Catching a Shadow

[Britwitch]

(closed for myself and MaiusImperium )

The old Great North Road ran along the eastern edge of the county through the towns of Newark, Tuxford and East Retford, and for centuries it was the main route from London to York and beyond. Many of the old coaching inns still survive from those days, like pearls on a string. With a constant ebb and flow of human life, the old Great North Road has ghosts and legends all of its own.
Wealthy travellers on the road proved a magnet for footpads and highwaymen and many were relieved of their valuables with the cry "Your money or your life!"
The penalty upon capture was swiftly dealt out. To hang, at either York or Tyburn, was their fate. But even such a grim end didn’t stop the stages and carriages of the wealthy from coming under frequent attack.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~​

The peaceful village of Oakwood owed much to the stately home on whose grounds it had been founded. Not far off of the Great North Road and within a couple of hours ride of York, it saw it’s far share of passing nobles from the South en route to the walled city. Although the village was known to those outside not because of it’s association with Oakwood Hall but because it was rumoured that the highwayman known only as ‘The Shadow’ sheltered there. Of course, when asked by those enforcing the law, the villagers denied any knowledge although the rumours and myths flew around the tavern thick and fast on a night time. The Lord of Oakwood Hall had been charged by those in York to see if he couldn’t find the outlaw who was apparently hiding somewhere on his doorstep. It was all very dramatic and romantic, most of the young women of the village hoped for a glance of the supposedly dashing gentleman thief. All except Amelia.

Amelia Harding was the ward of the Lord of Oakwood Hall and she had other things on her mind. Her own father, a good friend of the Lord, had died the previous year, leaving her guardianship to him. While she was a young lady who would one day be presented at court in London, she still found the opulent surroundings of Oakwood Hall a little daunting at times.

At 20 she had not yet come of age, chestnut colour curls and waves hung down her back in a soft curtain which she usually wore pinned up although curls usually escaped to frame her face, bright green eyes set in a lightly freckled face, she looked younger than her age although her body was as developed as women far older. She had inherited her mother’s delicate frame but it was adorned with rounded hips and a generous bust, something she was never able to hide beneath the tightly corseted dresses she wore.

She avoided walking through the village alone, knowing how the dresses emphasised her natural physique, earning her more than the odd lecherous glance in her direction. None of it ever came them, she was almost always escorted by a maid or one of his Lordships servants. Occasionally even by the Lord himself.

While Amelia did not hope for a sighting of ‘The Shadow’ she had more interest in most in his movements. For she was the only person to know ‘The Shadow’s true identity, something she spends a great deal of her time trying to make stayed a secret. Sat in the great library of Oakwood House, Amelia let her eyes wander out of the window and across the sculptured lawns and gardens sprawling into the woods beyond. The library was a haven for Amelia, she had always loved to learn of the world beyond the walls around her. Hungering after knowledge of the new world and the countries that spread out around the globe. She would read for hours at a time and she was thankful that her Guardian did not disturb her.
He was kind and gentle and she felt herself very lucky to have left with such a man.

Hearing the chimes from the clock she shut the volume she had been glancing through and replaced it on the shelf before replacing the book and heading down towards the dining room where her Guardian would be waiting for her to join him for dinner. She smoothed the voluminous skirt and pushed a stray tendril of her curling hair back from her face before stepping into the large dining room and curtseying slightly before raising her face to smile at the man before her.
“Good evening, my Lord…I trust you have had a good day…?”

 

[MaiusImperium]

It had been another fruitless day. It had been weeks since Lord James of Oakwood had been charged with tracking down ‘The Shadow’ and so far he had caught nothing more than a cold in the frigid winter nights that enveloped Yorkshire at this time of year. The locals weren’t talking, which annoyed him, he had lived here all his life – admittedly locked away in his hall, and they were quite happy to side with this rogue vagabond rather than help Lord James.

That vexed him. Apparently he could not compete with the rugged charm and good looks of this so called Shadowy highwayman, which was a little unfair. James was still quite a handsome man, though he was slightly too old to be called young anymore, he was in his late thirties though he still had his boyish grin and bright blue eyes. His dark hair had not begun to recede and it flowed voluminously to just above his shoulders. James was nothing if not handsome, but he just didn’t have the dangerous aura that seemed to have enthralled the village folk so completely.

Still, the day was drawing to a close now, the sun was making it’s descent as night rose to prominence and he was grateful for the warmth of his hall as he stepped in from the blustering weather outside. His thick trench coat was taken from his shoulders by Rosalind, one of the gamut of servants he had about the hall.

“Tell cook I hope tea will be prepared in half an hour, Rosalind.” The young mouse-like woman bowed courteously.

“Yes my Lord.” She squeaked quietly and scampered away. James himself was left alone in the hall, he hung his top hat up and removed his neatly tailored black jacket, leaving him in his tight-fitting waist jacket and the smart white shirt beneath.

As all men of ‘good breeding’ were, James of Oakwood was impeccably dressed at all times, even the smallclothes he wore to bed were smart and frilly in all the right places. His knee-high riding boots clicked loudly on the wooden floor as he rubbed his hands together, it was abominably cold. He decided to sit by the fire until tea was prepared.

Moving into the dining room he pulled up his favourite velvet-cushioned arm chair and sat by the roaring fire, his eyes closed and his head tilted back as he felt the fire chase the cold from his frozen bones. Taking out his pipe he lit it and puffed idly on it, his cool blue eyes glazed over as he thought about he Highwayman. How to catch him, that was the trick. The locals were not speak, perhaps if he offered them money they would talk. He disliked bribing people, it went against his moral fibre. James was certainly a gentleman.

He was quite a soft and generous man. He had the sort of sense of charity that only the truly rich could afford to have. Many a thrifty Scottish banker would have said James squandered much of his wealth on the poor, he paid for work houses and orphanages in the filthy coal-choked cities of Yorkshire and the ‘Cottonopolis’ of Manchester. He was well thought off by most and he cherished his reputation more than anything. It wasn’t that he was completely altruistic, he revelled on the good opinions his colleagues had of him, he always wanted to be thought of as a good man, an honest gentleman.

He was roused from his reverie by the honeyed voice of his ward.

“Good evening, my Lord…I trust you have had a good day…?”

He turned in his chair to find Amelia stood there, he rose to his feet and stubbed out his pipe.

“Good evening Amelia. Best not to ask about the day.” He smiled warmly and motioned to the dining table, which was being set out for dinner by various servants.

“Please, join me at the table.” He pulled her chair from under the table and eased her into it in the gentlemanly fashion, his fingers brushed against the soft silk of her chestnut hair which aroused a guilty thought in his mind which he pushed away with an effort.

Amelia was a very beautiful young woman, any lord would have been honoured to have her as their lady. Unfortunately James was honour-bound to protect her, to look after her until she could be found a suitor. Gerald Harding had been a good, honest and prosperous man and he had been James’ childhood friend. When Gerald had been claimed by consumption James had promised on the man’s deathbed to look after his daughter. Had James not give his word Amelia would likely have been wedded off to some sharkish young noble who cared only for her dowry – the properties of her father.

James appreciated more than most the need for a noble young woman to find a secure home for her once she reached age, but he was also something of an old-fashioned romantic. Many marriages amongst the nobility were political or purely for financial reasons, James still clung to the notion that you must love your woman above all other considerations. Which was probably why he was still a bachelor, the only thing that vexed his admirers. James himself didn’t care much either way, though in his darker moments he pined to wake up next to the warmth of a woman he loved in the morning.

