Detailed Roleplayers discussion
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McKensie and Lara III
Marcoux smiled and nodded "just wear it looser then...I don't want you to pass out whenever I take your breath away ok? I've never been so scared..." He admitted and brushed her hair away from her face "just be careful with you Illiana..." Lydia took a bite and smiled "it's delicious...I'm glad you gave me the recipe. It was fun to make and quite fancy. I just shoukd have gotten more ingredients so it's not just you eating it..." She wiped some cream off his lips and paused at how soft his lips were.
Lacey kissed him softly "it is to me.." She smiled and looked up as it rained "again with getting wet, I must admit that it makes you very attractive...but I look like a drowned rat!"
Illiana nodded in agreement. In all honesty, she really wasn't comfortable with her size, but maybe if he thought she was pretty without the corset on tight, then she could wear it looser. "I promise I'll be careful." she agreed, smiling brightly. "Do you plan on taking my breath away again?"James chuckled. He watched as she stared at his lips and he nodded slowly. He was used to women looking at him like that. But right now it was different somehow. "We could go get some more at some time." he promised. "Then we could make enough for everyone." his smile spread slowly. "though I'm not sure how keen I am on sharing..."
Maxwell felt himself swell with pride and happiness. Then he laughed, looking out at the rain. "Guess we're stuck here till it stops then." he teased, looking around at the gazebo. "That is... unless you want to go dance in the rain..."
Marcoux smiled and nodded "I think I will...you take mine away, I've never felt like this Illiana." He said honestly and took her hand kissing her knuckles "do you feel like that with me? Or am I just the lovesick man...that can't even say anything properly for a woman."Lydia smiled "then it's just for you alright?" She winced touching her eye "God I must look like a monster..." She shook her head and turned away from him "would you like tea?"
Lacey pulled him out into the rain and spun in his arms as she took off her painful pointy shoes "do you know how to dance? Marcoux?" She moved his hair back through her fingers.
Illiana was blushing so heavily now, and this time, as she grew excited about the whole situation, she didn't faint as she no longer had a corset on. She decided to be daring like Lacey had. She decided to make her own romantic moment. She leaned up and hesitantly pressed her lips against his, holding the kiss for a moment before pulling away again, smiling shyly. "Does that answer your question?" She asked. James shook his head, turning her around again so he could brush his hand gently over her cheek. "You're beautiful, Lydia, regardless of what some bastard did to you." he said seriously. "I'll only have tea if you are making some for yourself." He smiled.
Maxwell grinned, up for a challenge. He tucked her bangs behind her ear and smiled brightly. "I do. Care to dance?" he asked, placing a hand at her waist, and another in hers, starting a slow waltz with her.
Marcoux was shocked as she kissed him, he kissed her back slowly and caressed her face "aye...that it did." He whispered and smiled "I can't wait to spend all our free time to be together...my beautuful Illiana...do you have any family left to visit?"Lydia flushed bright pink and nodded making them both a cup as she sat down watching him "if John catches us I'll lose my job James...no matter how innocent this is, which it is...just friendship right?"
Lacey giggled in delight as they danced in the rain her feet stained green from the grass as she spun and held on around his neck "you are making it hard to dislike the idea of arranged marriages."
Illiana smiled and leaned on his shoulder, sighing happily. "I can't wait for sunday." she agreed, closing her eyes. "I have a sister." She said honestly. "But she is in London, trying to work as an apprentice for a fashion designer." She explained. James sat down at the table with her, sipping the tea. He sighed softly and nodded in understanding. "I know." He said, huffing. "Yes, we're just friends." He shook his head. "John answers to me. He can not fire you without my consent."
Maxwell grinned, spinning her around, and then pulling her close again. He rested his forehead against hers, changing the dance to just a slow movement, her in his arms. "It think it worked out for the best..." he agreed, turning his head to kiss her.
Marcoux nodded interested "that's fascinating, London is such a fascinating busy place. I honestly like living in the country...are you and your sister close? I don't have any siblings I wish I had." He almost told her the secret but managed to stop himself.Lydia nodded and sighed "thank you James...what do you think I should prepare for breakfast tomorrow? I have to prepare now before waking up at 5. What do you have on your schedule tomorrow?"
