Dark Seduction (closed)

[Sinful_whispers]

Madeline watched the door open and Mark came into view as she smiled to him as he once again seemed happy to see her standing there waiting to visit the Lord of the manor. She stepped in and the hallway was lit up brighter than the past two days and she looked at him then at the sconces and everything was shining, there were paintings and as she looked around then back to him as he closed the door. "It looks like you have been cleaning, it looks nice Mark, if i may call you that. I only heard Adam call you by your first name."

She gave Mark her cape and he hung it from the hook along with her bonnet by the front door and as she turned around she stood face to face with a man she was in awe with. He looked so handsome, his hair was clean and combed, his face was shaved and he could have and in fact swept her off her feet by the new look. "My you look very handsome today Adam. I'm glad to see you again."

Adam stepped closer to her, she watched him as he seemed a bit off in a way she wasn't very sure about. He cleared his throat and she smiled. He asked about the basket she had placed at her feet while removing her caper and bonnet.

She laughed, "Oh yes it is a gift but not from me. I was told you would know whom from when you see it." She reached down and curled her fingers around the top of the basket handle and lifted it up.

“would you like to join me out in the garden?” He asked her as she nodded.

"Yes I'd love that. I can be here for a bit today, I must be home before nightfall." She told him and watched as Mark slipped away into another room.

He walked closer and took her free hand as she curled her fingers around his, she left him lead her outside where upon the porch the table was set up with lunch for her, for them. Madeline was speechless. "Oh yes Adam, this is a beautiful surprise. Thank you!." She said excitedly.

"Oh here please open this, she handed him the basket letting him unfold the towel that was keeping the rolls warm, she could smell the cinnamon scent as she handed it to him as she took a seat at the table letting him help her.

 

[silvertongue217]

Adam opened the basket curious who could have given her a gift for him. There were a few nobles who he could still say were “friends” but he doubted she would have gone to any of them. It would have to have been some one at her house? A servant perhaps? He barely remembered the servants that used to fill this great house. His father scared most of them away and the few who didn’t run left the minute his mother died. It was only Mark who stayed helped him grow up with his farther and protected him as much as he could. The man was the only person Adam listened to and in the end was his true father.

He opened the basket his curiosity peeked as he watched her sit down. The smell of cinnamon wafted out an hit him and he froze as a long forgotten memory stirred within him. Suddenly he was back in time sitting with his mother as the cook handed him his favorite treat. He remembered thanking her like his mother taught him and eagerly woofing it down all while both woman laughed and chatted. He tried to match a face to the woman but frowned unable to remember or her name.

“I know these” He finally said bringing the plate out and setting it on the center table. He saw Mar appear with some lemonade and he thanked him nodding his head as the man disappeared back into the house “I don’t remember the name of the woman who made them” he said frowning as he sat down and placed two on a plate before handing her them and getting two for himself. He poured them each a glass and then finally sat down stroking his chin as he looked at the sweet rolls.

“Tell her thank you” He finally said smiling “for the food and the happy memory” he said waiting for her to begin eating to eat himself “I am glad you came back today” He said clearing his throat “I missed you when you left”

 

[Sinful_whispers]

Madeline watched as Adam opened the basket, the towel released the strong scent of the cinnamon rolls or buns she couldn't remember which Mary said they were. watching him she cocked her head, she saw what he did or really didn't do when the scent of the fresh hopefully still warm baked goods hit his nostrils. He stood there as if time froze and that moment was lasting longer than it should.

Adam, starred down at the sweet scrumptious smelling treats that were a gift for just him alone. She smiled when she said that he 'knew' those treats. He lifted the plate out and placed them on the table before them as Mark came from the house with a pitcher of lemonade and glasses upon a tray, which Adam took from him as she smiled as mark glanced to her then quickly went back in the house leaving them alone once again as Adam poured each of them a glass of the lemony drink.

“I don’t remember the name of the woman who made them” he said as she left him think about it for a few moments, maybe remembering Mary. He took a seat, looking at the rolls as his fingers scratched his skin, she knew he was trying to pull a face to the baked goods sitting there before him.

“Tell her thank you, for the food and the happy memory” Adam said as he awaited her to start eating then he would as she did taking a bite.

Her name is Mary and she spoke very highly of you as a little boy as well as your mother. She was a servant with your family when she was a young girl, she did laundering and then she began to help the cook as well as your mother. She knew I came to see you the first day, she is the woman that is close to my mother that I shall ever have.

"After your mother passed she said she tried to stay for as long as she could handle it but your father made it to hard for her and that was when she found employment with my family. She only spoke kind words of you, she believes I am what you need. I don't know what that means fir sure but she helped me yesterday covering for me with my father so he would not know I came here. He would not be happy again."

She took another bite and smiled, "But that is not happy stuff to speak about Adam. and I have missed you as well," she said not wanting him to think she did not hear him, she did. "Morning could not have came soon enough for me, I woke excited and happy for a change. Its a wonderful feeling, and oh!, the house looks so wonderful inside. I noticed the difference. was that done for me Adam?"

 

[silvertongue217]

“Uh yes yes it was” Adam stuttered out wincing and hurriedly picking at his sweet roll. The way she both so casually mentioned his mother and his father threw him off and threatened to throw him into the black again. No one spoke of him not the few servants he still had and especially not Mark. For all intents and purposed there was a ban on them in his house. If they were talked about or mentioned he would go right for the bottle and would soon be back into blissful nothingness. Of course she hadn’t known and hadn’t meant to do it but it was only with great strength that he managed a polite smile at her.

“The house was not fit to host a lady” Adam continued reaching for the flask he kept on his body one drink couldn’t hurt “Nor was I so both had to be cleaned” He snapped off before twisting open the bottle and taking a long sip of the wine.

“What is your intention here?” Adam finally asked slamming the bottle down without realizing it and pushing his sweet rolls away suddenly finding he could not eat them or look at them “Why are you coming to see me? I know your father doesn’t approve I know he’s the one who hurt you for coming to see me and I haven o doubt he already has a husband coming to you”

He narrowed his eyes and folded his arms his jaw flexing as he spoke a sure sign he was angry “So I have to ask you what your intentions are do you want to marry me?” He asked both hopping and wishing she said yes and no.

 

[Sinful_whispers]

Madeline thought that was why it was cleaned up and she smiled not realizing that she was not to speak of his parents as for her she spoke of her mother who had been passed for so long that all she had was a memory to keep alive with words and a picture here or there.

Most of them were removed by her father, he said because he could not look at it without missing her greatly. Madeline had no clue if that was right or wrong, she had seen and overheard other female voice in the house later in the evenings. They were not single ladies looking to marry him, she was most assured of that. Madeline looked over to him he picked at the roll and offered an odd type of smile, but it was just that a smile none the least.

“The house was not fit to host a lady. Nor was I so both had to be cleaned," He said as she watched him take out the silver flask, twist the top off and take a long swig of what was ever in it. She sighed softly and turned her head away thinking about what Mary had told her and Madeline sensed he was following in his own father's footsteps for many reasons.