“I trust you’ve enjoyed the new books in the library? I got them in an auction in Oxford. Some of them are quite old you know, in the original Latin. Very expensive.” Anything to take his mind off his loneliness and the guilty thoughts he harboured in his moments of weakness for Amelia. He smiled softly as he sat himself down at the head of the table before his plate was placed before him, followed by several other silver platters filled with various food. Roasted meats, venison and pheasant, vegetables and gravies and breads. James knew how to eat well.

 

[Britwitch]

“Good evening Amelia. Best not to ask about the day....Please, join me at the table.”
Amelia followed Lord James towards the table, arranging her dress in a ladylike manner as he helped her find her seat. Smiling brightly up at him as he moved to take his own seat.
"I shall not ask if you would rather I didn't," She said quietly once he was seated at the head of the table. "But I hope it was not too much of a disappointment." Her tone, as always, was genuine. She genuinely cared for her guardian, he was younger than her father had been before he had been taken away from her and she felt a real sense of affection towards him. He had been nothing but thoughtful and kind since the day she'd arrived to stay with him.

She had heard stories of wards being married off soon after being taken in by to prevent guardians having to 'put up with them' for longer than they wished. Lord James had made no such attempts to rid himself of her and seemed to genuinely enjoy her presence. She made sure she didn't bother him while he was working at business and kept largely to herself unless he expressed a desire to spend time with her. Giving him another smile across the candlelit table Amelia picked up her water glass and took a sip as the servants began to bring the steaming plates and platters of food to the table.

He was a handsome man, with a strong sense of goodness within him. Amelia often wondered why it was he was still a bachelor when it was unlikely he would be short of admirers. Part of her hoped to see him settled down with a wife before her own time to marry came around. He deserved to have someone to love him and take care of him as he took care of so very many. Amelia knew of his charitable work and of how well he looked after his servants and their families. Perhaps once the colder, darker nights had set in she might suggest he host a ball. It would give him a chance to promote his most recent charitable causes and give her a chance to introduce him to some of the ladies of the area.

“I trust you’ve enjoyed the new books in the library? I got them in an auction in Oxford. Some of them are quite old you know, in the original Latin. Very expensive.”
"I have glanced at one or two," Amelia's smile grew almost shy as she looked down slightly. He knew her so well, knew that she would have noticed the new additions to the library as soon as she'd entered the room. "They are fascinating, m'Lord...some really interesting texts..." She carefully cut some of the meat upon her plate and carefully raised it to her pale pink lips. She continued once she had finished her mouthful. "I am sure they will all be as interesting..."
They both ate for a few minutes in relative silence.
"Do you have plans tomorrow, m'Lord...?" Amelia asked after a moment. "If not, I thought it might be pleasant to take a walk through the gardens before the weather becomes too inclement...but only if you have time..."

 

[MaiusImperium]

They ate in silence for a while, he was voracious and wolfed down his food as quickly as polite manners would allow, he had eaten a full plate and two glasses of wine before he felt his stomach bloated with food. After those few rapid minutes of eating he slowed down, nibbling idly on rogue slices of meat and the last crumbs of the bread on his side plate.

"Do you have plans tomorrow, m'Lord...?" Amelia asked after a moment. "If not, I thought it might be pleasant to take a walk through the gardens before the weather becomes too inclement...but only if you have time..."

“It would be my pleasure Amelia.” His smile was warm and genuine. Since he had taken her under his wing the loneliness had been a little more bearable. She was beautiful and vibrant and young, she made him feel younger just by being around her, he smiled more often and wider when she was around and the house seemed empty when she wasn’t around. That was a little odd since the house was large and housed a great many servants and house staff, he just didn’t notice them like he noticed her.

In that moment he contemplated what it would be like when she left, when she flew the nest as it where. He would be alone again. It was only natural, the children had to eventually fly the nest. He had enjoyed his time with her, it was a strange dichotomy to live with, he viewed her almost as his own daughter, to protect and care for, yet she was very much a young, beautiful woman, devastatingly attractive.

It caused him untold guilt, he was a man of his word, a man of honour, yet when he was at his loneliest he would let his mind wander. He would think on her as he lay in bed, alone, and for an hour his composure was gone, he was not a gentleman, his thoughts were base and lustful. Afterwards the guilt would assail him in horrid waves, yet he would repeat the entire scene in his mind again the week after. It was a personal shame, and one he would have to live with, until she left at least.

“Well, that was delicious. Send my compliments to David will you?” David was the chef, a rotund little welsh man with a beard and a penchant for extravagant cuisine, he was good at his job. Rosalind just bobbed her head meekly and began to clear the plates away from the table.

“I spent most of the day in the taverns around town. Normally I wouldn’t mind sharing some wine but the townsfolk are being very tight-lipped about this rogue highwayman.” James sighed heavily and rubbed his temple soothingly.

 

[Britwitch]

“It would be my pleasure Amelia.”
She returned his smile before carefully finishing the last of the food on her plate. Once she had eaten her fill, she gently wiped at her mouth with the corner of her napkin and then returned her gaze to James' over the table.
“I spent most of the day in the taverns around town. Normally I wouldn’t mind sharing some wine but the townsfolk are being very tight-lipped about this rogue highwayman.”

Amelia's eyebrow quirked ever so slightly at hearing him mention the highwayman currently terrorising the upper classes travelling along the Great North Road and the area around Oakwood.
"You are no closer to his capture, my Lord?" She asked tentatively, not wanting to make his obvious discontent any worse, rising to move to the end of the table beside his chair as the last of the servants left the room. "I heard from one of the maids that he struck the London stage coach the night before last...were there no witnesses to the crime...?" Amelia refilled his wine glass carefully as she awaited his response.

"Although, they say he gives all that he takes to those in need of his help..." She mused. "Isn't he just helping people...like you do, my Lord, with your donations...?" She asked honestly, almost naively, moving to stand behind his chair and placing her small hands on his shoulders, rubbing the tense flesh gently. Her father had always enjoyed her touch when he was in times of mental turmoil, it was something she had seen her mother doing before her death many years before. She hoped it might have a similiar effect on James.

 

[MaiusImperium]

James had to smile, she was always so patient with him, so caring and gentle. He knew she cared for him, they cared for each other but it was paternal enough that if it became anything more than platonic there would be scandal.

"I heard from one of the maids that he struck the London stage coach the night before last...were there no witnesses to the crime...?"

“Oh there were a few witnesses. They didn’t see anything useful though, all they spoke off was a darkly robed figure leaping about in the night nimbly, threatening passengers with flintlock pistols. Apparently he wears a mask, which could be troublesome.” James sighed as he felt her shift behind him, her soft delicate fingers pressing warmly on his shoulders.

"Although, they say he gives all that he takes to those in need of his help..." She mused. "Isn't he just helping people...like you do, my Lord, with your donations...?"

He let out a soft sigh as he felt her start to coax the tension from his tight muscles, he closed his eyes as his sigh deepened. She was good at making him relax, in fact he only seemed to realise he was so tense when he felt her hands on his back, working out all those stressed knots.

“That’s completely different Amelia. I have worked hard for my money, I was not born into it. Every penny I have earned has been given to me willingly by customers or past employers. This vagabond takes what does not belong to him. Don’t believe everything you hear, this fool might donate extravagantly to ‘just causes’ but I dare say he keeps a lot of the coin he takes to keep himself in stately surroundings.” His tone was slightly vexed but the tension from his voice soon dropped as she plied her fingers more firmly.

“Sorry for the lecture my girl. This mysterious Shadow has taken a lot out of me today.” He winced as he felt a bone in his shoulder click. “There’s so much tension in my back I’m surprised it hasn’t snapped in half.”

