Natasha's Dream Read online

  “Stop. Go lay down,” he begged the dog.

  With one final motion, Goldie extended her tongue across Stewart’s cheek and onto his lips. Stewart closed his eyes and scrunched his nose. Natasha’s giggle intensified. The dog backed away, settling on the grass beside them. The dog placed her chin comfortably on her paws and sighed. Content.

  “How disgusting,” Stewart groaned. “I have been kissed by a dog and can’t even wipe my face.”

  “I’ve also been kissed by your dog,” Natasha reminded him.

  “You must put me out of my misery and assure me you’re not hurt,” he pleaded with an affectionate look in his eye.

  “I’m terribly embarrassed, but not hurt.”

  “You say you’re embarrassed, yet I believe you tripped me to avoid a second loss. You intentionally put your foot out.”

  About to defend herself, she saw the slight smirk on Stewart’s face. He was teasing.

  “There’d be no need for such an attempt, sir. I would have won that race. You would have been left in a cloud of dust.”

  Stewart’s face lit up. His eyes sparkled. “What an impressive, optimistic opinion. The truth shall be revealed shortly, I’m certain. I have no doubt I will defeat you the next time.”

  Looking into his eyes, he appeared even more handsome than the day they met. His warm breath touched her face. Overcome by emotions, her heart pounded with such intensity, she was certain Stewart could see the thumping from her chest. She wanted to feel his lips against hers, but could not allow that to happen. She choked back a sob. Their friendship could not progress. Her father would never permit such a thing. It was foolish to consider such a thought. A romantic relationship with Stewart could only exist in her dreams.

  “To have such confidence, even your eyes are sparkling,” she responded.

  “I find myself hypnotized by those brown eyes,” he informed her.

  Natasha blushed. She turned her head, avoiding his gaze.

  “It is pleasing to know I have one redeeming quality,” she responded, her voice lowered.

  “I assure you, Madam, you possess more than one.”

  Another sincere compliment. Unaccustomed to praise, it was difficult to respond. Even the reflection in the water would show scarlet red. With Stewart suspended above her, she needed to move. She couldn’t without touching Stewart’s arms. Stewart pushed himself onto his side, stood, and extended his hand to assist her.

  “Shall we join Vicki in the water?”

  Natasha placed her hand in his and rose to her feet. Together, they ran into the river with the dog trailing behind. They joined Vicki. The girls dove under the water with their feet in the air. Stewart laughed at the sight as he threw a stick for Goldie to retrieve.

  Tiring, Natasha worked her way toward the edge of the river.

  “Are you not well?”

  “I admit, I lack your sister’s stamina.”

  While Natasha stood on the edge of the river, Vicki swam behind Stewart and placed her arms around his neck. Her eyes were sparkling with anticipation.

  “If I agree to this game, you must promise to continue playing on your own with Goldie,” he warned.

  “I promise.”

  Stewart took a few steps into deeper water, placed one hand on the back of his sister’s head and his other hand behind her thighs. He steadied his feet.

  “Now,” he informed her.

  Stewart leaned forward and dove into the water doing a somersault. His sister flipped into the air and then disappeared under the surface. Her legs remained wrapped around Stewart’s body.

  Natasha gasped, fearing the young girl could be hurt. Within seconds, Stewart’s head reappeared. Vicki resurfaced with her arms still around Stewart’s neck and a huge smile on her face. She released her grip, thanked her brother, and swam with Goldie. Stewart shook his head, and water sprayed everywhere. He left his sister and pet to play and joined Natasha on the grass.

  “The splash surprised me,” Natasha admitted.

  “I should have warned you. I began to flip Vicki when she was six years of age. Momma was horrified, but Vicki giggled and loved it.”

  A half hour later, the young girl swam to the edge of the river and stepped onto the grass, shivering. Natasha rose and reached for the towel.

  “Allow me to assist her,” Natasha pleaded, having gained a level of comfort after playing with the girl.

