Michael and Rose are married. It was the grandest and best wedding ever was, and I am bone tired this morning but pleased all the way to my toes. Fineas is still asleep upstairs and I am making him coffee and eggs for when he wakes. He will need his strength. I am not nearly done with him yet.

I slept here alone last night, but they told me I got to be at the Moriarty house at four in the morning the day of the wedding to help ready. I got there at five and got a earful from Ronan, who was already up and giving orders to the staff. These strawberries aren’t ripe! he was complaining when I walked up. And the iced cream must be chilled and salted, or someone will be fired.

Hello, Ronan, I said.

He saw me. Miss Wilde, he snapped. It is a clock. It has a face, with hands and numbers. Read it, and direct your life accordingly. Katherine has been upstairs for an hour.

Rose with her?

Yes, of course. Where else would the bride be? Honestly. Ronan went back to the workers, who was walking past him with trays of food. He picked up a piece of ham and sniffed it.

I was trying to find my way through the house, which seemed larger than I left it, when a little boy ran past me. I stopped, peering at his walk. It was unsteady. His hair was dark curls and he couldn’t of come up higher than my knee. I didn’t recognize him. Then I heard, Edward! and a real pregnant woman came round the corner. She was pretty and young, and a few shades darker than me.

She saw me and smiled. Can you catch him? she asked. I nodded. I went and grabbed the boy, holding him up like a rascally cat. He was giggling, and his face was covered in crumbs. I would of recognized that nose anywhere. This Edward Wallings? I wondered, bringing him back. He was more boy than babe.

Yes, she said. Do you know him?

He’s my nephew, I answered. I ain’t seen him since he was real little.

I tried to hold him to my chest like I done before, but he wiggled away from me. Ba! he complained. What? I said. I’m trying to love you. The girl began to laugh. He’s fussy, she said. He needs a nap. Then she looked to me. I’m Minny.

Harris’s wife, I said.

Quite luckily.

Well, I said. Ain’t that sweet. It was, actually. She was glowing. It’s fine to meet you, I said. I’m his half-sister, Sophie.

I’ve met your twin, Minny bubbled. She paused, and winced. Her hand went to her belly. How much longer you got? I asked, and she said, Two months, about.

Edward was still trying to break free of me and he had begun to sob, big loud sobs, and I soothed, Hush. I got you. You like candy? I can wrestle you up some. Edward kept on bawling. He smacked me across the face trying to escape my arms.

Fineas and Callum came around the corner together. They were already in their dress suits, which were black with fitted waistcoats beneath. Callum’s tie was knotted perfect but Fin’s wasn’t, and neither of their hair was brushed. I swallowed. Fin always cut a swell, but he was dreadful striking cleaned up. You aren’t supposed to see us yet! Fineas laughed. We’re on our way to pick up our shoes.

I couldn’t think of nothing to say. I’m sure I was staring. Fin grinned at me, then he saw Edward. Eddie, he said. What’s wrong, sir?

You met Edward before? I asked. Minny said, Fineas plays with them in the yard every morning. I frowned. Them? I said. Fineas said, All the children. When I raised my brows, he winked. It’s exercise, he said. Wakes me up.

I tried to imagine Rose and Michael’s four and Margaux’s two, and Fin corralling it all gladly, and I couldn’t. It sounded like a punishment to me. Fineas put his hands out, and Edward leaned in to be taken. I passed the boy over. Fineas growled, and Edward went back to being giggly. He tossed Edward in the air and caught him. Then he put him up on his shoulders. I’ll take him, Fineas said. We’ll have an adventure.

Minny said, Are you sure? Margaux asked that I tend him.

I told Minny, Don’t listen to my sister. Everything she says is wrong.

Fin laughed. Of course, he said. Edward will be good, aye, Eddie?

Edward coughed. I think he choked on a crumb.

Callum waved to me, and I waved back. I’ll see you at the altar, Fin said to me. He was still grinning. He leaned over and kissed me on the cheek. I flushed.

We watched them go. He got big, I said. Edward. Last time I seen him, he was half that.