 

[Britwitch]

“Oh there were a few witnesses. They didn’t see anything useful though, all they spoke off was a darkly robed figure leaping about in the night nimbly, threatening passengers with flintlock pistols. Apparently he wears a mask, which could be troublesome.”
Amelia circled the pads of her thumbs against the base of James' neck as she listened. 'The Shadow' had evaded those in charge of local law enforcement for months and now the duty for his capture fell upon her guardian, not an easy task as the stories of 'The Shadow' painted him as if he were made of the night-time itself. Slipping into darkness as soon as he appeared, those who saw him never saw enough to make a useful description.

“That’s completely different Amelia. I have worked hard for my money, I was not born into it. Every penny I have earned has been given to me willingly by customers or past employers. This vagabond takes what does not belong to him. Don’t believe everything you hear, this fool might donate extravagantly to ‘just causes’ but I dare say he keeps a lot of the coin he takes to keep himself in stately surroundings...Sorry for the lecture my girl. This mysterious Shadow has taken a lot out of me today...There’s so much tension in my back I’m surprised it hasn’t snapped in half.”

Amelia worked her hands a little lower to his upper back, massaging and relaxing the tightness that her fingers encountered.
"Perhaps you should take a day's rest from your pursuit of him, my lord...? If he has robbed so recently he cannot be likely to do so again...why not spend tomorrow here at the house, allowing yourself some time to just do as you would like..." Amelia ran her hands over the now more relaxed frame of his shoulders and moved around to the side of his chair. Gracefully, kneeling beside it and looking up into his face, her hands resting on his forearm. "Please, for me, spend tomorrow in the pursuit of rest and not in pursuit of a man in a mask...?" Her green eyes widened slightly as she met his gaze hopefully. "...please..."

 

[MaiusImperium]

James found himself fast falling to sleep under her tender ministrations, she was certainly good at massages, sometimes in his shameful fantasies her massages went much further than simple back rubs. He tore himself away from that line of thought, it was no place for allowing his mind to gallop away on a flight of fancy.

"Please, for me, spend tomorrow in the pursuit of rest and not in pursuit of a man in a mask...?" Her green eyes widened slightly as she met his gaze hopefully. "...please..."

“My poor Amelia.” He looked down into her angelic eyes, a tender smile on his lips. Lightly his fingers plucked a stray strand of her hair from her cherubic face. “You should not worry so about me.” He laughed softly and brushed his knuckles against her soft cheek.

“I am more than capable of confronting this villain. I shall do as you ask though. I am rather tired and I suppose a rest would do me good. I have been meaning to read those books myself you know.” He let out a long sigh and finished his wine.

“Come, sit with me by the fire.” Offering his arm to her he stood and moved to the fireplace where he sat in his soft armchair, there was always another by the fire, facing his, for Amelia. He sat by the warm crackling fire, his face flicking and glowingly warmly in the firelight.

“You needn’t worry about me Amelia.” He laughed softly. “It is you who warrant concern. I doubt you would carry such romantic notions about this fiend if it was your carriage that he accosted. Men like that, they are no gentlemen.”

 

[Britwitch]

“My poor Amelia...You should not worry so about me.”
Amelia felt herself blush ever so slightly as the touch of his fingers then the gentle brush of the back of his hand against her face.
"Well...I cannot help it, my Lord," She replied quietly as his handsome face looked down into her own.
“I am more than capable of confronting this villain. I shall do as you ask though. I am rather tired and I suppose a rest would do me good. I have been meaning to read those books myself you know.”
Amelia's smile grew wider at his declaration and she didn't try to hide it.
"Oh I am happy to hear that, my Lord, I know you shall feel a hundred times better for forgetting about that man for one day..."

“Come, sit with me by the fire.”
Amelia stood as gracefully as she had knelt, slipping her hand carefully onto his offered arm and the pair walked over to the fire. She smoothed her skirts once more as she sat in the chair opposite his, the fire's glow picking out the auburn highlights within her hair.
“You needn’t worry about me Amelia...It is you who warrant concern. I doubt you would carry such romantic notions about this fiend if it was your carriage that he accosted. Men like that, they are no gentlemen.”
Amelia bit her bottom lip and glanced downwards. There was no chance of herself becoming a victim of 'The Shadow', of that she was certain, and yet the idea of finding herself at the mercy of such a man wasn't entirely as nightmarish as her guardian probably believed it would be to her.

Her cheeks flushed ever so slightly as she fought to stifle the thoughts that danced through her head. The thoughts that she allowed to bubble to the surface when she was alone at night in her chambers.
Dreams and fantasies of finding a man like 'The Shadow', a passionate, strong man. All the young men, the suitable suitors, she met seemed so vapid and empty, so weak and boring. She wanted a man who would want her for what she was, a woman and who wouldn't be afraid to take her like one either. She was a maid and would remain one until her marriage bed but she was not totally uneducated when it came to the practices between husbands and wives. Such passions fuelled her night-time desires and flitted into her daydreams when she was alone. But she knew she had as much chance of finding such a man as she did of being 'attacked' by 'The Shadow' himself.

"No, my Lord, of...of course not..." Amelia eventually murmured once she trusted her voice not to tremble and possibly give away the state of her mind and body. "But I am not likely to be such a victim am I, my Lord?...After all, whenever I travel in the carriage I travel with you and I know you would protect me, my Lord, would you not...?" She laughed lightly, her eyes dancing in the firelight as she looked across at her guardian, hoping the lusty glow had left them as she did so.

 

[MaiusImperium]

Here eyes glinted brightly in the yellow flames of the fire, for a moment her glance at him seemed to smoulder with want and desire, he soon shook himself of that notion. It was most certainly his own fevered imagination that made her appear lustful. That look lasted only the briefest of moments and James laughed with.

“They would have to walk through hellfire before I let them lay a hand on you, my precious.” He smiled softly and sat back in his chair, which creaked slightly under his weight. He was brought a glass of port, which he sipped at idly, it was his ritual before bed time. Ordinarily he might have read to her, or have had her play the piano for him to while away the hours before twilight, but tonight he was tired, exhausted even, and once his port was finished he was looking forward to his warm bed.

“I must admit it will be nice to take a rest tomorrow. I was not built for chasing after thieves, in mind if not in body at least.” He chuckled as he emptied the glass of port in his hand. He kept himself fit enough, he enjoyed hunting wild game and horse riding, polo and swimming in the small lake on his property. For all his physical keenness he was not of a violent disposition, he did not enjoy running after thieves or swashbuckling adventures, he was sedentary in nature, preferring the comforts of his home to the grimness of the unknown.

“I’m afraid I shall have to excuse myself from your presence my dear Amelia. The day has taken it’s toll and I fear I would not be entertaining enough for you if I were to keep myself awake. I shall retire to bed for the night. In the morning, we shall go for our walk.” He rose to his feet and slipped his arm around her shoulder as she sat, he bent over her and kissed her head, pausing for a moment to quietly inhale the sweet, sweet smell of her auburn curls.

“Goodnight Amelia.” He smiled and made for the door out into the hall. Up the creaky stairs he went, then to his bed, slipping into his smallclothes with little fuss. He was soon in his warm bed, outside rain started to fall and the wind got up, making him instantly appreciative of the warmth and dryness of his thick goose down duvet.

He closed his eyes and dreamt sweet, guilty dreams of his ward.

 

[Britwitch]

“They would have to walk through hellfire before I let them lay a hand on you, my precious.”
Amelia watched him as he sipped his evening glass of port, leaning back in the chair. He looked tired, more tired than a man of his age and health should look. She felt a small glow of happiness within her that he would be giving himself a chance to rest the following day.

