From Lush to Lady.Private to The_gladiator and Alana_

[Alana_]

Liz.

It was just after quarter past nine. The 'Nags Head' was quiet, the couple of men folk, that were supping their ale were hardly leaving more than penny's behind. It was a Thursday..nothing and no one had money on Thursdays.
But Tom wanted her out on the corners again..He'd grown tired of Lizzy missing out on her punters money, and his take of it. Three nights she'd missed, coughing with an ache in her chest from nothing only the cold of her damp room and thin cold mattress.
She was actually lucky to have that much..Tom usually took most of the other girls takings...But for some reason, he always left her enough to pay the rent on the small room she kept over Deacons butchers, with its one tiny window and fireplace that cost too much to by coal for.
And she knew why. When he was done with his latest bit of arse, the other girls had warned Lizzy, he was planning on taken her for himself.

That prospect both turned her stomach and terrified her. He was a dirty man..Never washed, never changed clothing, and his breath smelled as if something had crawled up inside of him and died......
He was also, rough.....Tom didn't spare his blows when he didn't get his own way. He was a giant of a man, with a thick crop of jet black hair, and eyes like the devil. He was known for arranging fights for money, and there were very few lasted past the first few seconds, and none that could take his pounding and win.....

Some of the girls bore marks from his sexual preferences, that would permanently remind them of him..Crop marks to the back of their necks, cut marks to their breasts , when the humor for bleeding them out struck his fancy.
He hurt women...and liked it. Liked hearing them begging him to stop..to please stop as he forced himself on them.....Talk was he was insatiable in bed, and took exactly what he wanted, as often as he wanted.....and from who ever he wanted.
He'd not touched Lizzy... yet...

She was still too strong willed..too pretty..too attractive to the punters that would pay that bit extra for a someone that looked clean and able to string a sentence together. Tom waited until whoring wore the women down before he'd hurt them..He preferred them weak and submissive...Prepared to do anything for him, rather than face a beating..
She didn't' drink the home made spirits that dulled the consciences of the other girls. Didn't partake in the opiates that they smoked in pipes, to forget... Her face was pale from being sickly, but she was lovely..Her flaxen dark hair washed daily at the water pump in the back of the butchers yard, her milky white skin scrubbed clean at the little basin of freezing cold water in her dark little room.
She didn't do it to be attractive to the men that pawed her, and passed her on....She did it to wash them off her...their smells, their breaths..their fluids.

This wasn't a life Lizzy had chosen...It had been forced on her. She didn't have anyone to turn to for help, and Tom kept her on a short leash...If she ran, he'd warned her he'd make the girls pay..Her conscience couldn't let her run knowing what they'd face when he found out.

Her shawl didn't do much to keep her warm as she turned the corner on to King Street. Big Ben chimed the half hour, and Lizzy backed into a doorway out of the evening chill...There wasn't a sinner spending, but she daren't go back to Tom just yet. Not with nothing to hand in...especially when he kept reminding her that he'd take his cut from her in other ways.

The gas lamp of the street light puffed and flickered over head..She heard the heavy set walk of someone coming...Lizzy stayed quiet...She didn't step out of the door way, and lower her shawl to reveal the elegant line of her neck..She didn't raise her skirt to invite a view of her slender leg, and the promise of what lay upward beneath her well worn, but clean petticoats. No..She stayed quiet...It was Tom. She knew the heavy gait of his walk.. He'd come looking for her...The street was so quiet, he'd surly try it on with her now seeing they were alone...

His hand left her ear stinging from his blow. He roared at her for hiding from him....Lizzy cowered down, protecting her head, as he swung one kick at her, catching her on the hip, and she fell to the side crying..He'd never struck her like that before, and his language was atrocious. ' Fuckin' durty whore'.
And another smack to the back of her head. Lizzy clambered out of the door way on her hands and knees, stumbling on the hem of her skirt, landing , chaffing her hands on the cobblestones. He was behind her cursing her out with words that shamed her, and Lizzy swung around, kicking with her feet, clawing backways away from him as Tom unfastened his belt..He pulled it free, the metal buckle glinting in the lamplight, growling at her menacingly,... ' I told ye, ya bitch, if you tried runnin' I'd find ye, and ...'

I weren't runnin'!...I weren't runnin'.......

Somehow, the first swing of the belt missed her completely..Lizzy rose, gathered her skirts, her voice panicked but she stood her ground against him..

Are you blind?......There's no jimmies around...You got us walkn' the streets for nuthin ya thick!. ........

Tom..dont!.. Tom don't you hit me again!.......TOM!... Aaaaaah!

She turned to run, his fury ripe on his face, as Tom grabbed her by the hair and swung Lizzy so hard, she thought he'd surly pull the hair from its roots...She cried out, clutching his wrist with both her hands, as he practically lifted her up off the ground by her hair and hissed his poisonous breath into her face..' I'm gonna gut you gurl..Im gonna give you somethin' to shut your fuckin mouth first, 'n then I'm gonna gut ya.'

She was crying, she couldn't help it..It felt as if her scalp was about to be pulled from her head, but Lizzy dared him defiantly, as she cried back at him indignantly..

Do it!....Go on..Do it I dares ye.......From whats I hear, ye' canna' get it'up no more.......You got cockdrop Tom!.....

And they all knows it. ''Tom can't get it'up 'nless he's beaten a woman 'alf ter death ferst'' , they say I tell ye...

They all laugh at ye Tom..Whatcha ye goona do? Merder them too?.

