Detailed Roleplayers discussion
1x1
>
McKensie and Lara III
Thomas chuckled and helped him sit down "It was Sampson and me father...we narrowed down every island...used amazing navigation to get through the ship graveyard...there was many trials we had to pass but we made it." He smiled squeezing Sada's hand lovingly "we shipped the chest to New York and it'll be revealed in a month's time."Jackie rubbed her belly and nodded smiling "will Sad'a still be my mid wife? Even though they are leaving? I only trust her Sam..."
Jack smiled "of course, I give gifts to the one I care for and that my dear is you..." He squeezed her waist and headed to the little sandwich shop as he set her down and tucked in her chair "what would you like love?"
Lacey smiked lightky and sighed "I wouldn't want any woman to have to face what I did...it will take a strong person to be able to handle it. I certainly couldnt...I lost it every night...just had a good friend that thought I was a sensitive guy."
His father just kept nodding his head, his eyes wide the whole time. "I can't believe it! I'm so proud of you, son. I always knew you two would be the ones to find it." he shook his hand. "I'll have to be there for the unveiling. Such an event!"Sampson nodded, squeezing her hand. "We can ask her, I'm sure she'd be more than happy to still do the job. She's such a sweet, quiet thing."
Clara couldn't stop blushing as she dipped her head in thanks and walked with him to the sandwich shop, sitting down in the chair he offered and thanking him as she picked up a menu. "The flatbread italian sandwiches look like something new and fancy to try…" She commented, "Or the simple ham and cheese fresh loaf. That looks good too. Anything you see here appetizing?"
James nodded slowly, not wanting to disagree. He knew what war was, after all, and he couldn't imagine her or any other woman in it. "We men have a secret." he said softly. "We don't cope with it any better than you do. We just hide it." He smiled lightly.
Thomas chuckled and nodded along as he pulled out the paper with the rubbings from the temple "these are also for you...grandfather got them pretty accurate but...now you have the real ones." He said smiling over at Sad'a and squeezing her hand "I feel like my travels have come to an end...im leaving the ship to Sampson and his bride who of course are late..."Jackie shook her head "Sad'a is not quiet, I would never want to cross her. She's a flame that doesn't need to be kindled all the time. It's strong and unmoving. I find her to be my dearest friend."
Jack chuckled looking through the menu "it isn't what I find appetizing it's making a choice on what to actually order! It all looks delicious...and the prices aren't ridiculous...I suppose the end of the war is approaching all sides." He took her hand and squeezed it softly "I'm ever grateful Max...I mean Lacey brought us together."
Lacey smiled lightly pecking his cheek and sighing "I believe that is true, I got both perspectives out there and I'll never take Max for grantite again..." She smiled squeezing his hand "go find Lydia...there's still time to trap her in the stable room while I distract mum and dad, trust me you both need it."
His father looked over the rubbings, staring at them reverently as if they would reveal some hidden secrets. He shook his head slowly, standing to hang them up on his trophies and trinkets shelf. "Definitely a prized possession, those." he whispered. Then he turned slowly, as if evaluating Thomas. "So you wish to leave the sea." it wasn't a question. Sampson laughed aloud then. "I suppose you'd be the one to find that in her. I certainly haven't seen any fire. But maybe she reserves that for a special kind of person. I'm just so scary that I make her run." he teased, shaking his head. "She's a sweet girl, none the less."
Clara nodded in compete agreement, her eyes scanning the menu. "The war certainly does help the prices. At least it was good for one thing, after all the damage it did." She muttered, shaking her head. Then she met his gaze and nodded. "I'll have to thank Lady Lacey at some point." Then she smiled. "And I think I'm going to try the flatbread."
James nodded, his smile growing soft. "I'm sure he'll appreciate that." he stood, chewing at his lip. "If Lydia doesn't whack me over the head for my behaviour, that is. I'll try to kiss her first." he joked, shaking his head as he walked towards the stables, looking for Lydia.
Thomas nodded slowly "Aye Father...I will be a father soon enough and I'd rather raise my family in more stable grounds. I accomplished my dream and suceeded. Sampson was always more fit to be captain, he will take good care of the ship and make you proud."Jackie squeezed his hand "you aren't frightening at all my love...just handsome, intimidating at a times, not always but sometimes boorish."
Jack nodded "think I'll go with the Italian loaf and roast beast, I find that satisfying at any given location." He chuckled and ordered for them both as he smiled over at her "alright so we established family...what do you like to do for hobbies?"
Lydia looked up and eyed him but he looked better and so she gave a smile "speak to Lacey did you?" She mused and tugged him by his tie "now asking for forgiveness from your princess?"
Lacey looked up and gasped in delight as Eloise ran to her and she held her close grinning at Maxwell "perfect timing love..."
His father sighed softly, nodding in resignation. "I suppose I knew that you'd want to settle down at some point." he admitted, smiling over at his son. "I am very proud of you, even if I am sad that you won't be a captain any longer." he said, clapping his shoulder. Sampson chuckled, shaking his head. "Boorish, frightening, same thing." he smiled lightly at her. "Aren't I still an oafish pig?"
Clara smiled as her ordered, nodding as she also thought the Italian loaf had sounded good. Then she laughed. "Well I certainly think reading is a hobby. But to be honest, the life of a maid is often busy enough that I hardly get any time off. Only a couple of hours or so on Sundays. I like to take long walks then. " She said honestly. "But what about you? What do you do for fun?"
