Detailed Roleplayers discussion
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McKensie and Lara III
Lydia shook her head obviously flustered and highly embarrased "I am fine Master James, please...may we continue shopping? I have to get back before lunch...or I will lose my position as head cook." She didn't know there was a newspaper photographer that got the picture and looking at it...it was scandalous he had his hand on her cheek with that concerned face headlines were going to go big.Lacey met out by the stables and smiled seeing Maxwell "Master Marcoux you are looking rather dashing...is that your horse? It has lovely coloring what is its name?" She asked politely petting his muzzle with her white glove and smiling directly at him.
James was equally unaware of the photographer waiting unseen, his only concern was for Lydia, as he thought she had been hurt. It sure seemed she had. But he figured she didn't want to make a big deal of it, so he nodded and continued after her. "You won't lose your position. I'll see to that." he promised. She certainly didn't deserve to lose her job simply because she was struck. Maxwell smiled brightly when he saw Lacey, and he nodded, pausing stroking the animal. "He is my horse." He agreed. "His name is Bolten." He looked around at the barn. "But you have many lovely horses here as well!" He complimented.
Lydia smiled back at him "I appreciate that sir, thank you." She stumbled feeling a little dizzy, when she fell it definitely shook her up. She grabbed onto his arm taking deep breaths "mayhaps I am a little shaken up" she sat at the watering trough petting her horse calmly and blinking away the dizziness. Lacey smiled and looked around at the mares "strong racing horses but far too bold for me to ride, this is my black beauty..." She rubbed her pony's nose and nuzzled him "He's more of a gentleman..."
James steadied her when she swayed, and he watched her in concern. She sure did look shaken up, and he didn't doubt that she was. She had been struck, that could be quite shocking. "We can rest as long as you need." he assured. "Are you sure there isn't anything I can do, or get you?" he asked, leaning against the fence near her. Maxwell smiled, nodding in understanding. "I always liked the polite horses over the powerful ones." He agreed, being honest. "I never put much stock in the spirited ones." He shrugged. Putting one foot in the stirrup, he swung himself over the back of his horse and smiled down at her. "Where are we riding today, m'lady?"
Lydia shook her head and looked up her bruise starting to develop "no I'm really ok, I'm just upset that you saw that...it happens a lot, servants are treated like scum and it's sickening but...we can't do anything about it James, you are treated like a king!"Lacey swung herself on her horse and galloped in front of him "there's a beachfront this way, would you care about getting sandy and wet? I love it down there, makes me feel like a normal girl."
James felt like she punched him in the gut, but he kept his emotions off his face. She had practically said that he cared nothing about her or any other servant, and that he was some sort of snobbish king while the servants were being bullied. The servants certainly weren't slaves, and he thought they were treated well enough. He didn't know of any harm coming to them... but what he just saw... James swallowed what was left of his pride and mustered a sympathetic face. "I'm very sorry about that." He said sincerely. "It certainly isn't right that you were treated that way."Maxwell laughed, nudging his horse into a gallop behind her, quickly catching up as they road. The wind whipped his hair around his face, but he didn't mind in the slightest. The day was warm and the weather was lovely, a perfect day for riding. "I don't mind at all!" he said honestly. Being a footman at heart meant he had no qualms about getting dirty. He most often did when grooming the horses, or gardening. It certainly wasn't a prestigious job, and he wasn't bothered by a little dirt.
Lydia sighed and took his hand "I didn't meant you James...You treat us so well at the manor, it's just...I don't feel right being treated so well when girl's my age are selling themselves on the street." she bit her lip and sighed "I'm sorry...I don't usually get to talk to anyone except the gingerbread men..."Lacey smiled and looked behind at her at him "You are so much different then what I first thought you would be Marcoux, I thought you were snobbish and piggish I honestly wanted nothing to do with you..." she shrugged and slowed down so that they were next to each other "But now...I feel different, I like being with you.."