[The_gladiator]

William
The evening was a cold and dreary one. Not much stirred at the late hour on a Thursday. As someone said, no one had money on a Thursday, so the bars and taverns were almost closed so slow was their business. No one had the money… save the rich that is. So it was that these five sat around their table dealing the cards and smoking their pipes and cigars, and drank their expensive alcohols.
William sawyer, “Sir William Sawyer, thank you very much,” sat watching Ralph across the table dealing the cards for yet another hand of a game of chance. Sawyer’s luck hadn’t been with him this night and he was already close to a hundred pounds under and they hadn’t been playing long. However the company was good and he had the money to spare, so he did not mind loosing.
At this time in the night, The alcohol had been flowing and a couple of his friends were well on their way to pleasantly buzzed. William was only on his second glass of the alcohol they were all drinking this night. He liked to have a level head. Unfortunately it rendered himself less able to enjoy Ralph’s story. The balding gentleman, at least ten years William’s senior was telling the group in lurid details exactly what he had done to and with a whore he’d bedded the night before. “Shouldn’t have spent the money for one of those high class women.” He was saying, “She was the worst lay I’ve had since I was a lad and I was too eager for my initiation to wait for my father, and I went to one of the cheap Brothels.”
“That’s strange, I’ve always found the cheep hookers are more eager to please. Want to earn their money they do.” Joseph, the man to William’s right commented.
“Oh yes she got into it alright, squalling and clawing the hell out of my back.” Ralph agreed.
“I thought them high class courtesans were supposed to be ladies.” Commented Wendell, the man to William’s left.
“Don’t you believe it kid. If they’re whoring they’re no lady, no matter what the flavor.” Ralph spat. “Don’t get me wrong.” He said giving a lecherous smirk, “I enjoy them, but don’t you go calling them ladies. Because they aren’t and no one can make them one.”
William couldn’t say what prompted his comment that was to come, it was the first time he’d spoken in a while. “I’ll take that bet.” He said his tone almost cold, much frostier than his usual demeanor.
Ralph looked up at William surprised his bleary eyes finding William’s blue ones. “Say what?” he said sounding caught off guard.
“I said put your money where your mouth is. You just said no one could make them into a lady. I say you’re wrong. I feel most of those women whore cause it puts food on their table, and would act as much like any lady, if only given a chance.”
“What’re you nuts?” Ralph asked, “Cut the holy crusade and lets play. You’ve got a right to be like a bloody priest and not partake of the touch of a woman, but just because you’ve never had your cock in something warm before doesn’t mean you have to drag the rest of us into your “Honor” games.” He said sounding resentful. Williams cheeks blushed because the never had your cock in something warm before was a touch closer to the truth than he would like his friend to get.
“I have enjoyed a woman’s touch thank you very much Ralph, I just don’t feel women are to be treated the way you treat them. They all can become ladies if given the chance.” He said.
“Why by my hairy balls, he’s serious.” Ralph muttered, “Alright Sawyer, I got 10,000 pounds says you can’t pick up a street hooker and make her a lady.” So this was it William thought, Ralph had called him out. He did actually need the money, his business wasn’t doing quite as well as he would like, so it wasn’t just his beliefs that made him seemingly reluctantly take Ralph’s bet. After all he had started the issue, he would now have to go through it.

It was about an hour and a half later and Duncan, William’s Scottish driver was driving William’s carriage home with the be knighted businessman in the back, when he came upon a scuffle. The Scott pulled the carriage to a stop and jumped down already swearing up a storm. “What do ye think yer doin you flee bitten peace of rat droppings. Was yer mother dog or maybe a pig?” he said as he waded into tom, his whip lashing out at the big man, who turned his attention away from the woman to glare at this newcomer. He dwarfed Duncan by a great margin, but the ruddy cheeked Scott was having none of the big man’s intimidation. Even when Tom swung at him. “Now don’t ye be doin that, it’ll go ugly fer ye.” He spat, and lashed out at tom with the whip once again. This time the big man caught the whip and used it to haul the Scott forward. “Oh yeah, now what are you gonna do Scottish pig.” Tom Said cocking back a fist to pound Duncan’s face into a bloody pulp. However, he stayed his hand as he hard an all too recognizable sound, which was the telltale click of a hammer being drawn back on a weapon.
William stepped from the Carriage, the rifle leveled casually at the big man’s head. Being much shorter, there was no risk of even hitting Duncan, and so he wouldn’t work as a shield either. “Let him go and back away… slowly.” William said, his voice steady and even, the breeze barely rustling his short dark hair, which although was not military regulation short, looked close. The way he held the gun also spoke of ex military, or trained hunter… or both. As they say, for tom, the other shoe had well and truly dropped, for looking into Williams eyes, there was something there, an emptiness that said he wouldn’t hesitate to blow his head off if he made one wrong move.

[Alana_]

She'd not heard the trundling on the cobble stones of the gentry carriage nor the ambling gait of its dark horse...Only on feeling Tom releasing her from his hiding, with the last crack of his hand landing with a thud on the back of her neck, was Liz aware they were no longer alone.....Her scalp felt numb, he'd pulled her hair so hard..Liz dropped to her knees out of shocked retreat, and watched the startling events unfold..

The smaller man, older than Tom, but wiry and full of earthy honest bravery, challenged the larger, and very dangerous Tom.
Tom's anger, Liz could almost taste..He was a bully..Known for picking his arguments with those less able than he,..so being faced down by the smaller, and older man, was an insult to Tom, as the driver enforced his words without faltering one second..
Even when the carriage whip was pulled, and used to haul the driver closer, he didn't shrink....Liz rose to her feet, wiping her eyes, afraid for the smaller man..Toms words were menacing, ...
She could see him empowered by his size, as he loomed over the smaller man, threatening him.

