Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

What is that girl up to? Ivy stared in confusion as she held one of Eliza’s blouses in front of her. It was ripped down the middle, as though someone had gotten fed up with the buttons and had decided to tear it apart. Most of the buttons were missing, and the few that weren’t were hanging by a thread.

I don’t even know if I can repair this. Ivy put it aside and continued to pull out laundry. A torn chemise was next, followed by one half of a pair of drawers.

Goodness! Where is the other leg? Ivy rummaged through the basket, a trail of threads leading her to the second half of the drawers. She held one up in each hand, her face going red as she realized the most likely cause of the destruction. At that moment, aforementioned “destruction” could be heard walking towards her.

“Good morning Ivy!” William said cheerfully. He had moved in just a couple of weeks ago, yet it had felt as though he had always been there. They had all settled into an easy rhythm together, William doing his best not to disrupt their everyday routines. As he and Eliza had both become busier at the Yard, they were hardly ever home, they usually came in together for dinner and then would fall asleep after noisy bouts of love-making. Ivy had gone through a myriad of types of earplugs till she could find one that drowned them out. For the most part.

“Good morning William!” Despite her annoyance at his habit of ripping garments off of Eliza, he was a surprisingly pleasant man. Even Eliza had confided in her at being taken aback at how much William had mellowed. Loving and being loved suited him. Having a partner he could confide in with his daily troubles, rather than keeping his emotions bottled up within, calmed him down, his temper usually faded away quickly at Eliza’s sympathetic ear.

The same could be said for Eliza. Her hash edges had softened once she realized she could trust William, and that he wouldn’t try to dominate her life. They rarely fought, still argued at times, but knowing how easily they could lose one another made them appreciate every moment they shared together.

“What do you have there?” Ivy asked as she noticed him holding one of his shirts.

“Uh… I… well, that is Eliza… we were… the button… actually two buttons I think…” William’s face had gone red. Ivy held her hand out to take the shirt from him. She scrutinized it.

“This can be repaired. Whereas this,” she told him, holding out one leg of Eliza’s drawers, “Cannot.”

William’s eyes widened in surprise. “I did that? Wow. What happened to the rest of it?” He wondered.

Before Ivy could show him the other half, Eliza came bounding down the stairs. “Good morning Ivy! Good morning Chief Inspector!” Eliza said teasingly. Even though William’s promotion had been in affect for the past two weeks, she still liked calling him that, she enjoyed the way his chest would puff up with pride, and today was no different.

William turned to her, grinning. “And a good morning to Scotland Yard’s primary consultant!”

“You mean only consultant!”

“At the rate you’ve been solving cases I won’t need anyone but you. My men are useless.” He added with a scowl. “I have that meeting later today with them and my good shirt is ruined.” He held out Eliza’s undergarments, having forgotten that he had already given Ivy his shirt.

“William! What are you doing with my… when did that happen? I thought I had gotten rid of that pair…”

“This is the second pair.” William explained.

“No, third.” Ivy said testily, pulling out more mangled undergarments from the bottom of the basket.

“Maybe we should just walk around naked.” William mused.

“Please don’t.” Ivy sighed. There was already so much gossip circulating around town about the two of them. Adding nudity to the list would be pushing everyone over the edge.

Eliza was laughing very hard at something only she had thought of. William and Ivy stared at her. “Can you imagine, William opening the door, in the nude, to Mrs. Parker?”

“It might put her in a better mood.” Ivy told her.

William turned red. “I’ll stop ripping Eliza’s clothing. And undergarments. Sorry Ivy. If they can’t be repaired could you have some more ordered?” William reached into his pocket and removed his wallet. He handed Ivy some money.

“Certainly. I won’t be able to have this repaired in time for your meeting today though.” She said, taking the money from him and putting it in her pocket for safe-keeping. “You’ll have to wear a different shirt.”

“Aye, I figured as much.” William grumbled. “I’d best go change.” William kissed Eliza on the cheek then headed back upstairs.

Eliza’s face was red as she looked at Ivy. “He’s rather enthusiastic when we… ahem…”

“So I’ve noticed.” Ivy said wryly.

“Sorry.” Eliza apologized.

Ivy shook her head. “Don’t apologize Lizzie. You’re happy, I’ve never seen you this happy before. And William, he’s positively glows around you. It’s as though a light has been turned on inside of him.”

Eliza flushed. “I know. He’s a good man. I love him.” Eliza hesitated. “Ivy, I think I’m ready to mar…”

Before she could finish her sentence there was a rapid knocking at the door.

“I’LL GET IT!” William shouted as he diverted from going upstairs.

“Eliz… Inspector Wellington! Good day.” Eliza and Ivy could hear Rupert’s voice as they approached.

“You know you can call me William.” William told him with a wry smile.

