An Irish Holiday (closed thread)

[Irish_Kitty]

OOC: This thread is set in Post Civil War New York (187?)

Kitty took the bed sheets down off the line, folding them carefully before she smoothed them into the basket. The gentle breeze tossed some loose auburn curls into her face.

Named for her mother, Katherine--who died in childbirth--Kitty looked just like her mother had at 26. The only difference was that Katherine was married and pregnant with Jack (Kitty’s oldest brother) by 22. A traditional and fiery Irish beauty, Kitty’s auburn curls framed her heart shaped face. Bright emerald eyes stood out above freckles which peppered her rosy cheeks. Her full, pink lips mirrored her full, curvaceous body.

Kitty smoothed her dry, slightly chapped hands over her hips before griping the basket handles. Bracing the basket against her hip, she moved back into the house to get another load for washing. Once inside, Kitty let the basket drop to the floor. She still needed to wrap the linens, so they could be picked up. It wasn’t that doing the extra laundry was such a chore. She already did all of the housework for her three older brothers. Kitty simply hated cleaning up after three grown men.

Kitty stretched her back, arching backwards before filling the momentarily light basket with dirty clothes. Time to do the family’s laundry. Since it was one of the last warm days of the year, Kitty had set up the washtub outside. Once again, Kitty rested the large basket on he hip and carried it into the early New York evening.

After setting the basket in the grass, Kitty stretched her back again. She had been doing laundry most of the day Placing her hands on her full hips, she took a moment to enjoy the smells of the city. Mrs. O’Leary, her neighbor, was cooking for one of her boarders. Kitty could see the shadow of the young man getting up for his long, late work shift.

Mrs. O’Leary was always introducing Kitty to new boarders. It was a not so subtle hint to get married. Kitty wondered what the point was. If she got married, she wouldn’t have to clean up after her brothers, but she would soon have a new family to take care of. She felt trapped. No matter what she did, Kitty felt destined to clean someone's house.

 

[Subo97]

Sean Rafferty

The clatter of kitchen pans woke Sean and he rolled to put his feet on the floor. Rubbing his face with his hands, he listened as Mrs. O'Leary prepared the evening meal. Sean was used to starting his day when other men were finishing theirs, though he usually was up and about earlier. But then, he didn't usually stay up all night drinking with Jack Logan, at least not in the middle of the week. But Jack had been buying and man took his pleasures when and where he could find them. Jack had also found him this room, vouching for him to Mrs O'Leary after he had lost his previous room. He may not have paid for the drinks, but he would pay for his good time. It would be two or three hours into work before the effects of thet night before finally wore off.

He pulled on his pants and shuffled to his nightstand, suspenders hanging at his sides. The floor was cold on his bare feet. Mrs. O'Leary closed off the upstairs of her boarding house during the day, her other tenants rising early, one reason his board was a bit cheaper than the others.. On a normal day, he would have to see to it that he was up and out before the chill of the day set in, but on this day, the floor had chilled considerably. He poured water from the provided pitcher into his porcelin basin and splashed some on his face. The cold water shocked and invigorated him.

Drying his face and his calloused hands on the towel, Sean walked to the window to assess what was left of the December day. His window looked out on a row of backyards, stretching down behind the working class homes, seperated by wooden fences. Immediately beside the boarding house lay the home of Jack Logan, his workmate and new neighbor and it's back yard sported a surprise. There was a young woman in the yard, hanging laundry out to dry.

"Jack, me lad," Sean spoke to the empty room, "You've been holding out on me." Not his wife? Sister? Sister-in-law? maybe, but not his wife. Jack wore no wedding ring and had flirted shamelessly with a pretty barmaid the night before, at one point getting her onto his lap. He pinched, she giggled, and in the end, she went home with his money and Jack had gone home alone. No, not a wife Jack was too poor to have a live in maid. Who was she?

As he watched, the girl put one hand behind her and leaned back to stretch her tired muscles. Sean stepped back into the shadows, so as not to be seen, watching her breasts push against her blouse, too full to flatten. She wiped her hands on her hips and bent to pick up her laundry basket. Even hiding beneath her full skirt, her hips were undeniabley shapely. she carried the basket against her hip with one arm and reached up to replace a wayward auburn curl that had escaped and fallen across her face. Sean watched her until she entered the back door of Jack Logan's house. A silent whistle escaped his lips. he had not seen an Irish lass that beautiful since.......

