Is he a Sinner? Or a Saint?

[Elodie]

Molly

She turned slowly to see the young man stood in the doorway, a vast bouquet of roses of the most beautiful shades gathered in his arms, deep reds, soft creams, delicate pinks. She looked him up and down, taking in his tall slender frame, his handsome yet still somewhat boyish features. Her face didn't betray it for a moment but she was instantaneously somewhat taken with him and couldn't quite pinpoint why.

Molly put the pheasant she had been preparing down on the table with a muted thud and gestured to the low table by the door. Out of the corner of her eye she noticed that a feather from one of the dead birds had managed to lodge itself in the hair that framed her face. She reached up and quickly pulled it free, somewhat embarrassed by her appearance.

'Just there'll be fine,' she said softly. 'Thank you.'

She took herself by surprise. She rarely thanked anyone. It wasn't that she was rude, more that she found courtesy to be surplus to requirements the majority of the time and preferred to be economical with her words. But she was even more surprised by what came next.

'You're the gardener's son, are you not?' she asked, taking a step closer. 'You've not been here more'n a couple of days, surely. Well....it's cold out. Can I get you a drink? Some tea perhaps? Or warm milk?'

She stopped her mouth from running away with her, painfully aware that she'd already perhaps spoken more in the space of a minute than she was usually wont to do in an entire week. She watched him, waiting for his response.

 

[Merelan]

Diana

Quickly she finished dressing, sitting at her vanity and touching up her hair, by feel. What else was there to do with her time. Books lay forgotten, dusty and neglected surely. Sewing, music, all gone from her now. Hands run down her tight gown as she stands, smoothing the fabrics. The corset tightly binding her in. Her breasts felt tied, and swollen.
Lightly she moaned as she touched the tops of them, as they pushed out of the bodice.
There had a been a time she would have forgone the lace that hid them, no. Put it behind you. It is all behind you now. A Lady, a prim and proper lady. One to charm and be meek for your cousin, or he will leave faster then the servants.

Then leaving her haven, her room. A last spray of vanilla and spice, to remind her what she had once been, a loved and sensual creature. Wild and independent, now blind and forsaken. Dependent on the whims of a distant cousin. Though he seemed kind and charming.

 

[prometheus 2]

Paul

"Just there will be fine"

He heard her say as she motioned toward a low table. He voice was soft and he felt drawn to her causing him to stand motionless waiting for more.

Realizing he was staring he quickly turned placing the flowers carefully on the table.

"Put them in water right away he said quickly looking back at her, and snip the ends off again."

He lowered his gaze knowing that he had been impertanent. then suddenly he turned towards the door wanting to escape this akward situation.

Her voice called him back and he felt her gentle words softly seep into his mind and something more than mere words, a feeling of acceptance, of inclusion.

His face brighened into a grin.

"That would be nice, yes a glass of warm milk. and here I'll take care of the flowers"

He spied a vase on the shelf and pulling it down filled it full of fresh water. Giving her a shy but warm look he said "Cut them like this, diagonal."

He took the clippers from his back pocket and quickly snipped the ends and arranged the flowers in the vase. "There" he said as he looked back and admired his job."

 

[Elodie]

Molly

She watched him as he clipped back the stems of the roses and then placed each one in turn into the vase. His fingers moved delicately but precisely, sliding each rose into position and then gently leaning it this way or that until he was happy with its arrangement.

She watched him working out of the corner of her eye while she put a pan of milk on the stove and added a log to the fire below. Her eyes scanned the length of his body again whilst she was sure he could not trace the direction of her gaze. He was lean and wiry. And tall. She didn't like to guess at his age, but presumed he was not much older than herself.

Busy watching him, she misjudged the mouth of the furnace and caught her wrist on the hot wrought iron doorway and hissed in pain. She hurriedly got to her feet and leaned back against the heavy kitchen table, her left hand clutching at her right elbow, steadying the arm that had been burned.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Natalie

Turning slowly back towards the manor, I checked to make sure I had enough roses of each color. Certain that I had, I stopped to pick a few sunflowers as well and a few lilac strands. Heading in through the back patio, I began to move from vase to vase in the hall and parlor. Placing a few red roses, white and pink, adding in a single sunflower and lilac to add to the scents.
Smiling, I found it beautiful and pleasing to the senses as well. Moving up the stairs, I stopped at Diana's door, rapping lightly and hearing nothing I entered her rooms. I quickly set up the boquet's and moved along the hall. This would occupy some of my mind and some of my time before I changed the bedding in the two suites Diana and Albert used. Then is would be on to dusting and mopping.. My day was routine but it kept me busy and not thinking.. Which in my mind was the best idea so far.
Humming as I moved along from chore to chore, I was content here and liked Diana too much to want to leave any time soon.

