Dignity and Depravity

Chapter XI

Amelia observed Mr. Archer stumble as he crossed the threshold of the door.  For an officer and gentleman, Mr. Archer certainly is bemusing, she thought, though perhaps he is simply fatigued from travel as he stated. Amelia allowed her single suspended brow to drop, before resuming her attention towards her book.  However, Amelia had forgotten that she had only been feigning to read in order to keep up appearances whilst greeting Mr. Archer.  She quickly cast it aside to ponder what to do next.  Raising her gaze, she noted John observing her from where he stood, his arm perched upon the mantle.

"Have I told you how beautiful you are today, my wife?"

"Not yet, and my ears shall delight in hearing it, as well as my heart feel lighter in receiving such a compliment."

John crossed the room and bent to his knees next to Amelia's chaise.  He delicately clasped her hand within his own, and placed his lips softly on the palm of her hand.  His lips felt tender and warm on her skin.  She looked at him dearly for a moment, then placed his palm on her cheek and rested her chin in his hand.  John returned her gaze and smiled.  Dear love that has grown over time, the love of true affection and congeniality, was deeply apparent with each instant in which this pose was held. 

John lightly stroked her cheek with his thumb before shifting his hand to tidy the curls away from her face.  A single lock of her hair dwindled between his digits, and he fingered it gently.  Slowly he moved his mouth towards her ear, sending shivers down Amelia's torso, challenging her countenance.  She leaned her head backwards, exposing her long neck, and allowing John trail soft kisses behind her ear.

"You are the most beautiful creature."

"And you are truly lucky to have me," said Amelia, facetiously.  At this she felt the corners of John's mouth turn up as he continued his attentions to her nape, and his fingers tickled the edges of her collar.  "For I am most sensible and prudent, in all matters."

"Most definitely," replied John as he continued to form a succession of light flitting kisses over her cheeks and her lips.  His strong hands still cupped her chin, and Amelia found her breathing quicker as she strove to regain her comportment.  She closed her eyes, wishing to return to her morning nettoyage, a state of dress far more appropriate for how she was currently feeling.  Thought, ablutions were far from her goal.  As John trailed his lips over hers, she returned the affection letting her own linger on his.

"John, we should not commence what we cannot accomplish in this locale.  For I shall prove myself very undignified, indeed, if I do."

"Such sensibility, my dear," replied John as he dropped backward to rest on his legs.  "Though, I vow to give these matters my undivided attention at our earliest convenience."

"Yes, we shall, it is of the utmost importance, and it I shall expect nothing less than requires meticulous scrutiny.  No triviality should be left unexplored, nor should any aspect of the subject be disregarded."  Amelia's eyes sparkled as she espied her husband.  Any doubt and reservations she may have had about his desires for her had been dispelled in this moment.  We shall do well, she thought to herself.

The intimacy of the lovers' exchange was then interrupted as the footman entered the room carrying a tray.  Pausing to allow John to rise to a standing position, the footman bowed deeply in acknowledgement before crossing the room and placing the breakfast items on the sideboard. He stood by the ready to serve his mistress and master, his hands clasped behind his back.   Amelia surveyed the offering of plum cake, brioche, and honey cake with saffron and ginger.  Accompanying the victuals was a pot of tea and three cups.  She nodded satisfactorily and rose to pour the tea.  After placing a slice of cake on a plate and preparing the first cup, she nodded to the footman, and he quickly brought them to John who was now ensconced on the sofa.