Detailed Roleplayers discussion
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McKensie and Lara III
James saw how his announcement effected her and he swallowed. Couldn't she see this was hard for him too? He reached out and gently took her hand. "Please, Lydia." he whispered. "I want to part on good terms." he pulled her against him, trying to offer her comfort by holding her, for if she cried, he knew he would grow much too emotional for such a social setting. As it was, it was hard keeping a brave face for her. Maxwell sighed. "Maxwell was Marcoux's footman. But now I am a dual heir with him. The man you thought was the footman is Marcoux, and I am Maxwell." He looked up slowly, his eyes begging her to understand and not get mad. "I am sorry we did not tell you sooner. We were playing a little game, he and I, switching our roles. But we both fell in love... and well. That made things complicated."
Lydia cried into his chest holding onto his suit cost as he held her, she sniffed and looked up at him "I'll just miss you so much..." She admitted quietly and dried to put on a smile "there's so many lovely french girls...I'm sure you'll meet a suitable wife." She said trying to stay positive "how long do you think you'll be gone?"Lacey blinked trying to put things together, she swallowed not liking that age was lied to she didn't care that he was a footman she cared that he lied to her "you could have just told me...I wouldn't care one way or the other Maxwell...I love you, and if that isn't enough for daddy then I'll leave...but promise me you'll never lie to me agajin ever..."
James nodded, rubbing her back as he held her. "I'll miss you too." He whispered, kissing the top of her head. This display of affection was probably entirely inappropriate, but in this moment, it didn't matter. "I'll probably be gone for a month." He said softly. He purposely didn't respond to her wife comment. For saying yes, meant he didn't like her and wanted to find a wife, and saying no was giving her hope, and that was something he couldn't afford to do, especially if it would just break her heart later. Maxwell sighed softly when she didn't scream or shout at him and his smile was weak. "I'm very glad you didn't bite my head off." he said honestly. "Illiana is still not talking to Marcoux apparently." he admitted, shrugging. "I wanted to tell you. I never wanted to lie, but Marcoux was very insistent that this would be fun... and well... I guess I wanted to try it." he admitted. He sighed. "I promise that I shall never again lie to you, Lady Lacey." he said, a little smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
Lydia sighed deeply not wanting him to ever let go, she closed her eyes just trying to put to memory this moment as he pressed his lips to her head and sniffed "at least it isn't a year..." She whispered and looked up at his face "promise you'll at least write? Maybe find some recipes?" She teased trying to lighten the heavy energy they both felt.Lacey frowned "oh dear...I'll talk to her, I know it was just some harmless fun you didn't think that you'd fall in love..." She smiled holding onto him "thank you Maxwell...that name fits you better Pan." She whispered and kissed down his neck and sighed "if my father disapproves of this, take me with you..."
James nodded a little in agreement when she pointed out that it wouldn't be a year. It was true. At least they had that much consolation. But he didn't really feel like leaving at all. He wished he could bring her to France. But that was not possible. She had duties here as a princess. "I'll write everyday." He promised, squeezing her hand. "And I'll find as many French recipes as I am able. Don't have too much fun here without me." he said, smiling lightly. Maxwell nodded, sighing a little. "Thanks. I know Marcoux would appreciate that." he said honestly. He smiled a little when she said she liked his name better, and his smile grew when she used his new nickname. He closed his eyes as she kissed his neck and he nodded immediately, his eyes still closed. "I promise, Tink."
Lydia shook her head and smiled hugging him around the neck tightly before letting go "I promise, I'll write as well telling you how many royal disasters I've caused..." She sighed shaking her head and laughing lightly "maybe I'll be more of a lady by the time you come back..." She stroke his face stubble and smiled "learn much alright? Try to enjoy yourself..." She didn't want to say goodbye, she pulled him up "walk with me till curvew?" She asked softly taking him to the garden.Lacey smiled loving when he used her nickname, she wished she wasn't feeling so poorly because all of her wanted him. It was like a gate opened when he told her the truth and she couldn't stay ladylike much longer "it's getting harder to be around you..." She whispered honestly and sighed "I just want..." She couldn't say it, it was so improper.
