The Three of Us - Ch. 07 Pt. 01

The Three of Us

Chapter 6 - A New Kind of Love

*** Trigger Warning *** Reference to suicide***

Butch/femme dynamic, Romance - because there is love, BDSM - soft and slow burn

Plot - reading this series in order is encouraged

Feedback welcome

Author's Note

Spanish Delise is pronounced Dur lee za

French Delise is pronounced Day lee sa

In my head, its pronounced De lease

Take your pick

List of Published Chapters in The Three of Us

Chapter One Everything We Ever Wanted

Part 1 The Carrollton Manor Resort - Morgan enlists Chase's help with Delise

Part 2 Tell Me What You Want - Chase assesses Delise's desires

Chapter Two All We Ever Need

Part 1 At Play - Chase and Delise play; Morgan and Chase's bond gets stronger

Part 2 Quinn - Why does Quinn get under Delise's skin

Chapter Three Morgan So Hard

Part 1 Morgan's Past

Part 2 Chase's Past

Chapter Four We Walk Together, We Three in Love

Part 1 We Walk Together

Part 2 We Three, In Love (1)

Part 3 We Three, In Love (2)

Chapter Five More In Love

Part 1 Play Time

Part 2 Farewell to Hargrove

Chapter Six A New Kind of Love

Part 1 Madelyn's Fashion Weekday

Part 2 Delise Wants

Chapter Seven New Beginnings

Part 1 The Three of Us

Part 2 - Chase's Baby

Part 1 - The Three of Us

1

Delise decided, not without alarm, that she was frenemies with Cadence. Now harboring anger and being vindictive, now helping her like a true friend. She wasn't at peace with it, but she didn't put effort into resolving it, either.

At Belle's day that Tuesday at 11am, she was eager to give out invitations (to confirm her event which was already on Madelyn's calendar), to see if anyone was excited about Cadence's invitations, and she was looking forward to having Susan and Nancy for dinner later that day. Belle's double living room was full with women enjoying a light tea and conversation. Occasionally an invitation would discreetly exchange hands.

Chase came to Belle's day from work while Morgan and Delise rode in with Becca. Delise wore a new ensemble. A hip length swing style jacket in brown, lined with the same muted yellow gold as her bodycon sheath in a muted yellow gold. Brown heels and dark creamy pearls set off the outfit nicely. The colors brought out the darker tone in Delise's golden beige complexion, as if she still had her summer tan. Her hair, poufy and just long enough now to be brushed back into a semblance of a French roll, showed off her face, done in soft peachy brown with oranged red sheer lips. A hint of bourbon vanilla and amber surrounded her. She carried a moderate sized satchel to hold the inevitable stack of invitations, although she did not take it for granted that she would have any.

The threesome sat the box of invitations to hers and Morgan's anniversary tea, and inaugural monthly event, on a long folding table already brimming with stacks of envelopes, and Delise set about helping with service. Belle released her after about an hour and Delise was surprised how much she needed to simply sit and enjoy the tea. She was equally surprised that Morgan sat next to her and remained close, instead of mingling as was her habit.

"Alright, Missus?"

Morgan had pulled a rich deep burgundy suit from her fall wardrobe. The color brightened her olive brown complexion and brought out her faint freckles. Delise loved it when Morgan wore her shirt cuffs turned down beyond her jacket sleeves. She smiled.

"Yes, Morgan," Delise answered in her breathy voice.

Chase mingled more, making a striking figure in black with thin white pinstripes and a black vest beneath her jacket, her suit a perfect complement to her dark hair and pale complexion.

Chatter was quiet, but lively as women talked about the recent parties and the more memorable parties of the year to date, new restaurant openings, new shows in town, gallery exhibits and more. Midway through the afternoon, Belle walked through the space to the midpoint, not needing to raise her voice to be heard as everyone quieted for her. She gently turned as she talked, so she gave no one her back for very long.

"I'm so pleased you've come out today. Let me begin with news of Miss Olivia. She is improving and if she continues at this pace, we may see her at the Dark Fantasy ball." Belle paused for applause and delighted exclamations.

"An amazing thing is happening! Now that we are no longer spending days at The Waverly, seeing one another all the time, practically, we are gathering in smaller groups, but casually. No party planning necessary, no invitations to send out."

"Isn't that what everyone normally does anyway?" Tracy asked, her confusion genuine.

"Yes, well..." Belle began.

"We're a different kind of normal," Sheridan interrupted, her quip sending a wave of chuckles around the room.

"Therefore," Belle continued as if she hadn't been interrupted, "We will institute lists again. Memory can be tricky. I encourage you to keep not just your list of preferred guests, but a list of whom you visit and receive. It will help if visitors can leave their cards, initialed and dated, please. This helps a host who may forget who she saw where by the time she sits down to make her notes."

"Is this really necessary? It sounds like a pain."

"You may opt out. Of course, you won't be eligible for my new society award category - entertaining at home," Belle said smugly.

She continued, "I am looking forward to all the wonderful entertainments planned for this month, and beyond to the holidays."

"Madelyn, Somerfield, any words?"

"Thank you, Miss Belle," Madelyn said as she took the floor.

"Please remember to call me to reserve a date on the schedule for your events. I can get it on the books even if you haven't gotten your invitations out. We are already double booking. As we move into fall and the holidays, social life gets more hectic and dates fill up.

"We are about to test a new process. The feed will stay up but its too bloated to be useful for much. Look for a regular email with new announcements, updates and other important information. Make sure you add me to your contacts so it doesn't go to spam.

"Please continue to call me, don't email me about scheduling events.

"I am looking forward to a great fall season as well. Somerfield?"

"Thank you, Miss Belle, Madelyn. The holidays will be here before you know it. I urge everyone to remember those in need, whose resources are stretched at this time of year. Madelyn's emails will include fundraisers for charities that our members are involved with. Please make a point of supporting least one of them this season. Or, contact a member to arrange to make a donation. Thank you."

Nancy spoke up. "Why not use a website where members can sign in to get information all in one place? Madelyn wouldn't have to keep verifying her distribution list."

"Oh!" Madelyn said, glancing to Belle.

"I hope you planned to clean your distribution list regularly," Nancy said. "New emails can get lost in an 'reply all' fiasco. The site can be configured to send automatic emails for certain types of updates if you like."

