Under The Moon And Stars

Chapter 13

With Alexander gone Evie was a bit at loose ends. She didn't know London well enough to know where to go to keep herself entertained. She didn't have the massive gardens that she had in Surrey to run around in. No stream for throwing stones or picnics. Wednesday would be her first time hosting tea, and she was looking forward to it immensely. Late morning on Tuesday she found herself sitting in the library practicing needlepoint when the butler came in to announce that Mr. Nathaniel Martin was requesting an audience with her. Evie's face lit up with joy, and she told the butler to show Natti to the library. When Natti came through the door, she launched herself at him, wrapping Natti in a giant hug. Surprisingly Natti barely touched her. He didn't wrap his arms all the way around her like he usually did. Instead he gave her a quick pat on the back before stepping back and she let go. Evie knew that in front of others they could no longer act as close as they once did. But they were alone and she didn't understand his hesitation towards her.

The hurt must have been evident on her face because she saw Natti begin to panic. "Evie, don't be upset. I didn't do that to hurt you. But you are a married woman now and if anyone were to see us embrace the way we once did rumors could start about your fidelity. This is London; there are a lot more people and with them a lot more gossip. You have an entirely new staff, and they don't know our history the way your parents' staff did, nor do they have the same loyalty yet. You must be careful here. I'm just protecting you."

Evie smiled in relief. Natti was right. She hadn't thought of any of that. But of course Natti had. Natti always thought of everything. "You always protect me, Natti."

"And I always will," he replied. "But I'd appreciate it if you didn't go out of your way to make it difficult for me." Natti smiled and Evie laughed. "I got your card. But I didn't want to disturb you during the weekend, and I had to meet with several associates yesterday. I got here as soon as I could." He moved to sit in a chair and Evie sat on the loveseat where they had sat together before her wedding, when he'd given her the perfume. She blushed at the memory of other things from that day. She turned her attention back to Natti, who said, "How have you been Evie? Is Alexander treating you well?"

He seemed so serious about this question that Evie was surprised. She smiled broadly and said, "Oh yes, Natti. He is very good to me. He promised before we married that I would be his queen, and he's kept his promise."

Natti nodded. "You look happy Evie. You're glowing."

Evie blushed again. "I think being married suits me, Natti. I love being a wife. Although I feel awful. I realized when I came to your home on Friday that I hadn't seen you in almost two weeks. I shouldn't have neglected you for that long. I'm sorry."

Natti laughed. A loud boisterous laugh that immediately set her at ease. "Oh Evie, do you think I expected to see you the first week of your marriage? Because I didn't. And it's the same reason that I didn't come over to visit you. That was time for just you and Alexander. Believe me, if I ever marry, the only person in the world besides my wife who will even have a chance of seeing me that first week will be you. And even then, it would need to be an emergency." They both laughed. "So please promise me that you won't spend another minute worried about my feelings."

"Alright Natti, I won't." Just then a maid came in to announce luncheon. "Would you like to stay and eat with me, Natti?"

Natti smiled, "I'd love to Evie." So they had luncheon and chatted like they always did. Even though Natti left once he was finished, Evie felt better after his visit. Much less lonely.

She hosted tea the next day and had a wonderful time. She was very happy to have made friends with Eleanore and Cathy. The two ladies made plans again for the following day. They were appalled that Evie hadn't explored London yet and said that they would take her around on Thursday for sightseeing and shopping.

Her day out had been amazing and exactly what she needed. She'd found a bookstore, a dress shop, and many other stores that appealed to her. At least now when Alexander had to leave, she had places to go even if she was alone. Alexander returned late Friday afternoon, and he spent that night and most of the weekend showing her how much he'd missed her.

Two Months Later

Evie was lying in her bed taking a nap when the sound of footsteps loudly running up the stairs and the hallway woke her up. Alexander threw open her door and, seeing her awake, strode quickly to the bed. Evie could tell by the light in the room that it was midafternoon, so she was surprised to see Alexander this early. Before leaving London for business again, he'd told her he'd most likely be home Friday after dinner. She sat up and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Alexander, you're home. I missed you so much." She kissed him as he held her tenderly in his arms.

