The Boston Tea Party (closed)

[DeeperWater]

Andrew Lloyd McNair stood on the docks of Boston harbor, staring at his latest ship as it came into port. It was only a sloop, but it would soon unload and then be reloaded with a valuable cargo of tobacco. The stamp taxes had started to ruin his business, so like many of his contemporaries, he had taken to smuggling his goods around the British. Some had secret ports for their smuggling, but he relied on brides and clever packing.

It was Friday morning and the port was busy. Many ships were docked along the massive boardwalks along the harbor. The smell of fish was in the air and sea gulls called overhead. A teaming mass of humanity of every social class worked the harbor. There were sailors, whores, harbor masters and inspectors, captains, lines of naked black slaves. He wanted no part of the later, being raised in a strong Presbyterian household, but accepted their existence as a distasteful necessity, as most did. It was an evil that simply was, but could not be fought.

Under the industry, there was a sense of desperation. The desperation of the whores and urchins was the most acute, because they were trying to squeeze out a living. The whores had to be careful not to been seen as such, or to be caught by the authorities, but they tried to lure the disembarking sailors into taverns and dark allies.

There was the desperation of the ship captains and the sailors. They had been been at sea for month, or were headed out to sea again. They needed to cram a bit of living into their time on shore, and do it on the small pay they had received. The captains were worried about keep their crews under check, so that they would not show back up drunk, or dead. They were also worried about the increasing pressures but on them by ship owners, such as Andrew. The British stamp taxes kept increasing and it dug heavily into profits, to support a mad king and to support a land locked British army which many thought a useless need for the colonies.

Andrew was a relatively tall man with a long, lean build and muscles toughened by having grown up on a farm. He had been sent to live with his rich Boston uncle, when he was twelve, after his parent's tragic death when their buggy was flipped on a treacherous road. It was that uncle who had furthered his education, beyond the limited schooling his parents had been able to afford. It was his Uncle Connor who had groomed him to take over the family shipping business. The old man had never had a wife, or a son, so he had welcomed an heir who was of his own blood line. His uncle's cynicism toward religion had tempered Andrew's own young religious fervor, though he still believed. Seeing lines of slaves lead into his "Christian nation" had shaken his faith was well. Still, he attended church, since it was the only socially acceptable thing for a man in his position to do.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_B1LlYh6iKqs/TPmvz5Y0zRI/AAAAAAAAD38/Ut3j7-oSPQg/s400/ewan-mcgregor.jpg

He had slender face with a cleft chin. He hated to shave, but did so under duress. His chin was pointed with a bit of a cleft and his eyes were a grayish blue. With his thick eyebrows and chin, he looked like many of his McNair ancestors. This morning he wore a pair of tight tan breaches with a tan vest, over a white long sleeved shirt. Over this he wore a long black coat, with silver buttons, against the cold December air. His long brown hair was pulled back in a ponytail and he wore a tan tri-corner hat.

 

[queenclaire]

Lillian Boyd walked along side her sister, Corrine. Phillip, their brother, had left them to pursue the heart of the women he had been wooing. Not that she could blame him. That had to be much more excited that escorting your sisters to the post to send a letter their father had addressed for their mother. Their mother was off helping her sister with her family since she had taken ill.

And now, Lillian was being drug along to the port. Corrine enjoyed that area, though their father had forbidden that area. But he was off to train some new colonial recruits outside of the city. He was a military leader and a very good one too. Lillian found the foul air there repulsing. The smell of dying fish assaulted her senses. She fought the urge to cover her nose. She looked to Corrine, “This place is seedy.” She pretended to adjust some of her long red hair; she had pulled back for the day on the town. She wore a lovely yellow dress, with usual bodice and petticoat. Her stature was a bit smaller than Corrine’s. She was the same height, but with a smaller waist and bustier chest. With her red hair and bright blue eyes, she seemed to stick out in a crowd.

Corrine ignored Lillian’s statement and walked along, looking at people and giving shy smiles to the men that nodded in her direction.
Lillian could not believe the couth of her sister. Sure she was younger than Corrine, but did not see why she was so desperate. She would find no one of value here. Most were sailors and would be gone for months of a time. Surely she would not be happy with that.