James nodded slowly, feeling a little better when she clarified. He knew what she said meant something to her, and he could see where she was coming from. This day and age really had a wacked society. "It's alright." he said seriously. "I'm glad you're trying to talk to me about it." He said seriously. "I'd certainly rather that than have you say nothing at all."Maxwell slowed his own horse to a trot so they could move at a leisurely pace side by side, and he smiled a little, knowing how wrong she was about his master. Marcoux was anything but snobbish. "That's alright. It's a common misconception around heirs." he said, shrugging. "I'm glad you like spending time with me, for I quite enjoy it as well." he admitted. Then he grinned. "Is that the beach?" He asked, looking at the shining waters that had just appeared around the bend.
Lydia sighed "no one wants to hear my voice...it's loud annoying and I don't speak good..." She sighed sitting down "if anyone finds about my father and the Queen they'll stick me in a palace...I'll make a fool out of myself and cooking would be a myth..." she whispered and shook her head. Lacey smiled and nodded "isn't it beautiful?" She hopped off into the sand and ran it through her fingers and pulled off her jacket and hat shaking out her hair and smiling at him "join me?"
James frowned, shaking his head seriously. "But, Lydia, you deserve to be there." he said, meaning every word. "You deserve to be in that palace." He felt this with total conviction. She had a lineage just like him, a lineage that gave her riches and fame. "As the princess, you could have whatever you wanted." He pointed out. "They could import ingredients for you to cook with."Maxwell grinned, jumping off his horse's back and letting it roam as he ran to join her, loosening the neck of his shirt and dumping his shoes so he could run across the beach. "It's gorgeous!" He said, grinning. He didn't have a beach any larger than the pond back at Marcoux's house.
Lydia shook her head "I don't want that, I like to cook for you and your family I like the life I have...I just wish I could make more of a difference, and I don't like to be abused." She growled and pet down the horses while they drank "please don't tell a soul Master James..." She knew she couldn't ask her master to hold a secret but she hoped as a friend he would.Lacey smiled and nodded pulling him down and laughing "have you ever created a sand castle before?" She asked packing the wet sand to a lopsided tower that immediately crumbled after a second of standing.
James nodded then, understanding what she said. It was her choice after all, and if she liked this life better, he certainly wasn't going to push her into anything else. "I won't breathe a word, I promise." he said solemnly. "And its just James." He said, not wanting her to refer to him as 'master' all the time. Maxwell allowed himself to flop into the sand and he grinned, watching her play with the dry sand. "The wet sand sticks better." He commented. He moved to the shore-line and scooped up some wet sand, packing it into a firm hill to build the tower on. "Come help!" He said, smiling brightly. His pants were soaked from the water now, but he didn't care in the slightest.
Lydia smiled and found herself hugging him, how many more rules was she going to break that day? The photographer of course got the shot grinning his crooked willey grin money bags in his eyes. This poor wench was going to wish she stayed in the kitchen. Lydia let go quickly Her face red "I don't know what has come over me Janes...please forgive a wench like me?"Lacey laughed and started building the tower again amazed that it was staying up. She stuck an old sandpiper feather at the top for the flag and giggled "I feel like a child again, which is not at all what I expected this summer to be."
James was a little surprised when she hugged him, but he quickly let his arms fall around her. She had just been struck, he figured she deserved some comfort. When she pulled away again though, what she said shocked him, and his eyebrows raised. "Lydia!" he said quickly. "Don't call yourself something so horrible. You deserved a hug, and I certainly wouldn't keep you from that."Maxwell helped her build the castle and then sat back, grinning at the finished result. He glanced at her mischievously, not answering her beyond scooping up some water and splashing it onto her dress. He chuckled, laughter in his eyes.
Lydia dried her tears and stood "we must get back before anyone saw that...we can't see each other, I'm sorry I was so foolish to think that we could be acquaintances..." She hitched up the horses loading the groceries as she drove the carriage back not saying anything after that. She was risking too much for a player son of her master...Lacey gasped pretending to be insulted "oh not a smart move sir!" She pushed him into the water and laughed splashing him back "I do not stray from a fight sir Marcoux!" She teased and made a sand ball ready to defend herself.
