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Vivian's New Start
message 401:
by
Raina-J.
(new)
Jul 07, 2013 09:56PM
"Have you signed for the Hartley house yet?" Vivian asked.
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"Yes," Ben replied. "We should be moving in very soon. It's quite nice there. Same as when we were kids."
Shakespeare tore into the room with his knotted rag and dropped it at Ben's feet, his big eyes begging and his entire rear end wagging back and forth.
Ben picked it up again and threw it down from where he came. "Fetch!""Are you working tomorrow? Maybe I can pass by with Kathleen to look at the horses?"
Vivian nodded as she laughed at Shakespeare's immediate attachment to Ben. "Yes, of course," she replied. "Sundays are a good quiet day and we can take our time with them."
"Good. Something tells me Kathleen will be as excited at seeing a regular stable as she was with her first white wine spritzer." Ben rolled his eyes. "Although I do admire her archery abilities," he said, rubbing his short red hair.
"She sounds like a girl of many hidden talents," Vivian said. "I suppose you two will be coming after your shopping excursion? What time should I expect you -- just so I be free when you arrive."
Ben groaned and said, "I'd like to think dressmaking won't take long but I'd be fooling myself. So, let's say, after afternoon tea? I should take her to a teahouse first. Lord knows she's also never been."
"After she chooses the cloth, they'll only take her measurements and pick or design a pattern," Vivian told him. "She'll have to go back later for a fitting."Seeing the look on Ben's face, Vivian laughed. "I can take her for that."
Ben's eyes widened. "Would you?" He grabbed her and hugged her fiercely. "I didn't want to ask because, well... you know." He trailed off. He wasn't sure how Vivian felt about not being invited to the ball so he had been reluctant to ask her to take Kathleen shopping for it.
Although Vivian did feel a pang of loss - as much as she hated the airs and graces of the aristocracy, she did love the balls, and not being around for a proper ball with the twins was dampening her mood.But she put on a bright smile and said, "Of course I'll help you out, Bee."
Ben grinned. "You're the best, Squirt." He kissed her on the top of her head and said, "I should head out. See you tomorrow then?"
"Anything for my big brother," Vivian said with a grin. "Do you want to take any pastries home with you?"
Ben chuckled. "No, thank you. I will become fat," he grinned. He walked with her to her front door and then kissed her on the forehead. "Sleep tight, little sister. I love you."
Vivian grinned and gave him a hug. "Good night, Ben. Safe home - see you tomorrow," she said. She watched him from the doorway as he walked down to the street and disappeared around the corner.***END OF SCENE***
Dearest Vivian, schaatje, my treasure,I'm sorry to have not written sooner. I am glad to receive news from you and it makes me wish to be by your side ever more. The pastries were delightful and they certainly cheered me up. And the rest of the men would like to thank you for the pastries. It seems I've become a celebrity among them because of it.
And I want to assure you that I, as well, need to work on improving myself. You are not the only one who needs learning and we can work together to find a way to make things work. Vivian, I love you to the ends of the world, and I know that someday we can be together always.
I suppose as you have an army to bake pastries with, I have an army to bake in the sun with. We have been outside almost every day, going over drills and exercises. Since I've done this many times over the years, it is all quite normal for me, but the younger men who have just joined would wheeze and stare at me in amazement. It's odd to be surrounded by so many newcomers and now I feel like a veteran almost with all my experience. Despite the more intensive activities, we have down times in classes, meals, and the little free time in between. So we aren't all worked until we drop and I have chances to read as well.
You must tell me what have you been doing in my absence. Have you already found that dog? I would sure like to see it. I hope you are doing well. Every day I think of you and I've placed your token over my heart so I can be reminded of you always. Write soon as I'm sure I would like to hear what you've done!
With all my love,
Joeri
P.S. Schaatje means little treasure in Dutch and is pronounced as skaat-scha.
*END OF SCENE*
Bert had found a letter addressed to Vivian at Geoffrey's, and he forwarded it to her enclosed in one of its own.Vivian Darling,
I've heard the most fascinating news from Liam - apparently you've found a position at his father's city stables? Good for you! What exactly are you doing, if I may ask? Liam told me I ought to ask you myself.
Can't linger for too long but I hope to see you soon - the boys miss you quite a bit, and hope you can go riding with them soon.
Love,
Bert
***END OF SCENE***
Dearest Vivian,So long as you are happy and keeping well, you being a groom at the public stables is not shocking. Well, not as much as it would have been a month or two ago. I'm very proud of you, and support your decision entirely. It's hard work, I imagine, but the more important thing is that it's honest, decent work and that you let yourself grow and become a better person for it.
Once that dog grows up, you'll be well-protected indeed, what with the twins, Mr Walker, and myself already defending you in our own ways. Whatever you do, do not let that puppy sleep in your bed. He will never leave, even when he is grown, and then what?
