Enigma (closed)

[KiwiD82]

James could feel the heat rising in his cheeks as Ruth spoke. The woman was so set on he and Victoria getting married that she had probably planned the ring to be used quite some time ago.

James didn't say anything directly in response. All he could manage was his blush and a sheepish smile.

"Thank you for a hearty breakfast," was what he eventually managed to say before waiting for Robert to take his leave.

James couldn't wait to get out into the fields.

 

[heartofcourage]

Robert was mostly quiet as they walked towards the field where the sheep were grazing. One of the herd dogs was jogging alongside him, his black and white coat rustling in the cool morning breeze. He was ready to work and that dog adored herding the sheep for his master.

"Don't let Ruth intimidate you, son." Robert said as they walked. "She's been dreaming of a wedding since she first had Victoria. She's got the dress and the flowers and the venue all in mind. If the time comes that you decide you want to marry her, I'll do my best to reign her in and let the two of you make your own decisions."

 

[KiwiD82]

James nodded in response to Robert. It was comforting to have something of an ally in the Stirling household.

Ruth was lovely, and in truth, James was flattered. She clearly wanted the best for her daughter and she had decided that he was precisely that. And she would make a wonderful mother-in-law. But the pressure was felt when she kept dropping the least subtle hints known to man...

"Thanks," James spoke, relief evident in his voice. "Victoria and I have mentioned the possibility of marriage - it keeps getting brought up so it seems an unavoidable topic."

He let out a laugh then, as they walked through the field with the dog alongside them. For a boy from the city, there was something special about the early mornings on a farm. He'd come a long way since his first visit, when he'd tried to pat the dog, only to be told it was a working dog and not a pet.

 

[heartofcourage]

"There's no need to rush it." Robert commented as he looked over at James. "If you love her, that's all that matters. It took a long time for me to win Ruth over. She's as stubborn as the day is long when she sets her mind to something. Victoria has a lot of her mother in her."

Robert gave a whistle and the dog lurched forward, herding the sheep up and away from the fence that needed to be repaired and built. The dog would work until he was called off and he was one of the best at his job.

 

[KiwiD82]

James watched as the dog set to work. He was a master at his duties, focusing on his quarries and predicting their next movements before the sheep took their next step.

It was something to marvel at, and James had more than once tried to think like a sheepdog when turning German spies - to hone in with precision and to pre-empt their next move. It was his way of corralling the information.

"We wouldn't marry until after the war," he freely admitted. "We both survived the Blitz - if anything similar were to occur...well, I couldn't bear to leave her a widow."

James was surprised by how quickly the conversation had become so serious, and he paused his train of thought briefly as he got up to the fence, pulling one of the posts upright and watching Robert catch up with him.

"I think it's clear that I love Victoria," he added carefully, gauging Robert's response. "I'd take great care of her and love her all the days of my life. I'd do all I could to ensure she'd want for nothing."

James stopped again to take a deep breath. He was suddenly extremely nervous.

"But we wouldn't marry without your blessing, either," he added, waiting until he was sure he had the Scotsman's full attention. "Mr Stirling, I'd like to ask for your daughter's hand in marriage."

 

[heartofcourage]

Robert acted as if he hadn't heard James at first, working on the section of fence that James was holding upright for him. In fact, he had heard him and decided to make the younger man sweat a little bit. He had always been extremely protective when it came to Victoria, even more so than his youngest girls. James was a man that took care of her and made sure that she was happy. He had never seen Victoria so bright and happy in her entire life.

"I know that the two of you haven't waited for anything, so I don't really see why asking for my blessing is necessary." Robert said, pinning James with those steely eyes. "You make her happy, yes, but trust me, if you leave her in a bind I will come and find you."

At the nervous look crossing James's face, he started laughing. The deep booming sound nearly echoed across the fields as he slapped his thigh in merriment.

"Son, you have my blessing and so much more." He finally said.

 

[KiwiD82]

Robert's response caught James completely off guard. An accusation followed by a threat. The latter he could manage, simply because he couldn't imagine ever hurting Victoria. But if the former had been a bluff, the reaction on James' face must have given him away.

