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Adelaide's eyes widened as she stepped into the room of the small building not too far from the chapel.
"It isn't anything like what you are used to," Gavin's voice was soft as he watched Adelaide take in her surroundings, "but you will adjust, I'm sure, and love it as much as we do. We've come to appreciate simplicity, placing a higher value on more important things. I see they've already prepared for your arrival."
Adelaide looked over at where Gavin was indicating, low cots lining the far wall on the opposite side of the hearth, a hand-carved table with chairs separating what appeared to be the bedroom from the dining area.
"Zek, you'll be sleeping with Joshua, Sarah, and Isabella together, and," Gavin looked suddenly uncomfortable as he rubbed the back of his neck.
Arlana didn't drag out the moment, easing the stress Gavin was currently facing as she stepped toward the cot closest to the children, sitting down on the bed.
"There's water in the basin just over there if you'd like to wash up before bed."
Gavin looked down at Arlana as she slid her legs beneath the wool blanket before blowing out the candle he was holding, leading Adelaide to the other cot.
"I didn't expect us to be under the same roof in the same room..." Adelaide whispered, having forgotten that one minor, now important detail.
Things had just gotten awkward on a whole new level.
Adelaide sat in bed, stiff as a board as Gavin climbed in beside her, his length taking up most of the bed, from head to toe. Addy would have smiled if she weren't so nervous.
"Remove your dress, Addy. You did remember to wear the petticoat that I ordered, didn't you?" Gavin whispered in the darkness.
Adelaide blushed as Gavin referred to her old-fashioned undergarment.
"Of course."
"Well, then..." Gavin smiled in the darkness.
Adelaide was making a big deal over such a little matter. This week would be interesting, to say the least.
Addy tugged the dress over her head, immediately laying down as she pulled the rough blanket over her shoulders.
"Goodnight, Addy," Gavin whispered in the darkness before falling into a restless sleep.
Adelaide remained awake, her eyes adjusting to the darkness as she took in what she could see of the room bathed in the soft moonlight. It was simple, from what she could tell, the scent of wood and herbs filling her nostrils. The children and Arlana were already asleep, their soft, even breathing mingling with the chirping of crickets Adelaide could only hope was coming from outside.
This was very different from everything Adelaide was used to, yet at the same time, warmth filled her heart as she closed her eyes. She would never admit to another soul - at least not yet - that it already felt as though she had come home.
***
THE CHILDREN WERE EXCITED to start the day, tugging on the clothes they had worn the previous day - still spotless after spending most of the day riding in the car.
Adelaide smoothed her hands over her green dress, thankful the fabric didn't wrinkle, but before she could pull it on over her head, Arlana approached her sister.
"I have a few dresses in this chest that might fit you. I'm not sure which you prefer but I thought you might like to borrow one for church. Tomorrow we will go together to see the seamstress."
"Thank you, Arlana, but you really don't have to..." Adelaide glanced at Arlana's low-cut light blue dress before quickly looking away. "I would be uncomfortable wearing a dress like that to church."
Arlana bit back her laughter, turning her head quickly to hide her amusement.
"I have other dresses that would be more to your liking," Arlana assured her sister, leading the way to the opposite side of the room before bending as she rummaged through a sizable pile of neatly folded garments.
Gavin had been intent on spoiling her over the past few months, often returning home with new dresses in fabrics that had caught his eye, but Arlana didn't mention that each dress was a gift from Gavin.
"May I suggest this one?" Arlana finally stood, holding out a chocolate brown dress with cream-hued lace that covered more than the dress she was currently wearing. "If you like it, I have a shawl that would match."
Adelaide reached out, fingering the soft fabric.
"It's beautiful. Thank you, Arlana. I mean it."
"You're very welcome," Arlana smiled a moment before there was a knock on the door.
Gavin set down his tea, crossing the room to open the door.
"I hope I'm not too early," Kyralie smiled as she poked her head within the entrance. "I just saw Françoise and she mentioned you'd returned."
"Come in," Gavin smiled at the blonde before closing the door behind her.
"Oh, that color suits you perfectly!" Kyralie gushed before smiling at Adelaide. "You must be Addy...or do you prefer Adelaide? I've heard so much about you!"
Adelaide smiled, but the smile didn't reach her eyes. How much did this woman know? Did everyone in these parts know their secret?
"I'm Kyralie. I know we've never met, but I'm your aunt."
"Either Adelaide or Addy is fine with me. You're Kyralie? I heard you were dead."
