#Elizabeth Dalgeish

[jovialyouthmusic]

Past Times

Time passes at Laxton, and following her frank talk with Dorothea, Elizabeth understands a little better what married life will be like.

Word Count 1878

A/N NSFW and NO UNDER 18s

12b A Very Personal Revelation

Dinner was a pleasant affair, and conversation flowed freely as all related to each other what they had done for the day. John begged for attention in order to relay who was to arrive the next day to stay overnight or longer for the ball.

‘Lizzie, the MacDougal family will take a suite in the west wing for two nights. I believe you are good friends with young Miss Rosanna?’

‘Oh that will be marvellous. I look forward to hearing all about her new beau. I understand he will come for the ball, for his family live very close’ She felt her heart lift with joy at the thought of sharing confidences with her childhood friend.

‘That is so, my dear.’ John replied ‘Tomorrow we also expect the Beaumont family, whose daughter I understand to be a friend of yours, Miss Amelia. They will stay for longer as it is a tedious journey back to their estate north of the city. I’m sure you will be pleased to have someone closer to your own age to spend time with’ Amelia beamed happily.  She was also looking forward to seeing the Mc Dougals, for as well as Rosanna being her sister’s particular friend, her brother Scott was her age and the two of them had played together as children. She didn’t think it proper to mention her fervent wish to see him, but held it as a secret known only to herself.

The time after dinner was spent in a similar way to the previous night, with Dorothea again playing so they might practice their dancing, followed by Elizabeth playing in order for her sister to sing. Lady Charlotte was in good spirits but again retired early to conserve her strength, closely followed by the rest of Elizabeth’s family. Again she was permitted half an hour without her chaperone in the company of John, Tom and Dorothea. This was a mixed blessing, for although she enjoyed her friends’ company, she longed to be alone with John. She could act as she might when they were married, but being observed was not ideal.

They played cards – this time an ordinary game playing for matchsticks, and after a while Tom and Dottie fell to arguing over a particular hand. Elizabeth gave John a longing look and leaned closer to him, reaching out to touch the back of his hand.

‘John dear, much as I am content with company, I long to be alone with you. Can we not engineer some diversion before Morag accompanies me to my room?’ she whispered. ‘I cannot fathom why father still persists on her being present when our betrothal is set’

‘Your father is over cautious, I think, and your mother likewise’ he murmured back in a low tone. ‘When we are wed this will seem but a short time, but I too wish to be alone with you.’ He looked over at the other couple, still bickering. He tapped on the table and they fell silent. Tom looked over at him, frowning slightly.

‘Can we not disagree over the hand we are dealt? Dottie insists that I am somehow cheating’

‘That is unfortunate indeed’ John replied ‘I am sure that Morag can hear every word and is much entertained’ He winked widely, and nodded toward the heavy curtains that were drawn over the doors that lead out to the gardens at the rear of the house. A look of understanding passed between the two friends, and Tom leaned over to whisper in Dottie’s ear. She gave a knowing look to Elizabeth and nodded. The two of them went back to arguing loudly, and John rose, taking his fiancée’s hand. Quietly he lead her toward the heavy curtains. He drew them aside a crack and silently opened the door to the evening air.

‘Tom will provide a diversion’ he explained ‘Not enough for Morag to want to enter the room, but enough for us to have a few moments alone. The night is warm and the moon is full’ Elizabeth stepped out into the night air and took a deep breath, closing her eyes in bliss. They did not move far from the door so that they might hear if they were called back in.

She realised how much she had felt stifled – the lack of social freedom, the stuffiness of the room, even the restriction of her clothes, her stays laced just a little too tight that morning. She pulled her shawl around her shoulders to guard against the cool air and John drew her into his warm embrace. The grounds had an air of enchantment as the moon cast its silvery glow, but the real magic lay in her fiancé’s arms. She sighed in contentment.

‘I never want this moment to end’ she said as she laid her head to his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart. It was not long before that was not enough, and she drew away to lift her face up to his for their lips to meet in a fervent kiss. They parted for breath and she felt her pulse racing. She heard him sigh contentedly.

‘I am fortunate indeed to have found you. My days were dull and lonely, and now I look forward to our future together’ Elizabeth felt a little thrill run through her, for in truth she was looking forward to being quite alone that night, thanks to Dorothea’s advice.

‘John’ she prompted ‘I spoke with Dorothea, and she told me much about the things we may do when we are wed’ In the moonlight she saw John’s eyes glitter as they locked with hers.

‘Is that so? What has she told you?’

‘She told me the particulars of how a woman comes to be with child, and how to postpone it’ He held her close.

‘I am glad you have someone of your sex to confide in. How do you feel about what she said?’

‘I am full of curiosity. She also told me that I should prepare myself for our wedding night’ She heard him take a sharp intake of breath and shift slightly.

‘Now I too am curious. Can you share what that might involve?’ His voice was a little hoarse and Elizabeth weighed her words carefully.

‘She told me that – that I should explore my body and discover what pleases me, so I may in turn let you know…’ her voice trailed away. John took a shuddering breath.

‘Dorothea has given you good advice. What can be done together can also be done apart - to some degree’ He smiled ruefully. ‘Should you prefer to keep some details to yourself until we are wed I would respect that.’ He fixed her with his gaze.  ‘You should know that I think of you every night when I go to my bedchamber, and in my mind imagine what it will be like when we are united in bliss.’ A delicious shiver ran down Elizabeth’s spine, but at that moment there was a movement from the curtains leading back inside, and Dorothea poked her head through.

‘You must haste back in, Lizzie, for your chaperone has knocked to signal you have but a minute or two left’ John pulled her close for one last kiss before they hurried back inside to answer Morag’s summons.

------

As she had done the night before, Elizabeth practiced undressing, now knowing something of what would happen on her wedding night. As before, she looked at herself in the mirror, this time with a sense of anticipation and expectation, and went to the bed where her nightdress lay ready for her.

She looked at it for a while, thinking that the long garment would impede the exploration of her body, and decided to slip between the sheets naked. She intended to put it on when she got up to relieve herself in the chamber pot under the bed before Jane came in and discovered her state of undress. She wondered if Jane would still attend her when she was married,. She had worked for the family for many years, and had looked after both her and her sister. She resolved to ask her mama the next day.

But now she lay between the crisp white sheets, skin bare to the fabric’s fragrant coolness, the weight of the blankets and coverlet moulding the bedclothes to her body. She felt her nipples tighten to hard little buds, as they often did when it was cool, but this was different. They tingled as she lay thinking of John, and she pressed her palm to a smooth globe, feeling the tip with her thumb. Although she brushed it but lightly, she gasped as it sent an electric shock through her, to her very core. She was undecided as to whether the sensation was pleasant or not, as it was very intense.

It was not as if she had never touched herself, but her mother had warned her against doing so, telling her it was not ladylike. Perhaps her meaning and intent was that she was too young, and now that she was to be wed, perhaps it was permissible. She remembered Dottie’s words, directing her to explore her sex, but she delayed a little, letting her hand wander over her soft flat belly, shivering in anticipation. Her hand found the wiry hair at her mound, and she went lower, parting her thighs and softly stroking upwards and inwards.

She knew that it felt like large fleshy lips, and sometimes between the times when she bled, she felt different there – slicker and more sensitive. It felt very pleasurable, and she closed her eyes and thought of her beloved John – his broad chest, his warmth, the firmness of his lips when they kissed, the spark that happened when their hands touched. Warmth and tingling expanded outward from her fingers, and she moaned softly, undulating and rolling her hips.

She continued to gently stroke and probe, discovering a place that felt harder than the surrounding flesh that gave her the most pleasure and which was very sensitive. She paid attention to it and could barely control her movements or the noises she made as the pleasurable sensations increased. Her heart pounded and she wondered if she might die from it, but she could not stop. Her body demanded attention and governed the pressure and speed her fingers moved.

She gasped as it all reached a plateau, resulting in a pulsing and intense tingling that left her shuddering, shaking and gasping. Her back arched and she trembled all over with the intensity before she was still and her hand fell away, a languorous glow spreading though her entire body. That hard little nub had felt for a few moments like the centre of the cosmos, sublime and exquisite. She lay panting and shaking, laughing softly. How much more might it be with a loving partner? How had this all been hidden from her? She felt as if she had been asleep and now woke to a new life – or she would at least approach it in the company of her betrothed. She lay a while thinking over all the possibilities that were now open to her, but soon fell into a deep and dreamless sleep.

