I Promise You It's Not Hysteria Ch. 02

Hi, sorry to those who have been waiting a while for this. With all your positive feeback I felt I had to try and get this right. Even got someone to look over it, thank you to Demosthenes384bc for volunteering your time. I only see this as being one or two parts more which I will try not to be too long with, please enjoy

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It had been ten months since Anders had started courting Ivy. She was spending the evening with him to celebrate turning twenty-one. He had arranged for them to have dinner at a nice restaurant. Tonight was special for a few reasons, Ivy was now legally an adult and Anders had something burning a hole in his pocket.

Anders had bought a ring, a diamond with two emeralds set next to it on a gold band. He had agonised over the choice, recruiting his little sister's help and sworn her to silence. He sat at the table he had reserved waiting for her to arrive, now nursing his second brandy trying to calm his nerves. While he was confident she loved him and would say yes, it did not stop the lingering doubts in his mind. If she said no, it would break his heart.

Ivy walked in wearing a burgundy coloured dress looking as beautiful as when he first met her. She saw him sitting down and moved to join him, giving him a peck on the cheek as he stood up to pull out her chair for her.

"How are you today, my handsome doctor?" Giving him a warm smile.

"I am well, thank you. How about you? Excited to be a full fledged woman now?" He returned her warm smile. Taking another sip of brandy.

"I thought we had ensured that many times over by now?" Wearing a flirtatious smirk. It caused him to choke on his sip, making him cough. She chuckled. "Yes, it's good to be an adult. Now I can officially tell my father to sod off with regards to any of his future requests. Especially with demands to get married."

Once he had recovered, her words filled him with hesitation. "It's nice that you are in good spirits. Come now, let's get you a drink. We need to celebrate."

They exchanged pleasantries, engaging in light-hearted conversation for the rest of the meal. Anders' doubts about her accepting his proposal overruled his desire to ask her. The ring stayed in his pocket.

He paid for dinner, making their way outside to hail a cab to take them home.

"I'll drop you off at home first." Said Anders.

She gave him an inviting smile. "Why make the ride longer? Your house is closer, you would have to double back practically. Makes sense I should stay at yours and we continue to celebrate." Playfully raising her eyebrow.

As disappointed as he was at how the night had gone, the prospect of her inviting herself into his bed was still most appealing.

"Alright." He chuckled. "But I can't promise breakfast in the morning."

They flagged down a carriage and headed back to his home. They went inside with Ivy ascending straight towards his bedroom.

He tittered. "Can we at least have a drink first? I'm starting to think you are only interested in my body." Wearing a wry smile.

She turned back to him with her lips formed into a smirk. "By all means pour us some and bring them up, I'm just getting a head start. I will have barely gotten out of my dress by the time you join me." Flashing a wink before she kept ascending.

Anders chuckled, smiling as he lightly shook his head. Part of him was still in disbelief as to how he ended up with this woman in his life. Going to the kitchen, he pulled two glasses out of the cupboard and poured from a bottle of port into each of them. He quickly tossed back the contents of his glass, letting out a sigh as he finished. 'Would she actually marry me? When I first met her, she made no secret of her distaste at the thought of it or being a housewife.' He buried the thought for now, ignoring the ring box in his jacket pocket. Picking up the two glasses he made his way upstairs to his bedroom.

He found Ivy in the process of unlacing her corset, her dress pooled on the floor by her feet, her hair pulled from its updo and hanging down her back. He placed the glasses on the side then joined to help get her out of it. He loosened it and then pulled it over her head, leaving her standing in her underwear, petticoat and stockings. He pulled off his jacket leaving it on a nearby chair before picking up the glasses and handing her one.

Ivy took it, having a sip as she moved towards him starting with pulling his tie loose then unbuttoning his shirt. Steadily popping each button, smiling up at him. When she finished, she moved to unfasten his belt and trousers. Anders slipped off each side of his shirt, swapping his glass between hands as he did. Keenly watching her undress him, all the while sipping from his glass.

She slid her hand into his drawers, caressing her fingers along his length, causing him to let out a sigh. He finished his drink, placing it on the side then pulled off his undershirt. His chest bare in front of her. She put her own glass to the side, freeing up her other hand to stroke across his chest, her eyes widening in delight. It never ceased to amuse him how affected she was by the sight. It was more than enough incentive to keep up his exercise regime. As much as he liked her touching him like this, there were still far too many clothes involved, especially on her.

Anders began to lift her petticoat, pulling it up so she was forced to raise her arms so he could remove it from her. He cast it away, then pushed down her underwear past her legs so they could join the rest of her clothes on the floor. Now she stood before him naked, he clasped his hands either side of her neck bringing her close to kiss. Pressing their lips together and her tongue seeking out his. She pushed down his trousers and drawers past his thighs. He kicked off his shoes as she pushed them down to his knees, then picked her up and threw her onto the bed before he untangled his legs from the garments. She let out a giggle as she landed on the mattress.

He climbed onto the bed on top of her. Ivy's hands quickly finding his body and running over his skin. He leaned his face down to find her lips again, grazing a hand through her hair as they kissed. Caressing it down her neck to her breast, rolling her nipple between his thumb and forefinger. Before sliding it further down her stomach and between her legs. Pulling back the hood on her nub and massaging it.

She pulled her lips from his, grazing them along his jaw and down his neck. Letting out little sighs as he touched her. She trailed her own hand down his chest, her fingers tracing across his stomach before feathering them over his cock. His sighs mirrored her own as they both teased each other. He kneeled between her legs, raising himself up, then thrust a pair of fingers inside. Putting himself out of range of her touch as her arm struggled to reach. A look of playful frustration on her face, even as his fingers quickly built pleasure within her.

She pouted. "Are you determined not to let me play with it tonight?"

He grinned. "You'll get your wish soon enough, I just want to pamper the birthday girl. Once you reach your pleasure you can do what you like with me." He said in a deep and sultry tone.