James was hurt that she was so afraid of being around him. Yes, he knew the reasons, and they were good reasons as far as reasons go, but he still hated that it was the same old excuses that kept everyone away from him. There were only a select few posh ladies that actually talked to him. All the down to earth people just avoided him. James kept quiet on the ride back to the manor. When they arrived, he hopped off the carriage and took the reigns of the horses. "I'll take care of the buggy. You should get back to the kitchens." Without further ado, he lead the horses towards the barn. Maxwell laughed aloud then, pulling off his now soaked over coat and tossing it onto the sand. His white shirt clung to him as it was wet as well, but he hardly minded. He just got up again, scooping water with both hands and sloshing it onto her. "And I am no easy opponent!" he said, trying to push as big of a wave as possible onto her.
Lydia nodded tears streaming down her face as she hated that she couldn't have such a wonderful friend as him. She went in the kitchen and put away the food and getting the luncheon ready. She saw Illiana and burst into tears holding nothing back. She was new but she was a good friend and listener.Lacey gasped getting soaked, she pinned him to the sand laughing above him her wet hair dripping onto his face as she smiled down at his handsome face "say uncle!" She taunted as if they were rowdy young lads. She knew her mother would kill her for arriving in this state but she honestly didn't cars.
Illiana was cleaning up in the kitchens when Lydia burst in, sobbing. She looked up in shock, so surprised that her friend had not had a good time. What on earth had happened!? She ran over and wrapped her arms around the cook, trying to comfort her. "Lydia! What happened dear? What's wrong?" She asked, worried. Maxwell's smiled up at her, his expression slowly turning devious as the waves lapped around them both. He thought about giving in. But where was the fun in that? So instead, he lifted his head off the sand and kissed her. A quick kiss, polite, but still stolen. Maxwell grinned up at her, his whole face smiling, not just his mouth.
Lydia shaking told her the events of the day her hands shaking as she clung onto her friend her maid uniform getting covered in tears as she dried her eyes sniffing "I care for him greatly, but I cannot risk it...I cannot befriend him, John will fire me instantly. And if im on his mind he'll do his research and find out who my mother truly is..." She said scared "I could be hung or worse turned into the dowager Princess all freedom gone!"Lacey was shocked with the kiss her cheeks pink as she gaped probably like a goldfish and then lifted his head from the sand and kissed him slowly releasing the kiss gently "there...now your not a kiss stealing thief!"
Illiana kept quiet, just listening to her talk. She knew how hard it was for maids and footmen who fell in love with anyone higher up. It never worked out. "I'm so sorry." She whispered, truly meaning that. "It really is unfair the way this world works." She sympathized. She really had no other advice. The poor maid could never be with master James. It was a total scandal that no one would permit. Alas, if only all people were equal in this world! Illiana helped guid Lydia to a chair where she sat her down. "Rest for a moment. I'll grab a steak for your eye. Would you like some tea?" She askedMaxwell had not been expecting her to have the guts to kiss him back, a person that she had only just met, and he was pleasantly surprised when she did. He relented then, deciding that she won fair and square. "Even then, eh?" He smiled. "Uncle for now. But I'll get you back later." He winked as he sat up and shook his head like a wet dog, spraying water everywhere before his dark hair plastered itself to his forehead again. "Shall we head back before someone comes looking for us?"
Marcoux looked in as James canes storming in, the man was obviously upset. He grabbed his coat before he flung it over the armchair and hung it up "anything I can do sir? You seem...distressed to say the least." He said honestly and started shining his boots laying them out for his next excursion "your mother did not notice your absence sir." He assured.Lydia sniffed and shook her head "that steak is for the luncheon Illi...I believe I am fine..." She stood drying her tears "no reason to get upset over something I can't change..." She shook her head trying to shake him out of her thoughts "your lucky you made friends with that footman, at least you two will have a chance.."
Lacey nodded and stood wringing out her hair that was now naturally curly from the moisture, she tied it up with her bootlace and mounted her horse as they galloped quickly back home. Her mother was waiting at the stable "m-mother...I didn't think I was last for lunch..."
