Title: You and Me Author: Lolabeegood E-mail: lolabeegood@gmail.com Distribution: Archive freely with my name attached as long as the work remains unchanged Rating: R Categories: S, AU, H Keywords: Mulder/Scully, Mulder Angst. Scully Angst, Alternate Universe, Historical Spoilers: None Summary: In 1812, fifteen year old Katherine Scully and seventeen year old William Mulder find themselves in unlikely circumstances as the British attack American troops. The adventure begins with a proposal of a different kind. Author's Notes: This is my very first historical fan fiction. I have done some research and tried to write as accurately as possible. There will be historical inaccuracies because I don't profess to be a historian, just a fan fic writer with a dream. Enjoy! ************************************* Katherine Scully had cleared the supper dishes when she heard her father ask her to stay and talk a bit. She noticed her mother's nervous habits throughout dinner and briefly wondered what the cause was, then dismissed it. Now, she ventured, she would discover the reason. "Sure father," she said as she placed the last plate in the sink. She gathered her skirts and walked over to the table where he sat. Their barracks were nothing fancy at Fort Matten but her father's position as a high ranking officer did allow them several rooms. Charlie ran around the table firing a wooden gun at Indians and her. "Charles, go play elsewhere!" her father's voice boomed. Bill Scully rarely yelled and everyone jumped to attention. Margaret almost dropped the sack of flour she was carrying, and Katherine felt herself stiffening. The battles being fought with the British had put her father on edge recently. Charlie scurried out of the kitchen, his 12 year old tail between his legs. Katherine sat on a chair near her father and waited for him to speak. "Katherine," he started as he shifted uncomfortably in his chair. "I am going off to battle at the end of the week and there's a matter that must be dealt with before I go." "Sure, father," she replied anxiously, not sure what he was getting at. "I've had a long career for a soldier," he began again. "This war that we are fighting with the British is not going as well as we would hope." Katherine Scully sat in silence waiting for him to continue. She sensed this was a difficult conversation for him to have. "If I am not so lucky in this battle...if I was to perish, it would leave your mother in a bad circumstance." "Oh, father," she got up from her seat and fell to the floor at his feet. "Don't say those things. We will see you here for many years to come." He smiled down at her and patted her head. "Katherine you are 15 and the military stopped your rations over one year ago," he said solemnly. "We have made due as a family so you wouldn't have to marry...but with me leaving for battle I feel that this is something which we must address." Katherine Scully looked at her skirts. She knew all too well the sacrifice her family had been making for her so she could stay unmarried this last year. The military stopped all rations for girls at fourteen and almost all were forced to marry to stay fed. Fourteen year old boys were forced to enlist to keep their rations. The business of war had it's casualties off the field as well. Her parents had divided the rations they received for themselves and Charlie so she would be fed these last 14 months. But, Katherine understood if her father died all rations would stop, and her mother would be less eligible as a wife if she had a daughter who no longer received rations as well. "As long as I was here at the Fort, there was no worry," he continued. "But now that I will be involved in battle, that changes things." "I know," she muttered softly. Her mother, if her father died, would need to marry another soldier as quickly as possible to maintain her food. Katherine would make her own mother undesirable, because no soldier would want to take on a burden; that was what she had become. "There's a young man I want you to meet," Bill Scully said as he raised his daughters face to look at him. "He's a dedicated soldier, not much older than you, and he's a good man." Katherine Scully swallowed hard. Her father wanted her to marry this man; marry him this week. "He'll be going off to battle with me, so you can continue to live here with your mother until he returns and a more permanent housing arrangement can be established." Katherine Scully's cheeks burned. She would be living with this man, sleeping with this man, having children with this man. A man she had never set eyes on, nor knew a thing about. "He should be here shortly so we can make the arrangements," Bill Scully said, all business-like. "You will be married tomorrow." "Tomorrow?" Katherine asked shocked. "It will give you a chance to get to know each other before he leaves for battle," her father said softly. "I have no doubt he will make you a good husband and you will make him a good wife." "But tomorrow father?" Katherine asked again, still perplexed. "I have spoken with the Minister and your mother has aired out her dress. You will be happy my child, trust me." Katherine Scully's mind reeled. Her parents had known for at least a few days that she was to be married, but no one had bothered to inform her of her upcoming nuptials. "Do I get to at least know the name that will be my own?" She asked, incessant. "Hold your tongue!" Margaret Scully barked at her daughter. "This is difficult enough for your father." Katherine Scully's head snapped from looking at her mother to her father. In his eyes she saw sadness. He had hoped she would not be married quite so young, but circumstance dictated her future more than his wishes. "I wish..." he paused to clear his throat as he placed a hand on her cheek. "I wish I was able to spare you this until you were older but..." "It's okay father," she said quietly as she leapt into his arms. "I'll be happy, I will." Bill Scully hugged his favourite daughter tight. He had wanted so much more for her than this. She was smart and able to read. She understood the medicinal arts as well as any man, and he had hoped she would be able to study and possibly become a nurse one day. The young man he had chosen for his daughter was forward-thinking and he hoped all of his daughter's dreams would not be dashed so quickly by baby diapers. A knock came to the door and all heads looked toward the sound. Bill Scully slowly stood up from his spot and pulled his daughter into a standing position with him. He let go of her hand and walked toward the door. Katherine Scully straightened her skirts and Margaret fussed over her hair. Bill Scully opened the door and motioned for someone to walk inside. The young man bent to walk through the entryway and when he stood to his full height inside Katherine first noticed his piercing hazel eyes. He smiled shyly at her and bowed his head to Margaret Scully. "Master Sergeant William Mulder, may I present my daughter Katherine Scully," Bill Scully said with pomp and circumstance. "Pleased to meet you," William said in a voice rich with undertones. Katherine Scully looked at the man before her, tall and lanky, possibly eighteen. 'He is to be my husband,' she said to herself. "Pleased to meet you too," she said as she curtsied. "First Lieutenant Scully, Ma'am," William Mulder nodded to both parents. "Nice to meet you Sergeant," Margaret Scully smiled nervously at him. Bill had assured his wife that the young man would be a good match for their youngest daughter but she didn't know him, and therefore was unsure of his temperament. "Sit down, William. Margaret was just getting some tea ready." Bill Scully said as he touched the man's shoulder to guide him to a chair. Katherine just stood awkwardly in her original spot, unsure of what her role was in this discussion. "Katherine, come and sit with us," Bill Scully invited her over to join them. Katherine Scully walked silently to the table and sat down on a chair next to her father. Sergeant William Mulder sat across from them playing with his knuckles. "William's family is from upstate New York," Bill began the conversation. "He joined the army at fourteen and has proven himself to be an excellent marksman and intelligent soldier." Katherine nodded. All of the qualities her dad found impressive were the makings of a good soldier, not necessarily a good husband. She noted that he had clean but bitten nails, his uniform was neat, his hair a little too long, and his face tanned from the sun. Other than his skills as a soldier, there was little else she could garner about this man. "Katherine can read," Bill Scully said as he cleared his throat. "And she is almost as good a baker as her mother." Margaret Scully laughed nervously as she placed a pot of piping tea on the table in front of them. William Mulder looked between Katherine and her mother. He was assessing something, but Katherine wasn't sure what. Katherine's eyes caught his across the table and he almost looked at her apologetically. "How about we leave you two kids alone for a bit, so you can talk," Bill Scully said as he rose from his seat. Panic set in on Katherine's face and it was not lost on William. "Sir, don't you have a younger son?" William asked abruptly. "Yes, Charlie," Bill replied surprised. "Maybe he would like to join us for a cup of tea," William suggested. Understanding dawned on Bill Scully's face. William was trying to make his daughter comfortable. "I think that's a great idea," Bill Scully smiled before he called Charlie. The two parents left the room only moments before a young and energetic Charlie came bounding into the room with his wooden gun. "Are you the soldier who's going to be my new brother?" Charlie asked immediately. "Charles!" Katherine admonished him. "I'm sorry about my brother Mr. Mulder." "Please call me William," he said with a slight smile. "But is he?" Charlie asked, still interested in the answer to his question. "I hope so," William answered him. Katherine's head snapped up and she looked at him strangely. Maybe her fate wasn't so sealed. "So, how do you spend your days Miss Scully?" William asked. "I uh..." she stammered, caught off guard by the question. "I help mother with household tasks. I'm sure my life is quite boring compared to that of a soldier." "A soldier's life isn't all that exciting most of the time," he snickered. "And then when you are fighting and it's actually exciting...you want nothing more than for it to be boring once again." "Have you ever killed anyone?" Charlie interjected as Katherine rose to pour the tea. "Yes, I have," William said humbly. "Was it an Indian?" Charlie asked excitedly. "Charles, I don't think this is polite tea conversation," Katherine admonished him again. "But Kate..." he whined. "That's quite enough," she smiled good naturedly down at him. Mulder winked at Charlie and the little boy couldn't help but smile up at his sister. "Have you always wanted to be a soldier, Mr. Mulder?" "It's William," he corrected her. "And, I guess it's the family business. My dad is a General at Fort Dryden." "Why didn't you stay with your family?" Katherine questioned, knowing Fort Dryden was in upstate New York. "I wanted to make rank on my own ability, not my father's connections. I transferred here when I was sixteen." "And you felt that was the best way to...?" "Prove myself," he said assuredly. "I have always been my own man, and I wanted to prove it to my father as well." "And have you...proven it?" She asked, interested in this complex man. "I hope so," he said with a hint of sadness. "Have you been home much?" She asked. "Not yet," he confessed. "So your parents do they know about...?" She couldn't quite spit out the words 'our marriage'. "I wrote them a letter that I hope to mail," he said with a hint of a smirk. "Mr. Mulder...William," she corrected herself. "You seem to be under the impression that I have a decision to make regarding you. I think however sir, the decision is yours not mine." "I think it is both ours," he said as he met her eyes. "Kate, if you won't let me talk about killing Indians, I'm going to bed," Charlie mumbled as he got up from his seat. "Charles..." she started after him, but he was gone from the room before she could finish. The room was suddenly quiet. William held her gaze with an intensity that made her palms sweat. "I'm sorry I must be mistaken, I..." she began. "Your father has told me a lot about you since I have been at the Fort. He's very proud of you, and hates that he has to place you in these circumstances. I sort of felt like...like I already knew you, before we even met." She smiled, happy with the knowledge that her father spoke kindly of her. "But make no mistake Miss Scully, I am only interested in marriage if both parties are in agreement." He said firmly. Katherine weighed her options for a moment. She couldn't place her mother in dire circumstances if her father were to perish. And, she did think that William seemed to be an agreeable man. Her father had worked with him, and knew him well; if he trusted this man, she should as well. "Then I believe we have an agreement," she said assuredly. A smile spread across his face. "I will see you at noon then, Miss. Scully." "At noon, William," she said quietly. He rose from his chair and started to make his way toward the door. "William, is there anything...do you have a favourite colour or flower?" She asked, wanting to know, so she could try and please him when she arrived tomorrow for the ceremony. "I am good with whatever you choose Miss Scully," he said gently. "Katherine," she corrected him with a smile. "You can call me Katherine." "Katherine," he said gently. "Please thank your mother for the tea." "I will," she said as he opened the door to leave. "Sleep well William." He turned and smiled," you as well." He quickly exited the house and soon after she closed the door her parents were back in the kitchen. "He's gone already?" Bill Scully asked as he noticed William was no longer present. "He's gone, yes," Katherine confirmed. "Was he upset, or angry?" Margaret inquired. "No, he'll meet us at noon," Katherine said nervously. "Oh," Bill Scully sighed with relief. He walked over to Katherine and gave her a big hug. "It will all work out." He assured her. Katherine held on tight to her father and hoped he was right. She spent the entire night tossing and turning in her bed. Charlie snored next to her in his own cot and the Officer's barracks seemed eerily quiet. At noon she was to be married to a man she hardly knew. What she knew that most assured her, was that William met with her father's approval. William had a kind face and a good looking face. He seemed to have an easy temperament and was nice to her younger brother, so he must like children. He liked to stand on his own two feet, but also believed that she, as a woman, had a say in her own fate. He was young, unlike the thirty year old man her friend Edith had to marry. He seemed in good shape so he was unlikely to leave her a widow too soon. Overall, she decided after hours of careful consideration, she could have done much worse. She didn't know what foods he liked or how he wanted his quarters kept, but, over time she could learn those things about her husband. And he, she reasoned, would soon learn more about her as well; like her love of reading and her passion for mixing medicinal cures and treatments. When she finally fell asleep in the wee hours of the morning, it was out of sheer exhaustion rather than peaceful splendour. ********************************** Katherine rose at the usual hour and was about to make the bread when her mother caught her arm. "Kate, Melissa is coming over to help today. You need to help prepare a bath for yourself instead." Margaret said. Apparently her older sister Melissa even knew of her impending nuptials before Katherine herself did. Melissa lived outside the Fort so word would have to be sent to her at the very latest yesterday, but most likely the day prior. "Melissa is coming?" Katherine asked innocently. "Of course, we have to prepare you and a meal," Margaret said absently. Katherine wondered what was more important, the cured pork that was being served, or her. "Your father got the tub this morning and I have scrubbed it," Margaret said as she ran around the kitchen. "I just woke up Charlie and he's going to help you fill it." "Is all this really necessary?" Katherine asked. "You need to be clean for your wedding night and...and we'll talk more about that when Melissa comes." Margaret said nervously. 'A wife's duty,' Katherine thought as heat rose up her cheeks. She would be expected to fulfill that role for her husband as well. "The tub is in my bedroom, get Charlie and start to gather the water," Margaret said as she rushed past her daughter. "Where is Melissa?" Katherine walked back into her bedroom and saw Charlie putting on his shoes. "Mom says you need a bath," he yawned. "Apparently," Katherine said uncomfortable with the reason for the bath. "Didn't you just have one a couple of weeks ago?" Charlie asked as he walked toward her. "Yes, we all took turns, remember?" Katherine said as she walked with him out of the room. "Why do you have to get clean again?" Charlie asked innocently. "For my wedding," Katherine answered simply. "Oh, yeah, that," Charlie said as they walked through the kitchen. "Do you like him?" "I hardly know him," Katherine answered honestly as she grabbed a bucket and Charlie did the same. "He seems nice and he's killed Indians, I can tell," Charlie said pleased. "Can you?" Katherine asked with a smirk. "A man knows these things," Charlie said with authority. Katherine smiled down at her younger brother. While William was off fighting with her father she would still get to live with her family, but once he was back, she would be gone from this house forever. She would miss Charlie the most. ****************************** William Mulder rose at dawn and saddled his horse. He needed a bath for his wedding, and the best place to do that was in a nearby river. It would be a very chilly bath, but at least he would be clean. The other men in the barracks were still sleeping as he escaped into the morning sunshine. On his horse William felt free. He galloped from the Fort and down a winding path into a forest. Indians had not been near in months so he knew his safety was assured. As he flew along the river's edge the letter in his pocket weighed heavily on his mind. It was a letter from his father imploring him to return to Fort Dryden and marry a girl they had chosen for him. He talked about William's foolishness in moving away and his duty to return to his family and carry on the Mulder name. He had sent it weeks ago and William had tried to reply on several occasions, but nothing came to him. The letter he was going to mail today would explain it all. It described his marriage to Katherine Scully and his duty to continue at the Fort. He would bring his new bride to visit them when he was able. William didn't want to return to Fort Dryden. So, when First Lieutenant Scully proposed that he marry his youngest daughter, he had jumped at the opportunity. He admired his commanding officer a great deal and knew that his decision was partly based on his need to escape his family, but also his need to please a man who had become a father-figure to him. He had heard so much about Katherine that he knew they would get along amicably. He had also spotted her with her father on one occasion and knew she was not someone that was difficult to look at. In person, he had noted, she was far more beautiful than the distant glimpse he had caught of her weeks ago. William stripped down and waded carefully into the cold water. ********************************** Katherine was sufficiently clean and scrubbed when she re-entered the kitchen after her bath. Her long wet red hair trailed down the back of her robe as she walked in to greet her sister. "Melissa, mom said you were helping," Katherine said as she embraced her older sister. "It's been a few weeks since I've been here," Melissa said as she wiped her hands on her apron. "I'm really glad I can help." Melissa Angelou lived outside of the Fort with her husband. Much to Bill Scully's upset, she had married a logger and trapper, not a military man. They seemed quite happy and the one time Katherine had visited their cabin, it had been quite cozy and inviting. Jean, her husband, was obviously quite smitten with her sister and she with him. Theirs was a love match. "I better go get dressed," Katherine turned to leave before her mother caught her shoulder. "Kate, we want to talk to you," she said simply. From the serious looks on both their faces Katherine could tell she was about to hear about her wifely duty. "Kate, there are certain things you need to know," Melissa said as she took a seat at the table. "Sit, dear," Margaret said softly as she too, sat at the table. "Where's Charlie?" Katherine asked, hoping her brother would save her from this talk. "I sent him out to play," Margaret said as she watched Katherine sit down finally. Both women looked at her uncomfortably. "When a man and a woman marry, one of the duties that comes with that agreement is the wife's obligation to allow her husband pleasure." Margaret began as she nervously crossed and uncrossed her hands. "Men have a penis and he places it into your..." "I know this," Katherine interrupted. "I have seen animals." "Oh, good," Margaret sighed. "You should only have to endure it once or twice a week at the start, less as time goes on." "But if you don't want to have a child," Melissa began. "Melissa, don't tell her that, you'll scare her!" Margaret chided. "Scare me about what?" Katherine asked, confused. Both women exchanged glances. "If you don't want to have a child, he should either take himself out before he releases his seed, or..." Margaret paused, unsure if she should continue. "Or put it up your bum," Melissa finished for her mother. "It gives him the same pleasure, but it can be quite uncomfortable and sore at first for..." "Up my bum?" Katherine asked, flabbergasted. "As if the obligation couldn't be worse!" "Many people do it to avoid more children," Melissa acknowledged. Katherine looked back and forth between her mother and her sister and could see that they both were personally aware of this sexual practice. "The church says it's a sin, but it keeps him happy and you don't have any more children," Melissa conceded. "Is this something he may ask for, or am I to just know?" Katherine asked as her mind reeled. "Usually you decide together," Margaret explained. "But if he wants that kind of sex, you should get at least a one to two week break between encounters." "I had no idea," Katherine muttered to herself. "And if he wants you to take him in your mouth, the church says that is a sin as well," Margaret explained. "Take what in my mouth?" Katherine asked, unsure. "His manhood," Margaret explained. "I have heard that many men like it, but it is a disgusting practice." "As is urinating on your wife," Melissa interjected. "What?!" Katherine asked astonished. "There is a local woman who told me her husband likes to do that, and even though she has told him it is a disgusting practice, he still continues to do so," Melissa explained. Katherine just sat across from them red-faced with her mouth open. She knew she would have to perform a sexual duty with her husband but the range of duties was unknown to her until now. "Just wear your nightgown and lie still, he'll do the rest," Margaret explained. "And don't let him see you naked, it will just encourage him," Melissa added. Katherine nodded her head, trying to process all the information. "And don't make any sounds, even if it feels nice," Margaret explained. "Because, sometimes it does." "The first time will hurt and you will bleed. It's natural because he's breaking your maidenhead." Melissa explained. "Just get cleaned up and then sleep as far away from him as possible so he's not tempted again." Margaret added. "If his appetite is too great, tell him you are on your cycle or nag him about household chores. He'll not touch you for a few nights." Katherine was starting to get a headache. "When the babies come there are certain things you must know about your duties then as well, but that is for later," Margaret said as she rose from her spot at the table. "I'm glad we got that out of the way." Melissa rose from her seat as well and rubbed her sister's shoulder. "It's not that bad. Just let him take the lead, and hopefully he's quick." Katherine nodded her head, still dumbfounded by the on slot of information she had just received. "Go and get dressed Kate, your wedding is in an hour and I have to get this place clean," Margaret said as she began to hurriedly move around the kitchen again. Katherine rose numbly from the table and walked to her bedroom where a fancy lavender dress lay across her bed. She sat on the end of her bed and started to softly cry. ************************************************* William Mulder stood anxiously at the front of the chapel as a few fellow soldiers arrived and took their seats. The wedding was to be a small affair with only the Scully family and a couple invited friends of his. When he saw Margaret Scully standing at the back of the chapel he walked toward her and she took his arm. "You look lovely Mrs. Scully," he said politely as he escorted her down the small aisle. "Please take care of my daughter, Sergeant," she said softly to him. "I intend to ma'am," he replied as she took her seat. He took his spot at the front of the chapel and looked uncomfortably at the Priest. The priest gave him no hint of comfort as he looked down the aisle and toward the closed doors. The doors opened with a flourish and the crisp March air wafted into the chapel. Katherine stood on her father's arm in a lavish violet coloured dress; she seemed very nervous. Her hair was done up in a knot and a lacy veil fell over her face. William smiled nervously at her and he was unable to see if she returned his gesture. Lieutenant Bill Scully marched next to her in his dress uniform, his puffed chest leading the way. When they arrived at the front he gave the nervous groomsman a wink and passed Katherine's hand over to William before sitting. Another woman who looked similar to Katherine pulled back her veil to reveal a pasty looking bride underneath before she too took her seat. She was followed by another man, then First Sergeant Bill Scully Jr. with his wife and child. Once all of the Scully family sat down the Priest cleared his throat. William could feel her clammy hand resting on his and sweat dripped down his neck and into the collar of his dress uniform. The ceremony was short with Bill Scully Jr reading a short passage from the Bible and the Priest extolling the virtues of married life. He asked them if they would give themselves only to the other and they quietly replied 'yes'. He asked if they would accept any children that would come from their union, and they replied 'yes'. Finally, he asked if they accepted each other as husband and wife and they both replied a soft 'yes'. He blessed a small gold band that William placed on her finger and then they were pronounced married. William smiled down at Katherine and she, hesitantly, smiled back. Bill Scully came over to the couple and congratulated them by slapping William on the back and calling him 'son'. Katherine's mother kissed them both and various other Scully family members offered their best wishes. It wasn't until William went to step to the side to speak with a friend that he realized they were both fiercely gripping each other's hand. His eyes caught Katherine's and they both let go at the same time. He smirked in her direction and she smiled back. It was the first sign he'd seen throughout the ceremony that she was happy. After a round of congratulatory hand shakes, the entire party walked back to Lieutenant Scully's quarters where the festivities would commence. William offered his arm to his new bride and they walked back with the happy crowd, both still quiet around the other. Margaret Scully served some excellent pork accompanied by mashed potatoes and pickled vegetables. Merriment abounded as the men drank Bill Scully's whisky and the women handed Katherine some small presents to open. "An embroidered table cloth, thank you mother," Katherine said softly as she smiled at her mother. "You won't need it until William is back, but it's always good to start with some things," she said as she hugged her daughter. Katherine opened the next present to find a set of fancy doilies from Melissa. "Melissa, they're beautiful!" She exclaimed. "Jean's mere keeps sending them and I honestly don't have another thing I need a doily for!" Melissa exclaimed. Katherine looked over at her new husband as he sat with her brother, brother-in-law, father and a couple of other soldiers. They kept pouring whisky into his tumbler but he seemed to rarely take a drink. His eyes were shining when they met hers and he gave her a shy smile. He was a handsome man, especially in his dress uniform, which, at the moment, was slightly dishevelled looking. She opened a gift from her brother and his wife Sarah. "A quilt!" Katherine exclaimed. "Bill, Sarah...it's too much!" "Nonsense, you are Bill's last sister to be married. I started it when you turned fourteen knowing you would one day need it." Sarah explained. "Well, thank you," Katherine said sincerely. "It's a special wedding pattern," Sarah explained to her as she touched her hands to the set of rings embroidering into the cloth. "It's beautiful," Katherine smiled at Sarah as she folded it back up. "Margaret!" Bill Scully bellowed. "Get my fiddle case from the bedroom, will you?" Margaret got up from her spot and left the room to grab the case. Katherine looked over at her husband again and noticed as he switched his full glass for her brother's empty one when Bill Jr. wasn't looking. When William looked up, he saw her watching him intently and his cheeks burned with guilt. She smiled at him to let him know the secret was theirs alone and that seemed to relieve him a little. While Bill Scully tuned his fiddle Katherine helped her mother, sister and sister-in-law clear the table while