Stormswept Heights

[Beethoven'sFire]

Marie

The day's diversions over as quickly as the new tenants arrived, servants of every kind sprang into action. There was still a day's work to be done, and even though greeting the Baron's new family had cut into quite a bit of their time, it was inexcusable to leave work undone.

As a scullery maid, the lowliest of the house staff, Marie flitted about the house where she was needed. In the mornings or as required she got quite a different view of the family, emptying chamberpots. Weekly she was expected to polish the oak balustrade, and monthly she was expected to take down the drapes and tapestries and beat them free of dust. Apart from that, most of the other servants ordered her around as she saw fit.

Today she was helping in the kitchen, for the elderly woman that served as cook had taken ill. Surely she would not have been allowed to touch the creations that would be served to the Baron and his family or guests, but the servants needed to eat too, and a good hearty meal was required to keep them healthy, happy, and working smoothly. The manor's executive chef likely wouldn't have lowered himself to serve porridge or cottage pie, Marie mused, but it was important that someone be around to cook simple things in bulk.

She hummed as she stirred a bubbling pot of gravy, full of lumps. The work was hot, and it made the curling tendrils of hair near her neck tighten. Fanning at herself with one hand, she unloosened the laces of her bodice, and fluffed the cloth out, trying to ease her moist body with a rush of air.

 

[Subo97]

Wood plucks a petal

"Pardon me Sir," she apologized quickly, "Am I in the way? I can go wander another section of the garden if I'm being a nuisance here,"

“Not at all, miss,” Wood answered, smiling at the girl’s naiveté, “the gardens are for your pleasure; you being the baron’s new daughter and all” The lass smiled in relief, her blue eyes brightening and darting about to survey her surroundings. Not used to her position, Wood thought, maybe she’ll come to appreciate it.

While the girl’s eyes took in the garden, Wood’s eyes took in the girl: lovely face framed in golden curls, not as full breasted as the mother but well proportioned to her size. The baron would soon have her wedded and bedded to enhance the family fortune. A man would be a fool not to want either, especially a rich man, which Wood was not. Those well proportioned beasts rose and fell as she took a deep breath and Wood raised his gaze to her eyes once again.

“You’ve chosen the best of the lot,” he said, and in response to her quizzical look, “The Honeysuckle. That’s a European Honeysuckle” he said, pointing at the creamy, bell shaped flowers she had bent over to smell. “The berries will make you sick, but they are loverly and you’ve already discovered the aroma. Don’t miss the taste.” Both her lovely eyebrows shot up and disbelief filled her face. “No, really,” he laughed and reached out to pluck one of the trumpet flowers, brushing the sleeve of her dress with his arm as he did so. Plucking the stamen from the flower he held it up to show her the drop of nectar at its base and slowly moved it to her mouth, gently laying it on her lower lip. As the sweetness invaded her mouth her tongue darted forward to take it in. Voluntary or involuntary? A gasp of delight and another rise of her breasts indicated her approval. Either way, it was quite intriguing.

“There’s always something to learn in the garden,” Wood smiled. “Enjoy the flowers.”

 

[caela]

“Not at all, miss,” Wood answered, smiling at the girl’s naiveté, “the gardens are for your pleasure; you being the baron’s new daughter and all”

Elsabeth smiled in relief though her gaze darted around her. She couldn't quite wrap her mind around the fact that these gardens could actually be hers in part. She'd been son long with only her mother and brother that to suddenly have a step-father and a home as lovely as this one had fully sunk in yet for her. Still realizing that she wasn't just visiting but could roam these gardens at will made her smile with a childlike delight and it took all the control she could must not to clap her hands like a little girl.

"Thank you for your kindness. I know keeping them so well manicured and lovely must be hard work though so please pass the word among the other gardners that if I am ever in the way that they need only say the word and I'll remove myself to another section. There's plenty of room here for me to roam without causing a disturbance."

Her word were simple and considerate and the look on her face made it clear she meant them. She'd kept their own small garden when they'd been living in Town and knew what hard work went into keeping even the smallest of gardens. She could only begin to imagine the work that went into these lawns and didn't want to cause trouble for those that worked them.

“The Honeysuckle. That’s a European Honeysuckle” he said, pointing at the creamy, bell shaped flowers she had bent over to smell. “The berries will make you sick, but they are loverly and you’ve already discovered the aroma. Don’t miss the taste.”

Her eyebrows rose in curiosity and disbelief at his words. Taste? Did he expect her to eat the blossoms? Surely not. Watching as he leaned down to pluck a small bunk of blooms she was startled at the shiver that ran through her when his arm brushed her sleeve. Not understanding it she brushed the disturbing sensation from her mind until he plucked one of the blooms and held the end to her lips. Without really thinking on it her tongue flicked to taste the sweet drop of pollen on the tip as well as catching the slightly salty taste of his fingertips.

