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Timeless Love Ch. 01

By: cellophanesmile



"And this is the room where the Marquess of Margrave spent the last twenty years of his life," the tour guide was saying. Cynara followed the small group of tourists, listening to the explanation of Margrave Manor with passing interest.

Cynara had come to England to visit her grandmother, but was surprised when instead of spending time with her daughter's daughter, the elderly woman had abandoned her to England's many tourist attractions. Cynara loved exploring the old, beautiful country, but she didn't necessarily like doing it alone. 

The ironic thing was, Cynara had been ecstatic to take her first vacation alone, to spend the summer between high school and college abroad. The only thing was, she thought her grandmother would be spending it with her once she arrived. She had pictured her grandma as one of those fun, eccentric old ladies, the kind that didn't let their age get in the way of living. However when she had arrived, she had been disappointed to find out her grandma didn't even like to leave the house. 

Cynara was even more upset to find that she was expected to make the visit to Paris next week alone. She was eighteen, but she didn't feel like an adult, not yet anyway. Oh well, she had thought, she would survive, and it would be a learning experience. She wouldn't let her summer be wasted. 

"The Marquess was of course the original owner, he built the house in 1752 and lived here until his death in 1819. Now if you follow me, I will take you to the most notorious room in the house." The tour guide continued down the hall, and the group shuffled along after her. 

"The four sons of the marquess were notorious bad boys of the English peerage, with their father being and invalid, and their mother having died in childbirth to their younger sister, no one was to stop them from gambling, visiting brothels, and slighting any other noblemen that dared cross their paths," she said as she walked, occasionally glancing over her shoulder. "The second oldest son, Lord Charles Stanmore, perhaps had the worst reputation of the lot, but with a title and money, almost anything was excused."

Cynara found the history behind the people that lived here more interesting than the house itself, and was completely enthralled with what the tour guide was saying now.

"And this was his room. It is considered the most notorious room in the house because this is where Charles died, and his ghost is said to still haunt the place. 

Some of our workers can even sense his presence, lights are mysteriously turned on and off, a phantom gust of wind is felt that seems to come from nowhere, and on some nights, people even claim to hear him crying and moaning. 

Even his older brother felt his ghost. He had written in his journal that he could no longer enter this room after the incident, for the presence of his brother was so strong, he feared he would break down just being in here." 

The tour guide, with the expertise of someone who has given the speech hundreds of times, immediately changed the tone of her voice from eerie to cheerful, and continued to explain the architecture and furniture in the room. Cynara however could not get the story out of her head. 

Immediately after walking into the room, she had felt a chill of a presence. Cynara had never been a believer of ghosts, but couldn't help but wonder if she sensed Charles's ghost, as goose bumps crawled up her arms. 

She followed the tour guide out of the room, but the first chance she got; she slipped away from the group and back into Charles's room. As soon as she reentered, the strange feeling over took her body. She felt cold and tingly and squished, as though something was squeezing her tightly. Why am I here? she asked, trying to turn and leave the room, but she couldn't will her feet to move. 

She felt her heart swell, and her eyelids flutter. She was suddenly sleepy, so very sleepy. Her eyelids drooped shut, and she stood in the room, swaying unsteadily on her feet. She tried to open her eyes, but found she just didn't have the will power to do so. Lie down, her hazy mind told her. 

Okay, she thought, I'll just lie down for a minute. She took a step toward the bed, then let her body simply fall, landing on it with a thump. She knocked over the red rope, put there to stop guests from touching the furniture, but she didn't even notice. She was asleep in seconds. 

***

Someone was stroking her cheek, kissing her neck. Cynara moaned at the pleasurable sensation of slightly calloused hands touching her, and warm lips kissing her. The lips suddenly pressed down on her mouth, and Cynara let herself respond to the kiss. The hand was straying down her neck, until it grasped one of her breasts. 

Cynara moaned again at the pleasurable sensation, the fogginess of sleep blocking her from asking any questions. The hand now massaged her breast through her thin t-shirt, then traveled lower to feel her bare midriff, exposed by the scrunching of her shirt. 

It felt so good, so erotic, so wonderful, so real. So real? Cynara suddenly sat up. Where was she? What was going on? She looked down at the man laying next to her, the man who had been touching her. Then she looked around the room, and she remembered. The tour. She had fallen asleep during the tour, but who was this man?

"Who are you, you pervert?" she shouted at him, jumping off the bed. 

"I think I should be the one asking you that question," he said smiling lazily at her. He was handsome, she'd give him that much. He looked to be maybe a few years older than her, and he was wearing olden day clothes. He must work here, she thought. 

"You should be asking me? Yes, okay, I did accidentally fall asleep. And I know I was on the furniture, I'm sorry, but at least I don't go around molesting unsuspecting women," she accused. How dare this man lay there smiling at her like that, after practically attacking her while she slept? 

"I assumed you wanted me to touch you, you were in my bed after all." He must be some sort of actor portraying Charles, she surmised, one that got way too into the character. Even so, that didn't give him the right to kiss her while she was sleeping. "And besides," he continued, "You didn't seem to be protesting a few minutes ago," he said arrogantly. Now he was just mocking her, and Cynara felt her hackles rising. 

"Don't flatter yourself," she said rolling her eyes, "I didn't even know you were a real person. I would have responded the same way to anyone."

"Oh, I see," he said, putting on a serious face, but not losing the teasing glint in his eyes, "You are trying to tell me you're a loose woman." Cynara threw down her hands and stormed out of the room. She had had enough with this lunatic. 

Upon entering the hall she noticed that there was no one else there. All the red ropes and brochure stands were gone, too. In fact, it looked like a real nineteenth century Manor. Was there some special event she had accidentally intruded on? A movie taping? 

Just then another young man dressed in old style clothing turned the corner into the hallway. He stopped dead in his tracks. She could feel her antagonizer come out of the room behind her. 

"What is going on, Charles?" the new man said rushing toward the two of them. Cynara was wondering the same thing. This must be a really elaborate practical joke, she thought. It was kind of funny, she would have admitted, if she weren't so upset about the whole thing. 

"Who is this woman? And what is she wearing?" he asked, taking in her t-shirt, shorts, and sneakers all in one swoop of his gaze. His eyes seemed to linger particularly long on her bare legs. Were they all perverts working here? she wondered. 

"I have no idea," "Charles" said, shrugging his shoulders, "I had thought maybe you or Finley or Sanford had left me a present." Cynara kicked him in the shin. 

"Ow," he said looking at her incredulously, like he couldn't believe she had just done that. 

"You deserved it," she said, dismissing his hobbles of pain. "Okay, this was a very funny joke. Ha ha, we all had a good laugh, but if you boys don't mind, I think I'll be leaving now," she said as dignified as she could, and made her way down the stairs. 

The two brothers stared after her, stunned for a moment, but then curiously followed her. They watched as she walked out the front door, stopped mid-step, and turned back inside. 

"What did you do with the parking lot?" she demanded outrageously. Even as she said it, she knew that it was absurd. They couldn't have moved a parking lot. She looked around the front hall, it was the same building, but everything looked newer, different. An idea popped into her head, but she dismissed it immediately. 

"All right, I'm going to ask you nicely, who are you?" she said, not nicely at all.

"I'm Lord Ashton Stanmore, son of the Marquess of Margrave. And this is my brother," he said gesturing to her attacker, "Lord Charles Stanmore. And who might you be?"

"It's not funny any more, you two are just being annoying now," she accused them. They looked completely startled, exchanging glances between each other. Just then, Cynara had an idea. Maybe there was a giant, painted billboard, set up to hide the parking lot. No sooner than the idea struck her, Cynara was taking off in a run out the front door. 

She ran all the way down the long driveway, her feet clapping along the stone surface. By the time she reached where the parking lot should be, she was out of breath, and knew there was no screen there. She rested her hands on her ankles, catching her breath. How could this be? she wondered. There wasn't a car in sight. Only trees, grass, stone paths, the house. 

She knew it was hopeless, but Cynara couldn't help but walk a little further. She walked in circles, waiting for something to happen, and when nothing did, she slowly started to trudge back to the house. 

She could see "Charles" and "Ashton" standing in the doorway waiting for her. She walked up the steps, and pushed by them into the house. 

"My god," Ashton said, "She's completely insane."

"No, she's just upset, can't you tell? She has obviously just lost her parking lot, and is here looking for it," Charles defended her. Cynara couldn't help but giggle at the ridiculousness of his words, and soon her giggles turned into full-blown laughter. 

All the tension and stress of the situation had compiled inside her till she was a bundle of nerves, and laugh was the only thing she could do. She looked over at the men's horrified faces, and not wanting to add to the reason's they would think her insane, she buried her face in her hands, and tried to make her laughter sound like sobs. 

"Oh look, now she's crying," Charles said with compassion in his voice, " Don't worry, we'll help you find your parking lot." Charles put his arm around her shoulder, while Ashton stood there awkwardly. Cynara calmed down and pretended to wipe tears from her eyes.

"That's okay. Thanks anyway," she said, pulling out from Charles's arm. 

"Okay?" Ashton asked her confused. 

"Um, I mean that's all right," she explained. They all stood there awkwardly until finally Ashton spoke up. 

"I'll take you home. Would you like something to wear?" he asked.

"No!" Cynara panicked. She finally had let herself believe the impossible. She had somehow traveled back in time. She knew it was crazy, but it was the only logical explanation, and somehow it had happened. "I mean," she stammered, "I-I don't have anywhere to go." She gave them a hesitant smile. 

"Who are you? Where are you from? Why are you in our house?" Ashton finally gave into his curiosity and bombarded her with questions. 

"Um, um," she said looking around. She couldn't tell them she was a time traveler. They would really thing she was nuts. "Um, I can't remember anything," she thought of an excuse. "It's so strange, it's like my memories have been wiped out. I must have amnesia," she tried to act like a person with amnesia would act. 

Charles was instantly on board, "Yeah, I've heard of that," he said nodding, "You probably suffered from a blow to the head."

"You don't remember anything?" Ashton asked, "Do you remember your name?" 

"Cynara," she said automatically, not stopping to think that amnesia patients probably couldn't remember their names. They didn't question her on it, though. 

"Cynara," Charles murmured, "That's very pretty."

"It means artichoke," she said. Charles laughed. Again, Cynara scolded herself, an amnesia victim probably wouldn't remember what their names meant either. She had to start thinking before she spoke. 

"It's okay, you can stay here," Charles offered her kindly. 

"What do you mean?" Ashton whispered to him furiously, grabbing his brother and dragging him a step away. "She can't stay here. What will Finley say?" He spoke softly, but Cynara could still hear him. 

"Don't worry," Charles assured, "Finley won't mind." 

"It just doesn't seem like a good idea," Ashton said. 

"Don't worry, I won't be any trouble, and I promise not to cut your throats while you sleep," Cynara said sweetly. Charles smiled, but Ashton looked down right terrified. 

"Come little Artichoke," Charles gestured to her, "I'll take you to a guest room and get you some proper attire." Cynara followed him willingly. Ashton might be skeptical about her, but Charles was eating out of the palm of her hand. All she had to do was charm Charles enough to let her stay, at least long enough for her to figure out how to get back to her own time.

Timeless Love Ch. 02



Cynara stepped out of the room and followed the little maid down the hall that she had followed Charles up earlier. The maid was a pretty girl, if not painfully shy. She seemed to be about Cynara's age, and had brunette hair, which was in direct contrast to the pale blonde of Cynara's. 

Charles had introduced the maid as Jasmine when he had come back a couple of hours later with clothes for her to wear. He had left her alone in a fancy room, with the orders to rest until dinner. How he expected her to sleep in the middle of the day, she had no idea. So she basically puttered about the room, dreadfully bored, but didn't want to poke around for fear of seeming nosy.

When Charles did finally come back, it was to push Jasmine into the room, and leave immediately, saying that dinner would be ready in half an hour. Despite Cynara's attempt to have a conversation with Jasmine, the girl was ever quiet and polite, except for her obvious curiosity over Cynara's current wardrobe. 

Jasmine had offered to help her dress, but Cynara adamantly refused, insisting she could do it herself, only to have to call the maid over again when after donning her shift and stockings, she couldn't get the tiny hooks of the petticoat to stay. The dress she wore was smooth and lightweight, and surprisingly comfortable. And Cynara was ever grateful that she wouldn't be expected to wear a corset, due to the high waistline of the dress. 

Jasmine had then piled her hair on top of her head, securing it with clips (and Cynara gained a whole new appreciation for the ponytail) before leading her downstairs to dinner. Charles was there to greet her in the hall. 

"You look lovely," he smiled warmly. 

"Thanks."

"Wow, she actually looks like a respectable lady now," Ashton said, coming to stand next to them, and Jasmine scurried away. Charles gave him a glare, and held out his arm for Cynara to take. 

"Shall we?" he offered gallantly. Cynara took it and let him lead her to the dinning area, but before they could leave the main hall, the front door opened and a man strolled in. He wore a dark coat and a top hat, which he took off and handed to a butler that appeared out of nowhere. 

"I didn't know we had guests," he said in a stern voice, which made Cynara a bit nervous. She subconsciously slid a little closer to Charles. 

"Ahh Finley, yes, this vision of loveliness appeared in our home in desperate need of assistance, and she shall be staying as a guest for awhile," Charles said patting her hand. 

"What sort of distress? Who is she? Where is her chaperone?" His voice was harsh, and his eyes hard, and Ashton seemed to sink into the wall as his brother spoke. Charles held his ground however. 