Jean and Bill Jr. moved the table out of the way and William visited the privy. "He seems very nice," Melissa whispered to Katherine as they stacked plates. "He seems that way, yes," Katherine agreed. "I like him!" Jean exclaimed heartily as he grabbed Melissa around the waist. "He'll make a great uncle." Katherine and her mother's heads snapped toward Melissa when they realized what Jean had just announced. "Congratulations!" They bellowed in unison. "It's Kate's special day," Melissa chided her husband as she lovingly swatted at his arm. "And all the more special with another grandchild on the way!" Margaret exclaimed. "That calls for a song!" Bill Scully announced as he started to play his fiddle. Jean grabbed Melissa by the hand and began to dance her around the room. The song was lively and the dancers met the challenge. "Be careful she's pregnant!" Margaret yelled from the kitchen. Everyone laughed and watched the happy couple dance around the small room. William returned from the privy and smiled at the merriment that surrounded them. He watched the young couple dance around the room while Margaret cautioned them about disturbing the baby. At the end of the song the couple stopped and panted against each other while everyone around them laughed at their tiredness. "Wait until you have a baby to care for!" Margaret called to them. "Then you'll know tired!" Everyone laughed at her joke. "This next one is for my beautiful daughter and her new husband," Bill Scully announced as he started to play a softer, slower song. William nervously crossed the room and put his hand out for Katherine to join him in a dance. She took his hand and they walked hand in hand to the open area on the floor. He placed his hand on her lower back and their palms joined. She felt heat radiating off his body and smelled a mix of sweat, whisky and musk as he leaned into her. Her face immediately flushed and she stiffened her back as they took their first step. He guided her gracefully around the floor as everyone watched. She mis-stepped several times and he looked down at her and merely smiled not caring that her ability didn't match his own. When the song ended and a last note was drawn out on her father's fiddle, William held her a beat longer then necessary and then released her to stand next to him while everyone in the room clapped. She let go of his hand and went to the kitchen to help with dishes and get away from the probing eyes of others. The festivities lasted well after supper and, as each guest left, Katherine grew more and more anxious; she tripped over a rug, dropped a glass, and spilled a cup of tea. When Bill and Sarah left with their son Matthew, no one was left but her parents, Charlie, and the newlyweds. She hadn't inquired as to where they would be tonight but, as she saw her mother escort a half- asleep Charlie into her parent's bedroom, she knew where they would be staying. Bill Scully stumbled toward Katherine and kissed her on the cheek wishing her a good sleep before he shook William's hand and left the two of them alone for the first time that day. ******************************* Katherine stood uncomfortably before him, waiting for some sort of instruction or guidance about what to do next. She assumed he was more practiced than she, and that he would 'take the lead' as her mother had put it. "Why don't you go and get changed first," he said as he picked up Bill Scully's fiddle and started to pack it away for him. "Okay," she said as she quickly ducked out of the room and into her bedroom. Once inside, she pulled out a clean nightgown her mother had prepared for her; it was white cotton and smelled of lavender. She kept on her bloomers as her mother suggested, but absently wondered if ridding herself of them would expedite the horrible act. Then she lay in her bed and waited for him to come in. Katherine tried to will her heart to stop racing and her brain to stop thinking of the most hideous acts her sister had described to her. She waited for quite some time and was drifting off to sleep when the door opened and he entered the room. She watched him in the darkness as he entered and quietly closed the door behind him. He hesitated at the door for quite some time before he walked stealthily across the room, stopping at any floor board that creaked. He quickly took off his uniform and stood before her naked except for his underwear. She noticed him turn towards her brother's bed and slowly lower himself into the empty cot. Katherine was suddenly confused; was she to join him where he lay instead of him laying with her in her much larger bed? She was unsure about what to do for several minutes before she decided to just ask. "Do you wish for me to join you?" She asked in the darkness. He was startled and sat up in his bed. William looked at her bright eyes starring at him from the bed next to his. "I thought you were asleep," he said in a whisper. "I almost was, but not quite," she offered. "Do you wish for me to...?" "No, that's fine," he said quietly. "We are both tired from a long day and we need our sleep." "Oh," she said confused. They were both very quiet for a moment. "Katherine, I won't take advantage of you during the night," he offered. "Your maidenhead is safe." She swallowed hard. She was wondering, if that was his intent. "Your brother and brother-in-law were trying to assure that with whisky tonight," he snickered. "I saw you switch the mugs," she smiled at him in the dark. "I don't really like the taste," William explained. "But not many men seem to understand that...so, I have the odd sip but stay away from it generally." "That's good," she said softly. "I mean...what I mean is, there are many men who like the taste of whisky a little too much." "True," William said softly. "Have you ever had any?" "I had a drink once, and I'd have to agree the taste leaves much to be desired." They fell into silence for a few moments. "When's your birthday?" He asked quietly. "February 23rd," she said softly. "And yours?" "October 13th; I turn eighteen this fall." He explained. Silence again enveloped the room. "What's your favourite colour? Favourite flower?" He asked. "I like blue," she said. "And for a flower...I enjoy a nice begonia." "I've always liked orange," he explained. "And a flower?" She asked, curious. "All flowers look the same to me," he joked. She laughed at his joke. He didn't seem tired at all, but she didn't want to mention it to him for fear he would ask her to perform her wifely duty. "William, did you want us to stay at your barracks until you leave?" Katherine asked, wondering if she should pack her few things in the morning. "Your father offered for us to stay here until I leave, and I think it would be easier on you if we did," he explained. "I can go back to my barracks to change and get anything I need tomorrow." She could hear only his soft breathing a few feet away. "Did you like the wedding?" She asked, curious. "It was nice," he said thoughtfully. "You looked beautiful. I know I haven't said that yet, but you did." "Thank you," she said quietly as her cheeks reddened. She was grateful for the darkness of the room. "Did you like it?" He inquired. "It was very simple. I liked that," she explained. "Why?" He asked as he leaned up on an elbow to look at her in the dark. "I don't really like a lot of attention," she explained. "I'd think that someone as pretty as you would be used to getting a lot of attention," William explained. She blushed in the darkness and noticed the intensity of his gaze in the moonlight. Her heart involuntarily skipped a beat and she suddenly grew scared he would want to join her in her bed. "I'm very tired," she lied. "Sweet dreams Katherine," he said softly. "Thank you," she said, knowing he sensed she was lying. "You can call me Kate, if you wish." "Kate," he said softly in the dark. It took a long time for her to fall asleep. She heard him shift uncomfortably in the small bed next to hers and groan several times. When she finally heard his breathing even out she relaxed enough to fall asleep as well. ************************** In the morning, she woke to a bare room. The bed beside her was empty and made, there was no sign of him anywhere. Katherine rose from her bed and noted that it was quite late because the sun had fully risen. She quickly dressed and exited the room to find William sitting at a table with the rest of her family enjoying breakfast. "Good morning," she greeted them. William and her father rose to greet her and her mother examined her composition closely. "Good morning, Kate," William said with a smile. "Join us for breakfast Private," Bill Scully called to her. "Private?" William asked as he looked at her. "A pet name my father has for me," she explained as she walked into the kitchen to help her mother. "I'm sorry I over-slept mother," she said as she joined her next to the stove. "How are you?" Margaret asked with concern. "Fine," Katherine said softly. "How are you?" "You know what I mean," Margaret hissed. "I'm fine," Katherine said honestly, not wanting to divulge they had not consummated their marriage yet. "No pain?" Margaret asked. "I'm going to have some breakfast," Katherine said pointedly, wanting the discussion to end. "Fine," Margaret hissed at her again. Katherine walked into the dining area and sat on the other side of the table from her husband. "I'm not used to breakfasts like this," William joked. "I'm not going to fit in my uniform if I keep this up." Bill Scully laughed and smacked William on the back. "I'll see you at one." Bill Scully got up from the table, grabbed his hat and promptly left. "What is at one?" Katherine inquired. "A planning meeting your father wants me to attend," William explained as he drank his last bit of tea. "For Friday?" She asked. "So we're ready for Friday, yes," he explained as he stood. "And speaking of ready, I need to go back to my barracks and grab a few things right now." "I'll go with you," she offered as she stood as well. "You don't have to," he said, surprised by her offer. "I want to," she said shyly. The fact that he had not tried to take advantage of her last night had endeared Katherine to her husband even more. "Okay, let's go," William said as he offered her his arm. She took it and they both walked from the dining room and out onto the street. People whizzed past them, busy with the business of the day, and William held her steadily with him, careful to note any spots where she could turn an ankle. "Do you have any brothers or sisters?" Katherine asked as they walked from the officers barracks to those of the lower ranking soldiers. "I grew up with a sister," he said cryptically. "Do you hear from her much?" Katherine continued with her line of questioning. "Not at all," William scowled. Katherine sensed this was a sore spot with him. Perhaps his family was not as close as hers; not all were. He had left a Fort his father had a great deal of power at to go to one where he was virtually anonymous. There was a history with her husband's family she had yet to uncover. They walked quietly along the side of his barracks and were stopped by a woman and a man. "Sergeant Mulder, Miss Scully," the lady gave them a saccharine smile. "How nice to see you both." "It's Mrs. Mulder," William corrected her as he nodded to greet them. Katherine merely looked toward the ground, unsure of who these people were. "I had heard something about a possible marriage between you two, but I wasn't sure of the date," the lady said with an edge to her voice. "Katherine allow me to introduce you to Miss Maria Corbin and her brother Richard," William said as he looked toward his wife. "Miss Corbin, Richard, this is my wife Katherine Mulder." Katherine was caught off guard by his use of the word 'wife' and the attachment of his last name to her first. She merely smiled at the pair before her. "I'm sure your father is very happy with the match," Miss Corbin said to Katherine. "My family is happy for us," Katherine said definitively. She was not pleased with the tone this woman took. "And are you off with the regiment on Friday?" Richard Corbin asked. "Yes," William confirmed. "And speaking of which, we have some things to prepare before I leave. Good day." "Good day," Miss Corbin said back. "Keep safe William." William guided Katherine past the pair and when she turned to look back at them she saw a look of sadness wash over Maria's face. "Who were they?" Katherine asked interested. "Just old friends from upstate," William explained. "Their family moved here a few months ago when her father, Major Corbin, transferred to the Fort." "My father has spoken about him. He said he was a severe man." Katherine recalled as they rounded the corner to the back of the barracks. "He is," Mulder confirmed. "And he's also a friend of my fathers." "And Maria is a friend of yours?" She asked with a raised eyebrow. He knew exactly what she was asking and he needed to be honest with her. "It was good to see my old friends again," William explained as he stopped and released her arm so he could lean against the wall. "When they first arrived I spent a lot of time with Maria and Richard. I had no intention of...but she thought otherwise." "She expected to marry after you two met again and got along so well," Katherine concluded for him. "When I finally realized what she had been thinking, I backed away and stopped going around. It probably wasn't the most mature way to deal with it but..." "And you and she, did you...?" "No, she's a lady and I would never..." William said slightly flabbergasted. Scully just nodded her head. She didn't need to hear any more. "So that's why she was not happy to meet Mrs. Mulder," Katherine noted aloud. "No, she was not," Mulder smirked at Katherine. "But know this Kate, I didn't marry you to fix the circumstance with her." "I can see that," Katherine said definitively. "She is obviously still taken with you, but you are not interested in her." "You observed all that from a short meeting?" He asked, interested. "I'm good," Katherine smiled up at him. "Can you tell that I'm becoming smitten with someone else?" He asked, boldly. She lifted her eyes to gaze at his, and saw that he was completely serious. Never in her life, had she met someone who could look at her with such intensity and make her insides melt. William leaned down and gently kissed her on the lips. She allowed the kiss and found herself drawn toward his body as he started to release her. Noticing this action, he went back to kiss her again, this time more passionately, and she found herself needing to hold onto the wall to remain upright. Never in her life had she been kissed like that, and Katherine suddenly began to wonder if her 'wifely duties' were going to be as bad as her mother and sister had said they would be. "Oh, excuse me," a young man said loudly as he rounded the corner and came across them. The young couple pulled apart and turned red almost instantly. "Sergeant!" The young soldier greeted him. "Is this your wife?" "Uh, yes," William stammered. "Katherine Mulder this is Corporal Frank Winnington." "Nice to meet you Corporal," Katherine nodded in greeting. "Congratulations Sergeant Mulder, Mrs. Mulder. I hope you both will be very happy," the Corporal grinned at them. "Thank you," William said with a chuckle as he placed a hand on Katherine's waist. She again felt the heat of his body next to hers. Corporal Winnington moved on, and William and Katherine stood uncomfortably in the back laneway. "Kate I am so sorry, I..." "No, I shouldn't have..." She interrupted. They both looked at each other and started to laugh. Their situation was absurd. They were married and apologizing to each other for engaging in a kiss that they both obviously wanted. "How about we just go inside and get some of my things?" William asked. "I think that's a good idea," Katherine grinned back at him. *********************************** Later that night, Katherine again found herself growing more and more anxious as bedtime approached. They hadn't consummated their marriage last night, but after the heated kiss this afternoon, she had no doubts it was going to happen tonight. She left first to get changed in private and wait for him to join her in her bed. Again, she wore the white cotton nightgown her mother had given her, but this time she removed her bloomers so it was one last thing she would have to worry about. He came to bed sooner this night then the other, but she was still surprised at how long he waited before entering. Like the night prior, he removed most of his clothes and tip-toed across the room to her brother's empty cot. As he lowered himself into the small frame she realized he had no intention of taking her maidenhead tonight either. This time, instead of being relieved, she worried about the cause of his distance from her. Had he not found her pleasing? Was he not interested in that type of relationship? The suspense was killing her. "What do you like to read?" His voice startled her from the other bed. She was startled to hear his voice; he knew very well that she was awake. "I like the mysteries in the newspaper, even though the church says ladies are too fragile to read them," Katherine said honestly. "I think giving birth qualifies all women as anything but fragile," William replied. "True," Katherine smiled in the dark. "How do you think men and women should be with each other?" William asked. Katherine wasn't sure what he meant. "What do you mean?" "I mean, in a household, when making decisions, when discussing matters," he clarified. "I believe," she began, wondering how honest she could be. "I believe it's the woman's job to keep the house and the children, and the man's to work outside of the home and provide for his family." William nodded, wanting her to continue. "That being said, the notion that a woman doesn't have much of a brain in her head is absurd. Women should have a say in matters concerning their house and their family. But, in the end, the man needs to make the final decision." "Interesting," William said as he rolled to face her. "How is it interesting?" Katherine asked. "You are not pleased with a woman's position as subordinate to her husband, but yet you profess that traditional household roles should remain." "I didn't say my opinion was clear," she said thoughtfully. "No, you didn't," he confessed. "but it certainly makes things interesting." "How so?" "Well, we are about to set up a household together in the coming months and I was interested in my wife's viewpoint on these matters," William explained. "And what do you think of my ideas William?" Katherine asked boldly, and then instantly regretted her question. "I think they're something we can work with," William said non-committally. The room was enveloped in silence yet again. Katherine listened for his breathing to slow so she too could fall asleep. "Why did you kiss me?" William asked, suddenly. "You kissed me first," Katherine replied, hoping to avoid the question. "Yes, but you kissed back," he noted with a smile on his lips. "You are my husband and..." "There was more to it than that," William interrupted her. "I find you interesting and good looking," Katherine said succinctly. "Interesting," William said in the dark. "You seem to like that word tonight," she said softly. "Maybe I find you very intriguing," William said in a whisper. "Wishing you good dreams, William," she said as she rolled away from him. "Have a pleasant sleep, Kate," William replied. That night she found herself giving in to her soft bed, much quicker than she had before. ****************************************** "William!" A familiar voice called him form across the square. William Mulder turned to see the familiar face of his older cousin Walter. "Walter! What are you doing here?" William asked as he embraced his friend and cousin. "I have come on behalf of your father," Walter said solemnly. "I have a letter." Walter Skinner handed William a letter in an envelope. "Don't they realize that there is a postal service?" William asked. Walter laughed at his joke. "Your father wants you home immediately to marry." "And you've come to collect me?" William asked, already knowing the answer. "I have," Walter said apologetically. "I am shipping out tomorrow," William said. "Not anymore you aren't," Walter said. "This letter overrides those orders and dictates that you are to return to Fort Dryden immediately." "But, if I don't receive this letter..." William began to say. "William, I won't play games," Walter began. "This is serious and you are..." "Already married," William Mulder announced. "Excuse me?" Walter asked, shocked. "I got married," William said definitively. "To whom?" Walter asked. "To Katherine Scully, my commanding officer's daughter." "And you met her here?" Walter asked. "Yes," William answered. "How long have you been married?" Walter inquired. "Since Tuesday," William answered, honestly. "Tuesday?!" Walter snapped. William nodded his head. "Is she...?" Walter began. "No!" William shook his head. "It's not like that." "And you've known her for a while?" "Since Monday," William answered. "I'm sorry," Walter explained. "I'm having some trouble understanding..." "She's fifteen and Lieutenant Scully was concerned about her ability to stay provided for if he didn't come back from this latest battle. I needed a wife so father couldn't call me back, and she needed a husband so her father could go into battle at peace." "So it's a marriage of convenience?" Walter asked. "No, I'm quite taken with her," William confirmed with a smile that spread across his face. "She's very smart and passionate." "So you love her?" Walter asked. "I think I could," William smiled at him. "Have you...?" Walter asked with a raised eyebrow. "Not yet," William admitted. "She's only fifteen and I thought we should wait until..." "You must...before you go into battle," Walter interrupted. "If I am to say I missed you and was unable to deliver this letter, you must protect her." "Excuse me?" "Remember Philip Bennett?" Walter asked. "Yes," William answered. "He married a young lady the day he left for battle. They didn't consummate the marriage and when he died, his parents claimed they owed nothing to his wife because the marriage wasn't legitimate." William shook his head. The lengths that families would go to protect their wealth. "If you were to die," Walter said softly, "your parents may subject her to a doctor's examination, and if she were still a virgin..." "She would be left a widow with no means of support, and forced to marry someone else," William noted. Walter and William stood quietly for a moment, contemplating the ramifications of this for the young woman. William's family was quite wealthy. If he were to perish, his parents would have to provide for his wife and Katherine wouldn't have to remarry to survive. She could choose to never marry, or marry for love instead. "I should leave the area so no one knows we spoke," Walter said as he looked around nervously. "Thank you for allowing me to go," William said as he shook Walter's hand. "I have sent a letter to my parents about my nuptials so they will know by the time you get back." "Thank you," Walter sighed, obviously relieved that he wasn't going to have to deliver the news of their son's nuptials. "Thank you for the information about Phillip Bennett," Mulder said. "It certainly gives me something I need to think about." "I don't think you need to use your brain for that one," Walter smiled at him as he hugged him. "I will see you soon." "Soon." William confirmed. "I will bring Kate home to meet my parents after this battle." Walter nodded in agreement and walked away form William. William watched the man leave as thoughts of his disappointed parents swirled around his head. ************************************** After spending the afternoon strolling together, William was surer than ever that what he was about to do tonight was the right thing. He and Katherine had spent a great deal of time talking and getting to know each other over the course of the day. He discovered that she was a passionate woman and one that had proven herself to be a great conversationalist. William realized that he had definitely lucked into a great marriage. He sat playing cribbage with Bill Scully while Katherine and her mother planned a new suit for Charlie. "You are too good at this game," Bill Scully noted. "Are you sure you just learned it two months ago?" "Yes, sir," William said with a smile. "Katherine, don't play cribbage with this man, he's going to win every time," Bill Scully said with a laugh. Bill Scully rose from his chair and Margaret Scully gathered up her pattern and placed it in her sewing basket. "Good night," she said to the two of them. "Good night," they said back as they watched the two of them leave. Katherine got up from her seat to go and change as usual, and was surprised when William rose to join her as she walked toward the room. Her heart began to beat in her chest as she realized what this different routine meant. When they entered her room, she felt William reach down and hold her hand. "It will be okay," he said softly. She mutely nodded her head in the dark, worried what her voice would sound like if she attempted to use it. She hoped he would just want a regular sexual act, and nothing like the atrocities her sister had described. He led her by the hand over to her bed and stood in front of her for quite some time before he did anything. She then felt him reach behind her and undo the laces that did up the back of her gown. It loosened from her body and William slowly guided her arms, one at a time, out of her sleeves. He dropped her dress to the ground and she stood before him in her corset and slip. Her arms immediately went to cover herself and he reached for them and pulled them back, not allowing her to be ashamed. Without a word, he leaned over and kissed her softly on the lips. She was too nervous to respond and he quickly stopped. Deciding that she was uncomfortable with her own lack of clothing, he reached around himself and pulled his shirt from his body. He then reached down and pulled his pants from his legs. Standing before her in his underwear, he felt their situations were now equal. He tried kissing her again and this time, got more of a response. Her hands went up to his bare chest and her soft fingers on his sparse chest hair drove him wild. He felt his manhood respond and she immediately stepped back when it bounced up against her. "It's just that..." he started and then stopped. "When you do that, it feels good." She looked down at his tented underwear and realized the power of her touch. Katherine reached out and ran a finger over his left nipple as she watched his penis bob in his underwear. Fascinated by his reaction, she then squeezed his nipple to see an even greater reaction. She looked up at his face and smiled. She had no idea that she had much to do with this act except be the receptacle of his seed. "I didn't know," she said softly. "You didn't know, what?" He smiled down at her amazed face. "I was told to just lie still," Katherine admitted. "We can try that if you like, but I'd prefer if you didn't," he said softly as he moved some hair off her face and kissed her forehead. He kissed his way down her face and stopped at her lips; kissing her passionately. She responded to his passion and felt his hands reaching around her back to undo the hooks of her corset. She felt each hook release and the cool air hitting her skin as she became more and more exposed. When the last hook opened, her corset fell around her feet and her breasts crushed up against his chest. "Oh," she moaned softly as the sensation of his bare skin rubbed up against hers. He reached for her breasts and cupped them in his hands. They were the perfect weight and had the softest skin he had ever felt. He hunched down to the level of her breasts and took one in his mouth sucking softly on the nipple as she arched her back towards him. She hummed softly in his hair as he suckled her, one breast at a time. She could feel a wetness building between her legs and wasn't sure what that meant. He lowered her slowly onto her bed and looked at her half slip. "Can I take this off?" He asked as he fingered the edge of her slip. "Mother said to keep it on," Katherine explained. "What do you prefer?" William asked as he continued to finger it. "I don't know what the difference would be," she admitted. "How about we keep it on this time, take it off another time, and you tell me which you prefer," William decided. She nodded her head in agreement; secretly happy she was still wearing some clothing. William pulled his member from his underwear and slowly guided it towards her, moving her slip up to expose her thighs. He gradually moved himself deeper and deeper inside of her, allowing her time to adjust with each movement. She suddenly grabbed onto his forearm and he stopped all motion. "What is it?" He asked, concerned. "I'm okay," she said quietly underneath him as she sucked in some air. "I just need a minute." "Okay," he said softly as he kissed her two eyelids. Moments later she let go of his arm. "Keep going," she sighed. "Are you sure, because I could just pull..." William offered. "No," she interrupted. "I want this, I just need to..." "I'm so sorry," he apologized. "Don't be," she said with a soft smile as she touched his cheek. "I wanted to wait longer but..." he began as he made his way inside her bit by bit. "I'm fine, I'm really fine," she smiled up at him. "Do you think I should keep going slowly or do you want it just done?" He asked. "Just go ahead and break it, quickly," Katherine said as her face tensed up. He drew in a deep breath and thrust himself deep inside of her. "Ahh!" She stifled a yelp into her pillow. "Are you okay?" He asked as he stopped all motion and looked down at her with concern. "I'm...I'm fine," she said softly. "I'm going to pull out, you can't do this and..." William started. "Now that it's done, just go ahead," she said to reassure him. "Are you sure?" he asked, clarifying. "Yes," she said softly. William knew it wouldn't be long until he released himself into her, so he pumped in and out of her as gently as possible until his seed spilled inside of her and he moaned