James's smile was soft as he nodded. "Yes, I spoke to her." he said, stepping up and wrapping his arms about her waist. "Yes, I wish to gain your forgiveness." He kissed her lips gently. "Do you grant it?"
Maxwell smiled as he watched their daughter leap into her arms and he sat beside her on the bench. "Everything alright?" he asked, squeezing her hand.
Thomas hugged his father and sighed "thank you for understanding...we are thinking of living in this area so we will always be close by and you can be full time grandfather watching the tyke grow." He looked up as Sampson entered the room with Jackue they were bickering playfully at eachother per usual, he cleared his throat so Samoson would be respectful.Jack nodded "I enjoy long walks, I like to bring my sketch book along and draw nature and things I see. I write though I've never showed anyone before...by brother is the scholary type not me. But it is something I find time to do each day."
Lydia smiled kissing him back softky "I do...I grant my forgiveness." She nuzzled him and just held him close "im sorry you've been so stressed lately I do try to ease that burdain..."
Lacey nodded bouncing Eloise on her lap and holding her little girl close "much better now..." She admitted and smiled "just had a scare...James wasn't pleased with me at all...thought I was losing him as a brother...he was more furious then you were..."
His father nodded slowly, is if contemplating that. Then he smiled softly, pleased. "I'll be thrilled to be a grandparent." He hugged Thomas, grinning over at Sampson as he joined them as well. He clapped his second son on the back. "I heard you're going to be a captain!" he looked over at Jacqueline. "And you're the pirate lass my son has written so much about?"Clara smiled, leaning her chin on her hand as she listened to him, entranced. "You sound like such a refined person." She said, the admiration evident in her voice. "I'd love to see your sketches sometime, and read your writing too, if you'd allow it." She sat back as the waiter brought their food, smiling her thanks and then starting on it.
James nuzzled his face into her hair, kissing it and then just taking comfort from the smell and feel of her. "Thank you." he whispered, meaning it completely. He hated when she was angry with him. It was just one more person who didn't approve of his actions. "I know, and without you, I'd be completely lost." he whispered, kissing her gently.
Maxwell nodded, moving so he was pressed against her side, one arm around her shoulders. "That doesn't sound like much fun." he whispered, caressing her cheek with his thumb. "Is it all sorted out now?" he inquired, hoping she and her brother were on good terms again. He knew that fighting never did any good for anyone.
Jackie glanced at Sampson raising a brow "depends on what he wrote I suppose...pleasure to meet the infamous captain Blind Blade." She tried to curtsy but failed obviously not trained. She undid her hair "this isn't the real me I just didn't know if you'd approve."Jack smiked as he dug in and cleared his throat "I actually was hoping to publish a book one day...but it's a silly dream, unrealistic. I mean there are so many incredible writers out there now." He munched on his sandwich smiling "this is spectacular...really!"
Lydia smiled and held him close as she cupped his face "so we have a scenario that we must discuss...you know how I was taking Donavon to the doctor for a check up?" She asked running her hands through his hair.
Lacey nodded and smiled hapily "it is, we discussed our boundaries and at least he's proud of me...he's just dealing with so much and I wish j could help..." She hugged Eloise close "who's my pretty girl?"
Sampson grinned at Jackie, shrugging. His father merely chuckled and took her hand, shaking it heartily. "It's a pleasure to meet you Jackie! Trust me, I love that you're a pirate and will watch over my boy. He needs lots of watching over you know."
Sampson immediately scowled, folding his arms.
Clara shook her head immediately, disagreeing. "Writing is just growing more and more popular. People read one book and immediately look for another. You could be world-famous, and you would never even know if you never tried." She said, smiling lightly at him as she nodded in agreement then, taking another bite. "It is, I commend the cook every time I've come. Which isn't many times, but I've made sure he knows what a wonderful job he's been doing.
James kept his eyes closed, just enjoying the feel of her hands in his hair. It was soothing, nearly putting him to sleep, and he loved every second of it. "Hmmm?" He murmured, listening, but also just entranced by her.
Maxwell kissed her cheek and squeezed her gently against him. "Hey… I'm proud of you, for being able to talk to him. That must have been a hard conversation. You're already doing all that you can for him, love, don't feel bad."
Eloise giggled and threw her arms around Lacey's neck. "Me!"
Jackie smiled over at her husband and nodded in agreement "he needs someone to keep an eye on him." She giggled pecking her cheek and moaned running her stomach "this little one has something to say as well." She breathed through the pain squeezing Sampson's hand tightly.Jack pondered to himself about that, maybe it could be his dream...he could do this. With her support and love. He squeezed her hand and smiled "I'll do it, but I can't do it without your support Clara...how's your food?" He asked watchibg her eat so ladylike, she was so dainty with everything she did.
Lydia smiled watching his entranced peaceful look on his face, she waited till his eyes opened and looked at her "im pregnant." She said softly and smiled "Donavon will have his first hearing side before the baby comes."
Lavey smiled and nodded kissing her head "I missed you, have you been having fun with your grandma and grandpa?"