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[jovialyouthmusic]

Past Times

John ponders on the loss of his first wife. Elizabeth spends some time with her prospective mother in law, and all await the arrival of more guests.

Word Count 3417

A/N Just a short word on breakfast and the Scottish setting. I was expecting that something like a very meaty ‘Full Scottish’ would be on the menu in such a refined household, but in Regency times bread and cakes were served, along with tea and drinking chocolate. I took the liberty of adding oat cakes as a reference to the Scottish setting. I haven’t made any attempt  on the Scots dialect or accent, feeling that the upper echelons of society would have very refined accents, as Edinburgh people do to this day.

10 Settling in

John watched as Lizzy left the drawing room with her chaperone. Once he was alone, he found himself conflicted. He was captivated by his fiancée, but talking of his dear departed wife stirred up old memories and feelings he thought he had put aside. The day had been long and full of joy, but he knew he would not sleep as deeply as he might otherwise. He called Scott to fetch him the brandy bottle, and poured himself a measure, dismissing him for the night after praising his work and asking him to pass that praise on to the rest of the staff.

Outside the sun was setting on the long summer day, and he thought better of taking a stroll. Instead he took his glass to the library and stood at the window as the light faded. It looked out in the same direction as his fiancée’s, and he wondered if she too looked out over the garden, or whether she had laid her head on the snowy pillow of her lonely bed, as he would soon. Had he tried to move on from grieving for Georgiana too soon? Had he laid her ghost to rest or would she forever haunt him? He shook his head pensively, gazing down at his glass to find it empty. He decided that more alcohol was not the answer, and he should attempt to sleep. On the morrow his good friend Tom and his wife would arrive, and introductions would be made, and all would acquaint themselves and hopefully settle into a lively but harmonious party. After that there would be various dinners and balls and other amusements – some held at Laxton, and others at neighbouring estates.

Leaving his glass on the desk, he left the room and ascended the great staircase, turning right to his chambers where Lizzy would have turned left. He paused for a moment before continuing, and once in his room, disrobed and slipped between the bedsheets. He lay on his back staring at the canopy of the hangings, expecting to be awake for some time, but sleep came swiftly.

He dreamed of Georgie, barefoot and running over the sands of Portobello, wind in her hair and a soft smile on her face. He walked along the margin of the sea, the waves trickling cold water over his bare toes. She came to him, and caught at his arm, walking beside him. He did not break his stride, for her hand had little weight and no warmth.

‘You are sad, beloved’ she said quietly.

‘I thought we had a lifetime together, my darling Georgie’ he replied ‘but you are gone, and just a dream’

‘My memory will always be with you’ she replied ‘but you are free to love another. I am just a shadow, a thought. Your new love is warm and real’ The featherlight weight of her arm fell away from his, and he stopped walking to look at her. She was carrying a sleeping infant in her arms. ‘I have our sweet babe with me. I am so sorry you never met him’ she said sorrowfully ‘But you have a chance to have another – and more’

‘I have your blessing?’ he asked

‘Of course, pining for me will only make you unhappy. Let go, and think of me tending our child, You are free to love your new sweetheart.’

‘I will remember you – on the day of your death each year’

‘If you wish. I would prefer it be the day of my birth, but it is your decision’ He smiled sadly

‘I can remember you both on the day of your passing’ he replied

‘Then let it be so. Farewell John, do not weep. Take comfort in your new love, for I am sure she will understand’

John sat upright in bed, the echo of Georgie’s word in his ears. He longed to go to Elizabeth and tell her how much he loved her, but propriety dictated when and where they might meet. On the morrow he thought he would have little chance to be alone with her, so he lay back and thought of ways to tell her of his feelings.

-------

Elizabeth woke to an odd noise. She was sure she could hear someone outside her door – a soft scuffle as if of stockinged feet was followed by a quiet rustling sound, and she opened her eyes sleepily to see a piece of paper had been pushed under her door. Looking at the light starting to creep around the margin of the heavy curtains, she surmised that her maid, Jane, would be there soon and would discover the note.

She felt a thrill of excitement, sure that it was a love token from her beloved. She got up, wrapping her dressing gown around her shoulders to retrieve the note and took it back to bed with her.

My dearest Elizabeth

In case you were in any doubt, please be assured that you have made me a very happy man. My love for you is genuine and enduring, and I cannot wait to make you my wife. The days to come will be busy and challenging and we may not get a lot of time to ourselves, but I am certain that all who meet you will see what a wonderful and accomplished young woman you are. I feel myself privileged to know your true nature, and hope that I can prove myself worthy of your esteem. I shall leave a token of my love where you may find it every day of our engagement – look tonight in your bedchamber and know that you will be in my thoughts as I lay my head on my pillow and close my eyes, hoping to dream of you.

Your truest love

John

She sighed with happiness, holding the letter to her bosom, and fancied she heard more footsteps in the corridor. Swiftly she lay down and pulled the covers over her, hiding the letter under her nightgown as a soft knock announced Jane’s arrival with warm water and towel for her to wash herself with. Entering, the maid moved swiftly to the nightstand, placing the jug safely there before opening the curtains with a cheery greeting.

‘Good morning Miss Elizabeth, the weather is fine. Master John’s housekeeper bids me ask if you slept well and if there is anything she may do to make you more comfortable’ Elizabeth sat up, stretching and blinking in the light that flooded the room.

‘I slept very well, and I can think of nothing I need’ she replied ‘The room is most agreeable.’ Jane’s eyes widened

‘Why Miss – you still wear your wrap – were you cold? I will ask for more blankets’ She blushed and thought quickly.

‘I rose in the night to answer a call of nature – I must have forgotten to remove it. Please do not trouble the housekeeper, the night was warm enough’ she replied, hating to tell a falsehood, but wanting to conceal her letter. She had indeed risen to pass water in the night and return the chamber pot to its place of concealment.

‘Let me see to that right away, Miss’ Jane replied, and went to reach under the bed. ‘If you have no pressing need for it’ she added hastily.

‘Not at the moment, Jane’ she replied, and took the maid’s absence as an opportunity to hide her letter away in her trunk, concealing it in a box of letters that she took with her everywhere. She poured the warm water into the basin on the nightstand and washed herself, and when Jane returned, Elizabeth told her what outfit her mother had thought suitable for the day. She laid it out, and went to fetch Amelia so the sisters could dress together.

Some little time later, the two of them descended to the dining room for breakfast, to find John already there, and Morag sitting eating at the table. He bowed to them both, then went swiftly to Elizabeth’s side to kiss her cheek.

‘Good morning Amelia – my dear Lizzie.’ He took her hand and squeezed it. ‘Mother is taking breakfast in her room this morning, and asks that you attend her when convenient.’

‘Oh!’ Elizabeth said in surprise ‘It would be my pleasure. As soon as I have eaten, I will do so. Where does she wish to see me?’

‘I suggest you take a short turn around the garden with me to settle your digestion before you go to her’ John replied ‘We can send a servant to discover the place you are to go to, for I know not what her wishes are’ At this moment, Sir James and his wife entered the room. Amelia was already helping herself to oat cakes, butter and preserves, and stopped to greet them before taking her plate to sit at the table next to Morag.

‘Sir James, Lady Charlotte’ John said ‘I hope you found your room comfortable’

‘We did, thankyou’ her mother replied ‘Though I had almost forgotten how quiet it is in the country. We have been in the town for quite some time, and there is always noise from carriages and tradespeople’

‘I know just what you mean – excepting the Cockerel’s call in the morning’ John smiled ‘You should be grateful that father could never abide peacocks, for they make the most unearthly sounds you could imagine’

‘Oh, the Beaumonts have those’ Amelia interjected ‘You would think someone was being murdered. The first time I heard one my blood ran cold, even though I was warned’ Lady Margaret shivered

‘Indeed, it is fortunate’ she replied

‘Please help yourself to food’ John said ‘If there is anything else you wish for, please ask and I’ll send word to the kitchen’

The sideboard was laden with various cakes and breads, and a servant entered the room with fresh toast, having been told that all had assembled to eat. There was yellow butter from the farm and a selection of preserves. To drink there was not only tea, but chocolate, and the family set to doing it justice. Before long Elizabeth had finished, and turned to her mother.