How is Priscilla doing in your care? She gets along quite well with other animals so I'm sure she and Shakespeare are fine together - right?
I have taken on a pupil - Kitara's nephew, Jacob. He is an incredibly brilliant young man who is very keen on academia. We are working towards getting him a scholarship so he may attend Harvard. Wish us luck, Vivian - it will be quite an undertaking for us both, but I'm sure Jacob will astound the board with his intelligence! On that note, I've enclosed a list of several books I left behind (as neither of us was expecting me to take on a project like this) - would you or Bertrand be able to collect them and have them sent to me here in Boston?
I must be off for now. Please write soon - it's so wonderful to hear from you, darling.
Love,
Geoffrey
***END OF SCENE***
My Schaatje, my everything,It seems your adventures are already starting without me. You're a groom and a dog owner, already? Well, they seem to suit you, especially how wonderful you are with Dulcinea. I'm glad to hear that you have something to spend your time as I know that work puts away the longing for a while and it helps me deal with our separation more easily.
This Shakespeare fellow sounds like the most absolute fun and it makes me want to see him. Dogs are the best of companions, I'm sure, despite eating books. And I commend you on the name. It's fitting to have Shakespeare in both senses of the name to be with you all the time.
Thank you for taking care of my books, too. I never like the thought of ruining them here at the barracks. I'll read your book of sonnets every day until I can quote them as well as you in between the times I play chess against Samuel. Speaking of Samuel and chess, can you play, Vivian? It would be nice to spend an afternoon on that terrace, reading Shakespeare and playing a game of chess.
This new creation, the brownie, would be eaten no matter what. My regiment doesn't seem to care what food it is, as long as it's homemade and has flavor, they don't care. So, I and my men won't have any complaints if you decide to bake these brownies. But you have to be careful, or else you might spoil us!
And with that sun, I might become unrecognizable to you because of how dark my skin looks. But Bert is right, I'm in good spirits as it is comforting to have a friend here and to know that you are close by. Plus, I slipped easily back into the rhythm of routines, so everything is normal and comforting in how familiar it is.
I have to say, Samuel is well and he works as much as me, maybe even more because of his rank. I'll make sure to tell him about it. Also, I have to say something important. He knows. Everything. He seems to know something though and might be able to help me.
Vivian, I miss you too. Every day is hard for me to wake up and find you not there. Most of what I do are mindless, repetitive activities. When I first wake up at 0500 hours, we all go outside an run for half an hour. Then we come back for a series or push-ups, sit-ups, and stretches before we have breakfast. After that, we study on weapons of all types and how to use them along with some weight fitness exercises. Usually there is free time after that session followed by lunch. In the afternoon, the men are split up for special training. As a Lance-Corporal, I go over strategies, understanding navigation, and leadership training. Then I would have dinner and call it a night with some free time. My days aren't too special, but hopefully I can improve even more and be ready to help the men around me.
Now that I told you about my day, what about yours? I hope we can see each other soon. I miss you and hopefully you can visit soon.
Forever yours,
Joeri
P.S. I don't mind if you call me 'your cuddly bear', though it makes me think that I have failed in my duty concerning the cuddling department being away from you. Anyways, I love you, Vivian.
*END OF SCENE*
My Dearest Vivian, It makes me jealous to think you have someone else to cuddle with! Shakespeare might become my rival if he keeps on being his young puppy self. But I'm glad you're not alone with your brothers and Shakespeare with you.
You sound quite busy, but it must be fantastic to be around such magnificent creatures every day. It's rare for me to be near the stables here in the barracks because I'm a foot soldier. I hope you are having fun, despite the work you have to put in. How are Dulcinea and Samson doing, by the way?
A game of chess sounds quite wonderful and I'm sure it would be a challenge to go against you with all your wonderful wit, my schaatje. I can see why you'd be distracted as art and books are so enlightening and now I have a strategy if I start to loose against you.
And concerning the tougher business, Samuel, in a prank, swiped away a note I was writing and there was my name signed at the bottom. I couldn't lie to him, because anything but the truth would ring false. He did take the news well and he even went to visit your grandfather, Timothy Kaylock, to use the life-debt owed to Samuel's family. He is the greatest friend a man can ask for and I might be the one to owe him a life debt. As a little bit of payment, I wanted to ask you on behalf of Sam if you know how to contact your cousin Kathleen. He seems to be smitten by her.
With all this business going on, it brings me such hope for the future and I can imagine that we can be together properly, in that quaint townhouse, with Shakespeare being his roly-poly self, and reading a book together. It's lonely without you and though chess is quite distracting, I can only think of you and how close you are.