Sampson just glowered, shaking his head. His upset expression immediately turned to worry when she moaned and he was at her side, rubbing her shoulders gently. "Can I get you something love?" He asked, his face creased in worry.Clara beamed, happy when he said he would attempt to get published. "That's all I need to hear." she squeezed his hand gently, feeling somewhat accomplished that she had managed to inspire someone. "I'm really enjoying the flatbread." she said honestly. "And the whole thing is just put together perfectly."
James startled at that, staring at her with wide eyes. "Oh love!" He exclaimed, a huge smile lighting his face. "That's wonderful news!" He hugged her and kissed her hair, beyond thrilled. He never would have guessed that that would be the news.
Eloise nodded eagerly, her smile bright as day. "Grama makes good cookies." she said, playing with her mother's hair. "And Grampa always lets me play with the dogs."
Jackie breathed through the pain but then felt the shiver between her legs and up her back as she shook her head "no you don't...your staying in there..." She mumbled and held up her large stomach as she sat down on the chair and smiled "so...how are the rest of you? Must distract herself and the impatient stow away.Jack smiled taking her hand and kissibg it, he paid the bill and slowly helped her up grabbing his umbrella from inside the cane he walked with because of the war. It was starting to rain as it always does in London as he held her to his side and walked in the beautiful romantic rain.
Lydia smiled and nodded "we need to focus on Donavon and his hearing aide first, I can't wait but I'm so worried it's an elaborate surgery and he's such a good boy..."
Lacey smiled "mommy can make you cookies and we can have dogs how about that?"
Sampson's frown didn't go away once as he watched her, but she seemed to be better after whatever had been bothering her when she sat in the chair. He sat beside her, always watching, always careful. Sada was worried for Jackie's sake as well, but she answered politely. "A little in awe, to be honest. I've never seen houses so large…"Clara found it incredibly sweet that he paid and escorted her out, and she found herself drawing comfort by leaning on him as they walked through the quiet rain. She let the silence draw on for a moment, before she looked up at him. "What are your thoughts regarding women's rights, Mister?" She asked, curious, and a little nervous. "Should a woman be made to stay at home and cook and clean for the extent of her life?"
James nodded. "I know. He really seems excited about it though. I hope it works out well for him." He said seriously, scratching at his chin. "He'd probably love to hear what his music really sounds like."
Eloise beamed, tucking her head against her mother and closing her eyes. "Take me home now, Mama, I want to go home with you and Dad." She whispered,
Thomas nodded and smiled squeezing her hand "different from your home land im sure...but I find it cozy, but I do get a bit stir crazy in London. We will still have to travel even once settled."Jackie couldn't sit still for long the pain increased and she slightly arched off the chair trying to alleviate some of it. Her pantalones seemed to be getting wet but she didn't understand why, and was too embarrased to bring it up.
Jack frowned glancing at her "certainly not...I believe that a strong willed woman such as yourself can do much, I wish others would understand that...so many woman worked while the men were off to war I find that admirable. You know my dear friend Lacey is a decorated veteran of war which is a leap in history if you ask me."
Lydia smiled and nodded "he is such an accomplished little pianist though...the governess calls him uoung Beethoven isn't that marvelous?"
Lacey nodded picking her up and smiling at Maxwell "shall we go home? I do miss it..."
Sada smiled, leaning her head on his shoulder. "We will most definitely travel." She agreed, knowing they both wanted to see the world with a passion. Sampson noticed Jackie's discomfort, and his frown only deepened. "Love, are you sure you're alright?" he asked softly, rubbing her stomach which seemed to be more restless than usual.
Clara smiled immediately, glad that he had answered in a manner which she hoped he would. "Oh thank goodness. I was worried you might wish any girl of yours to have that fate, and if so, I would have had to bid you good bye." She said honestly, feeling much more comfortable with him now that she knew. "I hope for a future where men and women will be seen as equals. With different jobs and lifestyles, maybe, but equals none the less."
James's smile was genuine. "It is really sweet to see. And wonderful to hear. The palace is always filled with music, and we don't even have to hire a musician." he kissed her cheek. "He must have inherited your sharp mind." He smiled.
Maxwell nodded immediately. "Yes, let's. I've longed to see the estate again." he agreed, leading them all to the carriage they had arrived in, waving to James as they got in. "I think that was a good visit, don't you?"
Jackie felt a rush as he pressed on her stomach "no no no! You do that and they'll come out...I need them to stay in...im fine..." She mumbled and swore as more fluid rushed out "I need a change of pants though...and we'll need to clean this chair..."Jack nodded and pecked her cheek softly "I agree, but there are some jobs that I think would be better suited for either sex, I couldn't be a midwife that's for sure and I'd rather a woman not do any hard labor job..,if you weren't a ladies maid what would you want to do?"
Lydia smiled "but you are pretty excellent at tickling the ivories...im tone death when it comes to that..." She pulled him up and smiled "shall we go home? Everything is alright with you and your family yes?"
Lacey nodded and smiled as she held her girl strokibg her blonde hair "I feel better...and it was lovely to see Illiana and Marcoux...their little girl is the sweetest thing I've ever seen!"
