Is he a Sinner? Or a Saint?

[Merelan]

I pulled him close and rocked him, feeling his rapid heartbeat, and his hot breath.

"Poor darling." Knowing words didn't always help, and the past had a nasty way of never fully letting go. And it seemed, his was awful. Haunted, no doubt by the act of locking her up.
He smelled good, strong.
I could feel his breath through my robe. Then his begging forgiveness. For what?
A warm touch to my breast. Had he kissed me? There?
"Excuse me? Diana?" Natalie's voice jerking us both up, and him away from me. Had he? or had once again my imagination overwhelmed me. I could hear her as she moved about the room.

"A drink for you Sir, to help calm your nerves. Pardon M'Lady she was worried." Her touch on my shoulder bringing me fully back to the present. Oh god.
Realizing suddenly what it must have looked like. But I had only been comforting him, and that hadn't been a kiss. My face felt flushed and it spread over my upper chest. Oh God. My nipples were hard and aching, they wanted more. They rubbed against the thin satin of the robe.
Thin satin.
I had nothing underneath! Without thought I had rushed over here. In a house of woman it had not mattered before.
He must think me a wanton.

"A bath Albert, and the drink, will help settle you." I pulled the robe tight around me, turning and twisting. Catching my feet in his covers, tossed off on the floor. Stumbling and falling half onto the bed, onto him. His hands helping me up, as I tried to hold the robe shut and disentangle myself at the same time.

"I will go now. If you need me, I am only next door. Or ring the bell and Natalie or Molly can see to you." Blushing even a deeper red. How foolish and clumsy I must seem. To one use to grace and sophistication.

'Good night Cousin." Shutting the door behind me. Sagging against it. Wanting to cry and scream and rage. And throw myself into his bed, to feel his mouth, his hands, his body cover mine.
Rubbing where I had imagined the kiss. It burned and tingled. My door was open still.

"Natalie?"

 

[Sweetp4u]

Natalie

Chuckling some what, I moved towards Diana and took her hand, "I am here Diana. It is alright, do not fret over what happened." I said soothingly. I just hoped Albert did not die of shock or lust and both at the same time in the other room!
"What can I do for you?" I ask gently, pulling her to her bed and helping her sit. She looked shaken and pale, a little worried.. Or was it something else entirely?

 

[Merelan]

'Natalie, I need your help, once again." Taking her hand in mine, stroking it as I spoke.
"You know how it was, with my beloved. You know the whispered rumours, that he and I were not, well conventional in our, our. Well, in our bedroom, or you know. " Blushing.

She laughed and squeezed my hand.

'It's just, I feel drawn to my cousin, and need to control it or he will think I am a wanton whore, and leave us here to our fate. I need to be the Lady he thinks I am. He is so proper, and i am so provencial. He is use to sophistication and well. Can you watch out,. as you always do. make sure I don't overstep my bounds. I simply must have his help, or they will take this all away from me, and ..."

"Help me with this Natalie. Please."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Natalie

Sighing, I tried hard not to roll my eyes. Albert was NO saint, that was abundantly clear.... well to me it was.
"Yes, Diana. I will help you in anything and everything, all you need do is but ask me." I smiled, giving her hand a small squeeze. "There is no reason to worry overly on your cousin, but I will help you keep proper distance.... until you ask me otherwise.." I hinted, leaving an opening in the door just a tiny bit.
"Shall I sleep in the small room between the two of you? Will that help as well? Or do you have the keys to the doors, I will lock it." Just incase he awoke again to another nightmare. The way he was holding her, he would soon be between her thighs if what I saw was an indication of what he was wanting... Amusing though, she wanted it too!
"I will get to know your cousin Diana, this will help. I will show him around and make friends, perhaps I can learn what he feels for you?" I whispered, her face paling a little in worry.
"Do not worry diana, I will not tell him my motives, nor be obvious in anything.." I moved behind her, taking her robe from her body and setting it across the foot of the bed. Pulling back the covers, I took her hand and led her towards the soft down matress.
"Rest now, just tell me what you need, where I am needed and I will do my best to serve my lady properly.." I smiled as I spoke, I was more than happy to help her in any way she asked, she protected me with more than just the house and faceless job, but with her love and understanding, and no questions asked.