The polished smooth finish on the carriage door opened so quietly, that but for the glint of the street light , Liz never noticed it until one , of two, spit shined perfect gentleman's boots stepped down the single step...
The click of the hammer, readying the elegant perfection of the rifle to awakening, sounded like a snapped warning, as it pointed its gaping cylindrical barrel right at Tom's head.....
And Tom heeded it..His folded fist paused mid air, and Liz got to hear a quiet, but very distinctively firm warning.

“Let him go and back away… slowly.”

Tom's eyes flickered to Liz...She moved quickly, pulling the driver free from Tom's grip, shoving him ahead of her around the front of the horse for him to take his seat the far side of the carriage , whispering to him..

Take yer master and get out o' here....

Rushing back, Liz stood in front of Tom, shaking as she moved forward, rubbing her clammy palms on her skirts, until she was with in reaching distance of him..
She couldn't see the gentleman clearly with the shadow of Tom encompassing him, but knowing he was there helped...

Ye've hit me for the last time Tom......Ye ever lay hand on me again...and I'll swing for the killin' of ye...

Snarling at her, Liz moved back quickly, as Tom tugged his shoulders to a hunch, and murmured to her quietly...' You don' tell me what ter do.....I'm not done with you yet'.

He turned slowly, hands raised as he faced the armed man, and cockily tipped his cap to him..' Nice evenin' guvner.....I 'ope our Lizzy's worth waistin' a fine gent's time.'

Tom had sense enough to then back away two steps, before walking slowly away...He whistled, a rather haunting tune, as the city's fog swallowed him up....
Liz watched, too afraid to move forward or back, and tugged her shawl around her shoulders feeling very cold, and very lost..before she gave her full attention to the man that Tom's departed shadow revealed to her..
He was definitely a gent..Handsome, with the kind of face that caused a stir amongst women, vying for attention.. The dark evening suit he wore announced a man of great prosperity, as too the general aura that spoke volumes in calm..
He was also younger than Liz would have imagined, having seen Gentlemen visit her streets in their fine carriages, seeking her attentions, a favorite girl in particular...

She was ashamed though....It was one thing to be seen whoring, being bought for hour..being used by one such as him..but it was very different to be found in such circumstances as been beaten by the man, that sold you out..

Thank you...M'lord.....May God bless you fer yer kindness....and your driver......Thank you.

Looking down, her hair wild from the evening breeze, face pale with fright, and what had been a clean, if simple dress, now soiled from falling beneath Tom..
She gave a swift curtsy, looked to the driver, and nodded her thanks to him...And from there on, Liz was well and truly stuck as to what to say..Only the very obvious..

You bes' be goin'..He'll be gone to find a some drunken louts he can buy for a tankard o' ale, to come back 'n hurt you both.......

Liz looked to the driver, and then to the gentleman, and smiled apologetically, but insisted kindly..

Go...I'll be grand....Tis nothing I'm not used te.

[The_gladiator]

William

William seemed to let out a breath he must have been holding when tom backed away from Duncan. He thought of stopping the sot and showing him a thing or too. However the lord was not stupid, without his Rifle he was no match for the big man, and must as the lout deserved it, he didn’t really relish the thought of shooting someone in cold blood. Not with the woman present and all. He nodded his acceptance of her thanks, while Duncan spoke rapidly. “You aren’t owin us nothing lassy, we’d not a left ye to be attacked like thet.”
This sort of thing was why William hated prostitution, girls got hurt, for he sensed that Tom had not been a customer, but her pimp as it were. The normally swab lord was unsure what to do now either. The situation seemed awkward with the direct threat passed. He lowered the gun, to rest the polished butt on the ground, not wanting any accidents. “I do not fear any drunks he might find to harass me.” He said his voice a smooth baritone, the quality of his voice suggesting he would make a good singer if he wished. “But the truth is, you are right we should leave the area.”
Without thinking Duncan spoke, “Surely yer not gonna just leave her sir? We kenna allow him to go on beatin her like thet.” He said, breaking that unspoken law to talk back to or make demands to a gentleman. However William did not even glare at his driver. Thoughts of the bet flashed through his mind, and yes the bet did play into his next words, however, he had genuinely been sickened at what he’d witnessed and did want to offer her shelter.
“Of course we aren’t going to leave her Duncan my good man. Please if you would be so kind as to offer the lady,” and he paused to let her supply her name, “Into the carriage we can get out of here before that abysmal filth returns.” He said as he stepped towards the carriage, and then as if he had forgotten something he turned back, “You will accompany us yes?” he asked her his tone suggesting half request half order. “You deserve better than that piece of…” and here he paused as if schooling his tongue around a lady, “That excuse for a …” he couldn’t figure out to say it right, “Man.” He finally finished. With that he stepped into the carriage.
Duncan rushed towards her, studiously keeping his eyes averted from her rumpled skirts and torn top. “M’lady.” He said offering her a hand, “Please come with us. You kenna keep letting yerself be walked on like thet.” He offered in a low voice, trying to add something to the stiffly formal request/order William had managed.

[Alana_]

The conversation between the one called Duncan and his Master, only in a matter of their generosity for her welfare, added salt to Liz's already shamed wounds.. She backed away, shaking her head, waving one hand in objection in front of her..But the driver, and his thick accent was having none of it..

Even the Master in his assurance that Liz was not to be left there, had gotten her quietly given name from her before she had even realized....He had retaken his seat in his carriage, leaving the Scot to usher Liz along, and she haltingly found herself climbing into the carriage, with Duncan's utterances following her..''“Please come with us. You kenna keep letting yerself be walked on like thet.

Trying to fade in to the dark interiors, Liz tugged her shawl over the front of her ruined frock, and smoothed one hand over the skirts...The gentleman sitting opposite her, no doubt hadn't too much call to have one her like her sitting in his carriage, and Liz's pride was woefully aware of how rather poorly she appeared amidst his finery..