Sada frowned as she watched their interaction and she got up, walking over. "Wet?" She asked, looking down at the stain on the chair. "Jackie, the baby is ready to come." She looked to Sampson. "Can you lie her down somewhere? And Thomas, can you grab some towels and warm water?"Sampson paled, realizing what this all meant, but he nodded, scooping up Jackie into his arms. "We'll be parents soon, Kitty." he whispered. "Actual parents. Just hang in there." he took her to his old bedroom and lay her on the bed.
Clara nodded in agreement. "My thoughts exactly." She approved. Then she thought for a moment, her expression soft. "I think I'd like to be a photographer." She said, shrugging lightly as they turned a corner in the street. "I think it's absolutely fascinating what is being done with photos and film these days. They can bring stories to life."
James looped his arm through hers. "I'm hardly that good, love, but thank you." he kissed her cheek and walked towards their own carriage, glancing once more at his family home. "Yes, everything is good again." He said softly.
Maxwell chuckled, resting his arm around her shoulders as he nodded. "Yes, they have a lovely family. I'm happy that they've all had a chance at joy again." he leaned his head on hers. "And we have a chance at our own family."
Jackie shook her head sitting up "no it isn't time...I've got time..,Sad'a tell them it isn't time!" She insisted and covered her face "im not ready...im not ready..." Thomas grabbed some towels and a basin of water as he pulled Sampson out of the room still respecting the rules "let us go drink." He said grabbing the good rum and pouring them both glasses going back to the sitting room with their father "any words of wisdom for the father to be?"Jack smiled at her "I think that would be a brilliant job, you could work for the paper and get the inside stories of the Royal family since they trust you. That could be your way in." They passed a photographer store and he let her in looking at all the different caneras and going to the store owner "how much for private lessons on photography?"
Lydia smiled as they arrived home and went to see their son in the music room. She smiled and hugged her boy signing to him asking if he got his studies done and ate his supper.
Sada merely smiled gently as she shut the door after the men and helped Jackie out of her pants, laying out the towels and making sure everything was set up properly. It was strange, doing it in a bed, and not on furs in a tent, but the process was still the same. "You're ready, Jackie." She reassured, patting her knee. "And you'll do absolutely wonderful."Sampson was as pale as a sheet as he followed his brother back out to their father. He took a good long sip of his rum, looking as skittish as a deer.
His father merely chuckled. "Basically, don't panic. Trust me, your imagination is worse than what's actually happening. Your woman is strong, she'll be just fine."
Clara's eyes lit up as they entered the store and she immediately got lost in the shelves, admiring each camera, and the photo's that were displayed. It was magic, in her mind.
The owner smiled lightly, glancing at the women who was enthralled by his cameras. He named a sum. "I could do them Saturdays, for an hour." He offered.
Donovan looked up from his playing as his parents returned and his smile was huge as he ran over and embraced them both, thrilled that they were home. "I finished my work." He said, his pronunciation always slightly off because he couldn't hear what he was saying. But it was understandable. "And I ate all my vegetables, I promise!"
Jackie shook her head as she gasped in pain arching off the bed, she whimpered clenching the towels and turning her head on the pillow "Sad'a I can't...it already hurts!" She cried out knowing it was just the begining of a long night.Thomas smiled lightly and sighed rubbing his shoulder "Jackie is the toughest wench I've met, you cauterized her wound and she stayed firm." He reminded. He couldn't help but think about their own mother dying...
Jack nodded and paid the sum as he bought her, her first camera and smiled at Clara "is that good? You can get Saturday's off and come and learn..." He kissed her temple glad to see the joy in her eyes it was magical to him.
Lydia smiled and held him close "I believe you!" She insisted and smiled looking at the piano "new song you were writing?" She asked looking at the scribbles of notes he made up to describe the vibration.
Sada smiled gently, rubbing her leg as she tried to help soothe her. "Come on, Jacqueline. You've braved worse pain than this and survived. Don't think of it as pain, think of it as a challenge. Grit your teeth, breathe slow. You can do this." She coached, monitoring the baby all the while. Sampson's expression lightened a little and he nodded. "Very true." He said, remembering what had happened after the cauterizing. His girl was a strong one. "Should we call a doctor? Does Sada need help?" Of course the underlying question was, 'does she really know what she's doing?'
Clara's eyes widened at the gift and she just stared at it for a moment, as if not believing that this could actually really be all hers. Then she beamed and threw her arms around him, laughing and crying all at once. "I'm sorry for being such a mess," She hastily apologized, stepping back. "Ive just never received such a nice gift."
Donovan smiled, reassured, and then nodded, tapping a few keys on the piano, smiling as the vibrations reached him again. "Yes, I've got a new one. Listen." he insisted, taking his hands to the keys as a sort of happy jig began to flow from the strings.
Jackie moaned and grit her teeth as she felt another contraction, she moaned turning on her side trying to get comfortable but it was a pain she couldn't fight or ignore as she could with every injury she ever had. She breathed deeply gripping onto Sada's hand.Thomas nodded "she will be fine, she has done it before with every one of her sister's children..." He sighed sipping his rum "just be prepared for screaming..."
Jack shook his head as he hugged her tightly "don't be sorry my love...im glad you are so happy, you help me with my dream then I'll help you with yours..." He helped her slip the camera over her neck "perfect!"
Ludia smiled lightly amazed that such beautiful sounds could be created without hearing them. She smiled over at James squeezing his hand and smiling "wonderful honey, I was telling your father about your hearing aide surgery the doctor spoke about."