"I like that!" Madelyn said. "I'm not looking forward to writing and formatting email."

"What about cyber attacks?" someone asked.

"Yes, they often affect email, too," Nancy agreed. "The site can be backed up automatically every night, so no information will be lost."

"Who's going to implement all this? And manage it?" Belle asked.

"I'd be happy to do it, Miss Belle."

To Delise's surprise, Nancy who had volunteered. Delise saw Susan turn to Nancy, her surprise and delight evident on her face as well.

"Does anyone want to comment before I make my decision?" Belle asked.

The comments were many.

"Phone screens are too small to show a website."

"I'll have a mobile friendly area where important updates and even the calendar can be displayed."

"Its her eyes, Nancy. She needs to get cataract surgery."

"Mind your own business."

"How the devil are you getting the calendar now?"

"My wife handles all that."

"So we'll have to remember yet another password?"

"You could. The preferred method is to enter your email address and request a code sent to your phone.

"I don't have a computer."

"Mine is too old, the latest Windows version can't be installed."

"I can bring hard copies when we meet."

"What's a hard copy?"

"Think of a one-page newsletter."

"I still want to get invitations I can hold in my hand."

"Yes. I enjoy opening a nice invitation as much as coming to club."

"This wouldn't change that. I think most other concerns have been addressed," Nancy said. "Perhaps we can use the website in parallel with the current method for a start, until everyone is comfortable with it."

"How are we going to pay for it and what will it cost?" Morgan asked.

Nancy gave them the cost of a subscription to a hosting site with all the features she'd described already built in.

"That sounds like we'll have to pay dues."

"That sounds like its off the table."

"Perhaps donations?"

"We need a guaranteed fund. It would have to be dues."

The vote was split with only 65% in favor of a website. Belle conferred with Madelyn and Somerfield.

Madelyn was eager. "I'd like to try it, even if we have to hold public fundraisers."

"Well, nobody can throw down like we can," Belle said.

Susan giggled. She stiffened, seeing all eyes turn her way. "Pardon. It just struck me as funny to hear you talk so informally, Miss Belle."

Belle winked at her before turning back to business.

"How long until we can expect to see something?" she asked Nancy.

"I can show Madelyn something a few days after I confer with her to come to an understanding what she expects and wants. So a week after she gives me her feedback."

"Thank you Nancy."

2

Belle ended that conversation and turned to gaze at the invitations piled on the folding table.

"Now is when I miss having a club house. It was easier to give out invitations when it wasn't so apparent who got invited and who didn't. Everyone here gets invited, especially to large affairs, but some hostesses just can't accommodate everyone all the time. Two weeks ago, I noticed someone get embarrassed as she was the only woman in a little group talking together, that wasn't handed an envelope. I appreciate her show of good manners in composing herself and not saying a word about it.

"I wonder if we shouldn't go back to using the mail."

"I didn't enjoy having my invitations opened or strewn about, Miss Belle. They don't fit into some mailboxes."

"Any of the thicker ones were opened, and worse, stolen."

"Everyone can't come to every Tuesday, either. I agree, it was so nice to leave them at club and know they'd be picked up."

"So I was thinking," Belle resumed, "some of you may offer a solution."

"Yes, don't be so thin skinned. Not one person here doesn't have at least one party to go to each week," Tyler said.

"I said, offer a solution."

"I'm sorry, Miss Belle."

"Perhaps the hostess should be gracious enough to tell the odd one out not to worry, that she is still on her guest list so there will be a next time."

Most women were on their feet or seated on the edge of their chair, as one does when about to get up to leave. Their chatter was only slightly louder, but it was faster. Belle directed everyone to be sure to get Cadence's cards, and an invitation for the Park, as well. Some women slipped their invites into their purses while others held onto them. A few opened one or the other and quickly glanced inside.

"Oh!" Selena Stanley exclaimed, then waved an invitation around above her head as she looked around wildly.

"Don't open the one in the thin gray envelope! Wait! Sheridan! Hunter! Somerfield!"

Fancey began to open hers despite the warning, but Martha stopped her.

Lou said, resignation in her manner, "I guess that meeting is definitely on."

"What meeting?" Martha asked.

"Its just us," Hunter said. "The guys and Nancy."

"I'm not a guy..." Andi began.

"Whatever the hell you are! You know what I mean."

"What meeting?" Martha repeated.

"To discuss something that's been going on," Lou said without elaboration.

"Where did those come from? How are they in my home?" Belle asked, her usual charming expression replaced by something hard.

"They were on the top stoop when we came in, so we brought them inside. I didn't open them. I'm so sorry," George said.

"Its not your fault. The box looks legitimate," Mae reminded her.

Somerfield said, "Alright, lets collect this trash. We'll check it tomorrow in case its not all the same. Good afternoon ladies, gents, Andi and Nancy." She was smiling as she ended.

Despite the dubious invitations, the afternoon's parting was quiet, gentle, filled with hugs and well wishes.

3

"I appreciate you giving us a ride here and back," Nancy said over dessert at Hartridge Park. "I was..."

"I was concerned about the incident this afternoon, but I would have been livid if we'd had to miss this," Susan spoke over Nancy.

Delise nodded vigorously.

Nancy raised her voice a touch. "As I was saying, I normally wouldn't have been there today. Its Susan who follows Miss Olivia. Miss Belle, now. She'll go to their days when she can, especially since they're each only hosting one day a month.

"I'm bring this up to say you won't see us at many of the fifty's public events. You wouldn't know because you're only recently been a regular with them, Morgan, Delise, that we only go to the large parties, and mostly during the holiday season."

Chase looked mildly amused. "You are one of Belle's fifty, you know. You'll be invited to everything."

"I'm not very social. I prefer a quiet evening at home most of the time. Sometimes when I don''t go out with Susan, she rides and hangs with Karen and Mary, but they aren't in the fifty so that isn't going to work for her now.

"So I'm asking if it would be alright for her to tag along with you sometime, when its convenient for you."

Morgan flicked a glance at Chase, neither woman's expression readable. Susan was shocked that Nancy had asked. Delise was surprised, but nodded eagerly, hoping Morgan would agree.

"Chase?" Morgan deferred.

"It would be my pleasure," Chase told Nancy.

"Missus? How do you feel about it?"