 

[Subo97]

Albert

Lying still on the bed, his arm stretched across his eyes, Albert wondered if his rash behavior would result in his expulsion from his cousin's manor. She was so beautiful and desireable he had let go of all his caution. Even now his loins ached, swollen with desire for her. Held close to her chest, he had found her soft breast irresistable. It took all he had within himself to keep from caressing her coral tip with his tongue. Had she been one of the East End doxies with whom he was used to frolicking, he'd have bedded her by now.

Her presence beside him, wrapped only in a flimsy silk robe had inflamed him to recklessness, but then he had led a reckless life since his wife's death. He could still feel her body beneath the silk. He had nearly lost control of himself when she tripped and fell on him, but only helped her up, limiting himself to looking at her inner thigh as the robe fell off her leg. He could not help but imagine the soft blond curls that would lay between her legs. He would gladly kiss them as well.

Albert stood up, his rigid manhood thrust outward, and swiftly swallowed his drink. One would not be enough, or he would go mad before morning. Going to the dresser he found a robe, presumably belonging to Diana's husband and went in search of the bottle of brandy he remembered in the drawing room. One way or another, he would find sweet release.

 

[Merelan]

It was easy then to drift off to sleep, knowing I was watched over. I barely heard her last words as she left.

"Rest now, just tell me what you need, where I am needed and I will do my best to serve my lady properly.."

My mind a blank, my eyes heavy I fell asleep, curled up tight under the covers.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Natalie

Tucking Diana in tightly and extinguishing the candles, I left her sleeping and went down to clean the parlor from their drinks and whatever may be laying about.
Molly was probably in bed since she was up before anyone cooking the meal which left the house all to myself. Smiling as I descended the stairs I removed the hat and bun, releasing my hair and letting it fall down my back. Taking off the apron and setting them on an end table, I moved into the parlor and began gathering things.
I didn't notice Albert at first, but when I did I nearly jumped out of my skin. "Oh!" He was sitting next to the fire but in the darker corner, sipping a drink and staring off into who knew where.
"Are you alright Sir?" I asked tentively, wondering and hoping he was not sloshed!

 

[Subo97]

Albert

OH! Are you all right sir? Her words shook albert out of his reverie, his thoughts on Diana's troublesome silk robe. Luckily his own robe was properly closed.

"Oh no, I'm fine," he said, standing automatically as if a lady had entered the room. "I was just having a drink to calm my nerves. I fear," he laughed, "I gave everyone else a bigger fright than I gave myself." Albert's eyes scanned the servant girl before him. She had let down her long brown hair and divested herself of her apron and cap. Her blue eyes and aristocratic features belied her position. She wore a dark dress over her slim body, more noticable now than when she had worn the social armor of the apron.

"I see you've let your hair down, Natalie," he said, sipping his brandy, "It becomes you. You're a quite lovely girl"

"At night, the manor belongs to the servants, I'm told. I fear I'm trespassing on your personal time. Please take your relaxation as you please."

"Tomorrow I'll be looking at the books. I understand you've been looking after them for Diana, so we'll need to work together." He noticed her shoulders tense, "I know you're suspicious of me." she started to speak but he pressed his finger lightly against her lips, "Shhhh, don't deny it, it's one of the things I admire about you. Protesting would ruin it. You've been loyal when Diana needed loyalty most. It's been most noble of you."

Looking into Natalie's blue eyes, Albert spoke earnestly. "Go ahead and watch me witha jaded eye, you can do Diana no harm that way. But know this, my fate is wrapped up in hers, perhaps yours as well. Protecting her is in both our interests."

Aroused by the events of the day and emboldened by the brandy, Albert walked behind natalie and placed the snifter on a table. "I hope that in time, we can be friends." He took her hair in one hand and moved it to the side to reveal her graceful neck. "That would please me, immensely," he said, and bent to kiss the nape of her neck, sliding his other hand around her waist.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Natalie

