Under The Moon And Stars

Chapter 8

The week seemed to drag on, but there were a couple of highlights. Evie along with her mother and Lucy conducted interviews for a new lady's maid. They eventually decided on a young woman named Ruth. Ruth was in her mid 20's and had been working as a housemaid for another household. She would sometimes fill in as a personal maid for the lady of the house when her regular one was ill or needed time off. Unfortunately for Ruth the family had decided to go abroad, and she needed a new position. Her references were excellent and both Lucy and Abigail thought she'd make a good fit for Evie. Evie agreed and Ruth was told she could move into the home whenever she wanted and Lucy would begin training her. Ruth said that her current family would be leaving the week of Evie's wedding so she would return at that time.

Evie had Cathy and Eleanore for tea, and they were just as kind as Evie hoped. The two of them had been friends since childhood. They'd met Alexander a couple of years earlier through their husbands and told her that they were thrilled to see him getting married. Cathy said she could see how terribly smitten Alexander was with her at the opera. Eleanore agreed and mentioned how often Alexander would glance at her even when speaking to someone else. Before leaving they told her how excited they were to attend her wedding the following week. Evie said she looked forward to seeing them there, too embarrassed to admit she'd had no idea they were invited. Her parents and Alexander's had made the guest list.

Now it was finally Saturday and Evie couldn't wait to see Alexander again. For tonight's dance Evie picked a gown of lavender satin with white rosettes on the hem. She wore long white gloves, and Lucy styled her hair with white rosettes that matched the gown. Tonight, it would become official. The Montgomery's were hosting this dance to formally announce the engagement of their son to Evie. After tonight there would be no turning back.

She was incredibly nervous. She knew she wanted to marry Alexander but as she dabbed on the perfume Natti had given her, she couldn't help thinking about her last interaction with him. She felt incredibly guilty which honestly didn't make sense. She felt no guilt for the time she spent with Eric, and they had done things she knew no one would approve of. If Alexander found out, he would very likely call off the engagement. But even though her parents had arranged the marriage for her, Evie hadn't felt engaged. It was before they even met and Evie had made certain to remain a virgin. Lastly, as charming as Alexander was, instinct told her that she was not the first woman to catch his eye. Whatever his past, it would stay there as would hers.

But with Natti, somehow it just felt different. Maybe because the feelings he'd invoked within her happened after she'd met and committed to Alexander in her heart. Her only solace was that nothing had actually happened. She'd controlled herself and Natti was none the wiser of her physical desire. Therefore, she hadn't hurt anyone. Alexander hadn't been betrayed except in Evie's mind. She needed to spend more time with Alexander. Other than those few short moments in the foyer, they hadn't been alone together. Fortunately, they would be married next week. This party was just a formality. The wedding was already planned; invitations were already sent. Tonight would mainly serve to introduce her to others. After one more glance in her mirror Evie made her way downstairs and then outside and climbed in the carriage.

Evie was delighted to see Alexander waiting outside for her to arrive. He helped her out of the carriage and taking her arm, led her into his home. "You are breathtaking this evening. I can hardly believe you are real." Alexander smiled down at her making her pulse quicken. It always came when he touched her. Sparks and tingles started where their hands touched and traveled throughout her body. "I've missed you this week, Evangeline. I've been counting the days." "I have too Alexander," she replied. "This week seemed to go on forever. I couldn't wait for tonight."

"I'm very glad to hear it," Alexander said right before his sisters came running up to tell Evie how much they loved her dress. Evie and Alexander spent a couple of minutes speaking to them before moving into the ballroom. Once there they were flooded with Alexander's friends and associates swarming to meet her. Coming from a country estate with parents who never hosted parties, it was overwhelming for Evie to have that many people vying for her attention. Alexander seemed to notice and kept his right arm on the small of her back. It gave her comfort and she loved that he was already aware of her feelings.