Sada wished there was some other way she could help her, but for a while now, it would just be contractions and more contractions. She tried to help talk Jackie through it, just letting her hold her hand. "You're doing marvellously love."Sampson stiffened, his face paling a little more. His hand trembled as he raised his glass to his lips. "Confounded birth. Why can't humans have smaller babies?" he muttered.
Clara leaned into him, wrapping an arm around his waist. "Thank you." She whispered, looking down at the camera around her neck. "Thank you so much." She leaned her head into his shoulder and beamed. "Let's go… let's go somewhere. Somewhere outside the city. I want to take some pictures, and you can write." She suggested.
James smiled, nodding along to the song. "That sounds wonderful, Donovan." he smiled over at his wife then.
Donovan finished his song and jumped up, looking excited. "Yes, Daddy, isn't it wonderful? I'll be able to hear!"
James scooped him up and spun him around, happy for him. "Yes, I think it's wonderful!"
Thomas watched him "let us take a walk, you sitting here will not be good. You can go gamble if you'd like do something to distract you."Jackie gasped in agony asshe felt another strong contraction some blood coming out on the towel "mmmm ohh!!"
Jack smiled "I'd adore that, somewhere without rain would be nicer." He got them into the carriage and took them to the country as he took his notepad from his pocket smiling at her "do you know how to use it?"
Lydia smiled watching him and hugged her family as she went to see her dear friend Emma and the twins "hello love! How are the girls? Do they have names yet?"
Sampson heard a moan from the bedroom and nearly shot to his feet to run over, but he restrained himself. "Yes, let's take a walk." he put down his glass, and walked towards the door stiffly. Sada checked again and rubbed her legs gently, smiling. "Thats it, keep going Jackie, I can see the baby now. You're almost there." She encouraged, easing her into a better position so she could retrieve the baby when it came out.
Clara grinned, nodding as she rode with him out to the country where the weather was much nicer, and the scenery was absolutely captivating. She breathed in the air and sighed and then nodded. "Yes, you put in the film, like this." She said, sliding it in and clicking it closed. "And then you pick what you want to take a picture of, set up the camera, and press the button."
Emma looked up, currently rocking both girls in the cradle they had set up for them. "Yes, this is Kateryn. And this is miss Anna Mae." She said, smiling. "To what do I owe this pleasant surprise?"
Thomas smiled and pushed him lightly to the door as he walked in the rain "stop fretting, she will be fine...just breathe." He insisted as they walked to the tavern and he bought him a pint "hit my boy up, he's going to be a new father!"Jackie cried out as she panted whimpering in pain "Id rather be stabbed in the stomach then this...oh ga'll..." She cried out as she felt the urge to push and shut her eyes tightly.
Jack watched amazed and straightened his news boy cap glancing at the scenery "take a picture of me darling." He teased and grabbed his sketch book as he set up his easel to do some sketching and writing.
Lydia smiled "hello little ones..." She cooed and pecked their heads "I just missed seeing you and want to know how my favorite seamstress was..." She sat down and sighed grateful to not have to be proper.
Sampson sighed softly, following him to the tavern. He plopped down heavily and took a long drink, waving his hand as people cheered for him. "I don't know if I can do this again." he mumbled, shaking his head. "You'll have to do this too, brother, in a few months."Sada shook her head, all the while encouraging her. "Push, love. You're almost there. You can do it."she insisted.
Clara's smile was soft and she set up her tripod, aiming at him to capture the scene and him in the frame, then she pressed the button and waited for the image to be exposed. "Don't move." She said, smiling.
Emma watched as her friend interacted with her girls and her smile was genuine. "I've missed you as well." She insisted, turning her chair so she could face her and talk. "Though I have missed my work, thanks to your forced leave of absence." She smirked.
Thomas shook his head amused "indeed I am, though I will break the rules and be by Sada's side..." He admitted sipping his beer and smiling "how many little sailers are you wanting?" He asked knowing they never talked about it before.Jackie pushed her face drenched in sweat as she screamed out swearing perfusely and shaking her head "I cant...I can't it feels like they are just stuck!" She fell back in the pillow hating the feeling of them just trapped before exiting.
Jack held still just smiling at her as she took the picture, she looked so excited he wishes he could have a picture of her joy it just radiated. It was awhile but soon he could move as he pulled out his art supplies.
Lydia laughed gently "and aren't you glad I have? What with Edmnd back out on sea again..." She watched the babies "I'll be having my own apparently."
Sampson shook his head, amused. "You rueful bastard." he said, glad they had something to talk about. "I had wanted two or three children, but now that I've seen how hard one is… I don't know. I'll have to talk with Jackie." he admitted. Sada was positioned, ready to receive the child and she nodded. "They're almost out, Jackie. They just feel like that because they're crowning. One or two more pushes, Jackie, you can do it. You're almost there…"
Clara poised the camera as she took the image, and then pulled out the small picture to dry it off. She walked over to him then, curling on her knees beside his stool as she watched him pull out his tools. "Whatcha doing?" She asked, curious.
Emma shook her head, a soft sigh escaping her. "Yes… and no. I like to have my hands busy when Edmund is gone." She said honestly. Then her eyes widened. "You're pregnant!?" She asked, beaming.
