Marriage Formula - (Jadey321 & Sharliery)

Her lips parted as she heard people talking just right outside the door. She was going to say something, but her reflection caught her attention. Her face, the side of it where her mother had slapped her multiple times was black and blue, with just a hint of yellow. Josephine was horrified at her appearance. What happened last night? Why was she still at the manor? Not in her own bed? Now she didn't want to show her face to the Alexander's. She looked like a bum who had gotten into a fight and lost. With a little deep breathing, she made it away from the mirror. Slowly she reached for the door knob and was about to turn it, until she heard her name. Her fingers left the knob and went quickly to her chest.


"Y-yes."She stuttered, reaching for the knob and turning it, opening the door slowly. It was the maid and butler talking to each other."Hi"She whispered lamely, licking her lips again."May I ask why I'm here and not at my own home?"She asked right away, wanting answers right away.
 
Resnov adjusted his tie , his face was a bit flustered as he pulled up his gloves up. Clearing his throat he pulled down his jacket to give it a more straightened apperance. The maid bowed quickly flattening the apron infront of her baby pink ruffled skirt.


"Well Miss Josephine, you see..." Resnov searched for words. "Young Master decided it would be best if you stay here for a while. He is not too fond of physical violence, especially in his own home, most especially infront of his mother.." Resnov tried to be discreet, the maid began to fiddle with the hem of her apron. She opened her lips slightly her eyes gleaming like she couldn't contain herself.


"And when your mother went to grab you again once you had fainted, quite gracefully ma'am must I add...well, young master all but almost turned the table on its side! Even Lady Kathrine objected. It was quite a scene... You're father even raised his voice to Lady Kathrine and well that did it, I have never seen Abbri- I mean Young Master Abram... so upset. It quite startled us all when your father struck him..." The maid gasped, placing her hands quickly to her lips as Resnov gave her a glare that indicated she had said too much. Resnov sighed and rolled his eyes back to Josephine.


"Young Master then decided you wouldn't be returning to your manor again..."


"Rumor has it he plans to marry you when summer comes!"


"Clarise!!"


"Oh Resnov! Everyone knows it. And she isn't the Lady of the Estate yet... A bit of gossip might do her some good..."


"Please excuse Miss Clarise.. she has an open trap.. and sometimes can not filter properly.." Resnov bowed to Josephine, not trying to hide his annoying tone.


"Open trap!? Hmph. That honestly was uncalled for! Miss Josephine is there anything I can get for you? Water, food, I'm afraid young master is keeping all the spirits company tonight, but i don't think he would advise us to bring you any either."


"Clarise! Please. Refrain from speaking about the Young master as if he is a babling drunk."


"He is drunk is he not?"


"He's WORKING..." Resnov snapped.


"Yes, work..." Clarise hummed. "I'm sure..If he isn't dead."


"I asure you Mia is well attentive to him..."


Clarise lips curled. "I'm sure.." She purred.
 
Josephine felt the heat rising to her cheeks, knowing her face must be red as a tomato as they explained what had happened. She had fainted? And the Alexander's stuck up for her even though she was nasty to them. Her lips parted a little when Resnov explained that the Alexanders didn't want her to go back to her home."Ar- Are you serious? They are forbidding me to leave here? I mean, I know that my parents are terrible people, but they just cant make that decision and expect I'm going to abide by that."She shook her head, finding it shocking that they wouldn't even ask her what she wanted to do about everything. The Alexanders wanted to map out her life just like her parents wanted to do.


The marriage part popped out of the maid's mouth, she had completely forgotten that part."He.. wants to marry me?"She blurted, regretting showing any interest in the marriage. But it was said, she couldn't take it back. So Josephine licked her lips and straightened herself out,"I'd like to speak with Abram please."She said, but then they bickered about his whereabouts and her eyes rolled into the back of her head out of irritation. "Just please tell him that it's urgent. I'll be in the gardens in the front lawn in half an hour."With that, she walked back into the room and shut the door.


With a huge sigh, she walked over to the wardrobe, it was fully stocked. Josie picked a white slim fitting dress, very form fitting like her dress from last night. It took her a couple minutes to get it on my herself but she managed. She slipped on the matching shoes and then made her way to the gardens, she was a tad late, she had gotten lost a couple times. But she made it to the gardens and sat down on a bench.
 
Renov did as he was told, walking the length of the hall , he found his way to the lab once again. Outside the door he could hear the dropping of tools, slosh of liquid being poured, the rustling of papers, the pacing of feet. He saw the lights flicker, the candles were soon to burn out. Resnov knocked lightly and invited himself in.


"Master Abram," He bagan as he entered he could see Abram was already well on his way to being completely drunk, his lab jacket was thrown over a chair, his cheeks a shade of red almost blending with the redness under his eye near brim of his glasses from the encounter at dinner. Abram faced Resnov standing his full length, he had a permanent scowl on his face. Resnov knew he wasn't in the best of moods.


