Detailed Roleplayers discussion
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McKensie and Lara III
Clara smiled, surprised and touched. "Oh… I don't even know what to say…" She breathed, stepping in and smiled at Eloise. "Hi… I'm Clara, we're going to have lots of fun together in Ireland…" she said, smiling kindly at the girl. "Ready to get on the ferry?" She asked, happy that she had such a nice job, with such a sweet looking little girl.The doctor helped him clean up, putting his bowl and spoon in the sink, and bringing over a cup of tea which he set beside him so he could keep hydrated. "That's wonderful. You're making great progress." he smiled kindly. "I used a tube and a pump." he said honestly. "It feels strange, so I figured I'd do it when you were out." He shrugged. "It seems to have worked well." he sat down in his chair again, watching the fire.
((kk))
The doctor helped her lie down and just quickly took a look, feeling her stomach and listening for the baby's heartbeat. He stood then, looking worried. "she's alive…" He said slowly. "But her heartbeat is slowed… I think she might be in a compromising position. Sometimes the baby can get wrapped up, stopping circulation." He said honestly.
Eloise smiled and took Clara's hand and showed her the bunny as her parents rushed getting their bags packed and out to the carriage to the ferry. She made the bunny dance and smiled at Clara "his name is sir hoppy...he's a gentleman." She pronounced sweetly glad to have a new friend to play with.Jack nodded and swallowed some tea as he watched the fire "howd you become a doctor?..." He asked actually enjoying the company even if he was an invalid he was getting better and his spirits weren't as low as before. It was nice and he didn't dwell about Clara all the time.
Lydia looked panicked "please do whatever you need...I need my girl to be ok..." She said scared, running her hand over her belly feeling tears fall down her cheeks.
Clara beamed, shaking the hand of the bunny. "It's very nice to meet you sir Hoppy." She said politely, helping lift Eloise up into the carriage, making sure they stayed with her parents during the ride, and then later as they boarded the ferry with other travellers. "Does sir Hoppy travel a lot?" Clara asked politely, finding the imagination of children to be soothing to her after so much heartbreak and letdown.He shrugged lightly at the question. "I finished school early, worked hard, and then got an apprenticeship under another doctor, he helped me become skilled and gave me good recommendations, and now I do alright for myself." He said honestly. "It was a lot of work to get where I am, however." He admitted, shaking his head. "What do you do for a living?"
The doctor nodded, immediately working on trying to massage the baby into a new position, checking her heart rate every so often, trying to see if it had improved. Finally he knew he'd have to move her manually. "This may feel strange." he warned, and got to work on shifting the baby around until she was no longer tangled in limbs and the cord, and her heartrate was slowly returning to normal.
Eloise was sitting on the deck watching the waves with Clara as she shook her head "no...momny brought him back from the war and he's been with me ever since." She said making him walk on the wood her dress spread around her her curls tucked into a ponytail tied off with a ribbon. "Do you like to travel?"Jack slowly sifted so he was sitting up and nodded "my brother is becoming a professor the same way...hard work...never had the passion for it...I write some and paint but nothing to give me a living im afraid...I was a solidier since I graduated school..."
Lydia winced feeling more pain then strangeness as he had both hands inside her maneuvering the baby she let out a breath when he was finished "is she alright now?..." She asked softly running her hand over her stomach just wanting to keep her safe.
Clara smiled lightly. "Well he's a pretty brave bunny to have made it that far." She said gently, walking around the ferry with her. "I do like to travel, when I can." She said honestly, remembering how she once had a passion for photography, and wanted to see the world. Life had a way of ruining dreams like that. But Clara did not want to think so dismally when around such a happy young girl. "There are so many interesting places to go in the world, don't you think?" she asked, kneeling beside her. The doctor nodded, smiling lightly as he listened to his story. "Your brother sounds like a man after my own heart." he shook his head. "Not that I haven't always admired those creative souls like yourself. You seem to have a good eye for artwork." he said, glancing around at the few paintings that still remained. "And there are other collectors out there like the one you met who would probably be very interested in your work… you could become famous you know… join the inner elite."
The doctor nodded, wiping his hands off, and then carefully cleaning her up and monitoring the child. "Yes, you both look to be in good condition." He smiled. "It was lucky we caught that in time." he put his coat back on and helped her up. "The baby could have died if you had not noticed it when you did."
Eloise nodded leaning on the railing and smiling at her new nanny "I look at books and I want to go to those places...my mommy has been all over, she has pictures she doesn't like to look at them so she lets me!" She smiled at Clara glad to find a new best friend "mommy says you like to take pictures she has a camera in her suitcase that's a surprise for you! Oops I wasn't supposed to tell you."Jack sighed looking at his paintings "my muse...the girl in the painting, is what kept my spirits and creativity up. She was my life and my heart...I had to leave her and it's been so long she must have moved on to a man that can take care of her...is stable..."
Lydia slowly stood still shaky from the intrusion and nodded "thank you doctor...I'll take it easier in the next month...is that when you assume she's coming?" She wondered about how she was going to take it easy and yet care for her husband who was on withdrawal from his alcohol...
Clara beamed. "Maybe when you're older… you could go places. And then you could send me pictures of all the wonderful things you see." She said, glad to find a kindred spirit. She saw her younger self in this girl. Part of her felt sad when she heard about the gift, as she knew she wouldn't have much use for it anymore. But it was still touching, and she giggled along with the girl, "Don't worry. I can keep secrets." She promised. "Do you like to take pictures?"The doctor smiled, looking wistful. "Not that it's my thing, but that sounds so incredibly romantic… you never know what happened to her, she could still be waiting for you, you know." he said, trying to keep him hopeful. "Don't give up before you've tried, if she really is as important to you as you say." He suggested, pouring some new hot tea for him. "is your breathing getting better or worse?" he asked, wondering if his lungs were filling up again, or starting to clear out on their own.
