Servitude or Taxes

[Hard_Rom]

The vampire bat had hung from the window sash and watched Marybeth as she read by the fire. He marvelled at her excitement in learning something new. After seven centuries of existance not much is new to him. Wars, death, murder, plagues, regime changes, the changing seasons, same shit different year. The advances in science in the last century had caught his interest. That was something new. Maybe he should get a laboratory of his own. That might help pass the time. His copies of Newton's Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica was his favourite book.

Marybeth also represents all that he cannot have. A beautiful intelligent companion to spend eternity with. How he longs for such. Yet how could he take so much from her and offer so little. The change empties your heart. And it is only with great difficulty is it filled again. Jonathon is sorely tempted to just fly away. He could be at the coast by morning. Make Scandinavia by the next and then on to the great expanse of Russia. But he would still be alone.

"Wine," The Baronet says when he enters the library in respnse to her question, "Please join me." "I would be interested in listening to you... tell me how you like the book." "You must forgive me if I keep you from your rest. It is not often I get a chance to speak with one so... literate and appreciative."

"How have you been? I missed... our talks. Are you comfortable? You...'re work is important to me. If there is anything you need you may ask me."

 

[Perplexia]

Marybeth nodded as he said wine and went to the decanter. She poured two glasses when he told her to join him.
She brought him his wine as he took his seat and gave a slight curtsy before sitting in the chair. "the book is marvelous sir. I hadn't dreamed that a woman could have such an exciting life. The adventure she had, the fighting, and the lovers" She blushed slightly as she said the word.

"I wish it were possible to have such a life. Although i don't know that i'd be able to thrust my sword into someone or make them walk the plank. But to have that kind of freedom to make your own choices. Well its not something i'll see in my life time. My life is pretty well laid out for me. When i've worked off the debt my father owes you, i'll be bartered off to the farmer with the best payment. The chances of being able to further my education with books will probably cease. Since the general mentality is woman should be seen and do their chores and bare children. If i was just now learning of it I would be sad. But those expectations are what were given to us as children. So we know what our place is. My mother apologized for this but being as my father is the lower station in life. Its that station that will be followed."

Marybeth took a deep drink of wine. Staring at the fire for a moment re-accepting her fate before continuing.

"I love the work, i'm excited each day to get started and discover what surprises lie in wait for me on the shelves of your library. The only thing that would make it easier for me is a steady supply of wood. I often have to leave my work to track down one of the male servants to bring more in for me. She scowled a bit at the attitude she received on a daily basis.

"If I may be so forward Sir, I've missed our talks as well. It's the only form of companionship i have the pleasure of. Your house hold is well run, but it's almost mechanical. They go about their tasks with diligence and after dinner retire. I'm sorry that is the way that you like it so i shouldn't have said anything."

 

[Hard_Rom]

The glamouring of servants extends loyalty to him alone. Intra-servant rivallry is rife in most great houses. Firewood not being stocked properly is surely a sign of servant jealousy over the new girls privileged position. Jonathon does not like it when she scowls. Makes her look surprisingly cruel. He imagines her making a servant walk the plank with a cruel scowl on her face.

For a fleeting moment the corners of the vampire's mouth raise in a very rare, very tiny smile at the thought.

"I will talk with the housekeeper about ensuring wood for the fire is stocked properly," he says, "She will be instructed that as far as my library goes you are in complete charge." "I will not have my books damaged by neglect."

"Thank you for bringing that to my attention."

The vampire considers making her an orphan. That way her father cannot marry her off to anyone. But that would be too cruel. Instead...

"I will talk with your father," the Baronet says, "He could marry you to a miller or shopkeeper instead of just a farmer." "A wife who can read, write and do sums would be an asset to any tradesman and his business."

Still such a waste. Her beauty demands silk dresses and jewels, not a pack of storekeepers brats and a stack of bills.

"Perhaps, if your father agrees, when your time here is done, I could write you a reference," he continues, "One that would allow you to gain a proper position worthy of your abilities." "I know several booksellers in Newcastle and London."