"Well, her name's Cynara and that's all she can remember. You see, she has lost her memory, and the poor girl terribly scared and confused."

Finley simply snorted and took a couple paces toward them. 

"If she has lost her memory, what brings her here? What was she doing to be in our house, and feed off our generosity?" He directed the question at her, but Cynara's mind went blank at the angry coldness in his eyes. 

"She was looking for her parking lot," Ashton piped up from the forgotten corner he was standing in.

"Oh? And what, pray tell, exactly is a parking lot?" Charles asked her.

Now that he had asked, Cynara was surprised the question hadn't come up earlier. She wasn't too good at thinking up lies on the spot, and her mind raced. What was she looking for? What did she lose?

Realizing that she probably should be answering the question instead of just staring stupidly, she blurted out the first thing to come to mind. 

"A puppy." After she said it, she was enormously proud of herself. Who didn't love a lost puppy? She was sure she would gain instant sympathy, but Finley just stared at her. "Umm," Cynara said, thinking he wanted further explanation, "that was his name, Parkinglot, he was, uhh, black... with some white."

"Well how utterly ridiculous," Finley stated, but gave no further argument to the question of why she was there, and simply proceeded into the dinning room, followed by Ashton, and finally her and Charles, who was ever present at her side, like a guard dog.

Soup was served for dinner, and Cynara tried to eat in the most polite way possible. It was different to the fast food and take out she was used to, but she thought it incredibly delicious. They all ate in silence, and no one seemed in the least inclined to start a conversation, but the awkward silence was driving Cynara crazy to the point where she just had to say something.

"The soup is delicious," not the most innovative thing, but at least it was noise other than the soft clang of spoons against bowls. 

Nods of agreement were the only response. 

"So what a lovely home you have here," she tried again. 

"Thank you," Charles smiled warmly at her. The dinner continued in silence.

Cynara was a bit annoyed that they were completely ignoring her attempt to make conversation, so she thought it fair to say that she wasn't completely responsible for the next thing that came out of her mouth, "So, dueled anyone and seduced his grieving widow lately?"

All three brothers stared at her in utter shock, their expressions showing more signs of indignant disbelief with the passing seconds. Cynara didn't think this was the most outrageous thing she could have said, considering all she has heard of them were of their disreputable reputation. 

To their continued stairs she said, "Well, I was just trying to gear my questions toward your particular interests," a huff in her voice, and with a shrug of her shoulder. 

Cynara, for a moment, was afraid that they would throw her out, that is until Finley threw back his head and let out a roar of deep, rich laughter. Charles and Ashton joined in, and the table was filled with manly chuckles. 

"Despite what you may think, my dear," Finley said after his laughter calmed, "We are not ruthless pirates, murdering and marauding in our spare time."

Cynara grinned at his good humor, a bit surprised, too. On her first impression, she would have thought him a cold, unfeeling man, but when he smiled, she saw the kindness behind his stoic face. 

"Actually, our dear brother Sanford might be doing just that," Ashton pointed out.

"That's a laugh, Sanford couldn't hurt a flea. More likely he is dallying with some pretty wench," Charles grinned.

"And paying handsomely at that," Ashton quipped back.

"Are we talking about our same brother? I've never known him to pay for something he could just as easily get free of charge."

"May I remind you two that there is a lady present?" Finley interrupted, "And she probably doesn't want to hear of such indelicate matters."

"Oh I don't mind," Cynara was quick to offer, "indelicasize away."

"Indelicasize? I don't believe that is a word," Ashton said.

"Sure, it means to discuss indelicate of lewd behavior," Cynara said jokingly, dismissively.

"No, I really think you just made that up," Ashton persisted.

"Oh, and what are you? Mr. Walking Dictionary?" Cynara said with a smile such that no one could be offended by her smirky little comment, and Ashton wasn't. 

Dinner flowed better after that, the conversation easy and light. Afterwards, Cynara went to her room, and fell right asleep, unaware of the conversation going on beneath her. 

"She's obviously lying about losing her memory," Finley stated pensively, when all three brothers were left alone in the dining room. 

"Yes, however, I say just let it lie for now, the truth will come out eventually," Charles voice was almost defensive.

"I agree, the girl will come clean eventually, until then, I don't think she's any harm. I don't think we should push her." 

"I hate to be the reasonable one here," Ashton interjected, "but we don't know anything about this girl, what if she's an escaped convict?"

Charles laughed, "A criminal? That little girl?"

Finley even smiled and clapped his brother on the back, "Don't worry, we won't let the girl hurt you, if that's what you're worried about, Ashton."

Ashton rolled his eyes, and he and Finley got up from the table. Charles followed the two out of the room, an insuppressible grin on his face. 



Timeless Love Ch. 03



Cynara stepped into the ballroom with a gasp. It was beautiful; it looked like she had stepped directly into a movie. Everyone was so regal in their long, flowing dresses or jackets and high collars. She eagerly went ahead of her party, looking anxiously around. She walked around the edge of the dancers to get a closer look at the band. 

"You like it?" she heard a voice in her ear. She turned around to see Charles standing at her elbow. 

"Oh, it's spectacular!" she responded enthusiastically. 

"Would you like to dance?"

"Oh, I don't know how," she said regretfully. She would have loved to try the prim and proper dancing that they were doing: A choreographed picture of perfection. 

"How do you know?" Charles asked. Good point, she thought, but before anything else could be said, Finley walked up to them. 

"Look who I ran into," he said presenting a young man, about Cynara's age. It must be Sanford, she thought. 

"Oh, so this is the elusive Sanford?" she asked Finley. 

"Indeed it is," he responded. This was only the third night she had been staying at Margrave Manor, but it already felt like much longer. And in turn it felt odd to not have met Sanford before now. 

"And this must be the forgetful Cynara," Sanford smiled.

"That's me." 

"If I had known such a beautiful girl would be staying in our house I would have made a point of coming home last night."

"There you are Mr. Stanmore," a middle-aged woman approached Sanford and smiled seductively. Despite the fact that she was older, she had a sophisticated charm about her and a sort of regal beauty. 

"Mrs. Hulery, what a pleasant surprise," Stanmore smile back. "Would you care to dance?" 

"I would love to," and he lead her out onto the dance floor. 

Charles leaned and whispered in Cynara's ear, "Mrs. Hulery's husband died last year, and ever since then she seems to be paying particular attention to Sanford." 

"A cougar," Cynara whispered back to him.

He chuckled softly, "You know, I never thought of it like that, but that is the perfect word to describe her. She definitely wants to sink her claws into our poor Sanford."

"Somehow I don't see Sanford as a helpless little rabbit up for the kill."

"Listen you two," Finley interjected, "Cynara, you are a distant cousin staying with us for a few months for a vacation," and his gaze wondered off to across the room, then as an afterthought, "Oh, and your last name is Waldorf."

"Got it," Cynara nodded gravely, but Finley was lost in his own little world.

"Earth to Finley," Cynara poked him. Finley seemed startled to be pulled out of his thoughts.

"Who were you just staring at?" Cynara asked mischievously.

"No one!" Finley scoffed.

Cynara rolled her eyes and scanned the room in the direction Finley had been looking a few moments ago. 

"Was it that petite blonde that just walked in?"

Finley nervously cleared his throat, "Why would you think that?"

"Ooh, Finley has a crush," she cooed teasingly.

"A what?"

"You like her," she elbowed him.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Finley defended, "Now if you'll excuse me," and with that he walked off.

Cynara looked up at Charles, who was grinning down at her. "So who is she?" Cynara asked.

"That's Jane Withurby, she just came out this season and every eligible bachelor has his eye on her. She has the pick of the crop."

"And does she like Finley back?"

"Honestly, I don't think she even knows he exists. God knows Finley has never even spoken to her."

"Why on earth not?" Cynara asked, not thinking that Finley was the shy type. 

"Finley's got a bit of a reputation, and I don't think her mother would allow him to speak to her, really. Plus, she already seems to be interested in Lord Randall Trahern. That's who she's dancing with right now," he said nodding toward the dance floor, "Everyone is speculating on when they will announce an engagement."

"Poor Finley," Cynara said forlornly, staring and the dancing couple.

"Why don't I get you something to drink?" Charles asked, changing the subject. 

"Yes." 

Charles moved off to get her some punch, and Cynara noticed that the song was ending at just that moment. She followed Jane Withurby and Randall Trahern off the dance floor with her eyes, then just couldn't resist the urge to go talk to them. 

"Hello there," she greeted casually after storming her way through the crowd to be in the exact spot they were headed.

"I'm sorry, I don't believe we've met," Randall said to her.

"No. I'm Miss Cynara Waldorf, a cousin of the Stanmores."

"A pleasure to meet you, Miss Waldorf, I'm Jane Withurby," the girl said politely. Cynara noticed that the girl was a picture of grace and poise; she also seemed so tiny that a small gust of wind could knock her over. Randall seemed tall only compared to her diminutive height, and Cynara thought about how Finley would look like a giant standing next to her.

"And I'm Lord Randall Trahern." Cynara didn't like the arrogant way he spoke, but then decided to be fair and admit that no matter what she wouldn't like this Randall character, because she was prejudice for Finley. 

"Nice to meet you, I just umm...came over here to compliment you on your dress, Miss Withurby."

"Oh, why thank you so much!" Jane smiled shyly. 

"Yes, I normally wouldn't just barge up to complete strangers, but I just had to know where you got it," Cynara chatted.

"What a nice thing to say. I got it from this wonderful little dressmaker, Miss Beatrice Dandell. She runs a dress shop on Main Street called Miss Beatrice's designs." 

Randall snorted his disinterest in such girly talk, and Jane looked at the floor, "She really is quite a genius."

"I'll have to stop by there sometime, and I'll tell her you recommended her to me."

"Good evening, Mr. Trahern," an older woman came up to them, "And who's your new friend, Jane?"

"Mother, this is Cynara Waldorf, Miss Waldorf, this is my mother, Lady Withurby."

"A pleasure to meet you," Cynara said politely with a little curtsy, thinking that the occasion called for it. 

"And you," her mother said back, a little snootily, Cynara thought.

"Mother, Miss Waldorf was just admiring my dress."

"Ah, yes, I always thought green suited you, Jane dear." 

"Oh, I see my cousin looking for me," Cynara said, wanting to make a quick exit "It was nice meeting you," and she made her escape. 

"There you are," Charles said when she walked up to him, "I was starting to worry, you shouldn't just wonder off like that."

"Oh what could possibly happen to me in a room full of people?" He handed her a glass of red punch. "I was just talking to Jane Withurby," she said in a slyly.

"You were?" Charles looked down at her with surprise, "What happened?"

"Nothing really, I didn't find anything out, I just talked to her for a minute."

"Just like that, you went and talked to her?"

"Well, yeah." 

Charles looked down at her almost admiringly, "So you're trying to set Jane up with Finley?"

"That is my master plan, yes."

"Well, just don't let Finley find that out. He'd have conniption."

"Charles Stanmore!" an obviously drunk man approached them, "What are you doing at a party for civilized folks. Didn't you realize that no bastards are allowed?"

Charles grabbed the man by the collar, "Get your pistol," he said in a deadly tone, and if Cynara hadn't innately known what a good person Charles was, she would almost have been scared of him.

"He's drunk," a man called, "It would be murder." 

"Tomorrow at daybreak then," he tossed the man over to his friend, "Make sure he gets there," Charles said, turning his back. The little crowd that had suddenly formed just as suddenly dispersed, now that the immediate quarrel was over. 

Cynara stared at Charles with an open mouth, "You're really going to duel him?" she asked, "Just for that?"

"The man insulted me."

"Yeah, but you could really hurt each other, and over something so silly."

"A man's honor is not silly," Charles said indignantly. Cynara didn't like the way he was talking to her now, he had always previously spoken to her with such affectionate indulgence, she missed it. 

"I just don't get it," she said sulkly. 

"Of course you don't," he snapped at her, "Just worry about your little romantic games and I'll worry about my affairs," and he stormed away.

Cynara stared after him slack jawed. She wouldn't have believed that the sweet man she was just talking to moments before could have changed so drastically in a matter of seconds. 

"What happened?" Cynara turned around to see Ashton's worried gaze. 

"He just snapped, he's going to have a duel tomorrow. I told him it was stupid, and he stalked off."

"What was the argument about?"

"I don't know, some drunk guy said something and Charles immediately called him out."

"Charles doesn't usually get that angry that fast over a little insult. What did the man say?"

"I don't even remember. He said that Charles shouldn't be at the party," she shrugged, "And, oh yeah, he called him a bastard," she shrugged again.

"Well that explains it." Ashton said nodding.

"What?" Cynara was perplexed.

"Something about Charles you should know, though I don't think he'd be too happy with me if he found out I told you."

"What?" Cynara asked, completely intrigued, and a little worried. 

"Well, before Charles was born, our mother was having an affair."

"No!" Cynara gasped.

"Yes, and our father, along with several other respected gentlemen, caught them together one day."

"No!" Cynara gasped again, it sounded like a soap opera.

"Word, of course, spread faster than a wild fire. Our whole family was humiliated, father killed the man in a duel, but when Charles was born nine months later, there were questions of paternity."

"So who is his father?"

Ashton shrugged, "I don't think mother even really knew. We all love Charles just the same anyway, but he was teased for it a lot as a child, he's sensitive about it."