The doctor nodded, tipping his hat. "I try to do my job well." He said, shrugging. "You should be fine until the baby comes, just don't… don't do anything crazy ok? No horseback riding, or long hikes, that sort of thing." he insisted. "You should be seeing the baby anytime between two weeks to a month." He smiled.
Eloise giggled "im too little Clara! I can't touch expensive things...daddy got mad when I touched the stove...he said that I was too little to cook...but I was trying to make breakfast to surprise them." she hugged her bunny tightly "bunny is scared of the water..."Jack tried clearing his throat but he felt that tight pain again, he felt his breath leave and he was suffocating. He clenched the sheets and thrashed trying to get a breath of air it was like he was drowning. His eyes went wide then rolled to the back of his head.
Lydia nodded and gave a smile "of course...thank you I'll take it easy and watch over my husband...I'll call you when it's time thank you...Donavon is excited for his surgery..."
Clara's smile was soft when she shook her head. "I can show you how to use my camera if you wish." She offered, thinking it would make a good gift to the little girl, as she didn't think she could find use for it herself anymore. "But it's good to listen to your father about the stove. It can get hot and dangerous fast." She said seriously, smiling at the bunny. "he can't swim then?" she asked gently. The doctor swore and lay him back, tipping back his head to help open up the air way as he fed in the tube again and pumped his lungs, emptying them again. This time it was mostly fluid and a lot less blood, which was a good sign. "Come on, wake up." he coaxed, watching his breathing carefully to make sure he didn't choke again.
The doctor smiled. "You're an admirable woman, Lydia, the country deserves you." he assured, bowing lightly. "And I am happy your son is so eager for this surgery. I do think it will benefit his hearing tremendously." he insisted. "And he's such a sweet boy, he deserves this."
Eloise shook her head "neither of us can...can you swim?" She asked hugging onto her leg and smiled up at her softly "I wish you were always my nanny..." She admitted nuzzling her leg glad to have a friend to be with her.Jack slowly came to an hour later, inhaled and coughed up the access fluid before sitting up again glad to be able to breathe "Mmm that was painful...will that always happen?" He took some deep breaths before relaxing.
Lydia nodded and smiled "we shall see you next week then, thank you you have given our family much hope...I'll let you know how James is doing...I dont think I'll tell him about the scar..."
Clara nodded, as her family had insisted she learned basic survival skills, like swimming, and making a fire, etc. "Yes, I can swim. I could teach you sometime if the hotel in Ireland as a pool." she offered, smiling. "I like being your nanny, Eloise…" She said honestly. "but I don't know how long I'll be staying." she said honestly. "Let's just enjoy today ok?" she played with her hair "We're having so much fun right now."The doctor sighed in relief when Jack woke, coughing, but breathing, and he helped him clean up and sit up again. "I sure hope it doesn't last much longer, for your sake. The infection seems to be going down, so I think it will get better… but I'm afraid it might be slow going. We'll just have to be careful and watch and catch it in time." he said seriously. "If you feel your lungs getting tight again, try to warn me before you pass out."
The doctor smiled. "It's up to you, honey." he said seriously, knowing that whether she told or not was between her and her husband. "I'll look forward to next week though, and good luck with you last couple weeks of pregnancy!" he waved kindly, and left her in peace.
Eloise nodded and smiled "I'll convince mommy to let you stay, the other nanny is fat and ugly...you are nice and you actually play with me." She bounced on the bed and hugged the bunny "we are staying at a hotel?"Jack sighed and nodded as he laid back "im not coughing up the blood...so that's a good thing, I just want to be well so that I can go back to England and find Clara...tell her how much she means to me and marry her."
Lydia smiled and waved at him as she went into the room and hug her husband "hi your awake...want to go outside and walk the dog?"
Clara laughed softly. "That's not very nice, Eloise… it's not her fault the way she looks." She reprimanded, shaking her head, but secretly amused with the girl. "Yes, we're staying at a fancy hotel, so you have to be on your best behaviour, and maybe we can get ice-cream when we get there." She said, smiling brightly. "Would you like that?"He nodded in agreement. "Exactly. The infection is definitely on the mend, it will just take a while before you are back to normal again. It's definitely helping that you're actually trying to get better though." he said seriously. "and once you're well again, you'll have to tell me how your meeting with your long lost love went." he smiled kindly.
James pried open his eyes when Lydia came in the room and he smiled gently at her. "Yes, I'm awake." he propped himself up on the pillows, contemplating how he felt. "I think that tea helped." He said honestly. "I don't feel too sick at the moment." He shrugged, smiling. "A walk might be nice, but I don't want you leave you alone in here."
Eloise nodded eagerly "I love strawberry ice cream! I'll be good I promise...do you like ice cream? I've only had it for my birthday. When's your birthday?" She was at the age where she asked a lot of questions.Jack swallowed the medicine and nodded sighing "I need to get out of this bed...I need to walk or do something..." But he knew he was too weak to even reach down and grab a book from the bookcase. He used to be so active and now nothing a weak old man "when are my friends coming? I want to be dressed and looking alive."
Lydia smiled "I was going to come with you, you know...I need some fresh air too, are you feeling better though? Do you want to try some food?"
