Bethanie's Entrance- Chapter 12

I strapped on the 5 inch stilettos and laughed. " I hope I don't
fall flat on my face in these shoes! "

" Look on the bright side, Nancy. With my spirit flowing throughout
your body, there'll be no mistakes tonight. " I was relieved by
Desiree's presence, but she soon became exasperated as I practiced a
balancing act behind closed doors. " You're wasting precious time,
Nancy..our blood screams out for Adrian to fulfill our greatest wants
and needs! "

Valera opened the door and we walked to the head of the stairs..I felt
like a Queen, ready to address her loyal subjects. I filled my lungs to
their full capacity and slid my hand along the darkly polished mahogany
railing, creating an illusion of floating on air as I slowly descended
the stairs.

Adrian grinned from ear to ear as he watched us from the bottom..I
cleared the final step with no mishaps and received a giant bearhug "
Nancy, you're as graceful as your name implies, and a ravishing beauty
as well. " He kissed my cheek and I wondered why he didn't capture my
lips in his. " When my Uncle informed me you'd come to purchase some of
his designer clothes this afternoon, I was totally surprised..I had no
idea you knew anything about this place. " He winked. " I was going to
bring you here and have you be utterly astounded and amazed by a simple
country boy who earned a master's degree in knowing what a woman of
refined tastes appreciates! " We both burst out laughing.

" Adrian, we've both been caught offguard..I asked Valera, personal
secretary to Count Marcus, if she knew of any exclusive shops where I
could purchase a fabulous dress for this evening. She sang praises
about Angelo's Classiques and Gustav drove us here. "

" Was it co-incidence or fate..my Uncle only advertises his business by
word of mouth. " His lips barely brushed the corner of my mouth and it
took me a minute to regain my train of thought, as my body demanded
more than what Adrian was giving.

" I've driven through this particular neighborhood numerous times, but
never in a million years would've guessed that Angelo's mansion housed
a clothing boutique. "

A busy bee buzzed inside my mind. " You're too slow to even be my
understudy! "

I couldn't swat that voice without being stung! " Angelo insisted I
tell him about my ' hot date. ' " Delicious tingling spread throughout
my heart. " He wrangled your name out of me, then dropped a huge
bombshell when he told me about your plans for this evening! " I
chuckled with a strange happiness.

" Nancy, it just goes to show that you and I are on intersecting
paths..we can travel the road together and see where it leads. " He
pointed his finger in the air, as if testing wind direction. " Right
now, the scintillating scent of fine food is calling my tastebuds and
stomach to dinner..I hope you're as famished as I am! " Adrian locked
his arm through mine and opened the door to the left of the staircase.
I drew in a deep breath as the Victorian scene unfolded in front of my
eyes. The first object to catch my eye was an ornate crystal chandelier
that proudly resided over the casually arranged centerpiece of green
ivy and baby's breath. Laid on the rectangular rosewood table were blue
oyster dishes and heavy gold-gilded silverwear.
Bencheseats with charming blue and white cushions complimented the
aged, faded blue paneled walls.

That tiny wiggle wormed itself a little further into my soul.
" There might be hope for you, yet! " Unadorned wall sconces flanked
the mirror over the mantle piece and the potted marigolds, bluebells,
and red carnations on the marble fireplace mantel matched the elaborate
cornishes.The glass-paned doors in an old cornflower blue hutch
revealed many fine collectables..gold-rimmed dishware, pitchers with
red hearts, whimsical figurines ( graceful ballerinas, magical
magicians, and white as snow swans), and ceramic roses in various
shades of red.

Angelo entered the dining room from the opposite direction, walking
across the glowing warmth of the polished redwood floor. I hugged him,
then gave him a decent peck on his cheek. " Angelo, this is
magnificent! "

Adrian's aura drew me back to him. " You're a mind-reader
extraordinaire, Adrian..you knew I'd love this place. I feel extremely
blessed in having met both of you! " I threw my arms around his neck as
a strange heat enveloped my heart and soul. He kissed me until I was
breathless, then stepped back and smiled.

" And they say you can never come home..well, I've just proved them
wrong! " That prickly voice was itching to come out in full
force.

