Under The Moon And Stars

Chapter 7

The following night at the opera wasn't anything extraordinary. Evie and Alexander had no time alone together. She met two of his business associates and their wives. Evie felt a thrill when Alexander introduced her as his fiancé. That word held a different meaning to her now. While the men talked business Evie got to know the wives, Eleanore and Cathy. She was very happy to find that as far as first impressions were concerned, she liked them both very much. By the time the performance was about to begin, and it was time to take their seats Evie had invited them both to tea later in the week.

The performance was good although Evie realized she wasn't much of an opera enthusiast. The best part about the night was when the show began and Alexander took Evie's hand and held it throughout the entire show. Even with her gloves on she could feel the warmth of his skin, the heat sending tremors up her arm. Evie felt desire begin to swell in her body. She wanted to feel his body pressed against hers, but even more than that she wanted to feel his lips on her lips.

Despite her time with Eric, Evie had never kissed a man before. Kissing had not been part of their relationship. But now Evie found herself wishing for it more than anything. As they left the opera house, she hoped that he would pull her aside and kiss her in some quiet corner, but it wasn't to be. Alexander helped her into the carriage kissing her hand like he did the night before. But he gave her hand one last squeeze and winked at her before closing the door.

Evie was disappointed that Alexander had to be at his office for the next few days, and she probably wouldn't see him again until their next social event. She would spend the week with her parents and begin training the new staff members on the ins and outs of the home. Evie remembered that she needed to discuss the Lucy situation with her mother and she brought it up the next morning after breakfast. She explained to her mother that Lucy had lived in Surrey her entire life and didn't feel that London was a good fit for her but wanted to stay employed by her parents if possible. Surprisingly her mother was thrilled with the news. Apparently, her mother's personal maid, Sylvia, had told her mother of her plans to retire once Evie's wedding was over and her mother had managed to hire someone else. Abigail suggested that Lucy become her lady's maid and she would assist Evie in hiring one for herself.

When Evie told Lucy the news Lucy hugged her in gratitude and thanked her profusely. Later, however, when they discussed the specifics with Abigail, Lucy surprised her by asking if she might help conduct the interviews as well as stay an extra week with Evie to help her settle in after her marriage. Abigail thought both ideas were brilliant, so it was settled.

The best part of the day, though, was when Natti came to call on her. As soon as she found out he was there Evie went running into the foyer and threw herself into his arms. Natti picked her up and spun her around before reluctantly putting her back down. Evie stared into Natti's beloved face and felt a pang knowing that things were changing at an alarming pace. Already they had moved from their childhood homes where life seemed to move more slowly, and they spent their days in sunshine and nature.

Now they lived in the hustle of the city surrounded by people and business. She and Natti were now on different streets instead of connecting properties. No more could they run from one house to the other and spend their days picnicking by the stream. And once she was married things would change irrevocably. Her husband and future children would be her main priority and like it or not Natti would become a secondary character in her life. But for right now they were together and Evie couldn't wait to tell him all about Alexander.

Evie took Natti's hands and said, "I'm so glad you're here. Come with me to the library and I'll tell you all about Alexander." Natti wrapped his arm around his shoulders as they walked through the house. "So, after all this time you've finally met your elusive fiancé," Natti said with a smirk. "Yes! I have," Evie said while opening the library door and ushering him inside. They walked over to the loveseat and sat next to each other. "So," Natti said getting right to point, "tell me everything."

Evie couldn't hide her excitement. "Oh Natti, he's amazing and incredibly handsome." Natti flinched a bit at that. The motion was so small that if Evie wasn't so aware of Natti she never would have noticed. Evie wished she could kick herself. She loved Natti's face but knew others didn't find him handsome. He'd never acted insecure around her, so it hadn't occurred to her that talking about how handsome Alexander was would hurt him. But after just a few seconds, Natti smiled at her and said, "Well go on." Instead of describing Alexander's appearance to Natti in detail, Evie decided simply to tell the story of how they first met in his parent's foyer and everything that had transpired since. She told him about the words they had spoken to one another and how they had held hands at the opera.

"And when our hands touch Natti, we both feel the same jolt of heat. There is something between us Natti. Something unexpected but remarkable." Natti looked away for a moment when she was done talking but quickly turned back to face her with a smile. "I'm delighted to hear that, Evie. You know I've been very worried about you and this engagement. So, it does my heart good to hear you joyful and excited about it. I hope you will have a happy life with him. It's all I want for you."

"For you too Natti. I truly hope that you will fall in love and marry someday too. We can raise our children together. They'll be best friends just like we are." Natti raised an eyebrow at that. "Are you falling in love, Evie?" Evie's eyes widened at that. That's not what she'd meant when she'd spoken the words to Natti but with a sudden clarity she realized the truth of them. "Yes, Natti." She suddenly giggled. "Yes, I suppose I am."