"I don't remember asking you to come in.." Abram said in a dry voice.


"I apologizes Young Master.." Resnov took a look around the laboratory, what was once a 'neat-mess' was now a full frenzy of disaster. "You have been busy it seems.." Resnov tried to lighten the mood as he placed an empty bottle of vodka facing upright, the last drops had already made its way to the floor.


"Spare me the mild humor would you? Do you know what's happening here?" Abram threw his hands into the air then placing one on his hip and the other removing his glasses. "I marry or I have to give this all up. What is so important about marriage? I thought this responisbility fell upon the oldest son? This is absu- and to a woman who comes from a maniac family! Look at this infront of my mother he's lucky my father rais- and for her to threaten me! My own mother, forcing me to marry or I lose my title, my work, I'd be a dog on the street. She would do it you know!" Abram started pacing, grabbing papers, pens, his drink along the way Resnov kept his compsure, listening and trying to follow along as well as he could.


"Master Abram, I'm sure a lot is going on at the moment but I was sent to summon you.."


"Summon? It's almost past 3, who could possibly be up at this time?"


"Well Miss Josephine Boscov has awoken and would like to have a word with you."


Abram frowned, slamming his drink on the table.


"Tell her we will talk durning breakfast."


"Sir in you're condition I do not think you will make it to breakfast."


"Brunch."


"She's already in the gardens."


"Then send her back to her room.."


"But sir she -"


"She'll do as I say it's my estate, she's my guest, I do not wish to speak I am working." Abram's last words slurred, his body swayng and catching balance on a table.


"I do not think that will be the best approach if you intend to have this blossom for a marriage."


"It will blossom because Lady Kathrine Alexander see's it fit.." Abram mocked, acting like a child. "Not because I will it, a wife will only bring more 'duties' and nagging and time away from my lab and my work, they always interfere, it's never enough to ju-" He cotinued to go on in a tangent, gripping the sides of the tables to stop from stubbling.


"Sir I would reccomend you at least abide her wish to speak...She is the guest."


"Resnov," Abram turned swiftly to look at him, losing his bakance he stumbled backwards slamming into the table behind him, snatching up a beaker he waved it clumisly, sloching whatever liquid was inside. "I'm working." He gave him a sarcastc smile.


"Of course sir..." Resnov bowed and made his way to the door. He had a feeling tonight would be an interesting night.


Making his way back down the long hall he again adjusted his gloves and sighed. Abram gets in these moods and has a habit of pushing everyone away, no matter how many years they;ve known him. He makes it quite difficult to make anything happen. Turning the corner he came into view of the grand stairs, taking them down to the main floor, he took a swift right, rounding behind the steps towards the breakfast room where the garden entranc was located. He could spot Josephine sitting on a bench, poised and hands on her lap, she looked to the top of the garden house, the snow covering the top.


Resnov closed the distance slowly, clearing his voice to not startle her.


"Miss Boscov, I do apologize but it seems Young Master Abram is very deep into..work at the moment. He asked me to send you his apologies and if you would join him for brunch in the morning?" Resnov tried to sound as sweet as possible, feeling a sting of un easyness with his white lie... For what he knew, Abram would forget brunch too.
 
Josephine was touching some roses petals when she heard footsteps. Her head turned, seeing Resnov there not looking too happy. Her eyebrow raised as he explained that she had to wait to talk to Abram. Her lips parted and then shut again,"Well, I can't have that."She shook her head, not really thinking as she passed him and walked back into the house. Josephine opened almost every door in the manor, getting more irritated with every turn of the door knob. Finally, the last door was the one. And she knew it was because she heard Abram in there muttering to himself. With a deep breath, she pushed the door open and walked into the lab. Josie shut the door behind her and leaned against it, watching him.


"Listen, I just wanted a civil chat outside in the gardens. It would have taken what, 10 minutes of your time?" She crossed her arms across her chest tightly. Then she walked deeper into the room, taking the bottle of alcohol and setting it away from him."What are you doing? Lab work?"She said sarcastically, her chest rising and falling quickly as she grew more irritated."Why didn't you discuss with me about me staying here? Ask me what I prefer to do about the situation."


"I heard that you want to go through with this marriage thing. I on the other hand don't even know you. Yes, I am touched and very thankful that you stopped my parents from beating me, and how it seemed like you had just a slight bit of feelings for me. But still Abram, I am a human being, you don't own me. I choose what I do and where I go. Not you, you're not my husband."
 
Abram sat at his desk facing the window, his left hand fidling with the bottle that was soon to be empty. He stared out to the estate grounds, seeing as the snow was slowly falling, his right hand scribbled on the paper.


"In theory the division of cells wil-" He heard the door open again and sighed out loud. "Resnov...you must learn the court-" Her voice cut through his thoughts like a knife, he whipped aorund in his chair.