" Desiree', what did you say? "

" Why nothing at all, Nancy. Are you hearing things? " Desiree's laugh
sent a chill down my spine.

That irritating nuisance inside my head found a backseat in the
darkened balcony when Adrian asked me to sit beside him on one of the
blue and white cushioned benches. He fingered the necklace stones. "
The Petrified Sequoia gives the wearer the ability to accept whatever
Life throws her way, without acting like a drama queen. The Lapis
Lazuli encourages integrity in relationships and is a powerful fidelity
charm. The Carnelian reminds one to be ' in the moment. ' " He gently
touched the Moss Agates. " These are my favorite stones..they bring
abundance, balance, and self-confidence. " Adrian gazed deep into my
soul. " These jewels suit you to perfection. "

The first sip of Angelo's iced tea hinted of peaches and apricots, then
I heard soothing sounds of nature merging with piano and strings. Ocean
waves lapped the beach and gentle raindrops fell, inviting me to open
my mind to all life's goodness.

Hunger pangs invaded my reverie as Adrian spoke. " I hope you enjoy
what Angelo's chef has prepared tonight. Tossed salad with his own
blended vinagrette dressing, boiled Maine shrimp and lobster tails with
browned garlic butter for dipping, and fresh creamed corn and French
bread. "
My mouth watered in anticipation..for the sustanance of food and
Adrian's life force to complete the evening. " And the piece de
resistance is a richer than sin Heavenly Key Lime Cheesecake! "

While we ate, Adrian spoke about the Natural History of the Wolf. " The
Eskimo called the wolf ' Amaguk ' and the Nez Perce named him ' He'me.'
The Cheyene Wolf Soldier Band, best known among wolf warriors,
incorporated the grey wolf's cunning nature and close family bonds deep
into the rituals of their own clan. "

What he said fascinated me.
" Adrian, listening to you gives me insight into who you are, and what
you believe. "

When he lifted my hand and kissed the back of it, shivers raced down my
spine. His iceblue eyes pierced mine and Desiree' rose to the
surface.
" Now's the time to tell you about Desiree's name. " Adrian's mood was
jovial. " She can be unashamedly vain as she parades in front of a
full-length mirror, deciding which drop-dead dress will stop people in
their tracks. Desiree's flambouyant behavior and enormous charisma
assures her an invitation to every party, and she's well worth the
attention she demands. " He closed his eyes for a minute.
" Her presence surrounds and infuses you now, Nancy. Apart, you're
separate entities in this world, two incomplete halves of a whole in
need of blending to achieve balance. "

" More like trying to blend oil and water..they'll never mix! " The
unknown philosopher tried to finagle her way to top billing.

Desiree' was very pleased with what Adrian said. " It took some time,
but I finally came into my own and I have no intentions of losing what
I've contributed to your life, Nancy. "

After Desiree's interruption, Adrian continued. " Desiree' has many
special qualities..her perception allows her to simultaneously see the
beginning and ending of any given situation. She's compassionate and
intuitive, but doesn't conform to ordinary patterns. Spontaneity is her
keyword and she can change direction at the drop of a hat. Personal
freedom tops her list and her friendships tend to gravitate towards
those with artistic and bohemian persuasions. "

" Nancy..Desiree'.." Adrian breathed the duality of our names as he
realized we both existed in the same vampire body. " You're framed in
exquisite harmony..the give and take of evil darkness and innocent
light. "

" The Great Goddess is sculpting us into her newest art form. "
Desiree' swirled in my mind.

" I want to have the same effect on you that you have on me. " Adrian
leaned over and crushed his lips to mine, taking no notice that we
weren't in a private room. My mouth opened wide, letting him taste and
explore, while intense sensations and electric emotions coursed
throughout my body. I knew I had to break free or risk losing myself in
him.

That nimble voice shouted,
" Phillipe! "

Adrian boldly stated, " You can't tell me that kiss meant nothing..I
felt your whole body respond to me, as if we'd been lovers in another
life! "

" Nancy, enough of this foolishness with Adrian..you're not allowed to
have wants and needs of a physical nature with anyone but Marcus!
"
Desiree' traveled deep into my mind where Adrian couldn't see or hear
her.