“What is your intention here?” he asked her as he slammed the flask down on the table as she was about to take another bite which stopped her in her tracks as she starred at him. His eyes were dark, and filled in anger as she had no idea what she had said or done to deserve this from him.

“Why are you coming to see me? I know your father doesn’t approve I know he’s the one who hurt you for coming to see me and I haven no doubt he already has a husband coming to you." he said as his voice grew angrier and angrier like the look upon his face. Madeline placed the fork down and looked as he pushed away Mary's nice gesture as if it were nothing at all.

He went from man to beast as he folded his arms over his chest and starred at her as she could see the veins in his neck straining against the flesh. “So I have to ask you what your intentions are do you want to marry me? He asked her.

"You are the one who came to see my father for my hand! You looked to me like you were, like you felt something from across the dance floor and we did! If I respected what my father thought I would have not been here to apologize and ask for that dance from you Adam! I would not have came back after he beat me so badly and drug me across the floor by my hair if I did not want more from you than a dance! Now, I see I am not wanted and I kept my promise and came back no matter how badly I hurt to just see...you!"

Madeline quickly got up, she grabbed the basket by the handle and ran off the back stone porch and off into the grass and all he could see was her running till she was no longer there as the woods covered her from his view. She cried as she ran, leaving her bonnet and cape behind and not caring as she ran home and had so many hours to spend with him but he turned ugly towards her and Madeline didn't understand what she had done wrong as he made her feel she was not wanted no more.

Running fast and not seeing where she was going she fell and as she stood she looked to Mr. Admore standing there looking at her, "What are you doing here girl? Your father know you're here in the woods?" Madeline stood there and then never answering him she ran past him till she got back to the house where she ran into it, closed the door, threw the basket and ran to her room and there she laid upon her bed in tears as it all played back through her head and she just couldn't figure what she said or done that triggered his anger. She so wished her mother was alive to hold her and caress her hair to sing her that song.

She fell asleep until the bedroom door slammed open and her father stood there looking at her, he was angrier than the day before. He said nothing, he walked over to her and bared her legs, and she could feel the swish in the air as the thin leather strap came down upon her bare legs again and again and again. She didn't take his warning, he knew where she was as he had ran into Mr. Admore, who told her where he saw her in tears as she was close to the Strange estate.

The strapping seemed endless as he took all of his anger out on her and he left without a word said slamming her bedroom door as there she laid unable to move, blood and welts covering her legs, blue and black taking over the ivory skin of his once little girl. Madeline's loud cried and screams were no more, those were replaced by sobs and wished for her mother and she couldn't move her legs were numb, blood and swelling with welts from each lash.

 

[silvertongue217]

Adam watched her go opening and closing his mouth rapidly as if he was a fish out of water. His anger disappeared as quickly as it arrived giving way to a deep dark feeling of guilt and sadness. In one smooth motion the young scarred lord sent every thing he worked so hard to build in the last two days crumbling. His anger once again got the better of him causing him to lash out at the woman he was sure he loved. His anger was so sudden he could scarcely remember what he said. Her words were what remained burning into his skin and causing him to groan in grief and in pain. He slumped against the chair staring at the food as his eyes began to water with fresh tears. He would make it up to her! He had to he would show her he could be a good guy a good husband! He could do it he WANTED to do it. Tomorrow she would be back and he could-

Tomorrow came with no sign of her

That following night

It was a different man that looked at the estate instead of a Lord it was a servant clad in simple rough traveling clothes. He had a hood over his head preventing any one from seeing his face and recognizing him. The road was empty and silent the lights in the estate he was studying out save for one hovering by the kitchen door. Mark nodded happy that every thing was going according to plan. He kept the bundle of clothes against his side and moved forward carefully making his way into the garden of the estate and heading towards the kitchen.

The door was open Mary waiting for him and looking around worriedly. Mark felt a flash of guilt for putting the woman in this position. If they were caught it was not he who would get in trouble nor would it be he who would have to suffer. She would be the one cast out or worse hurt for disobeying her master’s orders. He argued against this but Mary insisted that their two charges needed the help.

“You came” Mary said relief filling her features as she stepped forward and wrapped him in a hug. Mark hugged her back before letting go and handing her the bundle that contained her things from the manor.

“How is he?” Mary asked concern crossing her face as she studied Mark

“Not good” Mark said shaking his head “he had alcohol poisoning today now he is in a deep sleep I fear might be a coma”

“My god” She breathed shaking her head “I had no idea”

“She didn’t come today it caused him to spiral” Mark explained looking at the house “are you still okay with this plan?”

“I think it’s needed now more than ever” Mary said nodding and opening the door for him.
Mark nodded and slipped inside the house being quite. He made his way to her room quickly following Mary’s whispered advice. He reached the door and turned seeing Mary nod and giving him permission to enter the young girls room. He sighed and entered putting on his happiest face.

“Lady Madeline” Mark said coming in and closing the door “its me Mark” he said bowing at her.

 

[Sinful_whispers]

That early evening Mary took her dinner to the young girls room. She would always be a young girl in Mary's eyes. She came to the family before Madeline was even a teenager and worked for them since. She was there when times were the toughest and she knew the girl looked to her more than just a common house servant.

They grew close, a bond formed which was hidden from her father for he wanted his daughter as his own. Not in a sexual way but he wanted her to obey him, think what ever he thought was always right. if he said the sky was blue and it was not it was still blue as Madeline would need to tell him he was right. It was the type of man he was, and there was a time he was nicer but as the years passed by without his wife, her mother he changed. Locking himself either in his office or bedroom, going out for hours at a time, bringing women back.

Mary tried to get the girl to eat as Madeline laid there on her bed not moving, staying perfectly still as her face still held the color from the day before but the swelling had finally almost went completely away. "You need to eat my girl, you need to feed your body and grow to this beautiful butterfly and leave the cocoon you call home. You are so close so beautiful already just need to wait it out. it will come to you, things will be okay."

Madeline opened her eyes and looked at Mary those words are so similar to those her mother had said in a dream. Mary tried to move her and Madeline screamed out in a horrid pain that it sent chills through Mary's bones. Mary looked to her and didn't understand for she was at the market when her father came home early. "Sit up Madeline, please for me and eat?" She asked and went to grab her legs, and as she did she heard another scream release from the girls mouth as she looked down seeing the blood soaking through the dress and the towels that Madeline used to lay over her legs. "OH dear God my beautiful girl..." Mary removed the towels and dress lifting it up as she couldn't believe that her own father had done this to her before she was to be handed off to another in two weeks.

Madeline hardly moved as Mary rolled her to her back and listened as the girl cried. "Damn that man, what is wrong with him?" Mary said as she looked at Madeline's legs and wondered if she would be scared knowing the welts and deep cuts were from a thin leather strap. "Lay here I'll be back you need salve and bandages." not like she was going to go anywhere she could hardly even move her legs. Madeline cried, it wasn't from the pain but more so what had happened with Adam.

Mary came back and tried cleaning the wounds, giving Madeline the hair brush to bite the end to silence her cries. Night had come by the time she was done and the girl was tired. Mary stayed with her as she fell to sleep, in fact she stayed in her room all evening till the crack of morning as she woke looking to the slender female upon the bed uncovered as she knew anything causing pressure would only make it worse.