Clara laughed, scooping her up as the ferry arrived in the port. "I like strawberry too!" She said, following her parents off the ferry with their luggage and onto the carriage that would take them to the hotel. "I like chocolate more though. My birthday is in the spring time. When is yours?" She asked, sitting her beside her as they rode. The doctor smiled gently. "Have something to eat, and then we can try to get you walking around." He suggested. He brought him over some more soup, and this time a bit of bread as well, so he could start eating solid foods again. "Your friends are on their way to Ireland now, And I think they'll be calling to schedule a visit soon." He said, eating his own lunch by the fire. "We can definitely get you up and active by then."
James smiled, propping himself up on the bed. "Well in that case… I'd love a walk." he said honestly. He always enjoyed getting away from the palace for a bit, and going with her was even better. "I'm feeling much better, a little weak still, but better. We could bring lunch if you wish." he offered.
Eloise kept looking out the window fascinated by everything she saw, everything was so green and lush. Living in the city she saw maybe one or two trees but this place was magical she half expected to see a fairy flying by the carriage along with them.Jack drank the soup dipping the bed in and eating it, he kept it down and found it delicious and filling. He had help getting dressed but it felt better being out of his night clothes and into a flannel shirt and jeans focusing on mind over matter willing himself to be better.
Lydia smiked "sounds wonderful, I'll take to the cook about getting us a basket and get the dogs hooked on the leashes...you get dressed and find a coat it's chilly out now."
Clara smiled at Eloise as she looked out the window and watched the countryside go by. It was the cutest thing, how that little girl was so fascinated by everything. When they reached the hotel, Clara helped her out, and carried a few of their bags up to the room. "This is going to be your bed…" She said, smiling brightly. "And I'll just be in the next room, through this door, ok?"The doctor cleaned up his dishes after, smiling and glad that he had managed to eat it all. It was a good sign, and meant that the infection was clearing up and getting better. "You look a lot better." he commented, when Jack came out dressed in clean clothes. "Are you feeling up to trying a walk outside?" he asked, not wanting to push him too hard.
James smiled, happy to be able to do something with his wife that they both enjoyed. "Alright. I'll meet you by the door." He said, going into his closet and putting on a new change of clothes, remembering to wear one of his thicker coats over his clothes to ward away the chill before he went downstairs to meet Lydia.
Eloise shoon her head scared "don't leave me alone Clara!" It was one of her worse nightmares to be alone without her momny and daddy or nanny. She held onto her leg tightly burying her face in her stomach as she softly cried. She knew she should be a big girl and be brave but it was just so much and the room was so big and empty many spots for monsters to come out.Jack considered it but then renembered he shoukdn't push himself and shook his head "not quite yet...I think I'll need to preserve some energy for that...have to look my best when Lacey and Maxwell come by...do t need to frighten them anymore then they are."
Lydia got the dogs on their leashes as they sat well behaved waiting for James, she smiled hooking her arm with his and walking out to the garden and inhaling the soft smells of autumn "lovely..."
Clara hugged the girl against her immediately, not wanting to make the poor child frightened. "Alright, alright. I won't, I promise." She vowed, figuring that that meant she was staying in here then. "But we have a long time yet to go before nightfall, so let's get you cleaned up for supper, ok? I think your parents have a nice dinner planned, and then we can get ice-cream!" she smiled. The doctor nodded his approval, finishing up with washing the dishes. "Good thinking." He agreed, putting the bowl away, and then the spoon. "Though you certainly don't look frightening. A little pale, yes, but not as bad as you looked when I first found you." He smiled gently, drying his hands as he returned to sit with him by the fire. "Lungs still ok?"
James smiled when he saw her and he hooked his arm with hers, looking around them as they exited the palace and walked the grounds. The colours were lovely, and everything smelled crisp, like apples and cinnamon. "It is a nice time of year." he said, putting his free hand in his pocket and watching as the dogs trotted obediently beside them, the leaves falling slowly.
Eloise giggled and ran into the bathroom with her ducky and waited for Clara to get the bath started. She giggled playing with the bubbles "I love bubble baths!" She said excited squeaking Her ducky and humming "I love ice cream and Clara!!!"Jack nodded and smiled "im still feeling ok, Im just excited to see my friends they said they have some news of Clara...and my brother should be coming...he doesn't know im sick so you can't tell him...you'll be a friend or a servent..."
Lydia smiled over at him "glad to see you smile at least...the baby will be coming in a few weeks and Donavon's surgery is next week."
Clara laughed softly, shaking her head as she gathered and towel and a change of clothes for her as she followed her into the bathroom and started running the water at a good temperature, filling up the bath and helping her in. She made sure to put lots of bubbles for her, as she started soaping up her hair. "And I love you, Eloise." She said, rubbing her scalp. "Look, you have spiky hair!" She said, making her hair to stand up in the bubbles. The doctor nodded, rocking slowly in his chair. "It'll be nice for you to see some people you know." he agreed, watching the fire lick over the logs burning in the hearth. "I'll be a friend over to visit, when your brother comes." he suggested. "Freddie Balt." He smiled, shrugging. "And you look well enough that no one would guess you've been sick. Keep up this miraculous recovery, and you should be better in the next few days." He reassured.
