A Dragon for Aurelija

Chapter 13 Anastasia and Isabella

Drusilla's cousin Mabel Bennington and her sister Celeste (who was the widow of Charles and Nick's father's younger brother) visited the Monday following the incident at the London dock. Celeste's daughters Anastasia and Isabella accompanied them. Relly quietly served tea while the older women made small talk. "Why don't you show Anastasia and Isabella the gardens, Aurelija," Drusilla said. Relly was more then happy with the request.

"You look good," Isabella said, "were the stories in the paper true?" the look she gave Relly was filled with concern and compassion. The twins moved closer to touch Relly.

"Yes, it was true," Relly answered, "it happened so fast and I was terrified. I thought they were going to kidnap me or something worse."

"We are so happy you're okay," Anastasia said. Then after protracted silence, "are you the dragon girl?" Relly nodded and the twins squealed with delight.

"I love your stories," Isabella said, "sometimes we fight over who gets the paper first, we have never missed one."

"How did Countess Drusilla take this entire thing. Is she excited you're the dragon girl." Anastasia said.

"She is such a stick-in-the-mud!" Isabella added.

"She has not said a word," Relly said, "she hardly talks to me but she and Charles are taking me to Almack's Wednesday." Relly was glowing with happiness, "I don't thinks she hates me any more."

"I think the old krone hates everyone," Isabella whispered.

"I was really exciting to watch you at Almack's," Anastasia said, "if I love someone I would want to shout it myself."

"I kissed him!"

"We saw that too," Isabella said, "I take you have a pash for him. I've not been kissed yet."

"But you both are so beautiful!" Relly said sincerely. "I've been in love with Nick since forever!"

"How does Nick feel?" Isabella asked.

"Can you keep a secret?" Relly asked in a whisper. The twins nodded, "Nick and I may announce our engagement at your ball if he's home and...if it's..."

"Go for it, it would be the perfect place. Does the countess know?" Anastasia said excitedly.

"No but Charles does and we have his blessings. I have grown to love Charles too. Grandmother has had a difficult time with me here. I do try hard but trouble seems to follow me. Charles has been so nice to me."

"He's always been such a cold fish," Anastasia said softly then shrugged her shoulders.

"Come to my room I want to show you how I defended myself and show you my tessen," the twins followed Relly upstairs. "I'm also writing a book about a dragon and a girl that saves the dragon from and ancient spell and her family from a curse too."

"That sounds utterly Gothic," one of the twins said, "I'd love to read it."

"My publisher likes it so far, I'll show you what I have."

It was raining heavily on Tuesday late in the afternoon when Nick and his batman arrived. They were let in and Todd carried their luggage to Nick's room. Nick had barley had time to divest himself of his soaking wet hat and coat when Relly literally threw herself at him. He lifted her and spun her around then placing her on her feet kissed her soundly. "Grandmothers coming," he whispered and they moved apart. "Every time I look at you half pint I want to kiss you."

"I would be fine with that," Relly said primly, "I could show you how well the roses are doing, the gardener has done an exquisite job." Then she whispered, "I know a spot where we cannae be seen and have a little privacy."

"It raining."

"I want to show you my new umbrella," Relly smiled with mischief, "it's big enough for both of us." Nicked nodded and Relly scampered off and returned with her umbrella and bare feet. Nick looked at her feet and raised an eyebrow. "I dinnae want to get them wet," she said smiling.

"Monkey feet!" Nick whispered in her ear and she giggled. They held hands and walked through the small dinning room and onto the patio and then into the garden.

"You should take you shoes off too," Relly said as they reached a secluded area. It had a fountain and seats surrounding it each one large enough to seat two. Nick pulled her close and kissed her gently.

"My boots are already wet. Tell me what happened." Relly felt quite safe enfolded in Nick's arms and even though his jacket was damp she pressed herself to him. She looked into his eyes and told him everything. She could feel his hold on her tighten as she told the story.

"You were so brave, I've seen grown men, solders, freeze under similar circumstances."

"I was terrified, I didn't have time to think," Relly said looking with wide eyes into his, "I just did what Ai and trained for." Then her face became pale and she lay her head on Nick's chest and whispered, "I've killed a man." Nick gently tilted her head so he could see her face and he saw her tears running down her cheeks. He held her face in his hands and gently wiped away the tears from her cheeks with his thumbs then he kissed her gently. "You really had no choice Sweet-thing, it was that bastards life or yours. I am so proud of you. You were magnificent. And best of all you are still alive."

"Edith and Mari were really nice to me when I got home. I kind of fell to pieces when I saw all the blood." She paused and looked down at her feet, "I ruined that beautiful cape you gave me."

"Capes are replaceable Relly, you are not. I'll get you another one." He bet toward her and they kissed again this time it was a long deep kiss and Relly giggled when they broke apart. "It's raining harder now and your getting wet," Nick whispered.

"Dance with me!" Relly said giving Nick her most seductive smile, so he did. Grandmother was not happy when they finally came it dripping wet. Relly gave Nick another kiss and sprinted to her room to change. She paused for and instant and turned, "I want a red one."

"Red what?" he asked confused. Relly was already on the staircase when she turned again to him.

"A cape, I want a red one," then she resumed sprinting.