by Diana Steele
Dorian gives Faith some prep work to do for the afternoon to learn the time period better and get comfortable with the finer aspects of Western Victorian culture. He also orients her in the kitchen and the daily chores, like taking care of the chickens and collecting eggs. This first encounter was amusing for Dorian, Faith had never seen a chicken before it proved to be a bit of a shock to her.
Dorian prepares a backstory for Faith to ensure that her true origins are not discovered. He puts it out around town that she is his distant cousin visiting from New York. This is a somewhat solid cover story to keep people from asking too many questions that would trip Faith up. In the mornings, they review who lives in the town, what the streets are called and the layout of the place so Faith can get an idea of where things are and who she needs to interact with.
In the afternoon Dorian tries to orient Faith to the ways of Victorian times and how his different inventions work. Her favorite time is their afternoon sessions when she gets to spend time with Dorian in his workshop. There Dorian is the most vibrant his eyes just seem to light up and his smile never leaves his face. One afternoon looking at him, Faith gets up the courage to ask him a question she has been dying to ask.
“Will you sit for me? I would like to sketch your likeness,” Faith had been with him a few days before she made the decision to ask him. After she did though, she knew it was the right time.
“I would be honored. When would you like to begin?”
“How about right now? You can sit at your desk in the study if you like.”
“That is a capital idea. I believe the light will be just right as well if we open the curtains.”
“How would you know about lighting?”
“My mother was an amateur artist and she would often use the study for the light. She claimed it was the best light in the house. I think she just wanted to see if Father would put up a fuss, he never did. He respected my mother and the strong-willed woman that she was. Shall I sit here?”
“Yes, that will be fine. Just give me a moment to capture your face in this light and then you can speak again.”
Dorian was more than happy to simply observe Faith at work. The resulting portrait reflected a man he had seen before. Faith had managed to capture his father in his face without ever having seen him. Her skill surpassed anything he could have imagined.
“Would you consent to help me put to paper the designs that are in my head. I am not as talented as you and would welcome any assistance you care to provide.”
“I would love to help.”
He also wanted to introduce her to the things he enjoyed doing growing up. Dorian took pride in the horses that he and his father had raised together. He and Faith would take them out almost every morning.
Faith took well to riding and seemed to be a natural. She especially enjoyed the fact that she got to wear Dorian’s mother's riding suits. The outfit was very attractive on her and just made her feel regal on back of the horse.
They spent hours galloping through the orchards in the countryside and they had picnics by the river behind the workshop. Faith showed Dorian what he could do to make things easier around the house. She helped him implement a few hydro-powered mechanisms for the house but, more importantly, in the workshop.
He also wants to introduce her to the things he enjoyed growing up. Dorian has always taken pride in the horses that he and his father raised together. He and Faith take them out almost every morning.
Faith takes well to riding and seems to be a natural. She especially enjoys the fact that she gets to wear Dorian’s mother’s riding suits. The outfit is very attractive on her and just makes her feel regal on the back of the horse.
They spend hours galloping through the orchards and countryside and have picnics by the river behind the workshop. Faith shows Dorian what he can do to make things easier around the house. She helps him implement a few hydro-powered mechanisms for the house but, more importantly, in the workshop.
As the days go by, Faith is finding that she is torn between both worlds. On the one hand, she misses her friends and the conveniences of her time but here with Dorian, she has grown to appreciate the life she had never known was possible before she was transported. Not just the trees and the animals in the clean air which of course are big draws in the decision making process, but also a growing appreciation for the people that live here.
She’s gotten to know some of the children that live in town and she knows that if she stays, she can make a life in this time. She hasn’t decided yet if Dorian is the one she wants to make a life with. She has been thinking that maybe after they complete their mission that maybe she could go off on her own maybe go to New York. She would love to explore the country that had been devastated by war and famine and no longer existed in her time.
Her drawing book is almost full. She’s going to have to find a new one. Hopefully, she will be able to get one down at the store in town.
At one point, Faith laments to Dorian that she misses showers. He then insists that she describe it to him. Within a day, Dorian has made something up for her outside the house so that she can have water pouring over her head. It is a makeshift device, but gets the job done.
Dorian has been filling his journals while Faith has been filling her sketchbook. The journals are full of how his feelings for Faith are changing, evolving, and growing. He hopes she feels the same way toward him but he doesn’t think that she’s gotten there yet. Right now, he just feels like he’s a means to an end for her, which is acceptable. At some point, he knows or is convinced that she'll change her mind about what they could have together.
The days are getting shorter and colder now. Dorian is beginning to prepare for winter along with everyone in town. Stockpiling their supplies and ensuring their stores are full. While the winters in Durango aren't nearly as bad as Northern Colorado, they still can be quite harsh.
With the advent of winter, Dorian and Faith both realize that anything they have planned will most likely have to wait until spring. They have started laying the groundwork by having Faith go into town and be in the shops. It has been important for her to be seen and try to draw some attention to herself without being completely out there and forward.