Lillian paused as she watched some slaves being auctioned. She was disgusted by the sight and it showed in her beautiful facial features. She turned away to see that her sister had not bothered to wait for her. She sighed and continued to walk along. Now she was wishing she was not here. Without her sister to shield the looks from the sailors, she was feeling uncomfortable with them. She swallowed hard and lowered her head a bit, so she did not had to acknowledge them all. If she had her way, she would have just turned and left, but she could not just abandon her sister, like she had done to her. She finally looked up to stare at some rigging on a ship that had just come to port. She shivered a bit as the cold sea air hit her finally. She looked away from the ship and around trying to find her sister so she could leave.


(ooc: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v218/ghotirock/avatars/Simone-Simons-Wallpaper.jpg)

 

[DeeperWater]

Andrew's gazed drifted from the view of his vessel and fell on two feminine figures, standing on the docks. From the flaming hair of the one, he immediately knew that they were the Boyd sisters. He been introduced to them at a ball given by their father, only a week ago, in celebration of the sacred season.

He started walking toward them. It really was not suitable for them to frequent the docks, without a male escort. The younger Miss Boyd, Lillian he believed to be her name, was gazing up at a ship, but her older sister, who's name he had quite forgotten, was chatting up a naval Ensign, in a freshly pressed uniform. That really would not do.

If he had not been introduced to them already, he might not have approached. A gentleman did not introduce himself to a lady, but had another do the honors. He doubted that the young Ensign had ever seen Miss Boyd before today, but he was being very forward, talking that way with her in public.

He picked up his heels and soon stood in front of Lillian. Doffing his hat to her, and bowing slightly, he spoke, making sure to be loud enough be heard by both sisters and the itinerant suitor.

"Good morning ladies. Forgive me for approaching you so boldly, but we were introduced at John Baker's ball. I do hope the day finds you well, but I wondered what business who refined ladies might have, here on the docs." His gave swept over both sisters.

The sailor was glaring at him, and his face was turning red. Andrew stared him down, in an unspoken threat. The boy looked barely in his twenties and was still fresh faced and naive. He gave in quickly and backed away, with an apologetic, unrepentant wink to Corinne. Corinne returned his favor with one of her own, but the exchange was so quick that Andrew almost missed it. Most unbecoming he thought to himself.

 

[queenclaire]

Lillian curtsied to the gentleman as she tried to recall his name. She remembered meeting him at the ball. She silently thought as he spoke. Her facial expression brighten as she remembered his name, “Mr. McNair,” she said almost unsure that she remembered correctly. “Good day to you, sir. I hope you have been able to stay out of this brisk wind.”

Corrine injected before Lillian could continue, “We are looking for our brother, Phillip. Perhaps you have seen him.” She smiled sweetly at him and ignored the brief glare Lillian was giving her.

Lillian just smiled politely, not wanting to cause a scene in front of anyone. Though she was thankful that Mr. McNair had stepped up and put an end to her sister’s silly nonsense. Even if it was for a short time. She looked around at the passersby, “I don’t believe he is here, Corrine. We should not trouble Mr. McNair.” She looked back at him, “I am sure he is far too busy to notice the people on that have been by here.” She played along with her sister’s lie, not that she wanted to. “I am sorry to have taken you away from your business,” she said humbly as she nodded her head slightly. “And thank you,” she added softly. She looked to Corrine, “Let’s not keep him any longer.”

Corrine looked at Lillian, “Well, I am will look for Phillip this way and you go back towards town. One of us is bound to find him.” She gave McNair a quick curtsy and turned to find the sailor.

Lillian was shocked at her sister’s behavior. She was embarrassed and she just watched her walk off and leave her on the docks. She looked to back at Mr. McNair and offered him a polite smile, “I suppose I should head back to town.” Where she would seek out Phillip to put an end to Corrine’s very unlady-like behavior.

 

[DeeperWater]

Andrew smiled down at her, thinking that she was quite fetching, with her pretty red hair and sweet face. "You must allow me to accompany you then. Surely it would not be proper to leave a young woman on her own, in such an environment?" He offered his arm, fully confident that she would take it.

Andrew had never been married, or engaged, but had instead sought his pleasure in well tilled fields. Long ago, he had decided that he did not require a wife to maintain his household affairs, instead employing a housekeeper, two maids and a cook to see after his needs. He intended, in some far distant time, to take a proper and docile spouse, who would look good on his arm and not interfere with his life.