Cynara stared pensively at the floor, poor Charles; he must feel horribly about the whole thing. And she had called him silly! 

"This doesn't change anything does it?" Ashton asked her.

"Of course not!" Cynara said surprised. What kind of person did he think she was that she would let something so unimportant change anything between her and Charles's friendship? 

They left soon after, and Cynara didn't have a chance to speak with Charles alone before they piled into the carriage. She pulled him aside while the rest of the brothers went to bed, however, so she could talk to him. 

"Look, I'm sorry for earlier," he said before Cynara could say anything.

"No" she interrupted him, "I'm sorry. Ashton told me everything." Charles face clouded over. "Don't scowl like that," she told him, "I'm glad Ashton told me. Oh, Charlie, I feel horrible. It's just that I don't want you to duel because I don't want to see you get hurt." Cynara blushed at her words; she hadn't realized how much she had come to care for Charles, until just now.

He grinned at her, "I'm not going to get hurt."

"But you could."

He nodded gravely, "This is true, and if tonight's going to be my last night, why don't you make it a good one?"

"Don't even joke," she said, throwing her arms around his neck and standing on tip toe to kiss him. 

Charles stumbled back for a second, obviously surprised at her impulsive action, but he soon had his hands wrapped around her back and was kissing her just as fiercely as she was kissing him. 

Cynara eventually pulled away, they both just stood there in each other's arms, staring, neither knowing what to say.

"Come on little artichoke," he eventually said, gently wrapping his arm around her back and guiding her up the stairs, "Let's get you to bed."



Timeless Love Ch. 04



"I don't want to go to bed," she said, making Charles stop in his tracks on the stairs. 

"Then what do you want?"

"Well, I don't want to go to my bed, at least."

Charles looked at her, his eyes filling his face, "What are you saying?"

"I'm saying that I want to stay with you," and Cynara could have sworn that she saw him blush. 

"Cynara, do you know what your asking?" But Cynara wasn't interested in talking anymore, she grabbed his hand and pulled him up the rest of the stairs, leading him to the bedroom she knew was his.

"I'm not asking, I'm telling," she said pushing him in, "I'm going to ravage you tonight whether you like it or not."

Charles looked surprised at her crude language, but smiled as she jumped on him and started kissing him again. 

He walked over to the bed, laying her down on it without breaking the kiss. She furiously tried to remove his clothes, but found herself confused by all the buttons and pieces, laughing, he stepped back and took off his own shirt. 

While he was taking off his clothes, Cynara tried to remove hers, reaching for the little buttons in the back of her dress, and finally just yanking at fabric. Charles just laughed again and removed her clothes, too. 

Now that her war with the clothing was finally over, Cynara felt a bit awkward standing there naked with him, even in the dim candlelight. And worse, she also caught herself staring at his cock intently. This was the first one she had seen in real life, and it looked a lot more desirable than the ones she had seen on T.V.

She had quickly averted her gaze once she realized that she was staring, not wanting to look at his face, afraid that he was laughing at her. 

"Are you still going to ravage me?"

Cynara looked up at him, and found such tenderness in his eyes that all her worries fled her. She stepped closer to him, and with her hands splayed on his chest, she pushed him back onto the bed, climbing on top of him. 

She started kissing him again, and he grabbed her butt, feeling the soft flesh in his hands. Cynara could feel the blood in her groin start pumping with him touching her thus, and it quickened when he let his fingers travel down her butt crack, to her pussy, stroking it from behind. 

She moaned and rolled over onto her back, tugging at his shoulders, wanting to feel his strong body surround her. He complied and rolled over her, bracing his weight on his arms, his legs resting between hers. 

"Here we go," he said softly. 

Cynara nodded and he thrust into her, breaking her virginity and filling her completely. Cynara cried out at the pain, digging her nails into his back.

"Cynara, Cynara," he said worriedly, stroking her hair, "My little fool, why didn't you tell me this was your first time?"

"Why should it matter?" she said defiantly looking up at him with a single tear streaming down her face.

"I could have gone slower, been more gentle."

"It barely even hurt," she answered, though her words were contradicted by the tearstain on her cheek, "Keep going."

"You're sure your okay?" he asked staring into her eyes, looking for any sign of lingering pain on her face.

"Charlie, if you stop now I'll be forced to murder you!" she said frustrated, the pain, having left her, was once again replace by an unbearable need. 

"Okay, okay," he said, simultaneously moving his hips.

Cynara gripped his shoulders as he thrust above her, squeezing her eyes shut, she waited for release from the tension inside her. Her mind was screaming and she vaguely heard Charlie moaning above her, but she was too concentrated on her own feelings. 

When she felt Charlie release his seed into her, her own pleasure took over. She tossed her head back at the overwhelming bliss.

Charlie rolled onto his back, and Cynara rolled on top of him, lying limply like a little rag doll with her cheek resting on his chest, which was still breathing hard from his recent release. 

Charlie lifted his hand to stroke the head that was lying on top of him, running his fingers over her soft hair. 

"Cynara," he said after a long while, breaking the peaceful silence with his serious tone, "I hope you know you can trust me, and I will of course do the honorable thing. I don't care about your past, and when you come to remember it, we can deal with it together. When we're married, it..."

His words were cut off by Cynara's sudden revival, abruptly, she sat up and looked him in the eyes. "Married?!"

For his part, Charlie looked at her like he was surprised at her surprise. "Of course, what did you think would happen after this? I'm not so callous as to take your virginity and then abandon you," Charlie said, thinking silently that that sounded more like something his brother would do, but not him.

Cynara pulled further away from him, tugging the covers of the bed around her naked body. She knew that Charlie was only trying to do what he thought what was right for her, but she couldn't help but being hurt at the way he made it sound like some sort of duty.

"Don't think you have to marry me just because you fucked me. I don't need you or any man," she said, her bitter tone really just hiding her hurt. 

"Cynara!" Charlie looked at her wide-eyed, whether because she was refusing him or whether because of her vulgar language, she didn't know. "Come here," he beckoned, opening his arms for her, missing the feel of her body next to his, and Cynara wanted to crawl back into his arms just as much as he wanted her to, but she stubbornly refused.

"I'm sorry," Charlie said desperately, "I don't know what I did to upset you. I thought you would appreciate the offer, most girls would."

"Well, I'm not most girls."

"That's for sure," Charlie said pondering the strange girl in his bed, "In fact you're just the opposite, you gladly fall into my bed for a romp, but scoff when I propose marriage."

"I'm not some sort of whore it that's what you're implying," she said getting angrier every time he opened his mouth.

"I think the blood stain on my sheet proves that."

Cynara had had enough at that. She rolled out of bed, gathering her clothes she struggled to pull them over her head. 

Charlie was out of bed and beside her just as she was slipping her shift over her head, grabbing her to prevent her from further getting dressed.

"Let me go!" she shouted struggling to be free of his grasp. 

"No. Not until you tell me why you're so upset," he said pushing her back down onto the bed, keeping her there with the weight of his body, while being careful not to squish her too much.

"Charlie, let me go, damn it!" she continued to struggle, but it was no use, her arms were pinned to her side, and she helpless beneath him. 

"I'll let you go as soon as you tell me why you're in such a tizzy," he said, not giving in an inch.

Cynara sighed deeply, glaring up at him. 

When it became apparent that she wasn't going to say anything, Charlie did. "I don't know why you're all upset, if you don't want to marry me, all you have to do is say so," he said sadly, "I'm not going to force you or anything."

"Charlie," Cynara said, trying to free her arms again, but for a different reason now. The look he was giving her made her desperately want to hug it away. He wouldn't let her arms go, though. 

"I didn't think that you were going to force me to marry you. I just didn't want you to feel like you were being forced to marry me."

"I didn't feel like that," he said, "I didn't mean to make you think that. I guess I'm just not very good at expressing my feelings." He finally loosened his grip, giving her the freedom to move her arms. 

Cynara wrapped her arms around his neck. "Let's just forget it Charlie. It's too soon to think about marriage anyway."

"Whatever you want," he said wrapping his arms around her waist. 

He was surprised, however, when she started to pull away again.

"What is it now?" he asked exasperatedly.

"I'm wearing too many clothes," she said, pulling the shift over her head, before going back into his arms. 

"Much better," she said once they were both naked again and lying in bed. 

"You are much too tempting," Charlie told her, kissing her shoulder.

"You don't have to resist me, you know."

"Mmm," Charlie said, kissing her breast just above her nipple. 

He let his mouth roam lower and soon had her rosy pink bud placed between his lips. He suckled on it, making the blood flow in Cynara's loins.

"Don't stop," Cynara's voice was breathless when he pulled is mouth away.

"I just want to make sure your breasts get equal attention," he told her, teasingly, moving his mouth to her other nipple, licking and suckling that one too. 

"Charlie," Cynara moaned as she spread her legs, opening herself to him completely. 

Charlie moved his hand down between her spread legs. "You're not to sore?" he asked worriedly, lifting his head to look her in the eyes as gently cupped her pussy, but careful not to invade her tender flesh. 

"No, I'm fine," Cynara insisted, pressing on his hand and moving it with her own. Charlie chuckled at her eagerness, following her lead and stroking her intimate folds. 

Cynara marveled at how tender his giant rough, hand could be, and how much better it felt down there than her own ever did. 

Soon he was on top of her again, gently sliding into her. Cynara gasped as his dick probed her again after so soon losing her virginity. She hated to admit is, but she was still a little sore. 

Charlie caught her grimace of pain, however how slight, and instantly pulled out again. "You are sore, you little liar."

"No, no, keep going," she begged, like a junkie wanting another fix.

"You want to now, but your going to be twice as sore in the morning," Charlie said, no matter how much he wanted to, he was determined not to hurt her, even if she was begging for it. 

"Charlie," she groaned at not getting her own way. He smiled and took pity on her, sliding down her body and pressing his lips to her throbbing flesh.

Cynara moaned at the wonderful new sensation, bucking her hips when she felt his tongue probed deep inside her. She felt him take her clit in between his teeth, gently grinding it and lapping it with his tongue. 

Cynara was surprised at how fast she came, gasping and squirming as he gently licked her until she was finally calm again. 

"Happy now," Charlie asked, kissing her gently on the mouth, she could taste her own juices on his tongue.

"Ecstatic," she stretched luxuriously, "But what about you?" she asked looking down at his hard cock.

"I'll be fine, just go ahead and close your eyes," he gently kissed her cheek, expecting her to go to sleep.

Cynara felt guilty, however, she couldn't just take her pleasure and leave him without his.

Pushing him on his back, she went down his body much the same way he had done to her.

"You don't have to do this, Cynara," but even as he was saying it, she was taking his throbbing member into her mouth.

Cynara played upon every dirty magazine she had ever read, first sucking just the tip of him, then licking his entire cock from base to head. She reached her hand to play with his balls as she danced little circles with her tongue around the top of his cock. She soon wrapped her mouth around the whole thing, taking more in. 

"Oh," Charlie moaned as her hot, wet orifice surrounded him. He liked the way she was teasing him, so much so that he could already feel his release coming.

Cynara felt his seed squirt into her mouth, and quickly started swallowing it. She was surprised that it didn't taste bad like she would have thought it would. 

She laid her head on his thigh when she was done drinking his cum, staring at his now limp cock. 

Charlie grabbed her under her arms and pulled her up to him. She snuggled into the crook of his arm, and he kissed her forehead as she wrapped her arm around his muscled stomach.

She fell asleep almost instantly, but Charlie stayed awake for a lot longer, wondering about who this girl really was. 

She was a virgin, he knew that, but she didn't seem surprised at all about what goes on between a man and a woman. In fact, she seemed like she knew rather a lot, he thought, remembering how expertly she had made him cum just moments before.

He wondered about the little enigma lying in his arms, thinking that her past had never seemed more mysterious than it did right now. What was she hiding?



***

"Well, well, well."

Charlie woke groggily, looking up to see Sanford standing above his bed, and wondered why his brother was just staring at him. He remembered everything when he felt he warm body snuggled against him in sleep, and he quickly checked to make she the blankets were securely covering her. 

"Get out of here," he whispered angrily, not wanting to wake Cynara and distress her by his brother's presence.

"I'm sorry, but this is just so unlike you Charlie," Sanford said, grinning, playfully enjoying the distress he was causing his brother. 

"I swear I'm going to kick your ass, Sanford, now get the hell out of my room," Charlie demanded. Though his voice was quiet, Sanford could see the threat burning in his eyes, and decided it would be best if he made a quick exit.

"Alright, alright," he said making his way toward the door, but it wasn't soon enough.

"What's going on in here," Ashton asked, walking into the room.

"Uhh, we should go," Sanford tried to huddle Ashton out of the room, sympathetic of Charles's plight, which he himself had experienced before. 

But it was too late, "What the hell is this!" Ashton shouted when he saw Cynara snuggled up in Charles's arms. 

His shout woke Cynara up, who squeaked and huddled behind Charles when she saw his brothers in the room.

"You two get out of here now!" Charlie yelled, no longer restraining himself for Cynara's sake. Unfortunately, instead of having the desired affect, it only drew another brother into the room.

"What's all the yelling about?" Finley demanded strolling arrogantly into the room.

Then, "Charles, you bastard," when he saw Cynara huddled behind his brother's back. 

"Will you all get out of my room?" Charles demanded, exasperatedly. He could feel Cynara shaking with tears behind him, and thought how he was going to kill his brothers. 