"It is rude for a lady to come into a domain without first asking! Really the manners everyone has tonight!" His eyes went wide as she snatched the bottle from his hand. He was shocked stumbling over words. "I eh- well- Yes I am actually in fact working on work, so please ma'am if you can exit from where you came. We can talk in the morning.."


Abram felt her getting closer, her irrationtion practically poured from her body he felt it. He had the sudden urge to look at her. He tried to avoid it but quikly his drunken eyes began to scan her body. Her arms, the way her hands softly gripped the bottle, her waist perfectly outlined in white, forming her body beautiful his eyes glazed over and his heat began to rise. The muscles in Abram's arms tensed. Her breats were again practically spilling from the top, he gazed for more then a minute. She was talking but his ears were deaf.


"You really shouldn't come in uninvited..." His hand grabbed her wrist, he felt his body heavy pulling her in just inches from his chest, he didn't feel like himself at the moment..his tongue licked his lips as she tried to pull away but in turn exposed her collar bone and the beautiful part of her lips. Abram all the sudden felt hungry..


"You'd rather be with them then?" His hand snaked down the small of her back as he adressed her about her parents. "We'll marry in Summer, you have time to warm up, unless you'd like help now?"
 
When he first swung around and she saw his face, he looked very cute. His hair was a mess, he was just not put together and that suited him very nicely. But then he spoke and it ruined the cuteness real quick. But she stood her ground, not letting his coy words effect her."I don't want to talk in the morning, or during brunch or dinner! I want to talk now."She insisted very curtly, getting closer to him to make it clear. But then they got too close and Josephine was losing her train of thought quick. His eyes were going over her, analyzing her and she wanted to turn away, but for some reason she was glued to the floor. When he grabbed her wrist, she jumped a little but then composed herself quickly.


"And you really shouldn't decide what I should and shouldn't do."She countered back, lifting an eyebrow and then pulling back a little but all he did was pull her closer. Josie knew where this was going, and she wasn't too fond of it. But she had a plan. His hand was on her back and she so wanted to slap his hand away but she refrained herself. Abram was intoxicated, this isn't real. We'll marry in the summer, she listened to him again make decisions for her. And then the next move she didn't really think through, she leaned in and kissed his alcohol lips, biting hard on his bottom lip on purpose. Then she pulled away abruptly and pushed him back into his desk."No one makes decisions for me."She snapped, turning on her heel and getting her butt out of there. Josephine didn't stop walking until she got to her room, walking inside and then locking the door behind her. What had she just done?
 
Her kiss had sent his head spinning, the bite on his lower lip making his heart skip, he could feel his blood rushing. With her push he staggered back, slamming roughly the table shook and papers went flying. Abram gripped the sides of the desk for balance.


"Josefpehd-wait," His words jumbled, the mixture of alcohol and excitement was becoming so overwhelming it was almost hard for him to see but as she near the exit of his lab, his feet began to move on their own.


Abram followed her down the hall, a mischivous grin on his face, his drunken state made it seem like she was toying with him instead of trying to get away from him. He started to catch up with her with a light jog, slamming into walls all over the place, his hand grazed her arm again as she turned the corner but his feet stumbled and his arm quickly caught his body on the wall. He grinned wider as he heard her door slam and lock.


Abram made his way to the door, knocking obnoxiously before he place his forarm on the door, leaning his body close so she could hear, he knew she was right behind it.


"You disturb a man in his work, with that look and that dress... Then you steal a kiss and run off! Where are your manners Miss Boscov...Let me return the favor.." He tried to turn the knob. "Come now...just a kiss.." He chuckled under his breathe, his cheeks red and eyes heavy with lust and drunkenness. "When you are my wife, you know you won't be able to deny me?"
 
Josephine heard him, heard his footsteps behind her, walking faster and faster. He wasn't himself, this wasn't Abram. So she almost ran to her room, locking the door behind her. His voice was slurred and she could tell he was smiling. Josie started to get scared,"Stop, go away."She snapped, moving away from the door and to the window. She debated her odds and figured out that she wasn't that high up from the ground. So Josephine threw her legs out the window and jumped, without thinking. She fell the wrong way and broke her ankle. With a little yelp, she stood up and then limped away from the manor and towards the woods.


Anywhere but by the manor, she knew that he would be after her. She wouldn't go near him until he was sober. Josephine was sobbing as she went deeper and deeper into the woods. Quickly, Josie ran quicker until she couldn't bear the pain anymore. She fell and her face became full of dirt. Josie cried harder as she rubbed the dirt away from her face and rolled onto her back.
 
Abram had stayed at the door smiling and taunting. His face changed abruptly as he heard the window in the room come open, the wind blowing under the door at his feet.


"Josephine?" His voice was still slurring, his brow furrowed. Abram listened closer, he heard the swoosh of a something begin thrown out the window, the thud and a yelp. She wouldn't jump out... his thoughts raced. Abram knocked on the door harder.


