Lessons at Aldingford Manor
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		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Human Solos =&gt; Topic started by: Hannibal on 11-02-2008, 19:27:21</h2>
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				Title: <strong>Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hannibal</strong> on <strong>11-02-2008, 19:27:21</strong>
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				Lieutenant Henry Tankersley, the new Squire of Aldingford Manor, caught his first sight of his new estate in the last of the evening light. It looked beautiful and romantic from across the river, set upon a wooded hill and surrounded by potentially rich farm land. Henry was reminded of the warning his agent gave him about the place being run down and dilapidated. He did not mind, looking forward to the work ahead in setting his new estate in order. Tankersley ordered Mr Fancott to drive the buggy across the ford and to the old manor house. Sometimes he could scarce believe that at the age of 27 he had risen from orphan to a member of the landed gentry. The Napoleonic Wars had brought great hardship to some and great opportunity to others and Tankersley was fortunate enough to count himself in the second group.<br><br>His parents were moderately successful shopkeepers, denigrated by the tyrant of France. They would have been proud to have been one of those 'shopkeepers' that Britain was apparently a nation of. Tragically they died when he was young, but left Henry a small sum of money for his education. His guardian ensured their wishes were carried out and Henry reached his majority with a good education, but little money or opportunity. He was also a proud Englishman and knew full well that sacrifices his forbears had made in the name of freedom and liberty from tyrants. Henry borrowed a a sum of money from his guardian and purchased a commission in the Royal North British Dragoons. He saw action in the Pennisular Wars and then at the Battle of Waterloo where he distinguished himself in the capture of the eagle of the French 45th Ligne by his regiment. The Duke of Wellington mentioned him in dispatches for his courage and discipline.<br><br>The wars had been kind to Henry in other ways. He had been promoted to Lieutenant and his bravery under fire had attracted the attention of influential men. With their advice he invested his pay in various ventures instead of drinking and whoring it away like other soldiers. Some of the ventures were unprofitable, but enough were that by the end of the war he had a tidy sum. Enough to acquire an English country estate and the title of Squire that went with it. Hiring a trusted land agent who's cousin he served with he found Aldingford Manor. It was a beautiful estate in the Cotswolds, with fertile farmland and a woodlands for hunting. However, a dispute over inheritance that the heirs had been wrangling over for over ten years meant it had fallen into disrepair and poor management. The four hundred year old manor house needed work to make it fully habitable, although Henry was assured that a few rooms were habitable while he organised the restoration work. All that meant he was able to acquire a larger estate than planned with enough money left over to turn the place around.<br><br>As the buggy drove up the house he slapped Mr Fancott on the shoulder and shouted, "I do declare that this is the most beautiful place in all the world. It may need work, but I will be happy here!"<br><br>It was dark by the time they reached the Aldingford Manor and Henry Tankersley stepped down from the buggy. He was a tall man at an inch over six feet, broad shouldered and athletic in build that certainly attracted the attention of the ladies when in his cavalry officer uniform. His face was handsome in a rugged fashion with the marks of his military profession, rather than beautiful. Henry's blue eyes were startling against his brown skin, tanned from his outdoor soldier's life. It was all framed by a thick thatch of dark brown curls cut in a more conservative cut than the latest fashions. The same could be said of his clothes. They were not too formal with dark tail coat, buff trousers and tall boots. All were in a conservative style, but well made and of good quality material.<br><br>Henry was looking forward to a good meal after a long days travel. His new housekeeper, Miss Millicent Ainsworth, should have arrived yesterday and begun to make the few serviceable rooms more habitable. She knew he was arriving tonight and he expected that she would have a meal prepared. The new squire had high hopes for Miss Ainsworth. She was a well bred young lady whose family had fallen on hard times meaning the children had to take work. Henry had heard of her situation through a mutual acquaintance and agreed to offer her the position of housekeeper. He expected that she knew how to cook, clean and manage a household as that is what Henry thought young ladies of all stations learned. Although Henry would be the first to admit he did not really have much of a clue as to how young women were raised and trained, having spent most his childhood in boys only boarding schools.<br><br>Taking his two bags off the buggy and placing them on the ground he shook Mr Fancott's hand and said, "Don't worry Mr Fancott I'll see myself in. Miss Ainsworth should have a meal on for me and I don't have many things. The rest of my possessions will arrive when the house is more habitable. I'll see you in the morning Mr Fancott and you can give me a proper tour of the estate and we'll see what must be done."<br><br>Watching the buggy turn around and leave, Henry Tankersley picked up his bags and entered his new manor house for the first time.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>12-02-2008, 16:20:38</strong>
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				Millicent Ainsworth had been the epitome of a lady since her birth, and had not her family, had not her dear father fallen to misfortune during the war, she would never have dared believe that she would ever be in service, and yet fate had seen to that circumstance; no money had she for a dowry or else marriage would have been an option. As it were, Millicent was now in service regardless of her former status in society or her education. She was indeed educated , and in literature, the piano,&nbsp; drawing and painting in watercolours, and she adored poetry and the arts and other fine knowledges and talents that many commoners deemed as useless, or would chuckle at, and true, Millicent Ainsworth knew how to run a household. It did not mean, however, that the young woman, the lady, knew anything about the tedious tasks that servants undertook.&nbsp; It was puzzling, therefore, that when the former lady arrived at the estate of Lieutenant Henry Tankersley that the lady found it almost in ruins, as she thought to herself, and as she politely murmured to herself as she took the day to leisurely explore her knew home, groom her room, and during that day, it finally occurred to her, closer to the eve, that the Lieutenant expected her to clean.&nbsp; The sudden realization of her new life made her pale, near faint, and the poor dear hardly knew what to do, and so she sought refuge and comfort in the stable hand whom was close to her age.<br><br>Jonathon had not wished to laugh at the woman's pleas, asking for his advice, but a smile curved his lips and it made his tanned face all that more friendly. In the morning, he said, he assured her, that his younger sister would come by the estate and teach her duties that were not too taxing. His eyes noticed the tears in hers, the softness that she had about her being, the delicate hands, and he gave her a nod wondering if she would survive the life of a servant. Many long hours there would be, and if ever the Master of the estate decided to marry, the burdens of her duties would be that much more, and greatly lengthen. He dared not to mention this realizing the woman's distress, and that she was for she spent the greater of the night in a fitful sleep, and woke with tear stained cheeks. She did, however, seek comfort in the one fact that she knew of Lieutenant Henry Tankersley, that being from their mutual acquaintance: he was a reasonable man, and had some fate in her abilities.<br><br>Come the early morning, Millicent was receiving basic lessons in household duties: sweeping and dusting; washing floors and dishes and windows as well as clothing and linens; polishing silverware; sweeping the fireplaces, and starting fires, kindling them. Little Sarah informed her that meals were simple, to follow the instructions written in the cookbooks and not to stray from them. It was all the time Sarah could afford Millicent, and by mid morning, she was alone in the sprawling manor and decidedly, Millicent cleaned Lieutenant Tankersley study, and eventually groomed a room for him. She took great pride in this, but a frown marred her beautiful face when she saw the redness in her hands, and they ached from polishing and scrubbing. She sniffled for a moment or two, and trying to compose herself, Millicent left the rooms. <br><br>As the lady sat at the kitchen table late in the day, as the turkey roasted, she was reading terms of cooking, educating herself, and to a degree, Millicent was enjoying that time. It was then that the gardener had entered the kitchen with fresh herbs, gave the basket to Millie, and as he was leaving for the night, they both noticed the smoke that came from the kitchen fires, and the soot that was dropping from the chimney.<br><br>&nbsp;“Did you not get it swept yesterday, lassie?” The gardener asked, his accent thick, and as Millicent was about to answer, a blaze started and she screamed. Practically thrown aside, the gardener and the stable hand and some other workers put out the fire that had begun to spread. It was then, much to her unawares, that the Master of the estate arrived; the air was a blue grey, smelled of smoke, of fire and burning, and as the men were departing Millicent's company, Jonathon promising to get the chimney sweep from the town to the estate tomorrow, the lady was looking at a ruined kitchen and certainly no dinner to serve her employer. The only thing Millicent found herself doing was sitting on the one stool looking dumbfounded at the kitchen, not truly knowing where to begin to clean the ungodly mess.<br><br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hannibal</strong> on <strong>15-02-2008, 17:10:16</strong>
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				Henry was a little perplexed that his new housekeeper had not met him at the door, even though he had to use the tradesman entrance until the restoration work was done. Mr Fancott had confirmed that she had arrived the previous day so he was sure she must be in residence. The acrid smell of smoke and burnt meat entered his nostrils as he pushed the door opened and made his way into what he knew from the plans was the kitchen. Dropping his bags in surprise and horror, Henry waved the smoke from his face in a futile gesture. Then he stood there and gazed in astonishment at the mess that was his first sight of the inside of Aldingford Manor. Through the blue-grey smoke he saw a beautiful, but hapless looking young lady staring at the mess with tear stained cheeks.<br><br>At the present moment he did not have pay attention to her beauty. Without raising his deep baritone voice Henry said, "What is the meaning of this mess? Miss Ainsworth I presume! I am Henry Tankersley, the new master of Aldingford Manor. Can you please explain why I am greeted by this god forsaken sight instead of you at the door waiting with my dinner?"<br><br>There was no anger in his tone, just a mixture of quiet firmness and astonishment.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>16-02-2008, 23:37:17</strong>
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				Millicent was lost in one specific thought: where to begin cleaning, and then as misfortune followed like a plague upon her very good name, she heard a deep voice pierce through the smokiness of the room. It startled her in so much that she nearly gave way to fainting; she leaned against the table, her workstation, for support but indeed, she could not swallow the yelp that lingered in her throat. Raising a thin delicate hand to her chest as if to protect her heart, she peered at the figure of a man, wary from travel yet pristine in appearance, and she smiled at him not realizing she furiously blushed at the embarrassing situation which she now was confronted. &nbsp;“You assume correctly,” there was a pause as to call him Lord or Sir, his title escaping her intelligence and wit, and so she did neither except step forth and give him an elegant but small curtsey. <br><br>Standing near him, hands clasped together, a smile charmingly adorned her face. &nbsp;“Arriving only yesterday, Sir, I had not thought to have the chimneys cleaned, and so while your dinner, now ruined, was roasting, the chimney soot fell and caught fire. Very little damage, but a dreadful mess, I fear, and to be certain, the chimney sweep is coming on the morrow. I do apologize for that.” She explained, blankly gazing at the kitchen, at the blackened floor, rather horrified, and then her eyes met his gaze. &nbsp;“However, your room has been prepared as well as the study. Would you care for me to show you?” She inquired, politely dismissing the state of the kitchen as well as the ruined meal.<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hannibal</strong> on <strong>17-02-2008, 13:24:43</strong>
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				Miss Ainsworth's near faint and yelp did nothing to mollify Henry's disappointment and anger at the state of the kitchen and lack of hot meal waiting for him. He had encounter enough women in his time who used such feminine wiles in their arsenal of manipulation that even genuine displays of distress provoked mild irritation. Henry was a practical man and considered outward displays of distress and melodrama a waste of time no matter what the crisis.<br><br>He raised an eyebrow in a questioning fashion as she failed to greet him correctly. Such failures to address a superior correctly in his previous life in the army would have resulted in a flogging. Henry had no intention of carrying out such a harsh punishment on a young lady, nor upon any servant. When she performed an elegant curtsey he took the time to look her over and in spite of her disaster in the kitchen and the poor lighting she met with his approval. Strawberry golden hair with natural highlights of honey and copper and an admirably feminine figure were more than enough to delight any man. Beneath the soot he could see the hint of fine breeding in her cheekbones and slender neck. Her family situation must be even worse than rumoured that they could not find even a small dowry to marry this beauty off.<br><br>Henry listened carefully to her explanation, his eyes having to lift from her cleavage to meet her as before she explained about the study. Her neglectful folly with the chimney was regrettable, but Henry was inclined to be reasonable about it. He prided himself on his calm nature and given the condition of the rest of the house he could understand such an oversight. A rumble in his stomach induced him to discard the offer of inspecting his study and he got straight down to business, "You may address me as Mr Tankersly or master Miss Ainsworth, I am not a lord or knight. I hope tonight's mishap is just a one off mistake Miss Ainsworth and I shall do you the courtesy of treating it as such. At least you have arranged for the problem to be rectified and that is to your credit."<br><br>Pausing for a moment to look at the ruined remains of his supper still on the spit he then said, "Is there anything else we may dine upon in the larder Miss Ainsworth? Some ham or smoked fish perhaps? I crave some sustenance and a drink of ale more than anything else."
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				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>18-02-2008, 05:49:16</strong>
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				Millicent had been born a lady, one who's family held titles and land in both France and England. Her mother was French, her father British, and her father had&nbsp; little land, poorly at that, in England and all was lost of her mother's great fortune with the war raged across France. It was a complicated affair, one in which Millicent was advised to remain silent, to endure without question, and to be an obedient child; mortified, the young lady was, when faced with the situation that she had to obtain work, and further mortified, now, when she knew that her born station in life would be dismissed even by her employer. For a moment or two, the young lady blankly stared at Mr. Tankersly, but soon a smile adorned her face, and her cheeks became rounded, and plump even rosy. There was a healthy youthfulness in her aura that made Millicent seem naïve and inexperienced with life, and to a degree she was for she was sheltered from many hardships, and had not associated with commoners until her circumstances forced that to change.<br><br>&nbsp;“I do hope that you can forgive my faux pas, Mr. Tankersly, for I am unused to my circumstances. I will try to correct and remember my forms of address out of fear of disappointment for we would not wish to venture there.” Her eyes brightened, and she dared not look upon his face for too long else be accused of staring at his handsome form. She clasped her hands together, and walked to her table where she opened a note book to check the contents of the larder which was restocked this morning, and only due to the thoughtfulness of Sarah.<br><br>&nbsp;“The pantry is full, just stocked this morning, Mr. Tankersly, and so you do have a choice between smoked Halibut, ham and spiced sausage meats.” Millicent informed him, and depending on which he preferred, it easily could be served with cheese and preserves along with wine or brandy to suit his need or mood. She tried to ignore his intimidating presence to think for a moment, and then a notion occurred to her so that she might gain some composure over the dreadful kitchen fire incident. Her eyes sparkled, and she offered the man a pleasant smile.<br><br>The girl closed her book, and looked at him rather cautiously and with hopeful expectations. &nbsp;“Might I suggest, Mr. Tanksley, that you settle in your chambers and while seeking comfort there, I will bring to you a dinner tray? You may then eat at your leisure.” It seemed logical to Millie, and her large eyes peered at the man for a moment then demurely looked away.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hannibal</strong> on <strong>18-02-2008, 22:27:59</strong>
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				For his part Henry considered her youthful aura of naïvety and inexperience a true reflection of his new housekeeper, having seen nothing yet to dissuade him of such notions. There was no harm in youth and he expected her to be properly trained in both the arts of household management and all the associated tasks of cooking, cleaning, etc. Mr Tankersley had very little experience of how a young lady of station was brought up so only had his notions to go by.<br><br>At her request for forgiveness he gallantly waved it away, but then said somewhat sternly, "It is already forgiven and it is not for fear of disappointment you should remember the forms of address, but because they are right and proper as you should be well aware. With any luck tonight's disaster will be the last disappointment we endure."<br><br>The full pantry pleased him and he returned her pleasant smile with one relief and replied, "Some cold ham and sausage will be more than suitable. Nothing too spicy after a long journey though and some local ale to wash it down please Miss Ainsworth. Please escort me to my chambers as I only know Aldingford Manor from plans. Can you believe I purchased it sight unseen? It was recommended to me by a friend and I had to act swiftly to secure the deed."<br><br>On the way to his study he asks her, "May I enquire as to the state of the fireplaces in my chambers Miss Ainsworth? Should we expect anymore surprises?"
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				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>20-02-2008, 14:55:56</strong>
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				"It is already forgiven and it is not for fear of disappointment you should remember the forms of address, but because they are right and proper as you should be well aware. With any luck tonight's disaster will be the last disappointment we endure." The words were said sternly as one would expect from a man of his position and station in life, a man who expected his words and orders to be taken with seriousness and followed, but whether or not it was due to his personal military history, or his demeanor, Millicent knew not. She stared at her small feet that poked free from underneath her skirts, a bead of shame swelling within her for what the man spoke of she knew to be true, and she disliked her fallen position in life. Had she been any lesser of lady, Millicent would have complained at the harshness of her reality, pleaded with her family to scrape a few pounds and guineas and elaborate trinkets together for a dowry, yet she was not. Instead, the young woman, the former lady, nodded her head in understand, and in the lowest and meekest voices, she spoke. &nbsp;“Yes, Mr. Tankersly.” She curtsied once more, and noted his request of dinner, but before she would serve him that, a small tour of his estate he would have, and Millicent would give that to him.<br><br>She did not doubt that he made the purchase without seeing the estate. Although the land itself was divine, the actual manor itself was in need of grave repair. She said nothing, at least not at first, and kept a step or so behind the Master of the house. &nbsp;“The other fireplaces, I do not know the condition of, but the kitchen was used everyday, obviously, and more than likely the one in the parlor, the study as well as your chambers. Considering the incident with the kitchen, it is best that we await for the chimney sweep, and he can give you a full report. The physical condition of the chimneys, I know not. I did not busy myself with the outside of the manor house.” Millicent informed Mr. Tankersly, and wiped a few fingers across her face only to smudge a little soot across her pale skin. She felt rather awkward and warm telling him details which more than likely did not amuse him, but then again, he did ask and had the right to know.<br><br>The study, Millicent showed him, and pointed to some of the emptiness on the shelves and smiled. &nbsp;“Those books will have to be categorized if not already, and sorted of their condition. You do not wish for any fox markings, and truly, not all of the shelves need to be full, however, when you entertain, as you know, your acquaintances will notice small details. Those shelves can be decorated with busts, vases, and trinkets of art unless you have further volumes to add to the collection.” Millicent said, and stole a glance at the Lieutenant, at his dark hair, and then looked away. &nbsp;“Considering this is a man's room, it would be one of the first rooms that ought to be complete for your comfort, that and your personal chamber.” Millicent grew quiet then, not knowing if she should have voiced her opinion, professional or not, to him, but if it was a mistake, it would be corrected by Mr. Tankersly, and an apology given most sincerely. <br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hannibal</strong> on <strong>20-02-2008, 22:17:45</strong>
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				Henry let his housekeeper escort him around the few rooms that were habitable, nodding and smiling in agreement as she suggested waiting until tomorrow to use the fires. His blue eyes moved over everything, taking in the condition of the rooms and furnishings as well as passing over every surface for cleanliness. When she smudged soot over her pale skin he stopped and took a white handkerchief from his pocket and held it out to her with an apology, "I am sorry, but this is all I have. I'll not be offended if you refuse it, but I have only used it to wipe my brow so it is still serviceable."<br><br>There was a faint aroma of his masculine scent coming from the handkerchief. The modern fashion was towards delicate lace on men's handkerchiefs, but Henry's was plain white cotton with no monogram or any other markings.<br><br>When she showed him the study he gave it the same going over with his keen eyes and his eyes lit up over the books. Moving forward carefully he lovingly ran his fingers down the spines of several of them while Millicent offered advice on decorations. When she was done he gave her a long considered stare and said, "My apologies in advance if I offend you with what I am about to say Miss Ainsworth. I am a man of plain and forthright speech who does not like to leave things hanging in the air. Please do not feel the need to fill the silences with needless conversation. I find it an unnecessary distraction and do not judge a man or woman on their ability to make noise. However, please never be afraid to speak if you have something of import to say or a question that you would like me to answer."<br><br>Henry waited for her response before continuing his inspection.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>21-02-2008, 03:23:09</strong>
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				Abhorred and distraught by the cruel words spoken by Mr. Tankersley, Millicent absent minded twisted the plain white cotton square cloth that he had given to her earlier, one to wipe the smudge of soot from her pale delicate face. Now, she was nervous, upset, and began to fidget, a dreadful habit that she acquired during her childhood days regardless of how often her governess threatened or did take a slipper to the dear girl's bottom to curb displays of emotion. She took a very long moment to herself so that tears would not once again stream down her face, for indeed, the day had been long and dreadful, and faced with a surly employer she could barely contain her senses. She afforded the master of the house a smile, one that equal to her current constitution, and in remembering her breeding, she sniffled with some disgust but not before she nodded with comprehension of the words Mr. Tankersley said.<br><br>&nbsp;“You have made yourself perfectly and pointedly clear, Mr. Tankersley.” Millicent said, her voice mild and soft, but too, there was an edge to it for offence was taken. It was then thought that the King's Army no longer allowed gentlemen only to be officers, those with refined graces and etiquette, and likewise, no plan had Mr. Tankersley to marry. A wife, to be certain, would certainly prattle his ears off, fog his brain with too many inane conversations, idle distractions, and heaven forbid what a child would cause him to undertake if her words were unwanted. She said not another word, but stood where she was which was near the door, and waited in silence as he dallied in the study to look at folios and other great leather bound books.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hannibal</strong> on <strong>24-02-2008, 17:03:14</strong>
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				Watching her distraught and fidgety response to his blunt rebuke Henry found it both endearing and irritating in equal measure. Endearing, because of the display of delicate vulnerability that made her appear very desirable indeed, but it was equally irritating as expected his staff to be of a temperament that did not emotionally fall apart at the first telling off. Henry felt he had already been tolerant and understanding enough regarding the kitchen fireplace and expected better. Her pointed reply that she understood raised his hackles a bit and Henry fixed her with a cool stare before responding, "Have a care with your tone young lady! I understand that you are unhappy with your change in station and may think serving a commoner beneath you, but I am not responsible for your poor circumstances Miss Ainsworth. I did not offer you this role to patronise you Miss Ainsworth, but I because I felt your upbringing and training would mean you offered something more than just the ability to cook and clean. However, do not think I will tolerate surliness or snideness."<br><br>He paused for a moment before he went on, "Now is there something you would like to say Miss Ainsworth rather than implying it with your tone?"
