Part Five

Oliver Loft, Washington, D.C.

Beth avoided the noisy freight elevator and steadily climbed the six flights of stairs to their loft. She was surprised by the ease at which she did this. All the swimming she’d done in preparation for her scuba diving lessons had certainly paid off. She wouldn’t have lasted two flights, six months ago.
She was hoping for a nap, before they would need to shower and dress to meet their friend, Jack. But when she quietly opened the door into the kitchen, she saw a light shining from the main room, and heard with the murmur of low voices. Curious though she was, she stopped and listened. She couldn’t afford to interrupt Andrew if he was working.
“Natalia, why are you being so disagreeable? And we were having such a lovely afternoon. What happened?”
“You made a mistake. You never should have asked me about Sergei. No one at the consulate knows about him. And that’s the way I intend to keep it.
“So you, my darling, are going to have to become just another crime statistic.”
“But you mentioned Sergei—I didn’t.”
Beth could just see Natalia, as she finished tying off the knot she’d been working on. She’d paused, as if she were trying to remember who had mentioned Sergei first. But then she shook her head vehemently. “No. No, it wasn’t me. Now be quiet, you’re giving me a headache and I need to think.”
Beth peeped further into the room and had to put her hand over her mouth, to keep from laughing. Andrew was hanging upside down by his ankles from a block and tackle they’d found quaint when they’d taken the apartment the month before.
He was naked, with his wrists bound tightly behind him. And even in this precarious position, he was trying to charm his way out of the situation. Natalia, however, was not succumbing to his usual allure.
Instead of listening to his pleas, she began dressing as fast as she could manage. She found an elusive shoe, and was reaching for her bag when Elizabeth crept up behind her, and knocked her out cold.
It was only after she had found some duct tape and trussed up the unconscious Natalia, that she turned her attention to Andrew.
As soon as she looked at him, he flashed a smile, “Very nicely done, dear.” He squirmed a bit. “I’m sure this appears strange, but I assure you, it isn’t what it looks like…”
“It looks,” she smiled back up at him, “as if you and your little playmate here, were having a bit of an afternoon romp, when she became suspicious about something you said, so she tied you up and would have killed you, if I hadn’t come in.”
“All right, it’s exactly as it looks, but I can explain. Now, if you’ll just let me down, I’ll give you a proper hello. And then we can take care of Natalia and discuss this further over drinks.”
Beth shook her head ominously. “I’m not sure, Drew. This is a most unique situation. Somehow, I’m thinking that most women would be very envious of me right now. It is quite an opportunity—one too good to pass by.”
“Elizabeth, don’t be cruel. I know you’re just teasing, but please let me down. The blood is rushing to my head, and it’s beginning to pound. Please, sweetheart, let me down.”
“We’ll see. But first I want to ask you a few questions—like why are you naked?”
“Ah, well…we took a bath and…”
“Which bathroom?”
“The ‘business one’, of course. You know I always follow the rules.”
She pursed her lips. “Well, as long as she didn’t use our tub or bubbles, I suppose…”
“Well, I did use our bubbles.” He gulped. “But we were out of bubbles in the other bathroom, and Natalia always did enjoy a good bubble bath.” He had tried to swing around so he could see her as she walked around him. But all he succeeded in doing was making himself begin to spin. “But, we’ll go find some new bubbles for us—special new bubbles. All right? Please, Beth let me down.”
“I just don’t know…” She frowned. “What about this…I just go upstairs and shower and dress and go meet Jack alone? If Natalia manages to free herself, she’ll kill you and escape—and Jack can get rid of your body later.
“Or, perhaps, you’ll manage to get loose, and you’ll get rid of her body yourself, and then meet us somewhere for a late supper?
“I suppose there’s always the possibility that both of you manage to get free, and kill each other. But, that would leave an awful lot of work for Jack and me.
“Or…” She grinned, widely. “Neither of you will manage to get loose, and we’ll find you both waiting for us when we get back. I think this is my favorite. Just think of the fun Jack will have.
“And think of the story he’ll have to tell. You know how Jack loves a good story. And no matter how good it begins, he always manages to embellish it. Can you imagine what he could make of this?”
Andrew groaned. “Don’t even tease me like that. Please. He’d spread this story around—I’d be forced to retire. We’d have to retreat to some dismal Scottish moor, and live in exile.”
“I don’t see why I would have to?”
“Bethy…” he crooned. “Please let me down.”
She looked up at him. He was becoming very red. And she really was only teasing. She was trying to figure out how to let him down without dropping him on his head, when he spoke again.
“Lauren Elizabeth Oliver, let me down this instant!”
She stopped what she was doing and scowled. “Andrew…!”
“If you don’t let me down right now, I’ll…” He seemed to be searching for something, which he apparently found, because he grinned maniacally. “…or I’ll tell Jack about Copenhagen.”
“You wouldn’t dare!”
“Try me!”
She gave him a little push, just enough to get him spinning again, and started for the stairs to their bedroom.
She was halfway up when he cried out. “I’m sorry. I should never have threatened you with that. You told me that in confidence. I would never violate that.”
“I simply cannot believe you would even threaten something like that. It’s something Tom would have done.” She knew had wounded him to the quick, so she went back and asked, “Supposing I was willing to let you down? How would I do it without dropping you on your head—hard though it may be?”
“Just loosen that.” He nodded to the knot wrapped around a large iron hook.
“Andrew,” She said coyly, as she bent over and kissed him, “how did you get into this predicament?”
“Stop teasing, Beth, and let me down.”
“I’m waiting for your explanation.”
“Please, it’s rather embarrassing.”
“Well, all right. But only because we need to get dressed. As it is, I’m going to have to call Jack to come here.” She looked at him again. “Maybe I should just see if he can come over right away. And he can let you down.”
“Please…”
She relented and loosening the knot, tried to lower him slowly. But she wasn’t quite strong enough to lower him gently, “Andrew, I can’t…You’re going to fall.”
He tucked his head in and rolled as he hit the floor. She went over and helped him up and freed his wrists. And while he checked on Natalia, who was still out cold, she ran upstairs, stripping off clothes as she went.
Drew followed, picking up the discarded clothes and stuffed everything into a laundry bag as Beth rushed into the bathroom.
He was just shutting his cell phone when she came out, toweling her hair. He was wearing black slacks and socks, and was slipping into a crisp white evening shirt. He looked at her. “Jack will be right over. And he’s bringing someone to take Natalia.” She had crossed over to help him with his studs, but he grabbed her and pulled her to him. She let him kiss her once, but then began taking under things from a drawer.
He must have been worried. “You aren’t really angry about the bubbles, are you?” He kissed her again. “What are you wearing tonight?”
“I had planned on the claret colored dress…but now, I’m not sure.”
“Yes. Wear that one, please. I still want to take it to Miss Sweet—so she could find some other things that color. And I need to find some jewelry that would compliment it, too.” He saw her frown, and added quickly, “For Christmas, I mean. I haven’t forgotten my promise.”
He fastened the last stud, and began tucking his shirttail into his pants when he stopped. After listening for a moment, he grabbed his shoulder holster, gun and jacket, slipped on his shoes and rushed downstairs, calling over his shoulder. “Hurry, I hear the elevator. It will be Jack.”

