Under The Moon And Stars

Chapter 6

Evie sat at her new vanity in her new home in London. The last two days had been a whirlwind of activity for Evie, and her head was still spinning a bit. Yesterday morning she and her mother, along with half the household's maids had left for London. Her father had left two weeks prior to get the house ready and begin hiring staff. The plan was for Edward, Harold and Alexandar to hire the male staff for the household while Evie and her mother would interview and hire the maids and kitchen staff upon their arrival. Her parent's maids and cooks would come to London and work there for the time being as there was no real work to do at home with the entire family away. Lucy was to stay on as Evie's personal maid and was the only member of the staff who would remain in London.

Evie had been nervous, and truthfully still was but she'd been mesmerized by London when they'd arrived. She'd never seen so many buildings and people in one place before. It was exciting and so alive! Evie was relieved to know that she was going to enjoy city life. There was so much to see and explore. Immediately upon arriving her mother got to work directing the staff where to go and her father introduced his family to the new employees he had hired. Evie couldn't remember all their names but knew with time she would. The entire first day revolved around getting the house settled. She'd been surprised, but realized she shouldn't have been, when shown her new bedroom. It was the one reserved for the lady of the house. Her parents were staying in one of smaller bedrooms for the time being.

Evie looked around at the immaculate room. It was bright and airy with large windows and decorated in shades of light blue silver. She had a huge four-poster bed with a canopy that rested on a soft blue rug. A pristine vanity sat against a wall. She had a huge fireplace and a sitting area with two chairs and small table. A writing desk sat in the far corner and next to it a large wardrobe. Her trunks had been brought up filled with all her new dresses and accessories. There was a door on the wall across from her bed and she realized it must connect to the room reserved for her husband. Evie took a quick intake of breath at the thought of a strange man coming through that door. Coming in to do things to her body that she hadn't done with Eric. She felt flushed and hoped her parents couldn't see it.

"Do you like it Evie," her mother asked? Your father and I had this room completely redecorated for you. I know you've always been partial to blue and silver complements it so well. What do you think?"

"I love it Mother. It's the most beautiful room I've ever seen. I was nervous about leaving home but I think London will feel like home in no time." Her mother and father nodded. "I'm sure it will, Evie," her father said. "Your mother and I love the quiet of home, but you've always been so curious and adventurous. I think you will fit in with London quite well. And Alexander is a good man. I've only met him a handful of times myself, but he is well educated and quite savvy. He's not only helped with his father's shipping business, but he's made it thrive even beyond what Harold has accomplished. He'll be an excellent provider, and you'll always be cared for."

"I'm sure you're right father," Evie replied. "Has he had any of his things brought over?" "No," her mother replied. "He also chose to have his bedroom here completely redecorated with new furniture, which had been completed. He'll have his personal things that are coming with him sent over and unpacked during the wedding and breakfast."

Abigail began walking towards the door. "Well, Evie, you have much to unpack so I will send Lucy and some other maids to help you. I'll also have a small meal sent up. Afterwards you can spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the house and getting settled in if you wish. We have no plans this evening as everyone is travel weary. Tomorrow morning, however, you and I will conduct interviews for household staff. And tomorrow evening my dear, we will have dinner with the Montgomery's and you will finally meet Alexander! I know you must be getting impatient and excited!" Abigail was all smiles when she finally walked out. Evie was impatient and excited but she was far more nervous than anything else.

And so it was, after all the hustle to unpack the day before followed by hours of interviews that morning, Evie was finally getting ready to meet her future husband. She was a bundle of nerves and had been counting on Lucy to be her usual perfectionist self. Unfortunately, Lucy seemed distracted and anxious. She'd forgotten to bring the towels and soaps up when Evie requested a bath. She'd dropped the hairbrush when brushing Evie's hair. Several times Evie looked at her to see that Lucy was just staring into space. But the worst came when Lucy pulled the dress Evie had picked for the evening out of the wardrobe and accidentally stepped on the hem, ripping it. Lucy burst into tears apologizing. Evie rushed to assure her that it was fine. The dress could be fixed, and Evie had so many beautiful new dresses that she would just pick something else. She then urged Lucy to sit down and relax.