Alexander studied her face. "I came home early because I missed my wife and needed to be with her. But when I arrived home just now, I was informed that you have been ill and even went to the doctor. And here you are lying in bed. What's wrong, darling? What did the doctor say?"

Evie smiled and kissed him again. "He said that in a few months you are going to be a father."

Alexander's eyes got wide and then his smile lit the entire room. "You're going to have a baby? My beautiful Evangeline is going to be a mother! I can hardly believe it. It happened so fast." This time it was Alexander who initiated a kiss.

"It may seem rather fast," Evie said, "but considering how often we do the action that creates babies we shouldn't be surprised." They both laughed and Alexander kissed her again, sweetly and tenderly.

"How are you feeling, Sweetheart," Alexander asked? "Are you feeling ill right now?"

Evie shook her head. "I feel fine now. Three days in a row I woke up with an upset stomach, and I'd get sick after eating breakfast. Mrs. Dougles, the cook, found out and was worried it was her food. She came to speak with me yesterday about it and I told her all my symptoms. Mrs. Dougles is a mother and grandmother, so she knew almost immediately. She told me to go to the doctor just to be sure. I saw him this morning and he confirmed it. We're going to have our first child."

Evie kissed him again, gently at first, but soon passion took over and she was falling back onto the bed pulling Alexander with her. He lay on top of her for a moment enjoying the feel of her body under his, when he lifted his head and said, "Are you certain you want to do this now? I understand if you aren't up for it."

Evie ran her hands through his dark, thick hair. "Yes, I want to do this and right now. There will of course be times when I won't feel well enough and I'll be honest with you when I'm not. But when I am feeling perfect, I intend to take every advantage."

Evie kissed him deeply and passionately. Alexander pulled away to start kissing her neck. Evie sighed loving the feel of his lips on her. "When the doctor confirmed the news, I asked him if it was safe to continue being intimate with you."

Alexander stopped kissing her for a moment to look her in the eye. "You didn't," he said with a laugh.

Evie laughed too. "Oh I most certainly did. He was shocked at my boldness. But I needed to know."

Alexander smirked, "I would have loved to see the look on his face." Then he began kissing her neck again.

"Mmmmm," Evie said, "That feels amazing. Everything you do to me feels amazing." Alexander then moved from her neck to the top of her chest kissing her bare skin until he was met with the top of her nightgown. Evie wasted no time. She pushed Alexander slightly so he would sit up. She then grabbed the hem of her nightgown and pulled it off over her head. Alexander followed her lead, jumping off the bed to discard his clothing before climbing back on. Alexander continued where he left off, kissing down her chest until he made contact with her right breast. He took her nipple into his mouth and sucked on it gently. "Oh Alexander. Oh you know how much I love that." Alexander continued to suckle on her right nipple before he switched to her left giving it the same attention and causing Evie to grow wet down below.

Alexander kissed down her chest to her belly and continued until his mouth made contact with her clit. "Mmmm, oh yes, my love." Alexader kissed and sucked on her clit causing Evie to quiver and tremble. She ran her hands through his hair while moaning in pleasure. When she reached her peak she held tight to his hair, squirming and writhing while calling out his name and soaking his face. When her body finally came to a rest on the bed Alexander looked up at her and asked if she needed to rest or wanted to continue. "I need you inside of me Alexander. Please don't stop now." Alexander crawled on top of her once again, lined his cock up with her opening and slowly pushed in.

Alexander pumped into her at a steady pace while kissing Evie's forehead and cheeks. Evie wrapped her arms around his neck and held him close. She loved the way her husband felt inside of her and his lips on her body. She smiled when his lips returned to her neck and wrapped her legs around his waist. For several minutes, they remained just like that. Making love slowly and sensually, enjoying the closeness and feel of one another.

Eventually, Evie asked Alexander to roll on his back. He smiled and indulged her. Evie climbed on top facing away from him. This was a favorite position for them both. Evie began to ride him, slowly at first and gradually increasing her speed. She felt amazing bouncing and grinding on her husband. Alexander, knowing what she loved, reached around her, cupping a breast in each hand. When he flicked her nipples it sent shockwaves through her body and she knew she was going to have a second climax. In response she cupped and massaged Alexander's balls causing him to gasp and groan. He started thrusting his hips to assist her movements.