Missing you every moment, your Knuddelbärli,
Joeri
P.S. Perhaps I need to learn German so we can converse that way too.
*END OF SCENE*
Before heading out for her night at the dance hall with Geoff and Jacob, Kitara finally finished off her long letter to Vivian. Her loopy, girlish penmanship was neatly scribed onto the cream colored stationary of her choice from her father's store. He had told her to take whatever she wanted. She had also found some lovely purple ink which she used now:Dear Vivian,
I was very happy to hear from you again!
Thank you so much for sending over the books that Geoff requested—a crate?! Wow! I think that Jacob’s level of excitement about having Geoff as a mentor of sorts has taken over his life. Although it has been thirteen years since I’ve seen him, I can still read him quite well. He is a very sweet, polite, hardworking and loyal young man and any woman who wants him will first have to go through me hahaha!
As I have told you countless of times, never worry about coming to me if you want to talk. I am here to listen. No matter of the heart is ever too insignificant. I am very happy to hear that you love Thomas with all your heart as I am sure he does you. As I have said before, you deserve to be happy and clearly he makes you happy.
As for your concern about the bedroom, I think that you might be over thinking things too much. Do not worry so much about how he will react as opposed to what you yourself want. Of course this does not mean that you should not take what he wants into consideration. But what I mean to say is, until you try something, you will never know if he likes it—or if you like it. You mentioned that communication is good between you two: take that into the bedroom. Communication does not end behind closed doors. Rather, it should flourish there as well.
Not knowing what you like is also fine. Don’t worry about needing to WOW him all within the first month. You have time to take things slow and at both of your paces. There is no need to rush anything. As for what you can do, that is an entirely different question and ballgame (one you can definitely ask me if you wish to, but I have chosen not to answer here because I don’t sense this was your question and I don’t want to shock you hahaha!). The fact that you love him so dearly is also an important key to a good sex life. Believe me when I say it makes the world of difference.
My return to Boston has been everything I dreamed it would be. The only thing I did not imagine was to have someone like Geoff in my life—here, at home—and the fact that he is here makes my heart soar. He is thriving in Boston and it is as though years have been stripped from him. I feel like we are a pair of teenagers twitterpated in a new and surprisingly romantic city. Although I have a feeling any city with Geoff would feel this way. But when I add my family into the mix, it is perfect.
Geoff has made several new friends: Kaspar, my brothers-in-law, Tom and Mark and of course, my nephew Jacob. My mother adored the gift that he gave to her and my father also received one: a sketch Geoff made of me (without me knowing!) overlooking the Boston harbor at a park I used to play hide and seek at near my father’s store. I should ask him to included sketches of the Dietrich store in his book for you! Other than Jacob, I have another nephew (nine year old Cooper) and a niece (thirteen year old Carly). Both are adorable children and I see them once a week at our Sunday dinner. Geoff has also become a permanent member of the weekly event. My entire family can see how happy he makes me. Carly has asked Geoff to draw her as well, the adorable child.
I have not had the chance to mingle much with Boston’s elite society nor do I think I will. Geoff, as you know, is antisocial and I would have no other reason to attend events or soirees unless I was on his arm. I think we will stick to the Dietrich clan’s extended family and friends and university friends of Geoff’s as well. I must admit, I do enjoy keeping a low profile and we might venture out of our comfort zone in a few months. Who knows what life will throw our way?
I hope you are still enjoying your new job and your new townhouse and I look forward to hearing from you again. Say hi to Thomas, Ben and Bertrand for me. I haven’t heard from Ben in awhile…. Hope he’s alright.
Many Hugs and Kisses,
Kitara
***END OF SCENE***
Anne looked up at the townhouse, amazed at the clean structure and the quaintness of it all. She stepped through the gate hesitantly, hoping she had the right house and went up to knock on the green door.
Bridget was out running errands and Shakespeare was snoozing in a sunny corner of the terrace. Vivian opened the front door after quickly checking her reflection in the mirror."Anne! Hello," she said cheerfully. "Please - come in."
She smiled and nodded her greeting. "Thank you for letting me come over on such short notice," Anne said as she stepped through the door.
"Oh, certainly." Vivian led Anne into the parlour. "Would you like some tea?"
Nodding, Anne took a seat. "Yes, thank you," she said.
Vivian poured the tea and gestured to Anne to help herself to the tray of pastries. Once they were both served and settled, Vivian decided to cut to the chase."So, you mentioned...your brother?" she began carefully.
She bit her lip, nodding. "Indeed," Anne replied. Then hesitantly, she added, "I had my fortune told to me and my brother was described as being alive and well and you were there."
Vivian was careful to keep her face calm and placid. Inside she was a tempest of conflicts. She knew exactly why Joeri had never told Anne the truth, and therefore knew the consequences if she revealed it to Anne.But how could she lie to Anne when the girl didn't deserve it?
