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Post by Ansel Roux on May 18, 2011 21:15:03 GMT -5
I was bored. It happens to me. It was too early to take up the responsibility of the night, and everything at the house was secure. If I had a job...
Ah yes. It was then I was reminded that I should see Andy. The very thought of her brought a smile to my face. I was ready to work there. I kissed mother and sister on the cheek and told father I might not be home till morning. He simply nodded.
I approached the house, which seemed quiet, even more quiet than most of the noble houses do, and knocked on the door.
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Post by Charity Delice no Lefebvre on May 19, 2011 10:34:08 GMT -5
Ever since her kidnapping the mistress had not quite been the same. She was still herself in some ways, but she seemed to be kinder to me - to the rest of teh household. Perhaps she had felt guilty about what could have happened to us, and the terror that we had been put through, or perhaps having had herself such bad luck she had decided to change her ways a tad and hope for better, more kinder returns to her by fate. Who knew, all I knew is that she seemed to treat me a little less like a maid and more like a lady in waiting of sorts.
She had even taken me shopping. And I was just prancing around in the gown she had bought me, since she was not home, and no one else truly cared that I did it, playing teh part of lady of teh house though I still knew my place. I had gone skipping down the stairs, and then started skipping through the foyer when there was a knock on the door. I never felt the same, everytime I heard a knock, from that day forward, adna small surprised gasp left my lips in almost something like a yelp. I stopped, and stared at the door. I knew I should answer it but... waht if? It was not so dark that someone might try to raid us, to steal members of teh household again, but... waht if. I gulped down a lump that had arisen in my throat and approached the door, my fingers clasped together under my chin as I approached it. Soon I pulled it open, peeking my head around the corner, probably looking for all the world like a frightened little doe, eyes wide, until I saw a man, obviously d'Angeline, and rather beautiful standing before the door. I felt my cheeks redden instantly. What a fool I was!
"Good day, my lord, how may I help you?" I asked, standing in the door way, the door fully open now. The man looked familiar, his flaming red locks, his stature... and then I recalled he was the potential new coachhand we were to have. I remember this only becaus I had been silly and taken so long to bring him and mistress a drink when he had visited the home. And I too remember how much time they spent out and about, and in the coachhand's little villa. My cheeks warmed further and no doubt deepend in their redness.
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Post by Ansel Roux on May 19, 2011 13:50:37 GMT -5
The door was opened and I was greeted by the pretty young flower that Andy had so chastised before for taking a bit too long on the drink, Charity I think her name was. She was wearing a lovely gown that I hadn't expected to see her in, but it flattered her well. "Hello," I said with a kind smile. "I'm simply checking to see if lady Lefebvre is in. I don't know if you remember me or not, but I was here a few weeks ago applying to be the new coach-hand."
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Post by Charity Delice no Lefebvre on May 19, 2011 14:07:42 GMT -5
I saw how his eyes looked at teh gown and I thought he must think me odd, a maid wearing such finery, and I blushed further.
"Oh, yes of... of course, I do remember you my lord. The lady is not in at teh moment, I regret to inform you but... if you want, and of course I am not presuming you have all teh time in teh world," I said, backtracking before I had even made the potential misstep, "you may come in and wait for her return," I offered, smiling as I opened teh door wider to admit him and stepped to the side.
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Post by Ansel Roux on May 19, 2011 15:06:10 GMT -5
She blushed and I smiled all the more for it. "Actually I do have all the time in the world," I told her with a chuckle. "So yes, I'd be glad to wait for her here." I stepped inside and glanced around the place, much as I remembered it being that wonderful, sensual day. "How are you?" I inquired "And how is your lady?"
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Post by Charity Delice no Lefebvre on May 19, 2011 15:15:44 GMT -5
I closed the door after he walked in, smiling at his words before I turned towards him and motioned for him to follow me to the sitting room.
"Well, I am well, thank you for asking, my lors," i said with a short curtsy before entering into the sitting room, "my lady... fares much better now tht she has been returned to us," I said, eyeing him out of the corner of my eye as I stood just inside the door. "I do not know whether you ahd heard of teh tragedy that had struck. I know my lady thought that that was what kept you from taking her proposal." She had said that not too long ago, when she started returning to her old self, and started picking up her duties to her estate.