They grow, Minny agreed. When I looked back to her, she smiled. There was freckles all across her face. Let’s find the bride, she said.

Missus Moriarty was in her room, surrounded by ladies. At first I didn’t notice anyone else. She got all my attention. She was on a stool in the early morning light, her dress flowing around her. Her hair was in a bun but it was pinned up by pearls and tiny flowers. Her cheeks were high and blushed, and her skin was creamy. Her eyes ain’t ever gleamed so. She was a sight to behold.

Oh, Rose, I said, softly. I ain’t even got words.

She saw me then. Sophie! she gasped. Come here! She put her hand out. She was on a stool while a seamstress hemmed the bottom of her train. I walked over and took her hand. You excited? I asked. I’m sick to my stomach, she whispered. I grinned.

You still got time to back out, I joked, and she said, No, it’s only that I want it over with already. I’m ready to be married. Rose squeezed my palm. It’s the ceremony, she admitted. I’ve never done it before. I worry I’ll trip on my gown.

No, I said. My heart was all filt up with affection. I murmured, You won’t trip.

I’m glad you’re here, she said.

I’m glad too, I said. Then I looked around. Beulah was in a chair, so I supposed Pop was in town. I hadn’t seen him in a time and wasn’t particular intent on doing it soon. Margaux was in her gown already, and Kitty was fixing her hair. Michael’s daughter and Daisy and Verona was playing dolls on the floor. Minny had sat down with them to join.

You ought get ready! Missus Moriarty urged. There’s only three hours till the wedding, and there’s so much to do.

I said I would, and Kitty was putting the last pin in Margaux’s hair when she noticed me. I have your gown, Kitty said, sourly. You can follow me. We’ll dress together. Margaux glanced at me. She didn’t look mad. She mostly looked curious.

Your boy got a arm on him, I said. Margaux said, Mine? I nodded. Me and Minny caught him in the hall, I said, and he walloped me in the face before Fin took him.

Fineas has my child?

Yes.

Margaux sighed, but then she shrugged. As long as Edward’s happy, she answered. She went back to the mirror. I looked down at Verona, who was tinier than her brother. She was wearing a pink dress and satin slippers, and licking her doll across the head.

Me and Kitty went to a adjoining room and there was our gowns, hung up prettily. Kitty shut the door. I require help undressing, she said sharply. I frowned. I can’t figure why you bothered with a fuffy gown in the first place, I said. You couldn’t wear a robe down the hall?

A lady’s robes are for her boudoir, Kitty replied. And her boudoir only. She does not simply bandy about in them in her home.

I rolled my eyes but she ignored me. She turned around and lifted her arms, and I unbuttoned all the tiny buttons going down her back. She just stood there, so I finally pulled the gown over her head. Petticoats too? I asked, and she replied, Of course not. Put the other gown on.

I ain’t your slave, I said.

I’ll help you, she retorted. She cut her green eyes at me. So I went and got her blue gown, and pulled it over her head. It laced up the front. I came around. Our heads were bent together as I tied it up. Knot at the top? I asked. She said, Bow. I did. I was real aware that I was brushing her bosoms, but she didn’t mention it.

I stepped back and said, There.

Kitty didn’t say thank you. She just did a little snakey dance to make sure all her parts was fit in right, and then pointed to me. Dress off, she said.

I didn’t bring a corset, I said.

Of course you didn’t, she snapped. I have an extra. I assumed you would forget. I also assumed you forgot petticoats. I didn’t answer. Kitty stared at me, lifting one dark eyebrow. Go on, then, she said. Remove your clothes.

You don’t got to look, I said.

But Kitty just started tapping her foot, so I sighed and pulled off my dress. I only got a camisole and bloomers underneath. She gazed at me, very slow, like she was deciding what to do with me. Both of her eyebrows was up now. Your underpants may stay, she said. Your camisole is not required.

I didn’t move to take it off, so after a moment she walked over and jerked it off me. I put my hands up to cover my bosoms. Kitty went to the wardrobe and pulled out a corset. She said, Lift your arms. I tried to do it while covering myself modestly. Kitty finally tugged my hands off so I was top bare, and snapped the corset in place around my bosoms. There, she said, briskly. It was hardly an ordeal.