“I must admit it will be nice to take a rest tomorrow. I was not built for chasing after thieves, in mind if not in body at least.”
"I would trust my protection to no other than you, my Lord..." Amelia relied earnestly. She was certain that should the two ever meet, 'The Shadow' would find a strong opponent in Lord James.

“I’m afraid I shall have to excuse myself from your presence my dear Amelia. The day has taken it’s toll and I fear I would not be entertaining enough for you if I were to keep myself awake. I shall retire to bed for the night. In the morning, we shall go for our walk.”
She tilted her head upwards as his lips brushed her head, pushing herself up to press her own lips to his cheek with a chaste and innocent kiss of her own.
"I shall look forward to it, my Lord."
“Goodnight Amelia.”
"Goodnight, James..."

Amelia sat alone in the room for a few moments, her eyes watching the crackling, dancing flames before her before a small yawn prompted her to rise and, after informing her maid that she would undress herself, she made her own way upstairs. Amelia followed the corridor to her chambers and closed the door behind her. As she reached behind her back to begin to undo the laces of the dress that covered the tight fitting corset beneath, she crossed to the window, looking out into the black night. Hearing wind racing across the lawns and rain hammering insistently against the window panes. Not a pleasant evening to be outside.
She shivered as she slid the dress down over her body and stepped out of the yards of material pooling around her feet. She made quick work of removing the corset, sighing slightly as the pressure around her bust was relieved, leaving her in her slip. Amelia unpinned her hair, leaving it hanging around her shoulders and down her back before splashing some water over her face and then changing swiftly into her nightslip.

She blew out the candle beside her bed and lay in the darkness, listening to the weather outside as she pulled the warm, thick bedding a little closer around herself. Soon enough sleep began to call to her, enticing her into dreams where cloaked figures with pistols and swords flitted through her imagination and somewhere in amongst it all, she found herself alone with a man, his broad silhouette drawing closer to her own, his hands reaching to remove her clothing...ripping at her dress, his mouth devouring skin as it was revealed to his hungry eyes...
Had anyone passed by her room at that moment they would have heard Amelia whimpering softly in her dreams.

 

[MaiusImperium]

In the morning James awoke early. It was quiet outside, the rain had stopped and the sky was clearing of clouds, it would be a nice day. The soft twittering and calling of birds in the trees warmed his heart, and he sat propped against the headrest of his bed for a few long moments, eyes closed, just listening to the birdcall.

When he did get up he had his servants draw a hot bath. After cleaning his teeth in his bathroom he slipped his soft cotton smallclothes from his trim body and slipped beneath the soapy warmth of his bath tub. He lingered there for a long time, enjoying the warmth of the water as it coaxed the stress from his muscles and heated his bones. Having taken enough rest he rose from the bath water and did not waste much time in drying himself; the house was bitterly cold in the mornings and the warm water that dripped from his skin soon turned to icy cold.

Dressing himself simply, dark green britches, a loose-fitting silk shirt and knee-high walking boots he went down to breakfast. The dining table was already prepared for breakfast and James had timed his run perfect, as he sat down his attendants brought in plates of food. Fried eggs, bacon, pork sausages, sauced beans, toast, black pudding; it was all there, James did enjoy eating well, and it was a good thing that he kept himself active else he would surely have grown sideways rather than lengthways. James had a monstrous appetite.

“Good morning.” He finally said as he looked up form his breakfast to see Amelia join him, before stuffing a slice of buttered toast in his mouth. It wasn’t particularly gentlemanly, but breakfast was undoubtedly his favourite meal of the day, and well, Amelia wasn’t exactly a stranger. It was alright if what were called polite manners slipped in front of her, Amelia was more or less part of the family in his eyes.

 

[Britwitch]

Amelia awoke to the sounds of the dawn chorus outside, pale sunlight filtering through the windows, still misted with the early morning frost. She stretched languidly, pushing the covers aside and slipping from between them. She washed her face with the clean water her maid had brought in while she slept, combing her long hair carefully before pinning it back from her face but leaving the rest loose to hang loose and free down her back.

She dressed carefully, selecting a dress made of a dark brown fabric, knowing it wouldn't show up the mud that would no doubt decorate the hem by the time she and James returned from their walk. Amelia longed for the day when society would permit women to wear breeches but doubted that day would arrive duting her lifetime. The dark brown dress seemed to highlight the green of her eyes and the pale, smoothness of her skin. She smiled at her reflection, she knew she had only James to impress but she knew he appreciated the efforts she made to look the part of a young 'lady'.

Amelia made her way downstairs, smiling as she entered the dining room. The smells of the freshly prepared meal had met her halfway up the stairs and now they smelt even better.
“Good morning.”
"Good Morning, my Lord," Amelia curtseyed, smiling to herself as he filled his mouth with toast. He had a healthy appetite that was certain and she couldn't help remembering how, when she first arrived to live with him, seeing how 'relaxed' his manners could be when he was hungry made her feel more at ease with him. While he had been a close friend of her father's, she hadn't met James more than a few times before his death and had been worried that she would have to learn to behave differently in his home.

Amelia filled her plate and motioned for the attending servant to pour her some tea. She sighed as the warm liquid helped wake her completely.
"I trust you slept well, my Lord?" She asked. "It sounded as though a storm was blowing in when I went to my chambers, I hope it did not keep you awake?" She finished before beginning to eat the bacon and eggs on her plate.

 

[MaiusImperium]

“I slept soundly as a babe, my dear. I can only hope you slept as well as I did, I am most looking forward to our walk.” He enjoyed their walks, they were settling, almost affectionate, they could walk out into the gardens and beyond, into the wild hinterland where there were no servant eyes to watch them. James wasn’t use to having long days of relaxation and it would be good to have Amelia around, to take his mind off his troubles if nothing else. She was very good at soothing him, just her presence was often enough.

He proceeded to finish his breakfast largely in silence, though he did send his compliments to David the cook, breakfast was one of his specialities and James had a tooth for simple, honest food. Wild pheasant and grouse was all well and good, but you couldn’t beat sausage and bacon as far as he was concerned. They did not linger too long at the breakfast table after their fast was broken.

James felt as though he was ready to run a country mile, he had slept well and long and with a full stomach he felt prepared for the day ahead. He rose to his feet and walked to Amelia’s side, holding his arm out for her to link with.

“Would you take a turn with me Amelia?” He grinned, bowed formally and laughed in self-mockery at his politeness, it was as if he was addressing a lady at the ball. The walked through the kitchen arms linked and out into the garden behind the house. Here there were beds of flowers in rank upon ran and smaller fruit trees dotted about, beyond were wide open green lawns and beyond that the wild hinterland of his estate were great oak trees and wild stags resided.

He walked slowly and leisurely with her on his arm, enjoying the crisp coolness in the air as it hung about his shirt, he felt the cold air invigorate his lungs.

“Might I enquire as to your plans for day? I heard the Lady Garside was to he hosting some sort of function at Chamberlain house this evening, a strictly women only affair I heard, much to my disappointment.”

 

[Britwitch]

"I slept soundly as a babe, my dear. I can only hope you slept as well as I did, I am most looking forward to our walk.”
"I did, I slept very well, thank you. And I am looking forward to our walk too," Amelia smiled over the rim of her teacup before sipping a little more of the warming liquid.

She finished her breakfast, smiling as the thought of the fresh air and more than pleasant surroundings of the garden filled her mind. As much as she loved the house that had become her home, with it's twisting corridors and many an almost hidden doorway, it was the gardens that had truly captured her heart. She loved the outdoors and in late Spring she couldn't think of anywhere more wonderful to be than in the rose garden, surrounded by the brightly coloured blooms and the fragrant scents. Although, if she was honest, she loved the gardens and land surrounding Oakwood House in all seasons, be they covered in frost or gleaming with summer dew.