She hadn't meant to actually lick at his fingers and realizing what she'd done she felt a deep blush color her cheeks and she tried to laugh away her sudden nervousness.

“There’s always something to learn in the garden,” Wood smiled. “Enjoy the flowers.”

"Thank you..." her voice trailed off and a quizzical frown crossed her face as she realized she didn't even know this man's name. "Please forgive my rudeness Sir. I'm Elsabeth Aston, might I ask your name?"

 

[Subo97]

“Wood, ma’am, Wood Barkley,” he answered doffing his cap. “I’m the head gardener here. Always pleased to have you on the grounds.” He was certainly pleased to have her on the grounds. She was less haughty than most and Wood was a bit surprised at his lack of contempt. She was beginning to remind him a bit of her step-father’s first wife, the original Lady Martyn. She too had loved the gardens, more so than the baron. “It’s nice to have someone here to appreciate them. If there’s anything special you want, any cut flowers you’d like in your room, feel free to ask for it. I’d be more than happy to give you what you want.” Like an answered prayer, the wind rose again and pressed her dress against her lithe form, outlining her shapely hips and thigh. This is one hardy, if delicate flower, Wood thought.

 

[caela]

“Wood, ma’am, Wood Barkley,” he answered doffing his cap. “I’m the head gardener here. Always pleased to have you on the grounds.”

Smiling up at the gardner who towered over her - but then who didn't? - she offered him a polite curtsey. Realistically it was something she didn't have to do as the step-daughter of the Baron but she believed in treating everyone with respect and courtesy not just her own class. Besides it had been her experience than many of her own social standing were much less worthy of respect or courtesy than even the humblest of servants.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Wood. Thank you for giving me such free reign in your domain," she said with another warm smile, her words making it clear that she considered the gardens more his than anyone elses.

“It’s nice to have someone here to appreciate them. If there’s anything special you want, any cut flowers you’d like in your room, feel free to ask for it. I’d be more than happy to give you what you want.”

At the offer Elsabeth gently bit her lower lip a worried expression creasing her brow. There was something she wanted but she wasn't certain how the head gardner would feel about it. Still all he could do was say no she she pushed down her worry and decided to ask.

"You did say anything but feel free to say no Wood. Might I have some small, out of the way, patch of ground for a garden of my own? I kept our small garden when we lived in Town and while I'm certainly not the artist you and your men are I did enjoy it so," she explained and once more bit her lip as the wind kicked up and she waited for his reply.

In her concern over her request she was utterly unaware of the way the wind pressed her gown to her body or tousled her golden curls, plucking them free of the pins that so ill held them and letting them float freely around her face.

 

[Cobra2004]

Darcy was coming back from the stable and decided to walk by the garden, hoping Elsabeth didn't get in any trouble trampling down all the flowers. The first thing he saw was licking something from the gardener hand. He wasn't pleased to say the least. If the Baron or his mother saw that they would be very crossed with her.

Neither saw him approaching till he was with in a ten paces. "I see that not only you're trampling all the flowers. Now you're bothering the gardener, and keep him from his work."

He looked at the gardener for a minute than turned to his sister.

"I think perhaps it's time we both get inside Elsabeth. Dinner should be served very soon, and by the look of your dirty dress. you need to get cleaned up and that will take quite some time."

 

[DJ_Wordplay]

Phillipe

"Don't know why you need to be down here, Monsieur. I've already picked out the wine for tonight."

Pickering's heavy, dull voice caromed off the walls of the well stocked wine cellar, annoying Phillipe to no end.

"Peekereeng, I would not sooner trust an Eenglishman to pick a bottle of wine than I would a Horse to choose my next book" Phillipe said half-jokingly as he selected a particularly fine white for the evening's dinner. There was always an underlying tension between Pickering and Phillipe. As the household's Butler, Pickering was technically the highest ranking servant in the household. Phillipe, however, considered himself quite outside the normal hierarchy of the serving class.

"Mmmmm" Pickering responded with a lack of notice at the insult "If you'll excuse me, Phillipe, I'll leave you to your selections. Remember to lock up when you're done."

Phillipe responded with a dismissive wave. An aperitif and a desert wine later and Phillipe was soon outside of the cellar, making his way back to his kitchen. The summer air was a fresh change on his face from the heat of his workplace. Even though it was a hot day outside, it was still considerably cooler. Because of that, the Chef took his time making his way along the outside of the house. Upon returning to his Kitchen, Phillipe took note of his assistants, toiling away at creating the evening's menu to his exact specifications.