Sorry, I said. I’m shy.

You oughn’t be, Kitty replied. Your scars are a bit off-putting, but your breasts are quite nice.

I blushed a deep red. Kitty seemed happy to have flustered me. She smiled. They’re small, I said. Kitty said, So are mine. Large ones are for wet nurses.

She went to getting my petticoats on, and my gown, and I stood there. Kitty had not had any kind words for me since we met and I never expected the first ones to be for my flat bosom. Thank you, I said finally. You’re welcome, she answered. She paused, making a bow in the front of my gown. Then she looked up at me. Her eyes were still keen but not so unkind. Margaux misses you, she said. She speaks of you often.

I didn’t know, I said.

No, she replied. Of course not.

Kitty was still holding my gaze. I felt a bit discomfited. After what seemed a long time, she went to the door and unlocked it. I followed her back to the roomful of women and girls in their party dresses.

Everything after that was busy. Daisy fell and busted her mouth, and Minny took her downstairs to get cleaned up and mended. Ronan came to the door to say the roses weren’t arranged to his tastes, and Margaux said she would help, as she very much enjoys arranging roses. Thank the heavens for you, I heard him say. At least we have one good worker.

Rose had to get to the church before everyone else, so we sent Kitty out to make sure no one else was in the halls. I didn’t want Michael to see her. I carried her train down the front staircase. It was a hassle to get into the carriage, even with how big the one they picked out was. It wasn’t the one Fin showed me. That was for the afterward, I was told, from the church back to the home for the reception. The one we got was a real daisy white one with room for four, which was the bride’s carriage. Problem was Rose’s gown was two folks worth.

We rode over together. She reached across the seat and held my hand, and I looked at her. She was already tearing up. Don’t be worried, I murmured. I smiled at her. This is going to be awful special. I ain’t going to let anything ruin it.

I’m not worried anymore, she whispered. I was thinking something.

What?

When I was a little girl, she said, my da used to come in after trips. He traveled often. He left all of us at home, with the nannies, and when he came back, he would have toys. Rose rubbed her wet eyes. He used to say, What would you like? to us. Anything, he told us. Ronan always asked for– serious things. Bibles. An abacus. Donovan wanted clothes.

Fin probably wanted telescopes, I said, and Rose laughed. She nodded. Aye, she said. Books, too. And Cormac wanted bats and clubs. And Callum wanted drums. To feel the vibrations.

What did you want?

The only thing he couldn’t ever bring me, she said. A sister. Her fingers curled around mine. I’ll have one now, she whispered, and a little tear came to her eye. I couldn’t think of nothing to say. I was so touched. I leaned over and held her tight. Then I started getting tight-throated too, and I whispered, You ain’t going to be my Missus Moriarty anymore.

No, she said. I’ll be a Wilde.

That sounds fine, I breathed. I pulled away some. Her pins had loosened, and I tucked one pearl up. I was smiling, but I felt a little quivering in my lips. I got out, That’s the finest news I heard all year.

I thought that would be the end of my sentiments for the day, but by the time the ceremony got started, and we got to walk up the aisle, I was a mess again. I ain’t usually a sucker for weddings but I got such a feeling of joy and hope, all the way to my bones. I had to walk down the aisle with Donovan, because Fin got picked for best man and was already at the altar with Michael. When I came toward them, Fin breathed in deep. His eyes locked on mine. I saw him all cleaned up for the first time, and I could hardly stand it.

I took my place with the other bridesmaids, and glanced to Michael. He and Eliza ain’t got hitched like this. Theirs was a wedding like mine had been. It was country and simple. I remembered that old story all the sudden, the one Eliza told bout the ring of thread and honeysuckle vines. Michael looked at me, and for a moment I expect his thoughts was with Eliza too. I love you, I mouthed at him. Michael gave me a real wonderful smile. I love you, he mouthed. His hair was new cut and blonder than ever.