over her naked torso. "Thank you," he said softly as he rolled off of her and lay down next to her in bed. Katherine felt some liquid coming out of her private area and soreness over that general region. "How are you?" William asked as he rolled onto his side and looked more closely at her in the moonlight. "I think I should clean up a little," she said as she went to stand. "Can I help?" He asked as he tried to prevent her from leaving. "Maybe if you could just face the other way," Katherine offered. "Uh, sure," he said as he rolled away from her to give her some privacy. Katherine grabbed a nearby candle and lit it so she could look at the mess before her. There was blood on her slip mixed with a creamy liquid. She got up off the bed and went to her closet where she grabbed a nightgown. She wiped herself clean and slipped the nightgown over her head. She would have to rinse the slip in the morning. Katherine ached slightly as she walked back over to the bed where her husband was now lying down almost completely naked. Part of her wanted to climb into Charlie's cot and follow her mother's suggestion to sleep far away from him lest he get the notion to have sex again. Another part of her wanted to lie in his muscular arms all night and allow the feelings she was now developing for him envelop her. The wifely duty had been painful, but apparently it was not always like that. She liked how his hands roamed over her body and how his mouth suckled her. If her female parts would just stretch a little, she was sure the act would be less hurtful the next time. "You look like you are still in pain," William noted from the bed where he was supposed to be facing the other direction. "I'm fine," Katherine replied as she tried to look normal. She sat on the edge of her bed and winced. "You're very sore," he said as she rubbed her back. "I'm so sorry Kate...I shouldn't have..." "Taken my maidenhead? You are my husband William," she said as she shifted uncomfortably. He sighed behind her and then moved off of the bed and walked across the room to get his pants on. "William, have I...?" She asked, unsure of what was going on. Without a word, he walked out of the room wearing only his pants and no shirt. She heard the front door open and close quietly behind him. ************************************* Katherine sat starring silently at the closed bedroom door. She worried that he had left because he felt guilty, that she was too honest about her pain, that she had spoken too harshly. Katherine was not sure where he went, but she did know that he wanted to get as far away from her as possible. A single tear tracked its way down the side of her face, promising more to follow. She had failed as his wife. The front door opened quietly and Katherine could hear someone shuffling around in the kitchen, trying to be as quiet as possible. She rose to go out into the dining room. She hoped it was William and she would beg his forgiveness for being a horrible wife. She was almost hit by the door to their room opening. Before her, William stood holding a candle, a cup and cabbage leaves. "Why are you up?" He asked confused. "I thought you left...I thought I had done something to..." she stammered, surprised by the sight before her. "I went to get you some things to help with your pain," he said looking down toward that region of her body. "I'm sorry?" She asked confused. "Go sit," he gestured toward the bed. She followed his direction and sat gingerly on the edge of the bed. "Drink up," he said as he handed her a glass half- filled with liquid. She brought it close to her mouth and smelled whisky. "This is whisky," she whispered to him. "It will take the edge off the pain, just drink it in one big gulp," he instructed. She looked at his worried face and decided to do as she was told. She emptied the glass quickly and sputtered as the warm liquid ran down her throat. "It'll be okay," he said as he rubbed her back and waited for her to calm down. When she finally could breathe normally again she looked at the cabbage leaves in his hands and then back up at his face. "You put these on your...on the swollen area, and it will help," William stuttered as he handed her the cabbage leaves. "Because cabbage reduces swelling," Katherine said as she turned a cabbage leaf over in her hand. "Yes," he smiled at her. "How did you know that?" "I study herbal cures," Katherine said succinctly. "How did you know that?" "I once injured my arm in battle and a fellow soldier found some in a farmer's field and told me to wrap it around my arm. I figured it couldn't hurt..." "But then the swelling went down," Katherine finished for him. "Yes," he smiled at her. "So when I saw you were so uncomfortable I remembered that incident and the fact that your neighbours have a nice patch of cabbage and..." "William! You stole this cabbage?" She asked, astounded. "Only a couple of leaves," he said shyly. "And they are for a good cause." "And what is that?" She asked, not so angry with him. "My wife's comfort and happiness," he said as he patted her thigh. She smiled at him and placed her hand atop his. "Thank you." He smiled back at her shyly and handed her the candle. "You might need the light so you can...so you know where...to help with the cabbage." "Thank you," she said as she took the candle from him. He left her side and walked across the room turning his back to her. "Let me know when I can come back to bed." She smiled. He was an honourable man and not one to take advantage of a woman in her situation. She carefully drew her legs up onto the bed, found a comfortable position and lifted her nightgown to reveal her very sore body. She carefully placed the cabbage leaves between her legs and then lowered her nightgown and dropped her head onto her pillow. The cool leaves were instantly starting to make her feel better and the whisky was starting to warm her body. "William, you can come back now," she said softly. He turned and walked tiredly back to the bed. He removed his pants before blowing out the candle he sat heavily on the edge of the bed and turned to look at her. "Are you okay with me sleeping here?" He asked. "Of course," she said confused. "It's just that Charlie's cot is so much smaller," he said as he lifted his feet around and lay down next to her. She felt his body shift and a hand reach under the covers to hold hers. "It'll be okay," he said softly. She squeezed his hand under the covers. "I know," she mumbled as they both drifted off to sleep. ************************************* The next morning Katherine felt a mild dull throb between her legs as she walked around cleaning up her mother's house. William was supposed to set off first thing this morning with her father but orders from the General held off the departure until later that afternoon. She wasn't sure why they were delayed; rarely did anyone share this information with a woman. She just knew that she had her husband a little longer. That knowledge made her heart expand. Although she would not be so foolish to say she was in love with him, she could now say that she was on the cusp of love. He had proven himself to be a devoted and gentle man who valued her opinion and treated her well. Today she was going to bring him a picnic lunch and hope he was able to take some time to sit with her for a while. She wanted to spend as much time with him as she could before he left for a few months. This man who had invaded her life so recently was quickly becoming the centre of it. This morning when they woke together, Katherine couldn't describe the feeling of lying in his arms with his naked body pressed up against hers. He gave her a crooked smile to indicate he was happy with their current predicament as well. Then a darkness suddenly fell over his face and she couldn't help but speak. "William, what's wrong?" She asked, full of concern. "I...I made a mistake last night and I hope it doesn't become more of a problem," he stammered cryptically. "What mistake?" She asked with a raised eyebrow. "I shouldn't have released myself into..." he started. "What?" She asked as she rolled to face him more fully, the cabbage leaves coming loose between her legs. She pushed them under the covers and onto the floor. "A baby," he explained as he looked at the ceiling and rubbed his eyes. "You shouldn't have to deal with a baby this early." "There won't be a baby," she explained. "It's not the right time for one. My sister explained this to me last year." "What?" William asked confused. He turned onto his side to face her more fully. "Women can't get pregnant every time," she explained with a smile, happy to be teaching him something. "Only half way through their cycle. And it's not that for me." "It's not?" He asked as his face lit up. "No," she smiled slyly at him. "It might be wise to avoid that time of the month for a while. If that is what you wish as well." "I think that would be a good idea. I would like children eventually but..." She nodded her head in agreement. He smiled at her and she felt his warm hand rest on her hip. The heat from his body pressed into her. "How do you feel?" He asked. "Better," she smiled at him. "Still sore?" He asked as he rubbed her hip. "Not really," she said shyly. "I didn't want to hurt you, but I had to ensure our marriage was consummated before I left," he explained. "I understand," she said softly. "No, I don't think you do," he said as he leaned in a little closer. She looked at him confused. "If it wasn't...consummated my family would have cause to not take care of you if...if something were to happen to me." He stammered. "William, it doesn't matter. Nothing will happen to you, and I'm sure they..." she started. "Kate, my parents are good people, but they are not very accepting people. I needed to legitimize this for your security. Otherwise I would have waited until...until later." "You really mean that, don't you?" She asked, touched. "We don't know each other very well and...and I guess I thought this should have waited." She leaned forward and softly kissed his cheek. "William, you are an honourable man." He bowed his head and a slow blush spread across his face. "Not so honourable." "Why do you say that?" She asked softly. "Because I'm thinking of very dishonourable things right now," he said as he continued to rub her hip. She looked up at him tentatively and he stopped rubbing. "Kate, I was just joking," he said uneasily. She knew it was a lie. He wanted her again, but he wouldn't force himself on her; she had to agree. She shifted her body closer to his so her breasts were touching his chest through her thin nightshirt. She felt his hard manhood press up against her through his underwear. "Then do some dishonourable things," she whispered to him, her voice filled with courage that her spirit lacked. He kissed her softly and tentatively, not sure he was going to take it any further. But, when she responded in kind he started to lift her nightshirt and found her bare underneath. "Where is your...?" He asked, surprised as he touched her curls. "I didn't put them on," she explained as she parted her legs slightly to let him play. "I like this," he growled as he shifted her nightshirt up to her armpits. His fingers played at her opening. The cabbage had helped; she wasn't nearly as tender as she would be if she had just gone to sleep. He reached for his own underwear. "Are you sure?" he asked, fear in his eyes. She could tell he was terrified of hurting her again. Katherine decided in that moment, even if it did hurt, she wouldn't let him know. She would pretend it was fine for his sake, he already felt guilty about last night. She nodded her head and hoped for less pain this second time. He removed his underwear and crawled on top of her. She felt his fingers part her folds and gingerly probe inside her. Her skin was still tender but not sore. He leaned down over her and enveloped a breast with his warm, wet mouth. She moaned softly and relaxed into her pillow as he suckled her. He moved from one breast to the other taking his time with each one and carefully probing her opening with his fingers. "Now let's try it with more skin," he said as he peeled her nightshirt over her head. "and less pain." "That sounds nice," she panted below him as he drew circles inside her with his fingers. A slow smile crept over his face as he realized he was bringing her a great deal of pleasure. He kissed his way down her torso and stopped to kiss the top of her curls before he worked his way down her thigh. She squirmed under his fingers as his warm mouth pressed up against her outer, then inner, thigh. "William, what are you...?" She asked, worried about his odd placement. "I'm just trying to get you to relax so it doesn't hurt like before," he said in between kisses on her thigh. She took in a deep breath and laid back, allowing his mouth to kiss her thigh, then up to her belly, then her breasts, and finally her mouth. It was then that he entered her. It felt nothing like the first time. His movement was slow and rhythmic as he slid between her wet walls. She felt no friction, only a smooth gliding inside of her as his penis filled her completely. "Oh my god," she whispered as he pumped slowly above her. "Is it okay?" He panted. "It's it's..." she was rendered speechless. "Does it hurt?" He asked as he stopped all motion. She shook her head in the negative and rocked herself awkwardly against him, urging him forward. "Good," he smiled down at her. "Move with me, Kate." She looked up at him shocked. She thought she was to just lie below him, not participate in the act. "Move your hips with mine so you arch up as I push down," he panted above her. She awkwardly rocked her hips toward him a few times before she sensed his timing and then fell into a rhythmic motion with him. The sensation was overwhelming. He pushed into her and she met him each time. She could feel the tip of his penis touching something soft and tender deep inside of her that sent jolts through her body with each contact. William smiled above her as he watched her face contort in pleasure below him. He knew he had not brought her to orgasm, but he was happy she was at least enjoying herself this time. The sensation of her warm, open body was too much for him, and he felt himself explode inside her. "Oh, Kate," he huffed. "Wil," she sighed as she smiled up at him. He collapsed on top of her and she felt his once hard member soon start to soften in her walls. The second time was surprisingly enjoyable and not at all like their first experience. Perhaps it was all the kissing of her thighs and breasts that made it a more pleasant coupling. "That was amazing," he said from deep within her hair. She drew soft circles on his bare back and pulled a blanket up to cover them in case anyone walked in. They were both completely naked, something her mother had warned her against. Katherine decided that the warning was unnecessary; she liked the press of his sweaty naked body against hers. She liked the sensation of her soft breasts against his hairy chest. He rolled off of her and lay next to her grinning from ear to ear. Katherine stopped thinking about their morning interlude long enough to finish her cleaning duties. It was almost noon and she hoped to catch William for lunch. "Where are you off to?" Margaret Scully asked as she saw Katherine pick up a basket and start to store food. "I'm going to bring William something for lunch," Katherine said as she closed the lid. "Okay, but don't be long, we have to finish Charlie's suit," Margaret called after her. "I'll be back soon," Katherine called over her shoulder as she walked from the house. **************************************** William Mulder was already tired, and they hadn't even started their travel for the day. They were going to march out in three hours and make camp before nightfall but all he wanted to do was crawl into bed with his wife. He couldn't stop thinking about their time in bed this morning. She had seemed pleasantly happy with all he had done and that made him proud. He hoped it made up for the painful first experience. "William, your wife is asking for you," Sergeant Dickson said as he walked into the conference room where William sat with the others. "She is?" William asked as he stood up. "Your wife is already tracking you down?" One of the other men joked. William just smiled at him and walked from the room. Outside he saw Katherine waiting under a nearby tree with a basket in her hand. He walked over to her, happy she had decided to visit him before he left. "You came by," he said cheerily as he walked toward her. "I was hoping you could stop for something to eat with..." she started before he kissed her soundly on the lips. She returned his kiss and joined her hands behind his neck, the basket banging against his back. Her heart fired in her chest as the kiss continued and showed no signs of waning. As her lips danced across his, William was happy to see that apparently she too, enjoyed their sexual encounter this morning. He had been worried she would be angry with him for asking for her wifely duty twice before he left, but she seemed nothing of the kind. "William!" She gasped as they broke from each other. He pulled back from her, unsure if she was angry about the kiss. He watched as she lowered herself and straightened her dress. "You seem happy to see me," she finally said as a sly smile spread across her face and her eyes darted around them for any signs that they had become a spectacle worth watching. "I'm sorry, I should have..." "It's okay, we were in the shade of the tree...I don't think anyone was aware," she said softly. They stood in awkward silence half a foot from each other still panting from the kiss. "Are you hungry?" She asked as she raised the basket for him to see. "Yes, I actually am," he smiled down at her. "Do you have somewhere...?" "No, I wasn't really sure where," she said as she turned to look around them. "Give me one minute," he said as an idea sparked in his brain. "Okay," she said softly as he turned as started to walk from her. She waited under the shade of the tree for another ten minutes before he returned on the back of a large and beautiful horse. He dismounted and walked toward her. "Allow me," he said as he took the basket from her hands and walked her toward the horse. He mounted the horse still holding the basket and then reached down with one hand to pull her up. "I'm supposed to ride side saddle," she said as she noticed he had scooted up to the front of the saddle and expected her to ride astray behind him. "Not on the trails you can't," he said still holding out his hand. "You'll lose the horse for sure." She swallowed hard and took his hand as she stuck her foot in the stirrup and he pulled her up onto the back of the horse. She adjusted her skirt and then reached around to take the basket from him. Looping it over her arm, she reached around and grabbed the horn with one hand and his waist with the other. "Okay?" He asked. "Uh huh," she said softly. He encouraged the horse forward and they trotted towards the gates of the Fort. It was a cool spring day, but the warmth of the sun made it seem more temperate than it was. William asked her several times if she was alright and always got an affirmative response. He knew she was uncomfortable with riding like a man, but there was nothing he could do about that. Her legs appeared to be sufficiently covered and they had left the fort so quickly, no one had probably even noticed her. As they made their way down the trail, he enjoyed the warmth of the sun over his head, and the warmth of her body pressed against his back. Part of him wanted to not stop riding, but the growl of his stomach said something different. He heard her giggle behind him and decided that the nearby river where he had his bath on their wedding day, was a good choice. They dismounted the horse and settled into a nice quiet spot in the sun next to the water. She took out the sandwiches she had prepared and the pickled beans. Handing him a napkin and a fork she set about pouring some water into tin tumblers for them. "This is a wonderful idea, thank you Kate," he said sincerely. She glanced around them, concerned about Indians. "Are you sure we are safe?" "They have not been in the area for a while," he pointed out. "I was actually here on our wedding day having a bath." "Here?" She asked, astonished. "Wasn't the water cold?" "Freezing, actually," he laughed. "But it was the easiest way to get clean." "Why was it the easiest?" "There is a man at the Fort that runs a bath business, but it usually involves the company of a woman who does more then bathe you." "Oh," she said shyly as she averted her eyes. "So that's why I have always preferred the river," he said as he took a bite of his sandwich. "But you knew..." she started and then stopped herself. "I knew what?" He asked, interested in what she wanted to say. "Nothing," she said as her cheeks reddened. "Kate?" He asked again, truly interested in what had bothered his wife. "You knew what to do," she explained. "I guess most men are told..." Awareness dawned on him when he realized what she was saying and why her cheeks were burning. "I did know what to do," he said as he laid his hand over hers. He questioned for a moment if he should explain how he knew these things but decided that ultimately, honesty was more important. "When I was fifteen," he began as he still held her hand. "My father engaged the services of a woman." William swallowed hard and willed himself to continue. "He said a man needs to know these things. So, he took me to meet this woman a few times so I could learn." She met his eyes for the first time and saw how uncomfortable he was with the topic. "You don't have to..." she wanted to end his unease. "No, you should know," he said as his cheeks reddened and he swallowed hard. "She taught me what to do, and was very...kind. I only saw her a few times but it was enough so I knew." "Oh William," she said saddened by his story and his level of discomfort with his first experience. "She was the only one before you," he said as he raised his eyes to meet hers. "I know some other soldiers frequent these...these women but, I want you to know that I was not one of them. That my father's mistress was..." "She was involved with your father?!" Katherine asked shocked. "Still is, I think," William said sadly. "Oh, William," she cooed as she pulled him against her. He allowed himself to be held briefly before breaking away from her. "It's fine, really." She looked into his eyes and knew he was lying; that he was trying to shield himself from the hurt. But, she decided, he needed her to believe the lie, for now. "Thank you for telling me," she said softly. "It's between us, and no one else." "Thank you," he said relieved. "So now you know that I wasn't just told, that I..." "And I," she interrupted smiling at him "am the recipient of that education." She was trying to lighten the mood, and for that he was eternally grateful. "I hadn't thought of it that way," he said shyly. "It's going to be alright," she said, echoing the words he spoke to her before they consummated their marriage. "I know," he echoed back, sharing with her the knowledge of what that phrase meant. They sat in comfortable silence for several minutes, each eating their sandwich before Katherine spoke up. "So when are you expected to leave today?" "By three," William muttered as he ate the last of his sandwich. "The General was disappointed in the condition of the men this morning so he delayed." "The condition of the men?" Katherine asked, unsure. "Many of them got very drunk last night. Sort of a last send off at the Fort before going into battle. They need some time to sleep it off before we leave or else they will be no good to us." Katherine smiled. William had shared a tidbit of information with her that no other man would. Her dad had been delayed leaving several times and not once had she or her mother or her sister known the cause. Apparently, it was not a woman's business but William thought otherwise. "I will miss you," she said softly. "You hardly know me," he smiled back. "I know enough," she said as she met his eyes. "I know enough to want to know more." "Me too," he said bashfully as he looked into her eyes. "Please be careful," she asked. "And write when you can." "I will," he promised as he grabbed her hand. "Write me, everyday if you can, and hold nothing back." "I will," she promised. "Although I don't think my life is very inter..." "You are interesting," he said. "I want to know your thoughts." "I don't know if you would think they are very interesting either." "I somehow doubt that," he smiled at her as he went to stand. "I have to get back to the Fort." "Oh, okay," she said gathering the leftover contents of their picnic and packing it in the basket. She felt him standing close behind her as she went to stand. The heat from his body was almost permeating her skin. She stood and turned to face him. He looked down at her and moved in to kiss her. She put her hand up between them to stop his motion. "How many times?" She asked quietly. "How many times with that woman?" He looked at her confused, wondering the basis of the question. He swallowed hard. "Three." "I would like to become even," she announced. "Before you go." He looked at her, again confused and then realization dawned on him. "Here?" he asked, astounded. She looked around and saw no one in sight. They were quite alone. "I think, yes," she said succinctly. She lowered herself onto the ground and lay back in the tall grass around them. He removed his coat and lay down in the grass next to her looking about. "We are quite concealed," he noted. "Are you sure?" She nodded the affirmative and started to pull her skirts up. He unbuttoned his trousers and climbed on top of her. Finding her legs bare he started to draw circles around her opening with his light touch. She wiggled below him and reached for his cock; her first bold sexual move. "Ohhh," he groaned as she lightly wrapped her hand around it. She just held it for quite some time, waiting for him to feel ready to enter her. She could feel it pulsating in her hand and bobbing against her fingers. She felt his hand clasp over hers and begin to move hers up and down his shaft. She felt the skin follow then go taunt as he continued to get her to run her hand tightly up and down his cock. It was a strange feeling giving him pleasure in this way; but she knew he must like it because he was the one guiding her. Then she felt his fingers unwrap hers from his cock and push them to the side as he leaned into her a little more. He entered her slowly, her slick walls inviting his penetration. He rode her for quite a bit longer than before. The feeling of his member gliding in and out of her was sensational. They were almost fully clothed so he wasn't suckling her and she couldn't feel his bare chest. No, this kind of lovemaking was different than any other they had experienced together. It was hurried and slow all at the same time; he was wary of their surroundings but comfortable in them at the same time. He smiled down at her a lot and she returned his smile as she brushed his locks out of his eyes. She tried to find his rhythm but found that all the clothes between them were a burden. As much as it was invigorating and risky to make love next to the water, it was also much easier to be naked in a bed. He grunted loudly and she noticed his face straining above her, a face she had come to understand meant he was about to burst inside of her. Smiles were spread across both their faces and their clothes were covered in sweat when he finally released himself into her. He fell onto the grass beside her, panting at the exertion. He pulled her skirts down to cover her bare and open legs. He lay there for several minutes catching his breath as she starred up at the shifting clouds and thought this was the most perfect picnic she could ever imagine with her husband. "I don't know if you'll be okay to march," she panted next to him. "I recover quickly," he noted as he did up his pants. "Good," she sighed as she turned into his frame breathed into his hair. "You are now, quite even," William said softly as he grasped her hand. "Good," she said back as she squeezed it tight. "I mean to move the odds in my favour when you return." "They will always be in your favour, Kate," he said softly as she rolled onto his side to look at her. Her skin was glowing and her eyes danced as she lay recovering in the tall grass. She was absolutely beautiful. "I didn't expect this from you," he said with thought. "I am one to keep you guessing," Katherine said with a smirk as she went to sit up. She felt his juices start to fall out from inside her. "Promise to write," he said as he stood and held out his hand to help her up as well. "I promise," she said as she kissed his cheek. He walked over to his horse and noted the time of day on his pocket watch. They had been much longer than he had thought. "I'm sorry, we must go," he said as he mounted the horse and held out an arm for her to join him. She got up on the horse as well, wincing slightly as she sat on the hard saddle. "Come home soon," she said as she wrapped her arms tightly around the middle of his torso and laid her cheek against his back. ***************************************************** William had been gone for over five weeks and she had not received word from him. Her mother had got one letter from her father where William's heroics were briefly mentioned, but that was over two weeks ago. Katherine worried as she scrubbed some clothing in their small yard. She had kept her word and written him everyday. She had been surprised at all she had to say when she put her words on the page. She spoke about the inner workings of the house, of her mother's nervous nature which at times was a little much, or Charlie's perchance for scaring her in the dark. She had written about things she hadn't shared with others. Her thoughts on women's rights, the church's position on a number of matters, and the business of war. She hoped he would find her thoughts interesting and not the ramblings of a lonely woman. Five weeks had passed since she'd caught him looking at her when he thought she hadn't