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Post by Raynesleigh on Feb 7, 2012 16:57:43 GMT -5
Felicity entered slowly in the new dress. Or rather old dress. It was a few seasons out of style but still a pretty dark maroon with white lace hanging from the sleeves and draping the top of the gown. A sequened drop was at the center point of the bodice and the fit with a little tightening but hardly uncomfortable. She had been in smaller dresses. She smiled and took a seat after he kissed her hand and then looked at the delicately placed breakfast. Toast, boiled eggs, sasuages and hash. She made a quick plate then bit her bottom lip. Wondering if she just spill it out. "Are the...the papers going to know about this now or after we get married?" she asked him as she spread some jam on her toast and took a bite, looking at him with a curious expression.
"I uh..." she bit her bottom lip. "I am just worried..." she said. "I must confess, that I am not a maid, but I suppose you knew that already. I um...I ran away from home six months ago...because...my father was in debt and arranging a marriage for me to a rich old man...I mean, he was...ancient...and I did not wish for such a thing. So...I ran...I was tired of society's constraints. I worked as a seamstress and maid and other things in cheap side. I had lost my job and been hungry three days when Mrs. Pierce found me. When she introduced me to you and you gave me the job, I was grateful. I would stay hidden. But if we announce the marriage before it happens, I might have to be returned to my father's custody to be married off to that old man..." She bit her bottom lip and then took a deep breath. "M-my father is Earl Roxburg...and um...the man he wants me to marry is Marquis Keaton. He already has three sons, and all of them are older than me...he's as rich as croesus. That's all that matter to my father. He even let him..." she trailed off. "The man that has my father's blessing, tried to rape me. And when I told my father about he said I had to accept my lot. That's the night I ran away. I can't go back...and though I know you might toss me out and rescend your proposal, I just...thought you should know before things got to much deeper between us. And before we...got married..." She sat her food down.
"I left to escape society and all it's constraints...and to get away from the marquis as my future husband...I'll leave..." she said. "If that's what you wish."
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Katie told her father all she could about school and stayed to talk with him till he suggested she go get a bath and get ready for dinner. After she was gone with a maid, he walked back to his chair and then sighed. "Sorry we spoke for so long...I haven't seen her in over six months. She has been away at school. But it's good that she is there. She is beginning to talk. So her teachers write," he mused and then waved off her hands, pushing the wheelchair along on the rough path and then glanced at her. "I can teach you sign language if you want. So you can understand her. They sent me books but even I haven't mastered it as well as she has. At her age, her mind is like a sponge and soaks everything in," he said with a smirk and then made it to the inside of the house before taking a deep breath.
He knew he had to make it up those bloody stairs but that would have to wait till later on. So thinking, he decided to stay in his state of dress for dinner. "And feel free to join my daughter and myself for dinner. Instead of eating in your room as you do each night..." he mused, wincing at the pain shooting through his back.
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Ginny smirked. "I guess we American girls grow up faster," she teased then laughed and looked at him. "Perhaps you should start courting me. You seem to spend most of your time at these soirees and balls and things, maybe you should come and visit me and court me every once in a while," she said giving him a playful poke with her fan and then giving a soft laugh before taking another sip of her punch. "This wishy-washy business isn't for me. I came to London, looking for a husband because the men back home were not my cup of tea. Most of them were to busy being Indian killers and fantasizing about the west...to busy trying to be something they aren't. But most men in society are like that. I want someone who is genuinely amusing and wants me for me. Not for my money..." she said simply then looked at him and smiled.
I think you are genuine," she said to him and then heard her escort calling her. She tossed the punch and glass then watched as the positively plump older woman with a bird in her hair came fan aflying and then hitting James in the arm. "you stay away from my ward. Honestly Genevieve. Are you trying to get ruined. He is an absolute rake." Ginny sighed and gave James a soft smile before letting the woman pull her off.
"And you smell like alcohol. We are leaving. Honestly, the rumors are already abounding..." she was saying. Ginny glanced back at James and smiled before looking forward and walking with her.
"Auntie Miriam you are just jealous...we were only talking. We haven't even kissed."
"And I hope it stays that way. he is a bad egg...." Her aunt said simply. And Ginny knew there was no convincing her otherwise.
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A couple of days later, Ginny was seated in the breakfast nook, reading the morning paper. Her Aunt was out for the day and she was left to her own devices. She took a sip of coffee and then lifted her head as a servant came with a calling card from James Rochford. She smiled, accepting it then quickly fixed her appearance in the mirror before walking into the foyer and curtseying. "Milord," she said simply. "What brings you here?" she asked curiously.
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Everett entered the small townhouse after a servant let him in and led him to the parlor. He bowed. "My lady," he said simply. "I believe we were here to discuss business?" he asked as he smiled to the servant and politely refusing refreshment before being left alone with his former lover. He slowly walked to the opposing chair across from her and put his hat beside him then putting his fingers together. "I...guess you do not think to highly of me for what I said, but beliee me when I say I have tried hard to forget what we had and I think of this as a way to a means of an end. You get what you need, which is money, and I get what I need, which is closure. That's all I ask for. But if you don't agree...what I said last night still stands."