Sean turned and pushed the thoughts from his mind. he never allowed himself to think of those things, of the Old country, the Troubles, of all that he had lost or left behind.

He finished dressing and went downstairs. Mrs. O'Leary had packed him a dinner, stored it in his work tin and had it ready for him. "It goes with the room, Mr. Rafferty," she said. "And on Sundays, ye kin join us at the table for Sunday dinner...right after Mass ye do go to Mass?."

He assured her he did. "Well, then," she said, "Sunday mass is at Eight O'clock." She paused to look at him. "Confessions are at seven." Sean smiled, nodded and headed out the door.

He stopped at Jack Logan's gate, but the man was not ready to walk to the trolley that would take them to their work. Sean waited a few minutes, then opened hte white picket gate and walked to the front door. Stepping to the small front porch, he rapped on the door with his knuckles.

 

[Irish_Kitty]

Kitty Logan

Kitty dropped the laundry basket with a light thump. She finished hanging the last of the laundry just in time to make supper for two of her brothers. Mike and Joe would be home soon, and hungry.

It was just about time for Jack to leave for work, but, he had been out carousing last night and hadn’t gotten out of bed yet. Just as she was about to call up the stairs, there was a knock at the door.

“Well now, who could that be?” Kitty wondered under her breath before turning toward the staircase and hollering. “John Logan Junior! get your lazy self out of that bed!”

Kitty went to the door, muttering to herself. “Spendin’ all that money on liquor and a hussy. I have a right mind to go up and drag him out of that bed.” Kitty pulled the door open and Sean caught just the tail end of her rant.

“Yes?” she demanded of the hung over stranger standing on the doorstep.

Sean was caught slightly off guard. he hadn’t expected to be face to face with the woman he had been admiring from his window. Kitty was a little startled herself, but quickly recovered. Mrs. O’Leary must have sent her newest boarder over to borrow something.

“I’m looking for Jack.”

Kitty took a step out of the doorway, silently inviting the stranger in.

“He should already be down, Mr....” Kitty trailed off, looking at the stranger expectantly.

“Rafferty, ma’am. Sean.” Kitty knew from his accent that he was from the Old Country. She had her own accent; nothing about her was completely Americanized, even though she was born in New York. About a head taller then Kitty, Sean was without the traditional Irish coloring. Dark, unruly curls sat on top of his head and his intense blue eyes watched Kitty.

“Out with Jack last night, were you Mr. Rafferty?”

 

[Subo97]

Sean

"Out with Jack last night, wereyou Mr. Rafferty?"

Sean watched her gree eyes flash as she asked the question that stood as more of an accusation.

"We were together, yes." he answered. "Jack helped me find a room next door. We work together. I wanted to thank him, so we stopped at the pub to celebrate."

Her eyes scanned his face, looking at the stubble on his jaw, then bored into his own. "Looks like a lot of gratitude," she snorted and turned to walk away. "You can sit in the chair by the stove," she said without turning around, "it's Jack's."

Sean watched her walk into the kitchen, eyes on her swaying hips, before sitting beside the small iron stove. "Go ahead, put some coal in it," she spoke loudly from the other room. "No sense in going to work cold." Finding the coal scoop, Sean flung a shovelfull of coal on to the glowing embers and reclosed the door. From the kitchen came a loud clattering of pots and pans.

"Jesus, Mary and Joseph," jack's muffled voice came down the narrow staircase, "Have some mercy woman. Me head is killin' me."

"There'll be no mercy in this house to them that don't deserve it," Kitty yelled back as Jack thumped his way down the stairs, his shoes in his hands. "And don't you profane the Holy Family in this house. Not unless you want to eat cold for a week."

Sean made to get out of his chair, but Jack waved him down and took a seat on a small stool beside the stove. As he pulled his brogan's on over his socks, he winked at Sean. "Ye've met me friend Sean, then, I see," he said. "We've been workin' together."

"And a fine pair you make, too," she said, leaning against the kitchen doorway, arms crossed, a large wooden spoon in her hand. Sean watched her witha bemused smile she did not return. "Are you going to introduce your friend, Jack," she asked. "You know, like civilized people do."

Jack cringed, but didn't argue. "Kitty, this here's my friend, Sean. Sean, this here's my sister Kitty." Kitty nodded, her auburn curls bouncing.

Sean stood, holdin his tweed cap in his hands. "It's a pleasure to meet you, miss Kitty Logan," he said, looking straight in to her eyes. " A pleasant day to you."