" Adrian, I'm sorry. " I wanted to cry, but that unknown spirit grinned
from ear to ear.

" Nancy, you can't lie or decieve me, so there's nothing to be sorry
about. I know who and what you are by your feelings and actions. "
Adrian's hands gripped my shoulders. " Take me with you on your life's
chosen Journey. "

Adrian kissed me all the way to my soul and I responded with no second
thoughts to mar the way. " Phillipe, my one and only love! " She
gloated in triumph.

He pulled me up with him and pressed his body close to mine. " Give
yourself to me! " My knees grew weak as his kisses burned like
wildfire..every cell wanted to feel the power of his blazing love.
Adrian's mouth moved to my neck..kissing, licking, and sucking in wild
abandon, an adrenaline rush pushing me to the brink of disaster.

Seconds before he bit down on my pulse point, Desiree' screamed, " NO!!
ONCE YOU GIVE YOUR BLOOD TO HIM, ALL IS LOST!! "

Desiree' shoved him away before he had the chance to taste my life
force. His glazed-over eyes slowly cleared. " Good God, this isn't like
any love I've ever experienced before. " Adrian was very upset with
himself.
" Forgive me Nancy, please? "

I backed up a few more steps, then folded my arms across my chest to
protect myself. " Adrian, you're moving way too fast for me. " I
haven't had much experience in being a Vampire..even the mere taste of
my blood could result in serious complications and repercussions
for
both of us. "

Angelo stood beside me and put his two cents worth into the
conversation. " She's right, Adrian, there's plenty of time for
everything. "

Adrian took a seat at one end of the bench and I sat as far away from
him as I could. He scowled in my direction. " You're forgiven, Adrian.
" I smiled and hoped things would get back to normal.

" Nancy, if that's true, please sit beside me again..I promise I won't
bite! " I scooted closer to him, feeling more in control of the
situation.

The chef carted in our dessert, then passed around the plates of
cheesecake. Angelo lifted a forkfull to his mouth and sighed. "
Ahhhh..sheer perfection. When we're finished, we'll walk off our
calories in my downstairs cellar, a collector's dream I had built to my
precise specifications. " In a stage whisper he added, " It's an exact
replica of an 18th century
Parisian dungeon. "

" A history lesson in the making for me perhaps? "
Anything to keep my mind off of Adrian and his delicious kisses that
spelled danger with a capital ' D. ' " What do you think, Desiree'? "
She didn't answer, but I was sure she'd approve.

Adrian took my hand, and we walked to the cellar door.
Angelo switched on overhead lights which scarcely illuminated the
downward steps to the dungeon. He said, " The darkness is meant to make
a specific impression. What you'll see are humanlike figures in wax,
visual arrangements to make the scenes more real and believable. I'll
light up the torture devices one at a time and explain how they were
used. "

Adrian's grip tightened. " Nancy, you're under no obligation to do
this. If you don't feel up to it, we can leave right now, no questions
asked. "

" Adrian, I'm not afraid..it's as if part of my destiny's about to
unfold. Lead on, Angelo. " We descended into the dimness.

The first display was a woman whose nose and mouth were bright red.
Angelo spoke. " This is the ' Blooding Ritual. ' It was once commonly
believed that a witch's power could be nullified by bloodletting and
then burning her blood. Convicted witches were
' scored above the breath ', slashed over the nose and mouth and
allowed to freely bleed. " Angelo stared directly at me. " Some of them
met their death in this manner. "

Something in the back of my mind stirred. Was it an echo of memories
best forgotten? Adrian squeezed my hand in a vice grip. " Nancy, are
you sure you want to see the rest of my Uncle's collection? "

I'd all but forgotten Adrian..he was pale of face and trembling with
agitation. " I'm fine, Adrian. I feel compelled to view everything
here. "

" Adrian, Nancy'll be all right. " Did Angelo have foreknowledge of
events to come? " This next device is The Branks, or Scold's Bridle
which originated in Scotland in the 16th century and passed from there
to England and thence to the Americas. " The scene was of a man and
woman both dressed in Pilgrim's clothing..the chain around her neck was
attached to an iron mask over her face and head and he was parading her
through the city square.
" This metal gag was principally used on scolding housewives, typically
fashioned as a cage that locked onto the head and aided by a metal
protrusion that fit into the mouth. Many times a tongue piece was
enhanced with spikes to discourage speaking and some also had chains
attached to secure the wearer in public places. " Again he seemed to be
appraising me with an eagle eye. " They were also used to silence
witches in order to prevent them from chanting or reciting their magic
spells."