James laughed then. "I'd like to hear about that." he said, his smile genuine. "I highly doubt that you'll change, Lydia, you're such a strong person." He said gently. "I hope you never lose who you are." he whispered, standing with her. "I'll learn as much as I can, and write it all down, and bring it back as a book for you." He said, smiling as he walked with her out into the palace gardens. "I'll walk with you until they kick me out." he promised. Maxwell could see the want in her eyes, and though he felt it himself, he knew that she had just been sick, and was still recovering. Now was not the time for that. Maxwell smiled softly and placed a finger over her lips. "We have all summer." he promised, knowing that sometime before the end of the summer, being around her would get to be too much for him too.
Lydia smiled walking with him among the beautiful well known rose bushes and topiary animals, she swung their arms lightly and remembered something fear in her eyes "James...there's a war in France..." She said scared starting to bite her lip "what is something happens? What if they recruit you?" She said scared taking both of his hands now.Lacey nodded and kissed his finger, before pulling back and kissing his lips "dinner will be served soon, is that when you and Marcoux are going to make the announcement...I do hope father will not be cross." She said worriedly "maybe I should go with you..." She tried to get out of bed but was far too weak still.
James knew very well that there was a war. His father wanted him to get recruited, and earn some prestige that way. He had been hoping that Lydia would not remember the war. It would only make her worry more. "I'll be alright, Lydia, I promise. If I am recruited, then I will serve my time, and return to you."Maxwell nodded, getting up to get ready and go downstairs. He tried to mentally prepare himself for the announcement, but he knew he could not. He turned and gently lay her back in bed. "I'll be ok." he promised. "I'll make the announcement with Marcoux, and then bring up a plate for you, ok?"
Lydia swallowed her heart hammering in her chest as she nodded "you can't die out there...James." She said his name in a whisper her lips trembling as she tried not to cry again. Time to be brave, to be the regal princess and not a scared girl in love. "If your recruited...it'll be much longer then a month..."Lacey nodded and sighed kissing him "I love you Maxwell..." She said with a smile truly meaning it and letting him go. She called in Illiana as she promised she would do for Marcoux, my things had got complicated.
James sighed softly, turning so he was facing her. He took her hands gently in his, looking down into her eyes. "I promise that I will try my very best to live, should I be recruited." He whispered. "And I'll come home as soon as I can with a badge of honour, or in crutches, either way, I'll be alive." he promise, wiping her tears with his thumb. "Try not to worry too much, ok? I can handle myself." he smiled a small smile.Illiana came in just as quickly as she could. She had finished crying long ago and had cleaned up, so she no longer had red eyes. "Yes m'lady?" She inquired, worry about her mistress. She had been sick after all, and she had no idea if she had gotten better or worse.
Lydia sighed and nodded, she cupped his face and kissed him softly before releasing him "that's for good luck..." She whispered knowing what she did was completely inappropriate but she was sure her mother would understand, she was sending the man she loved to war. "I'll be there to welcome you home, that's a royal promise."Lacey looked up and smiled taking her hand "I heard we both had some surprising news about the men we love..." She started and sighed "I was upset as well Illiana." She assured making sure the girl knew that she understood what she was going through.
James was a little surprised by the kiss, but it didn't bother him at all. He smiled softly, nodding then. "Thank you." He whispered. "I'll be watching for you."A call ran over the grounds, as one of the guards called curfew. James smiled gently at Lydia and gave her hand a squeeze. "Goodbye, Lydia." he said softly, turning and walking away through the grounds and towards the gates before he lost his resolve.
Illiana sighed softly and plopped on the bed, leaning her hands on her elbows. She felt comfortable with Lacey now. "I was so stupid to want to fall in love so quickly. I guess what happened just reminded me of that." She admitted, shrugging a little. "I still love the Maxwell I got to know, but I feel like he doesn't exist anymore." She admitted.
