The highwayman (Open for one female, pm me if interested)

[Bardiche]

The highwayman (Closed for DeliciousMaiden)

(Closed for DeliciousMaiden)

Stratford, close to London 1667

"The stage coach are just down the road Nate." William Hawthorne looked quite nervous as he looked at his older brother. Nathan Hawthorne cursed the decision of bringing William on this raid. He hadn't had much choice though. The thought of William robbing another coach himself, which he had threatened to do. Was not something that Nathan would allow.

Then it was better if the brothers kept together. That way Nathan could keep William safe. He knew that his brother did not like to be considered to young even if he was only 19 years old. Nathan himself was 27 and had spent the last 2 years sabotaging Robert Markham's business. For Nathan it was not about the profits but very personal.

He knew that for William it was the excitement rather than punishment that was driving him. That was why he had tried so hard to keep his brother out of it. Until now.

"Ready yourself." Nathan told his brother as he drew the wide brimmed hat down over his eyes and pulled up the red bandana over the lower part of his face. Not that he needed to cover his face. He was very good looking with black hair that reached his shoulders. He never wore the wigs that was popular among the more wealthy. His grey piercing eyes was another thing that stood out. Now it was the only thing that stood out as he was dressed as a highwayman. He was 6 feet tall with broad shoulders and slender hips.

The two brothers drew their pistols, one in each hand and left their horses in the forest beside the small road.

"Whatever you do, be calm and let me do the talking." Nathan told his brother as they waited for the stage coach to appear.

It did not take many minutes for the carriage to be seen and both men stepped out in front of it. They aimed their pistols at the driver and gunner.

"Drop the rifle!" Nathan shouted to the elderly gunner who immediately complied. "Cover them." He said to William as he walked to the side of the coach and opened the door and stared into the brighest blue eyes he had ever seen. Nathan that always was in control was suddenly lacking in words.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Lydia Walsingham

With thanks to Bardiche for allowing me to share this story ...


The journey had seemed long, endless in fact.
It was always the case when Lydia was traveling back home. The road always seemed longer…
Even Lydia's visit to London had been tinged with sadness: She had last journeyed to London but 2 years ago when she was 18 and since then the Great Fire had destroyed so much. She could only count her blessings and thank God that neither she, nor Aunt Catherine, who had been the only mother figure Lydia had known in her short life, had suffered in the disaster.

So many had died and so much had been decimated by the remorseless flames. Yet despite the rebuild, the City was not the same and rather than remain to spend her 21st birthday with her aunt as planned, Lydia had chosen instead to return home to celebrate her coming of age back in Stratford with those she had grown up with: A choice that seemed to have been more than welcome by her father who seemed as impatient for his daughter's return as Lydia was to see him once more.

Leaning back she closed her eyes with a sigh and tried to ignore the swaying of the carriage. Beside her the bonnet lay cast aside. Her hands lay in her lap as she willed herself to relax and to ignore that continual swaying a movement unavoidable in such a rapid conveyance. Yet despite the fact that the carriage was well sprung, Lydia still found as if every bone in her body had been shaken loose along with the tendrils of curled honey blonde hair that had fallen into an unruly tumble to frame her face …

The jolt as the horses drew to a sudden halt made her eyes spring open immediately.
The shout beyond the carriage was unclear, yet it was the only sound to be heard in the sudden silence. Before she could even think, the carriage door was wrenched open and Lydia found herself face to face with a pistol carrying assailant. Her eyes widened in mute terror as she took in the darkly clad Highwayman, his identity hidden save for his piercing grey eyes.

She had yet to hear a shot and as no one had been hurt so far, she feared that it was she who was the target of the attack. Unaware that she had shrank back against the plush upholstery of the seating, Lydia Walsingham helplessly awaited her fate ….

 

[Bardiche]

Nathan Hawthorne stood in chock as he stared at the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Even the fact that she was a little travel worn did not change the fact that she was stunning. For a man that had everything under control he could not help but stare at her in both surprise and admiration.

He still had his pistols aimed at her but put one in his belt to have one hand free. He felt slightly flushed and confused but he finally got his wit together.

"Get out." He mutters and reaches in and grab her wrist in his hand. "I will not hurt you. I only want your valuables." He say as he pull her out of the carriage.

He drag her to where his brother still stand. "Everything alright?" He ask William as he eyes the young woman. She are so damn beautiful he think to himself. And she feel so fragile. With one twist of his hand he could easily break her wrist. Not that he wanted to do that. It would be a damn shame.