***

Writing Group Stop here-------

Jack’s companion retrieved Natalia. And they proceeded on to the play. Beth was particularly restless during the drive to the theatre. The problem was she didn’t know what was wrong. All she could think of was of Andrew, naked—with Natalia. But somehow, it changed halfway through the play to just about Andrew—naked.
Beth could not think of anything but Drew, naked. It was as if she needed to be sure about her power of seduction over him. About halfway through the last act of the play, Drew took her hand, and squeezed it. She then lost all sense of propriety or control. She moved their hands from the armrest between them to his lap. And then, hidden by their two hands, she stroked his growing hardness with her little finger.
Initially, Andrew gave her a look of surprise. But gradually, as she continued on his face turned to one of shock and excitement. While they were leaving the theatre, she backed into Drew and ground against him, as Jack, led the way, in apparent ignorance.
At the restaurant, she inched her chair nearer Andrew’s, and stroked the back of his hand with the same finger, in the same slow, soft strokes. Drew kept giving her questioning glances. But after one drink, he had begun to rub her thigh under the table. And she was amazed at the sense of exhilaration and power it gave her.
She excused herself while they were waiting for their coffee and dessert. As she came back, Andrew stood up to help her with her chair. She gave him of her most lovely smiles, and took his hand. He let out an audible gasp, and even Jack stopped talking and looked at him. For she’d passed him her panties, with the tiniest of winks.
Beth smiled as she saw him stuff them into his pocket, and again look at her questioningly. Jack wanted to drive them back to the loft, but Drew insisted they’d just take a cab home. And once in the darkness of the taxi, she pressed her hand over his erection as she kissed him passionately.
“Bethy…?” He whispered, huskily.
She kissed him even harder and then whispered, “I want you, Andrew.” And she licked his ear.
He let out another, louder gasp, just as the cab pulled up to their building. He quickly paid the driver and rushed her inside. Then he pulled her to him, and kissed her with a heat that surprised both of them.
As soon as they got into the elevator, she rubbed against him, and unzipped his fly.
“Elizabeth…? What has gotten into you this evening?” He asked, leaning in to kiss her neck.
“Nothing…yet.”
“I’ve never seen you like this.”
She pushed the Emergency Stop button. “Make love to me. Right here. Right now.” She pulled him to her. And just about sucked the tongue right out of him.
“Bethy…” He pull her head back, and began kissing his way down her throat as he unzipped her dress, unhooked her bra and released a breast, before he continued his way down to her nipple.
She tugged towards him, urging him into her. He gave in, and lifted her up, entered her and crushed her against the elevator wall. They made love with a heat and urgency she had never experienced before. And both climaxed quickly. Andrew kissed her again, before he restarted the elevator.
“Don’t talk, Andrew.” The elevator stopped at the loft, and the doors opened. Beth stepped out of her dress and headed for the stairs. She sat on the edge of the bed, wearing a garter belt and stockings, waiting for him to finish checking the apartment.
He entered the bedroom, carrying her dress and bra. But this time he didn’t put them away. He went to her and pressed her back on the bed.
“Beth, what is going on?” Drew asked, clearly confused. Excited, inspired, but confused.
“Get undressed, Andrew. Hurry.” She took the opportunity of him lying on her to undo his belt, pants and most of his shirt buttons. He jumped up, threw his gun still in the shoulder holster on the dresser, stripped off his clothes and kneeled before her.
He unfastened each garter, and rolled the stockings down. Then she stood up and allowed him to unhook the garter belt, and tossed it aside. She pushed him back on the bed, pulled off his socks, and jumped on him.
She covered his face, neck and chest with kisses until she felt his erection pressing against her. Then she straddled him, guided him into her and began rocking gently.
“My God! Bethy…”
Never had she wanted him so badly—needed him so very much. And never had she been so aggressive—so demanding. She began swirling her hips as she trailed her nails across his chest.
He groaned, and arched his back and thrust himself up into her, as she too arched her back and pushed down. She felt as though he had pierced her very soul, and she collapsed on him, disheveled and spent. He rolled on his side, pulling her with him, and looked into her eyes. He was clearly astounded.
“Oh, Beth…” He kissed her deeply, exploring her mouth deeply with his tongue. He couldn’t stop kissing her. She had succeeded in exciting him in ways she’d never even imagined before. But she suddenly found she was exhausted.
“Andrew…” She stroked the hair back from his forehead, in an attempt to calm him. “I love you. You know that, don’t you?”
“Of course, I do. Why…? How could you even ask that?” He went back to kissing her.
She again tried to soothe him by petting his cheek. “It’s nothing. I guess I just needed to hear it. Silly, huh?”
He was wearing that confused looked again. He stroked her cheek, and smiled at her. “Nothing you ever do is ever silly. And you know I love you.”
He resumed his kissing, working his way from her cheek, to her neck, and working his way down between her breasts. She knew he was headed for that little spot on one side of her belly that was particularly sensitive. She suddenly realized he was still excited—he still wanted more.
She rolled away from, towards her side of the bed suddenly. But he didn’t seem to be able to stop touching her. She gave a heavy sigh. “I’m sorry, Drew. I… I don’t know what’s the matter… I…I just need to sleep now. But remember I love you.”
He petted her hair again. “Is something wrong, Beth? Are you upset about anything? Worrying about something?” She could hear the distress in his voice.
“No,” she insisted, “I’m fine. I’m just so very tired. I’m sorry.” But she didn’t to face him. She didn’t dare look into his eyes, or let him look into hers.
He moved closer to her, sliding his hand beneath her pillow, slipping closer until he was spooning her. But she remained very still, hoping he would believe her asleep. And in her stillness, she remembered the lithe beauty of Natalia’s naked, young body, and felt a sadness she had never known.
This, she thought, was even more exquisitely painful than when Drew had left her without word, all those months ago—before they were married, before they were even a couple. The pain of that had nearly killed her. However would she bear it when he left her? How would she survive his desertion? Did she even want to?
She felt him relax his hold of her, and thought he must be asleep. She rolled towards him, causing him to roll more towards his side of the bed. And then she rolled back, perching on the very edge of the mattress and sobbed silently into her pillow.
How much longer could she possibly keep Andrew interested, when younger, more beautiful women threw themselves at him regularly?
The light snapped on. Andrew got up, came around to her side of the bed and kneeled beside her. “Bethy, are you ill?” He stroked her forehead, her cheek and her hair. And the tenderness she found in his touch somehow made it all seem worse.
“Beth, please, darling…tell me what’s wrong.”
She could hear the distress in his voice, but she wasn’t able to stop crying. And she didn’t want to tell him about her fears and insecurities.
He stood up, pulling her up with him. She clung onto her pillow, as if that would anchor her to the bed. He sat down hard and settled her in his lap. Then he pulled the pillow from her grasp and held her close for a few moments. “Elizabeth, please…”
She clasped her hands around his neck, buried her face in his chest and sobbed uncontrollably.
Andrew gave up trying to stop her and just let her weep for several minutes, as he petted her. Then he pulled her away from him and looked into her eyes. He brushed her hair back from her forehead. “Sweetheart, please tell me what’s wrong…I can’t help you if you won’t let me know what’s wrong.”
She knew he was confused, but she just didn’t know what to say—how to express her fears. He wouldn’t understand. He would say she was being foolish. But she knew she would have to tell him something, so it might as well be the truth.
Finally, she opened up. “I saw Natalia, before she was dressed. You were naked with her. And she’s so young and beautiful.” She began crying again.
“Bethy, you know that was work. I don’t understand this. You are usually the one who is so rational about separating ‘work’ from ‘us’. Are you sure there’s nothing else?”
“I knew you wouldn't understand. I knew it!
