Saturday Afternoon Romance Story 4 You!/ A Right To Love!

Emily Collins stood looking from her bedroom window, her thin frame pressed tight against the pane. Beulah sighed, as she watched her standing there. She was young and beautiful with creamy white skin, Rosy Cheeks, green eyes, and long red hair that flowed past her tiny waist to her slim hips. She remembered the first time she saw her it was the first day on the plantation. It Seems Like Only Yesterday, when in reality it has been 10 years. She was a woman now, 20 years old. A woman who should have parties and handsome suitors begging for attention, but she had no one. Although Beulah had no say so, she could understand why her father was doing what he was. I know you're there Beulah, Emily said as she turned and smiled. She could barely make out the shadow of a figure that was standing behind her but then she didn't have to. She knew her distinct walk, the way the floor sagged under her as her feet hit, and the smell of the kitchen still in her apron as she entered. Beulah was her daddy's black slave. A heavy-set woman, with large arms and breasts, and although her Daddy had other slaves, none of them was like Beulah. She could make her laugh, and told her stories about her family in South Carolina, before she was taken away from them. Going blind didn't seem so bad as losing your family like she had. The war between the North and the South was over, yet her daddy slaves stayed on. Beulah said Mr. Collins was a good master, who treated them all well. Emily knew they were right. Her father treated everyone with dignity regardless of their color, which often brought him problems from his white associates. But everyone in Atlanta knew he was a kind man. " So what are you thinking about miss Em?" Beulah place your hands on Emily's shoulders leading her to the bed. Emily could smell the fresh scent of pine she use to scrub the sheets and pillows. It was a scent she would miss after today, along with everything else in the house. By tomorrow she would be in another house, it would be strange to her but she would learn how to get around . It would be what was expected of her . "Just wondering about tomorrow." She answered slowly stretching out flat on the bed as she hugged her pillow as if some how she could store the scent in her memory. It'll be okay miss Emily, Beulah, tried to sound happy, but she knew the feeling of being taken from your home to a strange place. Something all slave shared alike. Master Rawley, him have a big house, lots of people doing and fix-in for you." She loosened the back of Emily's dress and helped her into her long lace gown, then brush her hair with long slow strokes. Emily pulled the quilt up close around her. Come tomorrow she was expected to be a woman and a wife. Master Rawley's wife. Her body shiver at the mere thought of giving herself to a man she had never met. Jake Rawley was also thinking about tomorrow as he turned back the covers on his old oak bed. He knew his life was about to change. It was a change that he was really looking forward to. It had been eight years since his beloved Amelia died in childbirth, taking his only heir with her. He had resigned himself to the fact that he would never fall in love, or marry again. His friends and business associates on the other hand didn't agree and we always introducing him to eligible ladies they thought would fill his empty existence. It was on one such occasion at the mens club that he was introduced to John Collins. They had many things in common, they both owned plantations just 20 miles apart and we're in the cotton business . He often heard John speak of his daughter Emily, and the sickness that was driving her into blindness. The doctors could do very little for her, and he had little hope of any suitors who would be willing to take a blind woman to wife even if she was beautiful. Perhaps he concluded as he got under the covers it was the reason he listened when John presented him the idea of marriage to his daughter, a woman 15 years younger than himself. But he could offer Mr. Collins peace of mind by giving his daughter the security that he was so desperately seeking for her. He would make sure she had a comfortable life, as much as was possible for a blind person. Although John Collins assured him that his daughter was exceptionally beautiful, he was just as sure that she was not. He had no expectations except that she'd be willing to accept his proposal of marriage, show the common courtesy as the mistress of his home to his friends and business associates, and leave him to his solitude. At least that was what he wanted until he saw her. It happened quite accidentally, he was riding past their Plantation when his eyes caught sight of a vision of loveliness sitting out on The Veranda. She was having tea and holding a book in her hand. Her long red hair cascaded down over her back As she sat in a pink lace dress, while the wind played with the Hem of her petticoats revealing slim shapely ankles. She was beautiful, just as John Collins had told him.. But she knew nothing about him. Only that he was a stranger, who would probably expect wifely duties that usually cane with the conditions of love. He knew she would never look into his eyes, or see his face, or realize that he was at one time thought to be a very handsome man. That revelation would come, if she would give him the chance. As