"I'd love it!"

"Susan?" Morgan asked.

"I would appreciate it very much, thank you," Susan managed to get out.

Morgan inclined her head in a nod to Nancy. "We're honored you trust us to act as chaperons for your lady. We'll take good care of her."

"I know you will," Nancy said. "Its a relief. Thank you. I know Susan and Delise get along together well."

Delise leaned close to Susan's ear, almost slipping from her seat to do, and whispered, though she was visible to all. "Speak up if you can't do this," Delise said. "Remember what I told you."

"Yes, I remember - they're hard." Susan broke out in a fit of giggling.

Three pairs of questioning eyes turned to her and Delise. Delise looked innocent, which made Susan giggle all the more.

"I don't know... we may have to separate you, like the school girls you've reverted to," Morgan said. She smiled indulgently.

4

Nancy didn't trust that Becca didn't listen to conversations on the other side of the privacy window, so she waited until they were in bed to ask.

"Suze, what did Delise say to make you giggle and blush?"

"Its a private joke," Susan said, snuggling close in with Nancy.

"Tell me."

"Its silly, really. Just something we say to crack each other up. You had to be there."

Nancy stroked her partner's cheek softly. "Tell me."

Susan dislodged herself and sat up.

"Certain women have told Delise that when they tell her to do something, they expect to be obeyed. Or they've said 'you'll have to learn to listen to me'."

"Who told her that? Morgan? Chase?"

"Probably, but we kid each other about the other times, about women who she isn't obligated to listen to. Well, Alex did have the authority because of the circumstances, but..."

"Wait. Alex said that to Delise?"

"Yes, I told you about it, remember? Its how she ended up treating me to a dress."

"Oh. Okay. How did she have the authority to expect that from Delise?"

"They had played together and Alex was checking up on Delise like she was supposed to."

"So it became an inside joke between the two of you," Nancy said and paused, gave it some thought.

Nancy finally spoke. "You're not going to play with anyone."

"Of course not."

"And no one has authority over you. Morgan and Chase are just giving you a ride, keeping you from being alone, and making sure you get home safely."

"Yes, of course. It was just a joke, baby. We kid around like that all the time."

Nancy opened her arms and Susan slid between them again.

"I wonder why she jokes about it? You don't think its strange?"

"I think she loves it, and she can confide in me. I understand without judging her."

5

Susan started the discussion of Eclat's meeting, during which everyone had something to say.

"We need to discuss whether we're going to have a pre-ball party and start planning if we are."

"I can't go to the ball parties. I have to buy my ticket at the door. We don't have access to first tier and ball parties, do we?" Sora asked rhetorically, her tone sour.

"Oh," Susan said, mildly surprised. "How many reserved or bought tickets? Hands, please. Oh dear, what's going on that I don't know about?" She was dismayed at how few had reserved tickets.

"You mean you did get tickets? At those prices?" Rosalie asked. "Nancy isn't all that social. I can't believe she'd go for that."

"We have tickets, but Nancy paid and I don't know what they cost." Susan remembered Morgan bringing in the large lacquered box and setting it on the dining room table. Although Susan hadn't been able to afford a premium ticket to the Spring Flower Ball, she'd seen the boxes that came with the price of a ticket. Now the box for the Dark Fantasy Ball was still unopened, between the rush to freshen up for dinner at the Park the night before, and going straight to bed to get up for work. Then she and Nancy had almost been late for work that morning. After work she'd come straight to Mary's apartment above the bookstore for the meeting.

"They're two hundred..."

"That's not too bad..." Susan said.

"Each. Not a couple."

"But that's... oh, its more than usual. We can still have a pre party," Susan said. "Miss Belle said so the other week at her first at home day.."

"Well how are we to know how many to plan for? How do you know how many people will buy ball tickets four weeks from now?" Lorna asked.

"Maybe people will have called Madelyn to see if they can reserve a balcony ticket?" Delise offered. She'd stayed quiet because she was self conscious about Zora's presence, although Zora sat quietly in the back. Now it seemed that some of the women simply wanted to complain when all they had to do was call Madelyn.

"Damn, I never thought of that," Perla said.

"Let's take a vote. Does anyone want to have a ball party?"

"Well how much are balcony tickets? We will get a nice turnout at a pre party if balcony tickets aren't too steep." Lorna reasoned.

"I didn't ask after I heard I couldn't afford one for the main floor," Perla remarked.

"Didn't Madelyn let you know about the balcony tickets? She tries to include everyone, like at her fashion weeks for example," Delise defended.

"I was so flustered, I don't know if I gave her time," Perla said, sighing afterwards.

"Don't excuse them. I'm over Miss Olivia's society," Sora said angrily.

"We're a sister club. I like the perks that come with that," Rosalie said.

"I think these tickets are a sign that our perks have poofed," Sora said to Lorna. They both nodded.

"I just checked the feed. Balcony tables are seventy-five a person, one twenty five per couple," Perla said brightly, pleased she'd at least thought of checking there.

"I wouldn't trust that right now. Let's call her."

Five minutes later the vote was split as to whether to have a pre party.

"What is Elan doing?" Mary asked.

"Tracy said she had to check their bylaws, so I don't know," Susan said.

Mary responded, "Well we can invite anyone who was in Cachet. How's Ondine, by the way, anybody heard?"

When heads turned to Delise all she could say was that Ondine wasn't accepting visits and Ross wasn't giving out any information.

Susan spoke, "There's only three weeks to the ball. A party would have to happen in two weeks, two and a half at the latest, which is pretty short planning time. Since we don't have a majority vote for it, we won't do one."

"Won't Miss Belle be disappointed?" Lorna asked, smirking.

Susan responded. "We are a sister club, independent of what she does."

"Miss Olivia closed down that cabaret and at that time, Cachet was a sister club. That wasn't very independent," Rosalie said.

"I think we should secede from being a sister club," Sora said.

"Please vote," Susan said. This was her way of shutting down negativity so they could return to the original discussion. "All who want to secede, raise your hand. A preliminary vote to test the waters."

Minutes later Susan, greatly shocked, nodded. "Then we should abandon the rest of tonight's agenda and discuss secession with the time we have left."

6

Delise hadn't wanted to leave the meeting, which had run beyond its usual time. Yet, she didn't want be inconsiderate to Becca by making her work beyond her usual hours. She took Susan's call while in route home.

