The lure of the Old World (OwenNo6 and Beatrice Black)
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Human Solos =&gt; Topic started by: Beatrice Black on 11-12-2008, 21:09:10</h2>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>The lure of the Old World (OwenNo6 and Beatrice Black)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Beatrice Black</strong> on <strong>11-12-2008, 21:09:10</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				London in the late 1880s was the most powerful city on Earth, and one of the largest. The heart of the British Empire was rife with opportunities for employment, advancement and learning, and drew hopeful young people from across Britain and all around the world. New arrivals stepped onto its docks from the Thames every day, some to meet family or representatives of waiting companies, others to try their luck and see what they might find.<br><br>The steamer St. John arrived from New York on the morning of April 19th, 1889. A bright, clear day, with people going to and fro on their business. Hawkers selling fresh fish and hot food called out through the bustle of the city as the shiphands tied the vessel up firmly. Passengers disembarked, some greeting people waiting for them, some looking quite alone.<br><br>And in the offices of a wealthy bone china importer, overlooking the docks, Lady Amelia Selkirk watched the new arrivals to her home city as she listened to the manager explain assorted patterns for the set of two hundred pieces of china for a garden party. 
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The lure of the Old World (OwenNo6 and Beatrice Black)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>OwenNo6</strong> on <strong>12-12-2008, 04:59:47</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Samantha Waterman had not any idea what to expect when she walked down the gangway from the St. John.&nbsp; Her eyes had found quite a treat in New York alone, having grown accustomed to the sparsely populated agricultural plains of the New World.&nbsp; London, however, made New York pale in comparison.&nbsp; It was breathtaking, exhilerating, and frightening.&nbsp; She watched the bustle of the crowd first with awe at all the activity, then a sinking feeling of despair as she realized that she truly had no idea where to begin eeking out her new life in such a setting.&nbsp; It was indeed overwhelming, she realized as she was carried away from the familiarity of the ship by the sea of people.<br><br>She found a lamp post to lean against, anchoring herself and her small parcel of belongings to it like a liferaft as she gathered her bearings.&nbsp; She sighed heavily, looking about; it was not the scene she had fantasized about over weeks of travel from the barren heartland.&nbsp; Her great-grandmother had enthralled her as a young girl with tales of the crossing over to the new lands, their family having come from Staplehurst in the early nineteenth century.&nbsp; Those that likely remained in the isles were distant cousins too removed to call upon for any assistance, she was certain.&nbsp; Yet something had called her to this place, some glimmer of hope for a new, properous life away from cattle, away from golden fields.<br><br>Still, her great-grandmother's stories hadn't prepared her for this intimidating sight as she held onto that strand of hope as tightly as she clutched her sackful of belongings to her breast.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The lure of the Old World (OwenNo6 and Beatrice Black)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Beatrice Black</strong> on <strong>12-12-2008, 18:58:28</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Lady Amelia paused, frowning slightly, as she watched one figure huddle against a lamppost. Shabby trying to be genteel, in dull colours suggesting a provincial life, like as not American given the style of her bonnet.<br><br>Even in a bright and early morning she would be catnip to the whoremongers out to sell a virgin to the highest bidder, and Lady Selkirk's sense of charity did not approve.<br><br>Besides, the girl seemed so fragile and forlorn. And, as she looked up, she revealed such a sweet face. Lady Amelia rose from her chaise and, thanked the agent and departed, her carriage driver in tow, to approach the girl. <br><br>And so a tall, slender dark-haired lady, in a walking dress of copper satin, approached Samantha. (http://content.lib.washington.edu/cgi-bin/getimage.exe?CISOROOT=/costumehist&amp;CISOPTR=183&amp;DMSCALE=100.00000&amp;DMWIDTH=802&amp;DMHEIGHT=626.5625&amp;DMX=0&amp;DMY=0&amp;DMTEXT=&amp;REC=3&amp;DMTHUMB=0&amp;DMROTATE=0)<br><br>"You, girl. May I inquire as to what brings you here?"