he rode away he watched her, the wind playing with her hair. A smile crossed her thin lips and he knew at a glance that he loved her, and he wanted her to come to love him too. But a marriage of convenience only bound her to him on paper, with what he wanted was to bind her heart with his forever. As he closed his eyes, he visioned her next to him. She would be frightened of him, and he understood that. He would give her as much time as she needed, until she felt the love he had in his heart for her. Then she would come to him and love him willingly. She didn't need eyes for that. " You best be getting up Miss Em", Beulah said as she opened the bedroom drapes. Morning and come so quickly Emily, thought, as she yawned, stretched, and swung her slender legs over the side of the bed. "Today is your wedding day." Beulah said in an anxious voice. " I know," Emily answered her voice void of any emotion. A woman's wedding day was supposed to be special, with excited girlfriends, gifts and dreams of the man she loved crowding her thoughts. But not for her. The only feelings she had were ones of fear for what was ahead. She was marrying a total stranger. She didn't care if he was rich and could provide for her. Her daddy wasn't poor and she could take care of herself. She was well-educated, knew braille, and ran her daddy's house efficiently. It was the life she loved, why did it have to change. But as she slipped into the warm bathwater Beulah and waiting for her, she knew why. Her daddy was well up in years, and the thought of his own mortality coming to an end, was the real force behind his actions. He wanted to secure his daughter's future while he was still around to see it. Love had never entered his mind. But it had hers some time ago, when she was in Boston. She remembered Charles Langton, her braille teacher. He was very attentive to her especially since it was unusual for a sighted person to attend the School for the Blind. And after she told him about her retinas deteriorating and that she would eventually be blind, he spent many evenings tutoring her, and telling her how brave she was. He seemed to care for her. He was tall and lanky, with curly hair and smooth hands that she loved holding as I walked along together. His warm smile gave her hope for the future. It was hard to leave Boston but he promised her that he would write and he did but eventually the letters became less and less until they were no more. Even as her world became dimmer and dimmer she had not forgotten Charles, his face was etched in her memory. "Sit still miss Emily, Beulah scolded to her, as she proceeded to lace up the corset around her warm pink flesh, that showed her womanly bosom. "I wish you were coming too," Emily said anxiously, wonder what she would do without Beulah. She had always been there for her, to dress her when she woke up or went to bed. She was the one person she confided in. Beulah could see the tears welling up in her eyes, she wanted to comfort her, but it would only make things worse. She quickly started fixing her hair in a Cascade of curls that would be fitting for a master's wife. "Have you seen him,"Emily is anxiously, pulling away from Beulah's dutiful hands. She could feel the Silk curls as they fell in ringlets around her ears and neck. "Yes I see's him." ." What's he like?" Beulah could see that worried look on Emily's face and stopped and sat down on the vanity chair beside her. " I see him talking to your papa the other evenin . Him real tall and handsome, with hair as dark as molasses, and eyes too. His face was right kind looking and him have them long arms and legs good for horse riding." Emily smile nervously, as she leaned both elbows on her knees. She knew Beulah would not lie to her. " Master Rawley, I hear's he's a good man, lots of women be glad to be his wife. Him have a big house like your Papa's here, lots of rooms and servants to do and fix for you." Emily smile. " I hear he had a wife long time ago. Her die birthin his youngin, and baby died too. Now we best get you ready Miss Emily, Master Rawley, him sending carriage for you and your papa this afternoon." As Emily yielded to Beulah's wishes she felt sympathetic for master Rawley. She knew how much a male heir meant to a man. Her father and almost died himself when her brother Jonathan was killed in the war at Gettysburg, but she still had no desire to be Master Rawley's wife. John Collins sat erect in the Double Wing chair in his study. His gray hair neatly combed and parted to the side, as he puffed relentlessly on his favorite cigar. For man of 65 he still has features that would turn a woman's head when ever he went into town. His tall statues physique, broad shoulders and chest, could hold their own with the youngest of men. But today he felt as if the wind had been knocked out of him. "Master Collins," Beulah voice caused him to turn. She was standing in the doorway, with her head lowered and her hands clasped together. He could tell that she was disturbed about the whole affair although she said nothing, and it bothered him a bit. She and Emily were more like mother and daughter. It had been that way from the beginning when she came to the plantation after Emily's mother passed away of the fever. Emily had become an extended part of Beulah's family. If six children of her own weren't, enough for her and Earnest to care for. And he knew about the secret