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Post by anjelrocker on Feb 7, 2012 19:35:12 GMT -5
He had his coffee cup to his lips as the young woman was telling her entirely story as he raised an eyebrow and listened to the entirely confession. "Well, and here I thought perhaps you were a vicar's daughter who came on some hard times." He said simply as he realized the man who was indeed her father. "The Earl of Roxburg..." He said thinking that this was rather strange since his political career that had ended because of his depression as well as the news that he had been given by the doctor about a month before that he was going to die in a year. "You wanted to escape from this society and yet, you are given a marriage proposal by an Earl." He shook his head and wanted to laugh because it was obvious that the woman was having second thoughts on the whole arrangements. "I appreciate your honestly Miss Greystone... or shall I say Lady Felicity Tremaine." He looked up at her as if to decide on the matter.
"Well, you are the daughter of my former political rival... you do realize that, m'lady." He said simply as he was stroking his chin. "Now, this is your decision if you wish to stay because this is a commitment to a child that will be an heir to my title." He said. "Unless it is a girl in which case... the title will go to a cousin but I will make it so in the will that all the money and properties go to you." He said seriously. "Unless, you wish to take a ship to America in which case... I will pay for you to travel second class and with a good amount of money to start yourself off properly." He sipped at the bitter liquid before sighing. "It is really up to you in this situation. If we are to wed then I think you will wish it to be a priavte event with some witnesses and the marriage will be announced in the paper the day after."
Reginald for some reason... decided that he still wished to wed the young lady as he was looking into those chocolate eyes. "I doubt that I will have your father's blessing since the man thinks I am a complete idiot." He smiled. "Ah, the scandal that this will cause... I think I might like that aspect. Let the silly ton talk."
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She had the chair for him when he was up the stairs. "Perhaps, we will have one of the footmen carry you when you need to go up some of the stairs." Winnie said seriously knowing that he had pushed himself quite a bit today but she was sure that it was for the sake of his daughter. Something that she found remarkable... but he would need to know that this was something that needed to be taken one day as a time. "After all, you must not tire yourself out too much, milord. And I would be glad to join you and your daughter for dinner." She said gently with a smile as she went up the stairs to call for Marcus. A rather handsome footman and the one that could not dance. Winifred knew that he was interested in her and she was interested in him but she knew that she could not be since she needed to go to Oxford with the Marquess' recommendation.
She refused to give up her dream on a silly thing like love... her mother had done that and she had ended up with five children and a mean drunk of a husband who would hit her if they did not have the money for the drink. Her mother had hoarded her wages so that she and her siblings could eat. To this day, Winnie gave some of her wages to her family and some to save for university.
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He was looking quite dashing if he did say so himself as he bowed to the American young lady feeling slightly guilty because he was pursuing her for the fact that she was wealthy and with the amount of debt that he owed. Well, it was not quite so terrible once he was in the good graces of his father and older brother and with the amount of money that he got for his drawings. Well, he supposed that he did live above his means.
"Ah, Miss Lawson... that is a silly question because I certainly did not come for your charming Aunt's company." He said to her with a grin. "I was wishing for the pleasure of your company to ride in Hyde Park on my horse and buggy. It is not the latest style but, it is quite comfortable." And cozy for two people to sit side by side.
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Ariana was sitting up properly as she watched him with narrowed eyes. "Closure..." She said softly knowing that she sure as hell would not get closure from this arrangement. If anything, she thought she was getting the short end of the stick as she slowly stood up. "That is why you are blackmailing me into whoring myself to you..." She said not looking at him as she seemed to pace the room not wanting to even glance at him. He was the true father of her child and yet, he would see them in the streets if she did not agree. Closing her eyes as she stopped, she was doing this so that Vivi could have a good life. "Very well." Her voice was soft as she went to her seat. "However, a contract will be drawn up and you will pay off my husband's debts as well as any other living expenses until I either find another husband or my previous husband's debt is paid in full." She said as she was watching him. "Do you have any objections... Rex?" She asked him lifting her tea cup and sipping at it.
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Post by Raynesleigh on Feb 11, 2012 10:28:11 GMT -5
Lissy looked at him. "Well...my lord...I...I suppose that if I were to wed you, it would protect me from that ancient man father wishes to place upon me...and in protecting me, I would give you the child you always wanted. And I always wanted children..."
She took a sip of her coffee and then placed the delicate up on the saucer. "This marriage, while not love based, is a marriage based on two people needing to accomplish something. I need to halt my impending marriage to a man who could of fathered me twice over and you need a wife to give you a child before you...pass away. And I...think given the drunken kisses and groping I have experienced while you were a bit to deep in the bottle were not...altogether unpleasant..." she bit her bottom lip looking at him with soft eyes. "As much of a business arrangement as our marriage will be, I do not think it will be so terrible. I even think we might develop fondness for one another...which is far more than what other married couples have..."
