Thread: Au-delà du Temps: Beyond Time (LeatrixSage x SacrlettRose)

Wessex contently listened to her barrage on. He nodded here and there as he looked like he was paying attention but his mind had shifted on the details of his departure of the continent. To be quite honest, he was rather looking forward to going home. Seeing old friends and colleagues alike. He also supposed he should check on his properties and finances though he had good men in place to deal with all that for him who he paid a good wage. There was also his older sister who he'd have to visit and get an earful from her regarding his responsibilities towards the title and the family name and blah, blah, blah. Oh and of course, he forget his little ward who lived on his massive estate with nothing but the servants and her governess for company. Roarke was just about to ask for Addie's advice on the matter when he felt himself tipping backwards. Whoa! He rolled back reflexively and came to a standing position. A curious look on his face as he considered just what had happened. He straightened his lapels with an arched brow at Adelaide. Indeed. He said with a slight nod of his head. Good thing he had the special ability to record in his mind all that was being said without really listening to what was being said. As he stared at her he processed her words into information that made sense. Slowly he walked around the upturned lounge until he was stood a foot away from her. With his foot on one of the lounge legs, he tipped the furniture back into position. See Addie, The Marquess addressed her informally as she seemed to want to be addressed. Whatever I think about you, is of very little consequence. I assure you. Certainly, my sister would agree with you on you perception of me - a prat - as you say. He grinned at her, before he swept her in one movement onto the lounge. He had the beautiful vixen on her back, with her hands captured above her head by one of his own. He couldn't help but take in the splendour of her features. She was rather ethereal but her temperament was as fiery as Hera in her vengeance which seemed to be swift. Rather than annoyed he found it amusing. It was hardly possible to catch him off guard. But this peppery little firepot had managed it. His own fault, Roarke supposed. Now, my dear. He told her off like he was telling of his young ward and he had a strong feeling it would only infuriate her more and for some sick perverse reason he was rather enjoying her outbursts. If you can't keep your hands to yourself, I'll have to keep them in my safe keeping. He told her with an impish glee from over her. They were but a breath or two apart as he loomed over her strong, wicked and all encompassing. As for you being a lady of the night. Roarke informed her. Let's not insult either of our intelligence. You think I wouldn't know whore when I saw one? He bestowed and indulgent smile upon her. So let's not even go there. Your time isn't cheap you say but let me counter with this, though it's not an option mon cher, where exactly would you go? Do you have finances? non je ne pense pas. Do you have anywhere to stay? Just think about all that for a moment. Life is harsh for a man with nothing and my dear, I assure you I will make it impossible for there to be any doors open for you. Tu vois? Was he cruel enough to do that? Most certainly. She was a spy. I know all I need to know about you for now. You are a criminal in my eyes and the eyes of British Law. Aiding a war where thousands upon thousands of innocents are slaughtered for the ego of one very small man. And his cronies. He spat rather coldly. It was clear he felt strongly about the cause he fought for. Lord Wessex might have been a man of loose personal morals but he was a man of just cause and justice. He risked his life everyday since the age of eighteen so others who could not defend themselves could be free, have liberty and the freedom to forge any life they wished. As for you promise Addie. He began calming down some, her name rolling of his tongue seductively. You don't need to worry about that sweetheart. I already told you you're not staying here. You'll love England. He grinned before swooping down and capturing her plump lips - t hat had been tempting him since he set eyes upon them - in a passionate embrace. In the next moment, he had swept back and left the room like the whirlwind he was. Leaving Addie to ponder what had just happened. It could not have been more than ten minutes when there was a knock on the library door where Adelaide was left. An old servant with grey silvery hair knotted in a bun above her head entered without waiting for permission for admission by Addie. She was a portly old thing with a kind smile Bonjour Mademoiselle. She said cheerily laying a tea tray down with titbits in front of Adelaide before continuing in French. I am Annette Madam. My Lord was concerned that you have not eaten anything and asked me to bring up a tray for you Madam. She continued while she went about laying a fine napkin in Addie's lap and pouting out the tea. You are not English yes? Annette went on without waiting for a reply from Addie. They have such strange customs. My Lord says tea when he means dinner and such! Of course, I am used to him by now but some of the younger servants they can find themselves clueless when he asks for something. She smiled sweetly at Addie, her crooked eye taking in the state of Addie's dress but her Lord had assured the servant that the unconscious woman he had bought home was not a lady of the night though her attire left much to be desired in state of etiquette. You are to be our guest until My Lord Wessex departs for Poland. Annette went on, not knowing the true location of their journey. It was safer for everybody that way. Ah! There was a knock at the door as a much younger maid with red hair knocked and came in at the beckoning of the older woman. Entrer dans! Mon Dieu! Annette exclaimed reaching out for the content in the young maids hands as she came to a stop before her. These are some of the dresses - unworn of course. The maid assured Addie. That My Lord asked me to get out for you. I thought you might want to see them now. She smiled like an proud mother. They would look so fine on you. My Lord Wessex always has had good taste. He had bought this for one of his . . . close friends but then he disappears and these things get left before they can be enjoyed. Ouf! He is so erratic! That man cannot stay in one place for too long. It's like he gets ants in his pants and he'll storm in without warning. Without giving us time to prepare for his return. Annette liked complaining about her master, though he was a kind, fair employer although he was English but that could be overlooked in her opinion for the exceptional wage he paid her and the fact that she and her mother and grandmother before her had served the French side of Lord Wessex's family for well over a century. As head maid to this household, Annette had some authority and had never been to kindly with her Master's paramours and the dubious ladies he bought home. Except this one . . . It was so very odd how she was not to share his bed. In fact, it was a first! And that was the reason Annette took more of an interest in Addie. She had a feeling that this scantly dressed woman may end up being more than a guest at Chateau De Lacey. In fact, Annette planned of asking all the important questions to Mademoiselle Adelaide once they were on more friendlier terms. Oh but don't get me wrong Madam. I simply mean to say he is like any man. Her accent thick and her french denoted she was a Parisian through and through. My Lord is a good, kind master but he is a man and we must forgive him his gender. She laughed making jest. Oh! Look at me prattling on! Annette with the flick of her wrist shooed the young maid off, seeing no need for her anymore as she planned on taking the dress the Madam chose for tomorrow up by herself to ready for the morrow. I forgot to ask, that is my Lord asked me to ask you that if he should fetch the seamstress tomorrow if you should be so kind to pick some silks and fripperies and such that you should think are la mode that a seven year old girl would like? And of course something for yourself should you so chose . . . Shall I tell my Lord to send for the Seamstress tomorrow Madam?