Finally she saw a face approaching that she recognized. Natti had arrived and was making his way towards them. Despite her guilt and confusion about what had happened to her the last time she saw him, there was still no one else she would rather be with. Well, other than Alexander. Natti approached with his parents, George and Maude. Both said hello to her, Maude wrapping her in a quick hug. George shook Alexander's hand and thanked him for the invitation. "We are very excited for the two of you," George said. "I've known both your parents for years and I remember when Edward told me about the marriage agreement he'd made. You two will make a fine couple."

"You're a lucky man, Mr. Montgomery," Maude said. We've known Evie since she was a baby. I can't tell you how often she was at our house playing with our son, Nathaniel. I'm sure I'll cry at the wedding as much as her mother."

"I can see how lucky I am, Mr. and Mrs. Martin. Evangeline is a treasure, and I can't wait until she is my wife." George and Maude gave congratulations again before moving on and Natti walked up. Evie smiled and, out of habit, was about to reach for a hug when she stopped herself. That wouldn't be appropriate. Not here. Not with her fiancé standing right next to her with his hand on her back. Natti must have noticed because he covered her movement by quickly grabbing her hand and kissing it like a gentleman should. "Evie, you look lovely tonight," he said smoothly.

"Thank you, Natti," Evie said demurely. "Allow me to introduce my fiancé, Alexander Montgomery."

"An honor to meet you," Natti said, putting out his hand to shake Alexander's. "I'm Nathaniel Martin, Evie's neighbor and friend growing up."

"Oh," Alexander said. "I must have misunderstood. I could have sworn Evangeline just addressed you as Natti."

"I do call him Natti," Evie explained. "It's a nickname from way back when I was learning to talk. I couldn't pronounce Nathaniel and I called him 'Natti.' It stuck." Evie grinned at the memory.

"Oh, I see," Alexander said. "Well, it's nice to meet you, Nathaniel. I'm sure you'll understand if I address you as such," he teased.

"Of course," Natti said, Evie is the only one who calls me 'Natti.' It was nice to meet you, Alexander," then with a nod to Evie, he walked away.

Almost immediately afterwards Harold stood up saying that he wanted to make an announcement and gestured to Alexander and Evie to join him. They walked over and stood next to Harold, Alice, Edward, and Abigail. Alexander held her hand and gave it a squeeze. Harold looked at his friends and said, "I know this comes as no surprise to most of you. Many of you have known about this arrangement for years. Still, words cannot express how happy we are that this joyous occasion is finally upon us. My friends, I would like to introduce to you my son, Alexander Montgomery and his beautiful fiancé Evangeline Campbell."

The room exploded with applause. Alexander and Evie smiled, joy evident on both their faces. Evie's eyes met Natti's in the crowd, and he smiled and nodded at her. Evie noticed that it wasn't his usual merry smile. It was a bit sad and wistful but resolute. Evie could understand. Things were changing and they were changing fast. But they would adapt. She knew they would.

After the official announcement the music began. The musicians chose a waltz for the first dance. Alexander took her hand and led her to the dance floor. Evie noticed that they were the only two dancing. Everyone else stood around watching them. She didn't think too much about it, however, because she was finally in Alexander's arms. He spun her around the dance floor holding her close. They didn't speak, just stared into each other's eyes. Evie loved to dance and Alexander was a wonderful partner. He was graceful and yet took the lead with ease. Just as the dance was ending Alexander asked, "Are you happy Evangline?" Evie answered honestly, "This all feels like a dream Alexander. A dream that I never want to wake up from. Yes, I am very happy." The music ended and once again there was applause. Alexander escorted her off the dance floor as another tune began.

Evie danced with many partners that night. She danced with her father, Harold, and George. Beyond that she danced with several men who were friends of her father's as well as Alexander's and his family. Eventually Natti walked up and asked for a dance. She readily agreed and he walked her to the dance floor as another waltz was starting. "You look stunning tonight, Evie. Truly stunning. And I can see the excitement in your eyes. It's good to see."