James smiled, squeezing her hand gently. "it's nice to smile." he agreed, having forgotten what enjoying life was like, through all that had been going on. "It'll be quite busy then…" He mused, slowing his pace a little, as he was growing tired. "I hope it all goes well…"
Eloise giggled looking in the mirror as her hair got all sudsed up "I want my hair curly like yours, pretty..." She said rinsing her hair and scrubbing her body "my mommy's hair used to be long and curly...she cries when she brushes it and daddy kisses her to make it all better!"Marcoux watched Ella amused as she was trying to dress up the foxes again "Ella honey what about your dolls? The foxes aren't very amused with their baby bonnets and booties..." He watched Shiloh sit still and Milah tug at a booty sock." The kitten was laying down licking itself and playing with the ribbon on her dress.
Jack smiled "Freddie old boy you don't have to stay with me at all times, go enjoy the town. Find a pretty Irish lass and dance with her. You are far too good looking and charming not to be courting someone." He said honestly and slowly stood trying to walk on his own but stumbled and fell coughing "blast!"
Lydia helped him sit on the picnic blanket and spread out the food and pecked his cheek "love you...it will...the doctor saved our daughter's life...she was suffocating wrapped in her limbs and cord..."
Clara smiled, rinsing out her hair gently and helping her out and into a towel to keep her warm and dry her off. "I'll curl it for you, hows that?" She offered, helping her into her dress and tying the ribbon around the back. She got out the brush and started gently combing out her soft thistle down like hair. "I love your hair though… It's so soft." She complimented. Ella looked up, smiling sheepishly. "But they need to be dressed up for the tea party!" She insisted. "My kitten wants friends…. she doesn't want to have a tea party all by herself…" She said, looking up at him with big pleading eyes. "The foxes are her friends!" She petted Shiloh gently. "Good boy." She crooned. "Milah… stop pulling that off." She slid it back on again.
He laughed, shaking his head. "I'm glued to my work, I'm afraid." He stood, carefully helping him up from the floor and back into his chair. "Easy there…" He sat down again himself and shook his head. "I can't leave you here alone. Besides… I've been paid to see this through till the end." he said seriously. "I'm not leaving until you're well and better again."
James leaned back against a tree, and smiled at the spread of food around them. "it all looks amazing…" he complimented. "I'm starved." As he buttered a slice of warm bread, he shook his head. "I'm glad you caught that in time…" he said honestly. "that would have been devastating if she had suffocated." He took a bite.
Elose smilrd back at her "your hair is so dark and pretty like raven feathers...I love Ravens." She played with the lace ok her dress "what if I wore trousers like a boy? I could play and not have to be a lady!"Marcoux stroke her hair and shook his head "honey they really don't like it...you don't want to make them unhappy right? What about your new dolls and your teddy bears? The kitten would like to have tea with them..." He undid the clothing on the foxes letting them run free.
Jack shook his head "when my friends come I want you to go out, I insist they can watch me just fine and you need some fun. Lacey is a trained nurse and Max....well if I fall he can lift me up but Freddie please go have fun. It's not fair you are stuck here with me."
Lydia nodded "it was the most awkward thing but...im glad too, our little girl is healthy and beautiful and will be here soon..." She nipped his cheek "and I love you so much..."
Clara smiled lightly, helping tie up her hair and curl it lightly, like she had promised. "Then you wouldn't be able to have nice tea parties, and go out like ladies do into the town to buy ice-cream." She reminded. "You'd have to work hard all day, and not get any time off, just like the boys do when they grow up." She smiled kindly at her. "Are you ready to go out for supper now?"Ella sighed softly, watching them run off. They did look happier once they weren't all wrapped up. "No… I don't want to make them unhappy." she agreed. "I'm sorry. I'll use my dolls and teddies." she agreed, pulling them out and started to dress them up. "I just think that kitty get's lonely sometimes…"
He shook his head, amused that Jack was suddenly so worried about his own social life. "Alright, I suppose if you insist, then I'll have to leave the place. But trust me, I really don't mind being here and helping. I enjoy my job." He assured him, putting on a pot for tea. "I believe Lacey and Maxwell should be arriving any moment now. Are you feeling alright still?"
James nodded, not sure he even wanted to imagine what that might have invoked. "I can't wait to meet her." he whispered, kissing her back. "And I love you too, I hope you know that." He sliced another piece of bread and buttered it for her. "Here, you must try this… it's still warm."
Eloise smiled and nodded as she hopped up and tugged Clara to her feet, Lacey and Maxwell were waiting for them in the lobby and Lavey smiled scooping up her girl "are we ready to go to the town? We have one stop to make before then." She explained as they all got into the carriage and drove to the farmhouse.Marcoux tugged her onto her lap "maybe it's not just kitty that gets lonely?...do you feel lonely Ella May?" He asked seriously and redid the ribbon in her hair as she held onto the kitten. He worried about his little daughter there weren't any little girls to play with just Pronce Donavon and they got along fine but not famously.
Jack nodded and handed him his coat "I'll be fine...enjoy yourself Freddie." He insisted, he felt like the two of them had bonded and he wanted his friend to be happy. No one could be that pleased to take care of a sick man all day and night. Plus he deserved his own unexpected romance.
Ludia took the bread and took a bite contemplating the tastes "it's very nice...not as good as mine but still delicious...the new cook refuses to let me help...but the smell of veal does make me sick..." She pondered to herself scratching the dog's head as he lazily lay on the grass a bulldog and a sweetheart at that.
Clara nodded. "I think we're all ready, Mrs." She agreed, climbing into the carriage. One stop? Where did they need to go? She peered at the charming farmhouse they stopped at in curiosity, wondering who could live here, and why they had stopped. But she knew better than to ask questions, and maintained a polite silence instead. Ella sighed softly, curling up in her father's lap. "Sometimes…" She admitted, curling up tighter as if it was a bad thing to say. She didn't want to complain, or make her parent's life harder. But she wasn't going to lie either. Their house seemed so empty to a young girl who only found friends in the animals, and even then, they often ran from her. All of them but kitty, that is.