"Yes, these people pose no threat." Nathan can hear the smile in Williams voice and just nods.

"Good. Now miss. Your valuables please. We accept jewelry as well as coins." Nathan say as he look the woman in her eyes. The bluest eyes he had ever seen.

To bad he wouldn't see her after this episode he thought with something that felt like regret.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Lydia's eyes lowered watching as the Highwayman's hand dropped to his pistol.
The momentary panic subsided as she realised he was returning it to his belt.

"Get out."

The order was quietly spoken, yet terse. Stunned she did not comply immediately and found his hand shooting out to yank her wrist and draw her mercilessly towards the door.

"I will not hurt you. I only want your valuables."

His words did little to reassure her as she struggled to remain upright, almost tripping over her powder blue gown as he dragged her out of the carriage and along to where a second man was waiting, armed as the first had been.

"Everything alright?"

A nod passed between them. Lydia glanced up and saw the driver and gunner sat with a weapon pointed at their heads.

"Yes, these people pose no threat."

Lydia stared in mute appeal to her so-called escorts. The carriage had been ambushed all too easily. She did not want anyone hurt yet …. Surely the men could have put up some form of defence … she considered helplessly …

"Good. Now miss. Your valuables please. "

Her attention was brought back to the imposing man stood before her. He was obviously the leader of this pair and despite his assurances, she was sure that he would not hesitate to kill her should she not obey him.

"We accept jewelry as well as coins."

She flushed at his words her mind racing as to how to respond … yet she had little choice …

"We carry little coin … what we have is stowed beneath the carriage seat … "

She told him reluctantly, knowing he could easily tear the carriage apart if he were not satisfied with his "haul"

" … As to jewelry … "

She halted her eyes meeting him with a mixture of anger and appeal.

" … the pieces I have are within my travel bag …wrapped in muslin for safe keeping … "

Her voice broke at those words and she blinked rapidly refusing to give into tears and willing herself not to lose composure.
Taking a steadying breath Lydia calmed herself and forced herself to think of these men ransacking her personal possessions.
Instead she lowered her eyes and remained silent willing it all to be over...
If only she could get out of here alive … unhurt …
If only they would just take what she had told them and be on their way ….
Surely they would be satisfied that she had told them everything … for Lydia had disclosed all but one item ….
Surely they would not suspect that her most treasured possession even now was secluded in a pocket sewn within her petticoats?
It's monetary value meant little to Lydia, for the golden locked was the one piece of jewelry her mother had always worn and as such the one that Lydia always carried with her …

 

[Bardiche]

Nathan was confused. He had robbed many people before and had never been bothered about it. Somehow this was different. The woman in front of him was different. So different in any way he could tell. Her lip quivered but he saw no tears. Her voice was low but it was as music in his ears. If only she wasn't afraid of him.

He looked up at William and was met by a question in his eyes. Nathan shrugged his shoulders and turned to her again. She had lowered her head and he felt slightly guilty. He did not want to scare her. Still he felt as he had to.

"Guard her." He told William and walked over to the coach again. The guilt was flowing through him as he opened her travel bag. He sighed in self loath as he unfolded the muslin and looked at the jewelry. It wasn't much and he folded it again. He lay it back in the bag and dropped it on the ground outside the coach.

He drew a dagger from his belt and cut through the seat. Then he made the hole bigger with his hands and pulled out a small pouch. Looking inside he made a grimace. Not much there either. The coins wasn't worth the robbery. He placed the pouch in the travel bag and walked back to the woman.

"You told the truth. Nothing much there." He said as he throw the bag to his brother. William catches it and kept eying the driver and gunner.

"You don't look poor." Nathan say to the woman. "You must have more than that." He nod to the bag in his brothers hand. They needed the profit these robberies gave. With a slight nod to William he grab the woman's arm and drags her over to the side of the coach. Outside of the view of the others, even his brothers.

"I am not sure you told the truth of it all." He mutter to her. "I am sorry." Regretfully he gently pushes her up against the wall of the coach and his hands is drawn down her body over her coat, searching for anything.

He feel guilty but added to that is a little hint of excitement as he can't avoid feeling her form under his hands. He suddenly stop at the side as something hard is felt against his palm.

"So you have something." His voice are low as he inhale her scent. Damn near intoxicating scent. He take up his dagger and cuts through the material and something drop into his waiting hand. He look at the golden locket and then her. She are very close and he take one step back to regain his composure.