“You’re still handsome, Richard’s still good looking. Even my father, at eighty, is a handsome man. But, we women aren’t lucky like you. One day you’ll look at me and notice I’ve grown old. And then you’ll either leave me, or stay with me from pity and obligation.”
“Sweetheart, how can you possibly believe this? I didn’t fight so hard to win you, and get you to marry me and keep you safe to toss you away in a few years. You must see that.
“Natalia means nothing to me… She was a job. I was hoping to get some information from her.
“You always seem to separate our business and personal lives. I’m the one who becomes upset at the thought of you entertaining someone for information. We spoke about this, remember.”
“Yes, I remember. You spoke about how men have fewer options…but women can wiggle out of sex more easily. I know you didn’t choose to be with Natalia. But it suddenly made me feel so old.” She laid her head on his shoulder, but she’d stopped crying. “I’m sorry, Andrew. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I can’t apologize enough for the way I’ve acted tonight.
“I shouldn’t have teased you while you were hanging there. I shouldn’t have acted as I did at the theatre, supper or the cab. And I shouldn’t have disturbed you with my crying. I’m sorry.” She kissed him gently, and tried to stand up.
But he held her tight. “You don’t need to apologize for anything. I’m your husband. I want to know if something is upsetting you.” He kissed her, moving from her cheek to her ear. “And while you’re behavior this evening was a surprise, you have nothing to be ashamed of. You know I want you to enjoy our physical relationship.
“For whatever the reason, you not only wanted sex, but you needed to be the aggressor. We all have needs—desires. Why should you be any different from anyone else? I’ve told you before, it doesn’t make you’re a hedonist, or a bad person.”
He tucked her back into bed, and went to his own side, got under the covers, and switched off the light. Then he scooted over and held her. “I want you to just relax and get some sleep.”
She rolled over, faced him and kissed him gently. “Why are you so very good to me?”
“You know why…” Was all he said.
***
As usual, Drew was up early, reading his paper, over a large pot of tea. He was thinking about calling Jack, when he heard Beth’s cell phone ringing. He grabbed it before it could wake her.
“Hello…”
“Andrew…? I’m sorry, I meant to call Beth.”
“You did. She’s asleep. But unless it’s an emergency, I don’t want to wake her up. Is it possible for you to tell me what you need?”
“Sir Anthony has an assignment for her. He’d like her back here by the day after tomorrow at the latest. Do you think that will be a problem for her?”
“No, I don’t. She passed her scuba diving exam yesterday, and…” He paused, not at all sure he wanted to say more to Fitz.
“Andrew, is there anything wrong?”
“No. At least I don’t think so. Beth just seems very tired. I was just about to call Jack and have him postpone her jump classes. But Sir Anthony’s assignment is perfect. It gives us a reason to fly back to London immediately.
“This assignment…is it very dangerous?” He knew he shouldn’t ask. But she’d been so upset the night before.
“Well… It’s nothing terribly dangerous, or top secret. He wants her to act as security for an ambassador’s daughter. There’s some trouble at home and threats against his daughter have been made. But the intel we have is that the attempt will be made during her visit here next week.
“Sir Anthony chose Beth because she knows the woman. So she won’t appear as ‘security’.”
“You mean the two women are going to act as bait, and a more heavy duty security team will be following them?”
“Well…”
“Never mind. But I’ll have Beth call you as soon as she wakes up—which might not be for some time. Meanwhile, look into flights back to London, book as many pairs as you need to—and we’ll pick the most convenient flight and you can cancel the others.”
“All right, Andrew. I’ll find a good flight, and get back to you.”
“Thanks, Fitz.”
He hung up the phone, put it back into Beth’s bag, and found his own. “Jack, I just got a call from Fitz. Well, actually, Beth got a call. But she’s still asleep. It’s seems we need to get back to London immediately. Beth has an assignment.” He looked up the stairs, making sure she was not up and continued in a whisper, “Actually, can I see you for a minute this morning?”
“Well, I was just about to leave for the office. When were you thinking of meeting?”
“Now. I won’t keep you long, I promise. I… I just need to talk to you about something.”
“Is anything wrong?”
“No…at least I don’t think so. I need to talk to another man, and this isn’t something I can speak to Richard about.”
“All right, Andy. I’ll be right over.”
“Fine, I’ll be downstairs. We can talk in your car.”
He wrote a little note for Beth, telling her Jack had called him and needed to speak to him for a minute on his way in to work, and that he was just going to be downstairs. He wouldn’t be gone long, and to call Fitz a.s.a.p.. Then he ran down to the street.
***
Jack’s yacht of a car pulled up to the curb and Drew hopped in. Now that Jack was here, he was suddenly unsure how to talk to him, or if he even should.
“What’s up, Andy?”
“Ah…did you notice anything wrong with Beth last night?”
“Well, she might have been a little quiet…and then at supper she seemed very distracted. Why?”
“This is just between us, right?”
“Yeah. What’s going on?”
“That is what I’d like to know. Beth…she…the whole last half of the play she was…she was, well…fondling me. Then again at dinner. And when she came back to the table, she handed me her panties.”
“Elizabeth? No way. This is some joke, although…I wouldn’t have expected you to joke about something like this.”
“I wouldn’t. I’m not. Jack, that’s why I insisted we take a cab home. She was so…aggressive. Or, so I thought, until we got into the elevator.”
“Why? What happened then?”
Andrew could feel himself color, and for the first time appreciated how Beth must feel when she blushed uncontrollably. “She stopped the elevator, and…we, ah…”
“Damn hell, you say?”
“Absolutely true. And then, when we got upstairs…she practically attacked me.”
“And you wanted to tell me this because you know I’m in love with her, and you wanted to taunt me?”
“No, but…all of a sudden, she’s tired, and wants to go to sleep.”
“Well, it sounds like she had a busy day… I mean she passed her scuba diving test, saved your ass, and then had a very full evening.” He smirked at Drew.
“But then, Jack, I rolled over and found her crying into her pillow. I mean sobbing.”
“Why?”
“That’s what I’m asking you. You’re the one who’s been married four times.”
“And divorced four times, too. Don’t forget that. You must have said something, done something?”
“I didn’t, Jack. And she cried for hours. She kept going on about being old. And how young and beautiful Natalia was and men didn’t age, and I don’t know what else. I’m looking to you for guidance.”
“Well, ‘Grasshopper’”, Jack started, but when he saw Andrew’s confusion, he gave it up. “Never mind, it was a TV reference.” He frowned. “Well, you know…ah, it could be that she’s starting ‘the change’?” He looked at Drew, knowingly. But when Andrew just looked over at him, he squirmed a bit and continued, almost in a whisper, “You know, menopause.”
Andrew was still wearing a kind of dazed expression, so Jack tried again. “You do know about women, right?”
“I thought so.”
“No, I mean you know about their ‘Aunt Flow’, don’t you?”
“Jack, if you’re not going to help me, please don’t make me more confused.”
“Their periods, then. There, I said it.” Now, he was starting to redden.
“Of course, why the didn’t you just say that. Who the hell is Aunt Flo?”
“Forget I said that. But, you know when they get to be…older, they start menopause. Now, my wife, Sissy…she was an animal when she started the change. That’s why I married her the second time. And, then of course, there was the crying. Which is why I divorced her the second time.”
“And what is your suggestion?”
“Well, she should see the doctor. I think they can get pills that will help. You might not get lucky as often, but there’ll be lots less crying.”
“This is your brilliant idea—I tell her she needs to go to the doctor to get pills because she’s beginning menopause?
“Are you insane? I spent hours last night telling her she wasn’t getting old. How is this suppose to help?”
Jack nodded sagely. “This is what we call a ‘Catch 22’ situation.”
“Thanks, Jack. You’ve really been no help. But I will trust you to postpone her skydiving classes until after the first of the year.
“Sir Anthony has a job for her, and then it will be too close to the holidays. This is a special Christmas for her. It’s the first joint Morgan/Emery holiday. And I want her to enjoy it. And everything that leads up to it. Of course, you’re invited too.”
“Well, we’ll talk about that later. I got to get to work. I’ll change her schedule. Call me before you leave. Bye.”
***

