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Short Story ~ Afraid To Fall ~ One Last Letter

Afraid to Fall

"One Last Letter"

Prolgue

Sitting alone in her room, the still of the night seems to engulf her. Black dark shadows of despair are fought off by a single lit candle flickering at her back. She can barely bring herself to gaze into her own reflection. "What have I done?" She whispers to the stranger in the mirror.

"Sinful things. Why do you ask...it can not be undone. He is gone with no hope of return. Romantic expression of nothing other than an impulsive desire, that is now, and everyday forth, never to return for you." A gasp from deep within escaped out of her. The reality of truth was more than she could handle. The feeling of loss was overwhelming. "One last letter to him. One more out pouring of my heart."

With trembling hands she begins to write.

Captivated By You and Afraid To Fall

My heart leaps with a pain from within somewhere unknown to me. The sudden realization of what I feel for you is paralyzing me. Breathless with fear, my hands find it's way to my chest, trying so hard to grip at this mysterious emotion. It struggles to no avail.


The thought of you invokes a surge of longing and need that up until now... I have never felt before for another. How did you find your way into my dreams? The struggle to push you out only intensifies the desire I fight to keep you close. Nothing shy of a wretched battle that collides with fierce force when in your presence. Dream or no dream you are here.


Your eyes wash over me and cascade down my body as if I were a feast for your hunger. Desperately I want to turn for you, from the gaze that burns through my clothing. It seeps into the deepest darkest desires of lustful passion I carry for you. Teasing me. Calling to me. Beckoning for me to draw near.


Do you see it? Can you sense it? Whispers of it float through the night air in the breeze to find you. Your name lingers upon my lips. The taste of you is desired within me. I sense your essence around me causing a stir of nervous excitement.


The ever so slight touch of your finger tip down the back of my arm is too much in the moment. A sudden fire from below rushes through my veins feeding my yearning for you. A toxic addiction I will not deny myself. Deep hushed undertones of your voice wrap around me, mesmerizing my ever sense to you.


I am afraid to fall. For it is you and you a lone I fall for. Every moment I breathe, I gasp to take you in deeper. An eager wanton to love you summons my fear to the surface. Love me.


Only for you I am. Only for you I will be. Only for you I love. Please come back to me.



Large tear drops fall to the bottomless abyss from with which they where created. Unfathomable anguish plagues her soul's delight. She gazes up once more into the truth of likeness before her a reflection she no longer recognizes. Candle light bounces about the room and sees an image of him behind her.

© copyright 2012




This is a work in progress. I am still unsure if it will be novel length or shorter. We'll see where the characters take it.

by Pages of Romance Publishing

~ Cary J. Davis ~

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Romantica Short Story ~ One Night of Passion ~ chapter 8

Chapter 8

Jagger rubbed Kate's arm as she sobbed into his chest. Damn you. She never deserved this, any of this. You should have told her.

Kate composed herself as the carriage arrived at her home. "I feel so foolish. Please promise me you will forget what you saw."

"I would have never went to find Bellford had I...you know what? Let us not have further mention on the subject Kate." Jagger tried his best to smile for her comfort but inside her was mad, bloody mad.

Kate said her farewells, darted to the front door and then stopped. She turned and gazed back out over the street. I could've swore I felt someone staring at me. The sidewalks were empty not a soul to be found. A rush of air blew her skirts and Kate spun around.

"Little lady you are going to catch your death standing there like this," Nelly scorned her all while yanking her inside. "Honest to Betsy you are soaked clear through Kate." Nelly untied the ribbon on Kate's bonnet. "Do not move child. I will run a bath."

"I think you to be a mind reader Nelly," Kate said as she watched Nelly disappear around the corner. Standing there in the foray she was quiet. Almost feeling like a stranger in her own home or a child waiting for directions.

Before Nelly returned Kate had removed all items except for her dress and piled them neatly for Nelly to take. Catching her own reflection in the mirror she noticed her dress was not quit right. Oh dear God. She heard Nelly's heavy foot steps approaching. Kate took a shawl off the coat rack in front of her and wrapped herself, just barely get it around her as Nelly turned the corner. She offered Nelly a sweet smile.

"Alright dear, up the stairs with ya love," Nelly motioned with her hands.