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				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>24-02-2008, 18:17:36</strong>
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				Millicent blinked, wide eyed and mouth agape, at the remarks and chastisement that Mr. Tankersley&nbsp; outright spoke, and a flush of senseless annoyance for the man overwhelmed her, and she retorted with haste as she absent-mindedly wrung the square of cloth still in her thin hands. &nbsp;“Do not presume to know me or of my circumstances that have brought me to work in your employment, Mr. Tankersley!” Millicent whispered, her faced flushed then paled with agitation. She trembled with feminine weakness, and the cotton material held in her hands was pulled taut. &nbsp;“You speak as if we are familiar, and certainly, we are not, Mr. Tankersley. Furthermore, my good breeding, something which you are unaccustomed to since your presence has now brought forth an uncomely aura from me, tolerates me to be a lady regardless if I am having dinner with the King of England, himself, or serving a Lieutenant in His Majesty's Army. What you have claimed, to have hired me for my training, what I can offer your household, I have just put forth recommendations regarding your study which you have no interest in for you have blatantly told me to cease my unnecessary noise.&nbsp; It is difficult, henceforth, to contribute to the well being of not only your household but to your reputation and person. You, Mr. Tankersley, are being contradictory and ungentlemanly. ” Millicent said, her voice fluctuated from passionate speech to mere whispers, and feeling distraught from the sudden confrontation, the young lady demurely looked aside wishing to flee from the bestial man, yet she could not. Calming herself, she spoke again, but could not look at Mr. Tankersley. &nbsp;“It is all I care to say, Mr. Tankersley, and I have said far too much in my emotional state, something in which I apologize for, and sincerely. I believe it is best that we speak of it no more.” Millicent glimpsed at Mr. Tankersley then, but her eyes only met his chest and she dared not look upon his face although to no doubt he would not appreciate her words.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hannibal</strong> on <strong>29-02-2008, 13:52:01</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Henry Tankersley, new Squire of Aldingford Manor, listened to the tirade from his pretty young housekeeper. His blue eyes blazed in anger at her words and a flush came over his tanned face as he became enraged. Clenching his teeth, she could tell he was biting down hard on his temper at the impertinence of the young thing in his new estate. Yet he did not retaliate with angry words or grave insults. Somehow he controlled his temper, placing his hands stiffly behind his back to hide his fists and in clipped tones addressed Millicent, "I do not presume to know you Miss Ainsworth, but you cannot think that circumstances that brought you into my employment are a great secret. However, I believe we have gotten off on the wrong foot and perhaps we should start anew. It has been a long journey with several unexpected surprises and I hope you can appreciate my desire for some quietness. Let me say this though. I intend for Aldingford Manor to be a place of peace and tranquility where I can enjoy the simple life of an English gentleman. Your primary duty as housekeeper is to facilitate this by the smooth running of the household so this may be achieved. I am sure you have many talents Miss Ainsworth and I shall look forward to discovering them in the correct time and place, but please do not forget your primary role."<br><br>He relaxed a little and let his hands fall back to his side before he carried on with his little speech, "I already have plans for the restoration and refurbishment of much of the manor. Much that would welcome a lady's touch Miss Ainsworth. When I feel your advice would be valuable I shall respectfully request it and you will be given an opportunity to speak without interruption. But first you must prove yourself with the essential tasks of a housekeeper. Can I be fairer than that?"<br><br>Henry was making the effort to be conciliatory and offer her more than the usual duties of a housekeeper, but his firm tone indicated that it would be on his terms.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>29-02-2008, 21:59:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Millicent's eyes grew wide as words unfolded and unfurled from Mr. Tankersley's mouth, from his mind, and for a moment she blinked rather owlishly as she tried to subdue and calm the spark of vulgar insolence that tormented her good nature. It was uncommonly difficult, and needing not to fall to the dangers of pride and vanity, the girl offered him a demure smile even though she wished to weep. It was as if she were a small child: <em>do not speak unless spoken to</em>, and that in itself was distressing, however, she had to prevail, had to retain her employment, her finances, and finally she found her voice. &nbsp;“Yes, Mr. Tankersley. You are being more then generous, and more than fair, and especially forgiving, and it is more than I deserve. I have insulted you, and been insolent, and for that I am sorry.” Millie practically whispered, her voice weak in tone as she struggled with the reality that she was now only a servant, and never would she see ladyship again in her lifetime. Her eyes misted, and she blinked back the emotional flow of tears that could not dare to escape her eyes that focused on his, and his gaze hinted at a well controlled temper that intimated Millicent. &nbsp;“I will do my best to serve you and your household, Mr. Tankersley.” 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hannibal</strong> on <strong>01-03-2008, 18:51:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Henry could see the stress the girl was under as she sought to stop herself from weeping and whispered a courteous reply to him. He was sympathetic to her plight and change of circumstances, but that would not change how the new squire would treat her. That would be fairly, but firmly as he saw it. It was satisfying, perhaps even a little gratifying, to see his firm gaze quell a flood of tears and any ill timed words she might care to utter. When she graciously said she would do her best to serve him nodded curtly and replied, "Thank you Miss Ainsworth and I appreciate your courteous words and apology. Let us continue with the tour!"<br><br>He gave the study a closer inspection, running a finger over some of the surfaces. Henry turned and faced his housekeeper, "I appreciate that this is the first time this room has been cleaned for a long time and I can see the effort you have made. However, do not forget to give surfaces a wipe with a clean rag after scrubbing. I can see evidence of soap suds you have left behind."<br><br>Henry did not give her time to make excuses before he carried on, "I am not displeased though, so if you could show me my sleeping chamber now!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>02-03-2008, 07:04:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				One might have thought it impossible for Millicent to have any wider eyes, but at the mention of soap suds residue, a trace of it being spotted on the floor that she thought she scrubbed to perfection, those exquisitely shaped eyes, orbs of pale blue did in fact widen. Her lips formed to protest, to give an explanation of the excessive dust and grim that had dulled the entirety of the manor house, but she found herself pink cheeked and nodded dumbly instead. &nbsp;“Certainly, Mr. Tankersley, I will endeavor to improve the condition of the study tomorrow.” Millicent complacently said, and those words were followed by a curtsy that was proper, and perhaps a little too low for the curve of her youthful breasts, the swell of her bosom could easily be seen by Mr. Tankersley. Without paying heed to that, without any knowledge of it, Millicent stood upright and gestured to the door where she would exit with Mr. Tankersley, and guide him to his private chambers.<br><br>As the two walked, Millicent directed the Master's attention to the important state rooms that they passed, allowed him time to peer in, investigate the room, ask questions if desired; she remained a step or two behind Mr. Tankersley. Eventually, the pair came to the Master's suite of rooms, and Millicent shyly spoke. &nbsp;“Your rooms, Mr. Tankersley, for your leisure and privacy. I do hope they meet an aspect of your standards.” Millicent knew, however, that fault would be found, and that come tomorrow, she too would find herself attending to the condition of his bedroom. She wanted to sigh, but prevented that, and instead, she found herself looking at him with mild curiosity of his facial expression and wondered what he now thought of his investment into the manor house.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hannibal</strong> on <strong>03-03-2008, 23:40:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Millicent Ainsworth would probably not agree, but Henry Tankersley considered himself to be a gentleman, or at least a man of some manners. However, he was far too lusty a man to resist letting his eyes follow the delightful curves of his young housekeeper's breasts as she curtseyed low. As she stood upright and gestured to the door he shook his head clear of the tempting thought of what it would be like to squeeze those full breasts and to press his lips against them. Such thoughts were not appropriate to think about a servant, no matter how attractive.<br><br>Henry let himself be guided to his rooms, his stride slow, but purposeful. Peering into his bed chamber he was struck by two things. The elegance and style of the old room and it's need for renovation. The stonework was crumbling in places, the curtain old and faded and the carpet worn and tattered. He muttered to himself, "At least it is largely cosmetic work and the room looks structurally sound."<br><br>His facial expression was mostly one of thoughtfulness and calculation, as if considering all that needed to be done. There was no despair or shock at the condition of the 'old pile' he had acquired. Henry was a pragmatic man and the location and feel of the old manor was enough to make the thought of all the work as something worthwhile. His keen eyes moved over surfaces and rested on areas she had missed in her cleaning. Henry said nothing, knowing he did not need to explain. Eventually he caught her staring eyes and said, "It is a fine room Miss Ainsworth will be adequate for my simple needs. Most of all it has potential and I look forward to seeing the view in the morning when I open the shutters."<br><br>Henry strode over to the bed and sat down upon it. His face exhibited pleasant surprise and he said, "This is quite comfortable for its age. A bit lumpy in places, but better than expected."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>04-03-2008, 15:22:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Millicent generous smile broadened at the idea of a new day, one with no errors, and a brightness flourished in her eyes and cheeks, glowed over her. &nbsp;“A South-eastern facing, the main windows are and so a splendid array of morning and afternoon sun will delight you, and more than likely is the cause of the faded draperies instead of age.” Millicent commented as she stepped into the room to inspect the heavy draperies further, her fingers sliding over the near antique lush material, and only then did her smile lessen as she realized she made one too many comments that the Master of the house did not desire to hear. She did not wish to apologize though, to direct his attention to her error, and so she demurely looked to the floor. That, however, only made her eyes widen when she saw a trace of missed dust on the floor, and she loosened her apron, knelt and swept over the area, and on hands and knees, she glanced at Mr. Tankersley as he commented on the bed.<br><br>&nbsp;“I fear I did not check the beds, Sir, but busied myself with the linens.” Millie confessed, and rested on her haunches as she folded her now dusty and soot stained apron. &nbsp;“Are you certain it is not too lumpy?” Millicent asked as she finally rose to her feet, and boldly moved to her employers side, sat beside him and fell back onto the luxuriant bedding. There she rested for a moment, staring at the ceiling that needed to be washed for it seemed dusty or yellowed from age to Millicent's eye, and languidly, she toyed with a strand of hair as she tried to decide which it was, and then it occurred to her of what she had done. <br><br>A furious blush washed over the entirety of her body, and she dismissed herself with agile ease from the Master's bed to stroll near the doors where she vowed to remain. Mouth agape, Millicent tried to form the words of an apology and although they had always come so readily, so easily, shame had wrought to her very core for her appalling behaviour. &nbsp;“I,” She faltered for words as if she forgot how to speak, or as if the English language was completely foreign to her. &nbsp;“Shall I order it to be stuffed anew with a desirable batting or do you wish to acquire a new mattress altogether, Mr. Tankersley?” Millicent asked, her voice but a mere whisper in the vast rooms, and timidly she peered at him and met his gaze that seemed to unnerve her. <br><br>Her hands now wrung not only the square cloth he had given her, but her apron as well.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hannibal</strong> on <strong>04-03-2008, 18:31:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Henry did not correct his housekeeper for her comment on the windows and faded drapery as she stopped before going on for too long. Although he did give her a stern look when she knelt down to sweep up some dust and glanced up at him. The sternness did not last long as his eyes twinkled with amusement at her predicament. Whether that would reassure her or not was another matter. He shook his head as she asked whether the bed was too lumpy and replied with brevity, "It will do for the time being!"<br><br>It was with curious eyes and unreadable expression that he watched Miss Ainsworth boldly sit on his bed right beside him without a by or leave. Not that Henry objected to having her sit that close to him. His glittering blue eyes enjoyed the sight of her slender neck as she stared up at the ceiling. They traced the elegant line from the curve of her breasts all the way to the tip of her chin. It was like something carved by a great sculpture. The only thing that drew his eyes away the movement of her finger toying with a strand of hair. The mixture of blonds, coppers, and honey was extraordinary and his hand moved of his own volition.<br><br>When Millicent realised what she had done and rushed away she felt a tug on her hair and a few strands came away in his fingers. His eyes widened in shock at what he had unwittingly done. It was only Millicent's shame and faltering words that saved his composure. He closed his mouth and gave her a fierce stare as she asked about the mattress. There was something strange in the stare that Millicent may or may not recognise. There was a hint of hunger in the look, one that might denote lust. But then again maybe he was just shocked by her behaviour. Before answering her question he cleared his voice and said, "I'll acquire a new mattress Miss Ainsworth."<br><br>Then more gruffly he said, "Now show me the servant's quarters and then supper!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>04-03-2008, 20:18:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Millicent's thinly defined eyebrows, those barely noticeable for the fairness of them, knitted together, furrowed her brow that was still smudged with the faintest trace of soot, and trying not to let tears well in her large blue-green eyes as Mr. Tankersley gave the girl a disapproving stare, she opened her pretty mouth. At first, there was a squeak of a noise, barely a formed word, and a delicate hand slid along her bare throat to soothe the ache that was forming from choking back tears. Truly, she had no right to be in his service for little she knew of the labour of housekeeping, and in the few comments he already made, in their wretched introduction as Master and housekeeper, she feared he would dismiss her with no reference, and too, it was fair. The little apron wrung taut in her hands. &nbsp;“The servants quarters?” Millicent asked in disbelief for hardly were those rooms prepared to be inspected, and it never occurred to her that he may desire to see them, yet it made sense now that she gave it thought for he may wish to hire more maids, or a replacement for Millie.<br><br>&nbsp;“The attic is reserved, if I am not mistaken, for the women, and the sub-basement for the men. I, myself, have not endeavoured to know that of the men's quarters, Master, but I can guide you to the details of the women's. I only bid you to tread carefully for it is a narrow staircase with narrow tall steps.” Millicent informed him, her voice tender and low, and all from worry and shame that heavily inflicted her youthful body. It gravely distressed her, and with a sullenness, she took her leave from the Master's personal chambers and awaited in the hall to finish the tour, and eventually prepare him his meal.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hannibal</strong> on <strong>04-03-2008, 21:02:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Henry Tankersley's face grew dark with anger as she wrung her apron yet again. Apron or handkerchief, could she not keep her hands still thought Henry. He snapped at her again and said, "Yes! The servants' quarters Miss Ainsworth. Please don't repeat everything I say as a question! The woman's quarters will be fine as I currently do not have any man servants."<br><br>While he appreciated the stress his unprepared housekeeper was suffering, the sullenness of her exit into the corridor irritated Henry beyond belief. In a voice sharper than he had used before, "Stop right there girl!"<br><br>He addressed her as girl, not with her name as he had previously. Then Henry said, "I have had enough of your pouting, impertinence and sullenness at every small setback or if you think I have been harsh or cruel. If you want to act like a little girl then I have a mind to lay my hand on your behind like you are one."<br><br>The words were not loudly spoken, but the firmness of his words suggested he was not joking or making idle threats. Deep down Henry secretly hoped she would defy him, but he kept that thought from the front of his mind.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>04-03-2008, 22:00:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Millicent gave Mr. Tankersley a look of appalling grave distress, and rendered speechless for only a mere sliver of time, the former lady dropped her hands to her side; the wringing of the abused cotton apron slipped, but now she crumpled it with her slender dainty fingers. &nbsp;“Girl?” Millicent breathed out. &nbsp;“And sullen? I hardly do think that I am sullen, Mr. Tankersley, but believe me, as I was thinking of the need to improve my skills to see your household fit, to accomplish a smooth running of its operations, there may have been a darker look to me, yes. There is much that I must learn, and that is what has made me mar my beauty into sullenness, albeit, it is now being suggested, Mr. Tankersley, that women in your presence as I know them will all suffer from sullenness if you insist on labelling them as girls and threatening to injure them.” Millicent said, her tone exquisitely melodious, polite yet extraordinarily curt for she was displeased at his boorish behaviour. <br><br>She sniffled as she remained composed in front of the man, the only man whom seemed to unfurl her negative aspects that she could ever recall in her personal history. Trembling with nervous anger, she drew forth and stood directly in front of the loathsome Lieutenant and gazed up at his face which was unfortunately handsome, and unfortunately stern of feature. So close was she to the Master of the manor that Millicent's skirts brushed the cloth of his breeches, the tops of his well polished boots, and she arched an eyebrow. &nbsp;“I find your manners taxing on my poor nerves, faint with despair, Lieutenant, after all, I am not one of the King's Men nor will I ever, nor am I used to men deciding to regress into boyish bullies who need a box to the ear.” Millicent informed him, insinuating much in her comment, and realizing that the man had every right to dismiss her for being an unaccomplished servant let alone one who was perhaps a fraction insolent, she only mildly regretted her words, but would regret the loss of income.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hannibal</strong> on <strong>05-03-2008, 14:01:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				His eyes narrowed dangerously, blue burning embers set within the tanned creases of his hard set face. Other than his eyes there was a calmness about the ex-soldier as he stared down at her. In his mind she had challenged him, both with her words and by standing directly in front of him. His path was clear, she would have to be disciplined and learn who was master of the household and who was the servant. Henry had trained and served under the Duke of Wellington and believed that maintaining discipline and respect for authority was vital. That was no different in principle on the battlefield or in a household.<br><br>Without replying he suddenly bent his knees, lent his right shoulder into her slender waist and wrapped his arms around her hips. Then he stood upright, lifting Millicent unceremoniously onto his shoulder, her backside sticking up in the air and her head dangling down his back. For the first time she could feel his strength and the hard body beneath his clothes. He was no dilettante soldier, but one who had revelled in the hard outdoor life of a serving on campaign. Her face pressed against his back could smell the mixture of travel dust from his journey and his masculine scent.<br><br>Henry started to carry her towards the old arm chair by the empty fireplace in his chambers and said, "That is enough from you <em>girl</em>! You need to learn that you are now a <em>servant</em>, not a mistress, not a highborn lady. Just a servant who is expected to show respect to her master and to act with decorum and discipline."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>05-03-2008, 14:51:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Millicent's mouth opened somewhat, and her bottom lip, luscious and naturally rose pink, trembled with anxiety and fear as the expression on Mr. Tankersley's face changed from stern to grim and solemn. It made the desire to flee not a mere notion in her head and as she took one step back, as she was about to dart away, a furry of motion took place, a blur of time, and with a racing heart, with a struggle to breathe, the young lady found herself tossed over the man's shoulder as if she were a sack of grain. A gasp, light and airy, caught in throat, and the scent of Mr. Tankersley, that of soap, of dust from the day's travel, of wool and cotton coated her mouth and nose, and was the very air she could only breathe in. Only then did Millicent realize Mr. Tankersley's true intent, his severe words denoting his resolution to their discourse, and feeling faint upon his muscular shoulder, Millicent squirmed and wiggled as she attempted to free herself from his barbaric grip.<br><br>&nbsp;“I do protest!” Millicent exclaimed, the mortification and anguish noticeable in her voice, and the palm of her hand struck his back. &nbsp;“Release me at once! I demand it of you, Sir! You have no right to abuse me in this manner!” Millicent cried out with what little strength she had left within her body. Never had she been handled in such a manner, not by her parents or any relatives, not by her governess, and certainly not by any gentleman or man for that fact. She paled and felt faint of heart, faint of breath as she noticed her surrounds change, and found herself in Mr. Tankersley's private chambers. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hannibal</strong> on <strong>05-03-2008, 15:48:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Henry just laughed as she told him he had no right to abuse her in such a manner. She could squirm and wiggle all she wanted, but there was no escaping his grip. He told her in no uncertain terms, "I have every right Miss Ainsworth! You are going to feel my firm hand upon your backside until you understand the behaviour I expect from a servant. Do not tell me my rights, in this country every master is still free to discipline their servants as they see fit. Do not tell me your father did not have servants beaten for disobedience and disrespect. I could have you beaten with a stick or bullwhip and no one would tell me I was wrong to do so or even consider it ungentlemanly. You could be locked in the cellar and starved for three days and the bailiffs would not come and arrest me. Such measures are far too extreme and cruel and I shall never go that far Miss Ainsworth. You will just suffer the indignity embarrassment of a spanking, any pain will pass quickly and it will leave no mark."<br><br>Reaching the chair Henry placed his left foot upon the seat and laid Millicent across his thigh so her round backside was in the air. He said to her sternly, "Do not struggle Miss Ainsworth or I shall have to tie you in place. Am I understood?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>05-03-2008, 17:24:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Never did Millicent hear or see of her father punishing a servant, not physically at least, but indeed, she had been occasionally present when one was verbally chastised or dismissed of their duties, and done so without references. The young lady, however, had heard through heavy oak doors her elder brothers receiving strokes from a cane by their tutor, and always did Millicent weep for them for it hurt her emotionally to know that somebody inflicted harm upon them, but never had she, herself, been in the position to receive such measures of discipline. There had never been a cause until Mr. Tankersley entered her life only a short hour or two ago, and a mixture of emotions for him boiled under her fair unblemished skin in so much that she thought of herself as fevered for she was that heated; the smallest&nbsp; beads of perspiration dotted her brow and pebbled on her hands as anxiety unfolded within her, and too, her breathing fell into short pants as she struggled with the circumstance that jeopardized her. The physical reactions began upon hearing the words “stick” and “bull whip” and “starved”, and fully she knew the laws of man and wife, and even that allowed a man to correct a wife of her <em>follies</em>. Follies was a word her father used, but too, never had she seen her mother punished, disciplined as Mr. Tankersley labeled it, but then her mother always claimed that Millicent had too much English blood in her. She could never puzzle that together save for the fact that she was stubborn.<br><br>With ease, as if Millicent weighed nothing, Mr. Tankersley settled her over his thigh. She squirmed and kicked and landed a slap on the man's arm as she was draped so that she was presented to him in order for Mr. Tankersley to perform the task. <em>Tie in place!</em> A tear darted down her cheek before Lieutenant Tankersley even made a stroke upon her skirts, and she took a moment to draw in a ragged breath. &nbsp;“Please, I beg of you to just release me from my service.” Millicent pleaded, aware that if he did it would put her on the streets with the commonly poor and destitute, but terrified she was, and trickles of shame and embarrassment haunted her good conscious. <br><br>&nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hannibal</strong> on <strong>05-03-2008, 20:44:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Henry Tankersley's response to Millicent ragged breathed pleading for release from his service, rather his discipline, was the flat of his hand firmly on her rounded bottom. The blow was more to shock her, than to cause any physical injury although it might sting for a little. While the effect of that sunk in Henry said to her in an equally firm voice, "I shall not release you from my service Miss Ainsworth. You are to be punished and trained to fulfil your duties, not to be discarded onto the streets already teeming with the poor and destitute. I'll not have a young lady of promise and intelligence tossed aside as another piece of flotsam for want of proper discipline and respect for her employer. No Miss Ainsworth, you are not to be released!"<br><br>He held her down firmly with his left hand and if Millicent should struggle she'd feel the sting of his right hand upon her bottom again.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>05-03-2008, 22:37:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Millicent dangled vicariously over Lieutenant Tankersley's left thigh, and before he addressed her plea, her begging to be released of service from his household,&nbsp; a sound slap was well delivered to her little shapely bottom that poked up into the air without choice. The sharpness of the blow was unexpected, and coupled with the suddenness of it, the firmness of it, the startled Millicent cried out. Her whimper, low and soft, airy, caressed the corners of the Lieutenant's private chambers and it lightly echoed in the emptiness of the room, but it was soon accompanied by Lieutenant Tankersley voice that mirrored the firmness of the slap. Those words could barely be comprehended by Millicent for her mind focused too much on the sting of the cruel slap that had met her skirts, and she was more than thankful, grateful, that the folds of her skirt, those that enveloped and hugged her long legs, somewhat absorbed the impact of the blow. <br><br>On hearing the refusal, Millicent gasped with dismay, and her small hand clung to her employer's leg, and her slender fingers crumpled the material of his breeches as she peered over his shoulder, and met his steady gaze. With eyes drowning in tears ready to weep, Millicent's only words were simple. &nbsp;“Please reconsider, Sir.” She implored with a voice that hinted with trembling.