"Where are you?" Delise asked Susan.

"Sitting in my car. I can't get my thoughts together and I don't want to drive while I'm so distracted."

"First, is there any way you can put your thoughts on hold until you get home?"

"Yes, alright. Stay on the phone with me while I drive? Talk about anything else."

"Not a good idea, Susan. You know that. Even on speaker phone its a distraction."

"I feel like they just want to tear down what we've built, just out of spite."

"They don't want to tear it down. They just don't like being treated like second class citizens."

"I'm surprised you empathize with that."

"I told you where I come from. As Chase once told me, I'm still there, in my mind."

"We could have had a nice pre party, even on short notice. We have venues we work with, caterers. We have enough money to lay out up front. We usually make it up from ticket sales. There's a small company who does very nice decorations."

Susan took a breath. Then quietly said, "Delise, after Becca picked you up, Mary told me Nancy called her today. She let her know your partners will chaperone me some of the time for the time being. Mary said..."

Delise listened with concern as she thought she heard a sob.

"She said she told Nancy it was okay because they were getting tired of having to change their plans to accommodate me. That they wouldn't help me out at all. The way she spoke to me tonight - she wasn't tactful. She was blunt, downright catty.

"Delise, she hates me. They all hate me now."

"Do you think our friendship is why they rebelled in the meeting?"

"I think so. No, I'm sure of it. It just seemed surreal how they complained about ticket prices and seating and ended up talking about a new focus for Eclat."

Susan paused before she blurted, "After you left they talked about voting for new leadership."

"I'm sorry Susan. Its not your fault. I'm so sorry."

"I mean, how can they turn on me so fast?"

"It probably wasn't so fast, Susan. It probably started some time ago."

"I'll bet it started when you and I hit it off, and then when I thanked Alex and Lou for my new outfit. When I became one of Lou's girls.

"Delise, I'm sorry they behaved this way. I'm sorry I'm crying to you. I'm..."

"Susan, stay on the phone. You're still parked?"

"Yes."

"Good. Let's call Nancy. You need her now."

"I do, but she can't come get me. She's working."

"Hang tight. You talk to her anyway. Just hearing her voice will help you. I'll get someone else who can help."

Chase had already read the text from Becca that Delise's meeting was running late, but her subsequent text that they were on the way kept Chase from checking up on them. When she saw Delise was calling, she had a feeling something was wrong.

"Princess, tell me you're alright and you're on your way home," Chase answered her phone.

"I'm alright and I'm almost home. But I need to know what to do to help Susan. She's in her car crying about the meeting. I told her not to drive and Nancy can't come get her."

"What about uber?"

"Well, yes," Delise sounded deflated. "If they have an account. Its expensive, you know."

"They both work."

"Alright, yes. Susan isn't in the best frame of mind right now. Nancy will have to make the arrangements for her, then coordinate it."

Chase chuckled lightly, tickled at how Delise assumed Susan was as helpless as she was. "Alright, Princess. Where is she?"

"Near Mary and Karen's bookstore on Blume Street."

"Call her back and tell her to stay put. Give her my number so she'll answer when I call."

Chase met Delise at the east entrance when Becca dropped her off.

"Welcome home, Princess. Susan is in good hands and is on her way home."

"Thank you, Chase. Thank you so much." Delise raised on tip-toe to kiss Chase's cheek.

Chase pulled her into an embrace and hugged her closely.

"Yvonne is waiting to help you get ready for bed. I'll stop by to tuck you in," Chase winked.

"Yes, Chase. I suppose I owe you for this."

"No, I'm glad to help Susan because she's a good friend to you."

7

Nancy held Susan's hand for a little while as she drove them to the concert venue, but only at traffic lights, since she was driving.

"I'm going to make it short and simple," Susan said, more to herself. "No need to ruin anyone's evening."

"Yes, just say you left Eclat."

"And that I don't think they want to be a sister club..."

"No. Don't bring them up. You can't speak for them. You don't know what they'll decided to do."

"Oh, yes. I will tell her I appreciate the association we've had with them, with Miss Olivia and herself."

"Its best this way. We don't really belong. And Chase and Morgan won't have to look out for you. I shouldn't have asked them to."

Susan sounded stressed when she asked, "You mean you don't intend for us to go to any parties?"

"They're not the only ones who give parties, Suze."

"But the people we knew through Mary and Karen; they're not going to include us anymore."

"Don't worry. Everything will work out. We can always meet new people. In fact, I look forward to it. Everyone else knows Miss Olivia's people and how things go with them. You and I have been doing things that aren't really us, haven't we?"

"Oh."

Nancy spared a quick glance at Susan. "Oh?"

"I thought you were getting used to their eclectic ways."

"That's just it. It starts to seem normal. It isn't. You take a step back and see what's really going on. I don't wear dildos in public..."

"It wasn't in public and it was just for a role play party."

"And at the role reversal party?"

"Nancy, you already volunteered to set up a website and maintain it."

"They aren't really interested in going high tech. You heard their concerns there."

"I bet they do want it."

"You want to stay with them."

"And I can't because of those... witches!"

"Its going to be alright, Susan."

8

Delise wore a lightweight wool bodycon dress in black with sequin elements, suitable for the evening's jazz concert. She finished the outfit with black heels and over sized black pearls, nude eyes and a deep orange red mouth. Her hair was brushed and held back into her kinky curls with jewel tipped hair pins, which gave her look polish glam. Morgan, in a sequin embellished vest over a black blouse and slacks, and Chase in a dark gray suit with a satin vest, were on either side of Delise as they went inside the venue.

It seemed to Delise that one moment she was safely sandwiched between her partners, and the next, she was standing alone outside the large glass doors, with no one she knew in sight. Not ahead, nor behind. There was no sound, no sounds of the crowd, no din of the city traffic. All she saw now was the group of young men coming closer, on their way to the concert. She blinked as if to reset what she saw, to bring back what she knew must be around her. It didn't work. Her heart began to beat fast, her breaths labored to outpace her racing heart. A tingling sensation washed through her body, which she could feel trembling.

"Please," she pleaded under her breath as she reached to pull a door open.

"I'll get that," he said.

She froze as he waited for her to go through, his expression turned from pleasant civility to puzzlement.