He smiled, slipping his arms into his coat. "Alright. I'll only be gone an hour though…" He insisted. "If your lungs feel tight before then, the pump is on the table, remember how I showed you to use it." He insisted, worried about him. Sighing, he shook his head. "Well… bye for now I suppose. I think that carriage in the yard is your friends." He tipped his hat and then nodded to the people in the carriage as he climbed into his own and rode off towards Dublin.
James chuckled. "Well… since I'm soon to be king, I think we have the right to the kitchen, and you can fix the veal and make better bread." he teased, practically inhaling another piece. "Though this stuff is pretty good…" he licked his fingers and went to butter another.
Lacey smiled "Eloise darling I need you to be on your very best behavior this is a good friend of mommy's." She couldn't say much more then that or Clara would bail. She waved politely at the man that left wondering if that was the doctor. She grabbed onto Max's hand leading them all inside. Jack stood to greet them working on standing strong but that ended when he saw Clara, his whole body nearly toppled as he saw the love his life "Clara...my darling..." Maxwell was in charge of the plan and Lacey led them all out shutting the door and blocking it so Clara couldnt run.Marcoux hugged her tighter as she curled up more "it's ok honey im not upset...I just want you happy...I'll take you to play with Donavon more often he loves animals too and kitty would have some friends...and you won't be alone for long...momny is going to have a baby and you'll be a big help for her."
Amalie was cleaning the bar scrubbing doen the mugs her strawberry red hair falling out of the braided crown. She smiled as a gentleman came in, not any of the regulars and his face didn't reveal rage or torment he was an actual gentleman "good evening sir...can I get you anything?"
Clara helped Eloise out of the carriage and walked with her into the nice little cottage. She wondered who lived here, and why they needed to stop by. At least until she saw who was slowly rising out of a chair by the fire. She stared at him, stunned, and didn't even notice as everyone else left the house and blocked the door. When he spoke, shards seemed to tear through her heart and suddenly she couldn't breathe. She stumbled backwards and hit the door, nearly losing her footing. She knew she had been set up. "J-Jack… I'm sorry… I-I… I had hoped it wouldn't come to this… I…" She didn't even know how to tell him. What had happened. How her life had taken a downward spiral since he had left. How she was no longer the same person. "I… I'm not the Clara you knew…"Ella nodded slowly, feeling a little better. "I like seeing Donavon." She agreed softly. "He's often busy though… and I can't really talk to him." She explained, as she couldn't sign very well, and he couldn't lip read very well. "A baby?" She repeated, surprised. "Mom is having a baby?" Her face lit up into a smile.
Freddie sat down at a table, watching as a girl walked over and asked what he could get, he smiled politely, leaning back against the wall. "What would you recommend, love?" He asked. He was supposed to be out here and meeting people, well then, he would meet people. And she looked nice enough… or more than nice actually.
He was overjoyed to see her feeling stronger even, he slowly used the cane to walk over to her and caressed her rose petal cheeks. But the look she gave him tore him apart his face dropped as he realized she didn't love him anymore he was right before Freddie just put those fanciful ideas in his head "oh...I see...let me get some biscuits and tea out since you went through all that trouble to come..." Of course he was hurt but...it wasn't her fault and he was still a gentleman. He sat up a tray for her and motioned to the seat "please sit..."Marcoux nodded "I understand, Donavon soon will be able to hear you though he's getting a special aide placed and you won't need to sign you can play like regular children..." He kissed her forehead "and the new baby is coming after Christmas...so you'll have to be a big help for mommy and you'll have a little playmate when they get bigger ok princess?"
Analie smiled "not from around these parts? Well the weather is getting pretty chilled so I recommend the chowder in the bread bowl, saves me from doubg the dishes." She laughed easily and gave a sweet smile to him, most men flirted with her so it didn't come as a surprise.
Clara closed her eyes, trying to focus and keep breathing as he stepped over and gently touched her cheek. It was so sweet it was painful. Because while she knew she no longer was in a position to love, she also dearly missed the life she lost. And being here, inches from a good thing that could have happened, was extremely painful. She knew that he picked up on the fact that there would no longer be a relationship, because she saw his face fall and swallowed hard. She hated that she hurt him just like she was hurting. And she watched mournfully as he bustled around using his cane and got out some tea and biscuits for them. Everything in his house was quaint and cozy, and incredibly him as well. And he had obviously been sick. Now recovering, but there was still evidence of it in his features and the cane. It would be rude to turn down his offer, so she nodded and slowly sat in the chair. "Thank you." She reached out to take the tea cup, but her sleeves slipped back, revealing the bruises on her wrists, and she quickly took the cup, tugging them down again. The last thing she wanted to do was to have to explain life at the tavern, what had been expected of her to earn money, and where those bruised came from.Ella nodded, her smile genuine then. "Alright. Then I'll be able to understand him." She agreed, more open to playing with a playmate that could actually understand her, with no awkward miscommunications. "I promise I'll be a big help to mommy with the baby." She vowed, looking solemn. She glanced over at her carriage, secretly wondering if she could dress up the baby and push it around.
Freddoe shook his head, agreeing. "No, I'm from Southern Ireland, so the fall temperatures up here are new to me." He admitted, as he had had to bring a coat even just to the tavern. "But where are you from? Around here?" He asked, making pleasant polite conversation with her. "I'll take your word for it and try the chowder. Wouldn't want you working too hard," he smiled and leaned back. "Do you have any drink on tap at the moment?"