‘Mother, Lady Margaret wishes me to attend her this morning, but I shall take a turn around the garden first’

‘I have proposed a walk for the digestion’ John said ‘Remember, my friend Tom and his wife shall arrive today, but I think they will not arrive before luncheon. You are free to accompany us, or visit any part of the estate that you wish.’

‘Tell my John, is there a newspaper to be had?’ Sir John asked ‘If there is, I shall take it to the study, or select a book to read from the library’

‘May I take a look at the library too?’ Amelia asked

‘The paper should have been delivered already’ John replied, and summoned Scott to check ‘And of course you may take a book, Miss Amelia. You must, as I said before, treat this place as your home.’ Lady Charlotte said that she and Morag would go and look in the greenhouses and the flower garden, leaving the lovers some little time alone before Elizabeth attended John’s mother, and she sent Jane to fetch a shawl against the cool of the morning air.

The betrothed couple strolled amongst the flower beds close to the house. Elizabeth took John’s arm.

‘What might your mother want with me?’ she asked ‘Do you think I am properly dressed?’

‘I am sure she just wants to get to know you’ John smiled ‘Do not be afraid, I believe she already likes you – who could not? As to your dress, as a man I only understand that you look beautiful. The niceties and details of dress do not make a lot of sense to me’

‘Can we be observed from the house?’ she asked in a low tone as they carried on along the gravel path. John smiled.

‘If you wish for a private spot, there is an arbour but a few steps away where prying eyes will not see’ he replied ‘Though we should not linger too long.’

‘Will it afford us time for a kiss?’ she asked ‘I am hungry for your lips’ John chuckled

‘What have I awoken in you, Lizzy? I suggested this walk to calm you before you went to see Mother’

‘I will be calm afterwards, I promise. I declare that otherwise I will only be counting the moments until our lips meet again, and will be distracted’

‘Very well Lizzy, you have convinced me that it is necessary’

‘Necessary?’ she asked ‘Do you not feel the same need? It is not necessary, but essential’

‘I crave to be alone with you constantly, my dear’ he affirmed ‘But I must needs be cautious that we are not imprudent. One of us must be on their guard’ By this time they had come to a niche in the yew hedge, where the foliage had been trained to form a shelter for two persons. They stepped inside out of view of the house and he drew her to him. No sooner had he done so than she had eagerly lifted her face to his, and their lips met in a sweet lingering kiss. Reluctantly he drew away after a few moments.

I fear that is enough for now, Lizzy’ he said ‘Let us walk for a little longer, then I will send someone to tell mother you are ready’ Elizabeth sighed

‘Very well. I shall do my best to please her’

‘I do not think you will have to try hard’ John kissed her hand, and they started out along the path again.

------

It so occurred that Lady Margaret had not yet dressed for the day, and asked Elizabeth to go to her bedchamber. John took her to the threshold, where she knocked and waited to be admitted. Lady Margaret’s maid opened the door, and John blew her a silent kiss before she entered. The Duchess was sitting in bed, still attired in a nightgown and mob cap.

‘Miss Elizabeth, thankyou for indulging me’ she said. Her face was pale and she looked weary. ‘I fear I may not join your family before dinner time. I am fatigued, and company is wearisome.’

‘I’m so sorry to hear that, your grace’ Elizabeth replied ‘Would your doctor not give you a tonic? Mother sometimes takes one when she is indisposed’

‘I fear my affliction is of the nerves, not of the body, my dear girl. However, I wanted to get to know the girl who has brought the spark back into John’s eye’ She beckoned ‘Come, sit and talk to me’ Elizabeth drew near, and perched at the foot of the bed. There was a silence, and she wondered what they might talk of.

‘It is a pity you are unwell. The morning is fine and clear. John took me for a walk in the garden. I like the grounds of the house very much’ Lady Margaret smiled wanly.

‘It is a lot to manage, but the secret is to have good staff, and to treat them well. John’s father and I made sure that we knew every one of the servants and their family circumstances. I hope you will follow that example, and take an interest in their wellbeing. It will serve you well’ She smiled ‘There, I have told you the secret of our success already, and you have been here but a few minutes.’

‘I will be sure to follow your advice, Lady Margaret. You are too generous’

‘I hear that you were engaged to be married before you met John’ the duchess went on. Elizabeth fought to keep her composure, but the other woman laughed softly ‘The path to true love is not an easy one. As you know, John is a widower. His wife was a sweet girl, not well born, but he was determined to take her to him. We indulged him, and sometimes I wish I had not, to save him the sorrow he has borne’

‘I do wonder what she was like, and whether I can serve in her stead’ Elizabeth confessed.

‘My son does not give his heart easily, so I think you need not fear, my dear. I am pleased he has chosen someone so refined and well bred’ She coughed weakly and waved her hand to the dresser beside the bed. ‘My throat is dry - would you pass me a glass of water, my dear? If you wish for any refreshments I can send Betsy to the kitchen’

‘Thankyou Lady Margaret, I am not hungry, but I will take some water.’ She moved to pour two glasses and handed one to her. She sat forward to drink

‘If you could rearrange my pillows – and bring over the shawl you see on the back of the screens’ she asked, and Elizabeth did so, shaking the pillows out and placing them back behind the older woman. She took the shawl, wrapping it around her shoulders and sat back with a sigh ‘Thankyou, that is much more comfortable.’

‘Are you often indisposed?’ Elizabeth asked with concern ‘I hope you have a doctor with a good reputation’

‘Doctor Foster is a dear friend as well as an excellent physician. He covers the whole of the estate, and I have great faith in his skills.’ She settled further into the pillows ‘The death of my husband has affected me much’ She fixed Elizabeth with her gaze. ‘Such is the price of finding your soulmate’ she cautioned her ‘Sometimes I wish I were with my dear Walter’

‘Please Lady Margaret, do not say such things’ Elizabeth pleaded ‘You have much still to live for. Why, I would be devastated if you were not there when John and I are joined as man and wife’ She moved closer, and took her hand ‘You have much still to teach me, and I am sure you have many stories to share of family life’ The older woman smiled.

‘Thankyou my dear. Of course you will in time have children to carry on the family name, and I wish very much to be here to see that. If you are lucky, there is much joy to be had in married life, and I hope I have brought John up to be kind and considerate at the very least’

‘Indeed, he makes me feel very special. I rejected the suit of another when I learned that he had little respect for my sex, and less regard for intelligence.’

‘So that is the reason you broke off your engagement? I was told that the young man in question gambled heavily’ Elizabeth blushed, realising she had perhaps revealed too much to her prospective mother in law.

‘My father discovered that after I had raised my objections. I think I had a lucky escape’

‘You may be sure that John has no love of gambling or drinking heavily. His father often pointed out the dangers of such vices’ She sighed ‘I have kept you away from John, and soon you will have the responsibility of greeting visitors. You may go, my dear’

‘That is very generous of you’ Elizabeth paused at a thought that came to her ‘Lady Margaret, do you read much?’ she asked

‘I do, it is one of my pleasures’

‘Would you permit me to read to you? It might lift your spirits. Perhaps sitting outside in the fresh air would also improve your health.’

‘Bless you my dear, you will soon be too busy to indulge me, but perhaps Miss Amelia might be prevailed upon to read to me?’

‘I am sure she would be happy to do so. I will ask her straight away’

‘She need not come until after lunch, but only if she can be spared. I will take a nap now, for I slept little, and your visit has been most refreshing.’

‘I will be sure to ask one of the servants to check on you after we have eaten. I hope soon that you will feel well enough to socialise with your new guests’ Lady Margaret reached out and took Elizabeth’s hand with both of hers.

‘Thankyou so much for indulging me, Elizabeth. You will make a good Mistress for Laxton estate, I am sure of that now’ Elizabeth dropped a curtsey and left the room to go and find Amelia and tell her of her plans for her sister.

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[jovialyouthmusic]

Past Times

The Dalgleish family continue their tour around John Lykel’s estate, and Elizabeth has to make a big decision.

Word Count 3233

A/N Although this is a spin off of a spin off of a fanfic, it has become it’s own story. I’m pleased to see it has prompted some interest. This is fluffy and gentle and there is longing and romance, but definitely no smut - at least not yet.  