Ivy was placated, she lay back opening her legs wider for his touch. Eagerly taking his fingers and lightly rolling her hips as he caressed her nub and insides. Grasping the sheets, she looked at him with need, biting her lower lip. The sight was beyond arousing, especially with how wet she felt around his fingers. A man with less self control would be tempted to spread her legs and pound himself within. He could not succumb to that beast, to lose himself and shamelessly release himself within her would be to ruin her, and all she wished to do.

Anders maintained his touch, intent on watching her reach her finish as she writhed and moaned beneath him. Her back started to arch, face filled with bliss as his fingers thrust into her. She soon came, letting out a squeal as she tensed up, her insides clamping around his fingers. Joy surged through her. A look of satisfaction on Anders' face as he admired his efforts. Her sweating, panting, form wearing a blissful face.

He remained kneeling in front of her. As he waited for her to decide what would happen next. She sat up on her elbows and gave him a smile.

"My turn, lay down." She playfully ordered.

He jokingly rolled his eyes and layed down on the bed, resting his hands behind his head. Ivy took the opportunity to run her hands down his body as she straddled his thighs. Feathering her fingers to his hips, grasping his length with one hand and stroking it. She had done this to him many times over and he liked how willing she was to do it. Then she began to lower her face towards it, he closely watched her, curious what she was about to do.

Anders couldn't believe it when she kissed his tip, sending a shiver through him. She caressed his underside with her tongue moving from base to tip before parting her lips and taking him inside her mouth. He let out a groan as her warm wet mouth enveloped him and bobbed up and down. She didn't take him in deeply, but it was enough to make him melt under her touch. Her hazel eyes looked up to meet his blue as she tenderly sucked on him.

This was new, she had never done this before, not that he was complaining. He had never dared to ask this of her, but it was something he had long dreamed of, her soft lips wrapped around him. Whilst Ivy was relishing how submissive he became and the look of joy on his face. He pulled his hands from behind his head, brushing them through her hair so his view of what she was doing remained unobstructed. Lightly rocking his hips up as was his natural impulse.

As he began to wonder if she was going to let him come in her mouth, imagining his seed dribbling down her lips. She pulled her mouth away. His disappointment must have been obvious when he let out a frustrated groan, causing her to giggle. She climbed further up his form, her hips resting on his. She grasped his cock again, raising her hips and angling him against her entrance.

She sank down upon him, letting out a delighted whimper as their hips met again. Whilst he let out a moan as he was surrounded in warmth and wetness again. Ivy moved her hips, aggressively rolling on top of him. He grasped her buttocks, kneading them under his fingers as he spurred her on, loving the sound of her moaning on top of him. Bringing up his knees and thrusting his hips up into her. She planted her hands on his chest to steady herself against his hips.

Their skin slapping together, their mutual moans filling the room. Ivy removed one of her hands from his chest, slipping it between her legs to massage her nub, tightening around him. She urgently touched herself, desperate to reach her pleasure again.

"Ivy... you need... to get... off me!" Anders growled out his warning in between his moans. He wasn't going to hold out for much longer and with her on top of him like this he couldn't just pull out.

It did not take long for her eyes to roll back, her legs and hips to tremble and back to arch. She let out a squeal as euphoria swept through her, forcing her muscles to tense up and her insides to crush around Anders. Her finish claimed him, a jolt of rapture shooting up his spine and threatened to leave his seed inside her. He barely managed to throw her off him before it sprayed on his stomach instead.

They both lay there panting, Ivy wearing an expression of blissful joy whilst Anders felt irritation despite his afterglow. He rubbed his fingers on the bridge of his nose.

"I asked you to get off and you ignored me. I almost finished inside." He chastised.

"But you didn't." She gave his chest a comforting pat. "You never do."

He huffed. "There is no guarantee it will not happen. I do not wish to accidentally create a child while we are not married."

"Couldn't you buy a lambskin? Use that?" She casually suggested.

He glared at her. "I am not going to spend a small fortune to wear a tube of sheep intestine that will have me labelled as a frequenter of brothels if anyone sees me buying it!" He snapped. He took a calming breath. "I don't need to be inside you, I am quite happy with us just touching each other, there's no risk that way. I don't want you to be in a situation where your choices are taken away from you because of an impulsive moment." He sighed, stroking a hand across her cheek. "Let's sleep, happy birthday."

He pulled the covers over them and turned away from her. Ivy settled in and tried to sleep, his words troubling her. Finding herself overanalyzing them, trying to decide if maybe she had pushed too far or if it was something else. They had never had any true disagreements up to this point, so this felt somewhat jarring. Even as thoughts rolled around in her mind, sleep eventually found her.

She stirred in the hours before dawn, needing to get up and relieve herself. She got up, grabbing Anders' jacket from the chair to offer herself a little modesty as she made her way to the bathroom. A novel aspect of Anders' house due to it being a new build. She found the toilet, doing what she needed to. As she sat there she felt a strange bump in the chest pocket. Curiosity getting the better of her she fished it out. A cube shaped box, she pried it open and her eyes went wide.

A ring, an engagement ring. A mix of feelings ran through her, surprise, joy, nervous apprehension and comprehension. He had the ring in his pocket, had he been planning to ask last night... but did not... why? What would she have given as her answer? Yes or no? It wasn't no in the sense being with him was not something she wanted... but it was marriage, a lifetime commitment. There was no way out once inside. Her mind brought up flashes of the years of watching her parents take metaphorical chunks out of each other. They must have been fond of each other at some point to go through with it. Then it fell apart. Another voice in her head piped up 'Anders is not your father, he is a good man who has only ever been good to you. He is as much your best friend as your lover'.

She snapped the ring box shut and returned it to the pocket. He had not asked her yet and confronting him about it now would not be helpful. He would be unhappy about her going through his things and possibly being cornered. Plus, she had no answer for him yet, this gave her time to think about what it was. If he did not ask her in time, it would be a sign this wasn't meant to be. She finished in the bathroom, returning to the bedroom. She replaced the jacket on the chair then slipped back into bed. Anders pulled her to him and wrapped his arms around her while still half asleep. She allowed herself to return to sleep.