Adrian's movements spoke volumes of uneasiness and I fidgeted nervously
with my watch. Desiree' said, " Adrian's overflow of fresh blood can
hear your body staking out its claim on his life force. Your screaming
need has overwhelmed him to say the least. " With eager anticipation
she chirped,
" Angelo knows what steps to take. "

A well-concealed door was hidden in the back corner of the cellar.
Angelo opened it to reveal a brightly lit parlor area. A tray holding a
pitcher of lemonade, glasses, and a plate of oatmeal cookies was on top
of a rosewood table, positioned in front of a floral overstuffed couch.
" I think Adrian needs a time out. " Angelo smiled and handed Adrian a
tumbler filled with the yellow liquid.

Angelo took the drained glass away from Adrian, just before he plopped
down and started to yawn. With his head on one arm of the couch and his
feet at the other end, Adrian snored gently into the back cushions.
Desiree' and I knelt beside his neck, domination being our ultimate
goal..we drew his engorged jugular vein into our eagerly waiting mouth
and clamped down hard. His gushing fountain of blood sent soothing
sensations that circulated within our blood stream and we slowly
released our teeth from his throat. Adrian's smile declared we were
right in taking what he freely offered as Valera applied a poultice of
aloe and amaranth to keep his life force intact.
I saw the same clipper ship pictured in his mind that hung on my
bedroom wall and places that seemed so real..a small chapel surrounded
by flowers and a lake called Farrah Rose. " Does Adrian have a
connection to your past, Desiree'? "

" Nancy, why're you boring me with silly details that serve no purpose?
What's in the past should stay dead and buried, as it has no bearing on
me, or you, or our life now. "

The stranger within my head whispered, " She's right, Ducky..Desiree's
past is long gone, but mine is right here, right now, and will
definitely be part of my future! " She exited stage right in a cloud of
Night Blooming Jasmine.

" Nancy, would you like to see some more of the Dungeon? " Angelo knew
I wasn't about to refuse his offer. " While Adrian recouperates, I'd be
more than happy to show you and Desiree' the rest of the torture
devices. " He didn't wait for a reply, but opened the door that led to
the cellar. A halogen light drew my attention to a woman with tears
rolling down her cheeks. Angelo spoke in a conspiritorial voice. "
These shackles and chains weren't used so much for torture, but as a
means to degrade and berate. The woman depicted here is suffering
Tormentum Insomniae..torture by sleeplessness and perhaps it was
allowed because there wasn't any
physical pain involved. "

I bent down in order to get a closer look at the woman and saw raw ugly
bite marks on her neck. She was thin as a rail, dressed in the tattered
rags of beggar's clothing. Her long black hair hung in lifeless tangles
and knots from her dirty head and her translucent skin was whiter than
fresh fallen snow. Her shoeless feet were swollen, red and blistered as
if she'd walked many miles underneath a hot, blazing sun. The pitiful
sound of, " Help me, help me, " came from her ice blue lips. The green
of Desiree's emerald eyes stabbed me directly in my heart!

**********

My eyelids opened to the surprising vision of a beautiful woman
standing over me. She was dressed modestly in black, as befitted her
station in life and her demeanor was cool and calm. " My name is Valera
and I've paid your debts to the King's government and made restitution
to what society says you owe. " She frowned slightly. " You'll repay me
in full by joining my religious order. " The jailer came when she
beckoned and removed the heavy chains and shackles that'd held me
prisoner for many days. " Gustav, please carry her out to the carriage.
" The man who accompanied her picked me up gently and wrapped me in
warm blankets as if I was breakable porcelain. He swiftly took me to a
splendid horsedrawn vehicle and laid me on a soft leather seat.