"I am sure I could find you a position with one of them. If you wished."

 

[Perplexia]

Her mind whirled as he talked about a possible better life for her that she could have never dreamed of. Though the thought of leaving this little room made an emptiness appear in her she hadn't imagined could have existed. The truth was one day she would have to leave her position here. She would have to leave her companion that in so few of nights had made an impression upon her.

"I couldn't ask you to go out of your way like that Mi Lord" she said softly. Holding my own position and not being forced to marry is something I've never had the privilege of dreaming of. But I couldn't ask you to go out of your way like that. I'm simply a farm girl whose an indentured servant in your home. You've already given me so much. Working in this room all day among these books has been a dream i would have never been able to dream of without your generosity."

Her face lit up when she spoke about her current position. Her sincerity was unsolicited and genuine. "I shouldn't have spoken of my current position, it is not my place nor should you be forced to listen to the woes of your inferior."

"Please tell me of the travels you've taken if it pleases you. I would love to hear of your adventures and dealing out in this world."

 

[Hard_Rom]

"We shall decide on your fate in life later," Jonathon replies, "For the now, you are my catalouger not just an indentured servant." "I would have to pay quite handsomely to hire a person to fill your position. More than what your father owes."

He gets up and refills his glass. Topping up Marybeth's as he does.

"My travels have been limited," he continues, "What with the wars in Europe." "There was some fighting in the German provinces. But aside from a few summers as a young man in Russia for the hunting, I have not travelled extensively."

"Mine is only a small baronetacy and grand tours of European capitals routinely are not in the budget."

Baronet Percival speaks true. His estates are northern England sheep farms and some small croppage.

His first four hundred years had been spent with the Rus and Varangians. He knew Byzantine Constantinople like the back of his hand and had been one of the last vampires to leave the city as it fell to the Turks. But he had carried out enough looted treasure to build Castle Sang and create it's estate. Though that is not a story told to mere mortals.

"An ancestor fled Constantinople before it fell with a small hoard of treasure and established the family estate." "He must have had sentimental reasons for building this far north I think."

"My business takes me to Newcastle frequently, But I doubt that counts." "Of course I must put in appearances in London but they are purely for show."

Most vampires loved London with it's fertile hunting. Jonathon thinks it more prudent to see other vampires in London. As opposed to them paying him unwanted calls here in his home. They would drink his cellar dry and leave a string of unexplained disappearances.

"You would not like my oldest of friends and travelling companions. I don't very much myself. A very libertine and hedonistic group who have never read a book for pleasure's sake. Unless it is pornographic."

 

[Perplexia]

"As you wish" she said in reply to them discussing her future life at a later time.

Marybeth listened as he talked of his limited travels and the history of his baronetcy. She gathered from what he told her he lived a somewhat lonely life. A man in his position should be married and create heirs for his estate. But she wasn't about to mention that to him. First off it wasn't her place, and secondly she wasn't all that excited about their evenings ending as a new wife would certainly take up his free time. This made her scowl.

She blushed a little when mentioned some of his acquaintances only picking up a book if it contained pornographic material. She had heard such books existed, but never in her life had seen one.

"I suppose there are many reasons to pick up a book. Whether it be for pleasure or education or even reference. I prefer the first. I find new knowledge in everything i read. I suppose one has to be open to it in order to relish in it." she voiced lightly.

"Your traveling although limited in your eyes, is more then i'll ever see in my life time. So it can still be referred to as a bit of an accomplishment. It's good you know your history. Parts of mine will remain foreign to me because of my mothers fall from society. I don't blame her though. To marry for love is a dream of many that is accomplished by few. Even those in your station of life tend to choose a partner based on wealth and acquisitions. How do you feel about it?"

 

[Hard_Rom]

"I married for love," the vampire says quietly, "But we were of the same class." "She died a long time ago."

Norman soldiers of William the Bastard and the original Percy, of the Earls of Northumberland had laid seige to her father's keep. She had thrown herself from the only tower to escape capture and rape. They had been married six months. Four months of it he was away fighting.