Timeless Love Ch. 05



"Damn it Charles," Finley yelled angrily, having taken on the role of protective older brother to Cynara, "What the hell were you thinking?"

"What the hell are you thinking, can't you see you're upsetting her?" Charles demanded fiercely. 

"Don't act like you're not to blame for this. The girl has been with us for less than a week and you've already seduced her into your bed!" Finley shouted.

"I think you should mind your own damn business!" Charles shouted back.

Cynara could no longer keep her laughter in control, letting it bubble up and out of her. The brothers stopped arguing, and Charles twisted around to look at her in surprise. 

"Cynara, dear," he said, a mixture of worry and astonishment in his voice. 

Cynara tried to calm herself. "I'm sorry," she told him, laying her chin on his shoulder and kissing his cheek. 

Then she addressed his brothers, "This must come as a shock to you guys. But don't worry about me if that's what you're doing, I'm a big girl and can take care of myself."

"Well, I," Finley said flustered, shaking his head, but slowly backing out of the room. 

Ashton grinned at her, "What a wonderful girl you are Cynara," and with that he left. Sanford gave a smile and a bow and left as well. 

Freed of their company, Cynara crawled out from behind Charles's back to sit in his lap and wrap her arms around his neck. 

"Charlie, do you're brothers always do that?" Cynara asked him with a smile.

Charles was too distracted to hear her question, however. "I just can't believe that you're not upset by all this. But if you're not, you're not, which is a good thing, I guess. I just wonder why," he was saying more to himself than to her. 

Then he looked at her intently in the eyes, "If only you had your memory," his voice was wistful, contradictory to his hard gaze. "Cynara, you can trust me. I hope you know that." 

Oh God, he knew, she thought, but would that really be so terrible? But if she told him she could remember, how would she explain where she came from. 

"If only I could remember," she said with a shrug. 

Charles looked disappointed, but didn't press the subject. Instead saying, "Let's get dressed, we've slept far too long already."

Cynara nodded and rolled out of bed, feeling uneasy about Charles's comments. He obviously wasn't stupid, and she couldn't lie to him forever, eventually he would demand the truth. 

She slipped her shift over her head then gathered up the pile of her clothes, running out the door and the short distance to her own room. Charles watched her go.

"Jasmine!" Cynara said in surprise when she saw the little dark-haired girl, who was tidying up her room.

"Sorry miss," she blushed and made for the door, "Excuse me."

"Wait," Cynara asked, and the girl stopped. 

Though Jasmine was only slightly shorter than her, Cynara felt like she was towering over the other girl. Jasmine looked like a little mouse with her eyes lowered to the ground, and her unruly hair tumbled in her face. 

"You can help me dress, yeah?" Cynara asked her, and Jasmine nodded without looking up.

"I suppose you heard this morning," Cynara asked her.

Jasmine forced herself to look up, "Yes, miss, forgive me."

"Oh, not at all!" Cynara said surprised, "You didn't do anything wrong." She sighed and sat down on the bed, desperate for someone to talk to.

"I know it's really a no-no around here to have sex before marriage, but it sort of just happened."

"Miss, forgive me, but where is it accepted?" Jasmine asked.

Cynara simply shrugged. "Oh, I don't know what to do. I mean, I like Charlie, but we're just so different. We're from different worlds, oh, it could never work," she said throwing herself facedown on the bed. 

Jasmine stood nervously, shifting from one foot to the other. 

"I mean, Jasmine," Cynara said rolling over onto her back and sitting up on her elbows to look at the other girl, "Have you ever had feelings for someone, but knew that the relationship could never work, so you forced yourself to stop having feelings for that person?"

Jasmine looked at her in surprise, but then simply nodded, and Cynara could tell it was the truth because of the sad look that came into her eye. 

"And did it work? Could you force yourself to stop having feelings for them?" she asked. 

She slowly shook her head. Tears welled up in Jasmine's eyes, but she quickly blinked them away.

Cynara felt bad she had brought up and obviously sensitive subject for the girl, "Oh come here," said patting the seat next to her. She flung her arm around Jasmine's shoulders. "Who needs boys anyway?" she asked, giving the other girl a squeeze. 

Jasmine gave her a weary smile, and Cynara knew that neither of them was convinced. They needed boys!

As Jasmine helped her dress, Cynara resolved to just enjoy the time she had with Charles and not think about the future. No matter what, she was gong to have fun with him, and even if it would eventually have to come to a close, at least she would have his memory. 

***

Charlie stalked up to his brothers who were sitting in the breakfast room, Finley looking especially pensive. 

"Charles," Ashton said, calling attention to his brother's entrance. All three heads turned to him. 

"Do you want to tell me what is going on between you and Cynara?" Finley asked, though there was no longer any angry suspicion in his voice. 

"What were you doing in my room this morning anyway?" Charlie asked, turning his head toward Sanford. 

"Don't evade the question," Finley said evenly. 

But Sanford spoke up, "I thought you might have taken ill, it isn't like you to sleep through a duel, but now I know why, of course."

Charles groaned, sinking down into a chair, "I can't believe I forgot."

Finley grinned, "Sanford is right, this will be the first duel you've missed, I believe, since...ever."

Ashton slapped his brother on the back, "She sure has a way of getting what she wants, she didn't want you to fight in that duel, and by God, you didn't."

"She is very strong-willed," Charles agreed.

"I think she is good for you," Sanford stated firmly, "She's turning you into a lover instead of a fighter. I think you'll find it to be a much more peaceful lifestyle."

"But Charles," Finely said seriously, "I have to ask...did you ruin the girl?"

Charles knew what he was asking; he wanted to know if Cynara was a virgin. Charles found himself between a rock and a hard place, if he said she wasn't, he would be lying and unfairly ruining Cynara's reputation in his brothers' eyes. If he said yes, Finley would demand that he marry her, and Cynara had already said she didn't want that.

Charles in the end knew that he had to go with the truth, "She was a virgin before I took her in my bed."

"Then you must marry the girl," Finley said, "It is only fair to her."

"Finley," Charles beseeched him, "Don't think I haven't asked, but Cynara is nervous, there has to be something in her past that's haunting her, and I don't think she can move on until that's resolved. Just give her time, she'll come around eventually. I'm sure everything will work out, but until then..."

"What's going on?" Cynara asked as she bounced into the room.

"Nothing, just talking about you," Charles looked up at the radiant girl that had just entered. She looked happier this morning than any other, and Charles felt a bit of egotistical pride that it was due to his lovemaking last night.

"What a coincidence, I was just talking about you a few minutes ago," Cynara said, sitting down right on Charlie's lap.

"And what were you saying?" he asked indulgently smiling at her.

"I'll never tell," she solemnly swore, turning to look at the other three's astonished faces, no doubt at her lack of modesty in sitting on Charles's knee in their company.

"Oh, don't look at me like that," she told them exasperatedly, "This is nothing new, after what you saw this morning."

Charles smiled, he was going to have his hands full with this one. 

Just then a butler walked in with a silver tray with a letter resting atop it. For his part, the butler didn't even bat an eye at seeing Cynara perched upon Charles's lap. Very professional, Cynara thought.

"A letter for Miss Cynara Waldorf," he said holding out the tray to her.

"For me?" Cynara said excitedly taking the letter and ripping it open as the butler made his exit.

"Who could possibly have sent you a letter?" Ashton mused.

"It's from my new friend Jane Withurby!" she announced excitedly.

Finley had blanched as soon as she had said the name.

"A new friend?" Ashton asked, "What a little whirlwind you are."

"I've been invited over for dinner."

"I hope you don't think you're going," Finley said with a calm suspicion. He hadn't forgotten her asking about the "petite blonde," at the ball last night. 

"Of course I'm going to go," Cynara said grinning over at him.

"Why shouldn't she?" Charles said innocently, also grinning at his brother.

All the brothers knew that Finley had an affection for Jane Withurby, but Finley refused to believe that they knew, and continually tried to pretend that he didn't.

"Finley, is there some reason that you wouldn't want Cynara to go over to Jane Withurby's house?" Ashton said, teasing his brother.

"Yes Finely, is there something specific about Jane Withurby that you think unsuitable for Cynara to spend time with her?" Sanford said, picking up the game. 

"No, Cynara can go if she damn well pleases," Finley said standing up and walking out of the room. 

"You guys shouldn't tease him," Cynara said, but not very determinedly

"Come on," Charles said standing up, making Cynara slide off his lap, "Let's take a walk before you have to leave."

He led her out of the room with his hands on her shoulders, and as soon as they were in the empty hall, he pulled her into his arms and started kissing her. 

"Mmm, this is a nice walk," she breathed against his lips.

Charlie chuckled and kept kissing her, his big hands encompassing her tiny waist. 

"Come on," Cynara said pulling away and grabbing his hand, "I still haven't seen all of your house," she tugged him along behind her, out the front door, with his hand firmly clasped in her tiny one. 

"Show me your horses," Cynara suggested, eagerly pulling him toward the barn. 

"Okay, okay," he said, picking up his own pace to match her rapid steps. 

"These are the stables," he announced as he led her into them. 

Cynara thought that they alone were bigger than her house at home. 

"Can I help you, sir," a sun-worn man in his forties asked Charles.

"No, just looking," Charles told him, and the man discreetly disappeared, leaving Charles to show Cynara around the stables without interruption.

"Oh, I like him," Cynara said walking up to a white horse with black spots all over it.

"That's a mare, an Appaloosa"

"His name's Appaloosa?"

"No, her name's Eurydice."

"Hello Eurydice," she said petting her nose. 

"And who's this?" Cynara asked walking over to an all black horse.

"Arabian Night."

"Aww, this one's so fat," she said noticing the chestnut horse in the next stall.

"That's because Almonds is pregnant," he told her, "She's due in another week."

"Almonds," she called, holding out her hand to the horse, but it just ignored her.

"Here, let me get you something to feed her," he said walking away and coming back a second later with a handful of sugar cubes.

Cynara took one and held it out to the pregnant horse, who trotted over and happily licked it out of her hand.

"Ew," Cynara said playfully, "Horse slobber," and she rubbed her hand on Charles's sleeve. 

He just smiled good-naturedly and watched her as she happily strolled to different horses, feeding each of them until she ran our to sugar cubes. 

"Do you like horses then?" he asked, curious to know something about her.

Cynara shrugged.

"I can take you out riding sometime," he told. 

"I'd love to, but I'm not doing any of that sidesaddle crap. I want to ride it normal."

"My dear, it's only normal for a lady to ride sidesaddle."

"Well, I'm not doing it," she said standing on tiptoe and pressing a kiss to his lips. 

"Well you certainly can't ride astride." 

"I can, and I will," she kissed him again.

"What am I going to do with you?" he pulled her tight against his body.

"Kiss me." 

And he did. 



Timeless Love Ch. 06



Cynara hopped out of the buggy before the driver could help her down, landing gently on her feet, her skirts billowing around her. The house she stood in front of was beautiful, and almost equal to size as Margrave Manor. 

Walking inside, she was greeted by Jane. 

"Miss Waldorf, I'm so glad you could come," the girl said, looking like she wanted to say more but was holding her tongue. 

"Please, call me Cynara, and it's really my pleasure. I've been cooped up with boys all week, and I'm really just glad to get out of the house." 

"Well, I'm glad you're here, Cynara, and you of course must call me Jane." 

"Of course."

"Please do come in," Jane said eagerly ushering her into the sitting room, "Can I offer you some tea?" 

"Oh no, I'm fine. Is your mother here?" Cynara asked as casually as possible, trying to hide the hope that she wasn't. Cynara couldn't get Jane's true feelings out of her with the old bag hanging around. 

"No, she's visiting some friends and will be gone for the rest of the week. That is why I might seem so eager for some company," Jane said smiling. 

Cynara wondered if Jane had any other friends to invite over, but didn't want to hurt the girl's feelings in case she didn't, so Cynara kept her mouth shut. 

"What a great place you have here," Cynara said to keep the conversation flowing. 

"Yes, thank you."

Jane seemed a little nervous, and Cynara was done with the polite tactics. 

"Okay Jane," she said, moving to sit next to the girl on the couch. Tucking her leg up and under her so she could face her easily, "What's the real reason you invited me over?" 

Jane seemed surprised by the question, "Just for some company."

"Really?" Cynara asked incredulously, not sure what she expected Jane to have confessed. 

"Well, the truth is, I just came out this season, a bit late for my taste, but mother insisted I wait. I had to perfect my piano playing, writing and drawing, French, Latin and Italian, sewing, everything a proper young lady should have in her repertoire," she shrugged ruefully, "I've gotten a lot of attention from men, but you're the first woman who's spoken to me." 

Cynara stared at the other girl surprised, "You have to do all that?" 

"Well, don't you?" Jane asked.

Cynara shuddered at the idea. 

"God no," Cynara told her, turning to sit face forward on the couch. 

"Well, shall we go eat then?" Jane asked.

"Yeah, sure," Cynara said standing up and waiting for the other girl to lead the way. 

Cynara took a seat opposite the girl at the little table, the food already having been put into place. She helped herself. 

"Hey Jane, so what's the deal with you and Randall Trahern?" she said suddenly, deciding to get right to the point. 

Jane looked at her in surprise, and blushed, "Mr. Trahern is a very nice young man." 

"I'm sure he is, but do you like him?"

"Of course I like him."

"Okay, but do you really like him? Does he make your heart skip a beat, your pulse flutter? Is he all you think about when he's away, what he's doing, is he thinking of you?" 

"No," Jane said looking down, "I've never felt like that."