Lacey held him close and smiled kissing him deeply as they were soaked "do you think this could work? Us...being married?" She whispered even scared to say it.
Illiana nodded, liking to talk about the adventures of her sister. "I always looked up to her. I don't see her often, but we make a point of meeting at least twice a year." She said, shrugging. "Was it lonely being an only child?" she inquired.James's eyebrows lifted. She had to get up at five? Now he felt badly about complaining for getting up at seven. "I have to cover for my sister's date, but I'll be around." he said, shrugging. "Would you like some help?"
Maxwell was happy to kiss her passionately, and then just hold her as the rain fell heavily around them. It was perfect this little moment, just them. "As long as you don't get tired of me." he whispered, smiling.
Marcoux sighed "not very, I had s good friend I played with as a boy, we are still best friends which is why I'm his footman. So it was never terribly lonely." He moved her hair back and caressed her cheek "I will get you to meet your sistef in surprise this Sunday...I pronise Illi. I would love to meet her."Lydia smiled and nodded "want to help me do the dishes? It may be a little below you but I do need the assistance and you did offer." She teased and started to scrub the China plates "I once had an invention...dishes that could be thrown away ridiculous right?"
Lacey shook her head and smiled at him snuggling in his neck "I could never tire of you, it may be that you tire of me...I'm just Lacey, not even remotely ready to run a manor but I know I could try for you..."
Illiana smiled as he talked of his friend, but her face brightened at his offer. "Oh that would be lovely. She would so love a surprise visit! And it would be so nice to see her again." she said honestly. James laughed then. "Sure. Why not do the dirty work while you've got help? I see how it is." He teased right back. He grabbed some plates and came to work beside her, scrubbing away. "That sounds very ingenious." He said. "They would need to be cheep so you could buy many of them." He pointed out.
Maxwell chuckled, shaking his head. "You are no where near boring miss lady Lacey." he whispered, kissing her cheek. He scooped her up bridal style into his arms and started the trek back to the house. "Your mother might be unhappy that we're sopping wet again."
Marcoux smiled "then it's settled Illi, Sunday we are going to London! I'll have Majorie cover your shift and Marcoux will be fine without me." He hugged her and sighed "sounds like the love birds are back, and soaking wet I must go help my master with the towels."Lydia nudged him and smiled "thank you...don't think I'll go easy on you because your the Master those plates must be sparkling!" She nodded "tons...goodness that would be a lot of garbage to burn...maybe not. You still haven't given me an idea for breakfast, I will give you sloppy oatmeal if you can't think of something better."
Lacey held onto him and smiled nuzzling him "let her blow her wind...I do not care, I like being wet and especially when I'm being carried by my knight in shining armor..."
Illiana smiled brightly, thrilled by the idea. She could not wait for Sunday to come. Spending time with Maxwell and her sister would make it the best day ever! "Thank you." She said, hugging him quickly. then she hopped up to run and help Lacey as well. "Good luck getting him dry again." She commented, as she lead Lacey up to her room and started to help her get undressed. James laughed then. "was that a challenge?" he asked. "I can probably clean dishes better than you!" he teased, starting to increase the pace and intensity, intent on beating her. "You could make waffles," He suggested, as he dunked another plate in the water.
Maxwell smiled when their servants came to help them, and he waved her goodbye as she was whisked away. "I'll see you again tomorrow." he promised, before smiling at Marcoux. "So. How was your evening?" He inquired.
Lacey shivered as she dried she coughed but ignored it being too excited about the love she felt for Marcoux "we danced and kissed in the rain, I think he is the one Illiana we have a date tomorrow and he promised to buy me books so that I don't have to wait for a man to read." She said and shivered getting in her nightgown "did you have your romantic night that you wanted?"Marcoux helped him and laughed @are you turning into a fish Maxwell? You are always wet when I see you. Now how is the heir and my betrothed wife doing? I am in love with my maid, I'm going to take her to Londan this Sunday."
