Victorian Love (closed)

[Hard_Rom]

Henry indicates the vegetable soup and is served. With the medium sized spoon, he begins to eat his soup. "Very good choice. It is quite good," he says to Ellie. Attempting to engage Ellie in small talk he continues, "And a healthy choice too. I do believe we should all eat more vegetables in any form."

 

[Sweetandsexy3]

"I agree... I have alway thought it might be nice to start my own garden." She said turning to face him "I do not think I would do very well though." Ellie sighed and turned her attention back to the soup in front of her.

 

[Hard_Rom]

Actually trying to sound more gallant than overly complimentary Henry disagrees with Ellie. "I can see no basis for that thought. From what Richard has told me, I am sure you can do anything you put your mind to. Botany itself is a proper subject for a young lady to learn. It adds to her mental accomplishments without taxing her with such sometime arbitrary things like politics." "Do you not agree, my Lord?" Henry directs his question to Lord Darlington.

"While I do agree on the suitablity of Botany. I don't think I wish to have my daughter kneeling in the dirt, grubbing at the soil," Darlington replies.

"Of course you are correct, my Lord. But advances in plate glass manufacturing have made greenhouses very cheap and in vogue. Many an estate now boasts a fine wrought iron framed glass greenhouse. One may even economize by raising out of season crops and not have to pay extravagant prices for imported foodstuff or flowers for the house. Large pots and trays suffice to grow things. One need not grub in the dirt," Henry explains making his pitch.

The rich widow half way down the table says, "I do agree with the Major, Lord Darlington. All my friends have them. I can have my favourite foodstuffs and flowers at almost anytime of the year. And at a fraction of the cost. The flowers especially are so nice fresh cut." A rich widow may be the most unbound female to society's restrictions and so boldly invites Henry to come see her garden at anytime. Henry graciously accepts her invitation. Graciously she extends the invitation to Ellie as well.

"Lady Heward has the most delightful tea parties in hers," adds Ellie's aunt. "I think it is a capital suggestion. Have it done, Charles," she say to her brother.

Lord Darlington looks at Ellie. He decides to throw her a bone. "Alright. If my daughter wishes to have a garden, who am I to gainsay what appears to be a solid argument in favour of it. I will talk to the Head Gardener and Estate Manager first thing tomorrow," he promises.

"Voilà, vous avez votre jardin," Henry says quietly to Ellie.

 

[Sweetandsexy3]

"Thank you. I appreciate the help." Looking at him she wondered why he had caught for her, especially when she was trying to get away from this place. Maybe he could convince her father that marrying Cedric was a bad idea or at least get him to consider other options. It seemed as though her father valued Henry's opinion.

 

[Hard_Rom]

Henry looks back at Ellie. A warning kick from her aunt under the table, tells him he has lost himself in her sad beautiful eyes. He recovers quickly and looks to Richard.

"So what do you have in mind to entertain your honoured guest?" he asks his friend.

"Oh the usual. Get some rest tonight as we will go shooting in the morn. The day after, a fox hunt I think," Richard replies.

"And don't forget Whist," his aunt includes.

"Ah yes. We must not forget Whist. Auntie Martha insists that all guest must play Whist. I suspect your afternoons will be spent playing cards," Richard adds. "Be careful though if she partners with my father. Don't wager too much. I suspect they cheat," he says with a laugh.

His father takes no offence and indeed laughs too. It's the first time Henry has seen a smile on his lordships face. Lady Addling lightly pokes Richard with her elbow.

Laughing she says, "What a terrible thing to say. It is only because we have played so long together as partners." Looking to Henry she says, "Don't you listen to him, Major. I am sure you will leave here with your shirt still on your back."

"I am looking forward to it, milady," Henry replies with a grin, "I do hope you will not severely handicap me by making me partner with Richard. If that so I should just turn over my purse now and allow you to take what you want."

Lord Darlington himself, still smiling, says, "That would be too easy, Major. Ellie can be your partner at cards. She is quite capable."

Cedric ignored till now sounds like he has choked.

"Are you alright, Cedric," Darlington inquires.

"Yes, my Lord," Cedric says, "It is just my disappointment. I had hoped to engage in some cards with Lady Addling and yourself."

Darlington waves him off. "There will be many occasions for you to play again. I think it may be enjoyable to play a man whose purse is not bottomless. That he may play all the better."

Dinner continues with several more courses. As guest of honour, Henry is expected to "sing for his supper" and regale fellow diners with humorous life stories and answer questions on life in Scotland. He regularly directs his attention to Ellie. As her dinner partner should she require anything, it is his duty to signal a waiter for service.