"Miss, are you going in? There's a line behind you."

Delise released her breath all at once, glanced behind her and quickly stepped across the threshold, frantically looking for someone she knew.

"Delise!" Morgan's voice was jarring, vehement, and yet, very much welcome.

"There you are!" Delise responded.

"What? I've been right here the whole time. Are you alright?" Morgan observed her closely, a slight frown of concern on her face.

"Yes, Morgan. You know what? I think I'll have a drink tonight."

"Just one, Princess," Chase said while she looked at Delise strangely.

Jailyn's and Lana's guests were lively as they enjoyed the concert from the skybox. Few stayed in their seats for very long while they moved about to chat or munch from the sumptuous spread that was laid out, but they were listening.

Nancy and Susan were the last to arrive. Delise smiled to her friend but Susan looked worried and stood off near the door while Nancy went straight to Belle and spoke to her quietly.

"Oh!" Belle looked around and waved Susan over. "Come sit, dear. Enjoy the concert."

Susan nodded and began talking as she took a seat that was vacated for her. "Thank you, Miss Belle. I'm sorry, but I have something to tell you that you should know right away. I know I should have called, but I didn't know if you would take my call. And apologies are better in person."

Belle turned to glance at Susan politely, one ear still on the concert. "What is it dear?"

"I don't think you'll want me in your fifty now that I'm no longer president of Eclat. I've been voted out, Miss Belle, so..."

Belle pursed her lips and turned in her seat to face Susan.

"Do you know what I say, Susan? I never did like that name Eclat. Now you can put all your wonderful leadership skills to use for us. As one of my fifty, I expect you to contribute. Madelyn desperately needs help with transitioning the schedule to Nancy's website. You know, Miss Olivia always said you were the one to watch. We're all tickled with how well you and Delise get along.

"Oh, listen! This is my favorite!" Belle said as she turned back to the concert.

Susan sat quietly for a moment, taking in all that Belle had said. Nancy motioned her to get up.

Delise quietly hugged Susan and congratulated her, smiling, while Susan traded a stunned look with Nancy.

Morgan looked pensive as she watched Delise.

"That's enough, Princess," Chase said gently when she intercepted Delise's next drink. "Remember your plans."

"Just for tonight," Delise pleaded half-heartedly.

Morgan added, "Have a ginger ale instead, but not too much soda, remember."

"Yes, Morgan. You know, I'm really all right. I wish you would stop watching me and enjoy the concert."

9

Temperatures reached a comfortable 73 degrees Fahrenheit at the height of the high tea anniversary party at Hartridge Park, celebrating Morgan and Delise's eleventh year together. Inside the glass walls and domed ceiling, the atmosphere was quite comfortable. Bright sunlight bathed large potted trees and plants, and reflected off the glass topped wicker tables. Each table was graced with linen place mats, lazy susans and tea sets, crystal glasses and gold and silver cutlery. Each table's china had a different pattern. Arranged on each table were small but full bouquets of hydrangeas.

Guests came attired according to the dress code: fascinators or hats, and wrist length gloves for the ladies, suits for all others, preferably with vest and tie.               Guests were let in by the west door which was off the garage and parking area. Coming down the hall between the kitchen and breakfast room, they were delighted to see the party favors, exquisite hat boxes for the ladies and small moire covered boxes for others, one of which was open to display a tie pin.

Delise wore a simple below-the-knee satin sheath and a short sheer tulle cape overlay all in champagne, her jewelry was off white pearls, her nails neutral, her hair in an updo of curly chaos, her makeup soft tangerine, her fragrance a bright citrus orange on a base of powdery amber.

Morgan sported a deep violet three piece suit with a white shirt, silver and violet striped vest and silver tie. Her shoes were violet suede. Chase's suit was dove gray with a white shirt and vest and a silver tie, all of which blended nicely with her pale coloring.              

Smooth jazz could be heard beneath the ebb and flow of conversation. Heard mentioned during the afternoon was the high expectations of the upcoming ball, the pre parties that had passed and the ones yet to come. The more recent parties of the past week hosted by Carson and Martha, and the one celebrating Madelyn's birthday. A surprise of the afternoon came when inquiries, discreetly asking after Ondine's health, were satisfied by Dale and by Nancy, both of whom had talked to Ross. Morgan showed genuine relief to have news that Ross expected Ondine home in a week's time.

"She barely speaks to me," Morgan told Chase. "I'm glad she talks to someone."

"I don't think she's comfortable talking to anyone Ondine begged for money from," Taylor told Morgan.

10

Morgan stood near the special table Delise had set for the three of them and tapped her glass to get everyone's attention.

"Thank you all for being here to help me and Delise celebrate our eleventh anniversary together." She paused for applause and murmurs, then went on.

"I'd like to make a toast, to my partner, Delise, who has made my life a joy through all my trials, our trials. Missus, you know I told you I will do anything for you. I hope you feel I've done that, and I hope you know I will continue to honor you. I love you."

"I do, Morgan. And I love you, too. Thank you."

"And now, we both wish to include Chase in our partnership. We haven't been together a full year, Chase, but we've known you for at least that. We feel what we three have together is worthy of celebration. We love you and we're looking forward to the three of us spending many, many years together."

No one noticed that Chase's reply was short because she did the unexpected. She graced Morgan and Delise with a rare, warm smile. "Thank you both, for giving me the love I need. I'll always cherish us."

Morgan kissed Delise's cheek softly and drew Chase in, kissing hers strongly.

Delise thought there was a beat of silence before the applause and congratulations began, but she didn't have time to dwell on it. She stiffened and uttered a quiet 'oh'.

"Missus?"

Knowing many eyes were on them, Delise didn't attempt to smile because it would come off as false. She murmured quietly. "I think I just started my period. I'm okay."

"You going to go..."

"No, the way I've been feeling all week, I'm prepared," Delise said, meaning she was already wearing a tampon. "I do need to sit down, though."

Delise began with a soothing cup of tea and a smoked salmon tea sandwich, but soon reached for champagne. Chase watched her from across the room and came to tell her to slow down.

"Only one, Princess, hm?"

"Yes, Chase," Delise said.

That's when Chase realized Delise's eyes had welled with tears. She sat down and soothed her, murmured in her ear, "We'll try again soon, alright? We knew it might take a while."

