The Bride Absconded (closed for cumnchat)

[cumnchat]

Clarissa spoke quietly and gently to Thunder, telling him that it was alright and he should allow Roger to sit on his back and not attempt to throw him. After a short while Thunders ears stood upright and alert , the wild look had gone from his eyes, gingerly Roger mounted Thunder a just sat still only moving with Thunder's gait as Clarissa led him around the stable yard.

'Boy, this is just for a while. You know that it has to be important or I would be up there on your back, racing the wind. But you know Roger. He loves you too. He will let you race and stretch your legs. Please be a good boy and let him ride. And remember that I love you.

After a bit, she stopped and Thunder bent his head down so she could whisper in his ear.

And thank you for saving my life. I love you.'

Tears filled her eyes, and as if he understood, Thunder nuzzled her face, his soft hair wet as she hugged him.

He should let you ride. But he doesn’t go slow very often. If you lean over more until you are used to each other, you can take the speed better.'

Feeling more confident now, Roger gently guided Thunder out of the yard being careful to avoid any sudden movements or tugs on the reins that might cause Thunder to attempt to dislodge him. Once out in the open countryside Roger remembered Clarissa's advice and flattened himself along the Stallion's back and neck and in the hope that Thunder would understand him he murmured in the big black beast's ear.

"You can run and stretch those legs Thunder but pray please take me with you."

Thunder needed no second bidding and set off with Roger holding on for dear life, he ate up the ground his hooves beating a steady rhythm, his mane flying and lashing Roger's face. They travelled for about a mile before Thunder slowed to a walk, looking round at Roger with his big bright eyes as if to say,

'Are you still here?'

For Roger the ride had been exhilarating, he was no mean horseman himself but he would be the first to admit that Thunder was the finest steed he had ever ridden, that made him all the more appreciative of Clarissa's skill when riding Thunder. Thunder grazed on the lush green grass until Roger spoke to him quietly,

"Your mistress misses you so Thunder but circumstances dictate and she is not well enough to ride you herself, she has not deserted you but if you will allow me I will give your gallops each day,let us return and Clarissa will wash and groom you and hopefully she will then do the same for me."

Thunder snorted his agreement and the return journey was just the same with Thunder's muscles rippling with every stride and Roger whooping his enjoyment.

"Clarissa, thanks to both you and Thunder for giving me a morning I will never forget, I love you both with all my heart."

 

[Opensesame54321]

She watched Thunder pause, as if wondering just how far to go. Both man and horse still seemed a bit wary of each other and she was well aware that both were trying hard because of her. Yet she just knew that this would work.

Roger led the horse out of the paddock and away from the stables. As she watched, Roger leaned over and seemed to whisper into Thunder’s ear. The black stallion’s ears twitched as if he could not believe them and then Thunder was off like a shot.

How she longed to be where Roger was! She watched the two speed away from where she stood leaning against the paddock fence. To be on Thunder’s back, the wind whipping through her hair and that beautiful horse’s black mane stinging her face and the smells of the countryside rushing past her. Her heart leapt at the sight of the two things that she loved the most in this world as rushed across the countryside until they crossed over the top of the hill and out of sight with poor James following along on Cloudy’s back at a much slower pace. Eventually he too disappeared over the hill crest and Clarissa anxiously awaited their return.

She had forgotten all about Bea. For all she knew the poor thing had been chattering away with Clarissa completely ignoring her. The maid stepped up and placed a hand in Clarissa’s arm and she started.

“Oi’m sorry ta start ya. ‘R ya oal rite?”

“Yes, yes, I’m fine.”

“They bof be fine too, yer Ladyship. Tha Master is a fine ‘orseman, an’ wif James there wif ‘im...”

“You’re very fond of James, aren’t you?” Clarissa smiled at the young maid. The question seemed to catch Bea off guard and she blushed and was a bit flustered.

“Well, Oi’s wooden’t want nuthin’ ta ‘appen ta ‘im. Oi...Oi...”. The girl paused a moment before she happened to look up and see Thunder and Master Roger tearing back over the hilltop, racing back towards the stables as if the devil himself were chasing after them. Instead, it was James racing on Cloudy’s back.

“Duzent it scare ya ta go that fast, ma’am?”

Clarissa shook her head. “I’ve been going that fast all my life, Bea. It’s slow that sometimes scares me.”

Even across the distance she could hear her husband whooping at the sheer exhilaration of the speed. She smiled as she watched the two until they came to a stop just inches from where she stood. Thunder snorted and shook his head, as if he had finally been given a chance to do what he needed so much to do.

Clarissa, thanks to both you and Thunder for giving me a morning I will never forget, I love you both with all my heart.

Once Roger had alighted, they both began grooming the stallion. Bea found herself over by James, who was busy taking care of Cloudy.

She didn’t know if it was because the excitement had died down or what but hallway through the brushing down she began to get tired. She didn’t say anything but Roger was paying attention to her and suddenly asked what was wrong.

She didn’t want to stop brushing the stallion, but she seemed to have no say in the matter. Instantly he stopped brushing the huge beast and called for James to finish the job. Before she could stop him, Roger swept her up in his arms and strode towards the house.

“Love, I’m just a bit tired. I can walk it...”. She could tell by his manner that she had no say in the matter so she just held on for the ride. Bea ran along behind them after reluctantly tearing herself away from James and the three of them made a lovely sight as they headed for the manor house.

He acted as if she weighed nothing and she teased him as they headed up the stairs.

“I will soon be too big and heavy for you to do this.”

Once they reached the bedroom he tried to lay her on the bed, she refused to release her hold of his neck. With her arms wrapped around his neck, she kissed him long and hard.

“Thank you, Love. You’re the sweetest husband ever.”

Once he set her down beside the bed, the two of them proceeded to undress her and slip her gown back on her. Before she knew it, she was back in bed and Bea was clucking over her.