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hannibal</strong> on <strong>06-03-2008, 20:09:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				On hearing Millicent's low whimper Henry thought of other things to do with a woman other than discipline, or rather, things to be enjoyed with discipline. He wished that the folds of her skirt did not so protect her from both his gaze and the firmness of his hand. Such things were not proper and Henry put them from his mind. He was just disciplining her as the master of his house, nothing more.<br><br>Her tear filled and pleading eyes were met with a stern gaze, as hard and ungiving as the flesh of his muscular leg through his breeches. They were strong and well formed from hard training and years in the saddle. Her plea was answered with another firm slap on her shapely bottom, the sound ringing out around the chamber and overwhelming the echoes of her whimper. Her master struck her again, saying as he did so, "Put it from your mind Miss Ainsworth and consider only the behaviour that brought you to this position. You have been disrespectful and impertinent and until you learn that is not acceptable you will suffer accordingly. Am I understood?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>06-03-2008, 21:30:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				A tear, warm and plump, lusciously curved and formed to her blushing cheek, caressed it, and another dared to escape, to easily dart down the supple skin and fall placidly onto the floor beneath, and splash on the tile. Abashed and conscience-stricken, Millicent was temporarily lost for words, and dumbfounded with silence, she was. The abuse of the sharp slaps, the heat and sting of them, melted through her skirts and burned into the fair flesh of her rounded bottom that wiggled and squirmed under the harsh, cruel palm of Lieutenant Tankersley's hand. It pained her, gravely, and she inadvertently, unknowingly, thrashed her legs as though she could swim through the air and escape into safety, flee from the boorish man who refused to release her from employment, and therefore, his care.<br><br>Gaining an ounce of her voice, trying not to sob, trying desperately not to weep, Millicent addressed Mr. Tankersley chastisement of her. &nbsp;“My behaviour and impertinence, as you unkindly judge them, is only a reflection of your own ill begotten manners and lack of sympathy for my plight, my uneducated skills in housekeeping! Had you not relished in tormenting me, critiquing my errors constantly, I would have had gladly held my tongue, and thus learned my place. It ought to be you receiving correction for being a poor employer and intimidating me so!” Millicent gasped out, and attempted to flee from her perilous position.<br>&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hannibal</strong> on <strong>06-03-2008, 23:31:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Henry held her firmly in place over his knee with his left hand. When Millicent's legs thrashed around he placed his right forearm over them and pushed them down. Her rebuttal of his punishment did not convince Henry, it sounded like further impertinence and only made him more determined to teach her the error of her ways. That firm hand came down on her burning buttocks again and Millicent could tell it was coming when his arm lifted from the back of her thighs.<br><br>In a severe voice he told her, "You are a servant Miss Ainsworth and should expect to be criticised when you are lax in your duties. I expected better and your letter confirming acceptance of the post said nothing about your skills being inadequate so why should I suppose otherwise. What are young ladies taught these days if it is not to manage a house? I cannot believe I intimidate you Miss Ainsworth, not with all the impertinent backchat I am hearing."<br><br>He struck her again and then said, "Now I am going to keep spanking you until you learn your lesson. There will be a pause between each blow to give you an opportunity to apologise and promise to more respectful. When I have heard that ten times I will consider your punishment complete."<br><br>Henry's hand firmly spanked her again, with that pause. If he she did not apologise and make the promise Henry's hand struck her again. If she did he counted 'one' and then spanked her again.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>07-03-2008, 14:53:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sloped over Lieutenant Tankersley's leg, draped securely due to his meticulous care, Millicent limply dangled in a precarious moment of suspended disbelief and consternation. Although her face blushed, that the colour curved and caressed her delicate face, one that held an exquisite loveliness to it although not fair enough to acquire a husband without a dowry, she felt herself grow pale and wilt under the severe biting slaps that scorched her bottom, six as she had counted thus far, and feared more, ten in addition at minimum, and yet the words of an apology could not form in her mouth even though the promise of respect could.<br><br>There was a pause, a fragment of time that afforded her an inkling of composure, and afforded her the miserable luxury of feeling the pain that Lieutenant Tankersley's hand bestowed upon her tender flesh that covered her bottom. Her breath fell into airy ragged gasps, a velvety mewling that whispered and stretched throughout the room, and drifted into the empty hall where dusty paintings and statues and other décor absorbed the sound. Without an apology and without a promise from Millicent, Mr. Tankersley kept his word, his obligation, and struck her once again. <br><br>Millicent cried out from the shock of the blow, from the needling sting, and her slender fingers daintily pulled and crumpled at Lieutenant Tankersley's breeches, a mere sliver of comfort as her body tensed and quivered, and without realization, she had no knowledge that her fingers parted strokes to the man's thigh as she toyed with the material to his garment.&nbsp; Millicent tried to speak, tried to form an apology, but no words left her luscious mouth, but instead, she fell into subdued weeping.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hannibal</strong> on <strong>08-03-2008, 19:41:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Henry was alert to every tremble or reaction from his housekeeper as he disciplined her with the flat of his hand. He could see the blush on the back of her slender long neck as her hair fell forward, over head and towards the floor. She was suffering from the physical pain and emotional shame of the spanking he was administering. While Henry hoped that Millicent would swiftly learn her place and deal with his high, but <em>reasonable</em> expectations, he was privately enjoying being able to administer such an intimate form of discipline to his lovely housekeeper. When she did finally submit to his demand for an apology she would know she had been truly punished.<br><br>Punish her he did when she did not take the first opportunity he offered with that blow on her behind. Her reaction surprised him, the delicate fingers on his thigh not just holding onto the cloth that covered his thighs, but seeming to stroke and toy with it. He felt this would be the moment where she would finally accept her punishment, but only further tears and weeping. Henry kept his word again, but this time he struck her just on the line where the curve of her buttocks met her thighs. Henry gave her a longer moment to stop her tears and apologise before telling her, "Compose yourself Miss Ainsworth! Tears and weeping will avail you nothing unless you show me with your words that you are repentant and with an apology and promise of respectful behaviour."<br><br>After a few long seconds where she could utter the words there would be another smack.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>09-03-2008, 15:02:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The tears could not stop, could not cease, and flowed freely they did, warm and wet, streaking down the pale yet blushing cheeks of Millicent, and gathered and pooled they did on the floor below her. Tear after tear, droplet after droplet, the pool grew as the scorching heat on her fair flesh burned with each incredible biting blow. Muscles, thin and feminine, quivered and tensed and delicate fingers slid and kneaded Mr. Tankersley's thigh as a young wife might explore that of her new husband unconscious of her actions or intent. As weeping fell into struggling sobs, as she had been commanded to gain composure of herself, of her situation to accept responsibility for her appalling behaviour, to accept her full punishment, time slipped from a mere moment into seconds as Lieutenant Tankersley awaited for a comment, for an apology, for a promise from the young woman, a girl whom just recently bloomed into womanhood. All he heard were sniffles, and ragged breathing that enfolded not only Millicent, but himself, and buried the couple in the quietness of an early evening that was proving to be nothing more than trying, taxing to each of them.<br><br>Tresses, luxuriously thick and luxurious in hue, radiant strawberry, brilliant copper and sweet lush honey, swept across Millicent's wet face, caressed and bathed it, exposed her neck, the bareness of the elegant curve, and in those seconds, watery blue eyes peered and gazed at Henry Tankersley. Mouth agape swallowing a sob, Millicent endeavoured to fulfill the said task given to her by the Lieutenant, her Master. As she did, one silken soft hand, small and almost fragile touched his, held it limply, weakly, to prevent any further slap, any further humiliation while she confessed to her fault, and made a vow for she knew, somehow, that the man was determined to keep his word, and carry forth his obligation to see her a fit servant regardless of the torturous pain he would make her endure. &nbsp;“Please,” Millicent began, her voice dulcet, demure, perfumed with distress. &nbsp;“I am sorry to have offended, and vow to respect you as my employer, the master of Aldingford Manor.” Her hand set his free then, cast it aside as she became frightfully aware that she had touched it, held it so commonly as if they had known each other on a personal level, and she turned to gaze at the floor readying herself for the spanking to commence once more.<br><br>Through blurred vision, her eyes watched another tear cascade to the collecting pool on the floor below.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hannibal</strong> on <strong>09-03-2008, 20:16:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Millicent's fragile hand upon his was enough to stay Henry's hand for a moment as she looked up into his steely blue forbidding eyes, the opposite of her tear filled and vulnerable orbs. A communication passed between then and Henry recognised her understanding that his determination was complete. He had given his word on what was to happen and intended to keep it. When she finally submitted to his will in this matter and he heard her demure and dulcet words he nodded in appreciation. His hand stroked hers for a moment before she pulled away and Henry said in a husky voice that was quite gentle, "Very good Miss Ainsworth, your words are perfect."<br><br>Then he said in a sterner voice, "That is one Miss Ainsworth, just nine more times."<br><br>Henry's hand lifted and spanked her firmly again, waiting for another apology and counting her down before spanking her again. He would do so nine more times if he heard her apology and promise between each one.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>10-03-2008, 01:54:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ten was a peculiar number. It was more severe then six, a number that marked a half point to a dozen, yet gentler then a dozen, and from memory Millicent knew that her brothers always received a generous dozen strokes of the cane when they needed stern correcting, and always were they left to the rendering of tears or crying. From that knowledge alone, Millicent concluded that Mr. Tankersley had a gentle nature for he was resolved to only give her ten slaps in addition to those prior to the commencing of that punishment. Reduced to tears, weeping, the gentle mewling sobs, Millicent was for never did she have to suffer such fate from any tutor or parent, and so it was understandable that towards the conclusion of her correction, Millicent occasionally faltered with her apology and promise even though she had every good intention of making the statement. <br><br>The only comfort that was afforded to Millicent during the harrowing ordeal was the moments of composure that Lieutenant Tankersley offered her, the lingering memory of his fingers that had gently caressed hers,&nbsp; the warmth from his thigh that melted into her belly, and the material of his breeches that she constantly toyed with, crumpled and lightly pet with her small thin fingers. It was all, and although it was granted to her, the humiliation, the shame, the indignation, it was beyond any physical torment that the Master's hand could inflict, and with ruddy tear stained cheeks, with trembling, with nervous listlessness she said her last affirmation yet her voice was so breathless, tenuous, that Lieutenant Tankersley would have to lean close to her to hear the near inaudible apology and vow.<br><br>&nbsp;“I apologize for my insolent and rude behaviour, Lieutenant Tankersley, and I vow to give you respect that you deserve and have earned.” Millicent murmured, swallowing an aching sob that strained against her tender throat. It was the tenth statement of apology and promise, and in knowing that the punishment would end with it, she drew in a weak and ragged breath. &nbsp;“Thank you, Sir.” The words were for him ending the punishment, for being kind regarding it, yet easily those same words could be misconstrued, and Millicent had not once thought of that. Instead, the young woman limply rested over the lieutenant's left thigh resigned to accept her need for correction, and the desire to seek comfort in solitude, but she knew that was not possible until she retired for the night.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hannibal</strong> on <strong>12-03-2008, 12:09:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Henry was not so cruel to make Millicent correct her faltering apologies towards the end of her punishment, knowing the intention was there even though the tears and sobs grated on his ears. He did not enjoy such demonstrative behaviour, but he did find himself enjoying the administration of discipline on his housekeeper's shapely behind. Maybe he should not enjoy such a thing, but how could he not given the way she enfolded over his thigh like she belonged there, her fingers gently caressing his thigh. When she softly whispered the tenth apology he sighed and said, "Very good Miss Ainsworth, that is ten!"<br><br>His right hand remained gently resting on her burning bottom as she thanked him. She could feel it tighten a little in surprise as she thanked and Henry was not sure whether it was because she enjoyed it or for it ending. The way she had caressed and toyed with the cloth of his breeches suggested it might be the former. Henry decided not to raise the issue and gave a non-committal response, "It is my pleasure Miss Ainsworth!"<br><br>He did not give her another lecture or say anything else about her behavious, Henry was sure she had got the message. Gently he lifted her from his though and placed her on the rug so she could get to her feet in her own time.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>12-03-2008, 15:52:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Disgraced and humiliated, Millicent Ainsworth rose to her feet for not one further ounce of gratification would she allow, permit, Lieutenant Tankersley to indulge in; his mastery of her, the correction she had to endure, it was the conclusion of it, and vowed to herself she did that never would she be placed in that mortifying circumstance again.&nbsp; It was those thoughts that flooded through the young servant's mind, the former lady, as she stood for minutes trying to gather her wits, trying to calm herself, to ease the flow of tears, and daintily, he used that tormented piece of cloth that Mr. Tankersley offered her earlier to dry the shed tears that pooled in her large eyes and streaked silently down her pink flushed face. Not at all could she look at the man who had abused her when she had finally collected herself, and whatever glances she stole of the Master of Aldingford Manor, it made Millicent all the more abashed, reticent, and decorous to her new position in life. The characteristics, unknown to Millicent, were worn attractively, enticingly, by her and now humbled, she folded her hands before her and studied the distance of flooring between herself and Lieutenant Tankersley.<br><br>She found the strength and nerve to finally speak although there would be a faint tremble and hesitancy noted in her demure placid voice. &nbsp;“Lieutenant Tankersley, if you would care to see the quarters of the servants, I will show the rooms upon your readiness, Sir.” There was a curtsy, properly low, extraordinarily balanced and elegant, and there it was held for several long moments before the young woman rose to her proper height and obediently awaited word from her employer. <br>&nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hannibal</strong> on <strong>12-03-2008, 18:58:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Whenever Millicent took a furtive or stolen glance at Henry Tankersley he was watching her. Her more decorous and humbled demeanour only enhanced her natural beauty, adding to her sense of endearing vulnerability that her large eyes and soft features gave her. On the other hand, he seemed to have grown in stature. His back was ramrod erect and he looked like he was filled with confidence and pride. Henry did not stop her speaking or rising to her proper height and responded, "Thank you Miss Ainsworth! I will see the servants quarters now."<br><br>The Master of Aldingford Manor let his housekeeper lead the way to the female servants quarters in the attic. As they climbed to the narrow stairs he was surprised how dilapidated they were and several times tested the steps for safety, frowning as he did so. The smell of woodrot and dampness in the floor boards did nothing to improve his confidence. The roof was clearly in need of serious repair and he could even see the evening sky in some of the small rooms. When shown the best of them that was clearly his housekeeper's rooms he was fit to explode. It was dry except for some dampness in the wall and ceiling, but there was a nasty draft that would be the death of any longterm resident during a cold winter. Henry looked over the room with a frown and then said in a tight voice, "You actually slept in here last night Miss Ainsworth?"<br><br>It was a rhetorical question, but he waited for an answer.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>12-03-2008, 19:34:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As Millicent stood in her quaint and airy room which smelled of wood rot and mold, which a had rain stained ceiling and faded newspapers on the wall, those too stained and marred with dampness, for insulation against the coldness, the dampness of the weather, she was careful with her footing. Floor boards were loose, decaying in some areas, and there was great need for replacement planks but knowing it was not her place to make any recommendations, she said nothing but stood in perfect silence as the Master of the manor inspected the quarters, and more closely, her bedchamber. There amongst her few belongings, she stood at full height yet cautiously did not meet Lieutenant Tankersley's person, fearful of him or rather intimated by his stern strict nature, and she was stunned into further quietude when he asked her one simple question. "You actually slept in here last night Miss Ainsworth?" His voice was tight, strained, controlled and it boomed with authoritative clarity and a particular loudness in the small room. <br><br>She swallowed knowing it was rhetorical, and words were lost to her for where else would she stay, but in not retorting with the bold question to his inquiry, she dumbly nodded her head, mouth slightly parted, and timidly she looked at him with wide eyes that were redden slightly from the tears shed earlier. &nbsp;“Yes, I did, Lieutenant Tankersley, for I am your servant and this is the quarters for my said position.” She said no more nor did she have to; the mouse droppings on the floor, the sounds of the scratching emanating from the loose ceiling and walls announced the condition of repairs needed, that and the water stains, the scent of the attic. It had not encouraged her to see the male servant quarters in the sub-basement, but she used her imagination well, and a shiver overcame her, but she dared not rub her arms for warmth. It seemed improper. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hannibal</strong> on <strong>12-03-2008, 20:13:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Henry watched her from the corners of his eyes as he awaited an answer and kept looking at the room in need of repair. He was pleasantly surprised when she answered his obvious question without the need some sort of retort or sullen look he might have had to endure earlier. Henry gave the room one last look and then relaxed as he came to a decision. Looking directly at Millicent he said, "I'll not have one of my staff sleep in such conditions for another night Miss Ainsworth. It will have to be repaired and refurbished before it can return to service. Gather you things together Miss Ainsworth. You shall have the master bedroom until more suitable accomodations can be found. It is the only habitable bedroom at the moment. I'll sleep on the divan in my study. I have slept in less comfortable places and at least it will be warm once the chimneys are sorted."<br><br>His voice was decisive and filled with authority, echoing around the small room.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>13-03-2008, 00:40:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>Master bedroom.</em><br><br>Millicent paled and shook her head in silent protest. An agonizing expression of disbelief and discontentment proliferated within her very core, her essence, and it germinated to pullulate onto her fair cultivated face, mar her expression not into sullenness but concern for appropriate norms and standards, morals set by society especially concerning servant and master, or yet that of man and woman. &nbsp;“I do appreciate your kindness and generosity Lieutenant Tankersley, but I fear I cannot accept those accommodations for fear of my reputation and your own.” Millicent pleaded, her voice but a low hush, and one as soft as a breeze on a summer morn; look at him, she still could not, and lowly, shyly, submissively her head was held. &nbsp;“It is unspeakable of what you ask of me even though it of the best intention. I will not hear any more of it, Sir.” Millicent said, trying to be firm although with her weakened state, it was to no avail. She folded her arms about her thin body, preventing chill from settling into her, yet the stance made her determinedly uncertain of herself, and of her words. &nbsp;“I beseech you to understand my position.” She added as an afterthought, as a polite civility. <br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hannibal</strong> on <strong>16-03-2008, 03:06:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The Master of Aldingford Manor listened carefully to Millicent's pleading and objection to his plan, his face growing grimmer with anger as spoke of it being 'unspeakable' and 'hearing no more of it'. She was demure and submissively polite as she did so, but Henry still found her words slightly irritating. However, he had to admit that she spoke with some wisdom so he gave her the benefit of the doubt. At least she spoke in a more agreeable tone and with more respectful body language.<br><br>Henry raised one eyebrow in a questioning manner and asked, "If this plan of mine is so unwise and unspeakable, perhaps you have another solution? That you will not spend another night in such disagreeable accommodation as this room goes without saying. I will not be dissuaded from its unsuitability for human habitation."<br><br>His blues eyes put her on the spot with their piercing gaze.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>16-03-2008, 16:20:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Disapproval of her words, her plea, flourished on Lieutenant Tankersley brow and slid to consume the entirety of his face tainting the handsomeness, corrupting any kind feature that Millicent could adore, and she found herself looking downcast at her feet rather shamefully considering he had just punished her for impertinence and disagreeable behaviour. She shook her head, daintily, barely, with negative affirmation. &nbsp;“No, Lieutenant Tankersley, I fear that I do not.” The voice that&nbsp; flowed from Millicent's lips, her mouth, was limpid and mild, her first lesson to respect her employer not forgotten, and to know that she displeased him with her answer so soon afterwards placed fear within her. The once milky skin on her bottom had been well tanned to another colour, a shade more than pink, to be certain, and there was an uncomfortable warm sting still felt in her skin. Her mouth went dry in thinking of another stern chastisement from Lieutenant Tankersley, and to avoid that, she bit her bottom lip rather thoughtfully and disregarded her former statement and social decorum. &nbsp;“My apologies, Sir. I will do as asked if you insist upon it.” Millicent said, and with her head still low, she peered up at him, stole a glance, and plucked up courage to ask her question. &nbsp;“Do you insist upon it?”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hannibal</strong> on <strong>19-03-2008, 20:25:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Henry's brow unfurrowed from his frown of disapproval as Millicent shook her head daintily and answered in a respectful manner that pleased him more. He did not tell her that her manner was more pleasing than her suggestion of 'unspeakable', but the curt nod of approval indicated that might be the case. When she asked if he insisted upon it he gave another curt nod and said, "Indeed I do as no more acceptable plan presents itself. Our reputations will not be sullied as we are doing naught wrong and there is no other servants here to see it."<br><br>Then he made to move downstairs, instructing her, "Now stop biting your lip and prepare me some supper. It has been a busy day and I am famished!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>20-03-2008, 15:41:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The tension within Millicent lessened when she noticed Lieutenant Tankersley's brow slacken, the furrow of wrinkles relax, and with his nod of approval, Millicent exhaled. The young lady had not realized that her breath was held in apprehension of her Master's response, and immediately on hearing his words, she, too, stopped the anxious gnawing of her lip. She scurried after her employer, cautiously stepping on the floor boards and steps as her mind thought of the quick dinner she could prepare him, and she considered herself fortunate that she had surveyed the pantry more than once that day.<br><br>&nbsp;“I am ever so sorry regarding your meal proper, Mr. Tankersley,” Millicent whispered, the words mellow and timidly spoken, and they drifted&nbsp; and flowed down the narrow stairwell that surrounded the peculiar couple. &nbsp;“I will see to it that it shall not happen again, gracious heavens forbid, but as for the now, would you care to dine in your study as some gentlemen prefer or do you wish to be seated in the dining room proper?” The question was honestly asked for there had been times when her father dined in his private study, but whether that was out of business necessity or to escape the chattering of her mother, she did not know. All the same, Millicent thought it prudent to make the inquiry. Her next question, however, was virtually near impossible to ask, and yet she had no alternative.<br><br>&nbsp;“If memory serves me correctly, you asked for ale in which we do have, yet never drinking the substance myself, I do not know how to open the barrel. The man whom delivered it was far too rude to demonstrate a tapping of it, or at least I am certain that is the term he used, and he cruelly laughed at my lack of knowledge pertaining to ale. A most horrendous example of the male species he was, Sir, simple appalling. If it is not too much to ask, although I fear it may, would you teach me so that I may improve my service to you, and your needs?” Her slender fingers weaved and tangled into the material of her skirts, those that she lifted out of fear that she might trip on the material and fall into Mr. Tankersley, and nervously, she fretted with her garment awaiting a twinge of impatient to furrow the man's brow yet again.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hannibal</strong> on <strong>23-03-2008, 01:30:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Henry's steps down the dilapidated stairs were confident and sure in contrast to Millicent small cautious ones. He made no comment as she reminded him of his ruined meal and unswept chimneys, the mishap now in the past and not to be dwelt upon unless it was repeated. When asked his choice of dining place he said, "My study will be acceptable Miss Ainsworth as I suspect the dining room has long forgotten its former glories. The plans I have seen indicated it was quite large and I suspect quite chilly without a fire to warm it. And yes, I did request some fine ale to wash it down."<br><br>Her admission that she did not know how to open a barrel brought a frown to his face yet again, but the furrows soon relaxed as he admitted to himself she would have no experience with such tasks. That she felt the need to go on about the rudeness of the man who delivered it irritated him and he snapped, "It was fortunate he was so rude as a man of so called manners would have used it as an excuse to sample half my ale. Even so, tell the brewer to send another delivery man next time."