That whole day Mary tended to Madeline like a mother would yet still seen to her father's needs as well, even though he didn't deserve anything but her to hang him and beat him senseless but she needed her job to much and the pay.

Madeline laid still on her bed the whole day, she wondered if Adam had even thought of her. Today would prove she cannot keep a promise as she feared he would think but that was not the case. Again she cried, and eventually sleep found her till Mary checked on her. She helped her drink a special tea to keep her sleeping and help with the pain, and each time she checked on the girl she could see the streaks upon her face where rivulets of salty drop had ran down them.

Mary fed her helping her sit up, she told her stories trying to cheer her avoiding the whole Strange family for she didn't wish to ask about it at this moment. She changed the bandages and again Madeline bit down on the brush as Mary tugged the sheet like strips from her legs carefully peeling as the blood dried to them.

Mary took the old dried bandages down to the kitchen to dispose of them as she looked up and seen a face she had not seen in years which nearly scared her senseless. Mary knew Mark was there for a reason, she motioned him about to the door and opened it ever so carefully and left him inside taking the girls cape and bonnet from him hanging it up properly.

They spoke in a low voice a conversation between them as if the two were meant to be a couple, it was in the stars and they were guardians to make it happen. They both knew something, and Madeline, nor Adam knew of it and apparently if Madeline's father did he was not following this plan by far. He was handing her to a man that he never met, only through an telegraph did he apply for her hand and apparently whatever it was that got her father's attention it worked.

Madeline's eyes fluttered as she looked hearing a familiar voice and it took a minute but there was Mark standing there looking at her and he bowed to her as she tried to smile giving half a one at him.

"Tell him, I wanted to come Mark. I did not break my promise...please?" She said to him as he could clearly see why she was not there that third day as his eyes roamed her legs. "I ran from him yesterday, he changed, and I got afraid and today I didn't show to see him and...I wanted to." If she could have she would have, she was drawn to Adam, she wanted to be with him, near him.

 

[silvertongue217]

“I know you did child” Mark said gently soothing her hair as he looked at the girls legs with disdain and pure anger. Who would do this to such a beautiful creature? What kind of father would hurt his little girl so bad? He was glad he had come in his master’s stead because if Adam saw this he would have killed her father. He tried his best to control it but he had an anger that rivaled his fathers. If he saw the young woman who captured his heart in so much pain then London may every well burn because of his anger. He hoped beyond hope her legs would be semi healed tomorrow for he feared his master could not last another day without seeing her.

“I came to speak to you for Lord Strange” Mark said making him self-semi comfortable on the bed “I know this may be strange but much about your courtship is strange and I fear you have gotten your self involved in some thing with out the proper tools to handle it” he said speaking matter of factly.

“I will be blunt for your sake child” He said clearing his throat “I thank you for coming into Adam’s life you have been the breath of fresh air that is needed in his life he has had a hard life one filled with hardships and sadness and even pain I truly believe you are the angel he needs and Mary and I want you two to get together”

“That being said” He murmured getting serious “you will have to wait for Adam to be the man you need him to be he is….. Messed up the accident hurt him more mental than physical and his father did the rest he was beat by him much the same as your father is beating you but it was almost daily he lost his mother at a very young age and she was the only one besides me who protected him I have tried to repair the damage done by his father but in truth I think only you can do that” he stated before looking out the window.

“He is a drunk right now as a matter of fact as I speak he has alcohol poisoning” He said sighing tiredly “there will be many days like that child days when he gets angry may even hurt you a little bit he doesn’t mean to and will spend the rest of the day making it up to you he will try and push you away yell and just be mean but when you leave like you did yesterday” He turned fixing her with a serious look “he may die”

“It is unfair I know” He said letting the words hang in the air “but stand your ground with him be there don’t let him scare you away show him he cant and in time he will be the man you want and need he is a good boy he just needs an angel right now to help nurse him back” he said getting up and kissing the top of her head.

“I will see you soon my child” He said pulling his cloak on “I fear what might happen if you don’t return soon” he stated truthfully before turning and leaving her room

 

[Sinful_whispers]

Madeline looked at mark with semi-closed eyes her voice was soft as she spoke, he could have easily been able to see she was in pain and she knew Adam would have missed her, she felt it in her heart. He had explained he had come to her just like Adam had at night only this time he was doing Adam's bidding. In a way she had wished Adam had returned to see her but that was not perhaps the best thing but she missed him, her heart felt a void within it without him.

As he sat on her bed he moved her rocking her as she tried to not wince or cause a sound that would upset him. “I know this may be strange but much about your courtship is strange and I fear you have gotten your self involved in some thing with out the proper tools to handle it” he said speaking matter of fact. She listened looking to him trying to listen and take it all in but her head wasn't in the game at the moment as much as she tried to keep it there but this was important as she pushed up and Mary helped her move to a sitting position as she whimpered softly.

Mark thanked her for coming to his Master's life, he said he and Mary wanted them together which was a little off for her but then again she worked for him as well, she spoke highly of him as a young master growing up in a bit of a rough situation but really didn't go into detail fully just stating he had a very hard life before and after the accident. She understood what he felt like when he spoke about his mother passing. She was always told her mother drowned, and there was never a body but she knew it was true as she came to her in her dreams like an angel.

Madeline thought back, she remembered how her parent's used to be so loving and then one day, something happened and all they did was argue for the longest time then her mother was gone leaving behind her father and her along with the help. The stories never made sense then and still never have to this day but it was just easier to remember her mother as she was not as she is today in the cold ground.

“He is a drunk right now as a matter of fact as I speak he has alcohol poisoning. There will be many days like that child days when he gets angry may even hurt you a little bit he doesn’t mean to and will spend the rest of the day making it up to you he will try and push you away yell and just be mean but when you leave like you did yesterday” He said and gave her a look as he turned his head to face her, his face looked almost scared for his master and then he spoke again... “he may die”.

Madeline felt horrible, this was partially her fault, guilt was always something she felt even if it were not her fault entirely. He spoke again telling her that she needed to stand her ground to put her fear away and stand up to him, it was what he needed. Mark continued telling her the man that she wanted and needs the one she sees in her head and feels in her heart is inside that man who scares her. He placed a kiss to the top of her head as she smiled to him.

"I will see you soon my child. I fear what might happen if you don’t return soon." He said as he was placing his cloak on as she reached for his arm and coiled her fingers around his slender wrist and looked to him.

"Please Mark, if I cannot make it tomorrow, tell Adam to come to me in the darkness of the night like he did before. He climbed to my window and was here when nightfall came, please, please if I do not show again pass that message to him." She said as tears filled her eyes and she laid back on the bed. "Tell him...I miss him." Was her last words as Mary walked out first before Mark incase her father was wandering about the house.

Mary led him down to the kitchen, a small room off of it as she closed the door and her and Mark stood there face to face and whispering softly. "They don't know the agreement. I tried looking around when I clean I cannot find the scroll."