"Something very valuable to you?" His eyes meet hers.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

The guard was hardly necessary. Both men must have known that. There was nothing Lydia could do or say to prevent them from taking the coins and jewels she had. It wasn't that she was poor, rather than her father was wise and insisted she travel carrying as little items of value as possible. Besides all she had needed in London has been purchased by her aunt and she had felt no need to transport those items back home as all she needed was awaiting for her at home upon her return. .

"You told the truth. Nothing much there."

Her eyes raised to meet the Highwayman's as he threw her bag up to the second man.

"You don't look poor … You must have more than that."

Lydia had feared he would not be satisfied with the meager outcome of this hold up. Momentarily she considered explaining her circumstances, yet before she could even form the words his hand had grabbed her wrist once more and she was being dragged back to the side of the coach away from the sight … and protection …. Of the others.

"I am not sure you told the truth of it all… I am sorry."

His apology confused her until she found herself pushed up against the coach and his hands moving intimately along her body. The frightened gasp turned to a whimper as she realised that rather than accosting her he was searching … and searching so thoroughly that he was bound to discover the one item she had kept secret from him.
She held her breath as the large hands moved slowly along the contours of her body. She flushed as they grazed the swell of her breasts and had no choice but to remain inert as they moved to stroke and press down the dip of her waist, across her abdomen and then continue downwards to the swell of her hips. Humiliating though it was to have a stranger lay hands upon her so intimately, Lydia prayed that if she endured this, he might be reassured without searching lower, but that was not to be.
Relentlessly, his hands moved lower and plundered her skirts. It was all too easy for him to find that little hard object as it nestled in the pocket at her thigh.
As his hand closed upon it they both froze.

"So you have something."

His eyes seemed to accuse her, the words a statement rather than a question she could no longer deny. Lydia flinched as he took up the dagger, but stilled as she realised he intended to cut out the hidden treasure, rather than take the opportunity to upend her skirts and further humiliate her as he robbed her. Carefully, it seemed to her, the Highwayman brought down the dagger and cut through the fine blue fabric of her gown and then into then capturing her skirts ensured that he cut through the white cool fabric of her undergarments beneath without risking injuring her thigh beneath. All too quickly the locket fell into his hand. Sheathing his dagger he held the locket in his palm before her.

"Something very valuable to you?"

Lydia expected anger at her deception, yet somehow she fancied she saw compassion in his eyes. She nodded and murmured.

" … very … "

Her eyes were drawn to his hand once more.

"… the locket was my mother's, she always wore it … she died when I was little … I barely remember her … "

She raised her gaze to his in an effort to be practical.

"Father's very … wary of traveling with valuables … he told me not to take it with me … but … "

Despite her best efforts the tears brimmed and spilled over.

" … I can't bear to be parted from it … "

Impatiently she rubbed at her cheeks. Tears would not gain his sympathy, but perhaps she could persuade him.

" …You were right … we're not poor … we have money … just … not here …
I can get money to you … to buy back the locket … or … whatever it is you want … "

She was floundering having no real idea how to bargain with him.
All she could do was beg.

"…. I'd give you anything I have ... but please … don't take my locket … "

 

[Bardiche]

Nathan looked down at the golden locket in his hand. If he took it from her he would feel guilty he thought with a sigh. He wasn't in this business to hurt innocents. The only one he wanted to hurt was Robert Markham. Taking the locket would achieve nothing. He could get money from her but that was a risky business. He would probably never see her again.

The tears almost was enough for him to cave in. He looked down at the locket again and then met her eyes with his. He couldn't hide the sympathy he felt for her. At the same time he hadn't felt as attracted to a woman in his life. What should he do?

"I am not a cruel man. I do not set out to hurt people." He mutter as he keep his eyes on her. He can't hep looking at her lips and felt a tinge of excitement down his stomach.

"I will give the locket back to you. Even if it means a loss of profit." He look down at the locket again before he hand it to her.

The guilt of bringing this woman pain was still there but he felt that he had not taken all of her dignity now that he had given the locket back to her. Still he couldn't help but wanting something in return.

"As that matter is resolved there are one thing more." He see the question in her eyes just before he reaches out and grab her shoulders and pull her closer to him. He had wanted to kiss her ever since he saw her in that carriage. A man that did not usually give into his desire this was quite surprising to him.

"I will kiss you now." He said before he lifted his bandana and his mouth met hers.

He had planned to keep the kiss light but when his lips moved over hers he hadn't anticipated the fire it created in his blood and suddenly his mouth required more of her.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

There was nothing more Lydia could do. She was at his mercy. Now he had found her treasure, all she could do was be honest with him and pray that he had some compassion…

"I am not a cruel man. I do not set out to hurt people."