noticed. All those weeks had passed since she had a kiss from him, or held his hand. Katherine wondered absently how her mother had lived the life of a soldier's wife all these years. "Kate!" Charlie yelled as he banged the front door open. "Kate, there's mail for you!" Katherine ran from the yard and into the house, reaching Charlie and grabbing the letter from his hand. She looked at the postage; it was dated three days into William's departure. "Why did it take so long?" She asked exasperated. "It sometimes does," Margaret explained with a smile as she watched her daughter's excitement. Katherine ripped open the letter and was greeted by William's terrible writing. In it he spoke of the long trek forward, an encounter with Indians, and his sore back. His writing was fluid and almost rhythmic and Katherine found herself mesmerized by his words. Oddly, he also asked her what type of house she would like to live in when they get settled. At the end of his letter he promised to write again soon and that he hoped to hear from her often. He said that he missed her and signed the letter 'Wil'. She re-read the letter three times before she looked up at her mother, who was intently watching her face for any type of reaction. "He's doing well," Katherine smiled up at her mother. "Was doing well," Charlie corrected her. "That letter is five weeks old, anything could have happened by now." Margaret smacked Charlie on the back of his head. "Charles!" "I'm just sayin'" Charlie said as he rubbed the back of his head. Katherine just walked away from them and into the room she shared with Charlie. She placed the letter on her nightstand and then returned to the laundry. It was another week before she received the second letter from him. He had been gone for one week when he wrote this letter and was hoping to hear from her soon. She frowned to herself when she realized the mail took just as long to get to him as it did to her. He had still not gotten any of her letters. In the letter he wrote about the beauty of the land that surrounded him, the small towns that they marched through, and the nice villagers that he had encountered. He asked about her life and oddly, requested that she tell him names for children she liked. He asked her to write soon and signed the letter 'Wil'. Katherine again, tucked that letter away in her room and hoped her letters would find him quickly. Five days later she got a very happy letter from him. He had received three of her letters in one day. He was happy she had written him each day and then realized that mail service was more to blame then her for the lack of correspondence. He spoke extensively about how much he missed her and longed to be back at the Fort with her again. He told her to be patient with her mother and that her nervousness was not something she could control. He also asked Katherine what she would like to plant in their garden when they had one. He thanked her for writing him so often and signed the letter 'Love, Wil'. Katherine's eyes opened wider when she got to the letter's conclusion. She wondered if he had said he loved her as an obligation to a wife, or if he actually did feel love for her now. She ran her thumb softly over the word and looked at his penmenship closely. There seemed to be no hesitation marks, no signs of faltering as he wrote the word. "Another letter from William?" Margaret asked as she came up behind her daughter carrying a large bowl. "Yes," Katherine mumbled, her thoughts still on the contents of the letter. "Not bad news, is it?" Margaret asked as her face fell slightly. "No, everything's fine," Katherine explained as she still looked at the letter. "Then, what's the matter?" Margaret asked as she put the bowl on the table. Katherine looked at her mother and then back at the letter. She wasn't ready to share her musings about the letter; she didn't know if she ever would be. She needed to hear more from William. "Nothing, just reading," Katherine said as she lifted her eyes off the page to look at her mother. She tucked the letter in her room with the others and helped her mother mix a batch of bread they were bringing to a young woman who had just had her first child. Letters from William started to arrive once or twice a week after that. In each letter he shared with Katherine his experience of being a soldier. It seemed like an adventure in some letters; William saw places and met people she would never have the opportunity to. In other letters it seemed as though it was quite the challenge; between sickness, bad food, and relentless movement it was not an enviable existence. His letters gave her more information about the actual workings of a battalion then her father had ever shared over the course of her lifetime. For that confidence, in her ability to share in this experience with him, Katherine was forever grateful. In each letter William asked her a question about their future together. He had asked about children, housing, gardening, travel, anniversaries, furniture, and hobbies. It seemed to Katherine that he was very much looking forward to their life together once he returned. He signed each letter 'Love, Wil' but didn't explain his feelings for her any further. After several months of steady letters they suddenly stopped. Katherine grew quite concerned, checking with the postman each day and each day being bitterly disappointed. Then a letter came from her father explaining that some of the soldiers had started a return march back to the Fort and would be home within weeks. He mentioned William briefly in the letter but said nothing else. Katherine was happy to hear her husband was alive but somehow sensed that there was something her father had not shared in his correspondence. That the reason William had not written her recently was an injury of some kind. A small battalion was to return to the Fort by late August and she would have her answer then if William was with them. Until that time, Katherine hoped to hear more from William or her father. Her answer came one week before they were to arrive. A letter from William arrived and Charlie ran through the laneways of the Fort calling Katherine's name. She ran from the garden and snatched the letter from his little hand. Katherine greedily ripped it open and saw that it was the shortest letter he had ever written her. It simply said that she was to have their belongings packed when he returned to the Fort, that they were going to take a trip. He hadn't even signed the bottom of the letter, and, if she wasn't so familiar with his handwriting, she wouldn't even know who the letter was from. "Well?" Margaret asked. "He says we are taking a trip when he comes back," Katherine said as she turned to face her mother with tears in her eyes. "Why are you so sad about a trip?" Margaret asked, unsure. In that moment Katherine couldn't explain how her heart felt so incredibly crushed. After months of memorable correspondence and sharing her feelings with him, there was something incredibly cold and angry about this letter. It was a feeling she couldn't quite put into words, so she lied. "He's coming home," she sighed. Her mother, sensing it was just happiness over William's return that brought tears to her daughter's eyes hugged her tightly. "I know it's hard being a soldier's wife, but you will be happy to see him again, and he you," Margaret whispered into her ear. Katherine hoped her mother was right. ******************************************* The small battalion of men was scheduled to arrive at the Fort on Monday. Two lead horses had already galloped ahead of the men and alerted the Fort of their arrival. When Katherine heard a bunch of women yelling for each other and children running through the laneways, she knew the men had started to arrive. Everyone was going to the square to see if their husband was one of the soldiers to return. She wiped her hands, smoothed her unruly hair and pinched her cheeks before leaving the house to greet William. Her stomach was a bundle of nerves as she walked to the square where all the soldiers would gather. Her mother had been visiting Mrs. Pendrall that day and had probably already left with Charlie and gone to the square to see if her father was one of the men who returned. Katherine looked around the square at the chaos of soldiers, women, children and horses. It was hard to spot anyone, but she kept her eye on the men who rode the horses knowing that, in William's letters, he was more often on a horse than walking. She spotted him no where and then concern grew in her heart that he was with the wounded. She ran to the medical care area and looked from one soldier's face to another, wondering if the next one she spotted would be her husband. "Sergeant Mulder?" She asked one young man. "Mrs. Mulder?" Asked the young man. "I'm Corporal Winnington, we've met before." "Oh, yes," Katherine said blushing slightly at the memory of this young man catching her in a passionate kiss with William. "Do you know where my husband is?" "I believe he's in the stables with the horses," the Corporal responded. "Thank you," Katherine smiled as she started toward it. 'If he is with the horses he's fine, and undamaged. If he is with the horses, he's also not actively looking for her. If he's with the horses, he is hiding.' Her mind reeled. Katherine walked over to the stables and looked for William. She spotted him in a stall pouring water into a bucket for a horse. "William?" She asked. "Kate," he turned to look at her surprised. Then he walked over to her smiling and hugged her tightly against him. Katherine almost burst with joy until she felt his embrace release quickly. In one moment he seemed happy to see her and the next regretful she was there. "What's the matter?" She asked as he pulled away from her. "Are we packed?" He asked as his jaw tightened and he looked above her head. "Yes," she answered. "But something is terribly wrong, and I wish you would say." He looked down at her and she saw the anger in his eyes. It caused her to step back from him for a moment, unsure of what he may do. "My father ordered a small battalion to return with me to the Fort," he said through gritted teeth. "That's why these men are back early." She knew instantly why he was so angry. William was a dedicated soldier and the thought that he was relieved of his duties by his father was an embarrassment. "Oh, William," she said softly as she stepped back towards him and held him by both arms. "A small battalion of men escorting me back like I'm a child who needs his hand held!" He yelled. "Do they know that's why they...?" She asked, wondering how far his embarrassment stretched. "No, a few men do, but word will get out," he said as he worked his jaw. "Why would your father...?" She asked, wondering if he knew the reasoning. "My mother is ill and she wants me to come home," he explained. "I was supposed to go directly to Fort Dryden but I needed to come and get you first, that's why you had to have us packed." "Does your father know...?" She asked cautiously. "No, it appears not. He may Court Marshall me for not following orders. But if I was taking thirty men out of battle I was at least going to return them to their families and not have them sit at another Fort because of me." "William," she shook her head and leaned in to hug him. He was obviously in a state of great distress. When he finally allowed himself to relax into her embrace, he clung tightly to her frame, all of his upset seeping between their two bodies. He didn't cry, he was beyond that at this point. "We'll leave today?" She asked as he kissed the top of her head. "Yes, I have to secure a buggy for us, unless you would prefer a wagon," he said as he looked down at her. "How many days?" She asked. "Four to six days until we reach Ithaca," he answered. "If we take a wagon we can sleep in it no matter where we are, but we'll have to watch for Indians. If we take a buggy we will have to stop in towns along the way and sleep in hotels as they are available, which might not always be the best places." "What do you think?" She asked. "With it just being the two of us, I'd feel safer with you sleeping in a hotel," he stated plainly. "The Cayuga Indians have been raiding camps a lot in the north." "Then get the buggy and I'll finish our packing. I hope you don't mind, I went to your barracks with Charlie and moved your things to my parent's house for now." "No, I don't mind," he said softening to her. Her unquestioning nature with him caused him to relax for the first time in weeks. "Then, when can I expect you?" She asked as she took a step from him. "Give me a couple of hours to get all this sorted and then I'll come for you," he explained as he took a step forward. "William?" She asked, confused as to why he was following her. "I missed you," he said softly as he brushed her cheek. She smiled up at him genuinely. "I missed you too." "I'm so sorry about all this Kate," he said as his voice caught in his throat. "You didn't do any of this," she said as she placed a hand on his uniformed chest. "But, I have to admit, I am glad you are back, and in one piece." He leaned down and kissed her lips passionately. All of his pent up emotion running from his body to hers in an unrelenting kiss that caused her to lose her feet. He caught her and held her against him as their mouths and tongues got reacquainted with each other. Her heart pounded in her chest as he kissed her and she swooned against him. He was angry and sad and happy all at the same time and it came out in his kiss. When they finally parted, heaving against each other, they didn't speak for over a minute.Then, he looked down at her and saw the joy in her eyes. "I love you," he said quietly, as if it was a secret between them. "And I you," she smiled back. He leaned down and kissed her more softly this time. For Katherine it felt like in that moment they had actually taken their wedding vows. It took a little time together, a great deal of writing, and a personal crisis, before they could truly be at this place. "I'll see you soon," she said quietly as she untangled herself from him and walked from the stables. ************************************** They had been travelling through the woods for the entire afternoon. It was a warm, sunny day and Katherine kept pulling her bonnet forward to cover her face as much as possible. The sun was starting to hang lower in the sky and they were still not quite at the spot they were stopping at for the night. William wanted them to reach the village of Cockeysville before nightfall so they could stay at a new hotel that had been built there. Katherine was more concerned about being stuck on a road in the dark then whether it was a good hotel or not. Her father had not been part of the battalion that returned, but William had said they would only be another month more. She sensed that her father had also not been pleased with the orders that came from William's father. "Did your father say anything more about your mother's condition?" Katherine asked. "Just that the doctor's had said she may need to get sent to a hospital for round-the-clock care," he said as he watched the road ahead of them. "But the condition?" She asked. "No, he wasn't specific," William said as they bounced along the road. "Oh," she sighed. He had not been very forthcoming with information the entire trip. "Kate, I don't mean to sound cryptic but, if I knew more I would say," he said. "I know, it's just you've been..." she stopped short of saying something that would upset him. "I'm sorry, it's just..." he paused to wipe some sweat from his forehead. "I'm just really angry with my father and...and there's a reason why I haven't been home in almost two years." "And that reason is?" She asked, interested. "It's a long story," he said softly. "We have a long journey," she said as she patted his leg. Just then the sound of horse hooves rumbled behind them. William pulled over to the side of the road and watched as a stagecoach came into view. "My, they move fast," Katherine said as she watched their approach on the road. "They move fast but they also have a schedule to keep, if they don't, the driver gets docked pay," William explained. "Really?" Katherine asked, astounded. "It could be why there are so many stagecoach accidents," William yelled as the rumbling grew louder. The coach flew past them and dirt swirled all around their buggy. William opened his coat and ducked Katherine's head toward his chest in an attempt to protect her from the dust. She stayed cuddled against him for a minute listening to him cough before he released her to sit upright again. "Are you okay?" She asked him concerned. "Yeah," he smiled down at her, his face covered with a fine sheen of dirt. She reached out and wiped some dust from his hair, then his shoulder, then his chest. He thought the act was so intimate his heart beat a little faster. Then she took a handkerchief from her pouch and softly wiped at his eyes, cheeks and lips. "You are going to need a bath," she said softly, sure he was not paying attention to her words as he watched her brazenly. "Thank you," he said softly. She knew he was talking about something other than the dust. He wanted to thank her for coming with him without question, for making things so easy, for showing interest in his family history. "Let's get into town and have supper before the restaurant closes," he said with a smile. They got into the village a half hour later and checked into the only hotel in town which was only a year old. It had large rooms and a new bed. Katherine immediately stripped the bed and covered it with a sheet she carried in her bag. "What are you doing?" William asked, amused by her action. "Preventing us from being eaten alive by bed bugs," she said as she tucked the sheet into the corners. "What?" He asked. "I soaked the sheet in lavender, rosemary, and cloves to repel any bed bugs. I am carrying some more oil with me so I can soak the sheet again if necessary." She explained. "When did you do that?" He asked, amazed. "This afternoon when I went back to my parent's house," Katherine explained. "Are you quite done?" He snickered. "Because I'd like to go eat." "You laugh at me now, but when you wake without a bite, you will thank me," she said as she walked past him toward the door to their room. "I don't know," he said slyly. "I might be interested in a bite from you." She turned to give him a look with one raised eyebrow, before they left for supper. ********************************************** That night as they lay in bed with the moonlight shining in over their faces, William worried about the conversation they were about to have. He needed to share some vital information about his history with Katherine that he had withheld. "My sister disappeared when I was twelve," he said his voice cracking. "I was supposed to be watching her while my parents played cards with friends...I fell asleep, and when I woke up she was gone." "Gone?" She questioned. "We searched the entire wooded area around the property, posted signs around the city, and nothing was ever reported." "How old was she?" Katherine asked. "Eight," he croaked out. "And since?" "Nothing," he said sadly. "There were a couple of leads about peddlers in the area, but they proved to be nothing." "I'm so sorry," Katherine said sadly as she rolled onto her side to look down at his profile. "And that's why you left?" "Not really," he said as he swallowed hard. "I had a hard time accepting that she just disappeared. But my parents had an even harder time." She nodded for him to continue. "They started to fight, and use me as a way of getting back at each other. My father wanted me to join the Military, so I did. My mother was furious; she only had one child left and she wanted me safe. My mother wanted me to go to society parties and take dance lessons, so I did." "I thought you were a little too good of a dancer to not have had a lesson," she lightened the mood. "My father insisted that a soldier didn't need those skills," William said glumly. "And?" "And when I turned sixteen I realized that my life was not my own, and that if I didn't leave the Fort, it wouldn't ever be." "So that's how you came to Fort Matten?" "Against my parent's wishes and amidst some controversy," William explained. "Controversy?" Katherine asked. "I forged my father's signature on the transfer papers," William explained. "He was too embarrassed by me to admit it to anyone, so he went along with it, saying he thought I needed to prove myself, spread my wings...that sort of thing." "But in reality..." "He was furious," William explained. "My mother was in hysterics and...and it wasn't a pretty picture." "And you haven't returned since?" "No," he sighed. "And now you are going back to a very ill mother with a wife no one knows about?" She clarified. She saw him nod in the moonlight. "I'm going to make things worse for you," she sighed as she lay back down and starred at the ceiling. "No, you make things better," he said softly as he touched her belly. "You care for me and you don't know them well enough to hate them as I do. It'll be okay." His warm hand on her stomach felt safe and secure, unlike the place they were going to. "Did you marry me to secure your place at Fort Matten?" She asked with some trepidation. "I married you for many reasons," he started. "One reason was because I admired your father and he spoke very highly of you." She smiled at the thought. "Another reason was because I had noticed you walking with him one time and you were very beautiful." This caused another happy smile. "I also married you because your father was so worried about your future that I wanted to please him." She nodded again, knowing this was a big concern. "I also married you because my parents were summoning me home to marry someone of their choosing." "Pardon me?" She asked, startled. "I got a letter from my father, I'll show it to you tomorrow. In it, he stated that he'd had enough of my foolishness and it was now time to return home and settle down. The thought of a life under my parent's thumb was..." "Horrible," she finished for him, and air of sadness to her voice. "I haven't told you the main reason why I married you," he said as he smiled down at her radiant skin. "That night I came to meet you...there was a spark, a light about you that drew me in. I don't know how else to describe it, but you weren't like anyone I'd ever met, and I knew...I knew that I had to marry you. Because if I didn't, I would spend the rest of my life regretting letting you go." When he was done speaking he noticed she had tears in her eyes. He hoped they were tears of joy, but in the dark it was hard to tell. "Kate?" He asked softly. "You haven't said anything like that before," she said as she wiped her eyes. "What do you mean?" He asked, confused. "In your letters, you spoke of your work and travels," she explained. "then you stared to sign them 'love, Wil' but that was the only indication..." "I love you," he said succinctly. "I may not have romantic phrases that come to mind every time I look at you, but it doesn't change how I feel. It doesn't mean I care for you any less." "Thank you," she said as she reached up and caressed his cheek. "Kate, you have quickly become the most important person in my life," he said as he leaned down and kissed her softly. She returned his kiss and arched her back so she was closer to him. She felt his arms wrap around her back and hold her against him. She felt his hand reach down to the hem of her nightshirt and start to slowly pull it up. "Is it a good time?" He asked seductively. She mentally re-did the math in her head that she had already done earlier in the buggy. "We're fine," she said as she bit at his ear. "Good," he growled as he pulled her nightshirt up to her waist and discovered that again, she was not wearing a slip underneath. She shyly looked away from him when he made the discovery. "I've wanted you for months," he said as he parted her legs with his fingers and started to slide one in and out of her. He rubbed his hand against her curls and caused a shudder to run up her body as his other hand clasped hers at her side. He kissed his way down her neck and onto her torso, suckling one breast at a time as she wriggled beneath him, pinned to the bed like a butterfly. She had missed his touch as much as he had missed hers. She ran her one free hand up and down his flanks, noting that he was thinner than the last time she had done this with him. The life of a soldier in battle was one of constant exercise and little food. "Can we try something different?" He asked softly. Immediately her body seized. Thoughts of him putting his penis in her mouth or her bum made her suddenly very scared. "What do you mean?" She asked, trying to not sound upset. "Roll over onto your side." He instructed, not noting her fear. Hesitantly she rolled away from him and wondered what would happen next. She felt his hand come between her thighs and part her folds again as he scooted up behind her. She then felt his penis slide easily into her slick vaginal opening. He was behind her but also inside of her. His one hand reached around and massaged her curls then pulled at her opening while his other hand ventured up her nightdress and massaged her breast. The feeling was unbelievable. "Oh, god," she sighed. "No, it's just you and me," he snickered as he watched her face contort. He moved his hips against her and she bucked her butt against him, hoping to drive him deeper and deeper inside of her. His whole body seemed to be wrapped around her and inside her at the same time. She came quickly and he felt her walls palpitate around him while a soft moan escaped from her lips. It almost felt as if her walls were sucking him inside deeper and deeper with each wave of ecstasy. It was then that he lost himself inside of her, letting his juices flow freely into her opening while his one hand squeezed her breast. Once his wave of ecstasy passed, he let go of her breast and let his sweaty hand just rest on it while he panted behind her. She felt his penis start to soften inside her immediately and was overcome by a feeling of complete exhaustion. She fell asleep in his embrace without another word and he, upon realizing this had happened, soon followed. ****************************************** They spent the next two days and nights making their way to Ithaca, New York where William's family resided. Each day they revealed more about their family history to the other and shared stories of sadness and happiness in equal measure. As much as William's life with his parents had been hard since his sister disappeared, up until that point, it had been rather idyllic. Katherine also shared stories about her brothers and sister and garnered a great deal of laughter along the trip. For those two nights they stayed in nice hotels, usually atop the local restaurant, and he asked for her wifely duty each time. She gave it to him freely and went to bed satisfied each night. Katherine knew that if her mother and sister had known how often they were engaged with each other, they would chastise her for encouraging him. They would say that she should complain of a headache or upset stomach to avoid such invasions. Katherine decided that she welcomed any invasion he was interested in launching, and that her 'wifely duty' seemed no duty at all, but rather a beautiful expression of their love. In fact, she wondered why so many women saw if as something to avoid. On the third night of their trip they pulled into a town where the only hotel rested atop the local saloon. It was a loud, rowdy place with prostitutes hanging out of almost every window. Katherine's eyes grew wide as she took in the spectacle before her. "Maybe we can go on to the next town," William said as he saw her face. "Let me ask at the General Store." He pulled up next to the store and hopped from their buggy. Katherine sat watching the spectacle that was the saloon, in utter silence. A few minutes later William returned with some liquorice for her and bad news. "The next town is two hours away and they don't have a hotel," he sighed as he too watched the drunken men falling all over the prostitutes. "And the next hotel is over three hours away. We can go, but it'll be dark before we get there." She gulped audibly before she spoke. "No, we'll stay here...it's just one night." "Are you sure?" He asked as he placed a hand on her knee. "Because I can push through to the next..." "It's okay," she smiled weakly at him. "I'll go and check us in," he said as he got out of their buggy once again. "Maybe there's a nice restaurant." She watched William toward the place where they would spend the night and shivered. She knew there wasn't any sort of 'nice' restaurant in a town that had a bawdy house. Katherine jumped from the buggy and headed into the General Store. There she purchased the means to make them a picnic. William and she had been eating that way, usually by the side of a river or at the top of a hill, for days as they travelled. But, each night, he took her to the local restaurant where they could have a proper hot meal. She returned to their buggy just as William was walking back from the bawdy house. "I have secured us a corner room at the back which should afford us the best place possible to sleep at the pushing school," he said grumpily. "Pushing school?" She asked, thinking he'd found an alternative place for them to sleep. "I'm sorry," he apologized realizing not only the rude remark he'd made, but he's wife's innocence of it. "I mean, the fine saloon establishment." She looked at him confused but asked no more as they both got in the buggy. "I have the means for a nice picnic dinner." "Good," he said as he got the horses moving. "Because there's no where else to eat but in the saloon, and I'd rather go hungry than bring you in there." She placed a gentle hand on his knee. "I'll be fine, and it's just one night." He smiled at her willingness to stay positive about, what he was sure, would be a horrible night. They sat by the side of a flowing river and ate their dinner in silence as the sun started to set. "Why did you say 'pushing school'?" She asked finally. "It's a rude term, I shouldn't have..." William began to apologize. "So the