“Bea, tomorrow I want the seamstress out here. I need some new clothes to accommodate my condition.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

In no time Clarissa was sound asleep, dreaming of riding on Thunder’s back, the wind whipping through her hair.

 

[cumnchat]

'You’re very fond of James, aren’t you?'

The question came out of the blue, catching Bea unwares and she struggled to find an appropriate answer, blushing bright red like the innocent she was. She wouldn't even admit to herself that she liked James ,,,,,,,, liked him a lot. She managed to stutter out,

'Well, Oi’s wooden’t want nuthin’ ta ‘appen ta ‘im. Oi...Oi...'

If she were honest with herself she had been thinking about James a lot and the incident in the stables and then in his room. She often wondered if she had been too hasty rejecting James like she had. In her mind she often compared James's manhood with her Master's and thought that James's the more handsome of the two, long and not really thick and it had felt silky smooth when she had touched it, perhaps she should have stayed in his room a little longer. She shivered all over thinking what might have happened. Since that day James had not mentioned it, just speaking to her only when necessary, almost as if they had quarrelled.

When the Master became worried about Lady DeCoverly and took her to her room she followed in case she were needed but not before she said to James,

"Ifn oi ain't needed up at t'ouse oi cud cum back an' 'elp ya if yer loike."

James beamed and replied,

"Why t'ank ee Bea oi'd loike that vereee much."

He went back to grooming Cloudy whistling and smiling.

 

[Opensesame54321]

Apparently her assuring Thunder that one time was all that the horse needed to let Roger ride him daily. If he had any problems with him, he at least kept it to himself. He worried that she might have overdone things the day before and made her stay in her room until Doctor Perkins could come out and check her over.

While she waited, she had Bea send word that the seamstress would be needed later in the week. Roger was allowing her to get up and walk around the bedroom, as long as he or Bea was with her. She actually felt very good for the time being though as he found that she easily tired. That was strange for her and she found herself getting impatient with herself.

Roger was still out riding Thunder when the Doctor arrived, chipper as ever. Bea felt obligated to stay and maintain an air of propriety, what with making sure that Clarissa was not left alone in her bedroom with a man not her husband. Clarissa couldn’t help but give a chuckle at the whole thing.

About halfway through examination, Roger came breezing in looking as if he was afraid that he might have missed out on something. Giving Bea a thanks for standing in for him, the young girl gave a quick curtsy before stepping out into the hall.

After examining her, Doctor Perkins pronounced that everything was fine.

“Why do I keep feeling like fainting, or am tired? I’m not used to this.”

The Doctor gave a chuckle and pet her hand.

“The baby causes your blood pressure to drop. You will probably suffer with this throughout the entire pregnancy, and each subsequent pregnancy. But it looks as if you are blessed with a husband that is determined to look after his wife. Trust me, after the baby is born, you will be busy enough to more than make up for this.”

When Clarissa wasn’t looking, the Doctor discreetly motioned to Roger that he wanted to talk privately out in the hall. Roger told Clarissa that he needed to escort the Doctor to the door and called Bea back into the bedroom.

Once they were alone out in the hall, Doctor Perkins talked frankly to Sir DeCoverly.

“I suspect that you have probably done your own research on this. But as the pregnancy advances, the fainting will become more likely. I did want you to be aware of the fact that she could even faint during...Ah...sexual relations so while you can enjoy each other, please remember that she could faint during that. That means, I don’t recommend unusual positions or such. And in the meantime, if she starts getting breathy, or unnaturally quiet, make her lay down on her side, knees bent.”

As they walked towards the front door, he grinned at Roger. “You certainly have your hands full with Her Ladyship. And someone told me that they saw you riding that black beast across the countryside.” He chuckled. “She must be an incredible horsewomen to stay on him.”

 

[cumnchat]

Roger and Thunder had an affinity that was hard to describe but it was based on mutual respect, Roger respected Thunder's need to run like the wind and he let the beast have his head whereas Thunder seemed to understand that Roger would never let any harm come to Clarissa whom he loved with all his big heart so if Roger seemed in danger of being dislodged at any time he would slow until Roger was back in the saddle and then he would be off again, he would never have the same closeness with Roger that he had with Clarissa but he only wanted Clarissa astride him again and to hear her whisper those few words that he longed to hear, even if Roger knew those words and spoke them to him he would not respond to them.

Roger always returned from his rides exhilarated and full of praise for the big black stallion.

On the first day that Clarissa felt faint Roger sent for Doctor Perkins who examined Clarissa fully and satisfied himself that it was nothing serious although he did have a quiet word with Roger out of earshot of Clarissa,

'I suspect that you have probably done your own research on this. But as the pregnancy advances, the fainting will become more likely. I did want you to be aware of the fact that she could even faint during...Ah...sexual relations so while you can enjoy each other, please remember that she could faint during that. That means, I don’t recommend unusual positions or such. And in the meantime, if she starts getting breathy, or unnaturally quiet, make her lay down on her side, knees bent. You certainly have your hands full with Her Ladyship. And someone told me that they saw you riding that black beast across the countryside. She must be an incredible horsewomen to stay on him.'

Roger grinned back at him.

"She's just an incredible woman."

 

[Opensesame54321]

When the seamstress made it out to Clarissa the next day, she was a chatty, cheerful woman with brown hair and twinkling brown eyes. Mrs. Hortense Jumper, or Tessie as she asked to be called, carried a book of dress drawings and a small pad of material samples of the fabrics that she had in the shop.

The first thing that she did was shoo Roger from the room, assuring him that she and Bea could take care of things.

“I know my business and a woman must still keep a bit of her feminine mystique, even from her husband.”

She escorted him to the door of the bedroom and as he laughingly tried to tell her things, she nodded and agreed with him as she closed the door in his face.

“Dear, can you fetch us a big pot of tea and three cups. This will be a busy day and we all three need to keep our strength up.” Bea curtsied and promptly fled to do Tessie’s bidding.