"So you two are just friends?" Cynara asked.

"He has made suggestions that he might be on the cusp of proposing," she demurely looked down. 

"But if he did, you wouldn't say yes would you?" Cynara asked worriedly. 

"He is a perfectly respectable man, and I would have no reason not to," Jane said a little defensively, but in her constant gentle way. 

"But you don't love him!"

"I know Cynara, but my mother, she wants me to get married. It's only proper." Jane said desperately. 

"Screw being proper," Cynara gestured wildly with her arms. 

Jane's expression was affronted, but at the same time impressed, "I wish I had your mindset, Cynara, to just throw caution to the wind. I however can not ignore my responsibilities." 

Cynara bit her lip in thought, how could she convince this girl? "Well, if you have to accept his proposal of marriage, if he offers it, just don't let him offer it," Cynara said leaning forward conspiringly. 

"How would I do that?" Jane was intrigued. 

"I don't know, turn him off. Be rude and obnoxious," Cynara suggested. 

Jane let out a little giggle, "You are quite unlike anyone I've ever met," she said smiling, "I hope you will consider me a friend." 

"But of course, Cherie," Cynara said in a French accent for no particular reason, making Jane laugh again, and shake her head. 

***

Cynara sat on Charles's lap, facing him with her legs wrapped around his back. They were alone in the library, the other brothers having gone out. Charles had stayed to wait for her, and she found him reading in the library. 

"So how was everything at Miss Withurby's house?" he asked, his hands on her back urging her in closer. 

"The good new first or the bad news?" Cynara asked running her hands through his hair. 

"The good news."

"Well, the good news is that Jane is not in love with Randall Trahern, the bad news is that she might end up marrying him anyway." 

"That is not all that unusual, you know, many marriages are not based on love." 

"Charlie," Cynara groaned, wrapping her hands around his neck and shaking his head in a mock chocking motion, "Where is your positive thinking? If you send out these negative ideas into the universe, you will only be making my work harder." 

"Sorry," Charlie said contritely, but with a hint of a smile.

"Good. Now, I told her to be as obnoxious as possible around Trahern, to put him off," she explained, "But I don't think that she can be trusted in this area, so we are definitely going to need a back up plan." 

"Definitely," Charles said indulgently. "Did you tell her anything about Fin?" 

"No. Really Charlie, I'm more discreet than that."

He snorted. 

"I have also invited her over here tomorrow, to give her some time with Fin...Charlie are you even listening to me?" she asked when she saw that he was staring down the neckline of her dress. 

"Of course I'm listening to you," he said, but while leaning forward to press a kiss to the bare skin above her neckline. 

"Charlie, you are not!" she said indignantly getting off his lap and storming toward the door, only to be grabbed around the wrist. 

"Let me go," she said haughtily, "I'm going to go find some one to talk to that has productive ideas." 

"Oh, I have productive ideas, but they don't include talking," he said holding her firmly against the door so he could kiss the soft skin he had been so interested in before. 

Cynara moaned, and he released her arms to push down her dress, exposing her breasts. She wrapped her arms around him and pushed her breasts against his chest, kissing his mouth. 

"Wait," he said pulling back, "Let's go upstairs," he said, trying to adjust her clothes, 

"No!" Cynara spoke sharply, pushing his hands away, "Make love to me now," she said kissing him again. 

Charlie showed his consent by pushing her up against the wall and rutting beneath her skirts, feeling the soft skin between her thighs. 

Cynara unbuckled his pants for him and pushed them down just far enough for his hard cock to spring free. Charlie then lifted her legs up, and she wrapped them around him. Their breathing was so hard that it could be heard outside the door if anyone would have been there to listen. 

Cynara quickly pushed her skirts out of the way, and he was soon inside her. She tightly squeezed his neck as he thrust into her, biting at the top of his ear. His hands were firmly braced on her bare butt underneath her dress, squeezing the fleshy globes in time with his thrusts. 

Cynara's tender breasts were rubbing against the rough material of his shirt, but she didn't care as the pleasure built between her legs. She screamed when she came, feeling his juices squirt up inside her. 

Resting her head against his shoulder, she breathed a soft and contended sigh onto his neck. He continued to hold her for a while, eventually setting her to the ground. 

Her skirts fell back into place around her, and he kissed her forehead, adjusting her breasts back into her dress. 

"Are you ready to go upstairs now, wench?" he whispered tenderly into her ear, kissing her softly on the cheek. 

Cynara nodded and he lifted her into his arms like a baby, carrying her out of the library and up the stairs. 

Cynara wondered at her own feelings as she snuggled into Charlie's arms. She had never wanted to wait until marriage to have sex, but she had wanted to wait until she found the right guy. Was Charlie the right guy? She had certainly never felt the way she felt about him before. 

Christ, she had fallen into bed with him practically right after meeting him, and she had never even had the slightest inclination to do that with any other man, except maybe Brad Pitt, and he was too old for her anyway. Although, now that she had discovered time travel. 

Cynara giggled at her own thoughts, and Charles looked down at her curiously.

"What's on your mind?" he asked curiously.

"Nothing," she said, lifting her arm to stroke his cheek. He was just as handsome as Brad Pitt, she thought. 

"So you invited Miss Withurby over here tomorrow?"

"Yes," Cynara said, pleased that he had been listening to her, even in his lecherous state, "And we have to come up with some sort of plan to get her and Finley alone together." 

"And I'm sure you have some sneaky plan brewing in that little mind of yours?"

"I have some ideas," Cynara said smiling smugly.

"And do any of them include me throwing you on the bed and making passionate love to you for hours on end until you beg for mercy?" he said matter-of-factly, opening the door. 

"No."

"Then you can tell me later," he said gravely, tossing her onto the bed so suddenly that she shrieked with delight.



Timeless Love Ch. 07



"Ashton! Sanford!" Cynara said surprised, "What are you two doing here?"

"We live here, little one, or have you forgotten?" Ashton answered, giving her a pat on the head. 

"No, I just thought you would be out hunting or something," Cynara said, shrugging her shoulders in an effort at nonchalance. 

"What's going on?" Sanford asked, seeing right through her. 

"Nothing," Cynara said in dramatic outrage, "Why would something be going on? Why would you ask that?"

Sanford and Ashton shared a doubtful look. "Cynara, we can tell you're hiding something," Ashton said placing his hands on her shoulders and leaning over so he could stare her directly in the eyes and say menacingly, "Tell me what it is." 

Cynara stood up straighter, narrowing her eyes, "You'll never get it out of me," she said, taking up his little game. 

"I have ways of making you talk," Ashton declared, but Cynara simply crossed her arms in defiance. 

"Do your worst." 

Ashton grabbed her around the waist and started tickling her mercilessly. Cynara let out shouts of screaming laughter. She wiggled in an attempt to get away from him, but Ashton was ruthless. 

"Help," she looked over to Sanford, but he simply grinned and leaned back against the wall, no help at all. 

"Are you going to talk?" Ashton asked. 

Cynara was laughing too hard to answer, her belly feeling raw, "Never," she wheezed out, instead kicking at his legs with her slippered feet. 

"What's going on here?" Charles's booming voice could be heard when he walked into the room. 

Ashton immediately let Cynara go, and turned to face his brother. 

"She's hiding something," Ashton explained. 

Charles walked over to Cynara and wrapped an arm around her "I know," he said mysteriously. 

"Traitor," Ashton accused disbelievingly, "My own brother."

"We need to get rid of them," Cynara said looking up at Charles, "They know too much already." 

"What do you suggest, a quick death?" Charles asked, not a flicker of a grin ruining his serious face. 

"Does this have something to do with your visit to Jane's house yesterday?" Sanford asked calmly from his spot in the corner. 

Cynara looked over at him surprised, "How did you know?"

Ashton's head quickly whipped around to face Cynara, "Is Miss Withurby coming over here?"

Cynara shrugged, "You caught me. But you need to leave the house because we need to get Finley and Jane alone together."

Ashton lifted his eyebrows, "I don't think Finley is going to like this. He will figure out you set the whole thing up, you know." 

"Yes, but once he and Jane are happily together, he can do nothing but thank me," Cynara smiled smugly. 

"It won't work," Sanford said walking forward a bit, "Finley is hopeless with women, there's no way Jane is going to fall for him."

"That's not true," Cynara said affronted, "I sure Jane will be able to see through Finley's shyness." 

"Don't forget," Ashton added to Sanford, "You did also use to say that Charles was hopeless with women, too, and he was able to seduce Cynara in less than a week."

"Hey," Cynara said, and Charles glared warningly at both his brothers.

"No, I said that Charles wasn't interested in women. Being hopeless and being uninterested are two very different things."

Cynara couldn't help but feel delighted that Charles hadn't been interested in other women. What did that mean? She quickly pushed the thought out of her head, though, and concentrated on someone else's love life. "Well, I'm sure Finley will be fine if you two just leave the house and give him a chance," Cynara said sternly, shoving them toward the door. 

Sanford sighed heavily, and Ashton mumbled something about being kicked out of his own home, but both men allowed themselves to be ushered out the door. 

"When will she be over?" Charles asked, wrapping his arms around Cynara as soon as she walked back. 

"In about half and hour," Cynara encircled his waist with her arms, "Where's Finley?"

"In his study," Charles answered, nuzzling her ear and kissing her neck. 

"Do you think we should tell him now? At least give him some forewarning?" 

"Mmm," Charles murmured, gently biting her neck, pulling her toward the small game room. 

"Charlie, we don't have enough time for that," she said shoving out of his hands, "Besides, aren't you tired after last night?"

"I'm only twenty two, Cynara, not some old man who can't please his lady two days in a row."

Cynara grinned, "I just don't know if I believe you," she said backing up. 

"Then let me prove it to you," Charles lunged for her, and Cynara gave a little shout and ran down the hall. Charles chased after her, following her around a statue and back the way they had come. 

It didn't take him long to snatch her up into his arms. Cynara giggled breathlessly and playfully kicked at him. Charles ignored her struggles and threw her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. Carrying her into the game room and slamming the door, with his foot, behind him. 

"I've caught you, now I shall claim by prize," he told her setting her on a table and pushing up her skirts. 

"What about Jane?" Cynara asked, but Charles had already unbuttoned his pants to release his erection. 

"I'll make it quick," he told her as he abruptly shoved his full length into her. Cynara gasped and grabbed his shoulders. 

He needed her bare thighs under her dress as he fucked her, hard, on the game table that Cynara, somewhere in the back of her mind, was afraid would collapse. 

***

"Your guest has arrived," the little butler announced as he entered the room. 

Finley looked up from his desk. What guest? He sat down his quill and left his papers where they were. Pushing out from his chair, he quickly walked right past the butler and toward the front door. 

He intended to get rid of whoever it was, because he wouldn't abide for unwanted visitors, especially when he was trying to get his work done. His steady pace came to an abrupt halt when he saw who was at the door. 

"Oh, hello," Jane smiled politely up at the tall man she recognized as the eldest Stanmore brother. 

Finley stared at her with shock, looking to the left and right, then back at Jane. She looked down nervously when all he did was stare at her, without saying anything. 

"I'm Jane Withurby—" 

"Yes, I know," Finley said suddenly, then looked pained for having done so. 

Jane stared at him for a moment, then went on, "Well, I'm here to see Miss Waldorf. She's invited me for lunch."

"Yes, yes of course," Finley said looking hastily about the room. "I shall go and find her then," he said walking hurriedly away. 

Jane watched him go, awkwardly wondering what she should do. But just then, a flushed Cynara and one of the other brothers walked into the room. 

"Jane!" Cynara said happily when she saw her, "How long have you been here?"

"Oh, hardly a minute. I met Lord Finley, I think, but he went off to find you," Jane rushed to explain. 

"Yes, that must have been Finely," Cynara nodded, exchanging a glance with Charles before introducing him to Jane, "This is Charlie. Charlie, Jane."

"How do you do Lord Stanmore," Jane said properly, despite Cynara's informal introduction. 

"Oh, you can call him Charlie, or Charles, it will get confusing if you call them all Lord Stanmore," Cynara told her friend, who looked hastily to Charles for his reaction. 

The man just smiled at her, and Jane was happy that she met such people that weren't so interested in the stuffy formalities of high society, although she wasn't too used to such casual manors yet. "Alright, Charles, and you, of course, may call me Jane." 

"Jane," he said with a nod, "I think I'll go off and find Finley, and I'll meet you in the dining room," he left the two girls. 

"So what do you think?" Cynara asked when Charles was out of ear shot.

"Oh, the house is very lovely. I can't wait to see more."

"Not of the house, silly," Cynara clarified her meaning "Of—" she couldn't say Finley, that would make it too obvious that she was trying to set them up, "My cousins."

"Oh," Jane blushed, "Charles is very handsome, is he not?"

Cynara fought to keep down the rage she felt at that comment, and remind herself that Jane didn't know the situation she had with Charles. 

"He's taken," Cynara informed the other girl, "Shall we go sit down?" 

Jane followed her into the dining room. "By who?" Jane asked curiously. 

Cynara looked at her with a sheepish shrug and a smile. 

"You?" Jane's eyebrows lifted. 

"Yep," Cynara took a seat at the table, and Jane sat down next to her. 

"How long? Are you engaged?"

Cynara sighed. Her affair with Charles wasn't something she had planned for the discussion table today. "No, we are just, well you know, dating. Anyway, what do you think of the silverware?" 