The light of the sunrise peeking through the curtains woke up Anders. He got up, his head a little fuggy still, he drank more than he should have last night. He gazed back to Ivy's still sleeping form, looking peaceful. He wondered what she dreamt of. Then he stood, pulling on his drawers and trousers. Heading downstairs to brew some coffee, this morning tea would not cut it. He set a small fire on the range, placing a filled kettle on the stove to boil water.

As he waited for the water to boil. He thought about last night. He had snapped at her, he had never done that before. As irritated as he was at her testing his resolve and self control, it was no excuse to lose his temper at her. Her suggestion of the sheepskin was perfectly sensible. It had just needled into an insecurity she was not aware of. His flippant joke 'I'm starting to think you are only interested in my body' had come from something deeper. A niggling little doubt, fed by his fear that maybe she was content to just enjoy his company and use him for pleasure and nothing more.

When he mulled it over it seemed stupid. Her eyes had never glanced at another and she had been open, concealing nothing. There was nothing she had not shared. Aside from the need to conceal the more intimate aspects of their relationship from public knowledge. She walked arm in arm in full view with him, completely unashamed. Unlike his prior relationship. But these doubts would remain until he found the spine to drop to one knee and hear the answer he wanted from her. The whistle of the kettle broke him from his reverie.

He made two cups of coffee and took them upstairs. As he made it to his bedroom he placed the cups down as he whipped open the curtains. Causing light to fill the room and forcing Ivy to stir. He brought the cups to the bed, handing her one as he sat down.

"Morning!" He beamed as she gave him a sleepy smile, sitting up to take the coffee from him.

She let out a yawn before taking a sip. "Morning... I feel I should apologise for last night. I take your restraint for granted which is poor and ungrateful of me. In future I will try to be more considerate, you do your best to be respectful towards me so I should do the same." She said with contrition.

He nodded. "I have my own apology to make, I should not have snapped at you. It's just what you did last night with your mouth, and the way you mounted me really tested my self control. You were so close to me leaving my seed in you." He explained, his eyes closing for a moment as he recalled the memory.

She raised an eyebrow with a smirk. "Did it affect you that much?"

"You have no idea how badly I wanted to just stay inside you and let myself go." He sighed. "Your testing of my self control is borderline sadistic sometimes." He chuckled. "Perhaps you're right and I should just buy the sheepskin." He relented but clearly not enthusiastic at the prospect.

"You don't have to, perhaps we should hold off on making love. I'd rather you didn't get a reputation if you were seen buying it. It's not like we can't satisfy each other without it. I am personally looking forward to the next time I can get you to make a face like you would give me anything not to stop." She flashed a mischievous grin.

He chuckled. "Believe me, so am I. You can have my money, the house, even a kidney if you want."

She giggled. "That won't be necessary, but if you could help string up my corset that would be appreciated."

"Oh, are you going to do it as soon as the corset is on? If so, let's get started right away!" He grinned.

She rolled her eyes tittering. "No, but I will be thankful."

Anders helped her dress, then himself. Calling her a carriage to send her home. He then went back upstairs, stashing away the ring, then going to his spare bedroom to mess up the sheets then remake them. So, to his housekeeper it would look like Ivy slept there in the event she detected that Ivy spent the night somehow. The woman had the eyes of a hawk. He then collected his briefcase and his hat, setting off to the office for the day. All the while pondering when he could next attempt to pop the question to Ivy.

Ivy got to her room at Kings, changed into her spare dress then got her books together to head for a lecture. She had been trying to get put onto Professor Mathis' research team that he selected from the best students. Despite her high marks and excellent character references he kept refusing to consider her. First, he made feeble excuses, then after she had jumped through every hoop to invalidate them, the old man just flat out said that he wouldn't take her because she was a woman. He told her she should just give up, finishing with if he had any say in the matter he would kick her out so she would do the proper thing, get married and have children, to 'know her place'.

He was not the first to give her this attitude, but she was not deterred. He may not give her an opportunity but someone else might, it was just a case of biding her time. She headed into his lecture hall, the old goat would normally be waiting by his lectern waiting for everyone to file in before starting, but today he was not there. Fifteen minutes went by with nothing happening, her fellow students beginning to mutter between themselves.

Until a man burst into the room. In his late forties with brown hair, tall not broad. Somewhat unusually dressed, his fashion was a bit more flashy than conventional tastes as his jacket was patterned and he wore a cravat. He was still looking good for an older man, but had considerable stubble, like he was either trying to grow a beard or had not been able to shave for the last few days. With an elegant nose, strong brow, prominent cheekbones and a defined jaw he cut a striking figure. He cleared his throat and addressed the class.

He spoke with an American accent, in a rich deep tone. "Ahem, hello class I am Professor Sebastian Williams, I have been asked to cover Professor Mathis' lectures at very short notice due to the fact the old guy has keeled over from a heart attack..." The class gasped, while Ivy thought sardonically 'couldn't have happened to a nicer man.'

Williams continued. "... don't worry he's still alive. We all know he's too spiteful to die." Which got a chuckle from her classmates. "So, this is how it's going to go, I need an assignment from all of you by the end of the week. I need to assess what he's covered with you because his notes are impossible to read. He makes doctors look like calligraphers by comparison..." Another chuckle from the class. "... since I'm also taking over his research team, I get to decide who's on it. Whoever gives me the best written assignments and is otherwise a magnificent bastard gets the spots. As I am sure you can tell by the accent I'm not from around here. I have come to you from Yale, but this is not my first time on your isle. After more than twenty years I could no longer resist the lure of the constant drizzle. So, make your jokes!" He light-heartedly challenged.

One of her classmates called out. "Have you got a gun Professor?"

"Yes, I do have a gun, several in fact. My favourite is my rifle that shares a name with this nation's former capital, Winchester. Speaking of which, bonus points for anyone who can write out the formula for gunpowder right here and now." He looked around the class holding out a piece of chalk for any bold enough to attempt it.

