Savannah's long nails dug into her tender flesh as she watched Rivers bow and place a kiss upon her daughter's gloved hand. She could feel the welcomed sting as her sharp nails pierced her delicate skin. How dare her daughter defy her in such a manner? She had clearly instructed the wench to have her beloved papa call off the damned engagement. The chit would pay. She watched as Jonathan bestowed a charming smile upon Katherine. The only reason the lad was smiling at her in said manner was because he wanted under her skirts. Savannah snorted to herself. The boy would be greatly disappointed. The wench did not know how to pleasure a man, and certainly not a man like himself. More so, what aggravated her to no end, was, how did the chit manage to attract the attention of Rivers? She had heard of his tales. The man had traveled around the world, women would have eagerly warmed his bed. He had a taste of the French, the Italian, the Middle East, and so much more. Surely a stuffy English miss like her couldn't have caught the rake's attention? It couldn't be her dower either, the man was rich enough to own the entire of England and Scotland, probably more.
    In her unadulterated rage, Savannah did not notice her husband watching her with a grim expression, nor could she see the gentle glances Jonathan kept shooting Katherine's way. All she could see was her irrational anger. The chit ruined all her plans! She should not have agreed to wed Rivers. Savannah took a calming breath. No worries, she would simply have to take matters into her own hands.
   Her eyes ran over the guests present, calculating her next course. Her daughter would call of the wedding, she would make certain of it. Perhaps then her papa would be grateful for Abbot's proposal. Come to think of it, where was the knave? She hadn't seen him for some time now. Perhaps one of the servants could tell her, if she asked the women it would only cause tongues to wag. She couldn't let word reach her husband.

 
  ***

Breathe.

Deep breathes.

Slowly.

Evenly.

Repeat.

  Katherine closed her eyes briefly before opening them once more and repeating her mantra. She had felt her mother's anger from across the room, and she was petrified. Her mother had been angry at her before, many a times,  but this anger, this type of anger, warranted something else, something sinister. The thought had her blood turning to ice. She could all too vividly recall the last time her mother had taken her anger out on her. Katherine's back stiffened at the memory. She had to speak to her father she had to do... Something...

  "A wee preoccupied, aren't we, Kitten?" Jonathan drawled low enough for her ears only. "I would have thought your eyes would be on me the entire evening."

  Katherine looked up, startled, as her  ears burned... How did he come so close to her without her realizing? Weren't their father's standing in between them? Katherine quickly glanced around. Sure enough, her father and Lord Rivers were some distance away...talking. Next, she searched for her mother.

   "A penny for your thoughts?" Jonathan frowned as Katherine shot an anxious glance behind him, her coloring paler than usual. She hadn't even called him out on his conceit.

  "I can not marry you, my lord." Katherine blurted as her doe like eyes widened.

  "Why ever not?" Jonathan glowered. What was wrong with the chit? He looked behind him, seeing nothing but people gossiping and dancing.

  "I simply cannot," Katherine whispered before quickly adding, "you're very handsome, my lord. And you can be quite humorous and charming when you are not behaving as a discourteous lout. But I...I...can not..." Her eyes were trained on the door her mother had used not but a moment ago.

  "You find me handsome?" An arrogant smile tugged at the corner of his sinful mouth as his warm brown eyes twinkled with amusement.

  "I said you're handsome, my lord, not that I find you handsome. There's a difference." Katherine carped, her fear briefly forgotten.

   "Whatever helps you sleep at night, Kitten." Jonathan smirked.

  "I can not marry you, my lord." Katherine repeated.

  "We shall discuss this tonight." Jonathan replied softly as he completely took in her expression. A light sheen of sweat coated her forehead while her pallor was a worrisome shade. But her eyes, her gorgeous eyes, were filled with unadulterated fear. Jonathan was so close to pulling her close and kissing her senseless, but he couldn't risk her reputation. A scoundrel he may be, but he wouldn't let her be tainted by his ways. But oh how much he wanted to kiss her and make her forget the pain of this wicked world. And then he wanted to hold her close, shielding her from everything, but kisses first. He wanted to kiss her senseless, and have her eyes fill with wonder and passion, not fear.

   "Twill be too late. I must speak to papa right away." Katherine pleaded as she tried to move past him.