"You're dating?" Jane asked confused, and Cynara couldn't help but wish the subject had never come up. 

"Um," Cynara struggled for the word, "We're courting," she said proudly having found a way to explain it. 

Jane bit her lip to hold back a smile and looked into her lap.

"What?" Cynara asked when she saw the other girl's face. 

"Nothing," Jane shook her head. 

"What? Tell me," Cynara demanded. 

"Only..." Jane's expression was a mixture of humor and worry that she might offend Cynara, "You're courting him too?"

Cynara smiled, completely unfazed. "Of course," she explained, "Men wouldn't get anywhere if us women didn't constantly help them along."

This made Jane giggle, and Cynara couldn't resist giggling herself at the other girl's mirth. They were both laughing when the men walked back into the room. 

Cynara smiled up at Charlie as the sat down next to her, "What are you two laughing about?" he asked, gazing warmly at Cynara. 

"Nothing," both girls said in unison and grinned at each other. 

"Why do I think that I'm somehow the bunt of this joke?" Charlie asked with good humor, and Cynara smiled at his intuition. 

The servants brought in the food right away. Cynara, Jane, and Charlie joked and talked easily throughout the entire lunch. However, like a looming storm cloud, Finley's brooding presence couldn't be ignored. Cynara tried several time to bring him into the conversation, but he seamed more willing just to sullenly sit in silence. 

"Why don't we go for a walk in the gardens?" Cynara asked after they ate.

"Oh, yes," Jane said delightedly, "I would love to see your gardens."

"Then let's go," Cynara stood up, and the little party walked out the back door. 

They walked together for a time on the winding gravel paths, enjoying the bright sunshine and the fragrant flowers. Cynara tried to subtly tried to drag Charles ahead of the other two, but Jane was keeping right up with them. 

"Oh, Charles, come look at this with me," Cynara said waving her hand at nothing in particular a few yards in the distance. Looping her arm through his, she forcefully marched him away. 

"Subtle," Charles said dryly when she finally stopped. 

Cynara rolled her eyes at him. "Well, you weren't helping at all. Could you possibly have walked any slower?" 

"Cynara, I don't think any amount of time alone together will help Finley's cause at all. With the way he acted at dinner, Miss Withurby must think he abhors her. And just look at them," he said nodding in their direction, prompting Cynara to turn her gaze, "He's standing at least three feet away from her, and the poor girl can do nothing but look over here, begging us to go save her."

Cynara realized the truth to his words, but wouldn't give up so easily. 

"I think they just need to be completely alone together," she announced, and Charles just sighed and shook his head. 

"My stubborn little artichoke," he said fondly, "What are you planning to—" but before he could even get the phrase out, Cynara was shrieking, and on the ground. 

"What is it?" Charles felt fear flood his heart as he bent beside her and braced his hands on her shoulders, "My God, Cynara," he felt helpless with alarm at her sudden hysterics, and with no apparent cause, he didn't know what to do to help her. 

"What happened?" Finley's voice was breathless as he was suddenly beside them, a worried Jane close behind. 

Cynara had calmed down, and was gripping her ankle under her dress. 

"I don't know what happened, I just suddenly tripped over my own feet," she said looking up at the two with pain written on her face, "I think I twisted my ankle."

"Are you okay?" Jane said hovering nervously over Cynara. 

"Oh yes, I'll be fine. I'm sorry I gave you a scare," Cynara said bravely. "I just need to rest for a while. Charlie, could you please carry me to bed," she asked him sweetly. 

The little actress, Charles thought with a mixture of relief and anger. 

"Yes, of course," he said lifting her easily up into his arms. 

"Shall I fetch the doctor," Finley asked.

"No, no, I'm fine. Really. Stay and show Jane the rest of the gardens."

"I couldn't—" Jane started to protest, but Cynara stopped her. 

"Jane, don't let my silly injury stop you from looking around. You were so excited, and I'll just feel awful if you don't get to see every inch of the gardens," Cynara said smiling sweetly, then looked at Charles expectantly. 

Jane and Finley watched helplessly as the two walked away. 

"Never do that again," Charles said warningly as soon as they were out of earshot. 

"Do what?" Cynara asked innocently. 

"Scare me like that," his voice was grave, his gaze intense. Cynara squirmed at the sudden seriousness of the situation, and how nervous he was making her. 

"You could at least have given me a warning," he said, his voice lighter, more teasing. Cynara felt calmer to be back on familiar, lighthearted territory. 

"I didn't think I would be able to trust your acting abilities," she teased, kissing his cheek. 

She suddenly sobered, "I really hope it works out for them."

Charles turned his head to look fondly down at her. "Did Jane say anything about Fin while you two were alone together?" he suggested curiously. 

"No," Cynara replied sullenly, "All she said was she thought you were handsome," she said accusingly, like it was somehow his fault. 

"Me?" Charles said grinning. 

"Don't look so proud of yourself," Cynara demanded. Then a moment later when he was still strutting about, "Maybe I shouldn't have told you, you and your inflated ego." 

"Inflated ego?" Charlie demanded with mock outrage. 

"Yes," she said as he entered his room, laying her on his bed. 

"I think that you should be punished for that little remark," he poked her in the stomach. 

"You can't punish me," she giggled, "I'm an invalid, remember?"

"Oh, yes, let's see that ankle," he said pushing up her dress. He grabbed her foot and gently removed her shoe and sock, quietly inspecting her dainty ankle. 

"Yes, it indeed looks like a sprain," he announced, bending down and gently kissing her bone. 

"You would make a horrible doctor, Charlie, it was the other foot," she informed him earnestly. 

Charles threw back his head and laughed, "Oh it was, was it?" he said picking up her other foot and removing its shoe and sock. 

"Does this hurt?" he asked, swiveling her foot around in his big hand. 

"Terribly," Cynara nodded. 

"Then I fear it might be broken," he said staring into her eyes. Looking at his face, Cynara suddenly desperately wanted him to kiss her. She held her arms out to him, and when he came into them, she tugged down his face and smashed her lips against his.  

He seemed surprised at first, but quickly yielded under her kiss, matching her intensity. He pulled back, only to unbutton and remove her gown, tossing it aside before taking off the rest of her clothes. 

"Charlie," Cynara moaned as he took her nipple into his mouth, gently suckling it between his lips. 

He returned his mouth to hers, and after a long kiss he pulled back slightly to tenderly look at her face. 

"You know, it's not wise for an invalid to have such a physical strain," he said, gently brushing her hair off her cheek.

"Charlie," Cynara groaned yanking his face back down, but he resisted. 

"I don't know Cynara, so soon after such an injury?"

"Charlie, I'm healed. Really, it's a miracle," she once again tried to tug his head down for another kiss, wanting to end the little game and make love to him. 

"I don't think I believe you," Charlie wouldn't give up that easily. 

"But I am," she pouted. Charlie laughed, and rolled off of her. 

"Then get up and prove it." 

Cynara glared at him but hopped out of the bed and stood in front of him. "There," she said but was stopped when she would have gotten back onto the bed. 

"Why don't you walk to the other end of the room, just to be sure," he told her, and Cynara stomped to the opposite wall and back, holding her arms out as if to say "tah dah." 

"Very good, but just to be sure, why don't you try it again? A little more sway of the hip this time."

Cynara jumped back on the bed, attacking him. "You pervert. You just want to see me walk around naked," she accused. 

"And what are you going to do about it?" he asked, pinning her under him, her wrists trapped in his hands. 

"I won't kiss you anymore," she said loftily. 

"You wouldn't be able to last. You love kissing me too much," he rubbed her nose with his. 

"You conceited man, you'll come begging for my kisses before I even realize they've stopped," she teased. 

"We'll see about that," he said, punctuating his words by thrusting into her. 

Cynara squealed with surprise, she hadn't even realized that he had unbuttoned his pants. They stared at each other as they made love, only closing their eyes when ecstasy propelled them to. 

Afterwards, Cynara snuggled against his chest, his strong body enveloping her. She loved how safe she felt in his arms, she loved the way he joked with her, and she loved how he could bring her such amazing pleasure like she had never felt before. She loved him. 

Cynara hugged the big arm that was wrapped around her at the thought. She loved him, but enough to stay in this time forever? Was the choice even hers? 



Timeless Love Ch. 08



"Shall we?" Finley asked hesitantly after Cynara and Charles disappeared inside. 

"Yes, of course," Jane agreed, and started a slow pace beside him. Charles, unmindful of her small stride, was soon a few quick paces ahead of her. Jane sped up her pace to match his. 

"The gardens are lovely. I'm glad Cynara forced me to stay and view them."

"Yes," Finley answered. Why couldn't he form simple sentences when he was in the presence of this girl? He felt like a schoolboy, and was completely aggravated by it. 

Finley took longer strides, moving even quicker than his usual stroll, forcing Jane to give up her attempt to keep up with him. She resigned herself to staring at his back as he walked along. He got farther and farther away until he suddenly seemed to realize that she was not trailing along beside him anymore. 

He turned, and when he saw her great distance, he sheepishly walked back to her. 

"What's taking you so long?" He didn't mean to say that. 

"I'm sorry. I didn't know you were in such a great hurry," Jane demurred. 

"It's no big deal," he voice came out harshly. Finley's neck twitched involuntarily, and he started walking again, deliberately slowing his pace. Only now, Jane had sped hers up. She was a few paces in front of him when she turned back. 

"We can walk a bit faster if you want," she told him, trying to please him. 

"I told you it's no big deal," he said, keeping his steps slow. He felt bad when he saw Jane hang her head like a scolded puppy. He didn't want to upset her, but he couldn't seem to control himself. 

Finley tried desperately to think of something to say to the lovely girl beside him. "Are you enjoying the garden?" he asked inanely. 

"Oh yes," Jane said smiling kindly at him, "Very much." 

Finley wondered at how she gave her smiles so easily, and what beautiful smiles they were. The two awkwardly circled the entire garden, barely a word being said between them. 

"It was very nice to meet you, Lord Stanmore," Jane said, as her footman helped her into her carriage. 

"And you, Miss Withurby," Finley's calm voice a complete opposite to what he was feeling inside. 

He walked back into the house as the carriage rolled away, the feeling of wanting to cry hitting him like a lightning bolt. Finley had never in his life cried, and he was certainly not going to start now. Especially not over something as stupid as love, he thought, then quickly corrected himself. He wasn't in love. 

***

Cynara hummed as she as she made her way down the stairs, getting louder and louder as she went, finally breaking out into full song: "There was something in the air that night, the stars were bright, Fernando. They were shining there for you and me, for liberty, Fernando. Though we never thought that—Charlie!"

Cynara broke of when she saw Charlie staring at her from the bottom of the stairs. "What are you singing, and who's Fernando?" He asked with a smile. 

"It's just a song. You scared me," she accused. 

"I'm simply warning you. I think Finley will be suspicious if he finds you singing and dancing on your supposedly sprained ankle." 

"I was bored of just lying in bed," she pouted, coming down the stairs to meet him. 

"I was just coming back up," he told her, "We should go before Finley finds you. I saw him earlier and he did not look happy." 

"Uh oh," Cynara said, "That means things did not go well." 

But before the two could sneak upstairs, Finley was there.

"Hi, Finley," Cynara said innocently. 

"What was the meaning of that today? Was it just some game you were playing? Do you want to humiliate me, rub it in my face?" Finley yelled at her furiously. 

"Hey now," Charles said stepping in front of her, "She was just trying to help."

"You, you are so enamored with her," he told his brother accusingly, "She has you wrapped around her little finger. We don't even know where she came from." 

"Cynara, who are you really?" Finley demanded as he shoved his brother out of the way. He looked her right in the eye, "We've let you stay here, have asked no explanations for your odd behavior. I've had enough, God damn it."

"Finley, calm down," Charles's voice was deep and threatening. 

Cynara looked nervously at Finley. This was a side of him she had never seen before. Since she first got here he had acted like a big brother to her, a little distant but always kind. He was actually scaring her now. 

"None of us believe you memory loss act, we've never believed it. I demand to know the truth now, Cynara!"

"I-" Cynara said, but found that she had nothing to say. 

"Why were you dressed so oddly when you first arrived here?" he demanded. "Why are you so eager to be my brother's mistress? You act like it is nothing to you—definitely not the behavior of a lady—anything but a lady."

Cynara couldn't understand why Finley was saying such cruel things to her. She quaked at this person that was not the Finley she knew and loved. 

"That's enough," Charles said, once again stepping in front of her, facing his older brother menacingly. 

"Charles, you would let some whore come between us?" Finley asked derisively. The words were barely out of his mouth, when Charles's fist landed squarely on his brother's jaw. 

Cynara gasped as the brothers growled and instantly started throwing punches at each other, the sound of bone hitting bone filling the room. She couldn't bear to see the brothers fighting, especially over her.

Cynara ran back up the stairs and into the safe haven of Charlie's room. She sat down on the bed, tears spilling from her eyes. She didn't want them to fight, and she wished she could tell them where she was from, but they would simply think her crazy. 

She felt her head pounding, a headache coming on. She laid her weary frame back on the bed. She wasn't feeling well at all, and hoped that she wasn't getting too sick. She would be better after she rested for a bit, she was tired, so tired. 

All of a sudden she realized that she had felt this exact same way before. When she had first traveled through time and had met Charlie. Noo, she thought desperately, realizing what was happening to her. She tried to stay awake, but her eyelids felt weighted. 

She grabbed the bed sheets in her hand, but the material just fell out of her hand like sand. She was asleep. 