 

[prometheus 2]

Paul

The sound of the alarm in her voice and scuffling of her feet took Pauls attention away from the flowers. He looked up to see her holding her arm in pain.




The open stovedoor and the puffy red mark on her wrist meant that she had burned herself and Paul flew to her side. taking a dollop of butter from the counter he smeared it liberly but gently across the redened skin. He put his arm around her shoulder to comfort her, feeling her trembling body under his touch.

He became aware of the intimacy of his touch and pulled away apologizing for getting her dress soiled. I'm sorry... he started to say and then realized maybe he wasn't as he had enjoyed comforing her and the warmth of her body against his arm.

 

[Subo97]

Albert

After his bath, Albert dressed himself, remembering a time when he had had a manservant to help him, but those days were probably gone forever.

He found his cousin downstairs, catching her scent before he rounded a corner to see her. she could have been a painting by a French master. Backlit by the late afternoon rays of the sun flowing down the hallway, she stood as though looking at the snlight he knew she could not see. Perhaps she felt it's warmth. Her left hand touched a side table, her right hand lay upon her chest, her fingertips unconsciously stroking her lace covered breasts. she dropped her hand and turned when she heard his boots strike the hardwood floor. "Good evening, Diana," he spoke as he walked over and took her hand, kissing it, "You look more delightful everytime I see you" He eyed the full bosom displayed above her corseted waist, thinking how easily he could snatch away the lace to feveal the tops of those globes he had admired in their brief past. "Would you like a stroll or some brandy before dinner?"

 

[Elodie]

Molly

She tensed somewhat, forgetting her pain momentarily, as the young man wrapped an arm around her shoulder, examining the burn at her wrist. The butter he had gently administered to the tender mark had soothed it somewhat but it still glowed an angry red and was sure to leave a scar.

Molly looked up at him, allowing herself to relax ever so slightly. She was enjoying the sensation of his long lean body against her own and saw that he seemed to be enjoying the closeness as well.

'Thank you,' she said, somewhat sharply, before pulling away from his touch and turning back to the pheasants. 'Now I do apologise, but I really must get on with preparing the supper....'

She could almost feel his disappointment as she spoke and smirked to herself. This could prove useful....and entertaining.

 

[prometheus 2]

Paul

With mixed feelings Paul stepped back. he had wanted to comfort her more but she seemed able to take care of herself. Hhe lowered his eyes as he spoke to her again. wanting to distance himself from her until he could sort out these new feelings.

He held out his hand , then remembering her burned wrist dropped it to his side. He smiled, smiling humbly.

"my name is Paul and yes my father is the gardner and I'm to be his apprentice. It's a bit cold this morning I'd better fix the fire in the green house so that the flowers stay warm. do you need any herbs or greens from the garden I can fetch them......."

He twisted his hands together nervously as he rambled on, not wanting to leave but not wanting to stay. Finally in the middle of the conversation he turned towards the door and started to leave hoping he would hear her voice behind him tell him what to do.

 

[Merelan]

Flushing deepily at his approach. My thoughts had woandered again and I had not heard him. A Lady Diana. A lady does not stand in the open and wish for human touch.
"Would you like a stroll or some brandy before dinner?"

"I thought we would take a walk through the gardens. They are especially beautiful just now at sunset. Dinner will be in an hour."
I think. Time had gotten confused today, and my clocks, were in my room or the sitting room. But I trusted the girls to get dinner on time, or there abouts. Before he came it had not mattered, in fact I had sat with them once in awhile, for company. But now I must be the Lady of the manor and behave. How lonely this lady life would be.