For the last few years though, he been having quiet affairs with married women. Most of them were ten years his senior, and married to men ten years again older than themselves. They made agreeable, passionate companions, who never expected to become the center of his world. They satisfied his desires and were safe. This Miss Boyd was not at all safe, and her father was not someone with whom he wished to run afoul of. Still, there was something about her that had kept his mind on her ever since they met, however fleeting that meeting had been.

ooc: I started rambling a bit to keep the post length up. I wasn't sure if I should state actions for your character, so all I could do was give more back story. Sorry if it is a little short, but I am headed to bed and I am feeling tired.

 

[queenclaire]

“Oh, I don’t want to keep you,” Lillian protested until he held out his arm for her. She then smiled, “That’s very kind of you.” She placed her hand in the crook of his arm and started walking with him. Her curiosity had gotten the better of her and instead sticking to light conversation, she opened with much tougher matters. “If I may be so bold to ask, how are these taxes effecting your importing and exporting?” She was not unintelligent at all. She was well versed in political and social matters. And she had learned to listen to the chatter in the streets. She found it a great resource to find out how people really felt. Most people held their tongue around her father, and rightfully so. She, on the other hand, liked to know how people really felt.

Lillian looked up at Andrew with curious eyes as he spoke. It was nice to have a conversation with someone that was not to impress her and answer the way he thought she would want it. She spent the past few years smiling politely and nodding as if she agreed. She knew where her place was and she was fine with it, but there were times she longed for some sort of intelligent conversation where she could speak her mind and not be dismissed.

Studying his facial features, Lillian realized that Mr. McNair was actually ruggedly handsome. She started to wonder why he had not wedded yet. There was no doubt in her mind that many women had tried. Catching the eye of someone like him must be a hard thing to accomplish.

(ooc: no worries, I understand that some post will have shorter lengths than others. Cannot have a novel every time. And if the actions are as simple as taking an arm and/or following, you can assume she would do it.)

 

[DeeperWater]

posted on my phone- please forgive any mistakes

"That is not such an easy question Miss Boyd, but I will attempt an answer." He cocked an eyebrow and stared at her in interest. He was well aware that women were smarter than they generally lead men to believe, but rare indeed was the woman who would lower her mask to a man, and so risk losing a chance to secure affection and hence a possible marriage proposal. Indeed, she must already know of his reputation, and not view him as potential husband material, or she could not have been so frank with him. It was all rather a relief, because it meant he could drop his pretense.

As they walked along the dock, he pointed at a tall ship docked in the harbor. "That, My good Miss Boyd is the Dartmouth. She is full of tea belonging to the East India Company. The fact is, that the tea is not at all expensive and of good quality, but a tax we paid for its importation none the less. The fact is, the British crown has been trying to tax us for years, without allowing the colonial governments any say in the matter. If you recall the now repelant stamp act, every legal document, newspaper and even playing card had to carry a seal on the paper, stating that a tax had been paid." He looked down at her, to make sure he was keeping her attention. To his surprise, she was listening intently. The uncharacteristic look of an active brain behind a pretty face threw him off of his equalibrium, yet he persisted.

"Now the terms of this tax were quite reasonable, as was the cause. Our Western boarders need defending and the ary to do so requires funding. The difficult rose because the government in London dictated this tax upon us. Many believe a tax which does not originate in the legislative bodies of those taxed, is an unjust tax. You may have heard men shouting 'No taxation with out representation' at some point."

They were nearing the end of the dock and crossing onto a cobblestone street that led between the red brick buildings of a better section of town. Mr. McNeish moved them to the very edge of the narrow street, to try and avoid wagon traffic. "At the time of the stamp taxes, many of us smuggled around the British lines, to avoid the tax, over the principle of the matter, more than out of financial considerations. Now the reprobates have become devious. First they proclaimed a monopoly for the import of tea into Great Britain with the West India Trading Company getting the contract, and further mandated that we may only buy British tea. Some of us" and he was careful not to expressly link himself to these actions "smuggled I Dutch win and undercut them. Now they are undercutting the sale of Dutch tea and trying to hide the tax from us, by leaving it before it before the tea ever leaves English shores. They are deceivers though. They would rather take a loss on their tea, if it means driving the smugglers out of business, than making a profit. As long as they hold onto their power to tax us, they will not give up."

He paused as they came into a square with a small fountain. "You will forgive me if I ask your indulgence in guiding me to your Father's house?" As they kept moving, he finished.