"Thank you, Natti. You look very handsome tonight as well in your new dress coat." Natti laughed out loud, "Oh Evie, it'll take far more than a new dress coat to make me handsome. I need an entirely new face." Evie looked at him and fortunately only saw mirth in his eyes. She didn't detect any sadness or self-pity. "I love your face, Natti. You know I do. I always have." Natti smiled at her with admiration. "That's because you are an unusual woman, in the very best sense. But I'm under no illusions Evie. If I ever want to get married, the best thing I have going for me is my wealth."

"Any woman would be lucky to have you Natti," Evie said seriously. Natti looked as though he wanted to respond but changed his mind. Instead, he said, "The perfume smells divine on you. It smelled good in the bottle, but it was made for you." "I'll never wear any other kind," Evie said sweetly. Natti smiled indulgently, "If that's the case I'll need to keep purchasing it for you."

Before Evie could answer, the music ended and Natti was walking her back. Alexander met them and asked Evie if he could speak to her for a minute. Natti thanked her for the dance and walked away, while Alexander took her hand and escorted her out of the room. They walked through the house until they reached a small sitting room. Alexander closed the door behind them. "I'm sorry for pulling you away from our own party but I desperately wanted just a few minutes alone with you." Evie's eyes twinkled and smiled. "I understand Alexander, I would love a few minutes alone with you too."

Alexander came to stand in front of her. "Evangeline, I know it's very late to be doing this, but it doesn't sit well with me that this entire marriage was arranged by our father's. Neither of us was given a choice. I wasn't certain I could go through with it. But the moment I saw you from the top of the stairs I began to fall in love with you. Please tell me the truth. Do you feel anything for me?" Evie looked into his green eyes and spoke from her heart. "Yes Alexander. I started falling in love with you the night we met. The same moment when I heard your voice and looked up to see you coming towards me."

Alexander looked relieved. "In that case," Alexander said as he pulled something out of his pocket, "Our father's might have had an agreement between the two of them, but I want us to have a choice in our future. Evangeline Campbell, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?" Alexander opened the box in his hand to reveal a gold ring with a beautiful large yellow diamond. Evie gasped. It sparkled more than any gem she had ever seen before. But that wasn't what she cared about. All she saw was the man of her dreams asking for her hand. "Yes Alexander! Yes, I will marry you." Alexander put it on her finger where it sparkled flawlessly. "It's the most beautiful ring I've ever seen," Evie said breathlessly.

"I told you Evangeline, as my wife you will be my queen. And there is nothing too good for my queen. This will be your wedding ring. I wanted to make certain you liked it before the ceremony."

Evie had tears in her eyes when she said, "I can't believe you proposed even though it wasn't necessary. I'm not falling in love with you anymore, Alexander. I am in love with you." Alexander took a sharp intake of breath. "I'm in love with you too, Evangeline." With that Alexander swept her into his arms and kissed her for the first time. As soon as his lips touched hers Evangeline was lost. His lips carried her away and she forgot everything and everyone else. All she knew was Alexander and he was all she would ever know again.

Alexander teased her teeth with his tongue urging her to open her mouth. When she did, he lightly pushed inside playing with her mouth and tongue. Evie wasn't certain what to do so she let Alexander take the lead. She loved the way his tongue felt against hers and although unexperienced she kissed him back with all the love in her heart. Evie could feel her nipples hardening and wrapped her arms around Alexander's neck. Alexander responded by pulling Evie even closer, wrapping one arm around her waist while the other held her shoulders.

He continued to plunder her mouth and Evie could feel his hardness pressed against her. Evie moaned and could feel her thighs becoming wet. If Alexander wanted to take her right then, she was willing. Based on the hard bulge she could feel between Alexander's legs, Evie knew he wanted her too. But instead Alexander pulled away and held her face between his hands. "I love you, Evangeline. I can't wait for our wedding."