  "Katherine, the contracts have been signed, the betrothal has been announced. May we please discuss this tonight? I shall come to your chambers." Jonathan willed her to agree, sighing slightly in relief when she relented, but at a cost. Her eyes glistened  with unshed tears as she nodded slowly.

  "Tonight, but no later." Her eyes beseeched him, and he vowed then, he would never have a single tear reside within them. Her eyes did not speak of the joys of youth, but rather the neglect and pain of a child who tried in vain to understand.

    "You have my word."

  Katherine nodded.

  "When was the last time you ate?"

  Katherine shook her head. "It matters little, my lord. My stomach is rebelling against me at the moment." She looked around once more, biting her lips until Jonathan could swear he saw blood.

"I see." A muscle in his jaw ticked as he surveyed his guests. Where was the bint? He knew she was the cause of her current state. He needed to learn what she had done exactly, he couldn't simply insult his mother to be without a reason, well, he could, but it would be rude, and he couldn't be rude until he was certain the marriage could not be annulled. After that he could be as rude as he pleased, Jonathan couldn't wait.

   "I see you two are getting along nicely." Edmund commented as he came behind the soon to be couple. Jonathan raised an incredulous brow at his future father by marriage.
 
  "If you would excuse me." Katherine mumbled with a strained smile. She needed to see where her mother had gone off to.

  Jonathan followed her with his eyes as she tried in vain to disappear amongst the crowd when a voice had him glancing away, effectively loosing her, but only for the time being, he would find her.

  "What have you done to my daughter?" His question was asked nonchalantly, but his body spoke another language as he eyed Jonathan over the rim of his wine glass.

  Jonathan snorted. "Tis your wife who has done something. What it is, I have yet to discover."

  Lord Atkin grunted, skimming the crowd.

"I don't see her."

  "And therein lies our discontent."

"I shall see to the matter." Edmund growled, trying his hardest to keep his fists from clenching. He succeeded, just barely.

  Jonathan snorted. "Do not be haste. I shall see Katherine tonight and get to the crux of the matter. She shall have time to calm and think rationally until we meet."

  "And if the two of you are found?" Andrewson growled, turning to face Jonathan.

  Jonathan smirked. "What then? We shall be married."

  The side of Edmund's lips twitched, but he refused to give in.

  "I see her stoicism is a genetic trait. Tis refreshing to know." Jonathan commented, scowling slightly as Edward hurried towards him, Lord Davidson in tow.

  "Johnny, my boy. I can't say I'm not disappointed in you."

  "My lord-" Edward began.

  "Stay out of this, Edward," Lord Davidson barked as he turned his five foot six wrath on Jonathan.

   "My qalbi and this rake had to wait five years for your return. And they are still waiting. Have you no shame?" His face became a very unattractive shade of red as he glared up at Jonathan.

  "Abu, I assure you-"

  "Don't you Abu me, boy! I want an explanation!" Lord Davidson roared in a whisper, which in itself, was a surprising feat to accomplish. But after years of scowling and threatening Edward solely for his own amusement, the older lord had the action perfected.

  Edward quickly glanced around, mercifully, his father by marriage was not too loud, hence no one paid them any mind. Never mind the fact if they did happen to glance their way Edward glowered viciously enough for them to run for the refreshment table.

  Jonathan looked the picture of an errant lad being scolded for eating sweets before dinner. He wanted to give an answer which would soothe the heart of a hurt father, but he did not have the words to express them.

  "I think I will be very fond of you in the coming years." Lord Atkins remarked as he smiled at Lord Davidson.

  "And who may you be?" He grunted, annoyed at having to give Jonathan a second of respite, he was having too much fun at the poor man's expense. He knew it was not the lad's doing, well not completely, he had been a randy lad himself, and he knew all too well the games of life, but he couldn't miss this perfect opportunity to cause Jonathan discomfort. After all, he did have tears to catch up with.

   "This git's father by marriage." Lord Atkins tilted his head towards Jonathan.

  Lord Davidson smiled widely, his salt and pepper brows crinkling slightly. "Aye, we shall get along finely."

  Jonathan and Edward both groaned in unison.

   "Hold that tongue of yours. It's us who has to deal with you rogues." Lord Davidson grumbled as he rubbed his protruding belly while glaring at the two friends, his eyes filled with hidden laughter.
 