"So, now they are under cutting the smuggled tea and driving many ship owners out of business as a result. They want to standardize our economic and political systems, keeping the government in the Motherland as the supreme power over our local concerns. They are meddlers and they have not the right to be!" Malcolm realized that his impromptu lecture had become a bit loud. A number of rich pedestrian stared at him and his companion.

 

[queenclaire]

Lillian listened with opened ear as Andrew spoke. She soaked in all the information he was feeding her. It was nice to get the perceptive of someone it affected in a different way than it did the general public. She held on to his arm as they walked towards her home, which she was happy about. She did not want him to quit speaking just yet. She was learning so much. She nodded as he spoke of the Stamps Act. She also remembered the Townshend Act and the riot that it caused a year or two ago. She wondered how much longer the people would stand for this.

She looked around at the people looking at them. She grimaced slightly and looked at him, “I suppose this is not good conversation to be having in public.” She smiled shyly at him, “I am sorry if I was too inquisitive.” She, however, turned away from the onlookers and looked back at him, “But you have a good line of reasoning, Mr. McNair.” She knew many of those people and they would be wondering why the likes of him was speaking to her about such things. Their dialogue should be kept light and to things such as weather. And though Lillian was a proper young lady, she did like to have conversations that were beyond family and weather.

She pointed off to the north, to where they should be headed. That way prying eyes would not be on them. She smiled politely as she bid a neighbor she knew hello. She knew what the buzz would be soon enough. She was happy both her parents were out of town for now. It would be awhile until they learned of this. Speaking with a man thusly was not the way of a young lady that wanted to find a proper suitor.

Once they were away from the crowd, she stopped walking and looked up at him, “Forgive me for such conversation. I realize that it is unbecoming, but thank you for answering it in such a way that I did not feel you were belittling me.” She appreciated that. She could not help that she wanted to know things and sometimes it was best to ask someone. She offered him a sweet smile and curtsied slightly.

 

[DeeperWater]

In truth, Andrew had found the conversation a relief. His world was one of commerce and the small talk required by most women wasn't to his taste. His dalliances never cared much for talking anyway. He felt himself lurch for a moment, as his mind pictures such a conversation over supper, around a family table. He felt like his hull had hit an underwater rock, threatening to rip a hole in it.

"There is nothing to forgive. I have quite enjoyed our conversation. We are approaching your father's house though, are we not?" The longer he was walking with her in public, the more he was sure that the rumors were already circulating. They might be in the colonies, and not in Philadelphia or New York, but the social scene here was as vicious and competitive as anywhere else mankind congregated. While he paid little need to gossip and did not highly value the opinions of vapid fools, he did not that scandal could, in the end, hurt his business. Anything which shook public confidence in him was bad.

As they move along they spoke of more appropriate subjects. "So, are your father and mother? I trust that all is well?" He knew that there were three safe topics of conversation with the opposite sex. You could discuss the weather, you could enquire as the the status of their relations and you could comment on how lovely they looked. Despite the false nature of such conversation, he employed it anyway, knowing that the young woman would see it for what it was.

 

[queenclaire]

Lillian smiled politely as Andrew changed the subject. She knew it was the right thing for a gentleman to do. She sighed slightly, “My mother is off to help my aunt since she had taken ill and had a baby to care for, along with three other children. I have not seen her in a few months, but her letters say she is well and exhausted.” She looked as they started to approach her house. “My father left last night to train some of the new recruits.” She was not sure why the suddenness of his departure, though. She did hear him talking to her brother about needing to pick his side soon. Her father freed no good was coming soon.

She looked back at Andrew and smiled at him. She was impressed that he had not run away screaming from her yet. She had run off a few men that wanted to be her suitors, but once she showed she had a brain, they ran off. She figured they were not accustom to those ways and would not ever want to be. She just figured they were not a strong enough man for her. Then again, she was quite easy to take care of compared to Corrine. Though, she did not play the part of dim-witted lady either.

When they reached her walk, she almost regretted it. She was enjoying this time with a man that did not mind she liked to use her mind. She looked at him as they walked up it, “Thank you, McNair. Your company has been quite pleasant.” She almost wished she did not have to let him get back to work.