 

[Subo97]

Albert

"How delightful," he said, offering Diana his arm, enjoying the pressure of her breast against it as she wrapped her arm in his. As they stepped out of the house on to the porch, Diana waved with her other hand, and began to describe the gardens. she seemed to remember every turn of the path, every copse of trees, and every display of color.

 

[Elodie]

Molly

She watched Paul ramble on awkwardly, in no hurry to put him out of his discomfort. He turned to leave and was halfway out the door before she interjected.

'Paul,' she uttered in her softest and most appealing tone. 'Thank you for the flowers. I'm sure the mistress will enjoy their scent.'

She looked over his shoulder and saw Diana and Albert strolling hand in hand through the garden. She frowned, concerned, and strode towards Paul. He flinched, such was the purposefulness of her gait. She reached past him, standing on tiptoes to be able to do so, and pulled a plush purple velvet cape from a peg by the door.

'Please do take this to m'lady,' she said, forcing it into his hands. 'She'll catch her death out there on an evening such as this.'

She only told a half-truth when she said this. Naturally she was concerned for Diana's health. She had shown Molly great kindness and Molly owed her more than she could feasibly ever repay. But she also remembered the way she had seen Albert's eyes roam over Diana's figure earlier on.

She lingered ever so slightly, allowing her hand to rest against Paul's chest for just a moment, before smiling sweetly and turning back to her work.

'I'll bring you and your father your supper later on,' she said over her shoulder as she continued to pull the remaining feathers from the last of the pheasants. 'There's more than enough here for gentry and staff alike. Oh and Paul,' she said, just as he was turning to go once more, 'mind your manners in front of m'lady, there's a pet.'

She heard him close the door timidly behind himself and smiled once again.

 

[prometheus 2]

Paul

As he closed the door behind him Paul let out his breath, thinking he had been holding it all the while she had been talking to him in that soft compelling voice. Even her abruptness though it made him flinch seemed to have affected him. She was so selfassured....so sure of herself... so motherly. He thought of the warm milk left behind and then a hollow, yearning feeling in his stomach and a memory came to him, not of any visable substance just a feeling about... his mother. He shivered, he had never really known his mother, having been told by his father that she had died just after his birth.

Hwe took another deep breath and following Mollys instruction moved confidently across the yard to the garden where the lady of the manor was walking with her cousin. His father had told him of her condition and on the advice of Molly he approached them slowly shuffling his feet so that they would hear him coming and not be surprised. When they looked in his direction he hurried forward holding out the cloak.

"For you, M'Lady, to keep the chill off." he said smiling.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Natalie

Dusting the parlor, I straightened up a little here and there and paused.
"Now where in the world?" Where was Albert's luggage? Glancing around, I wondered if I had missed something? Which was nearly impossible, I easily remembered everything and where it was? Hmmm
Shaking it off, I went to the kitchen and started the large pot heating for Diana's bath. Turning, I helped in silence for awhile preparing the dinner. Roasted potatoes with a little garlic butter would please Diana.. Smiling a little, I pulled down some of the freshly baked bread and made some bread pudding for dessert. Setting it in the coolest corner of the kitchen, I washed the dishes I had used and put them away. Molly was silent but watching out the window. Obviously something had her attention out there. Not really sure I should snoop and ask her, I kept silent and went back to preparing some steamed vegetables and a cheese sauce as well.
The hour went by quickly, Molly neither speaking nor acknowledging my presence in the kitchen. I turned from the kitchen and went up stairs. Fetching the drying tub, I took it into Diana's room and set everything up for her bath. After dinner and a few drinks in the parlor, she will be worn out once again, this would be the best way to help her relax.
Venturing down into the kitchen, I stopped along the stairs and straightened a picture, dusting off the frame a little and continued down.
Back into the kitchen once more, I stopped and asked Molly, "Will you bath M'Lady tonight or would you prefer I did?" I knew Molly had been as busy as I was all morning, it was up to her. Pulling down the dishes, I went into the connecting Dining room and began setting two places. Humming again, I wondered if it would always be routine around here? Popping back into the kitchen, I tapped Molly on the shoulder, "Well?" I didn't think she heard me? "What's going on outside that has your attention?" I peeked out and seen nothing more than Diana and Albert sitting and talking between themselves.
Sighing, I didn't understand Molly's fixation with men but I was not going to ask again, that didn't go over well the first time!
"Would you be able to bath M'Lady tonight, if you are tired I will do it, up to you." There was cleaning in the kitchen and M'lady's bath, someone had to decide and I was being fair for once and giving her a choice.

