The adventures of Lady Lainia Lombardi : Part one
Blinking softly at the light streaming through the slightly open window, she opened her eyes and looked around. Taking in the familiar, luxurious room, her nostrils were filled with the scent of fresh wildflowers. The one addition to the room that was hers alone.
"Good morning, My Lady. It is a beautiful day." The personal maid, Marie, was as cheerful as ever.
"Morning Marie," I answered tiredly, "Has his Lordship left?"
Marie turned from collecting the clothes and sheets that were strewn around the room as if we had been hit by a mini tornado. "Yes, your Ladyship; he left an hour ago." She was blushing as she continued to clean the mess my husband had made of my bedroom.
I sighed and lay back for a moment, taking a sip from the glass of water next to me. I began slowly sliding my hands over my sore body, counting the tiny fingerprint bruises covering my pale skin.
"Prepare my bath Marie, a little hotter this morning please." I winced as I stood and walked to the window so that I could watch the gardens below being carefully tended by our groundskeeper. He looked up, and I quickly looked away. It wouldn't do to be seen staring at the staff, especially a handsome male one.
"My Lady, you bath is prepared." Marie's voice broke my reverie, and I followed her to the bathroom. Slowly she helped me remove the remains of my lace nightgown. I sighed looking at the once beautiful garment, shaking my head at the state of it now. He had almost torn it in half last night. My husband was an eager man. We both knew our marriage was a matter of politics; but he needed an heir as soon as possible, and I prayed he would get it while staring at the marks and handprints all over my porcelain skin.
I stepped in the bath, closed my eyes, and relaxed into the hot water. Resting still while my Marie washed my hair and skin. Finally, it was time to dress and face the world. Marie had considerately brought out a conservative, blush pink gown that would easily hide any marks that may slip past the sleeves.
I headed down to the dining room, finding only my young brother-in-law sitting quietly drinking a coffee. "Good morning brother," I said cheerfully, as if I was the happiest woman in the world. He looked up from his book and smiled shyly, "Good morning sister-in-law." I shook my head a little and took my seat. And so the day continued, dealing with all the duties a good wife will handle, only once catching a glimpse of my elusive husband as he strode past on his way in before locking himself in his study.
And so, it continued. Day after day, night after night. From elusive and distant to wild and passionate, almost animalistic. Until the morning came when my courses were late. The maids rushed out of the room in a tizzy, and I saw nothing of my wild, distant husband again. Not until our son was born, safe and well. He entered the room and thanked me, handed me a gift of jewels, and then left. I hear he visits the nursery often, but he is careful to avoid my sight.
On the bright spring morning I sit watching the gentle breeze send the delicate petals swirling, I sigh, looking to the distance where my 2-year-old son is being twirled in the air by his normally reserved father, my husband, in name only it seems. I long to go join them, to see the joy on my boy's face closer and clear. However, I know that would only result in the end of his fun if I am even noticed.
Moving off to the fruit orchards, I watch our groundskeeper as he tends the young trees. He looks over and catches me starting. I blush as he is a handsome man, easily as attractive as my errant Lord. I straighten my dress as he slowly walks over.
"Good afternoon My Lady," he bows deeply, respectful as always though with a mysterious twinkle in his eyes. "Would you like me to show you how the orchard is progressing?"
Ignoring his lingering glance on my warmed cheeks, I calmly nodded my agreement.
"This way then My Lady." He lets out a smile laugh under his breath, fully aware that he is responsible for my quiet blushing.
As we walk through the secluded orchard, I notice a variety of tress from saplings to full grown and laden with fruit and leaves. I can't help but smile in wonder at the change in their appearance. "You have worked magic Mr. Smith; I am truly astonished." I slide my hand over the soft trunk of a blossoming apple tree, feeling every line and vein of the soft bark.
Jim Smith bows again, his eyes lingering as they pass the neckline of my dress. "I am lucky enough to have a way with flora My Lady; the flowers and trees do just seem to blossom to my touch."
I blink a little at the seductiveness of his tone and look around to find we are completely alone. He steps a little closer towards me and reaches out a hand, "May I? My Lady." he asks, his hand gesturing towards my hair. I cannot trust my voice as I nod uncertainly. He reaches out and ever too gently lifts a leaf from my silky red hair before tucking a beautiful pink rose into it. His large hands brush my cheek as he moves.
I look up at him, my large blue eyes shiny and nervous. "Jim, you, you, shouldn't" I whisper, his face still so close to mine. He looks deep into my eyes, "I know, my Lady. Tell me to stop, and I will."
My breath catches as his hand moves to my waist, "I.... Jim....Please" I can't say, I know it and he knows it. As he lifts his face to mine, his lips brush againt mine as fleetingly and softly as a butterfly.
"My Lady, My LADY, where are you?" We are shaken from our shock by the voice of my maid searching for me. Jim pulls away, nonchalantly as if nothing had happened. I straighten my dress and fan my glowing cheeks, turning away to look at the tree behind me.
"I am here Marie," I call calmly as soon as I can trust my words to come with my usual perfect poise. "I've been checking the fruit orchards' improvement." Marie comes into sight, smiling with relief as she sees me safe and well. Though what she expects to happen in my own home, I have no idea. Jim nods politely to her, and she smiles back, unaware of the residual tension in the air.
"I trust you are fully satisfied with my work, My Lady?" Jim looks at me, a small smile playing around his lips, "If I can be of service anywhere else my Lady, just send for me. I have a magic touch with ALL flowers. Especially those that have been sorely neglected."
I start and try to keep my head, knowing just what kind of flower he is referring to. "I thank you Master Smith. I shall bear that in mind."
"Oh, I know you will My Lady." he whispers as I walk past, ensuring Marie has no idea of his words. He laughs lightly as I stumble at his words.
Marie reaches to take my arm, "My Lady are you quite well?" She fusses, clueless as usual.
"Yes, Marie, I am perfectly well. Just a little...tired. Come let's head back inside."
I nod shyly at Jim and walk towards the house without daring to look back, feeling his hot eyes following me.
The air is unseasonably warm as I watch the coach drive away. My husband is taking our son to visit his sister. I look back at the large house and think of how to spend my rare day of freedom. Walking through the rooms, wallowing in the silence, before stopping in the library and picking out a favourite. I headed to the gardens, my private sanctuary. Settling myself on a seat made from the living tree, I send Marie away after a few hours of her bothering me with well-meant attentions.
I find myself dosing slightly and startle at the sound of shears tending the flowers surrounding me. I look up to see him leaning over the flower bushes, humming and trimming. His muscles rippling under the thin fabric on his strong back. I sit up trying not to make a sound.
He looks around and smirks at my discomfort, "I'm sorry My Lady, did I disturb you?" he asks with respect and concern in his voice. The dangerous glint in his eye suggesting otherwise. "I am just trying to ensure all the estate's flowers are well tended."
I quietly clear my throat, "Yes, of course. Don't let me stand in the way of your duty." I smooth down my dress as I have been displaying a large section of my legs. I blush as I look up to him, seeing in his eyes that he has noticed as well.