  Goldie followed Vicki toward them. The dog stopped within a foot of Vicki and Natasha and shook her body. The spray of water flew like a downpour in a thunderstorm. A dog-induced shower. Natasha dropped the towel and put her hands over her face.

  “Goldie. That’s a bad dog,” Stewart scolded. He turned toward Natasha. “My humble apologies. That was a natural reaction for the dog, but she was standing a bit too close to you.”

  “I shall pay more attention to my surroundings. I’m not accustomed to the behaviour of domestic animals.”

  Picking up the towel she had dropped, Natasha wiped her face and then wrapped it around Vicki, rubbing her shoulders in attempt to warm her.

  “Natasha? You share the same name as the princess,” Vicki remarked.

  Natasha froze. Her focus shifted to the ground to avoid eye contact with either Stewart or Vicki. Her mind raced for an acceptable explanation. Natasha wanted to cry, to run. She must respond with haste.

  “Mother was with child when the castle announced the birth of the princess.” She continued drying Vicki with the towel. “Adoring the name, she christened me with it. It is not a pleasing name to my ear, especially being so close in age to the princess.”

  Stewart rested his hands by his side and leaned back and relaxed. “I’m ashamed to admit, although I’m aware there are royal heirs, I didn’t recall their names. I never felt the need to commit such knowledge to memory since we do not attend court. It’s not as if the royal family would ever lower itself and converse with us mere commoners,” Stewart remarked with indignation.

  The words hurt. There was truth to the words but that didn’t stop the pain. It was as if a dagger was thrust into her heart. It was impossible to defend her family. Her father would indeed be livid to discover his daughter was consorting with a commoner. She would be chastised.

  “I must depart for home,” Vicki informed them. “Momma is baking.”

  “You must not say a word to anyone about Natasha, Vicki,” Stewart warned. “I will introduce them in due course. You must keep our secret.”

  “Why?” Vicki asked.

  “Vicki. I do not speak of events that happen to you.”

  “I promise.”

  Stewart stood and walked up the slope, watching his young sister run toward home. With her mind drifting to the conversation with his sister, Natasha didn’t notice him return. She didn’t hear him speak until he touched her hand.

  “What is the matter? You must tell me the cause of your grief.”

  “I’m not grieved, but I have lost track of the hour. I must leave in haste.”

  “Allow me to escort you home.”

  “You are most kind, but that isn’t necessary.”

  He took her hand in his and brought it toward his face.

  “Thank you for being so kind to my sister.” Keeping his eyes locked on hers, he leaned forward. “May I?” he asked.

  Ecstatic, Natasha could never allow herself the experience of his kiss on her mouth, but would feel his lips upon her hand. She nodded, ever so slightly, her emotions locked inside. His lips touched her fingers. Euphoria filled her entire being. She smiled.

  “Until tomorrow,” she whispered.

  She turned and walked in the direction of her home. Certain Stewart was out of sight, Natasha jumped into the air. “I want to scream to the world. He kissed my hand,” she whispered softly. Exhilarated, she brought her hand to her face and kissed the area Stewart’s lips touched. She ran all the way home.

  Dinner was uneventful, but it was difficult to concentrate when Nanny entered the room for her evening revie
w. Once left in the privacy of her chambers, Natasha retrieved her diary and began a long entry, opening her heart.

  Dear Diary,

  He kissed my hand….

  Chapter Eight

  Stewart stopped reading from his book of poetry to relax on his back and gazed into the sky. Resting on her stomach, Natasha opened her eyes and looked at him. She turned her attention to the sky, pleased to see the brilliant blue with a few fluffy white clouds. His hand touched hers. Natasha responded with a gentle squeeze.

  Stewart set the book on the grass, rolled onto his side and propped his head up to look at her.

  “I’d like to escort you to the theatre. Poppa was telling Momma about a production in the city. I’m certain my parents would allow me the use of the buggy. Please say you will accompany me.”