8 Will you be Mistress?

The family spent a pleasant afternoon touring the formal gardens before being admitted to the walled garden where the head gardener grew produce for the manor. Fruit trees soaked up the summer sun on the south facing walls which also sported a large glasshouse.  Exotic plants were carefully tended in there, and they were told that such fruits as pineapple and peaches would be served at the grand dinner to be held when all the guests had arrived. John’s friend Tom and his wife were due to arrive the next day and would be staying for two weeks, and other guests would be coming from nearby estates. There would be a grand dinner and a Ball in a week’s time and most of the guests would return home at the end of the day, but there were rooms still available for a few who had further to travel.

The estate was set on the banks of a river and the fishing was good. Copses and woods provided game to hunt, and cattle and sheep grazed the meadows. There was a farmhouse with a barn and dairy and other outbuildings and a number of cottages housing estate workers, and John also employed a gamekeeper. Servants who worked in the house either slept in the top story of the manor or in one of a few cottages that stood close by. Naturally there were also stables housing a fine stallion and a sweet docile mare for riding and for breeding, and two lesser steeds which could be hitched up to draw an assortment of gigs and carricles. The farmhouse had its own stable with plough horses, and beehives provided honey. Chickens ran about the farmyard, there were ducks on the pond near the farmhouse and the pig sties were well stocked.

All in all, the estate was not only self sufficient, but a surplus of meat and other produce was sold to traders in Edinburgh. John took rent from the farmer and other smallholders and a percentage of anything made from trading. Having visitors stay at the manor and holding an elaborate dinner and ball for nearby gentry would hardly make a dent in the estate’s finances. What was draining to John’s resources was the rent and upkeep of the townhouse in the city, but Elizabeth’s dowry would help to cover those costs. She would receive an annual income from the money her father left her, plus rent from the farmhouse on his estate – or rather, John would, as the practice at the time was that any property or income a woman had passed to her husband when she married. In Scotland however, women had far more of a say in marital finances and sometimes ran the whole estate if they were able.

Elizabeth was a little overcome at the size and scope of Laxton Estate. She and John walked together, her parents admiring the exotic fruits and flowers in the glasshouse and Amelia trailing behind them. John had promised her that later they would visit the stables to see the horses and a litter of kittens that one of the farm cats had just given birth to.

‘How have you not been snapped up by a finer lady than I, John Lykel?’ she asked him as Morag admired the vegetable beds outside the glasshouse.

‘None attracted my attention like you, my dear Lizzy’ he assured her ‘Money and title are superficial and I did not expect to be managing the estate for some time to come. It is your spirit and your intellect that snared me – do you not remember our first meeting in the library?’ Elizabeth looked a little embarrassed.

‘If I had not tried to surprise Duncan, I might never have caught your attention, or you mine’ she said, and he smiled in agreement. He looked toward their chaperone and steered her a little further out of earshot.

‘Tell me my dear, what do you think of your room?’ he asked quietly.

‘It is very fine’ she replied ‘Is there anything significant about it?’

‘I wondered if your parents would be concerned that I had given you a larger bed’ he murmured ‘The truth is that it was challenging to allocate rooms and beds to accommodate both your family and other guests. I assure you there is nothing improper intended in giving you a bed that would accommodate more than one person. When we are married you may of course choose any room you wish as ours’ Again she blushed at the thought of what might occur when they were finally promised to each other and recognised by the Church.

‘John’ she said, squeezing his arm ‘We shall be wed soon, surely nothing can be improper, short of being more intimate with each other’ He smiled at her boldness

‘We have not set a date yet’ he replied ‘I wanted you to see the entirety of my estate before you accepted my proposal for certain. Some might find the prospect of being Mistress of Laxton rather challenging’

‘Mama and Papa have made sure I have been educated sufficiently for such a prospect’ Elizabeth assured him ‘Some of my friends have only been schooled in genteel arts such as dancing, singing and sewing, but as Father lacked a male heir he made sure to instruct both Amelia and I in the matter of estate as well as house management. It may come to pass that one of us might have to look after the family estate whether we are wed or not’ John raised his eyebrows in surprise.

‘Indeed, I was not aware of that’ he replied ‘You are truly a very suitable young woman, and I am very fortunate to have attracted your attention.’ He grinned ‘How have you not been snapped up by a finer gentleman than I?’ he said, echoing her words. She laughed and drew him closer, making as if to press her nose to his, but behind them, Morag cleared her throat.

‘When we have set a date, perhaps we will have a little freedom’ Lizzy sighed in exasperation ‘It is so tiresome having Morag trail us, and I am sure she wearies of it too’ she murmured, and he made a wry face in answer.

‘The next thing to do before you make a proper decision about our betrothal is to see the rest of the estate, and you will observe what your responsibilities might be beyond running the house’ he explained ‘You and I and Morag will take a gig and drive out. If your parents and Amelia wish to do the same, they may take another, for I have nothing that will seat more than three persons. I presume your father can handle a gig’  

‘Oh yes, he is very fond of driving Mama around our estate.’ She replied ‘And I am determined to be by your side for as long as fortune allows’

‘Perhaps I should reveal some of my lesser habits in case you find them repugnant’ he mused ‘Maybe I should pick my teeth or belch after dinner’ Elizabeth laughed

‘Nothing will deter me. I have read that in some countries it is impolite not to belch after eating at a host’s table’

‘I too have heard that. Perhaps we shall visit such a place together’ Her eyes lit up, but they were interrupted by Amelia sidling up to them.

‘Lizzy, if I see one more peach or rose I shall scream’ she said quietly, and turned to John beseechingly ‘They are beautiful, but you promised to show me the kittens at the stable’ John smiled

‘Very well, we shall go there next’ he said gently, and made his way over to the girls’ parents. However, they chose to remain in the walled garden a little longer, and gave Amelia leave to accompany John, Elizabeth and Morag to the stables. They spent some time admiring the horses, and Amelia played delightedly with the kittens.

‘Do you think Mama would let me take one home?’ she asked hopefully ‘It would keep me company when you – when you leave, Lizzy’ She looked so morose that her sister put a hand on her shoulder to soothe her.

‘I can’t say for sure, but you should realise that a pet is a big responsibility, Melly’ she said gently.

‘Maybe I can bring one into the house here’ she said brightly, her eyes shining as she looked up at John ‘I could keep it in my room, and when Mama sees how well I care for it…’

‘You shall do no such thing, Miss Amelia’ scolded Morag ‘The kittens are far too young to leave their mother, and are half wild. They are farm cats, and will catch mice and rats, not look pretty for spoiled young ladies’ Amelia pouted a little.

‘When we all get back to Edinburgh perhaps we will talk with Mama about you having a pet’ Elizabeth said. ‘Perhaps a little dog, or a parrot’

‘Oh not a parrot, Lizzy’ Amelia protested. ‘Eleanor’s father has one that belonged to his kitchen maid’s brother, and it says some extremely rude things, he dare not have it out for visitors. Also it makes a mess with its droppings’ John laughed at her tale, and Elizabeth looked up as her parents made their appearance. Amelia made as if to open her mouth and plead to have a kitten, but her sister frowned at her and she remained quiet. Already the stable hands were harnessing two gigs – small open carriages set up to take two  or three passengers, one of them driving the horses. John’s two gigs could each be drawn by a single horse, and he planned to drive himself with Elizabeth and Morag while Sir James drove his wife and younger daughter on a trip around the rest of the estate.

The rest of the afternoon was spent touring the orchards and farmland, the farm and the cottages. Elizabeth could not think of a single thing the estate did not have, save for a folly or some ornamental building or summer house. All was practical and business like, in contrast to her father’s estate which was largely for show, with long avenues of beech trees, an ornamental lake and a tower on a hill overlooking the house. The farmland was quite separate from the Manor, whereas at Laxton all was integrated and appeared to work well. Oddly though, Laxton Manor was, as she had already observed, a finer example with more elaborate décor and fine furnishings.