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Frederick sighed. Carried his arse. He would rather crawl. However, leaning on the other man for assistance was something he could do without his pride getting pricked and as Marcus came, he took the man by the arm and with his support barely put any weight on his feet but enough to not sore his already wounded pride. Once to his chamber door, he nodded to Winnie and entered to get ready for the coming evening.
It took him an hour to hand bathe an redress. With the help of his valet of course. That accomplished, he had returned downstairs to sit in the dining room, just as his little Katie came in with the governess he had hired to take care of her and continue to instruct her over the summer. He smiled as his daughter was wearing a pretty blue dress with a posture corset underneath. Slowly he lifted her up, hearing her harsh breath as she thought she was giggling but no sound came out. After a hug and a kiss, he sat her down, letting her crawl into a seat beside him. He was not one for large and expensive meals with several courses. Instead, he enjoyed a soup, a main entree and a desert. Tonight, he had seen to it that those three courses were his daughter's favorites.
He looked at his daughter as she signed and smiled. "Miss Winnie will be downstairs in a minute, I promise," he signed and spoke back to her.
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Ginny smiled. "It sounds like a lovely idea. I shall grab a shawl and get my lady's maid to sit with your driver. Just so we don't have to worry about my being ruined or my aunt's wrath at me going out unaccompanied. Just a moment," she said simply then turned and walked upstairs, moving to find her maid. Once all of that was accomplished, she grabbed a shawl and came back downstairs giving a smile. "All set. Now I don't have to worry about you being a rake. I have it on good authority you are a rogue of the worst kind," she teased him, taking his arm. "Shall we?"
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As they sat together in the carriage, she could not help but feel a heat rising inside of her and was quite aware of the man sitting beside her. "What do you do for a living Lord Rochford?" she asked curiously. Turning her gaze to look at him with a soft smile.
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Everett looked at her. "I do not think of it as shoring and a contract, should you desire one will easily be drawn up by my barrister. You cannot take the high and mighty road with me. But as for objections, I have none. I think it a good thing that we are so agreeable..." he trailed off. "After I draw up the contract, I expect, the Saturday after you sign it will suit for a first time," he mused thoughtfully, looking at her with a curious expression. "It is not whoring. If that were the case then you were one when we first became lovers and I would like to look on that time with fondness. At least until you decided to break my heart. I said this is closure. It could be just one time, it could be a month of Saturdays but I am determined to get this out of my system and once done, you will have all the assets your husband gave me. You married for money, why not sleep a few times with me forit," he said and then stood. "I will have the barrister write you when the contract is filled," he said simply then cleared his throat and moved out of the room. He paused at the door, for a moment feeling that unburden guilt but he carefully squashed it and then left the house.
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Post by anjelrocker on Feb 11, 2012 13:55:24 GMT -5
He could not help himself but grin when she had mentioned the drunken kisses and the few passes that he had made to her during his nights when he had taken heavy with the bottle. "I do apologize for those times, Lady Felicity." He said to the runaway. "There is not much one can say about those inappropriate gestures for I had thought you a maid before and well, I suppose this shows what sort of character I am." He mentioned as he paused to sip at the coffee, inhaling the scent before glancing up at her once again. "I think that it will be nice if we were to develop a fondness for one another." It was what he hoped for but then, he knew that he could not have everything that he wanted. If anything, he hoped to have some happiness... companionship so that he could leave this world with the knowledge that he had passed on himself to father an heir despite not being there for his son or daughter.
"However, all things come in time. I will have a marriage liencse drawn up so that we can be wed within a week's time. We will go to a modista on Bond Street so that you may have any gowns that you wish." There was a good amount more that he would have to do, it was also a good thing that he knew that her father was out of the country since he was looking for her. It was no secret that Lady Felicity had disappeared into thin air and yet, here she was acting as a maid in his own household and without his knowledge.
It would be scandalous and he knew it because the talk would be that he had seduced his rival's daughter and forced her to wed him and yet, he was almost welcoming the scandal that would come with this entire situation. "There will be a scandal but it is better that being wed to a man who is older than Moses." He said with a nod as he took a scone and buttered it before spreading some strawberry jam on it.
"So, we have an understanding... m'lady." He said to her with a smile. "You are to become the Countess of Hartlepool and we are to have an heir and then, you will be free to raise the child when I have passed on from this world."
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Dressed in one of her nicer plain dresses, Winnie was looking in the mirror for a moment as she patted her hair. She looked proper but not as well turned out even if it were a simple meal. The fact of the matter was that she was dining with the Marquess and his young daughter. She had seen him do so much in the last two months with becoming stronger with their exercises to strengthen his muscles. Teaching oneself to walk again was no easy task.