  “I regret—”

  “Natasha, I beg of you. You may be pleasantly surprised if you allow me the opportunity to meet them. When I arrive at your home, you could formally introduce me. Then we could return to my family home to get acquainted before we leave for the city.”

  She sat upright and turned to face him.

  “Forgive me Stewart, but I cannot approach the subject. Please, I beg of you. It pains me to decline you.”

  Stewart rolled onto his back and stared into the blue sky.

  “Do you own a croquet set?” she asked, ensuring her tone was perky.

  “You wish to play croquet?” he asked. “A silly game?”

  Natasha smiled and nodded. Stewart rolled his eyes.

  “I shall bring it tomorrow.”

  * * *

  Natasha rushed past the hedge and up the slope. Stewart pushed the last post into the ground.

  “I’m not accustomed to arriving before you. I was concerned that you were ill.”

  “My apologies. My studies detained me.” She climbed the slope. “You’ve been busy.”

  The game began with Natasha competitive and assertive in her play. After she hit Stewart’s ball for the fourth time into the water, he rebelled. Her ball went down the slope and onto the wet grass. She walked down the slope and hit the ball. The force splashed water onto her dress, but the ball barely moved. She could hear him moan.

  “I give permission to relocate it away from the water,” Stewart informed her from the top of the slope.

  She moved the ball to a dryer location, but lacked the physical strength to get the ball back into play. Stewart took a sizeable lead in the game and won.

  “We must set specific rules next time,” she grumbled. She plopped her bottom onto the grass.

  “I dislodged my ball from the water, more than once, and allowed you the privilege of repositioning yours, yet you still complain. Additional rules are not necessary. You simply detest losing.”

  “That is correct. With two brothers, I possess a competitive spirit.”

  Stewart moved down the slope, sat beside her, and gazed into her eyes.

  “I admit, I adore the competitive side of you,” he confessed.

  * * *

  Unable to concentrate on her book, Natasha placed it on the ground and stared into the sky. If only Stewart was a descendant of a royal blood. She sighed at such an impossible dream. Women her age were courted by gentleman seeking a suitable mate. She must continue to state her parents would not allow her to keep company with any gentleman until she graduated. She must get her mind off the depressing topic. It was a beautiful day. They should take advantage of it.

  “A race to the water,” she challenged.

  Determined to beat him, Natasha began removing her dress. Stewart pulled his shirt off. Stewart’s foot hit the water seconds before hers. Natasha dove under the surface, closed her eyes and swam. As she kicked her feet, she felt her head touch an object. She opened her eyes. The underwater view was distorted. What did I bump into? She tilted her head toward the surface. Stewart’s green pants were visible. Her fingers were gripping his thighs. She had touched his hand before, but this intimate contact was inappropriate. Oh my. She pulled her hands away and stared at Stewart’s legs. It wasn’t possible to back away without touching him again. She allowed her body to float to the surface. She met his gaze wishing for the ability to crawl under something, anything and hide.

  “My humble apologies. Please forgive me. I didn’t realize I was so close.”

  “Do not tax yourself. I’m not offended.”

  “I’m normally more aware of my surroundings,” she remarked, defending her gaff.

  “Natasha, I accept your apology, but it is not warranted. I assumed you were being playful. In the future, I shall spread my legs and allow you space to swim through.”

  Her hands flew to her flushed face. Stewart chuckled.

  “I adore the spontaneous side of you. It keeps me alert and on my toes.”

  She smiled. “I cannot say with any honesty that was the intent, but….”

  She reached up and placed her hands on his shoulders and pushed down. An unsuspecting Stewart sank. Resurfaced seconds later, he roared with laughter.

  “You caught me off guard. I was anticipating something different. Little Miss Prim and Proper has a mischievous, spunky side.”

  Natasha laughed and swam away. Hands gripped her ankles.

  “No-o-o,” she squealed before plunging downward.