 

[Merelan]

Diana

Showing off my memory I led him through the immediate gardens, then settled us on my favorite bench. It would show the sunset over the fields, remembering the red glow, the fading light. The bench was stone and cold, how well I remembered the coldness of it. Having spent many an evening bound to it, the fading light painting my skin as my husband watched and tormented me with his creativeness. Often using me as a canvas for his paintings.

A lady, a lady. It would be my mantra now. A lady, a lady.

Suddenly realizing the rings were still in the bench. But he would never notice, for they were hidden beneath the edge. A shiver went through me and I felt my body weaken and respond, my nipples tight and my breath shallow.

A lady, a lady, or you will frighten your last chance away.

A shuffle and someone approached. Someone I did not know. Their walk unfamiliar.

"For you, M'Lady, to keep the chill off." I sat still. Not knowing who this was.
Then remembering.

"You are Paul is it? I was not aware you had arrived already. This is my cousin, Lord Albert. He is here for awhile to rescue me from my disasteropus attempt at estate keeping." Standing and reaching for my cousin's arm.

"This is our Groundkeeper's son, Paul. he is here to help his father and us." I felt the warmth of a cloak draped about me.

"You have met Molly and Nadine I take it? She is always looking out for my welfare. I am truly a spoiled woman here. With all of you here to please me." Wrapping the folds of the cloak about me and smiling at them both. Would that I was brave enough to reach out and touch them, learn their faces and their expressions. To know them with my fingers, as I had learned the girl's faces.

A lady, a lady. I must act the lady. Prim, proper, without a shred of passion or desire, of need or want.

In truth ready to scream and rage at my unfulfilled needs.

 

[Subo97]

Albert

"You have attentive caring servants," he said to Diana. "The core of a good staff. We shall have to see about fleshing it out a little more." Albert tried to keep his mind on business, but the impact of the sunset sent his mind reeling, filled with a sense of loss. Usually the whiskey helped to bury the feeling, but he needed to stay sober lest he alarm his cousin. He had spent so may days lost in debauchery that genteel society semed daunting at times.

He was so aware, not only of Diana's beauty, but her gentility as well. Besotted by whiskeya nd opium, he had indulged in the pleasures of the flesh with wanton harlots so long, he wondered if he was capable of making love to a lady. Diana's presence made him ache with desire. Her golden beauty and her soft body led his mind to places he was sure she had never been, let alone might like to go.

 

[prometheus 2]

Paul

"M'Lady it is my great pleasure to meet you".

I bow to her and then remembering she can not see am tempted to take her hand, but I remember my statio and what molly had said and turn to the cousin and bow."Pleased to meet you sir. I would take my leave now my father is expecting me at the garden house. I will make sure the fires in the green house are burning tonight might be cold. Good day to you."

I bow again and hurry off. thinking about supper and how nice it would be to have someone elses cooking than my papas.

 

[Merelan]

The heat of the day is vanishing and i hug my cloak tighter. The warmth of the sun leaving my face. Sunset is over. Another day thorugh.
Yet, I am looking forward to my dinner, at least for awhile I will not eat alone.

"he seems young, yet eager. And yes, my staff is wonderful. I am afraid I don't treat them like I should. But they are also my friends now. Without them, I would not be here, but in some institute somewhere. for my husband's family tried to take this from me. Please Lord Albert, cousin." laying a hand on his arm.

"I cannot expect you to stay, but could you help me make this a running operation, so they cannot. As long as I can show I am capable, they are bound by law. But the minute I show weakness, it will step in, and they will take it all from me. It is all I have now. All i have." As the chill settles on my shoulders, and I fight the tears.

"I would die if they locked me up."

 

[Merelan]

OOC Had hoped it wouldn't die quite so fast........