meetings at night when Emily had taught them both to read and write. " Yes. What is it?" His blue eyes deepened and as he looked at her. "I had them trunks put on the front porch for when that their Carriage comes." John Collins nodded silently. " There's something I'd like to say to you. He walked over and stood by her. I know you love Emily." Beulah dried her eyes on her apron. " Yes...um, I do." He smiles. So do I." "Him is a good man....Master Rawley I mean. Him treat miss Emily good?" John Collins patted Beulah's shoulder. "Yes Beulah.....Jake Rawley is a good man...and Emily will have a god life." Beulah turned quickly and walked away, but he could hear her silent crying as she left. As he watched her go out, his attention Was drawn to Emily's figure on the stairs. She looked so beautiful in her white satin wedding gown with billows of petticoats and Lace, that he almost staggered when he saw her. For one moment it was as if her mother Elizabeth was standing there, and he was the captive groom. "You look lovely Emily," he said walking over to extend his hand. It surprised me when she pushed it away. John Collins could hear the tension in her voice and he knew she was displeased with him. The carriage would be coming soon to carry them to Jake Rawley's home. How could he let her go this way, feeling that he was casting her out because of her blindness. He followed her out onto the porch, where she had taken a seat in the old wicker swing that she loved as a child. As he looked at the face of a woman it was an image of the child that he was remembering. The child that clutch at his heartstrings. The warm Summer Breeze they shared together, and the Small Voice that question them about life and love. He watched her as your fingers move nervously to brush a wayward girl from her forehead. I love you Em," he said his voice cracking with intense emotion. Emily looked toward the image standing in the doorway. It had been a year since she had seen her father's face clearly, but you knew he was crying. He never called her Em,only Beauty did that. "Oh Father," she rushed into his arms as he covered her face with kisses, his strong arms holding her as when she was a child. " I understand, really I do father," she tried to assure him as he held her in his arms. The Carriage was coming slowly up the road to take her to another time and place but neither of them saw it. It was their moment. She wasn't a woman or a bride,they were merely father and daughter to suspended it in time. Jake really never thought he would feel this happy again and he anxiously awaited their Carriage arrival that would bring his future bride to him. But he also knew that Emily Collins didn't share the same anticipation as he. He felt remorse knowing that she felt no love for him. She was only fulfilling her father's wishes, nothing more. In time he hoped that would change, but there were no guarantees in the matters of the heart. His beloved Amelia had loved him from the start. They were kindred spirits and had been from their youth. Their Love and marriage had been eagerly anticipated by both their families and brought joy to all in their hometown of Charleston Virginia. Even when they move to Atlanta the town's folk spoke of the love that shines in their eyes for each other. "Master Rawley....Master Rawley, Bessie voice bellowed with excitement, as she rushed into his study. They's come in the carriage." He tried to calm himself as he followed, his her tall dark frame, and long legs with his thick black hair and popping in front of him. Bessie she has been with him for what seemed like a lifetime. She had nursed his sick wife until the end. Although she was a free woman she chose to stay on with Lewis her husband who cared for the Rawley's horses. Their twin boys Jacob and Elijah had been born in his own house and he's taken quite a liking to them. It would be Bessie that he would entrust the care of his wife, to make her make her feel welcome and comfortable and help her to learn her new home. Passion Andrews Was waiting on the porch along with a few of Jake's business associates. Bob Butler., Lou Myers, and Jake's only living relative Jim Raleigh. He could see the questioning glances passing between them as the carriage came slowly to a halt. And as he descended the stairs to meet it, he felt the Cool June Breeze mingle with the perspiration on his brow. His black tailored suit and Tails, and ruffle shirt, felt more like a straitjacket than a groom's attire. The Carriage seemed miles away with each step as his legs grew heavier and his throat dryer. When he finally reach the latch on the door that separated him and his intended, he was aware of his hand shaking nervously. He nodded to John Collins as he stepped off, and move to the side smiling. Emily carefully took Jake's hand and he helped her out. Jake was absolutely mesmerized by her beauty and Grace. She could feel his strong grip still holding your hand, and your eyes could dimly make out his tall lean figures as he led her by the arm to the steps. There are eight steps you said Softly His head was so close to her, that you could smell the scent of his freshly shaven face, as he secure her every step until they entered a large room that was wonderfully and smelled of peach blossoms and pine soap . It was a scent that was familiar to her, and made her feel a little less apprehensive, she could hear the