Vauxhall Cross, London

“Well, I don’t know Jack. She’s in with Sir Anthony right now. But I’m sure if she can tell you about it, she will.
“She was like a kid at Christmas this morning.”
“Did you talk to her about what we spoke about?”
“No. Did you really think I would?” Drew frowned. “And there’s been nothing since that one night. I’m just chalking it up to her being overtired.”
“Well, I suppose…”
“Thanks, Jack. That’s encouraging. I’d better get going. I have some straightening up to do. That’s the one drawback of sharing an office with Beth…she insists on things being orderly.”
“Poor Andy. Well, I’ll talk to you… Oh, wait! I didn’t tell you, that guy we got last spring. It seems he didn’t appreciate his free trip to Cuba and decided he wasn’t as tough as he thought he was. He’s keeping stenographers busy 24/7, rattling off names and places…He’s turning out to be a gold mine…And Liz gets credit for the capture…So, don’t tell her, but she’s getting another commendation.
“Listen, my other line is ringing. I’ll catch up with guys later. Bye.”
Drew had just hung up the phone when Beth burst into the room. He jumped up to greet her with a hug and a little kiss. After all, they were at the office.
“So, how much can you tell me?” He asked, as he returned to his side of the partner’s desk.
She gave him a smile. “Who are you trying to kid? I know Ruth told you all about it when we were still in Washington.
“It’s not a very big assignment, but it’s a beginning. And, it will be nice seeing Padma again. I thought we might go see Miss Sweet. I might even give in and buy something.”
“And…?” He asked, expectantly.
“I know we just sitting ducks, if that’s what you mean. But, I don’t know who will be on the real security team.
“Why, are you on it?”
“I asked Sir Anthony not to assign me to it.”
She gave him a disappointed look. “But, why?”
“We both know you can stand on your own. But I want everyone else to know it. So, this way, no one can claim I helped you in any way.”
“I see.” She gave a playful pout.
“In fact, I will probably be out of town that day.”
“I haven’t even told you when it is.”
“It doesn’t matter. Jack called. And he’d like to hear about your job if you tell him. He’s nearly as excited about it as you are.” He balled up an old napkin and tossed it at her.
“You’re suppose to be straightening, not throwing your mess on my side. Now, come on. Let’s get this cleared up and then go home. I want to call Father, and Mom and Dad.”
“Did you forget about Richard?”
“No, but I had to leave someone for you to call.” She flashed a smile at him, and made him remember why he loved her so. Then she asked, “Do I need to tell Ruth everything I want done? Or does she discuss things with me, or what?”
“Well, you should probably try and plan everything out you want her to do. But I’m sure if you forget anything, she’ll remind you.”
“Okay, I need luncheon reservations, an appointment with Miss Sweet for a little shopping and a car and driver for the day. Any suggestions about where to have lunch?”
“Fitz will find just the right place. You don’t know if your friend is a vegetarian, do you?”
“Not that I remember.”
“That’s the kind of thing Fitz is so good at. She’ll call the embassy and quiz some attaché, and then pick somewhere based on the answers.” He gave her an evil grin. “What will you do if she wants curry?”
“You would ask that, wouldn’t you?” She laughed, and as always he was reminded of wind chimes.
***

Kapranistani Embassy, London

Beth and another woman came down the embassy steps, in animated conversation, giggling like schoolgirls. They passed through the gates, nodding in acknowledgement of the guards, and climbed into the waiting car. Their driver shut the door quickly, got in and pulled out into traffic, heading towards the French restaurant Ruth had found.
“So, how many children are you up to?” Beth asked. She was attentive, but she was still watching out the windows.
“Only the three, but they are all so very different I sometimes wonder how they can be siblings. One is so very serious, but not studious. Another is frivolous, but wants to be a scientist. While the last thinks of nothing but western clothes, music and boys.
“My mother says it’s because I waited so long to have them. But, then I think she would have been happy if I had done nothing but have babies—one after the other. She loves being a grandmother. And I sometimes worry that she is encouraging my brood that they should go back to the old ways—to stay at home and have child every year.
“She doesn’t see how much better things are now. There is better medical care—for all—not just the wealthy. My father is always trying to make things better for all our people.
“That is why he doesn’t’ understand why these people fight against him so. It isn’t that he hates the old way—that he wants us to give up our traditions. He only wants to make life better for them.
“But what about you? How is it you are working for SIS? You are an American?”
“Well, it’s a long story. The short version is that I was born here. But when my mother died, shortly after I was born, my father had some American friends adopt me. And even after I found out about my British family, I didn’t tell anyone.
“I married Tom Bennett, we went into the Air Force, after that he became a computer specialist, and I went back to school and became a high school teacher. About five years ago I left Tom. And just about the time the divorce was finalized, my sister-in-law was diagnosed with cancer.
“I became more and more involved in my British family. And then this spring I met and married my new husband. One thing just led to another, and here I am. I liaison between the CIA and MI6. Which, I was surprised to discover, turns out to be the family business.
“But I was so excited to be the one to escort you around this afternoon. And so relieved to find you wanted to try this restaurant…” She paused, and if she hadn’t known Padma for twenty-five years, she would never have continued. “…I was so afraid you’d want ethnic food. And I had a rather bad experience with some curry on my honeymoon.”
“Well, stop worrying. My father told me this place is wonderful.” Padma smiled, and tucked a piece of her long dark hair behind her ear. “And the desserts are supposed to be heavenly.”
Beth raised her eyebrows, “And who doesn’t love desserts?”
“And we have plans after lunch?”
“Yes. We’re going to the designer, Henry Jackson’s salon, where we have an appointment with a wonderful woman. It turns out, Andrew—my husband—has been going to her for gifts for his lady friends since he was in college. She has excellent taste and really ‘gets’ you after only a few minutes.
“And the clothes are fabulous.” She gave her friend a little grin, “I even told Andrew I might buy something.” And when she saw Padma’s confusion added, “I’ve never been much of a shopper. And Drew took me on an unbelievable spree the weekend before we were married.
“I felt we’d really overdone things, and made him promise he wouldn’t buy me anything else until Christmas. But perhaps Miss Sweet will have something special put aside for us.”
***

They had a light lunch and made up for it with desserts, and then proceeded to Henry Jackson’s. Miss Sweet took a few minutes to get to know Padma, and then sent her minions scattering for things to show her.
And surprise of surprises, Miss Sweet had a beautiful wine colored gown hanging in the salon for Beth. Obviously, Andrew had made a call. But it was a stunning dress, and Beth yielded to temptation without guilt.
Padma found several things for herself, but also a few little things for her two girls. They called for the car before they even entered the elevator. Miss Sweet went downstairs with them, with several purchase laden shop-girls following.
Beth was surveying the passerbys in the street, while Padma chatted with Miss Sweet. If something were going to happen, it would be now. No one would choose to wait until they returned to the embassy—not with guards standing on the curb. No, it was going to be now, or never.
The driver packed their purchases into the trunk and then went to open the car door for them. She thanked Miss Sweet, took Padma firmly by the arm and headed for the car.
A man on a bicycle streaked around the corner and crashed into the back of the limousine. He jumped off and began arguing with the driver, who had gone to see how much damage had been done. Beth shoved Padma into the rear of the car, and was about to follow when another man appeared from the street.
And from the way he was carrying himself, he had a weapon. She tried to at least shut the door. But he charged at her, crushing her into the end of the open door. She kicked back hard, catching him in the knee, giving herself enough time to draw her own weapon and turn around to face him.
He knocked the gun from her hand, and lunged at her again. Beth ducked, drawing her backup gun from the ankle holster she had worn beneath her slacks. And spinning around, she shot him in chest. After he was down, the secondary security team finally showed up—just in time to rescue the driver from the first assailant on the bicycle.
She ducked her head into the car, reassured Padma, saw to it that the bicyclist was taken into custody and an ambulance had been summoned for the man she’d shot. Then she put away her backup gun, retrieved her other weapon and told the driver to take them back to the embassy immediately.
“Are you hurt?” Padma asked, with genuine concern in her voice.
“I’m fine. Now, are you all right?”
“Yes. I didn’t even see anything except you getting pushed into the car door.”
“Very good. Don’t worry, we’ll have you back at the embassy in no time flat.” She patted Padma’s hand. “I don’t think the man I shot will die. So you’re security people will be able to question them.” She turned and looked into her friends eyes,
“You do want to go back to the embassy? Or would you feel safer to go somewhere else?”
“No. My father would not like me to go anywhere else. He feels it is our duty to show a confident front. And I’ll be perfectly safe inside the embassy.”
A chill passed over Beth and she thought how glad she would be once her friend was home. They pulled up to the gates, and the driver came around and opened Padma’s door.
“It was wonderful spending sometime with you after all these years. I will try and keep in touch. And, I’ll be sure to call you when my girls come after the first of the year. I would like you to meet them.” She smiled, “And I’d like to meet that new husband of yours. See how he measures up against Tom.”
“Trust me, there’s no comparison. And even Tom knows it. But I’d love to meet your children. Please, do keep in touch. Now go, I can see your father standing just inside. I’m sure he’s heard what happened and wants to make sure you’re all right.”
They hugged. She watched Padma run up the embassy steps and told the driver to take her to the office immediately. But she shivered, as they pulled away.
***