Eliza bit back a laugh, Rupert was staring at William’s chest. He was wearing only a thin undershirt, his muscles outlined against the tight fabric.

“Can you imagine, William opening the door, in the nude, to Mr. Parker?” Ivy whispered into Eliza’s ear.

“Ivy!” Eliza did laugh that time and poked Ivy playfully in the ribs. Ivy yelped in surprise.

William turned around to look at them, confused. Eliza shook her head.

“Rupert, what brings you over so early?” Eliza asked. Rupert could barely contain his joy, he was holding a letter, his hand trembling. But, rather than answer Eliza, his concerned gaze flickered over to William, who stood oblivious to their non-verbal exchange.

After the silence lingered longer than was expected, William looked at the three of them. “Do you want me to go? I have to dress anyway. I’m going to be late.”

Rupert fidgeted then took a deep breath. “I’minlovewithamarriedmanwhoisgoigntovisitfromFrancenextweekandIwantedhimtomeetEliza.Pleasedon’thavemearrested.”

William narrowed his eyes, processing the jumbled phrase. Beads of sweat began to pour down Rupert’s face.

“I know. I dinnae care.” William said with a shrug.

“You do?” “You don’t?” Rupert and Eliza blurted out.

“Eliza, don’t you think I would have investigated everyone you have dealings with? As soon as I had learned that Rupert was your investor I had run a thorough background check. Personally.” William added, to reassure Rupert that he was the only one who knew his secret.

“You never said anything!” Eliza said as Rupert replied, “You didn’t arrest me?”

“Why would I?” William asked Eliza. “And no, I wouldn’t arrest a friend of Eliza’s.” William scowled. “I’d sooner arrest Moses first.”

Eliza smiled up at William. He touched her cheek and kissed her forehead. “I’ll go get dressed. If you make dinner plans just let me know which evening. I’ll see you at the office love.” William tenderly kissed Eliza’s lips and hurried to the stairs.

“Would you like tea Mr. Parker?” Ivy asked. He shook his head.

“Unfortunately I can’t stay long, I was simply excited and wanted to share the news with Eliza.” Rupert replied. He handed Eliza the letter.

Eliza skimmed it over and felt her heart melt. It was a romantic and sweet letter. She focused more on the part where her name popped up:

I look forward to meeting your Miss Scarlet and hearing of all your adventures. She sounds like an incredible woman!

Eliza’s face lit up as an idea came to her. “I want to make dinner for you and Laurent. As a thank you.” She declared, handing him back the letter.

Ivy and Rupert stared at Eliza aghast. William had just come back down, dressed for the day, and had caught the tail end of the conversation.

“Eliza, how on earth would that be a thank you?” William spoke aloud what the others were thinking.

Eliza huffed. “Rupert cooked for us, so I want to cook for them in return.”

“Rupert had cooked for us so you wouldn’t give us food poisoning.” William explained with a grin.

“Don’t you have a meeting to get to?” Eliza asked.

“Yes dear.” William said cheekily. With a quick peck on her cheek he was out the door and gone.

As he headed to to his carriage, William had a thought. Perhaps I should stop at the chemist’s to pick up some stomach powder…

A week later

“Ivy! Why is this so hard? It’s just flour and water.” Eliza groaned as she stared at the sticky lump of dough on the table. “And why is it so flat?” She poked at the mass then tried to pull her finger back out, but it was stuck. “Yourbread never looks like this.” With a firm tug and a loud ‘pop’ her finger came free.

“Lizzie, did you add the yeast?” Ivy asked, confused as to why the dough hadn’t risen after nearly two hours.

“Huh?” Eliza looked around and spotted a small jar she had forgotten about. “Is that what that was?”

Ivy sighed. For a brilliant detective she is clueless in the kitchen.

“Hello ladies.” William came into the kitchen, his arms filled with flowers.

“William! Lovely, you remembered the flowers!” Eliza said happily as she went over to inhale their fresh scent.

“Yes. And everything else on your list.” William shifted the flowers to one arm and Eliza reached for the bag he had hooked over the crook of his elbow. She took a look inside.

“You bought a loaf of bread?” Eliza glared at him. “That hadn’t been on my list.”

William flushed and Ivy looked away. Eliza noticed and tapped her foot. “Tell me.”

“Eh, I had two lists. Ivy had given me one.” William explained. “Bread had been on it.”

Eliza sighed.

“I’m sorry! I’m sure your bread will be better. We can save this one for tomorrow.” William tried to console her.

“It won’t be. I ruined it already.” Eliza admitted glumly.

“I’m sure the other dishes will be perfect… huh?” William watched confused as Ivy waved her hands from behind Eliza.

Did she ruin all of the dishes? William wondered in bewilderment. How is that even possible? I’d best get out of here.

“I’ll go find some vases.” William mumbled and hurried off before he could say anything else to provoke Eliza’s ire.