James didn't feel like talking to anyone. Certainly not another servant who had to fake smiles and pretend to be eager to please. "No. That's alright." he said, tousling his hair in frustration. The only thing that made him feel a little better was that the footman told him that his mother had not noticed him gone. "Thank you." He said finally, sighing. "If she asks, tell her I went in town to mail a letter." He said. Illiana sighed softly. "Well your eye needs tending to. At least let me get you some ice." She said seriously, pulling some out of the ice tub and wrapping it in a rag. She handed the bundle to Lydia to press over her eye. Then she smiled a little, glad for the topic change. "The footman seems nice enough." She agreed. "But when do we have time for anything but work?" She shook her head.
Her mother, who had been waiting, frowned when she saw her daughter, and her frown only deepened when she saw the state she was in. "Lacey!" She cried. "Have you no sense at all?" She said, walking up to the horse and reigning it in. "You were late for lunch and afternoon tea! We were about to send out the footman for fear that Marcoux had run off with you!"
Marcoux sighed he had to tell someone, especially his cousin who was already giving him second glances "like when we were lads and went to the cove...we used the same excuse." He shrugged "it might work as well this time." He sat down taking a deep breath "I couldn't keep quiet for long." He added to James astonished face.Lydia sighwd and pressed it to her face carefully and winced at the cold "we do have the day off on Sunday, when the master's attend services. It is a blessing, plus with the fasting they aren't eager for an elaborate meal." She smiled to herself "James came up with a rather delicious recipe I may try tomorrow for luncheon, oh good golly what was served while I was gone?"
Lacey took his hand immediately "he wouldn't do such a thing he's an honorable gentleman, I was just having a good time mother that is all!" She protested taking her horse from her mother "I apolagize for being late..."
At first James just nodded at the footman, and then his features dawned in realization. "Marcoux?" he asked softly, his features disbelieving. "What on earth are you doing parading around as a footman!" he said in a hushed whisper. Then his features darkened. "And if you are here.... then who is the bastard who is courting my sister?" he growled, suddenly very protective and worried for his sister's sake. Marcoux he trusted. Strangers he did not. Illiana nodded, clasping her hands together in excitement. "My first day off! Well. Mostly off. It shall be lovely. I'll have some time to read and maybe see the footman." She grinned. "We could bake just for fun!" Then she smiled shyly. "The other kitchen staff and I worked to get some sandwiches and soup out for the family." She said, smiling.
Maxwell kept the hurt off his features at her mother's comment, and he just stood there, chin up, not the least bit sorry for anything they had done.
Her mother, on the other hand, was still very sceptical. "This is not lady like at all my dear." She said disapprovingly. "Though I am glad you both got a chance to get to know each other better. Just next time, please tell me how long you plan to be gone!" She looked over them both. "You better come in. I'll have the maids fetch you both towels and a change of clothing."
Marcoux put his hand on his shoulder "hush, he is my footman and he is far more appropriate for Lady Lacey then I am. Trust me, I just needed a break from being an heir and he wanted to see what it was like. Problem is...he's falling for her and I for a maid." He explained sitting on the couch.Lydia smiled "thank you so much for doing that, I hadn't realized how late it got. James either, time is just endless when I talk to him he has the same passion for food as I do...and I just felt comfortable." She moaned "why did I ever invite him to join me? He was already melting me by just his looks and charm!"
Lacey nodded and pecked her mother's cheek "of course mother, and I am sorry...we were just at the beach tis all, not far enough to cause alarm still on our grounds and land." She assured and took Maxwell's hand and squeezed if giving him a smile and waited before her mother was out of site before hugging him just feeling comfortable in his arms "I have never had such a good time Marcoux..."
James sat with his cousin, a slight frown on his face. How on earth had he gotten into this mess? And all because he was tired of being an heir. "This is all rather risky, don't you think?" he asked, speaking in hushed tones. "What happens if these relationships turn into more? You can't keep pretending to be someone you're not for the rest of your life. And once they find out the truth...."Illiana smiled and waved her off, "It was really easy to put together." She promised. "It wasn't a problem at all." then she smiled lightly. "He is quite the smooth talker." She agreed, shrugging. "No one can blame you for liking him." She brought over some tea for Lydia. "But don't fault him for his friendliness. I think he merely wishes to make the effort with everyone."