To Phillipe's pleasant surprise, however, he also viewed a rather comely young lass toiling away at one of the stoves that was used to cook the servants meals. She was young and new to his kitchen and seemed to be struggling rather mightily with her work which seemed to further strain her bosom against the tight confines of her simple dress. Phillipe walked up behind her and put his hand on hers and gently squeezed, grasping the wooden spoon she was using to stir the pot of gravy with a firmer grip than she was using.

"Ah mais non, madame" Phillipe's voice was soft and low, whispering into her ear "Even with a simple Espagnole one must remember to stir with strong, even strokes, ensuring a smooth texture and even flavour"

As he stood behind her he could breath in her fragrance which was natural and clean. His mind filled with somewhat impure thoughts which brought a smile to his face as he continued.

"After all, every one should get as much flavour as they can, non?"

 

[showdolly]

Delilah - the Lady Martyn

Delilah sighed contentedly as the maidservant finished combing through her long hair and helped her to dress. They'd not spoken, touched, made eye contact even, but the Lady had definately noticed the quickened breath and blushed skin of the girl in her presence. That had been quite a magnificent bath, and the girl had not been shy in helping to clean any area, and in fact had been quite handy with that razor she wielded. Certainly at some time in the not-so-distant future, this one would quite willingly aid the Lady in other matters....

But today was not that day, and Delilah sighed happily with thoughts of the future. Besides, there were other areas that needed to be explored. She'd heard talk of horses - oh! How she'd dreamed of one day living in a castle and riding a beautiful white stallion through the gardens! Now, it seemed, she could have that dream.... She'd of course need some refreshing on riding the creatures, but she assumed that she would have "people" for that. Delilah grinned and made up a fantasy stable boy, teaching her to ride not only the horses, but....

Ah, yes. Dinner was soon. And where was that husband of hers? Delilah smiled and nodded her thanks to the maidservant, and winked at the girl as she left the room. It was only now that the Lady noticed the bowl of bread and cookies by her bed. She sampled the artisan on top, and moaned in pleasure at its taste. She would have to remember to find the exquisit chef who had baked this masterpiece, and cloak him in her compliments. Quite an appetizer, she decided, and grabbed another morsel of it before dancing out of her room in search of doors she'd not yet opened. Must keep herself amused until such time as dinner would be ready.

 

[Beethoven'sFire]

Marie

Marie heard a voice in her ear at the same moment a pair of hands pressed around her own, shocking her out of her daydreams. The hands themselves were firm, nearly crushing her grip around the hard wooden spoon, while the voice was thick with an accent that secretly delighted the maid. Still, she was far too suprised to think much about the strong presance wrapped around her or the warmth of a breath against her ear. She was embarassed by the need for correction, and confused by the words that she didn't understand.

Espagnole? She assumed he was referring to her lowly rank within the household, for he had used the word "simple", and she was at her best a simple girl. It was not shocking that she had drawn the wrong conclusion, for she had never heard of a gravy - this particular one a lumpy brown laced with tiny slivers of meat she had cooked over the coals of a wood fire - referred to as anything else.

Marie couldn't see who it was standing behind her, and was afraid to do anything but stare down into the burbling pot. She assumed that it was either the executive chef or one of his assistants, for the French accent. The kitchen was filled mainly with others who shared the accent, and whether or not it was accurate, the accent always seemed to Marie to grant a higher ranking class than most of the other house servants.

"After all, every one should get as much flavour as they can, non?"

The voice was heavy in her ear, sort and full. She nodded distractedly, tense at the looming presance and undecided over whether or not she wanted it to be there. Something stirred one of the curling tendrils of hair near her neck, sending a shudder down her body that caused an even rosier flush to cross her face and chest than the summer heat and hot work. "Yes, sir..." she finally managed, in a breathy outward rush. Her voice was not low but a woman's voice, devoid of any girlish soprano. "I will endeavor to do... better..."

Her bosom floated up and down with her nervous breaths, half exposed and glowing with a light sheen of sweat. She became aware of this, and reached up with one hand to clasp at the fabric, losing her grip on the spoon.

 

[DJ_Wordplay]

"Yes, sir..." she finally managed, in a breathy outward rush. Her voice was not low but a woman's voice, devoid of any girlish soprano. "I will endeavor to do... better..."

"Yes, see that you do" Phillipe's voice was still playful, teasing "Because although this food will not go out with my name on it it was still made in my kitchen. And everything that is in my kitchen is, ultimately, mine"

Phillipe took a hand and placed it on the waist of the girl, as she released her grip on the spoon. He saw her grasp at her dress as her body tensed to his touch, clasping at the fabric so as to hide the rather impressive display of cleavage. Phillipe chuckled to himself. English women were all such prudes.