"Then everything has worked out for the best. I was ready to kidnap you and take you far away from here if I'd come to find you scared and miserable. I'm glad I don't have to resort to such drastic measures." They both laughed at that. "Anyway, wait here just a moment. I have a gift for you that I left in the foyer." Natti left but returned a moment later carrying a small gift. "For you," Natti said returning to sit beside her. "Awwwww...Is this an engagement present," Evie asked?

"It is if you want it to be," Natti replied. But as she tore off the paper and opened the box he continued, "But it's really a, 'because I promised,' gift." Evie reached into the box and pulled out a beautiful crystal vial filled with a light brown liquid. She removed the cap and smelled the most stunning perfume. It smelled exactly like the gardens at her home in Surrey. It wasn't just the scent of one flower but several. It instantly took Evie home and tears formed in her eyes.

She put the vial down on the small table and wrapped her arms around Natti. "Thank you! Thank you so much! Not only is that the sweetest smelling perfume I've ever smelled, but it reminds me of home." Natti returned her hug saying, "That's why I picked that one. I went to several shops searching for just the right one. When I found this, I knew it was perfect. It smelled just like the gardens at your home." Evie crawled onto Natti's lap and hugged him even closer. She always felt so cherished in his arms. Nobody knew her like Natti. Nobody but Natti would take the time to shop for the perfect perfume for her not to mention know exactly what scent to pick.

Before long, however, Evie realized that sitting on Natti's lap was no longer appropriate now that she was officially engaged. She needed to let go and stand up. She needed to, but she didn't want to. Instead, she found herself becoming aroused and wanting to kiss him. This had happened before, of course, and the first time had sent her running to Eric's cottage. Just last night she'd felt the same urges with Alexander, albeit not nearly as strong. But she hadn't been pressed against Alexander's body. She hadn't had her head on his shoulder. Alexander hadn't just given her the most thoughtful gift she'd ever received.

She let go of Natti and stood up. She needed to stop this. It wasn't fair. She didn't want to confuse Natti, and she certainly didn't want to betray Alexander. Although the truth was that Evie was beyond confused by her body's response. Fortunately, Natti didn't seem to notice that anything was amiss. She picked up the perfume again. "I love it Natti. It's the perfect gift. I'll think of you whenever I wear it." Natti nodded. "You're welcome. I'm glad you love it." He stood and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "But I better be going. I have a business meeting I need to get too." Evie took his arm and walked him to the door. Natti put his hat on and was heading out when Evie asked if he was still planning to attend the dance at the Montgomery's on Saturday.

"Of course I'll be there. You'll officially be announcing your engagement, am I correct?" Evie blushed, "Yes that's the plan." Natti looked at her with tenderness. "Then I wouldn't miss it. Goodbye until then Evie." "Goodbye, Natti. See you soon!" The moment she closed the door behind him Evie ran to her room shutting and locking the door. She was so embarrassed and angry with herself. Alexander was to be her husband. He was the man she was falling in love with. She had no business feeling aroused by Natti or any other man. She hadn't felt that way since her last night with Eric. She'd been so busy; every day a whirlwind. Alexander certainly stirred something in her both last night and when they'd met, but those had been sparks compared to the fire she'd felt with Natti just now.

Lucy had told her that desire was normal. The more Evie thought about it the more she was convinced the stirrings were just lust. Probably brought on due to not being satisfied lately and not because of her feelings for Natti. She couldn't wait for these next couple of weeks to go by until she was married. She needed Alexander more than he could ever realize.

Evie decided to rest on her bed for a bit. Hopefully it would calm her body down and she could think clearly again. While lying there her thoughts drifted to Eric. Eric whose tongue could bring her to heights of pleasure that were unimaginable. She felt a strong throbbing in the same spot where Eric had always focused most of his attention. Evie suddenly had the urge to touch herself there. She wasn't sure why, but maybe the pressure of her finger would help relieve her yearnings.

Evie pulled up her dress and slowly slipped her hand down to her mound and touched the throbbing bump that pulsed with need. "Oh my," Evie whispered to herself when instead of easing her desire the contact sent shocks throughout her body. Evie began to make small circles with her finger applying pressure and then easing as her body directed. She started panting and her entire body began to heat. She could feel herself getting increasingly worked up just as she had when Eric would lick and kiss her. Evie was amazed that she could make herself feel this way. She kept rubbing herself wondering if she could take herself to that unbelievable bliss.

She started rubbing faster, applying pressure increasingly often. "Uhh, Uhh, Uhh," Evie squirmed and began to thrash on the bed. She could feel it coming, excitement shooting through her. She was almost there, just a little faster. Evie's toes curled and her body braced. "Oh! Ahhh!" Evie squealed as her orgasm overtook her body, seeming to touch every nerve. It ran through her, taking her to the heights of ecstasy. Evie's head thrashed back and she thrusted her chest up. When she came back down Evie smiled and ran her other hand through her hair. She'd had no idea. No idea that she could do this. That she could bring herself to climax. Truthfully, she wasn't quite as satisfied as she always had been with Eric. But it would certainly help her through the next several days before her wedding. Evie let out peaceful sigh before drifting to sleep. It couldn't come soon enough.