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Post by Ansel Roux on May 19, 2011 18:30:09 GMT -5
When she said "returned to us" I raised a questioning brow. "No, I haven't heard? What happened? Is she alright?" This was all news to me and, while is explained a great deal, it also worried be very much and prevented me from sitting till I heard everything.
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Post by Charity Delice no Lefebvre on May 20, 2011 9:20:35 GMT -5
I could see him tense when he asked the question, saw his jaw set, his face grow stern and concerned. I swallowed hard and started fiddlingw ith the skirts of my dress.
"Well... she was abducted... during a tea party she was throwing. Oh it was terrible! Just dragged kicking from the house and then they had the Royal Guard go after their trail and find her, kill the mena nd return her to us. She was shaken but she is much better now... I think. We were all so scared, there were so many of us, and so many women of royal blood, it was a blessing none of them were taken, but I truly wish it had of been me in her place," I whispered, raising my eyes to Ansels.
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Post by Ansel Roux on May 23, 2011 14:02:33 GMT -5
I listened to her intently as I slowly paced about the room. A kidnapping?! And I had not been told of it. No doubt she would have been back here even sooner if the Scorpion had found out about this! Why he ... I, didn't was a mystery. I turned around just as she was finishing and my steel gaze met hers and my face went from hard to concerned and I walked up to her, giving her a strong hug, pulling away only a little to look at her.
"It's all better now, Charity, and that's what matters." I continued to hold the embrace, as much as for the enjoyment of having her body close as to truly give her comfort. "I'm glad she is well also."
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Post by Charity Delice no Lefebvre on May 24, 2011 12:24:53 GMT -5
He began to pace, and I worried some as he did, though when he returned to me he had a look of understanding and perhaps even pity before he enfolded me in his arms. I stiffened at first, unsure of how to react, and how Andraiya would find it if she found out from one of teh other maids that I was caught in an embrace with her soon to be coachhand. I blushed furiously, cheeks warming instantly as I let him hold me. I was certain he was just giving comfort, but I did not want to seem forward or sleazy by entertaining too much. I barely knew him afterall.
"Thank you," I said softly, though a little mechanically before he pulled back some and I felt more at ease. "She has had to speak with the Queen on what she saw and what happened, and has been busy with that for a while, but is slowly returning to her usual schedule. I think perhaps even though it was a terrible ordeal, it might do some for her station in life, though I doubt that any of the ladies once invited here would like to return," I said with a sad smile.
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Post by Ansel Roux on May 24, 2011 12:30:40 GMT -5
I nodded, taking a couple steps back from her. "I'm sure they will, again, soon. I wouldn't worry too much about that." I gave her another reassuring smile before finding a place to sit down. "Would you like to walk with me, or something until she returns?"
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Post by Charity Delice no Lefebvre on May 24, 2011 13:01:22 GMT -5
He pulled back and sat down looking up at me, standing there wtih my skirts between my fingers, fiddling slightly.
"Well, I know you have seen the coachhand's quarters, and the stables," I said softly, then realising what that could have meant I blushed and hurriedly added, "but if you would like to see them again I would not mind indulging my lord in a walk to keep him company, or if you prefer to sit and talk while you wait, that is fine too. We have water and wine and treats if you feel peckish at all," i rushed on, finally stopping to let him speak, realising I had not let him get a word in edgewise while I prattled on nervously.
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Post by Ansel Roux on May 24, 2011 13:17:22 GMT -5
"We can bring such treats with us, can we not? I think I should enjoy the fresh air the most right now ... and maybe the sunshine will bring with it lighter conversation." I winked and grinned and rose up again, walking to her. "What do you say?"
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Post by Charity Delice no Lefebvre on May 29, 2011 18:53:31 GMT -5
His eyes seemed to pierce me, even as his smile charmed and I blushed furiously, nodding. "Of course, my lord. If you will wait but a moment I will retrieve some treats and refreshments for the walk, if you please," I curtsied, smiling softly as. Felt theheatslowly leave my face.