Thomas nodded "I think I want tons of children, little rug rats running around, sitting around the fire as I tell them legends of the deep." He mused and smiled "but again its up to Sad'a but she has a wonder pelvis so I think it'll be easier..."Jackie cried out as she pulled herself up carefully, she stood positioning over the bed holding onto the railing it was like instinct the baby was breech bottom first so it was very difficult.
Jack smiled watching her sit by him as he begun the sketch "I like art, and I felt like I wanted to paint the scenery around me...I do want to write but I get more inspiration with my brush then pen." He took her hand kissing it "wish I could capture your beauty..."
Lydia smiled and nodded "apparently, it was odd we were at the doctor to see about Donavon's hearing aide and the next thing I know I'm the one undressed and on the table!" She said laughing lightky though it was horrible at the time. "Edmubd should be home shortly, they don't last long being at Tortuga has he ever taken you?"
Sampson chuckled then, being able to imagine that easily. "I can see you and her having a big family." He agreed, leaning back as he finished off his drink. The alcohol was helping to soothe his nerves. "So you love your gypsy fiercely…" he mused, glancing over at him. "I remember talking about meeting the gypsies when we were boys." he smiled. Sada helped Jackie move, all the while watching the child. She gently helped ease out the legs and stomach. "One more push love, one big one." She coaxed, needing to get the head and arms out all at once.
Clara liked to hear him speak of his passions, she found it interesting. She nodded along, and then blushed when he spoke of her. She ducked her chin bashfully. "You're quite the flatterer, Monsieur." She said. "I'll pose if you wish to paint me." She offered.
Emma laughed softly at the story, shaking her head. "Well it's nice to have found out early, is it not? You still look very well." She praised. Then she nodded. "I hope he comes home soon. The girls grow larger everyday. They will be walking soon." she said honestly. "He hasn't taken me to sea yet, but that is understandable. The harsh weather is not kind for our young girls."
Thomas smiled and nodded thinking about him as a boy, the minute their eyes met he was entranced he spent his coin on a fortune just to be able to talk to her. And they couldn't speak to eachother yet he didn't know the language but that didn't stop him. "Tell me the story of how you and Jackie came to be?" He asked sipping the rest of his pint.Jackie pushed and gasped in relief as they baby exited and she lay back on the bed sighing in relief "what is the sex?"
Jack smiled softly at her and brushed a curl back "I don't think I could do it justice..."
((So I have an idea! We are still in times of proper and Scandel. What if he does a titanic esque painting when they make love but it becomes famous and the shame is set hard on Clara she has to quit and Jack has to go back to Ireland and they have to meet up again?))
Lydia smiled "it'll be nice not to have to hide it...im hoping for a girl Donavon would be such a great big brother...my musical genius...have you heard some of the songs he's written? And he's only 7 years old..."
Sampson laughed softly. "It didn't start as romantic." he shook his head. "She worked at a tavern… and was earning up money for her own ship. I went in for a drink. I might have touched her too much. She dumped beer all over me. Regardless… we became friends, and I'd look for her when I went to Tortuga. And then…well. Suddenly I didn't want it to just be friends anymore. And the night I thought I'd finally won her over, she stole my money and ran. That started the endless feud between us, and you know the rest of the story."Sada cradled the squalling child in her arms, wrapping it up. "You have a son." She murmured, cleaning the baby in the basin, and handing him to his mother. "A healthy little baby boy. You should be proud."
((That sounds like a good idea! so that's assuming someone finds out that they made love, right? And that the news is spread, and then Clara is shamed because of it, and Jack leaves for that reason too?))
Clara melted at his touch, her heart fluttering. "You are too kind." she whispered. Throwing caution to the wind and forgetting about the rules of society, she leaned up and pressed her lips against his.
Emma nodded her agreement. "I hear it floating through the palace. It sounds lovely from what I can catch of it. He's a real child prodigy." She said seriously. "You must be so proud…"
Thomas chuckled and shook his head "you were destined to be...she still pours beer on you when you deserve it." He reminded and looked up as his father came in "you have a son!" He told Sampson he was still in the house and Sad'a told him to go find Sampson.Jackie covered up with the blankets as she looked down at her son, she was exhausted her hair and body drenched in sweat but she didn't care as she kept looking at him "hi baby...your daddy is going to be so glad..."
((Jack and Clara coukd have a fight and leave, Jack has to sell his paintings for food and livelyhood the painting becomes famous and everyone recognizes her and she gets shamed to leave the palace but wants to find Jack because her love for him kindled seeing the painting.))
Jack kissed her back pushing her dark hair back and kissing her a little more deeply then what is appropriate. He couldn't hwlp himself she was so lovely.
Lydia smiled and nodded "bursting with pride!" She watched the girls "they are so beautiful and big! Look at those curls oh and little Kateryn's dot is so cute! I still want to call her dot."
Thomas chuckled and shook his head "you were destined to be...she still pours beer on you when you deserve it." He reminded and looked up as his father came in "you have a son!" He told Sampson he was still in the house and Sad'a told him to go find Sampson.Jackie covered up with the blankets as she looked down at her son, she was exhausted her hair and body drenched in sweat but she didn't care as she kept looking at him "hi baby...your daddy is going to be so glad..."
