30. Epilogue

Pemberley, June 1815


Several birds were chirping loudly,and I groaned as I lifted my head. Reaching my hand out to feel for my wife, I was met by empty, cold linens.


I sat up, looking around the room, but other than the fire and the hint of sunlight peeking through the curtains, it was dark.


And empty.


"Isabella?" I whispered. Hoping she was not far.


When I received no reply, I got out of bed and went in search of her. In the nineteen months since we had wed, we had only spent one night apart. It had been a misunderstanding, which to our mutual relief was solved quickly.


I admit, I had no idea female afflictions were such a messy business. And by messy I mean more in the emotional sense than the physical. I learned very quickly to choose my words carefully during that time.


I made my way toward my dressing room. I opened the door and walked toward my dressing table, surprised to see a set of clothes draped over the chair, with a sealed letter on top.


With eager haste, I tore open the letter and began to read.


Edward,


I took the liberty of selecting your clothes for today. I have a special surprise for you and it involves your riding boots. Don't keep me waiting long.


Your Isabella


I dressed as quickly as I could, almost falling over twice. I couldn't wait to find out what my little minx of a wife had planned. Taking the stairs two at a time, I ran out the back door and toward the stables.


A stable boy was standing at the entrance with Blackjack already saddled and waiting.


"Here you are, Sir," the boy said, as he handed me the reins.


"Thank you," I replied, grateful, but still confused as to what I was to do now.


"Did Mrs. Masen leave any instructions for me?"


The boy smile eagerly, "Yes, Sir! I was to wait until you asked… or somthin' like that. You are to head in that direction," he pointed east toward the woods.


"Thank you, kindly. Here is something for your trouble." I tossed him a few crowns and headed off in search of my wife.


I made my way toward the tree line, wondering where I was going to find her. And more importantly what she had planned. A low snort and a whine alerted me to her presence. I looked toward the sound, when she moved Pandora into view.


All I could do was stare helplessly. The air rushed out in that moment leaving me breathless.


There before me was a vision.


I had never seen such a dress before. Blue as bright and vibrant as the sky flowed from her body, like a gentle cascading river. Her hair was loose and fell around her shoulders. A slight blush colored her perfect cheeks as I gazed unabashedly at her.


However, something seemed amiss.


It was then Isabella gave Pandora a small kick moving her forward that I realized. She was sitting astride Pandora, rather than her customary sidesaddle.


Good Lord this woman was going to be the death of me.


"You seem a loss for words, husband." She smirked triumphantly.


"I am indeed," I whispered hoarsely.


"I feel like stretching Pandora's legs this morning, do you think you can keep up?" she questioned, before turning her horse and kicking her into a canter.


Her beautiful laugh was all I could hear when she was out of view. Chuckling, I kicked Blackjack into a run, my blood now boiling with unrestrained lust.


"I hope you are prepared for me, Isabella!" I called loudly, to which she responded.


"Only if you can keep up, Husband."


"Then steady yourself, you minx! For I shall not fail."


I raced behind her but was unable to catch her without causing harm to her or myself. I was content to watch her. The movement of her body upon the horse, the wind as it whipped through her hair. It was all delicious torture.


We were nearing a large log, which had fallen, blocking our path. I was suddenly aware we were not too far from the meadow. Normally we would walk around the log but it seemed today Isabella had other ideas. Lifting herself, she readied to take the jump.


Her strength and adventurous spirit were as arousing as they were beautiful.


With ease, she cleared the obstacle, and I once again was rewarded by her beautiful laugh.


Blackjack jumped over the log easily, and I continued the chase until we reached the meadow.


I watched as she swung her leg over and jumped from her horse with ease.


"Good Lord, Isabella, with the jump and now that, are you trying to give me a heart attack?"


"Of course not, I was merely enjoying myself," she stated as she tied Pandora to a nearby tree.


I dismounted and led Blackjack over to where she had tied her mare.


Turning, I looked at my temptress of a wife. "What do you propose now,Madam?" my voice waslow; the need I felt was overwhelming.


She sauntered toward me. The sway of her hips was accented in the tight fabric.


When she reached me, she looked up with an expression of pure innocence. Running her hands up and down my arms, she simply smiled. "I love it here in the summer. The flowers are in bloom, and the grass is green and soft. It reminds me of a very special time not too long ago."


I could only nod, since she had made quick work of the buttons of my jacket and was slipping it past my shoulders. I assisted her, shrugging quickly out of the coat and depositing it on the ground. She reached for my neck cloth and slowly untied each knot before tugging on the fabric to bring my lips to hers. With lingering tenderness, she kissed me.


Too soon she released my lips and pulled the fabric from my shirt, tossing it toward the jacket. Her hands then worked their way down my chest toward my trousers.


"Have I ever told you how devastatingly handsome you are in your riding trousers and boots?" she whispered as she pulled my shirt off.