“Lizzie, why don’t you try chopping the carrot?” Ivy asked, trying to think of the easiest task possible.

Eliza’s face brightened as she took the carrot and a butcher’s knife.

“NO!” Ivy exclaimed, causing Eliza to jump. “Sorry, I meant not that one, that’s for meat. Here, use this instead.” Ivy passed her a smaller knife.

Eliza studied the knife in her hand and the carrot resting on the cutting board in front of her. She raised the knife high and slammed it down, causing Ivy to shriek.

“LIZZIE! What are you doing?”

“Chopping up the carrot like you had asked.” Eliza replied nonplussed.

“Smaller pieces please.” I can fix them if they’re too large. Ivy thought, then turned her back to rinse off the potatoes in the sink.

When she turned back around a few minutes later it was to see Eliza standing hunched over the carrot, cutting teeny-tiny pieces. Ivy approached and looked over her shoulder. She had only cut one-third of it.

“I’m cutting it!” Eliza exclaimed happily, squinting at her work.

“I can see that! Wonderful work. Uh… I’ll be right back.” Ivy said, then hurried upstairs.

William was in the dining room, doing a passable job at arranging the flowers in various vases and vessels he had found.

“William, is that the water pitcher?” Ivy asked as she spotted the white porcelain pitcher from Eliza’s bedchamber.

“Aye, I ran out of vases. Looks pretty though.” William said, stepping back to proudly show Ivy his handiwork.

Ivy cocked her head. “Indeed it does.” She said truthfully, the red blossoms contrasting nicely with the white baby’s breath.

“How fares Eliza?” William asked.

“That’s why I came up here.” Ivy said.

“Needed a break?” He asked with a smile.

“I need you to come up with an excuse to get her out of the kitchen before you all end up eating mushy carrots for dinner!”

“That bad huh?” William asked.

Ivy nodded.

William pulled out his pocket watch and glanced at the time. “I suppose there’s enough time for me to distract her upstairs…”

“Anything! Just get her out of my kitchen!” Ivy said. “And don’t rip her shirt this time!” She called out as William headed downstairs.

“Eliza?” William watched in awe as Eliza had begun to cut the potatoes in pieces as small as the carrots. “That’s actually impressive.” He muttered.

Eliza turned to look up at him a beaming smile on her face. “I’m cooking William! I’m actually cooking! And it will be edible. I think.” She cocked her head and stared at the nearly macerated vegetables. “Perhaps I cut them too small…”

William approached her and removed the knife from her hand before resting his hands on her waist and turning her to face towards him. “I’m very proud of you.” He leaned forward, “It’s very sexy seeing you in the kitchen.” He whispered in her ear before lightly tugging on her earlobe with his teeth.

Before Eliza could respond, he let one hand slide down to her buttocks and he thrust his hips forward, his arousal evident even though his trousers and Eliza’s gown and apron.

“William!” Eliza exclaimed, trying to pull herself from his embrace. “We don’t have time for that now! They’ll be here in a few hours!”

“We don’t need a few hours.” William murmured as he moved his other hand down to her arse and squeezed firmly. “Just one. Or two, depending on what you’re in the mood for.”

“I’m supposed to be helping Ivy…” Eliza protested, but without any vehemence. William could tell she was losing her willpower.

“You could be helping me instead.” William said huskily. “I can hardly go to dinner like this.” He ground his pelvis against her again.

“You can take care of that yourself.” Eliza teased. But they both knew that she had already given in.

“It’s more fun when you do. Let Ivy finish, you did a great job, take a break with me.” William grabbed the strings of Eliza’s apron and began to tug on them, letting it fall to the ground.

Having forgotten his original intent, to get Eliza out of the kitchen, he began to lift her to place her onto the kitchen table and push up her skirts.

“UPSTAIRS! NOW!” Ivy shouted at them from the doorway.

They both turned to look at her sheepishly.

“Sorry!” The chimed in chorus.

William, not wanting to get on Ivy’s bad side, with the fear that she’d never cook for him again, hefted Eliza up and over his shoulder and hurriedly carried her upstairs.

Thank goodness they’re gone! Ivy thought with relief. Shoot, I’ve forgotten my earplugs upstairs…

Upstairs

William nearly tossed Eliza onto the bed then dove on top of her and began to ardently kiss her neck.

“William!” Eliza laughed and wrapped her arms around him. “What is with you all of a sudden?” Then she stiffened. “Ivy had asked you to get me out of the kitchen.”

William pulled back to look at her, his eyes dancing with merriment. “Yes.”  He said, then kissed her on the nose. “But honestly Eliza, wouldn’t you rather be here with me than cutting up potatoes?” He paused. “Why were you cutting them so small anyway?”

“You said you were proud of me. And I don’t know. Ivy said to chop them up, so I did.” Eliza admitted.