Walking with James was also something she enjoyed very much. She liked spending time with him, listening to him talking, discussing all manner of topics as they wandered through the gardens. She smiled at him as he approached her chair once the meal was over.
“Would you take a turn with me Amelia?”
She giggled as she stood, curtseying and slipping her arm delicately through his,
"I would love to, my Lord,".
They headed out to the gardens via the kitchen and hallway, where she paused to pull her short cloak around her shoulders, covering her bare neck and the skin exposed by the sweeping neckline of the dress from the cool air, as well as pulling on a pair of soft suede gloves before retaking his arm in hers and heading outside.

The air was cool and crisp, so very refreshing. Amelia breathed deeply through her nose, her body thrilling from the chilly air as it swept into her lungs. Their outward breaths misting slightly before them as they headed through the gardens.
“Might I enquire as to your plans for day? I heard the Lady Garside was to he hosting some sort of function at Chamberlain house this evening, a strictly women only affair I heard, much to my disappointment.”

Amelia laughed lightly.
"Well, you and I both know the enjoyment Lady Garside finds in the 'exploits' of others. She loves to hear the stories going around society at the moment and she believes women will talk more openly and freely if there are no men around..." Amelia rolled her eyes ever so slightly, she detested the frightful gossiping and talking of those not present behind their backs. It all seemed so petty and pointless. She knew that one day, when she got married, she would have to take a more active part in the local 'society' but until that day, she intended to avoid it wherever possible.
"I would much rather remain here but I could not think of a suitable excuse when I was invited and so...I shall be leaving at around six...will you have need of the carriage tonight, my Lord? Or should I ride to Chamberlain House?" Amelia awaited his response with a knowing smile. While she was a very able horsewoman, there was no way on earth James would let her ride out alone at night, especially with 'The Shadow' and many others like him out and about once the sun had set.

"Other than the function this evening, I have no other plans...I might go for a ride later, I feel the need to be out in the fresh air today, my Lord...would you care to join me? Or do you prefer to spend your day of rest indoors?" Amelia's eyes twinkled brightly, once again happy with herself that he had given himself a day away from chasing after 'The Shadow'.

 

[MaiusImperium]

He enjoyed the garden in the cool early spring. The sun was always bright in the morning, yet it was cool, refreshing to his senses and everywhere the smell of sweet flowers beginning to bloom caressed his nose. They walked on carpets of silk, pink blossom had fallen from the many trees in the gardens and blanketed everything, it was almost as if it were covered in winter snow.

"I would much rather remain here but I could not think of a suitable excuse when I was invited and so...I shall be leaving at around six...will you have need of the carriage tonight, my Lord? Or should I ride to Chamberlain House?" His gentlemanly sensibilities demanded he speak.

“I would not hear of it. I shall escort you to Chamberlain house in the carriage. I might not be able to attend the function but I’m sure Lady Garside would permit me that honour at least.” He grinned as they walked through the gardens, the gravel rustling beneath their boots.

"Other than the function this evening, I have no other plans...I might go for a ride later, I feel the need to be out in the fresh air today, my Lord...would you care to join me? Or do you prefer to spend your day of rest indoors?"

“I quite fancy a ride on the ranges. I think Charger could use a good run, he’s been getting fat and lazy in the stables.” Yes, a ride would be pleasant. He didn’t much fancy riding in the winter, but the weather was slowly beginning to turn now and it was probably about time he gave his lazy brown bay horse a work out.

It was a long walk, James’ gardens were large and varied, they chatted about inconsequentialities, the weather, her newest dresses, his new smoking pipe. It was the little things he enjoyed talking about most.

His servants were far too meek to talk to as normal people, and his noble friends were usually more interested in talking around the fire with a mug of ale in their hand. Other noble ladies were often haughty and distant, their maidens simpered and giggled at his every quip, they were harmless really, pretty little things, but they were consumed with a need to woo him, to marry him so that they would have a stable future. Amelia was different, she didn’t need to compete for his affection or the security of his home, as she already had it, he could talk to her as an equal which was something he rarely had with anyone else.

 

[Britwitch]

“I would not hear of it. I shall escort you to Chamberlain house in the carriage. I might not be able to attend the function but I’m sure Lady Garside would permit me that honour at least."
Amelia smiled.
"I am sure she would, and I can not think of another I'd rather have accompany me..." She hugged his arm slightly, resting her head against his upper arm and shoulder for a moment or two as they walked.

“I quite fancy a ride on the ranges. I think Charger could use a good run, he’s been getting fat and lazy in the stables.”
"Wonderful, I'll send word to the stables when we return to the house to have him and Storm saddled and made ready for after lunch..." Amelia replied. Storm had been one of the few things to come with her to Oakwood House, a present from her father when she had turned 16, Amelia had named him Storm because of his mottled grey coat, it had looked like approaching thunder clouds to her young mind.

The rest of their walk passed very enjoyably, they discussed a wide variety of topics and enjoyed the fresh Spring air as they covered a large amount of the gardens on their route. By the time they returned to the house, Amelia's cheeks were pinked from the cool air and her eyes bright from the exercise. The two of them headed into the drawing room for tea, warming up beside the crackling fire. Amelia read a book while one of the servants brought James his post and journal. For some, to sit in such quiet would sometime be awkward. But Amelia had never felt that way. It was more of a comfort to know James was there, involved in his own activities, while she did her own things. Be it reading or embroidering, she preferred to be around him rather than on her own.

They had walked for so long that it wasn't long before a knock at the door preceeded the announcement that luncheon would soon be ready. Amelia excused herself to change into her riding outfit before their meal, changing from the highly restrictive dress into a white blouse and black skirt. She still had to wear the corset beneath it but at least she would be freer to move while riding. She headed back down to the dining room to join James for lunch. As much as she wished to be able to wear the same breeches as men, wearing a skirt was a step in the right direction. Without the large bussle behind her, that most dresses contained, her figure appeared closer to it's actual form and she felt far more comfortable. She smiled and bobbed a shallow curtsey as she entered the dining room.
"So, my Lord, what are we going to enjoy for our luncheon today?"

 

[MaiusImperium]

James had flitted through the daily papers absent-mindedly as he awaited Amelia’s return and the serving of luncheon. He didn’t pay much attention to the papers, though he did keep himself appraised of the business news. When Amelia did come down she was clad in one of her riding dresses, James himself had changed his boots to some more suitable for riding, but apart from that he needed to make no other changes; one of the advantages of pants he supposed. He would likely put a smart waistcoat on before they left however, it had been chilly on their walk.

"So, my Lord, what are we going to enjoy for our luncheon today?" He had almost forgotten about lunch, the morning seemed to have passed in a blur.

“I think I’ll just nibble on some bread, maybe a bit of cheese and some grapes. I did have a rather large breakfast after all. One has to look after one’s figure. I think David made some of his beef stroganoff if you want something to warm the bones my dear.” He grinned and rubbed his stomach appreciatively.

When luncheon was served James found himself watching Amelia more than the food on his plate, occasionally he would break off some bread or nibble on a crumb of cheese, but he had eaten well at breakfast, it didn’t matter, he had been so busy these past few weeks he had forgotten how nice it was to be in the company of a young lady. His motives weren’t completely platonic, he loved Amelia dearly, just not in that way. Still, she was easy on the eyes, a blossoming young woman with rounded hips a swelling bosom and an angelically flawless face so it certainly wasn’t difficult to linger on her with one’s eyes.