Turning back to Clarissa, the petite woman smiled at her. “Now, with a little one on the way, you need to be comfortable and accommodate your body as it grows and changes. Honey, I am going to ask you some questions. I will keep everything in my book, and no one has access to it save me. Not even my assistants and I guard this information as sacred. A woman’s seamstress is like her priest, and what you say to me I will not blab to others.”

Clarissa liked the woman who was like a ray of sunshine in the room. “Now, before your maid returns with our refreshments, is there anything that you need just me to know.”

“Well, it’s not a big secret, and certainly my maid and my husband know, but I am having to restrict my actions as I have been fainting a lot. I just really don’t want that information spread about.”

“I understand. You are not the first woman that this has happened to. And you won’t be the last. But now that I know, I can make sure that nothing that I make for you will cause a problem in that area. Is that it?”

“No, there is one thing that I would like you to do. But it must be kept an absolute secret from my husband and my maid. At least until it is made.”

The woman looked a bit shocked, yet as Clarissa explained what she wanted yet soon the woman was nodding and smiling as she made notes.

Tessie scribbled furiously in the little book that she had as she proceeded to ask Clarissa questions; favorite color, most hated color, likes and dislikes, and more. After a short bit Bea returned pushing a trolley of tea and little petit fours and scones with clotted cream - a veritable cornucopia if things to eat and drink.

Eventually out came the book of drawings and Bea was delighted when she was asked her opinion, especially as to what was easier to fasten and unfasten, Style A or Style B. Material samples were decided upon and assigned to the various styles.

After a bit, the cook sent up for all three women a small feast of roasted chicken and asparagus in an almond lemon sauce and some crusty bread. Clarissa was only allowed a small portion of the chicken and a few bits of asparagus but no sauce and only half a slice of bread.

After the repast, Clarissa was stripped down to her chemise and drawers and measurements were taken. Tessie was quite thorough, measuring practically every inch of Clarissa’s body. By the time that Mrs. Hortense Jumper left she had a gleam in her eyes as she hummed a perky little tune and looked forward to working on the order for Lady Clarissa DeCoverly. She turned her horses towards town, her cart heading down the lane.

 

[cumnchat]

Mrs. Jumper introduced herself to Roger,

"You can go now we don't need a man on hand, we women can manage quite well on our own."

He tried to protest but the woman was adamant even though he took it all in good spirit and tried to tell her what she should do.

"OUT SIR, I will let Lady Clarissa tell me what I need to know."

She practically pushed him out the door and closed it behind him.

"Oh well, and I thought that I was in charge here." He chuckled to himself as he went to the library.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

In the days following Sir Roger's first ride on Thunder, Bea helped James to groom Thunder when he came back from his run, although not being familiar with horses James had to show her what to do and he stood behind her and reached over to guide her hand while grooming, this meant he was pressed up close to her and his free hand held her around her slim waist. Bea wasn't sure if this was right and proper but found she rather liked him being so close to her, she could smell the hay and sweat on him and once or twice felt something hard and thick press against her buttocks, she thought she knew what it was but found it embarrassing to say anything and let it happen.

After a few days it was really warm and James stripped off his shirt and stood naked to the waist with his young muscular torso glistening with sweat, Bea could only look with awe at his rippling muscles and to her consternation felt the heat rising between her legs.

 

[Opensesame54321]

Clarissa stood waiting at the window, anxious for a glimpse of Roger on Thunder’s back. They had finally gotten the horse to understand that if Clarissa did not show up with Roger, that she would be waiting at her bedroom window to wave to him. She had no idea just what the words were - that was between horse and rider. Still, Roger would ride up as if on cue and lean over to whisper something in the horse’s ear, whereupon the horse would look up to the second floor window. Just seeing her would usually cause the horse to rear up and poor Roger to hang on for dear life. Coming back down to all fours, Thunder would turn and take off like a flash with her husband doubled over determined to stay on. Oh how Clarissa longed to be out there.

Mrs. Jumper was supposed to arrive tomorrow and Clarissa was anxious to get her new clothes. Her hand absentmindedly slipped down to her small tummy that was actually starting to be obvious to others. It was strange but she was starting to finally feel pregnant.

Every morning she would be awaken by Roger gently caressing the place where the baby grew, proud of what he had helped create within her. It was sweet as he would kiss her belly, speaking to the little one inside.

She still would faint, which really bothered her. As a kid she had never really been sick so this was something new for her. The Doctor had explained that once she had the baby, things would go back to normal. But Roger and Bea were very diligent about keeping an eye on her. Meanwhile, Clarissa felt like a slug since she was not used to such inactivity.

Bea was very fascinated with Clarissa’s tummy. Having never really been around a pregnant woman, she would ask Clarissa all kinds of questions. Did her tummy hurt getting bigger? Could she feel the baby? Did she think that it was a boy or a girl? After a while she decided to get Bea’s mind off of the baby and on to something else.

“So, how are you and James getting along?”

Bea blushed and looked down at the carpet. “Foin. ‘e lets me ‘elp brush down T’under after tha Master roides ‘im.” And then the girl blushed again.

“Bea, what’s wrong? Don’t you like helping James?”

Bea nodded and a smile crossed her lips.

“Sumtimes ‘e gets ‘ot an ‘e takes off ‘is shirt.” She paused. “An’ then Oi feels funny in my tummy. An’ other places.”

“You like James a lot, don’t you?”

“But ‘e duzent ask me out anymore. Oi fink that Oi scared ‘im.”

“It’s okay. Don’t be in a rush. When he is ready he will ask you.”

Bea nodded, helping her back into bed as the gentle breeze stirred the curtains in her bedroom.

 

[cumnchat]

"It's a boy, it has to be else that old wive's tale is nothing more than that."