Jonathon can see the apologetic out burst building in Marybeth.

"Please," he says to forestall her, "It was a long time ago and we were not together long." "I am at peace with her memory."

"You are correct about marrying for money and power though in most cases. I was lucky... once." "So you see there are few who truly have power over their own fate. The poor, the rich or lovers."

Except maybe vampires. They answer to none, live forever and within certain limits do as they please.

"And lovers... of books are rarer still."

Jonathon would much rather discuss things which make her blush. He is a vampire after all and a virgin girl with blood flushed skin is quite exciting to them. And she does blush easily.

"I will warn you now," he says smiling, "There are a couple of books and not a few pamphlets of a quite erotic nature, somewhere on my shelves." "I don't seem to recall exactly where."

"You might just find them to be pleasurable, educational and a source of reference all at once."

 

[Perplexia]

Marybeth wanted to hug him when he shared that he had once had a wife he loved. But first that would be improper and second he stopped her from being able to burst out with an apology for his loss by anticipating it.

She almost choked on her wine when he told her of books that were of the erotic sense existed somewhere upon his shelves. A red blush appeared to her cheeks quickly as she coughed and tried to recover.

"I , um" she stammered feeling quite uncomfortable. "I shall take care to be sure they're cleaned and cataloged so you'll know where to find them in the future if should need them Mi Lord."

Somehow she felt that these would be improper to read on her own. To know of such carnal relations and things didn't seem proper. It took her a few moments to recover from her blushing and choking and she took another small sip of wine.

Glancing down she realized she got some wine on her uniform. "Oh Lord she's going to skin me alive" she said with a severe fear at the tongue lashing the house keeper would give her over the drops of wine. "I'm sorry I didn't mean to get the drops on it." she apologized unsure of whether he would agree that she was clumsy and foolish for spilling wine.

 

[Hard_Rom]

The vampire had been too wrapped up in the evil he was doing to notice. Her sexual innocence is her power and when she expresses it with her obvious embarassment it makes her all the more desirable. Her exclamation draws his attention to her chest. There are several red wine drops staining the bodice of her maid's uniform. The housekeeper will be cross, he thinks. It is of no matter anyways.

"It is of no matter," he says as he gets up and walks to the library entrance.

He had left a paper wrapped parcel on a desk which he now retrieves and brings back. He places the large soft parcel on Marybeth's lap trading her the parcel for her wine glass.

"I will have my catalouger dressed appropriately to her station," he says, "It is not new. In fact the brocade on the seat is showing much wear and the dress has been repaired a few times." "It would be fitting for a governess or tutor."

"I wish you to wear it."

http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/25/dd/2a/25dd2a3e3dd6a827909707149b852211.jpg

Baronet Percival's 'business' led him to a dress shop in a not so nice part of Newcastle. It was not a rich gift by any means but it caught his eye and he pictured Marybeth in it. The bodice is a bit low but the wine colour reminded him of seeing her holding a glass of red wine.

"And this way spilled wine won't be so noticeable," he says with a small smile.

 

[Perplexia]

Handing him the wine glass she ran her fingers along the top of the box. And slowly opened it to reveal her new uniform. Inside lay a beautiful wine colored dress. It was fancier then what a typical governess or tutor would have worn. But it honored her that he thought so much of her position to upgrade her apparel. "It is of no matter that it's not new Mi Lord, its absolutely beautiful."

She blushed a little at the present, she'd never had the opportunity to receive many in her life. She scolded herself silently. She shouldn't think of this as a gift, it was merely an upgrade in her uniform.

She smiled back up to him when he made the joke about spilling wine. It was good to see him smile. Setting the box to the side she reached for her wine glass her fingers accidentally brushing against his as she took a hold of it. Her eyes sparkled as they locked with his for a moment before tearing away her glance. A rush of heat once again rushing through her body.

"I'm honored that you thought of upgrading my apparel sir" she said softly. "I thought perhaps if you were home tomorrow evening you may wish to pick a book and I can read to you."