At first, anyway Phillipe corrected himself as he remembered when he'd caught one of the young friends of Ms. Martyn's in the pantry a few months back. The two had then proceeded to christen his new Kitchen in the best of manners. With his hand still on the girl's waist, Phillipe moved to her side, continuing to stir at the pot. While he had become a master of high cuisine, Phillipe had his first job in a kitchen preparing servants meals and the smell of the work quickly brought him back in time to those simple summers of before. It was a while ago but he could still make stew with the best of them. Reaching to the back of a nearby cubpoard, Phillipe grasped and opened a bottle of stout. He poured a healthy measure into the mixture of gravy and meat before taking a small sip himself.

"As you can see, petite" Phillipe wafted the smell to himself and brought the spoon to his lips delicately "A fine dark beer can thin the liquid appropriately and also adds to the stock"

Phillipe's eyes were alight with the simple pleasure of instructing his art to another. The girl still looked flushed and concerned but her body had softened to his touch and he could definitely see a hint of some interest, be it professional or personal, at his instruction.

"The ale lets the juices of the meat flow, give itself to the sauce. You see?" Phillipe motioned to the sauce which had definitely altered in thickness "The Espagnole is smooth and the flesh, she is moist and tender."

 

[Beethoven'sFire]

Marie

He was closer now, his hand resting boldly at her thin waist to sit atop a rounded hip. Moved to her side, the maid could see that she was dealing with none other than the manor's head chef, Phillipe Bascoigne. It made her naturally self-conscious. She was never certain what to do around the higher ranking servants, the pecking order still new to her in her two year employ.

From her new vantage she caught a closer look at the frenchman than she had before. Perhaps the most startling thing about him was the intense blue of his eyes, which seemed lit with an inner passion as he corrected her work, explaining. He was a handsome man, if not the sort that Marie was used to. Thin, neat, his mustache was well-manicured. She watched his mouth below the orderly splay of black hair, hearing little, finding that she quite liked the shape of it. It was the sort of mouth that one could kiss, and watching it produce those delightful sounding words was a small treat.

She licked her lips, then cast her eyes away, realizing that she was staring. Her hand abandoned the neckline of her bodice, and she wiped it on her apron instead.

"The Espagnole is smooth and the flesh, she is moist and tender."

For a moment, Marie still thought that he was referring to her and not the gravy, and almost opened her mouth to scold him. She wasn't certain if it was the sudden realization of the meaning of the word that stopped her, or her delight in the man's attentions and not wanting them to stop.

She nodded as he explained, praising Phillipe's additions, though her untrained eye could detect little difference in the bubbling pot before her. "You have saved a catastrophy, Muh-soor..." she said, mangling the French word. "With nine sisters and being the youngest, I didn't get a chance to help in the kitchen."

 

[DJ_Wordplay]

. "You have saved a catastrophy, Muh-soor..." she said, mangling the French word. "With nine sisters and being the youngest, I didn't get a chance to help in the kitchen."

Phillipe chuckled at her inexpert use of French. It seemed that there was a great deal that he could teach the girl. As Phillipe continued making some additions to the bubbling pot he couldn't help but take in the rest of the young maid. He noted with some delight as he again found himself behind her that she was not like so many of the women he'd seen about the Manor. So many English women seemed angular, jagged and harsh. A real woman should be rounded and pleasingly soft as this girl so clearly was. Phillipe felt the blood within him stir as well as he admired the soft curve of her back.

"Well, my dear, cuisine is like most things in life I imagine" Phillipe grabbed some rosemary and a small clove of garlic from his nearby station. He quickly chopped and prepared the ingredients before returning to the pot and adding them "One's first experience may be rough and unsatisfying but enough practice, the proper instructor and pretty soon..."

Phillipe held the spoon to the girl's full lips and gestured for her to taste. The look on her face as she did so was one of pleasant surprise. Phillipe could not help but take note of the way her mouth curled into a smile that was large and joyous.

"Voila" Phillipe said softly "It is as if you were meant to do nothing else"

 

[Beethoven'sFire]

Marie

The concoction was hot, nearly burning her lips, but Marie was rewarded at the simple and yet complicated sample of that which met her tongue. She blinked back her suprise, wondering at the fact that so few additions could alter what had formerly tasted like meat-in-paste to the maid. There was something magic to what this man did, and in one moment the kitchen had went from a chore to something that was fairly blooming with possibilities.

"Voila" Phillipe said softly "It is as if you were meant to do nothing else"

She shied at the unworthy praise, licking her plush bottom lip and casting her gaze down before glancing up flirtingly with her large doe eyes. Marie was pleased to the bone to have the attentions of such a man, even if for a little while. He was so vastly different from the men she had known before, mostly common laborers, mussed and sweaty from a days work. She was mussed and sweaty herself, but the head chef was perfectly in place, his uniform spotless. And he had such confidence, too! Why, he hadn't even had to taste his own creation to know that is was a success.

