller than Michael and had light brown hair and beard. Josephine was short, plump and had very watery blue eyes. During the dinner she was unable to keep the conversation going and couldn't stop staring at Francesca. She knew who she was and probably kept comparing herself in her head to now Lady Sterling. John was very silent and complaining that he has a horrible headache. Duncan McDougal was trying to get John to sign marriage contract that was not working well for the Sterling family. Michael tried to get involved, but his aunt said it was between lord of the lands and his future father-in-law. He couldn't stand what was going on, so he excused himself and went upstairs.
''Your husband has a temper… He always had it… Watch out Lady Sterling.''
''I don't think he has a temper… He is just a good judge of characters Mr. McDougal.''
She got up from the table and gave him most polite smile.
''Excuse me.''
Francesca left the dining room and went to Michael. She was sure he needed her more than she needed to sit in that dining room. When she got in, he was sitting by the fire in a chair and just looking at it. She came to him and took a seat on the armrest.
''He is a horrible man.''
''My cousin will waste the estate that was in the family for years.''
''Let's hope he will be vise.''
'' I don't think so… We need a miracle to save it from this man.''
''You will think of something. Maybe tomorrow you can talk to John?''
''I don't know what to say without insulting him.''
She smiled.
''Maybe we could let it rest for tonight and tomorrow morning you could talk to him?''
''As you wish Lady Sterling.''
She kissed top of his head and went into their closet to remove her jewelry and clothes. She knew there was one way to calm him, but since she was on her cycle, she couldn't offer that sort of comfort, but she could just hold him and show him that she was there for him. They fell asleep soon after they got into the bed. They were too tired form their journey.
They were woken up around three in the morning by the scream.