The lurch of the carriage, brought with it a sudden shock for Liz..In climbing in, she'd done so without thought of where they were going, or where she might ask to be allowed out...Tom would surely kill her now if he were to get his hands on her...
She would never be able to go back to back to the docklands again...not as long as he was there...Suddenly, her getting into the carriage not only meant a temporary shelter from Tom, but it was also costing her her home..The tiny room over Deacon's butchers..

Stop!....I can't go ........If I go, I can't come back...'E'll murder me ye' see.......And I gots me little room 'ere, with me few things...It's me 'ome..It's all I got.......Please Sir...I knows you means well.......

Liz, moved forward in the seat, trying to soften what she feared sounded like ingratitude..Her eyes were a smokey grey, and she smiled faintly, still aggrieved at what they'd come across..She had little, Tom saw to that, but she had her dignity ..and was raised better by her humble parents to end up on the streets...
Liz may have been born to a poorer class, and despite her ..means of making a living, she wasn't so common not to say thank you for a kindness.

But there's only one side o' the city that wants my kind...And it aint Camden park, or them fine places you be headin' fer......I'm powerful sorry....But I go any further, I'll have no where to go. If you could just call your man, te let me out , I'll be away and very great full.

[The_gladiator]

William

William sat in the corner of the carriage, careful to not crowd her. His blue eyes showed his concern although his posture was still awkward, especially since he seemed ashamed of his eyes’ unconscious flicks down at the little that was exposed of her figure.
William listened as she spoke and after a long pause, he sighed, “I understand you don’t have much, but I also understand what you have, is yours.” He said, “If we go to your room and retrieve your things, will you let me take you to a better place?” he asked softly. “You can’t keep letting yourself be hurt like that.” He said softly echoing Duncan’s words. “I don’t want you to feel like I’m kidnapping you to use you myself.” He blushed at the thought, just a little, “I mean not that I don’t find you attractive, because I do… but I just want to help you, please let me help you.” He said stumbling over his words. Gentleman were supposed to speak with poise and confidence. William on the other hand looked a bit awkward, not quite shy, but uncertain. He very much did not want to handle this wrong. He waited for her response, willing to do what ever he could to make her agree to allow him to take her to a better place, yet keep her feeling somewhat comfortable. He didn't know what to do with his hands, sort of gesturing as he spoke before finally folding them into his lap, his posture rigid and formal.

[Alana_]

His kindness confused Liz...She'd never heard of one of the girls being taken off the streets and not taken for a man , for himself..Some were treated well, with a room taken for them, where he would visit her, and pay for all her needs..But this gentleman, denies such an interest in Liz, and she has to ponder on what else was there that he'd want her for?

His general demeanor was one of embarrassment. Liz watched, completely unsure of what to say or do..He gave her no definite idea of why he was helping her..of where he was taking her...This stranger, this Gentleman, who obviously had great wealth, had stopped , secured her safety from Tom, and now wished to take her away from the only life Liz knows..

She parted her lips to speak, but her words fail...Turning her head away, as the carriage moved along the cobbled streets, putting distance between Liz and Tom, Liz can't find another reason behind his 'helping' her...She can only conclude, despite his assurances, that the Gentleman is, in helping her, he is also helping himself.....to her.

You wont beat me then?

She looked at him, her fingers still clutching her shawl...He doesn't appear to be the kind to inflict pain in anger on anyone...But, those from the upper classes didnt' reveal much about personal matters, so Liz couldn't be sure.

If you're nots gonna make use o
' me...then why is you taken me off?...What's a fine gent like you, goin' ter do with somefingk like me?..

[The_gladiator]

William

“Am I going to beat you?” he repeated, “Unless you think you are in need of a good beating.” He said trying to make light of the situation, “Nay my dear, I shall not beat you. I think such acts of violence are disgusting.”
He listened to her words, “What makes you think I want anything with you other than your safety?” he said leaning forward a little his demeanor growing more confident as his resolve hardened, “I have a large house, plenty of space for you to make a home for yourself. I could let you take care of the gardens, or ride horses, what ever pleased you.” He tried to explain, he knew how odd this must seem to the young woman, but he was unsure how to convince her of his sincerity other than to prove it to her. “Do you wish your things from your home?” he asked, “Before we leave the area?” he still showed his social class by assuming that she would cease to fight him on accompanying them to his household, as a gentleman he had no way to understand why she would wish to stay a street walker who was beat on a regular basis, when offered something more, something better. His eyes were intense on her face, waiting for her reply, searching her face for any sign of her inner thoughts.

[Alana_]

She wanted to smile, and be happy, thankful even..
But..Only a half hour ago, she was cold, and trying to find shelter in a doorway, until she could go back to her room....Only minutes ago, Tom had been laying into her with his boot for not gaming...And now, a stranger..a complete stranger, was offering to her, of all things, the chance to live in his home!..Not room somewhere, but to actually take her into his home.

He had to be seeking something else....He had to be either mad, a deviant, or .....God bless me, he's goin' to kill me. Liz moved further into her seat, as he appeared to move forward in his...
He was handsome,.. far more handsome up close than she'd been initially been aware..And the offer hung in the air like a promise or a threat...Liz swallowed, and quickly looked out the window..If she jumped, there was a good chance she'd break an ankle, or worse...

Why?

Why would a man like him, take a girl like her into his home?....She wanted her things........but Liz knew Tom would be waiting for her there by now.....His fury would be unquenchable...What ever kind of beating she'd received earlier, would be multiplied tonight if she was to return to her room...and it broke her heart to leave her few treasures behind.

