Chapter 8. It's Unusual

"Oh, Haley?" Sienna-Rose exclaimed, startled, as the door to her bedroom swung open in the stillness of the night. There stood Haley, clad in an alluring nightgown that clung to her form, casting a spell of soft seduction in the dim light.

"It's my turn to be with you," Haley said softly, her voice barely above a whisper, a trace of hesitation evident in her demeanor.

It wasn't that Haley disliked spending the night with Sienna-Rose; rather, she longed for a deeper connection, a spark of romance and passion that had thus far eluded her.

As a young woman raised without parental figures, all she desired was to be enveloped in the love of her spouse. To be held throughout the night, to feel that overwhelming warmth and fervor—this was what she yearned for, a grounding presence that would reassure her heart.

"Oh," Sienna-Rose replied, a smile creeping across her lips as she contemplated the similarities and differences between the worlds they inhabited as two women sharing a life together. In her mind, is it the same to have intercourse between two women, or do they have something different? It's what's inside Sienna-Rose's mind.

However, as she observed Haley's hesitation, Sienna-Rose realized that this was not the moment to act impulsively—not after the distance that had characterized their interactions for so long. It was crucial for her to earn the trust of her wives, to mend the rifts created by her past ignorance.

"Come here, lay down with me, and we'll talk until you drift off to sleep," Sienna-Rose invited, patting the empty side of her bed.

"Talk?" Haley stammered, a hint of uncertainty lacing her words.

"Would you prefer to talk, or should I send you back to your room?" Sienna-Rose asked gently, her tone encouraging.

"No, I want to stay!" Haley declared, her voice quickening as she crossed the room to join Sienna-Rose on the bed.

With a delicate motion, she removed her coat and slipped under the blankets, revealing her slender form, her porcelain skin shimmering in the soft light. Sienna-Rose felt her breath catch; it had been years since she had shared a bed with a woman, despite her identity as a lesbian. Her life had been consumed by work, deadlines, and Vintage Point.

Now, here was a beautiful woman, willingly choosing to settle on this intimate space with her, clad in a nightgown that fit her like a second skin—thin and tantalizing. Yet, Sienna-Rose remained resolute; she did not want to exploit this moment, knowing that Haley, like the others, had called her into question during dinner.

Fearing the label of 'using them as a blanket,' as Sophia told her this morning, she doesn't want to use her that way. Sienna-Rose gulped, and Haley exuded a sweet fragrance like strawberry mint. "Talk to me until you fall asleep," she murmured.

"I—I'm not sure what to talk about," Haley replied softly, her uncertainty palpable.

But as the minutes passed, Haley began to speak, her words flowing slowly but steadily. "Even if Lady Claire keeps mentioning divorce, she's terrified of losing you. She's timid and easily frightened. Sophia, on the other hand, is strong and stubborn. She's determined to run the merchant business her parents left her and hopes to find their remains, if possible. And Lady Olivia… well, she's always been quiet. As the sister of a marquis, she's led a life of high nobility. She doesn't ask for much, but I know she would cherish your attention. It's really unfair to separate her from her son; you were really rude, truly."

Sienna-Rose chuckled softly, a warm smile spreading across her face. "I'll do something about that, I promise. Now, tell me, what is it that you want?"

"Anything is fine with me," Haley replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

"No, you must have something you truly desire. Please, share it with me," Sienna-Rose urged gently, reaching out to pat Haley's head affectionately.

"I wish for my sister to have a boutique," Haley confessed, her eyes reflecting a mixture of hope and longing. "She has a talent that rivals those in the capital. I want to help her, but I don't possess much talent myself. I'm just beautiful, and my family is poor, which leaves me lacking in education and opportunities."

"Let's make it happen, then. Until you discover what you truly desire for yourself, we will build a boutique for your sister, and you can assist her. Additionally, I'd like you to talk to Olivia about managing the estate's finances. How does that sound?" Sienna-Rose suggested.