Evie bounced faster and Alexander pumped harder each trying to satisfy the other's urgent need. Alexander continued to flick Evie's nipples and her body grew hot. Evie massaged and tickled Alexander's balls. With her orgasm just out of reach Evie touched her clit. That little bit of contact was all it took. Evie threw her head back, her long golden hair tickling Alexander's stomach. She shouted and shrieked as the thunderous wave of pleasure roared through her. Alexander followed, releasing himself as soon as Evie found her pleasure. He held onto her hips as he pumped inside of her sighing and groaning in relief.

Once they both had stilled, Alexander moved his hands from her hips to her still flat stomach. He then pulled her back very carefully until she was lying on her back and he rolled to his side next to her. He then put his hand back on her stomach lightly running his fingers over her. "I love you Evangeline," Alexander said smiling at her. "I love you too," she replied.

During the next few days Evie wrote to her parents and Lucy to tell them the good news. She told Eleanore and Cathy over tea on Wednesday. On Thursday she decided to call on Natti if he was home to share the news with him. For some reason she was nervous about telling Natti she was pregnant. She wasn't sure why. Things had changed between them just as she had known they would. They no longer spent every day together. Being in London meant that Natti worked a lot more as he was there to handle things in person instead of corresponding from Surrey. And with Evie being married, it was no longer appropriate to spend all their free time together. Still, they had managed to carve out time for one another. Natti usually called on her at least once a week and she would try to call on him once a week as well. Fortunately, even though they saw each other less, the way they felt about one another hadn't changed. Natti still was and always would be her best friend. They shared a history and a bond that couldn't be easily broken.

But things were about to change again. Evie was going to be a mother and that was going to take priority over everything else. As much as she loved Natti, she knew this could create distance between them. She just hoped she was wrong. Evie knocked on the door and was informed that Natti was home. They led Evie into the parlor where she waited for him. Natti had informed his staff that Evie was always allowed in if he was home. She took a seat and was waiting patiently when Natti walked in smiling at her like he always did. She stood and he kissed her hand, his new greeting for her. "Evie, I'm thrilled to see you. This week has been rough. I've had one meeting after another. I actually just got home myself about thirty minutes ago. I'm sorry I never managed to visit you this week. Tomorrow, I have nothing, so I'd planned to call on you then. I've been worried about you since you told me last week that you'd been sick. How are you feeling?"

Evie looked at Natti noting that he wasn't lying about being worried about her. She could see the concern on his face. She hoped the news would put his mind at ease but knowing Natti, he would probably worry about her for the duration of her pregnancy. "I'm feeling better now Natti. Mornings are still difficult for me and will most likely remain so for a while." She took one of Natti's hands in her own. "I'm with child Natti. I'm going to have a baby." Natti looked positively shocked for a moment. His face went pale and he didn't say anything for several seconds. Then he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. When they opened again the shock had been replaced with excitement.

"That's incredible news! I'm so happy for you Evie. Is Alexander excited?"

Evie nodded, "Yes he's excited. He's a lot calmer about it than I am, but I can tell he's happy."

Natti laughed. "I'm not sure how you can be calm when your wife is carrying your baby. But then again, I'm not in his situation so what do I know?"

Evie squeezed his hand. "I hope you meet someone Natti. I know you want a wife and children one day."

Natti shrugged. "Maybe one day. But today is not about me. It's about you and the baby. I know you have Alexander and a houseful of servants but if you need anything at all just send me a message and I'll make sure I get it for you. I promise."

Evie almost cried. She knew Natti meant that from the bottom of his heart. "Thank you Natti. I know I can always count on you." She looked at Natti closely and saw that his spectacles were smudged. She pulled a handkerchief from her reticule then took his spectacles off his face with the intention to clean them. She wiped them quickly, but when she went to put them back she noticed it looked like tears were in his eyes that he refused to let fall. "Natti are you ok," she asked?

Natti immediately put the spectacles back on and said, "I'm just surprised Evie. But surprised in the best way. I'm very happy for you. You're going to be a fantastic mother."

Evie smiled, "Thank you Natti."

Natti nodded at her. "I wanted you to have everything you'd ever dreamed of. And now you do. I couldn't be happier for you. I mean it."

Evie smiled, "I know Natti, and that's why I adore you."