In itself it was an innocent suggestion. She thought it may bring him some much needed pleasure and relaxation. Of course the idea of spending more time with him played into it as well. But she shouldn't be presumptuous. He may wish to be alone.

Taking a sip of her wine she glanced over to him admiring his neatness and posture. She was glad hey had stopped talking about her future. The truth was she wasn't sure she would ever want to leave. Although he could sometimes be brooding and abrupt the truth was his company was stimulating. It forced her to think and share her opinions which wouldn't be so welcome elsewhere.

A yawn crept from her lips as she rushed to cover her mouth. It was later then it she had stayed up before. "With Mi Lords permission I shall retire, it will be difficult getting up with the rest of the servants if I stay much later. However, if you wish it i will happily stay."

 

[Hard_Rom]

"Of course," Jonathon says and rises from his chair, "My apologies for keeping you late."

This is becoming quickly quite torturous to him. Having her here with him for such a short period. The rest of his night is consumed with thoughts of her.

"I shall have to make some different arrangements with the cook and housekeeper. It would be better if you slept later than the common servants. That way you may serve me better when I am home." "Typically I do not rest until well past midnight. Although I would not expect to remain at my side until such unseeming hours. The servants might gossip."

After Marybeth has curtsied and left. Jonathon broods over his wine for a time. He searches amongst the shelves of his library until he locates the erotic section. Jonathon selects some rather down right pornographis poems written by libertine rakes from the court of Charles II. They are more comedic than pronographic. But are still banned for general publication under the current progessive laws of the late 1700s. They are cheerful and fit his mood this night. He leaves it out when he goes downstairs well before the dawn.

To have the master of the castle come down to the kitchen at this time causes quite a stir. Well before the other servants wake, the kitchen is preparing breakfasts for the household. It is only a matter of minutes before the housekeeper and cook are awakened and informed of the master's presence.

"There are to be changes in regard to the new girl, Marybeth," he states, "As my library goes, she speaks in my name." "Her new duties require that she consult with me late in the eve when I return home."

"Therefore she is no longer subject to your authority. She will rise when her duty requires it and meals will be provided for her at times she requires them. I have given her something appropriate for my cataloguer to wear and you will see that she has two dresses made of similar fashion. Let her choose the colours."

An estate is almost self-supporting in many ways. Manufacturing of clothing is a standard task. The material may be bought in town but typiaclly the house maids construct dresses and clothing.

"And I wish her living quarters to be moved. Place her nearer the library. You may open one of the guest bedrooms for her. Have one of the maids assist her."

Without even waiting for clarifying questions or reactions of any sort, the Baronet turns and leaves. Confident that his instructions will be followed.

It is to the screams of the chained girl that he falls asleep to within his stone tomb.

 

[Perplexia]

Marybeth was not waken like the rest of the staff instead she was left to sleep until she awoke on her own. Rising out of bed she gasped that she would be scolded, but then remembered it was her Masters wish she remain up with him at night. Opening her box she got dressed in the dress he had chosen for her. It was quite elegant in its own fashion and much more then a typical governess or tutors dress. This one had a beautiful pattern and a satiny finish to it. The governess would normally where a black non colored dress.

He had chosen the size perfectly for her. It was fitting but didn't restrict her movements as she thought it might. A knock came ever so lightly at her door. "Yes" Marybeth answered. A maid entered and informed her she was there to help her switch rooms at the Masters request. Marybeth was a bit shocked at this. But didn't say anything except "thank you, I'll just be a moment while i finish my hair."

Placing her auburn locks up once again she pinned them in place and began to pack up the few belongings she had brought with her. She was led to a guest room that was right next to the library. "For as long as I've been here it's never been occupied" the maid told her as they went into the large beautifully furnished room. It was quite elegant and pristine. Way above her station, but she knew not to question or say anything about it. His generosity was apparent and she treasured him the more for it.

As she began to go into the library to start her work the housekeeper stopped her and begrudgingly asked if she was in need of anything. "Yes, i have missed breakfast could you have an egg brought to me, and I will also need the bins in the library stocked and kept full of wood."
"Right away Miss" she replied much to her surprise. It would appear that to his word he had said something to her.