Her mother nodded, satisfied then, and bustled off to warn the maids to fetch towels.
Again, Maxwell was surprised by Lacey's sudden show of friendliness, but he enjoyed it. She had a whole lot more guts than other girls did, and he liked that. "Me either." he agreed, hugging her back. They were both sopping wet, but he didn't mind. "Thanks for suggesting it. Maybe we could do something again tomorrow?"
Marcoux "trust me, I'm already thinking about that...the only one who would know the difference is mother, and as she is in her death bed and delusional she will not know either. I prefer this life and yes eventually I will tell Illiana the truth and same goes for Maxwell. But you can't honestly say you woukdnt do the same if given the chance."Lydia sighed and nodded sipping the tea "I do believe I wounded him with my words on the way home...I just was humiliated and flustered and it came out..." She glanced at the plates being ready to served for dinner she wrote a note on papyrus paper that was edible to eat 'I am sorry, please except my apology and friendship?" She slipped it under the steak sticking out so he would see it but then eat it to be rid of evidence. She heard the bell "looks like Lady Lacey is in need of her ladies maid."
Lacey nodded pecking the side of her mouth "I would enjoy that very much, after lessons of course...and I think James wanted to take you on the fox hunt. But afterwards...all I want to do is be with you." She promised and ran off to her room to get changed for dinner.
James listened to him and then sighed, nodding. He was right. No one would know the difference, and James would do the same if he could. But he couldn't. His mother and father would bring all hell down upon the household if there ever was such a scandal like that one. "Please just be careful. You're walking in dangerous waters and I'd hate to see you drown."Illiana nodded. "Good luck with him. I'm sure everything will work out alright." She assured. She jumped up at the ring of the bell, smiling at Lydia and waving before she jogged up the three flights of stairs and entered Lady Lacey's room, where she gasped, finding her all soaking wet. "My goodness!" She exclaimed. "You're going to need a whole new set of clothes." she bustled to the closet, quickly searching for something nice to wear to dinner."
Maxwell felt his neck and face heat up, though he knew that blushing never really showed on his features. "Sounds good, m'lady." he said, bowing and kissing her knuckles. He watched her run off before he smiled and shook his head, returning to his room upstairs where he started to towel himself down.
Marcoux nodded "I will, thank you. Is there anything you need to discuss?" Obviously there was something on his mind he had never seen his cousin so...troubled and upset. He worked sewing a button on the suitcoat while Janes spoke, after a few pricks of the needle he was starting to get the hang of this.Lacey stripped off her clothing and toweled off, she couldn't stop smiling however and that was rare for the girl "pick the rose colored one that drapes over my shoulders." She smiled to herself and found a seashell stuck in her boot. It was beautiful and she put it on the dresser "oh Illiana you are so right, he is a man and a good kind and handsome man, I have never had such a good time! And he kissed me, I have never been kissed and oh goodness it makes my whole body fluttery!"
James sighed then, knowing his cousin could probably see his turmoil. "The kitchen maid, head cook, her name is Lydia. I had wanted to be friends with her, as she's rather sweet. But she made it very clear today that that would never be possible." He sighed. "You know how it is." He raked a hand through his hair in frustration. Was having friends too much to ask?Illiana immediately found the dress Lacey spoke of, and helped her into it, wrapping her hair in a towel so it would dry as she dressed. "You were kissed!?" She said, delighted. "But that's wonderful! Tell me everything! How did he do it? Was it nice? Did you kiss him back?" She asked, just as excited as her lady was. "Do you like him, miss Lacey?"