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Post by Ansel Roux on May 29, 2011 19:45:02 GMT -5
I found the blush of her cheeks adorable and it made me wish I was rich enough to have such a beauty as a servant, or mayhap contract an Alyssum.
I nodded. "That would be lovely, thank you." I watched her walk off and I laid down on the floor and stared at the ceiling. With all the soft comfy things around me all I really wanted to do was lay down and think. If I lived here ... which I was assuming would be the case, how would this all change for me? I waved the thought off and focused on the simple joy of treats with a gorgeous girl. Ah to be young forever!
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Post by Charity Delice no Lefebvre on May 30, 2011 12:24:02 GMT -5
I had scurried to teh kitchen adn explained the situation to cook, who looked at me with furrowed brows as though I was about to do something terribly wrong, but I assured her that such were not my intentions, making her laugh and pat me on the shoulder. She knew I would not do anything to cause the Mistress to become mad with me, we all feared her enough nto abide by her rules.
She gave me some treats - sweet meats adn cheese adn crackers on a plate, and a pitcher of light, chilled tea, with a small flask of bourbon and two glasses. She put the foodstuffs in a small basket, with the glasses, and the flask, and set me on my way.
I returned to the sitting room only to find the man sitting upon the floor... well no not really sittin gbut... lying, on the floor, staring up at the ceiling. I looked at him queerly, cocking my head to the side before I cleared my throat softly.
"Er... sir... sir are you alright?" I asked, stepping closer. So many odd things seemed to happen in this house of late, it was a wonder I was able to keep my wits about me.
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Post by Ansel Roux on May 31, 2011 15:51:32 GMT -5
I glanced over at her when she showed back up and a smirk came over my face. "Of course. I's just thinking that's all." I winked at her and jumped up. I gave her a wide smile and then looked at the foodstuffs she brought with her. "Mmmm, looks delicious. So, shall we go?"
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Post by Charity Delice no Lefebvre on Jun 1, 2011 10:05:59 GMT -5
He was an agile one, from laying on his back to standing on his feet i nthe flash of an eye. I looked at him with furrowed brows, then realising I was staring, I cleared my throat and looked away.
"Yes, of course," I said, my smile faltering at first before it came to full bloom. I moved to outside the door and waited for him to follow. "Have you seen the garden as yet?" I asked him.
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Post by Ansel Roux on Jun 1, 2011 16:27:33 GMT -5
I followed her towards the door. "Not at any length. We passed by them. I'd love to have a better look now though, Charity." When I got to the door I offered her my arm.
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Post by Charity Delice no Lefebvre on Jun 10, 2011 10:45:51 GMT -5
Witgh the little picnic basket on one arm, I took the arm he offered with the other, and a dainty, soft smile upon my lips.
"It really is rather nice. I helped the gardener pick out the blooms, so I feel sort of connected to it as though it were my own little project. Silly, isn't it," I mused, my eyes cast towards the floor as we walked out into the hallway and towards the back entrance.
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Post by Ansel Roux on Jun 10, 2011 15:45:28 GMT -5
I shook my head. "No, it's not silly. Everyone should have some task which they can take some pride and ownership in. That's what my father says anyway." I could see the back door now and smiled at the thought of sunshine on my face. Part of me wanted to lay back and soak it in. I slept most of the day due to my nighttime endeavors.
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Post by Charity Delice no Lefebvre on Jun 12, 2011 20:07:58 GMT -5
Once we reached the door I pushed it open with a smile, birds singing as though queued for our arrival, chirping a song that only they knew the melody to.
"I agree," I said, replying to his words, "what is yours? Is it riding coaches? Or is there something else you take pride in doing?" I asked, my eyes falling upon him once we were outside. I closed the door behind us and walked still arm in arm over the patio and down to the cobbled walkway that lead in andn throughout the little garden.
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Post by Ansel Roux on Jun 12, 2011 21:44:02 GMT -5
Once the door was opened I smiled and took in a deep breath of the fresh air. My eyes closed momentarily and I felt alive. They opened slowly, sliding over to Charity as they did. She asked me a question to which I replied with a chuckle. "Oh no, it's something else," I told her, holding her arm a little tighter. "It's a secret though ... and this garden is lovely!"