His words were true, and it was good he knew that I knew to watch him. Protecting Diana was my foremost thought, my reasoning as well to remain in his presense when instincts told me to flee and never look back.
He moved around me, setting his glass down but remaining behind me. I pondered over his words, for all appearences he seemed to care for her and her home more so than himself.. But it could be an act right?
He lifted my hair away from my neck, causing me to stiffen instantly, more so with curiousity of what he was doing? Thinking? I almost swung around and lectured him for his touch, a gentleman never touched a la..... I was a servant, big difference now.
His lips touching upon my skin stilled my breath as I heard him speak behind me about a friendship. The shiver that raced down my spine was an instant warning system to my mind, becareful! I had been in this position once and a cunning suave man can weedle all he wants from a weakened woman. Especially with kisses like that!
I almost said no and marched off, ignoring him entirely but I couldn't. I had to control myself and smile and agree... After all I couldn't watch him if I wasn't speaking to him, now could I?
"Yes Sir, we can become friends.. Given you prove yourself." I said in that haunty voice again. I eyed the picture above the mantle piece of Diana, sitting and smiling so beautifully, an angel almost who came to life... I would do my best to help her.
"I will show you the books on the marrow and anything else you wish to see.. " Nervousness did not go away, and the longer he lingered over my shoulder, insanely close to my person, the harder it was to think. I knew Diana's troubles with this exact same thing, lord if he only knew! We'd be in trouble...
"A... Anything else I can get you Sir?"

 

[Subo97]

Albert

Natalie stiffened at his kiss but neither pulled away or objected, simply saying, yes sir, we can become friends...given you can prove yourself Albert continued to hold her close, splaying his fingers across her waist, pulling her more closely to him so he could feel her soft behind against his groin.

I will show you the books on the morrow and anything else you would like to see He kissed her neck again slowly moving up to her hairline. there was much of her he would like to see if the curve of her hip against his thigh was any indication.

A.........Anything else I can get you , sir? "Not a thing," he whispered, kissing his way around her neck to the soft spot under her ear. "I believe I have everything a man could possibly want" Reckless with desire, Albert allowed the tip of his tongue dart out to touch her skin as he kissed her, moving his hand up her waist till it touched her rib cage, just under her breast. "Perhaps I can help you relax after this long and trying day." With that, he reached around and pulled our the silver pin that held the collar of her dress closed. "There, you are done being my lady's maid, in the darkness you are mistress of hte manor and I am your servant."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Natalie

Trembling slightly, I never thought he would keep making his advances if I was cold sounding. Lord grant me sanity right now! I was going to need it!
All thoughts vanished as he continued his assault on my senses. Breath held for a moment, I felt his hand move up my body and come to rest just under the swell of my breast.
A wicked thought came to mind of "Why not?" Perhaps he would be saited and Diana would have her peace of mind. But that was not true, Diana was falling for him.. Her own cousin. What was one to do about this?
My mind went blank as he pressed his lips behind my ear, "S-sir.. Albert.. We ...." I wanted to stop him but did not. Torn between what was right and what felt right was a hard choice to make.
The dress parted, he was a professional at removing ladies clothes, had to be to maneuver so easily with my gown.
It parted and sagged a little around the collar his mouth and hand continuing to explore my body, and a wicked side of me wasn't going to stop him. Not yet anyway.
"Perhaps I can help you relax after this long and trying day? "There, you are done being my lady's maid, in the darkness you are mistress of the manor and I am your servant."

"And what would I need of a servant?" I asked softly, voice barely above a whisper as my eyes fell closed and my heart began to race. His deep voice purring into the shell of my ear sent mixed signals up and down my body.

 

[Subo97]

Albert

And what would I need of a servant The words escaped her lips in a husky whisper as his lips lingered on the soft skin of her neck. He placed the small silver pin from her collar on the table beside his brandy and returned his hand to the next button of her dress.

"A servant would cater to your every whim," he whispered, his lips brushing her ear as he spoke, "Far too many men fail to heed what women want. They think it's a man's world" His tongue traced a line around the outside of her ear as his fingers deftly undid another button and yet another, revealing a white linen undergarment. From his vantage point over her shoulder he could see her breasts begin to rise and fall as her breath quickened "As your servant, I would place your pleasure above my own. I would take my pleasure in giving you yours." His right hand slid up over the curve of her breast to join his left in undoing her buttons, one by one till he passed her hips. She moaned softly as he slid his hands up the open edge of her dress, his fingertips caressing the curve of her breast under the linen till he reahed her collarbones. He pulled the dress off her shoulder and paused to kiss her bare back.