Jack swallowed trying to watch her, it was beyond painful just sitting there and looking at her beauty and the light gone out of her eyes...she wasn't his Clara...he saw the bruises and took her hand carefully tears streaming down his face "who hurt you?...Clara?..." He asked his voice shaking as he was losing breath again his chest tightening but he just wanted to die knowing he lost his painting...and the girl of his heart.Marcoux smiled and kissed her head "go to your lessons honey, your teacher is waiting." He cleaned up the toys and smiled going to Illiana "she's excited about the baby...how are you doing?" He kissed her head rubbing her belly.
Analie smiled lightly "welcome to the cold, it's pretty though the leaves changing...but I've never been a fan of winter the town frozen...what's it like where you live?...yeah I'll get you a pint, warning it isn't the tastiest."
Clara was finding it hard to breathe again as he slowly picked up her hand and looked at the bruises. She tried to focus, tried to ignore the pain, and the tears streaming down his face, but it became too hard. She closed her eyes, a choked sound escaping her. "You don't want to know…" She whispered, shaking her head. She didn't want to talk about this… so she tried to change the topic to something lighter. "I… I have your painting. You can have it back… something to remember me by." She whispered, trying to regain control of her emotions.Ella nodded, jumping up and going to her lessons. "Thank you daddy!" She waved.
Iliana smiled as Marcoux came to her. "Still doing alright. Stomach is a little upset, but that's to be expected." She smiled lightly. "Is Ella alright? She looked pretty happy heading off to her lessons. I assume your talk went well?"
Freddie shook his head. "I'll look forwards to the changing leaves then I suppose." he said, smiling at her. "I like the winter, but not when it's damp and cold." He said honestly. "Down where I live it's lush and warm all the time. The fall and winter are crisp, but never deep snow." He said honestly, shrugging. "You should visit some time. It's worth it."
Jack felt his lungs collapse and he gasped for air trying to keep it from her but when he collasped in the chair he couldn't hide it. He was unconscious his hand still holding onto hers tightly.Marcoux smiled lightly "it went very well, she's excited to have a playmate and that Donavon will be able to talk to her..." He kissed her forehead "I can't believe we are having a baby honey...I mean after Lacey's...I didn't think you wanted to have a baby, but I'm so happy about it!"
Amalie smiled and winked "as long as I get to see you...I'll be back with your drink and meal." She headed back to the kitchen and cooked it before bringing it back "there you go...can I get you anything else?"
Clara watched with wide frightened eyes as Jack seemed to suddenly start choking, and she had no idea what happened. And then he slumped to the table and she could tell immediately that he wasn't breathing. Panic clutched her and she called for the only person she knew of who had any medical experience. "Lacey!" She shouted, looking around. Jack was obviously still sick. She grabbed the device on the stand and tried to figure out how to work it. She was no doctor. It was better to just let Lacey handle it. "Please! Please help him he's not breathing..." She stepped back, shaking badly. Iliana nodded, glad that their little girl could have someone to play with and spend time together. She knew it could get lonely here. "That's good. It will be good for her to have someone to play with." She sat with him on the couch and leaned her head on his shoulder. "I can't say I'm not nervous." She admitted, "but Ella needs a sibling, and I think I'm brave enough for round two."
Freddie nodded, watching her as she left. He looked out the window at the lush landscape that was just starting to change colour. It was rather enchanting, but he was finding now that he was horrible at conversation and talking with people. Look at him, not even good at chatting with a tavern girl. He smiled as she came back and surveyed the steaming chowder. "Looks lovely. Thank you." He smiled at her. "Could I ask your name? Mine is Freddie." He introduced. "Freddie Balt."
Lacey rushed in and swore as she called in Max to get him into a bed "how can he be up around when he's that sick?" She fed the tube into his lung and pumped out the blood and fluid shaking his chest trying to get him to wake up. She watched Clara's worried face "if you didn't believe in love you wouldn't be this scared...honey you love him if you didn't you would have left."Marcoux squeezed her hand tightly "I'll be here and you'll have so much support...I can't wait to have this baby, Ella is lonely and the foxes are not her siblings their wild creatures that don't like to play dress up."
Amalie sat by him and smiled "mind if I spend my break with you? There's a brute table behind you that grabs my arse every chance he gets...Amalie...Amalie O'malley...pleasure to meet you Freddie Balt."
Clara stepped back as Jack was carried to bed and taken care of. When Lacey started to pump his lungs she felt sick to her stomach and had to avert her eyes. But she stood somewhere close by, to make sure he was ok. At Lacey's comment, she felt only pain, and she tried to keep the tears from filling her eyes. "I... I'm worried for him, but you don't understand... This is exactly why I was trying to avoid seeing him again." She sobbed, her voice cracking. Of course she loved Jack. But she couldn't be with him. She was a soiled woman, good for nothing but the taverns. And because she loved Jack, she knew she had to remove herself from the picture, act indifferent. Let him have a life with a proper wife and move on. No matter how painful this all was right now. And she knew it would have been easier if she had never come here at all. "I shouldn't be here... I shouldn't have come." Her eyes turned cold and hard as she tried to fight against the pain in her heArt, a pain se knew she'd have to grow used to.Iliana nodddd slowly, swallowing. "I wouldn't be able to do it at all without you here." She said honestly, shaking her head. "I just hope it all goes well." She laughed softly then. "No... The foxes do not really like dress up..." Her smile was genuine. "Though they do like cake." She shook her head.