"It won't be so pleasant if you both get fired for being late to work." she retorted, turning into the kitchen.


"Come one," Jack said, slapping Sean's arm with his cap and heading for the door.. As they walked to the door, Sean looked back toward the kitchen. Kitty had turned to watch them leave and Sean gave her a wink. In response, she snorted and turned her back. Sean laughed and followed Jack out the door.

"Say, jack," he asked as they walked down the working class street, "Why is it you're sister's not married?"

"No man would put up with her, I guess," Jack answered. "That and no man seems good enough for her--least as far as she thinks."

"You don't say," Sean laughed, slapping his friend on the shoulder, "You don't say."

 

[Irish_Kitty]

Kitty Logan

Kitty watched Sean and Jack walk down the street together. She knew she ad been a little harsh, but there was nothing to be done now.

He is certainly good looking.--she thought as she turned away from the window and headed back to the kitchen.--But he is probably just the same as all the rest, charming and polite until he decides to move on. He didn’t think I noticed the way he looked me over!--Kitty snorted, remembering the way Sean’s blue eyes twinkled as they roamed down her body. Then, Kitty pictured Sean’s strong chest and arms in her mind’s eye. She wondered what it might feel like to lean against him; his strong workman’s arms holding her close.

Ouch!--Kitty burnt her hand on the cast iron pot, grabbing it without her apron for protection.--Damn! I had best pay attention and stop thinking about Sean Rafferty’s blue eyes and strong hands.

Just as Kitty stuck her burnt finger into her mouth, Mike and Joe burst into the house.

“Hi-ya Kit!” Even though he was the last of the Logans to be born in Ireland, Mike was the most Americanized of the siblings. Mike’s short brown curls had an auburn tint to them, just a slight reminder of Kitty’s curls. He and Joe worked together on the docks, unloading cargo ships from around the world.

Baby faced Joe was only a couple of years older then Kitty. He was the first son born in America and had a special place in his mother’s heart, for the short time she knew him. His pale skin contrasted with his dark hair and eyes. He didn’t really resemble his father in looks, but he acted just like the late John Logan. Quiet and reserved, Joe rarely had anything to say so when he spoke everyone listened.

Joe, tugged his hat off his head and stooped to give his sister a peck on the cheek. From the amount of respect Joe showed his little sister, he might be mistaken for the youngest. “How was your day, Kitty?” Like Kitty, Joe only had the slightest hint of a brogue. Their brogues were from living in a house and neighborhood full of accents.

“This should be the last warm day for a while, so I did the washing.”

The conversation continued while Kitty served a warm supper and the brothers washed up and after supper, as the close family sat together, relaxing.

 

[Subo97]

Sean

"Oh Sean," Rose O'Banion whispered, curling her leg around his hip as they lay in her featherbed. "You turn me into a wanton." Her fingers entwined themselves in his dark, curly hair and pulled his face to her breast. His lips took hold of of her swollen nipple as he moved within her, increasing his rhythm. "Oh, yes, yes," she cried softly and shuddered underneath him "Now, my love, now.." , she urged him on, hungry for his release.

Afterwards, as he began to dress, Rose held him from behind, her soft breasts pressed against his hard back. "Once we're married," she teased, biting his ear, " I shan't let you leave my bed..ever."

"After we're married," he laughed, "Your brother won't mind me in your bed. Your bed will be in my house."

"It's my dowry," she laughed, "I was conceived in this bed. Should I be bringing anything else?"

"Just your pillows," he answered, turning to kiss her breasts. .......

"Sean....Sean, stay awake, me lad.!" Jack's laughing voice echoed down the dark street.

"I wasn't asleep," Sean replied.

"No," Jack continued, "but you were somewhere else. My Da used to get like that when he remebered the Famine."

"I was born in the Famine," Sean snorted, "It's not something to remember if one can help it."

That's when me Da brought the family over, in '46," said Jack. "When did you arrive?" he asked.

"After the Fanion uprising in '67," Sean answered.

"The Fanions began in New York, ye know," Jack said, twitching his reins to encourage the mules to pull the wagon harder. "They even tried to invade Canada before they went back to Ireland to fight Queen Victoria's thugs."

"Yes, I know," Sean sighed. "Yes, I know."


"Liam, stop," Sean gasped hoarsely, "We've lost them. At least for now" he and his friend Liam both leaned against the alley wall with their hands on their knees, gasping for breath.