Vauxhall Cross, London

“Congratulations, Elizabeth. Sir Anthony said for you to go right in.”
“Thank you, Bridget.”
Beth opened the heavy walnut door and peeked in. Her boss, Sir Anthony, was sitting behind the immense antique desk.
“Well, there you are. I’ve already heard about what happened. And I promise, I won’t keep you long. Just describe what happened in your own words, and you’ll be able to go home and relax.”
“Yes, sir. We picked Padma up, went to lunch and then on to Henry Jackson’s shopping. As we left, I had looked up and down the street and didn’t see anything. The driver had come around to open the car door, when a man on a bike crashed into the car.
He and the driver were going at each other, arguing about damage to the car. And another man came rushing up. He jammed me into the open edge of the door, and then knocked the gun from my hand. I kicked him, and pulled out a second weapon from my ankle holster. He…” She shivered again. “I’m sorry, I’m just so very cold.”
“Would you like a drink, or perhaps a cup of tea?” He asked, in a fatherly tone.
“Yes, some tea would be lovely, if it isn’t too much trouble, sir.”
***

“Nonsense.” He turned to buzz Bridget about the tea. When he swung back to face Beth, she had slid out of the chair, and was in a heap on the floor. “Bridget, I need medics in here, at once!”
He was kneeling beside her when Bridget entered, followed by the paramedics.
“Do you know what happened to her?”
“I was debriefing her. She seemed fine, although she did complain of being cold. I went to ask for some tea, and turned back to find her on the floor. The only thing she told me was that she was shoved into the end of an open car door.”
The paramedics pulled up her blouse, and took note of the already forming bruise.
“We need to get her to the hospital at once.” Then they packed her up and rolled her from the office.
Fitz was just coming into the outer office as the paramedics were leaving. “What’s happened?”
“She just passed out during her debriefing. You’d better try and get a hold of Andrew, Richard and her father. I’m going to call my wife and then go on to the hospital.”
***

Chelsea Embankment Hospital, London

Richard Emery rushed up to the hospital’s admitting desk. “My sister, Elizabeth Oliver, was brought in a few minutes ago. Where is she? What happened?”
“She was taken up to surgery. If you’re a relative, you should go right up, they will need someone to give permission for surgery.”
He practically ran to the directory and found where he needed to go. He arrived in the waiting area to find Fitz and Bridget already there. “What happened?”
Bridget jumped in, “She was in with Sir Anthony and just passed out. But before this happened, she told him that she’d been pushed into the end of the open car door. She was also complaining of being cold. The paramedics think she bleeding internally. Neither of us could give permission for exploratory surgery, so they’re doing what they can with ultrasound.”
“Where’s Andrew?”
Fitz spoke, “He didn’t want to be in town for her assignment. He ran up to Cambridge to do some research. But I called him, and he should be here any minute.
“Sir Roger didn’t answer his phone. I’ve left messages on both his cell and home phone for him to call me immediately. I didn’t want to just leave the message she was in hospital.”
A doctor came out and looked to Richard. “I’m looking for someone to give us permission for surgery for Elizabeth Oliver.”
“Her husband should be here any time now. But I’m her brother. Can I sign your form?”
The doctor gave a perplexed frown. “I should speak to her husband, if he really is due any moment.”
“But, I’m sure he wouldn’t object to me signing for him.”
For a second, it looked as though he was going to waiver, when the elevator doors opened and Andrew ran out. Richard gestured to the doctor. “This her husband.”
“I need you to sign a release for surgery.”
“Yes, of course. Anything.” Andrew seemed frantic.
“It’s not that easy. I need to explain somethings to you. Let’s sit over here.” He led Drew over to a bench and sat down. “I think her spleen is ruptured. We need to operate to either repair or remove it...”
“Yes, whatever you need to do. Just give me the forms. Please.”
“There’s something you need to know first.”
“What?”
“As far as we can tell, the baby wasn’t injured, but if we operate…”
“Baby?”
“Surely you knew your wife is at least five months pregnant?”
“No.”
Richard had moved closer and heard this. “Andrew, why didn’t you…?”
“I’m telling you I didn’t know.”
The doctor squirmed a bit. “Is there a possibility of it not being yours?”
“Absolutely not. And I don’t believe she knew, herself.”
“She must have known.” The doctor insisted.
“I don’t think she does.” Richard said. “She has always wanted a child. If she knew she was pregnant, she would never have been risking the baby’s well-being by taking scuba diving lessons, or accepting an assignment.”
“Surely she would notice she hadn’t had a period in the last six months? Or, has she been having her period the entire time?”
Andrew sat still for a moment. “As far as I know, she hasn’t had a period since before we were married. But, that doesn’t mean she hasn’t.”
“Look, we need to operate. The bottom line is that we can’t guarantee that she won’t miscarry because of the anesthetic. She’s suffered severe blunt force trauma and she’s bleeding internally, which has led to shock. Either of these things could cause her to lose this baby. The surgery and anesthetic are just two more risks to this pregnancy.”
“Please, just do what you need to do to help her.” Andrew was becoming panicky.
Richard tried to calm him, “Everything is going to be fine. Just calm down.”
Fitz’s cell phone rang. “Sir Roger, Beth’s at Chelsea Embankment Hospital. You need to come at once. They are about to do exploratory surgery to find out where she’s bleeding internally. Yes, they’re both here. I will. Yes.”
“Sir Roger will be here immediately.” She said, to Andrew and Richard, but neither one seemed to have heard. “I’m going to call Sir Anthony. I think he was planning on bringing Mrs. Gleason here.” She looked from Drew to Richard and back. “How much should I tell them?”
Andrew looked up. “Just tell them about the surgery—but nothing about a baby.”
“But why?” Richard asked, “You must know how much she would want this?”
“That’s just it, Richard. I think we should keep this to ourselves, until we know one way or the other.”
Richard stared at his brother-in-law. “Andrew, you are happy about this baby? Aren’t you?”
“Yes, of course…I think.”
“What do you mean ‘you think’?”
“It’s just a bit of a surprise. I never thought about it. What do I know about a baby? How can I be a father?”.
He seemed a bit green to Richard, so he put his arm around Drew. “It’s all right. Just put you head between your knees and breathe for a while.”
To his astonishment, Andrew did just that. And Richard, in a gesture of support, bent over and breathed with him.
“What’s happened?” Sir Roger’s deep voice asked from above them.
Richard sat up to answer, but he kept his hand firmly on Drew’s back, so he couldn’t get up. “Beth is in surgery. They think she has a ruptured spleen.”
“All right. How did this happen?”
Andrew struggled against his brother-in-law’s hand. But Richard remained firm.
“Beth stopped an kidnapping attempt, but was shoved into the end of the car door during fracas. She passed out in Sir Anthony’s office. We think he’s gone to pick up Mrs. Gleason and will be here soon.”
“Let me up, Richard.” Drew said, still leaning over, head between his legs.
“You just stay down there.” Richard told him. “I’m going to ask a nurse for something for you.”
“Why are you holding Andrew over like that?” His father asked with a frown.
“I’ll get to that in a minute. But I think you better sit down too. Here, on this side of me. That way I keep you down if I need to.” He motioned to a nurse, who ignored him. So he turned to his father.
“I need you to remain calm.”
“Richard, what the hell is going on?”
He sighed and then spoke it out in a loud whisper, “Beth is five months pregnant.”
He felt Andrew quiver at the words. And watched as his father paled.
“Come again, please? I thought you said Elizabeth was pregnant.”
“I did.”
“Let me up, Richard.” Andrew said, as he slid away from his brother-in-law and stood up. He walked over to his father-in-law. “I didn’t know. I don’t believe she knew. I’m sure she would have told us. Don’t you, sir? Really?”
“Yes, my boy. I agree. If she knew, she would have told you at the very least. Unless…” He narrowed his eyes and stared at Andrew, “she was afraid you would be unhappy about it.”
“Sir…?”
“Well, what am I to think? You look as if you’re about to give birth. She must have known—or at least suspected this.
“I told you, before you married her, what I would do to you if you hurt her.” He growled.
“I swear, I didn’t know. It was something we never talked about…It was unexpected, but certainly not unwanted.
“I admit, I was a little taken aback. But that doesn’t mean I don’t want the child.” He sank back down on the bench. “It’s probably a moot point anyway.”
“Why?” Sir Roger roared.
Richard jumped in between them. “The doctor is worried that the trauma, the shock or the anesthetic, or any combination could cause her to miscarry.”
Andrew bent down and looked into her father-in-law’s eyes. “I love Beth. You know that, sir. I love her more than life itself. This baby would be a blessing. And I’m sorry about the way I reacted initially. It just seemed so surreal.” He stood up and began pacing.
“Father, Andrew would never hurt Beth. You know that. It’s just taken us all by surprise.”
Fitz returned, carrying a tray of coffees and a frown. “I take it there’s no news.”
“No.” And Drew began pacing again.
“I’m sorry, Andrew. I should never have implied you didn’t want this child.”
“I don’t think we should tell her.”
“What?” Sir Roger and his son asked, simultaneously.
“I don’t think she should be told—not until they’re sure the baby is all right. Don’t you see, if she knows about this child and then miscarries, it will kill her?
“Why can’t we just wait until things are settled, before we tell her? If she loses the child, she doesn’t even need to know. That’s why I think we should keep it just between us for now.”
“I don’t know, Drew.” Richard started. “She would feel terribly deceived if she ever found we’d kept this from her.”
“I don’t know. I understand both your points’ of view.” Sir Roger mused thoughtfully. “She would be very disappointed if this is kept from her and she finds out somehow. But, I do understand why Drew would want to keep this from her—at least until she’s out of surgery and we know whether the child will make it.”
“But, Father…”
“Richard, don’t you see…her own anxiety could have a detrimental effect on her pregnancy?”
“All right. But I really think that she needs to know as soon as possible. Please.”
***
After what seemed like hours, the doctor returned. “She’s stable, and so far the baby is holding it’s own. We didn’t even need to remove her spleen. We were able to repair the damage.
“Once she’s ready to leave post-op, I’d like to move her to the OB/GYN. She’ll be examined by an obstetrician and closely monitored. I think I know just…”
Andrew interrupted him. “Fine, I’m sure we’ll agree to anyone you recommend. But first we have somethings to ask of you.
“We’d rather Beth not be told about the baby until you all are reasonably sure the baby will survive. And, I need to stay with her. Please. She’s very uneasy about hospitals.”
Richard jumped in. “She was with my wife throughout her battle with cancer. It’s made her…uh…”
“She finds hospitals extremely distressing.”
“I’m very sorry, doctor. I’ve neglected to introduce myself. I’m Sir Roger Emery. This is my son, Richard Emery, and my son-in-law, Andrew Oliver.”
He swung around to the opening elevator doors, “And that is his boss, Sir Anthony Gleason—the Minister of Defense, the head of MI6. If necessary, I’m sure he’ll be more than happy to explain how our requests could be considered a matter of national security.” He shook the doctor’s hand, and went to talk with Sir Anthony.
Richard picked up where his father had left off, but with the charm that got him all those phone numbers and other personal data he collected for the SIS. “Move Beth to the Maternity Ward. You’ll be able to keep a close watch on her. Just don’t tell her about the baby. If she asks, she’s there because the room is set up for people to stay with her.
“When you decides which way things are going to go, we have another talk. But, until then Beth knows nothing about the pregnancy.”
He looked at Drew. “I’ll have Sarah called Kathy’s OB/GYN group and get some names. And I’ll send Fitz to pick up some things for both of you.” He made a quick glance down the hall, towards his father. “And don’t worry about Father. He would never admit it, but the pregnancy is frightening him—because of Mother. I’ll try and talk to him.”
***