She wanted to ask more, wanted to keep him right there, but her mind was too busy to hold on to a single thought. She said the only thing that came to her. "How did you know?" she asked, the short curvy girl tilting the line of her face upward. "You haven't even tasted it yourself..."

Dipping a tapered finger along the rim of the pot, she raised it to his lips, her eyes no longer shy, an even practiced smile spreading slowly across her full lips.

 

[Subo97]

Wood Winks

"You did say anything but feel free to say no Wood. Might I have some small, out of the way, patch of ground for a garden of my own? I kept our small garden when we lived in Town and while I'm certainly not the artist you and your men are I did enjoy it so,"

“That’d be no problem miss,” Wood answered and received a smile from her mouth and even more sparkle from her eyes. “There are several places we can set aside for you.” He didn’t mention the rose garden the baron’s first wife had installed around her gazebo. Few of them ever went down to the cliffs overlooking sea and he preferred it that way. It was hers and now Wood thought of it as his. “ There’s a sunny patch on the other side of the hedge maze,” he told her. “I’ll have the soil turned over for you if you like.” Wood leaned forward a bit. “I’ll teach you a short cut through the maze. It’ll be an easier walk and hidden a bit.” He gave her a conspiratorial wink. “Besides, ye don’t want that frog cook raiding your new garden”

The girl started to giggle then stopped as her brother made an appearance.

"I see that not only you're trampling all the flowers. Now you're bothering the gardener, and keep him from his work." The baron’s new step-son stopped and looked at Wood for a minute. Wood steadfastly returned his gaze. The boy was used to inside servants, they usually lowered their eyes. Wood never did, not even with the baron.

The boy turned to his sister. "I think perhaps it's time we both get inside Elsabeth. Dinner should be served very soon, and by the look of your dirty dress. you need to get cleaned up and that will take quite some time."

Elsabeth turned, a flash of anger, then disappointment crossing her face. “Miss,”
Wood added and the girl turned her head back, her golden halo of tresses swirling, “Come to the garden anytime. Ye won’t be disturbing me. I know my work,” he glanced at the boy, “and so does the baron.” He thought he saw humor in the girl’s eye. “The gardener’s cottage is on the other side of that tree line,” he nodded to the distance, “if ye ever want me, and I’m not in the garden, that’s where I’ll be.”

 

[caela]

“ There’s a sunny patch on the other side of the hedge maze,” he told her. “I’ll have the soil turned over for you if you like.” Wood leaned forward a bit. “I’ll teach you a short cut through the maze. It’ll be an easier walk and hidden a bit.” He gave her a conspiratorial wink. “Besides, ye don’t want that frog cook raiding your new garden”

Elsabeth started to giggle in delight and once more had to fight down the urge to clap in childlike glee at being told she could have what she wanted. That Wood was so willing to help her only served to endear him to her. When her brother appeared trying to give meaningful looks and not so subtle orders her face fell and hardened slightly though she found her esteem for the gardener once more rising as he simply held Darcy's gaze before turning his attention back to her. Of course she was giving her brother her own scowl and he had to draw her attention once more as well.

“Come to the garden anytime. Ye won’t be disturbing me. I know my work,” he glanced at the boy, “and so does the baron.” He thought he saw humor in the girl’s eye. “The gardener’s cottage is on the other side of that tree line,” he nodded to the distance, “if ye ever want me, and I’m not in the garden, that’s where I’ll be.”

The scowl melted off her face to be replaced by a warm smile. Once more she dropped a gentle curtsey to the gardener, both out of respect and because she knew it annoy her brother to see her curtsying to a servant. Somehow she thought Wood would understand that she honestly respected him, after all she'd curtsied before when no one but him would see.

"Thank you so much Wood. I'll try to make it back out tonight if dinner doesn't run too long. If it does, I'll be out first thing in the morning. It was a pleasure meeting you Wood, if I don't see you this evening have a lovely night," she said sincerely and with a fresh smile.

Turning her gaze toward her brother once more she again scowled up at him, utterly unintimidated by the fact that he towered over her, "As for you Darcy, I am well aware that the dinner hour is fast approaching and we both know I can change faster than you despite all the petticoats I get stuck wearing. And unlike you I don't smell like a barn. You need to bathe, I just need to change...knowing how long you take we'll all likely be stuck at table waiting for you so why don't you stop playing the overprotective big brother and go get cleaned up yourself."

Not waiting for a response she lifted the hem of her skirts and took off across the gardens at a fast run. She'd made a beeline for the paths this time however so as not to trample the flowers and she didn't stop until she was safely ensconced her own room once more. Grumbling to herself she quickly got out of her soiled dress and searched for a new one. Nothing she owned was particularly fine and she hoped that her new father didn't dress formally for dinner because she didn't have anything that most would consider decent enough to sit at a Baron's table.