Mark sighed and like his master his finger's went to his chin as she scratched it. "It needs to be somewhere in this house hidden away. It was sealed, and honored by both families Mary we both know what is to be right for them. I fear her father...I fear he will either pass her off of lame her so that nobody will want her like he did his wife."

"He has a box in his office I tried to open it but the man scares me like Mr. Strange did all of us. This man is just as evil. He doesn't even know the man he has promised his daughter to. I did overhear that he will pay for her as a slave in his household and handsome price or even a bride. He is older ..much older. She deserves better than to be a house maid and we both know this. It was sealed and written, we must carry on their mother's side of this agreement, as you have to carry both."

"I know Mary, but we need to make this happen and honor them two. Search fast we only have days to go..." He bowed to her as even she was a servant but he respected her. They had to fix a great wrong before everything went horribly wrong.

"Be safe and remember her words to Adam. Night Mark, pleasant travels." Mary closed the door and turned going back up to the bedroom where he looked to the girl asleep on her bed, her legs uncovered her night gown tucked up on her lower stomach and Mary kissed her cheek. "Sleep well my girl." She said and walked out closing the door behind her. For she knew the girl wasn't going anywhere the next day and prayed Mark passed the message on to Adam. She knew he would it was to important and they both wanted happiness for these 'children.' In their eyes that's exactly what they still were to them.

Quietly Mary moved through the house, she was far from a small woman but she learned to walk like a mouse. She began searching rooms, in things behind things, standing and looking around. She knew if she opened that box that she would lose her job, that would be the last place for her to search. She was on a mission.

 

[silvertongue217]

Life came back to Adam hard

For a while or at least what he assumed was a while because time was relative in the black he floated oblivious to the world. He didn’t know if he was dead or if he was alive, didn’t know if he was still himself or if his soul was moving on to another’s. In truth Adam didn’t put much stock in the after life or religion his mother was a catholic from what he remembered and the young Lord slightly remembered going to church with her a few times as a small boy. Of course once she passed his father didn’t take him and instead would spend Sundays drinking or beating him. Adam remembered one time as a small boy praying to god to grant him some reprieve that Sunday that it was the lords day and he should be listening extra hard to his prayers. His prayers however went unanswered and instead he went back to his room that night with a black eye and a welts on his ass that openly bled.

So he had some issues with god

He floated for a while longer content to be in limbo or purgatory or wherever the hell he was. Ever since his love left crying he didn’t care about himself no he would stay in the black so eh wouldn’t hurt her or be a beast any more. The dark was safe it was his home. He would never be able to give her what she wanted he could never be what he wanted. Yet living without her know was impossible but the black….. The black wasn’t living.

He felt some thing prick his arm and he tried to turn to swat whatever it was away. He couldn’t move his arm and it disappeared so he shrugged and closed his eyes content to ignore it and go back to the black.

Then it hit him

Suddenly his body was coursing with energy. He ripped his eyes open groaning at the sunlight that greeted him back. He jumped up hitting the ground and suddenly throwing up. His entire body hummed with energy causing him to twitch and shake rapidly. He needed to run needed to do some thing strenuous to burn off the energy. He blinked back the sudden light watching as it gave away to the garden and Mark and a strange man. He was balding and dressed in plain medical robes he was holding a syringe and Adams eyes narrowed realizing the pinch was the “doctor”
injecting him with some thing.

“What the bloody hell did you do?” Adam snapped pacing rapidly his entire body twitching

“Mr. E gave you a shot of adrenaline” Mark explained nodding at the robed doctor “you were slipping into a coma and he had to bring you back fast”

Adam growled to angry to respond running a hand through his long hair rapidly as he all but ran in circles “what kind of name id Dr. E!” he finally snapped glaring at the doctor and deciding to focus his anger on him.

The doctor shrugged and nodded at him and Mark before turning. He grabbed a small black bag and with a few steps he was gone disappearing back into the manor and leaving.

“His tongue was cut out” Mark supplied noticing Adam’s confusion “you forget my young lord that your not the only one with scars”

“And you seem to have forgotten who the Lord was here” Adam shot back continuing to run in circles “why didn’t you let me die”

“Because I have a message from Lady Madeline” Mark answered evenly

“What?!” Adam stopped turning and glaring at him “that’s not funny she left she didn’t come back yesterday I clearly lost her”

“She is confined to bed my lord” Mark said his scowl deepening “her father as barred her from leaving the house I managed to see her last night and she begged you to come again at night”

Alex paused frowning trying to answer him

“I shouldn’t” He finally said softly looking away and to the garden “she will know nothing but pain with me”

“If you do not go to her it will kill her Adam” Mark said firmly even using his first name “you will go to her and apologize for your actions two days ago she wants you and is not backing down if you do not go she will come and get hurt again so go”

Adam starred at the grass watching as it swayed for a long time he didn’t speak a word instead narrowing his eyes as if he was in deep concentration finally eh turned his face determined.

“Very well”

Adam groaned clutching his stomach and resisting the urge to throw up. After almost dying and then getting hoped up on drugs his body was starting to crash and burn which was not a goo thing at all when one climbs a third story building.

“At least it isn’t raining this time” Adam said snorting softly

As if to mock him the sky above rumbled and lighting sparked across the sky. He glared up at it for a few seconds as if saying try me. Luckily the sky clamed and he sighed in relief adjusting his dark traveling cloak and crossing the last few balconies that led to her room. He finally reached the window and pulled himself up straddling it for a second before landing on the balcony with a small thud. He took a deep shaky breath and unbuttoned his coat letting it flair out like a cape as he fingered his white linen shirt. He put on his best smile and walked over opening the door slowly before walking in and closing it behind him. He turned seeing her on the bed and clearing his throat.

“I came”

 

[Sinful_whispers]

Madeline slept a little while longer she woke and laid there starring at the empty chair that she knew Mary had been settled in for most of the part 24 hours when possible. She remembered Mark sitting on her bed not to long ago because it was still dark out and the new day had not started yet.

She thought about what he told her, their lives weren't much different from each other's. Some think because you come from family that everything in one's life was always 'perfect'. It was a grand illusion in some cases and it deems her life and Adam's mirrored each other's in ways. Though hers was not always the way it was now, and how she longed for those days.

It hurt her to think that he thought her word was not good, she had hoped that his servant would right this wrong for her. She could only hope it was possible and more so she hoped he was okay. Alcohol brings out the worst in some and it seemed Adam as well as his father and maybe her own were some. But, her father never smelled of it, so she wasn't sure if his was pure anger or not. Madeline often wondered if it was now because she looked so much like her mother that he couldn't handle it, perhaps maybe not even like looking at his own blood, his only child.

Morning came as she watched the sun rise above the tree tops of the large wall of pines behind her home. It hadn't felt like home for a long time as her and her father grew estranged and it wasn't for the fact of her trying. He grew more distant as weeks went by and now this man was just a shell of what her father once was.

Mary served her breakfast not wanting her o get up and move around much, she changed the bandages, and added more salve to prevent the scaring so she hoped. "Mary you are so nurturing, why didn't you ever have children?"