Andrew sat quietly next to Beth’s bed. The doctor had been in and told him she should be waking soon. He sat there, staring at her, thinking about the tiny life hidden within her. A baby…a minor miracle…a blessing.
But it was something he had never really considered before. Certainly he and his first wife had never wanted a child. Perhaps that wasn’t true. He wouldn’t have minded, if he’d thought about it. He’d just never thought about it.
He kept thinking of the possibility of having a daughter. Imagine, a tiny version of Beth. Or perhaps a miniature version of himself. Surely a child of theirs would be amazing.
But a baby…what did he know about babies? Did Elizabeth know anything about babies? Was that some inherent knowledge women had? Or was it something they would both need to learn about. He wondered if Nanny Roberts was still alive? He’d have to put Fitz on that…finding her, or someone she would approve of.
Maybe they should get a dog? Families had dogs…pets, maybe. Perhaps it didn’t need to be a dog. He was beginning to feel he was losing his grip on reality.
What if this was some dream…some trick his mind was playing on him?
No, this was real. Beth was real, lying in this hospital bed. She would be waking soon. And he needed to get control over this meandering mind of his.
He needed to keep her quiet. Without letting her know why, he needed to keep her lying flat, and calm. That’s all he needed to do, to protect her, and their unborn child.
***
Beth opened her eyes slowly, and looked around. Clearly this was a hospital room, although it did seem different somehow. More roomy, perhaps, and less institutional, and yet somehow the décor reminded her something she’d expect to find in an antiseptic chain motel.
The last thing she remembered was talking to Sir Anthony. So how did she get here, and why?
She was feeling around for the call buzzer, when the door opened quietly and Andrew peeped in. When he saw her eyes open and hand groping around above her head, he smiled. “You’re awake.” He set the cup of coffee down on the table and went to her.
He managed to kiss her before she was able to ask, “What happened?”
He dragged a chair close to the head of the bed, grabbed his coffee and sat down next to her. He took her hand, “You ruptured you spleen and were bleeding internally. That’s why you were feeling cold.
“They repaired your spleen, and you’re doing just fine. But I need you to lie flat and keep quiet and still for me. All right?
“I’m not going to go anywhere. Fitz packed up a few things for each of us. And I made sure she put your Walkman in, so if you tell me what you’d like, I’ll run out and get some new books on tape for you. How does that sound?”
“How did you manage to get them to let you stay?” She wasn’t happy about the staying flat and quiet stuff—but at least he’d be with her.
“I didn’t. It was your father. You should have seen him. The doctor looked as if he was about to be difficult, and your father introduced himself—as ‘Sir Roger’, introduced me and pointed out Sir Anthony—as the Minister of Defense and head of MI6. And then said that he was confident that Sir Anthony would considerate a matter of national security if he didn’t want to let me stay.
“I think even Richard was impressed.”
“Father did that? Are they going to be able to come and see me?”
“You can have visitors as long as you stay flat on your back and stay quiet. Now, as soon as someone gets here, I’ll go get your books. And anything else you think you’d like.”
“Andrew, are you sure you’re telling me everything?” She looked at him, intently. She just didn’t know what to think.
She was in a fairly nice room, Drew was going to be allowed to stay with her and her father had stood up for her. And she didn’t even hurt too badly. Something just didn’t seem right…
Drew looked at her and smiled. “Don’t be silly. Now, what kind of books would you like to listen to? Or, I can get a DVD player and fixed it somehow so you can see it, and get movies. What’s your pleasure, madam?”
“I think I’d like to watch movies…we can do that together. If I listen to books of tape, what will you do—just sit here and watch me?”
“Well, how about this…I get some movies, and a couple books on tape? That way, you’ll be able to entertain yourself if I’m asleep or in the bathroom or something.”
“All right. But can’t you hold me?”
He looked around, and whispered, “Not now. Later, when you go to sleep, I’ll spoon with you. But I don’t think the nurses would approve if they knew. So, let’s keep it a secret.”
She smiled in spite of herself. “Hey, if I can’t sit up, how am I suppose to eat?”
“Ah, there’s the down side…you have to just have an IV and the occasional milkshake through an extremely long straw.”
“And the bathroom…?” She asked, with a frown.
“Ah, that’s one of the reason’s you need to stay still. They’ve catheterized you.”
“So, you seriously saying that I can’t sit up and walk? Until when?”
“Until the doctor says otherwise.”
She was just about to argue, when there was a perfunctory knock and her father and Richard burst in.
“How are you feeling, Elizabeth?” Sir Roger asked, as he bent over her and kissed her cheek.
“I feel pretty good. A bit sore, perhaps, but I don’t see why I need to stay flat on my back.”
“Well, I’m afraid you’re going to have to do as the doctor orders.” Richard said as he kissed her on the other cheek, and pulled out a large bouquet of tulips from behind his back.
“I’m glad you two are here.” Andrew began, “I have some errands to run. But I know I can trust you both to see she behaves herself.” He bent over and kissed her squarely on her mouth. “I’ll be back just as soon as I can. And I have my phone if you think of something else you’d like.
“I love you.” And he left.
Beth’s father took the chair Drew had vacated. “Now, I want to hear about your first assignment.”
Beth watched Richard for a moment, fussing with the tulips he was arranging in a vase he’d found beneath a sink, before she began repeating her story to them.
But in her secret heart, she was pleased to find her father obviously proud of her performance. It was something she’d wanted for a very long time. And even though she’d realized in the last several months, he’d always been proud of her, it really did make a difference to actually hear it.
***
By a continuing rotation of visitors, including, the Gleason, Bridget, Ruth and all of her nieces and nephews, they managed to keep Beth reasonably flat on her back and quiet for four days. But Andrew knew that the time was coming when they were going to have to tell her the truth.
The doctor had hope for two more days, but Drew went and spoke to him candidly. “I can only keep her down one more day. Haven’t you all decided anything yet?”
“Well, the baby seems to be holding its own. We’ve managed to do several tests without her knowing what we were testing for. We were concerned about the possibility of Down’s syndrome because of her age. But that test came back negative. The baby seems healthy.
“So I was thinking that we could remove the catheter and let her sit up tonight. If nothing unexpected happens, we do an ultrasound tomorrow morning, and tell her then—really, show her the baby.