Marybeth knew there would be gossip regardless of whatever hours she spent with him. That part didn't bother her. But this extra time they would have together would only make it that more heart breaking when her time there ended.

For the rest of the afternoon she worked on cleaning and cataloging his books having her meals and dishes fetched for her. It was much more efficient then having to set everything down and start again.

She noticed the book he had left out and she had glanced at it only to blush clean it and put it back in its spot. When he arrived that evening she was still working and focused on her tasks.

 

[Hard_Rom]

The Baronet clears his throat as he enters the library, not wishing to possibly startle Marybeth.

"Please," he says to forestall her stopping her work just to servially greet him, "Continue with your work, Marybeth." "I must read my mail first."

He pours himself a glass of wine and sits down to open his letters. Only one really interest him. It would appear a large book collection is coming up for auction in York within a fortnight. His usual buyer regrets he is unavailable to attend the auction. Jonathon must find another buyer if he wishes to own the library in question. The letter includes a partial list of titles. A few are rare and a couple are ones he is missing from volume sets. The auction will be in the early afternoon. If Jonathon is to posses it, someone will have to be there to bid on it. York is two days away. He looks up at Marybeth.

"I am sending you to York at the end of the week," he states, "There is an auction featuring the library of Sir Bellam of York."

He gets up and walks over to her and places the list of books on the desk beside her.

"I shall send you by carriage to York. I will arrange accommodations while you are travelling and while in the city," he tells her, "I might be able to join you but it will be after the auction." "Tell the housekeeper to have a new dress for you ready by weeks end. You will need to be properly attired for the auction."

 

[Perplexia]

Her mouth dropped when he told her she was to go to York for him. "Yes mi Lord" she finally replied and stepped down off of her stool to pick up the list. The thought of traveling both frightened and excited her. The thought of not seeing him for perhaps a couple of days however caused her heart confusion. He did say that he would possibly be able to join her after the auction. That helped ease the anxiety.

Bringing the list back to him she knelt down next to his chair and handed him a quill with ink so he could mark the ones he wanted. The position she was in gave him ample view of the tops of her breasts. The proximity to him made her blush. She took the quill and ink and slowly rose placing them back on the desk after rereading over the list.

"I think those selections will be a great addition to your library Sir. Will there be a larger list coming so i know which to bid on for you?" She had never been to an auction before, much less to another city or stayed at a boarding house. It was all a new adventure to her.

"I feel I owe you my thanks again Sir, for the additional dresses, the schedule change, and for placing me in a guest room. I have gotten more work done today due to the wood being continually stocked for me, and not having to adhere to the households general hours. You have more then kind to me." a couple of small tears fell from her eyes as she looked at him.

 

[Hard_Rom]

Images of Marybeth as a Byzantine slavegirl kneeling before him readily come to mind when she takes a similar position. Of course a slave girl would display more than the tops of her breasts but Jonathon finds the curve of her breasts to be sufficient. He imagines for a moment the great price she would fetch amongst the Ottomans. Her beauty, her hair colour, her virginity and education would have her commanding top prices in the slave market. She could very easily be bought by the Sultan himself.

Glamoured servants tend towards being stoic and those he feeds from cry tears of pain and fear. So her two small tears of joy and appreciation are a rare sight for him. He pulls out a clean handkerchief, takes her chin in his cold undead hand and softly dabs at her tears. As he does her chin lifts and he can see the pulse of the artery in her neck. The soft skin of her throat calls out to him to sink his fangs into it.

Rather abruptly he releases her from his gentle touch. If he could blush, he would be flushed with a slew of emotions. Lust, hunger, embarrassment and heartfelt appreciation of his own.

"Forgive me," he says with his back to her, "I did not mean to be so forward."

He picks up his wine glass and drains it. Refilling his and pouring one for Marybeth.

"Please have some wine."

The Baronet takes his usual chair by the fire.