Lydia nodded "that actually sounds delicious, Belgian waffles it is! I'll get some syrup from the maples in the morning." She sighed drying and putting away the dishes "you better retire to bed James, you need your sleep."
Illiana nodded, wrapping towels around her hair, and drying her down before getting her into her thicker nightgown, as she didn't miss her mistresses cough. "That sounds absolutely lovely." She said honestly. "He sounds amazing." then she laughed nervously. "I fainted." She said honestly. "But it was alright."Maxwell chuckled, and shook his head. "It started to rain this time. That wasn't our fault." he said honestly. Then he grinned. "That is wonderful Marcoux!" He exclaimed. "You will enjoy that. London is a fascinating place."
James grinned, happy that she had taken his suggestion. Then he frowned and shook his head. "I'm staying up until this is done. You need your rest more than I need mine."
Lacey gasped "you fainted? Oh my goodness! Did he tend to you? Why did you faint? Did you eat dinner? It was delightful." She crawled into bed shivering and coughing as she tried to hide it "did you get your kiss?"Marcoux smiled and nodded "I agree. I just like making her happy. And you? I've never seen a glow of happiness surround you as it does around the lass...do you kiss often? Or is it more tentative?"
Lydia smiled "but your footman will worry, your choices affect the entire house you know...my does not and we are nearly done here. Please retire to bed sir I will as well and you are not allowed in my bedroom."
Illiana blushed and nodded, looking slightly down in embarrasement. "I was getting too excited and because of the corset I couldn't breathe." She said honestly. "I'm alright now, Maxwell did tend to me. He kissed me." She flushed bright red then, smiling hugely.Maxwell laughed then, shaking his head. "She's spirited like me. We've kissed often, and I think we both enjoy passion. Though I doubt she thinks it serious yet." He said, his tone both wistful and indifferent.
James laughed then, enjoying how stubborn she was being. He raised his hands in surrender, putting down the last dish he had washed. "Ok ok. I'll take the hint and head up." He dried his hands and backed away. "I'll see you tomorrow?"
Lacey coughed and smiled "oh those ridiculous corsets I wish we could burn them..." She squealed excited "oh Illiana that's so romantic I am a bit jealous! Those it is a little inappropriate him seeing you without a corset but yet...so forbidden." She sighed happily and coughed shivering.Marcoux shook his head "of course she thinks it serious, that girl was never one to be very...sociable. She must love being with you, which means she finds it very serious."
Lydia nodded and smiled pecking his cheek and pushed him out of the kitchen "mayhaps, you may not after all...it depends if your nice." She waved and shut the door.
Illiana was glad she had made her lady laugh at her antics and she nodded. "It was quite the evening." She agreed, tucking the blankets around her. "Miss... I think you might have caught a cold." She said, worried. "Shall I call a doctor?"Maxwell found himself swelling with pride when he said that and his smile only grew brighter. "Do you really think so?" He asked hopefully, trying not to sound too sappy and desperate. He knew he was growing fond of Lacey.
James found himself blushing and grinning slightly, shaking his head as he was pushed away. "Goodnight Lydia." He said before heading up the stairs to his room. He hoped he would see her again, as today he had gained a friend.
Lacey shook her head coughing a lot harder till her mind went fuzzy almost dizzy as she lay against the pillow. She kicked the blankets off feeling sweltering with all the heat and layers in the summer months "no, Illiana...I have plans tomorrow and cannot afford to be sick..." She insisted and closed her eyes the days events so wonderful she didn't think any dream could match it.Marcoux nodded getting him dressed for bed and turning down the bed for him as he hung up the clothes to dry. "Aye I do, just don't take it too fast or the parents will suspect something..." He warned and let him tuck himself in as he dimmed the oil lamps "have a good sleep."
Lydia smiled against the door, listening to him leave as she swirled slightly in place. Finding that childish she stopped immediately and finished preparing before heading to her room and tucking in for the night. The room was small and a tiny bit drafty but she enjoyed it and she was grateful for such a wonderful position.
