Thread: The Perplex Parcel Pursuit Project (darkangel76 p Lotherio)

Charlotte waited patiently for Mathieus reactions. With great attention, she watched him as he sipped at the tea. His expression was rather curious and left much to her imagination. She couldnt help but wonder just what it was he was thinking in that moment, that moment where the steamy hot liquid riddled with intense and pleasing flavors touched his tongue and began to fill his mouth and tease his taste buds. If she had to guess, shed dare say he enjoyed it most immensely. Perhaps even more than she just had. Then again, this man was a connoisseur, her tutor. A master when it came to exotic teas. Delighting in the way Mathieus eyes fluttered and lips twitched, Charlotte found her own lips quirking up into a small smile. Her cheeks turned rosy once more and another wave of heat washed over her. As it did, she shifted her stance yet again, interestingly moving even closer to her new tutor. It was then that this intriguing man began to speak, answering her questions most profoundly, firming up her thoughts and solidifying her view of him forever. Charlotte was just about to reply, let Mathieu that shed very much enjoy another session, perhaps one a bit more private when Lady Granville. That voice. Charlotte knew it all too well. James had finally found her. Her fairytale was over. Shed never see her tutor again. All hopes, once again, dashed and forced to flit out the window and over the ocean like the fickle breezes blowing through the tea shoppe. Charlotte let out a tiny sigh and gave Mathieu a most expressive look, one of sorrow and apology. More than anything she wished to resume conversation, finish what theyd started. Though something in the back of her mind had said there was much more between them than tea. But what? Swallowing, she gave Mathieu a low curtsy. She hoped it irritated James as that was her intent. Her curtsy low and almost improper as she gave the man a perfect view of her body, making it clear that she approved of his admiration and flirtation, if that was what hed been doing. It was nice to dream, if even only for a little while Perhaps not today, Charlotte replied as she finally stood upright once more. She gave James a glare of distaste and turned her eyes back to Mathieu. She moved so that he could glimpse her ankles if he so chose, making sure that James would notice it. She was angry, frustrated. She wanted to continue her game. Though I very much enjoyed our first session, she then added. Taking care to say first so as to let her tutor know that she wished for another. Hoped for another. But, Im afraid I must take my leave of you now. She gestured toward James and gave him a coy smile. Curtsying once more, she said, Good day, kind sir. At that, Charlotte turned and walked toward the tea shoppes front door, making sure to sway a bit as she walked in hopes of getting Mathieu to glance at her one last time before they parted. It had been fun pretending the man pined from afar, pretending that theyd meet again. Curse her over protective parents! Curse James! That was a silly thing to do, Miss Granville, James mumbled the moment he and Charlotte were outside and away from listening ears. Was it? Charlotte asked, though it was hardly a question. It was. You placed yourself in needless danger and I wont have you risking yourself in such a reckless fashion. Charlotte stopped the moment James finished his words. Turning around to face the large man, she narrowed her eyes and scowled. James. You may be my escort, my parents idea of a chaperone, but you do not control me. She was furious, her eyes glittering with anger. I will make my own choices. You were distasteful, improper Its not your place to tell me how to be or act. I will do as I choose. But that man Was the most sincere and handsome gentleman Ive ever engaged in conversation with. I do hope I see him again. Charlottes face had flushed, her anger making her chest heave and heart race. You wont, James grumbled. We shall see, Charlotte retorted. At that, she turned away from James and began walking away from the harbor, the wonderful salty air and, of course, her Mr. De La Motte.