"I can assure you," he says, "I feel very fortunate in having you in my service." "I expected just another servant girl." "Instead I now have a very able cataloger and a buying agent that will allow me to increase my library."

"And a... very beautiful one at that."

 

[Perplexia]

The light cool caress of his fingers as he lifted her chin caused her heart rate to increase. When he apologized for being to forward under her breath she said 'don't be.' Of course that wouldn't be audible to a humans ears.

"Yes Mi Lord" she responded to having some wine with him her warm fingers lightly touching his as she took the glass and sat in her chair. He complimented her once again on her usefulness to him and then on her beauty.

"Mi Lord is too gracious with his compliments. I am simply a plain farm girl that was graced with an educated mother who saw the possibilities in our learning. She was right. It gave me the opportunity to be of service to you in multiple fashions. Of which i'm honored and grateful for." Taking a sip of her wine she closed her eyes to allow the taste to dance over her tongue.

"I'll be sure that the staff is made aware of the temperature to keep the room for the books with the fire while i'm away" she said softly bringing back the concern for her current job.

Noticing his glass was getting empty she set hers down. "Would you like some more wine?" Just the thought of being closer to him made her heart race again. She didn't understand the effect he had on her, just that she wanted to be close to him.

She had to stop this insubordinate emotional hazard that was occurring with in her. He was simply he employer. She was simply his employee. Even if he decided to employee her after her fathers debt was paid, he'd still simply be his employee.

 

[Hard_Rom]

"Please," the vampire says holding out his glass for Marybeth to refill.

He laughs or makes a small noise which could be construed as a laugh.

"A plain farm girl!" He says, "I could kidnap you, take you to the east and sell you as a slave to the Sultan of Istanbul for a very high price." "He would make you his favourite in the hareem."

"That is if I did not decide to keep you for myself."

Which is a viable option. He could have her smuggled out of the country and taken to St. Petersburg. From there he could take her south to the Ottoman lands and the islands off the Greek coast. A private island and a small villa for two. He could sell the estate and have his library packed and shipped there. Overland would be better for the books, he thinks.

Would she voluntarily sail away with him to some Mediterranean island to be his love slave? He would have to reveal his true self though.

What would she do if he revealed himself? He hates to think. Which is why it is such a bad idea to keep finding excuses to involve her in his life. She should be sent away!

"Already I find myself thinking how am I going to replace you in year."

 

[Perplexia]

Marybeth liked it when he smiled but he said next startled her a little. The idea of being sold into a harem was a frightening though. Then he added if he didn't keep her for himself.

That some how relaxed her and her heart rate slowed down a little. She poured his wine.

He brought up replacing her in a year and it saddened her. Her mood became sullen. She didn't want him to replace her. "I can stay as long as Mi Lord has useful employment for me." she said softly. It was the only way she could let him know without begging him not to send her away that she didn't want to leave.

Re-plugging the decanter she returned to her seat and stared at the fire. She scolded herself silently for being a silly fool. Staying with him would make her both happy and miserable at the same time. But to not be in his presence was a fate almost worse then death. Yes, she was a silly stupid girl indeed.

Slowly she rose and knelt in front of the fire placing more wood on it. Stirring the embers she spoke again. "I'm excited to see York, I've never been. I hope i represent you well at the auction." She was a little nervous about representing a buyer for him. It was a fairly important task and she didn't want to disappoint him. He loved his library as much as she did.

"Did Mi lord wish me to read to him this evening?"

 

[Hard_Rom]

It would give him the opportunity to hear her voice and just sit and look at her.

"That would be acceptable," Jonathon says, "There is a volume of poetry by Anne Bradstreet." "She was a Quaker in the New World and lived about a hundred years ago. It would be pleasant to hear her poems read by a female voice."

The vampire had been acquainted with her father.

"But I am unsure where the book is on the shelves. I see it has not made it into the catalogue yet, so must still be lost." "It should be on the east wall somehwere near the middle."

