Chapter 198 - Goodbye Husband

The next morning Vincent was up early and keen to leave. Delaney thought he needed more sleep after how late they had been out but he insisted he wanted to get to Miles as soon as possible so his brother could come to guard her as soon as possible.

Ian looked uneasy too as he came to stand beside Delaney while his small trunk was being loaded. He wore all his swords and knives, looking like a true, deadly, pirate. He watched Vincent who was giving last-minute orders to their guards.

"I love him so much," she whispered as she watched her tall, muscular husband walk towards the carriage.

"You know I won't let anything happen to him Delaney," Ian said seriously, "You don't need to worry."

"I know," she replied quietly, nodding, "You have to protect him from himself too you know. You can't let him push himself too hard."

"I know," Ian nodded, "I have plans for how to slow him down. I doubt he'll appreciate them though."

Delaney chuckled when she saw him smirking.

"I can guarantee you he won't appreciate them," she smiled at her friend, "But I will be and I'll be able to convince him to forgive you later."

Ian smiled at her before his face slowly turned serious, "Take care of yourself, Delaney. Don't go anywhere until Miles is here to go with you. Send word to us if anything happens."

Delaney smiled and stood on her toes so she could reach high enough to place a quick kiss on his cheek, making him blush.

"I know all this," she giggled, "Vincent has gone over and over everything I should do to stay safe."

Ian nodded and looked up to see Vincent walking back towards them.

"Stay safe then my lady," he said to her before giving her a small bow and heading out to the horses.

Vincent came to stand in front of her for a moment before taking her hand and pulling her into his study with him. Once they were in the privacy it brought, he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her to him, giving her a deep, sweet kiss.

Delaney wrapped her arms around him and kissed him back but felt tears stinging in her eyes as she did so. When he pulled away and looked down at her a look of sadness crossed over his face.

"Don't cry my love," he whispered, "I will be home again very soon. It won't be as long as last time. I promise."

"I don't want you to leave at all," she whispered, "I want you to stay here at Edgewood where it's safe."

"I can't do that Delaney. You know if I could I wouldn't leave. I have responsibilities I can't abandon."

"I know," she nodded, having heard the argument many times before, "But that doesn't mean I have to be happy about it."

"No," he smiled fondly at her, "I don't expect you to be happy to see me leave just as I'm not happy to have to leave."

"Fine," Delaney wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her body close to his again, "But kiss me now and prove how unhappy you are to leave me."

A wicked smile filled his scarred face and a sound like a growl escaped him. He moved, pinning her to the door and claiming her lips in a hungry, passionate kiss. Her breath caught in her throat and she felt her head spin. That didn't stop him though as he held tight to her, lifting her off the floor a bit so their bodies could match up.

A groan escaped him and she felt his fingertips pressing into the skin of her thighs where he had slid his hands under her skirt to hold her. Her heart was pounding now and his breaths were coming quick against her cheek when his lips parted from hers. Delaney closed her mouth and breathed through her nose to try to calm her breathing but the scent of her husband filled her and made her want to kiss him again.

Leaning forward she caught his lip between her teeth, tugging at it lightly and enjoying the throaty groan that escaped him again.

"We have to stop now love or I will take you right here atop my desk."

"I would be with you on this cold stone floor and not care," she giggled, "As long as it kept you here with me."

Vincent laughed now as he managed to catch his breath and gently ease her down until her feet found the floor again. He took her chin in his hand and met her sea-glass gaze with his own deep green gaze.

"I will return to you as soon as I can," he whispered to her, not looking away, "And when I do I will take you to our room and we won't leave for days if that is what you would like."

"I would like that," she giggled, brushing a quick kiss across his lips, "Now you can go so you can hurry back to me."

Vincent looked at her with eyes full of love before stepping back, taking her on his arm, and walking with her out of the study. Outside, their men waited on horseback for their master and smiled knowingly when they saw him emerge with his beautiful wife. He took a deep breath before turning to look down at her.

"I love you," he whispered, taking her hands in his.

"I love you," she replied, feeling the tears sting in her eyes again.

Vincent gave her one last dizzying kiss before letting go of her and turning to walk quickly to his carriage. He climbed inside and looked back at her once more before closing the door behind him. Delaney stood in the chilly morning air and watched the carriage and all the guards ride away until they disappeared behind the trees.

-

Once her husband was gone, Delaney returned to their bedroom, determined not to cry. He would be home again and in the meantime, she would get to visit with Cora and Miles. She looked forward to hearing how married life was treating them.

Going to her writing desk and pulling out the potion, Delaney sighed. There was only enough left for a few more days. She didn't know what she would do once it was gone. It felt like she wouldn't be trying hard enough without it.

Holding the bottle in her hand she sighed and wandered over to her window and looked out at the forest beyond. The trees were all bare now except for any evergreens and there had even been frost on the ground that morning. Watching the seasons passing made her anxious. Their year was almost up. In the spring they would have their one year. She could only hope they would have a baby by then. She needed to get more of the potion.

Looking down at the window ledge, Delaney saw the candlestick sitting there and suddenly an idea came to her. The witch! The witch Opal could surely make more of the potion for her. She would bring her the bottle with the bit that was left and leave it to the little witch to recreate for her.

A wave of relief and excitement washed over her. This would work! Opal would be able to help her. She was suddenly thankful her husband had chosen to let the witch stay. This would solve everything!

Feeling her spirits lifted, Delaney went downstairs to find Mrs. Crouch and get to work on a list of things she wanted to have cleaned while her husband was out. She was walking down the stairs that led to the servant's hall when she came upon little William carrying wood up to put in the fires.

The boy grinned at her and bowed and Delaney smiled and said hello. Looking at him she saw the knee of his breeches was ripped and his shirt was threadbare in some places. Her idea of cleaning was replaced then with a better one.

Finding Mrs. Crouch, Delaney had her send a man to the village to fetch the seamstress and her assistants. She sent word that they would be needing clothes for the young servant boy. Mrs. Crouch smiled kindly and went off to do as she was asked. Beside Delaney, Will's eyes lit up with excitement.

"Go get washed up," Delaney told him, "Have a little quick bath if you are able. You don't want the seamstress to think you don't smell nice."

The boy laughed but took off to do as she'd said. Delaney went up to her sitting room, now nearly floating from her high spirits. Things were coming together. She would be able to get more potion and little William would be able to get some nice, warm, clothes for the winter. She'd grown fond of the boy. He reminded her of herself when she was younger. Always happy and excited to see what was coming next. He had also lost his parents just as she had.

Thinking about the young boy Delaney wondered if Vincent might ever consider adopting him. They had more than enough money and love to give the child. She imagined it would depend on if they were able to have a baby of their own. Without their own child, their marriage would be dissolved anyway and William would be an orphan again.

The thought made Delaney sad for a moment but she quickly worked to lift her mood again. Things were going to be alright. Opal would make more of the potion and she would get pregnant and everything would work out.

She had to have faith.