 

[DeeperWater]

Andrew bowed over her hand. "The pleasure was all mine Miss Boyd." He straightened up again and reluctantly let go of her hand. "Are you planning on attending Mr. Jenkin's Yuletide Ball, upon the morrow? If you are, I would be honored if you would reserve a dance on your card, for me." Before now, he had no intension of attending that event. Mr. Jenkins was a fat, bothersome little man who had thwarted many of his business affairs and yet always kept sending him invitations and making overtures of friendship. The Jenkins also had a rather plain, dull daughter and he had the suspicion that their overtures were not of friendship alone, but were preludes to requests for a matrimonial merger. The daughter's name was Penelope and Andrew was quite sure that he would rather marry his horse, than marry that girl.

He suddenly discovered that part of his mind was considering asking Miss Boyd's father to allow him to call on her at home. This was quite shocking. When he came to call, it was usually at two in the morning, when a husband was away on business, and he usually snuck in a window left open for him, rather than announcing himself at the front door.

(ooc: short post made by phone)

 

[queenclaire]

Lillian smiled and curtsied as Mr. McNair bowed. She wished she could have found a way to keep him around, but knew with no one home at the moment it would seem rather odd if the town ever got scent of it. She looked at him with a slight twinkle in her eye as he inquired about the yuletide ball.

It was an annual affair that Mr. Jenkins threw to keep up his good name in the town. He went all out and her family always attended. This year would be slightly different since they would only be going with their father and he despised balls. Her mother was the one that pushed her father into them. It was a nice time to dress up before family get togethers started.

Lillian nodded slightly, “Of course. I am sure there will be enough room on my dance card to add you in, Mr. McNair.” She was a bit taken back with his request. She did not think someone of his stature would even consider someone like her. She did not put her best foot forward today with him as she asked some intrusive questions. And in all honesty, she would love to dance with him. She was intrigued with him. She seemed to be drawn to him like a moth to a flame. She was not sure if that was a good thing. She knew there were many women in Boston that felt the same way.

 

[DeeperWater]

Andrew bowed again, and kissed the air just above her hand, sending her warm breath to her skin. "The we shall see each other anon, Miss Boyd." With just the hint of a cheeky grin, he turned and started for home.

----------------------

The next following day, he found himself riding in his carriage toward the ball. He had taken care with his appearance this evening, in anticipations of the attention of women and of one woman in particular. He was aware that courting her affections was the height of folly, considering he had not intention of taking a wife, and certainly not one that would not quietly serve her functions while allowing him to go about life as he always had Still, there was a bewitching spell her eyes had on him and he had dressed well none the less.

His suit was a rich blue with wide, decorated cuffs and seams. His short, tight blue breaches fed into white stockings and polish leather shoes. Despite the fact that many, if not most men would be wearing powered wigs, he had always despised the beastly things. They were has hot as blazes and looked, to him, ridiculous. Instead his own hair, which he normally gave little thought, was puffed on the sides of his head in the manner of said wigs.

His carriage pulled into the courtyard of a fashionable home and the home's attendant opened his door for him. He stepped down, carrying his silver headed cane, prepared to have a jolly good time. The house had white columns and windows some two stories high. It's owners had not been content for a mere home, but wanted what amounted to a small palace. The courtyard was well light with lamps hung on poles and through the windows he could see that no expense had been spared to light the interior as well.

 

[queenclaire]

Lillian had spent the afternoon getting ready with Corrine. She did not say anything to her sister about Mr. McNair requesting a dance. Corrine did not need to know. Plus Lillian assumed that he was just being kind by asking for a dance. Though, she honestly could not wait. He seemed to consume her thoughts since they last met. Something about him called out to her and made her want more. She wore a new dress that she had bought just for this occasion.

It was a beautiful violet and light pink colour with ¾ length sleeves that flared a bit at the end. It made her porcelain skin, her brilliant blue eyes and lovely red hair stand out. The skirt had many layers and ruffles. Her waist was the perfect hourglass shape. It made her chest look rather large once the corset was pulled tightly enough. Her father had been commenting on in since they left the house, but she told him it was the way the dress was made and had no time to find another. Corrine had stuck with the traditional deep red colour to honor the season. Lillian and Corrine both wore their hair up. Lillian had small ringlets that fell down around her face. She had left the back part down in long spiral curls.

Once they had arrived, the girls walked together into the massive estate. She had been here a number of times, but it was always breathtaking during this ball. Lillian curtsied to some as they approached her father and he introduced them. She looked around as her father chatted with some of the upper-crust of the city. Their idle chit-chat bored her. She longed for a chat with another.

