Flight of Fancy: Cora's Daughters (40 page)

Ignoring her glaring husband, Lena murmured softly, “And I as well – do try and be good.”

Broc winked as Lena stepped back from him, returning to her husband’s side, unable to fight the constant expression of pleasure. Sighing she looked up at him, “You English, you’ve a lot to learn about having fun. Why didn’t you join us?”

“I’m too old to be mixing my innards. Besides – all that energy could be put to better uses elsewhere.” The way he looked at her, spelled out exactly what he meant, sending Lena into another bout of laughter. She turned into him, murmuring flirtatiously, “I remember a time, when you could have managed both.”

“Em, don’t remind me.” Manny grumbled, and then murmured low to himself, “Damn Irish.”

After three rounds of partner swapping, foot stomping, chasing and jumping, most were worn out, hot and needing a rest - more than ready for a simple, slower two-step. The floor emptied by half and various ones went outside for fresh cool air, a refreshment, or to socialize - leaving space on the floor for those still wanting to dance.

This is where Broc and Asiza were found.

He held his wife with a hand at her back, the other up holding hers as they gently moved about the other dancers who’d remained. He was trying to look into her eyes, which she deliberately kept from him. “Aaah come on, you were sendin’ me on such a chase-…”

“I was simply dancing, you started it, I-…”

“Stay with me this night ‘Seeza…
all
night – just you and me.” He asked from the depth of his soul, he couldn’t wait anymore. He thought he could, but what was left to be done, was too far down the road. He needed his soul replenishing - he needed what every night brought him in his dreams.

His wife, in his arms, naked, wrapped about him.

That request made her look up into his eyes. He couldn’t help but smile at her, the flames were clear for him to see – he knew that his wife loved him – he needed her to show him.

“But… how Broc? Where?” She shyly stammered.

“Here… right here. I’ah take you back to the boardin’ house in the mornin’. But tonight – I need my wife. Need you the way a man needs his woman … please Asiza… please.” His petition was breathless, passionate.

Asiza felt just as breathless, “What… what about Asa?”

“Surely, one of the ladies, a friend – will see to him for us, just this one night?”

Desire spread about her body, bringing warmth with it, she wanted this, it showed, but she couldn’t help but wonder, how it might look?

“Asiza?” Broc called her name for affirmation as they circled about the floor.

“Let me… see to Asa … make sure.”

Broc sucked in a deep breath, “I’ah pay – tell who you trust to see about him, I’ah pay – whatever they ask.”

Asiza swallowed deeply, nodding. They danced a bit more, but something else now occupied their minds. As soon as the song ended, they parted, with a lingering touch flowing from her finger tips to his as they struggled – one reluctant to leave the other. Turning from him, she went her way to set things up for Asa, while Broc went to Manny and Lena. “Am I correct in what I’ve heard, that you have rooms and chalets for those in need of them? Travelers?” He caught up with the two of them to ask.

“In truth, that is something our daughter sees to, she’s right over there. If there is a room, I’m certain she will more than gladly set you up with one.” Lena informed him, always smiling. Broc nodded and made his way to Hope. She was a busy girl, seeing to the guests so that her parents could enjoy the ball as well as converse with guests.

It just so happened that she saw him coming, had seen him speaking with her parents. Anytime persons came her way, they were looking for a room, or to occupy one of the eight chalets.

Hope was smiling and ready, “Mr. Wolf, good evening, I hope all has been enjoyable for you. You have quite the voice for singing.” She complemented, her golden eyes twinkling with mischief.

Broc had the decency to blush a bit, “Aye, perhaps – I should have chosen a more, appropriate lyric.”

“No harm done. I found it quite humorous and you sir must promise to attend again next year.”

“I will do.” He nodded, and before he could form his words – she informed him of what they could avail him. “As for accommodations, we have two rooms and three chalets. There are few who travel this time of year, which would you prefer?”

He smiled, “Which is yer very best? This night, my wife an’ I – well, she’s been livin’ at the boardin’ house. It’s been sometime that we were together - I want something special, for her. Just one night, then she goes back, and me - back to building our home.”

“Well then, only the very best will do. Two of our chalets’ décor is for those just married – satin and creamy, how about that?”

“That sounds just right, the cost?”

“You’re doing business with my father – and have hired my little brother, you’re practically part of the family. Consider this our wedding present to you and your wife.”

Broc shook his head, “I don’t take handouts-…”

“I assure you, I wasn’t-…”

“I want the best – I plan on paying for it. If you will, I’ah take some wine as well, and a tray if you will?”

Hope sighed, “Very well – as you wish Mr. Wolf, as you wish.”

The first person Asiza searched out was Millie, “Thank you so much, I’m so nervous.” Asiza felt jittery.

“He’ll be no trouble at all, I’ll take him back and put him straight to bed. They should be good and tired by the time this is over.”

“I’ll pay you well.”

“Don’t be silly. Ah, why are you so nervous?”

“We never –…” She started off, looking her friend right in the eyes as she shook her head, clearly indicating this would be their first.

“You cannot be serious, not one time?”

Asiza shook her head once more, “We were on the move, needing to get out of the south. Broc put that first,” she explained, “I’m so nervous, I’m shaking, look at my hands.” She held them out, proving her point.

“You’ll be okay. You are blessed Asiza, so very blessed.” Millie complimented - happy for her friend.

“Your time will come, I know it will.”

“I’m not looking, I have daughters to raise - they come first. I’m thinking about staying at Ms. Della’s – so they will always have the best. Besides, I feel safer there – my girls will be safe there.”

What she didn’t mention, was that she was having feelings for Newt. He was a good man, doing all he could to check on her and her girls, seeing to their comfort. He kept a decent and respectable distance, but when he was close, she felt things from him.