Then the doors opened at the end of the cathedral, and Mister Moriarty took Rose up the aisle, and I almost couldn’t look at my brother no more because of how reverent his face was. It was how I think folks in the Bible must of been when they see angels. I was getting all teared up again. I am turning to a saphead in my ripe old age.

I snuck a peek at Fineas. He was watching his sister. His eyes and hers were the same sparkling blue.

Then it got real dull for awhile, and I stopped being softhearted and grew bored. It was a lot of talking and reading passages, and vows. I am going to forget all that part when I remember it later.

Finally it was over and they was married, and they didn’t kiss at the altar, but as Ronan was showing them to their fancy large wedding carriage, I saw Michael lean over and catch Rose by surprise. She was holding her bouquet. She put her hands on his face, and the flowers brushed it too. He had a little scratch from one of the thorns on his brow, but I don’t think he ever noticed.

I had to ride back with the other women. Me and Margaux ended up seated across from each other. Verona was in her lap, wailing. Vera, Margaux scolded. Stop fussing. She was holding her daughter by the arms. I watched her a moment, and then said, You want me to try?

She’s the most difficult child, Margaux sniffed. I don’t know where it comes from.

I couldn’t figure, I said.

I put my hands out. You hate children, Margaux said, almost distrusting, and I admitted, I’m trying to be a friend to you.

She blinked her big eyes, but finally, after Verona pulled out one of her earrings, she had enough and passed her daughter over. I didn’t have nothing but the bow on my dress, but I let Vera play with it.

I don’t know if we was late but by the time we got to the reception, it seemed like it was going on a long time already. Guests were milling everywhere. They had already popped bottles and bottles of champagne, and the garden fountain had been colored red. Donovan said it was romantic. Red is the color of love, he told us. It just looked like a awful lot of blood to me. When I said so, Donovan retorted, Well, I suppose the heart spreads that as well.

Fineas found me then. He already got us glasses. You look beautiful, he whispered, handing me one. I smiled. No, I whispered back. This is a ugly dress.

He laughed. It doesn’t do you justice, he admitted, but you wear it as well as could be hoped. He clinked his glass against mine. We drank. I peered in my glass, and Fineas said, It’s not you. It’s terrible. They’ve saved the best vintage for supper. I chuckled. Fin turned and saw the fountain, and frowned. Aye, he said. That’s grisly.

It’s romantic! Donovan argued. He was on his sixth glass of champagne. The art of art itself is lost on you. He grabbed another drink off a passing tray and skulked off.

We going to dance tonight? I asked Fineas. I smiled. He grinned back, frisky. We’re going to do anything you like tonight, he replied. I am at your service.

I took his arm, and we was inseparable the rest of the reception. We went and saw some senators, who was having conversations almost as boring as the priest, cept it was about politics instead of religion. Smart money would be on Douglas, one man said, and a another man said, John Bell might give the fellows a run. Fineas said, My money is on Lincoln. One of the eldest men there started chuckling. Young buck, he said, the day Abraham Lincoln is president, I’ll eat my hat.

Fineas said, Stranger things. But he was gracious, and they all loved him anyhow. I ain’t met a person yet that didn’t love Fin. Save Aubrey, and I expect he got some cause. Who’s this? they asked, nodding to me, and Fin said, This is my business partner and dear friend, Miss Sophie Wilde.

What business? one man said. Baked goods?

I run a dock, I answered. They all bust out laughing. Oh, dear, one replied, all tickled pink. You say it so convincingly. Tell us true, are you a theatre hand?

No, I said. I was getting agitated. I run a dock. You seen it, I expect. It’s got my name on the gate.

She manages alongside me, Fineas said. She’s excellent. James Hannigan will use no one else for his whiskey shipments.

James Hannigan? one wondered. My, my, the first man said. He looked at me. How did you come to contact with Mister Hannigan, young lady?

Social gathering like this one, I answered. And it’s Miss Wilde, not young lady. I ain’t addressing you as old man.

There was a sudden silence, like no one knew what to say, and I could tell even Fin froze up. Then the man started laughing, which caused the rest of the group to ease up and laugh. You’ve a mouth on you! the man clucked. My stars. My stars. Keep an eye on this one, Moriarty.