bawdy house is also called a pushing school because the act involves a man pushing himself into a woman," she surmised. "Yes," he said as his cheeks reddened. He wasn't comfortable talking about prostitutes with his wife. "What else is it called?" She asked, interested. "The saloon?" He asked, unsure. "Yes," she said as she met his eyes. He paused for a moment, wondering if he should be truly honest with her and tell her all the vile names this place was called. He had always been honest with her in the past; now was not the time to stop. "A brothel or a whore-house is the most common terms," he paused to see she wanted him to continue. "I've heard it called a harem, a knocking shop, a sporting house, a bordello, a nunnery, a pump-house, and a cathouse." "Wow," she said astounded. "Do many soldiers visit these...sporting houses?" "Yes, many seem to," he said softly. "Is it because their wives say they have headaches?" Katherine ventured to ask. "For some of them, maybe," he answered honestly. "I know one soldier who said his wife has not had sex with him for months, so he visited the brothels." She nodded her head, taking in the information. "Other times," William started. "It's because they are unmarried." "I guess I can see that," she said thoughtfully. "And other times, I think some men go because they have an appetite for things their wives don't." She swallowed hard, wanting to ask the next question but not sure she wanted to hear the answer. "What kind of appetite?" She squeaked out. "Kate, I'm not comfortable..." William began. "Melissa told me about a woman," she interrupted him, hoping to not look so innocent, "whose husband liked to urinate on her." "Really?" He asked as his face contorted. "I have heard of men who have done this with a prostitute, but not their wife." "Tell me about men's distasteful appetites," she said softly. He again paused, and took in a deep breath. He was uncomfortable with the conversation but she was obviously interested in the subject. "I know one soldier who has a thing for sheep," William said bashfully. "Sheep?" She asked astounded. "I caught him in the stables one time and promised I wouldn't say anything," he said with a snicker. "What else?" She asked. "Some men like to enter women in the rear," he said as he took a drink of lemonade. "Do you?" She asked, again, not sure she wanted the answer. "I don't think I would like it," he said, indicating this was not something he had learned from his father's mistress. "And I don't think she would either." He looked at her closely and she knew he was being honest, she didn't have to worry about that type of sexual advance from him. She nodded her head in agreement and waited for him to continue. "Some men have been known to sleep with more than one woman or man at a time," he continued for her. "A man with two women or a woman with two men?" She asked confused. He nodded his head 'yes'. It took her a moment to absorb that tidbit of information. She wanted to ask more, but feared she would look very un-Christian. "I know one man who had to be rescued by a friend from a brothel because the prostitute tied him to the bed and then left him there naked." "Tying him up?" She asked. William nodded his head. "And some men," he said "I think visit a brothel because they can just have sex with a women and not have to please her or be there for her emotionally in any way." Katherine nodded her head, understanding that William always sought to please her in bed. "It makes me a little sad," Katherine noted. "I agree," he said as he clasped her hand. "You don't ever have to worry about me, Kate." "I know," she said with a smile. The sun started to fall as Katherine packed up their blanket and then drove back to town with William. He ushered her up the back outside stairs so she wouldn't have to go inside the saloon. When they got to their room they both couldn't help but cringe. It was dirty and all of the furniture looked as if it may fall to pieces at any minute. William immediately shoved a heavy dresser in front of their door, blocking it from further entry. He snapped the legs off a chair and securely fastened them into the window frame so the window could not be opened to gain entry. The room was stifling but secure. Katherine pulled off the ratty sheets and placed the one she had soaked in oils to prevent bed bugs on the bed. When she was satisfied with her work, she changed into her nightshirt and crawled into bed. William climbed into their bed fully clothed and sat upright against the headboard. "What are you doing?" She asked as he pulled her toward him. "Just keeping an eye on things," he said non-commitally as he patted his lap for her to place her head down. "William, you need to sleep," she said softly. "I'll sleep when I know you're safe," he said as he patted her hair and tried to ease her to sleep. That night, Katherine slept curled up against his lap while William sat up listening to the pounding, wailing, moaning and glass being broken in the rooms around them. Several times during the night, several men tried to open their door, but were prevented by the heavy dresser. William looked down at his innocent wife and vowed they would sleep in the buggy before spending another night like this with her in danger. At first light Katherine woke to find a very tired husband still wide awake. "William, you didn't sleep at all!" She chastised him. "I just couldn't," he explained. "You can't drive like that," she said as she sat up. "I'll be fine," he yawned. "Maybe you can take the reigns for a bit while I close my eyes." "I'll take the reigns and get you to the next town where we'll secure a room and you can have a proper rest. You are no use to anyone if you get hurt or sick." He didn't argue with her, and instead helped her pack their things so they could finally leave. **************************************** William did go along with his wife's suggestion, as much as it would delay their journey another day, he needed his wits about him while they were travelling. He spent the entire day sleeping in a soft bed at a nice hotel a few towns over from where they'd been. Katherine seemed to spend most of the day reading or watching him from a chair in the corner of the room. When he recovered, they went out for a nice dinner and then returned to the hotel for a good night's sleep. In the morning he woke to a beautiful scene before him. Katherine was standing on the other side of the room in her nightshirt washing herself. He watched as she carefully dipped the cloth, wrung it out, and wiped up and down an arm. Her slow motions were almost mesmerizing. He lay in their bed for quite some time watching her morning ritual with great fascination. She hadn't done this in front of him before and, he sensed, if she knew he was awake she wouldn't be doing it now. She squeezed the cloth again and drew her nightshirt up so she could wash between her legs. The scene in front of him caused William to grow hard and no longer want to just idly watch his wife. He had asked for a lot of sex since his return, and each time he vowed he would take a few days off before he asked again. But then something like this would happen, and he would feel the urge again. She had been very accommodating and, he sensed, she had enjoyed herself as well. It didn't seem like a chore for her and, although she hadn't initiated an encounter since their time in the field, he didn't think she objected to the frequency. He slowly and carefully rose from their bed, trying to be as quiet as possible so she wouldn't startle and stop her actions. "Kate," he said softly as he stood behind her in his underwear. "Wil!" She startled and turned to see him. "When did you get up?" "Just now," he said as he took the cloth from her hand and dropped it back in the bowl. "What are you doing?" She asked. "You missed a spot," he smiled down at her as he grabbed the hem of her night dress and started to draw it up. "Wil," she sighed as she caught her dress when it got to her waist. "What?" William smiled at her. "I can't have my wife walking around dirty." "I'm in the middle of my cycle now," she explained as she still held the dress. "I could get pregnant." "Then we'll improvise," he said, unrelenting in the course he was on. "It's daytime," she said in a whisper. "So?" He asked back in an exaggerated whisper. "So, if you take off my nightshirt I'll be completely naked in the light of day," she explained. "That's the idea," he snickered. She shifted from one foot to the other, uncomfortable with this concept. "What if I promise not to look?" He asked. "You will anyways," she smiled at him. "True," he grinned back. "Do you expect to go your whole life without me seeing you?" He asked. She looked up at him uncomfortable. She didn't know how to answer him. "Look, if you don't want me to see you today..." "No, go ahead," she said as she dropped her hand and closed her eyes. "Kate, you don't have to..." he said as he let go of her shift. She then crossed her arms over her chest and pulled the garment over her head. She stood before him, completely naked in the morning light. He could see every freckle on her entire body. "You're beautiful," he sighed as he ran his hands up her sides and down along the curve of her buttocks. Her head dropped to her chest and a full body blush seemed to take over her skin. "You are, you know," he said softly as he raised her chin up to look him in the eye. He kissed her softly on the lips as his hands sought to touch every inch of her skin's surface. He watched as goose bumps formed all over her skin as he admired it with his eyes and hands. He hunched down to take a nipple in his warm mouth and her back arched against his body. "Ohhhh," she moaned as he found her opening with his hand. He gently inserted a finger, then two inside of her, seeking out the special spot that made her quiver. She kissed his shoulder and his chest as he warmed up her body. She felt him gently pushing her back towards the bed and thought this was a good time to mention her cycle again. "My cycle, Wil," she whispered to him. "I'll take myself out before I release," he explained. She nodded her head in agreement as he lowered her down onto the soft, rumpled bed. Her buttocks were barely on the bed and her legs dangled down over the edge onto the floor. Katherine expected him to climb above her, but, when he didn't she was met with the strangest sensation. His mouth was on her opening. It caused her to jump at first, then relax into his ministrations. His mouth was warm and wet and his tongue worked circles around her opening. Never in her life, would she imagine someone would do this to her, or that she would like it so much. William moaned between her legs as she felt waves of pleasure wash over her body and cause the hairs all over her to stand on end. When the sensation subsided and she released his shoulder from her grip, her body suddenly relaxed like sand into the bed. He pulled himself up from between her legs, stood in front of her, and pushed his member inside as she lay open on the edge of their bed. She lay beneath him too seduced to move as he worked himself back and forth between her wet walls. She reached up and ran a gentle hand down the side of his face as she watched his face contort above her, attempting to hold off the release of his seed. She ran her feet up his legs which were firmly planted on the ground; allowing him a great deal of force as he worked her over. Katherine felt her buttocks being pushed back toward the middle of the bed as he heaved into her again and again. Then, a look of anxiety passed over his face as he quickly pulled himself out from inside of her, and released himself onto the floor at his feet. Katherine sat up on her elbows and watched as his penis squirted out a cream coloured thick liquid onto the floor in fits and spurts. William stood hunched over himself as he allowed his own pleasure to envelop him. She reached forward and took hold of his penis, still feeling the palpitations vibrating up the shaft as one last burst of liquid set itself free and onto the floor. He raised his eyes to look at her. She sat, naked on their bed holding his penis in her hand as his seed stuck to the floor below him and she seemed unfazed by the whole incident. "Thank you," he panted. "Thank you." "I think I should be thanking you," she smiled at him. "William, that was something I didn't know about." "What I did?" He asked, suddenly shy. "Yes," she said softly. "I don't think many men do that," he said as he looked at his hands. "But you liked it?" "I did," she smiled as his penis started to soften in her grip. "I should have warned you, I guess. I just didn't know how to say..." "It was wonderful," she said as she released his penis and patted his hip. "You don't have to warn me about that; you can do it, whenever you like." He chuckled to himself and stood upright, tucking his flaccid penis into his underwear. He reached around behind him and grabbed the wet cloth from the bowl. He wrung it out and brought it around to her. He gently took the cloth and wiped her folds as she lay back on the bed and allowed him access. There was some seed around her opening. Next time, he would have to take him self out sooner. "I think some came out inside of you," he said, not sure how she would react. "I'll do better next time. Hopefully..." "I'm sure it's fine," she cooed as she took the cloth from him to stop his actions. "I should leave you alone for a few days, I'm sorry I have wanted you so much," he stammered, hoping his apology was heard. "I know it's usually only once a week and..." "I would say something if I felt differently," she explained as she pulled back and tucked herself under the covers. "Don't apologize." He picked up the cloth and wiped himself off and then the floor. She curled up on the bed and nodded off to sleep for a short while before they left for the day. He pulled back the covers and lay beside her, awake and listening to the slow steady breath as it exited her body. He hoped that his luck with Kate wouldn't change when she met his parents. Things had gone so well in their relationship so far, the last thing he wanted was for anything to go wrong with her. ************************************************** The roads got smoother as they made their way north. "William," Katherine asked later that afternoon. "How can you afford all this?" "All what?" He asked, avoiding the subject. "The hotels, the dinners, the buggy?" She noted. "Soldiers don't make..." "My grandfather gave me a large sum of money before he died," William explained. "Enough money, that my soldier's salary is unnecessary." "What?" She asked, astounded. "I like being a soldier, Kate," he explained. "But I don't have to be. I could choose not to work...but I don't know what I'd do with my time." "So you...?" She asked, confused. "It's the main reason why I took your maidenhead before I left," he said clearly. "With you established as my wife, my parents would have to give you access to my grandfather's money. Then you wouldn't have to marry again at all, or for any other reason than love." "You hardly knew me, why were you willing to...?" "Like I said before," he smiled over at her. "I just knew." She looked at her husband astounded. He was a man of interest, that was for sure. "So your obligation to your parents...?" "Is merely the obligation any son has," he explained. "They have no control over the money my grandfather gave me." She felt instant relief. She had no doubt his parents would not be pleased with their match and she didn't want to place William's financial future in jeopardy. "Do your parents live at Fort Dryden?" Katherine asked. "No, their house is nearby, mother could never live in a Fort," William said with a smile. "We're halfway there," William said as he noted the sign for the village they were entering. "Wonderful," Katherine said, trying to sound pleased, while she was filled with dread. ********************************** Over the next few days William and Katherine made their way north to Ithaca. The roads were better, encounters with people more frequent, and hotels nicer. She talked a lot about her studies into medicinal cures with herbs and he listened intently to her. He was astounded by her knowledge of the subject and sensed somehow that she wanted more out of life then being a wife and mother. She learned more information about his family and hoped that they weren't as unaccepting as he portrayed. She also heard more about her father as a leader and, it was apparent, William admired him a great deal. William also mentioned that her father had invited them to continue living with her family at the Fort when they returned. "I was thinking we would build a house," William said out of the blue one morning. "When we get back. We can stay with your family while it's being constructed." "Outside of the Fort?" She asked. "Sure, why not?" He replied. Katherine had spent her whole life living in military housing, it was a foreign concept for her to live any other way. "It's quite safe," he reassured her. "A cabin like Melissa's?" She asked, interested. "Or a house, whatever you think," he said as he chanced a glance in her direction. "I think that would be nice," she said. He nudged her with his elbow, "how many bedrooms?" "We just need two," she said with a smirk. "One for you, and one for me." "Hey!" He called after her. She laughed at his response. "I think," she said thoughtfully. "If you are going to all the trouble of building a house, it should have three or four bedrooms." "I agree," he nodded. "Then if we have a bunch of children there's room for everyone, or if someone comes to visit we have a place to put them." "Do you want a bunch of children?" She asked. "I want whatever you want," he replied. "Seriously Wil, what do you want?" She asked slightly annoyed. "Kate, you are the one who must have them and care for them. I will leave it up to you to decide when we are done." "Really?" She asked astounded. "Really." He said truthfully. "What will we do...after?" "I guess what we are doing now, or maybe I'll look into those devices that fit over ones manhood to prevent it from going into you." "Have you ever seen one?" She asked, interested. "No," he admitted. "But that is a long time away." "Yes," she agreed. "I was thinking...four." "Maybe after one you'll have had enough," he joked. "Would you like just one?" She asked. "I want whatever you want Kate. If you want only one, then we'll have only one. If you want four, then four it is. If you say nine, then we shall have nine." "Many women seem to have six," she noted absently. "But, I grew up as one of four and I quite liked it." "How about we worry about the first when we are ready, and then go from there?" "These are questions I'll get asked, I should be prepared." She said to him. "Who will ask you?" He asked, surprised. "Your mother, other women. I'm new to them and now married to you, they'll want to know our plans." "They will?" "Women are like that," she shrugged. "So tell them I plan on having you so often you walk funny," he smiled at her. "William!" She swatted at him. "I would never!" "What else is there to tell?" he joked. "Where we plan to live, future children, our household..." "Okay, we plan on returning to Fort Matten as soon as my mother is well, we plan on not having children for a couple of years but when we do we would like four, and we are going to build a house outside the Fort." He summarized. "Oh, and we are madly in love." He leaned over and kissed her forcefully as the buggy bumped to the side of the road and onto the grass. She kissed him back and began to laugh as they stopped in the tall grass. ********************************************** They arrived in Ithaca late one afternoon and debated staying at a hotel instead of arriving this late at the Mulder household. They had been days longer than expected so they opted for a late arrival at the house. As Mulder trotted their buggy along the roads he pointed out important places to Katherine. He wanted to take her around the city and introduce her to people, but that would have to wait for another day. As they approached the Mulder house Katherine's stomach started to knot up even more. It was a grand estate with a copper roof, a spire, large open windows, three stories, a huge front porch and massive front lawn. Their city house was equal in size to the others in the city that surrounded it. The neighbourhood was obviously a wealthy one. She must have gulped audibly because William reached over and grabbed her hand to reassure her as they pulled up in front. Immediately three servants exited the front door and lined up next to their buggy. William helped Katherine out of the buggy and turned to look at the servants. "My god it's you William!" A man in a suit called to him as he stretched out his hand in greeting. William ignored the hand and pulled the man into a fierce hug. "Reggie!" Katherine smiled at the warmth with which her husband was received. "You are quite the man," Reginald commented with a smile that went from ear to ear as he patted William's shoulder. "It's been two years," William said as he stood a little taller. William then noticed Katherine standing beside him. "Reggie, I'd like to introduce you to my wife, Katherine. Katherine, this is my dearest friend Reginald." "Pleased to meet you," Katherine said as she bowed her head and extended her hand in greeting. "Pleased to meet you ma'am," Reginald said formally. "William has not told us that he married such a lovely lady." "I am to understand that my father did not receive a letter from me several months ago in which I announced my marriage?" William asked. "No such letter arrived William," Reginald explained. "How long have you been married?" "Since April," William smiled as he took Katherine's arm. "How's mother?" "Come inside William, we have much to discuss," Reginald said cryptically. Reginald led them into a grand entrance with a large staircase leading upwards to another level of rooms. The house was ornately decorated and Katherine spied two other servants scurrying through the various hallways. One man was grabbing their bags outside while a female servant was getting them something to drink. It appeared as though Reginald ran the household. "I will have to get another set of rooms prepared for you, I had no idea about Mrs. Katherine, and only prepared your quarters." "We'll be fine there, no need to go all out Reggie," William smiled as he looked around the parlour. "I'm sure Mrs. Katherine would like her own set of rooms, William," Reginald smiled at her, hoping she would excuse her husband's ignorance about her needs. "It's okay," Katherine smiled warmly at Reginald. "I would prefer to stay with William." "Whatever you would like ma'am," Reginald smiled at her. William and Kate sat on the large sofa and waited for Reginald to explain. "Wil, your mother has not been well for quite some time," he began. "It started with stomach upset and has progressed to her liver. Now she can hardly keep anything down without severe pain. The doctor has her on a lot of medication." "What is wrong with her?" William asked. "She has biliousness," Reginald explained. "Her body can't seem to get rid of the bile that is making her toxic." "How is it being treated?" William asked, unnerved by the information. "She only likes cream soups, she says the rest are too harsh for her. The doctor gives her pain medication and she sleeps a lot." "Surely there must be something...an operation or treatment of some kind," William wondered. "The next step is hospitalization where she can receive twenty-four hour medical care," Reginald explained. "Is father with her?" William asked as he stood up. "No, he's out with a friend," Reginald said quietly. Katherine watched as William closed his eyes for a moment to absorb the information. It seemed like a secret code between Reggie and Wil; a type of communication she was not privy to. It was not a good piece of information, she could tell, because she saw Wil's jaw tighten. "Can I go up?" William asked Reginald. "Let me send one of the maids to see if she has roused," Reginald said as he rose to get someone. "Wil, if she's asleep we shouldn't wake her," Katherine said quietly. "I know, I just...he's out with her," William said angrily. "His wife is suffering, and he's gallivanting about town." "Your father?" Katherine clarified. "The one and only," William said angrily. Katherine placed a hand on his arm and squeezed. She wanted to reassure him that it would all work out just fine. She wasn't sure if she believed it herself, but she wanted him to. They sat together quietly for several minutes, waiting to see if his mother was awake. "Wil, she's still sleeping," Reginald said kindly as he walked back into the room. "Perhaps in the morning..." ************************************* "It is late," William said as he noted the time on the clock. "Are our things in my room?" "Yes, would you like anything else?" "Can you have one of the maids draw a bath for my wife in my washroom?" "Right away Wil," Reginald smiled. "It's good having you home." "It's good to see you," William said in return. He was not able to lie about his happiness in this place. He and Katherine mounted the steps to the second floor and down a long corridor that lead to his rooms. His rooms were larger then the quarters Katherine shared with her parents and sibling at the Fort. "These are all yours?" Katherine asked dumbfounded. "My mother has her quarters upstairs, and so does my father," William said as he took off his jacket and threw it over a chair. "I share this floor with a few guest rooms." Katherine looked around his quarters. There was a large sitting room, many closets, a desk and bookshelves, a bedroom at one end, and a door that she supposed led to his washroom. He had more beautiful furniture in his quarters than her parents had in their barracks. At the Fort they all shared washrooms with other families but here William had one all to himself. Sensing her mood, William approached her and took both her hands in his. "They're just things," She nodded her head and walked toward the closed door. She opened it to find a maid crouching next to the tub, filling it with bath salts. She noted a wooden commode in the corner of the room. "Ma'am?" the maid asked, startled. "Sorry, I was just looking around," Katherine apologized. When Katherine turned around Wil was no longer at her side. Instead he was looking thoughtfully at a book lying face down on his desk. "What is it?" Katherine asked as she approached. "The Castle of Otranto," he replied with a smile. "A gothic novel about love, loss and family history." "You were reading it two years ago, I presume," she asked as she joined him by his side. "Yes, and it was quite good. I'm surprised I didn't bring it with me," he said as he put the novel back down. Katherine took a few minutes to walk around the vast quarters. It was obviously a man's apartment as there wasn't a flower, or soft pattern in sight. Everything was dark and masculine looking from the drapes to the bedspread. It had been cleaned recently because there wasn't a cobweb or speck of dust, but it was obvious no one had used these rooms since William had left the house. "Excuse me ma'am, your bath is ready," the maid informed them, then promptly left. "Thank you," Katherine smiled at her and watched her leave. "I haven't had a bath in a real tub before," she smiled up at William. "I'll build you a bathroom in our house," William said as he kissed the side of her head. "Go and get in before it gets cold. I'll go after you." "Thanks," she smiled shyly as she turned to leave him alone. Katherine undressed quickly and climbed into the soft water and relaxed against the back of the tub. She reached out and grabbed some soap off the side of the tub and rubbed it all over her hair and body; submerging herself in the water to rinse. When she came up for air she spotted Wil sitting on a chair he had pulled up to the side of the tub. "Come to join me?" She asked as she wiped her face clean. "I just thought I'd sit for a bit," he said absently. "William, I'll look into her illness and maybe come up with something that may help," Katherine volunteered. He nodded his head, grateful for her offer. "What kind of man leaves his wife sick and in pain while he goes out with his mistress? What kind of man does this?" He asked her, not expecting an answer. "I don't know," she said softly. "But no amount of you sitting there scowling is going to help." His head snapped up to look at her. She was not being hurtful with her remarks, just honest. She wanted this visit with his family to go as smoothly as possible and his brooding would not help that. William stood up from the chair and removed his clothes, allowing them to fall onto the floor in a heap. He walked toward the tub and looked down at her lying in the water. "Sit in front," she beckoned him as she scooted towards the back and sat more upright. He followed her instructions and allowed her to clean him, like a mother would a child; scrubbing his hair, back, chest, and arms. She sat forward and pressed her breasts against his back as she reached around to clean his manhood. Her soft hands caressed him as she cleaned, but did not demand further action on his part. In that moment, she loved the intimacy and warmth of their relationship. She pulled her hands away and kissed his wet back. "I'm going to dry off while you finish," she said as she handed him a small piece of soap. "You're not going to stay?" he turned to look at her as she went to stand. "No, but you are going to need your rest so finish up soon." She said as she kissed the top of his head. She got up and out of the tub and tied a towel around her body before she exited the washroom. Katherine found one of William's robes laid out on their bed, so she took off her towel and wrapped her small body in the large garment. She rolled up the sleeves and felt less like a child trying to wear her parent's clothes. She combed through her hair and rubbed cream on her face to help with the minor sunburn she had got from the trip. Katherine was just turning down their bed when a man burst through the door calling William's name. "Excuse me!" Katherine yelled, startled by his bold entrance. "Who...who are you?" The man asked her Katherine grasped William's robe shut and pulled it up to her neck. Just as she was about to answer, William came bounding out of the washroom wearing nothing but a towel secured at his waist. He was dripping wet and he ran right up to Katherine and then, noticed his father in the room. "Father, what are you doing in here?" William demanded to know. "I was told you were home that...who is this woman?" he stammered. "Father," William began as he wrapped a wet arm around Katherine's shoulder. "This is my wife Katherine." Mr. Mulder was obviously shocked by his son's statement. He stood before them speechless for quite some time as Katherine grew more and more uncomfortable with the fact that she was completely naked before her father-in-law except for a thin robe. William pulled her a little closer to him in the silence, and she felt water from his body quickly seep through the robe she was wearing. The robe now clung to her skin at her hip, side and left breast. Suddenly Reginald appeared at the open door, out of breath and slightly dishevelled. "Sir, I just got word you were home," he said to Mr. Mulder. It was obvious to everyone in the room the miscommunication that had happened. Some other servant had told Mr. Mulder that William was home without knowing or caring to add that his wife was also with him. "William, you will join me in my study," Mr. Mulder said as he got his bearings. "Father, I..." William began. "I'm sorry I intruded," he said as he bowed his head to Katherine. "We will have to meet properly in the morning." "Thank you, sir," Katherine said as she bowed her head in return. Mr. Mulder walked from the room as quickly as he entered it. After he left, William dropped his arm from around Katherine and turned to look at her. "Are you okay?" She nodded mutely at him. "I'm so sorry William," Reginald apologized. "I was in my quarters when he arrived...I didn't expect him home so early. One of the other servants must have..." "It's okay Reggie, it's not your fault," William said as he walked over to a dresser to get on some clothes. "I'll leave you then," Reginald said before he turned to leave and shut the door behind him. When the door shut Katherine sat heavily on the bed she had partially turned down. "I have to go and see him," William said as he pulled on some underwear. "I can't think of a worse beginning..." Katherine mumbled. "It'll be fine, Kate," William said softly as he pulled on some pants. "I'm practically naked," she muttered. "You are wearing my robe, and you didn't expect my father to burst into the room. Are you supposed to walk around in a corset before bed?" She looked toward him, knowing he was right, but that knowledge still didn't quell the butterflies in her stomach. William pulled on a shirt and quickly did up the buttons. "The sooner I go down and get this over with, the quicker things will become normal." He walked over to the side of their bed and kissed her on the forehead. "Go to sleep, I'll tell you how it went in the morning." She watched him walk from the room and shut the door behind him. There was no way she would be able to sleep now. ************************************************** "I guess congratulations are in order," Albert Mulder said as he raised a glass of scotch to his son. "When is she due?" "What?" William asked as he entered the room. "You married her because you got her pregnant," Albert Mulder said succinctly. "I did nothing of the kind, she's not having a baby," William said as he walked further into the room. 