Thread: A Victorian Tale... Innocence Corrupted (Silvamoon and ThomasWaller)

David spent a fitful night, a night filled with expectation, reflection and anticipation. He realized that he had spent his life devoid of any true intimacy, separated from the town folk by his station, from his school mates by competition and from his family by ambition. This had conspired to make him a serious and sullen young man, inclined to poetry and philosophy. Yet, when he saw his Jo-Jo that very afternoon, a long forgotten joy found his heart. Hers was the only true friendship he had ever experienced. As he tossed in bed and awaited the dawn, he played scenes from their childhood together laying on the banks of the pond whispering childhood secrets, creating pictures with the clouds, laughing at their own fears of the woodland noises. They could and did tell each other everything. He had no idea that Jo-Jo was unaware of his leaving for school. He felt sick to his stomach as he pictured her waiting for him, day after day. How long did she keep coming in expectation? Could she ever forgive him the betrayal even though it was never intended or imagined? He must ask, beg her forgiveness. His thoughts would then turn to the striking creature that she had become and in those instances he longed to take her into his arms. His thoughts and hopes swung back and forth like a pendulum until he thought it suitable to rise, dress and make his way to their pond. He would rather wait there, somehow closer to her already.He propped himself up on their tree, and waited. Eventually, he heard the rustle of leaves and skirts round the bend in the path. He jumped up and ran to meet her. It is singular that two hearts can be pulled by the same intent, the same need, and recognize it in each other without words being spoken. The pair ran at each other upon sighting then embraced and spun in place. It felt as natural as breathing to both of them as did their next action of locking themselves into a passionate kiss. Not the kiss of two long parted school chums but the deep fetching kiss of long and secret lovers. Indeed they did not leave off kissing each other and breathing out each others names for the longest time. Finally, they broke off and held each other at arms length staring into each other's eyes. I cant believe I have found you again my Jo-Jo. We will never allow ourselves to be separated again. I swear it. I swear it. Never again. My dear, dear Jo-Jo. Can you ever forgive me for leaving you without explanation? I had no idea that I was leaving the last time we were together. How long did you?... No I cant think on it. This lead to another bout of soul stirring kisses and embraces. Eventually, they began to walk together, opening up as if no time had passed since they were last together fourteen years ago. Round and round the pond they followed the path yet they were not aware of the tedious route or of anything else but each others company and their professions of love oblivious to the woods that surrounded them. Oblivious also to another set of eyes that observed them continuously. As patient as the lovers themselves Wesley Smithers had followed David into the woods and was delighted to play the voyeur to the intimacy of the reunited lovers. His foul plan was to be easier to execute than he had dared to hope. The mother's were firmly on his side, marriage was a certainty. The Beauchamp family was already in distress and he had only to destroy the Barlowe fortune and enterprises in order to control both David and the delicious Josie Barlowe. He wanted them at his mercy. He watched the pair snuggle and fawn then set off back to the manor. He had letters to write and research to do... Barlowe would have a past. No one climbs as he has climbed without creating some skeletons and, if not Smithers would create them. He was very good at what he did.