Roger was excited as he held up the string that he had been measuring Clarissa's belly with for the past week.He had heard in the market in town that if a pregnant woman's belly grows by an inch or more in a week then she is carrying a boy, desperate to know, he had been taken with the idea and carefully measured Clarissa's belly each morning and noting the exact measurement in his diary. Of course Clarissa had scoffed at the idea but just to please him had made herself available each morning before Bea arrived to dress her, this had benefits for both of them as Roger could talk to the unborn child and this usually led to Clarissa giving him relief with her hand or mouth.

"I will tell Thunder the news, I am certain he wants you to have a boy as well and by the bye did you know that Cloudy is in foal, he's a sly old thing is Thunder."

Roger was as happy as the day is long, nothing would spoil today. He walked briskly to the stables to be met by a distraught James,

"Oi'm sorry Sir but we've bin robbed, sum'un's stolen Cloudy, dunno 'ow, oi din't 'ear a fing an' Thunder din't mek a sahnd."

"Saddle up Thunder we'll go and look for Cloudy, Thunder will track her down you can be sure, and be careful how you tell the mistress."

Fifteen minutes later they were on their way neglecting to follow their normal routine for Clarissa.

 

[Opensesame54321]

A boy indeed! That was nothing but an old wives tale. Besides, what she had heard was that you were supposed to hold a string over a pregnant belly. If the string went around clockwise it was a girl and counterclockwise was a boy. Or was it clockwise a boy and counterclockwise a girl? Meanwhile, the cook brought up a raw egg cradled carefully in her apron. She asked Clarissa to hold it in her hands before blowing on it. She claimed that once she took it back to the kitchen and boiled it, cutting it open would reveal if she carried a boy or a girl. Clarissa felt silly but she didn’t want to hurt the woman’s feelings as she was dead serious about it. Later when Bea came back up, she announced that the egg foretold that she was having a girl. Which was funny as Roger was claiming it was a boy. And the string trick claimed first a boy, then a girl, and then a boy.

“Sounds loike yer ‘aving a litter uv puppies,” Bea giggled as she helped Clarissa relieve herself and then dress in her wrapper.

“Yes, it does rather,” Clarissa laughed with her before heading towards the window. “Thunder seems to have adjusted to Roger riding him, doesn’t he?”

They made it to the window just in time to see Roger and Thunder tearing out of the stables. They did not come over to the window so that Thunder could greet her. In fact, both horse and rider seemed to head out across the countryside as if a life depended upon it. She felt her heart start to race and the room gave a spin.

“Bea!” She clutched at the curtains and Bea must have heard the panic in her voice and rushed to her side.

“Now jest yew take slow breaths.” Slowly Bea got her back into bed.

“Something is wrong, Bea. I feel it. Roger and Thunder didn’t come say hello!” Bea kept trying to calm her down but Clarissa became adamant.

“Go down and find out what’s happening!” Bea tried to dissuade Clarissa, telling her that she didn’t want to leave Clarissa alone.

“I promise that I will not get up until you come back. Go!”

Finally, Bea agreed and hurried out to the stables. James told Bea what had happened but told her to instead tell Her Ladyship that he thought that the Master had gone to help a neighbor. He explained that the Master didn’t want Her Ladyship upset.

“Well, it’s too laite! ‘er Ladyship almost passed out on me!” Bea stood there with her fists on her hip, scowling at James.

James sent Bea back to the house with the story that he had made up, hoping that it would satisfy and calm down Her Ladyship.

 

[cumnchat]

Roger was so concerned about Cloudy that he didn't think of how Clarissa would see their neglect of their morning routine, if it had been the other way round he would have thought nothing of it and put it down to Clarissa's independent spirit. At first he tried to get Thunder to take the road into the town as he was sure that the thief intended to sell Cloudy at the horse market, he remembered when Thunder had almost been sold from under their noses, that had only been foiled because Thunder wouldn't let anyone else but Clarissa on his back whereas Cloudy was as docile as they come and sometimes had up to four children sitting astride her.

Thunder would not go where Roger tried to guide him so in the end he just gave Thunder his head. He seemed to know exactly where he was going and Roger encouraged him,

"Go on boy, find Cloudy, you know where she is, find her boy."

Roger had no fear of coming upon a group of unscrupulous vagabonds or gypsies he had his horsewhip and as a last resort a double barrelled flintlock pistol. An hour after leaving the Gables Thunder slowed and gave a whinny as if calling to someone and just a few seconds later there came an answering whinny and they broke out of a copse into a luscious green field and in the middle stood Cloudy looking none the worse for wear, Thunder trotted up to Cloudy and nuzzled her, Cloudy nuzzled back.

"So Cloudy whatever are you doing out here, you had us all worried?"

He knew there would be no answer forthcoming so he fastened a rope around Cloudy's neck and rode slowly back to the Gables where Bea was waiting,

"Yew fownd 'er then, t'mistress 'ad a turn when yew went orf wivout a word."

Roger was heading for the bedchamber almost before she had finished speaking.

 

[Opensesame54321]

“Off to help a neighbor! Is that the answer that James gave you, because if it is I don’t believe it. I’m not calling him a liar, but he needs to work on his prevarications.”

Bea looked confused as she stood before Her Ladyship. She understood everything up until that last word, and though she didn’t know the word exactly, she suspected that it wasn’t necessarily a positive word.

Clarissa watched the confusion play across the girl’s face and she raised an eyebrow before she told her, “It means falsehood, story, or...” Clarissa paused and waited for Bea to fill in the blank.

“...lie?” The question came weakly out of the girl’s mouth. She hated lying to the woman but she had her orders, though they might have come from the Master through James. She paused a moment. It was obvious that Her Ladyship wanted the truth.

“That’s w’at James told me!” Now would be the time to change the subject. “Time fer yer mid mornin’ meal. Ya needs ta be strong fer w’en the seamstress comes this afternoon.”

And with that Bea turned and rushed out of the room despite Clarissa’s calls to come back and talk to her.