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The lure of the Old World (OwenNo6 and Beatrice Black)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>OwenNo6</strong> on <strong>14-12-2008, 04:04:49</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				A face appeared out of nowhere; fine featured, beautiful, dressed in the height of Victorian fashion.&nbsp; It was the face of a woman right out of the periodicals back home that showcased such beauty and elegance.&nbsp; Samantha smiled faintly; it was good to see a face, any face, especially someone that seemed to take some interest in her presence there.&nbsp; If nothing else, this lady of the London elite may very well be able to point her in the direction of a decent job to get her on her feet here.<br><br>“Yes Miss,” she smiled a little wider, “my name is Samantha, I… well,” she thought a moment, choosing the right words.&nbsp; “I’ve come to London from the States.&nbsp; I guess I fancy a life in London,” she answered as politely as possible, not really knowing what else to say, and truthfully still wondering exactly how she was going to eke out a life in the city.<br><br>What a sight she must have been next to the Victorian beauty; her plain dress and bonnet screamed mid-western farmer’s daughter.&nbsp; The fact that she was fresh off the boat from the States likely did not help matters much at all.<br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The lure of the Old World (OwenNo6 and Beatrice Black)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Beatrice Black</strong> on <strong>15-12-2008, 01:48:11</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"With no-one here to meet you? How brave, a young adventurer off to see the world." Lady Amelia pursed her lips even as she smiled. "And as a resident herein, it behooves me to show our capital's hospitality. I am... well, you may call me Amelia, my dear."<br><br>The lady's coachman arched an eyebrow in the background.<br><br>"Now, I believe that there is a passable tearoom not far from her. Blake, if you would help Miss Samantha with her trunk?"<br><br>"Yes, m'lady," the man replied. "With your permission, of course, Miss."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The lure of the Old World (OwenNo6 and Beatrice Black)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>OwenNo6</strong> on <strong>15-12-2008, 04:56:30</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Samantha smiled in gratitude, “Why, thank you Miss Amelia, that is very kind of you.”&nbsp; She began to grab her belongings to follow when the other man offered to take her baggage.&nbsp; “Thank you, Sir.”&nbsp; She smiled politely at the not unpleasant surprise of her chance encounter.&nbsp; She had certainly not expected to find someone to hospitable to a complete stranger in the city. <br><br>She followed Amelia, “Tea sounds lovely, Miss.”&nbsp; She felt a bit more confident now that someone had noticed her; it was as though she existed by recognition from another person.&nbsp; She no longer felt anonymous, tossed about in the sea of faceless people.<br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The lure of the Old World (OwenNo6 and Beatrice Black)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Beatrice Black</strong> on <strong>15-12-2008, 17:04:56</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"Oh, do not mention it," Lady Selkirk assured the girl as she thanked her, before Blake picked up the steamer trunk.<br><br>The crowd parted for her, with deferential glances and lowering of heads as she swept along the cobbles, Samantha in tow and Blake following at the rear.<br><br>A side street lead to a white-fronted tearoom, far enough from the smell of the river and safely upwind of the fishmarket. "Now, here we are, and I should imagine you might like more than only a cup of tea." Blake held the door for them as they entered, and the proprietess stepped out from behind the bar, giving the lady a slight curtsey before offering them a table.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The lure of the Old World (OwenNo6 and Beatrice Black)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>OwenNo6</strong> on <strong>18-12-2008, 05:08:44</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Samantha walked along with her new friend, taking in the sights with a bit more confidence now that she had someone to talk to in this strange land.&nbsp; She cocked her head, wondering as people bowed their heads and courtsied.&nbsp; Was this simply how people reacted in London, or was Amelia truly some woman of importance?<br><br>"Oh, you are too generous," she smiled gratefully as she was offered tea and possibly a bite to eat.&nbsp; The inside of the tearoom was a pleasant change of scenery from the docks, and the aroma of the brewing teas was a wonderful welcome to London as she lost herself for a moment in the smells and sounds of idle chatter.<br><br>She followed Amelia toward a table where they were seated, smiling politely at her host.