"Oh, I had children, and I still have two even though they are grown. I have you and I have Adam who still resides in my heart. You two were enough for me. Even though I have left the Strange estate does not mean I left it all behind when the door closed that day. For that was impossible child. Just like the day you leave here to wed, I will always hold you in my heart." She smiled as the girl tried best not to wince and cry out but the salve was working.

Off and on through the day Madeline moved from her bed to the chair, using her legs, trying to make sure she doesn't loose muscle tone till they have healed. She was determined to get back to her beloved Adam. She sighed as she thought about him, the day seemed to drag, she read a book of poetry and couldn't concentrate. She hear heavy footsteps outside her bedroom door but it never opened. She knew it was her father.

As the footsteps grew silent as did the day, slowly creeping into night. Mary came to her with dinner and they chatted a little bit, her father was stomping around the house and Mary didn't wish to anger him any more than he seemed to be these days. After dinner she said her goodnight, telling the girl to sleep well and placed a kiss to her cheek.

Night came and darkness fell upon the town, Madeline lay awake for a bit before sleep took her. Her dreams all jumbled up nothing making sense but when she heard his voice she knew it was real as she opened her eyes and looked to him. he looked so handsome in the moonlight as he walked to her bed and she reached out for his hand and took it within hers and smiled softly looking at him as he said...'I came.' meaning Mark passed it on her message as she felt her heart full of life and love again.

Gripping his hand she couldn't stop looking to him, "I didn't break my promise Adam. I couldn't have you think I did." She squeezed his hand and then held tightly not wanting to let it go. "I'm sorry for running away that day, It won't happen again."

Madeline just wanted to be with him, it didn't matter where, or if wealth was part of it. She would live in the woods just to be with him. "I don't wish to be without you."

 

[silvertongue217]

Adam gulped hearing her words of love and seeing it in her eyes. She was so warm so open so loving a angel truly. He didn’t know how to handle it and when she first spoke his entire body trembled. He felt the urge to run once again to scream at her and stomp away. He didn’t know when he grew this flight instinct when he became such a coward. There was a time before the accident when he would have stood his ground even wooed her to him damn the consequences. Of course his father would make sure he was punished if he was caught but not without him showing he was in control of his own actions! That fire however died the day his face was burned the day the world began to shun and punish him. He had lost much that day and most of it was internal and part of him.

Maybe she would help him gain it back

“I am sorry” Adam said clearing his throat his voice still horse form his induced coma “I spoke out of turn that day let my anger take hold and treat you poorly you had every right to leave” he said looking away and at the window “I am sick and ill my inflection is mental not physical” He explained looking down at their hands.

“I fear I cannot be the man you need me to be” He says his voice breaking a little “you will have to deal with me and I may be un fair to you like I was yesterday but….” He paused swallowing

“but I don’t wish to be with out you either” He admitted sighing and pinching the bridge of his nose “I have fallen In love with you completely” he said refusing to look into her eyes “I want to marry you and have you birth my children I want to grow old with you and be the man you need and want I just need time” he said wincing at how lame he sounded and scooting closer to her.

“If you want me you have me” He whispered kissing her knuckles gently and looking into her eyes the violet orbs showing love and fear of rejection.

 

[Sinful_whispers]

Madeline lay there looking to her handsome man that comes in the dark of night. She smiled at him, Adam was her prince, and she could look past the scars from the fire, she just didn't understand why nobody else but her Mark and Mary could see the man that once was. It wasn't very hard if they would just try but open-mindedness was not something this town had. And it wasn't even that, because he was different? Perhaps, but she was none if them, that night sealed this couple in fate.

He cleared his throat as he apologized, she could hear how his voice was slightly different than when they first met. She listened as he spoke, she released his hand, pushed her legs over the edge of her bed with a wince and reached out caressing his face with one hand, taking his other with her free hand.

"That you did Adam, it was scary. I fled because of fear you would hurt me yet, I came home. Of all places and it was the place I should have feared the most." Madeline Listened as he continued, as she cupped his face feeling his sorrow and pain. He explained to her he was sick, not sick physically but more so mentally as he looked down and she pulled her hand back from his face and sighed.

"Sometimes those who think their mentally ill are the most sane." She said to him.

“I fear I cannot be the man you need me to be. You will have to deal with me and I may be un fair to you like I was yesterday but….” he said ending that as she got a little upset, no mad because he had no idea how good of a man he would be to her since they never had that chance to find out yet.

Madeline loved his sincerity, that was a character trait that was important to many. He was trying to be honest with her and she knew this was most likely one of the hardest things he has had to do, and her standing up to him will be a task she needed to handle and do.

..“but I don’t wish to be with out you either. I have fallen In love with you completely. I want to marry you and have you birth my children I want to grow old with you and be the man you need and want I just need time” She left him continue, she squeezed his hand as he spoke letting him know she was there for him. His eyes dropped as he did that nose pinch thing again leaving her to think perhaps headaches from to much spirits as she called alcohol.

Before she was able to speak he spoke again, “If you want me you have me” he said ending his plea to her.

Madeline felt the kiss to her knuckles and cocked her head. She reached with her free hand and caressed his black hair pushing it from his brow seeing where the scar started and leaned in kissing his forehead. "Adam, I keep trying to tell you I wish to be with you with all my being. Yet you push me away, yet you want me fully. I fell for you, you are my dark prince who has come to rescue me and didn't even know till that night."

Madeline pushed up from the bed and stood there, her legs swollen and sore yet he was down kneeling before her as her eyes looked into his. Adam was far taller than her so his mouth was at breast height when she stood fully. Her hand released his as she looked into his eyes. "If you wish my hand ask me properly Mr. Adam Strange." She said and smiled at him with a beaming smile that could have lit the room up like daybreak.

 

[silvertongue217]

Adam watched her his eyes shinning with love as she stood in front of him. He couldn’t believe he could be so lucky so blessed. Here was his love standing before him far beautiful than he deserved accepting him completely even though he was dark. He once again felt the urge to run to save her from the hardship and trouble that his proposal would come with. He still had a hard time accepting this situation that he had a chance at love. She wanted him wanted him so much she was asking him to ask her to propose. He didn’t have a ring except for his mothers…. But it was at home. He thought about telling her to wait until he had it before he shook his head knowing some how that a ring wasn’t needed. He would give it to her tomorrow when she came over he vowed making a mental note to get Mark to bring it out and polish it.

He got up pushing her back a little gently. He paused making sure the house was still quite before he cleared his throat. He kneeled resting himself on one knee and taking her hands. He took a few minutes to kiss each knuckle gently before taking both in his hand and looking up at her giving her his undivided attention and love.

“My sweet Madeline” He started watching her “Even though we have just met from the minute I laid eyes on you I knew you were the one for me the one I wanted more than any thing in the world my love for you has only since grown and built turning into some thing I could never have expected you captivate my soul bring me out of the darkness and are truly the angel I need and want in my life I know I come with issues I know I am not the most stable but what I can promise you is that I will get there that I will spend every day coming back form the dark and being the lord you need provide you the heirs for you to dote on and the manor to maintain to your dreams I promise this all to you and more I promise you every thing I am and can give and I promise you will never have to return to this house again I lord Adam Strange promise my self to you my angel and my love will you marry me?” He asked keeping both her hands and waiting for her answer.

