Nan's Jewel

Nan's Jewel~ Chapter 55 <3 Edward

AN:This is an okayy chapter.....

<>< Kaitlin

Chapter 55- Edward

Apparently we were having guests for dinner tonight. It wasn't exactly a formal ball or anything like that, but we were having guests; important guests. I decided to dress extra formal, just in case, and escort Zillah to dinner like the gentleman I am. As I dressed I stood in front of the mirror, looking at myself. I had pulled by wavy black hair back and tied it with a simple white ribbon. I looked into my own eyes, a weird feeling, and found the normally tormented grey to be the calm after the storm grey that I loved so much. I straightened my blue shirt, and absentmindedly swiped at my pants before going to find Zillah and escort her to dinner. When I opened her door, I was stunned by the beauty of my young wife. Her shining copper hair graced her shoulders, and a few tendrils curled around her heart shaped face. Her violet eyes I noticed, had a more blue color to them, but were still very pretty. She wore a dark, elegant gown that trailed behind her as I led her down to the dining room, her hand gently poised over mine. A servant opened the door and I led her inside the dimly lit hall. Mother was sitting beside Father, and Catherine wasn't there, she was only eight. I saw the governor and his wife, as well as their two oldest daughters, Ruby and Jane, both sixteen.

"Good evening Governor Richardson."I greeted.

"Good evening Edward."The governor replied.

"Evening my lady Richardson."I greeted with a bow.

"Of course Edward."She never did like me much.

"And evening to you Ruby and Jane."I answered, receiving a nod in reply.

"And who is this lovely young lady?"The governor asked, rising to Zillah's side.

"May I introduce my wife, Lady Zillah Dubois?"I said.

"Very nice to be your acquaintance."The governor said bowing and kissing her hand.

"Of course Governor."Zillah said, blushing slightly.

"It is very nice to meet you Zillah."His wife greeted.

"Nice to meet you as well."Zillah replied.

"Good evening Zillah!"Ruby and Jane chimed.

"Good evening..."Zillah hesitated.

"Jane."Ruby said, pointing to her sister.

"Ruby."Jane said, also pointing.

"Sorry Zillah that is Jane and that is Ruby."The governor cleared.

"Good evening."Zillah finished.

"Are we ready to eat?"Father asked, clearly irritated by the drawn out introductions.

"Of course."The governor said, taking his seat.

I led Zillah over to the spot beside Mother, and seated her, before taking my seat at her left. The conversation over dinner was polite, involving weather, some politics, and a few random things. It wasn't until everyone was gathered in the parlor that the conversation turned to Zillah and me. I could tell she was uncomfortable at the attention, so I tried to answer the typical questions myself.

"How did you two meet?"

"When did you know you were in love?"

"How long have you been married?"

"Do you have any children?"

"What are their names?"

The governor and his wife were merciless in their questioning, and there were even times when they forced Zillah to answer. Luckily we were able to avoid the subject of Aaron until the nurse came down with Rebeka.

"My lady, sorry to bother you, but she woke up and started to cry. I couldn't calm her down."The nurse admitted.

"That's fine, here, I'll take her."Zillah replied, reached out her arms.

She stood up and walked outside, and I stood and quickly followed with a lantern. I found Zillah sitting on a bench with Rebeka cradled in her arms, quietly singing a lullaby. I sat next to her silently, not wanting to disturb Rebeka, who was soon asleep in her mother's arms. Zillah stood and started back up to our room. I started to follow her, but thought better of it, and went back down to the parlor, where the governor and his wife were talking to my parents about suitors for their daughters. It was awkward for me, so I said my goodbyes and apologies before heading after Zillah. When I arrived in our room, Rebeka was asleep in her crib, and Zillah was curled up unmoving on the bed. She was only in her petticoats, and her maid was obviously mad.

"Mistress, you better get your nightclothes on before Master Edward comes in here!"She cried, waving her hands wildly.

"It's alright Dawn."I said. "Something's bothering her."I whispered.

"I can see that."She replied back sourly.

"I'll handle it."I assured her.

"Of course."The maid said, leaving the room in a huff.

Without the maids mutterings I could hear Zillah's near silent sobs. I quickly walked over to the bed and sat on the edge, and stroked her soft face. Neither of us spoke for a time, until Zillah moved her head onto my lap, and looked up at me.

"What's wrong Zillah?"I asked, gently stroking her head.

"Reliving all of that was just so hard."She replied, her eyes red and puffy from crying.

"I'm sorry Zillah. The governor and his wife have lived normal, quiet lives. They don't know how troublesome certain things can be to people."I explained.

"They sound like snobs."Zillah laughed.

"The governor is okay, but his wife is."I replied.

Zillah wrapped her arms around me and I lay back on the bed. She moved so she was lying beside me with her head on my chest. I ran my fingers through her loose hair and along her back.

"Are you tired?"I asked.

"I am very tired."Zillah admitted, yawning.

"Let's go to bed then."I suggested, helping her to stand.

Zillah unlaced her petticoats and then dressed in her nightgown while I did the same. The covers were already turned down, so we slipped under the covers quickly. Zillah snuggled up to my side, and I wrapped my arms around her small frame. I stayed awake until I was sure she was asleep before closing my own eyes and drifting off.