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The lure of the Old World (OwenNo6 and Beatrice Black)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Beatrice Black</strong> on <strong>18-12-2008, 21:26:11</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				The lady perched elegantly on the seat, her bustle skirt providing balance as the train flowed over the side of the chair. <br><br>"So, do tell, what do you hope to do here? Is there a particular role you seek - nanny or governess perhaps, seamstress?"<br><br>As she spoke, one of the waiters approached the table with a trolley containing a pot of tea, blue china cups and a high stand of scones, setting a cup and scone in front of each of them, checking that the cram and jam pots were full.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The lure of the Old World (OwenNo6 and Beatrice Black)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>OwenNo6</strong> on <strong>19-12-2008, 23:51:35</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				A slight blush came to her cheeks at the mention of seeking a position as a governess, "Oh," she smiled, "Well, I declare, I am hardly suited for such a calling as governess."&nbsp; She took note of Amelie again appreciatively as the elegant woman was certainly better suited for something as prestigious than she.&nbsp; "Though I have done a good deal of work as a seamstress, I should be so fortunate as to compete with the tailors of London that produce such stunning garments," she smiled at the fancy, "perhaps with a bit of practice, I could."<br><br>She lifted a cup of hot tea to her lips, sipping it quietly with a soft "Mmm" as she tasted it.&nbsp; "This is quite good, thank you again."&nbsp; She set the cup atop the saucer again, nodding as though affirming the idea in her mind, "Yes, I would certainly love to try my hand at designing something so elegant.&nbsp; Why, back home, I could so a fair enough job, but you know, much of what we have in the territories, though dashing in its own right, doesn't quite compare."&nbsp; She gave another appreciative glance at Amelia and a few others in the shop that had dressed to the nines.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The lure of the Old World (OwenNo6 and Beatrice Black)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Beatrice Black</strong> on <strong>20-12-2008, 04:48:28</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Lady Selkirk took a neat bite of a portion of scone dotted with jam and cream as she listened to Samantha. She finally nodded, smiling slightly, as the girl admired her clothing. <br><br>"Perhaps then, to begin with, a lady's maid. Sewing on a button and making alterations are among the skills you would require." She reached out and took Samantha's hand with a light grip, turning them over to examine them, nodding and holding them a moment longer. "You look like you might be quite nimble..."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The lure of the Old World (OwenNo6 and Beatrice Black)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>OwenNo6</strong> on <strong>21-12-2008, 05:37:52</strong>
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				"Oh, yes Miss," she replied excitedly, "I would love that.&nbsp; I can certainly do alterations until my skills are enough that I might design some fashionable garments here."&nbsp; She smiled at the compliment as Amelie held her hand, "You are so kind Amelia, I don't know what I would be doing now had I not met you."<br><br>She smiled happily at Lady Selkirk as she let her imagination go for a moment at the prospects of slipping into a career as a seamstress.&nbsp; Her fantasies were cut short as an important question came to mind, "By the by... would you know of anyone that might have need for a seamstress?"&nbsp; As much as she was hoping that Amelie herself were in need, she did not wish to risk sounding presumptuous, yet.
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				Title: <strong>Re: The lure of the Old World (OwenNo6 and Beatrice Black)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Beatrice Black</strong> on <strong>21-12-2008, 05:52:38</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Lady Amelia smiled. "I imagine you would be considering where to take your trunk and where to find lunch. Perhaps before calling in at the American embassy and seeing if they might have suggestions - I hear that they can be quite helpful in such circumstances."<br><br>She watched the girl consider her suggestions, a trace of a smile playing on her lips. <br><br>"It happens that the idea occurred to me because I myself am in the position to take on domestic staff. My husband is abroad on business, and this has proven quite profitable. I should be glad to offer room and board, consider it the hospitality of your new home."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The lure of the Old World (OwenNo6 and Beatrice Black)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>OwenNo6</strong> on <strong>21-12-2008, 23:02:36</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Samantha nodded, "Yes, I suppose I would be."&nbsp; She smiled, remembering how overwhelmed she had felt not a few minutes earlier before meeting Lady Selkirk.<br><br>"I would be delighted to be in your employ, Amelia, and most grateful for a room and boarding.&nbsp; You are so generous, and thank you."&nbsp; She could hardly believe her fortune had changed to suddenly here as she spoke excitedly.
