Heathen

Marchella I

Marchella's POV

We are in the gardens. I sit by myself, sipping my wine, while Horatio and Endymion are walking lost in conversation. My spouse is ecstatic. He found someone with extensive knowledge of Greek philosophers and pre-Roman history. Ah! he frustrates me. But, I cannot see him sad. So rarely does he find interesting people to talk to. So, I patiently wait for my turn. 

At last, they turn around and walk towards me. I smile graciously.

-Would you like some wine? I nod at the servant standing near me.

Endymion looks at my spouse. Horatio just waves his hands negating. -Oh, I should get back to my studies. He pauses for a moment and then addresses our guest. -Endymion, may I ask you to keep company to my Marchella. I fear she gets bored spending all her afternoons alone. And perhaps you could join us for dinner too? Endymion smiles charmingly. -How can I refuse your kind request and disappoint our gracious hostess? He looks at Marchella, still smiling. -Oh, excellent! I will leave then, for now. We will continue our conversation at dinner? -Of course.

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Horatio walks inside the villa. After a while, the servants withdraw as well. Only Marchella's personal maid remains, keeping a discreet distance. Endymion sits opposite her and watches her intently. It is not the first time some noble woman tries to court him, or, to be more precise, wishes to be courted by him. Marchella meets his gaze. She bites her lip, thinking of how to approach him. She smiles charmingly. -You do not drink your wine. Is it not to your liking? He takes the cup and tastes it. -It is very much to my liking. He states, letting his gaze linger on her face, particularly her lips. Marchella hides behind her ornate fan, feeling her cheeks flush.

-Would you like to accompany me for a walk in the garden? It is beautiful at this time of day.

-I will be delighted.

They walk together, keeping a respectful distance between them. The maid follows a few steps behind. The sun is setting painting the sky with shades of pink and gold. The air is warm as summer is near. She stops and looks at the tall man next to her. His dark blue eyes never left her face for a moment. Her lips are slightly parted. She wishes to talk but does not know what to say. The man leans forward ever so slightly... The maid looks the other way, giving her mistress privacy. Marchella closes her eyes as his lips touch hers. Brief, soft touch. Too brief for her liking! He stands straight again and continues to walk, with a smirk on his face. She pouts. She expected more.

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Marchella is silent during dinner. The two men talk the whole time. 

-Marchella! Marchella dear! Are you listening?

-Yes? Forgive me my dear. I was thinking...

-I invited Endymion to join us on our excursion to the sea. He graciously accepted.

-Oh, you did? He did? Marchella's spirits are once again lifted. Bless her spouse, he is always looking out for her, anticipating and fulfilling her wishes. The man in question holds his dark gaze on her. He makes her shiver. Yes, she shivers with desire. He is being haunting her dreams for a while now.

-This is excellent news. Thank you for accepting our invitation. She gives him a polite smile.

-I look forward to it. His deep voice is subtly tinged with anticipation. Maybe he too desires to be with her.

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After weeks of subtle innuendos and courting, the time has come. Marchella is confident that Endymion will succumb to her. The three of them have a wonderful light dinner on the terrace. The warm weather call for it. As always, Horatio monopolizes their guest. He is also the first to get up from the table. -I must ask you to forgive me. I have to return to my studies. He goes to his young wife and gently kisses her forehead. -Have a pleasant night, both of you.