Once up in her room Kate quickly unbuttoned her dress and striped it from her wet skin. Before long she was in the tub and alone. Although it was late afternoon the room was dim. The candle light played with the slight motion of the water around her. Soft glimmers danced on top of the water. Beneath appeared black and bottomless, much like the way she was feeling at the moment.

Nelly dashed in startling Kate to death. "do you no longer posses the gaging of time child?" She strode towards her tipping her fingers into the water. "Out with ya," she snapped. "Sitting a chilled bath water is no better than standing in the poring ran child."

"I had not realized it had draw cold," Kate said softly. She watched Nelly pull out her evening dress for her. "Nelly."

"Yes love," Nelly said.

"I do not feel much like having dinner tonight. I am quit spent and would like to go to bed early."

Nelly walked over to Kate and placed her lips to Kate's forehead. "Well, you are not running a fever." She turned and pulled out her nightgown." She helped Kate dress. "Get into bed and I will send for a spot of soup," Nelly raised her eyebrows,"That you will eat love."

Kate knew better then to protest Nelly's orders. She has yet win an argument with her.

Three days later Kate was still in bed and now with a cold. "Nelly what day is it?"

"It is nearly Friday," Nelly said.

"Oh no. How am I to attend my own birthday party like this in two days time? Do I look as retched as I feel?"

Nelly giggle. "Well love aside from your swollen runny nose causing you to sound like ole man Drowsing, puffy eyes, paler than usual completion, and let us not forget you are breathing like a rhino...you are breathtaking."

Kate let her head fall back to the pillow. "I'm doomed," she mumbled.

"Do not fret child. I have sent word to my sister and she has made you a special tea," Nelly said.

"As cheerful as you are by the news Nelly, I prefer to wait out my cold." Kate sneezed into her pillow. Nelly pinched down her eyebrows to Kate at that. She took it in her weak hand and slide it to the edge of the bed. "Auntie Fern's last concoction put me to sleep for two days. If you not remember you thought me to be dead and Gary was furious with you."

"Oh hosh posh child! This one will be fine. Your brother need not to know of it." Nelly gazed at Kate with a smirk.

Kate let out a sigh and buried her head under the covers.

"Besides love, your brother has invited company for dinner tonight and you are expected to be in attendance," Nelly added.

Kate flew out from under the covers. "What!" She grabbed the pillow at the edge of the bed and sneezed twice into it and then threw it to the floor. "Who is coming?"

"Child you have a cloth on the bed side table for that."

"I cannot reach it," she answered quickly. "Who is to attend?"

Nelly laid out her clothing on a chair fearing Kate may grab it to sneeze into. "i was not given the pleasure of that information even though I had inquired. He gave me a number of four extra."

The knock at the door drew their attention. Nelly opened the door. Kate watched a maid come in caring a tray and pinching her nose closed.

"Thank you dear, "Nelly said.

Kate sniffed the air. I cannot smell a thing. She watched Nelly pour a cup and then hand it to her. "Why was the maid holding her nose?" She asked gazing into the tea.

"I have no a clue love now drink it," Nelly ordered. "You must drink the whole pot of it within the hour and one more beginning an hour after."

"What odd name has she given this one? The last one she named was sleep away."

Nelly poured Kate another cup. "I cannot say."

"Kate laughed. "Can't or won't Nelly?

"My love just drink it and hush your your mouth," Nelly said.

Three hours later Kate was dressed and ready for the guests. "I feel amazing Nelly. I look even more amazing!"

Nelly smiled at her in the mirror. "Yes you do love now it is time to await your guests down stairs."

"No I think I shall make a grand entrance after everyone has arrived." She smiled at her own reflection. "I am beautiful aren't I?"

"Nelly pulled out her chair and said, "Everyone is awaiting you now child."

Kate turned to Nelly and hugged her. "I love you so very much. I think you to be the sweetest, cutest, little chubby woman I know Nelly." Kate released her and walked towards the door with dramatic fashion. "I think I shall be the talk of the party tonight Nelly."

Nelly picked up the tray after Kate had left and gazed down at the empty tea cup. "Good lord what was I thinking?"

Down in the kitchen one of the staff approached her. "Nelly, what are we to do with this tea labeled Conceded Truth from you sister?"