"God, Sean," Liam panted. "They were waiting for us. We're the only ones who made it out, the rest either dead or captured. And once they get them to Her majesty's gaol, they'll be talking soon enough. We've got to get out of Dublin."


I've got to get to Rose, first," Sean said through gritted teeth.

"You can't," Liam answered, "There'll be Royal constabulary all over her house. You killed her brother, Sean. Jesus, I can't believe he was an informant, damn his soul to hell."

"But I have to get to Rose..."

"They'll hang ye, if you do. And you killed ehr brother. She'll hate you for that. Ye've got two choices. The Fanion have a ship going to America, The Tecumsheh. You can get out tonight. Either that or go to Ulster with me. They'll never find us in Londenderry.

"Rose will never go to Londenderry," Sean replied. "I'll go to New York, She'll follow me there."

"Sean," Liam said, pressing his forehad against Sean's. "ye killed her brother. She'll hate ye forever for that. Come with me to Ulster."

"New York's my only hope," Sean sighed. "I can't live here without Rose."

"Care for a biscuit? Kitty makes good biscuits." Sean took the offering from Jack and leaned back against the wagon wheel to eat it. "We got ten minutes to finish."

"Ten minutes?" Sean inquired.

"Yeah, till Midnight. We can't eat after midnight if we want to take communion at tomorrow's Mass."

"You're going to Mass after work?" Sean looked amazed at his friend.

"I have to," Jack laughed. "It's the Fourth Sunday of Advent. I'd as soon argue with Pope Pius IX himself as Kitty if I don't. Besides, she'll be making corned beef for Sunday dinner if I do." His big grin marked his sturdy face. "I'll go to mass for corned beef." Sean shrugged and finished his biscuit.

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

Early in the morning, before the Winter sun rose, Sean and Jack wearily walked up the dark lane. At the Logan gate, Jack turned aside and motioned to his friend. "Come inside," he motioned, "We'll share a dram before ye go off to bed."

"No thanks, Jack," Sean shook his head. "Another time."

"Suit yerself," Jack waved and stepped inside his house as Sean walked up to the boarding room porch. Inside, Sean found his room key lying beside the Advent wreath on Mrs. O'Leary's hall table. All the guests were long abed and none were likely to rise before Sean's return. With legs more tired than when he awakened, Sean climbed the stairs to his room.

Once in his room, Sean removed his coat, lowered his suspenders and took off his woolen shirt. After washing his face and hands, he turned to the window and looked out at the stars. A flash of light from the Logan house caught his eye and he glanced over. One window glowed a dull yellow, the lamp light shining through the pulled windowblind. A shadow began to move then came into focus as the figure stepped between the lamp and the window. As the sillhouette turned, it was obvious that it was Kitty Logan. Even in shadow her full breasts and hips contrasted with her slim waist. Her raised arms gathered her hair together, winding it into a bun, then reached behind her neck to undo a knot. Her breast came more into focus as the shift fell from her shoulders, even more so as she bent forward to push it off her hips, her breasts swinging forward from her chest. Sean inhaled sharply and didn't exhale untll Kitty turned and walked out of the light. "Damn, Kitty Logan," he whispered, 'you sure do know how to vex a man."

Later, as the first rays of the sun began to turn the winter sky, a knock was heard on the Logan door. When Jack answered the door, he found Sean Rafferty dressed in his Sunday suit, hat in hand. "Good morning Jack," Sean said, glancing past his astonished friend to Kitty, standing in the living room."I've come to ask permission to escort your sister to morning mass. Under your watchful eye, of course."

 

[Irish_Kitty]

Kitty Logan

Kitty woke early; she could tell it was going to be cold. Gingerly, she set her bare feet on to the freezing floor. First thing, Kitty lit the lamp by her washstand. It didn't give off a lot of heat, but Kitty felt a little warmer anyway.

After tying up her hair, Kitty briefly washed her face. From the combination of the early morning chill and the ice cold water which dripped down over her chest, Kitty's large, dark nipples budded stiffly against the coarse fabric of her nightshirt.

As much as Kitty wanted to crawl back into her warm bed, she knew that the fastest way to warm up was to get started with her day. Kitty wasted no time untying her shift and letting it fall. As she bent to push it off her full hips, an image of Sean's merry blue eyes darted across her memory. -- I wonder what he'd think of this view. -- Kitty's thoughts sent a shiver through her body. Shaking her head and silently scolding herself, Kitty stepped out of the shift and moved back toward the wardrobe to dress.