"I...I'm not sure what you mean, that I was there," Vivian said carefully. "In what context was I present in this...vision?"
Her cheeks reddened in embarrassment as she realized how ludicrous it sounded that the basis of her claims was a vision from a fortune teller. But she felt it was true and she pressed on, despite the the beginning doubts. "Ah, you were hugging my brother," Anne said, looking down at her tea cup. "I'm not sure if he is even going by his real name, but I was hoping you can tell me where he is."
"What did you say your brother's name was?" Vivian asked, feigning forgetfulness.
"Joeri. Joeri Roberts. The fortune teller said he's tall, and he has dark hair and blue eyes and he was in uniform," Anne explained, trying to remember Ecaterina's words.
Vivian ran a hand along her alabaster jawline thoughtfully, feigning the action of attempting to recall from a long list of acquaintances the name. Internally, however, Vivian's heart wanted to break. She didn't know if it was her place to say anything to Anne - and even though Joeri wanted to come home, how could telling Anne make it any better? What was Vivian supposed to say? "Sorry, Anne, I do know your brother but you can't contact him or speak to him because if you do, his cover might be blown and he'll be shot for treason?"Right. That would go over so well.
Vivian sighed. What do I do?
After a long moment she said, "I've met some men who fit that description, but not enough to be embracing any of them - and none with that name," she lied. "But, as you said, he might not be using his real name...is there anything else? Any other attribute that you know that could single him out?"
Frowning, Anne's hopes began to fall. There were probably a lot of people who could fit that description and since it's been years since she saw her brother, she had no clue to what he might be like today. "I-Well, um, he likes reading a lot. Before he left, I bought him a book, Hamlet, I think."
Vivian could tell that Anne was losing hope and all she wanted to tell Anne was the truth - the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. She forced herself to bite her tongue, though, and searched frantically for something to say that could stall Anne's despair."Well," she said after a long moment, "I don't think I know him personally but...I might have contacts who do."
Looking up at Vivian, her blue eyes wide, Anne asked, "You do? Can they tell you about where he is or what he's doing?"
Vivian shrugged but she tried to smile encouragingly. "I don't know. I can always ask, but I don't know how fruitful such inquiries will be," she said. "Why...why would he be under an assumed name? And why wouldn't you know his whereabouts yourself?"
"I-" Anne choked up unexpectedly, and she was quiet as she controlled herself. "My father told me he was a deserter. I don't know what that would mean for him, but that might be why he doesn't use his name and why he hasn't come home."
All families are dysfunctional in their own ways... Vivian sighed to herself and stretched out her real hand to clasp one of Anne's tightly."I will try, Anne," she said solemnly. "I will try."
She gave her a small smile. "Thank you. You don't know how much this means to me. If you ever need me to return the favor, don't hesitate to ask," Anne said, looking at her sincerely.
Vivian smiled. "If I need help with something here in the house, I'll be sure to call on you," she promised, giving Anne's hand a squeeze.
Nodding, she was glad that she could pay back in some way. It comforted her to think she was at least doing something that brought her closer to her brother. "You have my address from my last letter?" she asked, just in case.
"Good," Anne said, a glimpse of her usual bright smiles coming to her face. "Can't let you get away with being so kind," she added jokingly.
Vivian smiled kindly at Anne as they stood up and made their way to the door. "I'll let you know if I hear anything - either way, good or bad," she promised.
"Thank you," Anne said, turning to her and clasping her hand in both of hers. "I'll be eager to see what you find."
Vivian smiled and gave Anne's hands one final squeeze before opening the door with her free hand. "Have a lovely afternoon, Anne," she said, her voice earnest.
"And you as well," she said stepping out the door. She gave her a wave, then went out through the gate, a mixture of excitement and worry crossing her features. She truly hoped that the news would be good, but she had a feeling that she might have stepped in way over her head.*END OF SCENE*
Once Anne was gone, Vivian shut the door and slumped against it, sliding down until she sat with her knees drawn up to her chest. She hung her head, wondering what to do. How the hell had Anne even known where to find her? How had Anne even known it was her in whatever vision the fortune teller had seen? She rested her head on her knees, raking her hair through her curls.
Shakespeare padded down the hall and slumped onto the floor with a puppy sigh, resting his head on her foot. Vivian absentmindedly stroked the puppy's back as she tried to come up with a plan.
***END OF SCENE***
When Anne received Vivian's letter, she wanted to set out immediately, but it was late, coming home from Stephen's, and she didn't want to bother her father any longer. So, the next day, she set out, telling her father that Vivian requested her services as she went out the door. Quickly, she made her way to Vivian's and went up to the door and knocked.