“Well, I didn’t lie about it being sexy.” William resumed kissing her face, starting from her forehead, working his way down to her cheeks.

“You think everything I do is sexy!”

“Aye. You’re sexy when you think, when you sleep, when you undress…” He began opening her buttons. “Are you sure I can’t just rip this off of you?” He grumbled.

“Leave it on.” Eliza said.

“Huh?” William asked confused.

Eliza gave him her best seductive look and grabbed her skirts and began to pull them up slowly over her calves, then thighs, ending at her waist. Other than her stockings, she was completely naked beneath.

William’s eyes darkened with lust. “No drawers even?” He said huskily as he greedily took in her naked lower half.

“You ripped them all.” Eliza said.

“Good, you don’t need them.” William licked his finger then lowered it to her slit and rubbed once before plunging between her folds, surprising Eliza. She gasped and arched her back.

“Oh yes!” She cried out, shocked, yet not unhappy, at the faster pace William was setting for their lovemaking. Usually they took their time, but William looked like a man on fire. Eliza decided to help and reached out to undo William’s trousers.

She managed to open them, while he continued to stroke and caress her. When his manhood sprung free Eliza held it tight to guide him closer. William happily obliged, thrusting into her.

It was hard and aggressive, the fact that they were mostly clothed enflamed them even more. William looked at Eliza’s face, she had bit her bottom lip, her eyes were scrunched closed, but she matched each of his thrusts with her own. William had his hands on her hips, gripping so tightly he nearly lifted her off of the bed.

“‘Liza, are you alright?” He managed to ask through gritted teeth.

“Don’t. You. Dare. Stop.” She gasped.

William, happy to oblige, held back from taking his pleasure until Eliza came with a gusty cry. William quickly pulled out and spilled onto her petticoats. He leaned over her breathing deeply, trying to catch his breath.

“I. Think. You’ll. Have. To. Change. Your. Petticoat.” He gasped, then lay down on his stomach next to her.

Eliza laughed then let out a sigh. “That was much more fun than cooking!”

“Aye, isn’t it just? Ach, Eliza I love you.” William said, his voice muffled by the pillow.

“What was that?” Eliza asked teasingly.

“Love you.” William tried again.

“You what?”

William growled and gathered Eliza into his arms. “I.” Kiss. “Love.” Kiss. “You.” Kiss.

“Oh! You love me. Okay.” Eliza giggled. “I’m so happy William. Being with you.”

“I’m happy when I’m with you too.” William replied, brushing his nose across hers.

He was just about to try for round two when his eye happened to fall upon the clock.

“Shit! They’ll be here soon!”

“We’d best hurry!” In a mad dash they scrambled from the bed and hurriedly made themselves presentable for dinner.

Dinner

“This is a most creative way of serving duck.” Laurent Blanchet commented politely as he wiped his mouth delicately on a napkin. Eliza knew she was going to like him from the moment Rupert had introduced him. He was a small man, but with enormous energy that radiated off of him in waves. He was as stylishly dressed as Rupert, but in brighter colors, and though he was bald, had one of the most impressive mustaches Eliza had ever seen. His eyes shone behind round-rimmed black spectacles.

Eliza beamed at his comment. William tried not to wince. He knew that Laurent, who it turns out owned a popular restaurant in France, was being kind. The duck was overcooked and stringy, and to make matters worse, Eliza had gotten it into her head to serve it with a pineapple sauce. Which would have been fine, if the pineapple hadn’t cost William nearly two weeks worth of his wages, and hadn’t been mixed with what William was assuming had been a whole bag of sugar. But Eliza had paid for that.

“Thank you.” Then she looked at the table and furrowed her brow. “Where are the potatoes?” She wondered. “I worked on them for so long.”

“I’ll go check in the kitchen for you.” William rose quickly from his seat and went downstairs.

“That was nice of him!” He heard Eliza tell the others.

If only she knew! God, I’m so hungry I could… well eat almost anything. William found Ivy in the kitchen, fussing at something.

“William? Is something wrong?” Ivy asked.

“Is there anymore bread?”

“Certainly.” Ivy reached for the other half of the loaf. Rather than take the basket and head back upstairs, William reached for a piece and began to eat it quickly.

“William! What are you doing?”

“I’m hungry. I can’t eat anymore of that duck. Ivy, we have to get a dog. Or some animal that won’t be picky. If Eliza continues to cook I need some manner of creature to feed scraps to under the table.”

“William!” Ivy admonished.

“Ahem.” A voice cleared its throat from the doorway. “Apologies for interrupting.” Laurent said. “I had offered to come down to see what was taking so long.”

William handed him the bread basket. Laurent grinned broadly as he too took a slice of bread and joined William and Ivy. “Your lady is lovely but…”

William held up a hand. “I know, no explanation needed. I wonder if we have any cheese.”