   "If you would excuse us-"

  "Nonsense, boy. I shall be your shadow while I am to be here. You are not to go anywhere without me."

  Edward prayed for patience. "Very well."

   Lord Davidson grunted in response.
Jonathan rolled his eyes heavenward.

  "Isn't this a fine evening." The sarcasm was clear in Edward's voice as his eyes searched for Annabelle. Smiling softly as he spotted her slipping out the room. He had to take his leave if he wanted to spend even a minute alone with her.

  "Why don't you dance with the ladies." Lord Davidson suggested as he indicated towards the group of women watching the two lord's from behind their fans. One would think the man would be happy his daughter's betroth was away from other woman, but apparently Lord Davidson was a different breed. Jonathan and Edward looked their way, only to grimace.

  "We would rather not." Jonathan answered for the two of them.

   "Do not think you will be going near my qalbi." 
Lord Davidson growled as glared up at Edward.

  "I am with you, am I not, my lord?" He sighed in exasperation as he, too, glared at his father to be, but no one could miss the slight twinkle in his cobalt gaze, or the fondness which resided within.

   "Humph."

   Jonathan and Edward both stood a bit uncomfortably as their respective future father in laws scrutinized them in their own unique ways. When the younger lords stood as still as stone, did they begin to engage in conversation amongst themselves.

   Edward looked at Jonathan, rolling his  eyes heavenward as their conversation took on a most tedious turn. Jonathan rolled his own eyes before shrugging slightly. Edward raised his right brow slightly, tilting his head to the side. Jonathan nodded slowly before turning towards the older lords.

  "Abu, why don't Edward and I show you your chambers?"
 
  "Why in the Devil will I be wanting such a thing? I am talking to a fine new friend."

"You may be wary after you travels." Jonathan tried to persuade the older lord.

"Nonsense, I'm healthy as a horse. A little traveling does not wear me down."

  "Very well." Jonathan sighed.

  Edward glared at his friend, raising his left brow mockingly. Jonathan raised his own left brow before tilting his head towards the older lords before smiling smugly.
   Edward narrowed his eyes, nodding ever so slightly.

    Jonathan raised a fair brow in challenge. Edward smirked before mouthing the number 'five.'

  Jonathan nodded, retaliating with his own smirk.

  "Abu, I shall go to the kitchen's to fetch something, would you care for anything?"

  Lord Davidson stopped his conversation to consider the offer.

    "Is qalbi's baklava in there?"

  Edward hesitated ever so slightly.

"I do not know. But Cook has made some special sweets."

  "Nay, my boy. You go ahead and fill your belly, I shall join you shortly."

  "Aye." Edward smiled before turning to leave.

    "I shall accompany you." Jonathan said as he quickly followed Edward.

   
  "Silly pair, the two of them." Lord Davidson mumbled fondly as his teeth flashed through his white beard. He watched their retreating forms with fondness until the two of them left the great hall and slipped into the kitchens.

   "Have you known them long?" Curiosity was evident in the other lord's voice as he patiently awaited an answer.

  "Not long enough," Lord Davidson replied sadly as he finally looked away.

  "Jonathan, Edward, and my Annabelle were always seen together when they had been younger, the best of friends. My wife had just passed and I had retired to this area to grieve in peace. They accepted Annabelle into their homes, always making sure she would be happy, and soon enough they were doing the same with me. When Annabelle and I had finally gotten over the loss of her mother, Jonathan left. Edward was not the same after. I had assumed he would waste away his youth and his life would follow the same  destructive path, and then I had suitors line up at my doorstep for Annabelle. He began to straighten out his life, and tripled his fortune in under a month, all praise to the great lord, his dark period did not completely addle his brain. Or mayhap it was all due to his heart, but he had asked for Annabelle soon afterwards. The git would not take no for an answer. He even went as far as to say he would ruin her if he had to, simply to make sure he would marry her." Lord Davidson laughed at the memory as wistfulness washed over her his features ever so briefly.
   "But the two cretins refused to marry until Jonathan returned and now he finally has."

  Lord Davidson's eyes glistened with slight tears as he spoke softly. "I missed the git. He's a changed man. He used to smile so freely, his laughter was one that would compel the listener to laugh along with him, putting one under the delusion they had naught to worry over. But it seems his light has dimmed. He still smiles and jokes, but the wickedness has tangled itself in his being."