He stands up and picks up the table lantern. The light from the fire is quite dim to be reading bookspines by. With three walls covered and over two thousand books, there is quite a bit of ground to cover. And it was seventy-five years ago when he bought the book, gave it a quick read and shelved it. Less than one hundred years ago, should have the book on the east wall about halfway down. Within about one hundred books that is a close as Jonathon can recall.

"We shall have to look for it."

The vampire extends his hand to help Marybeth up from her chair.

 

[Perplexia]

She placed her warm hand in his cool one and her heart immediately began to race again. Her cheeks blushed as she slowly rose from the chair. She walked over to the shelve while he held the light for her and they began the search to where he thought it might be.

"How you remember what you have is astonishing, There are so many books here." she softly said as she continued to look. His presence was so close to her she thought she would burst from her skin.

It took them a good half hour to find the book he was looking for and she finally pulled it from its shelf. In doing so she stumbled back against him. His arm instinctively braced her and she blushed once again. "I'm so sorry sir" she said with true remorse for invading his space. Though she secretly wished he'd never let her go. She wouldn't admit that to herself however, if she had it would have caused her utter humiliation and conflict.

Stepping forward she reach for the cloth to clean the book and turned to face him. He was so close to her. "Shall we sit?" she questioned softly.

 

[Hard_Rom]

The vampire does not answer for a moment. He just looks at Marybeth. They are close enough for her proximity to assault his senses yet again. When she had stumbled back against him, he had the opportunity to smell her hair. And get a look down her dress over her shoulder. Facing her now, his eyes move from her face to the pulse at her throat and down to her breasts before returning to the pulse in her neck.

Shall we make love and then lie down on clean furs before a roaring fire and read to one another while drink wine. Quenching our thirst for each other and good books. Is what he wants to say. Do you want to live with me... forever?

"There is more light closer to the fire," he says, "We can sit on the floor upon pillows." "I will make sure you are quite comfortable."

Two couches in the room supply cushions and a very large brown bearskin, kept in a chest for really cold winter nights, covers them.

It would be quite "unacceptable" for a noble to be entertained by a servant girl alone at night. To share a glass of wine with his beautiful cataloguer in front of the fire is slightly inappropriate but highly romantic. For a virgin girl to be here alone with him is truely dangerous. He is well fed and so can withstand that temptation barely. If he made love to her, she would be safer. A trained bear in a circus is still a wild animal which can turn on an unwary trainer at anytime. Marybeth's maiden state brings out the animal in Jonathon.

He sets two wineglasses on a low table near the fire and reclines comfortably.

"Please," he says indicating a share of the bearskin.

 

[Perplexia]

Marybeth nodded when he said his plan to sit next to the fire. How was she going to handle being so close to him. He indicated her portion upon the rug, and swoop her dress she sat down next to him with the book in hand.

The warmth of the fire was quite comfortable. Having him so near had her heart racing. Her eyes glanced up and caught his. She gave a soft smile and lowered them at once. Taking a sip of her wine she put the glass down and fingered the book.

Her tiny fingers stroked the hard cover as she started to open it.

Opening the book she turned to the poem Burning House

She read the poem with emotion and emphasis

In silent night when rest I took,
For sorrow neer I did not look,
I waken'd was with thundring nois
And Piteous shreiks of dreadfull voice.
That fearfull sound of fire and fire,
Let no man know is my Desire.
I, starting up, the light did spye,
And to my God my heart did cry
To strengthen me in my Distresse
And not to leave me succourlesse.
Then coming out beheld a space,
The flame consume my dwelling place.

And, when I could no longer look,
I blest his Name that gave and took,
That layd my goods now in the dust:
Yea so it was, and so 'twas just.
It was his own: it was not mine;
Far be it that I should repine.

He might of All justly bereft,
But yet sufficient for us left.
When by the Ruines oft I past,
My sorrowing eyes aside did cast,
And here and there the places spye
Where oft I sate, and long did lye.

Here stood that Trunk, and there that chest;
There lay that store I counted best:
My pleasant things in ashes lye,
And them behold no more shall I.
Under thy roof no guest shall sitt,
Nor at thy Table eat a bitt.