After their tour they returned to the house to rest and prepare for dinner, hoping that Lady Margaret would feel well enough to attend her visitors. The two girls endured their mother’s attentions as to what they should wear. She summoned a maid to Lizzie’s room to try out dresses and accessories for them. It was not a formal occasion, but if John’s mother was to be there, they must appear suitably dressed. It was decided that their best most fashionable gowns were to be saved for the ball and perhaps one or two other occasions, so their second best could be worn to dinner that night. They could then be put away for when the other guests were present, and they could wear less formal attire from day to day. The girls had two or three other dresses that would do for the latter, and various scarves, hats, bonnets and other hair decorations and hairstyles would transform those plain garments. Jewellery would be reserved for the very best occasions.

At last they descended to dinner. Lizzie’s father was already in the drawing room with John enjoying a cigar, on which his wife frowned, not liking the smell that lingered about him after he smoked. The Captain came forward to welcome Lizzie, taking her hands and placing a kiss on her cheek that burned her skin and made her stomach do somersaults.

‘Mother will be down shortly’ he smiled ‘She asks that we wait, and she will attend us. Would you all care for a cordial in the meantime?’ Amelia’s face lit up, as she loved sugary drinks, which her mother rarely allowed due to the effect on the young woman. She tended to become more animated and subject to flights of fancy, but at a pleading look, her mother accepted for all three of them. Sir James was already enjoying a pre dinner glass of brandy in a fine balloon glass.

‘Oh, is this raspberry?’ Elizabeth asked as a servant brought round a tray of glasses of clear red liquid.

‘Indeed it is’ John replied ‘You will have seen the fruit bushes in the gardens – we had an excellent crop last year. Perhaps you might like to try our raspberry brandy later’

‘Perhaps we might’ their mother replied politely. It was but a short time before a servant came to open the door for Lady Margaret to enter the room. The girls curtseyed and Sir James gave a little bow.

‘Please, if we are to be family we should dispense with such formalities’ the Duchess said generously ‘Sir James, your daughters are have very particular manners; they are a credit to you. I know not what it is like to bring young girls up to fit into polite society.’ She inclined her head to John ‘My dear son is not the only child I have borne, but he is the only one to survive past his infancy’

‘Oh, my dear Lady Margaret’ Elizabeth’s mother said sorrowfully ‘I am so sorry to hear it. I was fortunate to have my girls, and never a lost child to our marriage.’ At this moment John’s manservant came to announce that dinner was ready to be served, and they all moved to the dining room to seat themselves as before at the long table. It was set more formally with silverware and lit by chandelier and candelabra, the soft light setting off rainbow glints on the silver and crystal on the table.

The first course was swiftly served – lobster bisque, which John assured all was made fresh from creatures bought this morning from the nearest fishing village, some hour or so’s cart journey away. Elizabeth was fond of shellfish and declared it was the best she had tasted in a while. The family had stayed with a distant cousin in North Berwick on the coast east of Edinburgh the previous year, and had enjoyed much fresh seafood then, even though it was readily available at home due to the city’s proximity to the port of Leith. Food was more expensive in the capital due to the cost of transporting it in the quantities needed by the number of people that called it home, and many merchants charged the upper classes more, knowing they could afford it.

For the second course, some few dishes of meat and fish were set out on the table along with vegetables and sauces, all made from produce from the estate. There was salmon from the river and pork from the farm, and pickled cucumber from the hothouse, as well as delcate onion and mushroom sauce and egg balls made from egg yolks. Wine was served from the cellar, and altogether it was a fine and delicate repast that Elizabeth made sure to savour and compliment. She cast her eye over her youngest sister to ensure that she wasn’t eating too fast, but she saw that the flavours and textures of the dishes had not gone unnoticed, and she was savouring her food delicately.

She sampled a little of every dish, and the pace of the meal and the conversation was such that when dessert was served, she found that her stomach had space to take some. Sweet cakes and fruit were set out, but the highlight of the meal was the presentation of a dish of lemon sorbet, brought in with a flourish by John’s manservant. Amelia’s eyes grew wide at the sight of the dessert.

‘Oh my goodness’ she breathed ‘I can only remember having anything this fine but once before, at the Beaumont’s Easter dinner party’ John smiled at her wide eyed expression. Elizabeth thought privately that it was as well to produce such a grand dish now, so that Amelia wouldn’t be so overwhelmed at the grand dinner to come, when others would be present.

‘You saw the ice house on the tour, Miss Amelia’ he said ‘We fill it with ice every winter, and it is well insulated enough for it to still have some left when the snows return the next season. As you may have seen, we grow lemons in the hothouse also’  

‘It is extremely generous of you to serve it outside a formal dinner’ Lady Charlotte declared ‘We are, after all, almost ‘en famille’ rather than with other guests’ John inclined his head as the servants presented each of them with a glass bowl with a spoonful of the sorbet, equally distributed so the serving dish was empty. It was enjoyed not in silence, but with sounds of delight and appreciation. With a sigh, Amelia pushed her empty bowl aside and looked longingly at the little cakes close to her.

‘Please, help yourselves to more, should you wish it’ John said kindly, and timidly she took one to nibble, as the others also chose small morsels to finish their meal. John sat back in his seat, and addressed Elizabeth’s parents.

‘So, I wanted Liz – Miss Elizabeth – to see the best we have before she properly accepts my proposal of marriage’ he announced. ‘Though I must confess we have not had occasion to serve such a fine dinner since I have returned from sea.’

‘You must have many a fine dinner in the officer’s mess, Sirrah’ Lord James interjected. ‘I have been told that only the common sailors eat bully beef and hard tack’

‘Of course’ John replied ‘But I find it does well to eat with the men sometimes to remind oneself of the conditions under which they work. There is a balance to be had between maintaining order and making a bond of brothership with the lower ranks’ Sir James nodded sagely, then turned to his elder daughter.

‘Well Lizzie’ her father prompted ‘Has all this finery turned your head? Do you think you would like to be mistress of such a fine estate?’

‘I would be content with a cottage in the country, should I have the company of my John’ she replied ‘I hope Lady Margaret will be able to advise me on the management of this establishment, for I am sure I will find it a challenge’ Lady Margaret nodded her assent.

‘I am sure you will learn swiftly, and add your own flair to what will be your home should you accept John’s proposal, my dear’ she replied.

‘I would not think to have your answer with all watching, my dear Lizzie’ John replied ‘You have but to tell me in private’ She gazed into his eyes, and much as she wanted to declare her devotion then and there, she thought it best to honour his wishes. She hoped that once they were properly engaged, Morag might let them off the leash a little and they could have some time alone. She wished with all her heart that their engagement would not be a long one, and that they would soon be married.

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[jovialyouthmusic]

Past Times

Elizabeth gets some alone time with her fiancé, and has questions about married life.

Word Count 3325

A/N no actual smut, but some frank talk so Not suitable for under 18s

PLEASE NOTE It seems to be the done thing only to tag folk who ask to be tagged, so please let me know if you want to go on the list. And if you DON’T want to be tagged, let me know, no offense taken xx

9 What will be?

The meal was over, and Lady Margaret rose from her seat at the grand table.

‘Ladies, I think we can dispense with formalities and all join together in the drawing room, gentlemen included’

‘Indeed, we men are well outnumbered’ joked John ‘We have talked much already, and I agree with mother that mixed company will be most agreeable for the remainder of the evening’

‘I have heard that you girls play and sing well – perhaps you will oblige me and provide us with some entertainment’ Lady Margaret said, and Elizabeth made a little curtsy.

‘It would be our pleasure’ she smiled ‘I do not think I have consumed enough wine for it to affect my performance, but I cannot speak for Amelia – do you think your voice is up to the task, my dear sister?’ Amelia looked a little shy at this.

‘I – I think I may try at least’ she said timidly.

‘Do not be nervous, my dear’ the Duchess said kindly ‘I am sure your voice is very sweet, and if you find yourself falling short, perhaps John will take your place and sing us some of the shanties we used to practice.’ She laughed as they all walked through to the drawing room. ‘Little did I think my little boy would go to sea as a young man – perhaps the songs inspired him’

‘Perhaps they did’ John admitted ‘But now I am ashore, and a gentleman with an estate to run. I am more able to support a wife and family.’ Elizabeth blushed at the expectation that she should continue the Lykel family line, but it was a fact of life. Why else did one marry but to have children who would carry on the family name and care for them when they were older?

‘I must go to my room and fetch my music’ Elizabeth asserted as she reached the drawing room door.