Finally choosing a simple day down gown in cream with sprays of rosebuds in a dark shade of pink and a pair of slippers to match and letting her hair down from the pins that simply weren't holding it, she smiled into a mirror at her reflection.

"It'll do. The Baron knew he wasn't marrying a rich woman when he wed Mother."

Turning away from the mirror she left her room and headed down in the direction she thought she remembered Pickering saying the dining room was in.

 

[jon_rico]

The baron stood up from his desk and rubbed his eyes he grew tired of reading and it was almost dinner time. He walked out of the study and much to his surprise he saw his new daughter.She was opening and closing doors in what seemed like a atempt to find the dinning room. His eyes trailed up and down her body has she wore a gown of some sort. He couldn't understand why even she hadn't been married yet as well. It must be a trend among the younger crowd. Has she turned around looking a bit lost he had hoped she didn't catch him giving her a once over.


"Ahh why hello Elsabeth. You look a little lost the dinning room is around the corner on the left. How has your exploring been treating you? Did you get a chance to visit the gardens?" he said to her knowing full well she did but he wanted to make some light conversation. "I see you are dressing a little casual for dinner tonight. Not to worry my dear tomorrow morning we shall go to town to buy you some new dresses. I was going to save it has a surprise but well a beautiful young lady deserves beautiful clothing." said Edward


He did his best not to insult her but he knew she would be thrilled by the gesture. Besides she was in a new family and now has a new social circle to show off to so only the best for her and of course Anne. He knew better then to invite Anne because of the fact she did her shopping alone. Dinner was rapidly approaching and he had to go to his chambers and change. He also had to go and check on his wife and escort her down for supper as well.



"Now I wont take no for an answer. I will see you in a bit it is time for myself to change as well. Also I must check on your mother and see if she is indeed feeling better. Excuse me." he said slightly nodding his head as he smiled at the young lady.

 

[caela]

"Ahh why hello Elsabeth. You look a little lost the dinning room is around the corner on the left. How has your exploring been treating you? Did you get a chance to visit the gardens?"

Startled at the sudden sound of a voice behind her Elsabeth gave a small laugh and smiled at her step-father while a slight blush colored her cheeks at having been so easily startled in the first place.

"Yes I did, Thank you Baron. The gardens were beautiful, I'm looking forward to getting to know them better and spending more time out in them."

She grinned as she mentioned the last part remembering that Wood had promised her a bit of land for her own small garden.

"I see you are dressing a little casual for dinner tonight. Not to worry my dear tomorrow morning we shall go to town to buy you some new dresses. I was going to save it has a surprise but well a beautiful young lady deserves beautiful clothing." said Edward..."Now I wont take no for an answer. I will see you in a bit it is time for myself to change as well. Also I must check on your mother and see if she is indeed feeling better. Excuse me."

Elsabeth's eyes brightened at the prospect of shopping and she laughed with delight while suddenly flinging her arms around his waist (she couldn't reach his neck unless he bent over) and hugging him tightly.

"Thank you Baron! I won't say now but can we go in the afternoon please? I asked Wood for a small spot for a garden of my own and promised to go down in the morning to start work on it."

 

[jon_rico]

Edward did an about face when she mentioned the lead gardener by name. She also spoke of a spot in the gardens for her as well not just for her to pick what plants go their but to work as well. Whatever kept her out of trouble couldn't hurt he thought. Which part of the garden did he have in mind ran through the Baron's mind as well he thought.

"Elsabeth, Mr. Barkely is good at his job but you wouldn't want to interfere with his duties on the grounds. I would suggest checking with him tomorrow morning before making any plans. As for your request if all things are clear I wouldn't mind going in the early afternoon. Mr.Barkely is just that remember my dear he works for not only myself but you as well. Your place in the family gives you a bit more superiority than him. You should treat him accordingly." he said sternly looking into her vibrant eyes.

She definately was stunning from her blonde locks to her amazing eyes. Her blush complemented everything perfectly especially when she smiled. She definately could light up a room with her looks and personality. A bit of regret swept through him as he realized her first day here and he is lecturing her on who she can and can't speak to. Although Mr.Barkely's intentions might not be so genuine has made out to be in her eyes.

"I do apologize. I just want you to know that I do care for you. You may not believe me now but one day you will understand my intentions.Do have fun I am sure your garden will be the best plot we have. If you will excuse me I must depart for my chambera until dinner. I will see you in a bit." he said to her.