Exiting her little room in ther servant's quarters, she locked the door as she went towards the dining room so that she could visit the father and daughter for dinner. Once there, she smiled. "Good Evening, m'lord." She said as she looked to the little girl and signed as best as she could 'Hello Miss Katie.' Having been taught by the Marquess before he had gone to ready himself with his valet.
Seeing that a foreman pulled out her chair for her, Winifred blushed a little since she was not use to being served as she sat, thanking Marcus who had been the foreman to seat her.
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"I am in the publishing business." He said not wanting to tell the truth that he was the artist who drew the daily politicial cartoons for The Times since it was a secret for the most part. Of course, she would find out if they were to wed. "Being the second son of a Lord, I was forced to go to Cambridge and so, I was going to go into politics but I found that it was not quite for me." He mentioned to her with a charming smile. "And so, I do a little bit of writing and publishing. I am no Oscar Wilde but, I do like to say that I have some talent." He said tipping his hat to some of the passersby as they were riding in the carriage towards Hyde Park. It was not the fashionable hour but they would be seen by enough people that society would assume that he, a nourious rake was courting the young American heiress. "And you... you must have a hobby... painting or singing... no... I take you for a love of horses?" James guessed with a grin.
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She wanted to look at those times with fond memories as well as she sat in her parlor with a sigh knowing that shewas about to enter a dangerous arrangement as she glanced out the window and to her horror, Vivian was coming towards the house with her governess as she walked pass her real father. Her daughter was the type of little girl who said 'Hello' to everyone as she looked up at the man and said. "Hello, Mister." brightly before her governess pulled her along and Ariana looked to see that he continued down the road. Would he see how obvious it was that she was his daughter?
It was at that moment that her daughter came into the townhouse and into the parlor. "Mummy!" She said as she went running into Ariana's arms and she lifted the girl swinging her around. "Oh, Vivi... you are getting so big. How was the park with Miss. Rose?" She asked looking up to the kind governess who smiled. "Miss Vivi got to see a puppy named Sam." Rose said as Ariana's eyes went wide. "Did you, lovey?"
"I did... Mummy... can I have a puppy? Please... I promise to care for it!" She said as Ariana looked sad knowing that she could not get a puppy for her little girl without damaging the budget.
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Post by Raynesleigh on Feb 13, 2012 22:06:16 GMT -5
She took a deep breath and nodded. "Yes...though when put like that it seems a rather cold arrangement." She bit her bottom lip. "And as for the gowns, I really could care less. Ready-made clothes will be fine. I can tailor them myself. No sense in spending an ungodly amount of money on gowns and dresses when I doubt I will get out much. Unless you want to go out...I was country born and raised. Living in the city is a transition I am not to fond of...it brought out the worst in my father and the aristocrats...at least the majority I have come in contact with are men and women that think money is everything. I don't need money to be happy, nor do I need the finest things that the world has to offer," she said simply then added some cream to her coffee before taking a sip, watching him eat. He did not seem sickly. She wondered how the doctor had determined it so but decided to not ask. She was sure his illness, whatever it was, was a delicate topic and the last thing she wanted was an argument with this man. Whom she knew so little about but within a week would be a wife to. She bit her bottom lip at the thought.
It would be temporary. And if he proved an arse then temporary was good. The only scary thing about this whole situation was that she might actually fall in love with him. It was a far stretch but she would be spending months with him and only him. He would be her company, her bed mate...and she was terrified that at the end, she would be devestated. Sighing, she ran her fingers over her simple updo then massaged her neck in thought before finishing her coffee. "Thank you," she said after a moment. "And when it comes to scandal, trust me, I don't give a flying fig what the majority of those aristocrats think of me and it's hard pressed I am knowing I am one of them."
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Ginny smirked. "Theater...acting...I used to be excellent at the church plays we had back home. Every time we did the Christmas play, I got to play the virgin Mary. The starring role. Though I never said a word. It was a great ambition of mine. The problem is that being an actress means being no more well reputed than a prostitute so I had to put my dreams of the stage behind me and find myself a new hobby. So I decided to right my own stories and place. Most of them are stupid really. Macabre and gothic. Completely main stream and absolutely cliched but the cliche can always be fun in my opinion. I love writing about damsels in distress being carted off from evil villians by prince charmings. Granted it is silly, but it passes the time," she giggled then looked out, seeing a few people eyeing them. She smirked and turned to look at him.
"I am terrible at singing, painting is useless and as for horses. It is nice to go for a ride every now and again but they are awfully smelly and they stop often to do...well...either way they are not a favorite creature of mine. I do however, love to run or walk. Especially on a bright day as this. I was the fastest girl or boy in my whole town and won all the races we had at church gatherings," she laughed, remembering her childhood fondly. She had been raised well and had had a happy childhood. She was a bit spoiled, no doubt, but she had a good head on her shoulders and was smart. But she knew that she was thinking far to often of this rogue beside her.