Interrupting her thoughts, Asiza mentioned, “I’m looking for Ms. Della, I need to talk to her, you see her?”

Millie smiled, “Oh yes – Ms. Della has herself a beau – that Mr. Samuels. He’s been sticking to her like a sticky-bur. They been dancing, walking around outside in the snow - why, I’ve even heard her laughing out loud.” Millie grinned.

Asiza turned, scanning the room for her. Millie leaned in close, pointing her out. They were just leaving the dance floor. Asiza turned back to Millie, “Thank you Millie, bless you. I must get to Ms. Della ‘fore Broc comes looking for me.” With that she was off, holding her skirt high, feeling fidgety. As soon as she was close enough to be heard, she called out to her, “Ms. Della, Ms. Della… may I speak with you please? I promise not to keep you.”

The couple stopped, smiling – beaming, they were in a world of their own. “Of course you may.” Della turned to Boaz, “Excuse us, please?”

“Will do - gone have a word wit’ boss. I’ah come lookin’ fo’you.”

Boaz nodded at Asiza and floated away grinning for the world to see that he was a happy man.

Della turned to Asiza, “How can I help you?”

Asiza drew in a deep breath and expelling it spoke low. “My Broc asked for me to stay with him tonight. I’m hoping that you won’t mind – on how it might look?”

“Asiza Wolf! That man is your husband. Anything he asks of you, it is your duty to do … well, anything that does not clash with our Father’s blessings for us. If he came every weekend for you, you go – spend time with him. Your room, your board is paid for, and then some. Asiza Wolf, you are free. You are a married woman – time for you to think for yourself. You have everything you need - now live. In fact, think of what I’ve just told you, and come to me again with your plans.”

Asiza took a deep breath, thinking and then smiling, she looked into her friend’s eyes, and stated with confidence, “My husband and I will be spending this evening alone elsewhere. I’ve seen to Asa – and I will see you in the morning upon my return.”

Nodding, proudly, Della nodded, “See you then.”

“Thank you Della, for everything.” Asiza turned from her, searching for her husband.

Chapter Twenty-Six

At the conclusion of the ball, Boaz would be in charge of seeing the men back to the camp. Broc informed him that he would be staying overnight, but would be back to camp early afternoon the next day.

After seeing to his men attending the ball, he returned to his waiting wife, informing her that all was set. They stood together, holding hands near one of the double doors that gave a beautiful view of the sweeping grounds - blanketed in snow.

“You nervous?” He gently asked.

Asiza gulped, giving a nod of her head, but confessed, “No matter, I have longed for this night with you. After tonight, I will truly then be your wife - not only on paper, but before the heavens.”

It was Broc’s turn to nod. “Yes… however, I want this night now. Let us go to Asa, inform him. Then we’ah head off?” He made it a question.

Asiza nodded.

Taking her hand, Broc led a quiet Asiza to see Asa. Cutting through the many people dancing, others clinging to the sidelines talking, the music filling the area, Asiza held her skirt clear to walk, feeling as if she’d undergone an alteration to the core of her being. Before her, this white man held her hand and she eagerly followed his lead.

Life was strange.

People, men nor women could be defined by their color, she was learning. Her fear and disdain of the white was just about gone to be replaced with a knowledge that would serve her better. Truth of it was, an enemy or friend could not be determined by the color of one’s skin.

It could only be identified by that person’s agenda and how they viewed you and figured you into their plans, or vice versa. At that moment in time, she was joyful to be out of the south, to be away from Clover Grove – her only regret was that she hadn’t burned it to the ground before leaving it – it represented all the hell she’d known in her life up until she was sold off to the mayor.

That was all in the past and over, she would never have to see or hear of Clover Grove again, and for that she was thankful.

Reaching Asa, letting him know that Millie would be seeing to him, they said their goodnight, leaving him to enjoy the rest of his evening. They were relieved that he was having a ball.

From there, they collected their wraps and stepped out into the snow and cold. Because it was so deep, Asiza’s skirt and feet would get cold and wet in no time. Before she could mutter a sound, he was scooping her high into his strong arms.

“Can’t have you gettin’ cold can I?”

Asiza gulped, nervous, almost speechless. Her heart was racing so she felt it would burst from her chest.

“I’m yer’husband, put yer’arms around me.”

With no hesitation, her arms went around him.

“Still nervous?” He gently asked, stepping carefully down the steps and along the walk that led to the chalets, and the one reserved for them. All Asiza could do was nod while staring at her husband’s profile. He had such strong features, which were mostly in shadow because of the dark night. Yet, the snow and moon, added to the ambiance, setting the mood. At that moment, Broc’s eyes were on her as if trying to read her thoughts.

Mist billowed around them with their deep breathing. Unable to resist touching him, she palmed his masculine face, softly kissing his temple. He had shaved his beard off to clean up, but already there was stubble growing out. Her touch and eyes told him loud and clear what she was feeling, especially when she brought her nose so close to his. He stopped walking. Rolling his arms, he brought her more firmly to his chest, slanting his head, he pressed his lips to hers. Asiza held him, opening her mouth to give him free access. The kiss against the cold of the night ignited them both - stirring their breathing, their passions. The kiss was a prelude to what they both longed for, had waited for – that would bind them to each other in the very true sense of the word.

She never knew that loving someone could feel this way. A way that consumed the very core of her being – knowing it, feeling it, made her dizzy and high. Needing to breathe, she gently pulled away, but held him still, nose to nose, forehead against forehead, their breath melded as their souls did. 

Broc gently kissed her lips once more, murmuring softly, “You have m’word, that I’ah not hurt you. You m’wife, no matter how bad I want you – I’ah treasure you. Tell me ya’know that?”