voice of her father, and the other gentlemen talking in the hallway behind her comment as Jake Reilly letter to a long sofa with soft cushions and pillows. Emily could feel him staring at her as he took a seat beside her. Although her eyes were Hazel she could see him looking carefully at every inch of her body. Her eyes finally his eyes finally settling on her face again. As he looked at her he was stunned by her beauty, and could not resist the impulse to touch her delicate face, only to have her pull away from his touch "If you need anything, Bessie will be happy to do for you," he said in a strong voice, as he got up quickly. He could tell that his touch was not welcome. He was acting like a lovesick School boy experiencing a woman's beautiful for the first time, when in reality he had known many women in his lifetime. " If I could freshen up a bit? " Emily stood to her feet their bodies facing each other. She had intended to drop back when he touched her it was just unexpected. She knew that tonight he might even expect more of her as a wife, and that frightened her a bit since she had slept alone in her own bed for so many years. Now she would have a man in the bed with her...a man who was now legally her husband. As Bessie took her arm and she followed her out of the room Jake Rawley watch her until she faded out of sight, and down the long narrow hallway. He knew he had to control himself if he was to win her heart, or he might lose her forever. He Slumped down on the couch knowing how much he wanted her to love him. It has been a long time since he had a wife and he hoped he could still make a wife happy as much as he made his wife first wife Amelia so long ago. As he arose to greet the other guests that was filing into the living room he tried to put the thought of Emily out of his mind. The Parson was now there for the ceremony, and he had to concentrate on that. Emily found Bessie very enjoyable to be around. In minutes she had told her all about her life with Jake Rawley, her twin boys, and her husband Lewis, as she cooled her face and neck with cold towels, and refresh the curls Beulah has spent time fixing. Emily listen to Bessie carrying on about her wonderful Master Jake Rawley, and how kind and gentle he was, and how all the women long to be his wife and marry him in her place. Emily wished at that precise moment that she could have granted those woman's wishes. Emily had always dream that she would have a large and elaborate wedding, but she had seen only a few people on the veranda when she and her father arrived. Her father met her and Bessie met her and Becky in the hallway, where he took her arm, then escorted her the rest of the way, until he placed her hand into Jake's. Emily didn't hear the organ playing. All she could hear was the pounding of her own heart as Jake Raleigh walk silently up beside her, then his footsteps stopped right next to her. They stood in front of a short man coming with bushy hair. Emily couldn't make out the shape of a book in his hands and knew that it was the Holy Bible. And that they were facing the minister, who in only moments would pronounce them man and wife. As Jake Reilly Stood beside her, he could see the quivering of her full lips and feel the shaking of her arm as he held it firmly to steady her. He wanted to take her in his arms and tell her that she had nothing to fear from him, he only wanted to love her even if she didn't love him. His hand slid down her arm until his long fingers entwined hers, and he rubbed them gently. He was sure fate had brought her to him. And when he felt her fingers curled around his in return, he was just so sure that one day she would love him back. As eager guests gathered around Jake Rawley and his new bride, Emily was ever aware of his warm hand around her waist. Her thoughts still lingers on his kiss, when they were pronounced man and wife. She never expected his lips to be so warm and soft, or her mouth to part so instinctively. She had never before kissed a man and what was that strange sensation that she felt in your whole body and made her feel weak in her knees. If his arms hadn't been there to hold her, she probably would have collapsed onto the floor in front of everyone. "Emily." she bared her thoughts with the sound of her father's voice. Jake's arm slid down from her waist as he stepped away giving her a private moment with your father. John Collins prayed that Jake Rawley would be gentle with his daughter tonight of all nights. There was so much that she didn't know about a man, and he had been reluctant to tell her. He had always start on their her special wedding day that her mother would share such an intimacy with her. " You look so beautiful Emily so much like your mother, he said sadly giving her a kiss on the cheek tonight he cleared his throat struggled to find the right words to prepare her. Tonight will be different than any other night, things will be expected of you by your husband." Emily watch the shadow of the man that she had loved and respected all her life, who was never at a loss for words pace nervously in front of her as if he was trying to tell her about what was ahead. "I know father," she said, her arms suddenly tight around his neck. He could still feel her shaking as he pulled away, and walked out of the living room to the awaiting carriage that would take him back to his plantation but without his