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Katie smiled and looked at her father and then he chuckled before looking at Winnie. "Katie says she will be more than happy to teach you sign language," he said with a chuckle and then settled back as he ate some of his suit. His daughter eating with relish but also a poised gracefulness he had never seen her do before. That school he sent her to was obviously doing it's job. She would be a fine young lady when all was said and done. He took another bit of his soup before looking at Winnie. "Have you heard of the schools over in America? Apparently that Alexander Graham Bell fellow is having a jolly good time with his new invention. Something to replace the telegraph. A telephone I believe. Apparently one can speak into it and hear something through a line several miles away. I suppose it's not to far of a stretch from the telegraph but I think I would much prefer a note than a conversation across several miles. Amazing though isn't it. How inventive the world is..." He shook his head. "Soon enough that horseless carriage will be a popular form of transportation with all it's noise and rumbling..." He smirked.
"I hear they have a rally for sufferagates in the coming days. Are you attending? I know you and your ideas..." he mused thoughtfully.
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(IDK what to do with Everett)
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Post by anjelrocker on Feb 17, 2012 8:22:07 GMT -5
He glanced up at her for a moment as if to study her, how odd it was that she would not want pretty gown, jewelery and all the riches that he could afford her before he was gone from this world. And yet, he had to stop thinking of her as the maid since he was now going to be married to her. He thought that he could be happy with the pretty young lady and that very idea was something that helped him deal with the situation. Of course, he did not say this out right to her. "You are very welcome, Miss Greywood... I mean, Lady Felicity." He corrected himself as he sipped at the rest of this coffee. "I do realize that you feel that you do not need things to be happy and I admire that but please, if there is anything that you wish to have... anything..." He paused for a moment to think. "Pretty?" Reginald was thinking of lace gloves or something of the sort. "Do not feel like a burden to ask for it, I think a nice gift is in order." He smiled not really wanting such a cold arrangement but then, perhaps he did not want to get attached to her so soon either.
Developing a fondness was something that he wished but he did not know the lady except that she was the runaway daughter of his political rival. If only he could return to the political stage and yet, he knew that he could not with the cancer. The doctor had explained that he could grow tired and weak before simply fading away and so, he would atleast have a legacy passed on with the help of this woman. Once finished breakfast, he led her to the carriage in which they took to Bond Street so that he could take her to some of the French modistes, some of them were highly regarded. "You may have whatever you wish..." He said to her as he thought that he would go and get a ring while she was being fitted. "Do take your time, Miss Greywood." He said since they were out in public.
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He was interested that she was a bit of a writer, the idea of her acting was certainly something that he could see her doing. Although, being an actress was considered to be disreputable it was coming into light of being a profession. He always did think it amusing how one could think that an actress must be a whore and yet, they all went to see the actresses perform in plays. "And if I were to cart you away... would you think me the evil villian or the prince charming, Miss Lawson?" He teased her as he looked out with pale green eyes to the park.
It was a busy time of the day and yet, he was quite content at the moment since he was with the fascinating young woman who spoke of her happy childhood. His own childhood had been... well. He had taken his pleasure in drawing and keeping with the politics of the now, as well as he did get some information for the infamous Madame Bavard since she was a close friend of his. "No love for the horses... a pity. Beautiful creatures but you are right... they can have a certain scent to them." He mentioned as he guided the buggie on his own as he reached over and put his hand atop of her own.
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"Yes, with all of these inventions it is a wonder that they will not come out with a flying machine soon." She said with a soft smile as she thought of the suffragette rally. "Yes, I will be going since it is the day that I am not working." She mentioned. "I am hoping to meet Mrs. Abigail Barnes." She mentioned before sipping some of her soup. "She has the most wonderful ideas in the weekly paper, I do admire and look forward to her articles on a weekly basis." Winnie mused as she thought of her own goals in her life to be a doctor. There were some female doctors but not as many as male ones and she wanted to continue to practice medicine on a profession level.
"I think that it will be a good time... I do hope the police do not get involved." She said earnestly.
---
She did not sleep for a few days as she thought of him and the blackmail that he was holding upon her. Of all things, he was not over her since their parting and so, he wanted to use her. Was it to seek revenge? She did not know but the idea that her former lover wanted revenge for breaking his heart, well... it saddened her. Then, she could perhaps give everything her daughter wanted like the puppy... all she had to do was give up her pride for her daughter's happiness. And that was something that she felt that she could do since she wanted to give her daughter the childhood that she had never had.