“I’ll get it.” Ivy told them. She went to rummage through the ice box.

“That would pair nicely with the wine.” Laurent noted with approval.

“Laurent? William? Oh my!” Rupert exclaimed as he entered the kitchen. “Is that Brie?” He asked Ivy, who turned around with the cheese.

“We’d best eat fast. Or come up with a good excuse for being down here for so lo… Hello love!” William said cheerfully, trying to hide his makeshift cheese sandwich behind his back. He might have been successful if he hadn’t had crumbs all down his waistcoat.

“William, what is going…” Eliza stared wide-eyed at the men, who looked back at her guiltily. Laurent had a piece of bread halfway to his mouth, Rupert was spreading cheese onto his slice, and William was still chewing his mouthful. He gulped it down quickly and began to cough. Laurent thumped him on the back.

“Thanks!” He wheezed.

Eliza crossed her arms and frowned.

Laurent and Rupert pointed to William.

“Hey! You came down here for the same reason as I did!” William tried to defend himself.

“Were the potatoes salvageable at least?” Eliza asked in a small voice.

William immediately felt bad. “Oi, Eliza…” He went over to her and cupped her face with one hand. “I’m so sorry.”

“I’ll forgive you under one condition.” Eliza told William.

“Anything.” William gulped. Will she force me to finish that duck? Or even worse, the spinach?

“Give me the rest of your bread. I can’t eat any more of that either!” Eliza said to their relief. Everyone burst out laughing.

“The potatoes are edible Lizzie.” Ivy carried a pot over to the kitchen table.

“What happened to them?” Eliza stared at the white mass in the pot.

“I had to mash them, you had cut them too fine, I wasn’t sure what else to do with them.” Ivy explained.

William grabbed a spoon and tried some. His face lit up. “We can eat this!”

“A repast of potatoes, bread, and cheese is most excellent!” Laurent told them. “Simple fare can be the best.”

“Why don’t you and Rupert head back upstairs. William, Ivy, and I will bring the potatoes and some more plates.” Eliza said.

Once Laurent and Rupert were out of earshot Eliza turned back to William.

“I’ll just bring this upstairs.” Ivy said, grabbing the pot and hurrying off.

“You’re still mad at me.” William said.

“Yes.”

“I deserve that. Can I make it up to you tonight?” William asked hopefully.

“No. You are sleeping in Father’s room tonight.”

William ran a hand through his hair. “Fair enough.”

“You’re not going to argue with me?” Eliza asked suspiciously.

William shook his head. “No. I was disrespectful to you and all the effort you had gone through. I should have been more supportive.” William sighed. Eliza’s first dinner party and I had to go and embarrass her. I can’t blame her for not wanting to marry me.

William genuinely looks contrite. Eliza studied his expression. He’s been trying so hard to be a good partner, perhaps I should let him off the hook. He has a point anyway.

Eliza reached up and took William’s face between her hands. She pulled him down and kissed him tenderly.

“I thought you were mad at me.” William said.

Eliza shook her head. “It’s alright.”

William stroked her cheek with his thumb. “I truly am sorry though.”

“I know.”

“Do I still have to sleep in Henry’s room tonight?”

Eliza laughed. “No! I don’t think either of us would sleep well alone!” They had each gotten so used to reaching out to the other at night, in William’s case to hold her if her nightmares returned; for Eliza, to let William know how much she appreciated and needed him.

“Let’s head back upstairs. I’ll grab another bottle of wine.” William said.

Laurent and Rupert were just convincing Ivy to join them when they returned.

“Ah, and excellent vintage Monsieur William!” Laurent said, his eyes lighting up as he read the label.

William grinned. “It was easy to choose. I just bought the most expensive one!”

Everyone laughed and filled their glasses.

“So, tell me, how did you and Mademoiselle Eliza meet?” Laurent asked curiously. Ivy gave a soft snort, already refilling her glass.

William sat back and let out a sigh. “We’ve known each other since we were young.” He glanced over at Eliza. “She had called me a dog.”

Laurent and Rupert laughed. “You?” Laurent asked, just to clarify.

“Aye. I was a scruffy mess at the time.” William rubbed his beard.

“I was so rude to him.” Eliza said softly. “And jealous.”

William turned to look at her surprised. “You were jealous? Of me? I had nothing.”

Eliza shrugged. “My father loved you like a son.” Eliza explained. “He was always so proud of you.”

William’s eyes widened. “Aye, but Eliza, he was proud of you too! He never neglected to say so. Every time I had gone for drinks with him it was ‘Eliza is so clever’ or ‘Eliza found a clue to a case just by reading the newspaper’. Yes, Henry loved me, but he loved and adored you too. You know that.”

Eliza nodded. “I know.”

“Good.” Then William frowned. “You weren’t always rude to me though. We had good times too.”