((Jack and Clara coukd have a fight and leave, Jack has to sell his paintings for food and livelyhood the painting becomes famous and everyone recognizes her and she gets shamed to leave the palace but wants to find Jack because her love for him kindled seeing the painting.))
Jack kissed her back pushing her dark hair back and kissing her a little more deeply then what is appropriate. He couldn't hwlp himself she was so lovely.
Lydia smiled and nodded "bursting with pride!" She watched the girls "they are so beautiful and big! Look at those curls oh and little Kateryn's dot is so cute! I still want to call her dot."
Sampson chuckled. "that she does." he agreed, looking up as his father came in. "A son…" He breathed, as if not believing it. then he grinned. "I have a son!" he leaped up and ran to the house, and up to the bedroom, coming in to see his family. "We have a son…" he breathed, shaking his head, still in awe as he moved to sit beside Jackie on the bed. ((Sounds good!))
Clara melted into him, her heart pounding as she reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck. It was sunny, and he was such a charming man, and this was such a charming place. 'It must be love…' she thought to herself as she kissed him back with passion, pulling him down to the grass with her.
Emma smiled down at her girls, nodding. "Dot and Sugar Plum. The names stuck. They respond to both their real names and those ones." She said, laughing softly. "So you had a hand in giving Kateryn her nickname."
Jackie smiled as he barged into the room, she put her finger to her lips as she motioned to the bundle asleep in her arms. She positioned his arms and laid the bundle down smiling softly "isn't he beautuful?...some markings from the birth on his face...but that's ok..." He had a birthmark down his forehead and half of his face.Jack held her close to him and caressed her waist kissing down her jaw and neck. It began to rain as he chuckled "looks like it caught up with us..." He saw an old barn in the distance and helped her up "let's go there for shelter..."" He packed up her camera and his supplies as they rushed through the fields to the barn opening the creaky doors and helping her in as it poured.
Lydia smiled softly "I love it...My baby and then will be good friends I imagine...they could play and explore...I worry about Donavon being so lonely...he has no one but the servants..."
Sampson's face lit up with joy as he looked down at the tiny bundle in his arms. He didn't care about marks on his face. He was a baby boy, their son, a beautiful little baby. "You did so well love." he whispered, kissing Jackie's forehead. "He's so… adorable."Clara nearly groaned when it started to rain. She didn't want him to stop kissing her and doing whatever wonderful things he was doing with his mouth and hands. But she laughed and helped him carry the stuff into the barn where she gasped and pulled off her hat, hanging it on a rafter. "I'm soaked!" She squeezed out her hair.
Emma nodded in agreement. "I hope they become good friends. Donovan is only a little older than the girls. I'm sure they'll all get along." she insisted, knowing that it got lonely for the poor prince. "But he'll have a sibling soon, to take care of as well."
Jackie smiled at him as she moved the blanket away from his face, she smiled up at her husband "most difficult thing I have ever done..." She admitted quietly and kissed his lips "but I'd do it again to feel the love I feel right now...what shall we name our little man?"Jack dumped the water out of his hat as he chuckled nodding "hang up your dress on the rafters it will dry up pretty well" he took his shirt off and hung it up on the line as he leaned against the rafter watching her. He never felt the things he felt as she rung out her long hair.
Lydia nodded and smiled "and the music...he stays busy but I wish he'd have a friend...a little boy but everytime he goes out of the palace he gets overwhelmed with the press." She looked at the stack of letters on the dresser "all Edmund?"
Sampson smiled, sitting beside her as he rocked their son. "I'm so proud of you." he said honestly. "And our son is so beautiful. We should name him something significant… something… something that belongs to the sea." He suggested. Clara couldn't help but sneak looks at him after he had taken his shirt off. He was charming and attractive, what more could a girl want? She blushed as she pulled off her sopping dress and tried to wring it out a bit, hanging it over a rafter. "Hopefully that dries soon…" She mumbled.
Emma nodded in understanding. "Maybe you could let a few little boys from the town in to visit him here? I'm sure they'd all like that." She suggested. Then she smiled, "Most of the letters are Edmund's. Some are friends and family asking about the girls." she said honestly. And some were notices about taxes she hadn't been able to pay, but she left that part out.
Jackie smiled and looked down at him "Mmm what about Calder? It means stream...I think it's a strong handsome name." She caressed his arm muscles and over the tattoo "I love you Sampson...you know that right?" She pressed her forehead to his "I'm so tired..."Jack watched her in her slip, it was hard pretending not to look but he couldn't help it. He pulled her to him and kissed her again, her leg wrapped around his waist. He grabbed the ratty stable blanket and laid it over the hay laying her down on it "your so lovely..."
Lydia spread them out and frowned recognizing the tax envelopes and looked up at her shocked "Emma are you having money issues?" She asked concerned not wanting to pry but this was her best friend. She couldn't just let her suffer...
Sampson rolled the name over his tongue, criticizing it, and then nodded. "That sounds like a good name." he agreed. "Nice and strong." He smiled then, nodding. "I know… and I love you too." he whispered, tucking her hair behind her ear. "Rest now, love. I'll watch our son." he promised. Clara blushed heavily when she noticed him looking at her and she lowered her eyes, before sneaking a glance at him. When he pulled her against him, her hesitations vanished and she let herself mold against him as he lay her back. "You're not so bad yourself." She whispered, nervous and excited. "And quite charming on top of it all."