The seduction she was creating increased my desire for her more than I ever thought possible. The blood in my body boiled and pounded in my ears as I tried to speak.


"Yes," I croaked.


With the shirt off and my skin exposed, she leaned forward, placing kisses on my bare chest. Her fingers slipped underneath my trousers, and I finally regained my senses.


"I feel as though there is a vast difference in our dress."


Looking up at me she smiled wickedly. Turning so her back was facing me, she swept her hair from her back.


I stared at the view she was presenting me with, and it wasn't until she cleared her throat that I returned to my senses. The top of the dress was a corset, and I reached for the laces with trembling hands. One by one I loosened the ties until the garment fell open, falling to the ground.


She carefully stepped out of the pooled fabric and turned to face me.


"Beautiful," I whispered reverently.


There was something different about her skin... she seemed almost luminous.


"I dreamt of you long ago… here in my meadow," I confessed. "I thought you were a wood nymph." I stepped toward her. "Nothing, not my dreams nor any painting could really do you justice."


Falling to my knees, I teased her legs with the brief flutter of my fingers. Slowly I caressed my way from her ankle up toward her knee. I added soft kisses along with my gentle stroking of her thighs.


I loved her legs, they were both slender and strong from her habit of walking.


I was rapidly approaching the junction between her thighs, my excitement was becoming very evident in my breeches.


"I love your touch, Edward," she moaned as she ran her fingers through my hair.


Emboldened by her statement, I placed a kiss on her lower belly forgoing where I knew I would be unable to control myself. Working my way up her abdomen to her breasts, she shivered when my mouth reached her nipple.


"Oh, Edward," she whispered hoarsely.


Unable to wait any longer, I rose and laid out my great coat on the grass. I picked her up and lowered her onto the ground.


Standing quickly I removed my boots, and then undid the buttons of my breeches. With a satisfied look on her face, she watched as the garment slid to the ground.


"I will never fail to be stunned into silent appreciation by your magnificent body. Nor it seems the reaction my body has from the sight of it."


I coughed softly, embarrassed.


"Tis true." She smiled naughtily.


Groaning, I joined her on the ground, wanting nothing more than to bury myself inside her immediately.


"But in seriousness, I do love you, Edward," she stated calmly.


I felt overwhelmed by the many different emotions I was experiencing. "And I love you, Isabella. Ardently, passionately, and forever. You are beautiful, my Bella, I need you, desperately."


Isabella could only moan in response.


Shifting ever so slightly, I hovered over her. While looking in her eyes I softly kissed her cheeks, her forehead, her nose and finally her lips.


"Please, Edward."


I entered her slowly, savoring the feeling that always came when we joined. I looked down briefly, watching our bodies entwined, the realization that this was my life shook me to my very core.


Looking again into the eyes on my beautiful wife, I whispered hoarsely, "I love you."


I pushed deeper into her, losing myself in the sensations, which came every time she yielded to my movements.


There was no doubt of our affection for one another. It had only grown with each passing day. I wanted to give her all the pleasure I could and fill her with my love. Each stroke became more intense, as my body thrust upward, unyielding in its pursuit.


She began to cry out, and I slowed my movements, wanting to prolong the feeling between us.


I felt her hands grab on to me, forcing me to again quicken my pace. It was obvious Isabella had other ideas. She leaned up and whispered her love and adoration in my ear. My ability to calm my ardor was lost, and I abandoned myself to her body.


The peaceful atmosphere of the meadow was such a contrast to the tumultuous storm raging between us as our bodied met.


I felt her body begin to convulse around me, the tightness was incredible, and I waited as she rode out her pleasure before seeking mine.


My completion came so quickly and violently, my body arched, and I very nearly collapsed onto her. Our breath came in quick pants as we sought each other, clinging to whatever we could while the euphoria subsided.


"Thank you, Isabella," I said simply. There were no words to describe what I felt.


Everything felt perfect in my life. Our life.


"I think I rather enjoyed riding in the saddle, rather than precariously on the edge."


My question from earlier came back to me. "I am curious as to what prompted such a bold seduction."


She laughed softly, "I simply wanted to try it, since I won't be able to ride for another six months or so."


Confused, I paused for a moment. "Why would you be unable to ride?"


She looked at me as if I had missed something important.


"Because, dear husband, in about six months' time, an heir for Pemberley will be born."


I looked at her in earnest, trying to see through her countenance if what my ears had heard was correct. "Truly?" I whispered, as if saying it louder would make it untrue.


"Yes, Edward. Truly, I am," she smiled.


"We will have child, a family. I will be a father!" I realized aloud.


Isabella could only giggle at my outburst.


I looked at her, and saw how happy and healthy she appeared. I would hold onto that thought. She would make it through, and I would realize these dark thoughts were foolish. Isabella's health was not fragile, like my mother's. This was a time to celebrate. Banishing all those thoughts and fears, I held her to me, kissing her fiercely.




In life there are no 'The Ends.' Just the promise of a wonderful beginning.