 

[caela]

"Elsabeth, Mr. Barkely is good at his job but you wouldn't want to interfere with his duties on the grounds. I would suggest checking with him tomorrow morning before making any plans. As for your request if all things are clear I wouldn't mind going in the early afternoon. Mr.Barkely is just that remember my dear he works for not only myself but you as well. Your place in the family gives you a bit more superiority than him. You should treat him accordingly."

Elsabeth pulled back from him and something in her face seemed to close and her talked to her, well at her really, about Wood and her place over his. She wouldn't argue with the Baron, after all it was his house, but in the privacy of her own mind she thought he was wrong. Wood deserved the same respect as anyone within the house and his sheer artistry out in the gardens meant he deserved more than some. Just because the Baron paid him for that skill didn't make it any less worthy of note.

At least he had agreed to making the shopping trip for the afternoon so she could spend most of her morning speaking to Wood and digging in the dirt. She didn't even begin to imagine that he'd spend the whole morning helping her though the thought did make her smile slightly.

"I do apologize. I just want you to know that I do care for you. You may not believe me now but one day you will understand my intentions.Do have fun I am sure your garden will be the best plot we have. If you will excuse me I must depart for my chambera until dinner. I will see you in a bit."

"Of course Baron," Elsabeth said quietly but her voice was much cooler than only moment's ago when she'd so exuberantly thrown her arms around his waist. "If for some reason she decided she's not up to coming down please tell my mother I hope she feels better and I'll come up to check on her later."

Turning, just as she had with Darcy, she didn't give him a chance to reply before heading off toward the dining room. Though she didn't go tearing away from him at breakneck speed as she had in the gardens so he could call her back if there was something else he felt the need to say.

 

[jon_rico]

"I will be sure to pass on your regards." he said to her as she walked off obviously angry by his words. Tomorrow he would explain himself better if it permitted. He watched her walk away and turn the corner heading to the dinning room. Edward turned towards the stairs and walked towards them. Before he got half way up Pickering stopped him and gave him a few words of advice.

"Sir. If all of your family were as thick headed as you can be I don't think anyone would be here working for you. I recommend you go and apologize to the Lass and think before you speak. If your father heard this from you I think it is you that would be furious. Now dinner is about to be served now please while you are upstairs don't forget "your" manners up there. It is a special meal and I think you owe it to them all to be The great man we all know you normally are." said the old butler.


"Yes Pickering I know I was a bit harsh it's just I want the best for the lot of them. I am doing my best not to be the horrible step father but I am just set back by my own stubborness. I will speak to the girl and apologize and offer anything I can to assist with her garden." replied Edward


"Very good sir. I am glad you are somewhat smart and see the errors in your ways. I shall inform them you will be down after your visit with Lady Martyn." said Pickering has he bowed a bit.


Edward went upstairs passing all of their rooms he knew that all of them had been informed of dinner and just passed. He opened the door to his chamber and saw his wife inspecting their quarters. He smiled a bit seeing her moving around he stood there just watching her. She turned to face him and he nodded to her.

"It's almost time for dinner I just came up to see if you will be joining us and if so to escort you down. Not to mention dress for dinner myself. Delilah I want to know I do love you. I know it cant be easy with all the changes happening but I am here for you. "he said to her. Edward walked to his closet and took off his informal jacket and reached in and pulled out his dinner coat. He sat on the bed and took off each boot and replaced them with dress shoes. He stood up and looked to his wife and awaited her response.

 

[Subo97]

In the gardener’s cottage

Unlike the other servants, Wood’s evenings were his own. Even the stable hands were sometimes rousted out of their slumber on occasion to saddle a horse or ready a carriage for a night time ride. Cooks and maids were always on call, but not Wood. Even Pickering, perhaps especially Pickering, had to answer to aristocratic whims. Nobody cared about the gardens when the sun went down.

Having his own cottage meant Wood was free of the servant’s quarters. Even the stable bys had to put up with horses. Wood was alone when he chose to be. Entering the cottage, Wood poured water into a large bowl from a pitcher and washed his face and hands. Stirring up the coals in his small fireplace, he swung his iron kettle on its bracket out, lifted the lid and smelled the contents. Two coneys, foolish enough to invade his garden, would be his supper. Slow cooked with herbs and fresh vegetables, the stew would rival anything on the baron’s table, at least for a working man.

Wood stretched out on his cot as the rabbit stew warmed up and thought on the day past. Changes had come to Stormswept heights, no doubt some of them good, some of them bad. One good one was the new miss, Elsabeth. Comely no doubt and she seemed to have a good heart……good bottom, too.

 

[DJ_Wordplay]

"How did you know?" she asked, the short curvy girl tilting the line of her face upward. "You haven't even tasted it yourself..."