Illiana frowned, not thinking that Lacey was fit to go anywhere at all. She looked very sick, and that made her worried. "Goodnight miss Lacey." She said softly, shutting the door. Then she went to go find someone who could help her get a doctor for miss Lacey. "Does anyone know how to ring the doctor up?"Maxwell nodded in understanding. "I know. I'm not a careless man." He said, climbing into his bed and closing his eyes as Marcoux turned off the lights. "Goodnight." He said. "Make sure to get some rest man, I know how easy it is to stay up and stress." He let himself close his eyes and fall asleep then.
Marcoux caught Illiana who seemed to be frantically trying to find somebody "Illi? What is it? What is going on?" He found the phone for her pulling it from the wall and calling the operator "yes I have a ladies maid wishing to speak to the family doctor...this is the footman, yes I'll speak with him directly." The higharchy was even prevalent to a woman calling the doctor. He would just have her tell him what the situation was.
Illiana sighed in relief when she found Marcoux still up. She had been starting to panic that she would never find someone who would actually make the call. It reminded her, that even though they were both still servants, he was higher up than she was... more important. "Miss Lacey is shivering something terrible." She said quickly. "She looked dazed and she acted as if she was hot, but she was sneezing." she relayed, hoping the doctor could help her.
Marcoux waited till the doctor answered "yes sir, this is Maxwell guest footman at the Wentworth Manor. I am to report the condition of the young mistress...I fear she is unwell sir, her ladies maid says she is shivering and coughing...dazed and burning up. Would it be possible to arrive swiftly?" He asked the doctor worried for Maxwell's love he wondered if Maxwell was feeling poorly he didn't seem like it.
Illiana waited by the phone, practically dancing on her toes with nerves as Maxwell talked to the doctor. Oh, she wouldn't bear it if her lady was seriously ill. She would be blamed. She would be blamed for not taking better care of her, and she would be sent away. Illiana could feel herself tearing up from the stress. She honestly did not want to be sent away from Lady Lacey, she had become one of her only friends.
Marcoux hung up the phone and hugged Illiana close, the poor girl was nothing but nerves. He held her still she stopped shaking and sighed "everything will be alright Illiana...The ladyship won't ever permit having you sent away. You two are close...the doctor is coming and I must go tell the lady of the house and master...go keep her company." He urged and let her go as he went to the master bedroom and knocked on the door waiting patiently.
Illiana nodded, thankful that Maxwell was there to help her. If it had been any other footman, she would have probably broken down by now. She nodded numbly and ran back to her lady's room. "Miss Lacey... You should be resting." She said gently. A grumble about it being way too late to be up came from the other side of the door, and then it opened as the master in his nightclothes answered it. "This better be good boy." he said tiredly. "What's happened?"
Lacey glanced at Illiana, her face coated in sweat as she moaned too dazed to argue with her. She took her hand needing that support, she had never been ill before always a spirited woman as they called her. She coughed again shivering feeling freezing and burning up all at once. If Marcoux had been a true footman he would have lost his courage, hearing the master but he stood a little straighter "it's Lady Lacey Sir, I have phoned the physician I am afraid she is rather Ill...I apologize for waking you I thought you would want to know Sir."
Illiana took her lady's hand and sat on a stool by her. "You'll be alright miss." she assured. "The doctor is coming." she squeezed her hand gently, trying to offer up any support she could. She knew being sick could be absolutely horrible. The master cursed and nodded, turning back into the room to let his wife know what had happened. "yes, thank you. You said the doctor was coming?" he said, returning into his room for a moment to change into clothes before rejoining him outside and walking towards Lacey's room.
Lacey was so grateful to have her best friend and ladies maid with her, though she was very afraid of the doctor she knew he would know what's best.Marcoux led him towards the room and heard the door bell buzz as he went to let the doctor in. Lacey saw her father and weakly smiled coughing "hi papa.."
Marcoux took the doctor's wet coat and hat for him "she is in her room sir just the first door ok the left."
Illiana looked up as the doctor walked in. She moved back a little so he could check Lacey, but she did not leave Lacey's side. She wanted to be there for her friend, and she didn't want to leave her alone and scared in bed. Her father rushed over to his daughter's side, taking her other hand. "Lacey... oh my baby girl. What hurts? Are you alright?" He asked, panicked for his daughter. He had never seen her like this before, Lacey rarely got sick.
