Port Royal, Jamaica

[Capt. Sterling]

Sterling looked at brother-in-law, one brow arching.

"Do ye now?... hope twill be as pleasant as mine," Sterling said then quickly added with a deep smile. "But then, I would be willing to wager against that."

He clapped hand upon Devareaux's shoulder, then smile faded to look of serious nature. "I cannot tell ye how grateful I am fer yer consent in all this," and then, as quickly as it had faded, smile reappeared as he carefully tucked all papers beneath waistcoat safely inside breeches' waist.

"Come along, tis time to make haste."

[Aurore Devareaux]

Sabastian laughed, a pleasant sound that was as robust as his native philosophies.

"Very well, there are horses waiting near. I will be envious of you this night, ami. While you are tucked away safe and sound...more than likely being serviced as Le Roi du Monde, I will be in the night air conducting business. Such a sorid affair, so unjust that I should be denied the soft comforts of femme compa...." He paused mid word with sudden chuckle of private amusement. Moving across the small room, door was held slighty ajar and request for mounts made.

[Capt. Sterling]

"Denied, what? I doubt ye shall be slaving away much," Sterling laughed himself as Devareaux's private amusement was obviously not lost. He moved outside and waited for the horses to be brought about. Still in need of assistance, bad shoulder still not willing to cooperate, he was lifted upward, leg moving over cantle and then steadied as he lowered himself into the saddle.

"Come along then," he encouraged as Sabastian casually made his way to his own mount.

[Aurore Devareaux]

"Patience, monsieur...I hope you are not in such a rush with all practices of life. It would be something of a sin." Stirrup was gained and seating soon after. Noir danced sideways, the light chorus of bells giving accompniment to motion.

[Capt. Sterling]

Now was Sterling's time to smile. "Agreed. I plan to tarry long, slow and tender in my marriage bed."

The ride to his new home had been taxing. Sterling had expected the day's battle to tire him but not like this. Most of the ride, both he and Sabastian spent in quiet, an occasional question regarding Aurore's happiness answered when brought to mind. Devareaux's smile was hidden in shadows... was new family member nervous about pleasing little sister? He chuckled softly to self.

As house was met, Sterling dismounted, shook hands with Sabastian, extending his gratitude once again, before, to his suprise, a servant came to collect his horse then disappear to waiting stable. Wearily the captain made his way to the door, but new keys were not needed as heavily studded oak was drawn open and bashful face of young Meagan peered around door's edge.

Sterling gave the young girl a wink and a smile.

"Glad I am to see ye here, little Mistress," he beamed. "Methinks I could not bear to separate ye from yer Mistress. Tell me, where might I be finding Mademoiselle... " he caught himself, correcting himself with a proud smile. "Where might I be finding Lady Sterling?"

[Aurore Devareaux]

Young girl beamed allowing Sterling into the small but nicely appointed foyer already bathed in the warm glow of oil illumination. She turned slightly pointing to the beginnings of stairway leading to upper floor.

Carnation blush of cheek increased as she said in secretive low tone,

"Chambre trois..."

[Capt. Sterling]

"Merci, Little One," Sterling said resisting the urge to pat her on the head and possibly upsetting her. Instead he made a sweeping bow, took her hand and kissed the back of it before he took long strides to the staircase. Shedding his weariness with the bottom step, he mounted them two at a time, until he made the top landing and then to the third room. Light rap was made upon the door before he pushed it open.

[Aurore Devareaux]

Aurore looked up quickly the tome of posey resting in her lap, it had proved failed distraction in the passing hours. Deserting the high backed support of hearthside chair, the deep olive eyes travelled over him, settling on his face half lit, half shadowed in Master Chamber dim. A deep breath was taken in, savoring the intoxicating scent of patchoulli mixed with the pungent dominence of Port fire residue. Tenative step was taken forward, a smile of relieved nature crossing her aquiline features.

[Capt. Sterling]

Sterling moved toward her, crossing the distance in hurried pace. Despite the discomfort of wounds, he took her in his arms. Pulling her close, he bent round her as he held her to him.

"Oh God, Chere, how I have missed ye. So sorry I am about the turn of events. Tis not how I wished to spend yer wedding day," he whispered.

[Aurore Devareaux]

Nestled within his encompasment, she gave smallish nod of statement dismissal, "Non...Do not worry yourself over such matters. That you are safe and near are of my main concerns and now those may be put to rest."

Aurore drew back slightly to gaze upon his ash smeared face, " Sabastian is safe? The others? Has the fire been laid low?"

[Capt. Sterling]

"Oui Chere, yer brother and all of Le Cour's holdings are safe and sound. The fire is all but smoldering. When I left there was a watch established to see that it stays out and does not rekindle itself. And now Sabastian is off on some, so called, business appointment and he has been so kind as to give us the house we are now inhabiting.... as well as," he reached beneath waistcoat and papers of importance were withdrawn. "Your wedding gift to me."