While all her classmates seemed too sheepish to try, Ivy stood up walking over to him taking the chalk, when she got close she noticed his eyes were also hazel. He gave her a bemused yet curious look as she wrote out the formula on the blackboard with precision.

She gave him a smile as she handed back the chalk. "That's the English variant, or did you want the American one?"

"Sure, why not? Write it out." He chuckled. She did as asked, writing it out. He formed an intrigued smile as she finished, eyeing her up and down. "Completely correct on both counts. What's your name sweetheart?"

"Ivy Starling, Professor Williams." She replied.

His eyes widened as he looked at her, studying her face closely.

"Please stay after class is over, I would like a chat." He politely instructed.

Ivy nodded then returned to her seat. Dutifully listening and taking notes until the lecture finished. As everyone stood up to leave and began filing out, she picked up her things and went to chat with the professor as requested. As she approached, he was still eyeing her curiously.

"Miss Starling, forgive me for stating the obvious, but it is very unusual to see a young woman studying, let alone a subject as dense as chemistry." He raised an eyebrow at her.

She kept her face neutral. "I am quite used to being treated as an oddity. Are you about to give me the same speech Mathis did about how I don't belong here and should just get married, pop out a few children?" Eyeing him speculatively.

He chuckled. "Nothing of the sort, you just remind me of an old friend I knew a while back who married and her name became Starling. Camilla Ravensbruck? Name ring any bells?" He asked, trying to sound casual, but there was a certain quality to his tone she couldn't put her finger on.

"Yes, my mother." She answered succinctly.

"Oh, wow, what a small world. How is she these days? What's she up to?" He asked, his smile lighting up.

Ivy's tone became dour. "I'm sorry to tell you Professor... but she passed away two years ago."

He looked crestfallen. "How? If I may ask?"

"Aneurysm. It was quick, unpreventable. She was here, then she was gone." She answered, almost numbly.

"Sorry, for your loss. She was a unique person." A moment of silence passed between them. "Well, I hope to be impressed by your assignment. Do a good job and I'm open to putting you on the research team. I don't give a crap what's between someone's legs so long as they're talented."

Ivy smiled. "Thank you sir. I will do my best."

He nodded at her and she left with a strange feeling. Trying to rack her brains, to recall if her mother ever mentioned an American friend and failing to remember anything. It was a puzzle, if his story was true, then that was odd.

She returned home to find Aunt Priscilla, who was in the process of preparing tea.

"Hello, Ivy dear, how was your day? Did you stay in your rooms at Kings last night? I didn't hear you come in." She greeted her in a bubbly manner.

"Yes." Ivy lied. Priscilla was understanding and forward thinking, but would not approve that she spent some nights in Anders' bed. As much as she liked him. "I met someone interesting today." Ivy threw out.

"Oh? Who?" Priscilla enquired.

"A new professor, an American named Sebastian Williams." Ivy elaborated.

Priscilla flinched, dropping a cup on the floor. "Oh! Butterfingers. Clumsy me. I'll just clean that up." She said sheepishly.

Ivy watched her curiously. "He said he was an old friend of mother's, but I can't recall her ever mentioning him. Did you know him?" Questioning her.

"Yes." Priscilla answered, recovering herself. "He was one of your grandfather's research fellows, a protégé of sorts. Used to spend time with the family. Before you were born, before Camilla was even married. Long time ago."

"I've at least heard of most of Mother's acquaintances, why was he never mentioned?" Ivy puzzled.

"Your Grandmother hated Americans and after your grandfather died, he wasn't really welcome near the house anymore. Besides, he left for the states again soon after. She probably didn't think he was worth mentioning." Priscilla reasoned.

There was something about the way Priscilla carried herself and spoke that convinced Ivy she wasn't being honest. It was like how she pretended to be polite and friendly in front of her father when she detested the man. Ivy was quickly coming to the conclusion that something happened that Priscilla didn't want to talk about. It made sense to try and see what Professor Williams had to say about it.

She went through a pile of post she had received. Flicking through, letting out an audible groan when she saw a letter from her father requesting to have lunch with himself and his mistress suggesting she bring Anders. She couldn't think of a worse way to spend her time. His mistress Lenore wasn't actually bad company, her father had gotten lucky when he got her stuck with him. She supposed she should attend and see what he wanted. She composed a letter asking Anders to attend to the unpleasant task of pretending to find her father tolerable for a lunch. Practically grimacing as she asked the favour to receive a response the day after next accepting the absurd grim task.

It made her smile that he was willing to do it.

Anders let out a huffing sigh as he opened the letter from Ivy in his office. Lunch with her father was a nauseating thought. If it wasn't something she was asking of him, there was nothing that would make him spend time around him. He was not a violent person, but he had long nurtured a fantasy of throwing a punch at the man. But he remained polite and civilised the few times he had encountered him over the last year. He quickly wrote her a reply, agreeing to attend the lunch with her. The ring was going to stay at home; this was as far away from an ideal situation for a proposal he could get.

Letting out another sigh when his receptionist poked her head around his door alerting him that another 'hysteria' patient had arrived. It had been almost back-to-back today, and his wrist was getting tired. 'Best return to it' he thought with resignation.

The day of the lunch arrived. They had arranged to meet at a tea room. Anders had arrived early and was waiting outside for Ivy, reluctant to enter without her. She stepped out of a carriage, wearing a sedate light green dress, strolling over to him. She took his arm and gave him a peck on the cheek, her nose knocking his glasses slightly.

"Thank you for this, I know it's far from how you would choose to spend your time." Giving him a warm smile.

It infinitely improved his mood to see her. "Well, you asked so nicely and I'm sure you'll make it up to me. Take me out for dinner soon perhaps?" Returning her smile.

"Of course, and after I can repay you in the way that would make you more than willing to do me another favour if asked." She replied in a sultry tone, her mouth forming a lascivious grin.