I do, Fin said. But he smiled.

As we was leaving the group, one of the fellows tapped me on my shoulder and handed me a business card. Might I solicit one of yours? he asked. Yes, I said slow. You might. And I took one out of my wallet, and I passed it over how Fineas had showed me. The man read it. Impressive, he commented. I’ll be in touch.

Fin had been watching the whole thing, and I looked over at him after, beaming. I done it! I whispered when I got close. I hadn’t any doubt, Fin answered. How’s it feel?

Like being on a cloud, I said.

It was only better from there. We got to eat, and it went on for two hours. I never been so full. I sat with Fin and Ronan and Kitty and Donovan and Margaux. I had filet mignon and Fineas had roast duck, and everyone else had oysters and caviar, which is supposed to be real high-faluting but smelt and looked awful. Then we all had truffles and wine. And then there was mutton and rabbit and pheasant, and then dessert, plum pudding and apple tarts and pies of sugar powder and chocolate. Our whole table was buzzing. There was voices and food, and laughing. I held Fin’s hand under the table.

I got up twice to visit Rose and Michael at the bride and groom table. We didn’t jaw so much as just say how nice everything was and smile at each other. I’m so happy for you, I said the second time I went up. I just got so much happiness in my heart. Michael smiled warmly. He asked, You ever think of coming home?

Sometimes, I said. Often.

I could find you a spot in government, Michael said. It wouldn’t be the same pay, but it would be comfortable enough, and you’d have position.

Rose said, Oh, think about it. It would please me so much to have you near.

I said I would mull it. I suppose I will. New York is treating me fine, though I still am heartsore for the wide plains of Oregon. But then I went back to my table, and saw Fin there, laughing at some joke Donovan had made. He had one hand folded over his mouth, but I could see a flash of his white teeth beneath. When his eyes met mine, I got that swoon of girlish affection all over again. Ain’t a man lived that wore a dress suit better.

After supper, it was getting dark. They lit string lanterns and candles, and made a announcement it was time for cake-cutting. Rose and Michael went to the cake table, and we all cheered and clapped. Michael’s eyes were more watered up than Rose’s. He cut a slice, and she cut one, and then they fed it to each other, and we cheered and clapped more. Rose had frosting on her nose. She was giggling so hard her whole body shook. Michael wiped it off with a thumb, and then he bent down and kissed her on the lips. It was a chaste kiss but the crowd gasped and cooed. Mister Moriarty came to the table with another glass of champagne. A toast, he said. To the happy couple. Waiters was coming through the crowd with more trays of drinks.

We all raised our glasses and toasted, and someone set fireworks off. We cheered that, too. A band had set up on the veranda, and they begun to play a soft tune. Rose and Michael took the first dance. Fineas stood beside me as we watched. He slipped a arm around my waist. I saw some other girls cutting me jealous eyes, but I didn’t care any. I tucked into his side.

After that it was time for everyone to dance. Now? I asked, smiling, and right then Daisy came over and put her arms up and made noises to be held. Up up up! she cried. Up up up Fin!

You have competition, Fineas teased. He picked up Daisy and put her on the toes of his dark shoes. She was looking up at him like he was the sky and he gazed down at her, grinning. They walked together out on the floor, moving slow and careful. I was still standing on the sideline when Pop came over. I didn’t see him at the ceremony though I suppose he must of been.

We didn’t say anything a spell. Then Pop cleared his throat. I used to dance with you like that, he said.

You used to dance with Margaux.

I used to dance with you both.

His voice was firm but there was something I never heard in it before. I watched Fin more, the way he murmured to Daisy, letting her step off his toes so he could twirl her. Do me the honor? Pop finally asked.

I shook my head. I’m waiting.

You can wait with your old man.

You ain’t got any real children to ask? I returned. I felt bad soon as it was out. His cheeks tightened, like he was stung. I’m asking my child, he answered. I’m standing here, asking my daughter.