After luncheon they enjoyed another short walk to the stables, where the stable hands had their mounts saddled and ready. James helped Amelia into her saddle, his strong arms easily supporting her weight before he got himself into his own saddle. Charger was much larger than Storm, a big black powerful horse that would likely have carried a knight on it’s back in times gone by. The beast was nearing the twilight of it’s life now, though there was still plenty of fight left in Charger, there was a sorrowful weariness in his dark eyes, he had been retired from the army years ago. James took in a great many horses when they had been retired from the army, many were too scared of shell-shocked to be ridden anymore, Charger was one of the more sedate ones.

“After you Amelia.” He smiled and motioned for her to canter ahead and take the lead towards the hinterland where they could gallop freely.

 

[Britwitch]

“I think I’ll just nibble on some bread, maybe a bit of cheese and some grapes. I did have a rather large breakfast after all. One has to look after one’s figure. I think David made some of his beef stroganoff if you want something to warm the bones my dear.”
Amelia returned his wide smile and informed the member of household staff hovering near the doorway that she would indeed enjoy a bowl of the warming stew before riding.
She took her seat at the table and, once the steaming food arrived, she began to eat.
"Mmmm, this is delicious, are you sure you can't be tempted into something more substantial, my Lord?" Amelia asked, glancing over at James who was slowly picking at some of the cheese and bread upon his own plate. She was a little surprised to find his eyes already in her direction but she knew how much he enjoyed his own food, he was probably just ensuring that she ate well enough herself. There were tales of some young ladies in society who wouldn't eat simply to allow their bodies to waste away and allow them to wear tighter, smaller corsets and dresses, all in the pursuit of a husband. Amelia doubted she would ever act in such a way. When the time came for her to marry, her husband would simply have to take her as she was.

Soon enough the warming stroganoff had filled her stomach and she felt almost sleepy from the warmth it gave her body but she knew the fresh air would soon wipe any drowsiness from her. Heading outside, she pulled her riding cloak around her, cut to end at her waist, it would cover her shoulders and help keep her warm whilst being short enough not to interfere with her riding. Amelia felt herself blush ever so slightly as James helped her up into the saddle, his strong arms lifting her as if she were a child. She got herself comfortable in the side-saddle while he mounted Charger, something else she couldn't wait to see changed, the day when women could ride astride their horses inside of across them as she was now.
“After you Amelia.”
Flashing James a bright smile, she flicked the reins, clicked her tongue and, after giving Storm a nudge in the sides with her heels she cantered out of the stable yard. Soon hearing the thumping tones of Charger following.

They followed the pathway that led around the denser forestation and then opened out into the much more open countryside that made up most of James' estate. They galloped freely among the meadows, slightly overgrown from the winter, and splashed merrily through streams caused by the previous night's rain.
They always seemed to play the same kind of game, James and herself, at times she would take the lead, and him at others. In between there was a kind of race between them, it wasn't seriously competitive but it added to their ride.
It was during one of these 'races' that the unexpected occured.

Amelia spurred Storm on to try and overtake James and Charger as they nearered a large clump of brambles, but just as they moved ahead of them, the thundering hooves of the horses must have disturbed a nest. For suddenly a pheasant darted into the sky directly infront of them. Both horses jumped at the sudden cry and flight of the bird but while James quickly had Charger back under control, Amelia found herself loosing her seat as Storm bucked and whinnied. She was flung forwards and into the small, murky pond beyond the bushes.

She resurfaced with a loud gasp as the cold water pricked her skin, her feet quickly finding the muddy bottom of the pond.
"I...I am quite well, my Lord..." She spluttered, struggling to make her way to the edge as her sodden clothes weighed her down. "N-nothing hurt except my pride...!" She called out, knowing he was probably already dismounting Charger to come to her 'rescue'. Her words were true, she had been lucky not to injure herself but she was embarassed to have fallen in such a way. Her skirt was clinging to her legs making it almost impossible to walk and her white blouse was now clinging to her like a freezing second skin, the material now revealing the corset and her cleavage beneath it. Had she been with others, with some of the young men who occassionally joined them on their rides she would have felt more self conscious about the state of her apparel but she doubted James would even notice it as she stumbled closer to the shoreline.

 

[MaiusImperium]

The ride had been quite enjoyable, he enjoyed their playful little races. Had he wished he could have easily won them, but that was largely due to the fact that he could straddle his mount while she was bound by convention to sit across the saddle. James wasn’t sure how she managed to stay perched on that saddle at all.

As if fate had heard his thoughts a pheasant flitted right before the two of them. Charger whickered loudly and reared, James dig his heels in the stirrups and tried to calm the beast, it cantered back wards a little and he cling to the reins grimly. Amelia was not so lucky, and he heard a squeal as she was thrown from her mount. There was a loud splash.

For a moment he found himself paralysed by sickening fear, there was a dreadful silence and he assumed the worst. He’d broken his collar bone once from a fall, and horses were immensely powerful animals, there was always a danger. His relief was palpable when he heard her surface from the murky pond and he quickly leaped from his mount to assist her.

It was then that be became aware of how her dress cling to her fulsome curves. Unlike many of the waifish wraiths that constituted high nobility in the area Amelia was very much a full woman, there was no chance she would ever be mistaken with a figure like that. He thought all this in a brief moment, he was still worried he might have damaged something.

“Amelia! Are you alright?” He did not waste any time and waded into the water. It was somewhat foolish as there were many rocks on the bed of the pond and he slipped more than once, leading to his riding trousers becoming soaked with dirty water. With urgent movements he pulled her into his arms, and cradled her to his chest as he made his way from the muddy water back onto dry land.

“Heavens my dear, you could have broken your neck. Let’s get you back into the warmth, you’ll catch the death of cold out here.” With that he lifted her into his saddle before joining her. His arms came around her from behind as he took the reins and set Charger off at a trot back home. He went as fast as he could but was mindful of causing too much bump for Amelia. Occasionally he would glance over her shoulder at the delicious swell of her breasts, pushed up tight in her corset and now more or less translucent through her soaked dress. He tried to stop himself but he could not help himself from a few quick, guilty glances.

“Well, a fine mess you both look do we not?” He chuckled as the rode. Once they were back at the house he held her out of the saddle. He was almost tempted to carry her all the way back to her room for a bath even though he knew she was more than capable of walking. He was just thankful she had not been hurt.

“Take Amelia to her chambers and draw her a warm bath. Sharpish!” The servants scurried this way and that before James’ insistent tones.

“Come to think of it, draw me one as well.” His riding boots squelched with slimy pond water and water weeds as if to emphasise the point. It was frightfully cold now and James was grateful for the warmth of his bath. He lingered for longer than normal, he didn’t really need to clean himself much as he’d bathed in the morning but he soaked up the warmth and almost drifted to sleep more than once.

Once he was dry he slipped on some smart black britches and a white cotton shirt and dark blue waist jacket. He went down to the sitting room and sat by the fire and waited for Amelia.

 

[Britwitch]

The cold was beginning to seep through her flesh as Amelia struggled to move, her sodden clothes and the cold water working together to almost trap her where she stood. A loud splashing alerted her to James' arrival and a wave of relief rushed through her.
“Amelia! Are you alright?”
"Yes...I....I'm fine..." Amelia murmured through lightly chattering teeth as she all but collapsed into James' arms. Her head resting against his chest as he turned about and began to wade back to the shore.
“Heavens my dear, you could have broken your neck. Let’s get you back into the warmth, you’ll catch the death of cold out here.”