Phillipe smiled as he stared down into the girl's round eyes. They were alluring and full of a playfulness that had been missing from her earlier. As she pressed a small, delicate finger to his lips Phillipe took the finger between his lips and sucked gently, tasting the sauce as well as the girl's soft skin. The sauce was an old standard, tried and true. The skin was a new pleasure.

"Experience, madame" Phillipe whispered as he let her finger escape his kiss. "Once one has enough experience at one's art, it can be done blindfolded."

Phillipe kissed the back of the maid's hand before he released it. The two were close enough to each other that Phillipe could see the way her chest heaved with every breath, could feel the heat from her skin on his. Phillipe's own excitement was rising as well. He very strongly felt the urge to kiss, no, bite those soft full lips.

"As with all things one does for another, one must find what is desired, what will please, and then become expert at giving that pleasure to them. I'm sure that if you practice you can be taught" Phillipe's voice very clearly indicated that this was only very tangentially still a conversation concerning food.

 

[Beethoven'sFire]

Marie

Marie had expected the sultry warmth of his mouth, but she had not expected the delight she took in the gentle draw of suction at her fingertip. The tip of a finger was such a small part of a person that one could hardly expect the tantalizing rush that flooded her entire body. His lips encircled her finger for perhaps a bit longer than they should have, and it was long enough to send the maid's blood racing.

What was this game? Truly a role reversal. Marie was usually the cat, and any number of men the willing mouse. Willing to do her bidding, that was. The senses were a game to the young coquette, and the desires they inspired vastly unknown to her. She was aware of the effect she had on many men and used it for entertainment or to her advantage. As to the acts her teasing referenced, she was an innocent, and to the knowledge of womanly pleasures as well.

He kissed her hand afterward like a lady, something the maid had never experienced in her young life. He spoke again, but Marie hardly heard the words as she stared fixedly at his mouth, wanting very much to feel it against her own. She had the feeling that his words were far bolder than was proper and glanced around nervously at the other kitchen staff, but saw that they were by and large ignoring or ignorant of the exchange.

She lowered her voice to a whisper anyway and curled forward as if sharing a choice bit of hushed gossip, her warm eyes dancing with a tinge of her excitement. "I only require a willing teacher."

She had flirted with many men in the past, but watching those intense eyes she wondered if perhaps she was playing with fire.

 

[showdolly]

"It's almost time for dinner I just came up to see if you will be joining us and if so to escort you down. Not to mention dress for dinner myself. Delilah I want to know I do love you. I know it cant be easy with all the changes happening but I am here for you. "he said to her. Edward walked to his closet and took off his informal jacket and reached in and pulled out his dinner coat. He sat on the bed and took off each boot and replaced them with dress shoes. He stood up and looked to his wife and awaited her response.

Delilah smiled at her new husband, and nodded at his words of love. It wasn't that she didn't like him - no, she liked him quite fine. And she didn't feel it a chore to be with him, not really. He wasn't the type of man she'd have chosen if purely for love, but she wasn't the type of woman to choose, as it were, purely for love. No, like was enough really, and the Baron was a kind man. She watched his quick change of appearance with a thoughtful smile upon her lips.

"Yes, my dearest. Thank you. I am feeling better now - I've had a bath and a relaxing few moments. I could certainly partake of a meal, and from the bread samplings left here I am quite certain that it will be quite an exquisit one at that. I simply must meet the chef, darling! This artisan is nothing less than divine!"

She took his arm when offered, glad to be headed towards the dining room. Delilah placed a small, sweet kiss upon the cheek of the Baron, then quickly looked away in a slight blush. Now that they were here, in his home - er, their home - it did feel a might strange to share such intamacy with him. He leaned down to her ear, passing her long waves out of his way as he whispered things which she was glad to be soft enough that even the servants could not have heard. The Lady Martyn giggled and nodded at her husband's mutterings, and continued their waltz with a new lightness in her step and a smile upon her face.

Yes, those things would certainly do to make a woman feel at home.

 

[Cobra2004]

Darcy loved his sister and wanted what's best for her, but her friendliness with the gardener started to worry his some. The looks the gardener gave her when she wasn't looking, were no different then his when he saw a wench he liked, and if she didn't watch herself, she would ruin her life for sure. He could protect her from anyone, but he surely couldn't from herself.

He would have to talk to her and soon. Elsabeth was heading to the dinning room when he caught up with her.

"Els. He began. "I think it might be better if you don't get to friendly with the gardener, and before you object. I'm just a bit concerned about the outcome. I'm not going to stop you, as you are old enough to make your own decision. You know how much I care for you. That's all I have to say."

Elsabeth never had the chance to say anything as the were now in front of the dinning room. Darcy was looking forward to see Anne again. He hadn't seen her since they first go here, and he sure would like to take her up on that horse ride through the estate.