"Yes, Chase," Delise answered and held onto her shoulders. A single tear ran down one cheek.

"What's wrong with Delise?" Andi came to the table.

Chase raised a hand to stop them. "She's alright."

"Is she having another...?" Andi began.

"No, she's fine," Morgan said as she came over.

"Take her in sooner than later," Dale said when she joined them.

"This is not the same. Trust me," Morgan said.

"Let me talk to you, Morgan," Andi said, nodding to the terrace.

"Its not necessary," Morgan persisted. She sounded irritated.

"I'm fine, I promise," Delise said. "I'm just PMS'ing and I'm on a new medication and I've been out of sorts all week. I'll call my doctor tomorrow."

Dale's eyes narrowed, but she went back to her seat.

"What are you taking?" Andi persisted.

Delise lifted her head and Andi bent down so she could hear. "Just a sedative and on top of that my period just started."

Andi clearly didn't believe Delise but let it go. She kissed Delise's cheek and went back to enjoy the tea.

11

Morgan drove Delise to Madelyn's day. Delise felt good in her new knit mini with ruffled sleeves and hem in dark rose, over sized pearl jewelry, matching heels and bag, her hair loosely swept back, her makeup nude with a rosy mouth, her scent powdery sweet cinnamon on amber, and two-toned, but subtle, nails.

"You look very nice, Missus. I'm proud at how brave you were at therapy yesterday. You told your therapy everything you experienced before the concert."

"Thank you, and thank you," Delise smiled. She watched Morgan, how her deep cranberry suit complemented her complexion and went well with her pale mint green blouse, which Morgan wore open without a tie.

"I don't think I could have done it without you being there."

"You're in a good mood," Morgan observed. "I guess there's no more PMS now that your period started."

"Oh, there was only light spotting. False alarm. I'm sure it will start very soon now. This has been the weirdest period. I don't remember having much nausea before. Do you think my body was thrown off kilter by Liam. New pheromones and all that?"

"Hm. Maybe?"

Delise glanced at Morgan. "You're thinking I might need to take a pregnancy test, aren't you? Well, its too soon for that. The results wouldn't mean a thing. By the time we would get a reliable result, my period will have started for real.

"Morgan, why are you driving me around this week?"

"You'll be back with Becca tomorrow. Then you can resume your secret giggle sessions with Susan."

"They aren't secret!" Delise laughed.

"You always hang up when one of us is around."

"It's just girl stuff that would bore you."

"You haven't told her we're trying to get you pregnant, have you?"

"No, but its been hard not to."

"You haven't hinted at it, have you?"

"No. She'd guess right away."

12

They picked Susan up and arrived at Madelyn's only to find the room was quieter than usual. Everyone was scrolling on their phones. Delise and Susan fetched coffee for the three of them and took seats that were graciously vacated for them near where Morgan was standing. Delise took a sip of a delicious Sumatra, mixed with lots of rich cream and some sugar. She glanced up at Morgan, who was talking with Carson.

She looked at Susan next. "What is going on? What is everyone looking at?"

"No!" Morgan said adamantly, breaking off her conversation with Carson as Delise leaned over Susan to see the phone screen Celine was showing them.

Delise snapped back and looked up at Morgan, a question on her face.

"It's not the letters, is it?" Delise asked her.

"No."

"Morgan," Somerfield said, "She's going to see it sometime."

"Delise doesn't follow the feed," Morgan replied.

"What?!" Belle and Madelyn exclaimed.

"I'm sorry, I rarely look at it," Delise explained. "There's a lot of bloat - people posting and re-posting comments ad nauseam."

"Well!" Belle said, drawing herself up straight and squaring her shoulders. "I never! I never look at it, either. Ha! Ha ha. I mean, its all about what I dictate we do, isn't it? I already know that, don't I?"

Belle's group and half of Madelyn's laughed. The rest smiled, shook their heads.

"She's going to hear about it sometime, like today," Somerfield added.

Morgan nodded and spoke before she turned back to Carson. "I suppose so. Alright, Missus."

"Yes, Morgan. Thank you."

Delise was aware she was the subject of a few curious glances. She leaned over to look at Celine's phone.

"A new one has been posted every few hours. Look."

"Its not easy to see. Let me use my own phone."

The posts, from someone tagged Confidentially Yours, were short but obviously meant to reveal secrets without naming names.

'A statuesque Venus was undone by greed and jealousy. Confidentially, she'd hoped to secure a benefactor from New York. Hopefully, she's getting the help she needs now.'

Delise cocked her head, frowned, looked over at Celine. "Who are they talking about? Not.." She spoke quietly. "Not Ondine... and Quinn?"

"No one knows. Quinn isn't the only one in New York with money. Its all very uncharitable. Just read on," Celine urged.

'In case you didn't know, and I don't think you do know... Confidentially, male hormones change your scent. Everyone knows you're transitioning.'

Delise's head snapped up. She hadn't noticed anyone like that in the fifty. She began to doubt the author.

'Confidentially, someone in the fifty has a secret mistress. Well, not so secret if you pay close attention.'

Delise gasped at this. She'd thought all the couples in Belle's fifty were devoted to one another. Then she remembered the couples that broke up recently, and supposed she had simply been unobservant. Not at all unusual for her.

Morgan watched Delise react to the gossip. "Now, Missus, what do you think about that?"

"Its terrible to talk about people like that. I hope that one isn't about Ondine, but the transitioning person isn't going to be much of a secret if its true. Its not even worth bringing that up. We'd find out soon enough when we're meant to."

"Is that all you read?"

"There was one about someone in the fifty having a mistress. If its true, that person must be pretty upset."

"Do you think you'll keep reading it?"

"What if one of them is about us?"

"Do you have anything to hide? I don't."

Delise's mind immediately went to Chase and Arte. "I don't," she said, but she gave Morgan a look she was sure Morgan picked up on.

"We'll stand with her," Morgan whispered in Delise's ear.

"Yes, Morgan."

Savannah grinned as she approached them.

"How are you, Savvy?"

"We're all upset about these posts. It isn't right to talk about other people or reveal their secrets. Lord help me if they find out anything about my past as a stripper."

"At least you were a very good stripper," Delise quipped back, smiling at Savannah's fabrication.

Savannah took the seat Susan had vacated to go mingle.