Just as the sun started to peak over the horizon, Jack answered the knock at the front door. Sean stood there in a dark gray suit, hat in hand. “Good morning Jack. I’ve come to ask permission to escort your sister to morning mass. Under your watchful eye, of course.”

Kitty was pinning her hat into place, and nearly stuck her fingers when she heard Sean’s request. Jack remained stunned, even after Sean explained the reason for his visit.

Mike was the first to speak. “You must be Jack’s drinking partner. I’m Mike.” He held out his hand, welcoming Sean into the house.

That was all Kitty needed to compose herself. Gesturing to Joe, Kitty introduced her youngest older brother to Sean.

“Well, now you know the whole family, Sean!” Jack clapped his friend on the shoulder.

“We should be going, don’t want to be late.” Joe held the door open for Kitty.

Once they were on the street, Sean pulled his cap on, and held his arm out for Kitty.

Kitty's brothers followed the pair down the sidewalk. The two groups were only a few steps apart, but it seemed like they were in completely different worlds. The boys were rough housing a little, shoving each other, telling jokes, kids stuff really.

Only a few feet in front of them, walked Kitty and Sean, arm in arm, scilently. Neither one really knew how to start a conversation. They both started speaking at once.

"How long have you been in America?" asked Kitty.
"Do you remember the Old Country?" asked Sean.

Some of the tension broken, Sean gestured for Kitty to continue. Rather then repeating her question, she answered his. "I've never seen Ireland. I was born a few years after Da moved the family."

"Did your father go back to Ireland?"

Kitty shook her head slowly, "No, he passed a few years ago. I know he missed Ireland though."

"Ma too." Mike stuck in his two cents before Joe pumped itno him, returning his attention to his brothers.

"Ma died just after I was born," Kitty explained. "Da named me for her, Katherine."

Sean nodded serously, "The name suits you. Do you look like her too?"

"Jack says I do. He's the only one of us old enough to know. Here we are," Kitty nodded toward the large stone building across the street from where they were standing.

Sean was surprised and definitely disappointed. He had hoped to spend more time with this beautiful Irish lass. They climbed the few stairs and entered the church, still arm in arm. The church was bustling with people. Everyone was there and they were all talking at once.

Just behind the couple, the Logan boys burst into the church.

"Do you see a pew?" asked Joe. Just as he spoke, Kitty saw Mrs. O'Leary waving to them.

"There's Mrs. O'Leary. Looks like she has some room on that pew."

In the confusion involved in sitting, Sean lost his spot next to Kitty and would up between Jack and Joe. -- All for the best -- he thought -- Couldn't focus next to her. -- He didn't really focus anyway and keps stealing glances at Kitty down the pew.

At the end of the service, a school friend of Mike's found them outside. He'd been traveling and just got home. The boys wanted to catch up. Even before Mrs. O'Leary could suggest it, Sean offered to see Kitty home.

"We could take the longer way. Past some of the shops. I haven't seen them decorated for Christmas." Kitty smiled at Sean. Mrs. O'Leary looked as pleased as if she had pushed the two together, but no one noticed.

"Oh, Kitty, before you go. I'm having a little Christmas party for my boarders. I'd love it if you, and your brothers came."

"I'd love to, Mrs. O'Leary."

Before she could say anything else, Sean touched his cap, "Good day, Mrs. O'Leary." Then he offered Kitty his arm again. He wanted her to himself.

Kitty directed them away from home, deeper into the commerical district. They weren’t the only couple taking a Sunday stroll and several people stoped, briefly, to exchange pleasantries with Kitty.

“Looks like I’m with the most popular lass around!” Sean joked. Kitty only blushed in response, a little unsure how to react to Sean’s words. Used to American men, Kitty didn’t understand that Sean actually ment what he said.

“Oh Look! Isn’t it beautiful!” After walking on past a few more shops, Kitty saw the maniquin in the dressmakers. The dress and style were relatively new from Paris. It was clearly not designed for a woman of Kitty’s class, or shape. In burgandy silk, the top was slim then widened to accomodate the bustle, which was much larger then the one Kitty wore on Sunday.

Sean shrugged, barely looking at the dress, instead he took the opportunity to look over Kitty. Finally he replied matter-of-factly, “I don’t think it would suit you.”

Snapping her head around, Kitty’s green eyes flared angrily. “Just what do you mean by that, Sean Rafferty!”