<br><br>Then he stopped suddenly and said with a grin that made him appear boyish and almost gentle, "Lucky for us both Miss Ainsworth that I have had cause to tap the odd barrel of ale. Take me do my cellar and I'll show you the trick."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>23-03-2008, 02:49:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Millicent frowned momentarily at the idea of Lieutenant Tankersley dining alone in his study for she believed she had forced that upon him, for indeed, the dining room was uncomfortably vast for one individual, and the kitchen table, although common, would have been appropriate had she not ruined the confines of the chamber with her lax knowledge of household duties. Perhaps it was common sense she lacked; so difficult it was to acknowledge, and difficult it was to self-examine without feeling pity. Almost then she sniffled, almost then she she chewed her lip with fret, but before she could, Millicent caught herself. The swing of her skirts, the sting on her bottom, reminded her of the Master's dissatisfaction with her behaviour and mannerisms. Immediately, the frown, too, vanished.<br><br><em>Another delivery man.</em> Why she could not have thought of that made her ponder, and as she pondered, her steps grew closer to Lieutenant Tankersley. He stopped suddenly, and in not paying heed, the servant Milicent Ainsworth tumbled into her employer. Her body, lusciously plump, curvaceous, soft leaned against a military uniform, and the man beneath it, his body was strong, roped with muscles: exact opposites. For a moment, perhaps a moment too long, Millicent stared directly into her Master's eyes, drowned in the depths of them, remarked of his handsomeness despite the stern demeanour he held, and for that time Millicent clung to him until she realized she had stumbled onto him.<br><br>She laughed not quiet girlishly, the faintest of noises coming from her parted rosy lips. &nbsp;“I've seen to have fallen, Sir.” Were Millicent's first words, gently spoken, timid, and as she tried to straighten herself, a redness overwhelmed her milky white face. &nbsp;“Please forgive me.” She murmured, and felt as though the narrow staircase was indeed too narrow.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hannibal</strong> on <strong>31-03-2008, 00:08:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Henry Tankersley war hardened muscles tensed like coiled springs beneath his skin as he felt Millicent stumble into him. The initial irritation at her clumsiness swiftly passed as he felt her warm and soft body pressed against his, Henry's stern eyes softening as he stared down at her. He felt a moment of longing for her well up inside his breast, the soft curves of her feminine body against his hard muscles. As she clung to him his hands reached around as if to support her, but in truth it was an involuntary clutch as he crushed her to his chest. There was a wildness in the Master of Aldingford Manor's eyes like that of an untamed stallion that was both frightening and compelling.<br><br>The moment seemed about to overwhelm Henry until Millicent first timid words snapped him out of it. Realising the inappropriateness of his behaviour Henry coughed to cover his embarrassment and gently pushed his housekeeper to her feet. Coughing again he replied in a self-conscious manner that was out of character, "Ahem! So you have Milli ... I mean Miss Ainsworth. Please, there is nothing to forgive except my own clumsiness in pulling up quicker than a lame horse. Now where is this barrell Miss Ainsworth?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>02-04-2008, 00:42:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>Hard and lean, wiry and well muscled with strength.</em>&nbsp; <br><br>They were the thoughts and words that Millicent Ainsworth would use to describe Lieutenant Tankersley when she would later sit that night and pen an entry into her journal, but too, she would describe him as <em>near barbaric</em> in his disciplinary action with her. There would also be a mention of guilt, and a mention that she found the man to be handsome, perhaps, despite herself, and despite his cruelty. It would leave her flustered and confused before she retired to bed, and she would find herself staring at the spot in the master's private chamber where Lieutenant Tankersley punished her. Avoiding such further circumstances would be a necessity, and Millicent believe she could achieve that for he had demonstrated kindness to her by offering not only his chamber to her, but there was that slip of address...<br><br><em>Milli...</em><br><br>Millicent could not help but to smile at Henry Tankersley as he awkwardly, and strongly supported her, and although a blush crimsoned her cheeks, she allowed herself the subtle comfort of his embrace so that she would know that he did not despise her. &nbsp;“I would not dare think of you as clumsy, Sir, but being plagued by a clumsy girl of a servant who needs guidance occasionally, and further and better instruction with her employment. If one coupled that with the deterioration of the stairs, the narrowness of it, this would be the situation one found themselves in: helping the servant girl to her feet.” As Millicent found her feet, as she steadied herself on the last of the stairs, she smoothed out her skirts, and offered a bashful smile to the master of the manor.<br><br>&nbsp;“The barrel, I have it stored in the kitchen, Master,” Millicent whispered, and prayed silently to herself that she had not blathered recklessly to him. She would pay special heed to the tapping of the barrel, and then tend to his supper as well as tending to the spirits that should have been placed in his study prior to his arrival. Not a word would Millicent say out of fear of reprimand, and silently she would walk with him to the kitchen unless addressed. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hannibal</strong> on <strong>06-04-2008, 02:38:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Henry wiped his brow and responded gallantly to her forgiving explanation, "Perhaps you are right about the condition of these stairs contributing to this situation although you must accept that you are not to blame either. Let us forget about the incident and think no more about it!"<br><br>In truth, Henry would struggle to forget about her soft body pressed against his and the way she let it linger as he would struggle to pretend his firm hand upon her shapely behind was purely intended as an educational punishment. At least there was the barrel to distract him and the thought of his rumbling stomach. He let her lead him to the cellar where he showed her the uncomplicated art of tapping a fresh barrel of ale. Henry did so in a detached and professional manner and then left to retire to his study and await his cold supper. The only time he addresses his housekeeper was when showing her how to tap a barrel.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>06-04-2008, 18:05:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>Think no more of it.</em><br><br>The words made Millie smile, but hardly could she think no more of it, and that in itself mortified her. Had she and Mr. Henry Tankersley been equals in society, had he not demonstrated a cruel domineering nature, Millicent thought that the Lieutenant might have had the makings for a wonderful and splendid husband, a rare find these days given the war: too few men, and too many widows in England's fine society. Millicent paled at her thoughts, struggled to gain some dignity within her, struggled for composure, and she breathed easier when he, her employer, left after demonstrating how to tap a keg. <br><br>&nbsp;“Millicent Ainsworth, you are as feeble minded as a chicken.” She whispered to herself, and as she carved the ham, the knife sliced into her finger as her mind fluttered and flounced with thoughts of the day, and indeed, Henry Tankersley.&nbsp; A squeak of a cry came from her throat and she immediately sucked on her finger; the taste of blood trickled in her mouth, and there and then she wished to sit and weep yet she could not. Right then and there it was decided that Millicent needed to find herself a kind and gentle man who would have mercy for her financial situation in life and save her from becoming a commoner: the lifestyle did not suit her. <br><br>She glared at the ham menacingly.<br><br>In silence, she made a plate of succulent sliced ham, preserved spiced apple rings, cheese, and fresh bread rolls that were made earlier in the day; a butter tart was for dessert. That plate coupled with the glass of ale, a napkin, and the cutlery she carried carefully on a tray to the study, placed it on a table and after she was dismissed, she retired for the evening but not before she cleaned the kitchen.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hannibal</strong> on <strong>07-04-2008, 00:04:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Henry ate his supper and drank his ale with relish. As he did so he asked Millicent to fetch some blankets for the divan and instructed her that she eat a proper meal before retiring for the night. The ham and accompaniments were delicious and the only thing that had seemed to go well since he arrived at the manor. Tomorrow would be another day and Henry expected it to go much better. The last thing he told Millicent before retiring was, "Mr Fancott will be taking me on a tour of the estate first thing tomorrow morning Miss Ainsworth. I expect that will we return at two hours before noon. The chimney sweep should be done by then so I would request a full breakfast of bacon, sausages, eggs, mushrooms and toast be prepared for us both along with anything else in the larder you deem appropriate. We will take breakfast in the kitchen. That will be all for Miss Ainsworth and I pray you sleep well tonight and consider all that we have discussed."<br><br>He did not go straight to sleep, but perused the books from the small collection. Eventually he retired to the divan and with his soldier's experience willed himself to sleep. It was a restless sleep as he dreamed of Millicent Ainsworth. Some were very pleasant and some were as irritating and flighty as she could be. Waking at dawn Henry prepared himself and met with Mr Fancott for the tour of the estate. It was several hours latter, just after ten in the morning that they returned to the kitchen with a very healthy appetite.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>07-04-2008, 15:38:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Tears stained Millicent's pale face, and they curved over the plumpness of her cheeks and fell onto the feather pillow as she rested in the Master's bed, wide eyed, awake, her mind swam with thoughts of the day. <br><br><em>Consider all that we have discussed.</em> <br><br>Henry Tankersley words haunted Millicent. She recalled no discussion, but lectures from him and criticism, and her punishment, and truly it must have been his manner of reminding her of the last, to improve her behaviour. That memory only made her sniffle more, and she buried herself, cocooned herself, in the blankets on the very large bed that was meant to be shared with another; a husband and wife. There she fell asleep, adrift in dreams of happier times, in times where Henry Tankersley did not exist in her life, and in the comfort of the blankets and quilts, in the comfort of the bed, Millicent slept well enough to rise late, and it sent her into a scurry when she realized the time.<br><br>Regardless of the unadorned pale gray dress she wore, and her hair in a loose roped braid that casually hung over her thin shoulder, or the smudge of flour on her cheek from making bread, Millicent still had the luxury of looking like a fumbling upper class woman in a kitchen. She was washing strawberries when the chimney sweep finally entered the kitchen, and with a soot stained face and grime caked clothes, he had begun mild unwarranted, unwanted flirtation with Millicent which lead to a chase about the kitchen, and Millicent delivering a sound slap to his face, dismissing him.<br><br>A chair had been knocked over, and the milk spilled on the work table which soaked and ruined the freshly baked bread, and the scent of burned bacon rippled thickly through the air. Millicent stared at the blackened bacon that had been once perfectly cooked, and frowned, and her eyebrows knit together when she heard the familiar voices of Mr. Tankersley and Mr. Fancott. The men, Millicent thought, would simply have to endure a breakfast of sausage, eggs, mushrooms, and a delectable dish of strawberries and blackberries all served with tea and the raisin scones.&nbsp; Without a word, the flustered Millicent tidied the kitchen quickly, and served the men their breakfast.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hannibal</strong> on <strong>08-04-2008, 00:12:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The tour of the estate had been very satisfying for the new master of Aldingford Manor. The lands were rich and fertile and promised great bounty if properly managed. Even given the condition of the house it made Henry feel he had acquired quite a bargain. With sound investment and management he felt the estate could return more than enough to pay for the restoration of his home. The sight of smoke from the kitchen chimney had given him greater cause for optimism and he was talking excitedly about his plans with Mr Fancott as they strode into the kitchen. That all changed when he smelt the burnt bacon and saw the mess Millicent was tidying up.<br><br>The laughter and animated conversation stopped dead and Henry's face went pale with fury and she could feel his cold stare spearing holes in her. He kept his composure and said nothing as he sat down with Mr Fancott, but he was clearly embarrassed by the situation he found himself in. Mr Fancott was had enough manners and wisdom to hold his tongue, but he clearly felt uncomfortable. All Henry said was, "I hope you find your promised breakfast acceptable Mr Fancott. If you could serve please Miss Ainsworth?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>08-04-2008, 01:47:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Millicent wrung her hands together when she saw the penetrating stare Henry Tankersley offered her, and apprehensively she smiled as her stomach, her belly knotted and churned, made her ache with anxiety, and an airy nervous laugh fluttered from her voluptuous lips. &nbsp;“Please, do sit down, gentlemen.” Millicent said, her voice barely a whisper, and near faint with dread she was when she finally did present the breakfast. It looked delicious, succulent, and all was there save for the absence of bread and the bountiful bacon she had cooked.&nbsp; <br><br>Did she dare speak of it? <br><br>She took a moment to think on this for obviously they saw her straightening the room, could smell the foul burntness of the meat, and so there was no denying it, and blatant lies were unseemly. Millicent, in her sweet innocence, decided to confess. &nbsp;“I regret to announce Lieutenant Tankersley, Mr. Fancott, that I had an unexpected animal behold the kitchen, and whilst chase was in pursuit, the bacon became ruined. My sincerest apologies, and it shall only take a few minutes to serve you that finery if you will allow.” She pleaded, and as a blush soaked her cheeks, she stood before the men not knowing what else to do or say, and so she poured them tea.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hannibal</strong> on <strong>11-04-2008, 00:33:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The master of the house's expression would do nothing to settle Millicent's nerves. His brow was furrowed into a deep frown and his blue eyes burned with a restrained fury that said he would take this up with her latter. They narrowed further as she explained about the 'unexpected animal' as if he did not believe it. Mr Fancott said nothing, but sat down and sipped his tea. The meal was taken in almost complete silence, the only sound the scrapping of knife and fork on the crockery as they ate. Henry glowered at Millicent as he ate, but Mr Fancott attempted to lighten the mood, "In spite of your misfortune's Miss Ainsworth, the breakfast is very fine indeed. The fruit is very fine and quite a treat for breakfast."<br><br>Henry is gracious enough to reply in a tight voice, "That is true Mr Fancott."<br><br>At the end of the meal Mr Fancott cannot leave quickly enough after thanking Henry and Millicent. Henry sees him to the door and watches as he leaves, making sure he is out of sight and not snooping around for gossip. Then Henry turns around with that angry look on his face.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>11-04-2008, 01:39:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Millicent ignored what little conversation Mr. Fancott had with Lieutenant Tankersley for it was not any of her business, but she blushed at his compliment, thanked him kindly, and continued her work in the kitchen despite the palpable tension that corrupted the serene atmosphere. When Mr. Fancott took his leave, exchanged farewells, Millicent was washing dishes; her hands were buried in soap suds, and she flushed from the simple exertion and from the heat of the water. Only then did Millicent stare at the dish water, at the plates that her fingers scrubbed clean, and she noticed that the slender digits trembled. In unison they shook with her rapid breathing that was shallow and airy, and her heart frantically drummed in the thinness of her chest which tightened when she had the misfortune to glance up and catch the reflection of Henry Tankersley in the window. He looked more then displeased, and she knew that no amount of apologies would mitigate his fury even though she attempted to make amends with the meal. In not knowing what to say, she simply continued her work, but as she removed the plate from the water to set it aside to dry, it slipped from her fingers and descended to the floor where it splintered into fragments and shattered the silence. <br><br>Millicent's mouth fell agape, and even though her skin was flushed with heat, she turned pallid. She dried her hands in her apron and knelt on the floor to pick up the sharp shards. &nbsp;“Mr. Tankersley, I fear that your silence and discouraging unsettled look upon your handsome face is unraveling my senses. Have I displeased you, Sir for I had not desired that.” Millicent barely whispered utterly unaware of her inadvertent compliment, and she dared to steal a glimpse of the master and his imposing figure.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hannibal</strong> on <strong>19-04-2008, 15:57:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Henry was silent for a long time as he stared at Millicent washing the dishes in trepidation of what was to come. His fierce expression did not soften at the sound of crockery shattering on the floor. Those burning blue eyes narrowed further at her apology and question if she had displeased him. Henry's hands closed into fists and his knuckles went white with rage. In a strained voice he replied in almost civil tones that cost him great effort, "Have you displeased me? Do you need to ask stu... ... Miss Ainsworth? I requested bacon and toast with breakfast this morning and when I enter with Mr Fancott all I can smell is burning. Are you that incompetent that you can fry a few rashers of bacon? You must think that I enjoy looking foolish in front of my estate manager. What ever must he think as I told him you were my choice when he sent letters of recommendation for two other housekeepers. I despair of you Miss Ainsworth and I fear you have more lessons to learn!"<br><br>He strode over to the table and picked up his riding crop. Slapping it against his hand several times he said to her, "Clean up this mess as quickly as you can and then report to my study where I shall decide an appropriate punishment for this fiasco and future course of action!"<br><br>Henry slapped his hand with the riding crop for emphasis and then stalked from the kitchen.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>19-04-2008, 19:17:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Henry Tankersley discountenance of Millicent's competence mortified the young lady into a disheartening state in so much that her sweet ripe mouth fell agape, and she failed to find words to defend herself. Flushed she became in frustration, her cheeks turning a soft hue of pink, and the few pieces of broken crockery fell from her thin delicate hands to shatter further on the floor. Paling through her pinkness, and choking on words not forming in her mouth, the naïve young creature shook her head; tresses of blonde silkiness tumbled free of the pins, caressed her face, and gave her the utmost appearance of distress. <br><br>&nbsp;“No, I--,” Words were frozen as Lieutenant Tankersley picked up the riding crop, and struck it in his palm repeatedly. Millicent flinched each time, gasped lightly each time, and tears formed in her eyes to dart down her plump rounded cheeks. She watched the man languidly stalk from the kitchen, his orders clear, the punishment clear, and Millicent stared after him in complete and utter silence. Minutes slipped by before her bottom lip stopped trembling. &nbsp;“it wasn't like that, Sir.” She finally managed to say, yet to no one the words were heard save herself.<br><br>She looked to the floor, to the broken crockery, and as pieces were picked up, Millicent thought of the near future meeting between Lieutenant Tankersley and herself. She sniffled. <em>Would he dare beat with a riding crop?</em> At first she thought he would not. It was too uncivilized, and yet as time faded and blurred, as the kitchen was slowly and meticulously cleaned, Millicent thought otherwise as she recalled yesterday's punishment. She knew she barely tolerated that, and fearful, Millicent thought of fleeing yet that seemed childish. <br><br><em>Padding</em>. Not as childish, she believed.<br><br>Millicent, with hands that shivered with trepidation, skilfully folded several tea towels. She took a long moment to adjust them into her skirts, tidily, almost expertly so that if Lieutenant Tankersley was maddened with the cruelty to whip her, she would feel it, but not as severe. Before she left the kitchen, Millicent breathed deeply, tried to steady her nerves, and she set out to the study. Her hands fidgeted with her apron, wrung it, but she smoothed it out when she reached the door to the study.<br><br>Peering inside, she saw the Lieutenant, her wicked employer, and wrapped lightly upon the door Millicent did. &nbsp;“You wished to speak to me, Sir?” Millicent managed to say, her voice meek and soft, and her wide eyes dared to glance at him once, and then bashfully to the floor. She dared not enter without his permission, and nervously there she remained.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hannibal</strong> on <strong>19-04-2008, 21:57:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Henry Tankersley was padding back and forth furiously behind his desk when Millicent peered inside, his riding crop tapping against his thigh with each step. He stopped to glare at her with sapphire daggers as she knocked on the door and spoke. With the riding crop he pointed at a space directly in front of the desk and snapped, "Stand there girl and speak only when instructed. If I hear any babbling from you it will go very poorly for Miss Ainsworth!"<br><br>He said nothing else as he waited for her to obey his orders, but stood behind the desk and tapped impatiently with his crop. The time he waited had done nothing to sooth his temper as it might another man. Henry's tanned face was still flushed with anger and his muscles so tensed and strained they wanted to burst free of his riding clothes.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>19-04-2008, 23:36:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Millicent stared at Henry Tankersley for a second or two, unblinkingly with her wide innocent pale eyes, and she struggled to swallow the saliva that seemed to well in her mouth. As she manage that simple biological task, the man spoke; her mouth parched then, rapidly and her tongue felt coarse against the soft flesh of her mouth. She never spoke to him, but instead watched the steady pace as a cornered mouse would a mighty cat when trapped, and with small ginger steps Millicent padded to where her employer directed with the wicked riding crop.<br><br><em>He has it to accompany his riding attire. He was riding this morning with Mr. Fancott. He would not be cruel and use it on a woman be it a servant, wife or heaven forbid, a child.</em><br><br>The thoughts muddled her mind, and with the demurest expression, her eyes peered at the desk, the gaze lowered out of respect tainted with fear, and her locks of hair shaded her alabaster face which she considered fortunate. She blinked back the tears in her eyes that naturally were forming, and hid them dearly from Lieutenant Tankersley who more than likely would accuse her of womanly wiles. Remained constant, she did, and awaited further word from her employer.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hannibal</strong> on <strong>20-04-2008, 23:47:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Henry watched Millicent's hesitant steps, his heart pounding in his chest with a mixture of rage and desire. Those innocent eyes looked so beautiful and that body so desirable. But she irritated him with her impertinence and now her incompetence when he expected so much more. How difficult was it to cook a simple breakfast for two men as per his instructions? She needed to be punished to understand the depth of his anger and disappointment.<br><br>He pointed at the middle of his desk with the crop and in tight tones said, "Lean forward and place your palms flat on the table Miss Ainsworth!"<br><br>Then he stalked around behind her with the riding crop and asked Millicent, "You understand that you are to be punished again Miss Ainsworth? Do you understand exactly why I am going to punish you again?"<br><br>There was a long pause as he waited for her replies.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>21-04-2008, 00:53:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Millicent cringed and gasped, a low airy sound that escaped from her tightening throat, when her eyes followed the threatening crop, when the leather tip caressed the desk in the center; a marble surface the desk had, smooth and cold and hard against Millicent's fingers as they trailed over it. Rooted like an old tree she was, firmly in spot, unyielding, unbending despite the words her employer said. Those words&nbsp; curved around her like a serpent coiling, constricting prey, and her senses went numb. Bewildered she was, and frightened for she feared the pain of the riding crop despite the tea towels neatly folded within her skirts, or more accurate, feared the anger the man had whom wielded the instrument of her correction. Millicent stepped in line to the middle of the desk, and she leaned forward with the palms of her hands pressed flat against the surface; beads of sweats, tiny droplets, accumulated against her skin out of sheer anxiety. With bright glistening eyes, she peered over her shoulder to look at him, and if he thought she would be willing to accept the punishment without a word, he was mistaken.<br><br>&nbsp;“That you are going to punish me without asking for my reasons for my incompetence, as you state, demonstrates the coldness, the cruelty of your person, Sir. I understand that you think lowly of me, of my character, for you believe that I deliberately made you appear a fool when it was not the case.” Millicent clearly whispered although her voice trembled, and she paused in midsentence. &nbsp;“So indeed, Sir, I do understand your need to punish me in order to ease your ignorantly directed anger. It is simply unfortunate for me, for my fragile body that must endure your inflicted wickedness, that you were not born of gentleman or have gentlemanly qualities, but I am a lady regardless of my station in life, and I will forgive you for your rudeness and blatant flaws of your character.” Millicent sniffled then, and dismissively turned from him. With her heart wildly beating in her chest, she awaited for a reprimand and her punishment. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hannibal</strong> on <strong>21-04-2008, 17:13:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She could see him glaring at her as she put up whatever resistance she could manage. Henry's furrows grew deeper and she claimed to understand his need to punish her through ignorantly directed anger. He did not strike her as he might have done, although his knuckles did grow whiter as he tightened his grip on the riding crop. Instead he leant over her from behind and whispered into her left ear, "You are a foolish girl if you think you can provoke me into an unrestrained attack upon your poor little fragile person. That would please you wouldn't it? You could spend your days sulking over what an unfair brute you have for a master couldn't you?"<br><br>There was a sneering quality to his voice as he spoke, "I am angry, but it will not be ignorantly directed as you think to tell me. You may not think me a gentleman, but I understand discipline that you are so woefully ignorant of. The discipline to hold your tongue and the discipline to apply yourself properly to your tasks. Then there is the discipline to not try and excuse your incompetence on some poor <em>animal</em>."<br><br>The edge in Henry's voice suggested he did not believe her earlier explanation. He went on with contemptuous scorn, "You are to be punished so you understand the importance of discipline, including self-discipline. Then you will receive further punishment for not being completely truthful. Please do explain about this <em>unexpected animal</em> that you permitted to interrupt you tasks!