Marcoux watched him and smiled "sounds like you are getting feelings for this cook, she has amazing skills may I just say. That breakfast was divine. Maybe she is worried for you more then her? Just talk to her...and I must get to my master and get him prepared for dinner. It's a fancy occasion right?"Lacey smiled "I pinned him on the sand and he leaned up and kissed me, it was soft and sweet and I kissed him back. And then I kissed him before going inside the house...I just, I do...I really do, all I want is to be with him." She spun in her dress "I love it! I feel beautiful..."
James shook hid head but he smiled. "Thank you Marcoux." He said. "I shall try to talk to her tonight if I get the chance." He said seriously, feeling much better about it. "Dinner is generally fancy, so yes, something nicer." He smiled, finding it funny that his cousin would pull something like this. "Go on then. Though I'm sure Maxwell has already figured out what he wishes to wear." He chuckled.Illiana closed her eyes, just imagining what sort of romantic moment that would have been. They hardly knew each other, which made everything more exciting. Oh how she wished she could have an exciting romance too. "You look beautiful." Illi commented, fixing up her hair into a nice up do. "If I may say so, maybe your parents weren't as wrong as you first thought?" She asked, stepping back when she was done.
Marcoux smiled and headed to see Maxwell helping him get dressed like a good footman, he combed his hair and blinked "my you look dashing. Very dashing. How was your time with Lacey? Did you have a good time?"Lacey sighed "I hate when they are right..." She pulled her curls down so her hair sweeper down her shoulder. She put a glaze on her lips and rough on her cheeks "alright, I think I'm ready to see him...I mean go to dinner." She smiled at her "go see the footman of Marcoux's...there's a swing outside have him take you and get your own romantic moment."
Maxwell shrugged, glancing in the mirror. "Well enough." he said, smiling lightly. He wasn't one to gossip or over dramatize any situations. "She showed me the beach and we built sand castles and played in the water." He grinned. "I kissed her. I think she liked that." He shrugged. "Though women aren't always set in their intentions."Illiana laughed softly, shaking her head. "Yes. I do believe you look dashing for.... dinner." Then her eyes softened in hope. "Oh that would be wonderful, m'lady. But I could never afford time off like that. And I'm sure the footman couldn't afford it either." She shrugged. "We're busy all the time taking care of you and your family, miss."
Marcoux chuckled and nodded "sounds like a productive day to get to know her, I told James he knows that we switched I trust him not to tell a soul though. He did bring up the point of what if your relationship becomes serious I give you my blessing to marry the girl but you need to tell her."Lacey took her hands "not while everyone is eating dinner, you'll have about 2 hours time. I will keep them distracted from your absence but I'm sure no one will notice till retiring for bed, go see him Illiana im sure he'd love it as well.
Maxwell nodded, his smile diminishing a little. He had always hated that about this arrangement. Lying. He didn't like deceiving everyone about who he was. But now it was too late to turn back from that. The only issue would be telling Lacey he had lied. He could only imagine her reaction. "I know." he huffed. "That's going to be one heck of a conversation."Illiana's eyes lit up in excitement and she grasped her lady's hands in excitement. "Thank you mis Lacey!" she exclaimed, bouncing a little on her feet. Maybe something nice would happy. Maybe... more likely that she was just getting her hopes up. But hey, it was hard not to wish. "I'll be back in two hours to get you ready for bed." she promised, waving as she ran downstairs to try and find Maxwell. She asked a couple of the maids where he was.
Marcoux sighed and nodded "I and the maid as well..." He heard her calling for him and paused opening the door to her beautiful rosy cheek self "Illiana? What is it?" He made sure Maxwell was presentable before following her "you are shaking like a leaf." But there was excitement on her face so that eased some worries.The kitchen staff set the table making sure James say at the one with the note, Lacey came downstairs and bowed to her parents sitting by her brother and Marcoux she smiled at him softly before waiting for the word from her mother.