'She's not that kind of girl." "Then, you are still a child if you married for love," Albert said with a snicker. "And you're already drunk," William said as he took a seat across from his father's grand desk. "Why did it take you so long to get here?" Albert asked, ignoring his son's comment. "I returned to Fort Matten first so my men would be with their families and I could retrieve Katherine," William explained. "What's her full name?" Albert Mulder asked. "Katherine Emily Mulder," William explained. "Before Mulder?" Albert asked. "Scully," William explained. "Ahhh, there's the rub," Albert smiled at his son. "Your pseudo-father's daughter, how cozy." William just glared at his father. "So instead of marrying the girl from Ithaca that your mother took a great deal of time and effort to choose, you have married into the family you adore much more than your own. Won't your mother be proud?" "Don't speak of her that way," Mulder said softly. "She's dying Fox and..." "Don't call me that!" William snapped. "I am not a child." "Fine," Albert took another drink. "But you will break her heart when you introduce her to your wife." "She will be pleased with Katherine," William explained. "You know nothing about my wife." "I know she's a Lieutenant's daughter and nothing more," Albert said snidely. "Do you honestly think your mother will be pleased about this as she lies on her deathbed?" "While you lie with your whore?" William countered. "Don't you dare!" Albert raised his voice. "No father, don't you!" William yelled. "Your wife is suffering, and you are more concerned about spending time with a woman who spreads her legs for you then the wife you have had for twenty-four years." "I will not have you speak to me this way!" Albert bellowed as he stood from his chair. "Then we have nothing to speak of until you stop thinking with your cock!" William snapped back as he too stood from his chair. William stomped from the study and slammed the door behind him. ************************************************ She had heard the yelling downstairs, but couldn't make out the exact words being spoken. Part of her wanted to run downstairs and help him, the other part knew he needed to do this on his own. A door slammed. She heard his footfalls going up the stairs and his father yell after him. "Fox, I'm not finished yet!" "Well, I am! Good night father," William yelled back. The door to their quarters opened harshly and William walked in red-faced. "William?" She asked softly as she rose from the spot she hadn't moved from since he left. "God damn him!" William yelled as he slammed their door. "God damn him!" "William," she said softly as she reached him and touched his chest. "He's so..." William began and stopped. "I know you're angry with him, but right now you will say things to each other that you will regret," she explained. "Leave it for tonight." He looked at her and knew she was right, but the conversation with his father was still fresh in his memory. "Come to bed," she coaxed him gently. "You're tired and you need to think more clearly tomorrow." He followed her to the bed, his anger lessening with each step. She undid the buttons on his shirt and pulled it from his body. She undid his pants and let them fall to the floor. He stepped from them and followed her up and into their bed. She turned out the lamp on the bedside table and looked at him and saw his incredibly sad face. "I hate this place," he said softly. "I know," she cooed back as he placed his head on her chest. "But, we'll see your mother tomorrow." He nodded against her and wrapped his arms tightly around her frame. "I'm glad you're here." "So am I," she admitted. As much as she didn't want to be in this circumstance, she was glad her husband was not facing it alone. "He just knows how to get to me," William admitted. "And I can't allow it." "He called you 'Fox'?" She asked. "It's from when I was a boy. I used to sneak around the house and surprise people. So my parents started to call me Fox because I was as sneaky as a fox." He sighed at the memory. "It stuck until I left for Fort Matten. I actually hate it." "Why?" She inquired. "When I was a child, my parents used it as a term of endearment," he explained. "After Samantha disappeared life with them wasn't so endearing and they continued to use it as if to keep up appearances that we were a happy family." "Oh," she sighed. "Then school chums used it, and now those who call me Fox are usually people I don't like very much." "I see. So it's not a name you would like me to adopt?" She smiled, already knowing the answer. He turned his head to look at her face in the darkness of their room. "I quite like how you say Wil." "Do you?" She asked. "Yes, especially when you sigh it while we're together," he admitted to her. "So it's the sigh combined with the name? I shall try and remember that," she smiled at him. He laughed at her joke and turned his head back so it rested on her breast. "Get some sleep, love," she said quietly as she kissed the top of his head. ******************************************* The next morning no one would ever suspect there was a yelling match between father and son last night. Everyone sat quite respectably at the dining room table as servants scurried around them and served breakfast. Katherine looked between the two men and noted they had some similar features. William had his father's nose and chin but his father was shorter than him. His height must have come from his mother. The two men exchanged pleasantries and information about the latest battle being fought as soon as they all sat down. "So Katherine, how did you and my son meet?" Albert Mulder asked. "My father introduced us," Katherine explained. "How nice," Albert smiled at her. "And your father is my William's commanding officer?" "Yes, sir," Katherine responded. "And you live in the Fort?" He clarified. "With my parents and my brother, until we settle on our own," Katherine explained. "You plan on building a house William?" Albert asked as he spread preserves on his bread. "Yes father, once we return," William explained. "If you stayed in Ithaca I could commission my masons and planners to build you a home here," he offered. "We're quite happy in Baltimore," William explained. "Still, you have no contacts there..." Albert pondered. "I will write the General and see if he knows of anyone we can use." "I can make contacts on my own father," William said with some edge to his voice. "But son, if the General knows of some good labourers..." "Fine, thank you for your help," William conceded to end the conversation. "I will write him today," Albert said as he picked up his bread. "If you stay in Ithaca for a few months we can have your house built for your return." "I think my wife and I would like a say in the construction of our own house," William said sternly. "Yes, of course," Albert said catching himself. "I will call the planners and get some sketches and layouts brought over to the house while you are here. You can get whatever you like and then we will send them on to Baltimore for construction. Consider the house a wedding present from your mother and myself." "Father, I don't need you to pay for my house," William said as he put down his napkin. "I know you don't need me to," Albert said softly. "But I feel bad about the way things have been with us, last night and the last few years. Let me do this, please." "You don't need to build me a house to apologize," William said back softly. "I'm not good with these things Fox and you know it. Let me do this for you, if it in some way makes up for all the wrong," Albert pleaded. William could see the sadness in his father's eyes and felt a tug at heart strings he thought had long been broken. "Fine, but we'll not stay during the construction. We are here for mother and then we are going back to Baltimore." "Agreed," Albert said with a smile. "Katherine, your husband drives a hard bargain." Katherine smiled at her father-in-law. He seemed like a man of many angles, one minute yelling and barking, the next soft and apologetic. She didn't know quite what to make of him yet. "Thank you for the extravagant gift," she said to him. "Nothing is too good for the woman who will give me grandchildren," Albert smiled warmly at her. Katherine bowed her head and played with the food on her plate. "None on the way?" Albert asked her. Katherine looked up shocked by his question. "I told you we are waiting a couple of years," William said as he put down his fork. "We didn't marry because there was a child." "But you have been married since the spring Reginald informed me," Albert said clearly. "Since I wrote you about the young woman your mother had selected for you." "Since the spring, yes," William agreed. "But none since?" He asked. "No," Katherine said, finding her voice. "We want some time for just the two of us before babies take over our lives." "Your mother and I waited a year, and then we lost a few before Fox came along," Albert said. "William," William corrected him. "I keep forgetting," Albert conceded. "Hopefully we won't have any loss," Katherine said softly. "Yes, terrible business," Albert agreed. "So what are you two up to today?" "I thought we would visit with mother for a while and then I would show Katherine around Ithaca." "Splendid!" Albert clapped his hands. "I'm off to the Fort, but I'll be back for dinner. I've already seen your mother this morning." "How is she?" Katherine asked. "No different," Albert explained as he stood from the table. "But she's interested in meeting her new daughter-in-law. I hope you don't mind but I told her your news this morning." "That's fine," William said through gritted teeth. "Have a great day my dear," Albert said as he bowed to Katherine. "You as well, F...William." Katherine and William bid his father goodbye and were left alone in the dining room. "I don't want his house," William said finally. "But you agreed to take it," Katherine noted. "He's unrelenting," William said as he got up from his seat. "If I took it nicely or if he forced it upon us...once he decided to give us a house, there was no changing his mind." "So we take his generous gift and we'll make it our own," she said trying to cheer her husband. "Do you see no bad in people, Kate?" "I see the man I love, and I want him to be happy," she said succinctly. "Thank you," he said softly as he took her hand. "Let's go see mother." ************************************************* William and Katherine walked into Christina Mulder's room with some trepidation. Neither knew what to expect when they heard of her condition, but both knew she would be happy to see her son. Her quarters were larger than William's and elaborately decorated in female patterns and colours. Her bedroom was a completely separate and closed room in which one maid stayed with her at all times, tending to her needs. They had been told that she suffered from biliousness and that it involved her liver, but neither had encountered anyone with this illness before and didn't know what to expect. Katherine intended to visit the library later today and see what she could find out about her mother-in-laws disorder. Christina Mulder sat upright in her bed at the far end of her room. The room was darkened and the blinds were partially drawn but Katherine could make out a very frilly white robe covering her as well as a sleeping bonnet over her head. It wasn't until they got closer to her, that they noticed her pumpkin coloured skin and the dark circles under her eyes. "Mother?" William asked softly as he waited to see if she was still awake. Her eyes opened and they lit up at the sight of her son. "Fox, Albert said you came back," she said quietly. "I did," William smiled as he approached her and took her hand in his. "How are you?" "Not good Fox, I can't keep my soups down anymore," she said as he clasped her hand in his. "What do the doctor's say?" William asked as he ran his thumb back and forth over her hand. "They want me in the hospital," Christina said with a cough. The maid immediately went to her side with a bowl and Christina pushed it away. "Sorry Ma'am," the maid said as she backed away. "Can they do more for you in the hospital?" William asked. "No, but they can watch me more closely," she said as she shifted to look around his shoulder at Katherine standing at the entrance to the room. "Are you my son's wife?" "Yes, ma'am," Katherine answered as she took a few steps forward. "Mother, this is Katherine," William said as he turned to look at Katherine as well. "My, your hair is red," Christina Mulder exclaimed as Katherine hit a patch of light coming through the shades. "It is, ma'am," Katherine smiled at her. "Your father is my son's commanding officer at Fort Matten?" "Yes, ma'am," Katherine answered. "Call me Teena," Christina Mulder said briskly. "You sound like one of these girls when you talk to me like that." William caught Katherine's eye and she could see he wanted to apologize for his mother's rude nature. "Of course, Teena," Katherine softened as she walked up behind William. "There, that's better," Christina said as she coughed. The maid again stepped forward and Teena brushed her away. "Sorry ma'am," the maid said quietly. "Leave us for a minute," Christina instructed the maid. The maid looked at William as if to get confirmation. He nodded and she scurried out of the room. "So you chose your own bride despite all of my hard work to find you a suitable match?" Christina asked her son. "I did," he responded simply. "And this match makes you happy?" "It does," he smiled at his mother. "Do you love my son?" Christina asked Katherine. "Very much," Katherine replied with a smile. "You're not a society girl are you?" Christina appraised Katherine's dress. "No, ma...Teena, I'm not," Katherine answered. "Fox was never one for society, were you, son?" She smiled at him. "You know what I think of all those dances mother," William smiled back at her. "And all those frivolous girls," she said pointedly. "You must be quite interesting for my son to choose you." Katherine merely nodded, not sure how to take her words. "Go and enjoy the day and come back and see me later this afternoon," Christina said dismissing them. "I want to hear all about your courtship and wedding." "Rest, mother," William said as he gave her a peck on the cheek. "It was good to meet you," Katherine said as she bowed her head. Christina Mulder bowed her head in return. "Tell that silly girl to get back in here." William and Kate exited her bedroom and walked through her private parlour. "That went well," William said as he let out the breath he was holding. Katherine nodded her head in agreement, although she wasn't completely sure herself. ****************************************** William had wanted to take Katherine around Ithaca and show her the town he grew up in, but she had other plans to research his mother's illness. He relented and they spent the better part of the day finding out all they could about biliousness, it's causes, treatments and outcomes. Katherine was interested to see that a very rich diet was usually the start of a bilious attack. That, according to their research Teena's case had been allowed to progress much father than it should have and that the cream soups she had been eating almost exclusively had worsened her illness. William was astounded that the doctors had not done the most basic of remedies by changing her diet. He wasn't sure if it was lack of knowledge or his mother's stubbornness that was the cause. Either way, he intended to take charge of her care immediately. When they returned to the house Reginald informed them that his mother's seamstress had been waiting for them for over an hour in the parlour. They entered the parlous to find a rather tall, thin woman waiting patiently on the sofa. "Can I help you?" William asked as they approached her. "Mr. Mulder," she smiled at him and stood. "I was called to the house by your mother who left instructions that I am to outfit your wife." "Excuse me?" William asked, confused. "Mrs. Mulder said that you had a long journey and that your wife had had little time to prepare for life in the city," she said carefully. "Mrs. Mulder wanted to make her more comfortable with a new wardrobe." "She did, did she?" He asked, angry at the true reasoning behind his mother's actions. She had judged his wife's clothing inferior and had wanted her to make a better impression among the society people of Ithaca. "I think there's been a mistake, my wife..." William began his dismissal of the seamstress. "I'll meet you upstairs in a guest room," Katherine said to the seamstress. The seamstress looked between William and Katherine and then nodded. "Thank you ma'am, I'll get set up." The seamstress exited the room with her samples and bag and William spun to look at Katherine. "You know why she's really here?" "I do," Katherine said as she lowered her head. "I don't care about dresses and society," William said as he looked at her. "I know," Katherine said. "But your mother does, and she is ill. If this is what she wants...it is such a small thing." "You don't have to," he said as he took a step toward her. "I know," she said as she looked back up at him. "But it will make everything a little easier for us." "Not if it makes you unhappy," he said thoughtfully. "They're just dresses, William," she smiled up at him, trying to get him to calm down. "Fine," he said. "You are much too good." "I know," she smiled back. "I better go and get measured." "Pick something in blue," he said as he brushed her cheek. "It will bring out your eyes." She smiled up at him and relaxed into his caress. "I will," she smiled at him and then turned to leave the room. When she left William picked up a book that was lying on the table and chucked it across the room. They were in Ithaca for one day and his father was already building them a house and his mother was tarting up his wife to please society. William knew, whether his mother's medical condition improved or not, they wouldn't stay long. He couldn't allow them to get eaten alive. ********************************************** The next week passed without incident. Albert Mulder remained the dutiful husband, Teena Mulder agreed to a new diet of broth soups and plans arrived for William and Katherine's new home. "William," Katherine called to him one night as he was having a bath. "Yes?" he called back as she entered the washroom. "I would like your mother to try a tea," Katherine explained as she held a rather large book in her hands. "She likes tea," he said absently, his eyes still shut. "This one is made of hibiscus and dandelion," Katherine explained. "What?" He asked, opening his eyes and sitting up slightly. "Dandelion improves the movement of bile in the intestines and hibiscus softens one's stool so it leaves the body quicker." He looked at her with a raised eyebrow, not sure where she was going with the information. "If your mother can get more bile and toxins out of her body quickly, her condition will improve. It's the toxins that linger that are making her ill." "So this tea will...?" "If she has enough of it, the tea will help release the bile and toxins from her body, allowing her condition to normalize." "What book are you reading?" he asked. "Dr. Remy's Encyclopaedia of Herbal Remedies," Katherine said as she closed the book so he could see the spine. "Could either of these items in her tea make her condition worse?" He asked. "No," she shook her head. He thought for a moment and then lay back down in the water. "We'll get your ingredients tomorrow morning and you can give it a try." "Thank you!" She exclaimed. "Don't thank me yet," he said with a smile. "You still have to convince mother to drink it." ************************************** "What is in this?" Christina Mulder asked as her face twisted up. "Dandelion and hibiscus," Katherine explained gently. "Weeds?" Christina asked, shocked. "They will help with your illness," Katherine explained. "Is there no milk, no sugar, and no honey?" Christina asked, dumbfounded by the concoction her daughter-in-law wanted her to drink. "No, all of that will take away from its restorative properties," Katherine explained. "Fox, I am drinking the broth, although I hate it," Christina sighed. "Now these weeds?" "Kate knows a lot about this mother," he said as he sat by her bedside. "She has studied this for a long time and been reading and at the library for days. I'm not sure she knows I'm her husband anymore." Christina laughed at his joke. "You know what you are doing young lady?" Katherine nodded her head in the affirmative. "If only the society ladies could see me now," Teena Mulder quipped as she leaned over to sip the tea. "It tastes better than it smells." "I'm glad," Katherine said with a smile. "One cup a day?" Christina inquired. "Six," Katherine explained. 'Six! Why that's preposterous! I'll have to employ two chambermaids to keep up with me!" "That's the idea," Katherine explained. "You need to get all the toxins out of you." Christina Mulder was thoughtful for a moment. She didn't know what to make of this daughter-in-law of hers. Her son sure had picked someone very different from all the young ladies she encountered. "You plan on curing me?" Christina said with a raised eyebrow. "I hope to," Katherine said seriously. "I have a deal to broker," Christina said as she placed her teacup down on the side table. "I will drink your weeds if you will do something for me." "Of course," Katherine said. "I have been heavily involved in a Christian Foundling Home charity for many years. Each fall, we host several events to raise money to take care of new children at the home. I want you to attend these events on my behalf." "Me?" Katherine asked, astounded. "Yes, you," Christina said. "That is my deal, take it or leave it." "Mother you can't..." William began. "I'll take it," Katherine said assuredly. William looked between the two women, unsure about what had just taken place. "I'll send a letter along to Mildred Bennett. She'll get in touch with you about events." "Thank you," Katherine said with a smile. "Drink your tea and I'll have another cup brought to you in an hour." "Weeds," Christina Mulder muttered. "Trust Kate, mother," William said softly as he got up from his mother's bed. They exited her room and William grabbed Kate's hand. "She's a tough old bird." "And I am about to meet Ithaca's society women," Katherine said nervously. "Just be yourself and don't worry about them," William assured her. "If they don't see how wonderful you are in the first minute, they aren't people you want to know." "So says the man who gets to stay home." "Oh, I'm sure there's a grand ball," William said with a chuckle. "Those old fat ladies like nothing better then to get dressed up and feel charitable." Katherine laughed at his joke. ********************************* Katherine carefully attached her menstrual apron before pulling her slip over her head. It was her first experience having her cycle with William and she wondered where she could place her clean pads so he wouldn't be disgusted by her. Her period had started in the middle of the night and she hoped he wouldn't notice the blood stain on their sheets when he woke. His worried calls through the bathroom door told her otherwise. "Kate? Kate?" He called again and again. "Just a minute," she replied from inside the bathroom. She heard footfalls coming toward the closed door she was behind. "Are you okay?" He asked as he started to open the door. "I'm fine," she said. "There's...there's blood where you were lying," he stammered. She opened the door and greeted him sheepishly. "My cycle." "All that from...?" he started. She nodded her head. "Oh my god, you scared me," he said as he pulled her towards him. "I wasn't sure what..." It was then that Katherine realized he had no experience with this part of a woman's life. His sister was gone as a young child, his mother had her own quarters; he would never have encountered this before. "What can I do for you?" He asked as he pulled back to look at her. "There's nothing you can do. It'll only be for a few days," she said, explaining it to him. "Should you lie down? Do you want a bath?" "I cleaned up already, and I'll change our sheets..." "No, we have people to do that. What needs to be done for you?" "I'm not an invalid," she smirked at him. "But there must be something I can do," he said as he rubbed her shoulders. "Maybe you can show me where another bathroom is? One that no one else uses?" "You need your own bathroom?" He asked, confused. "I need a place," she paused, not sure how detailed she wanted to get with her innocent husband. "I need a place to do some washing and allow some things to dry." "And our bathroom isn't...?" "I have to wash my menstrual apron each night and change and wash my menstrual cloths throughout the day," she explained as her cheeks reddened. "You may want to sleep in another bed for a few days as well." "You can wash your things in our bathroom, I don't mind, and as far as the bed...am I supposed to sleep separately? Is that what you want?" "Some men like to, because there isn't a cloth to wear at night and there's usually some blood..." "What do you want?" She paused for a moment and shifted her feet uncomfortably. "I want you to not be disgusted with all that happens at this time of month." He smiled down at her. "I could never be disgusted with anything about you Kate." She continued to look at her feet. "I may not have much...or any experience with this," he chuckled. "But this is part of you, and this is what will one day allow us to have children." Her head snapped up to meet his eyes. "Don't send me away or hide yourself away," he said thoughtfully. She smiled at him and then hugged him tightly. He cooed softly to her and she felt incredibly loved. ****************************************** There was a steep learning curve for many members of the Mulder household over the next few days. Christina Mulder dealt with her broth diet and her herbal tea cures grumpily as she complained about tastes and the amount of times she had to use the chamber pot. But, her complexion saw some improvement and her constant headache started to subside. She even ventured out of bed on the fourth day to sit by her window and enjoy one of the last nice summer days. William Mulder had to learn a quick lesson in a woman's menstrual cycle. He woke to a slightly bloody bed each morning and a temperamental wife. He also had his first experience of not being sexually involved with his wife. Since their marriage, there had not been more than two days that passed before they found themselves panting in each