 

[Sinful_whispers]

She searched his eyes, she has now took a stand for her, for him, them as she stood there before him placing him on the spot. Madeline took his statements serious as she has made a promise to him, she was now having him do the same and there was no way he was going to break it she'd not allow it. He was hers, she felt it deep within her gut.

Madeline watched as he gave it a little thought, she knew that her word was as good as gold and needed to find out if what she thought about him was true. There was a man in there that loved her, she knew there was also a darkness as well and she was willing to let him take her hand still because she believed in him, their love, that bind that held them so tightly as one.

No ring was needed for her, love does not need to come with materialistic things such as a ring. Yes, it was a symbol but right here and now his word was all she needed to accept. Madeline wanted to hear the words from his lips, what was deep within his soul, his heart.

She waited as he lightly moved her back and took to one knee. The house was still, night fell upon the town and it was only him and her there alone as he took her hands and spoke those words to her. Madeline could feel his emotions within each statement and hen he finished she gave him his answer.

Madeline leaned in and whispered to his lips hers so close to his, "yes Adam, I will marry you." That was when she gave his lips a soft kiss and pulled back just enough that they still shared each other's breath, recycling it round and round, a ring was a circle as this was theirs, shared as one. To Madeline it was done, a deal made without her father's permission.

"In two nights time Adam, I shall remain home. The morning of a third and new day I wish you to meet me here in my room and walk with me hand in hand out the front door of this house. I wish my father to watch as we go, no trouble from you, unless he starts it. I no longer wish to hide this within us, it should not be a secret, we are not dirty and should not be ashamed of a love so deep as this one. You may still come at night, I would miss you if you didn't my dark prince of night. Okay?"

 

[silvertongue217]

“Anything you wish my love” Adam replied readily moving to his feet and cupping her face. He resisted the urge to get angry that he couldn’t take her now it was unspoken but he knew her father was the cause of her pain. It angered him to no end that he had to leave her with such a monster (wisely ignoring he referred to himself as a monster) and he resisted the argument inside of his head. In two days time he would come and get her proudly stomping through his house and claiming his daughter. He would enjoy the look on his face when he carried her out bridal style taunting him the entire time. He wasn’t one to get vindictive or at least he wasn’t before the accident but he was finding himself more and more fiercely protective of her.

“I will join you at night then” He said nodding “Mary will come to warn us before he awakens in case” Adam trailed off blushing and smiling softly “in case we forget or I am still here she will look out for us I will have Mark arrange the manor to accept you” He said before he realized another thing he needed to ask. He carefully and reluctantly let go off her face and sat on the bed taking her hands again.

Did you…” He trialed off blushing again “do you want me to have him prepare one of the guest rooms for you to live in or…..” he trailed off not looking at her playing with her hands.

 

[Sinful_whispers]

“Anything you wish my love.” He said to her as he cupped her face within his large hands almost covering it fully as Madeline smiled, a girl giddy and in love. Madeline wanted him to take her from this house like a man before her father. It wasn't to cause trouble but to prove that their love will conquer all and they were not cowards. Madeline would have crawled out the front door, drug herself across the floor by her hands if she had to but she was leaving with him on that third morning.

'It will all be ok,' were words she had been told to twice by a woman that was her mother in a dream and by another that looked upon her as her own child. Madeline understood why Mary stayed out of what went on between her and her father. if she were gone there would be nobody to tend to her when needed. Madeline knew it paid the woman, but sometimes there were reasons we all have no understanding of.

“I will join you at night then. Mary will come to warn us before he awakens in case... case we forget or I am still here she will look out for us I will have Mark arrange the manor to accept you” he said as she could see a light blush upon his face, even where the scars were there was color causing her to smile.

"Yes, here like tonight. I shall expect you to come to me Adam, I will await both nights with anticipation." Madeline said with all her heart and soul.

Silence took over and the two were there in solitude until he broke it asking her about sleeping arrangements. She had no idea what to say. Rules were that women unless 'trollops' were to stay pure to their wedding night and then shall her husband take her virginity. "I want to say one but I believe that is to be such a special intimate occasion to be saved for a wedding night. I wish this to be right Adam, to start off like it should, with your wife pure in heart, soul and body. Will that be okay?" Madeline asked as she looked to him, hoping this wouldn't break their bond and promises between them. There was to much pain already in both their lives, she wished not to add more what she would call 'bad juju.'

 

[silvertongue217]

“If that is what you wish my love” Adam replied steadily sort of upset at her choices. Of course protocol dictated they both wait until their marriage night to consummate their union and in truth he wouldn’t have expected any thing less but there was another beast inside of Adam one he hadn’t really paid much attention to until her. The beast of lust was inside of him and oh how he wanted her! It was subtle since he technically hadn’t seen her in any thing but a few simple dresses but oh was it there. He admired her body and cleared his throat trying to push his lust away. He saw the moon light filtering into the room and smiled taking her hand and kissing it. He didn’t want to leave yet and wondered if she should ask if she needed sleep or not of course she was still in pain from her father but she didn’t look sleepy.

“It would seem we have become married to one another with out experiencing the taste of the others lips” Adam said clearing his throat and smiling softly “if I may?” He said cupping her face again and moving her so they were situated against the moonlight. Adam could be the romantic when he wanted to and their first kiss was some thing he wanted to make special for her some thing she would tell their children about in a few years.

He moved in his lips softly ghosting over her cheek and nose. He suddenly realized this would be her first and last first kiss. She might have stolen a few form some other boy but Adam had a suspicion she hadn’t. Her father seemed intent on coveting her and he doubted she got the change to experience a few sneaked kisses in an alleyway as a teenager. But he was hers which meant there would be many many kisses in her future.

“I love you” He whispered for the first time before his lips pressed against hers firmly. He moved his hands form her face and wrapped them around her waist pulling her close and kissing her deeply and passionately. It was the kiss of new lovers the kiss of passion and want and need. There was nothing shy or hurried about it Lord Strange kissed his soon to be wife as if they were newly weds even hinting at a taste of tongue as they danced in the moon light as one.

 

[Sinful_whispers]

“If that is what you wish my love” He replied back and by the tone in his voice and how it dropped a bit Madeline knew he wasn't to happy with her choice of separate bedrooms. Madeline wanted him, in a husband way, she was a young woman but there was certain things that she just wouldn't do before marriage and a full sexual encounter was one of them. She was more concerned if it didn't work which she knew it would that she would not be pure for another and would grow old alone or end up like those women that walk town looking for lonely males.

“It would seem we have become married to one another with out experiencing the taste of the others lips, he said as he leaned in asking her for a kiss. She felt his large hands cupping her face as he leaned in and looked at her face, he kissed her cheek then her nose as she waited for his lips to meet hers to seal their coupling before they wed.

This would be her first romantic kiss, the one that paved the way for all the rest to come as she looked into his eyes, he whispered he loved her softly as she felt his lips press against her as she closed her eyes breathing her soon to be husband in as the kiss was filled with passion and heat as he wrapped around her pulling her closer to him as his hands went from her face to her waist and she could feel the fire between them as their bodies touched as one.