‘I shall accompany you’ John said, and her heart leapt within her chest. Morag cleared her throat and stepped towards her ward, but Sir James spoke firmly.

‘You will be but minutes’ he said ‘Considering that you are very nearly engaged, I am sure it may be permitted without a chaperone’ Elizabeth felt the heat rush to her cheeks again, and wondered when she might ever feel calm and assured again, for life seemed to be one excitement after another. John smiled, offering her his arm, and they ascended the stairs together. It was but moments before they were quite alone in her room, and she was not sure whether the passage of time had quickened or slowed on the way. Closing the door behind him, John turned to her.

‘May I be allowed to hold you?’ he asked ‘It has been my desire to do so ever since you arrived.’ Wordlessly she sank into his arms, sighing with happiness as he drew her to his broad chest.

‘I missed you so’ she breathed ‘I am so happy to be with you again’

‘Do you think you might spend the rest of your life in my company?’ he asked, and she laughed

‘Perhaps not every instant of every day, but yes, I long to be your wife’ she answered, and felt him sigh deeply.

‘I am so very pleased to hear you say that’ he murmured, then reluctantly let her go ‘But we must find your music and go back to the others.’ She nodded, and turned to fetch the book from the trunk beside the window. She looked back at him, to see him grinning widely. ‘So, Lizzy, may we announce our intentions when we descend? I am fit to burst with the news’ She held the book to her breast, and sped back to him.

‘I think Father meant to give us this opportunity’ she smiled ‘You may tell them, but only if you kiss me before we go. Perhaps we shall sing a duet when Melly is tired of singing, as she may be very quickly’ He leaned down to her upturned face and pressed his lips to hers, his fingers under her chin then moving to caress her cheek. She clutched the music book to her bosom, her head swimming and feeling a little unsteady, but blissfully engaged with her sweetheart.  All too soon the kiss was over, but she knew there would be more, and soon, so she was content to step back out of the room with him and go back down to the drawing room.

The others received their news with joy, with much embracing and shaking of hands and kissing on the cheek, and it was some time before Elizabeth sat at the grand piano with her music, Amelia by her side. She felt elated, and knew she had a soft smile on her face knowing that she was formally  promised to her sweetheart. One of the house servants served drinks, with the promised raspberry brandy to sample. It was declared quite delicious, and even Amelia was allowed a little to taste.

‘Lizzy, this is so wonderful’ Amelia whispered ‘And everyone is so excited by your news that they will barely notice how I sing’ Elizabeth laughed.

‘Perhaps that is so’ she answered quietly ‘But I am sure you will make your best effort nonetheless’

‘Of course’ Amelia bridled ‘I am not the one you are all here for, so I may be a quiet little wallflower after I have done my piece’

‘Oh Melly’ Lizzy said ‘Perhaps you will meet one who might be your future beau at the ball’ Her sister’s face lit up, but by then her elder sister had found a suitable song, and started to undertake some scales to get the measure of the piano. It was a beautiful instrument, with a full sound that her own little keyboard lacked, and she was transported by the result of her fingers flying nimbly over the keys. Before long the room was filled with the sound of music and song, the sisters perfectly in time and tune, and their audience sat entranced. Elizabeth was sure she had never played so well, feeling the regard of her future husband.

After a while Amelia begged to stop so that she might ease her throat and take a drink, and she was allowed to take a break. Elizabeth insisted that she was not fatigued, and with some prompting, John came to stand by her, and together they selected a tune from the music book he had gifted her in Edinburgh.

‘We must execute a duet if you are able both to play and sing, my dear Lizzie’ he said in a low tone ‘It is some while since I sang in polite society. My last performance was in a harbour tavern, and my audience was not so refined’

‘You must tell me the tale sometime’ she smiled ‘If you think it is fit for me to hear’ He raised his eyebrows.

‘I am not sure you are ready to hear it, but some day I will’ he assured her. His words sent a shiver though her – not one of fear, but of intrigue and promise. They chose a song of a fisherman saved from drowning by a mermaid, and lured to the depths of the sea, only to be saved by hearing the song of his loved one standing on the shore waiting for him to return. Their voices were uncertain for a short while, but they soon found the measure of each other, and his bass tones nicely complimented her sweet high vocals.

They finished to applause, and Lady Margaret took out a handkerchief to blot at her eyes.

‘My dear departed husband sang that with me many a time’ she said sadly, but waved at John as he started toward her, a look of concern on his face ‘Do not mind, it brings back happy memories, my dear John. I hope you two will be as happy as we were’

‘You are too kind, Lady Margaret’ Elizabeth said ‘Your piano is a wonderful instrument and has quite lifted my performance, I am certain’ Lady Margaret nodded, and stood from her chair.

‘I find I am fatigued. It has been a demanding day and I need to retire for the night’  She smiled wanly at John as he went to take her arm. ‘Do not feel obliged to follow my example – please retire at your leisure. John will see to any needs you may have. Tomorrow is another day and I look forward to getting to know you all better – particularly you, Elizabeth’ Her gaze turned to the young woman, and she dropped a small curtsey.

‘Goodnight dear lady’ Sir James said ‘We are grateful for your hospitality, and hope we do not impose over much’

‘It is good to have company, and to talk of pleasant things.’ She replied. ‘I hope you all sleep well, and we will renew our acquaintance tomorrow’ With that she took John’s arm, and they left the room.

‘Lizzie, I have never been more proud of you, my dear’ her father affirmed. ‘I think we should refrain from more music, and retire very soon. I see Amelia is beginning to wilt’ she smiled as the young woman supressed a yawn. He turned to Morag ‘Now that John’s proposal has been properly accepted, you may relax your vigilance – is that not so, my dear?’ he asked his wife. She frowned a little.

‘I think we may allow Lizzie a little more freedom’ she replied ‘When John returns, we shall go to our rooms, and so shall Amelia. You may have half an hour free of your chaperone, Lizzie - but you must remain in the drawing room, and Morag will accompany you to your chamber at the end of that time.’ Elizabeth felt her heart swell with happiness, but she kept a tranquil expression to prove that she could control her emotions. Amelia was not best pleased.

‘It’s not fair!’ she cried ‘It’s far too early to go to bed’

‘Hush, Melly’ her sister soothed ‘Lady Margaret is right; we have all had a busy day, and rest will fortify us for the morrow. Remember, a good night’s sleep restores the complexion and the senses’ Amelia sighed.

‘I suppose you are right Lizzy’ she pouted ‘but do come and see if I am asleep before you go to bed, for I am not sure I will be able to drop off without you near by’

‘Silly goose, you can barely keep your eyes open. Do as mother says, and I promise I will check on you later’ Amelia sighed, defeated, and as John returned, the others made their excuses and left the room, bidding him goodnight. Morag was the last to go, and paused on the threshold.

‘I will be in the scullery should you need me, Miss Elizabeth’ she said ‘and remember, half an hour is your allotted time. There is a timepiece there and I will mark it well.’

‘What is this?’ John asked, perplexed as she closed the door behind her. ‘Why has Morag left us?’

‘Oh John, father has allowed us some free time now that I have properly accepted your proposal’ Elizabeth said with glee. He broke into a broad smile.

‘That is marvellous news, Lizzy’ He drew her to him and held her tight ‘and what shall we do with that time?’ She laughed, revelling in the warmth of his embrace.

‘I have dreamed of being alone with you so much I scarcely know what to do. It would be unseemly to kiss for all that time, so perhaps we should talk of our future’

‘Of course my darling’ he pulled away, taking her hand and sitting on a couch, patting it for her to sit next to him. She angled her body toward him, their knees almost touching ‘What would you like to talk about? Perhaps we should set a date for our wedding’

‘We are alone, John. There are things…’ she hesitated for a moment ‘Things we can talk of in private. You have been married before and I have not’ He furrowed his brow and regarded her intently. She twined her fingers in her lap and looked down at them, her cheeks colouring. ‘John, I know so little. Between the romances I read, and the advice of my mother, there is a great chasm’

‘There is?’

‘Yes – the books I read are – not specific, but they hint that married life is bliss, but my mother tells me that what happens on the wedding night may be something to be endured rather than enjoyed’ John took a deep breath.