Amelia clung onto Charger's mane as James carefully put her up in the saddle, fighting a losing battle against the trembling shivers threatening to overwhelm her body. The feeling of him sitting behind her and his arms on either side served to steady her a little. She leant back a little to rest herself upon his chest, keeping her fingers entwined in the dark hair that fell down the back of Charger's neck. It was only then she realised her riding cloak must have come off in the water and had been left behind, no doubt floating on the surface of the pond, or stuck in the mud and stones on it's floor, the wind as they rode towards home cut through her soaking wet blouse, chilling her skin anew. She blushed a little as she felt her nipples harden almost painfully against the freezing cold corset. The bumpy journey meant the clothing rubbed back and forth across her frozen skin, adding to the embarassing sensations already beginning to run through her.
“Well, a fine mess you both look do we not?”
"I...I think I shall definitely have...have to bathe before attending this evening's function..." Amelia added as lightly as she could, as his voice cut through the confusing thought swirling through her mind.

Soon enough they were back at the house and James carried her inside. Under other circumstances she would never have allowed such a thing but she knew better than to try and argue this time. James carefully set her down on her feet in the hallway,
“Take Amelia to her chambers and draw her a warm bath. Sharpish!”
"Th-thank you, my Lord..." Amelia gave him a warm smile before heading up the stairs towards her room, her personal maid and several others following closely.

Amelia sighed once she was submerged in her bath, the soothing smell of Lily of the Valley lingering the air from the oils she had requested be added to the warm water. The water warming her chilled body, easing the aches that the fall had created. She knew she had been lucky not have been hurt, or worse. If James hadn't have been with her injury might not have been her main concern anyway. The sheer cold would have been enough to render her unconscious had she been forced to try and walk back to the house alone.

She dozed off for a little while in the steaming water but as the water began to cool she wrapped herself in a large towel and headed towards her dressing table. A fire had been lit in the fireplace in her bedroom, something that only ever happened on the coldest nights of the year. She smiled, knowing that it had probably been lit under James' instruction. He was so very thoughtful and so watchful of her. Once more she found herself thanking her father for placing her with one so kind. A glance at the clock on the mantelpiece revealed how long she had spent bathing and that she should begin to dress for the evening's function.
Sighing, she dried her body and hair, taking her time to carefully pin the curls and ringlets up, decorating the dark hair with jewelled clips. Her maid had already laid out her chosen evening dress upon the bed, along with her stockings, undergarments and evening corset.

Once dressed she gave herself a look in the mirror. The dress was a deep forest green, that almost matched her eyes in shade, slightly lower cut than her day dresses were but such was the fashion. The material was slightly iridescent, the shade changing from dark green to black to and almost peacock green as it moved in the lamplight. Yes, she looked every part the young woman of society. Even if she didn't feel like it. Picking up her evening bag, she headed downstairs in search of James. She found him sat in the sitting room beside the fire, the warm orange glow highlighting his handsome face as he watched the flames.

"Thank you once again for your swift actions earlier, my Lord...without you I doubt I would be feeling as well as I do now..." Amelia said softly after entering the room and curtseying slightly to him. "Without a doubt you saved me, my Lord, and I will be forever grateful to you for that...I hope you did not catch a chill from the water, my Lord...?" Her eyes moved to the fire and her smile grew. "I also want to thank you for having the fire lit in my room, you are so very thoughtful, my Lord..." She bent down to kiss his cheek before moving to take her seat opposite him.

 

[MaiusImperium]

While waiting for Amelia James had taken to reading one of the books which he had brought from the library. It was Virgil in the original Latin, most enjoyable. James had been brought up a devout catholic and his parents had made sure he was educated from an early age, he had kept the Latin but lost much of the religious fervour that had been imposed upon him.

"Thank you once again for your swift actions earlier, my Lord...without you I doubt I would be feeling as well as I do now..."

He heard Amelia before he saw her, hearing her soft voice he twisted in his chair to look behind him, where he saw her. She was a picture of beauty, a young lady wearing a dress fit for any ball in the land.

“Oh, speak not of it, I did what any gentleman would.” He brushed her compliment aside with an affable smile and he motioned for her to approach.

"Without a doubt you saved me, my Lord, and I will be forever grateful to you for that...I hope you did not catch a chill from the water, my Lord...?" James had to sigh to himself, though he was no disappointed in the slightest. Amelia was always so considerate of the needs of others, and sometimes it was to her own detriment. It was not a very bad flaw to have, an overwhelming consideration for others, James found it very endearing indeed.

“Not at all. I had my own bath drawn shortly after yours, I’m quite alright, you don’t seem to have caught a chill either so it looks like there was no harm done to either of us. Well, apart from the hurt to our pride.” He chuckled and closed the book that was spread across his lap.

"I also want to thank you for having the fire lit in my room, you are so very thoughtful, my Lord..." He smiled at that and put his arm around her shoulder as she bent down for a chaste kiss, he allowed himself a surreptitious inhalation of the sweet oils that she had bathed in and he found them most pleasing.

“Think nothing of it, you know I care for you a great deal.” More than she knew, in fact. After she had taken her seat by the fire he enthused over the book on his lap.

“I had it brought from Ireland, I have a good friend who recently purchased a monastery there. He gave me it as a present which I must say is frightfully generous of him. It’s probably worth more than the rest of that monastery put together. It’s in the original Latin, it’s the Aeneid, look at the calligraphy…breathtaking.” He babbled on and on about it, he knew she had a passion for books though it likely paled in comparison to his own. He passed the book over to her, it was a dusty tome in large leather bindings.

The two chatted about the book, passing the time away until it was time for her to depart to Chamberlain house. They were notified when the carriage was readied and James stood, slipping a trim navy blue velvet over jacket over the waist jacket he had on. He buttoned the gold tabs up smartly and straightened it out.

“You are ravishing Amelia. I dare say there will be many an envious glance your way cast by the other ladies.” He smiled and escorted her to the front door. Helped her into the carriage he went in after her, the suspension creaking as he say down in the comfy cushioned seat by her side. The carriage driver shouted and cracked his wipe lightly and they were off.

It was a short journey, though it was by now darkening and the road to Chamberlain house was surrounded on either side by dense woodland.

“Just remember, compliment Lady Garside on her wig, but don’t point out that it is a wig. Everyone knows it is, but she’s somewhat in denial about it. Do that and you will be fine.” He shared a cheeky laugh with her as the approached the tall house. Once the carriage came to a halt James clambered out and held out his arm for her to take. Once she was down on the gravel below he hugged her firmly, his chin on her shoulder.

“Try and enjoy yourself my dear. I will come back on the stroke eleven o clock.” With a wave he left her to her ladies-only party.

When he got back to Oakwood house he immediately felt lonely, the house seemed quieter without her somehow. After dismissing the day servants early he took up his book, he would read until dinner and that he would write the letters that he owed until it was time to pick Amelia up.

 

[Britwitch]

Amelia listened and admired the book as James pointed out some of the beautifully decorated pages within it. Occassionally her glance would rise from the book to his face, he looked so passionate, so enthused as he talked about the book, it made her own smile grow in response. She handled the book tentatively as he handed it over, smelling the age of the pages as she delicately turned them over, touching them almost reverantly.
All too soon it seemed the carriage was ready to take them to Chamberlain House, Amelia sighed ever so slightly as she put the book down as carefully as she had held it upon her lap, she would much rather stay discussing it with James than attend the function but there were things that sometimes had to be done regardless of ones own feelings about them.