A brief spark of hope shot through her.

"I will give the locket back to you. Even if it means a loss of profit."

Unable to believe the unexpected kindness, Lydia followed his glance to the locket and extended her hand as he held it out to her. The familiar coolness nestled in her palm as she closed her fingers around that beloved object.
Finally she llet out a long sigh, only realising now that she had been holding her breath.

" … thank you … "

The smile lit her face as she looked back up at him, the soft words a gentle communication of the gratitude she felt.

"As that matter is resolved there are one thing more."

Lydia wondered at his words. He had not struck a bargain for the locket, merely returned it … so did he now want to speak terms..?

The sudden capturing of her shoulders made Lydia gasp in surprise.
Strangely she did not fear him as he pulled her against him. Instead she flushed finding herself all to aware of his masculine body, the sensation unfamiliar as she had previously never been in such close proximity to a man, and certainly not a man such as he was.

"I will kiss you now."

He had given her fair warning.
She had time to beg for release, to at least attempt to move away from his embrace and yet she remained still. She watched in fascination as he lifted his bandana, not sufficiently to reveal his hidden identity, yet enough to allow his lips to descend and press against hers.

The light contact upon her lips sent a quiver through Lydia's body. The increased pressure made her pulses race unexpectedly. The soft gasp she gave was swallowed by the deepening demand of that kiss as she found her head tipping back and lips parting as his tongue delved into her mouth and made her body flame with unfamiliar heat. Her body responded shamefully and seemed to press and mould with forbidden familiarity against the muscular torso of the man as she found herself aching for his touch ….

 

[Bardiche]

This had not been part of his plan. He hadn't even planned of kissing her. Her response to the kiss was what he hadn't expected. The first shock of how sweet her lips tasted and then the hesitant reaction as she opened her mouth for his intruding tongue. Her body was pressed against his and his arms went around her back to hold her even closer. The only thing in his mind at that time was how perfectly she fit against him.

With a groan he deepened the kiss even more as he pressed her back against the coach. The fire in his blood increased as his tongue started to play with hers. As if his hand had a will of it's own it went down to her breast and he cupped it in his palm. He pressed himself against her to try and ease his need but it worked the other way around as he felt himself get even harder.

He groaned into her mouth as he kept feasting on it. It was as if he couldn't get enough of her. Considering that he had his share of lovers it was the first time he reacted like this to a kiss, was not something he thought of now. All he cared for was how great it felt having her in his arms.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

The presence of those who still awaited them out of sight around the other side of the coach had been forgotten by Lydia. The kiss sent her senses rioting as a most unseemly flare of heat when through her body at the sensation of the hard body of her assailant pressing against her own supple form.

It was the sensation of his hand at her breast that shocked her into recognition.
A more experienced Lady might have expected this next move, but as it was the sensation of the large skilled hand upon the swell of her breast made her body jolt firstly in surprise at the assault and then astonishment at how that touch made her bosom seem to swell into his hand. Weakly she wriggled against him, but that just seemed to increase the intimacy of his touch.

Even though he had eased away from her enough to allow that hand access, she was all to aware of his lower body pressing urgently against her, the skirts creasing as they were caught between them.

After an age it seemed, she tore her mouth away, her breath coming rapidly as she stared wide eyed, as incredulous about her own behaviour as his.

…. Sir … p… please …. "

The tone of her voice made it impossible to tell if the plea was for him to continue, or for him to stop, yet her eyes spoke clearly of her confusion and fear at what the consequences might be if he chose to compromise her reputation further ….

 

[Bardiche]

When she tore her mouth free from the kiss Nathan just stared down at her flushing face. He could see that she was breathing as fast as him. He realised that he still had his hand cupping her breast and let it fall to his side. The confusion in his eyes was a mirror image of her own. His body ached by desire but at least she had the strength to break the hold it had held over them before he did something unforgivable. Taking her against a coach wasn't something he would have been proud of later. She was a lady and not a whore he could just use.

He felt a loss when he took a step back from her. No other woman had him behave like this. He was always in control. He took a steadying breath as he adjusted the bandana to cover the low part of his face again.

"We will not bother you again." He say with a steady voice. "Have a good day." He turn away and walk over to the others.

"We will ride. She had nothing more of worth." He mount his horse and nod to William who ride away in a gallop.

"Give her some time to compose herself. This have been a fright for her." Nathan say to the men before tilting his hat to them and following Williams tracks.