‘Well Lizzy, as in all matters of life, it really depends on many things – but be assured that I will do my very best to make sure our wedding night is a pleasant experience for you.’ He smiled as she looked up at him ‘It is true that your romance novels may exaggerate the positive, and your mother may do the same with the negative, but somewhere in between is the truth.’ He clasped her hand ‘Remember what I told you about the poppy seed cakes – that the first time is always special? I will make sure of that.’ She revelled in the warmth of his hand, and drew it up to place his palm on her cheek.

‘Can you tell me more?’ she asked shyly ‘How does it feel?’ He gazed into her eyes and caressed her cheek for a moment before dropping his hand.

‘Lizzie, I cannot tell you how exactly how you will feel, as we are man and woman, and nobody can compare the two as they are exclusive. What I can tell you is that my former wife enjoyed it, and I hope you will too’

‘Did she enjoy her – your – wedding night?’

‘Yes Lizzie, yes she did’ he replied gently ‘You once asked me about the tingle you felt when we touched. I surmise that it feels like that, only more intense, and it builds to a great crescendo. When one reaches that crescendo it is sublime, and although it passes soon, some echo of it lingers for a little while. From talking to my former wife, that appears to be so for both men and women, but perhaps the quality of it differs – who can say?’

‘Your words both comfort and excite me. I not only wish to know what to expect, but what is to be expected of me.’ she said, twining her fingers with his.

‘All I expect is for you to be yourself’ John assured her ‘You are sweet and accomplished, as a well bred young lady should be, but I see beyond that. You would not have been the biddable wife that your former fiancée expected – you have a spirit that goes beyond that, and an enquiring mind. I know you want to travel and see the world, and I believe you would manage the estate well. In time I hope we shall have children, but it would be good to have time for ourselves first, to know and enjoy each other’

‘That is what I wish too. Living in the city has been exciting in some ways – but I have also been much confined. I hope to have more freedom when we are wed’ John nodded sagely.

‘Lizzy, much has been said about your being Mistress of Laxton, but my housekeeper can look after domestic matters, and there are many good farm managers to be had. I do not want your horizons to be confined to the house’

‘Thankyou, my dear John. We still have much to enjoy while I stay here – I must be close by as you welcome your visitors, and make a good impression on them also’

‘I am certain you will be a credit to both myself and your family. This is an important time for you, but once this visit is over and we are wed, you will be able to relax and we can live as we wish. Many are not as fortunate as we’ John replied. He moved toward her and pulled her to him so that she nestled into him, her side to his chest, her head on his shoulder. Again they twined their fingers together, and their breathing matched each other.

‘You make a fine pillow, John’ she teased ‘Perhaps not as soft, but warm and comforting’

‘I was hoping to make your pulse race, Lizzy’

‘Oh, you do’ she assured him ‘but to be constantly excited is tiring.’ They sat silently for a few moments. ‘Our time must soon be over’ she sighed ‘Will you not kiss me before I go to my bedchamber?’

‘It would give me great pleasure to do so’ he said, and they shifted to face each other. Once more their lips met and the kiss lengthened and lingered. He placed his hand on her knee, and her centre grew warm. As she had guessed, their time was over, signalled by a firm knock on the door.

‘Time for you to retire, Miss Elizabeth’ came Morag’s voice. The lovers ended the kiss, and sat a moment with their foreheads resting together ‘You must come to the door now, say your goodnights’ Morag added clearly. She sighed and rose from the couch and he followed. They held hands for a moment before she lifted her gaze to his.

‘Goodnight my dear’ he said ‘May you have sweet dreams’

‘Until the morrow’ she said softly, and went to do the bidding of her chaperone.

------

As promised, the first stop Elizabeth made on going up to her bedchamber was to check on her sister. Morag stood in the corridor watching as she softly opened the door and peeked inside. The heavy curtains were drawn against the summer evening light and no candles burned. She could hear Amelia’s steady breath, and surmised that as she had predicted she was fast asleep, the excitement of the day having caught up with her at last. Gently she closed the door again and went to her own room.

‘Goodnight Miss Elizabeth’ Morag said ‘You have done well today, you’re a credit to your parents.’

‘Thankyou Morag – and for your patience. Sweet dreams’ Her chaperone tilted her head in thanks, and she closed the door, quite alone in the huge bedchamber, the empty four poster bed waiting for her to retire. She still felt somewhat restless and walked to the window, pulling the heavy curtains apart so she could stand at the window and gaze out over the grounds that she would call home in the near future.

She looked out over the rear of the property.  A formal garden set out with paths, hedges and flowerbeds stretched to a sudden drop guarded by a low wall. This prevented cattle and sheep from wandering amongst the well tended beds, keeping them pristine for walks and for admiration of the gardeners’ skill. Beyond that, fields for the livestock gave way to the river, and on the other side was woodland, darkening now that the light faded. The Pentland hills lay further away, and she fancied she saw Arthur’s Seat in the distance, marking where she had come from that day as the hill guarded the Scottish capital. Colour started to touch the sky and the sparse clouds floating high above, rose and gold, the sky taking a greenish tinge in comparison.

She took a deep breath, joy filling her heart at the thought that she would be sharing it with John. The coming weeks stretched before her – introductions to his well bred neighbours and friends, invitations to other properties, dinners and balls. Her head span to think of it all. But there in the centre was her rock, her fiancé, and her family to keep her steady on her maiden voyage into her future. Life was going to be a lot different from her closely guarded existence in Edinburgh.

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[jovialyouthmusic]

Girls’ Night Out Revisited

I’m taking part in this week’s Wacky Drabbles prompt no 63 which appears in bold. You’ll have to read the previous chapters for this to make any sense

Word Count 1010 (ish, did a little editing)

4 Tequila and Casinos 

‘Are you alright, Les?’ Sophia asked as the writer sat at the table in the virtual bar she’d just conjured up for the girls. She nodded vacantly but Sophia wasn’t convinced. Her hand shook as she reached out for the cocktail that Lucy had just poured from the jug. A bare chested waiter had served it with a flourish, and Lizzie had looked up at him wide eyed before staring at the jug on the tray.

‘Tequila sunrise for everyone’ Lucy cried ‘Drink up girls, the night has just begun’ Charlotte took a sip and smiled

‘This is really quite good’ she remarked ‘What’s in it?’

‘Hmm, tequila and – oh who cares, it’s delicious’

‘It was a great idea making a customised venue’ Sophia said ‘There’s something for everyone’ Les shuddered.

‘Yeah, less research for me. This is Vegas, so anything goes, right?’ She still looked pale from being dragged round the scarier rides on Thunderdome. Even Lizzie had been on the rollercoaster, and in contrast to Les, she was pink cheeked and bright eyed.

‘Too fucking right, Les’ Lucy crowed ‘I love it, and as to what our men think – what the eye doesn’t see, the heart doesn’t grieve over’ She smacked the bottom of a passing waiter, who managed not to drop the tray of drinks he was carrying.

‘How did you stop them finding out?’ Charlotte asked ‘Last time Bastien tried to shut us down’

‘I pulled in a few favours – got some mutuals to read certain chapters over and over to keep them busy’ Les gulped down her drink and shuddered, getting a little colour back in her cheeks from the alcohol.

‘Smart move’ said Sophia ‘What are they all doing?’ Les counted them all off on her fingers.

‘Brad and Lucy’s Drake are doing a little mutual appreciation in a Driam fic. Charlotte’s Drake is languishing in a cell with Anton trying to decide what to do with him, and Bastien is musing on his ancestor in Edinburgh – which is keeping John busy too’

‘Well thanks Les, it’s good of you to arrange all this, not a lot of folk would do this for a virtual character’ Lucy pointed out.

‘Hey, I’m your writer, of course I care’

‘Drake’s having to live through that ordeal again?’ Charlotte said anxiously.

‘Sorry, it was the only one I could find that didn’t involve you’ Les said regretfully ‘I’m sure you can make it up to him afterwards, unless you can think of another one’

‘So what’s next?’ Sophia asked ‘I suppose a magic show is pretty much redundant here’

‘Yup, plus I don’t think Lizzie would like it much’ Les replied ‘too much like witchcraft’

‘I like magic’ Lizzie protested ‘John has a friend who does card tricks’

‘Tame stuff’ Sophia said, waving her hand ‘Magic shows nowadays involve making whole buildings disappear – but then that’s no big deal in virtual reality’

‘So how about hitting a casino?’ Lucy said hopefully ‘Does it work here?’