Valera sat opposite of me and wiped away the tears in my eyes with a
linen rose-scented handkerchief. " Everything will be all right now,
Desiree'. You'll be protected until you regain your strength. "

" How did you know my name? " I had no clear memories of life before
prison.

" My daughter Cecelia, was prompted by the Great Goddess to tell me
where I'd find you and what shape you'd be in. " Valera gathered my
hand in hers. " We've offered prayers of thanksgiving to Kermes Twa and
soon you'll become her willing servant, having a full understanding of
her truths. "

Her voice soothed me and I fell into a deep blessed sleep with no
dreams or nightmares to disturb my peace. My eyes penetrated the
darkness when a soft rustling noise and the faint scent of roses came
from the foot of my bed. I tried to sit up, but lacked the energy. A
cup was pressed against my lips and my thirst was slaked in learning,
worship, and adoration. " I'm the Great Goddess Kermes Twa, Desiree'. "
The strange voice floated in my veins as harsh memories of unspeakable
acts infused my mind. " Revenge is what you seek and I'll help you
inflict final punishment on all who've wronged you! " Her red rage held
me spellbound.

" Gustav, bring more blood! " His footsteps echoed down the hall.

Blood, sweet nectar of the gods. I drank and at long last the
excruciating hunger within the pit of my stomach abated and I was
stronger than I'd been in months. " Desiree', I'm the answer to the
test of your life, now and
forever. " Kermes Twa was jubilant. " In one week there'll be a party
held in your honor, marking your entrance into Parisian High Society.
You'll be the Rose Queen, having your special choice of men to dance
with, to drink from, to be with! "

" I'm a married woman! " The Great Goddess didn't seem particularly
pleased by the heaviness of my unspeakable burdens.

" Where's your precious Marcus, Desiree'? Certainly not here in Paris,
searching the highways and byways for you. " She snickered. " No, he
went to offer his condolances to your father and sister, but it didn't
take long until he was bewitched and bedeviled by Bethanie, seeking
your love in her heart. His final reward will be in finding out that
she's nothing like you. "

" How long was I in that unholy prison? " I screamed in
frustration.

" Length of time is of no consequence now that Marcus has had you
declared legally dead..after meeting your sister that is! " Her high
screeching laugh said the joke was on me. " The Universe always strives
to maintain a perfect balance and you'll be its trusty key to revenge
and retribution. Marcus will pay dearly for his lack of faith, trust,
patience, and love. "
My nerves were calm, but my bloodcells buzzed with electric energy. "
Yes, Desiree', you've become a blessed member of the Vampir Familia.
Drink this last goblet of nectared nourishment so your thoughts and
judgements will no longer be clouded with emotional feelings that leave
you bewildered and confused. "

Valera pulled the blankets up to my chin and I drifted off to sleep, as
all concerns and memories faded.

******************

The voice reached across a great distance and faintly called my
name.
" Nancy, you'll remember everything as Kermes Twa allows, but now you
must return to your own reality. " I was back in Angelo's
guestroom..
Valera sat by my side and gently rubbed my forehead, cheeks and wrists
with a cool washcloth.

" Desiree', Valera.. "

" We know, " they answered in unison.

" Kermes Twa and Aequalis have bestowed a paramount privilege on us,
given to no one else before. As sisters of the heart, we're honor-bound
by more than meets the eye. The need to know rests heavy in your heart,
just as the need to tell weighs heavy in my soul. Let their song of
balanced praise arise in our breast.

Origyne of lif ond lufu
Death ond hatian
Thohts ond reri
Neod to cnawan
Neod to tellan
Materia of rememorari
Materia of forgietanfulness
Min perceptio
Eower perceptio
Aeghwilc aspicere of treowth
Aeghwilc aspicere of leogan
Sceadu of hwit
Sceadu of blak
Blenden intro sceadu of graeg
Bilanx hwilc exsistere for eall

Origins of life and love
Death and hate
Thoughts and reasons
Need to know
Need to tell
Matters of remembrance
Matters of forgetfullness
My perception
Your perception
Each aspect of truth
Each aspect of lies
Shades of white
Shades of black
Blending into shades of grey
The balance which exists for all

The hour grows late. Rest, so your body and mind will be better able to
accept the new vision of your life's destiny. " Desiree' acted like I
was a little child with no common sense.