Sean snuck a peck on her cheek speaking softly, “You aren’t a doll in a window, Kitty. You should be treated like a woman, not something to be decorated.” Straightening up, Sean said aloud, “Let’s cross the street.”

Walking down the opposite side of the street they passed several more shops, includig a pet store and a toy shop. Sean loved the way Kitty’s face brightened, just like the children who crowded around the window. One of the puppies in the window was attracted to Kitty’s muff and delighted her by trying to pounce on it.

By the time they returned to the Logan house, they were laughing through frozen noses and rosey cheeks. They burst through the front door still laughing. Sean helped Kitty remove her coat before removing his own. The two found the brothers along with their friend, Pat, sitting around the table.

“Looks like you two had a good time.” Jack looked a little less merry then usual.

Kitty ignored her brother and turned to their guest, “Have my brothers invited you to Sunday dinner?” Pat nodded. “Good, the more the merrier! Sean’s going to say too.” Turning toward the kitchen, Kitty spoke to Sean. “Come on in the kitchen and warm up while I start dinner.”

 

[Subo97]

Sean Rafferty

Dominus Vobiscum

Et cum Spiritu tuo

in triobo ad altare Dei...........

Sean knelt betwen Jack and Joe Logan as the sensual onslaught of the Catholic mass began. The pungent aroma of incense slightly burned his nostrils as the priest made his way to the altar. Whether in Ireland, America or even China, he supposed, the familiar sights and sounds pulled one into an eternal unity. Somehow in the confusion of the entrance, Kitty had been torn from his arm and he had been shuffled into the company of her brothers. Kitty knelt a few bodies down, beside Mrs. O'Leary, bowed in prayer as the Latin chants droned, her head covered with a lace shawl. Irish lace, as it was obvious to Sean, delicate yet enduring like the Irish women who wore them. Dring the homily, the priest spoke of new beginnings, of preparation for the Miracle of Christmas, the birth of a child who's ultimate promise was of death and rebirth. Death, claimed the priest, was always followed by rebirth.

All through the Rites and rituals of the mass, Sean caught glimpses of Kitty Logan as they stood, knelt and sat in prayer. During Communion, as they knelt at the marble rail, he glanced to his right as she raised her head and and stuck out her pink tongue to receive the host. Sean himself repeated the age old direction as a tow headed boy held the gold paten uner his chin lest the sacrament fall.

Afterwards, as they stood on the church steps after mass, Kitty returned to his side, sliding her arm onto his as he offered to walk her home. Surprisingly, as would never have happened in Ireland, the brothers abandoned Kitty to Sean's sole attention . Strolling past shop windows, many decorated with holly and christmas trees, Sean and Kitty observed the best that America had to offer. Untold, unlimited wealth for some, unreachable for others who struggled simply to attain the necessities of life.

Kitty snuggled against him in hte cold, the swell of her breast pressed against his arm. He remembered the backlit sillhouette he had seen earlier and how the naked curve of her breast would feel under his fingertips. When Kitty stopped to admire a dress in a store front display, he stepped back for a moment and looked at her, from her rosy cheeks, to her white swanlike neck, eyes ranging across her bosom, prominent even under layers of thick clothing, and finally her hips and legs. "I don't think it would suit you," Sean said.

To his surprise, it angered her. "Just what do you mean by that, Sean Rafferty", she retortted, eyes flashing. Could he dare tell her that the ornateness of hte dress, especially it's pronounced bustle, would only distort the natural beuty of the figure she sported; That the curves he had seen in shadow should not be covered up but revealed to the right man; that the bustle in the window was an artificial contrivance that was no match for the curve of her behind that he had observed even in shadow?

Repressing those thoughts, he none the less kissed her cheek impetuously and said, ""You aren't a doll in a window, Kitty You should be treated like a woman, not soemthing to be decorated." he stopped, his hands on her forearms, wanting to lean in for another kiss. Could she have ever looked more beautiful than at church, her lace shawl framing her white neck? What perfection could surpass the woman he saw in the window, bending to fix her stocking, full breasts swinging free? Awkwardly he let go of her and offered her his arm."Let's cross the street," he said and led her away from the store. Other storefronts displaying toys and pets lightened the mood and by the time they arrived at the Logan residencethey were laughing as though the incident never occurred.