© copyright 2012

by Pages of Romance Publishing

Chapter 1  Chapter 2  Chapter 3  Chapter 4  Chapter 5  Chapter 6

Chapter 7  Chapter 9   Chapter 10   Chapter 11

Chapter 11 Coming Next Monday Morning Subscribe Now!



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A Forbidden Love



Romantica Short Story ~ One Night of Passion ~ chapter 5

Chapter 5

Kate did not sleep much that night. She ran through in her mind about the charming mysterious Mr. Bellford. He reminds her so much of the man she had loved her whole life. The man she was now forced to let go and forget. She tossed and turned in her bed. The covers were now twisted and tangled around her legs.

It's not far. Bellford should not be the one calling for me tomorrow. She closed her eyes and saw his smile peak out from under his over grown beard. Mr. Bellford.

Kate threw back her covers and got out of bed. Shuffling her way over to the double french doors she pushed them open, letting the cool breeze in around her. The balcony over looked the gardens below. Dew covered vegetation bounced the moon light off it's delicate parts. A big brilliant moon flooded over the earth with a cool pale silver light. A twinkle now and then added to the magical feeling of the night.

Is this right? Could this be what I was meant for? Mr. Bellford seems to good to be true. Kate's mind stilled momentarily. What if I fall in love with him and he is taken from me like... She silenced herself from speaking his name. The pain it caused from just thinking it was too much right now. Kate gazed up to the stars and whispered, "I would have waited a life time for you. Please believe me. I have to move on now. I wish so very much it was all different, that it was all what I had always dreamed it to be. But, it isn't and never will be." A large tear dropped from her eye missing her cheek on it's way down, landing on her hand. I want this to be the last time I cry for you. From this point forward I want to think of you, us, and it bring about a smile to my face and fill my heart with happiness.

Kate left and walked back threw the french doors. Turning to close them, she decided at that moment when the doors shut it would be the end of her mourning for him. Tomorrow will be a new beginning. The doors clicked shut and she rested her forehead on the frame. "Ok, this is going to be hard. I can do this. I have to do this."

Within a few hours the sun was beginning to rise. Kate had finally fell asleep and was woken by the birds outside her window. "No. Go away birds. It's not time yet. Let me sleep just five more minutes." Five minutes turned into three hours. Her eyes flew open and she looked at the clock. "Oh no!" She jumped up. It was now nine a.m. Mr. Bellford is set to arrive at ten.

Kate saw her close laid out and a bath already for her. How on earth could Nelly have known I was to got out this morning? Standing there baffled she heard Nelly in the hall. Kate rushed to the door.

"Nelly?"

"Yes my dear?" Nelly turned toward Kate in the hall. "You are still not bathed?" She shook her head at Kate and shooed her hands at her to go back into the room. "On with ya little lady. You will surely be late now."

Kate stopped once in the room and asked, "How did you know I had an appointment this morning Nelly?"

Nelly fussed with the bedding and answered with out looking at her, "Well the note of course my dear. Now get in the tub before it goes-"

"What note?"

"The one sent to my room yesterday evening. What do mean what note child?" Nelly looked at her with confusion.

"I did not send you a note Nelly."

"Well someone did my love. Now get in the tub. It is a quarter past. Time is a wasting." Nelly turned Kate around and removed her nightgown. "I will return in fifteen minutes to dress ya child."

Nelly closed the door and Kate sat down in the tub. Maybe it was Sues who sent it to her. Yes it would have to be. Kate washed her hair quickly and before she could finish with the rest of her Nelly came bursting in.

"Alright my dear up and out with ya. I lost track of the time and it is nearly quarter to ten."

Kate rushed into her close and Nelly fashioned a lose bun on top of her head. "My child you are stunning. I do not know of another woman in all of London that can look as you do with only fifteen minutes to dress." Nelly kissed the top of her head and softly said into her hair, "You look like your mum my love."

She loved it when Nelly told her this. Nelly had loved her mother as much as she did. Kate smiled. "Thank you Nelly."

"Yes, well, alright off with ya now. Go enjoy your day." Kate placed a sweet kiss on her chubby cheek and left the room.

Descending down the grand staircase, Kate saw Mr. Bellford standing with her brother Gary. She paused until she heard Gary laughing with him.

"Good morning," She said cheerfully.

Gary looked at her and smiled. Kate saw the bottle of expensive brandy in his hands. Her gaze flew to Mr. Bellford. He winked at her discreetly which made her smile too much.