The doctor listened to Lacey's heart, and took her bloodpressure and temperature before nodding slowly. "She has a cold." he deducted seriously. "Keep a hot water bottle in her bed at all times." he pulled out a small vial of cold medicine. "Give two drops of this each night, and make sure she keeps drinking."
Marcoux stayed outside the room for it wasn't appropriate for a footman to be in a ladies room. He motioned Illiana out when the doctor was done examining her "what shall I tell Marcoux? Is she alright?" He asked concerned for her well being.Lacey shivered and nodded complying to the doctor's wishes as she took the two drops and rested against the pillow. She still felt overheated especially with the hot water bottle but obeyed knowing she was far too old to complain to a doctor especially when her father was here.
Illiana came out, shutting the door quietly behind her. She breathed out a sigh and then nodded. "She has a cold. The doctor has assigned her to bed rest. It looks like she wont be going anywhere for at least a couple days." She said honestly. The doctor nodded finally, smiling at the family as he wished them well and left again on his carriage.
Her father didn't leave her side, and he had deep worry lines creased on his forehead. He didn't want to leave his daughter for fear that something worse would happen.
Marcoux sighed and nodded, he knew Maxwell would be disappointed and worried so he might as well tell him now so he didn't expect her in the morning. He bowed to the master at the door "goodnight sir, is there anything else you need?" He asked politely knowing his place. He worried about Illiana being in that room and around the girl colds were contagious he didn't want his girl laid up in bed.Lacey had drifted off, the cold medicine making her drowsy as she laid in her sweat on the pillows.
The master looked up and then shook his head slowly. "No, I'm alright. You can head to bed now if you wish. Thank you." he said, looking back at his daughter in worry. He knew the footman as the guest, but he wasn't sure of his name, so he just dismissed him casually, figuring that the poor man wanted to get away and rest.Illiana had rejoined them both in the room, sitting by her lady in effort to be as helpful as possible. She would sit there all night if she was allowed, caring for her friend.
Marcoux watched her and motioned her up "Illiana, you will best care for your lady if you get some sleep. Come, I will take you to your bedroom." He worried endlessly about her, getting enough rest and not catching the cold. The girl was stubborn and selfless however he knew she would stay by her side all night had he not said anything.
Illiana looked up at Maxwell tiredly and nodded in consent. She knew she would better be able to care for her lady if she herself was well, so she got up slowly, not going to argue with a footman and followed him out and into the halls. "I worry about her." she admitted.
Marcoux nodded and squeezed her hand "I know...you are a good friend Illi, I'm just scared you'll catch it as well. Cold's are nasty business. Will you wait a moment I need to lest my master know." He knocked on the door and entered "sorry to awake you, the doctor just left Lady Lacey is rather I'll with a cold...her father her tending to her side at the moment."
Illiana nodded, sighing softly. She knew that colds could be very contagious, but that didn't make her want to stay away from Lacey, it just made her more worried about her. She stood outside the door, waiting for Marcoux to return. Maxwell woke and looked up, surprised, and then worried. "Sick?" He repeated, his forehead creased with frown lines. "Did they say she would be getting better?" He asked hopefully, dreadfully worried about her.
Marcoux nodded "in a couple of days at least..." He assured and took his hand "it'll be alright, I have to get Illiana to bed...try not to stress, just be there for her tomorrow if her father allows of course. Warning you, she is very sick...not the prettiest of face."
Maxwell nodded, swallowing on his nerves which grated like sandpaper. "Thanks for letting me know." he said softly, shaking his head. His girl was sick! It must be his fault from going out in the rain with her.
Marcoux smiled lightly "of course...I'm going to bed Max...I'll see you in the morning. Maybe we could pick up those books for her and you could read to her while she's on bed rest?" He pay his shoulder and went back to the hall "ready my lady?"
Maxwell nodded slowly, waving to his friend as he left. Reading to her in bed might be the perfect way to lift her spirits. He nodded then, deciding that was what he would do, and he turned out the light, going back to bed. Illiana nodded slowly at Maxwell, but she had a puzzled expression on her face. She could swear she heard Maxwell call Marcoux, Max. Which didn't make any sense. I'm probably just overtired... She thought, rubbing her temple as she followed Maxwell back to her room.