Wont yer wife have somethin' to say 'bout you brining a whore into her house, with nothin' only a ruined worn dress on her back?.......
And yer fine friends?.........They'd be talkin' about you....With a commoner living under yer roof....

Biting her lip, Liz tried to be less than interested..But the truth be told, she was beginning to see the benefits to having a benefactor...She'd not have to worry about Tom for one....And no more whoring herself out for him....If the master was to want payment for his generosity, she figured there was worse things in life than being bedded by a fine gent like him.

I can't speak right...all posh like.....

I'll only shame you you know, if your friends call by........Why would ye be wantin' this sir?....Ter bring the likes of me into yo'r home.?

[The_gladiator]

William

William leaned back in his seat again, he had watched her back off, and he figured he had scared her. “I don’t have a wife.” He said softly. “Maybe I’ll make you my lady.” He said smiling trying to show with his face that he wasn’t exactly serious. He would never force her to marry him, or even into his bed. "If my friends know better they won't say anything to you." he said gently.
“Look Elizabeth,” he said using her name for the first time, or her full name that is, “I do not wish anything of you are not willing to give freely. I will not force you to eat at my table, if you wish to eat in the garden, or in your room, or on the roof even I won’t stop you. Please believe me.” He said. “If you come with me I will hire a few men to go retrieve your things.” He was not pleading with her, it was not his way. She had the options before her, although there was an unspoken lack of choice. He might let her not stay with him, but he would never let her go back to Tom.
The Carriage slowed to a stop, and soon Duncan appeared at the Carriage window, “Sir William, does the lady need te Doctor? We’re outside his house I ken go in and tell him to follow us to yer house.” He said letting the offer hand in the air.
William turned his gaze back from Duncan to Liz. He waited to see what her response would be, he thought it a good idea, and his face showed he thought so, however he would give her a chance to undoubtedly deny the need.

[Alana_]

For Liz, it was hard to understand the Gentlemans generosity..For Liz, the chance to escape her street, and Tom, was too much to ignore..She was torn between the world she know was behind her waiting to engulf her in its seedy undergrowth, and the world that lay ahead of her with this stranger, and quietly spoken reassurances that were given to her..

The carriage slowing startled her..She looked behind her, out the tiny window beneath the drivers seat, and could see already the change in the standards of the street she was now in...Tall elegant houses, with their scrubbed bleached steps up to beautiful lacquered doors. There was no trickling water running down the streets, no smells, and no sign of girls like Liz...She sits back again, and looks at her appearance, and then to the man in front of her..Her smile is shamed, her pride damaged..

I dont need the doctor Sir, thank you......and I have nothin' that I can't live without from me room. Best I just, leave them things there, and...and....well....try not to shame ye'.

The carriage moved on, and Liz sat silently, just looking out the window to her right..This was a different world for her..Where windows gleam with cleanliness, and knockers on doors shine, their brass fittings shining...Her dreams and wishes had always that one day she'd find a way out of her situation with Tom, but she could never find a way how to. But she had always hoped.......

Maybe putting her trust in a stranger will do her harm..maybe not..Maybe trusting someone that says wants nothing in return, only what she wished to give, will actually help her...She can but pray..

The carriage slowed again, and she moved to the left side, peering up at two beautiful ornate gates opening slowly...Behind the high garden walls, was a small inner courtyard, and from it, the side entrance to a truly beautiful house...A house that was as big as her entire street put together...She was self conscious of her now dirty scuffed dress, and Liz looked to the Master, her voice nervous..

Sir are ye' sure?....Cause I can go back afore he knows I've left..

[The_gladiator]

William

The carriage slowly started forward again. Williams face showed his disapproval of her decision to not see a doctor. Duncan too showed slight disapproval but wordlessly went back to his seat.
The carriage continued to roll passed the large houses until they reached the edge of the city. They wended up a long curving cobbled drive. As they got to the gates, other servants swung them open, and the carriage rolled through. William stepped out of the carriage not waiting for Duncan to get the step. He then turned and he himself offered Liz his hand. Duncan got down and pulled off his coat, and held it ready to drape it around her when she would step out.
“Yes I am very sure.” William said in a soft voice, “I could not stand the thought of you with that man again, cannot stand to see you hurt like that again.


The other servants had moved up, they were two younger men, almost boys, who were probably stable hands the way they patted and checked over the horses. Duncan flashed them a look, before he returned his gaze to Liz, ready to protect her modesty and offer her his coat. "When we get inside I'll be sendin fer Rose. She ken find ye some clothing Im sure." he, he said, adding his pleasent gentle voice to the stiff sincerity of Williams. William nodded at Duncan's suggestion.
"Rose is the head of household, in charge of cleaning and cooking. I'm sure she can help you." William added smiling his hand still extended to Liz to help her from the carriage, after he set the step in place.

[Alana_]

She had never been treated like the Master treated her..She had never had a man offer his hand, nor indeed another cover her shoulders, and neither expect a thing in return, only a politely given 'thank you '...Liz took the Masters hand, and followed him up the steps, as the horse and carriage were drawn away..

Inside, she tried not to gawk...tried not to actually make it obvious she'd never in her life seen the likes of such loveliness...She was lost in the splendor, and the riches of beautiful textures, fabrics and colors.....Again, Liz's pride helped her, but didn't cocoon her in arrogance..It allowed her to view the Masters house with eyes that flickered from one furnishing to another, from painting to painting, from ornate lamp to ornate lamp..But while she looked, her expression resisted the shock of being present in such splendor..And Liz looked at the man that was offering to change her live, and smiled faintly, unsure as to how to word her thanks and appreciation.

I dont know what ter say M'lord.........You dont know me, but you bring me here, and trust your home to the likes of me............

