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Vivian's New Start
message 351:
by
Ji Mei , The Meticulous Secretary
(new)
Jul 06, 2013 04:09PM
Nodding, he took a bite of his apple. "Yes. The dreams didn't reach the end and most intense part and for some reason I didn't wake with images still in my mind," Joeri said thoughtfully.
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Vivian smiled as she sprinkled some salt onto her egg, and dipped into the yolk with a chunk of bread."That's good," she murmured.
Joeri mmmed in agreement, though he still wondered why this particular night was different. It was quite momentous to have the dreams fade from his mind after he awoken and Joeri wondered if it meant there was progress at last. He gave a shrug to himself and proceeded to eat the pastry. It was flaky, buttery, and warm, fresh from the oven. The strawberry filling was sweet with a perfect level of tartness. He will certainly miss meals such as these. "And did you?" he asked in return.
"Yes," she replied, helping herself to one of Bridget's strawberry pastries. "I love it when she makes these," Vivian sighed happily, pulling it apart and catching the dripping filling on her tongue from one half before biting into it.
Sighing, Joeri closed his eyes as he savored the meal. He didn't want to be dramatic, but it was his last meal, at least one as good as this, for a long time. Then realizing it might come off as saddening, he glanced over at Vivian. He reached out to lay his hand, his metal one unfortunately, on top of her real one. "Thank you, Vivian," Joeri said sincerely.
She clasped his hand tightly, the cool metal reassuring in its own way."For what, Joeri?" Vivian asked quietly.
"Everything. For letting me stay here, for being your amazing self, for letting me be part of your life," Joeri replied.
Vivian got up from her chair and put her arms around him, kissing his temple. "There is nothing to thank me for, Joeri," she whispered, "for I was in need of saving too, and you were there."
He bent down to kiss the palms of her hands, then glanced up at her with a smile. "Anything for you, my lady," Joeri said, giving a small modest shrug.
Vivian gave him a squeeze and returned to her seat. "I ordered a coach ahead of time for us," she told him, "so that I can drop you off in style." So that everyone who sees you getting out and walking inside the Barracks will know you belong to somebody, to a family.
She tried to smile brightly, her love for him making her glow. "Now, eat up, Mr Roberts," she said. "I'm not sending the love of my life to his first day back on the job on an empty stomach."
Joeri laughed and gave her a salute. "Yes, ma'am. You don't have to tell me twice," he said.He ate in comfortable silence, admiring Bridget's skills and it reminded him of his mother's cooking.
Dearest Vivian,How I miss your presence! Boston, however, is quite pleasant, and I have settled in quite nicely, I think. I'm still adjusting to a great many things; the American way of life is quite different from the English one...although I must say, I think I will enjoy myself here, and I have experienced some of America before, after all.
I have asked Bert to make sure you get Priscilla to keep with you until I'm back. Is that alright with you?
Dearest girl, I'm glad to hear your new home is to your liking. I cannot wait to hear of what you've planned for it. I especially like that small room on the second floor with the alcove bed and all the built-in shelves. They'll make a lovely home for your Shakespeare, won't they?
Please write again soon, as I am dying to hear from you and know how you are. Don't delay - indulge your guardian.
I will send sketches to you soon of Harvard.
Love always,
Geoffrey
PS: I'm sure Kitara would love to hear from you, so send your letters to her directly. I've enclosed her address below.
***END OF SCENE***
Kitara received Vivian's letter the day after Ben's short note and chuckled to herself at the irony of becoming a relationship guru. She replied the same day: Dear Vivian,
Thank you for writing! It was lovely to hear from you. Boston is wonderful, my family is well and Emma is slowly getting used to it here. She spent the first week with Geoff at his friend's townhouse and Geoff was very sad to see her leave. I almost felt bad taking her back to my parents' place but Emma is a shy girl and can't stand to be away from me for too long.
I did in fact hear about your new townhouse and I am happy that it is everything your heart desires! Wonderful news about being able to have a room for Thomas too. Although you may not always need it for him, as you say, it does not hurt to have a spare room anyway.
Yes, sweetheart, of course you may speak to me about whatever you wish and no, of course I will not tell Geoff. A woman must have some secrets, as I always say. Did your brother pass on my hello to you, by the way? He has been writing to me too.
Congratulations on everything, Vivian, and I hope that life continues to reward you with its blessings as you very much deserve it.
Write soon.
Sincerely,
Kitara
P.S. A puppy named Shakespeare? Really?