"Open the door!" Abram yelled gritting his teeth. His excitement was quickly replaced with a boiling anger in his stomach. He continued to knock on the door harder,by this time everyone in the estate was up, but in the room no one answered but the blowing of the wind. He scanned the door, his drunk mind calulating a solution. Abram could hear his mother and Resnov down the hall, at the bottom of the grand stairs.


"What is all this commotion?!" Kathrine questioned Resnov, her voice low but stern, trying to keep polite for the sake of early morning.


"Ma'am I will check at onc-" Resnov was cut off by the thud and crack of a door, Kathrine gasp and jumped slightly, she took a step back behind Resnov, her hands to her lips gracefully. "What in hell..." Resnov left his manners, his hands coming to Lady Kathrine for reassurance. "Please wait here.." His feet quickly reacted, he bolted to the stairs, taking two steps at a time, his mind raced with concern. He came to the hall, walking with a fast paced he saw Josephine's door in the distance, he felt a breeze coming down the hall.


"Miss Josephine?" Resnov called out loud. No answer. As he came to the door he became quickly alarmed, the door had been kicked in, the knob directly kicked, it lay on the floor with splitters of wood sticking out. Resnov's attention shot to Abram perched on the window.


"Abram!!" Resnov yelled but before he knew it the young master had threw himself to the bottom.


When Abram's feet contacted with the floor, he threw his upper body forward in a tumble, and possibly drunken state but it stopped the impact being too harsh. He felt the sting of the wet cold snow on his back, he began to dampen his shirt. He stood up, wobbling his right hand instinctivly ajusted his glasses, his left hand hung. He could hear Resnov calling behind him, by the time they made it to where he was, he would be long gone.


"When I get my hands on her..." His anger boiled with embaressment, he knew he was in for a lecture with his mother and with the maids awake, this scandel would be in the city by noon. He followed the feet markings in the snow leading to the woods, his body swaying, his brows were furrowed, face red and body frozen, he saw her laying in the distance.


"Did you think I wouldn't come find you?! Are you insane!" He hollared so loud, his voiced echoed, quickly closing the distance. "What were you thinking!?"
 
Josephine heard him, heard his running footsteps and heard his yelling. But she couldn't move, she couldn't get up and run farther into the woods. And then he was there, he was standing there glaring down at her. Josephine ran her fingers through her matted hair and away from her face. His words cut her like knives, yelling and snapping at her. She took a couple seconds to answer him, focusing on the pain in her ankle. And then, it came to her."Do not touch me."She hissed, her eyes connecting with his heavy lidded ones."You are disgusting, you are totally intoxicated and not yourself. So if you'd like me to come back to your manor.. You'll have to come back here when you are completely sober, and maybe just maybe I will consider talking to you."Josie snapped, backing away from him and deeper into the woods. She could spend a couple more hours in the woods. She already felt like she was going to faint already.


With great effort, she stood up with the help of a tree. Then she started hobbling farther and farther away from him. Maybe he would come after her again, but if he did then she would push him away. Whether she had a broken ankle or not, she would push him back so he wouldn't get to her. She heard a river and relief washed over her, moving faster and faster until she saw it. It was a small creek, with a waterfall. Her smile was totally real as she carefully moved closer to it, taking her shoe off of her broken ankle. And then she dipped her hand into the water and rubbed it against her broken ankle. Anything to distract her from the pain.
 
You're disgusting , intoxicated , not yourself. Her words echoed in Abram's brain, leaving him speechless for once, his body was stiff from the cold. He watched as se wobbled to her feet, limping away from him as he tried to understand what was happening.


"Josephine.." He whispered, his temper had went cold, he felt foolish now. "Are you hurt?" She ignored him , continuing to walk away from him. Abram started to walk towards her, his hand reached for hers, she shook it away.


"Josephine please, let me help you!" He pleaded, knowing she was hurt because of him. Abram's drunk body again tried to reach for her, she turned around and pushed him, with his motor skills down , the push sent him stumbling and falling back. He was stunned.. She really pushed him.. she wanted nothing to do with him. And he was suppose to marry Her? As she walked away he could hear behind him Resnov calling his name.


"Master Abram! What is going on! Where is Miss Josephine?" Resnov came up behind him quickly, placing a grand coat over Abrams shoulders, the fur lining the collar brushed against his jaw. "Abram?" Resnov dropped his manners, speaking as a friend as he helped Abram to his feet.


"She wants to stay out here and freeze.." Abram grit.


"What happened?"


"Nothing!" Abrams face was already red for multiple reasons but now it burned with embarrassment. Resnov narrowed his eyes, seeing as Abram looked another direction emabdrssed. But he wouldn't press that issue his moment.


"She must come in , would you like me to speak to her?"


"No, she'll be my wife..I will talk to her..." Abram swallowed a lump in his throat and began walking in her direction. Resnov followed behind, keeping a distance away.