  They stayed quiet then, each lost in thought, and for very different reasons.

  "But would you like to know a miracle?" Lord Davidson whispered after a slight silence.

  Lord Atkins waited for him to continue.

"His kindness and love for others will never be destroyed, it has only grown. Even though the wickedness has attached itself to him, he has kept himself detached. He shan't be tainted. Whereas we see misery, he sees beauty and a chance to be refined. A gem he is, my Johnny. You've chosen a fine man for your daughter."

  "So fine indeed that you did not choose him for your own?" His voice was slightly cynical, mocking even, as he raised the question.

   Lord Davidson shrugged as his clear blue eyes shrewdly assessed the man.

   "I shan't force my daughter. Edward owns her heart and he shall be the one to keep it. He is a fine lad in his own right, I would give my sword arm for him. But you cannot compare Edward to Jonathan. They are two halves of the same coin, one cannot exist without the other. If one is hurt, in any way, rest assured, he shan't lay in vain. Retribution shall be in order, and most brutally."

   Edmund nodded his head, the warning delivered.

  "You seem very fond of the two."

  Lot Davidson's smile was broad and full of pure, unadulterated love as he answered. "How can I not? There is nothing in those two I would change. I love them too deeply to be fooled by their exterior." 

   "Why, then, do you berate them and bicker with them so?" Edmund couldn't contain his curiosity asked.

  Amusement filled his age old eyes as he answered.
"There is more than one way to show one's love. Beside, tis better this way. They are grown men, yet when they are around me, they are naught but the lads who had ran into my home with mud and grass, destroying my tapestries and my little girl's dress."

  Lord Artkins chuckled.

  "They ruined her dress?"

  "Aye, they had a mud fight with her. The lot was covered in mud, not an inch of skin was visible. I was livid, until I heard their laughter. It was so pure and full of joy as they lay in the middle of the great hall, not caring that they had noble blood running through their veins, or perhaps they did not have the arrogance of the nobility, for surely the hard floor of the great hall would not be considered a suitable place to be laying about.
   "They had lain for hours, laughing and talking. And then they had cleaned the entire great hall, mind you it was only Edward and Jonathan who had cleaned. They had told Annabelle to sit and look pretty, a woman did not do work, according to them. And she sat, swinging her little legs as she waited for them to finish before calling for a bath to be prepared for the three of them."

  "By the sounds of it you must have had your hands full."

  "And I loved every second of it." Lord Davidson croaked as he recalled the memories. He had to spend as much time with his children as he could, life was short.

  Andrewson took in the man's expression. There were wrinkles along his eyes from laughter; many would consider them the telltale sign of old age, but he doubted the other man held the same opinion.

  "You are very lucky to have spent such time with your children." Lord Atkins mumbled as he looked into his wine. "Many people are denied the privilege."

    "You can never know with life, it truly is a privilege, as you say it, but I would prefer the term blessing. I never would have thought my wife would have left us so early, nor would I have thought the day would come that I have to send away my Annabelle. But I cannot say I regret it. I have found myself a wonderful, caring, and loving son by marriage. And what is more, Annabelle loves him. We need to grasp our happiness, the world is a very cruel place."
  
    "Aye it is." Edmund agreed solemnly.

  Lord Davidson looked up at the man, seeing through him with a wealth of wisdom.

  "No deed is too dark to repent."

  Andrewson chuckled without humor, swirling the wine in his glass. He needed more of it. He hadn't intended to answer the old man, but something compelled him to divulge one of his darkest thoughts.

   "Oh but it is. Naivety can cost a person their soul." Edmund retaliated softly.

  "Knowledge and experience can revive it, making it anew." Lord Davidson retorted.

  Lord Atkins shook his head. "Some deeds are better left buried." He threw his head back as the liquid burned a path down his throat.

  "Have you heard of grave robbers?" He arched a brow, not waiting for a response as he continued to speak, "What you consider buried, another may have unearthed. There are people who gain a perverse pleasure from the torment of others. Tis not always best to leave things buried. Burials bind a person, you need to be free from your own shackles."

  "Some shackles cannot be removed."

  "Aye, but they can be destroyed." Lord Davidson winked.

  Edmund couldn't contain his smile even if he wanted to.