The meal was small and relatively bland and in spite of Clarissa’s gentle proddings and mild threats, the girl stuck to her story. Finally in exasperation she sent Bea away, whereupon the girl promptly hightailed it out to the stables to await with James the Master’s return with both horses.

Yew fownd 'er then, t'mistress 'ad a turn when yew went orf wivout a word.

She watched him jump off Thunder’s back before the stallion could come to a complete stop. Even Thunder seemed somewhat surprised though Cloudy stepped up to Thunder’s side.

“An’ Miss Cloudy, yew are tha wun causin’ all this trouble. Look at ‘er, James, swishin’ ‘er tail an’ lookin’ pleased wif ‘erself.”

James chuckled as he proceeded to check the horse over and finding nothing more than several cockleburs in the horse’s fetlocks.

Clarissa lay propped up in the bed alternating between being worried and angry. So when she could hear Roger coming up the stairs, she was ready. Lord, he must have been in a hurry for when he opened the door and stepped in, he was out of breath.

“So, which one had the problem? And what was the problem?”

A look of confusion crossed his face as he stood there waiting for a hint as to what she meant. She wasn’t about to give him any clues. Let’s see how he worked it out.

“Well?”

 

[cumnchat]

Roger couldn't get to Clarissa fast enough at being told that she'd had a turn, all the worst case scenarios ran through his mind, from had she lost the baby to had she fainted and hurt herself? When he burst into the bedroom he found himself fixed with a steely glare.

There was no escape, Roger knew that glare, he had seen it before but then it had been some unfortunate who had tried to fleece her at a market stall, the stall holder had ended up quivering and offering his apologies almost on his knees,

'So, which one had the problem? And what was the problem?'

He knew immediately what she was referring to but he didn't have the faintest idea what story she had been told so he struggled to form a believable answer,

Well?'

He thought about trying to brazen it out, in his mind's eye he imagined her not lying in bed but on her feet, arms folded, demanding an answer.

"T'was something and nothing my sweetness," he replied grovellingly, "Assumptions were made which turned out to be incorrect but all's well that ends well."

From her expression he knew his explanation hadn't been enough, he was really on the spot now, but he knew Clarissa well enough to know that she would be like a dog with a bone and gnaw away until she got the truth.

"Cloudy went missing during the night, James thought she had been stolen so Thunder and I went to look for her, we did not have time to stop and wave to you, I told James to tell Bea to tell you some story so you wouldn't be worried, as it turned out Thunder knew where Cloudy had gone and took me there, a meadow with exceptionally luscious grazing just right for a mother to be, perhaps you should try it and get rid of that sour face you are wearing I would be far more inclined to kiss you then."

Now he had told Clarissa the truth he felt safe enough to grin at her as he jested about her grim expression.

 

[Opensesame54321]

Roger was sternly warned never to hide things like that from her again, and Clarissa would not let up until he agreed to her terms.

“I am not an invalid and my mind is just fertile enough that I can imagine much greater atrocities than you.”

After lunch, he apparently decided that it was best if he remove himself from her questioning gaze. Instead, he told her he needed to take care of business around the grounds, which was fine with her as Mrs. Hortense Jumper would soon arrive with Clarissa’s clothes to wear during her pregnancy. Clarissa felt like a child on her birthday, expecting so many new clothes.

Around 2:00, Bea escorted Tessie in, followed by several young ladies, all carrying armfuls of new clothes. For the next few hours, Clarissa tried on her new clothes. For the most part, everything fit and looked so adorable. Several of the dresses were, at this time, too large for her but should fit perfectly later in her pregnancy.

And then, there was the special order. When Bea saw the outfit, her mouth dropped open in surprise.

“‘y, tha Master will ‘ave a fit!”

“That is why I will be wearing it instead of him. And you are to say absolutely nothing about it to him. Do you understand? He shall see it tomorrow anyway.”

Poor Bea’s eyes were round as saucers, but Tessie smiled as she shifted the outfit this way and that, making sure that it was not too tight on Clarissa’s maturing figure.

“Remember! Not a word to my husband!”

Clarissa shook a finger of warning to the girl as Bea nodded. As to the other clothes, she thought them beautiful, her fingers caressing the soft fabric.

One last box was left, and with a twinkle in her eye, she handed it to Bea.

“Her Ladyship wanted you to have this.”

It took Bea several seconds of to comprehend that what was in the box was for her instead of Her Ladyship. Her hands shook as she carefully unwrapped the box. Inside was a very pretty Persian green dress with pink and white flowers sprinkled across the material. There were accents of a white collar and white cuffs on the long sleeves. The dress was relatively plain yet very pretty and sweet.

“I understand that there is to be a Servant’s Ball next week, and just in case someone should ask to be your escort to the dance, I thought that you might need a pretty dress to wear.”

Tessie had a good eye and had also included a simple underpinning. The one-piece was sleeveless and buttoned down the front and had just a touch of lace at the neckline and hem. There was also a petticoat that went with it. The entire outfit was perfect for her, and Bea burst into tears as she tried on the outfit.

“Oi can’t afford sumfin this boo-ti-ful, Yer Ladyship!”

“Oh, but this is a gift from me. I want my Lady’s Maid to stand out as the prettiest one there.” Whereupon the young girl threw her arms around Clarissa, thanking her profusely.

Later when she went upstairs to put up her dress, she spent a while just stroking the pretty fabric.

 

[cumnchat]

Roger rarely found himself with nothing to do but the estate was running smoothly, everything and everyone was where they should be, he found no one slacking, the stables had been mucked out and James was polishing the tack so Roger sat on a straw bale and lit his pipe, which Clarissa hated the smell of and would not let him smoke it in the house.

"I say James why do you think Cloudy took it into her head to wander off in the dead of night and Thunder seemed to know exactly where she was"?

James shook his head,

"Oi dunno Sir, these 'orses got a sight more brains than we give'em credit for."

"You're right there James, it seems the female of every species is far more intelligent than we men like to think they are, talking of which are you taking anyone to the servants' ball?"