When Abram saw her in sight , he held his breath, walking ever so slowly and tryin his best to not be heard... He slipped off the coat, opening it her placed. It over her .


"I startled you.. I'm sorry. Resnov is here... He will carry you back and get you medical attention... I will leave you be if you please just go back to the estate... " He spoke nervously but he had to be direct , if she got sick it would make matters worse. "Josephine please, I'll do anything you ask, just please let Resnov take you back. My mother is worried..." He stood with arms at his side like a soldier, his hair everywhere , damp clothes , he knew his body would start trembling from the cold any moment now, even if he was numb.
 
He did follow her, so she pushed him back. . But he kept coming closer, trying to take her hand but she was too quick. Finally, she sat by the river, wetting her ankle and wincing from the pain. Her tear streaked face looked up at Abram as he spoke,"I never thought that such a actually handsome man, when he doesn't look so uptight and professional all the time.. But it amazes me how right when that man gets plastered drunk, he can turn into this foreign disgusting man. Losing all of his niceness, replacing it with repulsiveness."Josephine said lightly, reaching up and gladly pulling his jacket around her shoulders more.


"You can carry me, Resnov looks too confused and angry to hold the person who caused this runaway scheme."She explained, getting up again, but then falling right back down with she put pressure on her ankle."I trust you won't try and feel me up or anything."Josie whispered, more tears falling because oh the pain.
 
Abram's eyes softened. Watching the tears roll down. It for some reason made his heart ache. He felt as if the respect she had for him had diminished. The little she already had anyway. He gripped his fists harder, knuckles turning white and his jaw clenched as the words repulsiveness..rolled of her tongue.


"I'm sorry, please forgive my actions for I could not control myself..." He took a step forward gauging her reaction, she didn't move. He knelt down before, relasing the grip of his hands that was starting to hurt. His right intinctively wiped her tears, he felt her flinched but he continued to the other side wiping it away.


"I will not do it again. No more drinking..." His voice was shaky. He wasn't very use to making promises to others, but he would try. Confidence was the key, he thought.


"I know you are in pain, but please do not cry...I'm sorry..." The remains of his drunkeness seemed to be spent apologizing and explaining himself his eyes apologetic and concerned.


"Let me take you back now..." Abram wrapped an arm around her back and under the curve of her kness, bracing himself on his with his feet, a swift movemt he stood. She was light but to ensure if he stumbled that she would be secure he held her to his cold wet chest, the muscles in his arms contracting, he knew they were shaking. Not because she was heavy but of the lack of sleep, now on day 6, drunkeness and cold.


"Resnov!" His voice had returned to its regular tone, deep, straight forward, confident. "Please head back at once. Prepare a new room for Miss Josephine," He looked down at her, his face seemed to be sad but he smiled at her. "On the farther East Wing... Away from my laboratory.." He scanned her face. "Will that be better then? I won't be near you to disturb you, the East wing is almost like an entirely different house and staff...but I will send Resnov for you. So with that will you consider staying here? My mother enjoys your company...." The last words trailed off before he asked Resnov to also prepare a doctor to come to her room. "And Resnov please tell my Mother Josephine is not to be disturbed, I will speak with her in the Breakfast room if she wishes to scold me now..."


Resnov had returned to his reserved look, nodding at Abram's request.


"Sir, I will make sure your requests are all met..." Resnov looked to Josephine cradled in his arms. "Miss Josephine... Would you like me to contact your parents?" Resnov's eyebrow twitched in annoyance and Abram smacked his teeth.


"I didn't request that! It won't be nessecary!" Abram spat, his red face showing his anger returning. Resnov simply adjuted his gloves.


"With all due respect, Young Master, I asked Lady Josephine what SHE would like me to do..." Resnov looked up to meet Abram's eyes. A spark lit between them, indicating this had happened before.. "Sir, if I were you I would simmer your temper, look at where it has gotten you thus far. If you intend to marry, I can already see your wife and your temper will not fair well. Like Master Christov had to learn with Lady Kathrine, their is a place and time for your temper, and with your wife... Let's just say she will not be here long if you continue. So I will take my leave for your requests..but Please hurry to the estate..I can only imagine the state you're in and undoubtedly your mother would like to talk..."


Abram shook with anger, he was instictively gripped Josephine tightly, trying to reel in the anger and embaressment Resnov had just caused... Resnov was always a man of wisdom... 20 years his senior..but the audacity...


Abram began to walk quickly, rolling through arguments and talks in his brain with his Mother and Resnov and anyone else who questioned him.
 