  "You have been blessed with a wonderful son by marriage, I suggest you take advantage, shackles be damned."

   And with that, a life long friendship was born, even if the life was destined to be short.

***

  Annabelle lay on her right side before turning back to her stomach, her chemise riding up and making the task more difficult for her. Good lord! The garment was a trial. But she couldn't bring herself to sleep without one, she felt bereft and vulnerable. It was bemusing. She turned to her back, the damn thing was beginning to hurt now. Annabelle sighed. Twas ridiculous. She couldn't lay still nor could she fall asleep.
  Her hair lay in a tangled mess around her, shielding her view. She adored her ebony locks, she wouldn't trade them for the world and all it contained, but at the moment, they were proving to be quite a trail. Annabelle sat up, sighing loudly. She was tired, her bones ached, and...
She sucked in a sharp breathe as pain rocked through her stomach to her core. Annabelle tried taking a deep breath, but to no avail, the pain wouldn't let her breath except for short, quick pants. It was excruciating, this pain which seem to engulf her from within. She clenched her eyes tight as her breath left her on a hiss, taking the pain along with it. Annabelle slumped on the bed, her energy drained. The ordeal could not have lasted for more than a minute, but the sheer force of it had left her reeling. Blessedly, now it was only a throbbing pain which she was accustomed to.
    A smile graced her pale face as she thought of her father. She could still see the grief in his eyes, but there was also peace there. She wished she could remember her mother more clearly, but her father had painted a vivid picture of the woman's love and affection, and that would suffice. She may not know her mother's face, but she knew her heart, and that in itself was a blessing.
   His hair was more white now, her father's. Annabelle's eyes filled with tears, he would be leaving her too soon for her liking. She saw the way he limped slightly, and she knew the reason he had gone over seas, she just wished... She knew everyone must go but at times...
    A tear trailed down her cheek as she continued to think of her father, and then she laughed slightly. Her father had tormented her poor Edward, but in his torment lay his love. And Edward only put up with him because he, too, adored her father. But neither would ever admit it, Annabelle thought warily.
   Color stole over her cheeks as she recalled how handsome Edward had looked at Jonathan's betrothal, she could hardly stopp her gaze from flitting to him every other moment. She truly loved him something fierce, at times it frightened her. Se prayed with all her being Jonathan felt the same way towards his wife to be.
     Jonathan and Katherine would make a wonderful pair, although Katherine would always keep the berk on his toes, something which he needed. It was quite wondrous how tiny Katherine was, and yet, her presence made one feel intimidated. The chit was something different.
    Her mind was still on the pair when her eyes began to slowly droop. Her woman's time took a great deal of strength from her. Just as the welcomed cocoon of sleep was about to engulf her, Annabelle's stomach reminded her it had not eaten the entire day. Annabelle groaned. Casarn it! She loved to eat but she loved her sleep more, she would not be leaving the comfort of her furs, grumbling stomach or not, Annabelle told herself as she turned to her side before turning once more. It would be a long couple of nights.

***

     "Annabelle, love? Are you alright?" Edward whispered as he locked the door and headed towards the bed, a small candle illuminated his path.

  "Edward?" Annabelle mumbled sleepily from her bed. She was tired but it was difficult for her to fall asleep without Edward being, at the very least, near her. With her father staying for the events, she would have to reside in her own chambers, a most troublesome situation in her eyes.

  "Aye, are you unwell, love?" Edward wiped her hair away from her face once he was seated on the bed. Annabelle turned over until she lay on her back, seeing his handsome face clearly.

  "A wee bit of pain in my stomach, that's all. Nothing to fret over."

    Despite her words, Edward's brows furrowed together with worry.

  "Would you like an apple? I have brought you one from the kitchens." Edward held the apple out for her. Annabelle grinned but shook her head. She did not want the apple, she wanted him. Or sleep, she wanted to sleep, her stomach could wait until the morrow.

   "Nay. May you stay here until I fall asleep?"

  "Of course I can, love." Edward admonished lightly as he bent to place a chaste kiss on her forehead. How could she think he could ever deny her?
  Annabelle's smile turned bashful as she asked, "Abu will not notice your absence?"

   Edward shrugged a shoulder. "He is speaking to Lord Atkins, I highly doubt he would."