I relented. I nodded to the floor. He went out onto it, and he put one hand up. I took it, stepping closer. He moved closer too. He set one hand on my back. Pop stepped back, and I followed. We moved between the couples. Pop didn’t speak any, and I didn’t have nothing to say. Then he leaned in and sung, Oh, me rosy coal black rose, the yard is now a-movin’, hauley-hauley ho. I started laughing. I haven’t heard that in a time, I marveled. I would sing it as we danced, Pop said. You don’t remember?

It was coming back to me. I do, I said.

It made you laugh. Pop smiled. Still does.

It’s a foolish song, I said, but I was fighting a smile. Pop sang the another part, bout being strung up like a banjo, and I started laughing more. I tried not to. How long you in town? I asked.

A week.

Might be I’ll see you again, I said.

I hear you’re busy, Pop said. I nodded. Carve out a hour, Pop said. We’ll go to the water and fish some.

Fish ain’t as good here.

Fishing ain’t bout the meat. I ain’t learned you anything.

I shrugged, but I was warming up. I felt a tap on my shoulder. It was Fin. My date abandoned me for a bird, he said. May I cut in?

I nodded, and Pop let me go. I began, This is my– but I didn’t know how to rightly end it. So I said, He raised me up. Pop put out his hand, and he and Fin shook. You must be very proud of her, Fin told him.

I got moments, Pop said. He looked at me. Then he went off, and I saw the crowd swallow him up.

Fineas took me in his arms, and fanned a hand across my shoulders. His blue eyes were deep as the evening sky. I could tell how straight his back was that he was practiced at this. What do I do? I whispered. Just follow me, he whispered. I’ll lead.

He guided me under the lanterns, and through the bodies, pivoting lightly. It was like moving on air. I am not a bad dancer but I was surprised how good I felt when I got a graceful partner. You had lessons, I teased. Fineas grinned. Of course, he said. How else could I impress you?

When you was younger?

No. He eased me into a corner and spun me under an arm, then drew me back to his chest. A few months ago. When I laughed, he said, Hadn’t you wondered why we stopped fencing?

I thought you got too busy for me.

Fineas smiled. Never, he answered. He steered us a few moments more, and I melted a bit, being so close to him, the smell of his cologne. That’s real sweet, I said finally. That you learnt to dance for me.

Everything I do is for you, Sophie. He was still smiling. He bent down next to my ear. I stole us a bit of strawberries, he whispered. And chocolate, and wine. I thought we might take it to your house after, like we talked about. Have a picnic.

He pulled back to look at me. I gazed up at him. The lanterns shook above us in the breeze, and his bow was coming undone at the throat because I expect he knotted it hisself for once, and the world was music and starlight and us among all the couples. And I said, Let’s don’t wait.

Don’t wait?

Let’s go now, I whispered. I tried to keep my voice low. I can’t hold out no more. We been waiting too long, and I got to be with you tonight. I expect I will die otherwise.

Fineas stopped in the middle of the dance floor, still holding me. His lips parted. Then he whispered, fast, I’ll get your coat. Say goodbye to everyone.

I rushed off to where Rose and Michael was, and I told them congratulations, and again how lovely the wedding was, and Rose asked, You’re leaving already? I told her some work came up. I was real sorry. Rose looked over and saw Fineas holding my coat. Ah, she said, sly. Her brow raised. Stay out of trouble, she whispered. And be good.

He’s good enough for us both, I said.

Rose smiled. I leant in and kissed her on the cheek, and then on the lips for good measure. Michael was talking to Eoghan, but he came round to give me a hug too. Be safe, I murmured. I squeezed my arms round his neck. I wish you two all the best in the world.

Michael squeezed me back. Come visit at least, sparrow. We miss you in Oregon.

I’ll be by shortly, I answered. I got no doubt.

I let him go, and went to where Fineas was waiting. Michael watched us. I waved goodbye, and he waved too. He looked tall and strong and lasting as a statue there in the garden, in his suit, all gold skin and gold hair.

Fineas murmured, I found us a carriage. I slipped my hand through his, and he and I dashed for it. I told Mister Abbott my address, and climbed in the buggy. Fin wasn’t lying. He got the wine and chocolates and strawberries waiting on the riding bench. There was flowers, too.