" Desiree', I'm not at all tired! " I pouted. They didn't believe I had
the stamina to keep going for hours on end. My system of steel sang
loud and clear, filled with zest and energy as I swung my feet over the
side of the bed, fully intending to stand up and be on my merry way.
When my toes touched the floor, I knew I had a major problem. The blood
high effects had quickly worn off, leaving me weak and on edge.

" Nancy, your physical and mental health hang in the balance, so you
must listen and obey me without question. Your body needs time to
recover from feeling the aftermath of Desiree's sufferings. It'll be
this way until everything is complete. " Kermes Twa brooked no
backtalk. " The fresh sweetness of Adrian's blood will sustain and
nurture you. "

Valera clasped my fingers around the goblet's stem. " Drink it all, "
she commanded. I closed my eyes as tranquil dread lulled me into
fitfull sleep.

******************

A light rapping at the door startled me. I opened it to the sight of my
beloved Phillipe..Sheridan had delivered his note asking me to meet him
in the apple orchard at midnight just minutes before. He was handsome
as ever, dressed all in black to blend in with the night. He slipped
quietly inside and gathered me in his arms for a hungry kiss, leaving
me breathless with desire. " Phillipe, you shouldn't have come. What if
Regina, or heaven forbid, Marcus had seen you? " I was angry, but
overjoyed to see him.
I thought back six weeks to December 14th, the day I'd surrendered my
heart, soul, and virginity to him..I hadn't received a single word from
him during that time and feared he didn't love me anymore. To further
complicate matters, I was almost certain I was pregnant with his
baby.

" Bethanie, my heart and body wouldn't let me wait. The fact of the
matter is no one saw me as they're too busy with the guests! " He
laughed, then captured my lips for another dangerous kiss. My heart was
near to bursting with love and contentment. " Many things have changed
and I'll no longer be sailing with your Uncle Joshua. " He looked me
directly in the eye.
" My Darling, you're the most important person in my life and
I want to marry you as soon as possible. " Phillipe hugged me tight and
I felt at home in his arms. " I want you to travel with me to San
Francisco, where I'm employed as a naval architect. "

" Phillipe, I'd follow you to the ends of the earth! " Happiness spread
throughout my heart and soul for the first time in ages.

From the other side of the door I heard Regina call out, " Are you
ready to be engaged, Bethanie? "
The doorknob rattled. " Girlie? "

" Just a minute, Regina. "

Phillipe whispered softly and sweetly, " I love you, Bethanie. " He
escaped through my open window to the ground below.

When I unlocked the door, Regina stared at my face and I was sure she
knew about Phillipe and me. " Your eyes are sparkling, and your face is
flushed and glowing. Marcus will fall in love with you all over again.
" She oohed and aahed for a few minutes, then took my hand in hers. "
You do both of your parents proud. I only wish your Mother was here to
see you, Bethanie. " She walked me to the top of the stairs, then
stepped behind me. There was a new found freedom raging in my heart. I
was going to take the world by storm, with Phillipe by my side. I
descended the steps with grace and elegance, hearing family, friends,
and guests clapping and cheering for an event which would never take
place. Marcus stood on the next to last step and held out his hands to
me. I threw my arms around his neck and pressed my lips to his, playing
my newfound part to the hilt.