"Here comes your third wheel now. I was wondering where she was."

Chase came straight to her partners, gave each a quick kiss, asked Delise to get her something to eat and went to greet the mavens. When she returned, her gaze was guarded.

"You heard?" Morgan asked her. "Delise has read them."

"Talk about bad form," Chase mused as accepted the plate of food from Delise. "Are you okay, Princess?"

"Yes, Chase. I'm fine on all fronts."

Morgan gazed gently at Chase, hoping she wasn't thinking about Arte, either as her secret or as the author of the secrets that had been revealed. Chase's expression gave away nothing of what she might be thinking or feeling. Morgan took her hand and squeezed it gently. Chase met her eyes, and for a moment, they were bright with fear and need. Then they were cool ice again. Morgan squeezed more firmly. Chase inhaled and nodded slightly.

13

Delise dressed for Somerfield's pre-ball party at the Whitmore museum, but she was still a little stunned over her confrontation with Morgan over the clothes swap. Morgan had not let her take anything she hadn't paid for herself, regardless of whether she wanted it anymore. Delise had little to show and was relieved no one seemed disappointed. After all, no one else wore her style and most of the women were taller than her five two frame. She was able to give away a nice purse and a few pieces of jewelry. To Delise's credit, she seemed to be getting used to Zora accompanying her when she was out on her own.

For the pre-ball party, Delise wore a long sleeved, backless, black velvet gown with a satin sash and bow at the knee where the dress flared. Such a gown called for a suite of pearls comprised of a long strand, knotted, bracelet and drop earrings. She wore an updo, a nude face with a statement mouth in fiery red. The outfit would not have been complete without a small flat purse and a fur shawl. She was enveloped in a hint of sweet spiced bourbon and amber.

Delise had finished dressing earlier than she expected and made for the lounge to wait for her partners, but was drawn to the music room when she heard piano music. The room was half dark, the piano situated in a pool of light. Dressed in a black tux, Chase played a slow, soulful arrangement of a sweet, mournful song. Delise approached slowly and quietly, not wanting to interrupt her. She watched Chase's long fingers move more gracefully than she thought possible for a pianist. Smiling, she moved into view but was dismayed with what she saw.

While Chase's eyes were closed, her features serene as she was transported by the music she made, tears streamed down her pale, angular face. Delise made a small sound of dismay. Chase turned her face in her direction, her eyes, now open, gray, cloudy, pools of sorrow so deep that Delise felt she could be drawn into Chase's despair. Dread washed over Delise; her purse and fur fell from her hands. It seemed to her that her world was dissolving around her. In her angst, she imagined the worst. She imagined Chase was ready to move on from her and Morgan. She was in anguish that it could be over so soon.

"Missus?"

Delise started. She'd not noticed Morgan in the shadows. Morgan's concern showed on her face as she slipped an arm around Delise's waist.

"What's wrong?" she whispered, barely audible over the music.

"What's going on?" Delise asked plaintively. "Chase, why are you crying?"

Morgan seated Delise and picked up her things from the floor, placed them gently in the next seat. She took Delise's hands and spoke quietly.

"Arte committed suicide today. It was after she heard about our commitment to Chase."

Morgan held Delise back when she tried to stand to go to Chase. "Let her be for now. Lets go have a drink."

"Pour me one, will you?" Chase asked.

"Sure. We can stay home with you..."

"No. I need a distraction tonight. We'll all go to the party. Come with me to New York tomorrow?"

"Of course, we will."

14

Delise experienced that deliciously spent feeling she had when she'd been on the go all day, finished with a tasty meal, dragged herself to the bath and then flopped onto a heavenly soft bed. She was still too full to drift off to sleep, thought about a lovely cup of coffee but chose a cold water instead. She lolled on a double row of fluffy pillows when she took Susan's call.

"Susan! I'm so glad you called. I'm sorry I never got back to you, but we've been so busy since we got here. How's Nancy?"

"She's fine. I did get your text saying you arrived safely. Tell me everything."

"We're staying a hotel, not with Chase's family, but I didn't expect to. Chase comes and goes, or meets us sometimes when we're out. We did some of the usual sightseeing, Ellis Island, the top of Empire State Building, the Museum of Modern Art. Today we went to dinner and saw a Broadway show. The memorial service is tomorrow and we'll be going home Friday."

"Oh, you'll probably miss Elan's event. Are you at the Four Season? The Ritz-Carlton? The Plaza?"

Delise chuckled. "You don't know much about Morgan, do you? She doesn't like spending money; she says we're house poor. No, its a really small hotel but its very posh. The Arlington."

"I'm glad you're having a good time, but I'm sorry for the circumstances. What's Chase's family like?"

"I haven't met any of them. I haven't even seen her brother or uncle. So what's been going on?"

"Alex's and Lauren's ball party was unique - in a good way."

"I wanted to experience a late supper party."

"It was an intimate setting, each couple at their own table. The vocalist accompanied herself on the piano; her covers were amazing.

"Ondine is home. She's receiving visitors."

"How is she? How does she look?"

"Like herself. I was glad to see she doesn't even look depressed."

"I'm glad for Ross' sake as well as her own."

Susan inhaled and paused. "So there was a swatting on Somerfield's day."

"Oh, no."

"Yes, someone organized a flash mob and they all tried to get inside."

"Oh, Susan! Were you scared?"

"At first, yes, but the police came pretty quickly. You know they would in that neighborhood. The crowd dispersed right away. I'm pretty sure when the found out they'd been used and lied to that they had no reason to stay."

Delise's voice was quiet. "Susan, what if this person goes farther next time?"

"There's a police report and a few letters were turned over. So if things get worse there's already an incident report.

"Guess who called me?"

"Who?"

"Perla. She's upset. She says she and Rosalie have joined Elan."

"Good for them. Tracy seems like she's all about business."

"Yes, I'm glad they made that move. I think Miss Belle likes Tracy."

"I think so too, and so does Somerfield."

"Delise, a part of me is gloating that some women left Eclat, but then I feel sad, too. Eclat had a good reputation and gave good events.

"Hang on a minute..."

"Sure..."

"Thanks," Susan took a breath. "I had to take something for this damn PMS. Hope I start soon. Its driving me crazy."