He raised his eyebrows, mirroring her grin. "How soon can we have this 'dinner'? I can clear my schedule, just say when."

She chuckled. "I thought you'd like that idea. Come, let's get this over with and see what he wants. I doubt it's for the pleasure of my company." She rolled her eyes.

"Whereas I always find your company pleasurable." He gave her hand a squeeze. She gave him a smile in return.

They went inside, finding her father and his mistress sitting at a table. Her father was a man in his late forties, but he looked older. Greying and expanding outwards, still sporting his walrus-like mustache, stout with a face that might have been handsome in his youth and brown eyes. Whilst his mistress was a woman of thirty, petite, blonde and pretty with green-blue eyes.

"Lenore, Father, nice to see you both." Ivy said politely but stiffly.

"Miss Atlee, Mr. Starling, a pleasure." Anders greeted them, holding out the seat for Ivy before sitting himself.

"Ivy, my sweet, Doctor. So glad you could join us, it's been so long. I was just saying to Lenore we should catch up and here we are. I realise that I haven't been the most attentive in the last few years, but I hope to rectify our relationship going forward. Perhaps we can work to find some common ground." He gave a reconciliatory smile to Ivy.

Anders watched her face, she wore a polite smile, but her eyes were filled with suspicion and confusion.

"Why... thank you for acknowledging such, Father. But please forgive me for questioning what brought this on? You have not been subtle about your disapproval of my choices. Now you suddenly wish to mend our bonds?" Raising an eyebrow at him.

His face stayed even. "I am getting older and you are my only child. I may not be enthused about your studies, but I see you are heading towards your proper role with your courtship of the good doctor here. Eventually the two of you will marry and have my grandchildren. It's only natural I would wish to ensure that we work towards a more amicable relationship." Finishing with a smile that seemed artificial.

Ivy wasn't convinced, but her face betrayed nothing. Noticing the awkward expression on Lenore's face. "How amicable of you father. Shall we order? I hear the pastries here are famous." She kept a neutral smile.

The quartet engaged in idle small talk for a while. Enjoying several cups of tea and servings of cake and pastry. When her father announced.

"I would like to smoke my pipe but I can't do it here. I shall depart to the garden, perhaps the Doctor would like to join me?" He suggested.

"I'm afraid I do not smoke Mr. Starling. Despite common belief I fear it is not good for the lungs." Anders tried to politely refuse, not liking where this was going.

"Nonsense surely, besides surely it would be refreshing to have a chat man to man. I feel I hardly know you, Doctor." He wore a smile that tried to be endearing.

"If you wish so strongly, Mr. Starling." Anders hesitantly agreed.

Standing up to join him out in the garden. Ivy realised she would really have to make an effort to make it up to Anders later. Leaving her alone with Lenore.

Ivy let out a weary sigh. "I don't suppose you would be willing to volunteer the reason why he actually asked us to lunch?" She asked Lenore gently.

Lenore let out her own sigh. "His mother recently met with him. Declaring that she had written him out of her will, finding him a disappointment and embarrassment. She is going to leave everything to her grandchildren, you basically." Lenore looked deflated.

"I apologise if I sound ungrateful for your candor... but why do you offer this so readily?" Ivy eyed her curiously.

"While he may be trying to get in your good graces, he is also hedging his bets. We've been together for ten years and I have not become pregnant. So, he has been straying, trying to replace me with a woman who will. Then he will put a ring on her finger, which he shall never do for me." Lenore explained. Her disposition was so lackluster and low ebb.

Ivy felt sympathy for her. "Forgive me Lenore but... why do you stay? I had no choice, he was my Father, but you, you can leave."

Lenore gave her a pained look. "Ivy, you know I have no other options. One drunken mistake a decade ago forever painted me as your Father's whore. I have nowhere to turn to, just waiting until he replaces me with a younger woman."

"That's not necessarily true. There are men out there who may not mind. But you won't find them whilst bound to my father." Ivy reasoned.

"What am I to do about money though? My family disowned me, and I have no income." Lenore pointed out.

"Get a job." Ivy shrugged. "There's far more dignity in being a secretary or receptionist compared to the shame in being a mistress. If you need somewhere to live, you can stay with me and Priscilla until you sort something out." Ivy offered.

Lenore thought it over. "Priscilla wouldn't mind?"

"If offering you a room meant you would leave my father, she would give it gladly if it would upset him." Ivy chuckled.

"Then if you are serious, I will take you up on your offer. I will need a few days to get my things together." Lenore had perked up. "Thank you, for your kindness."

Ivy gave her a smile.

Anders followed Mr Starling out to the garden, watching him light up his pipe.

"Doctor, or can I call you Anders? I doubt it will be long until you pop the question, eh?" He gave Anders a grin.

"You can call me what you wish, Mr. Starling. I do intend to propose at some point, yes." Anders answered firmly but politely.

"Good." He huffed. "Once she's married and you put a baby in her, she'll give up her nonsense and focus on the home. Bet you can't wait. Hopefully she'll be nothing like her mother and be a good wife. That's the problem with educated women; they get full of themselves and forget their place." He sneered as he puffed on his pipe.

Anders jaw muscle twitched. He took a calming breath, before replying, trying to hold his tongue. "If you say so." The temptation to hurl his fist into this man's face was coming to the forefront.

Ivy's father gave him an arrogant smirk. "You're a clever man I knew you'd get it. Now assuming we're going to be family soon perhaps it would be better if we were connected. Can't trust anyone with money more than family. So, I would like to offer you an opportunity to get involved in a business venture I'm running. An investment of say one hundred pounds would get you an estimated return of five hundred in a few years. What do you say?"

Anders had to resist the urge to roll his eyes and laugh. He had had many people trying to pitch 'investment opportunities' to him before. But any business with this man in charge was one he was never going to give his money to.

"I'm sorry at the moment I'm saving my money, I'm planning to start a life with your daughter after all." Anders deftly excused.