Marcoux made sure she was tucked into her bed as he kissed her softly "goodnight Illiana, I shall see you in the morning try not to stress...everything will be slright..." He assured and sighed going to the cramped tiny space of a bedroom and sleeping until the next morning...when the paper came.
Illiana smiled a little drowsily and nodded goodnight. Then she was out like a light. The next morning, she practically leapt out of bed, getting dressed and presentable before running down to her lady's room, where she rushed in, ready to help. "Lady Lacey, are you feeling any more well this morning?" She asked. Maxwell woke up early, combing his hair and just looking at the mirror. His hair certainly didn't need any more combing, he was just sitting there doing it because his mind was somewhere else. On Lacey, and how she might be doing. He hoped she was well, and he couldn't help but worry.
James, however, had been up for a while. He had to get out on the grounds again, meeting with one of the pig farmers in regards to the pig crop they had this year. On his way back into the house, he stopped to look at the newspaper. When he read the headlines, and saw the image, a look of rage flooded his features.
Lacey was worse, her fever increased and she was near delirium as she glanced at her ladies maid "Marcoux...is...he..." She whispered her eyes shutting again as she tried to sleep some more. Her hand was curled around the sheets pale and shaky.Lydia heard whispers and giggles around her, she blinked wondering what the fuss was about until she glanced at the newspaper and shattered the mixing bowl in her hand as she dropped it. On the cover was three photos of her and James 'Scandel in the Market' the title read. She felt humiliated and ran from the kitchen refusing to be around the whispers any longer.
Illiana paled when she saw her lady, and she immediately went into the room and to her side. "He's getting ready." She explained. "He knows that you're sick." She assured, laying a hand on her forehead. "Miss, you might have a fever..." she whispered, scared. James tore the paper up and dumped it in the trash. However, knowing how fast gossip spread around this place, he had no doubt that the news was already out. How dare they twist a situation like that? It wasn't right.
Lacey shook her head shivering "just a cold...that's what the doctor said..." She reminded and coughed "Marcoux...I want Marcoux..." She whispered over and over. As she dozed off getting some more fitful sleep. John was in the kitchen "where is that girl?" He spoke calmly but forcefully, his master wasn't going to be the gossip of the city because if one kitchen wench.
Lydia ran and hid in the barn sobbing, everything she was scared of was coming to pass. She was a mockery of the manor and the citym, the picture of him caressing her cheek was lovely but a lie!
Illiana swallowed, nodding slowly. Who was she to judge her sickness when she knew hardly anything of health at all. "I'll go fetch him miss." She promised, running to find Marcoux. He returned with her and rushed to Lacey's side, scooping up her hand. "Lacey, I'm right here... how are you feeling?"
One of the maids who had seen her run out, pointed in the direction of the barn. "She went that way." She said, before returning to her work.
James stormed around the grounds trying to calm himself. That was when he saw Lydia running to the barn and he sighed softly. He needed to apologize to her for this. He walked to the barn and opened the door. "Lydia?" he asked softly. "I came to say I'm sorry, again."
Lacey stirred and smiled hearing his voice "hello..." She caressed his cheek and shivered "glad you didn't...glad you didn't get sick..." She sighed "you know...it's usually improper to see a lady in her night gown..." She teased and moaned coughing.Lydia kicked away the ladder so no one could get to her "just leave me alone! I don't need any more solicited proof of us being scandalous!"
John came after him "sir I've have her termination in order, we don't need Scandel as you try to inherit the manor."
James's eyes lit up, thrilled. "It looks wonderful!" he exclaimed, closing his eyes as he tasted the sweet mixture on his tongue. "It's perfect." he agreed, taking the fork and scooping some onto it before feeding it to her. "Do you like it?"
Maxwell followed her outside and hugged her back. "It's the least I could do." he said seriously. "Honestly, its not a huge deal." He shrugged, but he was flushed from the compliments and emotions of the girl in his arms. It made him feel appreciated.