The Marquess and The Rose

Chapter 5

The dreary morning promised heavy rain.

Stretched out in bed with their bodies laying in opposite corners and their heads touching, they listened to the light pitter-patter of rain. The gloomy day brought a sense of tranquility with them both.

"Well, what shall we do today, a game of chess, read a bit or game of cards???" Dominic chimed..

He waited for her answer.

With an unsure tone in her voice that sound more of a wish than a decision she breathed.

"Let's play in the rain." She shrugged.

Nervously she waited for him to chuckle at her request and deny such a silly thought. But her heart lurched in disbelief when he agreed.

"Ok, let us play in the rain!"

He sat up jubilee and pulled her along with him. Her giggle and laugh bounced off the room walls. He turned for her to jump on his back. Careful not to touch her ankles, he told her to hold on. She caressed his shoulder and hugged tight.

Helmsley came to them thru the hall as they neared the last step on the stairway. He looked up at the two. A bit surprised he smiled coyly at the two, understanding that since Emilia could not walk he had to carry her down. She was absolutely lovely her hair loose and wavy bounced with every movement.

"M’lord would you or Lady Emilia care for some tea or something to eat." Helmsley smiled at him watching Dominic turned an asking glance at Emilia over his shoulder, with a twitch of her nose she giggled and shook her head.

"No thank you, Helmsley” He chuckled with laughter in his eyes.

He stood in awe about the strange news they were going to play in the rain.

"But, but m'lord it’s pouring out there and you both can catch a deathly cold in all of it."

A bit miffed at their childish mocking faces. He gave in to their crazed idea and watched them walk out the door.

"Oh! Helmsley keep dry towels for us and the fire burning in my study" he ordered.

"Yes, M’lord. " He smiled with a nod and waved to a giddy Emilia.

The husky laugh and shriek were signs that the rain was chilly. He walked slowly across the lawn with her on his back. He slowly lowered her to the wet grass and sat beside her.

He looked over to her, her eyes closed and she tipped her head back stretching out her arms. As if lying in water afloat, she let the cool rain pour over her. He lost himself watching her. She had a beauty and spirit about her that warmed his heart. What sat next to him was an exquisite and charming creature. The smile on her lips wet with rain revealed pearly white teeth as she smiled. She lowered her arms content in her feelings.

Her eyes opened slowly and looked up at him. Her heart quickened to see him looking down at her. They silently stared into each other’s eyes. She shyly looked away while her teeth tugged at her bottom lip nervously. A soft grin grew on his lips when he saw her cheeks turning a slight pink.

The soft shiver she released was indication they were in the rain for too long.

They both agreed it was time to go in. He bent and swiftly picked her up and carried her.

The warmth in his study gave them a cozy feeling.

"I believe if we stay any longer in the rain we would shrivel like raisins." He mentioned.

All dried off and sitting before the fire, he placed a blanket around her shoulders.

The heavy rain continued. They sat on the floor and concentrated on a good old game of Piquet. Well into the game, he stood and walked over to a nearby table and poured himself some Whiskey. Her curious eyes peeked over her cards and followed him.