Her Father seemed irritated and disappointed but quickly buried it. "No... well that's sensible, good man. Thinking of Ivy first. But... my blessing for such a union would be easier to come by if I were to see how committed you are to her family." Raising his eyebrows suggestively.

Anders couldn't hold in his huff. "I already have a good relationship with her aunt Priscilla. Also, in case you forgot, which I suspect you have, last week Ivy ceased to need your blessing for anything anymore. She's a grown woman, you no longer have any say unless she wishes to let you have input. Frankly, I doubt she would approve of me giving you money, even if I were inclined to invest in your business, Mr. Starling. I'm starting to feel a chill, I think I will go back inside." Anders said, giving him an icy glare before walking back into the tearoom.

Mr. Starling was decidedly irked by how he was spoken to. He extinguished his pipe and followed him back inside. Anders returned to his seat next to Ivy. Her Father, sitting back down next to Lenore.

"So, what were you two talking about outside?" Ivy enquired.

Anders answered honestly. "Your Father wanted me to invest in his new business."

Ivy furiously glared at her father, this was it, the straw that broke the camel's back.

"Anders we're leaving. Don't contact me again Father, this is the last time I will call you such." Ivy snapped.

Her Father interjected, seeing his chance at money about to leave. "Ivy, darling, aren't you overreacting a touch? You're being hysterical. It was just an offer of an opportunity. Let's talk about this calmly, I'm your father after all."

Ivy seethed. "No, not anymore. I don't think you are capable of loving anyone but yourself. Everyone else serves as just tools for you to use. Even now this dubious offer of reconciliation was clearly just for you to secure yourself more money. I don't want anything to do with you." She began to collect up her things, preparing to leave.

Her father roared in response. "You arrogant little cunt! I am your father, you owe me! You have your mother's uppity attitude and are just as much of a stuck-up bitch, the world would be better off with both of you in the ground!" Then threw the contents of the teapot at her, soaking her and covering her in sodden tea leaves.

Lenore looked embarrassed by the whole scene, everyone was staring. Anders saw tears pricking the corners of Ivy's eyes as she trembled with rage. Anders' restraint crumbled, he slammed his fist into her father's nose with a satisfying crunch as it connected. Sending the man stumbling back, his nose streaming with blood as he collapsed onto the floor. Clearly dazed and no longer fit to continue his verbal assualt.

Ivy looked at Anders' in surprise before turning to Lenore. "See you soon I hope?" She asked.

Lenore nodded with a smile, clearly amused at seeing her begrudging lover clocked in the face. Ivy and Anders walked out of the tearoom suspecting they probably shouldn't return there anytime soon. They walked along the pavement, trying to hail a carriage, Ivy's dress ruined and Anders trying to push his anger back down.

"Are you alright Ivy? You're not hurt are you?" Anders asked with concern.

"No, just my pride." She sighed. "The tea was practically cold. What about you? I have never seen you lose your temper like that." She asked, cocking her head at him.

He huffed. "I probably shouldn't have hit him, but he deserved it, and I don't regret it. What kind of man wishes death on his own daughter? I don't understand how he is your father. You are nothing like him."

Ivy was filled with affection for him at that moment. "One of life's mysteries I suppose. I feel envious of your family, you all get along. None of you pretend to be nice to get money that you think you deserve instead." She lamented. Anders noticed the sad look in her eye. "Can we go back to yours? It's closer and I can clean myself up a bit."

"Certainly, did you want to raid my liquor cabinet as well? I have no appointments this afternoon, I'm free for the rest of the day." He offered.

"Yes, a stiff drink together sound lovely." She chuckled.

They got a carriage back to Anders' house. Stepping inside, Anders went to the kitchen to pour a couple of glasses and to set the kettle to boil. While Ivy moistened a rag and began to dab her dress, trying to remove the worst of the tea stains. She took a drink from Anders while he passed by her with a boiled kettle to pour the contents in the bath then boiled another. Ivy had to accept that her dress was probably beyond saving.

By the time the third kettle full of hot water was poured into the bath Anders turned the taps on and started to fill it, leaving his drink nearby. Whilst Ivy came in, placing her drink on the side next to his and began to undo her dress. Anders helped her, including the corset laces once she was out of it. When she was down to her undergarments Anders began to undress too, causing her to raise her to quizzically raise her eyebrows.

He tittered. "I started the fire and boiled the water. Am I not allowed to enjoy the bath, when there's a beautiful woman in it with me?" Giving her a flirty wink.

She chuckled, giving him an inviting look as she undressed.

He stripped off, stepping into the bath first. Then she joined him, lying between his legs and resting her back on his chest enjoying the warm water together. He held his arms around her, delighting in pressing skin to skin. Whilst Ivy enjoyed the comfort, reaching over to retrieve her drink taking occasional sips. Anders broke the silence.

"Aside from today's drama, how's your week been?" He asked casually.

She smiled. "Pretty standard, aside from a new Professor taking over Mathis' lectures. How about you?"

He let out a good natured huff. "Pretty busy, the number of patients keeps going up. What do you think of your new professor? Better or Worse than Mathis?"

She giggled, turning to give him a wry look. "How many are there for 'hysteria' treatment? The professor, he's interesting, American and was an old friend of the family when he was last in England. He asked about Mother, he didn't know she had passed. Mother never mentioned him, and Priscilla was strange when I brought him up to her." She pondered.

He mused on that point with her. "To answer your question, too many. I finished work with a cramp." He tittered. "As for the professor issue, whatever happened was probably an awkward topic. If he did something that was truly outrageous, Priscilla probably would have mentioned it if she thought it meant he might do you harm." He considered it soberly. "More likely it's something embarrassing, perhaps he knew something scandalous about the family?" He joked, a smirk on his face.

She held his hand and kissed his wrist. Letting out another giggle. "Your poor fingers. You're probably right, something horrendously shameful..." Her tone became facetious. "... maybe grandfather used to crossdress or grandmother walked around without stockings on." Feigning mock horror.