“I just need you to keep her quiet tonight. She can use the bathroom, if you go with her. And she can sit up to eat and watch TV, but that’s it. All right?”
“I can do that.” He grabbed the doctor’s arm, “But the baby…will she be able to do this?”
“I can’t guarantee anything. But this is one tough little bugger. He’s survived no prenatal care, extreme exercise, scuba diving, blunt force trauma severe enough to rupture her spleen, shock, anesthesia and surgery. I’m thinking he’ll hang on with the proper care—and from what I’ve seen of her family,” he grinned, “you all will make sure she gets that.”
“All right, the baby’s tough. I’m asking about Elizabeth. You’ve examined her. You must have seen her scars. It’s my understanding from things she’s said the doctor’s had told her there was also internal damage. Can she deliver this baby safely?”
“There is some scar tissue. Don’t forget, she can always have the baby by Caesarian section. But, this means no more scuba diving, skydiving, or dangerous government assignments.” Then he gave Andrew a serious look. “And it also means a very restricted sex life.
“I’ve seen the way you look at her. And the way she looks at you. I only wish my wife would look at me like that. I know the chance of my keeping you two apart is nil, so you must promise to be gentle. Do we understand each other?”
“Absolutely, doctor. Beth and this child are the most important things in the world to me. I’ll do whatever I need to.”
“Good. I’ll go order the catheter to be removed and for her to have real food for her dinner. And trust you to keep up your side of the bargain.”
***
He reentered the room to finding her sitting up in bed, grinning. “They took out that awful catheter and let me pick out what I wanted for dinner.”
“I know. And if everything is as they expect in the morning, we can go home tomorrow.” He went over to her, but this time climbed on the bed and stretched out beside her. “Won’t it be nice to be in our own bed.” He kissed her, tenderly.
“Andrew, there’s something else. I asked you that when I first woke up and you put me off. I want to know.” She entwined her fingers in his. “Am I dying? Is that it, and you don’t want to tell me.”
“No, Bethy. No!” And he held her tighter than was probably good for her. But she did feel good in his arms.
***
Beth was so happy to be allowed to sit up and have food, she decided not to press Drew. She still felt he wasn’t telling her the truth—or rather, he was omitting something. But if she behaved, she would be home tomorrow. So she just concentrated on that.
She had hoped Andrew would let her take a quick shower. But he put his foot down. The doctor had said she could sit up, eat real food and walk to and from the bathroom. And that was all she was going to get to do.
Even though her dinner consisted of chicken ala king and Jell-O, she still enjoyed it. But she was surprised by how very tired she was after only one trip to the bathroom. And after only sitting up for an hour or so, she willing went back to lying flat.
Andrew climbed onto the bed again, holding her as she was falling asleep. He had his one arm beneath her head, but his other hand was around her belly, instead of cupping her breast. And she drifted off wondering why.
***
The next morning Andrew seemed extremely anxious about something. She was just about to ask him about this when her father and brother burst in.
“I hear you’re going home today.” Richard said confidently.
“How are you feeling, Beth?” Her father asked, smiling like a Cheshire cat.
“I feel great. And I can’t wait to get out of here.”
“Well, it will depend on what the doctor says, remember.”
She was about to argue with him, when a nurse came through the door and held it open, as a technician pushed a machine into the room.
Her doctor followed. “You two are going to have to excuse us. We’re going to need a bit of privacy for a few minutes.”
Her father and Richard smiled at her and stepped out. The nurse pressed her back in the bed and began grabbing at her nightgown. “Please,” Beth objected, “What are you…”
Andrew interceded. “Let me help, please. Tell me what it is you need.”
The nurse frowned at both of them, but the doctor gave her one of his own and she backed off. “I need her abdomen exposed.”
Drew leaned in and pulled the bedding up to her waist. Then he lifted her nightie up to just below her breasts, and folded the sheet back until the nurse nodded, petulantly.
The she jumped in with a squeeze bottle of something, and squirted on her exposed belly.
“Hey,” Beth cried, “that’s cold.” And looked down at the gel, frowning.
Andrew massaged her neck, in an apparent attempt to soothe. “Just relax. This is the last test. Then we can go home.”
The doctor stepped up and pressed something into the gel and moved it over her abdomen. Andrew had moved so he could see what was going on. She was about to ask what was going on, when Andrew face broke into a wide grin.
He moved back to her head, and took her head, as the technician turned the machine around.
The doctor turned back to her and smiled, “Elizabeth, I’d like you to meet…your son.”
Beth blinked. She looked at the monitor and could clearly see the baby, sucking his thumb contently. She looked at the doctor, and then the nurse and then the technician.
Andrew squeezed her hand. He wouldn’t tease her. He smiled again. “It’s true, Bethy. We’re going to have a baby—a son!”
“A baby… But, how? I… How?”
The doctor asked, “Didn’t you suspect something? You must have missed your periods. What did you think?”
She looked thoughtful for a moment. “I guess I didn’t think about it for a while. And then I thought I’d started menopause, and tried to ignore it.” She looked at the baby’s image on the monitor and reached out to it. “And he’s all right? I mean, do we need to test him for things?” She turned to Drew. “We…we are old. At least, we’re older than most first time parents.”
“He’s perfect. But you need to find an obstetrician and start having regular prenatal examines.
“Now, go on and get out of here, we need the room for sick people.” He gestured her father and Richard back in as he left.
But she could not take her eyes off that image on the monitor. She could see his beating heart—actually hear the blooding pumping through his veins. She could count each one of his little fingers and toes. He was perfect. And he was their son.
The technician took the wand from her. And the nurse wiped the gel off, as Sir Roger and Richard studied the pictures on the wall. Then she tossed the sheet up, covering Beth’s belly and stomped out.
Drew pulled the covers up more neatly, and kissed her. She just stared up into his eyes. He brushed a curl back from her forehead, and smiled. “Don’t you have anything to say? Anything at all?”
“You all knew… This entire time, you knew. Why didn’t you tell me?”
“The doctors were worried because of…everything. We just thought you would obsess with worry.” Richard blurted out.
Her father bent over her and smiled. “I’m so very happy for you two…or should I say, three. Now, we’re going to wait outside, while you get dressed. Then we’re going to take you home and have a grand celebration—except you have to promise to stay on the couch.”
***