Corrine pulled her away from the group and to the table with the drinks. Corrine took one and looked around commenting on the people and their attire. Lillian was not one to gossip much. She just nodded slightly and stood by her sister. Looking at the decorations, Lillian sighed slightly as Corrine kept on her mindless chatter.

 

[DeeperWater]

The ballroom was a massive rectangle with a polish marble floor, marble columns trimmed with gold leaf and white wall painted to reflect night at light. Thirty crystal chandelers hung down, illumination the festivities. Holly had been wrapped around the columns in a spiral pattern and at one end of the ballroom was a life sized nativity set, made up of servants dressed for the parts and commanded to stay still.

A low table stood against one wall, baring a variety of foods and crystal bowls filled with punch. As he entered the ballroom, Andrew spotted the woman he had come to dance with standing idly by, as if she were bored. As he attempted to walk over to her, a very well endowed woman in her early fifties stopped him, with one hand against his chest.

"Mr. McNair! I am so pleased to see you here tonight. I know it is terribly rude of me, dear lad, but you simply must give me this dance!" A waltz was playing, so Andrew gamely moved her around the floor. Her name was Mrs. Longfellow and she was one of his more frequent 'companions'.

At fifty something, she was still a fine figure of a woman. If her waist wasn't as slender, or her rear end was to large for fashion, it had hardly mattered in the heat of passion. He held her close as they glided around. Her bosom stared up at him, from her low cut down, and he hoped that the girls would not be coming to the party. She knew he was looking, and expected it. A few times, as they danced, she dared to slider her hand a bit to low, but she knew not to get caught fondling him in public, since her husband was also in attendance.

 

[queenclaire]

Lillian was almost happy when Matthew Smith, a captain under her father, approached the pair. He was her father’s favorite officer and she was sure that her father was hoping one of them would end up with Captain Smith. He was the one that frequented their house the most. Her mother invited him over often since he was without family in the city.

Matthew offered his arm to Lillian with a smile and she gladly took it. She was sure Corrine was giving her a very unbecoming look. They walked for a bit away from the table and the gathering crowd. She had to bite back a giggle as they spoke when she noticed he had a hard time keeping his eyes above her neck. Perhaps her father was correct about the dress. It was like many others around, but many of the other young ladies were not built like her.

“May I have this dance?” Matthew asked with a slight bow and kiss on her hand. He had a twinkle in his eyes that made her wonder what he was up to.

“Yes, Capt. Smith,” Lillian accepted. She followed him to the dance floor. She was sure he asked for the dance so she would not catch him looking at her chest. This way he could get away with it since he seemed to tower above her. She smiled up at him politely as they glided across the floor. She really hoped her father did not see this or he would get his hopes up. She caught a glimpse of her cousin, Elizabeth, from her father’s side dancing on the floor as well. Which meant it would not be long before her father would know of the dance.

“I hear that Mr. Jenkins put torches throughout his garden for the night,” Matthew said once he got her attention back, “I am sure it would be a lovely walk.”

Lillian offered him a half-smile as she thought about that. “Is he not afraid of a fire?” She was trying to make it sound less romantic than he was making it out to be. She did not want to have to oblige him in a walk. His hands seemed to roam more when they were alone and in this dress, she was not willing to take a chance. Though Mr. Jenkins did have the most immaculate gardens in Boston and would be lovely in fire light.

Matthew chuckled, “I am sure he has staff keeping an eye on them.” He offered her his elbow as the dance ended, heading towards the door once she took it.

Lillian paused, “I am parched.” She fanned herself for a bit of an dramatic effect, drawing his eyes back down to her chest, “Would you be so kind to get me some punch?” She smiled and he about faced and went off to get her a drink. She had to find Elizabeth before her and her big mouth found any member of her family.

Instead of Elizabeth, she found her brother Phillip. He had just arrived with a group of young men that were in his regiment. She sighed as she saw Phillip's scowl as he walked over with a group of smiling young men in tow. Now would be a good time for Capt. Smith to return with her drink before her brother had her dance with his friends.

 

[DeeperWater]

Andrew managed to extract himself from Mrs. Longfellow's roving hands, just as her husband was starting to stare at them strangely. Normally he enjoyed the game, and might have taunted the old man slightly, but his mind was on a redheaded form instead, who was gliding across the floor in the arms of a military man. As the dance ended, Andrew approached her quickly, when he saw another military man approaching her, with a few more of their brethren in tow.