"Or..." Anders raised an eyebrow. "Someone took him to bed perhaps, charmed by the accent." Giving her a wry smile.

She chortled. "Maybe, hard to imagine. Not impossible though, he was quite handsome."

Anders let out a playful huff. "You think he's handsome? Do I need to be worried you're going to be stolen away by an older debonair yank?"

She giggled. "Why would I want any other man when I have you?" Turning her face to his and stroking her thumb across his cheek.

Anders' pulse quickened with joy at her words. He moved his face closer to hers and kissed her, running his hand through her hair. He took the glass from her, placing it on the side as their kiss deepened. Holding her tighter to him. Their tongues dancing together, relishing the moment. Ivy felt him harden against her back, whilst she felt his hand clasp her breast, his thumb rolling over her nipple. It firmed up under his touch, sending little tingles through her as he played with it. She ran her hand up from his cheek through his hair whilst the other feathered over his hand holding her breast.

He broke off the kiss, nibbling on her lower lip before trailing his down her neck. Letting go of her hair and trailing his hand down her chest over her stomach and between her legs. His fingers stroking her folds and teasing against her clit. Granting him sighs and gentle moans from her lips.

"I thought you said your fingers had a cramp." She purred.

He pulled his lips away from her neck. "They got better after a warm soak." He chuckled. Rubbing his cheek against her skin, whispering in her ear. "Also I am very motivated to use them."

Her legs writhed beneath the water as he continued his ministrations with his fingers. Her back slightly arching against his chest, her hips rolling slowly, rubbing her behind his tumescence. Causing him to let out sighs, he lowered his hand from her breast sliding it down to join the other between her legs, thrusting them inside. She groaned, brushing her lips along his jaw as she continued to massage his scalp with her fingers. Her other hand caressing his hip beneath the water. Losing herself in the pleasure he was giving her. She rested her head on his shoulder, closing her eyes.

This part of their relationship was something she cherished, the closeness, the intimacy. He was soon going to take her to her finish, and she ached for him to do it. He nibbled on her ear, trailing his lips to her cheek. His own breath deepened as she began to pant and tremble, feeling her nub twitch beneath his fingers. Mewls and whines emerging from her. She finally let out a squeal, her muscles tightening up and clamping down on his fingers as a delightful wave poured through her, flowing up her spine and filling her with bliss. All tension melting from her, lying slack against him, a joyful smile on her lips.

Anders watched her face, removing his hands from between her legs to hold his arms around her. Enjoying the satisfied expression she wore. Cherishing holding her against him.

"Fancy spending the night?" He proposed with a smile as he rubbed his cheek against hers.

She softly giggled. "Tempting, but I should head back home. I have a lecture early in the morning and I need to change my clothes."

"Want to look nice for your new professor?" He asked in a joking tone.

She chuckled. "I want to make a good impression. He will be making a decision on who makes his research team soon and unlike Mathis, he said he's open to the idea of accepting me."

"That's good." He mused. "Just be wary of any invitations to spend time alone in private." He warned.

She chuckled. "I always do, besides he wouldn't be the first of my teachers to try that if he did. I can smell those intentions from a mile away now thanks to you." Wearing a wry smirk.

He looked at her quizzically. "Oh? How did I help there?"

She gave him a warm smile. "When a man looks at me almost like you do, with all of the desire and none of the affection. Makes their true purpose quite obvious. But you are the only one who's desire I want to indulge."

He grinned. She adjusted her position, lifting herself from between his legs. Laying herself on her side across the edge of his leg, hip and chest. Allowing her to reach between his legs and grasp his cock, giving it languid strokes as she observed his face slacken, letting out sighs. He wrapped one arm around her waist, whilst his other hand held her chin in his fingers, stroking his thumb over her lips. She added both hands to her efforts, speeding up her strokes. Liking how his hips began to gently jerk, instinctively thrusting up. She rubbed his tip against her palm, rolling it around. A smile on her lips as his eyes started to go half lidded, his mouth slightly open as he let out his moans.

She placed a kiss on his neck, giving a light nip with his skin between her teeth. Speeding up the movement of her hands, seeing his stomach muscles tense and clench, feeling his cock tremble and twitch under her fingers. His breath grew shaky as his hips quivered. Finally letting out a groan as ecstasy pushed through him, surging through his limbs, forcing a grunt from him as he let out a spurt into the water. His muscles went limp as he relaxed into the bath.

Ivy grinned. "We should probably get out, the water is going cold."

Anders dumbly nodded. She gave him a peck on the cheek before climbing out and wrapping herself in a towel. When Anders felt the strength return to his legs, he lifted himself out as well. Grabbing two towels, one to wrap around himself and one to dry Ivy's hair. The pair of them redressed before Anders hailed a carriage for Ivy and sent her home.

He spent the evening going over some paperwork. At one point pulling the ring box out of the drawer, popping it open and looking at it for a while. With today's events she was going to need some time. But how much? That was the question. He found himself growing more and more curious about this American now in the picture. Mostly about whether or not he was genuine about giving Ivy a chance. Perhaps he would have an opportunity to meet him and decide for himself. He snapped the ring box shut and returned it to the drawer.

Ivy got home, Priscilla saw her tea-stained dress and understandably asked what happened. She seethed as Ivy recalled the events.

"God bless Anders, that odious man has needed a wallop in the face for years. You're serious about disowning him now, completely?" Priscilla enquired.

"Yes, as far as I am concerned, we are not family anymore. Sorry about offering your spare room without checking with you first, but Lenore needs help. She doesn't deserve to be treated like he does to her." Ivy lamented.

"No, it's fine, frankly I wish I could see his face when he notices that she and her things are gone. Poor woman has been punished more than enough for bedding a married man. Especially one who screamed it from the rooftops the next day." Priscilla sympathised.

Ivy settled in for the evening before going to bed. She tossed and turned, her thoughts kept going over the events from the day. Realising that Priscilla truly was the only family she had left now. Her mind turned to Anders, how he had been exactly as she needed today. Just being there with her, the image of the ring flashed in her thoughts, before she went to sleep.

