Eutopia (Lloyd Hansen AU)

13

After a rather 'pleasant' dinner, if Autumn could even call it that, the couples moved into another room for cocktails and after dinner drinks.

There she was properly introduced to the other wives apart from Eva, who she already knew anyway.

There was Dahlia, who was married to Grant, Lucy who was Connor's wife, and then Madelyn who was James's wife. All of whom had seemed to accept their fate as a wife of Eutopia - then again, Autumn didn't know just how long they'd been there. Obviously, they'd arrived long before she did - quite possibly as soon as the project was launched.

"It's just nice and friendly, peaceful". Madelyn was now saying as the women sat in their group, sipping at the drinks their husband's had given them. Autumn had discreetly sniffed hers, knowing full well that Lloyd or the other men could've laced the drinks. Instead she simply pretended to sip, but mostly held the glass.

"The other women here are nice to gossip with..." Dahlia put in helpfully, but even Autumn could see she was probably just saying that because she had to.

They all had a role to play.

"It all sounds...great". Autumn managed to say and smile politely.

"You should come shopping with us! We can show you the town and..." Madelyn was now saying as though it was the greatest idea in the world.

Autumn couldn't think of anything worse. Thankfully Eva now stepped in, obviously sensing that she was feeling overwhelmed.

"Maybe let's let Autumn settle first before we all spring shopping trips on her". And gave her friend a discreet wink. "Besides, even being Mrs Hansen is a demanding role itself.".

Autumn simply nodded. "Like you would never believe".

Lucy now leant in so as she couldn't be heard by the men. "What's he like?".

"As a husband?"

She nodded. "And in general. Is he nice? Does he buy you like expensive things?"

Autumn wasn't sure that they should be discussing this but answered tactfully incase it was some sort of trap. "I get treated just as any other wife does. And as for what my husband is like? He cares about me. However he does expect me to do my duty, just like we all must do".

Even she was impressed with just how that had sounded. The wives would all look to her for guidance after all.

"We didn't think he'd choose a wife. Denny hasn't". Dahlia admitted.

"Yet". Autumn stated. "If he is just as much a part of the project then he will eventually. How long has it been running?"

"Six months". Madelyn stayed. "I was one of the first to arrive". She seemed a little too proud about this.

"And Lloyd has only recently married me, so Denny will also within time".

They were broken off by Suzanne now coming over from where she'd been speaking with her boss. "Ladies, it's nice to see you all, but now I need to get back. I'll be seeing you soon". She nodded, shooting a look at Autumn that she couldn't quite figure out.

"Bye Suzanne". The women chorused until Madelyn turned back and muttered "bitch", into her glass so as only her female companions could hear. "Makes me wonder why she's here if she's not part of the project".

"I heard she's gonna be - just not in the way that we are". Lucy stirred her drink with her straw.

Autumn would find out either way. The more trust that Lloyd felt he had in her the better. However, she'd never know everything. Nor could she send any information to Fitzroy as planned.

"I didn't think that we were allowed alcohol. Y'know, for the whole fertility thing?" She now questioned, staring into the drink that she'd barely touched. 

"It's just for tonight that Denny and Lloyd are allowing it". Eva shrugged. "Even I'm being careful with how much I drink of it though".

"Do you think it'll happen soon?" Lucy asked her.

"For my benefit as well as the projects? I hope so". Eva nodded, "we've been trying a hell of a lot, but it'll happen when it's meant to - Doctor Emerson said my health check was fine and such, plus I've been taking the vitamins and whatnot". 

All eyes then fell onto Autumn. "What about you Autumn?" Madelyn asked. 

Autumn frowned. "What about me?" 

"Do you think that perhaps it'll happen soon for you too?" 

Autumn paused for a moment, before deciding to go with her 'tactful wife' approach again. "I think that it will happen for us when it's meant to - just as Eva said. I don't think we should put pressure on ourselves, it'll probably prevent it if we stress...our husbands? They don't want that". 

"My husband stresses me out and he doesn't even know it". Dahlia smirked with a roll of her eyes. "But I guess you're right, we're just here to pop out the kids and raise 'em. Why worry when we know that's our goal for...well...the rest of our lives..." 

The women fell silent, and Lucy now looked to Autumn. "I think when you fall pregnant? It'll be like royalty is being expected". 

"It's really nothing to shout about...honestly" Autumn emphasised, wishing for the conversation to change or to be over with. 

"It is when you're the wife of the man who runs the joint". Madelyn now replied, finishing her drink after taking a rather long sip.

For once, Autumn was glad to see Lloyd now coming over to interrupt them. "Ladies, sorry but I'm going to have to steal my wife from you for the rest of the night. You obviously know why". He put on some rare charm which she found rather unnerving, however this seemed to be the perfect moment to escape - even if it was back to their home and to the sheets of their bed. 

Autumn got up and smoothed out her skirts. "It was nice to meet you all. I'll probably see you around town". 

"Don't be a stranger!" Dahlia said cheerfully as the rest said their goodbyes. 

"Oh I won't" Autumn smiled nicely and kept a grasp of Lloyd's arm as he led her out to the car. 

Once they were inside the back and being driven home, he looked over to her. "You can breathe Auty, you looked in pain having to listen to them dawdle on, I could tell you wanted to get outta there". 

She glanced to him. "They're rather...enthusiastic, it was just a little overwhelming meeting them as a group...". 

"Tell me about it" He rolled his eyes. "But you made some friends at least". 

"Mhmm" Was all she replied. 

"And not drinking either? You're a good girl Auty". 

Autumn stared out the window. "You noticed". 

"I notice everything peach, you know your place - and the others? Seems that even though they've been here longer, they still need to learn". 

Autumn swallowed. "You wanted to see who would take the bait..." 

"Yep..."His expression darkened slightly. 

"Will they be punished?" 

"That's for their husbands to decide, but you? You're gonna be rewarded"

Once they were home and upstairs, he grabbed her, pulling her into him and kissing her. "Let's get you outta this dress and me inside of you..." He murmured in between kisses, his hands already working at the back to undo the buttons. 

For once Autumn was glad that it would take her mind off of the conversation earlier now the dress fell in a pool of tulle at her feet. "Be gentle...please..." She now almost begged, still feeling delicate from the night before. If he was rough with her yet again then she'd need some painkillers come morning. 

His response surprised her. 

"Anything for you Mrs Hansen".