Evie led Lucy to the table and chairs and helped Lucy sit. She then rang for Mrs. Spencer who was acting as head housekeeper until they went back to Surrey and her new hires moved in. She told Mrs. Spencer that Lucy was under the weather and asked if she could send a maid to help her finish dressing and also some tea. Helen arrived carrying the tea herself and set it on the table for Lucy who was still wiping away tears.

Helen was in her 40's and was incredibly efficient. She'd been with her parents since they married. She was married to one of the stable hands and had two daughters of her own. She helped Evie pick a dress, a pale peach colored silk with lovely beading, and after helping her into it had it laced up quickly. Afterwards she styled her hair, pinning it to the top of her head and curling the ends. She then added some ribbon, tying perfect bows. She then went through Evie's jewelry selecting a gold necklace for her. Before she left, Evie showed her the torn gown explaining how she'd foolishly ripped it while spinning with it in front of the mirror. Helen assured her she'd take it to their seamstress to be mended and then walked out the door.

Evie saw that she still had several minutes before she had to be downstairs, so she turned her attention to Lucy who had stopped crying but looked incredibly forlorn. She sat next to her before taking her hand and giving it a squeeze. "Lucy, what's wrong? I've never seen you like this before." Lucy had tears welling up in her eyes again. "Oh Miss Evie, it's nothing to burden you with. I'm just being foolish. Please, I'll be alright. I'm so sorry about tonight. I know more than anyone how nervous you've been, and I just made everything worse. I'm so sorry!" At that she burst into tears again.

Evie poured a cup of tea and encouraged Lucy to drink some of it. After a few sips, she calmed again. Evie tried to get her to open up one more time. "Lucy, it's alright. Look, I'm dressed in a beautiful gown, my hair is perfect and I'm going to meet my fiancé looking flawless. You don't need to worry about me. But I am very worried about you. Please tell me what is wrong."

Lucy sighed. "I'm being foolish, I know I am. But it's just that..." Lucy's breath caught but she finally blurted out, "I'm in love with Charles, and I miss him. We can't ever be married, and we'll never have a full life together, but half a life was still better than none at all. Charles though, he can't come to London. His father is ill and Charles spends his days off visiting and caring for him. And I can't ask to remain in your parent's household because nobody can find out about Charles and I being together. It's not that I'm not happy to continue my service with you, Miss Evie. You mean a great deal to me, and I enjoy being your lady's maid. It's just...I've loved two men in my life Miss Evie, and I've lost them both."

Evie stared at Lucy and couldn't believe she'd been so self-absorbed. How had it never occurred to her to ask Lucy if she even wanted to move to London? She'd known about Lucy and Charles's relationship, although she hadn't known that it went beyond physical. It didn't matter what she did and didn't know though. If Evie hadn't been so wrapped up in herself lately, she would have thought of asking Lucy if she wanted to continue in her service and leave Charles or if she'd want to stay behind. She needed to fix this.

"Lucy please don't be upset. I'll talk to my mother. I'll see to it that you go back to Surrey with everyone else. You and Charles won't be parted for more than two weeks." Lucy looked at her in shock. "No Miss Evie, you can't do that! I can't leave you now. You'll be getting married and you'll need me to help you settle in. Especially the first few days when you are adjusting to being a new wife."

"Lucy, it means the world to me that you are willing to stay just to help me. I know it's what you feel like you should do. But you need to go back to Charles. Your heart is with him and therefore the rest of you should be as well. I'll hire a new lady's maid, and you go back to the man you love. If anyone deserves happiness Lucy, it's you." Lucy impulsively wrapped her arms around Evie and held her tightly. "Thank you, Miss Evie."

Evie and her parents were finally in the carriage on their way to the Montgomery's. Evie was so nervous she couldn't stop fidgeting. Her parents must have noticed but they didn't say anything. She wished Natti were here. She'd begged her parents to ask about an invitation for him too. After all, he and his father were acquaintances of Harold and his wife Alice. But her parents refused. It was to be only family.