She dreamed she was in Anders' living room with him sitting across from her. Wearing his glasses while reading a book, giving her a smile as he saw her looking at him. It was just peaceful, a sunny day outside. The pair of them enjoying tea together, each of them wearing wedding rings. Her diploma hung on the wall, a photo stood up on the mantelpiece. A family photo, her and Anders each holding a child, one blonde and one with chestnut hair, with faces she could not make out. The whole scene was happy.

Then her father glared at her from the window.

The whole scene shattered, descending into a grey world filled with every spiteful thing her father had said to her and her mother. Every time he had clearly come home after spending a night being unfaithful to her mother. Him treating the both of them like there was something wrong with them. He then screamed the words at her from earlier that day. Wishing she was dead.

She woke up in a cold sweat, doing her best to shake off the nightmare. It was just before dawn, so she got out of bed, freshened up before she got dressed. Deciding to head off to her lecture early. When she arrived at King's her lecture was still a while off. She headed into the refectory for a cup of tea and a bun. As she sat sipping her tea reviewing her notes a familiar American voice greeted her.

"Miss Starling, what brings you here so early?" Professor Williams enquired in a friendly tone.

She looked up at him, giving a polite smile. "I woke up and it seemed a better use of my time to come early and make sense of my scribbles." She shrugged.

"Is that so, may I join you for a little while?"

Ivy nodded, he sat across from her with a muffin and a cup of coffee. "Now what's the real reason? People who are paid to be here barely show up this early." Giving her a friendly smirk.

She sighed then gave him a half smile. "Poor night's sleep, yesterday I had a particularly trying interaction with the man who calls himself my father."

He chuckled. "Sorry to hear that, guess he is still an asshole then."

"You knew him when you were last here?" She asked, intrigued, giving him a wry half smile.

"Oh, yeah, your mom and he were engaged at that point. Don't think she would have given him the time of day if the parents weren't pushing so hard." He mused. "But she was nineteen, unlike in the land of the free where she could have told them to go screw themselves. Guess you must still have him bossing you around, huh?" Taking sips of his coffee.

"Not anymore, I turned twenty-one back on the thirteenth." She replied. He choked on his coffee, his eyes fixed on her and widened.

"Sorry, wrong hole." He coughed as he excused himself. "Well that's good, you're a free woman now." He regained his composure, studying her closely.

"May I ask you a question?" Ivy noted his focus on her.

"Sure, shoot." He said casually.

"I mentioned I met you to my aunt Priscilla, she was very odd when I brought up your name. Like there was something she didn't wish to talk about." She watched him keenly.

His tone became cold and serious. "Perhaps it's because of that time me and your grandpa got drunk and killed a guy..." As Ivy stiffened his tone turned jovial. "... or when me and your grandma robbed a jewelry store at gunpoint..." Ivy chuckled when she realised he was joking, his tone became casual again. "... or more likely she remembered the obvious crush she used to have for me and got embarrassed." He finished with a smirk.

She tittered. "That seems likely, as opposed to grandmother engaging in armed robbery."

"But you're willing to believe that your grandpa might kill a guy?" He asked with a smile and a raised eyebrow.

She chortled, then shrugged. "I never knew him, so I can't say definitively whether he would or would not have killed someone. But if he were... as a chemist I assume he wouldn't have been physically violent about it... I'd guess poison or some kind of explosive?" She joked dryly.

He laughed. "To my knowledge he never directly killed someone."

She raised an eyebrow. "Directly killed someone?"

He looked surprised. "Didn't you know that your grandfather's research made the gunpowder production process more efficient? It may have saved lives for the people refining it, but it's still making gunpowder at the end of the day." He reasoned.

"If you were working on it with him doesn't that make you equally guilty?" She pondered with a gentle smile.

"Oh, no sweetheart. I am far more guilty, back home I got roped into working for the Yankees in the civil war... making lots and lots of gunpowder. In some instances using it directly. It was a dirty business." He lamented.

"Surely it was for a good cause in the end. Slavery in America is over." Ivy qualified.

"That's not what started the war, but it is one good thing to come out of it I suppose." He looked wistful, distant. "Never mind that, I went through your assignment. Excellent work, looks like you made it onto my research team Miss Starling." He gave her a warm smile.

"Oh, wonderful!" She gave him a beaming smile. "Thank you for the opportunity, I won't let you down."

"I'm sure you won't, here's hoping the three of you can play nice and do some good work." He kept his smile.

They continued with small talk until the lecture.

Meanwhile Anders was at his office going through his post again before starting his plethora of appointments. Only to receive a letter that gave him a tension headache as soon as he recognised the handwriting used for the address. Throwing it back on the desk hesitant to open it. He grimaced then tore it open, realising he was better off if he knew what it said.

'Bonjour Handsome, I know it has been a number of years, but I am back in London for a while. It would be nice to see you again and know you just like I used to. I remember how deeply you used to connect with me and I think of it fondly. I have heard you walk around with a sweetheart on your arm. She does not need to know if we rekindle our flame. After all I am sure she does not possess my range of skills, you must have missed them dearly. See you soon Doctor. Amelie. X'

He clenched his jaw as he read it, tearing it into pieces as he finished, throwing it into the bin. He was not going to dignify her with a response, but he would need to broach the topic with Ivy before Amelie did any damage.

He rested his forehead on the desk letting out an exasperated sigh and a groan. His receptionist Meredith walked in and caught him in this state.

"Oh... um... are you alright Doctor Karlsson?" She asked sheepishly.

"Not really, no." He remained resting his forehead on the desk.

"Can I help you at all? Or should I... just leave you to it?" Still sounding sheepish.

"Please... just leave me to it." Anders said, sounding defeated.

Meredith nodded and left his office, shutting the door behind her.

To be continued...

Hope you enjoyed reading, any feedback on what I could improve upon for the next chapter would be appreciated. =)