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Post by Raynesleigh on Feb 24, 2012 9:16:48 GMT -5
Felicity looked at him and nodded, giving a smile to the modiste. She had done enough fittings to know the colors that suited her most as well as the shapes. As she was a bit curvier in the hips, the bustle would have to be a bit less thick. Knowing her measurements, she spouted them off to the man who had a few gowns already close to her size that just needed a bit of fitting and trimming. One of his assistants helped her into the first. A dark green riding habit that contrasted nicely with her tan skin and dark hair, making the green specks in her hazel eyes stand out and give them light. It fit her almost perfectly and as a day gown, she could wear it out of the store as soon as Reginald payed for it. Of course, the modiste was giving her the sort of suspicious glance she guessed he gave to most men's mistresses. But she was not a mistress. Even if her behavior was rather scandalous.
After being fitted in four other day dresses and two ball gowns, a few others were set to be made and completed within a week as well. One of the day dresses was a pretty white one with very little ornamentation she meant to use as her wedding dress when they stood before the magistrate. She knew Reginald had gone off to run a few errands and as the fittings had taken two hours, she could well understand his wanting to leave. Once everything was finished, she came out in the dark green day dress with her hair pinned up and very little adornment. She looked at reginald and smiled.
"All finished..." she said and the modiste chuckled.
"Oui. She knew exactly what she wanted and her measurements. A smart girl this one," he said lightly in his french accent.
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Ginny looked at him. "To be honest I should think you very much like Robin Hood my lord, taking me away to enchant me as he did to his lady fair Maid Marian," she smiled at him then looked down as he put his hand atop her own. She looked at the sight and then her gaze returned to him.
"I have to ask my lord, given your rakish and roguish reputation...are you only pursuing me as a conquest or do you intend to finally settle down?" she asked, her brow arching slightly as she gazed at him with a gentle smile.
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"The police are almost always involved. And I have read Mrs. Barnes articles. A right firebrand isn't she?" he grinned, secretly knowing that he was indeed the author. He and James as well as James' sister all wrote under pseodonyms for the London Post and none of them had been found out. At least not yet.
"But her opinions seem to be legitimentaly thought out and her work has merit. The woman obviously does her research. You sound as though you admire her," he said then took a sip of his wine before looking to his daughter as she continued to eat her meal without much interaction with himself or Winnifred. "I admit, I rather enjoy her articles. she does not bash all men," he said with a chuckle. "only the ones in parliament who make the laws..."
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"Might I speak out of turn my lord? Everett's valet was saying as he helped him dress though Everett could of done well without it. He was hardly an invalid and knew how to dress but society seemed to dictate the every day life now that he had a title.
"What is it Charles?" he asked curiously as he adjusted his clothes. He had sent the solicitor to his former lover's house with the contract which she had signed and in turn had to. Once that was accomplished, he had set the date for them to have a dinner tonight. Saturday evening, six o'clock followed by a night that he hoped would take her out of his head completely.
"I do not think that your treatment of the lady is...respectable..." Charles said hesitantly.
Everett paused. "No...perhaps not..." he agreed. "But it is none of your concern," he said after a moment. If his valet knew how much the guilt of what he was doing tied into the pure obsession he felt for her, he might think him better fit to be a bedlamite. Finished, he adjusted his cufflinks and then went down to the parlor, fixing himself a bit of brandy as he waited for Ariana.
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Post by anjelrocker on Feb 24, 2012 18:18:50 GMT -5
Checking his pocket watch, Reginald had not been waiting for very long for his soon to be bride as he smiled to her and then to the modiste. He had set up an account with the man so that the clothing could be paid for. "I am finished as well, daring." He had gotten the paperwork for the marriage as well as a ring picked out for her. All of the arrangements were set and he had the coachman carrying all her packages so they could be taken to his townhouse. "Ah, yes... she is a smart young lady." He smiled at the modiste and then to Lady Felicity. "Is there anything else that you wish to go to? Perhaps we can go to Simpson's-in-the-Strand? Or to get some of that Italian Ice Cream?" Reginald asked her taking her hand as one of the automobile's went racing by and he mentioned. "I do not think those dangerous things will ever catch on." He nodded to his fiancee with a smile thinking that the strange Lady turned maid looked stunning when she was all cleaned up.
"Then, I suppose that you do not wish to go too far." He said to her knowing that he was going to have to visit his sister as well as his Aunt Myrtle who served as his sister's chaprone during the days when she had been taken in by his father off the streets. It was the hidden family secret that Ariana had been raised in the Eastend of London before she had come claiming to be the daughter of a former maid in which his father had had an affair with.
It had took years to train her to become a proper young lady but she had married an old Earl of his choosing but the man was dead which meant that she had the freedom that most ladies did not have. Being a widow. "The arrangements to the wedding must be discussed. I am sure that you want flowers and a lovely white dress? You did get measured for that to be made before the date, Lady Felicity." He asked her when they were settled in the carriage. "I do wish to introduce you to my family before we are wed. They will be most welcoming." Reginald informed her.