She pulled her thick evening cloak around her shoulders, reaching to the floor and jet black in colour, she carefully pulled the velvet lined hood up over her hair as she took James' arm and headed out into the carriage.
“You are ravishing Amelia. I dare say there will be many an envious glance your way cast by the other ladies.”
"And you, my Lord, are too too kind towards me..." She blushed a little as she climbed up into the carriage.
“Just remember, compliment Lady Garside on her wig, but don’t point out that it is a wig. Everyone knows it is, but she’s somewhat in denial about it. Do that and you will be fine.”
Amelia couldn't help but laught along with James at his joke. Such was the company she would have to keep that evening, shallow and self-absorbed.

The ride to Chamberlain House was short and it seemed only a few minutes had passed between stepping into the carriage and stepping out of it, taking James' offered arm for support.
“Try and enjoy yourself my dear. I will come back on the stroke eleven o clock.”
She gasped slightly at the hug, although he had always been that way inclined. Stroking her hair or her cheek, hugging her or offering his arm even to escort her between rooms. She returned the embrace and added another kiss to his cheek.
"I shall try, although I know I shall be urging the clock towards eleven..."
Amelia stood and waved the carriage off, staying until it had blended into the shadows of the forest lined road and vanished from sight. Taking a deep breath, Amelia turned and headed towards her destination.

 

[Britwitch]

"Stop! Stand and deliver...your money or you life...!" The voice rang out clearly in the night as the carriage ground to a halt. The horses whinnying and snorting at the hooded figure who was stood in their path, pointing a pistol at the driver.
Walking slowly around to the door, the figure opened the door and made a clear show of the gun to those inside.
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, I intend on taking up only a little of your time...if you would be so good as to place all valuables into this bag...we can all be on our way soon enough..." The hooded figure's voice was almost conversational in tone as they held out a black satin bag to the occupants, the pistol held above it.
"You...you wouldn't dare to shoot...!" Blustered an older man, sitting in the corner of the carriage.
The hooded figure's smirk was lost within the shadows created by their hood.
The pistol fired out into the night, making the women gasp and the men grasp their wallets.

"Believe me I have no qualms about firing again..." The hood figure said firmly, aiming the gun back inside the carriage. "Now...do I have to ask you again...?"
Their words had barely left their lips before the woman travellers began dropping earrings and necklaces into the bag. The hooded figure knew that the pistol shot would draw help towards the carriage before too long.
"Come, come, Sir, we haven't all night..." The hooded figure urged in what would have been a friendly tone had it not been for the pistol in their hand.
Grumbling something about 'the sheer audacity of it all' the rotund, heavily moustached gentleman in the corner dropped his pocket watch and wallet into the bag held under his face.
"Thank you ladies and gentlemen, I can assure you everything you donate will be given to those who can truly appreciate it's value..." The outline of a broad smile would be seen within the shadowy confines of their hood.

The hooded figure whirled as the sound of steadily approaching hooves alerting them to the approach of another.
"It appears you won't have to wait long until your misfortune is discovered...ladies and gentlemen, I bid you Goodnight!" Flashing another grin at the startled occupants, the hooded figure darted back from the carriage and swiftly mounted their horse. The darkly coloured animal reared for a moment before galloping into the night, the bag of valuables and money held tightly in one hand, their laughter hanging on the wind.

The Shadow had struck again.

 

[MaiusImperium]

James spent much of the evening staring at the old grandfather clock in his sitting room, the book lying open-faced in his lap. He didn’t read too much of it and the house was abnormally quiet since Amelia was at Chamberlain house and the servants had been sent to their quarters early. He sipped idly at his tea and tried to concentrate on the book. He nearly spilled his tea when there came the dull bang of a gunshot somewhere outside, some distance off if he was any judge. The Shadow.[ He came to the conclusion so quickly, with such clarity that it startled him from his chair. James sprang into action, not paying any attention to the clock which did in fact read ten minutes to eleven o’clock.

Fetching his brace of pistols from the cabinet in his bed chamber, he slipped a bullet pouch around his shoulder and slung his long-bore hunting rifle over his back, shot already loaded. He looked more a soldier than a lord now, more an officer than common infantry though, his dress was of too good a quality. James proceeded quickly to the stables, running as fast as he could he quickly saddled Charger and set off at a gallop along the road in what he thought was the direction of the gunshot.

It was bitterly cold now, the moon hung fat in the night sky, casting it’s cold glow over the path before him. Charger galloped loudly down the worn dirt path, it was well worn with runnels where carriage wheels had cut into it. Both James’ and Charger’s breath misted in the cold as James thundered on, in the direction of Chamberlain House. His mind was fraught with worries, he kept thinking of Amelia and wondering if the highwayman would have the audacity to target a house full of ladies. As he proceeded towards Chamberlain house he heard another horse coming towards him, from what he could make out they were not on the road before him though. The noise got louder and louder, but them started to veer away easterly, there was a movement in the trees by the road side, and for the briefest moment James caught the glimpse of a hooded and robed figure on a horse.

“You sir! Halt there!” It was The Shadow, he was sure of it. The vagabond made a startled noise which caught in his throat and then galloped away into the dense forest. James had already unslung his rifle and was taking aim. At this sort of range in the darkness, with so many trees and bushes between him and his target there was very little real hope of scoring a hit, especially from horseback, but he tried anyway, hoping to at least deter the thief from making another attack any time soon. The thunderous pound of his rifle rang out, sending sleeping birds and foxes darting this way and that through the forest, the bullet slipped through the bushes and trees with a quiet whistle, but there was no scream of pain. When the smoke cleared from his eyes he could see not trace of the thief or his mount. They were long gone.

“Amelia!” He spoke out loud, checking his pocket watch. It was twenty minutes past eleven o’clock now. He had tarried to long. With all haste he made his way to Chamberlain House. However on his way there he encountered a black carriage stood motionless in the road, it’s passengers were arguing and a woman was weeping.

“Hail and well met good Sir, My Lady. I am lord James of Oakwood. May I be bold and assume you were attacked by the highwayman?” It was not stretch of the imagination to assume that these poor people had been his latest victim.

“It would be bold, but correct non the less. The audacity of these common peasants these days! They’ve no respect for their betters!” Flamed a rotund man with a moustache, his wife wept on his shoulder and a second man piped up.

“He fled in your direction kind sir, off into the trees, he followed no road.” It was as he had suspected, he had indeed encountered the shadow amongst the trees, though he had only caught a fleeting glimpse.

“I believe I caught a glimpse of him. I shot from distance but my aim was not true, I fear he is unharmed and will strike again. Please, make your way home as quickly as possible. I can tarry here no longer, I have an appointment which is all the more urgent now.” He excused himself and waited for their carriage to start up again, he was most impatient and when they were on their way he thundered down the path on Charger, towards the house.

When he got there he exchanged brief words with Lady Garside, who informed Lord James most haughtily that Amelia had left some time ago. This worried him greatly and doubts ran about his head. Had she taken a friend’s carriage to Oakwood house and been accosted mid-way? A shiver ran down his spine when he thought what such a scurrilous oaf might do to her. A terrible feeling burned in the pit of his stomach, he feared the worst, that she had been taken by the highwayman. If that had been so she would have been tied to his horse, it had been so dark on the road that he had not been able make anything out.

He left Chamberlain house as quickly as he could, and made for his home. When he got there he leapt from his saddle and barged into the house.

“Amelia? Amelia!” He shouted, his voice echoing through the quiet house, only the slow steady ticking of the clock could be heard between his shouts. He prayed she would answer, he longed for her soothing, honeyed voice to wash away his fears. If she was not here, and not at Chamberlain house then it was more than certain that she had been taken by the highwayman. There was no logical reason to suspect it, he knew it instinctively. She could have easily set off from Chamberlain house while he was chasing after The Shadow and missed him completely.