Madeline felt his tongue press to her lips as her mouth opened and he slipped it within her mouth tasting hers as she pulled it back and then slowly slid it forth to dance together as one. She moan was very soft almost a whisper told to his lips alone as she released it feeling her desire for him.

As the kiss broke she took in a deep breath and released it slowly as she smiled to him and licked across her lips. "That was...very nice." She replied knowing it was more than that, least her body was telling her so. "Lay with me please Adam?"

Her legs were hurting as she stood there. She sat on the bed and then moved to laying position. There was enough room for him to move behind her and hold her as the night moved on. "Just till sleep finds me please?"

 

[silvertongue217]

“Of course my love” Adam said feeling his body and his lips still tingling from the kiss. Inside his body was on fire burning with lust and love for the angel in his life. He couldn’t remember ever feeling this way not even in the few chaste kisses he experienced before the accident. He still had fond memories of the time he and his friends had managed to get a prostitute to give each of them one kiss. He would never forget the feel of her lips on his or the desire he felt blossoming inside of him. It was nothing however compared to this…. Compared to this it was nothing in truth. It was like his entire body had been dipped in a pool of electric eels and there electric charge was transferred to him. He felt his entire body shaking with equal parts lust and love. It was like his body was waging two wars one war to throw her on bed and ravish her and one to follow her wishes. In the end however the following his wishes side won and he cleared his throat trying ot hide his growing lust. He went over to her and removed his long coat revealing a simple white linen shirt that clung to his body.

“Mary will come before he wakes to check on you and us in case I fall asleep” he told her before sliding in under the covers. He paused kicking off his boots and letting them fall down to the floor before turning his body to hers. He ran his hands up and down her back slowly messaging it gently before he wrapped his arms around her. He gently pulled moving her until she was laying against his back with her ass nestled against his hips and her back against his warm chest. He stroked her hair for a few minutes before giving it a gentle kiss. He buried himself in her hair and sighed in pleasure feeling content and relaxed for the first time in a long time.

“I love you” He whispered gently his voice making her body rumble a little “get some sleep my princess”

 

[Sinful_whispers]

Madeline laid there silently on her bed, stretched out relieving the pain she felt in her legs while standing. All the blood seemed to go to the wounds her father had left behind on her legs out of his anger towards her as well as Adam which she didn't understand.

Her eyes moved over him, she didn't fear her father coming to her room as he never did since the ball unless he wanted to harm her. She noticed he did stand outside her bedroom door, his shadows caste under it upon her floor yet he never knocked, called her name or entered. He just turned and walked away.

“Mary will come before he wakes to check on you and us in case I fall asleep," he said to her as she joined her on her bed sliding under the linen sheets next to her.

"Yes, she watches out for us like mark, they believe we are meant to be as one." Madeline replied as he moved about getting comfortable as she felt his heavy weight roll her back towards him. his hands gently moved her smaller frame against his, she settled her back to his broad chest, she felt his breaths upon her neck as his arms wrapped her up swallowing her into him as she closed her eyes feeling safe and protected.

A kiss placed to her as she felt him relax with her, feeling that peacefulness they had both deserved in their lives. Madeline was teetering on the edge if sleep as she heard his whispers of love letting her hear those three words that made that last bit of doubt, stress and anything negative with her disappear. "I love you Lord Adam Strange." It was then sleep found her as she drifted off with a calm feeling within her.

 

[silvertongue217]

He slept for a few hours fully content and happy with her. It seemed to go quick and soon he found Mary gently shaking him awake. He nodded and gently extracted himself from his love pausing to kiss her forehead gently before pulling on his coat and his boot. He caught Mary’s questioning amused eyes and blushed not saying a word out of fear of her grilling him. Luckily he didn’t have to climb down the manor instead Mary led him through the silent house and out into the garden. They moved into the alley and safety and he turned reaching out with his hand. He knew that this wouldn’t be possible with out her help nor Marks and he felt a overwhelming sense of gratitude for the two servants who had taken it upon them selves to serve as parents for them. He barely remembered Mary in truth but he knew she must have been some one pretty special to him at some point as well as his mother. It was a surprise to see any one from his past even more so his mothers as well he wanted to ask her about the woman who birthed him but wisely decided to wait until they had a chance to talk more freely.

“I must thank you Ms. Mary” Adam said shaking her hand “you have given me and Madeline a chance for happiness if I can find a way to repay you I shall but make no doubt once I come for her you and more than welcome to join Mark and us at the manor”

“I will remember that Lord Strange” Mary said smiling and pulling him into a crushing hug “now go before Mark begins to worry I will see you tomorrow?” she asked raising an eyebrow at him just as the pink light of dawn began to climb over the roofs.

Adam nodded and turned quickly stealing his way out of the alley and giving her the chance to get back to Madeline. He raced across the streets and the town finding his way back home in a matter of minutes. He carefully opened the door and paused hearing Mark digging around upstairs. He quickly climbed the simple staircase searching for his butler and friend. He found him in the master bedroom the room turn apart as he searched for some thing with his back turned to the door and Adam. Was he stealing from Adam? No he would have done that while he was in a drunken coma. He had to be searching for some thing?

But what

“Any other lord would have you fired for this” Adam said dryly causing Mark to jump “but I have a feeling your searching for some thing for me can I help?” He asked coming in and folding his arms.

“A document your father had” Mark said nodding and relaxing “Mary and I were discussing it earlier we remembered that Madeline and you were promised to each other before the accident there was a signed document sealed talking about your engagement we are trying to find it”

“We were already engaged to be wed?” Adam asked in surprise his eyes widening slightly “did we ever meet?”

“A few times as children” Mark said nodding “her mother and your mother were very good friends so a marriage arrangement was all but guaranteed the two of you got along together and so it was decided at an early age to promise you to one another in all reality the document is still valid if we can find it her father wont be able to say any thing against it”

“Have you checked fathers office?” Adam asked raising an eyebrow

“You know he took the key to his grave” Mark said shaking his head “we can not get in”

“Then check the rest of the house” Adam said pulling his coat up and rolling up his sleeves

“Lets find this thing”

Later that night

“We could not find it” Adam whispered to Mary following her as the flickering candle lit the halls “we think it is in my fathers office but have no way of getting in”

“We will keep searching then” Mary whispered back reaching Madeline’s door “for now go enjoy your time with her”

Adam nodded and opened the door closing and locking it behind him. He was wearing a simple pair of pants and another white tunic. He pulled his woolen traveling cloak off and turned to her a charming smile on his face as he brought out a blood red rose.

 

[Sinful_whispers]

Madeline woke to an empty space aside her not knowing when Adam left but the sun was rising up fast as she looked out the window and over the tree tops. She moved and groaned a bit but the pain was far from what it was the previous day. She stood up and filled the basin, stripping her clothing, the bandages and began to wash herself with the warm water Mary had left behind in the pitcher for her.

She dressed her legs alone, she could see the salve working as her legs were looking much better in the short time. She re-wrapped them and then dressed for breakfast. She slowly exited her room and walked down the steps as quiet as a church mouse. Looking around she seen no sign of her father as she entered the dinning area and then into the kitchen where Mary had a plate ready for her. "He's already gone child, sit and eat." Mary said to her as she was kneading fresh dough.