others arms. He was now on day six and getting quite anxious to have his wife back and her menstrual cycle to be done. Katherine Mulder had received some dress deliveries along with several invitations to luncheons and teas. Apparently news that William Mulder's new bride was in town had spread rapidly and everyone wanted to meet her. She accepted some and declined others, hoping she had not offended many people but knowing she couldn't stomach too much time with society. Albert Mulder played the role of the dutiful husband for most of the week until one night when he didn't come home. William checked with Reggie before retiring to bed and discovered that his father was out with his friend again. William checked his father's quarters the next morning and discovered he had still not returned home. "You lose your way?" William asked his father as he watched the man sneak in the back door of the house later that morning. "William!" His father greeted him cheerily. "I went for an early walk and..." "In your evening wear?" William asked. "I don't have to justify myself to you," Albert said as he pulled down on his suit jacket. "No, just to your wife," William said calmly. "I'm sure she appreciates your devotion." "Son, you don't know what you are talking about," Albert warned his son. "Don't I?" William challenged him. "No, you don't," Albert said firmly. "You are young and very much in love and you probably get a great deal of attention from your wife." William shifted his feet. He had been lamenting just that morning his lack of sexual activity. "Your mother hasn't welcomed me in her quarters for years," Albert explained. "And a man cannot live on bread and water alone." "Maybe she's been unwelcoming because she knows what you've been up to," William stated angrily. "And maybe she's happy I have turned elsewhere," Albert commented. "How could she possibly..." William started. "When you have been married as long as we have, then you come to me and say you have only been true to Katherine." "I can say that now with certainty," William said with conviction. "Sure you can," Albert patted his arm and walked past his son. William stood for a long time in the back hallway, thinking about his father's comments. He couldn't imagine ever doing that to Kate. He couldn't fathom wanting anyone else but her. But, he also couldn't imagine his mother approving of his father's extra-marital affairs; but that was exactly what his father was implying. ********************************************* Dinner at the Bennett's was supposed to be intimate. Katherine soon realized that an intimate dinner to this crowd meant thirty people dressed in their finest clothes and on their best behaviour. William had retired with the other gentlemen for cigars after dinner and Katherine was left with a group of women who were very interested in her. "So you've been helping with Christina?" an older lady asked. "Yes, she'd been drinking some of my teas and they seem to be helping," Katherine replied, happy to talk about something she liked. "The colour is back in her cheeks and she has had less stomach upset." "Are you a medicine woman?" a younger woman, Katherine identified as Beatrice Temple, scoffed. "No, I just study herbal remedies," Katherine explained. "Isn't that what doctor's are for, my dear?" Mrs. Bennett asked. "Sometimes it's the plants and roots around us that have a greater effect then all the chemicals the doctors work with," Katherine explained, defending herself. "And William approves of this career path?" Beatrice Temple asked. "It's not a career path...more like a hobby," Katherine explained. "Well I guess things are more rustic at the Fort, you have to make due..." the older women offered. "You and William have not been married long?" Mrs. Bennett asked. "No, just since April," Katherine explained. "And you're not even showing yet," Beatrice noted. "I'm not pregnant," Katherine said slowly. She knew everyone thought the only reason William would marry her was because he had to. "William and I are going to try and wait to have children." "How modern," the older lady grimaced. "But I'm sure Albert will want the line continued as soon as possible." "I'm not married to Albert, ma'am," Katherine noted. Silence fell over the room. "Are you staying in Ithaca?" Beatrice asked. "No, William wants to build a house near Fort Matten," Katherine explained. "His father wishes to give it to us as a wedding present." "You did join the right family if you want generous presents like that," the older lady offered. "I didn't marry William for his money," Katherine said tersely, causing all women to look sharply at her. "Yes, but it comes in handy," Beatrice said slyly. "Please excuse me," Katherine said rising from her spot and exiting the room. "My dear," Mrs. Bennett called after her. "My dear!" Katherine turned to look at her once she got the front hall. "Thank you for a lovely evening, Mrs. Bennett." "You mustn't mind them," Mrs. Bennett said as she walked next to Katherine. "You're the first fresh piece of meat they've had in a while." "Excuse me?" Katherine asked, confused. "Beatrice Temple was chosen to marry William, and then you show up and..." "Her aspirations to join his family are dashed," Katherine explained. "Pretty much," Mrs. Bennett smiled at Katherine. "She and her mother are bothering you because they are angry and feel jilted," "Bit William had not agreed to marry her," Katherine said, dumbfounded. "Yes, but his parents had, which was supposed to be better then his word," Mrs. Bennett explained. "I'm sorry Mrs. Bennett, but I can't engage in conversation that presents as polite but in reality is filled with daggers," Katherine explained. "If you are to stay in Ithaca, you must get used to it, my dear," Mrs. Bennett said cryptically. "Can you have someone get my husband for me?" Katherine asked. "Of course, my dear," Mrs. Bennett smiled at her. "I do hope this won't keep you away from us. Not all dinners are like this." Katherine merely smiled at the women, not sure how to take her. Within minutes William was at her side, reeking of cigars. "You want to leave?" "Immediately," Katherine said as he helped her on with her wrap. "What happened?" He asked, confused. "I'll tell you on the walk," she whispered. As they walked the few blocks to his parents house, Katherine relayed the story of what had happened with the ladies. William listened intently and didn't interrupt. When she was done, she looked at him for some type of response. "I thought it might have been that Temple girl," he said casually. "Mother always liked the old bat who is her mother." "That's all you have to say?" She asked, infuriated. "I don't understand..." he stammered. "Why are you so upset?" "They think I married you for your money, and they think the only reason you married me was because I was with child." "But neither are true," he looked at her, serious. "I know," she agreed, incensed. "So why are you angry?" He asked, still confused. "They think those things!" She snapped. He stopped her march forward and held her by the waist. Looking down into her eyes he tried to find the words to say what he wanted to, without her taking it the wrong way. "I know and you know why we got married," he said softly. "No one else does, nor do they need to. But why I married you, and how I now feel about you, are worlds apart. We married for a variety of reasons...but we'll stay married because of love." Her body relaxed into his and he held her tight against his smoke covered jacket. "Never doubt my love for you, Kate," he said softly as he stroked her hair. "Let the ladies think what they like. They obviously have never had love, because they don't know it when they see it." "I see it in your eyes," she said softly as she turned her head to look at him. "And I in yours," he replied before he bent and placed a soft, brandy tasting kiss on her lips. **************************************************** The Christian Foundling Home Ball was only two weeks away and Katherine was up to her armpits in work. There were menus to choose, decorations to order, speeches to be ordered and she also had the burden of dealing with all the other society women. Of all of them Mrs. Bennett seemed the nicest but many of the women made snide comments about Katherine's inexperience arranging events like this. Comments like 'In Ithaca we don't do it that way', or 'of course you don't know this my dear but...' reigned supreme in the planning sessions. Throughout all of this Katherine dutifully fulfilled her role as Christina Mulder's representative as she recovered. Christina Mulder was recovering rapidly, it seemed. On the strict broth and tea diet her colour had been restored, her energy was better, her system was functioning well, her weight was lower, and her mood significantly better. She trusted anything Katherine said when she saw this improvement and refused the sleep medication the doctor kept prescribing. When Katherine wasn't at a function or with William, she spent long hours in the company of Christina Mulder, learning more about the woman and her husband's family history. "William adored my father," Christina said thoughtfully one afternoon. They were sitting out back under a covered patio having lemonade and tea and enjoying a crisp fall afternoon. "He did," Katherine agreed. "I have heard much about the hunting trips of his childhood." "As soon as William could toddle, my father took him away for days at a time, hunting and fishing," Christina said nostalgically. "And you didn't mind?" Katherine inquired. "At first I did," Christina smiled warmly. "He was my precious baby and I missed him terribly, but then, I started to see that it was nice to have the break every once in a while." Katherine nodded. "You do plan on giving me grandchildren, don't you?" Christina asked with a raised eyebrow. "Yes, ma'am," Katherine said softly. "We're just not ready for that yet." "William will make a wonderful father," Christina smiled. "I picture him much like my own, very easy with children." "Albert wasn't?" Katherine ventured to ask. "Albert hated when they were babies and they cried all the time, he stayed away a lot," Christina said sadly. "When William became a toddler and my father got so involved, I think he felt a little left out. Then, when my father died and William was a young man, Albert became much more involved." "With the military?" Katherine asked. "Yes, I cursed him for introducing William to the idea," Christina said vehemently. "You'd do well to convince him to leave that fool-hardy career before he gets himself killed." "He loves it," Katherine said softly. "It's who he is. I could no more ask him to leave what he loves then to cut off his arm." "Well then prepare yourself for widowhood," Christina said angrily. "Because it will come. Have your children sooner rather than later, just in case." Christina's foreboding words struck Katherine as quite harsh. William was not going to die anytime soon. "Albert is a lifetime soldier," she ventured. "Yes, but he has never seen combat," Christina said conspiratorially. "He's a paper pushing soldier." "Oh," Katherine sighed. "If you can convince your husband to push paper, you will have him for a long time," Christina said wisely. "As you have Albert," Katherine said with some edge. "Yes," Christina said with a sideways glance. "I take it you know about my husband's dalliances." Katherine nodded her head in the affirmative. "It started about the time William turned fifteen, with this one woman at least," Christina said thoughtfully. "Woman, she was only two years older than William, but there had been others before her; she's the one that has stuck." "Others?" Katherine asked, shocked. "When the children were babies and I had no interest," Christina elaborated. "I couldn't blame him really...it was a long time before...and by then, he had found others he kept company with." "You don't mind?" Katherine asked. "At first I did," Christina said thoughtfully. "I was still under the illusion that being young and in love can afford a woman. I felt betrayed in the most hurtful way. But now, after many years...I guess I see it as more of a companionable relationship with him; we are friends." Katherine swallowed hard. She hoped she would never have this conversation with her daughter-in-law. She couldn't imagine having no issue with William taking himself to another's bed. "At least she's no a prostitute, in the traditional sense," Christina said as she took a sip of tea. "Albert keeps her in an apartment and she sees only him. I don't worry about his health that way...there are so many diseases." Katherine mutely nodded. She was still caught up in the fear that she may one day be sitting in Christina's chair. Christina, seeing the ashen look on her face, suddenly realized what had upset her daughter-in-law so much. "You need not worry about William, my dear," Christina said as she laid a hand on Katherine's. "He deplores his father for his dalliances and once he found out that the woman he saw was his father's mistress..." "You know about that?" Katherine asked, astonished. "I found out after the fact," Christina explained. "And?" Katherine asked. "And I thought he was too young, but the deed was done, and there was nothing I could do about it," Christina said as she sat back in her chair. "In a way, I was happy it was her because then William didn't pick up anything." "How did William react when he found out?" Katherine asked, interested in this part of her husband's history. "He tore up his father's study and then transferred to Fort Matten a few months later when he turned sixteen," Christina said with sadness. "This is the first time he's been back." "He was angry," Katherine noted. "He was angry at his father for his relationship with that woman, and angry with me for allowing it. He needed a fresh start away from all the politics of Ithaca." "But now he's back," Katherine noted. "And as much as I would like you and William to stay here forever, I know you must go, and soon. My son is not happy here, you and Fort Matten make him happy; I can see that." Katherine smiled shyly. "You make him very happy," Christiana smiled at Katherine. "He loves you; I saw it plain as day from the first minute." "And I love him," Katherine said sincerely. "I can see that too," Christina said as she patted Katherine's hand. "I want him to be happy," Katherine said. "You and my son will have a wonderful life together, if you can keep him alive long enough to enjoy it." Christina laughed. "I'll try my best," Katherine smiled back. "I want to throw him an eighteenth birthday party before you go. It'll have to be after his birthday, maybe late October because I need the time to plan," Christina said with conviction. "I am quite a bit better now, but I would like you to stay until his party and then you can go back." "I'll speak to William," Katherine said. "But you will visit us, won't you?" "I don't like trips much, but...to see my first grandchild, I would move heaven and earth." "We'll see what we can do about that," Katherine smiled warmly at the older woman. "I see the way my son watches you," Christina said with a wink. "I don't doubt he's practicing." Katherine blushed uncontrollably and looked intently at her skirt. "I thought so," Christina said with a snicker. *********************************************** "I hate these damn monkey suits," William said petulantly as he pulled at his collar. "Hold still," Katherine snapped at him as she attempted to do up his bow tie. "The collar isn't any different then the one you wear in uniform." "It's stiffer," he mumbled as he drew his chin up higher in the air. "And I am already sweating in this Indian summer," she said irritably. "It's October and it's hotter than July." "It's all them damn skirts you have to wear," he said as he pulled at her dress. "Must every sentence have 'damn' in it?" She asked with a scowl. "It's just too hot to be dressed like this," he said as she dropped her hands from his now complete bow tie. "Wouldn't you rather be skinny dipping in..." "We shouldn't have done that, you fool!" She smiled up at him, embarrassed. "That's what pools are for," he whispered as he leaned into her ear. "And birthdays." "And that's the only reason you convinced me to go. I'm sure your uncle didn't install the pool on his property for you and I to..." she whispered back. "He was away at his country house with my aunt and it was just going to waste in this hot weather," William mumbled as he held her tightly by the waist, not allowing her to move. "Besides it was my birthday and your skin glowed in the moonlight." He almost seemed to growl the last line. If they didn't get moving she knew his intent would be to never leave. She smiled up at him. "It glowed so bright, your cousin came out to check up on us?" "I thought he had gone with them," William apologized to her. "Apparently," she mumbled as she tried to leave his grip, "he had a birthday surprise for us both." "Walter won't say anything and besides," he said as he kissed her forehead. "He didn't see anything, you were under the water." "And you were blocking me," she said softly as she stroked a hand over his brow. "Well, just in case," he smiled down at her and then leaned in to kiss her nose. "I have the honour of my wife to preserve." "Oh, I'm sure he thought I was honourable," Katherine said sadly. "Meeting him like that was..." "Unfortunate," William interrupted. "But of all people, Walter is not going to..." "I know, you've already said that," she groaned. "So trust it," he said as he released her waist. "He's not like everyone else here." "Until I hear Mrs. Griffin talking about my love of swimming," she said with distain. "Honestly, these people gossip for sport." "And he doesn't," William said with conviction. "I hope not," she said as she grabbed her shawl. "Tell me we have a driver, with this heat..." "Now look who has become accustomed to city life?" William smirked at her. "No one needs a driver at the Fort because it is so small," she explained. "But you bring a woman to a place this large and you need to expect her to adapt." "Like the coyote?" he asked with a smirk. "If you want, like the coyote," she smiled back at him. "You know coyotes mate for life?" William asked as he placed a hand at the small of her back and directed her out of their quarters. "How nice for them," she smiled back as they walked down the hall. *********************************************** The Christian Foundling Home Charity Ball was all that the Ithaca elite could expect. A fancy location, great food, lots of alcohol and a wonderful band. "How much are the orphans getting from all this?" William asked as they skirted the room together greeting other similarly clothed people. "Enough to put on a new roof, buy new school supplies and hire a second governess for the home," Katherine said as she smiled at the people they passed. "So you didn't just get me to dress up in this stupid suit for nothing?" William asked as he showed her to an open chair. "Why would you say that?" Katherine asked, shocked. "I was just thinking that maybe you liked the way this sort of costume looked on me," he smiled down at her. "It does hug all the right places," she said quietly. "And what places are you...Walter!" William said loudly as he gestured his cousin over. "William!" Walter called back as he made his way through the crowd of well-wishers. "So you did decide to come?" William asked, obviously pleased with his decision. "Mrs. Mulder," Walter nodded formally as he bowed his red face. Katherine, equally embarrassed of their recent meeting bowed her head as well. "I decided since mother and father had already purchased the tickets, it would be a shame to not put at least one to use," he replied. "Only one? You didn't bring anyone?" William asked as he craned his neck. "No, I did not," Walter said briskly. "You need to give up on her Walter, she's..." "I know what she is," Walter interrupted as he snagged a drink off the table nearby. Katherine knew the story. Walter had been in love with a young woman named Eliza Gerrard when he was younger. His parents were not fond of her family; it had something to do with a business deal that had soured. Apparently, her parents were equally as unhappy with their courtship. Both families pulled them apart; Walter was sent him off to university, and Eliza was sent to tour Europe with an aunt. She married another man Adam Pierce, whom she met while on tour three years ago, and they had a one year old daughter named Regina. Katherine's eyes looked across the room at Eliza. She was engaged in conversation with Selma Jacobs but her eyes kept darting toward the back of Walter's head. Katherine instinctively knew she had seen him come in. "I hear you are leaving Ithaca soon?" Walter inquired. "In two weeks," William confirmed. "We are going to make sure mother is completely better and then we are back to the Fort." "To the house your father has had men working on?" "Yes," Katherine said. "He seems to be determined to have it finished for our return, but we'd be just as happy staying with my family until William can get it done." "So you're in agreement about this party your mother is throwing?" Walter asked. William muttered under his breath. "His mother is unwavering in her plan to throw a party, but I think..." Katherine began. "Haven't you learned by now that what we think is inconsequential?" William asked. "I don't want the party and, I'm already eighteen." "Wasn't your birthday yesterday?" Walter asked, confused. "Two days ago," William explained. "When you were over at the house?" Walter asked, shyly. "Yes," William said with a red face. "Sorry about that." Katherine looked at her husband shifting uncomfortably in front of his cousin. Their skinny dipping session also embarrassed him despite his bravado before the party. "But your mother hasn't seen you in two years and then we are leaving...she wants to do something special for you," Katherine spoke up and changed the subject. "I know Kate, but it's a party..." William began. "Did I hear something about your birthday party?" A woman asked from behind William. William turned and Katherine briefly saw a flash of a woman's brown hair. "Diana?" William asked, shocked. "I was told you were back in town," the woman said as she leaned in to kiss William on the cheek. "Diana," William said as he turned to look at Katherine. "This is my wife Katherine." Katherine rose from her seat and saw the woman who, up until now had been hidden by her husband's broad shoulders. She was tall, had long chestnut brown hair and wore an exquisite royal blue dress that was cut rather low. She was beautiful. "Katherine, this is Miss Diana Fowley," William said as he grabbed Katherine's elbow to pull her forward. "Pleased to meet you," Katherine said as she bowed her head. She wondered about this woman's relationship with her husband when she saw that Miss Fowley was intently holding onto William's arm. "I am an old friend of Fox's," Diana smiled broadly at her and nodded. "You are," Katherine confirmed, although she had no idea how they knew each other. "I'm sorry Diana, Walter, I promised Kate the first waltz," William said as he disengaged himself from Diana's grip and took a step towards his wife. "Kate?" Katherine took the arm he offered and followed him out onto the dance floor. She thought his behaviour was quite strange and she wanted to get to the bottom of it. They started to dance around the room; Katherine concentrated on the steps and missed her opportunity to ask her husband about Diana Fowley. When the dance was done, he led her off to the beverage table where they both enjoyed a glass of lemonade. Afterwards they went out onto the balcony hoping a nice breeze would help with the Indian summer. "So, Miss Fowley?" Katherine asked with a raised eyebrow. "She's an old friend," he said uncomfortably. "There's more to it," Katherine said, pushing forward. William shifted his feet and looked around them, there was only one other couple on the balcony, they were older and so far away there was no way they could hear their conversation. "There is more to it," William agreed. Katherine leaned in to his frame, wanting to keep whatever her husband was about to say private. "She's my father's mistress," William said in hushed tones. "She's the woman who taught you...?" Katherine asked as a blush ran up her cheeks. She had pictured an older woman even though Christina Mulder had said she was young. "Yes," he said softly as he too, blushed. "She's so young," Katherine said, surprised. "She's two years older than me," William said knowledgeably. Suddenly Katherine had an image flash in her mind of the two of them together, Diana taking her husband's innocence, his virginity. She immediately felt queasy. It was one thing to have this nameless faceless person out there who did this to William, it was another to know her. "Kate, you don't look so well," William said, worried. "I don't feel so well," Katherine said as she glanced around. "I think I need to sit." "It's this damn heat," William said as he ushered her towards a chair. "Can you get me a cold drink and possibly a cloth for my brow?" Kate asked as she sat heavily in a chair. "I think we should go home, I..." William started. "Wil, just the drink, please," she implored him. "Right," he said as he walked off and away from her. When he got inside he was making his way to the bar when he felt someone tug at the back of his tuxedo jacket. He turned to see Diana Fowley smiling up at him. "Fox, we haven't had the chance to talk," she said politely. "I'm sorry Diana but now's not the time, Kate..." "Is lovely," she interrupted as she moved closer to him in the crowd. "Your father says you won't be staying in Ithaca?" "One lemonade please," William ordered when he got to the table. "No, we are going back home." "At one time this was your home," she said softly. "Are you sure you can't stay?" "Thank you," William said to the woman serving. He turned to go back to the balcony but Diana Fowley blocked his path. "Diana, I have to..." "William, I could make it very enticing for you to stay," she said softly. "Excuse me?" He asked, confused. "Your father is getting on in years, and I'd be open to you taking over the deal that he and I have," she said seductively. "I know we would have fun." "Diana, you seem to think that I...?" "You are your father's son," she said matter-of-factly. "Not in any of the ways you are implying," he said sternly. "Now if you please..." "So, you aren't interested now?" She tried to clarify. "It is only six months in and..." "Ever," William said with conviction as he pushed his way through the crowd. He made his way to Katherine who looked even more peeked on the chair then when he'd left her. "Kate, here's your drink," he said softly as he handed it to her. "Thank you," she said quietly as she took it and drank a small amount. He felt her forehead and she was quite warm. "Kate, you seem hot." "It's just the Indian summer," she replied as she sat back further in the chair. "I'm taking you home," he said as he looked around for the closest exit. "We can't leave, I promised I'd help with the auction," she said as she wiped some sweat from her brow. "They'll manage," he said as he started to pull her to standing. "Can you walk?" "Of course I can," she said, indignant. He offered his arm and she walked with him back onto the main ballroom and out the front entrance of the grand house. Many people attempted to talk to them along the way but William had one goal, to get her home and cooled off. The doorman ran down the street to get his driver and William found himself supporting Katherine as they stood waiting. When the carriage pulled up, he dispensed with propriety and lifted her in his arms to carry her inside the buggy. ******************************* All the way home, she seemed to hold her stomach and sweat profusely. He was sure she had eaten something rotten from her behaviour. "Maybe the dancing was a little too much on such a hot day?" He asked as they drove home. When they arrived at his parent's place, he carried her upstairs and laid her on their bed. Two maids fussed around them and he ordered one to draw a bath. The other he dismissed from the room. He threw off his jacket and started to undo her dress one layer at a time, hoping the air would cool her off. When the bath was drawn the last maid finally left, and William pulled the heavy dress from her body. When he got to her slip there was blood all over it. "I think you just got your cycle," he said as he drew the dress back down to cover her again. He wasn't sure what to do. She groaned on the bed. "It's not due yet," she said softly. "Well, aren't these things unpredictable?" William asked as he placed his hands on his hips and looked down at her. "Wil, I don't know what's..." she said scared as she held her stomach. He suddenly realized something was horribly wrong. It wasn't her cycle. He lifted her skirts and undid her bloomers. "Wil, I think you need to call a doctor," she said in a whisper. He ran for the door to their quarters and yelled downstairs. "Reggie!" "Yes, sir?" Reggie called when he reached the bottom of the stairs. "Send the driver for a doctor, quick!" Reggie ran so quick to the front door he didn't reply to William's request.William ran back into their room and was surprised at how much blood Kate seemed to have lost in the short time since he discovered her bleeding. He went to the bathroom and grabbed the towels the maid had laid out. William went to Katherine's side and shoved his hand and a towel through the opening on her bloomers. He held the towel tightly against her, hoping to stop the blood flow. "A doctor's on his way," he said softly as he looked down at her ashen face. She nodded in response, too scared to reply. "I love you," William said softly. "And I won't let anything happen to you." They sat like that for quite some time before William heard boots pounding up the stairs toward their quarters. Kate had lost consciousness ten minutes before the doctor arrived. ************************************** He paced outside their room as the doctor examined her inside. A maid stayed with her and his mother had been alerted about the