"Oi don't fink so Sir, all the maids have themselves fixed up."

"What about Bea? I don't believe anyone has asked her yet and she is rather pretty."

"No, oi cudn't ask her, she'd turn me down flat Sir, we had a bit of a disagreement a while back."

"I'm sure she's forgotten all about it so you ask her tonight when you see her in the kitchen for tea, if she does turn you down 'twill be her loss and I'll tell her so myself."

"Alrite Sir oi'll ask her but don't you go sayin' anyfing to 'er when she says no."

"That's the spirit James, you must learn, women are so damned unpredictable, they surprise you at every turn."

Roger finished his pipe and walked back to the house just in time to see Mrs. Jumper leaving,

"Goodbye Hortense, I shall look forward to seeing what you have dreamt up for my wife.

"Don't you be worritin yer 'ead she's pleased wiv absolutely everyfing even ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,"

She stopped short as she was about to blurt out Clarissa's secret.

"Pleased with even what Hortense?"

"My lips are sealed Sir don't you go badgering me 'bout it 'cos Oi ain't sayin'."

She scooted off before Roger could question her further, but he went to find Clarissa with a thoughtful look on his face.

 

[Opensesame54321]

The locked bedroom door was not what Roger was expecting.

“Just a moment, love!” She called out to him while she and Bea finished putting away the new clothes that Tessie had brought out to her. He was a bit impatient, at one point trying the door handle.

“I almost have it all put away!” She tried sounding light and carefree. She knew that he would not be nosey, at least she hoped that he would not.

Sitting in a chair by the window, she nodded to Bea to unlock the bedroom door and then pasted a big smile on her face. He looked around the room, curious as to where everything was.

“Oh, Love, Bea and I have already put everything up. But just think of how you can see my new clothes a little bit at a time. And tomorrow I will wear the first outfit. That will be all for now, Bea.” The girl gave a curtsy and rushed out of the room with the big box hold her new dress under her arm.

Clarissa noticed the raised eyebrow as he looked questioningly at the box under Bea’s arm

“Oh, that was my gift to Bea. You know, the Servants Ball is coming up next week and if James is planning on taking the prettiest girl to that dance, he had best get off his behind and ask her. Otherwise, he will regret it.”

Somehow she suspected that that was not what he was interested in. The poor thing looked disappointed.

“Oh, if you are looking for my new clothes, I’ll start wearing them tomorrow. So you will just have to wait.”

Lunch was far from exciting. And the rest of the afternoon consisted of Roger trying to surreptitiously snoop around looking for something, though at the moment he wasn’t quite sure what it was.

 

[cumnchat]

Prying into Clarissa's wardrobe wasn't the sort of thing that Roger would normally do but he was intrigued by the suggestion by Hortense that there was something that might at best be described as outlandish, although in what way that might be he had no idea. He thought long and hard before opening the doors to her wardrobe and was about to rummage through it when he heard Clarissa outside the door, he hastily closed the door and stood still looking guilty as Clarissa entered.

"Hello my love I was just ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, erm, just,,,,,,,,,,,,,, I was just looking for a clean handkerchief." He stammered and stuttered his weak excuse.

***********************

James made sure he was seated next to Bea as the servants sat down to tea. As he looked at her he thought how pretty she was, her sweet cherry red lips that he so wanted to kiss again, her skin was a pale ivory and her hair tied up in a bun that he knew was long and luxurious when let down, he wanted to run his fingers through it as he kissed her but he wouldn't be doing that unless he took her out and the most obvious thing to do was to ask her if she would go to the servant's dance with him or as the Mistress and Master so grandly called it The Servant's Ball.

"Bea,,,,,,,,, Oi wuz thinkin' if yew ain't got no wun t'go to t'ball wiv wud yew go wiv me? Oi know we 'ad our differences but p'raps we cud put 'em be'ind us 'n' start agen? Yew wud be the prettiest gal there by miles n'oi wud be so proud."

Bea blushed as James asked her in front of all the other servants but she felt a thrill of pleasure run through her when he said she would be the prettiest girl there. True, she and James had fell out after that night in his room but she still liked him and he seemed to like her, just like a woman she would not give him a straight yes or no,

"Oi dunno James, Oi'll need t'think 'bout it, Oi'll let yer know t'morrow."

 

[Opensesame54321]

Later in the evening, Bea came up bringing her meal. Clarissa smiled as the young woman positivity glowed, with the biggest smile that she had ever seen in the maid’s face.

“And what makes you so happy?” She asked the woman as if she couldn’t guess.

“‘e asked me. James asked me ta be ‘is date fer tha dance.”

“And did you say yes?”

“Oi told ‘im that Oi’d let ‘I’m know tamorrow.”

That night when Roger came to bed, he seemed particularly amorous yet he was so careful making love to her, as if afraid of causing her to lose the baby. Afterward, as she lay cuddling in his arms, she spoke.

“Love, I am so sorry that this pregnancy is so hard on you. It’s just not fair that other women can carry a baby without any problems. You are having to be so careful with everything about me and I know that it is difficult for you.”

Yet he was very understanding and she soon fell asleep with Roger nestled behind her as she lay on her side, his arms encircling her.

The next morning, he was up early. Clarissa awoke around 9 o’clock and knew that any minute Roger would come up under the bedroom window on Thunder’s back, giving their usual greeting. She stood on the balcony and waved to the two before they took off across the field on Thunder’s morning run. Poor Roger always appeared to be holding on for dear life and she applauded her husband’s willingness to exercise the wild stallion.

Getting dressed so that she could be down in the stables when the two returned from their run, Bea was nervous.

“Oi’m tellin’ yew. ‘e is not goin’ ya be ‘appy ‘bout this.”

“Nonsense, Bea, it makes perfect sense. He will say that I made a wise decision.”

Once dressed, Bea helped her down the stairs and out to the stables. When James saw her, he just nodded and grinned real big.