Eliza gave William a small smile. “Because, as much as I resented you, I genuinely enjoyed spending time with you. You always tried to make me laugh.”

Laurent and Rupert let out sighs as they watched the conversation unfold before them. Ivy filled her glass again, hoping to get drunk enough to sleep through what she knew was going to be another noisy night.

William reached across their chairs and took Eliza’s hand. “Aside from the fact that I loved your father too, I had another reason for hanging around.”

“Oh?”

William caressed the back of her hand with his thumb.

“The moment I had laid eyes on you I was besotted. I know I ruined things with that misguided kiss, but I promise you Eliza, I will try not make any more foolish mistakes henceforth.”

Eliza sniffed and nodded. “Neither will I.”

“Très romantique.” Laurent sighed. He and Rupert were holding hands too, staring at the couple starry-eyed.

William kissed Eliza’s hand then cleared his throat. “Uh, anyway where were we? Right, we met as children, I kissed her when her dog had died, she slapped me, we were on shaky ground for ten years or so, then sadly Henry passed away and Eliza inherited his detective agency, which Rupert is the sole investor of, she annoyed me daily at work, I realized I had never stopped loving her, spent a while trying to convince her that she loved me too, finally wore her down, and now she asked me to move in with her.”

“And they lived happily ever after, whereas I will never have a quiet night’s sleep again.” Ivy held up her glass and toasted them, then downed it in one gulp. Everyone stared at her. “What? It’s true. And you should hire a seamstress at this rate.” William and Eliza flushed, Rupert and Laurent merely looked confused.

“Ahem. So Rupert, you told us you had met Laurent at his restaurant?” Eliza asked desperate to change the conversation.

“Oui.” Rupert said, giggling at his attempt at French. He looked at Laurent. “The moment I spotted him, holding a dish of Ragout de Quenelles de Volaille aux Petits Pois,” Laurent clapped at his pronunciation, “I just knew.” Rupert taped Laurent’s impressive blonde mustache with a finger. “And his mustache, exquisite!”

William chuckled. “It’s the little things eh?”

“And the big ones.” Rupert said with a naughty wink, causing William to nearly choke on his wine.

“Here here!” Eliza cried out.

“I must admit, I had expected this dinner to be a stuffy English affair, yet I cannot remember the last time I had had this much fun!” Laurent told them. Rupert pouted.

“Last night?” He said.

“I meant out at dinner, mon petit escargot!” Laurent clarified.

William shook his head and rose. “We need another bottle. I think Ivy finished that one off.” They looked over at Ivy. She had fallen asleep, head on the table, snoring softly.

“Should I carry her to her room?” William asked Eliza.

“Yes, if you wouldn’t mind. And since we seem to have run out of bread and cheese, why don’t we retire to the drawing room?” Eliza asked the other two men.

A few minutes later William came into the drawing room to find Rupert and Laurent side-by-side on one settee, Eliza seated on the one across from them. She patted the spot next to her, William sat down and pulled her close.

“So how long do you plan on staying in London?” William asked Laurent.

“Alas, only for a week. But I am considering a business proposition which would keep me here for longer.”

“Oh?” Eliza asked.

“Oui. I…”

“I am also going to be the sole investor of Laurent’s restaurant in England!” Rupert exclaimed happily.

Eliza clapped her hands. “How wonderful!”

“Aye! I’m sure we’ll be patronizing it quite frequently.” William told them. “Ow!” He cried out as Eliza jabbed him in the ribs.

The remainder of the evening passed pleasantly in conversation, laughter, and wine. When Rupert and Laurent noticed Eliza beginning to fall asleep against William’s shoulder they rose to take their leave.

“I’m so sorry.” Eliza apologized, trying to prevent another yawn from overtaking her.

“Please, do not worry Mademoiselle Eliza. We will surely see each other again before I return to France.” Laurent said kindly, patting her hand.

“Yes, we must do dinner. Or perhaps breakfast.” Rupert mused. Eliza laughed and hugged him.

“Gentlemen, it was a pleasure.” William held his hand out, shaking Laurent’s hand, then Rupert’s.

“Thank you William. From the bottom of my heart.” Rupert said softly, so that only William could hear.

William nodded.

“Bonne nuit mes amis!” Laurent called out, and with a final wave they were gone.

Eliza slid her hand through the crook of William’s elbow and let him lead her upstairs to their bedchamber where they began to prepare for bed.

“That was fun. Laurent is good for Rupert.” William said with a yawn as he began to undress.

Eliza nodded from where she was sitting at her vanity, pulling the pins from her hair. She was surreptitiously watching William undress in the mirror’s reflection.

“Yes. They really complement one another.” Eliza replied absently as she admired William’s bare arse as he changed into his night clothing. Which usually didn’t stay on him for very long.