I said, Oh, look at that, but Fin was climbing in after me, and he shut the door and I turned toward him, and his mouth was on mine, and his body was too. I rose up into the kiss. It was dizzying. Mister Abbott started the horses, and we began bumping along. Fin and I was trying to get positioned in the small coach. I gripped his shoulders and he laid me back on the bench, hiking up my dress and fitting his waist between my thighs, settling his weight on top of me. Fineas was cupping my face as we kissed, and then he canted my head back and moved his lips and tongue to my throat, and then my bare collarbone. The city went by us outside.

I wrapped my legs around him as best I could, and pulled him closer. I felt him press hisself against me. We weren’t even unshucked, and it made me gasp. He exhaled. Then he grabbed my hips and drove down again, and I began to rock against him. We just kept like that, rubbing against each other, and I felt like every nerve in my body was on fire and he kissed the top of my bosoms and my neck and then my lips again. I ain’t missing that reception one bit.

Mister Abbott finally banged on the glass. We’re here, Fin murmured. His voice was husky. Guard your wallet, I whispered back. There’s pickpockets.

He kissed me again. Hurry, he breathed. He managed to untangle hisself from me, and I climbed out one door. I was trying to get my key and realized it was in my coat, which Fin was pulling out of the carriage. I took it from him. He followed me up the steps, and I turned around and said, Our picnic, and he went back down the steps again for the supplies. I fumbled with the key. My hands was shaking.

I heard Fin say, Don’t wait, Mister Abbott. Mister Abbott said, Very good, Mister Moriarty.

I Dad. That door wouldn’t open fast enough.

Fin came up behind me while I was pushing it open, and we were in the dark of my entry all the sudden. I closed it behind us and locked, and threw my arms around his neck. Our mouths met again. He was still holding the wine and chocolate and flowers and strawberries, but he wrapped his arms around me too. We stumbled backwards into the entry table. He managed to empty his hands onto the table, though the wine fell off and rolled away. It hit the stairs real loud. Fin started laughing while we was kissing, which made me want to kiss him even more. It warmed me right up.

Take me to bed, I whispered against his lips. Fin reached down and scooped me up, like a bride. Where is it? he breathed.

Upstairs.

Fin took us to the stairs and nearly tripped over the wine bottle, which made him laugh again even harder. Shite, he murmured. It’s pitch black. I nuzzled into his throat, wrapping my fingers in his curls. I listened to the steps creak below us as we went higher. He carried me down the hall, kicking each door open and looking in, until he got to the master and saw my big bed and the dresser and vanity. I could feel his heart racing.

Don’t be a gentleman, I whispered. He looked down at me in the dark. He whispered, I hadn’t planned to be.

Then he took me to the bed and dropped me on it, climbing overtop me again like he had in the buggy. Cept this time he went right to unlacing the front of my dress. He kept kissing me, long and deep and intense, and then he peeled the dress off my shoulders. I wriggled it to my waist. Fineas was running his hands over the boning of my corset, and I could feel him primed, which got me extra rowdy. I rose my hips against his again. He grinned. Almost, he promised. He pressed back against me, though, which made me sigh with pleasure.

I undid his tie, and then all the buttons of his dress shirt. He unfastened my corset. I helped him shrug off his suit jacket. I rolled him over and got on top of him, bending down and kissing his bare chest, which was milky in the shadows and unmarred and smooth. Fineas inhaled sharp. I felt him free my corset. He palmed my bosoms, caressing them. I was still brushing my lips over his chest. All of him was well-muscled and firm. I came back up to his mouth after a spell. He kissed me back, fervent. I never been so spoiled by kissing before and it was wonderful.

He only got his trousers on and I only got the bottom half of my dress. Fin left one hand on my bosom and reached under my petticoats with the other, hooking his fingers on the waist of my bloomers. Lift up, he breathed. I did. I had to angle myself to help him pull them off. I went to reach for his trousers next, but he grabbed my hips suddenly and pulled me forward. I lurched, grabbing onto the headboard so I didn’t fall. His head disappeared under my petticoats. His breath warmed my thighs.