   Annabelle closed her eyes at his answer, smiling softly as he began to hum. The deep baritone of his voice was soothing to her body as she released control over her senses and succumbed to sleep.

  Edward kept humming long after she had fallen asleep, their hands laying intertwined on her stomach. He picked up their joined hands; placing a gentle kiss upon her wrist before placing an equally, if not more, tender kiss upon her forehead.

  "I love you Lady Dracmore." Edward whispered before quietly taking his leave.

    
   He made his way towards the kitchens, needed to retrieve one last item before he could retire for the night. He passed the ballroom which was still filled with people. Edward grimaced slightly, thank the lord he knew other ways to reach the kitchens, he did not fancy idle conversation at the moment.

   Upon entering the kitchens, his cobalt gaze quickly sought Cook.

  "Ye arrived back rather quick, was Annie dear asleep?" She questioned worriedly.

  "Aye, just about," Edward answered before remembering his original purpose, "Cook, would you happen to know where the milk is?"

  "Aye, what ye be needin' with milk? Ye never drank it ere this." Cook questioned, raising one bushy brow.

  Edward smiled wryly, recalling all the times Cook had literally shoved milk down his throat.

  "Aye, but tis not for me. I need a cup of warm milk if you have." Edward requested politely.

  "Of course I have milk, what do ye take me for? A common maid?" Cook snapped.

  Edward raised a brow at Cook's vexed tone. It would do him well to stay away from the kitchens for the time being.

  Edward waited patiently as Cook fetched him a cup of warm milk. He looked around the kitchen to see everything neatly in place, no one would have thought they had prepared for feast. There were no dishes, nor was there anything lying around, even the floor had been cleaned. Why then Cook was in a foul mood, he knew not.
    Edward was just about to take a seat when Cook handed him a cup of milk.

"Do we have honey?"

  Cook glared at Edward before snapping once more, "of course I have honey, would do ye take me for? A common maid? Does is look like I sit on my derrière all day long?"

  Edward kept his expression as solemn as possible as she handed him the jar of honey. He added a small about ere returning the jar back to her and
quickly thanked her before making his was towards his chambers and new room mate. Edward smiled wryly, giving his head a slight shake as his eyes twinkled with love.
    Soon enough he found himself in front of his chamber doors. He rested his head softly against the door briefly before giving the door a quick tap and entering the room.

   "By Nora! I would have that lad's head! How dare he arrange furs on the ground? A lashing is what he is asking for, he is."

  "Abu?" Edward questioned tentatively as he shut the door behind him.  

   "Why is there furs on the floor?" Lord Davidson barked before Edward could take another step forward.

    "So I may sleep, Abu." Edward answered as he handed him the cup of warm milk.

  "Did ye added honey?"

  "Aye, Abu."

  "What need you be having to sleep on the floor?" Lord Davidson grumbled.

  "So you may be comfortable on the bed."

   Lord Davdison snorted, "You rogue! You think I shan't notice when you disappear in the dead of the night if you sleep on the ground? You shall be sleeping with me on the bed. And that is the last I wish to hear from you on the matter."

   Edward prayed for patience as he nodded his head.

  "Abu, I tend to..." Edward trailed off, how was he supposed to explain his sleeping habits to Abu?

  "You tend to what, lad?" Lord Davidson questioned after taking a sip from his milk, closing his eyes in peace as he felt the warmth wash over him.

   Edward sighed, Hell could freeze over before he would tell Abu the real reason.
  "I tend to move about, I do not wish to inconvenience you."

  "Fibber." Lord Davidson snorted as he put the now empty cup down.

  "You shall be sleeping beside me and that is the last I want to hear from you, have I made myself clear?"

  "Aye, Abu." Edward obeyed as he began to undress.

   "Ignorant git wants to catch his death, sleeping on the floor. What am I to tell Annabelle? The berk."

  Edward smiled softly at Abu's words as he blew the candle, submerging the room in darkness before walking towards the window and drawing the curtains.
   Lord Davidson smiled as he noticed the silver of light enter the room. Night time was his favorite, in his dreams his habibti never left him, rather she always welcomed him with open arms.

  ****

I'm tired
Sorry I haven't updated in so long!! I was supposed to do so last weekend but surprises at work prevented me from doing so.
This chapter was supposed to be longer but I figured I'd give you guys something rather than nothing
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