Josephine flinched, feeling his fingers against her cheeks, wiping away her tears. It was.. Sweet. Her eyes met his sad ones and she gave him a small and very quick smile. He was trying. And then she was lifted off the ground, like she weighed almost nothing. A little yelp of pain left her lips as she looked at her ankle, disgustingly limp. Josephine shivered and instinctively moved closer against Abram's chest, trying to find some warmth there against him. Lightly, with her slim cold fingers, she touched his chest. He was muscular under the clothes, just like she had thought. She was pleased with herself for a couple seconds, before Abram spoke. She listened intently, how Abram wanted her new room to be put away from his courtiers.. All so she wouldn't leave. It was touching and extremely thoughtful, it was a start."Yes.."She whispered to his question about her staying."I won't jump out of any more windows."She joked lightly, cracking a smile. When they mentioned a doctor and that made her remember her ankle. She wouldn't be able to wear heels for a couple weeks, her mother would be enraged if she knew her actions and what she had caused. When Abram blew up because Resnov asked about her parents, her eyebrows raised and she looked up at Abram's very enraged face.


But Resnov was holding his own, not letting Abram shake him. When they finished, Josephine's lips parted slowly."To answer your question Resnov, no a call to my parents will not be necessary. But thank you for the thought"She answered properly, resting her head back against Abrams chest, feeling more faint."Abram, I-I'm s.. so...s"Her voice trailed off as she fainted and went limp in his arms.


When her eyes opened, the first thing she noticed was that she was sore all over. But mostly in her ankle, of course. She lifted her head, looking at her well taken care of ankle, it was wrapped tightly to keep everything in place. Josephine licked her lips and pushed her messy hair out of her face. She was in a new room, just like Abram had requested, all dressed in a sleep gown and everything. Did Abram help put her to bed? Or did he just go back to his chambers? Josephine checked the time and saw that it was already the afternoon. With a sigh, she sat at the edge of the bed, testing out her ankle but that of course didn't work out."Um excuse me?"She almost yelled, hoping there would be a maid outside awaiting her. And in fact there was, a woman rushed in quickly."Oh Madam Boscov be careful please, your ankle is still healing. Here we have fetched you some crutches to join the Alexanders for lunch."The maid then went to her wardrobe."What do you feel like wearing today?"She asked and Josephine looked from the bed."That light green one looks nice."Josephine said softly, starting to strip down so the maid could help her get the dress on. Once the dress was on, it was loose and flawy with the usual popping out cleavage."There, now put these under each arm."The maid instructed, not stepping away until Josephine got the hang of it."Thank you."Josie whispered, sitting back down so the maid could perfectly pull her hair up into a sweet bun, little tendrils shaping her face."There, you're beautiful."The maid smiled and then opened the door for her.


It took her about 15 minutes to get to the dining room, finally hobbling her way into the large room and then sitting down in the spot she had sat the first night she had eaten there. That horrible night. No one was there yet, so she had time to fix herself a little.
 
Resnov had appeared in the dining room. He held a small letter in his gloved hands.


"Miss Josephine.. Lady Kathrine will be down shortly...But because of certain circumstances Young Master will be unable to join us...seeing as he does not open his door.." Resnov looked a little concerned . "But please do not be alarmed.. We are working to find a key for his room, so if you would please enjoy your brunch..." He looked behind him, nodding his head for them to begin with refreshments . He heard Lady Karhrine coming in talking to Clarise, the gossipy maid.


"His nerve.. I want that laboratory closed until he learns some respect .."


Clarise only nod. Resnov looked to his Lady.


"My lady, if I may say one thing..."


"Yes Resnov ,"


"Sir Abram has two projects that the soviet space program are requesting of him, it is a very important that the contract is completed.."


"He will have to withdraw, after this morning's debacle .. He's privileges are revoked.." Kathrine spoke like a true mother.


"With all due respect my lady, he is no longer a boy.."


"Then lets inform him to stop behaving as one," Kathrine's tone informed everyone in the room , the previous talk in the morning did not go well. She bowed her head , eyes closed , directing her attention to the table where she walked over. She opened her eyes when she went to pull out her chair and gasp surprised that Josephine already sat at the table.


"Josephine! You startled me." Kathrine smiled brightly, taking a seat she reached over the table. Holding her hand . "How is your ankle? Are you cold? Feeling ill?"


The maids began to place their plates down, and others began pouring drinks. Kathrine looked to the far end of the table, a heaping plate of food served but no one sat. She glared at Resnov.


"Where is he?" Her voice was harsh and demanding.


Abram was finally in his room after almost a week, the talk with his mother had ended horribly, with her yelling and him to the point of passing out . He didn't remember how he made it to his room , how he was still in his wet clothes, how long he had been laying on the floor. His mind was boggled, stuffy, he was in and out of sleep. His face and cheeks burned , he could hear people outside of his door knocking but his body not responding. A fever maybe, exhaustion? He felt as if he couldn't breathe but he also couldn't wake up..
 
Josephine heard women talking lightly, recognizing Katherine's voice immediately. But the person who popped up was not Katherine nor a girl, but Resnov. He looked well rested, she placed her napkin in her lap and listened to him. When he mentioned that he didn't know why Abram wouldn't answer his door. Was he alright? She started to worry, worry about a guy who she had said awful things to just a couple hours ago. Why was she thinking these things? Sure he was fine and just sleeping off the day. That's what she had to tell herself to make herself feel at ease. But of course there was that nagging thought that maybe he wasn't asleep, he was doing something and ignoring everyone."Very well"She said lightly, her throat was red from crying so much so she could only speak in hush tones.


