Cotton & Lace

Family Gathering

I tiptoed back up the stairs and to the door of Andrew's bedroom. I sucked in a deep breath in order to compose myself before slowly opening the door. I expected him to be fast asleep and so I was startled to see him hunched over his writing desk. As I fully stepped into the room he looked up over his reading glasses and ran his fingers through his hair.

"You are up late." He said sternly.

"I..I just needed some tea." I said. It wasn't completely a lie since I did start out with a cup of tea. That is until Reed appeared.

I felt my body tingle at the thought of what just happened in the coat closet.

I pulled off my robe and hung it beside the bed and then climbed into the bed and under the covers, pulling them up to my chest. I closed my eyes and tried to fall asleep in this unfamiliar bedroom.

*******************************************

When I woke Andrew was already gone. I got up and began getting ready to go downstairs to greet his family.

As I opened the bedroom door I could hear multiple voices talking and laughing. I went downstairs and saw his parents and younger siblings standing in the foyer hugging and kissing Andrew. His siblings ran to me as I stepped off the bottom step and hugged me. His mother pulled me close and kissed my cheek. His father nodded in my direction. We completed the usual small talk of "how was your travels?" "Did you sleep okay?" Etc. Andrew escorted everyone outside to the patio where tea and finger sandwiches were waiting. The adults took a seat to enjoy their tea and such while the children immediately ran to the yard to begin playing. The afternoon was filled with Andrew and his parents catching up while I idly sat answering any questions directed at me and adding in a few smiles and forced laughs. But my mind was elsewhere. It was on Reed and how I couldn't stop thinking about him and when the next time that we would be together.

The day soon faded to night and after dinner everyone went to their rooms. I knew tonight that I would have to be on my best behavior as to not raise suspicions. So I retired to Andrew's room with him shortly behind me. We both climbed into bed and quickly fell asleep.

The next few weeks went by slowly and painfully as I only wanted to be with Reed. At breakfast, Andrew's mother announced that she wanted to host a ball in honor of their arrival. Andrew and I agreed to this since what other choice did we have. We sent our staff to her for planning and allowed her complete control over the ball.

During dinner his mother spoke mostly of the plans for the ball. I was thankful for this topic as opposed to the many other nitpicking topics she typically chose. I went along with anything she said, remaining polite as I quietly wished for all of this to quickly end so that my life could go back to normal.

After dessert the children were sent to bed and the adults were served coffee. We sat drinking coffee while having casual conversation and I knew this would soon be over and I could go to bed. Sleep was the only thing I looked forward to now as each passing night meant one more day closer to Reed. That is until his mother asked the dreaded question.

"When are you going to give me a grandchild?" She said, peering at me with a playful tone. But I knew this tone of voice was only a facade to cover the real intention of her question. Why was I not able to give her a grandchild. I looked at Andrew in hopes of any clue of what to say, but he sat with a stone face.

"We wanted to enjoy our first year of marriage together before trying after our anniversary." I said sweetly. Andrew looked content with this answer but added nothing.

"I see." She said. I hoped it would end here but I knew it wouldn't.

"People are beginning to talk, you know." She said with a raised eyebrow.

Andrew took my hand and patted it gently as he said "mother! No need to worry! We will give you plenty of sweet babies soon enough!"

I sighed with relief as I knew she would not argue with her beloved son.

We soon dispersed and everyone went to bed.

Once inside Andrew's bedroom I had every intention of quickly getting into bed and going to sleep, but Andrew grabbed my arm spinning me to face him.

"While I enjoy our contract and the freedoms of galavanting around town without you nagging me, I also understand that my husbandly duties and that at this time my manhood is now in question." He said in a hushed but harsh tone.

I felt the heat rise to my cheeks, knowing what this meant but still not wanting to commit. I had become comfortable in the way things were. Even before Reed. But now, I didn't want to be touched by anyone else, and I especially did not want to have a baby with Andrew.

"I know.." I said meekly.

"How would you like to handle this situation?" I asked.

He looked at me, pondering the question before responding.

"After my family's departure, we will consummate our marriage and try for a baby." He said matter of factly.

I nodded at this sort of death sentence I was now faced with.

Divorce was unheard of and was really only granted to those whose husband's disappeared for one reason or another. Otherwise, if you had a terrible husband, you only hoped he would go off to war only to never return. I knew Andrew would not go to war, not with a successful business at his fingertips. I also knew that if I ran away, it would mean never being allowed back into society as I am now and also severing all ties with my family and the luxuries that had been provided to me. While I knew Reed would protect me, I couldn't help but wonder how he would care for me. Would we just live on the back side of overgrown properties? Would we skip from town to town? I allowed myself to dive into these questions as we readied for bed and I drifted into a sleep.

The following day the house was alive with the staff prepping for the ball that would be held later this evening. I briefly considered sneaking away to see Reed but feared with as many family members in the house today, someone would see me, so I did not dare tempt my fate.

Instead I made myself available to help where I was needed.

Evening soon approached and Isla helped dress me for the ball. I had chosen a royal blue silk gown with short lace gloves. Isla pulled my hair back allowing for a cascade of curls down my back. She dabbed my face with some faint rogue and I was soon on my way to greet the incoming guests with Andrew.

We stood at the door greeting guests as they arrived. A nod and handshake from Andrew and a slight bow and smile from me. This continued, one guest after the next monotonously. Until I saw a face I never expected to see here.

It was Reed.