daughter Emily. Emily could feel the weariness of the afternoon tugging at her, as everyone went out on the veranda where Bessie serve them wedding cake and a tall cold glass of lemonade. Se found Jake's cousin Jim Rawley to be a fast talker, who took pleasure in telling things they did as a child in Charleston. As she listened to his stories she wished her father had stayed longer but knew why he hadn't. " I'm really not that bad of a guy is my cousin makes me out to be," the deep voice of Jake Rawley remark. He placed the tall grass and lemonade in her hand as he took a seat beside her on the swing. He could see the tiredness on her delicate face, and took the liberty to put his arm around her pulling her close to him. He was overjoyed when she didn't pull away, but slowly rest your head on his shoulder. " I'm sure you were an angel as a child, he said, nothing like your husband." Emily could hear the steady beating of his heart in her ear as she rested her head on his room chest. He referred to himself as her husband. It sounded strange to hear, but that's what he was and tonight she would be his wife. She sat up easing out of his arms, and turned sideways facing him. "Father says I was an angel, she smile but I'm not sure, he's prejudiced where I'm concerned." "And he should be, he said, reaching over over taking her hand in his. I could never imagine you doing anything wrong." She could see him closing the distance between them, and feel his hand reaching up to stroke her face. Jake felt propelled by a force stronger than he could control as he lifted her mouth to his. her mouth to his. Her lips trembled at his second kiss, then then parted allowing him privilege to the sweetness of her mouth. Emily such a wonderful warm flood her body. How could she feel such strange enjoyment from a man he knew nothing about. But as she open your eyes, he gave her no time to think as he took her fully in his arms again, kissing her deeply with no resistance from her at all. As Bessie led her to the upstairs bedroom and Jake said his farewells to his business associates and his cousin Jim Rawley, Emily knew that tonight would be different than any night in her life. As Bessie open the door to a large room, she could make out a huge four-poster bed before her. She walks slowly to it and seated herself on the satin comforter, as she waited for Bessie to return and help her undress. The drapes were wrong and why and there was very little light in the room making an even more difficult for her to see. When the door opened it wasn't the figure of Bessie her eyes beheld...but the tall lean figure of Jake Rawley himself. "I was waiting for Betsy she said nervously you said if I needed anything I should ask Bessie." He looked at her a long minute. "what is it that you need," he questioned as his hand move slowly over her back and down her spine causing her heart to beat wildly. " I need help undressing that's all." Her voice was cracking and she knew he heard it as he move closer to her. " That's what husbands are for," he said softly as he started unbuttoning the numerous buttons on the back of her satin gown. Jake could feel her shiver as his fingers made their way down her back as his fingers made their way down her back. Ff nothing more he would lay with her, feel your body next to his, and just hold her in the night. With the last button undone he slid the dress from her shoulders and help her step out of it. Emily heard his footsteps as he gathered the dress in his arms and cross the room with it, and then return. Then he proceeded to unlace her corset, and help her out of her pantaloons. Her breath caught in her throat knowing that she was naked before him. "You have nothing to hide from me Emily...nor I you." Even with dim eyes she could see that he was removing his clothes too. First his suit coat, then his shirt, trousers, lastly his shoes, until he stood naked before her too. He lifted her into his arms and lowered her to the bed. Emily could feel the satin sheet beneath her as he laid her down, then gently positioned himself next to her. He felt a burning desire in his body to love her, but knew in his heart that now was not the time. as he looked at her. She was everything he could ever want. Beautiful. She was his second chance at love. A chance he never expected. "Oh Emily "he gasp as he smother her with kisses on her face, neck and breast. Emily had told herself not to be afraid but she was. Jake could feel the tears trickling down onto his chest. "Oh my love, he said softly, you have nothing to fear from me, I would never hurt you or take from you what you're not ready to give. He kissed her sweetly, as he wiped away her tears with delicate Strokes. We're Bound in marriage, but not yet in love. I have no right to love you until you give me that right." He kissed her sweetly on the lips as he enclosed her in his arms where she laid silently listening to the rhythm of their hearts. He had undressed, seen her naked, yet took no husband privileges. Her father, Beulah, and Bessie were right, she concluded. Jake Rawley was a good man. And as she closed her eyes, she suddenly felt safe and warm. There was so much she didn't know about him, but she had a lifetime to find out. And as she nestled deeper, and closer to his warm flesh, she knew she wanted to love him , and would ultimately give him what they both deserved....The Right To LOVE! The End