***END OF SCENE***
Ben sent a quick reply to Vivian upon receiving her note:Hey Squirt,
Just a quick note to let you know that I will call on you this weekend if you wish. Can't wait to hear all about your new job.
Must get back to catching flying pigs now.
Cheers,
Ben
P.S. Kitara says hello.
***END OF SCENE***
It was around supper time when Ben left his office and headed for Vivian's. When he arrived, her maid told him that she was not home but that he could come inside and have a seat to wait for her. Thanking her, Ben stepped inside and waited in the parlor. Bridget had been kind enough to bring him some food while he waited which he ate ravenously.
Exhausted from a long day at the stables but secretly elated at how things had gone with the sale of Sirocco to Stephon, Vivian trudged up the front steps of her townhouse with Shakespeare pulling on the lead. She let herself in."Bridget? Bridget, I'm home," she called out.
Bridget came hurrying down the hall from the kitchen. "Good afternoon, Miss," she said. "Master Benedict's in the parlour."
"Thank you, Bridget."
She had not seen either of the twins for some time now, and excitedly she let Shakespeare off his leash and rushed into the sitting room. "Ben!" she cried, launching herself at him, forgetting she was still in her work clothes.
((Vivian's outfit, only she's got some stable dust and grime on her:))
Ben gaped at his sister as she launched herself and him and then laughed. "Holy Jesus, Vivian, if I hadn't known any better, I would have said that you could not have possibly looked scruffier--until now that is," he grinned and then mussed up her hair anyway. "Where the hell do you work now? I forget if you mentioned it in your letter." He sat back down once she had released him and looked down at his suit to check the damage.
Fortunately she hadn't gotten him too dirty, and she handed him a napkin from the tray of pastries to dust off the stable dust from his front. "Sorry," she said sheepishly. "I work at McCann's Stables, just a few blocks over," she added as she dusted off the seat of her pants before sitting down on the couch. "I'm a groom - and apparently after today, will have a student for lessons." She grinned.Shakespeare bounded in, having first followed Bridget into the kitchen for a treat. He scampered over to Vivian, putting his front paws up on her leg for he could not yet reach her knee, and looked at her beseechingly.
"No, you're not getting any pastry," Vivian said firmly, setting him back on all four paws. "Go say hello to Uncle Ben."
Shakespeare turned around, as if he could understand her completely, and scampered over to Ben.
Ben laughed. "Well who is this adorable guy?" he waited for the puppy to come over and then reached out a large, freckled hand to pet him. "You two make a very cute couple," he grinned at Vivian.
Shakespeare's entire behind shook as he wagged his tail and placed his paws on Ben's shin. He barked once or twice, nuzzling Ben's hand with his jowly snout."His name is Shakespeare," Vivian said.
"Very appropriate, Vivian, well done." Ben appreciated names that did not suit animals. He had named his horse Bob after all. "So what's new?" he asked after awhile.
"Aside from the job and Shakespeare, not much," Vivian said. "I've managed to get wallpaper up by some miracle," she added. "And Thomas has gone back on duty - since week now, nearly. But other than that, nothing new. How about you?"
"Work and work," Ben replied. "I am taking Kathleen dress shopping tomorrow for the ball," he groaned rubbing his short red hair. "But I made a promise to myself that I would help out more with family duties and so I won't complain. Plus she is going to take me bow shopping afterwards," he grinned and then proceeded to launch into the story of how they had practiced the other day. "Evidently I have natural talent," he chuckled.
"She is rather sweet once you get to know her," Vivian murmured. "I have her to thank for my arm, after all." She grinned. "So, when is this infamous ball?" she asked.
Ben frowned. "I want to say August 5th?" he said slowly. "I have to double check with Bert. And yes, Kathleen is quite nice. It won't be as bad as I suspected," he grinned.
Vivian rolled her eyes. Of course Ben would have to check with Bert. It was Bert who remembered all the important dates. If Ben didn't have an assistant, he'd probably never remember when to show up in court."Have you heard from Geoff or Kitara at all?" she asked. "I got a lovely letter from both of them." She smiled at the thought of being able to share secrets with Kitara as if they were sisters.
Ben chuckled. "I did actually--from both of them. They're both very happy, but I'm sure you know that too," he grinned. "I can't express how happy I am for Geoffrey. He really deserves it, you know. A bloody good man, that one."
Don't I know it, Vivian mused. Bert and Ben knew Geoff well, but it had been Vivian who had seen him through the aftermath of Pemberton and Minnie, and more recently his beast. She shuddered at the memory and gave her brother a bright smile."Would you like to see what I've done with one of the rooms?" she asked. "It's a surprise for Thomas when he comes back from leave next time."