William, now only wearing a pair of pajama bottoms, sat next to Eliza on the bench and picked up her brush. He began to run it through her hair with long strokes.

“Mmm… thanks!” Eliza released a contented sigh.

“My pleasure love.”

They sat in silence, the sound of the brush the only noise in the room. When William placed it down, Eliza leaned back against his bare chest. William encircled his arms around her waist. Idly she stroked his forearms, causing the fine hairs to stand on end. William kissed her neck. She turned and looked up at him.

“William?”

“Hm?”

“I’ve been thinking.”

“Aye?”

“Will you marry me?”

Eliza felt his whole body tense. “Do you mean that, or are you drunk?” He asked, peering into her eyes.

Eliza snorted. “I mean it. I love you very much.”

“I love you too. With all my heart. But Eliza, are you sure?” He held her chin between his hand and focused on her intently.

“Yes. I am.” Eliza replied softly, reaching up to stroke his beard.

“You don’t have to do this just for me.” William said.

“I’m not. I truly wish to marry you.”

“I’ve only moved in two weeks ago, what made you change your mind?”

“You may have only moved in two weeks ago, but I know, without a doubt, that I want you to stay here for the rest of our lives.”

William nodded. “Then wait a moment.”

William lifted Eliza in his arms and placed her down to sit at the edge of the bed. He went over to his wardrobe, which had moved into her room with him, and rummaged around for a bit. He came back and sat next to Eliza on the bed, then handed her a piece of paper.

Curiously she unfolded it and gasped as she read. “William… this…” Her eyes were shinning.

William nodded. “If you marry me you’ll retain the rights to your agency. I won’t have any control over it. You just have to sign once we’re married.” William pointed to the blank line next to his name, where he had already signed it.

Eliza sniffled and quickly wiped at her eyes before her tears could stain the page. “I never would have asked this of you. I trust you.”

“I know. I wanted to do this as a gesture of good faith. And that I won’t try to control you. I’ve realized there’s no point anyway, if you acted the way I had though a wife should, I’d be losing all the parts of you I love most. Your independence, your stubbornness, that fire that burns deep within you. I don’t want you to change.”

“Oh William!” Eliza flung her arms around his neck and held him close. “Thank you. This is a wonderful engagement gift.”

William laughed. “I do have one more thing.” William slid down to his knee in front of her and pulled out a small box from his pocket.

“Eliza Scarlet, I will marry you.” William opened the lid and revealed a thin gold band with a small blue sapphire set in the center. Two tiny diamonds on either side of it. He cleared his throat.

“Uh, I owe you a bit of an apology. For the ring. The size of the stones I mean.”

Eliza looked at him confused. “Why? It’s lovely.” Eliza held out her left hand, but William didn’t place the dainty ring on her finger. Instead his face turned bright red.

“Um, you see, the ring is old.”

“It’s an heirloom?” Eliza let her hand fall into her lap, realizing that William wasn’t going to place the ring on it any time soon.

“No. I, well, I had bought it a while ago.”

“A couple of weeks ago?”

William shook his head. “No…”

“A year ago?”

William fidgeted. “Nine years ago or so. Give or take.”

“Nine years… Nine years!” Eliza exclaimed in shock.

William shrugged. “After that disastrous kiss I had planned on trying to work things out with you. To court you. But I wanted to wait a bit, till I had more money saved, to buy you a pretty ring. It wasn’t much but I had hoped you’d forgive me, if you could be proud of me, and see how far I’d come, but…”

“…but I wanted nothing to do with you after that.” Eliza finished off for him, horrified. He had tried. I remember now…

“You tried to talk to me, whenever you’d come over to visit Father.”

“And you’d run off right away. I gave up after a while.” William told her.

Eliza’s tears began to fall. “You reached out for almost two years, and I kept pushing you away. And you had kept the ring all this time?”

William nodded. “I guess I had still clung to the hope we might cross paths again. On a more permanent basis. The past few weeks were so hectic, and I was pretty sure you wouldn’t want to marry me anytime soon, so I never bought a new ring.”

“I… I don’t want a new ring. I love this one.” Eliza shoved her hand under William’s nose. He chuckled and kissed it before lowering it.

“Eliza, you’d need a magnifying glass to see the diamonds. And the sapphire isn’t of the highest quality.” William said.

Eliza shook her head. “It’s the exact shade of my eyes. I don’t want a new ring.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

“Very well.” William gently slide the ring around her finger. True, the stone was small, but to Eliza it shone with the brightness of a gem ten times larger.

Eliza held out her hand, admiring the ring. “It’s perfect.” She let her hand wander to William’s cheek. “You’re crying.” She said softly, stroking his face.

“So are you!” He smiled reaching out to touch her cheek too.

They stayed that way for a long moment, gazing into each other’s eyes, all their emotions writ across their faces.