"Not yet," Kyralie forced a smile, before quickly changing the topic. "Great-gran, Françoise, is looking forward to introducing you to the others at church this morning, but I just wanted to stop by and welcome you. I don't know if Arlana mentioned I don't attend church either, but we can catch up over lunch. We'll be seeing a lot of each other..."
Gavin leaned against the table, watching the women get acquainted.
"Addy has only agreed to stay the week, giving our situation a trial run. We will have to cram a lot into the next few days so she gets the full experience although I do hope Adelaide and the children will choose to stay."
"Of course you will," Kyralie winked at Adelaide. "Why would anyone want to return to today's society after experiencing this?"
Adelaide sighed straight to her toes as it became obvious that Kyralie had no clue about the polygamy aspect. Of course, Kyralie was right - this place, from what she had seen of it so far, was a far cry better than anything that city life had to offer. It was neither the time nor the place to dwell on the real reason why Adelaide had no intention of staying past midnight this coming Friday.
"It is beautiful here," Adelaide murmured before excusing herself to get changed.
There was very little privacy within their shared one room. Next time, Adelaide made a mental note to wake up earlier and dress while it was still dark.
Arlana rounded up the children, ushering them outside so Adelaide would have a few moments to herself, Gavin and Kyralie joining her.
"Good morning," an elderly couple smiled over at the younger couple as they made their way toward the chapel. "What a beautiful day, isn't it?"
"Yes, it is," Gavin agreed, taking in the sight of the children playing nearby then Arlana standing at his side.
He had everything he wanted within reach - and more.
"Will you be joining us at church this morning?" The elderly woman looked up as she held onto her husband's arm.
"Not today, but thank you for the invitation." Gavin turned as Adelaide stepped out the door.
Adelaide's pale, creamy skin was accentuated by the deep richness of the chocolate brown dress.
"You look lovely," Gavin's voice was low but genuine as he reached up, holding Adelaide's hand as she joined the others.
"Good morning Jacques and Marie," Françoise smiled at the elderly couple as she approached their group. "I see you've met my relatives. We were just about to head to church as well."
Françoise stopped to catch her breath as she motioned for Adelaide to join her.
"Daniel will be along soon. He just needed to tie up some loose ends this morning. My children and their families should already be at the church. I'll make the introductions after the service, but we are a rather large family..."
Françoise's voice faded as they disappeared from view, the children at their sides.
"How's it going?" Kyralie lowered her voice, turning to Arlana.
"I gave Mollie the vial and she had it tested immediately. It is a success."
"Wonderful!" Kyralie's voice was breathless. "Now we just have to find that man and stop him from betraying our ancestors. That shouldn't be too difficult. We just need to keep an eye out for anyone who is becoming too chummy with the enemy - no offense, Gavin."
"None taken," Gavin assured Kyralie as he reached for Arlana the moment Adelaide disappeared from view, pulling her against his broad chest.
They were not doing anything inappropriate, but it was obvious Gavin had checked out of the conversation, his complete focus on Arlana.
Arlana sighed straight to her toes, feeling once more the weight of her decision. If she followed through with the plan - the main reason she had returned to this century - Arlana could quite possibly stop her relative from betraying his people, but then what? What would happen once the curse was broken? More importantly, what if Arlana didn't want things to change?
Biting her lower lip, Arlana kept her thoughts to herself. Kyralie couldn't possibly understand. There was not a single person Arlana could share her heart with except perhaps with her husband, but she couldn't distract him, not now when Gavin needed to focus on making Adelaide so happy that she would never want to leave.
Kyralie looked over at Gavin with knowing eyes before stepping to the side.
"I'll give you two some time alone before the service ends."
"Thank you," Arlana blushed as Gavin trailed steamy kisses along the column of her neck. "Why don't you join us for dinner this evening?"
"I'd like that. Thank you," Kyralie smiled as she turned away.
Daniel greeted Kyralie as he walked up the now deserted road, shaking his head with a smile as he saw Gavin sweep Arlana up in his arms, already kissing her as he kicked the door open. There must be some passionate French blood somewhere in that man's veins. Daniel grinned as he walked past Gavin's home, soft cries of passion floating through the open windows.
For Daniel, one wife had been more than enough, the couple producing eight children, not including his daughter, Marie, from Françoise’s first marriage. Daniel had married the young widow shortly after he arrived, and hadn’t had a moment’s regret.
Gavin would have his hands full with two. It would be amusing to see how this would play out, however Daniel did hope that Gavin wouldn’t be too distracted - or exhausted - to focus on the growing tensions between the French and English. Too much was at stake to make any mistakes.