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"Sharp as a whip, Miss Dawson." He said to her with a joyful laugh. "However, I do not conquest after maidens... do forgive me if that was my impression." James said as he ran his hand through his thick cinnamon hair for a moment before going on. "It seems that I am not a regular Dick Turpin." He grinned before going on. "All rogues and rakes wish to settle down at some point." 'When the money runs on usually...' He thought silently to himself but not to her as he continued. "And I had decided that time is now. I find that I am quite taken with you, Miss Dawson. Perhaps you will allow me to continue to court you in hopes of a dream of saying farewell to my wandering ways?"
He was looking directly at her as he took the pretty American's hand into his own and lifted it to his lips with a small smile on his features. James so hoped that he was charming her knickers off so that he could ask her to be his wife. Atleast, that was the hope.
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"The suffragettes are not male bashers as some would like to think, m'lord." She said in her welsh accent as she continued. "We simply wish to have the equal rights of men. To own property, vote for those in office, go to university. And yet, women are seen as vessels for producing children. Not that I dislike children but... I think that we are capable of so much more than simply caring for the children." She cut into the next course. "Women's value decreases when we lose the ability to bare children. Some of these politicians like to think that women are feeble minded and too emotional to vote or run for office." Shaking her head, Winifred thought that anyone who believed that was an ass. Plain and simple.
"I do admire the woman. To be able to write for the London Post with such diction." She smiled. "Perhaps, it is because I wish to grasp such knowledge. I want to make a difference in the movement, I want to become a doctor for female patients... to help those in need of care." Bringing her hand to her cheek, Winnie was blushing as she was speaking so passionately about a cause that she believed in. "And of course for male patients in need of care, m'lord." She nodded as she glanced at him.
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Her daughter would be put to bed by the nursemaid for that evening since she had said that she was going to the theatre to see a play with Lady Benedict. However, the truth was that she was wearing a hood and sitting in the carriage glancing out the window and hoping that no one would see her on this fashionable block in London. She was his mistress... his whore and that made her cheeks red with shame as she slowly walked up the stairs and knocked on the door. The bastard did not even set up a 'love nest' for the two of them. She was in his house of all things. It made her feel dirty but it was better than conducting business in her own home. Something that she had flat out refused... She would atleast keep her dignity intacted as she was escorted to the parlour where he was waiting for her.
Naturally, she did not know what to expect as she was dressed in one of her finer gowns but it was by far not a new gown. Ariana had had to have some of her gowns fixed and retrimmed when she did go out for fear of being seen in the same gown twice. The shame that the ton would give her... it was disgusting how they treated people in upper society. And that was why she got her revenge through ink.
"My lord..." She said to him before giving a curtsy, Ariana would not make the first move as she went over and sat on the settee across from him. Whatever she did... she refused to enjoy tonight because he was no longer the same man.
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Post by Raynesleigh on Mar 5, 2012 11:34:58 GMT -5
Felicity, admittedly was feeling rather overwhelmed and slowly gave a nod before clearing her throat. "I asked for a simple white one in the shop. I did not see the need of throwing a lot of money into a gown I am only going to wear once. And as for going somewhere, there is a strong likelihood that my father or some servant or one of the society members might see me and recognize me and if they recognize you then there is no need in planning a wedding for father will certainly see to it that I am shipped off to America or something. Perhaps even locked away. He actually lives in a castle...with a dungeon. I would imagine he would toss me in and throw away the key." she gave a rueful smile then looked down blushing slitly before heading into the carriage, fixing her dress then taking a deep breath. She could not believe that she was actually getting married, nut there was little to be done now. And this was all for the best, because on the end, they were both getting their hearts desire.
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Ginny looked at him as he declared he wanted to change and then kissed her hand. She gave a soft laugh. "You are a charming devil Lord Rochford," she teased then blushed. "I admit that the thought of you continuing to court me is positively thrilling. You are unlike all of these stuck up and stuffy aristocrats with their haughty airs...you intrigue me. And fascinate me," she admitted, her cheeks growing warmer. She turned to look at him smiling then leaned forth and kissed his cheek. Or she had been going to kiss his cheek but the rogue turned and kissed her mouth. She gasped at the contact and whimpered softly. She had been kissed before but he was a master of the art. As she broke away from him, she was panting slightly and she hastily recovered when she saw some ladies ogling. "I hope you are sincere my lord....I think kissing me could definitely lead straight to me being ruined," she smiled.
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Frederick smiled. "You are a good woman Winifred....and your cause is just. I think most men are stupid. Including myself," he added with a chuckle before settling back in his chair, watching his daughter eat her fill. "It would be good, for when my little girl gets older, to have a woman looking after her as a doctor rather than a man. It seems wrong. The idea that women are the weaker sex is entirely misconstrued. After all, they bear children and one birthing was enough for me to realize you lot are a hell of a lot stronger than us men. We are just brutish pigs," he grinned then looked back at Winnie, finishing off his second course.