"But the estate's finances are usually managed by the first wife," Haley replied, terror flickering in her eyes.

"I'm not asking you to take anything from her. I'm asking you to help her. Besides, I intend to make us all richer than we are now." Sienna- Rose assured her, "And I'm sure Olivia and Sophia will have something more fun for them to do." Sienna- Rose smirked.

"Do you know something we don't know?" Haley asks her, feeling surprised.

-

The morning routine had typically followed a familiar pattern. Olivia and Claire would gather in the dining room, sharing casual conversation over their breakfast before Olivia departed to oversee the household staff and attend to her duties as the first wife.

Meanwhile, Claire would often retreat to her room or immerse herself in the library, while Sophia and Haley dined privately in their own quarters, with Sophia then venturing out to inspect the estate and Haley sometimes joining her sister or seeking solace in the library.

Yet, on this particular morning, a distinct change had settled over the household. The wives were greeted by the gentle presence of maids, who attended to them with attentive care—drawing warm water for them to wash their faces, providing refreshing drinks, and assisting them with their attire.

"The lord is waiting for you all in the dining room for breakfast," the maids informed the wives, "She's been in the kitchen since early morning, my lady, preparing the meal herself."

"Oh, is that so?" Olivia's lips curved into a serene smile as she processed this unusual news.

"She really did that?" Claire's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Wow, she's really changed." Sophia's face lit up with a mixture of excitement and wonder.

"Alright then, this is most unusual." Haley responded with a thoughtful tone.

As they entered the dining room, they were greeted by a beautiful display of fluffy pancakes, each one covered with a different setting of plating. The pancakes looked light and fluffy, their golden-brown exteriors enclosing soft, pillowy insides that called for delicacy.

Olivia gazed at her plate, noting its simplicity compared to the others. "Cheese and chive pancakes with cream on top," Sienna-Rose replied, her tone warm. "I thought you'd prefer something savory to enjoy with your morning tea rather than something sweet."

"You made this for me?" Olivia's eyes widened in disbelief, a flicker of appreciation crossing her face.

"From scratch," Sienna-Rose confirmed, her smile radiating pride.

"And Claire, you appreciate the classic and simple," Sienna-Rose continued, gesturing toward Claire's plate. "Those are fluffy peanut butter pancakes topped with cream and honey. I know you'll love them." The pancakes were stacked high, syrup cascading down their sides, creating a mouthwatering, glistening appearance. Scattered around the plate were toasted pecans, adding a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that danced harmoniously with the sweetness of the syrup.

"Oh." Claire's cheeks flushed a deep shade of red at the compliment, her eyes sparkling with delight.

"As for Sophia and Haley," Sienna-Rose continued, her gaze shifting to the two plates brimming with pancakes topped with generous heaps of big raspberries, juicy blueberries, and luscious blackberries, "I know you both have quite the sweet tooth, so I topped yours with all the fruits, cream, and a drizzle of maple syrup." The vibrant colors of the fruits added cheerful pops against the golden pancakes, promising bursts of sweetness in every bite.

In the center of the table lay an assortment of fruits, maple syrup, honey, chocolate, crispy bacon, and roasted pecans and walnuts, all accompanied by sunny-side-up eggs that gleamed under the soft morning light.

"Let's eat, and do tell me if you like it," Sienna-Rose said, her eyes twinkling with anticipation.

"And what's on your plate, dear?" Olivia inquired, her curiosity piqued as she glanced at the generous spread before her wife.

"Oh, it's pancakes with grilled sausage, roasted tomatoes, mushrooms, and eggs," Sienna-Rose replied; she was starving, and she just needed a whole lot of food to be put into her stomach.

"You'll join us for breakfast again tomorrow?" Claire asked softly, hope lacing her words.

"Of course," Sienna-Rose smiled, her heart swelling with warmth at the thought of sharing another delightful morning with them.