‘I tried it out, and apparently the random nature of the fall of a dice or the drawing of a card works fine’ Les asserted. ‘The same with the jackpot machines’

‘Then what are we waiting for – let’s hit the tables’

------

A couple of hours later the girls compared notes. Sophia had won the jackpot on the fruit machines, Charlotte had broken even on roulette, and Lucy had discovered that Lizzie could count cards and had made a killing at poker. Les had lost badly on the crap table, so overall they had made a small profit.

‘Well it doesn’t matter anyway, we can have whatever room we like here’ Lucy grinned ‘All we have to do is imagine it’

‘My head hurts’ Les complained ‘all this imagining is wearing me out’

‘Why don’t you take a break, I think we’ve got enough energy to go it alone’ Charlotte said soothingly.

‘Yeah Les, rest your thumbs’ Lucy said ‘We’ll be fine’ The writer looked a little dubious, but she nodded.

‘Okay, but you can always call me if you need me.’ Les disappeared, and Lucy waved her hand at the others.

‘Okay girls, let’s go investigate our hotel suite’

‘It’s the penthouse, isn’t it? Sophia asked

‘Only the best for us’ Lucy grinned. They went to the lobby and pressed the call button for the elevator. When the door opened and Lucy stepped inside, Lizzie frowned.

‘This is a bit small’ she said, puzzled ‘I thought we had the best rooms’ Lucy snorted.

‘No sweetie, we have to ride the elevator to get to the top of the building’ she explained ‘Just follow me’ They all squeezed in to the shiny metal box and the door shut behind them. Lizzie looked anxious, and when it jerked into motion, she squeaked in alarm and held on to the grab rail. She looked rather green as it picked up speed, and when it stopped and the doors opened, she staggered out, eyes large. They had arrived straight into the penthouse suite, and windows looked out onto the Strip, the sky dark and the lights bright.

‘What is this place?’ she asked ‘How did we get here?’ Charlotte took her arm and steered her to an armchair to explain gently as Lucy and Sophia investigated.

‘It’s a lot like the suite Bas took me to on my birthday’ Sophia said ‘I suppose it was easier for Les to imagine. The view is different of course, but the room’s the same.’ The carpet was deep and soft, a creamy white, the chairs and couches upholstered in white leather, a deep crimson rug in the middle of the room, a huge flat screen in the wall. Several doors led off at the other end of the room. One was a bathroom and the other doors led to the bedrooms, one for each of them.

‘Well, this all looks very fancy. Settle in, girls, and let’s call room service for drinks and nibbles’ Lucy declared. ‘No expense spared, lets have fun!’

[jovialyouthmusic]

Girls’ Nights Out Revisited

I’m submitting this for Wacky Drabbles, and hope to keep posting with the prompts. If you’ve not read my ramblings, you can get a little catch up here otherwise it won’t make much sense. Already I should thank @katedrakeohd​ for helping me with some ideas - normally I don’t even have a ‘pla’ ... The prompt I don’t need your judgement is in bold. 

A/N In the photo above, top left is Lizzie, top right Sophia. Bottom left Lucy, bottom right Charlotte. Not pictured - myself, the author. My avatar is pretty accurate.

Chapter 1 Plotting

I sat looking at a blank screen, racking my brains. I’d just finished off a major storyline in one of my main fanfic stories, and followed up with a little mini series. What next? I had three or four ongoing stories that I could work on. That’s when I heard a polite cough, and looked around for the source – stupidly, of course I was alone on my laptop, sitting up late after my partner had retired for an early evening. It sounded similar to when Drake used to call on me from the other side of the screen, but this polite cough was female. I jumped as I heard a familiar voice come from behind the screen.

‘Jeez Loiuse, what does it take to get your attention? Hellooooo’ I minimised the document to see a familiar face – it was Lucy. She had proved a bit of a handful a few months previously when four of my female characters went on a virtual adventure to take my Regency character Elizabeth Dalgleish, on a girl’s night out before her wedding to her love interest.

‘Excuse us for the intrusion, but we’d like to talk to you’ The clipped regal tones of Charlotte chipped in as she too became visible on screen. I sighed. I had the feeling trouble wasn’t far away.

‘What do you ladies want?’ I asked cautiously.

‘Come over and talk to us, it’s been so boring lately’ Lucy frowned.

‘Speak for yourself’ Sophia’s voice chimed in from behind her ‘I’ve had a great time with Bastien’

‘Yeah we know, bonking Bas in the shower again’ Lucy rolled her eyes ‘Lucky you, but me and Charlotte haven’t had a look in lately, and Lizzie went back to sleep again’

‘She did?’ I remarked ‘Heck I‘m sorry, but I guess there just isn’t enough of me to go around’ I said sarcastically ‘Can’t you amuse yourselves?’

‘We’re kind of running out of energy’ Lucy said ‘Not so many folk reading about us just lately – you need to give us a boost’

‘Okay, I’ll see what I can do’ I was about to go back to my blank page, but Lucy intervened.

‘No, don’t go!’ she wheedled ‘Come and have fun with us. You promised us all nights out of our own’ I frowned in concentration and scratched my head.

‘Well, it’s been pretty crazy in my neck of the woods, a little break wouldn’t hurt’

‘Fantastic! You won’t regret it, I promise’ Lucy grinned disarmingly. I put my hand to the screen, closing my eyes and feeling the pull as I was sucked into the virtual world.

I opened them to Charlotte putting a settling hand to my elbow as I swayed slightly. The location was unfamiliar to me but a brief look out of the window revealed that it was Lucy’s manor at Valtoria. The lounge was fresh and contemporary with a concession to her regal stature. I had barely landed when Lucy had thrown her arms around me with enthusiasm and swept me into a tight bear hug.

‘Les, you’re my favourite best buddy’ she gushed. Over her shoulder I noticed the coffee table set with an ice bucket, an open bottle of champagne and four glasses, and detected the faint whiff of alcohol on her breath.

‘I – uhh Lucy…’ I gasped, rapidly running out of virtual breath as she squeezed me tight. Charlotte gently put her hand on Lucy’s shoulder

‘Calm down, Lucy’ she said softly ‘Let the poor woman breathe’ Lucy let go of me with an apologetic smile.

‘Sorry Les, it’s just so damn good to see you’ she said sheepishly ‘You should visit more often’ I pursed my lips. Goodness knows life had been a little grim of late, and spending time with my virtual friends was a welcome diversion.

‘Okay, you wanted your own hen nights – so who’s first?’ I asked. The three women all started to talk at once, and I waved my hand to calm them down. ‘Okay, okay, Lucy should perhaps be the one, as I wrote about her first…’

‘But she’s already had two weddings’ Sophia pointed out ‘Charlotte has had a private ceremony and is waiting for you to write her state wedding – but as for me…’ She made a sour face ‘I’ve had a proposal and that’s it’

‘Steady on Sophia - Les is a busy woman’ Lucy remarked

‘But Sophia my dear, Les wrote about you last of all’ Charlotte pointed out ‘Our readership might be down, but you benefitted most when Les wrote about your little holiday after she got rid of Anton’

‘So it’s a stalemate’ Lucy sighed ‘We all have a claim – how can we decide?’

‘Well I’m not going to ask my readers’ I replied ‘I always end up with a dead heat whenever I poll them’

‘I know - what about a drinking game?’ Lucy grinned. Charlotte shook her head emphatically

‘Not a chance - you’d win for sure’ she said sourly

‘Are you calling me a lush?’ Lucy snapped

‘If the cap fits…’ Charlotte said primly.

‘I don’t need your judgment’ 

‘Now now, girls, lets keep it friendly ���I scolded. ‘We have to do something more neutral’

‘Oh – how about rock, paper, scissors?’ Sophia suggested

‘That would be complicated with three of you’ I mused.

‘We could draw lots’ Charlotte said. Lucy glared at her, but I could tell she was settling down after her outburst.

‘As you’re all adept at manipulating virtual objects, I’m not sure I trust you not to cheat’ I pointed out.

‘Fair point’ Lucy shrugged ‘We can all do that in some way, so I think you should make the decision’

‘I’ve a better idea’ I said ‘Let’s wake Lizzie up and ask her’

@wackydrabbles​