After a third course, his daughter signed her tiredness and he sent her off to bed with a hug and a kiss before reclining in his seat, wincing slightly before looking at his nurse. "You deserve a vacation you know. I think spending months with an intolerable man like me warrants a break. Why do you not take a few days off and got to town. I have a house there at my disposal...you could enjoy yourself..." he suggested. After all she had been here near on five months if his recollection was correct.
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Everett turned when he saw her enter and quickly poured her a glass. "My lady. I would have you in your own house for this sort of occasion but it seems the one I had planned is in need of some rather large repairs and renovations. Won't be done for another month. So aim told..." he trailed off, regarding her pretty form and those bedeviling eyes of hers that had drawn him in from the first moment he had laid eyes on her as the lowly Rex Thompson...but those days were gone and he meant to squelch her from his system completely. Though he doubted he could be able to. She was his obsession and if he took her in his arms he was certain to drown in them. He was a bloody fool and well he knew it too.
"Have a nip of brandy and then you and I can have some food, and progress from there..." he trailed off again. "You truly do look quite lovely this evening..."
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Post by anjelrocker on Mar 5, 2012 15:30:29 GMT -5
"I think this is one of the reasons that I dislike your father when it comes to arguing against him in the matter of politics. He is a stubborn old goat of a man." Reginald said seriously as he leaned out of the carriage and told the driver to go to a sweet shop of some sort. "You do not have to get out of the carriage if you think that you will be seen, sweetheart." He said but he did want to treat her to something if not court her a little before their upcoming nuptials in the next week.
Sometime later, they were returning to his townhouse as he was eating the ice cream but she was barely digging into the strawberry that he had gotten her. "Is something the matter?" He asked curiously as he thought of after the wedding. He suppose they could go on a honeymoon, perhaps to France or Scotland... there was even Ireland to consider. "I would like to ask you if you have given any thought of a honeymoon perhaps?" He suggested as if to get her mind off of whatever it was that was bothering her.
Taking her hand, he led her towards the front door of his home before the foremen went to get the packages so that they could be brought in. "My sister will want to be apart of the wedding as well as... I will have her come for a visit this week with my niece." He thought of his niece with a fond memory since the little girl was a joyfully one despite her father having been an old bastard. The man was dead and his sister was free of the man and his ways. "Let's go in and get some tea and perhaps talk more..." He supposed it was only right to get to know his soon to be bride.
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Giving her a devilish grin, James said to the pretty little American. "You did not seem to mind too much..." He trailed off to her as they continued in the carriage but knowing that was how far he could go with this one, he was planning to marry her... not ruin her into marrying him. He wanted to charm her, thrill her... she was doing a wonderful job at enchanting him. Not that he was like a school boy who had never spoken to a woman before. However, he did need to wed her, hopefully soon because he was going to be running out of money and it was hard to pretend to be wealthy when you had gambling debts and the like.
"And if I am not mistaken, I think that you rather enjoyed my kiss." He said to her wondering if she was one of these ladies who read those gothic novels where dastardly man scooped up ladies and kissed them most improperly. Apart of him hoped that she read that rubbish because if she did then, he could play on that.
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"Oh, I could not do that..." She suspected that he had a fine townhouse in Mayfair or something of that sort, where Winifred was a Cheapside kind of woman. She was not poor but she was not of the upper middle class either. She did want to go to London town but she would not be able to go alone since she was respectable enough. "What I mean to say is that... you know how the classes are m'lord." She smiled knowing that was not going to change anytime soon. "I am planning to meet some of my friends from there and we will be staying at her flat. Scandalous new women living on their own..." She laughed as she shook her head.
"And I do not think that you give yourself enough credit, m'lord... despite you smoking like a chimney and being a little too tired on some day, I find you to be pleasant enough company and you also happen to be a marvellous father to a very pretty and happy little girl. Have you thought about returning to London to show your progress?" She asked him looking quite sincere with what she was saying.
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"Well, it is a better arrangement then you expecting me to..." She paused as her upper lip quivered but she straightened herself out. "perform in the same house while my daughter is sleeping." 'And your daughter.' She added silently not wanting him to know the truth of that. Taking the offered glass of brandy, she thought this was far too formal for what they were use to. The thrill of being in the stables as he had kissed her senselessly... him sneaking into her window so they could make love and talk until the dawn on the estate.
However, it was a distance memory and this was the here and now and she was his mistress. Ariana was his paid whore so she could pay off her husband's debts. "Thank you, my Lord." She said to him as she sipped at the liquor thinking that she could use some more. "Is something the matter, Rex?" She asked before she realized her mistake and quickly corrected herself. "I mean, Everett..." She said as she bit her lip not knowing if she could go through with this, he was all she ever thought about for years and now, she hated him for being a Lord rather than the stable hand that she had fallen for.
Then, the daughter of an alcoholic maid who had had a child by her master deserved not following her heart and marrying someone for his money... because she wished that she had married him. She was a fool.
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