"N&S: John Thornton, Love Lessons", by Gratiana Lovelace (2013-2014) (Done)

Ch. 28 (PG-13): Hannah's and Cameron's Evening Begins Lovingly

Hannah: Hannah’s breathing quickens and she asks nervously.  “Cameron? How alone are we?”

Cameron:  Cameron gently takes Hannah’s hand in his and brings it to his lips for a kiss.  “We will not be disturrrbed.”

Hannah: “So you said.” She nods numbly.  “But where are your butler and his wife your cook housekeeper?” 

She is worried about the proprieties were they to truly be alone together in his home.

Cameron:  “I gave them the night off.”  Hannah’s eyes widen. Then he adds quickly to assuage her concerns. “I believe that they arrre having a quiet evening at home in theirrr basement aparrrtment, downstairs.”

Hannah:  “So, they are here somewhere, in your home?” She breathes a bit easier.

Cameron: “As farrr as I know.  Though, how they choose to spend theirrr frrree time is theirrr own affairrr.” 

Hannah: “Oh!”  She sighs and breathes deeply, serving to unintentionally draw Cameron’s attention to the lovely lace edging of her gown’s full bodice.

Cameron smiles broadly at Hannah now--like a hungry man who does not want to wait two and a half more weeks to be wed to his bride. 

Cameron:  “Hannah, me Dear, let us eat while our food is warm.  Then we can sit by the fire after dinner.”

Hannah nods and does not say anything as Cameron removes the coverings for their respective plates.  They will have baked chicken over a rice pilaf and some green beans.  There is not much talking as they eat--for chewing their food prevents them, and Cameron’s passionate gazes to Hannah are so unsettling to her that she does not know what to say.  Then after dinner, Cameron removes the dishes to the kitchen as Hannah visits a guest bed chamber to freshen up. Cameron also thoughtfully provides breath mints for each of them amongst their desserts.

As Hannah descends the stairs to the main floor, Cameron waits for her at the bottom of the stairs gazing up at her with such love and devotion that Hannah nearly melts.  When she reaches the bottom of the stairs, Cameron holds out his hands to her.

Cameron: “You are exquisitely beautiful, Hannah, me Dearrr.” He compliments her lovingly and brings her hand to his lips for a gallant kiss.

Hannah: “Thank you, Cameron.”  She smiles shyly.  “You look very handsome tonight as well.”  She smiles lovingly at him.

Cameron:  “Thank ye!”    He grins broadly as he leans in to her.

Hannah shyly leans back a bit from Cameron. No kiss yet.  So Cameron guides the hesitant Hannah to the parlor and they sit on the sette in front of the blazing fire that he had just stoked.  He lays his arm on the back of the sette, behind her shoulders.

Hannah: Leaning forward so his clothed arm will not touch her bare neck and her partially bare shoulders, Hannah’s voice cracks with a nervousness as she looks up at the mantel clock.  “Is that …  is that the time?  Perhaps you had best take me back to Thornton Manor.”

Cameron:  Placing a gently hand on her shoulder, he guides her to sit back on the sette.  “Nay, it is only 10 o’clock.  The evening is  young.  Can ye na stay?”  He asks huskily.  “And, … we have na kissed yet today.” He raises his eyebrows up and down hopefully.

Hannah: “Oh!”  And hoping to get their kissing done--for Hannah is finding it more difficult to resist this gentleman’s kisses, as a lady should--she leans forward and kisses him softly on his lips.  Then she pulls back to her prim sitting position, her hands demurely clasped together on her lap.