Lydia started to cry as he left, she went to the guards and nodded going inside she saw her mother and tried to make the tears disappear as quickly as she could but they just kept on coming. Why did it hurt so badly? She knew him barely a week and yet...it seemed like so much more. She wished she could talk to Illiana and all her friends at home but she couldn't.Lacey took her hand "why do you feel there is a difference? Marcoux just changed his name is all he can't change his entire personality or the love you share...that's why I forgave Maxwell because I know that he never did it to hurt me."
The queen saw her daughter in tears and rushed over, holding her close, one hand running through her hair. "Lydia, darling, what's wrong?" she asked gently, hoping that no man had hurt her. She was worried about her daughter. "Did something happen?" she asked gently. Illiana looked up at her, chewing her lip. "Well. All the things he told me about himself, they weren't true. I feel like I don't know anything true about him at all." She admitted. "I don't know which of it to believe, and which of it he was just telling me." She admitted.
Lydia sobbed and hugged her mother close "he's leaving to France...he may be recruited in the war, he promised he would come home but I'm so scared mother...I only thought he was leaving a month now it seems so much longer..." She admitted and sniffed shaking her head "I don't know why it hurts so badly..."Lacey shook her head "how do you know they weren't trye? Maxwell told me things as well they were the same stories just in Marcoux's perspective sometimes he would tell me the truth talking about his life, I guess that's why I wasn't as surprised when he told me...Maxwell told me Marcoux is suffering pretty badly..."
The queen nodded in understanding, holding her daughter close. She had had a love who went to war as well, so she could understand what he was going through. "I'm sure he'll come home dear." She promised. "War is civil for the most part. No body likes to lose men." she said, squeezing her hand. "It hurts because you care about him dear, and that is perfectly alright." She assured. Illiana shook her head. "I don't know if they were true or not, and that is the problem." she admitted. She felt herself grow pretty guilty when Lacey said that Marcoux wasn't happy. "I... I just don't want to be hurt again." she admitted. "But I suppose I should tell him that. Are they telling the family who they are?" she asked.
Lydia swallowed and nodded feeling sick inside, she pecked her mother's cheek and curtsied "I think I'll retire to bed mother...goodnight." She whispered and headed to her bedroom. She dug through drawers till she found parchment and a quill she began to write quickly knowing that if she didn't she would lose the courage 'you have just left me minutes ago and my heart is shattered, I can tell you this now that you are gone and cannot convince me otherwise. I love you. I know that, even with the few days we have known eachother I know that nothing can be this strong. I will wait for you though mother will have me court the princes my heart belongs to you.' She found a locket shaped like a heart in her jewelery case as she snipped a piece of her hair and tucked it into the locket and sealed all in an envelope with the Royal seal. She swallowed not knowing his address in France yet so she would have to wait for a letter from him.Lacey heard the commotion and shattering glasses downstairs "sounds like they just did..." She said honestly worried about Maxwell she heard her brother come up the stairs and come into the door. She excused Illiana and took James hand "what is it?..."
The queen watched her daughter go, sad that she could not help her more. One of the maids knocked on Lydia's door softly, waiting for a response before she would enter. "Miss?" She called in. "Are you alright? Do you need any assistance?" She inquired.
James came in his sister's room looking rather tired. He sat on her bed and sighed softly, looking over at his younger sister. "Father is sending me off to war." He said simply. "And I figured you should know that before I left. I had to say goodbye to Lydia already, and that was... emotional." He admitted.
Lydia sniffed and hid the letter quickly before opening the door "no Emma I'm fine thank you..." She whispered drying her tears and trying a tired smile "I think I'm ready for bed...I just need some night clothes and direct me to the washroom.." She liked the maids but she wanted to keep the independence she learned to incorporate in her life.Lacey shook her head and hugged him tightly crying softly "it isn't our war though...why would he send you to die?" She whispered scared and clung to him "I'll miss you so much...what if you aren't there for my wedding? I need you to be my man of honor..." She teased and wiped her eyes. She blinked when he mentioned the cook "I don't understand..."