All James could do was stand there in shocked silence. That he didn't drop the fence post was something of a mystery.

When Robert finally laughed, James felt a tangible sense of relief wash over him. He suddenly felt exhausted, as though he'd been running since dawn.

He let out a laugh, though it was more about being grateful than anything else.

"Thanks," he finally gasped. "I think."

 

[heartofcourage]

"As long as you keep making Victoria happy, that's all that matters to me." Robert murmured as the fence got set and the two men started to work on anchoring it into place. "Now, Ruth might be another issue all together. Like I said, I'll work to reign her in and let you two continue at your own pace. If you don't want to marry until after the war, that's your business."

 

[KiwiD82]

With the shock of Robert's ploy beginning to fade, James was able to get back to mending the fence, following the Scotsman's lead as he usually did with farm work.

"Making Victoria happy is precisely what makes me happy," he freely admitted.

Robert's mention of Ruth did make him pause, though.

"Mrs Stirling mentioned a ring this morning," he continued. "I wonder if I was to take that on our picnic this afternoon. Victoria wouldn't expect a proposal so soon, and it might help to give Mrs Stirling some peace of mind."

James was largely thinking out loud. What he didn't voice was his concern that once Ruth heard of James seeking Robert's blessing, that she wouldn't be able to keep quiet. That would only bring even more pressure, so perhaps it was better to get engaged sooner rather than later.

 

[heartofcourage]

"That's up to you, son. I can get you the ring, but if you weren't planning on proposing so soon, there's no need to rush into it." Robert commented, driving the last post before he wiped his brow and looked at James. "I think you and Victoria already know where you're going to end up sooner or later. She's not the type of girl that needs an expensive bauble to prove that she loves you."

 

[KiwiD82]

James nodded, taking a moment to lean on the newly repaired fence.

Robert was right, of course. Victoria didn't need a ring to prove they were in love. She was a grown, independent woman who wasn't afraid to speak her mind.

But James loved to spoil her. And they were in the country, at her childhood home, with most of her family, and there was a ring on offer...

It just seemed like the ideal situation.

"I don't feel rushed," he assured Robert.

James decided he would take the ring with him to the picnic, and if the opportunity presented itself, he would propose.

 

[heartofcourage]

Robert paused to look at the man who was about to join the family and he chuckled softly. "I'll get you the ring while you put together your picnic. And don't worry about Ruth. I'll talk to her."

The work on the fence went quickly and soon the sheep were grazing safely as the dog panted and enjoyed the praise of his owner. The way back to the house, the two talked about nothing in particular. Mostly the weather and the countryside, how things were doing out here so far away from the horror of the battlefields.

Enter into the manor house, the sounds of laughter floated in from the front parlor. All of the Stirling women were sitting there, reading a letter that had been delivered from Tim. He was relating his tales being stationed on a base in Coventry. The youngest girls were enthralled by their brother's tales of how exciting everything was away from the country. Victoria sat in a rocking chair next to the wide window, working on a puzzle from her book.

She was like a ray of sunshine. She had put on a yellow dress, her hair loosely pulled back from her face. It was so unlike how she normally dressed in the city. In the country she could be relaxed and more like herself. When she heard footsteps, she glanced up and offered James a soft smile before her brown eyes returned to her book once more.

 

[KiwiD82]

James was relieved to have not just Robert's blessing, but also his support with regards to Ruth. The Scotsman was probably just grateful to have another male in the house - he was heavily outnumbered with Victoria's brothers away.

Not for the first time, James felt his breath catch when he saw Victoria. She looked stunning in her brightly coloured dress and it was all James could do to not blurt out a proposal there and then.

"Morning everyone," he smiled to the Stirling women, before approaching Victoria and giving her a kiss on the cheek. "Did you sleep well?"

Regardless of what Robert had alluded to in the field, he felt it best to play coy in front of the younger sisters.

He found a seat and took it, turning his attention to the babbling siblings.

"A letter from the RAF, I presume?" he asked almost hopefully.