As he follow his brother his thoughts are filled with this young woman he probably never would see again. What a damn shame. She was someone he would like to know better. At least they had got something out of this. Not much if he didn't count the kiss. But enough to get closer to the goal of paying of some of their fathers debt.

He wished he hadn't agreed to taking his sister to her first debutant ball. Chrissy was 18 years old and he knew she needed a chaperone. Not the best role he had played but he sure would do his best.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

The time seemed to hang endlessly as they stared at each other. His hand was still at her breast and she could still taste him, even the scent of him filled her senses. It was almost a loss when he finally stepped away and broke the contact between them and lowered his bandana.

"We will not bother you again."

It was as if what had passed had meant nothing at all, the realization of which made her cheeks burn in humiliation.

"Have a good day."

The meaningless comment was met with the slightest of nods. She could not bear to look at him again. As he disappeared around the corner, she leaned heavily against the coach and found she was trembling. Her hand closed tightly around the pendant using it almost as a talisman to ward away the memory of what had just passed.

"Miss Lydia …. !"

The agitated sound of the coach driver drew her gaze upwards. She smiled wanly as the man approached and eyed her warily.

"He … did not … ?"

She flushed and cut off the sentence.

"I am unharmed as you see … "

With effort she straightened and made to move towards the carriage door, accepting the supporting arm to assist her as she made it into the welcome enclosure of the carriage.

"We must make haste …"

She instructed, and smiled seeing relief finally causing the elder man to relax.
Orders were barked at the younger escort and in mere moments, they were on their way continuing on their journey.

__________________________________________________________________

"Do not fuss Papa … I am well … as you see .. "

Lydia repeated patiently.

" … it was a frightening experience indeed, yet t'was merely gold and jewels they were in pursuit of … "

She continued averting her eyes at the untruth of that statement.
Just what the Highwayman had in fact been seeking she knew not. She had fancied he seemed as much taken aback by the heat of that kiss and embrace … until he had drawn back and she had realised that for him the encounter had been merely … routine ….

Willing her cheeks not to flame, Lydia changed the subject rapidly.

"Papa, did you not say that Christine Hawthorne was to be launched into society this season?"

Finally she met his eye.

"It has been an age since I last saw her. She would have enjoyed the theatres in London, though much has changed … "

She reflected sadly, giving an almost imperceptible sigh as the conversation veered to the subject of her Aunt and the state of London since the Great Fire …

 

[Bardiche]

It was with mixed feelings of amusement and irritation Nathan watched Chrissy jumping up and down in excitement. He sighed as he listened to her never ending chatter. He sent a surrering look at William who sat in the couch in the corner. His younger brother just smiled.

"You think this dress look good on me?" Chrissy excitedly asked her brothers and swirled around in her light blue dress. As she was a debutant of only 18 years Nathan had insisted that she didn't wear her first choice of dress. This dress was very innocent and showed barely no cleavage. He didn't want to chock the society by having his sister wear the dark red dress she would have liked.

"You think Lydia will be there? I know she are back. I haven't seen her yet." She kept chattering before Nathan or William had time to reply to her first question. Nathan admired his sister. She had his colors. Black straight hair going down to her waist and misty grey eyes. She was a beauty he thought proudly. He hoped she would find a man to marry that was her worthy. He would of course have to agree to the man. It was his brotherly duty. To see her of happy.

"You look absolutely beatiful." He smile at her enthusiasm. "And i don't know if Lydia will be there." He had of course heard that Lydia had returned but had never had the pleasure of meeting her. He knew that Chrissy missed having someone close to her own age to talk to.

"To bad i can't go." William say with a smile. "But i am sure you will be a success." He stood up from the couch and walked over to Chrissy and gave her a hug.

She grimaced at him. "Don't wrinkle the dress." But she returned the hug.

"We better get going. The ball will start soon." Nathan nod to William and walk out with Chrissy to the two seat carriage.

He hoped that Chrissy would be a success. Not to much though. He didn't want to have to chase away to many boys from her. Even worse was it if she caught the attention from some of the older gentlemen.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

"Don't fret Papa … "

Once again Lydia soothed her father. He had thought that a social event so soon after her … hazardous … journey would be unwise, yet Lydia had insisted.