"Raise your arm," he said, and when she obeyed, reached up to undo the buttons at her wrist. She held up the other with no prompting and when he was done, he slid the dress off her arms and over her hips to drop on the floor, leaving her standing in a white cotton underskirt and her linen chemise. "You see," he whispered again, " a servant would undress you slowly, not tear at your clothes, but linger at the moment. Slowly untie the knot here at your waist, gently, taking care of your clothes." Albert pulled the underskirt over her hips and let it fall to the floor, leaving her standing in her linen chemise, cotton bottoms and black stockings. Upon letting loose of her white skirt, he allowed his hands to slide up her body slowly, softly, till they stopped, cupping her breasts. "What more would my lady ask of her servant?" he whispered into her ear before kissing a line across her bare shoulders.[

 

[Sweetp4u]

Natalie

This was so eerily familiar! Yes! I was a weak woman! And once again I found myself teetering on the edges of sanity! All due to a man... A wonderous man with a lightening touch, but this was all wrong!
I was wanted not for me but for the relief I could offer that man. I wasn't wanted out of love but lust. I had to stop this before history repeated itself again! I had to do something, though I did not want to.
I could not betray Diana this way, she too cared for this man and I was betting it wasn't me he wanted but Diana as well. I shivered a little, his touch, his words and his kisses all driving me weak in the knees with desire.
Quickly before I could weaken further I grasp his hands and held them still. Panting heavily, It took me a moment to gather the ability to speak and to halt this. God, I was weak and wanton, but I could stop it this time... I just prayed I could keep away from him in the future as well!
"W-What pleases me this night Sir, is for you to go up to your room and stay there..." I could smell my own scent, the mixture of sweat from the both of us and my arousal as well.
I hated history, I hated it when it repeated and I hated it when I had to stop it yet again. I had been there, a consuming situation that ate away at two souls.. I was not ready for this.. Not yet and I knew deep down Albert was not for me, although I could easily get lost in his arms, it would not solve anything.
Turning around to face him, I stared up into his eyes and smiled a little appologeticly. "We do not know the other, and even as much as you make me tremble and crave things.. It is not right." I placed my hand over his lips to stop him from speaking, so damned tempting to kiss him and continue on.. But it wasn't right!
"Good eve Sir. I will see you in the morn' with the books." I removed my hand and kissed him on the cheek. Grabbing my dress I hurried out of the den before I was too weak to resist any longer!
Tears coated my cheeks, from frustration and from memories. This was for the best, a meaningless encounter would only cause troubles.

 

[Subo97]

Albert

Albert watched the young girl run away clutching her clothes. Looking down, he chuckled. How appropriate an ending to a long hard day. He picked up the brandy and took a long swallow, his other hand in his robe pocket. He pulled out the silver pin he had pulled from Natalie's collar and stuck it in his lapel. He would return it the next time they were alone, it was probably the girl's only wealth. At least the girl had broken the spell of his nightmare, for that he was grateful. Refilling his brandy, he doused the lamps one by one and meandered off to bed musing on his first day in the country.

 

[Merelan]

Diana

My dreams were haunted by visions. Visions of flesh and touches. Hands held me down as a mouth assaulted me. Moaning and whimpering, a laughing voice teasing me with whiseper in my ear. My body hot and wild as they kept me on the edge.
But it was not my beloved's eyes, but his. My Cousin's, and his hands, and his mouth. groaning I would half wake, to be dragged back into my dreams. Then Natalie's hands would stroke me.
Like fire I felt burning, yet ice.
Her's was the voice in my ear, whispering m name.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Natalie

Unable to sleep due to the raging hormones in my body, I went up to check on Diana instead of to my own room.
Good lord it had been hard to walk away! He was down right sinfully tempting!
I needed to clear my head...
Entering Diana's room, I can hear her moaning and shifting on the bed. Was she dreaming or having nightmares? I moved on bare feet over to the bed and reached out. My hand stroking her arm as I spoke softly, "Diana? Are you alright?" No responce other than another moan and a slight thrashing.
"Diana?" I whispered near her ear, hoping to wake her without scaring the beejeesus out of her.
A softly cried whimper and she thrashed some more.
"Poor dear.." She must be haunted by nightmares yet again. Thankfully she wasn't screaming like that time, but it was going to be hard to wake her too. Setting my gown down on the chair, I moved around the bed, lifted the covers and slid in beside her. She needed comforting to soothe away these fears and I needed distraction to keep from thinking of Albert.
Slipping up next to her, I took her and pulled her back towards me, wrapping my arms around her and hugging her tightly, "It's alright Diana.. you are not alone.." I mumbled softly.