***

Cynara sat up in bed, still trying to fight to stay awake, but she almost instantly knew it was too late. She looked down at herself. Still wearing her dress, but the room was different. It was 2007. She was back to her own time. 

Cynara sat up. There was no one in the room, thank God, but she could hear voices outside. She quickly hopped off the bed, where she knew she was not supposed to be. Charlie, she thought as she looked back at it. 

The bed looked older now, more worn. In Charlie's time, it was new. Though she was still young, he had aged with this bed. The fact that Charlie was now long dead was a disturbing one, the fact that he had gotten older, lived his life. A life that she had not been apart of. 

"Cynara," she heard her name, sounding like it had come from far away. 

"Charlie," she said turning, but no one was there. 

She could hear a tour guide leading a group down the hall, they would soon be in the room. They would find her here, dressed inexplicably in eighteenth century garb, but Cynara didn't even care. 

"Now for the haunted room," the tour guide said loudly, right before opening the door. She stopped and stared at Cynara, surprised. 

One of the tourists snapped a picture. 

"Excuse me," Cynara said as she shoved past the group and down the stairs. There were people mulling around now, the entrance hall turned into a lobby and gift shop. She wanted to yell at them, kick them all out. This was her home. They had no right to be here, to take pictures. 

Cynara knew she was being irrational, of course. She had been one of those tourists just earlier that week. Some people were staring at her now, no doubt wondering if she was going to put on some sort of a show. 

Haunted. The word suddenly resonated in Cynara's brain. Why hadn't she thought of it before? She thought back to the tour she took before she even traveled through time. The lady said that the second eldest son's ghost haunted the room. 

But how had he died?

Cynara quickly rushed back up the stairs, and joined the tour group now in Charles's room. The woman was just explaining some of the weird occurrences that some of the employees had seen occur there. 

"How did he die?" Cynara asked from the back of the group. The tourists turned to look at her, surprised to see her again, but no one said anything about it. They all instead turned curiously to the tour guide. 

"He was wounded in a duel," she answered professionally, "He was brought back here, but died of his injuries that very night." 

Cynara felt her heart beat faster, "How old was he," she couldn't keep the emotion out of her voice, which prompted even more strange looks. 

"I believe he was twenty-two," the tour guide answered. 

The age he was when she knew him. Cynara could feel tears welling up in her eyes. 

"My dear, are you okay?" the tour guide asked, putting a reassuring hand on Cynara's arm. 

"Yes, yes. It's just so sad, you know?" Cynara said, and the lady nodded, although she no doubt found Cynara's behavior to be truly odd. "Do you know if he had a wife?" she asked on a whim. 

"No, he was unwedded when he died." 

Cynara nodded sadly. What if this meant she would never be able to go back? Or if she did, would Charles already be dead?

"There was a rumor that there was a mysterious young lady that stole his heart," she added conspiratorially, "But she just up and vanished one day—there is no historical proof that she ever existed, though," the tour guide shrugged. 

Cynara looked down at the hem of her dress. "What about Finley's diary?" she said suddenly looking up, remembering what her old tour guide had said. The woman seemed surprised, and the group of tourists became all the more invested in their conversation. 


"The thing was all but practically destroyed. By who, we don't know. Only a couple pages were salvaged." 

"And what about him—Finley? And the rest of the brothers? What happened to them?" Cynara asked eagerly. 

"None of them ever married, though the other three lived long lives. Their sister, Katherine, also died tragically young, though, like Charles."

"And that's all you know?" Cynara asked desperately. The mention of Katherine left Cynara feeling guilty, she had never even met the girl. Her brothers had never spoken of her. 

"Yes." 

Cynara looked hopelessly at the kind woman. What could she do? She had been extremely helpful so far, not least for the fact that she didn't question her about her dress or her apparent investment in this long dead family. 

Cynara gave a brave smile and said a thank-you before she turned to leave. She walked down and out of the building. Was it fate then? Was this was what was supposed to happen? Could she change anything?

Cynara had to beg for enough money for the bus fee, and the kindly tourists were more than happy to help the odd girl in the olden day dress. When she got back to her grandmother's house, the old woman seemed surprised to see her, having thought she had made the trip to Paris early. 

Cynara mumbled something, and numbly walked up to the guest room. She sat there on the bed, letting the day slip away. She didn't even think, didn't want to.

When night came, she couldn't keep her thoughts at bay any longer. She would never see Charlie again. He would die. She would never see him again. Never see him. 

Cynara curled up into a ball and cried, more tears than she even knew she had in her. 



Timeless Love Ch. 09



Charles sat hunched over on his bed, his head resting in his hands. He hadn't believed it at first, that she was gone. He had run upstairs when he and Finley were finally worn out from fighting, and he had realized that she was no longer in sight. 

He first went to his room, expecting to find her there, wanting to wrap her in his arms and tell her that his brother didn't mean the things he said. But when she wasn't there, he thought she might be sulking in her own room sulking. She wasn't there either. 

Instantly sensing that something was wrong, he ran through the halls opening doors and shouting for her. He went back to his own room, though he already knew she wasn't there, it was instinctual for him to look there when he wanted to find her. 

"Cynara," he shouted, but there was no answer. Running down the stairs he saw a dejected looking Finley sitting pensively in his study. 

Forgetting their recent fight, Charles implored his brother, "I can't find Cynara. Have you seen her?" 

Finley was instantly on his feet, forgetting every petty thing that had made him so angry before, the way people were wont to do in the event of an emergency. And the look on Charles's face warranted the belief that this was an emergency. Still, Finley tried to keep his brother calm. 

"Now there's no need to panic. Where could she have gone?" Finley said coming from behind his desk to stand before his brother assuredly. 

Charles shook his head hopelessly. Finley took charge of the situation and marched out of the room, spotting Jasmine walking by, heading to the servants' stairs. 

"Jasmine," he stopped her. 

"Yes sir?" she said, turning to look at Finley expectantly. 

"Have you seen Cynara?" 

The girl's eyebrows came together in confusion, "No sir, not since this morning. Why? Is she missing?"

"Yes, it looks that way. Notify the servants to look through the house and grounds. She probably is just off strolling somewhere, but just to be sure hmm?" 

"Yes, right away sir," Jasmine nodded before rushing off the way she was going. 

"See, if she's on the property the servants will find her in no time," Finley reassured his brother. 

"But what if she's not on the property?" Charles remained unconvinced, "I'm going to go check the stables to see if maybe she took a horse," he said then hurried off. 

All the horses had been there, and the servants' search had come up empty handed. Ashton and Sanford had worriedly helped look when they had come home and found the house in such a commotion. Charles had even ridden over to Jane's house, but she hadn't been there. 

Now Charles sat alone on his bed. Her sent was still in the room, but fading ever so slightly. She hadn't taken a horse, so she must have left on foot. But the servants would have found her if she had, for she couldn't have walked very far so quickly. 

She had left just as mysteriously as she had come, probably back to wherever she had come from. Was she even real?

"Charlie?" he heard a hesitant voice at the door. 

"Don't call me that," Charles ordered. No one had called him Charlie before Cynara had come, always Charles. 

Finley nodded understandingly, but Charles wasn't looking at him. 

Finley slowly walked into the room and sat down on the bed next to his brother, "She'll be back," he said, but there was no confidence in his voice. 

Charles didn't look up. He didn't know how long they sat there in silence before Finley spoke again. 

"I'm so sorry, Charles," his voice full of remorse. 

Charles finally looked up at his brother. "Don't say that."

"It's my fault she left. I scared her away," Finley said with self derision, "I should never have yelled at her like that." 

Charles was shaking his head before his brother even finished speaking, "No Finley. Cynara wouldn't have run away over something like that, so don't blame yourself. She left simply because she didn't want to be here anymore." His voice was too calm, like it was taking all his strength to keep it that way. 

He stood up then and walked out of the room, not looking back at his brother. Why had he taken it for granted that she was there to stay? It was so obvious now why she had refused to marry him, she knew that she was going to leave. But why? Why had she come? It didn't make any sense. Then again, nothing about her had made any sense. 

She could have at least said goodbye, Charles thought irately, she owed him at least that much. But he knew why she hadn't, he wouldn't have let her go. 

***

Cynara let the warm water of the shower run over her drained body. She remembered a time when she had wondered if she could give up all these modern conveniences to live in the eighteen hundreds, but now it seemed like a joke. She would give up anything just to have Charlie hold her again. 

It had been a week since Cynara's reentry into modern times. She shuddered to think back to that first night, the overwhelming despair she had felt then. She had just wanted to dye on that bed, then at least her ghost would be with Charlie's. 

That was her initial plan, but then for some reason she came to her senses. Nothing was set in stone. The universe wouldn't be so cruel as to give her such a wonderful gift only to take it away again. She had stubbornly shook off her tears, gotten out of bed, and vowed to never let herself give up like that again. 

She had gone back to Margrave Manor everyday since. The people working there had taken to the enthusiastic young American, treating her like a stray dog of sorts. Cynara took the tours from each one of the tour guides at least once, and asked endless questions until she had sucked out all the possible information she could from them. 

She spent most of her time in Charles's room, looking for signs of his ghost. Sometimes she would think that she got a whiff of his smell, or would hear his voice, but it was always so faint she often thought that she might have imagined it. 

When she wasn't at Margrave Manor, she was at home reading about life in regency England. She was going back, and when she did she wanted to be prepared. She briefly thought about what modern inventions she could take back that might be useful, but then quickly decided against it. If she tried to exploit the universe like that, it might not let her travel through time again. It would be enough if she just got back herself. 

Cynara turned off the water and dried herself off. Pulling on jeans and a shirt she was ready for her routine. 

She called her parents to tell them she loved them, and that she was having a great time. If this was the day she went back, she wanted to at least giver her parents that much of a goodbye. When she hung up the phone she fingered the letter she had written and left with her stuff, after she disappeared again, her parents would find it and at least know that she was okay. 

"Hey Wes," she greeted the man behind the counter as she walked into the house. He looked to be in his fifties, just starting to get gray hairs and full of worry lines. 

"Hi Cynara, how are you?" Wesley said warmly, "Are you taking a tour today?"

"No, I'm just going to walk around a bit," she smiled. 

There was something about Wes, something that made Cynara think he knew more about her than he was letting on. "Whatever it is that you're looking for, I hope you find it."

"Thanks Wes," she said sincerely, but giving him a suspicious look while walking upstairs. 

From the moment she entered the house, she sensed that something was different. Today was the day. 

Cynara stayed in Charlie's room all day, sitting on the bed when no one else was in there, springing to her feet whenever guests walked in. 

As the day went by, she became more and more desperate. Today was different, she could feel it, but why wasn't she getting drowsy, why wasn't she going back. She was perfectly antsy by the time 5:30 rolled around, closing time. 

It was Wes who came to tell her. "Time to go little girl," he said walking into the room. 

It took all of Cynara's willpower not to cry. She hopelessly shook her head, "Wes," she whispered. 

Wes didn't say anything, just simply walked over to the bed and sat down. 

"You're not supposed to sit on the furniture," Cynara said automatically, surprised that the manager of the place was breaking the cardinal rule.

"Oh, it's just you and me. You can keep a secret, right?" he said patting the bed next to him. 

Cynara nodded as she sat down. 

"Why don't I tell you a story?" 

"I'm not really in the mood," Cynara said distractedly. 

"I think you'll like this one. It involves time travel," Wes said cryptically, making Cynara instantly perk up and watch him intently. 

"I was a bit older than you are now when I first came to Margrave Manor. A friend of mine really liked to look at these old houses, and I went with her just for the heck of it. It was 1980 and the house had just opened for visitors."

Cynara was watching him breathlessly, wanting to tell him just to get on with it, but not wanting to interrupt him. 

"Anyway, I was out in the garden. I'd found kind of a secluded area, and no one else was with me. I suffered a little dizzy spell, and then the next thing I knew, there was a girl right beside me," Cynara recognized what must have happened, she had had that same dizzy spell herself. "She was the most beautiful creature I had ever seen. Katherine." 

Cynara's heart leapt as she recognized the name. "She was crying. She had just been kicked out of boarding school, and her brothers had given her a hard time about it.

"She was always a feisty one, always getting into trouble, but underneath that she was as soft and delicate as a rose petal. We fell in love."

"What happened?" Cynara asked gently. Wes's face clouded.

"She was killed—m-murdered."

"Oh no," Cynara gasped. She knew Katherine had died young, but she didn't know she had been murdered. "What happened?"

Wes looked pained, like he didn't want to tell her the rest, and for a moment Cynara didn't think he would, but he continued, "I-we had a fight and she ran away. We searched for her, but by the time we found her, it was too late," silent tears were streaming down Wes's cheeks, "Those bastards had drug her into the alley behind the pub. They all took turns raping her, but that wasn't even enough. They stabbed her and left her there to bleed to death, all alone." 

Cynara could see Wes's hands clench into fists, she went to him and wrapped her arms around him. "We couldn't find her in time, she was already dead."

Cynara held onto him while he quietly cried. "And then you traveled back to 1970?" she asked after a bit. 

Wes nodded, "After I killed those bastards, I guess there was no reason for me to stay there anymore."

Cynara thought she should have been shocked at the fact that Wes had killed Katherine's murderers, but she wasn't. She was glad he killed them. 

"When I came back, I never left this place. There was still something of Katie here, and I never wanted to leave it."

Cynara sat back, he seemed calmer now. 