When he found his aim, I cried out. I only been attended to that way but few times, and it ain’t ever felt so fine. My heart strained against my ribs. Fin, I gasped. I tried wriggling away, but he held me in place. His fingers dug into my spine. A spark was building in my chest and going all the way to my toes. You’ll wear me out! I warned. But he didn’t stop, and he didn’t quit his fervor, neither. Finally I gave in, throwing my head back and closing my eyes. I held onto the headboard as the first satisfaction rolled over me. It was pure delicious. I expected him to quit then but he didn’t. He kept on and all the sudden I could feel another smaller satisfaction, and I thought I might truly die then, that my heart might bust out of my chest and explode like fireworks. When he finally came out from under my petticoats, I was trembling and wide-eyed. He grinned at my expression. He looked nearly as pleased as I was. You worn out? he teased. Truly?

I was out of breath but I managed to say, Maybe. He laughed. Let’s see, yeah? he said. Fin flipped me onto my back, and begun to undo his trousers. I watched. I never been so rowdy in my life. He was kneeling above my legs, his torso contracting with each exhale. His body looked chiseled in the moonlight. Underneath his trousers was white cotton drawers, and by the time he got those off, I whispered, No, I ain’t worn out.

Fin was watching me. There was no sound in the world but his breathing and my breathing and the creak of the bed as he reached down and pulled the last bit of my dress off. And then I was bare underneath him and he was bare above me. He grazed a hand down my side, and I shivered. We didn’t say nothing. His eyes were a new blue.

Then he lifted one of my legs and kissed the ankle, and the calf, and he set it on his shoulder. He tugged me toward him on the bed, and I slid on the sheets. Fineas lifted my hips so we was aligned. He urged his forward. First we was just rocking against each other, working to get closer, and then there was that fullness of us being fit. I sucked in my breath. Fin’s lips parted. He closed his eyes a moment, like he was praying. Then he opened them again.

I smiled at him. I couldn’t help it. He smiled back. He whispered, Finally.

You been wanting me awhile then? I whispered. Always, he whispered. I’ve always wanted you. I only want you. And then he began to move, and I was lost. He leaned forward, enough so he could kiss me, and I grabbed onto his head and his shoulders, holding fast. He smelled so clean. The bed felt so soft, and the world was all heat and friction. Fineas grasped the headboard, gaining speed, and I let out a happy noise. Yeah? Fineas murmured, and I nodded. I felt greedy. More, I said, and Fineas laughed, but he said, Louder. I started laughing, too. And then that laughing died off as he got a fast rhythm going. I did get loud. I didn’t even care any. I was some bashful when we first started out but it had all gone away then, and when Fineas reached between us to pet me, I put my hand over his. I never done that before. It was bawdy and I am still flustered about it after the fact.

We wasn’t even kissing by then so much as panting while our lips brushed. Fineas, I gasped. Yes, he encouraged. I never heard his voice that deep and it seemed private, like something he saved for us. My heart swelled and hummed. Yes, he repeated, low. I could feel the muscles of his body tightening, and his breath going ragged, and then he gasped, Jesus. My back arched and I was crawling out of my skin, gone and somewhere beautiful, somewhere in the stars, where we was infinite and where babies is made and where heaven is.

Fineas kissed me as I calmed. He stroked my hair and my cheeks, and I smoothed his curls, and he finally rested his head on my chest. It was peaceful for two minutes till a lush went by outdoors and started swearing at God that a damned whore stole his last coin and he would be raining blood on the city come morning. Fin started laughing into my bosom, and I giggled too. You like my house? I asked him. Fin said, Aye. I’m growing fond.

After he fell asleep beside me, I laid there looking at him for a long time. His cheek smashed against the pillow, and he didn’t make a sound while he slept. His face looked almost surprised but happy, like he was hearing a joke in a dream. I watched him and felt something in me open up. It was bittersweet and tender and fresh. I wondered if you could love all sorts of people but it ain’t the same love every time. It makes it hard to recognize, when it changes.