 

[prometheus 2]

ooc: I'm still here I think its just been a long weekend for some.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Natalie

Setting about dinner, I kept silent as Molly apparently did not wish to speak at this moment. I was used to it, she got reoccupied with alot of things lately.
Finished with dinner, the trays set out on the table as well as the wine, all was set for the evenings meal. I hurried to finish my chores, making the beds and retrieving the dirty laundry as well.
I kept thinking of better days and better things, recalling things in the past that were happy moments until the accident. Then everything changed, including myself. But it was over with, and in the past. Time to move on.
Moving to my room, I freshened up a little and straightened my hair. Looking into the mirror, I almost laughed at my appearence but didn't. No time to dwaddle! Chastizing myself, I moved into the parlor and lit the fire place, checked the liquor cabinet and finally closed the heavy drapes.
Repeatetive but it was secure and no surprises. My idea of sanity.. I just hoped Diana's cousin Albert was all he said he was, and not here to take advantage.. I would be watching him carefully as well.
Straightening up, I had been slouching against the door frame, I moved into the kitchen to get myself something to eat. I could hear chattering between two people but did not stop to wonder who. I assumed again it was Diana and Albert.

 

[Subo97]

Albert

OOC: my apologies, I was playing nurse for my flu afflicted family.

IC:

I would die if they locked me up

Albert's hear split in half. He had spent years and all his money trying not to feel, and now this woman was turning his life upside down. Grabbing her shoulders, he answered her with a ferocity that made her gasp, "Never, never, will anyone lock you up, not while I breath!" Feeling her body tense with fear, albert let go of Diana's arms and, more gently, placed his hands on either side of
her face. "Don't fear, sweet cousin," he spoke softly, "I don't know if there is such a thing as redemption, but this time I won't fail, we shall keep you free" Leaning forward, he kissed her on the lips, gently, tenderly, but his lips lingered for a moment, unable to release themselves from the soft touch of her own. Her hands pushed on his chest and she truned away, flustered.

"You've heard rumors of me, Diana, " he spoke softly, "many of them true, many of them false. I fear that the whole truth would frighten you even more. It frightens me, sometimes. But be certain that I will protect your freedom with my dying breath."Only his cowardice had prevented him from finding his dying breath. Is atonement possible? He wondered, Or is my personal hell about to repeat itself?

"I believe I've frightened you, it was not my intent"

 

[Merelan]

Suddenly he has my shoulders, it hurts, and I cannot break free. Confused and frightened at this sudden action I struggle.

"Never, never, will anyone lock you up, not while I breath!" His hands leave me, only to find my face. His touch quieting me and I still at his words.

"Don't fear, sweet cousin," words softly spoken.

"I don't know if there is such a thing as redemption, but this time I won't fail, we shall keep you free" Redemption? From what? But all thought vanishes as his lips meet mine, lingering. Did he mean that? A heat fills me and my legs threaten to collapse. Pushing away and turning, to escape the waves threatening to overpower me.

"You've heard rumors of me, Diana, " Again he seems sad and gentle.

"many of them true, many of them false. I fear that the whole truth would frighten you even more. It frightens me, sometimes. But be certain that I will protect your freedom with my dying breath."
True, false? Which were true? Standing with my back to him.
A lady Diana, you are a lady. He would not be so sure to protect you if he knew your true nature. Redemption. So I am his salvation, Glory Hallelujah and all the bells of heaven.

What I wanted more then anything right now was another kiss, another touch. But instead I pulled my nerves together and turned back, reaching out my hand to his face. Dare I touch him?

"I thank you Cousin, for your words, your reassurances. You shall be my knight and rescuer then?" trying to lighten the situation. For I need time and distance.
His face is strong, tired.

"You are weary. We shall dine and then rest. Our library is full of books, now rarely read, but you are welcome to them. And I shall order another bath for you. Twill help you relax after such a long journy." He seems to lean into myhand, but then pulls away, as if that is enough. Iquickly pull back. I have gone to far again.

A Lady Diana. Keep your hands to yourself.

 

[Merelan]

OOC I am going away in the morning till late Monday night. Can you believe I a heading somewhere even colder then where I am now. There are wind chills of minus 15 out there, yet further into it I head.

I knew there was something wrong with me.
This means I probably won't be posting till Tues. have a super weekend!

 

[prometheus 2]

Have a good weekend, stay warm. Here, it is cold too this AM 18 below F. and no relief in sight... until monday. But the sunshine is bright so that helps and it won't be long and the tulips will be blooming I'm having fun with this thread see you tusday then. be safe.