And then Katherine showed up with her maid right at her side, Josephine put on a polite smile. But she didn't notice her yet, and Josie listened to what she said to Resnov. Her lips parted and she slowly averted her eyes and shut her mouth, she wanted to tell her to not revoke Abram of his laboratory. But maybe if she did this, he would be more present whenever there was a meal? She felt terrible about her insane actions and knew that she had to start acting right. Not giving into the marriage idea but just acting like a lady should in another family's home. When Katherine was threw, she noticed Josephine. Josie smiled at her,"My ankle is sore Madam, thank you for asking. I feel fine other then that, just a couple bruises, and the bruise on my face seems to be getting better too."She explained, lightly touching her face, knowing there was a faint discoloration.


Her thoughts went back to Abram when his mother realized he wasn't at the table, as usual."I'll go and see what he is up to and bring him down here."Josephine spoke up, licking her lips as she slowly stood up and smiled at Katherine."Will only take a couple minutes Madam."She said sweetly and then walked away, heading up stairs and to his room with the help of a maid walking around.


Josephine was already familiar with picking locked, taking a bobny pin out of her hair and picking the lock. Once the door was unlocked, she quietly walked into the room. She knew he was going to freak out, but she could care less. He should already expect this kind of behavior from her. She walked to his bed side and noticed how feverish he looked. Carefully, she placed her crutches to the side and placed her cool hand against his forehead and cheeks."You have a fever"She whispered, shaking her head and then grabbing her crutches. Josephine hobbled to the doorway,"Excuse me? Can you fetch me a cool cloth and another pillow please? Oh and soup"She instructed and then hobbled back to Abram's bedside."Do not move, just lay there and rest. They are getting everything for you."
 
Abram opened his eyes slightly, his glasses were missing but he could see the blurry face of Josephine. He heard her voice and he sighed, his entire body felt like it was on fire, when her cool hand touched his cheek he couldn't help but to snuggle into it.


"I will be fine..." His voice was groggy, between a hang over and a fever, this he could possibly say was the worst feeling in the world. He could feel his stomach churring ready to hurl whatever was in his stomach. His hair was sticking to his sweating forehead, his skin was hot and sticky. He lifted his left arm that felt like was attached to a resistance band, reaching to his damp shirt that hours ago had been soaked from the snow.


"I have to take his off, I'm too hot..." He began to rustle under all of his sheets, his breathing was heavy and panting. "Too hot..." He looked to Josephine's concerned face, pulling her cool hands back to his face he kissed her palm.


"I'm sorry for this morning... I won't drink again.." He had went back to apologizing over and over again his mind hazy from the fever. He could hear the maids rustling around, bringing Josephine the things she asked for.


"Seems we didn't need this key then..." Abram heard Resnov at the door. "Is he alright? I should infrom LAdy Kathrine.."
 
Josephine watched him, scanning her eyes over his face. He seemed so handsome and yet boyish all at the same time."Hush, I know you'll be fine. Eventually you will be, until then don't resist help."She said lightly, watching as he snuggled into her cold hand. She smiled lightly, looking at her hand and surprisingly she didn't want to snatch her hand back."Okay, okay lets not freak out here."Her eyes widened and carefully she helped him peel his shirt off."Having this shirt on probably wasn't the best idea."She muttered, her eyes moving across his sculpted chest. It made her mouth go dry and she almost, just almost lost her balance. Her suspicions were in fact answered and she was correct. He had a beautiful body. And then the gentlest tug of her hand, she was dragged away from her thoughts and to Abram holding her hand to his face. Josephine actually smiled, her eys filled with wonder and sympathy. Then he kissed her palm and hundreds of shivers ran through her, She most definitely did not want to let him go at the moment."Shh, no more talking"She whispered when he started apologizing, shaking her head.


"When you're better, we'll talk about all of that."She added, rubbing her thumb just under his puffy eye. Resnov's voice filled the room and Josephine turned her head towards him, not letting go of Abram."Yes, he'll be fine. He has a fever, from staying up late and being out in the cold. Oh and sleeping in his wet cold shirt. He needs rest, but yes inform Lady Katherine that he's okay just needs tons of rest."
 
Abram let Josephine take control, he let his eyes close but still snuggled against her hand. " D-din't know I fell asleep, I thought I was already undressed..." He shivered as his skin was exposed to the air. He opened his eyes and gave her a smile at her reaction. "I don't only mix potions all day...Physical fitness is also a science..." He lightly patted his abdomen. He saw her lips gape open, his felt that burning feeling again..She was incredibly alluring.. He cleared his throat, adjusting his body slightly, he looked away.