Emma came in, just nodding quickly, as she saw that Lydia didn't wish to talk of it, so she just got out her nightgown and helped her out of the dress and into it. "I'm here if you want to talk." She promised. She pointed to a door down the hall. "That is the washroom." She said softly, not liking how upset her lady was.James held his sister, having to try all over again to not get emotional. If it was his choice, he wouldn't be going anywhere. "No, but if I get a medal, it will raise our family's name higher." He explained. "And you know that is what father wants above all else." He sighed softly. "I won't die, Lacey, I promise." he kissed her hand. "I'll come back to you and the family, and Lydia. I love her Lacey." he explained.
Lydia swallowed "wait Emma...please, I need you to send a letter quickly it has to get to its recipient tonight no exceptions." She handed her the parcel "I can't go myself but go to the manor find the ladies msid Illiana and she'll know from there...please you are my only hope." She begged needing him to know before he left the country.Lacey swallowed and shook her head "father should go himself then!" She said bitterly and shook her head. His news surprised her and she took his hands "does she know of your love? What if she marries before you return?" She asked concerned "afterall she was fired...she could be working somewhere else."
Emma nodded, feeling very important because she now had a special letter to mail. "Of course miss." She said, running out to where the palace carriages were kept. She told the driver to hurry, and said the place she was going to, and then sat back and waited for them to arrive.James smiled weakly and shook his head. "He is too old now, Lay." he explained. Then he shook his head slowly. "No, she doesn't know. And she can not. I can not give her hope when there is none. She is the princess, and she is to marry a prince." He explained. "It might be better if I die in war." he muttered bitterly.
The carriages rode quickly through the dark streets till they reached the back steps of the servant quarters where Emma could ask for Illiana. The other maids bustled to find Illiana "a package from the palace maid said no on else to touch it." Lacey slapped him lightly but still with meaning as she glared "don't ever say that to me again James...I would die if I found out you were dead," she said through her angry tears "you will come back to me alive and to Lydia, princess or not!" She scolded.
Illiana took one look at the letter and knew who to give it to. She smiled lightly, running through the manner to find James. She knocked on the door and peeked in. "Excuse me sir, but I have a letter for you." She said quickly, holding it out. James smiled weakly, glad his sister still cared for him, and he hugged her quick. "I promise I'll come back, Lacey. For you both." He whispered. He looked up as a letter was brought, and he took it, curious. "Thank you Illiana." he said, dismissing her. He read the letter and his heart melted. Well this made things a whole lot harder for him to go away. He took out the locket and clasped it around his neck, tucking it under his shirt, next to his heart.
Lacey gasped reading it "this is the most romantic thing I have ever heard of!" She said pulling out the locket and opening it "ok the lock of hair I woukdnt do...but still!" She said excited squeezing his hand "you have to come home and you have to marry her end of story!" She said with a grin and hugged him "I'm still devestated but this makes it a little better...but I'm still not getting married without you."
James chuckled softly, watching his sister fawn over the locket and the note, and he let her, knowing she was a romantic beneath the spirit. He knew he would never be able to marry Lydia, however so much he might want to. But he wasn't going to say that. So he just kissed his sisters forehead and smiled. "Take care of the house while I'm gone, ok?" He asked, winking. "I'm going to need someone to inform me about what is happening here." He grinned and then remembered something. ""And what was that commotion downstairs about exactly?"
Lacey sighed tirefly "Marcoux and Maxwell switched places for the summer, I fell in love with Maxwell and the maid Illiana fell for Marcoux. They just announced it downstairs I don't think father took it well." She smiled squeezing his hand "as a royal blood princess she may choose whoever she wants to marry, no parliament can argue when she is of Royal blood." She reminded and smiled.
James's eyes widened a little. So they told father. And apparently he was not pleased at all. "Poor kids." he said, shaking his head. That must have been a bit crazy... James smiled softly at his sister, simply saying. "I hope you're right about that." Inside he knew the queen would strongly suggest a prince, regardless of what was allowed. But for his heart's sake, he hoped Lacey spoke true. "I leave tomorrow morning." he said softly. "Want to help me pack?"