Freddie shifted and made room for her, sliding his food out of the way a bit. "Not at all." He glanced at the man she spoke of, annoyed. Men could be so barbaric sometimes. "Stay as long as you like." He shook his head, looking back to her. "Nice to meet you too. You have such a melodic name." He complimented. "And it sounds familiar. Would I have known your father for any reason?"
Jack was waking up as he heard that he shook his head "d-don't...go...I love you...Clara...please..." He wheezed out his eyes saddened looking at her "only want to live...with you...in my life..." His eyes started to close again. Lacey cursed "call Freddie Balt...the doctor we are losing him...there's a tear in his lung, now Clara!"Marcoux chuckled and nodded "that they do...Lydia has requested that you stay with her while the surgery happens...she's worried about her baby boy...it's a big surgery and she's prgenant and scared and you are her best friend."
Amalie smiled and sighed "he was a famous doctor...till he was killed...I suppose, it happened before I was born...my mum went insane and cut me out when i wasn't due...so now I have an illness that will kill me before my 30th birthday...so yead my name is popular it was turned into a book and in the newspaper...so can I get you a beer?"
Clara was trembling, and she closed her eyes. She couldn't promise anything. She was not what was best for him. Not after all that had happened. She just shook her head "you just focus on getting better, ok?" She rushed to the phone immediately calling the telephone at the bar.Freddie bit his lip, wishing he hadn't commented on it. It was such a sad story that he immediately felt sad and sick and regretful. "I'm so sorry, I shouldn't have pried." He said softly, nodding. "I'll take the beer." He agreed. The phone rang nearby and he reached over and picked it up. He stood immediately when he heard Clara talking. "I see. I'll be right over. Make sure he keeps breathing," he insisted, hanging up, "I'm sorry Amalie... Something has come up with one of my patients, I have to run... Sorry!" He left his bill in the table and galloped away from the tavern, arriving and immediately getting to work on Jack. He put him to sleep with a needle and slowed his heart and breathing so he could work. It was a gruelling hour, but when he was finished, he felt better because he had found the source of te infection, and if Jack took it easy, it would heal for good. "Well.. That's done." He wiped his hands. "He should wake up in a few." Freddie turned and noticed two very worried friends, and one forlorn girl sitting at the table. Frowning, he walked over. "Are you alright?" Clara shook her head lightly, not feeling alright at all. Freddie frowned and helped her up, taking her to the sitting room so they could talk in private. "You can tell me love, I'm a doctor, I'm sworn to keep secrets by the law."
So Clara did, she told him her whole story, about her love for Jack, and him leaving and then the painting and losing her job, and what she had had to resort to to survive, and how she still loved Jack but felt like he deserved better. When she was done, Freddie held her until she stopped crying, and then he swallowed. "Well... Now that Jack is on the road to recovery, I feel he deserves to know all this. Would you mind if I told him, so he at least understands where you came from?"
Clara shook her head. "That's ok. You can tell him if you wish. I know I could never manage to tell him." She said honestly, sighing.
Freddie nodded, standing. "Will you be alright?"
Clara nodded again. "I'm fine." She whispered, watching as he went back to check and see if Jack had woken up,
Iliana smiled lightly and nodded. "I'll go see how she's doing and keep her company during the surgery." She agreed. "I know how nerve wracking that can be." She shook her head. "I hope for little Donavan's sake that it works out well for him. And that family as well. It would be so wonderful for him to hear for the first time." She chatted. "And I do hope her child is a girl, so there will be more friends for Ella."
Jack woke up in a few hours and found Clara gone his heart aches, tears actually came into his eyes as he turned away from Freddie taking his vitals "should have let me die..." He whispered feeling aches in his chest not just from the surgery but because he lost the only woman he could love.Eloise was with Clara they were getting ice cream "why are you sad?" She asked softly and took her hand worried about her nanny. Something happened and her parents stayed in the farmhouse while Clara and her got icecream.
Amalie took the money and smiled as she saw his number and address on the bill. She wrote him a letter "sorry if I scared you away, you were just really handsome and easy to talk to...I want to get to know you but I understand if you don't want to get involved with a sick girl. Chowder is always free for you...thanks for the smile and tip.
Amalie"
Lydia was getting Donavon prepped for surgery. She kissed his head and squeezed his hand "I'll be right here ok?...the doctor will put you asleep and you'll see me when you wake up ok my big strong boy?"
Freddie sighed softly, hating to see two people aching when they were clearly drawn to each other, and yet they just pushed and pushed at eachother. "No I shouldn't have, I would be a poor doctor if I did, and you would be a quitter if you gave up now without hearing Clara's story first." He said seriously, tipping Jacks head back and helping him drink some hot broth rich in proteins and mixed with medicine to help with pain and healing his lung. "She told me, you know. And I bet you'll want to hear it before you just give up like that."Clara put on a smile as best as she could as she paid for icecream for them both and walked outside of the shop to sit with her on a bench and eat it. "I just had a very serious talk with a friend that made me a little sad." She admitted, taking a lick of her icecream. "But it's all better now, don't worry Eloise." She promised, knowing it was a lie, but not wanting to explain further. "How's the icecream?"
Freddie had not gotten the letter, but it was dropped off at his hotel room where he would be staying while he cared for Jack, and when overnight stays were no longer necessary. The letter was delivered and left on his table for when he would get back and could read it.