Natti had officially set up residence in London as well. He'd traveled to London a week before she did. Since his parents had traveled to and stayed in their London home quite often his home needed no work and was fully staffed. Natti's parents thought it was a wonderful idea for Natti to primarily live in London. Not only would he be more available to business ventures, but London had far more eligible young ladies now that Natti was of age to take a wife. But though he'd been in London for over a week, Evie had yet to see him.

Finally the carriage pulled up to the Montgomery's home and they were shown inside. Evie was a jumble of nerves; despite the bravado she had feigned for Lucy. Once inside the foyer they were greeted by Harold and Alice. Evie was introduced to Alexander's two younger sisters Margaret and Caroline but was told that Alexander would be down shortly. He'd arrived home later than expected and needed to change. Harold suggested that they wait for him in the parlor and so the group headed that way, Evie trailing behind. Suddenly the clasp on her necklace broke. Evie stopped to pick it up, but the others didn't notice and kept on their way. Looking at the necklace, she could see that it would need to be fixed by a jeweler. She was opening her reticule to put the necklace away when she heard Alexander's voice for the first time.

"You are even more beautiful than I dreamed." Evie turned towards the voice and her breath caught in her throat. Walking down the staircase was the most handsome man she had ever laid eyes on. His brown hair was so dark it was almost black. She couldn't see the color of his eyes yet, but he had dark perfectly shaped brows above them. His face was lit up with a smile so bright that it must have been created in Heaven itself. He had broad shoulders and a narrow waist. His legs looked muscular, even covered by his pants. Evie couldn't help but notice the slight bulge beneath his pants and felt her mouth begin to water.

She forced her eyes back to his face just as he reached her. Alexander stopped and took her hands in his. Evie felt a slight jolt at the contact. He was several inches taller than her, Evie coming up to the top of his chest. When she looked in his eyes she was taken aback for a moment, as they were the same shade of green as Eric's. But she didn't dwell on it for long, because she couldn't believe the two of them were together. It had been 12 years in the making, but they were finally here meeting face to face.

"You must be Evangeline. I am Alexander. My parents have described your beauty to me, but I confess I thought they exaggerated. It turns out they didn't do you justice."

Evie knew she was blushing, but she finally found her voice. "I'm delighted to meet you, Alexander. I've looked forward to this moment for a long time."

"As have I Evangeline," Alexander said before kissing both of her hands. "Where may I ask are our families?" Evie giggled. "They went to the parlor. I was following them when my necklace broke and I stopped to put it in my reticule."

"May I see the necklace," Alexander asked? "Yes, of course," Evie muttered pulling it out of the bag and handing it to him. Alexander regarded it noting the broken clasp. "I will take this to a jeweler and have it fixed." "Oh no," Evie said. "You don't have to bother with that; I can take care of it."

Alexander smiled down at her, "I know you could, but I am to be your husband, and I want to take care of you." Evie blushed again. "You are very kind," she said.

"I hope to always be seen as kind in your eyes. Now, Evangline, would you allow me to escort you to the parlor where we will join our families?" Evie took his offered arm. "Yes, you may. And you don't have to call me Evangeline. My family and friends call me Evie."

"Evie is a very sweet name. But, if it's acceptable to you, I'd like to call you Evangeline. Evangeline sounds like a name meant for royalty. And I promise you, for as long as you and I are together, you shall be my queen."

Evie smiled at him thinking he was teasing her. "You don't need to flatter me so much Alexander. But, yes, you may call me Evangeline. It'll be nice to hear my full name. I don't think anyone has ever used it before."

"Then I am honored to be the first." Alexander came to a stop and turned slightly to face her. "And I'm not flattering you, Evangeline. I wasn't sure what to expect tonight as I'm sure you weren't either. I've known for years that you were to be my wife, but you've always been a mystery to me. A stranger, I had no other connection with. I won't lie and say I haven't been nervous since my father told me that the marriage was moving forward. But when I saw you from the top of the stairs just now, my heart lurched in my chest. And when I took your hands in mine, I felt a jolt of energy. There is something between us. I feel it and I wonder, do you feel it too?"