"I have not seen you smile like that in a long time Kate," Gary said.

"Yes well it is a beautiful morning," Kate replied. After a moment she stepped forward. "We should be on our way now. Have a wonderful day Gary."

Gary nodded and left to his study.

Bellford escorted her to the carriage. He held out his hand for Kate. She gazed up at him and slid her hand into his which caught her breath unexpectedly. The carriage pulled away from her home and she suddenly felt nervous.

"Kate?"

She glance to him.

"Why are you nervous?" He asked her softly.

"I am not nervous Mr. Bellford,." Her statement was followed by a nervous laugh.

"You are and I know you are because you bit up the corner of your lip." Kate stared at him. "And that laugh was a nervous laugh too."

Kate finally blinked. "Perhaps I am slightly nervous Mr. Bellford."

"Kate. Please stop calling me Mr. Bellford. You can call me just Bellford."

She burst out laughing. "Not much of a difference. Ok then Bellford. So may I ask where you are taking me?"

He flashed her a devilish smile. "You may but that does not mean I will answer." He watched her head fall back as her laughter deepened. "It is a special place that I thought you might enjoy."

Kate composed herself and gaze to him. "What is different about you today?" She studied him a few seconds longer. "It is you beard." She motioned with her hands to her own face. "You have groomed it."

"I did. As beautiful as you are Kate I was embarrassed to stand next to you yesterday looking as I did," He said.

Her cheeks warmed the instant he said it. "I thought you to be handsome either way Bellford." I can not believe I just said that to him. Why am I being so bold?

He smiled at her. "You did. Well I wish I would have known that this morning. I would have left it." He chuckled as he saw Kate's mouth open slightly. "Katie I'm just teasing." She smiled at that.

The rest of the ride was comfortable and their conversation went smooth, easy, too easy for them. Kate noted out loud to him it felt like they were old friends reunited. Kate of course blushed again when Bellford replied he could have never seen her just as a friend.

Kate gazed out the carriage window as it pulled up to a large building. "Where are we Bellford?"

© copyright 2012

To Be Continued Every Monday


by Pages of Romance Publishing

Chapter 1      Chapter 2     Chapter 3     Chapter 4    Chapter 6

Chapter 7  Chapter 8   Chapter 9   Chapter 10   Chapter 11


Final Chapter

Chapter 9 Coming Next Monday Morning Subscribe Now!

Romantica Short Story ~ One Night of Passion ~ chapter 4

Chapter 4

With her heart racing and her body thoroughly trembling now with shock, surprise, and excitement, Kate turned around.

He chuckled softly. “I have never seen someone so disappointed to see me before.”

Kate let her eyes fall to the flowers behind him. “I thought you to be someone else. It seems we have cross paths at another bad time,” she said. Her lips formed a straight line

“What could be so bad? It is a splendid day out and you are here in the fresh air with good company,” He winked at her then added, “That would be me of course.” Bellford then smiled at her. “May I join you Lady Kate?”

“If you wish to,” Kate said flatly. She sat back down on the bench slouching over with her head hanging in her hands.

He took a seat within respectable distance next to her. After a short moment he said, “What is it that has you so troubled Lady Kate?”

Kate let out a chuckle of sorts. “Where shall I start?”

“From the beginning I suppose. That is quit often where people start a story, although we could go backwards,” Bellford said.

Kate giggled and lifted her head out of her hands. “I do not even know where to begin. My family, my future fiancé which I loathe, the man whom I thought loved me or the fact that I wish I was someone else.”

Bellford caught her eye and said, “Start with today and go back.”

“As you know, I am to marry Beckum. I have just discovered he has already paid my brother Gary for the match more than two years ago. Because he has spent all the money on his mistress and gambling he has no way to pay the funds back to Beckum.”

Bellford broke in, “Can you not borrow from a relative?”

Kate shook her head no. “Gary and Susana, my cousin, are my only family that I know of who are living.”

“I see. Was the sum large?” Bellford asked.

“Too great for me to pay back. I had no idea this exchange had taken place. My brother is selling me to pay off his debits not to mention the company of his mistress,” Kate said.

Bellford asked, “Is that all that bothers you Lady Kate?”