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Post by Charity Delice no Lefebvre on Jun 23, 2011 9:58:01 GMT -5
He held my arm after taking a deep breath, and I smiled as we walked down teh steps of the veranda to the path that lead through the little garden.
"It is my favourite place to be," I said softly, cheeks warming against the sun. I held the basket of goodies on my free arm, adn it swayed gently as my hips did, as we walked.
"And its a secret? Pity, it sounds so interesting, then again, secrets always do," I chimed, grinning, not wishing to pry too much even though my curiosity was rivaling with the need to be polite.
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Post by Ansel Roux on Jun 23, 2011 15:00:27 GMT -5
“Oh it’s very interesting … maybe I’ll tell you someday, just maybe,” I told her, putting my free hand on her arm as we walked. She seemed like someone I might confide in, someday, after a while of getting to know her. “So where’s a good place to sit down?”
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Post by Charity Delice no Lefebvre on Jun 29, 2011 10:17:07 GMT -5
I grinned widely, blushing slightly at his words. "Perhaps someday then, I can look forward to that," I added, grinning. We had walked into the garden and turned down a sidepath, a fork in the cobbled path, where the bench sat, as if presenting itself at teh most opportune time.
"Well there of course," I said, a hint of a teasing tone entering my voice. His hand was upon mine, and i knew that once we sat he would remove it. A part of me was sad for it, but another part was fine with it. I knew how men were in this land, in my land, and how many relations people had, especially by my age, but I was shy, and fearful of what would happen if Andraiya ever found out.
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Post by Ansel Roux on Jun 29, 2011 14:07:38 GMT -5
I laughed and walked with her to the bench. As we sat I kept my hand holding hers, seeing no reason to pull it away whatsoever. “Again I have to tell you these gardens look wonderful. Back home in Camlach my mother had a small flower garden and I thought that it was the most beautiful thing on earth. And I think it still is on the sentimental level it still is. But this is simply gorgeous. I’m glad I’ll get to see it, and you, every day.”
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Post by Charity Delice no Lefebvre on Jul 6, 2011 16:01:27 GMT -5
My cheeks grew warm and my head ducked automatically as his words made me smile, anmd modesty made em want to hide the grin of pride.
"Oh... well thank you kindly my lord, I am very happy you like it here," I murmured. His hand still held mine, and my hand felt... a little awkward in its embrace - growing warm, and clammy, and I blushed even harder hoping he would not notice my nerves.
"Though... I... I can't say I see why seeing me would make you so happy, I am but a simple maid, my lord," I whispered, still feeling far too shy to raise my gaze to his. I looke danywhere but at him, at the floor, at my slippered feet as they peeked out beneath my gown's skirts, at the flowers about me, even at teh basket of treats I carried, but I could not look at him.
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Post by Ansel Roux on Jul 6, 2011 20:25:51 GMT -5
I took my other hand and brought it gently to her chin, turning her to face me. “Because you are lovely and sweet. And there’ll be none of this “m’lord” business. I am a servant like you. Please, call me Ansel. I smiled softly and kept my eyes on hers. I found myself growing in desire for her, to tenderly caress her, as well as to take her violently. She was like a precious flower and a delectable treat at the same time.
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Post by Charity Delice no Lefebvre on Jul 18, 2011 14:54:52 GMT -5
The instant I felt his touch I nigh jumped, but he commanded my attention, not just with the turn of my head, my chin trapped between his thumb and forefinger, no not just that, but his eyes, so blue, the look in them as well, that made colour and heat rise up my neck and wash over my cheeks.
"I./.. I am sorry m... I mean.. Ansel, I shall call you Ansel from now on," I breathed. I was almost entranced by his gaze, but I had to pull back, looking over my shoulder to ensure no one had been watching. I felt suddenlyvery self conscious, and fearful, and dropped my gaze from his completely.
"Um... shall we eat something then?" I asked, feeling so confused. I was not good with boys, really, I was shy, and careful and mindful of my station, even if I wanted better than what I had. My mother always told me that I should be proper, even if I did not want to be, and even when no one was watching. And for fear of making Ansel feel uncomfortable, I smiled softly and let my eyes flit up to his a moment, before falling once again on the basket.
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