He pulled her close again as papers were discarded to nearby table. The thought of leaving her, gnawing at his insides, until he felt unsettled.

"Venez maintenant. J'ai besoin de vous le Cheri, maintenant plus que jamais. Faites l'amour avec moi. Profondement а l'interieur de vous, je veux etre. Que peu de temps je peux avoir, je desire, plus que n'importe quoi, passer comme une partie d'entre vous et sentir votre chaleur de moi."

[Aurore Devareaux]

She pressed two fingers to his lips, "Shhhh...Sucre'."

Two paces were taken backwards and she searched his expression briefly before carefully removing soot and ash besotted coat. "I think it best you relax. Une verra de Calvados?"

[Capt. Sterling]

"Tis votre nectar je veux boire dans le Chéri. Mais si vous voulez attendre ... être alors ainsi cela," he said with a sigh.

[Aurore Devareaux]

She searched his expression once more, dropping her voice," But Jean, I was only thinking that you might be worn from the days events. Pardon moi...Perhaps I am wrong in mine thinkings."

Glass was obtained and filled by near decanter, "Ne Calvados....Cognac."

She returned proffering stemmed crystal.

[Capt. Sterling]

He took the glass she offered. "As ye wish Chere," he mumbled then downed its contents, the alcohol burning his nose and throat. He replaced the glass upon the table and crossed the room. Grabbing the pitcher he made for the door once again.

"I best fetch some hot water from the kitchen to scrub away this grime. I shall return when I can," he said, closing the door behind him.

[Aurore Devareaux]

She read the disapointment in his body language, watched after as he departed chamber then followed into the outer hallway.

"Jean...There is no need for that. Water has been kept heated for the past hour or so in anticipation of your return. The copper basin was brought here earlier this day and awaits in the next room...."

[Capt. Sterling]

He halted, not turning to face her. Instead he focused on empty pitcher in hand.

"Aye ye might be right. Twill take more than a basin to wash the fire from me. Thank ye Chere. Tis thoughtful indeed," he said. "Well then, do not wait upon me... as a long soak would do me well. Is there someone in the house who could aid with the changing of the dressings? I do not wish Meagan's assistance with them, methinks she may be a bit too young to be removing and replacing bandages. Mayhaps the groom?"

[Aurore Devareaux]

She moved to where he stood, confusion tugging at the edges of her expression, "Non, Sucre'...I will take care of what needs be done and do so without hesitation. Wait up for you? I have waited my life time for you and have no desire to let you slip so easily from my person when I can attend."

[Capt. Sterling]

"Then Chere, I shall make my way to the bath and then to bed to please ye," he said. He hesitated then, looking from one remaining door to the other. "Um..."

[Aurore Devareaux]

She reached out, taking one of his hands in her own and leading to the fourth door of chamber alignment. Barrier was opened to reveal the comforting glow of hearth welcome reflecting off the curvature of deep copper tub. The doorway was secured and Aurore turned to face him, small hands undoing the lace at his neck then moving downward the facings of weskit.

[Capt. Sterling]

He felt awkward. He had hoped that...now, instead he stood patiently, like a little child as she helped slide the black silk from his shoulders. Perhaps he was more tired than he gave himself credit. He leaned downward slightly and pressed a gentle and all too quick kiss to the top of her head.

"Forgive me?" he whispered.

[Aurore Devareaux]

"Pour quoi?"

Agile fingers moved to waistband, gently tugging shirt legnth from velvet boundry and the beginnings of secretive smile played her lips.

[Capt. Sterling]

"For being so selfish regarding your attentions," he whispered. He moved his fingers beneath her chin and tilted her face toward his.

"Le chéri je dois naviguer bientôt ou je me prouverai pour être seulement un mari impropre. Je ne vous apporterai pas une telle honte. Mais vous savez bien que la mer est la maîtresse volage, si peut-être vous pouvez comprendre comment important et précieux chaque seconde est que je peux passer avec vous."

[Aurore Devareaux]

Her brow furrowed in smallish way, "Non...Ne mari impropre. Je t'amime, Sucre'."

Reaching up, she traced the line of his cheek with gentle caress; leaning into his form and the comfort found there.

[Capt. Sterling]

Once again he folded himself about her. He closed his eyes, cheek resting gently against her soft curls.

"God, I do love ye Aurore," he whispered, his heart aching just to hold her. Truly he knew he would be content just to remain as they now were but he knew there was so much more of her that he wanted. "Permettez-nous de finir ici mon amour. Je veux vous aimer avec mon corps et passer mon sommeil dans vos bras."