I thank ye fer that sir...Nobody's done the before.

She dropped the drivers coat over an armchair, and tugged the bodice of her dress up, her cheeks reddening as Liz tried to make herself a little more presentable..The woman named Rose entered the room, and paused, quirked a brow in Liz's direction apparently taken aback...Liz wasn't sure if it was disapproval, or surprise, but the older woman suddenly smiled , her eyes appreciating the natural loveliness in Liz, despite her now soiled and ripped clothing..She then turned her attention to her duties, and curtsied to the Master....
'Rose', then with a swift sweep of her hand in front of her, instructed Liz to leave the room before of her, ordering , but kindly so, that Liz's bath was being poured, and some clothing brought to her bedroom. Liz was hesitant...Leaving the room, meant the beginning of something that wouldn't be in her control, and she looked to the Master, than back to Rose, her voice unsure, her hands working nervously by her side..

Right so........I dont suppose my saying I wash every day, will make any difference?

To which the woman shook her head and snapped her fingers, something Liz took offense from, and turned to the master, discreetly cocking her head in the direction of his head of house....

I can see me and 'er is gonna have to 'ave words.

She gathered her skirts, exposing too much leg for Roses liking, who promptly smacked Liz's hands, almost comically, and muttered to her ' Not above the ankles'..and led her quickly by the hand out of the room with a sigh directed to the master, and a polite..' I'll return her in an hour......maybe four.'
and closed the door..She marched Liz up the magnificent staircase to what was to be her room...A room that as the door swung open, all but took Liz's breath away.. Rose didn't spare her the time to admire the dark furnishings, nor the colors that seemed to eluminate the room with warmth..She led Liz in, and pointed to the tub of soapy warm water in front of the huge open fire..

'Inside dear, strip, and we'll see what we can make of you before a late supper'

[The_gladiator]

William

William flicked a slightly disapproving glance at Rose, as she hussled Liz off. He querked a corner of his mouth in a slight smile at their apparent headbutting already, but then gave Rose a cool stare and as she left he called after her, “And Rose? Treat her as you would any lady I would bring home.
William Moved up the stairs and changed his own clothes, washing his face, and changing into a somewhat less formal shirt and trousers. He then moved down the stairs to sit in his sitting room to wait for Rose to bring Liz down, so they could eat. He opened a book and began to read. Reading was one of his hobbies. As he read he kept looking up at the door, wondering what Liz would look like without the dirt and blood.
He also gazed around at his household. Liz’s reactions made him take note of the beauty in his household. Rose had done a good job of making his household look pleasant. A beauty he often overlooked. He could already see the benefit of Having someone like Liz around.


"I can't believe sir brought a harlet into his household." Rose muttered not sure if she cared that Liz could probably hear her. Her face did soften when she started to see the bruises as Liz stripped. "What happened to you child?" he said her voice much softer than it had been a moment earlier.

[Alana_]

Liz found undressing in front of the house keeper more embarrassing than any man that paid her to. Rose didn't hide her disapproval of Liz, or her presence in the house. Her tone however was more kinder than her frown, on seeing the bruises on Liz's body, which Liz tried to cover clutching her dress to herself..The one on her right hip was ugly...Tom's boot having left its imprint on her pale skin..The others more superficial, covered her upper arms, where he'd held her tightly..

Just a fall....nothin' more.

Rose's brow raised, in a silent understanding, and maybe a little admiration that Liz didn't complain...She nodded her head, and indicated Liz step into the bath...The soiled torn dress was taken from Liz as she sank slowly beneath the warm water...

~

An hour later, Rose strode down the hall, and down the stairs to the Master's sitting room..Curtsying to Sir William, Rose announced, using Liz's birth name, that Miss Elsbeth would be down in moments, and that she would then serve dinner. Pausing , Rose turned to leave but looked back at a man she still thought was wrong for bringing a wench in from the streets, but smiled faintly, telling him that ' Such a shame about her back round, because Miss Elsbeth looks rather lovely now'..

Her dress was a simple buttercup yellow, with white underskirts as white as snow..The material was heavy, but elegant, with its folds pressed to perfection...The cotton underskirts was so soft against her skin, Liz was apprehensive to move least she crease them..Her waist tiny, her breathing tight against the boned bodice that Rose had fastened tightly, ' just like real ladies do'. Her hair shone.. the natural auburn highlights glinting, hidden beneath the dark brown of her hair..She'd always been clean..spotlessly so, but she'd never felt like this...The soap creamy against her skin, she smelled of lavender, and her skin felt as soft a silk ..

Rose had towel dried her hair, brushing it dry by the fire, with Liz objecting to the fuss, wanting to do it herself..Rose had told her the master would expect nothing less than his guest to be treated like a lady, and that she was to hush, and concentrate on moisturizing her hands, as befit the ladies of finer stations..
Her hair was worn lose, the sides clipped back with two small pins, and Liz waited, as Rose had instructed, until she heard Rose coughing at the foot of the stairs, her signal to come down.

Gathering her skirts, Liz rushed to the top of the stairs, where Rose clapped her hands , tutting her disapproval.. Too much ankle was showing, and 'ladies never, ....ever rushed'. It almost a comedy of errors, as Liz walked down the stairs slowly, glaring at Rose...Who was in fine form instructing her on her every mood....Do this..do that..do this..do that.

You 'n me's never gonna get along.

To which Rose promptly corrected, 'You and I are never going to get along....And assured Liz it was probably so, but ......if the master wanted a lady in his house, Rose was going to give him one.

Taking Liz by the elbow, she escorted her to the Masters door, and knocked again, opening the door for Liz, and cocked her head for her to go on in, and whispered to Liz ,' remember there's a 'h' in the alphabet'....
Liz smiled innocently, and looked at Rose as she passed her by...