Kate gazed up to the sky. “It is the smallest part of what troubles me.” She paused then said, “I was informed the man whom I had loved has d…died and is not returning for me.” Kate took a deep breath. “I never told him how I truly felt about him. Without him I feel empty. He is all I have ever known and the only one I will ever love.”

“I am sad for you Lady Kate. Is there anything I can do for you?”

Kate’s gaze fell to the ground in front of her. “I fear there is nothing left to do Bellford, but thank you.

Bellford could not take his eyes from her. He felt a strong desire to cheer her up. “I need an escort for tomorrow, would you be interested in being my company for the day Lady Kate?”

Kate looked to him. “Where would I be escorting you to Bellford?”

He smiled a devilish smile then said,“That I cannot tell you.”

Kate’s head fell back with a hard laugh.“How am I to escort you if I do not know where I am to escort you to Bellford?”

The smile on Bellford’s face widened at the sight of her laugh. He chuckled as she glanced at him and laughed again. “I promise you will enjoy it…immensely Lady Kate.”

Kate looked at him. “Immensely?” She giggled again. “How could a lady turn down immensely with such promise?”

Bellford laughed. “I suppose a foolish one would.”

“Kate! Whatever are you doing? I can hear you from all the way inside the shop. Your un lady like behavior is causing gossip,” Susana said in a harsh hushed tone as she approached them. “And who might you be?” Her glare fell to Bellford.

He stood up towering over Susana and bowed before her. “I am Sir Bellford. It is a pleasure to meet your acquaintance.”

Kate rose to her feet. “I met Bellford yesterday Susana. He was kind enough to keep me company while you were visiting with friends.” She flashed Susana a wary smile.

Susana eyed him up and down. “Yes well it is time for us to return home.” She looped her arm threw Kate’s and began to walk away.

Bellford reached out and took Kate’s free hand in his. She turned quickly towards him with surprise. He laid a gentle kiss on top of her hand.

“Until tomorrow morning at ten, Katie,”Bellford whispered.

Kate’s eyes widened and her heart leaped. She watched Bellford smile at her and then turn and walk away.

© copyright 2012

by Pages of Romance Publishing

Chapter 1        Chapter 2    Chapter 3    Chapter 5    Chapter 6   


Chapter 7   Chapter 8   Chapter 9   Chapter 10   Chapter 11


Final Chapter

Chapter 11 Coming Next Monday Morning Subscribe Now!

Romantica Short Story ~ One Night of Passion ~ chapter 3

Chapter 3

Kate raised both fists in the air ready to strike at what she could hit on him. Gary grabbed her by the wrists and held them tight.

"You are a foolish woman Kate. He is not coming back for you," Gary said.

"Let go of me Gary," Kate snapped at him.

"You will marry Beckum and you will be agreeable on the matter," he said.

"Release me now Gary or I'll scream," Kate said.

Gary tightened his grip on Kate. "He never loved you Kate and you were stupid for giving yourself to him. Everyone knows you are ruined. Who else will take a used woman like you? No one that's who. We are lucky Beckum has waited this long for you."

Kate let out a loud scream of frustration that filled the room. "He did love me! And you are right; he is not coming back for me because he is dead!" With all Kate's might she pushed out of her brother's grasp. "It does not change anything Gary. I hate Beckum." Not waiting for his response, Kate turned and went up to the third floor to her bed chamber. By the time she made it to the door she was crying.

She threw her body to the bed face first and sobbed until she fell asleep. Kate dreamt of him on the ship. Men were shouting and jumping over board. It was night with no moon to give any light. It scared her. She awoke screaming for him just before dawn broke.

Later that morning Kate hid away from her brother and the rest of the house in her drawing room in the back. She gazed out the window over the garden. With fall rushing in faster than normal the garden was wilting more every day.

She could not get her mind away from her dream last night. The thought of him drowning or worse at sea was killing her. The memory of the last time she saw him was all she had now. The passionate way he had kissed her caused Kate's body to shiver. When she closed her eyes she was able to still feel his hands on her body. The way he held her tight kissing her neck as his finger slid inside her. The words that he whispered to her as he did it. She remembered how needy it had caused her to get, asking him for more, more of him. "Why did you have to leave me?" she mumbled.

The door burst open and Kate's cousin Susana stood in the doorway with her hands over her chest. Kate immediately spun around from the commotion her cousin caused.

