Passion's Indiscretion

July 18, 1896
Charles Birchwood

I had only just sat down at the dinner table last evening when there was a knock at the door. I was sorely tempted to ignore it, but the knocker was too persistent for that. With Caroline and the children gone, things have been quiet and peaceable at home. If not for the strange events around Primrose, I would be quite happy. So, I suppose would be the young lady who was at my door.

“Edith, what brings you by at this hour?” I asked.

“I heard you sent your wife and children away.” She replied.

Edith stepped inside without waiting for my permission. I closed the door, feeling a bit surprised at Edith’s boldness. It was a move quite unlike her and yet completely her at the same time. That is to say, Edith Bowen is a contradiction, with legs.

“Are you all right? I know it must be a difficult time for you.” I said.

“As all right as I can expect to be. I am alive after all.”

Edith walked further into the house, toward the dining room. Perhaps it was my imagination but she seemed to be teasing me with a wicked smile.

“Yes, you are that. Was there something I could do for you?”

“Can I make a confession to you?”

“I am not a priest.”

“I would never confess to one.”

I am certain she was winking at me.

“If you feel you must, let us hear it.”

“I feel safe with you, Charles.”

She unfastened the collar of her blouse. I would imagine the constriction of the material around her neck must be almost intolerable, all things considered. I would have allowed her to loosen a few more. I cleared my throat before replying.

“I am certain there are many you can feel safe with, but I am honored, nonetheless.” I said.

“If I am honest, there are few I feel safe around right now.”

“In time that will change.”

“Are you certain? I am not.”

“Yes, all wounds take time to heal and not all scars reside on the flesh.”

“Would you exam my scars?”

She fluttered her eyelashes at me. It was that moment in which I nearly forgot I was speaking with Edith, she reminded me so much of Caroline right then. Only a fool would not miss his wife when she is gone and I am no fool.

“If you think it appropriate I would, but I am not a doctor.” I said.

“I have interrupted your supper. Please sit and enjoy it.”

The smile on her face faded and it was as though she had suddenly become stricken with a dire case of seriousness.

“Will you join me?” I asked.

“No, I have all ready eaten this evening. Please enjoy your supper, we will have plenty of time afterward.”

“You can wait in the drawing room. I am certain Caroline has an elicit novel or two which may occupy your thoughts while you wait.”

“Very well.”

After escorting her to the drawing room I sat and ate my dinner in record time. I am not even certain what it was now that I think about it. Meat of some kind no doubt, but was it chicken or steak? It surely does not matter.

I rejoined Edith and took a chair opposite her. She set aside the book she had been perusing. I think she might have read three pages while waiting for me. Just enough to get interested.

“Tell me Edith, why are you here?”

“Do you not want me to be here?”

“That is not what I said.”

“But it is inferred in your question.”

“If I had intended to infer something I would have said it straight out.”

“Perhaps.”

“Why are you here.”

“Because I want to be.”

“The Carrington’s will be worried.”

“They do not know I am gone.”

“You snuck out?”

“Yes, was that naughty of me?”

“You know it was.”

“Are you going to do anything about it?”

“Such as take you home?”

“Carrington manor is not my home, but no that is not what I was thinking.”

“I thought not. You do not seem to be quite yourself tonight.”

“Who am I then?” Edith asked with an almost sultry tone.

“You tell me.”

Edith stood up from her chair and walked over to me. I started to rise but just as quickly she plopped herself down in my lap.

“What are you doing?” I asked.

She wrapped an arm around the back of my neck and leaned down to whisper in my ear.

“I could be Caroline.” She whispered.

“I do not think this a good idea.”

“I thought you said I was beautiful.” She pouted.

“You are, but this is not proper.”

“And are you always proper, Charles?” She asked but her tone indicated she knew the answer.

“Of course not, but I am married.”

“I will not tell.”

“Edith.”

She kissed me. I should have pushed her away. I should have turned her over my knee and spanked some sense into her. I should have taken her back to Carrington manor. I kissed her back and forgot everything, but how beautiful she was. An old man like me would be an imbecile to turn away a beautiful, young thing would they not?

Admittedly, I got carried away in the moment and I swooped her up in my arms. I trudged up the stairs with her smiling, giggling and kissing all the way. I dropped her on the bed so she bounced. To me, she was no longer, Edith Bowen, she was my wife and it was our wedding night. Caroline was so young and beautiful and happy.

I helped her off with her things and she nearly tore my clothing from my body. I will need new buttons on my shirt for certain. How will I explain to Caroline when she finds the buttons under the bed or in some dark corner of the bedroom? I was tired and angry and could not wait to get my shirt off? Yes, she will believe that without question and if she does not, I can always spank her until she does.

Edith was on fire. She was insatiable. I was exhausted and the first act was hardly over. She ran her finger nails, so they snagged on my arms and back. She nibbled on my chest and neck and when she kissed me it was like death sucking out my very soul. In the end we slept in exhaustion.
Morning revealed a more furtive, Edith. She was shy and quiet again. I wonder if I took advantage of her of if she took advantage of me?