 

[Merelan]

Arms wrapped around me and I moan deeper, aching, needing. Trying to fight my way free, and only wrapping myself further in my fantasy.
His eyes watch as someone holds me tighter, breathing in my ear. Crying out as I feel the warmth of a body cuddling close.
Pressing back, only half hearing the words they whisper as they tease me. I am on fire.
"It's alright Diana.. you are not alone.."

Not alone, god no. Never alone. Always filled with my passion and desires. My needs, my hunger.
A cooing and a stroking of my arms as I start to wake. My dream so vivid. I can almost feel the person there. Her breath sweet. I take there hands and cup my breasts, wanting them, willing them to make love to me.

A gasp and pull, and I realize I am awake, and it isn't a dream. Someone, Natalie. She has found me haunted and is calming me.

What have I done?

 

[Sweetp4u]

Natalie

A little stunned she placed my hand on her breast, I didn't know what to do nor say about this one?
I felt Diana tense and knew she was awake. I did not pull from her after the initial shock wore off, I remained by her side.
"It's just a dream Diana.. All is well." I whispered into her ear. My own desires were still raging within me, I knew her desperate moans were not those of a nightmare.. now. They were a longing, a longing for release.
She still held onto my hand, and I let it remain there, uncertain what it was she wanted? Comforting or more? I had read the journals, I knew what used to be an every night occurance around here. The things done, said, the wild passionate things done int he gardens durring parties. She noted it all down, each encounter. It was like fuel to the fire already burning to picture those images.

 

[Subo97]

Albert

Swaying unsteadily back to his room, Albert paused a moment at Diana's door. Somewhere inside she lay, probably asleep. His mind wandered back to the charcoal sketch he had purloined. Was that her bed in the sketch, the one her arms had been tied to? He thought of her tied to the bed, her arms immobilized and he imagined himself crawling on to the bed, spreading her legs, her golden vee open to his view. He felt himself harden beneath his robes as he imagined kissing her ankle and moving up her calf.........no sense torturing himself. He left Diana's door and headed to his own bed. It had been a very unexpected day. He had told her more of himelf than he intended. He had discovered more of her life than surely she intended. Was her husband's drawing a fantasy or a reality? a fantasy, surely, but Albert could not blame him. He could blame himself for kissing her breast, in the noise and chaos of the moment it seemed to have gone unnoticed, or at least unmentioned. He would be lucky if she didn't cast him out.

Sweet Natalie, though, was a guiltless pleasure. Standing there in her underthings, his lips on her neck and his hands on her breasts, she had seemed a delicious dessert for the day. He had felt her melting, but she escaped him somehow. Still, she had kissed his cheek when she left. Considering the boldness of his advances, he might have expected a slap on the face.

In the country with two lovely, sensuous women. Perhaps he had buried himself in the pleasures of London for too long. Crawling into bed, the brandy soon took him. The last thought in his head was himself lying in a large bed, soft breasts pressed against the side of his chest..... on both sides.

 

[Merelan]

"It's just a dream Diana.. All is well."

I cuddled back into her, and moaned. Still half asleep.

'Oh Natalie, god, how I miss..." almost sobbing with need and hunger and the feel of her warm arms wrapped around me. I lay silent, tears streaming down my face. Her gentle rocking soothing me, till I slowed my breathing and drifted into slumber. Safe and protected by her care.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Natalie

"I know Diana.... I really do know ..." i whispered to the sleeping woman. Brushing her tears tenderly away, I tucked her in tightly and lay by her side all night.
She was vulnerable now, unable to go after the things she wanted most in this life. I knew I needed to help her, push it some how, do something to move things along. There was no harm in real life durring the day.. and living out fantasies at night? Was there?
This would take some planning and thought on how to proceed and best help M'Lady. Normally I wouldn't condone this type of behavior.. Not after my upbringing.. but being out in the real world and witnessing alot of things while working as people's servants, I had come to see the rich were more deranged than the poor. And what I had once thought was normal was not. And those I had once thought had morals.. Did not.
Why should I be different? I was only holding myself back from what I wanted... Right?
Frustrated myself, I rolled to my back and slept finally. Dreaming of the den and all that could have happened had I not walked out. Tomorrow would be soon enough to read the other journal I found... Albert could do the books, I could read into Diana's mind and see what it is like.. this pleasure she mentions often..