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				Title: <strong>Re: The lure of the Old World (OwenNo6 and Beatrice Black)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Beatrice Black</strong> on <strong>21-12-2008, 23:43:39</strong>
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				"Very well then, let us see to your accommodation once we are done here. You shall have time to contact the embassy if you have a message to forward to your homeland before we depart." Lady Selkirk smiled reassuringly before taking another sip of her tea.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The lure of the Old World (OwenNo6 and Beatrice Black)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>OwenNo6</strong> on <strong>21-12-2008, 23:50:21</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				She smiled and nodded at her as she spoke, taking another sip of tea and eating yet another scone with jam.&nbsp; Once her mouth was cleared of the remnants of the food and drink, she replied thoughtfully, "Yes, I should send a message back home that I have arrived safely.&nbsp; Most of my family have passed, but I have an uncle in Missouri that would be wanting to know how I fared crossing the ocean."<br><br>After yet another sip of tea, she cocked her head to the side, "If you don't mind me asking, what exactly does a governess do?&nbsp; Is that a titled for someone in politics here, or a land owner?&nbsp; Is that what you do, Amelia?"&nbsp; She smiled softly, "I don't mean to pry, I am just curious is all."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The lure of the Old World (OwenNo6 and Beatrice Black)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Beatrice Black</strong> on <strong>22-12-2008, 00:07:34</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"Well, in the event that a woman were to take on the role of governer, she should indeed be called governess. However, in terms of employ, it most oft refers to the governance of children in a private household, in part a nanny and in part a tutor. An admirable profession for a young girl, of course." She smiled. "'Is all' with no 'that', how tremendously modern."<br><br>The Lady beamed. "At any rate, drink up, and thence to the embassy."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The lure of the Old World (OwenNo6 and Beatrice Black)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>OwenNo6</strong> on <strong>22-12-2008, 00:39:35</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Samantha blushed softly at her misuse of the english language, reminding herself that this was London and that she would have to take cues from the people around her to properly wield the vocabulary and fit in better.&nbsp; She finished her tea and another scone and stood with a nod, "Yes, let's off to the embassy.&nbsp; I really shouldn't take so long there."<br><br>Her business at the embassy was brief indeed, sending off the post to America and then concluding her business with a polite and thankful smile to Lady Selkirk.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The lure of the Old World (OwenNo6 and Beatrice Black)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Beatrice Black</strong> on <strong>22-12-2008, 00:51:58</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				A black carriage with a heraldic livery on the doors awaited, Samantha's steamer trunk loaded on at the back alongside a few other wrapped parcels. The coachman held the door for her, having lowered the folding steps to let her ascend to the cab where Lady Selkirk waited. The paired chestnut horses and gleaming woodwork and brass drew admiring glances from the passersby, some of whom looked curiously at the girl in gingham and straw bonnet getting into it.<br><br>"There we are. And off we go," Lady Amelia said as she rapped on the wall of the carriage and it started away, hooves and wheels clattering on the cobblestones.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The lure of the Old World (OwenNo6 and Beatrice Black)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>OwenNo6</strong> on <strong>22-12-2008, 01:04:14</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Samantha admired the coach as she stepped in, taking in the beautiful craftsmanship.&nbsp; The ride was far more comfortable than the rickety stage coaches back home, more elegant, like something out of a dream.&nbsp; Even the roads were smoother, it seemed, in contrast with the worn and rutted gravel paths in Missouri.&nbsp; London itself was like a dream, spectacular to behold, amazing to experience.&nbsp; She bit her lower lip, staring wide eyed at the scenery about them as they traveled through the streets toward Lady Selkirk's residence.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The lure of the Old World (OwenNo6 and Beatrice Black)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Beatrice Black</strong> on <strong>22-12-2008, 01:17:47</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				As the ride continued, Lady Amelia inspected Samantha as the girl's eyes were away looking through the window. "Tell me, my dear, what other accomplishments have you, beside your pleasingly nimble little hands? Do you read and write? Can you sing? Dance?"