It had been a wonderful afternoon, but Beth was ready to go to bed. She been very good and remained prone, while her father and brother and nieces and nephews congratulated them. She had sipped on sparkling cider, while the champagne flowed like water. And as much as she loved champagne, she didn’t miss it at all.
Andrew beamed at her the entire afternoon. Justin and Ben went out for Chinese food, and the Gleason’s stopped by with flowers. They all stood by quietly as she and Drew (on the kitchen extension) told her folks in San Diego.
Somewhere during the conversation, Richard took the phone from Drew and insisted that he would send his plane for them—for Christmas, Thanksgiving, if they wanted to celebrate it in London, or immediately—if they just couldn’t wait to see Beth.
But after several hours of all the hubbub, she was ready to rest. And she announced her intention to go upstairs to bed. Andrew jumped up to help her, but Sarah and Jennifer seemed anxious to help, so she shook her head, and gestured for him to let them.
They helped her up the stairs, slowly, and then into her room. Where she sat down hard on the edge of the bed. “Well, this is a surprise, isn’t it?” She looked over at Sarah, “I thought you would be the one having the baby. I never expected this. And you girls are too old to baby sit.”
“Of course we’ll baby sit.” Jen volunteered.
“We’ll do whatever you need us to do. You know that.” Sarah said, as she helped Beth pull off her blouse, while Jen handed them a nightgown from the suitcase they brought up with them.
Beth stood up, allowing them to undo her skirt. She stepped out of it, along with her half slip and panties. “I suppose the first thing I’m going to need is some maternity clothes.” She patted Sarah’s hand. “You’re in luck, because I’ll probably never get back into all those beautiful clothes Drew bought me. So you two will be very well dressed.”
She looked over at Jen, who was hanging up her skirt and blouse. “But I’m keeping the jewelry.” Then she shrugged, “However, I suppose I might let you wear them—they do set off the dresses.”
Sarah turned back the bedclothes, and gave Jen a look, “Come on, you need to get into bed. And we need to get downstairs and straighten things up before we leave.” She kissed Beth.
Elizabeth held out her hand to Jennifer, “Thank you girls. I’m sorry I’m so tired. I’ll talk to you soon. I’m going to rely on you two to help me shop. Somehow, I don’t think Andrew will be much help with baby things.”
***
Andrew found Beth sitting at the dressing table when he entered the bedroom. “I thought you’d be in bed by now.” He gave her a little kiss. “Come along. Bed!”
“I was hoping you help me in the shower. I didn’t say anything to the girls, but I’d really like to get clean and have my hair washed.”
He thought about it. It had been the better part of a week, so he relented. “Well, all right.” He went in and started the water, grabbed some towels and helped her slip out of the gown and into the shower. “Sit!” he said firmly. He washed her hair, humming to her as he scrubbed.
“Oh, Lord! That feels good.” She sighed. “I’ve been dreaming about this for days.”
“Beth, please think about what you’re going to say, before you say it. We’ve been apart for a week, your sitting in front of me naked and now your saying provocative things.” But he grinned at her. He let her stand up to rinse out the shampoo, gave her body a quick once-over with a lathery poof, and had her sitting again before she knew what happened. He rubbed her dry, and bent over to kiss her belly, “Now, it’s time for you and Mommy to go to sleep…so no fooling around, okay, son?”
He looked up into her face, and frowned. “Why are you tearing up?”
“He’s real, isn’t he?
“Yes, Beth. He’s real. Our son is right there.” He poked a finger into her belly gently.
“I’d like to name him Edmund James, but call him James.”
“It’s a fine name. So, from now on we’ll refer to him as James.”
“Yes.” She was smiling again.
She got into bed and sighed. “Oh, it is nice to be back in our bed.” She patted his side of the bed. He went round and stretched out next to her. “Do you need something?”
“Yes,” she reached for him, “I need you to hold me.” And she started crying quietly.
“Now, what’s all this about?” He asked, petting her.
“I know this isn’t something we ever spoke about. And I don’t want you to feel I tricked you. I really didn’t realize. I thought I’d started menopause. And I certainly didn’t want to talk to you about that.”
“First of all, I knew from that first night in New York you had wanted children—grieved over not having any.
“Next, I think we both avoided the subject, because I didn’t want you to hurt, and you didn’t ever expect to get pregnant. But that doesn’t mean I feel trapped or unhappy about this. And I really wish that people would stop implying it.”
“What does that mean?”
“I’m sorry…it’s just something your father said when we first told him. I know he didn’t mean it. It’s just…” He wasn’t at all sure he wanted to continue, but from her look, he thought he’d better. “Richard says it frightened him, because of your mother.”
“Oh, of course. I don’t think Mother was supposed to have had Richard. And from something Richard once said, I got the feeling she kind of tricked Father—and then kept it from him for most of the pregnancy. He was away at sea, and came home to discovery I was just about due.”
“Well, I don’t believe you tricked me. After all, I could have asked you about it. I could have taken precautions.
“But, there was no reason not to have spoken to me about thinking you were beginning menopause. We’re a team. And you don’t need to worry I’m suddenly going to decide you’re old, and want to trade you in.
“But you should have told me, because I want to know if things are upsetting you, because I’m your husband and I care.”
“But Andrew, what if we’re too old?”
“Fortunately, we are in a position to be able to hire a baby nurse or a nanny or whatever we need. All we really have to do is love him.”
“And, have you already enrolled him in Eton and Cambridge?”
He grinned, “I didn’t need to—your father beat me to it while I was busy in the hospital with you.”
“Are you serious?”
“Absolutely. And they can’t refuse—since your father is…your father, and I’m an alumnus as well.”
“Don’t forget Richard…at least for Eton.” She had brightened, and seemed a bit more relaxed.
“I suppose it’s a good thing we haven’t really gotten lots of things for the house, since we may outgrow it within the year.”
“It’s just the one child. It’s not as though we’ve become the Von Trapp’s, after all.”
“I certainly hope not, Baron Von Trapp married the governess.” She gave him a playful shove.
He grinned back, “But he won’t need a governess, so you’re safe.” He tickled her, “Or are you?”
She pulled him to her, and kissed him. He kissed her back, and then pulled her closer. “I need you to go to sleep now, Beth. You’ve had a very big day. And you and James need your rest.”
“Are you going to stay with me?”
“Of course. But tonight I get to sleep under the covers.”
***