 

[heartofcourage]

"From Tim. They've been reading it since the postman arrived." Victoria said, smiling at her lover as he took a seat next to her. "It's been a while since he wrote, so the news is welcome."

She reached across the small distance between them and took James's hand, squeezing it lightly. It seemed that the talk with her father had gone well and her mother kept hinting that something might be coming her way very soon. She knew that they would get married after the war and that promise was good enough for her. She didn't need a ring or a fancy ceremony to prove to people that she loved James.

"So, did you get all of your work finished?" Victoria asked, closing the cover on her puzzle book and placing it on the side table.

 

[KiwiD82]

James smiled at the news from Tim. He hadn't met Victoria's brothers, but he knew she adored them. Even for the family of military personnel based in England, receiving news was always an occasion worth celebrating.

Victoria's hand took hold of his, and James' attention was pulled away from the letter. He smiled and nodded in response to her question.

"Yes, it was a very productive morning," he grinned, squeezing back. "Do you still want to head to the coast today? I think a relaxing day in the sun would be a good way to relax after the morning's work."

It was moments like these that alerted James to just how short their weekends in the countryside could be. They were quickly becoming oases amidst a desert of blackouts and stress. Victoria always seemed much more at ease outside of the city. They would have to make sure they spent more weekends relaxing like this.

 

[heartofcourage]

"It might be warm enough to swim." Victoria said with a smile as Agatha suddenly turned from the letter and looked at them with bright eyes.

"Can we come too?" She asked, her face showing that she was near to bursting at the thought of going to the seashore.

"Not this time, Agatha. Perhaps next time we come the entire family can plan a trip." Victoria said, soothing her little sister's hurt feelings as best as she could. "In fact, why don't I go and get our bag packed for a little trip."

She pushed herself out of her seat, giving James a quick kiss on the lips before she moved from the room to go and pack their swimming suits. Robert entered the living room a short time later, sitting in his favorite chair while his daughter's started to read him the news that Tim had sent in his letter. He simply looked in James's direction and offered him a small square box that housed the infamous diamond ring.

Ring: http://www.cynthiafindlay.com/images/source/65251-65300/Art_deco_diamond_ring_CFA110456.jpg

 

[KiwiD82]

"A swim would be nice," James smiled.

The day was looking to be one full of sunshine, and the thought of a swim with Victoria was one worth relishing. Some of his favourite moments with her had been spent at the beach.

He smiled sympathetically at Agatha, who would no doubt be disappointed not to be joining them.

As Victoria kissed him and rose to pack their things, James replied: "I might see if I can rustle up a couple of sandwiches to take with us."

His lover had barely left the room when her father had entered and was handing him the small box without anyone else bearing witness. James took a quick look and was amazed by its beauty.

He knew Victoria wouldn't need a ring but it'd be a wonderful reminder of not only his love for her, but her family's support for their relationship.

Nodding with a mouthed "thank you", James stood to leave, hoping to catch the attention of Ruth as he made his way to the kitchen to see what she was willing to part with.

 

[heartofcourage]

Ruth was a ball of energy the moment that James stepped into the kitchen. She looked near to bursting as she saw him and gave him a knowing smile, but didn't say a word. Instead, she stepped forward and hugged him tightly. She was over the moon that he was going to marry her eldest daughter but her husband had scolded her about coming on too heavy.

"I won't say a word." She said as she gave him a grin and moved to the kitchen counter to help him make some snacks to take with them to the seaside. "That ring will be beautiful on her finger, though."

She smiled wide, laughing under her breath. Since she had been born, Ruth had big plans for Victoria. She dreamed of her darling little girl marrying well, having a good life, and meeting a man that would take care of her. Since the moment that she had met James, Ruth knew that he was the man that completed her daughter. It was a beautiful relationship.

 

[KiwiD82]

It was difficult not to get caught up in Ruth's excitement, but James did try his best. She did seem impossible to dislike.

James returned her hug firmly, truly grateful for the way she and Robert had so readily welcomed him into their home when he and Victoria had first started dating.

"She has to say 'yes' first," he whispered good-humouredly.

He set about helping Ruth with the food. He was hoping to find something to make the meal extra special but he knew that rationing was tough, and he also knew nothing of what lived where in Ruth's kitchen.