"So about the wedding..." His voice was low. "My mother... will not wait until Summer..."
 
"Well, I hope you've learned your lesson on how you shouldn't stay up so late every night. And then go run after a crazy girl in the wee hours of the morning."Josephine joked, smiling as her other hand brushed some plastered hair off of his forehead. She took the cool cloth from the maid and placed it against his forehead, pressing it gently before pulling up a chair and sitting down by him. Her hand was still against his hot skin, her fingers lightly rubbing his cheek. When he caught her staring at his abdomen, she blushed and took her hand away, smiling and covering her face."I was that obvious huh?"She joked, shaking her head before dropping her hands back down into her lap. Josie noticed how the hand that was on his face grew colder and colder. And then that one word broke her out of her daze,wedding. Of course she had not really thought about the wedding, every chance she got she shot the thought of getting married down."We still barely know each other still.."She whispered, looking at her hands before reaching up and fixing the cloth on his forehead.
 
"I know you can jump from windows.." He smiled at her returning the humor with a light smile. He was looking her again and reached his hand up to grab hers from the cloth.


"We can learn about eachother...I'm afraid if we don't announce a marriage soon, you will have to return home..." His hand gripped hers. "The maids have talked about your bruises, not only on your face..." His eyes slanted, a glare almost but not angry at her. "Even if you are my wife just for the title it is better then you returning home? Isn't it?" He reached a hand up to a strand of her hair that had come loose.


"You don't have to come to my bed, I won't force you... I need a wife...and you need your freedom... So.."
 
Her eyes were starting to get watery as he spoke about her parents and her bruises, how she had more then just on her face. He wanted her safe. "Yeah, I have quite the collection of marks on me."She looked away so she wouldn't cry or anything but there was a smile there. Then she looked back once she had regained composure again."I..."Josephine started to say but then his fingers were brushing away some loose strands of hair and she lost her train of thought for a second."I understand."She finished, pressing her face more against his hand and closing her eyes for a second. She had never felt this way before, so worry free and alive. With her eyes still closed, a small smile spread across her face."You're terrible at this whole proposing thing you know"She commented, smiling for real as her eyes opened and she looked down at him.
 
Abram smiled , his red cheeks gleaming and his eyes were starting to close. "When I get better, " His hands had fell from her hair, another of his hands rested on his exposed abdomen. "I will work on the proposal..." His words trailed off , his breathing become more even and shallow... "I must apologize.. but I'm quite..tir..ed..." His voice began to lighten, his body was still sweating, his lips parted slightly to breathe .


"Is he really alright? And did I hear the word proposal?" Kathrine had come up to the grand room, her eyes full of hope but her voice was concerned. She had both her hands in the middle of her lap politely, walking slowly to Josephine's bedside.


"A fever," Resnov whispered from somewhere across the room, Kathrine sighed.


"He should really take proper care of himself...It will do him good to be away from that place for a while.." Kathrine brushed a hand over her forehead, moving his wet hair away from his face. Abram shifted his face to the left side.


"Miss Josephine has agreed to marry young master.." Resnov chimed purposely. Kathrine's eyes shined and she turned to JOsephine with a bright smile.


"Really! OH ! How happy everyone will be? Did you set a date, a time? Do you know who you would like to design your dress? We have an estate in America... OH but our one in Moscow would be quite marvolous for a wedding!" She sat on the bed , picking up JOsephine's hand in hers. "Aren't you happy? "
 
Josephine watched as he was drifting off to sleep slowly, the place where his hand was against her face grew cold as his hand dropped. She smiled a little, tucking some hair behind his ear. She leaned down to his ear, hearing Katherine's high heels approaching quickly."Try not to be so uptight all of the time, live a little. Just a tip from your fiancé."She whispered to him, smiling as she sat back up and turned to head to look at Katherine who was talking to Resnov. Everything was a blur because Katherine was asking so many questions, talking about the wedding and everything was very overwhelming."Uh"Josie muttered, then shut her mouth, thinking about her answer before she spoke. She had already put this woman in so many confusing and shocking situations. So, with a little smile for once she nodded to Katherine."Of course"She whispered, squeezing Katherine's hand gently in mock happiness. She was indeed a tad happy, but there was still that little shred in her that didn't want to give up her freedom and her old life just yet.


Josephine turned her head and looked back at Abram, how he slept soundly. Not knowing that in about a couple seconds she would be whisked away by Katherine to go look at dresses and pick out the colors for the wedding she truly didn't want. Even though Abram was sweet and meant well, she didn't know him really. She was still marrying a stranger with a toned body and a nice smile. Maybe other girls would love to be in her shoes, but frankly Josephine wished that she would have actually met him, Abram. Wished that they could have talked, seen where they were compatible and then build a relationship. They didn't do that, their parents just pushed them all the way up to marriage. Josephine pushed down a sigh and smiled at Katherine, grabbing her crutches."We should leave him be"She said softly, standing up.
 
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