Chapter Thirty-Two

Although their love was never in question, Arianna admitted their relationship had become strained. The past weeks her distressing dreams and continued restlessness kept Darius awake, too. He required more sleep and her good-natured husband had become sometimes irritable. Her unease left her defensive; the two weren’t a good mix.

Darius came in from morning chores, closed the door and stared.

“You’re standin’ in the middle of our kitchen unclothed,” he said. “What if Samuel or one of the Murphy boys had been with me?”

She placed the kettle on the hook above the fire. “We haven’t seen anyone for weeks, Darius.”

“You’re intendin’ to walk about naked then?”

“You’re usually more agreeable when I wear no garments,” she said reaching for her shawl. “It’s the only time we’re not bickering lately.”

“You really think we’ve been bickering that much?”

She shrugged and set the bowls on the table.

“You believe I’ve been disagreeable? But you’ve been overly sensitive, takin’ offense to everything.”

“I’m takin’ offense even now. In the past I would’ve been in your arms if you’d seen me unclothed. That morning at the O’Rorkes’ when I stood in the kitchen unclothed, you were very pleased. Apparently the allure has faded.” She exaggeratingly sighed.

“The sight of you unattired is always pleasing, my wee witch. That’ll never fade,” he said as he came to hold her, kissed her and smiled. She reached up and touched his much-loved dimple.

“Your dimple is still there,” she said. “I was beginning to wonder, for you’ve not smiled as much lately.”

“I just need to get outdoors more. With the incredible amount of snow and bein’ cooped up, I’m feelin’ restless. The horses need to stretch their legs, too. You’re correct, we’ve seen no one for weeks.”

“Sure, the snow will melt soon enough,” she said. “Apparently I’m the only one who’s enjoyed our time alone.”

“You know I love spending time alone with you, too, Arianna, but we haven’t been able to get beyond the barn and stables, not even to church. Everyone will think we died.”

“Or killed one another.” She laughed.

“That’s no jokin’ matter, my wee witch. If cabin fever sets in, untoward happenings have been known to occur when people are forced to spend too much time together.”

“Forced?” she said. “You feel you’ve been forced to spend time with me?” She pulled from his arms.

“No. You see; you do take offense too easily. I’d just like to see Samuel and Michael. Christ, I’d be happy to see the Murphy boys. Don’t you miss Kathleen and Sarah?”

She shrugged as she dished the cornmeal and placed the cream, honey and apple preserves on the table.

“I’m accustomed to avoiding others. You’re used to being with family.”

“You’re my family, Arianna.”

She stoked the fire, then jumped back when her long hair brushed the flames. He leapt up and hastily patted out the singed areas, but the smell was unpleasant and reminded her of the day her mother died.

“Arianna, you must be cautious with your unruly hair near the fire!”

“You now refer to my hair as unruly?”

With her emotions unsettled, the table shook, the pots and pans rattled on the hooks, and the cups and saucers on the table clattered, fell off and smashed. They both stared at the shattered mess on the floor.

“Those were my mother’s dishes,” he softly said.

She closed her eyes and whispered. Soon the dishes were back on the table completely restored.

“Arianna, you must be cautious with your unruly hair near the fire.” Darius repeated the sentence, then shook his head confusedly, looked at the cups and at her. “What just happened?”

“I took us back in time so your mother’s dishes wouldn’t be broken.”

His jaw dropped. “I know you can still time, which in itself is an impossible consideration, but you took us back in time?” he asked, clearly dumbstruck.

“Aye. But it doesn’t mean I forgive you for saying my hair’s unruly. You once adored my hair.”

“You often speak of your hair being unruly. I just meant when it’s unbound it’s unwise to be near the fire. Of course I adore your hair; it’s shiny, soft and sensual.”

“Now you only butter me up,” she said but she went to him, pulled his head down to her and kissed him with fervor.

“You haven’t kissed me like that in a while.” His smile was immediately brighter.

“I want to do more than kiss you.”

She placed passionate kisses down his ear and neck until he moaned. He eagerly removed her shawl while she hastily unfastened his breeches, tugged them down then glanced at the honey.

“I’m not certain I like that mischievous look.”

“You’ll like what I intend to do,” she assured him. “Lean against the table.”

He did and she drizzled honey on his manhood, amused at his expression.

“What in the bloody hell?” he asked.

When she began to lick the honey from his firmness, by his appreciative moans and how tightly he gripped the edge of the table, she could tell he wasn’t opposed. “You need to stop now,” he said, but she continued till he grasped her shoulders and moved her.

“By God, Arianna, you’re spirited today; what’s gotten into you?”

“Nothing yet!” she sassily said. “But I do want you inside me now.”

She leaned forward against the table, sensually writhing her hips, looking back at him invitingly. His smoldering expression confirmed his approval. As he stood behind her, she cried out with his thorough penetration. As they moved together, they heard a sound outside the door.

“It’s probably only Wolf,” she said. They heard a rap and he tensed but she lightly dug her fingernails into his buttocks, holding her to him as she loudly celebrated her crest, which obviously ensured his climax, too, for he groaned. Still joined, his hands cupping her breasts, they watched as the door opened. They looked to see the vicar.

“Christ,” Darius whispered.