"And thank you so much for the ring - it's beautiful. I've no doubt she'll love it. I'll repay you when I can afford to do so."

 

[heartofcourage]

"If she doesn't say yes, you come and talk to me." Ruth murmured back, slipping extra slices of cake into the basket before helping him pack up the sandwiches. "There's a bottle of wine over there in the wine rack. Take that and two glasses with you."

She turned to watch him retrieve the bottle that she had pointed out, a little stunned that he was talking about repaying her for the ring.

"No, there is nothing to repay. It is a family heirloom and I am very happy that you have decided to give it to Victoria." Ruth said with complete sincerity. "Her grandmother adored that ring and I know that Victoria has always had her eye on it. I'm just giving it to who it rightfully belongs."

 

[KiwiD82]

James laughed when Ruth suggested he talk to her if his proposal was refused. He wasn't sure if she was joking - he wouldn't put it past her to give her daughter a telling off for saying 'no'.

James gratefully took the wine bottle then fished out two wine glasses from one of the cupboards and placed all three items on the kitchen bench.

"Mrs Stirling, you are too kind," he smiled. "I'm sure she'll love it."

James knew he'd never be able to afford anything so valuable while the war was on.

He put the items - including the boxed ring - into the family's picnic basket which they had used many times in the past, then moved quickly outside to put it into the boot of his car before Victoria returned.

 

[heartofcourage]

Victoria appeared a few moments after the picnic basket had been loaded, a small rucksack in her hands as she walked down the front steps of the house. She gave James a smile, relieved to see him so at ease and relaxed. The country life agreed with him, even if he still professed his love for the city. Perhaps there would be a day that they could retire to the country and they could both be incredibly happy, just as she had always been while living with her family.

"Ready for some sun?" She asked cheerfully as she walked to her side of the car, waiting for him to open the door for her before she slipped inside.

"You're looking happy. Your talk with my father must have gone well." She couldn't help but tease him as he slipped behind the wheel.

 

[KiwiD82]

The sight of Victoria in her sundress made it impossible to hide a smile. She was a gorgeous creature, and seeing her blonde hair flowing loosely and the brown warmth of her eyes reflecting the brightness of the day filled James with joy.

"I'm ready for some sun with you, my queen," he grinned, stepping forward to open her door but not before seizing the opportunity to plant a lingering kiss on her lips.

James moved around to his side of the car and sat down behind the wheel. Victoria's comment about her father caused an impulsive chuckle to escape his lips.

"I'm relieved, more than anything," he admitted, resting one hand on her thigh. "It went well, yes, but he made me work for it!"

James turned the key and fired up the engine, then took them back down the long driveway, the car kicking up loose leaves behind them as they went.

"Anywhere on the coast in particular, Miss Stirling?" he asked, glad to be stealing his lover away for some time just to themselves.

 

[heartofcourage]

Victoria gave him a bright smile as he said that everything went fine with her father, even if he had to work for the answer that he wanted. She leaned across the center console and kissed his cheek as he fired up the engine and drove them down the long road.

"I say anywhere you choose to go will be good enough for me." Victoria murmured, letting him take the lead on where they were going to go. "Somewhere that we can swim, most definitely. It's been forever since I've gone swimming in the ocean."

 

[KiwiD82]

James was certain that Victoria and the coast had always got along with each other. She became as free spirited and playful at the beach as she did in the country.

"Then let's just keep heading east until we hit the water, shall we?" he grinned.

James adored driving with Victoria. The world seemed theirs to explore when it was just them and the Roadster. They'd been able to escape together, down cobbled lanes framed by low rock walls, finding themselves experiencing all manner of places...and positions.

The Rolls-Royce guided them along country roads until a bend to the right found them skirting the coastline. The sun was reflecting brightly off the ocean surface like white gems among the ripples as they travelled south.

Before long, James found an otherwise empty grassy area down a small lane that led straight down to the sand, shells, and sea. He pulled the Roadster over, stopping with the vehicle facing the ocean.

"One beachside vista, as requested."