"The point is Cynara, you remind me of myself back then." 

Cynara nodded, "Charles," she told him, and that was all the explanation he needed. 

"I remember he was quite the duelist when I knew him," he said nostalgically. "You're trying to go back." It wasn't a question. 

Wes got to his feet and went to the door. "I hope you find what you're looking for," he repeated his earlier statement, shutting the door as he left. 

Cynara stared at the door, hearing him walk down the hall way and eventually his car driving away. 

"Cynara." She turned at the sound of her name, not really expecting anyone to be there, so she reeled back in shock when she saw Charles. 

"Charlie," she breathed as she ran to him, trying to wrap her arms around him, but there was nothing there to hold onto. 

"I've been waiting for you," he smiled gently down at her. 

"Are you a ghost?" Cynara stared at his beloved face. 

He only nodded. 

"Today is the anniversary of my death. I think that's why you can see me," he explained. 

"You die today?" Cynara wailed in panic like the impending doom hadn't already happened centuries ago. She once again tried to grab onto him. 

He gave a soft chuckle. "It's so good to see you," he said lovingly. 

"Charlie," she said hopelessly. Why was he being so calm? Why wasn't he worrying about how to fix this whole mess, like she was? 

"When you left, I had thought it was because you didn't love me. I thought you were leaving me," there was no pain in his voice, he said it like he was stating weather forecast. 

"No! I do love you!" Cynara shouted at him. 

He only gave her another calm smile. "I know," he said gently. 

"What's going on? I have to get back, I have to save you!"

He simply stared at her.

"Do you know what I thought the first time I saw you, asleep in my bed?"

"Charlie!" she said desperately. 

"I thought you had lovely ears." 

Cynara couldn't help but chuckle despite the tears streaming down her cheeks, "How romantic."

"Don't cry Cynara. I hate to see you cry."

"I have to get back, I have to save you," she pleaded with him. 

"Then go back." 

"I can't" she said forlornly, "The house won't take me." 

Charles shook his head. "It's not the house, Cynara. The magic—it's always been between us. In you and me." 

Cynara stared at him. What did that mean? What was she supposed to do? 

Between us. 

Cynara carefully stood on her tiptoe, her hands hanging limply at her sides. 

Between us. 

She stared at his lips, slowly moving hers closer to his. She didn't even have time to feel like she was kissing the air, for the moment her lips touched his, a sharp jolt hit her body and she was falling.



Timeless Love Ch. 10



"Charlie," Cynara breathed as soon as she sat up in bed, but no one was there. The house was quiet, eerily so. Cynara rolled out of bed and ran down the stairs, "Charlie!" she screamed as she went, stumbling desperately. 

The house was exactly as she had left it, but something just didn't seem right, and she couldn't quite put her finger on it. Then all of a sudden there was a lone figure in the hall, seeming out of place, like a ghost. 

Cynara knew a moment of panic before the man turned to her. 

"Sanford." The word escaped her lips as she ran to him, placing her hands on his shoulders to reassure herself. "You're real." 

"Cynara?" Sanford asked with confusion, "I think it is I who should be saying that to you," he stated as he placed his hands on her shoulders. Then all of a sudden, as though it just hit him that she was actually there, his face transformed. 

"Cynara!" he shouted as he drug her into his arms, twirling her about, "But where have you been?" he released her and put her at arms length, "And why are you dressed like that?"

"There's no time to explain," Cynara said urgently, "Where's Charlie?" 

Sanford looked at her strangely, "I think he's at a duel, but why did you leave? And where did you go? We've all been so worr—" his voice trailed off as he saw her pale face. "What's wrong?" 

"I have to get there. Where's he dueling?"

"I don't know, but you can talk to him when he gets back," he said reassuringly. 

"You don't understand," she wailed, "He's going to die if I don't get to him. Don't ask me how I know, just please, I have to find him!"

Sanford stared at her like she had gone crazy, "He's not going to die," he said gently, placing a restraining hand on her shoulder as though she might suddenly do something drastic. 

"Sanford, please!"

"I'll take you," came a strong voice from the corner, Cynara turned to him like a shipwrecked man to land. 

"Ashton!" she pulled away from Sanford and ran to throw her arms around him for a quick hug, "We have to leave now, there isn't time."

"Then let's go," he said as followed her out to the carriage. "Never mind, we'll still be needing this," he told the servants that were just starting to see to the horses after his recent arrival. 

He helped Cynara in, and Sanford hopped up next to her. 

"You're coming, too?" she asked suspiciously. 

"I may think you're nuts, but I don't want to miss all the fun," Sanford smiled, his naturally carefree personality shining through the tense situation. 

Before she knew it, the three of them were rolling away. Cynara kneaded her hands nervously in her lap as they drove along. She was slightly aware of Ashton and Sanford exchanging worried glances, but her thoughts were mainly on Charles. The universe wouldn't let her come back, just in time for Charles's death, would it? There was no way it was too late, no way. 

The carriage stopped at a secluded little clearing at the edge of some woods, and Cynara was out of the carriage before it even was completely still. 

"Cynara," Sanford called after her as she flew out of the carriage. She could see two men's rapiers swishing dangerously in the distance, she recognized one--Charlie. She spotted Finley lounging against a tree a few feet away, not even seeming to pay attention to the events. 

The men didn't see her approaching, at least not until they heard her shrill scream. "Stop!"

Charles's sword came crashing to the ground as he saw her, but the other man's was already in a deadly thrust. Without even thinking, Cynara lunged herself in front of the sword aimed for Charlie, the blade sinking easily into her shoulder. 

"What the hell is this!" she heard someone shout as she sunk weakly to the ground. Charles's arms were around her, supporting her up. 

"Cynara," he said gently, unbelievingly, as he reverently stroked her cheek. 

"I-I couldn't stop it, she came out of nowhere," she vaguely heard the man Charles was dueling explaining desperately. 

"You just better hope that no serious damage has been done, for your sake." Cynara recognized Finley's threatening voice, and smiled. 

Charles tore the sleeve on her shirt to asses the damage that had been done. "It looks like you're going to be fine, my artichoke, just a flesh wound," he said as he wrapped her torn sleeve around the wound to stay the blood. 

"You're alive," she smiled happily up at him, ignoring throbbing pain in her shoulder. 

"I should be saying that to you," he echoed his brother's earlier words, making her laugh. 

Charles looked down at her confusedly, but let it go for more pressing matters. "Where have you been?" he asked, pulling her more fully into his arms, being careful of her injury. 

"You wouldn't believe me," she said, reaching up with her good arm to stroke his beloved face, catching a tear in her fingers. 

"Charlie, you're crying," she said with amazement in her voice. 

"So are you." And Cynara was surprised to find that her own cheeks were wet as she touched them. 

They were so wrapped up in each other that they didn't notice anything of what was going on around them, but Cynara slowly became aware that they were being watched. She looked up to find Ashton, and Sanford grinning down at her, Finley staring at her with his mouth practically hanging open in surprise. Her heart sang at seeing the men she had come to know as family. Then she looked back at Charlie to see all his love shining in his eyes, and knew she was home.

"Let's go home," she told the four brothers, and Charlie obediently lifted her up into his arms. 

"Why don't you two take that carriage," Finley said nodding to the one he and Charles had originally taken to the secluded field, "I'll go with Ashton and Sanford." 

Charles carried her over to their carriage. "What were you thinking?" he demanded angrily once they were seated and he held her in his lap.

So much for being glad to see me, she thought. "I just saved your life."

"Why would you throw yourself in front of the blade like that? Of all the stupid things to do," he grouched. 

"You should be thanking me," she pouted. 

"And where have you been?" he demanded. 

"I was in the future, for your information," she said haughtily, angry that he wasn't listening to her. "And if I hadn't saved you just now, you'd be dead, so stop complaining."

"Oh, the future," Charles said sarcastically, "How was that?"

"I really was in the future, that's where I'm from," she told him earnestly, trying to convince him despite her better judgment. 

"Cynara," his voice gentled, "If you don't want to tell me where you really were, that's alright. Just promise me that you'll never leave like that again," and she could detect the pain in his voice that her absence had caused him. 

"But I really was in the future, the year 2007. I didn't want to leave, it just happened. I can't control it, I just started feeling dizzy, like how I got here in the first place," she spoke rapidly, trying to make him understand, "I tried to get back, but I couldn't, not until I saw you. Well, not you, your ghost. He, I mean you, told me that the magic was between us, then I knew I could get back, and I did. I had to save you because you were going to die today, and we never would have gotten married, not suggesting that you have to marry me now...well if you want to, but the point is, I had to tell you—"

Charles was looking at her gently throughout her whole rambling speech, seeming to follow what she was saying, though she knew he must think not really understand. "Tell me what?" he said indulgently. 

"I can't believe I almost forgot, I came all this way and almost forgot to tell you," she said in horror.

"Tell me now."

Cynara stared at him, "I can't." 

"Why not?" Charles smiled humorously. 

"I'm too nervous." 

"Then tell me later," he softly kissed her nose. "After all, I intend to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?"

"You don't think I'm crazy?" she asked incredulously. 

"Oh no, I think your crazy, but marry me anyway."

Cynara's face blossomed into a smile. "Yes."

Charles bent down and warmly captured her lips with his own, showing her how much he loved her with his kiss. 

"Charlie," she said when he pulled away. 

"What?"

"I'm ready to tell you what I had to tell you." 

Charles smiled, "I'm listening."

"I love you."

"I know. Now what did you have to tell me?"

"You jerk," she said punching him with her good arm, "That is what I had to tell you." 

"I know. I love you, too," he said kissing her again before she could say anything else. 

***

Cynara was lying in her shift in bed, watching Charlie take off his formal shirt. She heard a little yap, and looked down at the small puppy who was trying to jump on the bed that was a bit too tall for his tiny legs. 

"Hey, Parkinglot," she said as she bent down and lifted him up, letting him sit on her lap and bite her fingers. 

"Go put that runt where he belongs," Charlie said, walking over to her. 

"Don't call him a runt, and he's my wedding present so he can go wherever I let him."

"I never would have gotten him for you if I'd known I'd have to be sharing a bed with him," Charlie said exasperatedly. 

"But I'm so glad you did." Cynara kissed the little puppy's head. 

"Come on now, this is our wedding night. I should be getting all your kisses," Charlie complained as he bent down and stole a kiss. "At least put him on the floor."

"Okay Parkinglot," she told the puppy earnestly, "Since Daddy is such a mean old man, you're going to have to sleep on the floor." 

She gently placed the little fluff ball back on the ground, and he whined a little before scrambling over to a small rug.

"So I'm a mean old man?" Charlie asked her as he wrapped his arms around her waist. 

"Terribly mean," Cynara nodded up at him. 

"Too bad you're stuck with me then," he straightened to finish removing his clothes. He pushed down his pants and stood completely naked and unabashed in front of her. He took a moment to admire the sight of his new wife waiting for him in bed. 

"Do you know what I thought the first time I saw you?" Charlie asked, her lying there reminding him of that moment. 

"You thought I had lovely ears."

Charlie started in surprise, "I never told you that," he said incredulously. 

"You're ghost did," she sat up on her knees, watching his face carefully. 

"Again with the ghost?" he asked. Since her return, she had often tried to tell him about the future and everything that had happened to her. Charlie had never said that he didn't believe her, but she could tell the he was doubtful. She couldn't blame him, though. 

"How else would I know that?" Cynara said smartly. 

Charlie for the first time seemed a little unsure, thinking that just maybe what she had been telling him was correct. 

"I don't know, Cynara," Charlie said shaking his head, "Perhaps I'll never know, but it doesn't bother me any. I'm just glad to have you," he said gently biting her ear. 

Cynara forgot her intent of trying to convince him, as usual, when he started to make love to her. He paid particular attention to her ear, licking and nipping it, until he moved his kisses down her neck. 

His hands found her breasts, rubbing them gently over the thin fabric of her shift. "Charlie," she moaned. He bit her chin. 

The hem of her shift was bunched up around her knees, and he pulled it off of her in one full swoop, throwing it out of his way. 

He pushed her onto her back, gently licking her small, creamy breasts, biting the rosy centers. She grabbed his hair, it squeezing out between her fingers. 

"Make love to me, Charlie," she demanded, feeling the heat build up between her legs. 

"What do you think I'm doing?" he said gruffly, rising above her to put himself inside of her. 

"Please, I can't wait," but even as she said it, Charlie was impaling her on his throbbing cock. 

He slowly pushed further and further into her, grabbing her legs by the knees and pushing them out and back so he could fill her as completely as possible. He stilled for a moment, savoring the feeling of having her completely wrapped around him. 

She held his butt as he began to thrust in and out of her, squeezing the strong muscles between her hands. 

"Charlie," she moaned out in her ecstasy, he came inside her, claiming her as his own. 

Afterwards, when both their breathing had returned to normal, Charlie rolled off of her, pulling her close to his side. 

"I love you," she murmured, snuggling her head in his chest. 

"I love you, too," he kissed the top of her head. He heard her even breathing, indicating that she had drifted off to sleep. He laid there, stroking her back, letting her snooze for a while before he would wake her up for another round. After all, it was their wedding night, and it had only just begun. 

*

(Note: Thanks so much for reading. I really loved writing this, and I hope you all enjoyed it, too. I know there are some things I didn't wrap up (poor Finley), but I'll finish his story in the sequel I'm planning, so look out for that. Please leave a comment to tell me what you thought. ~cellophanesmile:)