Donavan was clearly afraid, but he nodded bravely, swallowing and hugging her. "Then I'll be able to hear you." He said softly, putting on a smile. "And I'll hear my piano... And the birds.... And whatever water splashes sound like...." He daydreamed.
Jack sighed and drank the broth slowly and closed his eyes slowly nodding "please tell me what she said to you...I just...I need closure..." He touched the bandaide on his chest and winced "please...why doesn't she love me anymore?..."Eloise frowned and hugged Clara as she licked her ice cream "don't be sad Clara...I love you and I don't like when you aren't happy...do you want sprinkles?" She always felt better with sprinkles but she was never that sad she was a happy child.
Lydia was getting Donavon prepped for surgery. She kissed his head and squeezed his hand "I'll be right here ok?...the doctor will put you asleep and you'll see me when you wake up ok my big strong boy?"
Jack sighed and drank the broth slowly and closed his eyes slowly nodding "please tell me what she said to you...I just...I need closure..." He touched the bandaide on his chest and winced "please...why doesn't she love me anymore?..."Eloise frowned and hugged Clara as she licked her ice cream "don't be sad Clara...I love you and I don't like when you aren't happy...do you want sprinkles?" She always felt better with sprinkles but she was never that sad she was a happy child.
Lydia was getting Donavon prepped for surgery. She kissed his head and squeezed his hand "I'll be right here ok?...the doctor will put you asleep and you'll see me when you wake up ok my big strong boy?"
Lydia smiled and brushed his hair back as she watched the doctor come in dressed for surgery "ok Donavon you are going to feel a little poke and then sleeping time ok?" She squeezed his hand noddinh at the doctor to start.
Freddie nodded, sighing softly. He helped prop Jack up and then told Clara's story. "No questions till the end." He insisted, "Clara loves you very much, she is just not sure how to go about relationships any longer, and with good reason. She doesn't blame you, but when that Image was sold, many people saw it and they recognized her. It was quite the scandal, and among the names and ridicule, she lost her job at the palace and had to take up one in te only place that would accept her, a tavern. She had to resort to prostitution to survive, and from what I know, the owner of the inn was not very kind to his workers. She's a broken woman, Jack, not sure what to think of her love for you, nor how to move on. She has lost interest in her previous passions and thinks there is no hope for herself. Because of her love for you, she said it would be better if you were not tied down to a, well she used the word 'tarnished' woman. She didn't want you to have to live with a girl like that, or live with the gossip that followed, not to mention I think she is quite scared of relationships and men in general after these past few months." He sighed softly. "Long story short. She's had a rough time of it, but she still loves you. She just doesn't know what to do with that love."Clara smiled, warmed by the small girls affections and she hugged her back, feeling a little better. "Thank you Eloise. I"d love some sprinkles." She smiled and stood with her, going to the toppings stand to put some on top of their icecream. "This was a great idea... It tastes amazing!"
Donavan nodded slowly, clutching his mother in nervous fear. Sure enough, he felt a sharp poke and tensed. Moments later he had passed out and the doctor lay him back on the bed. "Alright. This shouldn't take too long." He said, starting work immediately.
Jack swallowrd wincing as he thought about his girl be forced to...he bit his lip and shook his head "I need to talk to her...I don't care that she's tarnished I just want to hold her and protect her from that world...she loves me...I love her nothing should stop us...Freddie you have to get her to come back..."Eloise smiled and nuzzled her stomach since it was the only place she could reach "mommy said that you can be my nanny forever Clara...im so excited! We can do everything together and mom said you can get new dresses and life in the guest house...isn't that wonderful?"
Lydia smiled as he came to, she stroke his face and smiled "hi baby...the doctor said you did great...how are you feeling?"
Freddie nodded, glad that Jack had made peace with her story, and still wanted to fight for his girl. Now he just needed to make peace with Clara. "I'll go fetch her." He stood. "She's just outside eating icecream." He said, going to find her.Clara smiled down at Eloise and wrapped one arm around her, nodding. "It's wonderful, Eloise, I'm so excited." She said honestly, glad to have a job and a place where she was loved. Freddie approached then and said Jack wanted to see her and she swallowed, nodding. "Thank you." She said softly. She smiled at Eloise and left her with Freddie as she ventured into the house and quietly stood in the doorway of the room where Jack lay. Did he know? Had he been told everything? "Yes " she asked softly, wondering why he had sent for her.
Donavan frowned, feeling very groggy and a little sore. But the big thing was that he could suddenly sense something along with te vibrations of sound. He could... Well. He supposed this was called hearing. And it was the most beautiful thing he had ever experienced. He started sobbing against his mother, overwhelmed. "I can hear you..."
Jack looked up at her and gave a small smile "im sorry the actions the painting caused, I don't think its right that you lost your job and forced to do...awful things..,but do you really think I love you any less? I love you more...I want to protect and care for you always...heal you and revive your passions...but I understand if you can't..,im not exactly a good spicimen of a husband..."Lacey handed Fresdie the mail from his hotel room "this is all that was there...its a good thing you don't pay for every night you aren't there...you need a break. Thank you for caring for my friend but you need a break..."
Lydia started to cry as she hugged him tightly and smiled "yes you can...your dad is outside the door want me to bring him in?"
Jack nodded as he sipped the soup nearly gone...well before he threw it up but that was part of the recovery process he supposed "my chest feels...better...I can breathe again...how did you clear it out?" He wondered watching the young doctor by his bed, the doctor couldn't be older then his brother Matthew.
((Not quite dead but in trouble))
Lydia sighed and nodded as she lay down on the bed hoping that everything was alright she was so worried about James and now her baby...