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>21-04-2008, 18:40:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Deeply, and with an abundance of fretful anxiety that currently unnerved her, Millicent inhaled, breathed with and airy slight noise as Henry Tankersley drew uncommonly close to her, and spoke with arrogance, confidence, his voice snide and low in her ear. His breath danced and tickled along her small ear, hotly, idly, and it moved to caress her bundle of blonde hairs tinged with a copper and strawberry hue. It made her close her eyes, and desperately she tried not to think of the intensity of his rich hue eyes that could make the heaven's skies jealous, or the luxuriant curls in his hair, or the scent of the soap he used that very morn to bathe, and she focused on the contemptible disposition he allowed to corrupt his handsome body. It all made Millicent curl her fingers, long for her apron to wring, and she straightened her person; her skirts brushed against her master's leg, and she loathed herself for trembling in his presence. It was just not the fact that he was going to punish her, not even twice, but the fact that she could admit to herself that he was handsome. It made it difficult to dislike him.<br><br>Emboldened, for she had little else to be punished for, the young lady turned slightly, and adjusted her fair face so that she gazed upwards at him being that he was taller. Her nose brushed against his chin, caressed his shaven skin accidentally, and seeing that it was he who invaded her personal space, that which was close to her skirts, it was not her who had to move. She doubted he would, and she plucked courage to remain steadfast. Her lips parted, her breath scented of berries, and she leaned closer to whisper to him distraught that another might hear despite that she knew they were alone in the house.<br><br>&nbsp;“A further punishment?” Millicent murmured in disbelief; the words were breathed warmly along his skin. &nbsp;“Would you have preferred the truth and embarrass both of us, and have my character and virtue in question? For me to tell you that the chimney sweep chased me around the kitchen for a kiss or two that I wished not to bestow on him? It is why the bacon burned, why the kitchen was in disarray when you arrived. I was doing my duty for you, for this house, but I was also being defensive of my person. Would you truly have preferred that I stated such a thing in the company of dear Mr. Fancott? I thought not, and thus a small white lie, master.” Millicent looked away then and brushed a stray tear from her cheek. &nbsp;“It was petrifying, Lieutenant Tankersley for I cared not for his pressing intentions nor did I wish for my first kiss to be with a chimney sweeper.” She sniffled, her composure unraveling. &nbsp;“Now you terrify me with that riding crop.” Millicent whispered, not wishing to take the position he had directed her to assume. Her small nose wrinkled in dismay.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hannibal</strong> on <strong>11-05-2008, 20:36:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Henry's nostrils flared outwards as Sarah turned and brushed her nose against his chin and he picked the scent of her breath. He shivered involuntarily in response to her physical closeness that filled his mind and his senses. The new master of the manner did not retreat when she plucked up the courage to remain steadfast and swiftly regathered his self-control. Her breath blew across the strong line of his chin and tickled his lower ear as she whispered disbelievingly. Even though she straightened up, he still leant over her and she was trapped between him and the edge of his desk. Turning his head slightly to whisper in her ear his shaven cheek rubbed against the side of her face. Henry said to her in stern whispers, "I would rather you said nothing of it and just apologised. Surely your mother taught you that sometimes the less that is said the better?"<br><br>His face grew flushed at some additional thought and he whispered angrily, "In fact Miss Ainsworth, I would prefer that dealt with the chimney sweep so he did not cause problems. Why would you encourage him so he thought he could chase you around the kitchen. You are not just of higher rank as a housekeeper, but also a woman of breeding and station. Surely you should know how to handle the lower classes."<br><br>Suddenly he stepped away and flexed his riding crop. He pointed it at the table and said, "Place both hands flat on the table as I instructed before. I will have Mr Fancott deal with the chimney sweep, but I expect that I will not need to interfere in the smooth running of the household in future. Now wipe away your tears for I am not moved by them."<br><br>He wasn't moved by her tears, but there was something about they way she said <em>first kiss</em> that sent another shiver down his spine. He didn't let it interfere with his intention to discipline his housekeeper though. Flexing the crop again for emphasis Henry said, "I hope that you are terrified of the riding crop Miss Ainsworth and you learn to respect its feel for I do not want to punish you for further foolish mistakes. But it is time you learnt its feel as my hand had little effect after one night!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>12-05-2008, 18:57:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Millicent's heart quickened, beat rapidly and strongly in her chest, pounded and frayed at her nerves with sheer and utter anxiety so that she trembled, and unbeknown to her, unaware, Millicent touched Mr. Tankersley chest as he remained close to her and lowly spoke in her ear practically whispering. Fingers curled in disappointment of his words, crumpled his shirt front, and blankly the girl stared at the crispness of his garments with mouth agape then her golden curls shook in dismay. &nbsp;“Encourage? I have done nothing of the sort, Sir!” She pleaded, her voice high yet extraordinarily faint between them, and it was immediately swallowed by the vastness of the study. Torn she was of him then for he stepped away from her, flexed the crop, pointed to the desk, and ritualistically tormented her at what was to be her fate. Being asked to wipe her tears, she did so without thought, yet too, she knew the man to be hard, difficult to understand her perspective or that of any woman, and although of the gentle and fair sex, Millicent knew that the Lieutenant would demonstrate no mercy on her.<br><br>&nbsp;“You are a hypocrit! A loathsome man for yesterday you beseech me to accept my station in life as a servant, and today you label it with a fancy title of housekeeper as if that ought to make a difference in dealing with society?” Millicent angrily stated for she decided he may as well know, and too, if he was going to beat her there was little point in holding her tongue. &nbsp;“Do you think that matters to a man of whether or not a woman is as common as dirt, a orange girl for example, or a lady of breeding? No, it does not!” Millicent spat out in almost hysterics, the fear of being struck with the crop almost palpable within her and surrounded her aura. She shook her head and wrinkled her small nose at him with disdain. &nbsp;“Look at your bullish behaviour, examine yourself if you are capable for you do know perfectly well that I am a Lady, yet you expect me to fall into servitude, obey you to your every word questionlessly, and then raise myself to a Lady at whim, and control the heated desires of a crass man? You are ridiculous and unreasonable as my own gender is at times, and had you been donned in a dress just now, I would not be able to distinguish you from my dear sweet girlfriends save that they have a disposition of a dove and you that of a vicious sewer rat!” Millicent informed him, her voice clear yet low, and she sniffled then in utmost disgust, wrung her hands together, before assumed the position once more; the folds of her skirts upturned, and naturally followed the curves of her young body. <br><br><em>Only once more, dear Millicent, that you must endure the gentleman's cruelty, and then it offers an excuse to leave. What fate beholds cannot be worse than this ...this...this man to whom you are employed.</em> Her mind could not think of an appropriate word to describe her employer save for handsome and perhaps dashing, but appearance alone did not make the man, but personality, and Lieutenant Tankersley personality was extremely lacking in Millicent's opinion. <br><br>She bit her lower lip, chewed on the supple skin with worry and held her breath in expectation of the beating.<br>&nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hannibal</strong> on <strong>14-05-2008, 15:52:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Henry Tankersley mouth fell open at Millicent's outburst. Not at the temerity of addressing him in such a manner and describing him as loathsome or ridulous or unreasonable. Normally such words from her would make his blood boil, but this time he was stunned into silence by her ignorance of social matters and status. He looked at her agog, before regathering his composure. His brow furrowed in frustration as he considered a response. Eventually Henry was able to find some words and he said, "Are you truly that ignorant of class matters? Have you lived your entire life in a gilded tower Miss Ainsworth? I can hardly believe the what you are saying. Call me loathsome and a hypocrit as you will, but at least I don't have the naivity of one such as you. If it is a family trait then it is no surprise at their fall from grace. Of course it matters if it is a common girl or a lady of breeding. Do you think the law is truly an equal beast in this land of ours? If a lady of breeding was to accuse a common chimney sweep of harassing her or making improper advances do you think they will believe the commoner or the lady? The lady of course! Normally I would expect the filthy chimney sweep to be aware of that and know that he will be punished."<br><br>He slapped the riding crop on the palm of his hand and said, "At the very least the wretch will be beaten to within an inch of his life by Mr Fancott and his men and then I will ensure he never works in this county again. Things would be different if you were some common bred scullary maid, but you are not. It must only be because he thought he could get away with it that he would ever think to lay hands on you. You are his better in both breeding and status so you should act like it in front of the lower classes."<br><br>It did not escape Henry Tankersley of the irony of this situation. Here was a lower born man who had risen to the gentry chastising a high born lady who had fallen on hard times about status. He gave a half smile as if acknowledging the irony to himself that gave him a boyish countenance for a moment. Then his eyes grew stern again and he said, "Now place your hands on the table Miss Ainsworth and tell me all those dreadful things you called me again. I didn't quite hear them as I was suffering from shock at your ignorance."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>15-05-2008, 18:35:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Had Lieutenant Tankersley been closer to Millicent's person, had he not been flexing the leather crop skilfully and menacingly, Millicent would have smartly slapped his handsome face twice; a blow to each smoothly shorn cheek. The man, calm and strikingly confident, was not conveniently near and he did wield the crop a little too fondly for the young lady's comfort and presence. All the same, however, the insult of her family was given and Millicent considered it a grave and personal matter,an offense. Sniffled at it, she did, and her small nose wrinkled, shortened, with disdain for the Master of Aldingford Manor. <br><br>She stood in silence as a scowl twisted and marred her elegant face, a face in which many ladies envied, yet appearances meant little in life or so Millicent now believed; impressed it did a suitor, granted beautiful children, but little did it mean when one had no suitor or a chance at courtship. Truly, her education regarding society and life was just commencing with her experience at the manor house, and it was with misfortune that Lieutenant Tankersley was her tutor. It was unbecoming of her, that gloomy facial expression, the scowl that haunted her features, and in knowing that,&nbsp; in knowing that it pointless to continue the argument with the Master, Millicent said nothing. Nervously, she accepted the end of the conversation and placed her hands palm down on the desk as instructed, and on leaning over, Lieutenant Tankersley easily had the perfect vision of her skirts that clung to her curves despite the folds of cloth and the thin layer of padding. <br><br>Fear rooted deep with her, but she held onto her conviction, and in a soft voice, one that still held her impassioned attitude, and in one that suited her personality, her being, Millicent spoke. &nbsp;“If my memory is correct Sir, Master of Aldingford Manor, I have addressed you as a hypocrite, a loathsome being of a man with boorish behaviour, an nothing more of a bully.” She closed her eyes and tensed, regretting her words if only because of the consequence of being corrected by a thrashing.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hannibal</strong> on <strong>19-05-2008, 20:42:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It had not escaped Henry's notice that Millicent had a face so fair and lovely that almost all women would be envious, nor had escaped his attention how inappropriately wilful and irritating she could be. She was clearly intelligent and had elegance, grace and passion, but balanced against that was her general ineptitude and inability to avoid distractions when she should have been concentrating on the task at hand. Overall the new owner of Aldingford Manor found her positives outweighing her negatives at the moment, particularly her gift of passion. A man used to excitement of war would soon find a dull and lifeless girl lacked the spark to keep his attention. Added to that was his belief that he could shape and train her to remove her rough edges. It was for those reasons he did not just strike her with vicious anger as she repeated her impassioned verbal abuse she had hurled at him.<br><br>Henry held his anger within, even though his tanned face grew red with anger as hot blood burned in his veins. His blue eyes burned even brighter within his darkly countenanced face, the contrast giving them an added brilliance. The supple leather riding crop twisted in his hands as he said through gritted teeth, "You are most certainly to be punished for the ruining of breakfast for my guest and for lying about the cause of your failings instead of holding your tongue. Without discipline I believe you inadequate of assimilating my lessons and expectations of one in my service. Spare the rod and spoil the child is a wise saying that was unfortunately neglected in your upbringing Miss Ainsworth. Now if you can only swallow your pride and admit your own fault in this morning's mistakes and stop blaming others then I will spare you punishment for your outburst."<br><br>He paused in silence and waited for a response, the crop twisting in his hands in a way that subconsciously highlighted the strength in his thick forearms and broad shoulders.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>22-05-2008, 02:11:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Millicent peered over her shoulder, her gaze meeting that of Lieutenant Tankersley; blue eyes that burned purely, intensely with passion, with anger, that all which was directed at the young lady presented before him. Although she paled in seeing the emotion that swelled within him, she could only smile: faint and serene it was, and elegant to make her fine being that much more genteel. It was not a time to be brave, that Millicent knew, and yet in knowing that she could avoid further punishment by admitting to her wrongs, by admitting to some sort of fault, the young woman could not. &nbsp;“I fear I cannot, Sir, for that would be like asking yourself to surrender and yield to correction and disregard your own intention and beliefs and righteousness.” Millicent said uncertain of herself; her voice was but a mere whisper in the room, a melodious note of velvet serenity in the quietude that heavily smothered the study, and tried to stifle the life from the pair who spoke within. <br><br>&nbsp;“You may reduce me into humiliation, Sir, for no doubt I shall beg for your mercy once the punishment commences, and no doubt I will weep uncontrollably, but for what you ask of me, to disallow my pride that I have for myself, no, I will not permit it. Many things you may view me as, a trite silly girl for one, but no man, not you or even God, himself, will take what little pride I have of myself for without it, I will be diminished as a whole, and society has claimed so much as it is, and so, no, Sir, I cannot.” Millicent, her blonde hairs caressed her round cheeks which maddeningly blushed, felt heated from the situation that she was cast within, and she allowed her gaze to fall free of Mr. Tankersley. His handsomeness, his calm sophistication, was ignored as Millicent stared at the desk before her rather grimly, and with nervous anxiety, she sucked on her bottom lip and closed her eyes. &nbsp;“It is with regret, a true sorrow within my heart, Master, that I cannot disallow my vanity. Please, do whip me and end the fear that overwhelms me, plagues my being, Sir, I beg of you, please.” 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hannibal</strong> on <strong>23-05-2008, 16:47:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Henry's sigh was an explosion of impatience and anger as he listened to his housekeepers excuses, her elegant and eloquent language unable to influence him. Still he did not strike her, but stalked around the table to face her from the other side. He leant forward with hands on the table, almost a mirror of Millicent's position except that his greater height mean he looked down over her as he leant in close. His eyes were alive with anger as well as the passion that clearly burnt within him. It was a deep passion for life, for excitement, for beauty, but also a passion and drive to be the best that he could be. He expected it from those around him, particularly those who served him or he considered his responsibility. The passion had served Henry well all his life as he rose from the orphan son of a shopkeeper to an officer in the Dragoons to acquiring title to an estate of great potential.<br><br>When he spoke there was a hint of disappointment beneath the tight angry tone, "Your pretty sounding words do you no credit at all Miss Ainsworth! Do you think to presume I have never surrendered to correction? My guardian was an honourable man who would not permit himself to be lenient with his charge and I am thankful that he did. I have made something of myself instead of becoming a wastrel or layabout. I also served in the Royal North Regiment with the Duke of Wellington and he was not called the Iron Duke for nothing Miss Ainsworth. Without discipline men and women are nothing better than beasts."<br><br>His masculine and handsome face leant in even closer and he whispered, "What is even better is self-discipline and the beginning of self-discipline is honesty. The opposite is arrogance and vanity and they are ultimately unappealing and unattractive traits in a person no matter what their physical appearance. They say that before the fall is pride, but in my experience it is false pride that blinds. Napoleon lost at Waterloo for his pride blinded him to the fact Wellington was his equal just as your pride has blinded you to your errors. Admitting your mistakes will not be yielding to me, but yielding to your own desire for improvement and self-knowledge."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>23-05-2008, 22:07:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Murky eyes, those that glistened in the natural light that filtered into the study through the open windows, those that were not a pure blue nor a pure green in hue, and those that belonged to the misguided Millicent peered into the intoxicating blue coloured orbs that burned with brilliancy, burned with passion and excitement, and reflected all emotion that entangled Mr. Tankersley's words.&nbsp; Not an inch away was Mr. Tankersley from her, the two bodies draped neatly over the desk face to face, head to head, and although the man hovered over her, loomed with animosity, a dangerous predator he seemed to the meek girl. Determined and righteous, traits of a minister he wore well, those self sacrificing to afford her encouragement to confess to sins that were not present to her, or like that of the devil, Eve herself, Millicent could not, and would not accept the caution. Millicent would not yield to sensibility.<br><br>She drew uncommonly close to Lieutenant Tankersley in so much that her small nose softly nuzzled against his, and her lips breathed airily onto his flesh; a move so often her mother practiced to ease her father's discontent, and always did it infuriate her father, yet ease the tension and soothe him. Unlike her mother, however, Millicent knew not why it worked, and either she trembled from that, or from the closeness to Mr. Tankersley. It unnerved, and with a racing heart, with faintness, she still pursued&nbsp; to convey her thoughts.<br><br>&nbsp;“Nothing better than beasts?” She repeated, a habit that Lieutenant Tankersley loathed, yet Millicent had forgotten that given her state of passion and senselessness. &nbsp;“Mr. Tankersley, I fear you have little to no understanding of being a woman, of her conduct, for without whimsy, without the flaws of vanity, or pride, one does not exist as a woman.” Her voice was low, a mere whisper that was haunting the solitude of the study. &nbsp;“Hardly is there anything honest about being a woman, and yet, you expect me to go against nature, the nature in which God created? No, I shall not for to do that, well, Sir, Mr. Tankersley, Master of Aldingford Manor, that is vulgar.” The words caressed the man's face, the breath scented sweetly of strawberries and tea, and the smallest of smiles perched on her lips; happy it was not, but one marred with a peculiar sadness and grief. <br><br>&nbsp;“I beseech you, Sir, to either conduct your affairs, or leave me be for I fear we disagree on this matter, and opinions will not swayed.” Millicent murmured, and only then did she lower her gaze, surrendering to her nervousness, and lack of will and courage.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hannibal</strong> on <strong>26-05-2008, 01:12:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Henry's heart thumped in his chest and his shoulders tightened with further tension as the silky soft sensation of her delicate nose on his and her warm scented breath caressing his flesh. Her words did not ease his discomfort and she seemed to his ears and mind to be saying something more than the actual words themselves. In truth Henry was not exactly sure what he heard, but her actions, her breath, the timbre of her voice served only to inflame the passion that thundered beneath his breath. He did not speak, seeming lost for words.<br><br>Instead his nose gently returned her nuzzle, slipping down the slope of her nose and across her soft cheek. Then he did something that might make him look a fool for all his speeches on appropriate behaviour and self-discipline. He kissed her...<br><br>It started gently, a slow kiss just to the right of her lips upon her pretty dimple. Then his lips slipped over hers ever so tenderly before his passion completely overcame him. They pressed fiercely against hers, strength, tenderness and passion combined as tasted her.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>28-05-2008, 17:55:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Silence enveloped the concentrated closeness between the couple, the rigidly strict lieutenant, the Master of Aldingford Manor, and the naïve yet opinionated lady who had fallen from grace and not by choice. Only the gentle tepid breezes of the day stirred throughout the room, fluttered the odd paper, and mingled with the melodious song from birds nestled in nearby trees, it was the only audible noise, and the only obtrusive gesture at the time being; stillness swathed the man, and the woman as if Time and Mother Nature wished to preserve them and the moment that they now shared. The sheer proximity of Lieutenant Tankersley being less than an inch from her, it could hardly be construed as being uncomfortable, yet it made Millicent's heart throb and pound fiercely within her chest, made the palms of her hands bead with excessive perspiration, and as his nose glided upon her silky ivory skin, as he pressed his lips upon hers lightly at first,&nbsp; and then with strength and vigour, Millicent held her breath. <br><br>Closed her eyes, the young lady did, and for the longest time, she stood motionless, speechless, as warm lips, soft and unyielding, pressed against hers to steal affection, and somewhere within the shock, and somewhere within her mind, her sweet lips responded, moved slightly against his; a first kiss, and although one with a brutish man, Millicent could not deny her attraction to him. Slowly, her hand raised and fingertips lightly played against his shorn cheek, stroked his smooth skin, and as passion grew, as a flurry of romance danced within Millicent's soul, her heart, as she yearned for that moment in time to not end, she slapped his face.<br><br>&nbsp;“Control yourself, Lieutenant Tankersley, for displays of affection as such is vulgar and to take advantage of a servant is more than vulgar, but unseemly and degrading!” Millicent chided, her voice but a whisper. She had straightened her posture, and a blush, a magnificent pink, glowed over her skin, and all the while she felt faint from the excitement. Terrified of what could be, that indeed she could grow fond, could even grow to love the cold prickly Lieutenant Tankersley, she had little choice but to flee, and her feet stirred against the wooden floor, and she darted towards the door to escape the man that offered her the first kiss; something seductively pleasurably, something that she had adored, had enjoyed, yet she would not let him now that satisfaction for many many reasons.&nbsp; &nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hannibal</strong> on <strong>01-06-2008, 01:34:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Henry's heart leapt as Millicent responded with desire to his forbidden, stolen kiss. To him it seemed a magical moment as her lips yielded to his and she teased his face with her delicate fingers. He was suddenly jolted back to reality when her hand slapped his face and his head snapped back in shock. Shock in what he had done and shock at the physical blow, but not shock at her initial reaction. He has sensed a mutual attraction and reacted without thought to it, as had his highly strung and emotional housekeeper. As she fled for the door Henry's face flushed red again, but this time with shame and not rage or anger. It was an entirely inappropriate advance on a young lady and on one who was in his service, and he knew it.<br><br>Even as the feeling of shame suffused through this being Henry still had a tiny spark in his heart or soul, call it what you will, that felt that what he did was somehow right. An expression of something they both felt and should not be hidden. Maybe it was this spark that broke him free of the leaden weight in his limbs he felt at the heaviness of his shame. Although it might have been the fear that comes from loss of control. With a cry of, "NOOOO!!!!", Henry vaulted the wide table, using one hand to pivot as both his legs swung over the surface. As his feet hit the floor her propelled himself towards Millicent, his hand stretching out to clasp her wrist as she fled through the door.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>02-06-2008, 19:12:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fingers, strong and calloused, wrapped around Millicent's thin wrist and she bounced to a halt, tumbled into the arms of the Master of Aldingford Manor, and she struggled and fought against him to free his hold upon her. It was to no avail, save to knock free the tea towels that she had hid amongst her skirts, those that were well folded and placed to lessen the blows that the riding crop would inflict or more correctly that Lieutenant Tankersley was going to inflict. Instead, as they pooled at her feet, she found herself locked in a questionable embrace, and her face flushed rosy pink from the kiss, from the warm that flourished within her from it, and from the angst that she held regarding the overall situation that brought Millicent to the study.<br><br>&nbsp;“Please, Lieutenant Tankersley,” Millicent began, her voice low, and it perfumed the closeness between them, danced along his skin as her garments brushed against his own. &nbsp;“Do not make this a further uncomfortable situation between the two of us, for I must warn you, that you do not know the mind of a lady. We have the weak senselessness to draw conclusions that a simple look of appreciation may lead to an engagement, a course of courtship, and beyond that to the pleasurable institute of marriage, and I doubt that is your intention, but I will not make the mistake of assuming your intentions” Millicent peered into his face, briefly stole a glance at the bestial man, the one cruel enough to correct her behaviour through physical punishment, and yet there was an odd pleasantness about his being; handsome features, and the idea that he always allowed a person to explain their ill begotten behaviour, their reasoning behind their action made an allowance for his sour disposition in life. &nbsp;“I beg of you, Sir.”<br><br>Millicent, flustered by a new onset of emotions, that which could blossom into love, did not know what she sought. She knew not if she begged Lieutenant Tankersley to cease his conduct, or to continue, but all the same, it did matter that she act appropriately. To deny a man, as her mother taught her, was for the best since a man always wished and longed for what he could not have; alluded, it was, to courtship, but as Millicent thought of her mother, of this particular teaching, she pondered at a further hidden knowledge, and her blush richly deepened. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hannibal</strong> on <strong>02-06-2008, 20:43:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lieutenant Tankersley's calloused sabre hand closed around Millicent's slender wrist and held her in a vice like grip as his left arm caught her around the waist as she stumbled. He leant back to look at her as she spoke, their hips wedded together where she could feel his taut and muscular body through their garments as they they were the thinnest of silks. His masculine scent mingled with with her gentle feminine perfume. Henry's expression was no longer one of sternness or rage, but uncertainty, thoughtfulness and shame.<br><br>He did not interrupt her impassioned speech and it did not seem to be utter rejection for his unseemly behaviour, but more of an apology or an expression of hope for the future. As she begged of him and stole a glance he sank to one knee, his right hand slipping down to her wrist to take her hand in his while his left slid with a gentle caress to the small of her back. He looked up at her and whispered, "You don't have to plead. It is I who must apologise for my ungentlemanly behaviour. You are a young woman who has come into my service Miss Ainsworth, and into my care. Even though you infuriate me with your manner there is something exquisitely beautiful and charming about your soft and vulnerable self. I should not have let myself succumb to the fire that burns through my veins when you are near..."<br><br>Just then in mid-sentence he caught the clothes that had tumbled to the floor around and beneath her skirts. His blue eyes flashed with fire as he recognised their purpose and he picked them up with his left hand. Holding the offending article before Millicent he asked her in that tone of controlled anger she knew well, "But at least for all my failings, which are failings of the heart and soul, I have not tried to deceive you with some cheap trick."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>02-06-2008, 22:11:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Millicent trembled within the grip that was offered by Lieutenant Tankersley; strong and unyielding it was, and it made her heart flutter like a windswept butterfly caught unexpectedly by a strong late summer breeze. There was a struggle to take flight, to flee from the Master of Aldingford Manor, and it conflicted with the desire to remain steadfast, remain brave; the words in which the officer spoke surprised Millicent, and her trembling did not cease or yield when his one hand traveled to her low back or when he knelt before her. As the tea towels were offered to her, those that once hid within her skirts, those that boldly poked free from her hem, and as sharper words were addressed to Millicent, she too had noticed a flicker of rage spark within the endless blue hue of his eyes.<br><br>The girl mindlessly took the towels, but she did not stray from his presence, or contend with his hold, but she weakened, and admitted to truth. &nbsp;“You frighten me, Lieutenant Tankersley, like no other man who has made my acquaintance, and why, I know not just like I know not why an apology, I feel, is unnecessary. Impassioned hearts, impassioned souls and unseemly arguments that inflame tempers, they all control us at times, and many violations committed during those times are simply understood, and apologies unnecessary.” Millicent began, and the tremble that was evident in her body now invaded her serene voice. Only then did the girl squat to be at the eye level of Lieutenant Tankersley, and she met his gaze, held it while her skirts, the hems, swam over their ankles and pooled upon the man's well polished boots.<br><br>&nbsp;“Deception, I would hope not, Sir, and although a woman may deceive the mind of a man,” Millicent fumbled with the towels, and hid them behind her skirts to be out of sight, out of mind, &nbsp;“but to deceive a man's heart or his soul I would condemn as cruel, and I vow that I am not cruel. I may be naïve, and silly, and I may not be as highly intellectual as other ladies, that too I can admit, and much more I can confess to, but believe me, I am not cruel or a complete fool.” Millicent informed him, and slightly squeezed his hand that remained in hers. &nbsp;“And while I make mistakes, as we both make mistakes, we also must realize that neither of us are perfect nor ever will be, Sir. This job, this maid or housekeeper position, call it what you will, I do highly value and I will do my best to correct my errors, to not repeat them, but never, I beseech you, think of me as a cruel enough to deceive a man's heart.” 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hannibal</strong> on <strong>02-06-2008, 23:58:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				While Henry's grip was strong and unyielding, his hand trembled too as she admitted the truth to him and told him of her fear. The words she spoke of passion and apologies unnecessary for the the many violations committed while under its sway seemed alien to Henry. More French than English, where passion was an unnatural thing to be controlled and mastered, and he was reminded that she had French blood in her veins. The idea that you could be controlled by your passions, rather than your mind was a seductive one to Henry in his current emotional state.<br><br>When Millicent squatted at eye level Henry placed his left hand gently upon her cheek and chin, to cup her perfectly feminine face in his tanned and battle-roughened hand. After she had finished speaking he maintained eye contact and said, "I am not perfect, I know that only too well. Now if you would not deceive a man's heart or soul answer me this Miss Ainsworth. What would you do with this passion, these feelings for me which so frighten you?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>03-06-2008, 01:51:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Breathed not, she did, when Lieutenant Tankersley cupped and held her delicate face rather gently within the palm of her hand, and her rosebud lips often parted to speak yet not a sound could be heard. There was not even a nervous squeak or a budding susurration of a meek sigh, but still, motionless, Millicent was before her employer. Eternity of silence passed between them, or more correctly something resembling a minute to the normal being, but it stretched endlessly until Millicent broke the gaze. No longer was she able to hold it, and in apprehension, the young lady collapsed onto her knees; the skirts billowed around her body, perfectly encircled her, and she looked overwhelmed, daunted, but certainly not confused. <br><br>&nbsp;“I,” The voice grew impossibly faint, inaudible, and barely did the word caress the air between the distinguished couple. Fingers glided over her throat, felt her warming flesh, and the steady beating of her heart; palpable it was through her body, and her mind flooded with thoughts as her heart flooded with unmentionable emotions. &nbsp;“I am frightened of you, Sir, not necessarily my emotions or feelings that I have for you, those that have developed since we met but yesterday, but fearful of you striking me. I do not wish it or want it, and no man, not even my own father, had ever physically corrected me before you, and yes, it is embarrassing, and yes, I do know that my temper overwhelms me and forces me to become passionate. It is uncontrollable and unseemly at times.” Millicent murmured and peeked at his face, her eyes meeting his once more, and the blush that was beginning to fade brightened once more and coloured her nose and cheeks, and hinted at a glow over her neck and rounded bosom.<br><br>&nbsp;“In reflecting upon that, and my feelings, Sir, I would enact upon my passions in pleasing you, if possible.” Millicent said, innocent of the interpretation which her statement could entail, but at all costs, or what she perceived to be all costs without endangering her virtue, she would avoid being beaten by him. If he wished to kiss her again, little objection she had although her heart would break if he courted another, yet she could not see him having any interest in her regarding that detail. It was all very confusing, but most emotion of the heart was, and in concerning men, it only worsened. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hannibal</strong> on <strong>04-06-2008, 19:41:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				When Millicent collapsed to her knees, looking overwhelmed and daunted, Henry squeezed her hand in a small gesture of support and comfort. The roughened thumb of his right hand gently caressed her soft cheek, brushing against the edges of her rosebud lips as he did so. Henry looked down as she broke the gaze and spoke of her fear, his eyes were drawn downward towards the heart thumbing sight of her beautiful heaving bosom.<br><br>It was an entrancingly lovely, but he pulled his eyes away regretfully to listen carefully to her fears of being disciplined with the hand or whip. If the naive poor girl was innocent of the deeper meaning of her words, Henry never considered there could be another interpretation. It seemed an invitation that the fire that burned through his veins could not refuse. As Millicent shyly peeked up again his hand firmly held her cheek as he pressed his lips against hers again with a fiery passion. It was both tender and assertive at the same time as only true passion can evoke.<br><br>Then without warning he suddenly pulled away with an anguished look in his sapphire eyes. He spoke with a voice that was cracked with emotion and said, "No! It is not right Miss Ainsworth! I will not have you enact your passions for fear of punishment. It would feel false and I cannot countenance it. No! You must understand I do not raise my hand against you for love of inflicting hurt upon another. I have had my fill of violence in service to my country. Yet I can see such promise in you Miss Ainsworth. There is a kernel of perfection in you and all that you do. It is your passions that form part of it, but it is unmolded and untamed. You are like a wild rose bush that would take over and smother a garden with your wild and uncontrolled passion."<br><br>Henry's voice lowered and became tender, "Yet if properly nurtured with care and discipline the rose bush could bloom with such fairness and loveliness that all would marvel. I want you to strive for perfection Miss Ainsworth as the keeper of my house and as a woman. More than that, as a human being! Discipline is the most important of virtues in achieving your potential and while you are right to be fearful, you should welcome the corrective lesson and self-discipline it teaches."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>04-06-2008, 20:52:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Little wisps, airy noises, short excitable gasps slid free from those finely shaped lips, full and ripe, and lusciously youthful as Lieutenant Tankersley tenderly stroked her cheek and strayed to caress those lips, the corner of the supple desirous skin. With wide eyes, both from fright and from being startled, the young lady gazed at the man as he drew closer to her and once more kissed her, aggressively, assertively yet their was a gentleness too. Surrendered to it, Millicent did and all those little perfumed gasps ceased momentarily and were drowned in enthrallment. As Millicent's thin hand raised, as she was about to sweetly pet Henry Tankersley's smooth cheek with her fingertips, and just as her lips parted to welcome a deeper kiss, one emboldened by carnal passion, Lieutenant Tankersley broke the embrace. If the foolish girl was not in shock before, she was now for he rambled tyrannically about discipline and wild rose shrubbery and it left her perplexed.<br><br>Millicent remained as she was, on the floor collapsed to her knees, and perched she was on her heels. Utterly confused she looked, and as her brow wrinkled, furrowed with deep lines, she spoke. &nbsp;“I do not think I care for your tone or your opinion, Sir.” Millicent decisively whispered, her voice barely audible, and the tone itself was haunted by fear and awe, and tainted by the apprehension of a possible romance. &nbsp;“Hardly would it be appropriate for me to state that I think of you as comely, perhaps even attractive, and if I had, it would only produce a further complication between an employer and an employee. Besides, women do not freely admit their hearts, Sir,” &nbsp;She met his gaze once more, timidly, before she cast a glance away. &nbsp;“And hardly is it fit or fair to perceive me as one so prickly as to be compared to a rose shrub of any nature. And you, Sir, certainly have arrogance and audacity to believe that you can groom me into a perfect woman, one strictly for you, for your service in your household by means of fear by raising a hand or crop or cane to me!” Millicent fumbled to her feet rather inelegantly and she brushed her skirts free of dust and grit before wringing her hands nervously in her apron. <br><br>&nbsp;“Some men, men who are not in our company and who may be strangers to us and gentlemen at that, Sir, may like me as I am and would accept me as is, flaws included. You are just simply pretentious, and I would fully understand your concern if we were courting or married, but hardly are we. I am merely an employee to you, Lieutenant Tankersley. That is all, and I will not tolerate being treated like some sort of small wayward child!” Millicent huffed out. She felt faint, uncommonly warm, and little did she realize that she glowed pink with exasperation for the man. She fanned herself with the tea towels before she collapsed from a fit of bitterness and irrational anger.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hannibal</strong> on <strong>06-06-2008, 15:19:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The furrowing brow and colour rising to Henry's face as she spoke gave a clear indication that his fierce temper was bubbling to the surface once more. Her nervousness and faintness meant nothing to him as he snapped at her, "You have some nerve Miss Ainsworth to claim that describing me as attractive would only add a complication after beginning to respond to my kiss as you did. It may be that you are correct Miss Ainsworth, but it seems that things are already complicated and dare I say that you sound trite with your objections. I must admit that you are right Miss Ainsworth, it is unfair to compare you to a prickly rose. Even the wildest and thorniest rosebush is less prickly than you are. I have had my fill of your irrational and contrary nature that you parade before me."<br><br>He had no sympathy for her faintness and as fanned herself with the tea towels Henry got to his feet and brushed past her in a fury. His boots rang out on the old wooden floor of the corridor as he stormed out. Then he stopped at the top of the stairs, turned around and looked at Millicent. His body was tense and knotted with barely contained fury and with an angry sneer and contemptuous look he said, "You might see fit to ask yourself how your father or his friends and neighbours disciplined and trained their servants and then ask yourself is my behaviour so outrageous. That is if you ever paid any attention to anyone but yourself Miss Ainsworth. I can even bring myself to bother disciplining you now so carry on with your duties as you see fit for I am off to see to the affairs of my estate and will not return until supper. Good day to you!"<br><br>Henry did not wait for her reply and stormed down the stairs three at a time.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>06-06-2008, 17:39:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp;“Well! I never!” Millicent exclaimed rather breathlessly, her whisper low so that only she could hear as Lieutenant Tankersley bid her good day, and with purpose, stalked away from her. <em>Never</em>. The word was not foreign to her but her words had fallen short for never had she won an argument or heated discussion, but then again, she was never in a situation where something unseemly as an argument or heated discussion blossomed. Her mother, yes, but not young Millicent. It was a victory, Millicent thought, for Lieutenant Tankersley had decided not to beat her, to come to his common senses, yet there was a bitterness within that victory which soured her mouth. Her pink lips puckered into a pout and as much as she longed to chase after him, she knew, from her mother's teachings, that men had a silly pride and when wounded time healed it and so she did not pursue her employer to apologize to him. <br><br>Self admittedly, she could have been more honest with him, with herself, but Millicent knew enough of society that one did not make confessions of the heart, and with her rarely knowing the Lieutenant, it surely would have been scandalous or deemed as senseless. <em>Yet it was only the two of them in Aldingford Manor</em>. Exasperated with herself and with Henry Tankersley, the housekeeper took a seat behind the desk, whimsically lounged with a pout tugging on her lips, and with the knowledge that she more than likely embarrassed herself and the Master to no small degree, Millicent took charge of the disastrous situation. She decided to pen a letter, one addressed to Henry Tankersley, which stated her resignation with sincere apologies. <br><br>Where she would go, little knowledge did Millicent have, but London seemed to be a wise choice. Many opportunities awaited in London, or so Millicent thought as she packed her few belongings, and for certain she could acquire an occupation in the city. What, she didn't know, but certainly some kind soul would give her guidance if an inquiry was made.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hannibal</strong> on <strong>07-06-2008, 14:11:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Henry was furious, with her and with himself as he stormed from the derelict house. The weather had changed to match his temper with storm clouds brewing in the distance. Henry did not care, he was a man of action and need to do something, anything. Saddling his horse he rode out to find Mr Fancott and make arrangements for builders to come in and make some of the rooms habitable until the esteemed architect he had arranged to restore his new home arrived and began work. As he rode he cursed Miss Ainsworth and her irritating attractiveness. He did not give in much to regret, but right now he wished he had not kissed the girl and had instead given her the thrashing she so thoroughly deserved.<br><br>The hooves of his steed thundered across the turf as he rode his beast hard, the feel of its powerful muscles beneath him soothing his rage. The meeting with the surprised Mr Fancott was long and detailed as he outlined his instructions, planned at a furious speed during the ride to distract himself from his own thoughts of Miss Ainsworth. They also included instructions to punish the chimney sweep and delivery man from the alehouse. Miss Ainsworth might be irritating, but he did not take lightly to those who would distract her from her duties. Henry still had no idea of the letter she was writing.<br><br>While speaking with Mr Fancott the storm broke during the afternoon, blackening the sky as the wind hurtled through the trees and drove the brutal rain in from the north. He stayed and supped with Mr Fancott as he waited out the storm, but it did not end. With the night coming in he decided to brave the storm against Mr Fancott's wishes. It was a difficult ride and the master of Aldingford Manor was soaked through from the rain and wind as he approached his home.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>07-06-2008, 18:43:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The trunk that was full of Millicent's belongings, that which remained in the molding and airy attic of&nbsp; Aldingford Manor, she would send for later, but an embroidered bag the young lady carried, and her slender arm and shoulder ached from grasping the black leather handles and from the heaviness of it. One would not think that skirts and blouses, dresses, unmentionables and shoes, personal effects, and a few books would burden her body; perspiration beaded her pale forehead, and curls sprung free of pins and dangled carefree from her once neat and tidy head. Exhausted and longing to weep from despair, Millicent placed her bag upon the path, a winding and curvaceous service road that sweep over the wild countryside, and rambled to gated paths near the wooded areas, from Aldingford Manor to the main road which, Millicent hoped, would eventually lead her weary feet to London.<br><br>Dabbing her brow, and stretching her sore neck, Millicent's eyes darkened with worry as she saw the&nbsp; blue sky that once gleamed with spring cheer, that once was wondrously speckled with brilliant white clouds of the morning now grow morose with low gloomy storm clouds. They stretched hauntingly across the heavens, smothering it with a grey-black hue, and in the distance somewhere throughout those crawling clouds, thunder rumbled.<br><br>&nbsp;“Oh gracious!” She exclaimed, and picked up the bag once more. With a quicker pace, Millicent traveled for in her plans, those that were not at all well thought out but extremely rash, she had not planned for foul weather. It was extraordinarily rude, she thought, of Mother Nature to interfere with her flight from the malicious Henry Tankersley.<br><br>An hour would pass, slowly, and in that small fragment of time, fat cold rain drops began to fall to the thirsty earth. The dry soil quickly absorbed the offered water, and in trying some shelter, Millicent curled up underneath a lonely oak tree. A shawl she pulled over her head as the rain began to cascade from the skies heavily, and busy concentrating to remain dry, Millicent was, when a wobbly cart stopped on the path. <br><br>&nbsp;“Why if it ain't the lovely Miss Ainsworth!” A bellow, loud and abrasive amongst the low rumbles of thunder and the pouring rain that beat against the ground, erupted around Millicent, and she peered up to see the chimney sweep pointing a round finger at her. His sallow face was smudged with coal, streaked with water, and bruised he was about the jaw and cheeks. &nbsp;“Just the woman I wish to have a word with,” The chimney sweep spat out, and with agility, the thin man leapt from his cart and made his way towards Millicent. The girl screamed and darted across the fields to the woods. Feet, those in plain but dainty shoes, splattered on the muck, and stumbled on the uneven grounds as a chase began.<br><br>Abandoned her belongings were, and as branches scraped at her face while she ventured into the depths of the woods in terror of the chimney sweep, as she scampered past saplings and brush, her shawl was ensnared on a bush. She too abandoned that, and frantically looked about her to see if she were alone or if the dastardly man followed her. Not paying heed to her footing, she slipped on the edge of bank and tumbled into a low ravine where injury took to her delicate body.<br><br>&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hannibal</strong> on <strong>08-06-2008, 13:13:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				A good cavalry man no matter what the circumstances, Henry took his time grooming his horse after getting the poor beast soaked in the storm. An hour later he enter the kitchen, stamping the mud and water from his boots as he stripped his leather coat from his back with impatient and jerky movements that lacked his usual easy grace. The Master of Aldingford Manor was soaked through and ill at ease with the prospect of having to deal with intractable servant. As he shook the water from his blond hair he felt a further unease from things being out of place.<br><br>His wet clothes clung to his skin and he shivered with a chill as his cold bones first noted the lack of fire in the kitchen. When his blue eyes spied the empty fireplace and lack of food preparations his body contorted with frustration and rage and he roared, "Miss Ainsworth! Miss Ainsworth, attend me at once!"<br><br>He wondered at the flightiness and spitefulness of the girl that she would ignore her duties and leave him to return to a freezing house from the storm. Hearing no reply he ignored his storm ridden condition and strode about his derelict abode like some sort of wrathful spirit, howling for his housekeeper to make herself known. It was only when he reached his study and discovered the letter she had left on his desk. Henry approached it with some trepidation, letting the parchment linger in his fingers before unfolding it. When he finally did so he read it swiftly and cursed, "Damn that stupid girl! London is no place for a young woman of no skills or means who wants to retain her virtue."<br><br>Henry knew that the London of today was different than most would imagine. With the war over and the economy struggling and so many changes taking place in industry and the countryside, the poor and dispossessed had flooded the capital. It was grim place for those without money and means and Henry grew concerned for her. Then his concern for her grew more immediate as he realised she would have had to pass through the village to catch the stagecoach to London. He had not seen her on his errands and journey home. Then he remembered the abandoned handcart that was the chimney sweep he had ordered to be beaten and driven from the area and grew concerned.<br><br>The little wretch would know better that to cause trouble would he not? Henry did not give it another thought as he dashed for the door, grabbing his wet coat as he left. The experienced soldier raced down the pathway, fighting the storm all way. It did not take him long to reach the cart and spot where Millicent had fled into the woods. It took no trackers skill even the storm to follow her trail. He moved as swiftly as he could, ignoring the mud as he slid down a bank in the woods on his backside. Henry shouted out Miss Ainsworth's name as he pushed his way through the woods, following her trail with great urgency.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>10-06-2008, 18:44:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Darkness had bitterly swept over the earth and plunged the woods into twilight, a deep haze of blue black hues tormented by flickers of lightning, flashes of brilliancy that yielded to shadow and it enfolded Millicent in its tendrils. Terrified, the young lady was, for in fleeing, for in tumbling to the pit of the ravine, the young beauty found herself beaten and bruised by the rocky earth, and branches tore at her soiled dress, a gown of a pale yellow to match her lustrous straw coloured hair, and now as she half lay in a shallow stream, barely conscious of her surroundings, it was nothing more than a rag. Her small unslipped foot was trapped between two inconsiderate sharp rocks, and her ankle ached; a dull throbbing slowly pulsated throughout the foot and crawled up her leg. There too were scratches, deep cuts on the shapely limb that dulled the creamy skin with blood, but steadfast she remained. Her body reclined in the cool water much like that of a mermaid, sensual and mysterious, yet there was a desperation about her aura.&nbsp; It may have been her appearance, but her wide eyes were focused on a fallen tree that had been recently struck by lightning, and wispy branches extended into the stream depleting it of the water, damming it, and as the fire sizzled and snapped under the pelting rain, Millicent had to wonder if the chimney sweep was dead: his lean body was trapped underneath the tree, but the electrical energy from the skies had soared through him.<br><br>How long Millicent stared at the horrifying image of death she knew not, but words of prayer, those whispered out loud flooded from her. Plucked from her stare, her state of shock and reverie of the events that lead her to this ghastly unimaginable situation was a voice, one familiar to her, that penetrated through the terrors of the night. &nbsp;“Lieutenant Tankersley!” Millicent bleated out, and turned to look about her being, strained to see in the darkness for the man whom she detested, or would like to believe she detested, and she paused to wonder if it was all but a figment of her imagination.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hannibal</strong> on <strong>13-06-2008, 19:43:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Miss Ainsworth! Miss Ainsworth!", shouted Henry Tankersley, but his voice was little more than a whisper in the woods as the storm raged above. The howling wind cut right through him, chilling his damp skin. Anger fuelled him, his eyes blazing like fiery blue sapphires beneath his furrowed brow. With a furious gesture he wiped away his damp fringe from his forehead and cursed the whimsies of the young girl in his employ. Henry was angry at Miss Ainsworth and her for her childish foolishness at fleeing his employ into such a storm. He was angry at the storm and the fate that had brought it. Most of all of he was furious at himself for driving the woman off.<br><br>That anger drove him onwards through the woods and branches slapped at his face and muddy ground caused his feet to slip under him. Not only was he wet, but bruised and muddy. Henry considered the delicious thought of wringing the chimney sweep's scrawny neck. It was then that he saw the smoking tree stump where the lightning had struck. Thinking the worst he rushed forward to the edge of the ravine and thought he heard the faintest of voices. Shielding his eyes from the driving rain he peered downwards. Lightning lit up the night sky and he saw a flash of pale white skin trapped beneath the tree. In despair he cried out Millicent's name and slid down into the ravine, landing heavily in the stream that was filling from the storm.<br><br>It was only then that he saw it was the chimney sweep and not Millicent. Looking around desperately he was lucky that another fork of lightning lit up the sky and he saw her lying trapped in the water, with blood on her fair skin. His anger disappeared in a moment and splashed through the water, falling to his knees beside her and crying out, "Millicent! Millicent, are you hurt?