“Come William. Make love to me.” Eliza beckoned him to join her on the bed. William rose from the floor and stealthily moved over her.

He leaned forward to whisper in her ear. “I need your help with your shirt buttons!”

Eliza burst out laughing. “Just rip it open.” She said, trailing a finger over his bicep. “It’s very sexy watching you do that.” She ran her foot up his leg, her skirts tangling around them.

“Ivy’s going to be very angry.” He said huskily as he kissed her throat.

“I’ll dispose of this one. She never has to know… oh!” Before she had even finished the words William had the shirt torn open halfway off her body.

I hope Ivy has drunk enough to sleep through the noise we’re going to make. Was Eliza’s last thought as she and her fiancé spent a night full of bliss together.

Three Months Later

“Very good Monsieur William!” Laurent praised William, who glanced at Eliza with a cocky grin. She frowned at her husband.

They were standing in Laurent’s new restaurant in London, Pain et Fromage, learning how to cook a simple meal. To everyone’s surprise, William was excelling, his knife skills as precise as Mr. Potts’ wielding a scalpel.

“This is fun!” William said happily dicing an onion.

“Good. Then you can cook when Ivy’s not home.” Eliza muttered under her breath as she reached for her glass of wine.

I must admit, watching William is rather… Eliza picked up a napkin and fanned herself as she studied her husband’s broad back, bent over the counter, his muscles rippling beneath his shirt. He had removed his waistcoat, the heat in the kitchen becoming unbearable in all his layers, and had rolled up his sleeves. Entranced, Eliza stared at his forearms then let her gaze wander to his very capable hands. I want his hands on me. William glanced at her, as though he had read her mind.

Suddenly there was a loud clattering from the other side of the kitchen. Laurent frowned. “Pardon! What are they doing over there?” Laurent mumbled under his breath and went to see what his new staff and Rupert were up to.

William wiped his hands clean of the onion and picked up a piece of apple he had cut into perfect wedges earlier. “Hungry?” He asked Eliza as he approached her, his large frame backing her up into the edge of the counter. He held up the apple towards her mouth.

Eliza’s tongue flicked out as she sampled it. “Mmm… not bad.”

William felt a heat ignite within him. Eliza, never letting her eyes leave his, leaned forward and took the piece from his fingers with her mouth. “Very sweet. But your fingers are sticky.” She observed after she finished eating it. She caught William’s hand and daintily licked his fingers clean.

William placed a hand on the counter behind her to keep his balance. “My God Eliza… what you do to me…” He murmured. “How much I love you.” He couldn’t resist any longer, wrapping his arms around her waist, he kissed his wife passionately. She responded in kind, letting herself melt against his body.

The sound of glass breaking caused them both to break apart and jump. Laurent returned, sweating profusely. “I deeply apologize, I’m afraid I have to cut the lesson short, there are issues.” He said wearily, waving his hand at the origin of the noise.

“That’s quite alright. My wife and I have plenty to do at home.” William replied. Laurent nodded and hurried off.

“We do? We had had no other plans for today.” Eliza told him.

“We do now.” William told her, waggling his eyebrows suggestively.

Eliza laughed. “You are incorrigible my dear husband.”

“And you love me all the more for it!” William said with a grin.

“Yes, yes I do.” She patted his cheek.

“Good. Now come along. I’ll need an hour just to undo your buttons properly!”

“No you won’t.”

“Why not?”

“My shirt has snaps as closures.”

“What are snaps?” William asked curiously.

“A new invention in fashion. One which I think you’ll like very very much.”

Three hours later

 Snaps are the best thing in the world. William thought happily as he lay with his wife in bed.

“What are you thinking?” Eliza asked.

“Snaps are the best thing in the world.” William said.

“I thought I was.” Eliza teased.

“Snaps are the second best thing in the world.” William amended.

“Good!” Eliza rolled over to straddle William’s waist, her hands resting on his chest for balance. “I love you William.”

William reached up to stroke the tendrils of blonde hair falling in waves over her breasts. “I love you too Eliza.”

Eliza glanced at the clock over her shoulder. “Ivy’s going to be gone for another few hours.”

“Aye. Did you have something specific in mind you wanted to do?” William asked, a glint in his eye.

“There are quite a few other rooms in the house we haven’t entertained in yet.” Eliza said suggestively, running a finger down William’s sternum.

William had Eliza in his arms and on her feet in a flash. “We must remedy that then!” William said, ready to follow her out.

“William wait, bring the…”

“Ribbons?”

Eliza shook her head and smiled seductively. “No. Your handcuffs.” Eliza waved teasingly and left the bedroom, her naked hips swaying enticingly.

William stood, a silly grin on his face. “I am the luckiest man in the world!” He quickly found his handcuffs and hurried after his wife for an evening neither of them would ever forget for the rest of their lives.

The End🥰