The sun came up bright and early as it did every day.. And as usual I helped Diana through the routine, but today I was less responsive and awake. I got her dressed and downstairs for breakfast, hardly speaking, hardly able to think I was so tired.

 

[Subo97]

Albert

The morning sun peeked through the drapes of his room and bore a hole in Abert's brain. He had awakened in worse condition, sometimes wondering where he was and who he was with. He was almost grateful he woke up alone. It would make breakfast less emberrassing. After splashing cold water on his face, Albert dressed and left his room to search for his morning meal. Perhaps some fruit would settle his stomach.

He met Natalie coming up the stairs, her face drawn and tired. "Natalie," he smiled, "have we been keeping you up too late? We need to tuck you in earlier, we can't have you sleepwalking through the day." She turned her head slowly, a scornful look on her face, but Albert cut her off before she could speak. "This pretty bauble is yours, I believe," he said, reaching up to her collar and replacing the silver pin he had removed the night before. "A pretty girl shouldn't be without her pretty things." His fingers brushed her throat as he replaced it and when he was done, her own hand brushed against it. She picked up her skirts and resumed climbing the stairs.

"Madam is in the dining room, breaking her fast. I've set the books out in the library for your inspection. I have work to do." She took a few steps and stopped, some of the rigidity leaving her body. "Thank you for the pin, sir. It's precious to me." she said, before scurrying down the hallway.

Albert watched her youthful hips sway as she left him and shook his head at lost oppurtunities. He found his Cousin in the dining room, eating alone. "Good morrow, Diana," he spoke breezily as he entered. "Today I go to work on your future, but let's enjoy our breakfast first. by the way, you look even lovlier today than yesterday, if that is possible."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Natalie

Climbing the stairs, I made both beds and washed out what needed to be done. Molly handled the kitchen today so I would have little to nothing to do.
Smiling to myself, I moved into the den where it was dark and peaceful, but enough light to read. sitting down, I pulled out the latest journal and began reading. I would have a few hours undisturbed time while diana did her morning routine and albert was at the books.. This was the perfect hide away.
My fingers toyed with the pin as I read through some of the encounters Diana wrote about when they first were married......

 

[Merelan]

I felt flushed as he sat and talked to me, as if nothing had happened the night before. And maybe nothing had. my mind was over active. Relaxing I sipped my tea and carefully at my light breakfast.
"natalie knows more of the books then I do, I hope you do not mind being thrown together with her, she has been indespensible to me. My rock. Without her I would never have been able to last here as long as I could."
Handing him my cup.
"Could I have a bit more tea? Did you sleep well? Is the room suitable?"

 

[Subo97]

Albert

Pouring Diana tea, Albert let go a sigh of relief. Sensing no anger in her voice under her gracious questions, he replied. "The rooms are more than suitable, more so than any man could expect. My fear was that I had made my presence unsuitable. I know that I had frightened you, and that was never my intention." He watched her sip her tea calmly and continued, emboldened by her serenity. "I frightened you, and yet it was you who soothed me. To awaken from a nightmare in the arms of a woman as gracious and beautiful as you was very much a tonic." He saw her pause a moment as he spoke and continued. "I assure you, it's not a nightly occurance. Perhaps the confidence I shared stirred up my mind. I've worked hard over the years to suppress such things."

He reached over and stroked the side of her face with the back of his hand. with the silk cover over her blind eyes, it was hard to gauge what she was thinking. He was used to probing a woman's soul through her eyes, but diana was harder to fathom. "You make it hard," he said softly, "to think of terrible things." His hand moved , touching her chin with his fingertips. " I thought of you much of the night, remembering how you came to me, wrapped in silk, so soft and beautiful. If I may so, your form is such that I could not ignore. I doubt that any man could. I hope that you could forgive my kiss, or more hopefully accept it."

Albert stopped and watched her, astounded by his own words, wondering how she would respond.