He took her hand in his and bent over it slightly. "My dear Miss Boyd, I do believe that you promised me a dance and I have come to collect that dance." Before the military men could reach them, or she could protest, he put his arm around her waist and pulled her into a waltz. The music swelled around them as the spun and he gazed into her eyes and gave her a grin. "I do hope the lady will forgive my commanderring her personage without permission, but I was afraid that those other fellows would descend upon you and keep you busy for the rest of the evening. If that were to happen, then you would never be able to keep your promise to me!"

As they spun around the floor, he did indeed see the gaggle of army officers glaring at him. He flashed them a friendly smile and kept dancing. Miss Boyd was quite fetching tonight and he found he was enjoying the thought that they might be envying him. He was also enjoying the feel of his body pressed to his and his hand on the small of her back. Despite not glancing lower than her chin, he was all to aware of her ample charms.

 

[queenclaire]

Lillian was about to turn and address her brother when Mr. McNair approached her. She smiled genuinely as he bowed and reminded her of her promise of a dance. And he had impeccable timing. She looked at her brother and the others for a moment before Mr. McNair swept her on to the dance floor. She could tell her brother was not happy with that. She knew it was hoping to set her up with one of his friends.

She looked up at Mr. McNair as he spoke to her. She smiled, “I did promise you a dance and I would be remiss if I did not get said dance.” She looked over briefly as they passed by the on looking group, “But I am sure they will understand. Besides, I know my brother’s intentions.” She had received letters of admiration from most of those men standing with Phillip. And though they were filled with the kindest words and hints of promises, none of them really spoke to her. She wanted more than to just be a wife to someone. She wanted to be with someone that needed her. That looked forward to seeing her every day. And above all else, loved her for her. She did not think it was too much to ask.

She watched him as they danced. He politely kept his eyes on her face and she found it rather refreshing. She noticed he held her much closer than Capt. Smith did. She could feel his warmth even through all that material between them. “I like your coat, Mr. McNair.” She rubbed her hand on his shoulder for a second, “It is quite handsome.” She smiled at him as they danced. He was a rather graceful dancer.

 

[DeeperWater]

"One must look presentable for these things. Truth be told though, I am more comfortable without all these stuffy garments. My normal clothing suits me." He looked into her pale eyes. "It was worth the effort it it please you. Your dress is lovely, but the woman beneath it I would recognize were she dressed like a scullery maid."

He knew that their dance would end soon and half of him wanted to ask her to walk out on the balconey with him, while the other half wanted to find a dark place to ravishe her. Still, both were follish, destructive thoughts which could ruin the life he had crafted for himself. Her brother was glaring at him anyway and would surely interfere if they tried to leave together. He wasn't afraid of the little tin soldier, but a public spectacle would be bad for business.

As it was, he took what he could and leaned down to kiss her upturned lips. It was a chaste kiss and only lasted a moment, but the heat of it burned him and he found himself pulling Lillian closer against him, until her chest was pressed into his lower rib cage.

 

[queenclaire]

Lillian smiled up at Andrew as he spoke of how she looked. “I suppose there would be no dressing as a maid to hide from you then,” she joked softly. She then wondered if he would even get her humor. She had tended to make odd or off the cuff remarks that most people thought were rather unbecoming of a lady in her position. So far, though, Mr. McNair had not minded her uniqueness.

Lillian knew the song would be ended soon, sadly. She wanted to spend the evening being whisked around the floor by the handsome man that had been on her mind since their walk the other day. She only wished they could do that, but she knew he probably had a long line of ladies waiting for their dance with him as well.

She looked up at him as they danced, taking in everything while she could. When his lips meant hers, she almost forgot to breathe for that moment. His lips were soft and inviting. The kiss, though small, made her yearn for more. Her expression was a mix of shock with a slight smile pulling on her lips. She put up no fight as he pulled her even closer to him. Instead, she leaned into him. She could smell his masculine scent. It was an intoxicating musky scent that she was sure if she spent too much time with him, she could get drunk off of. She had to fight to not lay her head on his chest. She wanted to feel what it was like to just be in his strong arms.

 

[DeeperWater]

Andrew regretted the kiss, because it had fired his imagination. He found himself thinking about crawling up under all of those skirts and ruffles. There was something intoxicating about this woman. The problem was, she wouldn't make the compliant, quiet wife he had always assumed he wanted. She wasn't acting as one would expect with her brother and her cronies watching.