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>13-06-2008, 22:36:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Millicent sniffled as Lieutenant Tankersley knelt in the cool water by her side, inquired after her being, and for the longest moment of time, a sliver of eternity, Millicent stared into his attractive face; his eyes were dark with concern, maybe even worry, and his brow had wrinkled as he posed his question: raindrops streamed down his cheeks relentlessly and trickled from his straight nose that Millicent found handsome. He perplexed her, and Millicent wondered why a man such as himself, stern and abusive, would afford her care especially after their last conversation. All had gone poorly <em>except for the stolen kisses</em> Millicent thought, and she had made the attempt to flee from her employment or more correctly, her employer: Lieutenant Tankersley. All went awry, unexpected, and became highly complicated; arrangements ought to have been made, Millicent knew, but all in retrospect many could see their errors and ill begotten sense. <br><br><em>Perhaps Mr. Tankersley had ever right to beat her with the riding crop, or place her over his knee for behaving poorly, and childishly to receive a well earned spanking.</em> Millicent, as she pondered the thought, had tears welling in her eyes, and not being able to control her emotions well, one slipped down her cheek and she thought it fortunate that it was raining. Lieutenant Tankersley would not be able to tell then, safe for the slight sob, but too, the rain splashed into the stream, beat against them and thunder still rumbled in the darkened sky. The little noises were smothered by the obnoxious nature, the storm, which surrounded them.<br><br>&nbsp;“I fell whilst running, and tumbled down the ravine,” Millicent admitted, her voice weak and mild, and her hand wiped the stray strands of wet hair from her face. &nbsp;“He had terrified me, and I ran, fled from him, for it is what I do when I am frightened, Mr. Tankersley.” Millicent explained, not bothering to define 'he', and she sniffled a sniff once more before she boldly raised the hem of her once yellow gown. The pale white stocking that adorned the shapely leg was torn and muddy, but too, it revealed her foot trapped between sharp rocks, and the ankle that was now swollen; blood trickled from cut. &nbsp;“And these unthoughtful rocks ensnared my foot, I fear, and all due to my senseless, I understand that, Sir.” Millicent admitted, wanting to weep but did her best to remain brave. Truly, she wanted to protest his help for she could only assume it was why Lieutenant Tankersley was there, to guide her back to Aldingford Manor, yet how could one protest a rescue when hurt and a rescue by the very man who she originally wanted to flee from? As her brow and small nose wrinkled with distress, she drew impossibly quiet and simply looked at the man; apprehension there was, yet also admiration for he continued his duty as a Master of his estate despite her being a drastic annoyance to him.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hannibal</strong> on <strong>15-06-2008, 11:52:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"For an intelligent girl you have a definite foolish streak Miss Ainsworth! Let's hope that any bump to your head knocked some sense into you.", opinioned Henry, but without any rancour. He didn't give the wretch trapped beneath the tree a second glance, knowing from experience that the man's neck was broken.<br><br>Henry was too concerned about her condition to pay much attention to her boldness in lifting her hem and only gave her a single quizzical look when she mentioned fleeing from <em>him</em>. It did not take much to appreciate the ambiguity of her statement, but he had other things on her mind. He took the calf of her trapped leg gently in his hands and examined the rocks. Henry wanted to make sure he would not cause further damage when he freed her leg.<br><br>Getting to his feet he placed his hands on the rocks and prepared to shift them, but said to Millicent first, "Grit your Miss Ainsworth for it may hurt when I free you. We must act swiftly for this ravine could flood with water at any moment in this storm. Do you have any other injuries I should know about?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>15-06-2008, 18:31:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Millicent wanted to scowl at the choice of words that Lieutenant Tankersley chose to address her with, but he did think of her as intelligent, and yes, she had to agree that her leaving Aldingford Manor in haste was not wise. Wide eyes peered at the man who was studying the rocks and gingerly touching her leg, examining her foot. Cool wet hands, large and strong in comparison to her own, easily slid over her calf, and she quickly inhaled for not used to the touch she was, and although the situation required the gentleman's care, she could not help but to blush despite the coolness that drenched her body. “I guarantee you, Mr. Tankersley, that had I known a foul storm was approaching I would not have made such an attempt to depart from Aldingford Manor or your presence. Foolish it was, and my insensibilities are quite feminine, I assure you, for no man would flee at least not an Englishman born.” Millicent admitted, and whimpered as she leaned closer to him. Hardly did she like the idea of her foot hurting more, and she pondered if he were strong enough to shift the rocks.<br><br>Her hand draped on the man's arm with a certain familiarity that should not have been between them for little did they know of one another, yet it was still there, lingering. &nbsp;“I must apologize, Henry, for I do not mean to tax your temperament. In retrospect, I realize that had I just accepted my duties, claimed my full responsibilities, then yes, neither of us would be here although I believe I would have still been in a poorly state.” She disliked her confession, disliked the idea that the man was correct from the beginning, but was not a woman, a lady especially, to live in pleasantness? Pleasantness to her did not mean thrashings, and yet had she just accepted the punishment Millicent knew she would not be in her current state of distress. A pang of misery rippled through her.<br><br>&nbsp;“And no, I do not have other injuries except for my pride and vanity. However, I do not believe that neither of us should be concerned with that.” Millicent demurely stated, and wrinkled her nose and sniffled as the rain continued to pelt them. &nbsp;“When you are ready, Sir.” Millicent said and stared at her small foot that felt numb.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hannibal</strong> on <strong>15-06-2008, 19:14:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Henry shivered as Millicent placed her hand upon his forearm in an act of familiarity. It was not the wet and cold that caused the shiver, but frisson of the touch and the memory of the kisses it invoked. Her hand trembled too and he knew he must get her out of the water and returned to the house before she caught a chill that would be the death of her. That was if they made it out before the ravine flooded. It did not bear thinking about and he smiled instead and said to Miss Ainsworth, "I too should apologise for my behaviour, which has been well intention, but overbearing. Perhaps neither of us would be here, but it is fair to say that you would still be in a poorly state. You have given me such a fright that I may still spank your behind when you have recovered from your ordeal."<br><br>His grin suggested he was joking, although the gleam in his eyes hinted it might only be a half-joke. Henry lifted her hand off his forearm and gave it a tender kiss before turning his full attention to the rocks. He placed his leather booted feet widely apart and bent at the knee. Henry could feel the weight of the rock as he braced himself and then strained to lift it. It seemed too heavy for him as his powerful muscles strained to lift it. She could see them corded and bulging through his cotton shirt plastered against his chest.<br><br>Henry stopped to gather his breath and the rain continued to beat down upon them. He told her hoarsely, "I'll try just to shift them so be prepared to pull your foot away."<br><br>Taking another position he gripped the rock again. This time he roared with anger and frustration, his face and knuckles going white with effort. The rock slowly lifted just enough to loosen the hold on Millicent's ankle. Henry's was ready to burst as he held it for a few crucial seconds before the wet boulder slipped from his grasp. He then tumbled backwards into the water as the sudden release ruined his balance. He came up with spluttering urgency to see if Millicent had been able to free herself.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>15-06-2008, 21:11:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Millicent arched her eyebrow at the audacity that Lieutenant Tankersley might punish her, spank her as he had before even though she had suffered a harrowing and traumatic experience. Whether or not he spoke in jest, she could not truly tell: a smile he had, but a shimmering glint that was held within his eyes made her hold her tongue of all wickedness. &nbsp;“Overbearing may be an understatement,” Millicent suggested, and met his gaze rather shyly and she could not hold it for long. &nbsp;“And if you feel the need to,” Her voice caught in her throat and was smothered into silence at the very idea of suffering at his hand once again. Her thin pale fingers wiped her brow, drew stray matted curls from her eyes, and almost wept she did with an onset of confused emotion when he kissed her hand with a fraction of attentiveness. No other man had paid her heed, none without a dowry, and yet Lieutenant Tankersley cared not of money, but of self discipline and obedience and proficiency. Young Millicent knew not which would be harder to procure, and she pondered that thought rather carefully as she watched Henry struggle with rocks.<br><br>Muscles corded tightly, taut with strength, and she caught her breath when she found herself staring dumbfounded at the man; his shirt was plastered to him, and heat blossomed in her cheeks for never was she so rude as to stare yet she felt as though she could not help herself. All the same, Millicent withdrew from her reverie and she cried out when a wave a water washed deeply over her. Lieutenant Tankersley had fell, slipped in the stream, and with her foot now free, the appendage pulsating with a deep pain, she stirred in the water to see if Henry had hurt himself for if he did, it would make for a poor rescue.<br><br>&nbsp;“Are you hurt, Mr. Tankersley?” She inquired, her voice soft, concerned, and as she drew near him, as she crawled toward him and met him, her lips met his cheek in appreciation. &nbsp;“Thank you, Sir.” She whispered against his wet skin before he could even offer an answer to her question.&nbsp; &nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hannibal</strong> on <strong>16-06-2008, 20:42:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Henry was about to ask to her own condition when she spoke first and asked about his. He shook his blond hair free of water as she crawled towards him, relieved she was free of the rocks and could move on her own. He accepted her appreciative kiss, twisting his head to brush against her lips tenderly before pulling back gently. Henry's hands gently held her shoulders, feeling the chill creep through her. He said in a soft voice barely audible above the beating rain, "You're welcome Miss Ainsworth. I am fine, just a little embarrassed by my clumsiness."<br><br>He hugged her to his chest before whispering in her ear, "You will catch your death with a cold if we don't get you to warm shelter soon. I'll carry you back to the house and then I might warm your backside with that spanking you so richly deserve."<br><br>It was an outrageous thing to say, even by the standard of their relationship so far. Henry didn't care right now, he was just pleased she was free of the rocks he could get her out of the ravine. Getting to his feet he gave Miss Ainsworth no time to test her ankle and just swept her up into his arms, holding her slender wet body against his chest. Henry then looked around to see if there was a path out of the steep ravine.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>17-06-2008, 00:18:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lips caressed lips, softly and almost timidly, a kiss that felt unbearably natural and one that stole Millicent's breath for the endearment surprised her, startled her as did being drawn near to Lieutenant Tankersley. Her heart raced, steadily and rapidly, and a heat from the emotions that plagued her heart and soul, those that she contemplated frivolously in her mind, took to her face despite a chill swaddling her fair skin and tender body. No attempt did she make to protest his words or actions, for she desired warmth, shelter, and as he gathered her into his arms and drew her near to his chest, she nestled equally close to him. The heat from his body melted into her wet clothing, soothingly bathed her skin, and her arms clung to him with a need she had never felt before: the protection and gentle care from a man, possibly a friend, and her fancies fluttered in her mind for her imagination was rampant at times, and uncontrollable, well suited to her personality.<br><br>Millicent sniffled as the Lieutenant took in his soundings, surveyed the ravine, and a little cry came from her as she saw one last time the demise of the chimney sweeper. Dead she thought of him, but uncertain, she gazed up into the Master's face as raindrops splashed upon her skin, slid over cheeks and&nbsp; nose, and she found her voice to speak. &nbsp;“Should you not tend to him?” Millicent asked; never any harm had she wished on a soul, and her voice was tender, innocently so, as she addressed Mr. Tankersley as he found an eroded path out of the ravine. As he began the ascension, Millicent could feel the strength of his body, his muscles, and without any further questions or comments, the young lady fell into silence.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hannibal</strong> on <strong>17-06-2008, 19:11:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Henry Tankersley's tone was dismissive when he replied to Millicent's question about the chimney sweep, "He is dead and there is nothing we can do for him Miss Ainsworth. I've more concern for the living and we need to clear this ravine before it floods and we'd be joining him. The villagers can come back for the body after the storm."<br><br>It was not that the officer was heartless or immune to the effects of death, just that he was hardened by war to ignore the niceties when there were the living to attend to. He did not have a great of compassion for the man anyway after the trouble he had caused. Henry then began the ascent up the edge of the ravine. The climb was difficult and he lost his footing on more than one occasion, but it was pleasant to have Millicent's soft and wet body clinging to him with a powerful need.<br><br>Henry was weary by the time they reached top of the ravine, but determined not to show it and to reach the house. He pressed on through the woods, retracing his steps with care in the darkness. It was a testament to his strength and stamina that they eventually saw the house, the ruined great pile illuminated by the violent lightning storm. Henry looked at Millicent with a rueful grin and said, "It doesn't look such a good buy now does it. There is something romantic about an old ruin in a storm isn't there?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>17-06-2008, 22:26:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The storm lingered, and as lightening flickered in the rolling black clouds that settled low to the earth as if to crush and smother all living creatures, and as the wind gusted and howled, Millicent clung to Henry Tankersley. To be certain, the training he endured as a soldier she now benefited from for he demonstrated not just strength of character, but physical strength, sheer will power to continue forth&nbsp; when a normal man would despair, would surrender to weakness, but Henry Tankersley was not an ordinary man. He was gifted or talented in so much to earn himself a title of Lieutenant, and he cared for Millicent's well being as well as his own reputation as the Master of Aldingford Manor for if indeed she would have perished, poorly it would have reflected on Mr. Tankersley. Nestled, the young woman remained against her saviour, and as he spoke, Millicent pushed the matted hairs from brow and face and peered into distance to see the Aldingford Manor. <br><br>Smiled softly, Millicent did not only at the sight of manor house, at the closeness of comfort and warmth, but at the words in which Lieutenant Tankersley spoke. She quietly nodded in agreement. &nbsp;“That there is, Henry.” She said in a whisper not paying heed to proper address, but more of familiarity. Unnoticed it was by her, and his name rolled over her tongue naturally and instinctively. <br><br>In time, I am certain that you will restore the grandness, Lieutenant Tankersley, and although you do not suffer from pride or vanity as I am plagued with it, I am certain there will be an inkling of it brimming within you.” She snuggled once more to him and realized there and then that she was uncertain if he had accepted her resignation or not for she wondered if she could call Aldingford Manor her home at least temporarily. Tomorrow, she thought, they would discuss it or if there was insistence upon scoldings, it would be conversed upon tonight. &nbsp;“But it does look inviting, Mr. Tankersley, your home and I am sure it will offer us shelter and warmth for this night.”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hannibal</strong> on <strong>17-06-2008, 23:37:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Henry Tankersley took a deep breath as he stood holding Millicent Ainsworth in his arms in front of the ruin he called home while the most explosive storm beat down upon them. The smell of the wet earth and grass filled his nostrils and even in the storm and the wretched state they were both in he felt a sense of pride and satisfaction as he looked over <em>his</em> manor. He heard her use his name, but did not comprehend the significance and just murmured softly in agreement.<br><br>As she snuggled into his heaving chest he said, "You can count on this place being restored. Too much of Britain's heritage is being torn down and replaced by the new and the fashionable. This place was built to last with proper love and attention and so it will Millicent. So it will!"<br><br>It was fortunate in the rain that she could not see the tears of pride in his eyes and he felt a little maudlin. Shrugging it off he cleared his throat, "Well let's get you inside and warm again."<br><br>He marched inside straight through the kitchen, up the stairs and into the master bedroom where Millicent had spent the previous night. The place was cold, with no fires having been lit for the night even though they were laid out and ready. Henry carefully placed Millicent standing up beside the dresser and said briskly, "Keep your weight off your injured ankle and support yourself on the dresser. We need to get you out of your wet things, dried and warmed as swiftly as possible before a chill sets in. Where will I find clean towels and blankets Miss Ainsworth?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>18-06-2008, 00:32:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Millicent puddled on the wooden floor; her yellow dress, the remains of it, was saturated with cold rain as was her hair and now that she was sheltered within the Master's bedroom and protected from the wicked force of nature, a chill she could feel upon her pale wet skin. Red fingers, stiff with coldness, pulled out the hairpins that once held her locks in place, and the tresses tumbled, cascaded over her shoulders in an array of wet strands that bounced with curl. As the Lieutenant tended to the fire, as he inquired about blankets and towels, Millicent gestured to the ornate oak armoire that housed not only blankets, quilts and ordinary linens such as towels, but draperies for the four poster bed and those for the windows. All were washed, and dried and pressed without error, and all held former luxury of years past; cottons, velvets and silks were evident and the material spoke of an era gone by, of an opulence that faded to the destitute, but could be restored if given care. <br><br>&nbsp;“I appreciate your concern for my welfare, but you must not neglect yourself or else you shall suffer and become poorly too,” Millicent gently reminded him and hobbled to the chair which held the memory of her first correction given to her ever, and one given by Henry Tankersley. No thought she gave of it as she raised the hem of her skirt to untie her garter; a pale blue ribbon it was, slender, and snug to her skin and silk stocking it had remained until now. &nbsp;“I would not want for that, and so take care and see that you follow your own advice.” Millicent said, her voice but a whisper as she rolled the torn and tattered stocking off of her leg and a slight mewling noise was heard as she gazed at her small bare toes and her swollen ankle; the cut had stopped bleeding. The sight of it was not particularly horrendous or gruesome, but mild in nature yet it would stop her from walking without support for sharp pains would rivet the ankle and surrounding around when weight bearing. It was a foul condition, and that was all.<br><br>Fingers unribboned the other garter, and as they rolled down the other stocking, she peered up at her employer. It had been bold to begin the process of undressing before him, not proper by English society, and yet being the only people within the manor house no one would know nor care; her French blood emboldened her and was the evil which impassioned her to argue and give frivolousness to fancies. &nbsp;“Lieutenant Tankersley?”&nbsp; Millicent quietly said, pondering if she had been conversing too much for his liking. &nbsp;“Thank you for saving me from my senselessness. It was extremely kind of you.” Pulled free the stocking became and Millicent tugged at the satin bow and ribbon, inches thick, that was neatly tied behind her back and snug beneath her bosom. Fingers began to loosen buttons. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hannibal</strong> on <strong>18-06-2008, 12:49:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Henry watched her from the corner of his eye as he lit the fire, a tricky task with his frozen fingers struggling with the tinderbox. He did not say anything or criticise her as she lifted her wet and stained yellow skirt to untie her garter. From the ancient oak armoire he removed a bundle of neatly folded and pressed blankets, concerned only that they were dry and warm and not with their faded opulence or history at this time. He placed them on the dresser, plain in design but the careful inlay of polished walnut wood on the surface revealing the exquisite workmanship that once went into it. The old blankets and quilts soon concealed it from view, unlike Millicent's legs as she removed her stockings.<br><br>Words caught in his mouth as she asked him not to neglect himself, but he eventually said, "I shall do so as soon as I am sure of your well being Miss Ainsworth. You are stronger than you look, but you are still hurt and spent far too long in the cold water with nothing or no one to comfort you. When you are dry and warm I shall examine your ankle as we cannot get a doctor out here in these conditions and I have some experience with injuries."<br><br>Bold by nature Henry did not look away as she started to undress in front of him in a manner that many in society would call unseemly. After what they had been through it did not seem so to him and he greatly desired to see much more of the beautiful Millicent in spite of their shivering conditions. His eyes met hers when she thanked him for saving her and there was the slightest frown and furrowing of brow as she mentioned her senselessness. Henry could not help agreeing her actions were senseless, but he decided not to mention it tonight as she had suffered enough. More than that, he was enjoying the mood and closeness from sharing dangers and travails and didn't want to break it. He gave a childish grin and replied, "There is nothing to forgive as anyone could get lost in this weather Miss Ainsworth and you can hardly be blamed for that wretched chimney sweep."<br><br>As she started to tug at the satin bow he stepped behind her and helped release it. Then she felt his fingers on her buttons, assisting her undo them. Henry was stood close behind her, almost touching her body with his and he helped her undress. His whisper was close to her ear when he said, "I fear you will need assistance in the condition that you are in and there is no one else but me to aid you Miss Ainsworth. Perhaps there are some who might consider it indecent, but they are not here and I won't see you catch some deathly chill or illness. I hope that you will forgive my boldness in being so concerned with your health and well being."<br><br>It was not quite a lie, but it was at least a partial truth that was credible in the circumstances. Henry was concerned about her health and the cold, but from his closeness and the timbre of his voice he desired to assist her with such intimacies. He was emboldened by the fact she seemed to be encouraging him, perhaps subconsciously, with her own boldness.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>18-06-2008, 16:12:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Millicent had folded the white muddied stockings. Little use were they now to Millicent for they were tattered with holes and torn, but it was a habit she formed long ago, one instilled within her by her mother: to take care of little luxuries especially garments even if it was a stocking. It was a prudent and practical habit, one so few that Millicent had in comparison to the frivolous wilds and fancies that freely roamed with her imagination and upbringing. The girl simply placed them aside on the fireplace mantle that was a golden red oak with a walnut inlay; carved with an artisan hand, it was, remarkable for its day and for the present day, and a better polish it deserved then the careless dusting Millicent had afforded it. &nbsp;“Nothing to forgive?” Millicent asked in wonderment for had this not been the same man who scolded her for not being a proper lady with the chimney sweep? Who had not expected her to not only be a housekeeper, but to have strength to deal with all sorts of circumstances? Physically, he was the same, she thought, but perhaps the harrowing events of her day had softened his attitude. She was not going to question for she knew not how a gentleman's mind worked, or that of any man, and a timid smile she offered him. &nbsp;“I would like to think that as correct, but it was me, Sir, and not just any person. Perhaps you are correct, that I do need guidance on occasion.” She admitted, her lips forming into a slight pout and as she rose from her chair to struggle with her dress, Lieutenant Tankersley moved to her, and abandoned the towels and quilts on the nearby dresser.<br><br>Remarkably close he was to her. The wet folds of her dress pressed against his being, clung to him as&nbsp; water dribbled onto his boots. With an ease of agility, with deft nimbleness, his fingers guided the ribbon loose, the buttons free, and for the longest time Millicent stood silent before him lost for words as he continued to undress her. She trembled, not with true fear of the gentleman, but in the stirrings of emotions that bound her body; flustered she was, blushed she did, and as much as she should have protested, no voice she could find to protest. In the slight time she had known the man, it felt natural to be this close especially after the evening experience, one marred by danger and the threat of illness claiming her due the exposure of the out-of-doors. ...then there was his breath that played over her ear, caressed it with warmth, drifted over her neck, and she had to close her eyes for unnerving it was; liked it too well she did, and it made her heart race, and melt to silly thoughts of a first romance. Her blush spread.<br><br>The whispered words he spoke were true. No one else was at Aldingford Manor to aid her, to assist her in this condition, and private these moments would remain between them for Millicent always considered gossip cruel and it was impossible for Lieutenant Tankersley to indulge in the practise for it went against his personality. &nbsp;“You forget of my French blood, Lieutenant Tankersley,” Millicent gently reminded him as the dress loosely hung carelessly about her thin shoulders, and only then did she peel the yellow gown free of her body. Millicent's thin hand reached to Lieutenant Tankerley's body to steady herself as the dress tumbled to the floor. A shift she now wore, one of white linen, and one that was wet and slid along her flesh with the movements she made. Shyly, nervously, she found a faint thread of courage and she tugged the shift over her head, struggled out of it, and she found herself naked before her employer with the rags of her clothing hiding her bosom and womanhood. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hannibal</strong> on <strong>18-06-2008, 17:27:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The only reply to Millicent's surprised question about nothing to forgive was a quick frown and glare that suggested he might have just been gallant and polite with a small white lie. He had been honest about the chimney sweep as he knew that the pathetic man had approached her with malice after Henry had instructed him to be punished. It had no longer been about the housekeeper maintaining discipline with the servants in his house. When she spoke about needing guidance on occassion he did nod and reply, "I am pleased and surprised that we finally agree on something Miss Ainsworth. May it be the beginning of a more rewarding relationship for us."<br><br>None of Henry's thoughts embarrassed him as he stood near Millicent and helped her undress. They were definitely not gentlemanly or pure thoughts, but what redblooded man could stand behind a beautiful and fiery girl while helping her undress and not think of such things. That was not to say that his heart was not racing, he felt the boom boom boom coming from his chest must be audible right across his estate even over the thundering storm. This was not the feelings of mere lustfulness and Henry knew it.