No pleasant tale shall 'ere be told,
Nor things recounted done of old.
No Candle 'ere shall shine in Thee,
Nor bridegroom's voice ere heard shall bee.
In silence ever shalt thou lye;
Adieu, Adeiu; All's vanity.

Then streight I gin my heart to chide,
And didst thy wealth on earth abide?
Didst fix thy hope on mouldring dust,
The arm of flesh didst make thy trust?
Raise up thy thoughts above the skye
That dunghill mists away may flie.

Thou hast an house on high erect
Fram'd by that mighty Architect,
With glory richly furnished,
Stands permanent tho' this bee fled.
It's purchased, and paid for too
By him who hath enough to doe.

A Prise so vast as is unknown,
Yet, by his Gift, is made thine own.
Ther's wealth enough, I need no more;
Farewell my Pelf, farewell my Store.
The world no longer let me Love,
My hope and Treasure lyes Above.​

As she finished the poem she smiled softly. "I like her writing, its poetic yet clear, not cryptic with the attempt of being clever."

She reached forward placing another piece of wood on the fire and stirring the embers.

"Shall I read another Mi Lord" She asked softly daring to look up at him for answer.

 

[Hard_Rom]

Jonathon hasn't taken his eyes of her since she sat down, so he meets her look intently. She reads well and puts emotion into it. The heave of Marybeth's bosom as she takes in a breath competes with the fire reflected in her hair for his attention. And all the time her melodic voice fills the room.

"Yes! Please do," he says sincerely, "I knew her work would be better read by another woman." "She is good isn't she. Anne was very intelligent as a child and well read."

"You have a lovely voice, Marybeth. You are as pleasing to hear as to look upon."

He rises up slightly to retrieve his wine glass which causes his coat to open reveal that within his tight breeches, he has an erection.

 

[Perplexia]

Marybeth blushed as he mentioned she was a pleasure to look upon. "Mi Lord you flatter me once again." she said softly. Her eyes couldn't help but go to his pants as he rose noticing his bulge that stretched his trousers. She blushed even deep and looked back to the book searching for another poem.

She waited until he was seated and then rose up slightly to take a drink of wine. Before sitting down and starting a new poem.

By night when others soundly slept,
And had at once both case and rest,
My waking eyes were open kept
And so to lie I found it best.

I sought Him whom my soul did love,
With tears I sought Him earnestly;
He bowed His ear down from above.
In vain I did not seek or cry.

My hungry soul He filled with good,
He in His bottle put my tears,
My smarting wounds washed in His blood,
And banished thence my doubts and fears.

What to my Savior shall I give,
Who freely hath done this for me?
I'll serve Him here whilst I shall live
And love Him to eternity.​

As she read the poem she thought of the Baron. A tear or two fell from her eyes that she tried to hide. He would no doubt think she reacted to the poem and its reference to god. But in truth she realized that her feelings for her employer where much greater then she anticipated. Wiping the tears she smiled at him. She truly was talented.

"Shall I pour you some more wine Mi Lord?" she questioned before drinking the last of hers.

 

[Hard_Rom]

The passion comes through as Marybeth reads. She could be reading of her one true love not a poem in praise of God. The vampire would kiss her tears away if he dared. Her lips were made for kissing he thinks. And to be able to pillow his head on her heavy breasts would be heaven. the man pictures her beneath him. The vampire atop him. And the werewolf before him. He drains his wine in an unsuccessful attempt to stop his thoughts.

"Yes, please" Jonathon replies holding his glass close to him.

Marybeth must move and come close to fill his glass. When she leans over to pour the wine, her hair cascades down obscuring the view of her bosom. Jonathon reaches out and sweeps it back, momentarily letting it run between his fingers. Releasing Marybeth's locks his fingers lightly trace her exposed shoulder. He lets them trail down to lightly move over the swelling of her breasts. He can feel her heart beat and detects the quicken of her pulse as his fingers linger tantilzingly close to actually caressing her breast.

Cursing himself, he looks her in the eye and leans forward to steal a kiss.