Illiana grinned when she found Maxwell and she took his hand, leading him through the house. "Come on. I want to show you something." she urged, pushing open the door and then letting go of him as she jogged outside. She tipped her head back and spun, looking at the glittering sky full of stars. "Isn't it beautiful?" She asked, smiling brightly. Then she beckoned him over to the garden where the swing sat. "Come on!" she urged. "I've been dying to try out this thing."Maxwell returned Lacey's smile, just as her mother smiled at everyone present at the table. "Thank you all for joining us for dinner this evening, and a very warm welcome to Mr. Marcoux who is joining us for the summer!" There was a light applause from everyone. "Well. I think the staff have really outdone themselves on the dinner this evening, so let us not put it to waste, shall we?" she said, and that was the cue for everyone to start their food.
James, as he began eating, noticed that there was a strange piece of paper below his meat. He pulled it out and read the note, knowing who it was from. Part of him was disappointed that she chose to send him a note instead of talking to him in person about this, and part of him was very very relieved. He smiled softly and cut the note up, eating it with a piece of his steak.
Marcoux smiled and helped her on the swung, she was such a beautiful girl. So animated and full of life and love, he pushed her and watched her swing over the little pond that was reflecting the moon "what do you see?" He asked as she gazed at the moon over the water. He thought the moonlight bouncing off her hair was beautiful and looked erethral.Lacey smiled and watched him read the note "that's so sweet...meet her in the kitchen when mom is serving after coffee...you two need to talk and remember that status is not important you like her right?"
Illiana grinned in delight as Maxwell pushed her on the swing, and she flew out over the lake, before returning to land, and then flying out again. It was so magical. She felt like she was among the stars when she looked down at the moon and the night sky reflecting on the pond's waters. "I see a thousand suns lighting up the night sky." She said, her smile soft. "It's so beautiful."James jerked a little in surprise when his sister spoke. He had not thought anyone had seen him read the note. But what she said made him relax a little, and he sent a 'devil may care' smile her way. "Since when is my little sister so interested in the love affairs of others?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
Marcoux smiled and waited till she swung back and pecked her lips "you look beautiful on the moon...Illiana, i wish there was a way that I could capture this image and carry it with me all day..." He said honestly and smiled "this was such a great idea, how'd you find out about this spot?"Lacey smiled "since I need you to keep mum busy while I'm with Marcoux tomorrow please...she had a hissy fit today about me coming back late with him. I will keep your kitchen maid secret as well."
Illiana let the swing slow so that she could sit by him, and she patted the space beside her on the seat, indicating that he could join her. She had flushed heavily at his compliment, her cheeks pink. "Lady Lacey told me of it." she admitted, smiling shyly. "I thought it might be nice to come out here and see what it was like."James's smile turned into a soft chuckle and he nodded, deciding that he could do that much for his sister. He enjoyed that she was enjoying this so, even though it did pain him to know that she did not even really know the man she was falling in love with. "Deal." he agreed.
Marcoux smiled and sat by him as he took her hand "it wouldn't be as incredibke without you...and it seems Lady Lacey approves of us?" He pecked her cheek "this can be our time...and Sunday's. Marcoux is alright with us as well..." Aubree smiled and took his hand squeezing it "mother is distracted, go I'll tell her that you are in the washroom." She assured and took Maxwell's hand under the table "you look dashing...tonight, but still I like you best covered in sand." She whispered and smiled.
Illiana only blushed further and she nodded. "Lady Lacey thinks it's cute I believe." She said honestly. "Though I think her relationship with Marcoux is the sweetest thing ever." She admitted. "It makes me wish I had someone to share secrets with." She shrugged. "But what use is there in wishful thinking? It doesn't gain one anything."James nodded his thanks, dismissing himself from the dinner table to go downstairs and find Lydia. When he saw her bruise, he felt anger curdle in his stomach again. No one should have hit her like that. "Thank you for your apology." he said softly. "And I suppose I owe you one as well."
Maxwell squeezed her hand back, smiling lightly at her. "Oh do you." He commented softly, his eyes shining in silent laughter. "Well you looked quite dashing with wet hair." He countered, smiling brighter. "I had no idea it was so curly. It's beautiful." he complimented.