Inside the Logan house, the brothers introduced a stranger, Pat before Kitty asked Sean into the kitchen to warm up while she cooked dinner. Setting himself on a high legged stool, Sean watche her work. Clad in an apron to protect ehr dress, the woman grew even more beautiful with less clothes to obscure her natural figure. As she leaned forward to stir a pot, Sean had to resist the urge to come up behind her and kiss her neck. The idea of reaching around to cup her breasts as he did so made his hands twitch? Insttead, he posed a question. "Who's this Pat?" he asked.

"Just a friend," she answered blithely.

"Not a beau?" he asked.

"Oh, heavens no," she laughed. "What made you ask such a thing?"

"There has to be one somewhere," he asserted.

"No, not at the moment." She blushed and turned her attention to the stove.

"It's to my advantage then," Sean spoke, " that the men of our neighborhood are fools. I'll have no competition to be your escort to Mrs. O'Leary's party."

Without turning, she waved a wooden spoon at him. "Off with you, then, Sean Rafferty. Go back witht he men in the parlor. I'm a woman with few prospects and no dowry and I'll nto be having you shame me in me own kitchen."

Sean stood up and walked out of the kitschen, pausing in the doorway. Turning, he spoke. "The only shame, Kitty Logan, lies on the shoulders of men who haven't the courage to value your pride." Without waiting for a reply, Sean walked into the parlor and the company of men.

Later, when they sat down to dinner, Sean found himself seated between Michael and Pat, but across from Kitty. Kitty looked up and saw Sean watching her, then looked aside. Sean never took his eyes off her whileJack said grace and only turned his gaze away to accept a bowl of Potatoes from Michael. Conversations flowed from one diner to another, covering the gamut from work, to church, to distant relatives to Manifest Destiny.

"So, Sean, " Jack asked, " Do you think it's America's destiny to rule the continent?"

"Of that I don't know, Jack," Sean answered, "but I think there are oppurtunities to the West that don't exist in New York. I man could find his fortune there." He raised a forkfull of potato and smiled, "Or at least be able to grow enough potatoes to keep any Irish family happy." The men laughed and began to expound on their potential Western empires. Sean bent to take a spoonful of food and stopped as he felt something brush his leg. At first he thought it might be a hitherto unseen family dog, but it soon became obvious that it was the toe of a shoe. Looking across the table, he saw Kitty demurely eating, her eyes on her plate, but undeniably it was her shoe brushing his ankle, then raising itself to caress his calf.

 

[Irish_Kitty]

Kitty

After Sean had left the kitchen, Kitty kept thinking about what he had said. -- The only shame...lies on the shoulders of men who haven’t the courage to value your pride. -- Although he had been teasing just before, his tone and demeanor changed completely when he chided his neighbors. Once Kitty actually let herself realize what Sean had meant, she started noticing other things about Sean Rafferty. The slightly tentative way he had asked about Pat. The formal way he asked to escort her to church. The heat and soft desire in his eyes when he looked at her. There was definitely mirth and teasing there too, and something else.... That thought was quickly banished as one of the pots began to boil over.

At dinner, Kitty found herself directly across from Sean. She kept trying to steal glances at him, but every time she looked up, he caught her! Well, she couldn’t let him have all the fun. Gently-and slowly- she eased her foot forward. She didn’t want to get the wrong foot. Nope, she could tell by the look on Sean’s face that she found the one she wanted. She’d certainly never one anything like this before and wasn’t really sure how to proceed, but judging from Sean’s reaction, Kitty had the desired effect.

After dinner, they sat around chatting for a little longer before Kitty (who had become something of a mother figure, being the only woman in a house full of men) shooed them off to bed.

Sean and Kitty stood in her bedroom. Suddenly, his arms were around her waist, pulling her close against him. He murmured her name and began nuzzling her neck. One hand slid up her back to hold the nape of her neck.

Kitty ran her hands up Sean’s biceps. She held his shoulders as her breathing started to quicken. Sean’s breath warmed her neck and his fingers played with the loose wisps of hair at the nape of her neck. Kitty reached up and loosened her hair, it cascaded around her face and down her back.

Sean moaned again and buried his fingers in Kitty’s thick auburn curls....


Kitty lay in bed, tossing and turning. She couldn’t get Sean Rafferty out of her head. She could hear her brothers beginning to stir and knew it was time to get up and start her day. She had plenty to do. Once again, she rose, gingerly placing her feet on the freezing floor. She had pulled her hair back in one long braid for bed, now she swung that so it hung straight down her back. She lit her lamp and walked toward the window to look out on the day, and dress.