Lacey sighed and nodded slowly getting up with his assistance, she felt better but the fever did weaken her. She sighed helping him pack his clothes "you have to come back home James...don't you get the house will change without you? Father will put all his frustrations out on me...mother will probably act more ditzy and I...well without Maxwell I'll have no one to talk to.." She whispered drying her tears "I don't care about s stupid medal just come home soon..."
James worked with her to get a small bag of clothes together for the journey. He wouldn't need them if he was recruited, but there was always the chance that he was not, and he could come home sooner. He bit his lip, hugging Lacey. "If I had a choice..." He whispered, running his fingers through his sister's hair to help calm her. "I wouldn't be going at all." He admitted. Didn't she see how hard it was for him to leave? He had to go, because it was what father wished, and he was not one to ever disobey, and honor for the family was always a good thing. But he certainly wouldn't have gone if it was his decision.
Lacey swallowed holding onto him as she took deep breaths and nodded "I know that, I'm trying to be brave James...I don't want you to have to worry about me or Lydia just focus and be safe. I'll be fine here, I'll write to you everyday and send packages alright?" She promised and sighed "can I just sleep with you tonight likd we did when we were younger and I was having nightmares?"
James nodded then, glad that she would write. "Thank you, Lacey. I'd love to get letters." he said honestly. Letters would make his time at war easier. At her request, he nodded, smiling lightly. "I'd like that." he agreed, squeezing her hand. He got dressed for bed, and climbed onto the mattress, patting the spot beside him. "Come on, Laylay." he teased, laying on his side as he sighed tiredly. This could very well be the last time he did this with his sister. But he hated to think of it that way.
Lacey sighed and snuggled up to him closing her eyes as she tried not to cry at the nickname and at everything she was feeling. She sighed softly watching him "France seems so far away James..." She admitted quietly and sighed "we need a new topic or I'll cry myself to sleep tonight..."
James nodded slowly, lost in his own thoughts. There was a lot on his mind currently with everything that was going on. He listened to her though, and then thought up another topic. "Ok. So how about when I need to beat up Maxwell for kissing you?" He asked. "How many times now?" He asked, rolling his eyes. "You're all the talk among the staff you know..." he teased.
Lacey laughed and gasped hitting you "none of your business! Not my fault you haven't tried kissing with Lydia obviously you missed your moment. But I can tell you it's really hard to stay in boundaries after kissing awhile. I really don't want a child before marriage..." She flushed "why I am telling you this? Your my brother!"
James found himself smiling more and more as he talked, and he finally just shook his head. "You keep your hands to yourself miss, if I find out you're pregnant before marriage, you'll have to kiss your Maxwell goodbye." He said, half serious, half teasing. "Just be careful ok? I know emotions can be strong, but you don't want to give up yourself right away. Give him your heart first, and then once you're married, and only then, will I not kill Maxwell if he does anything past kissing." he smiled.
Lacey nodded and smiled "I want to...be with him the night he proposes, is that allowed?" She asked looking up at him "I know I should wait till marriage but...I'm going insane not being with him James. I may try a chasity belt..." She sighed laying against the pillow "I just feel weak from that fever..Maxwell said I went delerious...."
James smirked and shook his head. "I'm sure its allowed Lacey... since you'll be marrying him for sure at that point. But saving it for the wedding night will make it something extra special." he said, kissing her forehead. He tucked his elbow under his head and let his eyes close. "You should rest, baby girl. You were sick only a few days ago, and I don't want you getting sick again."
Lacey nodded and snuggled on his chest as she relaxed, "I know...I won't be sick...I'm not a good patient." She teased and squeezed his waist and sighed "please promise you will at least propose to Lydia...she deserves to know that you love her the same." She said honestly and kissed his cheek "love you...don't leave without waking me..."