Emma chewed her lip, looking away so her friend wouldn't see her nervousness. "It's alright. I'm handling it fine." She insisted, not one to accept any sort of help or charity. "Just a small bump in the road." In all honesty, it was hard for her to make enough money to pay the bills and still watch the girls with Edmund gone.
Jackie sighed in relief and lay back as she fell asleep nearly instantly it had been a long 12 hour labor and she was numb from the pain and adrenaline. Thomas smiled over at Sad'a running a hand through her hair "are you afraid to have our baby now?..." He asked wondering how she was.
Jack smiled lightly and kissed down her chest and stomach "I'd love to be able to paint you now...would you allow me capture your beauty..." He whispered pushing her hair back nipping on her earlobe "you are the most equisite creature I have ever laid eyes on..."
Lydia read through them and shook her head "I haven't paid you for the last three dresses, it's not charity it's just what you earned." She tore up the letters and sighed "Emma darling I relieve you from your leave of absence I need a dress for Donavon's birthday coronation."
Sada looked up from cleaning the sheets and blankets and shrugged lightly. Birth always was stressful, but more so now because she was going to be going through it. "I've seen women give birth before." She said simply. Clara blushed harder and nodded slowly, he was so persuasive. "Yes, I'd like that." She said softly. She wondered what it would look like by the end, and she found herself looking forward to it. "You are a skilled artist, how would you like me posed?" She asked, her hands running through his hair.
Emma thought about that… if it was just well earned money, then that was alright, then she could accept it. "Alright." She agreed softly. "Thank you." her eyes brightened a little at the prospect of another project, and she actually smiled then. "I'll have it ready by the weekend." She vowed.
Thomas caressed her cheek and pecked her temple "you can be honest with me Sad'a, it's alright if you are worried...im worried for you but I'm not going to be sitting outside that door I'll be at your side..." He promised and kissed her knuckles "I love you..."Jack sat up as he undressed her, he positioned her that she was hanging down the hay stack her knee bent and her hands graceful. He smiled caressing diwn her perfect body "comfortable?..." He asked softly and sketched out on the canvas "your skin is like rose petals..."
Lydia smiled and nodded "thank you.." She quickly left going to her mother's room "good morning mother how are you?" She asked as she looked over the plans for the day "odd...mother there isn't anything here..."
Sada chewed on her lip for a moment and then sighed, nodding. "I can not lie. I am nervous. But I'm not afraid." She felt it would be wrong to be afraid of something so natural. "And I must say, I am glad that you'll be by my side when the time comes." She whispered, closing her eyes. Clara was blushing furiously, never having done anything like this. But he was good at making her feel comfortable, and after a moment, she was less nervous, and found that the pose felt natural, so she smiled at him and nodded. "Yes, I'm comfortable." She said, finding that though she was still blushing, she actually did like having some one appreciate her so.
Her mother looked up from where she was brushing her hair in front of her mirror, and she smiled softly. "Yes, I'm taking the day off, and so are you. We have no dinners or galas to be at, so I thought we could deserve a break. You and James go enjoy yourself. And I'll be taking Edward to visit the country." She smiled softly.
Thomas smiled and kissed her cheek and nuzzled her "my brother is so pleased...I've never seen such joy...sarcastic enthusiasm yes but not joy...it's a little miracle, im proud of you, you truly are a talanted midwife..."Jack smiled as he worked on his painting focusing on the naturalness of her body and not correcting anything it was all lovely, her eyes were the hardest to capture that fear yet excitement that he found alluring. "You are doing beautiful..."
Lydia was shocked and sat by her mother "why do you not except Edward's marriage proposal mother? It's obvious you love each other so...I think it's romantic. You found someone that Is worthy of you..."
Sada laughed softly. "Yes, it was quite something to see. I find it sweet that something in him finds joy in his family. He'll be a good father." She leaned her head on his shoulder. "And so will you." She added softly, smiling. Clara tried to stay as still as she could so she wouldn't disrupt his painting as he worked. It was strangely exciting to have him looking at her so closely, and she was dying to see what it looked like. She merely smiled at him in response, happy for his approval, but not wanting to move too much.
The queen's smile was bright and genuine. "Because, love, I do not wish to tire him with the responsibilities of ruling. I have not yet retired, and yet we both are getting on in our years, and I would hate for it to be too much for him." She said, kissing her cheek. "But having James help allows us time off together." Her smile brightened.
Sampson laughed easily, tipping his head back. "Oh that's too true. Don't tell him that though, It would break his heart. The talk is nice too, if you're lonely." he said, defending his brother. Then he shook his head in amazement. "Truly insane." he agreed. "Time really does fly."
Clara's eyes widened at his gift and she grinned. "Oh you shouldn't have!" She hugged the book to herself, already claiming it as a prized possession. Then she giggled, walking off down the street with him. "Theres a sweet little sandwich shoppe down the road. Or we could go to one of the famous London pubs. I heard the chowder is good. What are you feeling like?"
James kept one arm around her shoulders in a gentle hug as they watched the water. "It'll grow back, you know. Then you'll be the high-class mischief maker that everyone knows so well." He teased. "But seriously. There's nothing to feel bad about, for your movement in the war. Soon women across the nation will want to join."