"Oh, I know. Mine has been all over the place. First PMS, then a new kind of PMS with nausea and then spotting, then a no show and I'm sore again."

Delise gasped.

"What's wrong? What do you mean a no show?" Susan giggled. "You're not pregnant are you? I mean, Morgan and Chase are not that butch. Well, maybe Chase is." Susan cackled at her own joke.

"Oh, um, its nothing. I just remembered something Morgan told me to do. I'll call you when I get home. I think tomorrow will be busy."

"Oh, okay. I can't wait to get together again, Delise. Have a safe trip home if we don't talk 'til then."

"Thank you, Susan. I'm looking forward to seeing you, too."

Delise was careful to make sure she'd actually hit the end button on her phone. Then she moaned and started searching her suitcases.

"Morgan! Morgan! Oh, I can't believe I've been this dense."

Morgan couldn't hear her through the bathroom door. Delise knocked at it.

"I have to pee, Morgan."

"Well come in, then," Morgan responded, her eyes still closed as she lay back in the deep bathtub, water up to her chin.

Delise went in looking contrite, the pregnancy test held in the folds of her robe, on the side Morgan would not see. She fumbled with the box; tried to be stealthy about it. She thought she'd already opened it but found the test was still inside a wrapper.

"What are you doing?" Morgan asked, her eyes still closed.

Delise jumped at the sound of Morgan's voice and dropped the box.

"What's that?"

"Nothing."

Morgan chuckled, "You finally realized you're pregnant, didn't you?"

"What?" Delise was genuinely surprised. "How do you know?"

"How could we not know, Missus?" Morgan smiled sat up. "Go ahead, do it."

Delise sat on the toilet lid and fretted while they waited for the results to show.

"Morgan, I can't be pregnant now. It's not a good time."

Morgan dropped her towel and pulled on a thick robe provided by the hotel. She frowned slightly.

"Talk to me, Missus." Morgan sat on the edge of the tub.

"I had a flashback to the assault. Someone is trying to hurt Miss Belle's people. And at least for now, I feel so sad whenever I think about Arte. She was so beautiful, so sweet and vulnerable. Yet, tragically, she suffered most of her life, despite having money and beauty. I'm not balanced emotionally. I've waited so long to get pregnant, to have the final thing I ever wanted. Do you realize that if I am pregnant, the turmoil I've experienced could make me lose my baby? I don't want to have that loss, that pain, Morgan. So I can't be pregnant. Not now."

15

Chase came back to their suite late that night when Delise was already asleep. She looked haggard. Morgan hugged her and put her to bed, but she started talking as Morgan reached the door to leave.

"How is she?"

"She's fine. She's sleeping. Do you want me to sleep with you tonight?"

"Yes, I need you to hold me."

Morgan spooned her from behind, kissed her cheek.

"Resolved anything?"

"Final-fucking-ly. You wouldn't believe the greed over Arte's estate before we've even had her memorial. We can go home Friday morning."

"I'm sorry you had to go through that."

Chase nodded. "Cordleigh needed me and Liam to side with him against the rest of the family."

"You won our bet."

"Tell me," Chase said, turning over to face Morgan.

"She tried to sneak a test while I was having a bath. I don't know what finally got through to her."

"Not the 'constant PMS'?"

"To be fair, she's never been pregnant before. So she would attribute every symptom to PMS."

"Not the constant moodiness, whining and pouting?"

Morgan was happy to hear the amusement in Chase's voice.

"Well, that's normal for her and not normal signs of pregnancy."

"How is she taking it?"

"She said its not a good time to get pregnant because of the recent stresses in her life. She got into bed and went straight to sleep."

"You didn't talk about it? You didn't reassure her?"

"I hugged her, but she pulled away and slipped into bed. She looked like she was going to cry."

"You should have gotten in with her, made her talk about it."

"I'll try in the morning."

16

Delise wore an understated A-line dress and matching lightweight duster in black crepe de chine, a veiled fascinator and leather heels and clutch. Her makeup was minimal and her scent was very light citrus layered over powdered amber. Both Morgan and Chase wore black three piece suits.

Olivia's New York people were there. Quinn, who'd dated Arte on and off, and Camille, and Blake Wells with her wife, Lola Greaves. Carson Brooks and Martha Gilbert, and Lou and Madelyn came up from the DC area for the service.

Delise was at once enthralled with Arte's beauty, even in death, and frightened because she looked more like Chase, lying in repose, her face thinner than it had been in life. She was deeply saddened, of course, by the fulfillment that had been denied Arte all of her life.

She was almost overwhelmed by her grief, her fear of what might happen the next time someone attacked Belle's people, the trauma of her assault and the flashback. Almost. Although she hadn't had the time and space to process the discovery of her pregnancy, she already felt a protectiveness of the life she carried. She would push through anything to keep her baby from harm. Even her own emotions and mindset, the effects on her body. Her focus now was to get through her first trimester. In the back of her mind, beneath the mourning, she expected, she hoped, that she would feel better about it once she was home.

17

Coming home to Hartridge Park had put a smile on Delise's face. She'd taken a long walk in the grounds, but had napped for a long time. Morgan and Chase had let her rest and had a late supper waiting for her when she woke. They hadn't talked much at all about anything, not even the baby.

Delise was tired enough to go to bed on time, despite her late nap. She was also restless and so took a quiet walk. She knew better than to walk outdoors and possibly cause the night monitor to alert Morgan or Chase, so she went along the south hall, across the gallery and back down the north hall to the lounge, with the intent of stopping in the library for something dull to read. She'd tread softly in the quiet of the house and so was able to stand unnoticed in the open doorway.

Seated in a wing back chair, illuminated only by firelight that warmed her pale complexion and danced off the brandy beside her on the table, Chase stared into the flames. She inhaled suddenly, on a sob, then uttered a quiet sound of despair. She leaned back against the chair, her eyes closed. Delise went to her quietly and sank onto a pillow she pulled from the love seat as she passed it. She didn't touch Chase, nor did she speak, only knelt up, gazing at the red reflection the firelight threw onto her dark hair, and the wet tracks on her cheeks.

"What are you doing up?" Chase asked, without moving, without looking at her.

"Restless," Delise said simply.

Chase stirred herself, took a sip of her drink, then caressed Delise's cheek.

They sat silently for a little while until Chase sent Delise back to bed.