Kiss Me In the Rain

Hot tears stung her eyes as she ran away from the group of children as quickly as she could.

"Bess! Wait!" His long legs quickly closed the distance between them.

"Go away, Robin!" She couldn't bear for him to see her like this.

"No, I won't. I won't go away and leave you here crying all alone."

As her tear-streaked face turned to meet him, she knew that there was no use in trying to hide her hurt feelings from him. He could always see right through her.

"Francis said I haven't any mother, only a stepmother!"

"He's wrong, Bess. You do have a mother, and just because she's in heaven now doesn't mean she isn't your mother still."

The urge to strike the other boy was almost overpowering. Only his concern for Elizabeth surpassed his anger.

"I know that, but sometimes I just miss her so much."

"I know you do, Bess." He smiled gently and reached for her hand. "Why don't you come over for dinner tonight?"

Elizabeth smiled through her tears. "I'll have to ask first, of course, but I'm sure it'll be all right."

A soft rain began to fall.

Elizabeth loved having dinner with Robert's large and boisterous but happy family. It was so very different from the quiet dinners she usually shared with her governess, Kat Ashley.

Robert and his four brothers nearly came to blows over who would have the honor of sitting beside Elizabeth. As usual, she ended up seated between Robert and Ambrose, the two brothers who were closest to her in age. She giggled as Henry, the youngest, made faces at her from across the table. Guilford poked Henry in the side with his elbow, and John, the oldest brother, glared at them both.

"It's so lovely to see you again, my dear," Robert's mother told Elizabeth. Jane Dudley had a soft spot in her heart for Elizabeth, treating her much as she did her own daughters but taking care to show her the extra warmth and affection she knew the girl needed from time to time.

"Thank you, madam," Elizabeth said politely. She enjoyed the visit so much that she dreaded the sight of Kat Ashley coming to collect her. Robert's mother gave her a quick hug and kissed her forehead as she said good-bye, and Elizabeth hugged Lady Dudley and buried her face in her friend's mother's skirts.

Years passed. Elizabeth grew to be a beautiful young woman with flowing red hair, and Robert grew to be a handsome man with dark hair and eyes and swarthy features. Their friendship blossomed into true love, and one day, they were joined together in marriage.

Dark storm clouds threatened overhead, but the newlyweds hardly noticed them. They were on top of the world, in love with life and with each other.

"At last I am truly yours, my sweet Robin, and you are mine!" Elizabeth exulted.

"I love you so much, my darling Bess." Robert held her tightly and looked at her with adoring eyes. "I always have, and I always will."

Thunder rumbled overhead, but they paid no mind. Laughing, they held hands and ran across a rolling field. He sank to his knees, pulling her down beside him, and together they tumbled in the tall grasses.

Elizabeth felt the first big raindrop hit her skin.

"Robin, it's beginning to..."

His mouth covered hers before she could finish the sentence. She sensed the passion in his caress and felt herself melting inside, weakening in response to his desire. Soon they were both drenched to the bone, and neither of them cared one whit.