Soon Clarissa could hear Thunder’s hooves beating a pattern as he tore towards the stables. As he rounded the corner, he was greeted to the sight of Clarissa standing there in a new version of the riding outfit that she usually wore to ride Thunder. The riding pants looked brand new, and the blouse did not tuck into the pants but instead was on the outside of them, effectively hiding the fact that the pants were adjustable with several button sewn on the front. As her belly increased in size, all she would have to do is button the front on a different button.

She noticed Roger’s eyebrows raise in question and she answered what she though might be his issues.

“I was tired of the hem of my dresses being dragged through the muck and mud. I could even ride in it, though I know that I am not allowed to right now.” The look that he gave her confirmed her words. “It just makes sense. Right?”

Bea looked over at James and shook her head, certain that the Master would have a fit. But Clarissa stood her ground and smiled at her husband.

 

[cumnchat]

For some reason Roger's libido was sky high that night and under normal circumstances he and Clarissa would have spent the whole night either making love or just fucking but more than once was out of the question and Roger could not even lay on her so he had to support himself on his arms which neither of them found particularly comforting, all it did was assuage Roger's need, not that Clarissa was against it as Roger always injected lots of kisses into his love making.

Roger rose early as usual to take Thunder out for his gallop,he left Clarissa still sleeping. He was becoming more accustomed to riding THUNDER and coping with his sudden bursts of speed which came without warning. As usual they went under the bedroom window where Clarissa waved to them both and Thunder pawed the ground and whinnied in greeting.

Upon their return Clarissa was nowhere in sight which was highly unusual and Roger worried that something might have happened. Then Clarissa appeared and Roger raised his eyebrows but said nothing at his wife's new version of a riding habit. He let Clarissa explain herself first before passing judgement,

;I was tired of the hem of my dresses being dragged through the muck and mud. I could even ride in it, though I know that I am not allowed to right now. It just makes sense. Right? '

Rather wryly Roger teased her "It quite possibly makes sense to you Clarissa, but as for me ,,,,,,,, well."

He let it dwell then broke into a big smile,

"It also makes perfect sense my clever little wife, a word of caution though when you wear that outfit remember I am still Master here and I wear the trousers."

 

[Opensesame54321]

It also makes perfect sense my clever little wife, a word of caution though when you wear that outfit remember I am still Master here and I wear the trousers.

Clarissa smiled back at him and gave a laugh before answering, “Certainly, if that is what you think , my husband.”

She suspected that Roger would have said something but he just grinned and gave her a look before the two of them began grooming the steed.

*****

Bea stood and watched the Master and Her Ladyship as the both groomed that big black horse. They laughed and teased each other yet it was obvious that they both adored each other.

Suddenly, James was tugging on her arm and she was surprised as he led her through the stables and into an empty stall.

“James!” She scolded but he quickly shushed her.

“Oi means no untoward but Oi kin wait no more. Will yew please be my partner at tha dance?”

Bea blinked, looking at James. The man seemed almost desperate to take her out. Her! Just plain Bea as she had been called by that Mrs. Snark. Just adequate for scooping the coals out of the fireplace. Yet here she was being actively pursued by a man that she found attractive.

She took a deep breath before nodding. James seemed to hold his breath before he spoke.

“Yes? Are ya sayin’ yes? You’ll be me date?”

“Yes.”

Grinning like a silly kid, James seemed to stand a bit taller and he had a more confident stride the rest of the day.

 

[cumnchat]

Roger and Clarissa teased each other with light hearted banter, if ever a couple were so obviously in love it was them. Roger noticed James leading Bea away and into an empty stall and being curious he signalled to Clarissa to be quiet and listen, he wondered if they were going to cement their friendship in the stall but he heard Bea scold James.

'James!

"I wonder what he's doing to her"he whispered to Clarissa who was leaning over his shoulder, all ears.

'Oi means no untoward but Oi kin wait no more. Will yew please be my partner at tha dance?'

"It's alright, he's behaving himself,,,,,,,,,,,,, I think" Roger chuckled quietly.

There was a pause then they heard,

'Yes? Are ya sayin’ yes? You’ll be me date?

'Yes.'

"I think we have a very happy stable lad my love." Roger was all smiles and went on,

"You watch when he comes out, he'll have a right spring in his step."

Sure enough when James came out of the stall Roger and Clarissa were still grooming Thunder as if nothing had happened but James was almost bouncing as if he was walking on air and had a big smile on his face.

Roger nudged Clarissa and whispered "See what I mean my love, he's really smitten with our Bea, I reckon he'll treat her well. We will have to see what we can do to smooth the path for them, any bright ideas in that pretty head of yours?"

 

[Opensesame54321]

See what I mean my love, he's really smitten with our Bea, I reckon he'll treat her well. We will have to see what we can do to smooth the path for them, any bright ideas in that pretty head of yours?

Clarissa cocked her head to the side, grinning at her husband. She muttered to him low and for his ears only.

“I already have. Just wait until you see the outfit that I bought for Bea. She’ll be the belle of the ball.”

*****

Bea was shocked. First off, Her Ladyship had bought her this lovely dress. In fact, it was the prettiest dress that Bea had ever had and she fell in love with the little flowers that adorned it.

Then, her Ladyship has tried to fix her hair for her for the dance. This was not the woman’s strong suit as Her Ladyship’s own hair frequently hung in a tangled mess about her head, with bits of stray hairs sticking up and down and every which way but the way that they were supposed to go. So as Her Ladyship fussed and bothered with Bea’s hair, it just made the maid more nervous until finally she suggested that perhaps she could just wear it down and loose. Her Ladyship seemed quite relieved at the suggestion.

Finally, Bea left and hurried to her room to dress for the ball. She had never been to a ball, or a dance, or any event where the servants could just be themselves. Back at the Chichester’s estate, Mrs. Snark would never let Bea attend any of the servant’s functions, saying that Bea was too young, or did not have enough seniority, or whatever reason that the mean woman felt like giving. Whereas, here, the Master and Her Ladyship encouraged Bea to be an active member of the household.