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The lure of the Old World (OwenNo6 and Beatrice Black)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>OwenNo6</strong> on <strong>22-12-2008, 01:44:58</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Her attention was drawn back to Lady Selkirk, and she looked thoughtful for a moment before answering.&nbsp; "Oh certainly, I did sing in the choir in church, though that was some time ago," she smiled.&nbsp; "Well my parents, when they were still around," she added with a soft tone of regret, "they made sure that we all learned reading and writing as well as arithmatic and handling money.&nbsp; They were quite strict in dealing with our studies at home.&nbsp; Most of us kids only attended school until we were about twelve years old, after that, my mother needed our help around the home.&nbsp; I was the youngest, so all the others have long since grown up and moved away to their own families when I came of age."&nbsp; She realized that she was rambling and blushed softly, "Oh really, I shouldn't bore you with so much."&nbsp; She laughed quietly, "As far as dancing is concerned, my mother always said that I was born with two left feet."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The lure of the Old World (OwenNo6 and Beatrice Black)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Beatrice Black</strong> on <strong>22-12-2008, 01:50:41</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"A pity, I do like a girl who can dance. Still, if you can hold a tune, that is assuredly something of value." The lady smiled slightly as she admired the girl's face in thoughtful repose. "What ambitions have you? Something must have drawn you here."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The lure of the Old World (OwenNo6 and Beatrice Black)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>OwenNo6</strong> on <strong>22-12-2008, 03:01:51</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"Hmmm," she thought for a moment before answering the question about her ambitions.&nbsp; Suddenly, a playful smile crossed her lips as she replied, "To learn to dance."&nbsp; She grinned at the joke before taking on a more serious tone, "Oh, I suppose my aspirations lie along the lines of the typical; find a man, settle down, own land, have children.&nbsp; Sounds so banal though at times."&nbsp; She smiled, letting an independant tone slip past her lips, "I suppose such a fancy is what is to be expected though, hmmm?"
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The lure of the Old World (OwenNo6 and Beatrice Black)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Beatrice Black</strong> on <strong>22-12-2008, 22:42:57</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"I suppose it is. And certainly a desire to prosper, and for family, are quite natural." Lady Amelia smiled to herself. "But as you say, they are not the be-all and end-all of life."<br><br>Her gaze lowered, tracking across the length of Samantha's legs. "And we shall certainly have you learn to dance, my dear. Such a slender figure is not to be wasted."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The lure of the Old World (OwenNo6 and Beatrice Black)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>OwenNo6</strong> on <strong>23-12-2008, 07:30:18</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				She blushed softly at the compliment, "Why, thank you for saying so, Amelia.&nbsp; I really would love to dance..."&nbsp; Her voice trailed off as she bit her lower lip gently.&nbsp; She couldn't help but wonder what Amelia was thinking as her eyes traveled up Samantha's leg, but she quickly dismissed such notions as preposterous.&nbsp; Certainly a refined lady like Lady Selkirk did not entertain such thoughts, as she was married, let alone of another woman!&nbsp; She took the compliment at face value, smiling again as she fancied learning to dance proper.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The lure of the Old World (OwenNo6 and Beatrice Black)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Beatrice Black</strong> on <strong>25-12-2008, 00:05:13</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"You hesitated a moment, my dear. What thought was it that creased your pretty brow?"<br><br>As Lady Amelia raised her eyebrows questioningly, the carriage slowed. "Ah. It seems that we have arrived."