<br><br>As Millicent peeled the wet yellow gown free of her body Henry laughed softly and said, "I don't think I would ever forget your French blood Millicent!"<br><br>His hand reached up to cover her own as she steadied herself on his shoulder and felt him tense as the breath caught in his throat when he caught his first glimpse of her womanly body. Henry should have looked away if he was too be truly gentlemanly, but he did not care. His blue eyes were wide in appreciation as he gazed upon her ivory coloured skin and sumptuous curves only concealed by a very wet and thin shift. As she gathered her courage and pulled even the linen shift away he murmured with wonderment, "You are very beautiful Millicent."<br><br>Then he remembered himself and the chill she must be feeling as she stood there with only her rags of clothing keeping her feminine charms concealed from the eyes of men. Henry reached out with a long arm to snare a dry blanket without taking his eyes off her. He felt the ragged and worn weave between thumb and forefinger, discarding it as inadequate. Grabbing another blanket, he was satisfied it would do and wrapped it around Millicent's slender shoulders and said, "Let's get you dry Miss Ainsworth so you can take the weight off your ankle."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>18-06-2008, 19:14:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Millicent demurely smiled, and a tender laugh almost a soft velvety mewl came from her rosebud lips that were dewy from rain. &nbsp;“It does not mean that I will not disagree or object, Sir.” She politely murmured as she tried her best to stand still on one foot while she shivered. Her hand, that which was enclosed by Henry's, smoothed down his arm, caressed him as she tried to remain balanced and hold onto the clothing which teasingly lingered before her curvaceous body, plump and ripe with youthfulness, and decently hidden save for the hints of shapely limbs and creamy skin that poked free of the crumpled soaking garments. Only then did she hear Henry's compliment, or so she thought she did; the firewood crackled, and close to them the air began to be heated, but too, it could have been the natural warmth from Millicent's flush that charmingly adorned her face and left her mildly flustered for many reasons. &nbsp;"Thank you." Barely could she manage the words, but certain she was that there had been a compliment, and certain she was that he used her Christian name. <br><br>Before awkwardness rooted, Henry draped a blanket over her shoulders, one that was a heavy blend of wools, woven and worn soft over years of usage, lined dried from the breezes of yesterday and it was then that Millicent dropped her wet clothing onto the floor, onto the near thin rug that decorated the floor. Not once had she thought that the man might have stolen glimpses of her body that was inappropriate nor did she think that he might have seen the curve of her breasts or hips. It seemed unimportant and furtherest from her mind, and bundled in the dryness of the blanket, in the heat of it, Millicent sniffled and rubbed her pink little nose. &nbsp;“Examine my ankle, yes, although I do not think anything is broken or else I would be in a fit of tears and sobbing like a child.” A faint smile appeared once more on her lips. &nbsp;“And you must have seen much in regard to injuries and wounds to your fellow man being a soldier and a lieutenant in the war.” Millicent's voice faded for fear that she would vex him with her ramblings. She had lost relatives in the war, those who were French, her aunt and uncle, cousins held dear to her, and her sniffled increased as she tried her best not to shed tears.<br><br>&nbsp;“Perhaps it would be best if you take me to the bed,” Millicent suggested and attempted to bear weight on the injured foot, but she squeaked from the pain that electrified into her ankle and coursed into her calf and foot. She leaned against Henry once more and peered into his eyes. &nbsp;“Please.” She added as an afterthought, embarrassed of her lack of manners.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hannibal</strong> on <strong>18-06-2008, 20:13:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Henry did not waste any time when Millicent suggested being taken to bed. He ignored the double entendre, suspecting that Millicent had not meant anything by her wording, at least not intentionally. His strong arms picked her up, enfolding the blanket around her body, and carried her carefully to the large bed where Henry gently placed her, taking care not to knock her ankle. He fussed over her, making sure she had enough pillows behind her for comfort and then taking a spare. With great care he lifted her leg and placed it under her calf to raise her injured ankle.<br><br>He was still soaking wet when Henry finally took a look at her ankle. As he ran his hands gentle over the swelling to test for breaks he said, "I have seen many injuries Miss Ainsworth."<br><br>Now he was examining her ankle his approach became more formal and professional, having called her by her christian name more than once this evening. Perhaps it was just the professionalism of soldier, although the distant look in his eye as he looked away for a moment suggested it might be memories recalled of friends and comrades injured and lost. More than many, Henry knew that war was a terrible business where you lost those closest to you. Henry guessed Millicent must have experienced some loss with her family once holding great estates in France. He returned his attention to Millicent and said, "I think you will live as long as we don't allow any surgeons near you. They will suggest leeches and bleeding and all sorts of rubbish that I have never seen make much difference for the good. I can't feel any broken bones and as you said, I think you would know. Let me heat some water up to clean your ankle."<br><br>Looking around he discovered a half full jug from the night before on the beside table which he hung over the fire to warm it. The room was still chilly, but beginning to warm up and he rubbed his cold hands in front of the fire.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>18-06-2008, 22:38:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The blanket around Millicent shifted while being carried, fluttered in the slight breeze from their movement, and while being placed onto the bed, it wrinkled and drew taut in places while Millicent comfortably settled. Pillows had been fluffed and adjusted, arranged neatly behind her back and head and lazily Millie reclined as if she had no care in the world; hair fanned over the pillows in wet ringlets and curls in colours of blond and red, molten hues of fire as her body grew weary from the exhaustion and excitement of the day. As she rested, fingers, those that were Lieutenant Tankersley's, those that felt cold and strong, easily palpated the bony protrusions of her foot and ankle, examined it with care, and expertly. Occasionally Millicent arched an eyebrow or frowned with discomfort, and all the while her heart beat steadily, thumped with the nervousness that only an attractive man near her could cause, even that of Henry Tankersley, a man who demonstrated that he cared for her despite his occasional overbearing ill temper directed towards Millicent. <br><br>&nbsp;“Leeches? Bleeding?” Millicent exclaimed with worry and fright, and she sat upright on the bed with a startled expression on her face: eyes were wide and her pink lips parted as if to speak yet no words came from her. The blanket tumbled from her warming body as she shifted to examine her foot and ankle, her body drawing closer to the Lieutenant's as she did, and with some modesty, her hand settled onto herself so not to fully expose her body to him in a vulgar fashion. &nbsp;“No, I don't think we need to have a surgeon examine it at all, and by tomorrow or the next day, I shall be fine, I would think.” Millicent blurted out with some fear. Her hand tugged the blanket tight around her torso and she looked at her employer with despair and as he set to the task of finding water to bathe her foot and ankle. Concern for herself rooted within her for one too many stories she hear of the butcher doctors and Millicent sniffled and wrung the blanket with her slender fingers and a fit of anxiety began to claim her.<br><br>&nbsp;“I think I shall be perfectly fine, do you not think so Lieutenant Tankersley?” Millicent needed to hear his answer once more, needed the reassurance from the fright he gave her in mentioning the barbaric practices of physicians and surgeons. Millicent stopped herself from making further inquiries, bit her tongue, and for a moment she was in complete discomfort as she watched Henry warm his hands by the fire. <br><br>&nbsp;“Would you stay with me tonight? To ease my mind from fright?” She suddenly asked, her voice a mere whisper and large eyes pleadingly looked to him, and silently begged of him, begged of his protection. &nbsp;“Please?”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hannibal</strong> on <strong>19-06-2008, 19:48:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The flames danced and flickered before Henry as he checked the water and warmed his hands. He thought he saw Millicent's image dancing in the flames and it didn't surprise him. She was as beautiful and graceful as the gift of Promethesus, yet as fickle and capricious in her nature as well. Henry liked order and discipline and had taken well to military life for that reason. It also led him to acquire Aldingford Manor and enter the establishment. Yet he found Millicent's mercurial nature deeply attractive, a challenge that appealed to his sense of adventure. He was too intelligent to want to quell her flame with senseless discipline, but to enhance it so her qualities were properly focused.<br><br>He looked over his shoulder as she blurted out her fears of having the surgeon visit and chuckled good naturedly before saying, "Don't worry Millicent, I won't let any surgeon inflict his worst cures upon you."<br><br>Henry turned and walked over to her on the bed and took her hand in both of his with a gentle touch and said, "I believe you will be fine if you take care and don't put any weight on it for a few days. Ironically I'm going to have to take care of you and act as housekeeper in my own house."<br><br>He laughed at the idea of it until she asked him to stay with her tonight and ease her mind from fright. His instinctive response was to say no, that it was not appropriate and she could see his eyes widen slightly in shock. That wasn't quite true, that was the instinctive response ingrained by training, but that of emotions and the heart. In truth, his heart leapt when he heard her question and his two sides warred with themselves as he paused to answer. His emotional desires won out in the end when he decided he didn't really give a damn about the rules of high society right now. A woman needed him and that was enough for him. There was also the sight of her huge pleading eyes, but that didn't bear thinking about on a conscious level.<br><br>Smiling at her he said softly, "Of course I will Millicent, you will be safe here in spite of wildness outside."<br><br>Then he kissed her softly on her cheek, water from his hair dripping down onto her brow. He wiped it away tenderly and asked, "Perhaps I should rid myself of these wet clothes and dry my hair?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>19-06-2008, 22:37:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Millicent's senses had taken leave once more from her mind and body, something not rare yet not common either, and as she said the words, the request for Lieutenant Tankersley to stay with her for the remainder of the night, regret bloomed in her moral consciousness. By all English standards in society, by the norms, it was an extraordinarily inappropriate gesture, a suggestion or outright invitation for Henry Tankersley to indulge his bodily needs, the carnal delights which men often partake according to the whispered conversations of Millicent's mother and late aunt, with Millicent as a vessel for that pleasure. Not only did the thoughtless girl realize it was unbefitting for a lady, unbefitting even a <em>housekeeper, for her</em>, but too, Mr. Tankersley must have known of the immodesty of the plea. Throughout the few words of comfort and idle conversation that Lieutenant Tankersley offered Millicent, the girl sat addle-minded, numb in her thoughts, wide-eyed and she tried her best to respond, to hold conversation, but in return she simply nodded as if in a stupor.<br><br>&nbsp;“Yes, to rid of your wet clothing or you too shall catch a chill,” Her nose wrinkled as her imagination further budded uncontrollably. &nbsp;“for we would not want the pair of us to perish from an ill state. It would be a ghastly find to the poor soul who stumbled upon our bodies, I would think, and then the scandalous suggestions that people would whisper despite our very dead beings. People have no respect for the dead, for souls whom should only be fondly remembered, and not viciously spoken of Mr. Tankersley.” Millicent babbled, fatigued from the day's events, and in her regressions, she reclined on the bed and studied the man before her, regarded him with attentiveness and contemplated their circumstances.<br><br><em>He was overbearing, and easy to see fit to punish her for the slightest wrongs; a spanking, the threat of a thrashing with a riding crop, and a jest of future correction.</em><br><br>Millicent's brow wrinkled.<br><br><em>They had kissed, touched hands, and she clung to him as her saviour when he rescued her. They had even used their Christian names.</em><br><br>Millicent's brow softened and she turned down the bed linens.<br><br><em>Henry Tankersley helped her undress, supported her, tend to her ankle as a friend might or that of a suitor.</em><br><br>Had Henry the decency to excuse his line of sight when she was fully undressed? Millicent did not know, and although she was curious, it was best not to make inquires. Instead, the young lady slipped underneath the covers, her bare skin smooth against the sheets, and she closed her eyes momentarily. <br><br><em>No other person, not a butler or footman, not a scullery maid, resided at Aldingford Manor.</em> The thought loomed in Millicent's mind and her eyes opened to studied the wet curls of Henry's hair; droplets curved down his neck, hugged his damp bronzed skin and disappeared underneath the stiff collar of his shirt. Her heart uncommonly palpitated and her mouth went dry as she pushed moral consciousness aside and pampered herself emotionally.<br><br>&nbsp;“I think the warmth from the fire gathering in this room, heating it, and us sharing the warmth of the bed, the many layers of quilts and blankets, will suit our health and restore us.” Millicent said, her voice her own, soft and demure, opinionated, yet the tone was reminiscent of her mother's ...not like Henry Tankersley would know...<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hannibal</strong> on <strong>20-06-2008, 01:20:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Henry Tankersley watched Millicent carefully as she seemed to become more wanton with every moment, eventually culminating in her inviting him to share her bed. He knew the girl well enough that her innocence and contrary nature sometimes combined to send signals that were not always the ones she intended to send. Did she mean for them to <em>share</em> a bed? Or was it just something she suggested because it was a practical solution to prevent them freezing to death after their exposure to the storm in his ramshackle and unheated pile? Or did she just want comfort for the night after a traumatic day? Or Miss Ainsworth might not know exactly what she wanted, except not to feel vulnerable, alone and abandoned this night. He suspected it was most probably the latter, with all the rest thrown in depending on her moods and whimsy. That would most certainly fit with what he knew of the girl and not knowing exactly which was quite exciting. It seemed to be a day for the unexpected and adventures, so who knew where this would lead.<br><br>She had started to babble, but for once Henry was able to ignore her ramblings and not let it drive him mad with irritation. Being tired and cold had some benefits he thought wickedly. While she contemplated their circumstances and studied him Henry began to undress. He politely turned away from her as he did so, standing close to the blankets and rugs tossed on the dresser. The coat and waistcoat were swiftly shrugged off and hung over the chair to dry with some care. He might be cold, but he still treated his protective coat with respect. Next came his riding boats, which were a struggle to remove having become all waterlogged and heavy. Henry had to resort sitting on the chair he had once spanked Millicent and contorting his body to pull each boat off. Water spilled onto the floor with foliage and much from the flooded ravine.<br><br>Henry's woollen socks were stipped off next and placed on his upturned boots by the fire. Then he stood up again and stripped off his cotton shirt without unbuttoning it. He just crossed his arms across his body, grasped a corner and pulled it straight over his head. If Millicent was looking she could see his torso was pale and untanned and there were several scars on his muscular back. There was an ugly ragged, round scar just above his left hip that glowed red in the firelight.<br><br>The last piece of clothing were his trousers, the buttons at the front. He did not turn around, but nor did he leave the room or seek concealment as she stripped them from his legs, strong from exercise and gripping a horse. Henry's buttock's were a thing of male perfection, hard and lean without any fat. Reaching out he grabbed a blanket and wrapped it around his waist to protect his and Millicent's modesty.<br><br>Finally he turned around as he gathered another blanket and began to dry his hair and torso. His broad chest had a triangle of red-blond hair that trailed over his abdomen and down towards the blanket around his waist. There were more scars on his front, including a smaller mark opposite that nasty one on his back. He also had a long jagged scar down his right shoulder and another circular mark high on his chest, just below his left collarbone.<br><br>Henry looked at Millicent as she reclined on the bed and murmured, "That is much better. I think the water is ready too Millicent."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>20-06-2008, 16:42:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Not once could Millicent afford herself to offer a glance at Henry Tankersley even though she felt the stirring desire to yield to her temptations, to steal a glimpse of him, a longing look formed out of curiosity concerning the man who had saved her from the perils of the night, from the perils of herself, but she steadied her will and suppressed the burgeoning forbidden emotions. Her pale blue-green eyes, those that were as murky in hue as the waters of the sea, watched the soft grey shadow of Lieutenant Tankersley dance and swim upon the once extravagant wallpaper, that of silk now worn and faded with time. Tell, she could, that the man stripped free of his drenched clothing; the sound of his movements were lightly heard, and told the tale of boots being removed, of buttons being unfastened: the spongy noises of wet cloth, garments, denoted much to Millicent's sensitive ears.<br><br>During that time, Millie's mind wondered, and her imagination was set free to languidly roam. Of his body, she believed it to be perfect; roped with muscle, the skin flawless and sun kissed a rich hue of golden copper: an Adonis despite the prickles and thorns of his stern nature of personality. She had perfectly torn herself from reality, thought of herself as a lovely maiden to be the study of his artistic muse, to be immortalized in a painting, thought of herself as the Mistress of Aldingford manor in glorious past days, and thought of herself in the blooming gardens with Henry dancing a waltz under the light of the stars. It was a voice, hoarse and masculine, that tugged Millicent free of the fancy thought that tumbled in her head, and as the moment of reality sunk within her, the girl turned to face her employer with the reddest cheeks.<br><br>Her rosebud lips parted as she gasped. No flawless skin he had, but instead scars, many marring on his skin, and all spoke of warfare, the struggles of survival, and the discipline. Tenderly, she chewed on her bottom lip as fingers curled into the blankets and nervously kneaded the linens as she shifted and sat upright to poke her injured little foot out of the covers. &nbsp;“You're so scarred,” She barely murmured, her tone quaint and filled with surprise as she slowly drew near him so that he once more could tend to her. The blankets on the bed were pulled over her voluptuous body, covered her feminine areas, and there were glimpses of moonlight white flesh, slender limbs which carved away at the imagination of what her body may look like unclothed. In not wanting to make him uncomfortable or herself, her gaze fell from him so that he was not the object of her stare, but instead, a fluff of lint that was knitted into the ivory blanket. <br><br>&nbsp;“My injury is so mild compared to what you have endured,” She whispered, and cast a quick glance at him. &nbsp;“It makes war that much more heinous, and the men who have the need for ambition, to conquer, to increase their wealth for the sin of greed and self indulgence, that much more monstrous.” 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hannibal</strong> on <strong>21-06-2008, 01:44:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He did not know if she watched him or not as he undressed until he heard her gentle exclamation of surprise at his scars. Henry did not say anything, it was not the first time such a comment had been made to him and there was not much too say about it. It was not in his nature to brag about his wounds or how they were earned. Watching her fidget with her blankets so the shifted and wriggled over her body, not revealing much, but deliciously hinting at the soft feminine curves beneath, he returned to the bed with a jug of warm water and some clothes that do for washing.<br><br>Henry sat on the end of the bed with the water resting on a footstool. He was about to attend to her injuries when Millicent whispered about the mildness of her own injuries and the horrors of war. That angry frown and blue glare she knew so well now scarred his face as fiercely as the old wounds on his body as his head swung around sharply stare at her. His body was stiff with the sudden rage and temper that was as much a part of Henry Tankersley as his protective nature. It may have been hidden while he showed his gentle side in rescuing her and attending to her needs, but it was merely bubbling beneath the surface. In tones a mixture of passion, rage and reproach he addressed Millicent, "My injuries are nothing compared to those of friend and foe I have seen on the battlefield. At least I have my life and all my limbs, which is more than can be said for the crippled soldiers or orphaned children now begging on the streets on London. Do not prattle on about the heinous nature of war that you have never experienced Miss Ainsworth. Take it from me Miss Ainsworth, war is a terrible thing, but sometimes it is a necessary evil to battle a tyrant and those who do so do not want to hear others who have never experienced telling them it is a heinous thing. If you want to know true horror, it is not in battle itself when you are filled with bloodlust, excitement and blind terror. Nor is the impact of a musketball that hurls you from the saddle. It is walking the battlefield after a victory and seeing the broken bodies of the dead and injured of the enemy! Even worse is to know that they have thrown their lives away out of misplaced loyalty in a bloody tyrant who is willing to throw away their lives for his own greed and quest for glory."<br><br>"That is not the worst of it Miss Ainsworth. It is the dark knowledge that you will do it all again for King, Country and liberty and revel in the excitement and bloodrush of it all. It is not what you see or imagine young girl, but what you learn about yourself that haunts you!"<br><br>Henry's bare shoulders slumped down as the tempestuous energy left him and the anger drained away after his pompous little lecture at Millicent.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>21-06-2008, 16:27:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Millicent was stunned into silence, shocked at the lecture imposed upon her ears, and had the man been closer to her actual body instead of her foot, she knew he would have been wearing an impression of her hand upon his cheek. The girl sniffled with disdain as her own feelings regarding the war surfaced, and disgruntled with her employer's attitude that she knew nothing of the consequences of war, the hardships and death, the hollow feeling that left one a shell of a being, there was little to no choice that Millicent had to speak her mind, and she did so in the language of romance, her native tongue of French.<br><br>&nbsp;“You do not think I know the nature of war? That it is not heinous? Unmerciful? Cruel? Such gentle mild words I use to describe it, yes, and although I am no man foolish enough to create it and partake in it, I am a woman who has known of loved ones perishing from it. Do you not think that women suffer when they know of their husband's death or their brother's or an uncle or suitor? Or more forbidden and hurtful, the life they have created, their own son, a babe which one nurtured from the womb until a man he became, that they have died and more than likely alone and in agony? Or is butchered by some dreadful surgeon or that his once perfect body is marred such as your own? Do you not think we women do not suffer or know the fouls of war?” Millicent waved her hand to dismiss the conversation, but her mind and tongue struggled, and somehow her tongue won. The soft lecturing words, those of emotional affliction, continued in the wretched language that more than likely tormented Lieutenant Tankersley for months or longer.<br><br>&nbsp;“The French are foolish, no? They exterminate a King and replace him with an Emperor. It is foolish, yes.” Millicent reclined on the bed to lay on her back and stare at the ceiling. Cracks in the plaster could be seen that interrupted the pattern of swirls that somebody painstakingly took great care to create well over a century past. &nbsp;“My aunt and uncle, the guillotine was their demise, and with their deaths, that of my cousins, our family lands were lost or more correctly, taken, stolen. Of the riches gone, perhaps I am bitter because I have been spoiled by my upbringing, but wealth can be regained in comparison to a life.” Millicent whispered, her tone not sharp, and she washed her hand over her face to brush the welling tears from her eyes, and to rub sleepiness away from her. A tender nervous laugh came from her then, and she glanced at Henry who looked undoubtedly frustrated and vexed from his tirade.<br><br>&nbsp;“Now, not only we women are expected to find a husband with the shortage of men, but we are expected to proliferate England's population. For what, really? So that the next generation may fight wars and the next. It is a positively vicious circle, Henry,” Millicent told him, her words now in English, her accent skewed with the French. <br><br>&nbsp;“Please, do not be cankerous, not any more tonight, and let us retire to forget about the events of the day.” She pleaded, her watery eyes still peering at the man who rested on the foot of the bed. Slender fingers outstretched to him, those that gestured and hinted for him to join her.&nbsp; &nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Lessons at Aldingford Manor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hannibal</strong> on <strong>21-06-2008, 17:28:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Henry knew that his outburst would provoke a reaction from the indignant lady of anglo-french extraction lying naked beneath the covers of his bed as soon as he finished.&nbsp; He knew by now that it was as inevitable as the sun rising in the morning or the coming of winter. Yet her choice of the french language caught him by surprise and while his french was adequate, but not great and it had been several months since he had heard more than a few phrases. It took Henry a few seconds to catch up with Millicent's disgruntled rebuttal of his tirade.<br><br>As he struggled to keep up with the fluently liquid french that flowed from her rosebud lips Henry had to agree that she was right. She did understand the horrors of war, but not in the same way he did. Men and women experienced such things quite differently he had to accept.<br><br>When she pleaded with him not to be cankerous he held up his hands in a gesture of surrender and said, "Pax! Peace girl! Let us both accept that neither can truly understand each others experience of the unpleasantness of war. We shall have to agree to disagree about the worst of it."<br><br>He took her hand in his and said, "Please accept my apologies for my inappropriate tirade. In London there is incessant chatter about the wars from people who know nothing about it and it is a wound that is still raw with me. I must take umbrage that you say my body is marred. I have a few scars that are ugly on the eye, but they are small things that I carry with gratitude for surviving the wounds that inflicted them. Now let me finish tending to your ankle and then we can rest."<br><br>Henry gently lifted her ankle and placed it upon his lap, handling her with great care. With the warm water and a cloth he wiped away the little bit of blood and any dirt from the small cut. He then bathed the swelling before placing the jug on the floor and climbing into what was to be his side of the bed. He remained lying on top of the covers, rolling onto his side to look at Millicent as he rested his head on his hand.
			</dd>
		</dl>
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