"My dear dear Kate. I heard of the dreadful news." Susana walked with a brisk step to her side at the window seat. "Do you know he was to be the earl of White Wood? Could you imagine him an earl? Such a pity that he is gone."

Kate rolled her eyes. "I'm not up for company Sues. And yes, not even yours." She let her head rest against the chilled pane glass of the window.

Susana looked her up and down. "You look simple horrid Kate. I insist we get out for a stroll in the park." Susana stood. "Come on Kate I insist."

Kate did not move. "I need to be alone right now Sues. Please leave me be I beg you."

Susana grabbed her by the arm and pulled her to her feet. She gave her a closer inspection and winced at her appearance. Placing her bonnet on Kate's head she stated, "This will have to do. As for your puffy eyes," Susana wrinkled her nose at Kate, "Just squint if you see anyone we know."

"Sues you know the entire ton," Kate said.

"Yes, well, we can walk on the east side where not a lot of people go. Alright then let us put on your coat." Susana snapped her finger at the maid outside the door. The young girl rushed in and handed it to her and then bowed quickly. Susana obviously frightened her and just waved her away.

Kate took in a deep breath of the fresh air. It did feel good to get outside and stand in the cool autumn breeze.

Once in the park Susana did not waste any time with small talk. It just wasn't her style.

"You are going to give Beckum real consideration aren't you Kate?"

"I have no intentions on spending the rest of my life with a man I do not love nor can stand to be in the same room with Sues," Kate said without looking at her turning her attention to what was left of the summer flowers that lined the pathway.

"Lots of people marry with no love at first. Besides he is not that bad Kate. I've spoken with him on occasion and he-"

Kate stopped and looked at her. "For God's sake Sues, the man knocked me down yesterday, insulted me as I sat at his feet, and then proceeded to step over me as if I was no more than horse droppings!"

Susana said, "Yes well, I believe he must not have recognized you otherwise he would have assisted you in getting up, but that is besides my point."

"That is exactly the point Susana. He is an arrogant pig who speaks of nothing but himself," Kate said.

Susana let out a long dramatic sigh. "I believe it to be in your best interest to think about it Kate."

"You mean my brother's interest Sues," Kate replied sharply.

"Yes and you know why Kate? Because what effects him also effects you and your future. If he is penniless then so are you." Susana sighed again.

After a moment Kate asked her, "How much was he paid for me?"

"I do not see how that matters Kate," Susana said.

"It does to me Sues. What is my happiness worth to him?"

Susana stopped and sat down on a park bench. "Fifty thousand pounds."

"What!" Kate shouted.

Susana took her arm and pulled her down on the bench next to her. "There is no need to make a scene Kate." She glanced around her quickly.

"Has Beckum asked for it back?" Kate asked.

Susana fiddled with her gloves make certain the fingers were just right. "Yes and Gary no longer has all of it. He paid off a few debits I believe and the rest I am not sure of."

Kate sat back and said, "I know where it went and so do you Sues. His Madam Sasha received a big portion of it I bet."

"Kate you do not know that to be true and do not start accusing blindly. Our family's name has been dragged through the mud enough the last couple years."

Kate knew she was referring to the night her brother and half the ton caught her naked in the conservatory. Kate blushed slightly.

Susana gazed at her briefly. "It was obviously worth it from the way you are turning pink Kate." She turned to her and said with a straight face. "Now that you know he is not coming back for you I think you owe it to us, your family, to consider Beckum, otherwise we will lose everything Kate."

Kate pinched her eyebrows together. "Your country estate too Sues?"

"Yes almost everything Kate. Please promise me you will think about it," Susana said.

Kate looked away and then shook her head yes.

Susana hugged her. "I will inform your brother." She patted Kate's leg and said with a cheerful tone, "I am in the mood for some sweets."

Kate felt sick like she had just been kicked in the stomach by a donkey. She knew Gary had put Susana up to this, although, she is just as snobby as Gary so she was sure it took Susana little persuading to do so.

"I would much rather walk a bit longer if you do not mind Sues," Kate said.

"Well, I cannot very well leave you alone out here," Susana replied with a wave of her hand through the air.

Kate started to walk towards the shops on the other side of the park. Susana caught up to her. "Will you please slow down Kate? Ladies are not suppose to walk this fast," Susana stated.