He knew all of this, and yet still he wanted her. He knew she wasn't sort of girl you dallied with, unless you were a cade, which he was not. Still, he wanted to dally with her very much, despite the consequences. His entire life he had been controlled and disciplined, but she shook his discipline to the core. Knowing the dance was ending, he molded her to his hard frame, damning the consequences and ran his hands up her sides.

Somewhere someone was bellowing, but he did not hear them.

 

[queenclaire]

Lillian was in her own little world as they danced. She could have forgotten about the others in the room. She did not even seem to mind his rising hands at the moment. That was until she heard her brother say something. She was quickly knocked back to reality as she looked over at her brother starting to make his way to them.

She looked to Andrew, “I will handle this.” She sadly backed away from him and turned towards her brother. She put a hand on his chest as he started for Andrew, keeping a scene from really starting. Well, more than the one that was happening. “Oh my dear brother, you worry so.” She started pushing him backwards, trying to keep his attention on her, “Now enjoy the ball. Dance with someone, that is what you are here for.”

Phillip growled, “He was touching you.” He glared at Andrew.

“Yes, it is part of dancing. He has to guide me around,” Lillian countered as she tried to push Phillip further back.

“He did not touch you that way,” Phillip whispered to her as he grabbed her shoulders to stop her from pushing him.

Lillian, being a redhead, was feisty. She looked up at her brother and spoke softly, “I can take care of myself. If I was you I would be watching Corrine. She likes to neck in the hallway by the stairs.” She jerked away from his grasp and walked away from him. She did not want to cause anymore of a scene for Andrew’s sake. She was sure he would now never speak to her again.

She looked back briefly to see Phillip head off towards Corrine’s secret spot. She turned and walked out of the ballroom to the atrium that led to the gardens. She needed some fresh air and to clear her thoughts, which was muddled with thoughts of Andrew and anger at her brother.

 

[DeeperWater]

Andrew hesitated for a moment, before following Miss Boyd to the atrium. He felt sorrow for his behavior. Instead of dancing with her politely, he had ran his hands up her sides, like she was a very common sort of woman. He had cause her public embarrassment, and her brother was right to call him out on it. She had been polite and not snubbed him in front of others, despite his brazen behavior, but he sorrow of ever talking with her again. It was probably better this way.

Still, he found himself following her. The atrium was dark, lit only by a few lamps. The moon shone down bright through the many high windows, casting light across the indoor benches and potted plants and bushes. It was near Christmas, so the garden itself would be dead this time of year, except for evergreens, but still this bit of life remained. It was a bit chilly, causing him to pull his coat about him. He moved quietly, not wanting to disturb Lillian, but still wanting one last look at her before he left and to make sure that she would be fine.

 

[queenclaire]

Lillian heard the soft taps of footsteps behind her. She turned, thinking it was probably Phillip come to berate her some more. She was a bit shocked to see Andrew standing there. He was still a bit behind her like he did not want to be seen. The moonlight cast an eerie glow about him and the flickering of the few lamps, highlighted different features as they dances upon his face.

“Oh, Mr. McNair,” she said a bit relieved, “I thought for sure you would be Phillip.” She took a step towards him, “Can I ask why you kissed me?” Part of her was scared of his answer. Finding out it was a mistake on his part or worse, something he seemed to do to everyone. She did not want to know if that was the case, but her curiosity got the best of her. She looked at him with a truly innocent, almost scared look.

She then glanced to the ground. She was foolish to think someone like him would think of her in any other way other than an acquaintance. And with the way the dance ended, she was sure it would be less than even that. She moved to sit on a bench, the cold was starting to get to her, but she was careful to not show it yet. She was to fearful to be cold at the moment.

 

[DeeperWater]

Andrew was taken aback. He had not thought to be discovered., but only check on the young woman. He walked stiffly toward her and then sat on the bench beside her, though he perched on the edge.

"I do beg your forgiveness Miss Boyd. It was simply a mistake. The heat of the moment clouded by better judgement and my baser nature won out for a moment. I do hope you can overlook this offense and will not look on me with distain in the future. He found it mattered very much to him that she not hate him.

He glanced over at her and was captivated by the beauty of her profile in the moonlight. His gaze drifted down her slender neck and over her chest, before he remembered himself and clamped down his discipline. He put his hands in his lap and fold them, to keep them from mischief.