Evie looked up at him, her heart pounding and her eyes shining. "Yes, I feel it too. That jolt when you touched me, my pounding heart. And I've felt everything these twelve years that you have. I was terribly nervous tonight, fearful that we wouldn't suit one another."

"And how do you feel now," Alexander asked? When Evie blushed and looked away Alexander continued. "If it puts you at ease let me tell you my feelings first. I think we will suit each other remarkably well." At that Evie answered softly, "Yes, I think we will too. I'm very happy to finally know you, Alexander."

"As am I Evangline. As am I." They gazed into each other's eyes for several seconds before Alexander seemed to remember that they needed to join their parents and began walking again. "And I meant what I said, Evangeline. I promise that as my wife, you shall be my queen."

At that they entered the parlor where the eyes of their families were immediately upon them. "There you are," Harold exclaimed. "When we realized Evie was no longer with our group I figured that you must have intercepted her, Alexander. It seems I was correct."

"I was just heading downstairs when I spotted Evangeline in the foyer. Honestly, I was relieved. Meeting ones fiancé for the first time already has the potential to be awkward. The only thing that could make it more so meeting them in front of both sets of parents and siblings. I was grateful to have the opportunity to both meet and speak with Evangeline alone."

Evie was relieved too. She was glad she'd been alone when she'd first seen Alexander at the top of the stairs. As long as she lived, she knew she'd never forget the way he'd looked as he'd walked towards her. It was engraved in her mind and her heart.

"Well, I must say that you two look good together. Such a striking couple," Abigail said with a wink to her daughter. "Yes, very striking," remarked Alice. "You'll be the envy of all of London."

Everyone laughed. Alexander looked at Evie and said, "Yes, 'striking,' is a good way to describe us. For I was stuck by Evangeline's beauty the moment I laid eyes on her." Evie knew she shouldn't be less than honest. "As I was by you Alexander."

"Then you are not disappointed, now that we've met," Alexander whispered. "No, I am not disappointed Evie replied. In fact I am the opposite." Evie and Alexander stared at one another lost for a moment in their eyes, much to the amusement of their families. Dinner was served shortly afterwards. Evie and Alexander were seated across from one another. Several times during dinner Evie caught Alexander staring at her with his beautiful smile.

His smile made her blush. That was the reaction he could see. Evie was grateful he couldn't see the other ways her body reacted to his attention. She could feel her nipples tightening beneath her dress while she was becoming wet and tingly down below. Thank goodness for the protection provided by her layers of clothes.

As the men dominated most of the conversation discussing business and reminiscing about their years at university, Evie began to imagine having Alexander between her legs. First his head licking her to climax the way Eric had. But Alexander, as her husband would go further. Evie tried to picture him, hard and ready for her. Getting ready to push his member inside of her where not even Eric had gone before. Evie shook her head, to try and rid her mind of such thoughts. They were highly improper at a formal family dinner. She looked up and around the table in order to see if anyone had noticed her lack of attention but fortunately no one was paying her any mind at the moment. All seemed well. Alexander must have just said something funny because everyone at the table laughed. Evie followed their lead and laughed too. She wished she knew what he had said and forced herself to forget her fantasies and focus on the dinner.

Far too soon it was time for Evie and her parents to head home. Alexander escorted Evie outside. Evie wished they could have some more time alone together. Tomorrow evening she would see him again at the opera, although once again their parents would also be in attendance. Alexander kissed her hand before helping her into the carriage. "I'll look forward to seeing you tomorrow night, Evangeline. Until then, sweet dreams." Then the carriage was off back to Evie's new home.

Soon enough Evie was back in her room and Lucy was up almost immediately. Her evening gown needed a second person to help her out of it. Evie told Lucy all about her evening describing in detail what Alexander looked like and everything they'd said to one another. "I'm so glad you like him Miss Evie," Lucy said. "And it sounds as though he is quite taken with you." "Oh Lucy, I more than like him. I'm not certain exactly what I feel, but I do know it's something I've never felt before."