  She surfaced to the sound of Stewart’s laughter. Natasha dove again, gripped his calves and tugged. Stewart’s body barely budged. His head remained above the water. She surfaced behind him. Putting her arms on his shoulders, she applied pressure. Before she could dunk him, Stewart put one hand behind her head, and the other around her thighs.

  “Breathe,” he warned. Stewart dove forward, his head plunging into the water. Natasha panicked. She released her grip on his shoulders. It was too late. With Stewart’s momentum, her body flipped. Her lower back, thighs and legs hit the surface of the water. Pain shot through her back and legs. Her butt sank, pulling her entire body down. Struggling, she managed to get her feet under her and stood up. Clenching her hands into fists, her facial expression did not show her agony.

  “What was I thinking?” She heard Stewart berating himself. “Foolish, childish, stupid move. Natasha’s body is far more mature and developed than Vicki’s. She’s not my little sister.” He swam to her. “Are you hurt? My humble apologies. I fear I have caused you harm.”

  Engulfed in throbbing pain, Natasha couldn’t respond. She could either laugh or cry. Refusing to cry, laughter burst from her lips.

  “You were to hang on to my shoulders the entire time. My sister flips with such ease.”

  “You flipped your sister when she swam with us. I could not disguise my distress as I watched, relieved to see her reach the surface smiling.”

  “My sister adores when we play. I was chastised by Momma on the first occasion, but forgiven when Vicki requested a second flip.”

  Natasha worked her way out of the water. Glancing down, large red marks appeared on her legs.

  “Oh my,” Stewart groaned. “You are hurt? Your family will assume you have been violated. I give you my word, Natasha, I will never attempt such foolishness again.”

  “That will be my decision,” she informed him with authority. She glanced at her legs. “When I am fully attired, the bruise will be hidden from view, and my lips will remain sealed on the topic. I admit, it was most exhilarating, but obviously Vicki is smaller than me.” Seeing Stewart’s facial expression, she could tell Stewart regretted the move. “Please, do not fret,” she begged. “I’m not hurt.”

  Far more tender than she cared to admit, she was more embarrassed about her inappropriate behaviour. Nevertheless she had enjoyed the shenanigans in the water, and wanted it repeated. Nanny had forbidden rough horseplay between Natasha and the twins once the boys grew stronger. Until this moment, she had forgotten how much she missed it. Settled on the grass, she rolled onto her side and rested her head on her hand. When Stewart lay on his back beside her, she placed her hand over his.

  “I
believe I discovered a very young child today. My greatest hope will be for that child to grace my presence on another occasion,” she informed him.

  “You can be certain, in your presence, he will return.”

  As had become accustomed, when it was time to depart, Stewart brought her hand to his lips and kissed it.

  “Until tomorrow.”

  That night in her diary her feelings exploded onto the paper.

  Dear Diary,

  As I continue to deceive him, my emotions are growing stronger. I feel his breath on my hand and begin to ache for more. My heart will break into a million pieces when I lose him from my life….

  Chapter Nine

  On the anniversary of their first encounter, Stewart arrived at the slope with a small bouquet of wildflowers.

  “Happy anniversary,” he announced with a smile.

  Natasha placed her book on the ground and stood to greet him. Accepting the flowers, she brought them to her nose.

  “You remembered this date?”

  “Indeed. I met a friend, a study partner, and a woman I am growing to adore.”

  “They’re beautiful.”

  “Would you allow me the honour and privilege of kissing your cheek?”

  Natasha’s nod was slight. Uncertainty flickered across his face.

  “Do you consent?”

  “Indeed, yes.”

  Stewart leaned closer. Natasha closed her eyes to enjoy the sensation of Stewart’s warm lips touching her skin. She would never forget that moment as long as she lived. Something magical occurred within her.

  Dear Diary,

  I am confused. I cherish my time with him. I am his study partner and his friend, but cannot allow my feelings to develop further, even though my heart yearns for more….

  * * *