Marcoux tilted her face to make her look at him "your not wishing...I would love to be the one you go to when you need to talk." He promised and smiled "your eyes are so beautiful in the moonlight and actually in the daylight too...and inside..." He pecked her lips "I love your eyes."Lydia was shocked to see him "James...I didnt, I mean I'm so sorry...I had such a good time with you today. I like spending time with me, you don't judge me for how I speak or who I am...and I shouldn't have judged you."
Lacey flushed and smiled "my mum doesn't allow me to keep it curly...only straight its unlady like to have uncontrolled hair and basically everything I am is unlady like in her eyes...I hate it. Marcoux I feel like I'm drowning in this place."
Illiana's breathing hitched as she watched him talk in absolute enthralled adoration. Was this happening? Was it a dream? If so, she never wished to wake from it. "T-thank you." she stammered, at loss for words. Her heart was fluttering out of control this had all happened so fast. And then, as her breathing sped up, she became painfully aware of how tight her corset was, and how little oxygen it allowed her. "I think I'm going to pass out." she murmured, right before she slumped against him, unconscious. James found himself smiling lightly and he shook his head. "Don't apologize. I understand." He said seriously. He knew how society worked, and he understood why she had been reluctant to be friends with him. He held out his hand to shake. "Friends?" he asked hopefully.
Maxwell didn't say how much he envied her life. If only she knew who and what he actually was... she would probably see him differently. "Well you are the most interesting lady I have ever met." he said, smiling lightly. "Are we taking the day off again tomorrow?"
Marcoux gasped worriedly and quickly picked her up and laid her on the grass as he cut off her corset "I do not understand what possesses a woman to wear these bloody things." He muttered and kissed her giving her living breath "Illiana? Are you alright? My god you scared me so badly..."Lydia smiled and shook his hand but hugged him as well "friends, but I think our best way to communicate is papyrus...did you think that was clever? I loved that you can eat it after!"
Lacey smiled "thanks to my brother, what do you say? We could go have tea at the bookstore. Do you like to read? I'm not allowed in there without a man as you know...so ridiculous, I can't the society..."
Illiana took a moment to come to, but when she did, she was painfully aware of how bare she suddenly was. If anyone looked out and saw her lain on the grass with her corset off, Maxwell hovering above her... oh goodness. She could only imagine what they would think. She blushed furiously and nodded, closing her eyes again as she waited for the nausea to go away. "I'm sorry... that was embarrassing." She said, covering her eyes with a hand. If only she wasn't blushing so hard.James laughed easily. "Yes, that was very clever." he agreed. "Taste's strange, but its an ingenious way to get rid of a secret message." he approved. He looked around the kitchen. "Have you tried anything with the ingredients we bought?"
Maxwell smiled, "Tea sounds lovely." he agreed. "I enjoy a good book." He admitted. "I'd love to take you there. I could buy you a few books to last you for a while." he promised. "Then you wouldn't need to find a man to take you there again, you'd have your own copies."
Marcoux helped her up and wrapped her up in his suit coat as he took her to the servant quarters to get dressed. "I'm glad that you are alright, you don't need a corset at all your waiat is so tiny..." He said honestly and took her hand away and held it "don't be embarrased Illi..."Lydia smiled and pulled out the Italian desert "there's only enough for one piece, I was trying to figure out how to get it to you..." She smiled lightly and gave it to him with his fork "how does this taste?"
Lacey gasped and asked for them to be excused as she went to the gazebo and hugged him tightly never feeling so loved "Marc that is the most thoughtful thing anyone has ever done for me...thank you..." She whispered not knowing how to handle these overwhelming emotions.
Maxwell shook his head slowly, not quite beleiving it, but wanting to. "I'll trust you on that." he said, straightening finally. "Thankyou. I'll see you this evening then." He smiled brightly, and headed down to the stables to see if Bolten was brushed down yet.
Illiana nodded in understanding. "I'm sure you can find that sort of romance." She said seriously. "But don't write off Mr. Marcoux just because he is who your parents want you to marry." She encouraged. "He is a man too, and a very handsome one. Who knows, you might find love, true love, in him." She finished off her outfit and stood back, smiling. "I think you are ready to ride now, m'lady."