She worried that maybe the dress wouldn’t look good on her, or wouldn’t fit (what if she had gained 20 pounds in the last 2 days).

But none of that happened. The dress fit her like it was made for her. She took a twirl and the skirt billowed out like a field of flowers of a fine summer day.

She pinched her cheeks to bring up their roses, and bit her lips to make them darker and redder, before taking one last look in the mirror and heading downstairs for the ball. The Master and Her Ladyship would stay in their room while the servants had run of the first floor. There would even be several tables of delicious things to eat and a huge punch bowl to keep thirsty dancers quenched.

Coming down the stairs to the first floor, she could already hear the musician tuning their instruments. There was a bevy of male servants standing at the foot of the stairs waiting for their dates. And already the place was filling up with conversation and laughter. Reaching the foot of the stairs, she looked around for James as various women complimented the way that she looked or how beautiful her dress was.

“Thay ar right!” The voice was close behind her and she whirled around to find James smiling at her.

 

[cumnchat]

James looked at himself in the mirror and grinned, he had really worked on his appearance for the 'ball' tonight, a clean shirt, washed and pressed and had even given his best suit a good brushing as though he was grooming Thunder. The only thing he could do nothing about except give them a good polish were his boots that he wore to work. He ran a comb through his curly black hair and set off to meet Bea.

When he arrived Bea was already the centre of attention and he could see why, her dress fitted her perfectly and showed her figure to perfection, clinging in all the right places. One of the older maids admired her dress and remarked how beautiful it was.

'Thay ar right!'

He said as he stood right behind her, she hadn't seen him and whirled round, a happy smile on her face her eyes sparkling with excitement.

He offered her his arm as he had seen the gentry do and she linked arms with him.

"Shall we foind a table first or do yew wanna dance?"

"OH JAMES, OI WANNA DANCE," Bea pulled on his arm and led him onto the floor, it was a slow dance and Bea melted into his arms and pressed up close to him. He could feel her breasts pressing against him and his mind went back to that night in his room. He couldn't hep it, his cock swelled in his pants and pressed against Bea's thigh. He didn't know what to do, should he draw Bea's attention to it and apologise or just hope that Bea wouldn't notice.

The thing was Bea had noticed, but she was so happy she didn't care if James was getting excited, she was too, there was a warm glow between her legs, she knew now what it was and knew what would dispel it, but not yet the night was still young and she rather liked the feeling, dancing in James's arms, his strong arms on her. She was going to have the time of her life tonight and hopefully James would walk her back to her room and she could ask him in, out of politeness of course and if she said he could he would kiss her and then.............

 

[Opensesame54321]

James’ arms felt so wonderful around her waist and she found him easily the most handsome man in the room. She had never seen him without hay sticking out of a pocket or dirt under his nails, but tonight he looked spotless. She felt safe and protected in his arms.

Around the ballroom, tables had been set up with the majority of tables having only 2 chairs. Along one wall were several large tables loaded with delicious-smelling food that the cook and the kitchen help had worked hard to prepare. At one end of the room was a raised dais where the band (all servants) played their instrument. They were quite good.

After they had danced several dances, he led her to an available table tucked away in a rather quiet corner before he went off with a promise that he would be right back.

She sat there watching the others dance. About half of the tables were filled with couples holding hands and talking and laughing and eating. She looked around at the other women there. No one had a dress prettier than hers.

Soon James came back carrying a plate of food and two cups of punch.

“Oi thought we culd share tha food. Oi can always go get more.”

She nodded, almost afraid to speak. This was like a dream and she felt like a princess. She and James ate small meat pies and chicken darioles (or at least something that looked like it), roasted brussel sprouts, stuffed tomatoes, merengues and little pancakes rolled up with fruit inside. The punch was so good but James warned her.

“Be careful. It’s got sum spirits in it an’ if yew are not used to it, it can be too much fer yew.”

She smiled back. He was keeping an eye out for her and she felt protected.

 

[cumnchat]

James and Bea danced and talked danced some more and towards the end Bea shyly asked James for one more dance, she didn't tell James that she wanted his arms around her and she wanted to feel the lump in his trousers pressed against her, she was feeling so hot between her legs and prayed that James would walk her back to her room.

James had enjoyed dancing with Bea and although his manhood wouldn't stop feeling so hard in his trousers he had managed to keep it from making its presence obvious, Bea was bright and chatty telling him about her life at her previous employers.

"Tha' Mrs. Snark sounds like a nasty piece o' work Bea, I reckon she were just jealous o'yew bein' so boo'iful."

Bea blushed as he said that, did James think she were boo'iful? It sounded like it.

At Bea's request they had one more dance and he found Bea snuggled right up close to him and he couldn't help his hard lump pressing against her, she must have felt it.

"James, I wud loike it if yew would walk me to my room if yew don't moind."

"Corse oi will Bea, it's t'gentlemanly t'ing t'do."

They walked hand in hand to the door of Bea's room and James took Bea in his arms and said,

"Oi wud really loike t'kiss yew Bea, but only if yew say yew don't moind."

"Oh James, oi wanna kiss yew too, but not out 'ere someone moight see us, come into moi room."

Bea opened the door and ushered James in quickly, before he could say anything her arms were round his neck and she was kissing him fervently, eventually she stopped long enough to say breathlessly,

"Oi've bin wantin' t'do that all night ever since I felt that lump in yer trousers, can oi see it an' old it agen?"

James was thunderstruck, he really wanted to but after the last time he daren't say so so he just nodded and let Bea's skill at unbuttoning be put to use on his trousers.

When it was free it sprang upright and Bea held it gingerly and looked at him ,

""Can oi kiss it James? Oi'll let you kiss me down there as well, fair's fair tha' knows."