"My … it feels like I've been away for an age … "

She commented smoothly her eyes scanning the room eagerly.
Reassured by his daughter's excited chatter, her father relaxed as she walked by his side. With her hand hooked into his arm, he was all too aware that her entrance had drawn many admiring glances in their direction, yet Lydia seemed unaware of the attention, her eyes drawn instead to the women, their dresses, the décor and finally to Christine Hawthorne, a dark vision in white, the demure attire eclipsed by her obviously boundless energy. Lydia chuckled and drew her father's attention, his eyes following the direction of her gaze.

"Ah yes … Miss Hawthorne will indeed prove a … handful … "

He commented wryly only to be rewarded by his daughter's mock censure.

"Nonsense … she is a most accomplished young lady … do you not remember how exciting it was when Aunt decided that I was to be "launched" on society."

They shared a conspiratorial glance. Her Aunt made no secret of the fact she felt that Lydia should have been married a long time ago, yet to Lydia's great relief, her father was reluctant to let his only child go. Perhaps it was because she looked so like her dead mother, but he could not imagine life without her.

He bit back a sigh of regret as he looked around the animated throng around him.
Lydia belonged here, in society, not locked away as his companion. He could hardly bear to think of what could have happened to her that day. If she had been … compromised … if …
He shuddered visibly drawing a concerned look in his direction.
It was time she were married and to a man with the financial means and temperament to take care of her.

"Have fun … "

He murmured, diverting her obvious concern with an affectionate kiss on the cheek.

"Be good … "

He told her humorously as he left her to the approaching throng of friends and admirers …

 

[Bardiche]

Nathan couldn't help but smile at Chrissy's excited chatter as she stood and tried to get the attention from some young men. He was pleased that she seemed to do alright but he sighed at the thought of her getting married. He would miss her energy at the house. William was more like Nathan. Both of them was pretty serious minded. They got that from their father.

He followed Chrissy's every move with his eyes. It wasn't worth letting her out of his sight. He wasn't sure that she wouldn't try to get some privacy with a man she suddenly fancied. That would ruin her reputation for sure. Thinking of that he remembered the young woman he almost compromised and smiled ironically. What a double standard. He sigh again as his eyes roam the room to stop at a man that he definately didn't like.

Robert Markham. The man that destroyed Thomas Hawthorne. Markham was smiling at everyone he greeted and acted as the humanitarian he wasn't. Nathan frowned and made sure that the leather band that held his black hair in a ponytail was in place.

He looked back to where Chrissy had been and didn't immediately see her. He looked around and saw her standing with a woman that looked very familiar. With a chock he realised where he had seen her. He had robbed her. She looked different but it was the same woman. Chrissy seemed to be filled of joy by being around her. Nathan didn't think the two young women was such good friends but Chrissy didn't seem to mind.

He smiled slightly and slowly walked toward them and smiled down at Chrissy's blushing face.

"This is Lydia." Chrissy immediately said cheerfully to him. Then looking back to Lydia she continue. "I have told my brother Nathan about you as you two haven't met."

"Save your breath Chrissy." Nathan say with a grin. "Sometime i fear that you will pass out. I wonder where you got all that energy. I wish you could share some to the rest of us." With a smile he turn to Lydia.

"I am Nathan Hawthorne. This song birds brother." He bow to her and ignore Chrissy's indignant protest.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Sure enough it was mere seconds, or so it seemed before Chrissy had made her way across the room and captured Lydia in a warm embrace. Smoothing the fabric on her dress with a smile of indulgence, Lydia began answering the volley of questions launched at her about London and the fashions and the places she had seen. Studiously Lydia avoided all reference to her troublesome journey home.

Finally the girl seemed to take a breath, but only to turn and speak to a man who had approached them.

"This is Lydia."

Shocked at the familiarity of the introduction, Lydia thought, not for the first time, that Chrissy really had not yet grasped the finer points of formality of introductions.

"I have told my brother Nathan about you as you two haven't met."

Her brother? Well … that explained much. Perhaps Lydia had been too long with her aunt who insisted upon manners and etiquette over much.

"Save your breath Chrissy … Sometime i fear that you will pass out. I wonder where you got all that energy. I wish you could share some to the rest of us."

Lydia could not hold back a grin at the irreverent repartee between brother and sister, made all the more amusing by the young girl’s indignant expression, a sentiment that did not quite reach her eyes at it was obvious she adored her brother.

"I am Nathan Hawthorne. This song birds brother."

His introduction and respectful bow did much to reassure Lydia who bobbed a curtsey in return.

”Lydia Walsingham …. “

She murmured softly her eyes rising to meet his and realizing suddenly that more than his good natured humour impressed her.

”’Tis a pleasure to meet you Mr Hawthrone .. “