 

[Sweetandsexy3]

Ellie is relieved as the last course is brought out. "I was thinking that I would get to bed early tonight. It sounds like it is going to be a very exciting day tomorrow and I am quite worn out from all of today's excitement." She said before finishing the last few bites of her food, hoping he father would excuse her so she could avoid seeing anymore of Cedric than she had to.

 

[Hard_Rom]

"We have guests, Ellie. You have responsibilities," Darlington replies. "After dinner the men will take cigars and port in the billiards room. The ladies will retire to the hall. If you are tired you may retire when the men join the ladies."

Dessert is various fruit sorbets and chocolate creations. At least he is being well fed Henry thinks. While not exactly poor, even well off by most, food such as this is rare in an officer's mess and expensive in restaurants.

All through dinner Ellie has been mostly quiet. Henry thinks either this is one sad little girl or he is losing his touch. A witty remark setting the table to laugh, produces a polite smile on Ellie's face. Even Cedric has lost his dour look. Although the drinks and tits of his partner may have more to do with it. Since being slighted over playing cards, he has become quite attentive to the blonde girl.

Not really sure if what he is doing is a good idea but determined to make her feel as if she was not alone, he moves his leg under the table and brushes it deliberately but lightly against Ellie's.

 

[Sweetandsexy3]

"Of course..." She said quietly agreeing with her father. When Henry's leg hit hers she was shocked. Taking a deep breath she found his hand under the table with hers, hoping that he wouldn't push her away. "This has been a fantastic meal... Everything was very delicious and the conversation was entertaining as well."

 

[Hard_Rom]

Henry has a really hard time keeping from breaking into a big grin. He hides it with a mouthful of orange sorbet. Turning his hand, he gives Ellie's hand a slight squeeze and a caresses the back of her hand with his thumb. This is the most enthusiasm he has heard in her voice so far. Could he have a chance with her? Should he hope? The touch of her hand excites him. He rubs his calf against hers through her dress.

 

[Sweetandsexy3]

Ellie couldn't help but smile when he took her hand. As everyone finished eating the plates where slowly cleared from the table and her father invited his male guest to join him. The women of the group went their own way as the room cleared. Reluctantly Ellie got up to follow them "It was nice to dine with you Henry..." She said before leaving.

 

[Hard_Rom]

"A most delightful companion I could not ask for," Henry replies.

The men retire to the billiards room. The best cigars and port are enjoyed over conversations mainly dealing with what appears to be an imminent American civil war. As a landed aristocrat, Lord Darlington appears to favour the South. Cedric worries about interruptions in the cotton trade. Henry bemoans the imminent loss of life and limb that is about to be inflicted. All agree the North will win. It is just a matter of time. And that it should in no way negatively impact the British Empire.

The ladies in the hall have an entirely different subject to talk about.

"Ooh! Isn't he dreamy," extolls the plump blonde, "I do love a man in a kilt."

"And those sideburns, so distinguished," adds the young widow. "Did you notice his hands? Very masculine."

"Do you think he has a hairy chest?" asks the girl.

"Of course he does!" says the widow. Closing her eyes, she says, "I can't picture him any other way."

"And that backside!" says Ellie's elderly aunt, "If I was only thirty... no twenty... no ten years younger. I would..."

"What do you like about him, Ellie?" asks the giggling blonde.

 

[Sweetandsexy3]

"He's kind..." Ellie said as she took a seat near a window "It isn't all about money with him. He listens to what you have to say..." She said "I guess he's just nice to be around."

 

[Hard_Rom]

"Ooh! And a true gentleman," the blonde exclaims, "I swear he makes me feel all squishy."

"Makes me wet," says the widow.

Lady Addling laughs and says, "You are incorrigible Daphne."

"It's been almost two years since my beloved husband past away," replies the widow. "I'm a widow and a young rich one too. I'm not dead."

"Do you think he has female patients?" asks the blonde girl.

"I would be ill constantly... With female problems," declares the Daphne. "As well as inviting him to see my garden..." she titters, " I should have him... over for tea."

Lady Addling keeps looking at Ellie.

"Maybe you should, Daphne," she says, "Mourning must end some way. Might as well be with a bang."

The three ladies lead the others in laughing hilariously.

 

[Sweetandsexy3]

Richard pulls Henry away from all the talk of war. When they are far enough away that his father will not hear he turns to him "What are you going to do?" He asked "I saw the way you looked at her and I'm certain you know about Cedric's plans for her by now. what are your plans?"