“The closest to him here at the settlement.” She giggled nervously. Darius hastily reached for the shawl, held it before them as he moved from her, then wrapped it around her.

The flustered clergyman stammered, “Good h-heavens; pardon me!” Vicar Edwards quickly backed outside.

“Christ,” Darius said again, noticeably discomposed.

“We weren’t doing anything sinful, Darius. Clearly you didn’t lock the door.”

“This is entirely my doing?” he said.

“No, I shamelessly seduced my husband,” she replied. “You once said it shouldn’t matter if people heard us making love.”

“There’s a difference between hearing and seeing, and this was the damn vicar.”

“You might invite him for breakfast while I don some clothing unless you’d now be too embarrassed.”

“You’re findin’ this a bit too amusing!” he said tying his breeches.

“You’ve not been to church three Sundays past. I was concerned when no one had heard from you. Now, I understand why.”

Darius and Arianna looked at each other, wondering if the vicar thought they’d spent the last weeks coupling, but he clarified.

“Those huge mounds of snow would have made it impossible to get through.”

“How did you get through?” Darius asked.

“A small path perhaps created by an animal. Since my cabin’s the closest, I thought I’d see for myself.”

Arianna felt the corners of her mouth twitching, for he’d certainly seen for himself.

“We’re well enough,” Arianna said.

“The whole settlement has fared well this winter,” the vicar said. “There’s been no lengthy storms, fever or sickness, no hunger or attacks by natives. All seems blessedly peaceful. Although it’s peculiar you’ve so much snow here surrounding your home and buildings. The remainder of the settlement was only lightly blanketed and the snow has mostly melted.”

“That is odd,” Darius said looking at Arianna.

“Thank you for the cornmeal. I’ve never tasted any as delicious, Mrs. Wyndham.”

“It’s tastier served with extra honey. I do like everything sweet.” She smiled mirthfully at Darius.

“I’m glad to know you’re both well,” Vicar Edwards said.

“Aye,” Darius confirmed.

Arianna gazed at the vicar. Perhaps mid-twenties, he was a pleasant-looking man despite burns on his chin and neck.

“There was a fire,” the vicar said. “My father died; my brother and I were hurt.”

Arianna hadn’t realized she’d been staring.

“I’m sorry,” Arianna said.

“That’s tragic,” Darius added.

“My grandparents died in a fire in their cottage in Ireland,” Arianna said. “I remember being very afraid.”

“How did that fire start?” the vicar asked. “The fire that killed my father was deliberately set.”

“In a drunken temper, my grand da tipped over a candle…while attempting to strike my grandma,” Arianna whispered. “It spread to the curtains and thatched roof. I remember being relieved he couldn’t hurt us again, but I was sorrowful my grandma died.”

“I’m sorry for your misfortune, too,” the vicar said. “Now, I’ll be setting off; thanks again for the sustenance. I’ll expect to see you Sunday?”

“We’ll be there,” Darius said.

“I’ll not be attending,” Arianna said and both men stared. “I don’t require a man preaching scriptures to strengthen my faith or determine my beliefs.”

“Do the scriptures offend you?” the vicar asked.

“No. I’ll recite some if you wish, like the witch finders insist upon…as you’d know.”

“That won’t be necessary, Mrs. Wyndham.”

She only nodded and Darius walked out with him. When he returned he stared uncertainly.

“Not attending church will create suspicion, Arianna. Do you want the vicar suspecting you’re a witch?”

“I didn’t oppose a church, but didn’t know I’d be expected to always attend. I’m not bothered by what he thinks.”

“It unsettles me. Why didn’t you tell me how your grandparents died and that he used to hurt all of you?”

“I didn’t actually remember until I dreamed of it recently.”

“Are you certain it’s a memory, not simply a vivid dream?”

“I remember all too well, now.”

“I wished you’d told me,” Darius said.

“You haven’t told me of some of the difficult times in your past…the day your father and Daniel died and Amy was taken…or what happened with Alcott.”

He turned away. “Aye, apparently we all have unpleasant memories we don’t want to drudge up. Your dream of your grandparents isn’t the only one?”

“No, I’ve had many others,” she said. It frightened her, for if that dream was a memory, were the others as well?

“Arianna, did you ensure it snowed great amounts around our cabin?”

She nodded sheepishly. “I admit I prefer being alone with you. I hope to protect you.”

“I adore being with you, Arianna. But you used to like spending time with family and friends. I admit it’s worrisome, for that’s how Liza behaved. Why would you have it snow so I couldn’t get to my workshop? That might have allowed a little reprieve.”

Arianna didn’t want to think about the dream she’d had of walking in on Darius and Elizabeth vigorously coupling in that workshop. His voice pulled her back to his scolding.

“You can’t toy with nature, Arianna. If that massive amount of snow melts rapidly, the river could swell and flood. Homes could be lost and possibly lives, too, if it’s a flash flood. At best the water-laden land would be unfit for planting. The food everyone here depends upon might be in jeopardy.”

“I do understand,” she said. “I’ll make certain the snow melts slowly.”

“I’m goin’ to shovel some snow and see if I can maybe take King for a short ride.”

“Aye,” she said.

She turned away feeling his displeasure, but he came and kissed her.

“I’ll see you at supper.”