<br><br>Blake unfolded the steps and opened the door, taking Lady Amelia's hand to help her down, then she turned and took Samantha's, holding it a moment as she stood before the steps up to the grand entrance of a manor house (http://www.luxuryportfolio.com/photos/property/full/861658_12528_14.jpg).<br><br>A butler opened the double doors, bowing to Amelia as she glided towards the first step. She smiled to Samantha.<br><br>"Welcome to Selkirk Downs, Miss Waterman. Cross the threshold, do..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The lure of the Old World (OwenNo6 and Beatrice Black)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>OwenNo6</strong> on <strong>13-01-2009, 02:29:46</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Samantha blushed slightly at the question, unsure of what to say.&nbsp; She certainly did not wish to risk offending her hostess with such a comment.&nbsp; Thankfully, they soon arrived at the capacious manor and she was helped out of the carriage by a servant.&nbsp; She had never seen so grand a home in her modest life.&nbsp; <br><br>"Why, it's gorgeous, Amelia..." she gasped in delight as her eyes took in every detail of the fine wood work and the decor of the large estate.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The lure of the Old World (OwenNo6 and Beatrice Black)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Beatrice Black</strong> on <strong>15-01-2009, 00:42:22</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"We try," Lady Amelia replied with a self-deprecating smile as she lead the girl through the oak panelled hall. "Now, the servants' quarters are to the rear of the house - there are ways such that they need never cross my path. But I've no doubt that you are weary from your long sojourn." She waved nonchalantly, and the butler approached. "Have Miss Waterman's things brought up to guest room two. And have someone draw a bath for her as well."<br><br>The butler nodded, spun on his heel and walked off. <br><br>Lady Selkirk turned to Samantha and smiled. "Now, follow Jackson, and I shall send a maid in to help you prepare." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The lure of the Old World (OwenNo6 and Beatrice Black)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>OwenNo6</strong> on <strong>27-01-2009, 19:19:12</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"Thank you, Amelia," she beamed.&nbsp; A bath sounded perfect just then as she turned to follow the butler.&nbsp; Then she realized that a maid was being sent to help her prepare... for the bath?&nbsp; She wondered as she followed Jackson just how lavish a life the Lady Selkirk lived; obviously lavish enough to afford a maid to tend to a seamstress.&nbsp; This was going to be a grand time, indeed.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The lure of the Old World (OwenNo6 and Beatrice Black)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Beatrice Black</strong> on <strong>29-01-2009, 20:34:10</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				The house was large, and all that she saw was as well-appointed as the front in like style. <br><br>Jackson opened the door of what looked to be a guest suite, large as Samantha's parents' bedroom, with a queen-sized bed clothed in white linens and a substantial wardrobe at one wall. Walking across the wine carpeted floor, he opened a second door to reveal a bathroom large as Samantha's own room.<br><br>"The maid shall be along presently to help you undress."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The lure of the Old World (OwenNo6 and Beatrice Black)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>OwenNo6</strong> on <strong>30-01-2009, 01:32:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Samantha stared with parted lips at the panarama of elegence; it was all so surreal.&nbsp; She was going to inhabit that room, that very beautifully adorned room.&nbsp; She thought for a moment that she must have fallen off the gang plank of the steamboat, knocked herself out when she landed, and was merely dreaming of such a lavish room all to herself.<br><br>She nodded absently to Jackson with a soft, "Th- thank you, Jackson."&nbsp; After he left the room, her mind finally caught up to his remark about a maid helping her undress, "Sure... wait, what?"&nbsp; She blinked; was she really going to be treated like such royalty?