"Well Sues according to my brother no one views me as a lady anymore as of two years ago," Kate said.

"I'm sure he was merely upset when he said it," Susana replied growing short of breath.

"Yes and I could give two pigs and a chicken what all of the ton thinks of me," Kate said. Her anger was beginning to show now.

"Will you please? Slow down Kate," Susana said. "Stop...please!"

Kate halted and Susana slammed into her side. Susana took in a long deep breath. "Now then." She said in a stern mothering tone. She continued as she brushed down the fabric of her attire. "If you insist on carrying on this way you may walk by yourself Kate. I will not be seen galloping through the park like a pony. I am a lady and I would like very much to be viewed as such." With that being said, Susana walked past Kate with her nose held high.

Kate rolled her eyes at her cousin's snobbery and followed slowly behind her. Susana was exactly like Gary and it mad Kate crazy. She was seven years younger than both of them and they always made it a point to remind her of that fact often. Both Gary and Susana were welcomed babies and Kate was an accident that had caused her Mother's death at birth. The doctor had said she was too old to bare children at forty six. Another thing Gary also held over Kate's head.

Susana greeted some friends outside the bakery and Kate took a seat on a bench under a tree within eye sight of Susana. She was far enough away to afford herself peace and quiet and close enough to appease Susana.

A gust of wind blew some of Kate's hair across her cheek. She picked up her bonnet sitting on the bench next to her. Kate was startled as she caught sight of the man's hand on the back of the bench next to her shoulder.

"You are far more stunning without your bonnet Katie." The man's voice was deep and soft and slow. She knew that voice well. She realized she was holding her breath. Kate slowly stood up.

© copyright 2011

 

by Pages of Romance Publishing

Chapter 1       Chapter 2       Chapter 4    Chapter 5   Chapter 6

Chapter 7   Chapter 8   Chapter 9   Chapter 10   Chapter 11


Final Chapter

Chapter 11 Coming Monday Morning Subscribe Now!

Romantica Short Story ~ One Night of Passion ~ chapter 2

Chapter 2

 Kate's eyes fluttered open she gazed up to see Jagger starring out the window of the carriage. His expression told her everything he had not yet spoken to her. He was gone. He was truly never coming back for her. She would never hear his voice again. Never experience again the way his neck smelled as she buried her noise in it. Feel his strong arms wrap around her pulling her close to him.

Tears began to blur her vision and she closed them tight. She felt as though she was choking, suffocating, being buried alive inside a box of her own pain.

Kate pushed her face into the soft red velvet cushion and let out the cries that she held in for two long years. The sudden outburst startled Jagger and he leaped forward to Kate's side.

"Kate, I'm so very sorry."

"I never told him how I truly feel and now I will never be able to Jagger," Kate said.

"Kate look at me," Jagger said. "He was never going to let you marry Beckum. He was coming back for you."

She wrapped her arms around Jagger's neck and thanked him. They spent the next three hours riding through the country talking. Jagger encouraged Kate to look towards the future. Kate had asked if Jagger would attend her party for moral support. She expressed he was the only other one who had cared for him as she does. Jagger accepted the invitation.

Jagger dropped Kate off in front of her London townhouse. After waving her good-byes she stood facing the townhouse. She didn't want to go in and face her brother who would certainly demand answers for where she has been all afternoon. Within moments she found herself walking away down the street.

She was positive she looked simply dreadful, but she didn't care. Her heart was breaking and if she had to at this moment step one foot inside her brother's house, she would lose it. Knowing how happy the news of his death would make her brother was too much to bear.

Kate turned the corner as she was staring off across the street at a happy couple arm in arm and she ran into a tall solid man.

"Oh!" She screamed right before her bottom found the ground.

The tall man stood over her. "Foolish chit! Next time do watch where you are going and not in another direction." He stepped over her and proceeded across the street.

Kate began to giggle out loud when she realized it was Beckum. "Perfect." She said in between her laughter to herself. Then she suddenly stopped. Out of nowhere came the question in her mind. How was she going to get out of bed tomorrow knowing he is gone forever? What was the rest of her life going to be like?

She remained sitting on the corner of Eastwood and Summers Set, just starring down at her lap.

"May I offer you some assistance my Lady?"