Papa clapped his hands for attention and motioned for everyone to
follow him to the ballroom. " My dear friends and guests. Tonight it
gives me great joy to announce the betrothal of my beautiful daughter,
Bethanie, to Count Marcus of Fredericksburg. I know that each of you
has already received an engraved invitation to their wedding ceremony
and reception on Valentine's Day. " Papa kissed me on the cheek and
raised his goblet of blackberry wine. " A toast to the bride and groom
to be. "

Marcus and I clinked glasses, then intertwined our arms to drain them.
Another round was poured and he looked me straight in the eye as he
spoke. " I give my heart and soul to the love of my life, my
wife-to-be, Bethanie. " He held up a one-of-a-kind gold band ring with
rose organza rubies surrounding a pearl of purest white. " Red is for
the passion of my love and white for the virginal purity of my
Bethanie, undefiled and untouched by any man. " We drank to the last
drop. " We'll be together for eternity and beyond. "

Although we looked to be the perfect couple, that would only last a few
more hours. Soon I'd be spending all my evenings with Phillipe,
laughing with Phillipe, and making sweet passionate love to Phillipe.
Tears of elation welled in my eyes and I smiled for the world of my
family and friends, letting everyone believe that marrying Marcus would
make me the happiest woman alive.

Marcus and I danced to the strains of ' Valse Romantique ' by Claude
Debussy, then the quartet played my Mother's favorite song, ' The Blue
Danube Waltz. ' Papa tapped him on the shoulder, then whirled me around
the ballroom floor. " Bethanie, how you remind me of your mother on the
night we became engaged. " He sighed and I knew he missed her as much
as I did. " I hope you and Marcus won't make me wait too long to become
a grandfather! "

" Oh, Papa! " The stage had been set to perfection as my cheeks blushed
bright red. Grandchildren might be coming sooner than he expected, but
they wouldn't belong to Marcus!

The head waiter rang his bell and Papa announced, " Dinner is served!
Please follow me to the dining room. " With Papa on one side and Marcus
on the other, we walked to the head of the table, where Papa sat in his
customary place of honor. Marcus sat to the left of him and I sat to
the right, directly across from Marcus. Tables were set with all manner
of food. Roast beef, ducklings in orange sauce, honey glazed hams,
fried chickens, baked turkeys stuffed with sausage, chestnuts and
apples, thick potato slices with rich brown gravy, boiled corn on the
cob, candied yams, pole beans seasoned with bacon, poached pears,
pecan, blueberry, and apple pies, fruit cakes..so much food, my stomach
started to churn.

The waiter brought sweet red wine to drink with our meal, but I asked
for water to sooth the butterflies within my belly. Plates of food were
placed in front of me, but I barely picked at my favorite dishes.
Marcus seemed concerned, as I usually ate with gusto.
" Bethanie, is something wrong with you? This should be a happy
occasion! "

" Marcus, this is the most wonderful night in my life, but I'm afraid
the excitement has made me feel slightly ill..I need to lie down for a
while. " He explained how I felt to Papa, then took my hand and we
slowly walked upstairs with Regina following closely behind.

I sat on my bed and Regina fussed over me like I was a young girl. She
laid a hand across my forehead. " Girlie, you feel quite warm."

" Regina, can you help me remove my dress? A good night's rest is what
I need. "

Marcus kissed my forehead, then Regina shooed him out of the
room.
" I'll check on you later, my Love. " He blew me a parting kiss and
closed the door behind him.

" Now, Bethanie, tell me what's really going on..are you having second
thoughts about being married to Marcus? " An interrogation if there
ever was one.

" No, Regina..you know how much I love him. " I prayed she was
convinced. She undid the whalebone stays on my dress and I laughed. " I
feel better already now that I can breathe again. " Still in my
chemise, I laid my head on the goose down pillows. Regina kissed my
cheek and I smiled. " I love you, Regina.You've been like a mother to
me. "

She patted my hand. " I'll come back in a short while, Bethanie. " Her
dress rustled as she moved to the door and her footsteps echoed down
the hallway until there was silence. I got out of bed and went to the
back corner of my closet to the plain wooden chest that no one would
give a second glance to. Underneath old baby clothes and toys was a
black masculine outfit that Phillipe had given to me. I put on the
pants and shirt, then tiptoed to the mud room and slipped out the side
door, keeping close to the house shadows. I rounded the last corner and
my feet flew swift and sure on the path to the apple orchard, the trees
still bare with winter's chill. My heart overflowed with desire and
love for Phillipe, and I pictured him in the faint moonlight, waiting
for me.