'Hhhh'ow do you do? I'm awfully 'H'appy to be 'h'ere.

.., mocking the housekeeper who sniffed her nose closing the door indignantly , leaving after Liz entered the room....

On hearing the door close behind her, Liz looked over her shoulder, seeing it was just her and the Master..He had changed also, and looked, to her, even more handsome than in the shadows of his carriage.....Why a man such as him would wish to help her, be her benefactor, was even more a mystery to Liz..

She turned, and looked at him, and smiled shyly. She was very aware that she was dressed in a modest grandeur that she didnt feel she deserved.. Running her hands over the front of the gown, she took a deep breath, getting used to the tightness of her corset...

Thank you for this Sir.....Tis finer than anythin' I've ever owned. Ever even touched..........

I feel right nice, thank you.

[The_gladiator]

William

William read for the hour that Rose worked on cleaning and preparing Liz. He paused only to give his input on the supper that was beng prepared when a cook poked her head in to ask what sort of bread he wanted. To which he responded he wanted a darker thick grained bread, that he was in the mood for the more flavor such offered, rather than the whiter finely sifted variety.
William Was enjoying rereading some of shakespeare’s tragedy Romeo and Juliet. It had bee years since he last read it, and the love the characters had for each other made him smile.
Before long Rose announced liz and ushered her into the room before leaving. William nodded at Rose as she left acknowledging her notice about dinne. He then turned his attention to Liz as she slowly turned to face him. He was a bit caught off guard, so beautiful was she. This dress did not expose as much, for the boddess was not torn, but somehow seemed to reveal so much more, for the fabric was stretched tight over her feminine curves. Not inappropriately so, but much more than the othr. For the first time he could really see her in good lighting. The richness of her hair, that looked like it would be heavenly to run his hands through. That skin so soft. The bruises stood out lurid against her pale skin, but it did nothing to detract from her beauty, only added to his knowledge that he had made the right decision,.
He layed aside his book and found himself smiling at her. “You are beautiful Elsbeth.” He said softly, “I’m glad you are pleased with the dress. You may wear it or any other whenever you wish.” He said.
There was a part of him that wondered what her figure would look like without a dress on, but he did not voice such a desire, and tried to keep the fact he was male and wa undressing her in his thoughts off his face.
“Will you come sit by me?” he asked, patting a seat on the couch beside him but not too close. “Or if it please you,” he said and gestured to the armchair across from him. “Do sit where ever you feel comfortable.” He said. “I trust thatRose treated you well?” he asked as he watched her move.

"Is she ok?" Duncan asked Rose as he deposited several freshly dug and washed potatos on the counter he'd just carried for one of the cooks. Duncan was often willing to do such things. It saved everyone time and it allowed him to keep an eye on the goings on in the household. The scottsman knew that Rose would be the one who would know how bad the beating had really been.

[Alana_]

“I trust that Rose treated you well?”

Yes...Perfect....course she's got some notions about me....But I can ne blame 'er..um..'h'er.

She sat in the armchair across from the Master..Not because she preferred the distance, but rather because she could look at him better..Could see his handsome face, unhidden in shadows..He'd called her Elsbeth, just as Rose had...The house keeper had informed her 'Elsbeth' was a very respectable name, and a that it should never be abused by shortening it again.....least not in her hearing...Liz smiled, aware that the difference in her appearance wasn't going unnoticed by Sir William, and she felt an insecure nervous tingle resurrect itself in her stomach, and looked away..Her hands on her lap, Liz looked into the fire, pondering again on why he'd taken her in....

Her room was beautiful..Fit for a true lady...The dress, and the others that Rose had hung in her closet were a far cry from the simple woven cotton dressed that she bought in the thrift shop, and only when she absolutely had to..
Looking at him again, Liz decided she wont keep asking him why he took her in.....She does not want him to think her dense repeating the same old question, but she couldn't but feel there was motive behind such generosity....no matter how kind he'd been, and how he'd assured her that his motives were honorable......But Liz had learned not to trust too quickly....She had no one but herself to truly count on, and she closed her eyes, felt her heart sink, as she did what she felt she must do...

Her eyes were deep dark gray pools..Eyes that had seen things that no lady from the Masters class could even dream of...Liz's voice was quiet, slowly she looked at him, one hand moving to her cheek, and almost shyly contradicted how innocent she looked..

I 'ave to pay you back.......But I've nothin' but myself Sir..........

If you be wishing to take payment,.. I'm willin'.

~

In the kitchen the conversation between Duncan and Rose was quiet, least the scullery maid heard..Rose whispered quietly, respectful of not carrying tales to all in hearing distance.....But she trusted Duncan, and knew his Master trusted him too...She told him of the bruises...how the one on the girls hip was vile, and had to be hurting the girl...But that she showed character in not complaining......And Rose also told him something that she'd found more endearing , than strange..The girls was spotlessly clean..Granted she didn't wear fine lace petticoats , but from her hair, her skin, and the clothing not spoiled from falling, she was truly spotlessly clean...That girl, Rose nodded agreeing with herself, hadn't been brought up to be on the streets....She'd had parents that reared her well enough to know what soap and water were for.

[The_gladiator]

William

Duncan kept his voice just as low as Rose, “Im glad thet shes not hurt too bad, I noticed she was pretty clean, other than the dirt from the falls that is. Makes me feel better iffen he beds her. I dunna think he plans on it, but ye ken rest assured that being that clean she’s got nothing thet’ll hurt Sir William.” He said, “I admit I wouldna blame him iffen he did bed that one. She’s an attractive lass.” He said, “However, as I said, I dunna think he plans ta do so.”