emergency. She had joined William in the hallway and a maid had brought her a chair to sit on. When the doctor emerged from their room, his face was solemn. William's heart sank at the thought of his wife's condition. He was so scared she was near death he couldn't bear to ask the doctor how she was for fear of the answer. "Doctor?" Christina Mulder asked. "She lost the baby," the doctor said softly. "But I've managed to control the bleeding and she should be fine." "Baby?" William asked, confused. "She wasn't far along," the doctor explained. "Only a few weeks...she didn't even know yet, so I'm assuming neither did you." William shook his head numbly. "But, she's going to be alright?" "She'll be fine in a few days," the doctor confirmed. "It was the heat combined with a lot of exertion over these last few weeks...the baby just wasn't strong enough." William started for the room, not asking the doctor's permission to go inside. "I've given her a mild sedative," the doctor explained as he touched William's shoulder. "She'll be quite tired soon." "I understand," he said sadly as he opened the door. "What about more children?" Christina Mulder asked. "Did this...?" "She will be able to have lots of children when she wants," the doctor explained. "She's just going to have to take it easy next time." William shut the door softly and turned to see his wife with a tear-streaked face lying in their bed. ************************************* For days Katherine lay in their bed, rising only to use the commode. William's entreatments to come downstairs and eat, or relax outside on the veranda were met with a negative response. He sat with her most days, usually reading aloud to her or napping with her when she fell asleep. She cried a lot the first day but after that hardly shed a tear. They had both spoken about how surprised they were that she was pregnant. The doctor had said it was early, that she was only a few weeks along, but the loss of a child was still that; a loss. As much as they knew they weren't ready to have a baby, they also knew that this baby was theirs. Katherine woke one afternoon to the sound of a bath being drawn. She watched a maid scurry out of the bathroom and William soon followed with her robe slung over his arm. "Kate, you need to have a bath," he said softly as he approached her. She mumbled and burrowed further into the covers. "It will make you feel better," he said reassuringly. She made no reply. "It will make me feel better," he said with an air of exhaustion. Her head peeked up over the covers. "I'm worried about you Kate," he admitted as he sat on the edge of their bed. "I've never seen you this..." Words had obviously failed him. She looked at his tired eyes, the hair on his face that had not been shaved in days, and his rumpled appearance and realized that she was doing neither of them any good with this behaviour. She sat up slightly and knew she had to say something before all this was done, and they moved on. "We can't get pregnant until we're ready," she said softly. "I can't go through this again, Wil, not so soon. If that means that during the middle of my cycle..." "We won't do anything then," he said softly as he placed a hand on her leg. "You tell me when to stay away and I will, I promise." "Thank you," she smiled warmly. "We just can't risk..." "I know," he said as he squeezed her knee. "I was also thinking of speaking with someone about those sheepskin wraps that men wear over..." "I don't think we have to go that far," Katherine said with a slight smile. "I like you as you are. And, as long as we avoid a few days each month, there's no reason why we can't continue as we have been." "Kate, I'm so sorry," William said softly. "This wasn't how I hoped..." "I know," she said softly as she placed a hand over his. "But it is the way it is." She rose from their bed and quickly shed the nightshirt he had placed on her the day prior. She walked toward him and allowed him to put her robe on her and tie it at the waist. "Thank you for taking care of me," she said quietly. "I love you," he said softly as he rubbed her shoulders. "We'll get through this, Kate." "I know," she said back. Her thoughts were suddenly focused on his pleasant face. "You need a shave," she said as she ran her fingers across his scratchy cheek. "I had more important things to do," he said with a half-smile. "And you have a birthday party in six days that you need to look decent for," she said. "I told mother to forget about it," William said. "Why?" She asked surprised. "I'm not feeling very festive," he said glumly. "Wil, you need to do this for her," she said alarmed. "Has she cancelled?" "I think she's writing the letters right now," he said, his face confused. Katherine left his side and marched in her bathrobe to the quarters of Christina Mulder. Without knocking, she opened up the door and walked inside. "Have you sent them yet?" She asked a surprised Teena Mulder. "Katherine, you are up!" She smiled at the young woman. "Have you sent the cards cancelling his party?" Katherine asked, anxious. "No, I was just writing them," Christina Mulder explained. "Don't cancel the party," Katherine said with authority. "My husband deserves a party in Ithaca with his friends and family." "And what does he think of this?" Christina asked with a smile. "He'll see my..." Katherine started. "Will he?" William asked from behind her. Katherine turned to see William leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed over his chest. "Wil," she said as she approached him. "I want this for you. We are leaving soon and I want you to leave happy." "I'm happy to be with you," he said honestly. "I don't need a big party to be happy." "I know, but you may not have another chance in a long time to be with your family..." "You are also my family," he said as he grasped her hands. "And I think you are fooling yourself if you think that in a few days time you'll be fine to see those people after what has happened." "I'm fine, really and truly," she said softly. "I'm not myself yet, but I will be enough to see you surrounded by all your family and friends." "Kate I don't think..." "If you won't do this for yourself, then do this for me. I couldn't live with myself if I thought I ruined this for your mother." William glanced over her shoulder at the woman sitting at her desk, pretending not to listen to them. His mother looked much better, mostly due to Kate's efforts. She wanted this for him too. "Fine, I'll put on the monkey suit," he said softly. Kate jumped into his arms and hugged him tight. "Thank you," she murmured. "Thank you," William said softly into her hair. He was happy to see her back again. *********************************** "You're happy, I can see it on your face," Walter noted as he walked next to his cousin in the woods. "Kate is amazing," William said with a smile. "She's so smart and she has this way of seeing the good in everyone." "I haven't talked to her much but..." "And she studies medicinal cures," William interrupted as they started up a hill. "She has single-handedly brought mother back from death." "Your mother did look very healthy when I saw her last week," Walter said. "She said it was from Katherine's weeds. How did you ever convince her to...?" "It was hard, but Kate made it happen." William said as he walked under a tree branch. "If women could be doctors, I have no doubt Kate would make a fine one." "Don't you think you're pushing it a little?" Walter snickered. "Maybe she could be a nurse?" "I guess it's a little much to expect people to accept a woman doctor," William noted. "But I don't doubt she could do it." "You know there are schools she could attend, exams she could take," Walter explained. "For nursing, that is." "I'll check into them in Baltimore, I...I don't want to get her hopes up if there isn't anything she can do," William said thoughtfully. "You'd be okay with her working?" Walter asked, slightly shocked. "If it made her happy, what does it matter to me?" William said non-chalantly. "But what about keeping a house for you? Children?" Walter asked, then stopped. He had spoken too soon. He saw the look of sadness cross over William's face. News had spread around the Ithaca elite about their loss. Rumours abounded that she was farther along than a few weeks, that there was a scandal involving another man... "Not now," William said sadly. "Maybe she will enjoy working until they come." "Maybe," Walter replied, sorry he had introduced the subject. "How is she?" "She's herself again, which both worries me and makes me happy," William explained. "And you are leaving to go back...?" "Two days after the party," William explained. "Now that the Indian summer has ended, we should get back before a cold snap hits. Also, I've heard that Fort Matten may deploy soldiers again to guard some outposts in Virginia and I should go with them." "There are rumours of more naval attacks," Walter confirmed. "I have heard them too," William agreed. "We should get back to Fort Matten, we have been gone some two months." "It seems like you just got here," Walter said sadly. "I have hardly talked to Katherine." "Please feel free to keep her company at my party," William groaned. "God knows what mother has planned." Walter smiled and slapped him on the back. "You know our family William...always ready to complicate things." William smiled back at him and they carried on through the forest. ***************************************** "Such a man you've become!" Mrs. Elmira Smitty said as she kissed William's cheek. "And married too, now!" "I couldn't wait for you forever," William joked with a wink. The elderly lady blushed and hit him softly with her hand. "Katherine is lovely, she worked on the Foundling Home ball with me. I was so sorry to hear about her baby." "Thank you," William said with sincerity. "Where is your bride?" Ms. Smitty said as she strained her neck. "I believe she's over in the drawing room," William indicted with his hand. "I'll make sure I say 'hello'," she said with a smile before she moved on. William reached for a glass of white wine from a tray as it passed him. Only a little longer to go and then everyone would be leaving. "William," Reggie called him from behind. "Yes, Reggie?" William asked as he walked a step closer to the man. "A parcel has arrived for you and the delivery man was instructed to give it only to you and wait for your reply." "Who's it from?" William asked, confused. "He won't say," Reggie said, bothered. William walked past Reggie and into the front hall. A delivery man stood with a small box in his hand. "You have something for me?" William asked the man. "Yes, sir," the man handed the small box to William. "There you are," Katherine said as she entered the hallway. "Your mother wants to do the cake and...what's that?" "This gentleman has a delivery for me and he was instructed to only deal with me and wait for a reply," William said as he lifted the lid. Inside the box was a silver pocket watch from France. It was gleaming and beautiful. William picked up the watch and handed it to Katherine. He lifted up the note and read the script: Happy 18th young man! I would like to see you tonight after your party to give you the rest of your gift. Let my delivery man know when I can expect you. Diana William read and re-read the note several times as his heart raced. The audacity of that woman to invite him over! He was incensed. He was so angry that when he looked up he saw that Kate was no longer by his side and the pocket watch was on the floor at his feet. He looked around and didn't see her. "Sir?" Reggie asked, confused. "Where's Kate?" William asked, anxious. Reggie pointed to the stairs behind him. William leaned down a picked up the watch. On the back Diana had engraved something: Time is on our side. Love, D William took off up the stairs yelling Kate's name. He found her sitting on the settee in their room, her back turned to him. "Kate, there's nothing going on," he started immediately. "That woman has made assumptions..." He heard Katherine sniffle and walked to kneel before her. "Kate, you must believe me," he implored as he took her hands in his and tried to catch a glimpse of the face she was hiding. She wiped her nose with a hankie. "Kate...say something," he croaked out, his voice betraying his anxiety. "Tell me now if you are going to be like your father," she said softly. "Because my heart can't take..." "Never!" He snapped, his anger surprising even him. "She offered herself to me at the ball, I.....I didn't say anything because I didn't want to upset you after the baby and...and Kate, you must believe I wouldn't ever do that to you. I turned her down flat." She raised her head up to look him in the eyes. Her blotchy red complexion betrayed her upset. "Your mother said that she was happy with the way things were, that after the babies things changed and..." "That's them, that's not us," he said, almost as upset as she was. "You don't know that things won't change, that an offer like that won't tempt you one day when I am fat and tired and..." "Kate, when I said those vows I promised things to you, things to myself, and I won't ever break that promise, no matter what she or any other woman thinks. There's only one woman for me." She gave him a small smile and sniffled. "I'm sending the gift back with..." he started. "I'll write the note," she said with conviction. "Excuse me?" He said, surprised. "Give me a minute," she said as she rose from her chair and wiped her nose. "I'll write a reply to Miss Fowley that can return with the gift." "Kate, are you...?" "I need to do this William," she said as he rose to meet her. "For myself as much as you." A smirk made its way across his face. "I'll tell the delivery man to wait." She sat down at the writing desk and took out a fresh card. He saw the look in her eyes as she started to write and wished he could be in her head right now, hearing her thoughts before they went on the page. William closed the door behind him and went back downstairs. ************************************************* "...that nobody can deny!" the chorus rang out. Well wishers yelled birthday greetings to him and William smiled as he blew out the candles on his cake. Katherine held his hand tightly and didn't notice him swipe some icing off the cake with his finger until he dabbed it on her nose. "Wil!" She admonished him with a smile before wiping it off. "You missed a spot," he said as he leaned down a kissed her nose. The crowd let out a soft 'awww' as Katherine blushed and William winked at the crowd. "Speech!" Walter yelled from the back of the crowd. William shook his head in the negative until everyone at the party seemed to be demanding the same thing. "Fine, fine!" He said as he raised his hands in the air to stop the crowd in their chant. "I'm not good at these sorts of things, so I'll try my best." He looked over at his mother standing near the end of the table. "I want to thank my mother for throwing this wonderful party for me. Even though I turned eighteen weeks ago..." "Fox!" She laughed. "No, mother. You did a wonderful job, and...and I'm really happy that you're well again and we can celebrate this occasion together." Christina Mulder's eyes filled with tears and she wiped the corners of her eyes. "I want to thank everyone who came to wish me well today. It's nice to know I still have so many friends in Ithaca. You are all welcome to come and visit us at Fort Matten...just not all at the same time!" Everyone laughed at his joke. "I want to thank my father," William said as he craned his neck to see his father standing near the back of the crowd. "He taught me a lot about what it means to be a man, and a father and a husband, and I hope that what I learned from you will help me as the years pass." Katherine squeezed his hand. She knew that William's intent was the opposite of how the crowd would receive the comment. They would think he looked up to his father, she knew he wanted to use his father as an example of what not to do. "And finally, I want to thank my wife, Kate," William said as he turned to look at her. "You put a smile on my face every time I look at you, and you have been the greatest joy in my life. I love you." Katherine blushed and she felt his hand grip hers more tightly. She got up on her toes and kissed him softly on the lips. "Happy Birthday." "Thank you," he murmured back as their lips parted. "Now, let's get everyone some cake!" William said loudly as he slapped his hands together. The entire crowd clapped for him. **************************************** "I wish you would wait until after the winter," Christina Mulder said worriedly as they stood in the living room. "We've already delayed long enough," William said with conviction. "We were supposed to leave almost two weeks ago." "I'm still not sure the roads will be alright," Albert Mulder added his two cents. "It hasn't rained in 4 days and with the cold weather, I'm sure the ground has hardened," William explained. They had delayed their departure for 11 days because of heavy rain and washed out roads. The rain, like the Indian summer, seemed to be working against them. "If the roads are bad, we'll stop in a town and stay there until they clear," Katherine added. "In a strange town?" Christina asked, concerned. "You'd be better to stay here." "We're leaving tomorrow, mother," William said sternly. "And with the long trip ahead of us, I think it's time we retire for the night." Katherine looked between William and his parents. Since the delay, they had been getting along less and less well. Albert had gone back to seeing Diana on a regular basis, Christina had hovered over the two of them to the point of insanity, and William had been in a sour mood since he heard his unit was being deployed at Fort Matten. They wouldn't be back in time for him to join them. "Good night," Katherine said softly as she went to kiss each of William's parents on the cheek. "Good night Katherine," they said in unison. When Christina Mulder leaned in for her kiss she said softly, "talk some sense into him." Katherine just smiled back at her and walked with her husband from the room. "If we don't get out now," he whispered to her as they started up the stairs. "We never will." She smiled at him. Placating all of the Mulders seemed to be her duty tonight. He shut the door to their room and instantly started to undress. "I think we should leave at 7 am," he said as he undid his shirt buttons. "That way we are assured that we'll get to Elliot by nightfall." "Remember, the night is coming sooner now," she said as she too undid her shirt. "I took that into consideration," he said petulantly. "I'm not arguing with you," Katherine reminded him as she removed her skirt. "I'm sorry," he apologized as he walked towards her. 'it's just that had we left when we were supposed to, it would have been on a good note." "You can still make it that way," she reminded him. "I know," he acquiesced as he bowed his head. "I need to make it right before I leave." "Yes, you do," she said softly as she removed her corset. She caught him looking at her out of the corner of his eye. They hadn't made love since she lost the baby almost three weeks ago. She had no desire, and he had not pressured her to do anything since then. They had, for the first time in their marriage, slept side by side, fully clothed, and not sexually active for weeks. She loved him for this time that he gave her, but also wondered how she should let him know she was ready to make love again. She looked over at him and he turned away from her and folded his pants neatly over a chair. Katherine wondered absently if maybe he wasn't ready for a sexual relationship again. They had talked little since the loss of the baby about it, but she could tell it had affected him more than he admitted. He walked over to their bed and pulled back the covers. She looked around their quarters and, for a moment, thought she would miss them a great deal. It was the first place where they had really lived together as a couple. They only had a few days before he left for battle, a few days on the road, and this time at the Mulder estate. She wondered, absently, if he would look back on this time as fondly as she would. "You seem very introspective," William said as he lay down in their bed and fluffed his pillow. "I was just thinking," Katherine said quietly. "I am going to miss this place." "Really?" He asked, surprised. "It's the first place where we truly lived together as a couple," she said thoughtfully. "I am going to miss it." "Are you sure you're not going to just miss the maids?" He chuckled. "That was an added bonus," she smiled over at him as she walked toward their bed. "You could..." he started. "I would never!" She said, exasperated. "My family would never let me live it down." "I guess Fort Matten is quite different from Ithaca," he said. "Quite," she agreed as she crawled under the covers. Thoughts of how to tell him she was interested in making love tonight still at the forefront of her thoughts. He leaned over and kissed her softly on the lips. "Good night, Kate." "Good night," she said softly as she watched him hunker down in his covers. He shifted several times and finally rolled away from her, his back now her only view in the moonlight. She lay back on her own pillow and starred at the ceiling above her. They had always been honest with each other; now was not the time to change that. She scooted her body towards his and wrapped an arm around his waist. "Are you cold?" He mumbled, concerned. "No," she said as she kissed his back. She hesitated for a second before the words narrowly escaped her mouth. "I want you." He turned his head to look at her and shifted his body so he was on his back. "What?" He asked. "I, uh..." she hesitated to say the words to his face. "I want to make love to you." Concern spread over his face. "Kate you don't need to feel like you need to please me." "I'm not," she said defensively. "I'm not going to go elsewhere," he said truthfully. "You can take all the time you..." "I'm ready," she said softly as she leaned over his torso and took a nipple into her mouth. He took breath in suddenly and huffed below her. "Kate," he said, breathless. She continued to work his nipple with her tongue and lips as he squirmed underneath her. She played with his soft chest hairs as she worked his nipple between her lips, sucking and biting at him as she felt necessary. He seemed to highly enjoy what she was doing and she could feel his need growing. "Oh, god," he moaned rather loudly. She broke contact with his nipple. "Shhhhh," she chided. He smiled up at her. "Are you sure?" He asked, wanting an honest answer. She nodded her head and crawled on top of him. He seemed surprised by her action and took a minute to figure out what she was doing as she slid her slip over her head revealing her naked body underneath. "Kate," he sighed again as his hands roamed up her sides. She leaned down and undid his underwear and pulled his member out. She was not very bold, sexually, and this was the first time in their marriage that she had initiated an encounter beyond asking him to make love to her in a field one time. She lifted her rump off his body, centred herself on him, and slowly slid down, taking him inside her inch by inch. Melissa had mentioned that sometimes this position was very pleasurable for the woman. William had not tired it with her yet, and she wanted to see if her sister was right. "Ohhh god," he moaned. "No, it's just the two of us," she smiled down at him, echoing something he had said to her months earlier. Once she was completely down and had all of him inside of her, she wasn't sure what to do. Melissa had not explained that part. She felt him push up and into her, gently rocking his hips beneath her and she decided to follow suit. The feeling was incredible; like nothing they had ever experienced as a couple. She found herself moaning and panting as they gyrated together. His long fingers urged her body towards his and as soon as she was within range, he took a breast into his mouth. "Ohhh god!" She yelped as he sucked hard on her nipple. "Shhhh," he cautioned as he continued to suck on her nipple and push himself into her from below. "Wil, this is..." she panted above him as his hands took hold of her rump and grabbed on as he pounded into her. A feeling of pure ecstasy washed over her body. She felt all of her skin tingle and her hair stand on end. Her voice was caught in her throat and her mouth and eyes wide open above him. He stopped all motion for a moment and let her orgasm ride out, a smile on his face from ear to ear. William had made Kate happy in their lovemaking in the past, he had even taken her to orgasm many times, but this was a whole new experience. She had just experienced an ecstasy like no other he had ever seen. She was radiant. "Oh Wil, that was..." she stopped herself from muttering. "Oh my god." "I'm glad you're happy," he said softly as he tugged at the tip of her nipple with his lips. "Happy?" she laughed softly. "I've never...that was..." "I can tell," he smirked up at her and ran a soft hand along her rump. "You're amazing," she said quietly as she fell down onto him. "No, what I just saw was pretty amazing," he said as he tucked some hair behind her ear. Just then his penis twitched inside of her. She smiled down at him and rocked herself against him again. "Kate, you don't need to..." he started as he held her hips. As much as he wanted to continue to make love to her, he was just as happy seeing her content with what had just happened. She ignored his entreaties and used her hands to remove his from her hips so she could move better. She sat up and he saw her in all her glory; her milky skin, beautiful smile, round breasts, and the soft thatch of hair where they joined. A feeling of pride overcame him. This woman had given herself to him and would be his for the rest of his life. She loved him like no other ever had. She and only she made him this happy. A tear escaped from his left eye and she must have caught the glimmer in the moonlight. "Wil?" She asked. "God, I love you so much Kate," he croaked out, too emotional to say more. "I love you too, Wil. I love you too," she said softly as she stroked the side of his face.He burst inside of her and rolled his head back into his pillow further. The orgasm took hold of his body and caused him to lose all sense of time and space for a moment. She watched him intently, the twitch of his eyebrow, the slow smile that spread across his face, the brow that stopped creasing. A smile spread across her face; he was hers. She lay on top of him and snuggled in, falling asleep as her frame rested on his. He wrapped his arms and a blanket around them and sighed before sleep overtook him as well. ****************************************** "We'd like you to come to Fort Matten in the spring," William said as he put down his juice glass. "We want you to see the house father commissioned and meet Katherine's family." "That sounds lovely F...William," his mother corrected herself. "You might be in the field then," his father noted. "If I am then you can just visit Katherine or you can delay," William explained. "Either way we'd like to have you." "I'm happy to hear that," Albert Mulder said thoughtfully. "Hopefully I'll have the house in order for you," Katherine said. "The outside is compete," Albert explained. "It's just some of the finishing details, my dear." "Thank you for all your effort," Katherine said kindly. "Nothing is too good for my son and his beautiful bride," Albert smiled nicely at her. "We'll stay with my family until..." Katherine began. "Nonsense!" Albert said as he lifted his fork. "I instructed them to have at least the kitchen and master bedroom complete. It's the children's rooms that..." Everyone fell silent at the table. "We have time for those," Katherine said nicely. "Thank you for thinking of our living quarters." "I'll finish the work myself father," William said as he wiped his chin. "With my men out guarding the navel posts, there won't be much for me to do around the Fort. I'll have plenty of time for work." "You are more then welcome to keep the crew," Albert offered. "No, it'd be nice if it was just the two of us for a while," William explained as he held Katherine's hand. "Whatever you want, son," Albert smiled warmly at them. "William, the buggy is packed," Reggie said from the entrance to the dining room. "We'll be out immediately," William said as he rose from his spot at the table. He went to his father and shook his hand. "I will see you in the spring?" "Oh course, William," Albert smiled at him as he slapped his shoulder companionably. "Take care of my son," Albert whispered into Katherine's ear as she hugged him. "I will," she assured him with a smile. "Stick to Katherine's weeds and no more cream soups," William said to his mother as she hugged him against her. "I don't want to hear that you are ill again." "The ladies are all shocked about my new diet," she smiled at her son. "But Katherine was the only one who cured me. I'll gladly drink my weeds." Katherine leaned in a hugged Christina tightly. She was a forthright lady, but one Katherine had grown to like a great deal. "I will miss you," Katherine said honestly. "And I you," Christina smiled at her. "My son knew you were something special when he chose you. And now, we know too." Katherine smiled at her, grateful for the compliment. "I will write." William ushered Katherine out to the buggy and they set off for home. "I've had time to plan out a better route," William told her as they bumped along the road. "No brothels this time." "As long as I'm with you," she said as she looped an arm through his. "Everything will be wonderful." William smiled over at his beautiful bride. He had no idea when he agreed to marry her many months ago, that their journey would take them here, but he was grateful for every step along the way. As long as he had Kate by his side, he knew anything was possible. *************************************** The End. Author's Notes: Thank you to everyone who followed the WIP postings and for being so patient with me. I do like these characters and may continue with them at a later date, but for now, this is it.