James nodded in agreement. "I will tell her I love her." he promised. "But I can not say anything about proposals yet." Especially if he were to promise her, and then die in war and never keep that promise for her. He yawned tiredly, slowly drifting off. "I'll say goodbye, I promise." he whispered, and fell asleep.
The next morning Lacey woke up at dawn and helped James get ready "when does your boat leave?" She asked softly straightening his collar on his coat and patting it closed.Marcoux slept on the floor in Maxwell's room, he wasn't welcomed in the servant quarters by the other help. Illiana wouldnt speak to him and he missed her so much. He sighed deeply and sat up hearing more people awake.
James looked at himself in the mirror, and then down at his watch. "In an hour." He answered. "I should get to the carriage in fifteen or so." he said, grabbing his suitcase from the floor. Maxwell was up early that morning, and had already dressed himself and gotten his hair combed. He returned to the room to check on Marcoux, and smiled at his friend. "Come on. Up you get. You need to get cleaned up and go find Illiana. You need to talk to her." He said gently, but insistently as the same time. His friend had to figure out what was going on.
Lacey felt a sharp pain in her side but ignored it as she helpef him load the carriage "call the house when you arrive...I want to talk to you directly to make sure you're alright." The pain was sharp and made her lean a little but nothing noticeable.Marcoux put the blanket over his head ignoring Maxwell, Illiana was clear that she wanted nothing to do with him. Lacey tried and couldn't help him either so...why try?
James strapped down his suitcase and nodded, pecking her cheek. "I'll call as soon as I get a chance." he promised, giving her a big hug for a moment. The driver told him to hurry up, so he let go again and hopped into the carriage, waving out the window as it drove off. "Take care of the house while I'm gone Laylay." he called, and then the carriage disappeared around the bend. Maxwell walked over pulling off the blankets and nudging him. "Come on. You can't sleep all day." he said, rolling his eyes as he went to open the curtains and flood the room with light. "I didn't think you were one to give up so easily."
Lacey was in agony when he hugged her but she maintained her positive disposition and once he left she was bent over in pain. "Someone find Illiana please..." She asked the rushing servants she had never experianced pain like this it took her breath away.Marcoux sighed "I didn't think you were one to care about whether or not I DI Max...it's none of your business, she wants nothing to do with Marcoux she wants Macwell."
Illiana was found and she immediately joined her lady's side, frowning in worry. She grasped her hand, steadying her. She looked to be in pain, but why? "Miss... are you alright? Has something happened?" She inquired. She hated to see her lady and friend in pain, and it worried her the deep frown that was etched onto Lacey's features. She couldn't see anything wrong with her, but that scared her all the more.Maxwell stiffened, his hand tightening on the curtain he had been drawing open. Marcoux had never said something like that in all the years he had known him. They had always talked to eachother about everything. He nodded slowly, swallowing. "I see." he whispered. "I'll not disturb you then." He moved to the door and left quickly, shutting the door after him.
Lacey was in near tears an inflamed appendix was no laughing matter. She could hardly walk back to her room and by the point she got to the grand staircase she just lay on the steps shaking.Marcoux closed his eyes feeling like the biggest jerk on earth, he sighed and got up and got dressed trying to find Illiana. He saw her with lady Lacey and froze at the scene she was creating from the pain "Maxwell...call the physician quickly."
Illiana tugged at her lady, her own heart racing in panic. "You'll be alright." She said quickly. "What's wrong? What hurts?" She kept asking as she put an arm beneath her friend and slowly lifted her, helping support her into her bedroom. "The doctor will come. You'll be ok." she promised. Maxwell had passed Illiana and Lacey on the stairs, and immediately paled in panic. He was already on the phone, dialing up the physician when Marcoux came out. When the physician said he was on his way, Maxwell hung up and ran after Illiana into Lacey's room, sitting beside her and taking her hand. "Baby..." He whispered. "What can I do to help? The doctor is coming."
Lacey blinked not expecting that, she didn't know if he was joking or not "Maxwell, but I thought that's your footman's name?" She asked confused still not understanding what he was saying.