~

Azure pools of dark blue watched Liz’s every move and when she spoke he seemed awkward again, as if, even though her offer was not explicit in detail of what she offered, the mere mention of sex made him shy. He blushed. “That err… that won’t be necessary m’lady.” He said. “I already told you I did not bring you here to whore for me.” He said, trying to regain his composure, “Even if freely offered, it would feel too much like an obligation…” he trailed off his eyes pleeding for understanding. The way he left it, it almost suggested that he would be willing if he didn’t think she was doing it to repay him, and that may have had some truth to it. Especially since he was so obviously not immune to her allure.
He tried to find anything to change the subject nd finally gestured at the ajoining library, which was full of shelves of books, “Do you enjoy reading?” he asked. He knew many of the lower classes did not read, but something about her suggested that she was more educated than her streetwalker status would suggest. He also thought it bette to assume she could read and be wrong, than assume because she was poor that she couldn’t and feel foolish to have her correct him. Such a mistake in that direction would make him look bigoted, whereas if he was wrong with the way he said it, the worst he could look is, arrogant, in assuming everyone was as educated as him. Then again she mght recognize the comment as what it was a blatent attempt to change the subject, an attempt to take the color from his cheeks.

[Alana_]

There was an awkwardness in how her ...suggestion...her offer.., was dealt with. The Master looked as unaccustomed to offers of intimacy as Liz was in being treated with respect. He was a handsome man, with wealth,and a good name no doubt, so Liz was perplexed as to why he would help her, if not to gain something from himself.

She sat with her back straight, head slightly tilted to the side as she studied him. He had clean manicured hands, and she curled her fingers into her palm, hiding her clean hands..Hands that knew what it was to scrub wooden floors, caress a man, wash her cloths in a washing board, and sooth a body in the throws of passion.

Do you enjoy reading?

Liz raised her head up, and followed his gaze towards an immaculately decorated and organized library off the sitting room. The books bound in the finest of fabrics and leather, gleamed on their shelves, with the lamp light catching some of the gold gilding on a few..She looked to William, and nodded slightly.

Aye...I read.....But.....I like a happy endings. I like to believe that good things'll come to those that 'aven't done naught wrong, only bein' born poor.

Her cheeks turned a little red, on noticing the Masters choice of book, and she was embarrassed least he take her words as criticism... Liz smiled then suddenly, it reaching the depths of her graying eyes, and shrugged her slender shoulders ..

I talk too much Sir when Im nervous.......Maybe if I just tells ye' most of what makes me who I is, it'll be best.

Me mam was a Pastors 'ouse..em..'h'ouse keeper. I were his....He luved us, but, he were married already..Me mam and him were a love match, that just should'ne 'ave 'appened..So he fixed us up in a little 'ouse but after he died, me mam couldn't pay the rent. And his wife didn't care to know that me Mam was a good woman, and lovin' a married man wasn't somethin' she set about doin'...

Anyways..the only regular money I could find us was....whoring.....She thought I were working ye'see, scrubbing floors in one of the 'ospitals....She died last May of the consumption.....And I moved closer to the streets, to a little room that cost less.........That's where I met Tom...and the rest ye' know.

Liz rose, and moved from her seat across from the Master, to sit by his side as he'd bid earlier...She looked again at his book, and flicked to the last page, scanning it briefly, sighing and shaking her head..

Didn't he write nethin' that has an 'appy endin'?...

Closing the book, Liz placed it on the end table the far side of the Master, which had her leaning across him to do so..It was not an act of flirtation, for he'd made his interest in her clear, or rather lack of...
Liz paused however..It was not often she was this close to a body that was truly clean..no sweat, no stale beer or whisky stenches..Nothing only a clean, and remarkably handsome body, on a very charming and decent man....
Liz just looked in to the bluest eyes she'd ever seen...and found briefly, her eyes flickered to his mouth....Lips that were a breath from hers, as she pushed back , aware she was much too close, the color draining from her face..Biting on her bottom lip, Liz moved back, half wishing that in being the more forward of the two , that he might wish to at least tempt himself in seeking repayment for his kindness........And that sudden realization shocked her....But then, he would not be the man he was, if he did.

I'm sorr........................

and the door was opened, with Rose walking in, pausing, realizing she'd both not knocked, and had therefore interrupted a moment that was perhaps best interrupted.....Perhaps...

And Liz looked at her almost guiltily, with Rose casting Liz a shocked glance, and her Master one of almost disappointment.. Excusing herself for her intrusion, she announced dinner was ready to serve, and left the room looking rather shocked.

[The_gladiator]

William

William listened as she spoke, unsure what to say. He smiled a little as she came to sit next to him, the situation seeming things a bit less formal.
William shrugged at her question, “I think some of his comedies do, I think.” He replied to her question. He was very aware of her closeness. His eyes couldn’t help their flick down at her partially exposed feminine curves. He then brought his eyes back to hers. He felt the pull, he wanted her to kiss him in some way, yet… it was wrong, wasn’t it?” The moment was shattered by Rose’s entrance.
No one could say why William did what he did, it might have been his true desire, or more likely it was to get at Rose for bursting in without knocking, but William’s arm came out circling her waist, shifting her that last bit into his lap, feeling her long hair spill over his arm. He couldn’t help smirking just a little at Rose’s face before she stepped out. When she was gone William looked down at her. “Sorry.” He said helping to right her. “I should not have, but… you should have seen her face.” He smiled, the smile showed that even gentleman enjoyed having a good time, partially by neddling others. He then blushed and took his hands away from her, but... touching her had felt good, better than it should have.


"I told ye to knock," Duncan said laughing as he walked by Rose, "Though I woulda thought it'da taken her longer to seduce him."