ODDS OF LOVE - SEASON 14

Episode 122

Ned Barker kissed the quietly smiling face of Natasha Volkouva as he escorted her out of the guest house via the back door.

" I had a most enjoyable evening, Madame," he said softly as he leaned over to press a tender kiss to her forehead reverently. " Most enjoyable. I have never found a woman such as yourself that shared my own appreciation for the beauty of opera. "

Natasha blushed. It had been highly unusual for her to spend the evening alone with a mere servant in his bedroom even if all they had done was listen to music and chat for hours while drinking the aged scotch she had borrowed from Nicholas's own personal collection in his study until they fell asleep in each other's arms. But her husband and his whole family had disappeared from the house after the bastard Nigel's husband had been shot. Even Prince Cedric had oddly enough gone with them. Even that silly simpering woman Nicholas had made pregnant had went along with them. Of course she had left behind that horrid boy Race although he was behaving slightly better under the regular influence of her governess Josephine. Josephine was a miracle worker. The woman could do anything. Really she could. Was she supposed to spend time with that handicapped boy as he typed on his laptop while ignoring his ringing cell phone? It was all innocent anyway. Nothing would ever come of it beyond friendship although friendship between them was highly irregular as well.

" I had .... fun myself, Ned. "She smiled a little wider and then touched his handsome face before pulling away as though she had been struck by a bolt of lightening. " Well, I guess I had better get back in the house before Maxim realizes I'm gone. "

Ned said firmly," How shall you explain your absence last night? If I may be so bold to inquire? "

" Well , not that it is your concern but my husband and I no longer share the same bedroom. " Yes. She had recently moved into a larger bedroom near Maxim ,  saying that her previous sickness made it difficult to sleep alongside him and that his snoring and tossing and turning in bed disturbed what little rest she got. Of course Maxim was accepting of it. Sometimes she despaired of his meek and mild persona. She wished he was more like his father or even his brothers but straight still .... or Ned Barker. For a servant Ned was extremely educated and cultured with a strong take charge personality. She wondered what he would be like in the bedroom. 

Ned smiled. " That is very..... interesting, madame. "

Natasha swallowed. " I should be going back to the house. I need to get prepared for work and I can not be absent from breakfast. Shall you join us today, Ned ? "

Ned's smile slipped from his handsome face. " I am afraid not, Madame. The Prince does not deem it suitable for his valet to dine with himself and the rest of you. I must obey the Prince. "

Natasha pursed her lips. " Pity. And , very unreasonable. If his old governess or companion or whomever she is can be there why not you? It's not as though Saunders was being asked to share a meal with us. You shall come, Ned. Tonight. I shall take complete responsibility. After all , his royal highness can hardly contradict the invitation to you from one of his hosts in the house. It would not be seemly. Would it? "

Ned began to smile once more. " It certainly would not, my radiant madame. "

Then his head tenderly lowered down to claim her lips in a powerfully demanding kiss just as a certain person across the lawn on a morning nature walk observed them through a pair of trusty binoculars.

As she watched the unlikely couple Josephine herself began to smile. It looked like she would not have to eliminate her rival after all. She would just encourage in certain ways this unseemly pairing and once Maxim was made aware offer him much comfort and sympathy leading to a wedding ring and the prestige of being his wife till death did them part.