"Sure," Ben said, standing up. "So Thomas is gone now, huh?" he said sympathetically, putting an arm around her shoulders. "When does he come back?"
"I think in September he'll have a small leave, maybe," Vivian said. "He's not sure yet. When I go to see him for the monthly visiting day, I'll know for sure. It might be as late as October." She wrapped her arm around Ben's waist as they walked up the stairs to the reading room.Vivian had papered it in palest blue, and furnished it with a couch and armchair in deeper royal blue. The alcove bed had been made to match, and she'd had glass doors installed over the bookshelves to minimise the dust on her precious tomes. The curtains were light and airy, sheer white layers under a heavier damask drape, tied back with blue sashes.
"He said his favourite colour is blue," she explained.
"What a coincidence, so is mine," Ben joked, trying to cheer her up. He kissed the top of her head. "It's lovely, Squirt."
"I sit in here and read Shakespeare...with, er, Shakespeare," Vivian laughed. "It kind of helps me stop missing him so much," she explained, somewhat forlornly. The puppy had trotted in behind them, a knotted rag in his mouth. He deposited it at Ben's feet.
Ben picked up the rag and threw it, yelling "Fetch!" He turned back to Vivian and said, "I can imagine how hard it must be." He pulled her into his strong arms and squeezed her tightly.
Shakespeare scuttled off, barking as he slid on the wood floor. Vivian realised she'd need to get a runner laid down before the dog got too big and ended up going through a wall.She hugged Ben fiercely. "It's so hard, Bee," she whispered, using the nickname she'd employed when she was but a toddler learning to talk. Apparently "Benedict" and "Bertrand" had been too difficult to say so they were "Bee" and "Bur" until she could.
"I know," Ben replied softly.
Despite her best efforts, Vivian started to cry. She missed Joeri so much, and Ben and Bert were the only two people in London left who she could lean on. After a short moment, she pulled away, dashing the back of her hand across her eyes. "I'm sorry, Bee," she said. "I know tears make you uncomfortable," she added with a weak laugh.
"Nah, you've weeded it out of me with your years of constant, incessant moping," he teased. "Cry your heart out. I can take it," he grinned.
She rested her head on Ben's chest, laughing a bit through the tears that streamed down her face. "It just feels so empty without him," she admitted. "I can't believe how used to him I became in so short a time. He only stayed over here for three nights before he left." She sniffled a bit.
"Any chance he can get out of duty earlier?" Ben queried.
Vivian shrugged. "Back when I was a Kaylock, I could've done it at the drop of a hat," she confessed. "That's how we had three weeks together in the first place."She hiccuped a bit, and sniffled. "I guess it was useful to have that name, once upon a time," she admitted, "but I'm a Northby now, and sadly Geoff doesn't have any illustrious ancestors in the military like you do, officially."
"Maybe Bert can pull some strings," Ben suggested.
"I wouldn't want to ask it of him," she said sadly. "I can't go running to you and Bert for every little whim and fancy now, can I? I've got my own household. Time to be an adult and...deal with reality."
Ben nodded, "That's a good way to think, Squirt. I'm proud of you."
Vivian wiped her nose on her somewhat grubby sleeve, then laughed."Look at me, mistress of my own house and reeking of horses and hay," she said. "I've traded my pretty dresses for jackets and breeches in the name of independence, and would you believe I'm rather content with all of it?" She sighed, raking a hand through her rambunctious, flaming curls.
"I think it suits you," Ben grinned. "You were never much of a lady to begin with anyway," he teased.
Vivian scrunched up her nose at him. "Well, Thomas seems to think I'm lovely as I am," she retorted. "...though, he hasn't seen me like this yet. Oh dear. Whatever shall he say when he does?" She laughed, then hugged Ben again. "I sold a horse today," she told him. "A really fine Brandenburger mare. You'd have liked her, I think, though she's not suited to polo."
Remembering Ben wanted to form a polo team, she added, "Though Mr McCann does have one or two fine polo horses for sale at the moment."
"If he doesn't like it then to hell with him," Ben said firmly. He then added, "I must have a look at those horses."
"The two he's got up for sale right now are Argentine Criollos mixed with Arabians," she told him. "I've had the chance to groom them and put them through their paces once or twice. Ben, they're absolutely magnificent. The two breeds are already noted for their speed and endurance - can you imagine what they're like in one horse?" She grinned, hoping he'd be pleased.
"You've sold me," Ben said grinning. "Consider them bought and paid for. I really need my own place and soon," he sighed.