"Long time ago Maddy," she was the only one who called her that. "When I came to work here your parents were good friends with the Strange family. You were really young when your families would meet for dinners. You and Adam would play."

Madeline sat there eating breakfast as she listened to Mary talk. "Your mother's were close friends, and when they talked about their children they all decided that you and Adam would be married." Madeline looked to her, her jaw nearly dropping to the floor.

"Really? Is this fate Mary?"

"Yes child. The document was drawn up and signed by both families. Adam's father never trusted your father so he I believe kept the document. I'm not really sure anymore who has it or if it still exists. I believe it does. It was a scroll, and it was sealed with wax to be open the day of your eighteenth birthday."

Mary continued the story as Maddy Listened. "Then Adam's mother passed, his father was a mean man. Sometimes I believe it was for the better. She was harshly abused. Once she was gone, that left Adam alone with him and he was very abusive to the boy all his life."

Mary took in a breath and released it slowly as she spoke of the past, a secret one at that. "Your mother went and tried to help Lord Strange and they ended up getting close, too close for your father's liking. Nobody ever knew if anything came from their friendship but your father insisted there was. That was when he turned on your mother and Lord Strange. Your father became closed up, angry, began drinking a bit to much. You remember hearing them fighting?"

"Yes, it used to make me cry, I'd lay in bed and try to close it out and sing or place the pillow over my head."

"Well, one night, your mother and father fought so bad that she ran out and through the woods to Lord Strange to get help. On her way she fell in the woods, and fell down into the creek. Most believe she had drown and her body floated away. She was never found, I'm sorry child but the tale must be told." She said seeing Madeline tearing up.

"Now, from that point on the men became enemies. Then the fire, Lord Strange got worse, your father got bitter and mark and I believe that's when the agreement , the pact was then forgotten about between you and Adam. You going to Adam in the night through the woods is a bad reminder to your father. he would rather see you a slave girl in a house far away than with that man, especially now that he has a scared face."

She finished kneading the dough and began to form dinner rolls as she looked to Madeline. "The document would be in this house or his. I have looked everywhere but your father's safe box. Now you see why I say you belong to Adam and he you?"

"Yes Mary, so we need to find that?"

"It isn't necessary to have but it was meant to be this way. Your father knows it. Mark and I know this but we didn't wish to interfere till now. This relationship is meant to be."

"Well then I can help search the house while father is out or sleeping. "

Mary smiled, "we will together child. You are not alone."

After breakfast and all through the day till her father returned and night had fallen they looked coming up empty handed. She crawled into bed in her cotton nightgown and laid there taking this all in. She knew Adam and her were meant to be from the first time their eyes connected. The document just sealed her gut feeling. She tried thinking about it all, her mother, those days she was alive then gone, her and Lord Strange...her mind whirled with so much inside it.

Madeline heard voices whispering outside her door as she knew he had arrived and was talking with Mary, she watched her bedroom door open and smiled seeing him there as she walked in and closed the bedroom door behind her locking it.

Watching as he took off his cloak and placed it aside and turned looking to her as she brightened up and reached out accepting the blood red rose, bringing it to her nose as she took in the wondrous scent.

"Thank you Adam, the roses are always so beautiful." She made room for him, not that she needed to move or anything the bed was big enough. "Did you know we were betrothed to each other when we were very young? There is a sealed document somewhere either here or your house neither Mark or Mary are sure which."

 

[silvertongue217]

“Mark told me” Adam said nodding that he knew as he sat down on her bed. He undid the lace of his boots and pulled them off making himself semi comfortable. He was glad she loved the rose as he had a deep love for the blood red flowers. They were his mothers favorite flower and there were many a time he would watch her arranging them in a vase or decorating the house with them. Of course his memories of her were few and far between but the ones he did have filled him with a thoughtful somewhat loving disposition. She passed far to early in his life for him to have to many warm or loving feelings for her. In truth he barely knew the woman and his father was not one to talk about her. He knew some details from Mark but not enough to really know the woman like he wanted to. It was a sad fact of his life but in a life like his what was one more? Before Madeline all he knew was sadness she was truly his Angel the one he loved with every fiber of his being.

“He said our mothers were friends even” Adam continued turning to her and sitting on the bed “that we would play as children together which I cant seem to remember that we had a close friendship that was enough to constitute a marriage agreement between the two of us its strange however I don’t remember our time together or the play dates we surely had” He said shrugging before looking out at the window.

“Of course I barely remember my childhood so that might have some thing to do with it” He murmured running a hand through his unruly mop of black hair “still I am glad I am going to find this document Madeline no matter what this much I promise you though we do not need it your father will be unable to hurt you with it and he will be forced to accept it making it a much smoother transition.

 

[Sinful_whispers]

Madeline watched as he undid his boots and took them off just sitting there on the edge of her bed as she ran her hand over his back listening to him speak then letting him sit there silently as nothing really needed said between them all the time, the quiet moments were nice. She could feel him and she was sure he could her, that connection was there, they were meant to be and all was written on a single scrolled document, signed and sealed somewhere between her father's home and his.

“He said our mothers were friends even. That we would play as children together which I cant seem to remember that we had a close friendship that was enough to constitute a marriage agreement between the two of us its strange however I don’t remember our time together or the play dates we surely had” he said as he turned looking to her while he sat there.

"Yes, I was told the same by Mary. The playtime was when we were really young. Mary said after your mother passed, mine would go through the woods to check on your father. They became very close friends." Madeline placed her hand on his thigh and caressed it looking at him. "My father thought they were having an affair. he stopped my mother from going there but I guess she would sneak out to see him and you. There was never proof of anything between them other than a friendship. But, apparently my father got abusive towards her and then the friendship between your father and mine got damaged, and one night when she went to see him she slipped and fell into the river and that was it."

Madeline choked up a bit but she composed herself. "Some times events that we wish not to remember are blocked out maybe you blocked it all out but I don't remember much either. I remember my parents arguing late at night and now and then during the day but I was always taken away from the room they were in by Mary when she came here to work for us."

She watched as his hand reached up and his fingers went through it as she smiled to him and picked up the rose smelling it. "So beautiful, smalls so wonderful too. Thank you Adam."

“still I am glad I am going to find this document Madeline no matter what this much I promise you though we do not need it your father will be unable to hurt you with it and he will be forced to accept it making it a much smoother transition. Adam said as she smiled.

Madeline smoothed over her nightgown and patted the bed for him, "lay down Adam and let sleep find us together, please? We will keep searching for it, and I'm not sure how father will act since he has now promised me to two men. It was my mother's choice as well as yours for us to be bound by wedded ties and it seems fate has felt the same way. I am yours Adam now and forever." She gave him a smile and touched his face, "lay down, relax and sleep."

She placed the rose aside and knew there was only one more night they needed to meet and that morning he was to leave with her out the front door. "I have tonight and tomorrow night left to be separated. I do have bags packed if you will take them in the morning home, then I'll have one more and that will be all."