Kate gazed up to see a man holding out his hand to her. With the sun now almost disappearing into the horizon for the day, Kate could not get a good look at him. She noted his long untrimmed beard and well fitting clothes, fit for a gentleman.

She slowly raised her hand and slid it in his hand. The man carefully pulled Kate to her feet.

"I was in fear you were seriously injured. On my way into the cigar shop I saw you bump into a man and I assumed he was going to aid you. I was in the shop for quite some time and when I emerge you were still in the same spot I had last saw you in," he said.

Kate glance across the street to the cigar shop and said, "Well thank you for your concern and kindness."

"I shall like to escort you home mam," he offered.

Kate looked around her and then let out a sigh. She thought for a moment on how she would explain this to her brother and then said, "I accept your kind offer Sir..."

"You can call me Bellford," he said.

"I live down a few blocks this way." Kate pointed.

He held out his arm for her and they began walking. The first half a block neither of them spoke.

"I was surprised the man you bumped into did not offer you help. Any reasonable gentlemen would," Bellford said.

Kate shook her head slightly in agreement. "That is to be my future husband if my brother has his way." Kate said then laughed at the thought of it and his actions.

The man remain quiet for a second then said, "You could refuse him. I mean after all he did step over you and left you sitting on brick paves."

Kate stopped and looked at the man. "I don't love him. I don't want him. I despise him." After a moment Kate continued walking. "I'm sorry. I-I am not myself today and should not be in the company of others."

He chuckled softly. "I'm told that about myself often the last few years."

Kate looked to him. "You seem to me to be a pleasant fellow."

"Yes well people are not always who they seem to be at times. I did something dishonorable a few years back and have had to live with the regret of it." He said.

"Is it something you can set right," Kate asked.

"I fear it may be too late." He said.

After a second Kate asked, "May I ask what it was that you did?"

He remained quiet then said, "I ran away from the woman I love, the only woman I have ever loved. I nearly took her innocence and then left. I was scared and foolish in thinking she would always be waiting for me and now," he paused, "And now, she is to marry another man."

Kate squeezed his arm as she stopped him. "Do not give up Bellford. I am nearly certain she awaits you somewhere. If she truly loves you then she waits for you."

Bellford smiled at her. "Perhaps there is hope."

"Kate! Where the devil have you been?" Gary shouted from a few houses down.

"I'm sorry that is my brother," Kate said.

Bellford looked at him then at Kate. "I shall escort you the remainder of the way and introduce myself."

"Oh no that is not-"

"Do not worry Katie, it will be ok," Bellford said.

Kate starred at him. No one called her Katie but-

"Kate, I have sent out men looking for you all over London," Gary shouted at her.

"And here she is safe and sound at your door." Bellford said as he extended out his arm to shake hands with Gary. "I found your Kate on the ground a few blocks down. Apparently, her to be husband knocked her over and then proceeded to step right over her on the street with everyone watching. Quit a charming man was my first impression of him I have to say." Bellford looked to Kate. "Would you not agree Lady Kate?"

Kate tried to stop herself from smiling.

Gray took Kate's arm and said, "Thank you for seeing her home sir."

Bellford bowed to Gary. "It was my pleasure sir." He then winked at Kate as Gary turned to go inside with Kate on his arm.

Gary took Kate to the sitting room off to the left of the entrance. "Good God Kate! Why did you take off all day and then show up with that-that strange looking man?"

Kate sat down on the sofa. "I had many things to do and ran around all day and then I happened upon an old friend and received some news. He is not strange looking Gary."

Gary picked up the poker and jabbed it into the fire sending embers popping into the room. He took his shoe and pushed them back towards the fireplace. Gary turned to Kate and said, "You cannot run about London as you please. I will not allow it!"

Kate pinched her lips together. Then after a moment said, "I am a grown woman Gary and refuse to be treated like a girl in finishing school. You-"

"I, dear sister, am in charge of this house and everything in it, including...you! No more running about London with strange men." Gary shouted.

Kate stood up. "I will not be held up in this house. I will not be used to pay your debit and I am not marring Beckum!"

Gary strode towards the sofa and slapped Kate across the cheek. Kate gasped and cupped her burning skin.

© copyright 2011



by Pages of Romance Publishing

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Chapter 7   Chapter 8   Chapter 9   Chapter 10   Chapter 11



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