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The lure of the Old World (OwenNo6 and Beatrice Black)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Beatrice Black</strong> on <strong>31-01-2009, 12:43:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				For the moment, she was alone in the chamber. A window afforded a view of a well-tended garden, lined with tall spruce trees, trimmed to be almost identical, in which birds sat and sang.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The lure of the Old World (OwenNo6 and Beatrice Black)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>OwenNo6</strong> on <strong>03-02-2009, 02:33:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Samantha looked out at the well kept gardens with a smile.&nbsp; It was lush, moreso than anything her family owed in the States, but still, it reminded her somewhat of home, bringing a warmth to her spirit for the first time since she embarked on her journey across the Atlantic.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The lure of the Old World (OwenNo6 and Beatrice Black)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Beatrice Black</strong> on <strong>03-02-2009, 19:56:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As she considered it, the main door of the bedroom opened behind her. <br><br>A girl near her own age, wearing a grey pinstripe dress with a frilled pinafore and mob cap, curtseyed as she turned. "Beggin' your pardon, Miss, I'm here to ready you for your bath?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The lure of the Old World (OwenNo6 and Beatrice Black)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>OwenNo6</strong> on <strong>05-02-2009, 22:36:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Samantha turned, almost startled, at the sound of her voice.&nbsp; She had been so lost in her thoughts that she had not heard the door open.&nbsp; "Oh!&nbsp; I mean, thank you."&nbsp; She started toward the girl a bit nervously, "I must inquire, why does a person need help preparing for a bath here?&nbsp; I know that must sound silly, it is just that I am not quite used to such lavish treatment."&nbsp; It wasn't as though she had anything to be embarrassed about, being undressed by another woman, it was simply a custom to which she was not accustomed.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The lure of the Old World (OwenNo6 and Beatrice Black)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Beatrice Black</strong> on <strong>09-02-2009, 23:50:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Oh, well Miss, you are to be looked after as a guest of good standing, per Lady Selkirk's instructions. I am also to measure you what you may wear while staying on the premises. So if I may?" The maid approached, gesturing towards the top button of Samantha's blouse.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The lure of the Old World (OwenNo6 and Beatrice Black)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>OwenNo6</strong> on <strong>10-02-2009, 01:59:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Oh," she nodded, hiding what little nervousness she had, "yes of course."&nbsp; She smiled, "So kind of Lady Selkirk to allow me into her home and treat me so well... it is almost like being with family again."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The lure of the Old World (OwenNo6 and Beatrice Black)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Beatrice Black</strong> on <strong>12-02-2009, 19:58:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The maid nodded. "She is a very kind mistress," she agreed as she sat Samantha down and helped her pull off her boots, inspecting them quickly before setting them neatly aside. "Take off your coat and I shall help with your stays, Miss."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The lure of the Old World (OwenNo6 and Beatrice Black)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>OwenNo6</strong> on <strong>12-02-2009, 22:01:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Certainly," Samantha replied, standing to remove the coat and looking for an appropriate place from which to hang it.&nbsp; She was still quite amazed at the beauty of the decor of the house, especially of her room.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The lure of the Old World (OwenNo6 and Beatrice Black)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Beatrice Black</strong> on <strong>16-02-2009, 19:43:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The maid placed Samantha's coat on a rack behind the door, then waited until she had unbuttoned her top before sliding the sleeves away from her arms, exposing her underthings. Walking around Samantha, she untied the lacing of her corset and began to loosen the stays.<br><br>"You have lovely hair, Miss," she noted as Samantha moved it out of the way.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The lure of the Old World (OwenNo6 and Beatrice Black)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>OwenNo6</strong> on <strong>17-02-2009, 05:27:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She held her hair back and out of the way.&nbsp; "Thank you," she smiled at the compliment as she breathed a deep sigh of relief at the freedom from the prison of her corset.&nbsp; She stretched then, briefly massaging the formerly confined flesh as though trying to get blood circulated through her body again.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The lure of the Old World (OwenNo6 and Beatrice Black)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Beatrice Black</strong> on <strong>18-02-2009, 21:51:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"And a fine figure as well. A pleasure to see a young lady accustomed to proper underthings." The maid examined the corset a moment, then ran a ribbon measuring tape around Samantha's waist, pulled it in and nodded, making a note in her chapbook. "Now then, let's get you out of those drawers."
			</dd>
		</dl>
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