 

[Subo97]

Sean

Boarding houses are noisy places on Monday morning. Although Sean worked second shift, the house moved to a different rhythm. Sean could hear the clatter of men and women arising all around him; The tempting aroma of biscuits wafted up the stairs from Mrs. O'Leary's kitchen; and distant dogs began to bark as the city began to move. Sean, however, did not lay abed, nor was he hustling to find his place at the breakfast table. Rather, he leaned against the chilly wall, looking out his window at the dark, pre-dawn sky, the white, snow covered street, but mostly at Kitty Logan's window.

Before the sun broke the winter horizon, light emitted from Kitty's window. First a match was struck, flaring and ebbing, then a kerosene lantern filled the room with soft yellow light and spilled out through the curtained window. Sean drew a deep breath as he saw Kitty push her curtains aside to look out her window. He pressed himself back into the shadows so as not to be seen. Framed by the window, Kitty stood backlight by the kerosene lamp, light flowing through the thin shift and illuminating her form as though she were dressed in diaphanous gauze. Afraid to move, lest he reveal himself, Sean's groin ached as his arousal surged quickly inside his pants.

Kitty leaned forward, grasped the window pane at the bottom and raised it to allow fresh air into the room. Heat would not be wasted on the upper floor during the day. The curtains flutterd in the air as Kitty walked back and stood by her bed. With her back to him, Kitty pinned up her auburn hair and slowly began untying the laces on the front of her sleeping shift. Sean was about to turn away in shame, when she grabbed the shift by the waist and pulled it over her shoulders. Sean stared at her smooth back, flaring hips and round bottom. He imagined himself coming up behind her, pushing her forward and taking her from behind. She turned slightly and leaned forward to reach something on the bed, her full breasts swinging forward, pink tips swelling in the icy air. She stood up, white underthings in her hands and for a fleeting moment he glimpsed the auburn curls between her thighs before she stepped out of sight.

She was fully dressed when she next appeared, bending to make her bed before picking up her lamp and exiting her room. Sean took a deep breath. He did not remember breathing while she was in her room, but he must have. though her room lay dark, curtains flapping in the winter wind, the sight of her exquisite body would not leave his mind. The feel of her foot on his calf was as fresh as the shocking moment she had placed it there.

Turning, Sean finished dressing himself, waiting until his tumesence subsided before descending to Mrs. O'Leary's breakfast table. It would be a long Monday until he could use the excuse of getting Jack to go to the Logan house, if he could wait that long. His desire for Kitty Logan was growing by the hour.

 

[Irish_Kitty]

Even though there were plenty of chores to keep her occupied, Kitty's mind kept wandering back to her dream. She wondered if Sean's caress would feel anything like that for real. Just for a moment she let her eyes drift shut. She returned to the dream, replaing it.

Sean's fingers massaged Kitty' scalp as he trailed kisses along her jaw. Inching close and closer to her mouth. His other hand slid up and down her back, pressing her against him.
Sliding his fingers through her hair, Sean leaned away from Kitty to look down into her face. His hands caressed her shoulders toward the buttons on her dress. Slowly he opened each button, pulling the dress open a little further with each button.
When he reached the top of her breasts he slowed, unbuttoning one last button before sliding one hand inside her dress. The caloused pads of his fingers brushed against Kitty's soft skin.


A knock at the door made Kitty jump.

"I'll get it," Jack called from the direction of the stairs.

Kitty heard the door open and then Sean's voice. She didn't think that time had gotten that far away. Then Jack appeared in the doorway asking for their father's chess set. Kitty shrugged wordlessly and tilted her head to the side, considering the question. She took a slight step backwards, still in thought. Sean was standing behind Jack. Kitty's eyes grew large and she knew that a bright flush was creeping up over her face. She couldn't help it. The sight of him and the memory of her thoughts -- her shameful, sinful thoughts....

Abruptly she turned away. Waving her hand dismissivly she managed to choke out a reply, "Try up in Da's room. I think he played with Father O'Rourke when he was sick."

Once the men left, Kitty burried her face in her hands. She was certain that Sean had understood the look on her face. What was wrong with her? There had been other men interested in her. Mrs. O'Leary made sure of that. Kitty had plenty of enjoyable evenings. Some of the men had even looked at her the same way Sean did. Before, Kitty had always managed to take the looks and flirting for what it was. She lived in a house full of men. She knew that even the men who wanted to marry her only wanted a housekeeper.

There was no sense in mooning over the loss of something she only had in her dreams. Sighing, Kitty turned back to her work, ignoring the men upstairs.