Ellie turned away from the group, feeling uncomfortable hearing them talk about him this way, her focus on the view outside. As they continue on she realizes that she is starting to cry. Why do things have to be this unfair. She's stuck marrying Cedric while they think up ways to seduce Henry. Taking a deep breath she tries her best to hide her tears.

 

[Hard_Rom]

Looking at his friend, Henry thinks. Richard is an adventurer and takes nothing seriously. Even the Crimea was just a lark to him.

"How do you feel about the marriage?" Henry asks back.

"He is not near good enough for my sister. Our mother must be turning in her grave. Pompous little twit," Richard answers, "I have half a dozen friends who would be better. None with his money though." "I tried to raise the issue once. I got half a dozen words out and my dear father read me the Riot Act. He actually quoted the 1837 Act of Wills and reminded me he has a spare heir."

"And that would end with you marrying a rich widow who thought you looked pretty or reactivating your commission and going to India," Henry tells him.

"Me! Married! Not until I have to. I got lots of years yet before I need to sire my own heir. Good God man, I'm not even thirty yet. India? What, a lowly heavily indebted lieutenant leading sepoy troops against the Pathans?" Richard says shuddering, ""The Valley of Death" took away any desire I have of seeing war again."

"And what about "Theirs not to make reply, Theirs not to reason why, Theirs but to do and die."?" Henry asks.

"Load of bollocks!" Richard replies.

"Then perhaps it would be best if you just stood ready to do the right thing by your sister," Henry suggests. "You could suggest that to occupy her time when married she might try charitable works."

Richard is confused. "Charitable work? When she is married? But I thought.."

Henry just smiles back at him.

"Charitable work! Well at least you would never catch Cedric in a workhouse..." Ellie's brother says with a pause, "Charity, eh?"

"Shall we join the ladies, gentlemen?" Lord Darlington commands.

Lord Darlington leads the men back to the hall.

 

[Sweetandsexy3]

Ellie stands, quickly wiping a at any trace of the tears, when she sees the men start to enter the room. Looking around she searches for Henry wondering if one of the other women will grab his attention.

 

[Hard_Rom]

Henry looks about the room as he enters, looking for Ellie. There eyes meet across the room. Before he can decide on a plan of action he is confronted with the buxom blonde and young widow.

"Hello ladies!" he greets them cheerily, "Lovely dinner wasn't it?"

"Dreamy, just dreamy," says the blonde with a longing look in her eyes.

"A real hero at dinner certainly helps," Daphne, the widow, says as she reaches up and fingers his Military Cross medal. "We would love to hear how you won this," she says turning to the blonde girl, "Wouldn't we, Susie?"

"Oh yes, please! Oh, do please tell us. Please!" blonde Susie begs. Coquettishly she holds her hands low in front of her. Which forces her large plump breasts together.

Richard in the mean time has quickly crossed to his sister's side. Standing between her and the room, he reaches forward and removes one of Ellie's earrings, which he palms as Cedric approaches. He gives his sister a wink. Turning to Cedric as he arrives.

"Cedric old chap. Ellie seems to have lost an earring in the dining room. Be a good chap and see if you can find it," he asks Cedric.

Looking a bit nonplussed at being sent on a servant's errand, Cedric replies, "Of course, Richard. Anything for your dear sister." Turning to Ellie he assures her he shall return shortly, he leaves.

"Twit!" Richard says to Cedric's back.

Turning back to Ellie, he says, "Grasping little sod! He's not near good enough for you. I dare not openly defy his Lordship. But I don't have to make it easy for the bugger." Taking advantage of Cedric's absence and their father talking with Lady Addling, he continues, "Now Cedric not good enough for you, does not automatically mean Henry MacClinton is! You could do much better than a rich commoner or the second son of a Scottish feudal family. I might prefer to visit my sister in her fine house in London not some crofter's cottage in Scotland."

"That being said..." Richard says with a pause, "There are many ways of avoiding obnoxious husbands. You could try charitable works. At least Cedric will never willingly step inside a workhouse or orphanage." With a laugh he says, "He might see a close relative."

 

[Sweetandsexy3]

"It isn't your choice to make. If you want to marry for money then go ahead, I'll support you no matter what, but I want to make my own desision." She said "and I hope I won't need to avoid Cedric forever, I don't plan on ever marrying him. So I just have to figure out how to avoid this engagement." Sighing she took her earing back "Thanks for the help. Shouldn't I be the one to decide if Henry is right for me or not?"

 

[Hard_Rom]

"I don't have to marry for money. All my wife has to be is fertile. And not too common with a good dowry. Our dear brother was married off to reduce the household expenses. You are expected to marry well. If not for the money then for the family name. Find a even a minor royal to marry you and you will never see Cedric again," Richard says, "Or at least be discreet. I would hate to have my little sister labelled a fallen woman. They fish them out of the River Thames routinely."

Cedric reappears. The short period he is gone says he only had a cursory look. Henry notices his reappearance and watches as he heads toward Ellie and Richard.

"Miss Darlington has not heard the story yet. Perhaps she would care to hear my tale too," Henry prompts Susie.

Innocently and not sensing a rival, Susie rushes over and garbs Ellie's arm.

"Do come and listen. The Major is going to tell us how he won his medal."

 

[Sweetandsexy3]

"I'm sure it is a fascinating story but I have hear enough talk of war and whatnot tonight. Hopefully there will be time for me to hear it later. I am not feeling well and, since my father said I may be excused when the men rejoined us, I am going to head off to bed now. I hope you all have a lovely evening." She said desperate to get out of there. It had been a long day and the last thing she wanted to do was watch them fawn over Henry as Cedric watched, angry once again.

 

[Hard_Rom]

Susie heads back without Ellie. Henry is disappointed, he hopes he will still be able to discuss his plan with her. In the mean time two beautiful and attainable females coo all over him.

So he launches into his tale. The version designed for the public. The first Russian lancer is just engaged and wounded. No further mention is made of the young barely a man lancer, screaming for his mother. Staring at the bloody stump of his arm until shot out of the saddle by a blast of musket fire. Unexpectedly finding the battle has come to you and fighting for your life, apparently gets you medals and honours. If performed under the eye of the Duke of Cambridge anyways. Quick thinking by a Grenadiers officer had relieved the pressure. When it was over two hundred Scots Fusiliers lay dead on the hill. Many were Henry's friends. The version told here gives much credit to a rallying Guards battalion, training of British troops and an example of an officer acting on his own initiative to actually win the day.

 

[Sweetandsexy3]

"If he can manage to pull himself away please tell him that I would very much like to talk to him tonight, to discuss things." Ellie says quietly when she finds Jimmy "I'll be three doors down from the room he is staying in." She quickly heads off and goes to her own room. Flopping down on the bed she tries to gather her thoughts.

 

[Hard_Rom]

Henry stretches the tale for near an hour with antecedents. The rest of the party gathers around to hear the telling. At the end Lady Addling hides a tiny yawn behind her fan. It is a signal for the party to politely break up. Carriages wait in the drive for the guests. Cedric is the only other guest staying. He accompanies Lord Darlington to the main doors to see off the guests. The widow, Daphne, presses her card into Henry's hand and demands a promise of a visit. Henry graciously accepts. Susie is quite immodest in her effusions of adoration. Henry does not follow the guests but makes his excuses and goes to his room.

Jimmy informs him of Ellie's request and gives him a look.

"Deucedly dangerous, I know," Henry says, quickly scrawling the address of Florence Nightingale.

"Bloody daft!" replies Jimmy but checks the hall anyway. He gives Henry a nod.

Henry slips out and quickly walks to Ellie's bedroom door. He knocks lightly.

 

[Sweetandsexy3]

Ellie gets up and quickly opens the door letting him inside. "You do not need to help me. It seems that you have plenty of offers from the women here and I would not want to be the one to spoil your fun. I was naive in thinking that your offer to help had some kind of feelings behind it. I am sorry I wasted your time." She said.

 

[Hard_Rom]

Henry looks at Ellie. Then his brows furrow.

"Your apology is Not accepted," he says quite sternly, "And you are either naïve or have a very low opinion of me if you think I would make an offer to help you, that could incur the wrath of a Peer of the Realm and possibly wreck my career, lightly. I do not make my promises lightly. It would break my heart to see you marry Simmerson. To marry anyone in fact, if you must know. Apparently seeing me with another woman would mean nothing to you. Perhaps I should pay a visit to the widow Daphne. She is quite good looking, rich, experienced in certain matters and a good catch for a man in my position. Miss Susie's company could be just as rewarding for certain reasons, I am sure. So I will bid you a goodnight, Miss Darlington."

"A gentlemen at least keeps his word. Jimmy stands ready to deliver your note. I would advise you do not delay," Henry continues. He thrusts the address into Ellie's hands and turns to the door. "You will understand if I do not attend your wedding to Mr. Simmerson."