Her Victorian lady lessons have paid off and she’s done a good job of portraying herself as a well-respected lady. Her appearance in and around town has drawn the attention of the gang and more importantly the leader, Lucas. There are not many new women that come to town that are not married too young or are already otherwise engaged in pleasure houses. Faith is now a novelty and Lucas is very interested to find out where she’s from, what her purpose is, and when she will come to see him.
In this town, everyone who passes through at some point has to see Lucas. That is just the way things are. Dorian and Faith hope that at some point he will get frustrated and will seek her out. For this reason, Dorian is putting it out around town that Faith is living alone in a house that happens to be next door to Dorian’s home. It was initially intended for him until both of his parents passed away. Essentially, they are using Faith like bait. Greedy men always expose themselves for beautiful women. Dorian and Faith plane to take advantage of this particular weakness.
“When are we going to spring the trap,” Faith asks impatiently after a week of plotting.
“I’m unsure as of yet.”
“Well we need to think of something soon, or Lucas will make the first move. He was particularly forward with me yesterday in town and I would feel better if I knew what we were doing.”
“There is a Harvest Celebration at the close of this week that may be the perfect time to truly begin the seduction. Yes, it may just be.”
“What is the Harvest Celebration?”
“Every year, we come together as a community to celebrate and give thanks for the bounty we have been provided for winter. There is dancing, feasting, and music.”
“It sounds lovely.”
“Lucas will surely be there with his henchme
n and that will be an opportune time to get the information we need from him. I am afraid, though, that you will be the means of obtaining this information.” At first Faith was opposed to the idea of being bait. She thought it was degrading and while it was, she has come to terms that it exploits the biggest advantage they have over Lucas. Based on his past exploits, the fact that Faith is a beautiful, graceful, and mysterious new plaything will prove to be irresistible.
Faith has started to feel as though this or something like it had always been in her fantasies; that she would have a hand in taking down a bad guy by using her sumptuous attributes. It is kind of gratifying in an erotic, freeing sort of way.
“Do you think I can do it? I am not even sure how to act,” Faith says doubtfully.
“Just follow your instincts and you will do wonderfully. We will select your garments carefully and that will help you feel the moment. If you are dressed the part then generally the rest will follow. Think of it as playacting, the whole party is the stage and the other guests are the players. If you would like, we could practice a little.”
In her time, the way things were designed by the acting government, lust and attraction didn't really have anything to do with human sexuality it was just for procreation and an activity to keep people occupied. Here while it’s still about procreation and something to do especially during the winter (or so she hoped) there is an art form to it as well.
“Maybe we should practice a little, can we get into costume?”
“Of course, if that would make you feel more comfortable. I believe my mother had a gown that will do nicely.” He goes to the closet in the study and sifts through until he finds what he is looking for.
“Ah yes, here it is.” He holds up a stunning and well-cut gray dress with black piping.
“Let’s see how it fits you. Well that does fit nicely doesn’t it? Even better than I had hoped.” The neckline plunges down daringly and coupled with the corset, her breasts are all but falling out.
“It is stunning,” Faith says quietly as she looks in the dressing mirror. She knew she was pretty but in this gown she feels gorgeous and sexy.
“I know what you mean now about wearing the right attire. I feel like I could walk into a room and be the only woman in it with every eye on me.”
“You will be, Faith, I assure you. No man would be able to resist you. I know I can’t. Do you know how to dance?”
“Not the way you dance here.”
“Would you like to learn a little? It would help if you knew a little. Being from the city you may be able to sit out of the more country dances, but you will be in high demand as a dance partner.”
“There isn’t any music.”
“We don’t require any. I have the rhythm by heart.” With that, Dorian takes her hand and pulls her into him. This is the closest they have been since that first night and it takes Faith by surprise. Faith had made it clear that nothing like that would happen again and Dorian has been sleeping on the settee in the study ever since.
“The hardest part of being the female partner is learning to let go and be led. This is something you will need to work on. Lucas likes his women somewhat pliable and you will confuse many a partner by dancing like that. You should float across the floor almost as if I am carrying you like a doll.”
“Why would women want that,” she asks dumbfounded.
“That isn’t really the point; it is just how it’s done. The man leads and the woman follows.”
Faith initially grinds her teeth every time he tugs her in one direction or another, but soon she finds the rhythm with him and begins to enjoy herself.
“I believe that is enough dance instruction for the evening.”
“Already? Couldn’t we dance a little more?”
“Are you sure? You aren’t too tired?”
Faith is far from tired. Despite her earlier convictions she is beginning to weaken with lust toward Dorian.
“Yes,” she says as she firmly plants his hand on her lower back.
Dorian has been waiting for her to make the next move and follows her lead. The tension between them is palpable. Faith realizes somewhere in her mind that Dorian won’t go any further without her prompting him. She wavers a moment before making her decision.
“Will you kiss me?” she asks softly looking up at him. In reply, he gently lowers his lips to her lips and slowly kisses her. She kisses him back with an urgency she didn’t feel before.
“Help me with my dress?”
“Of course, turn round for me. There, now let’s get those laces undone.”
Faith shrugs her shoulders out of it and the dress drops her ankles. Removing the corset and bustle, Faith is left in her camisole and drawers.
“May I remove your coat Doctor Dorian?” Faith reaches up to Dorian’s shoulders and helps him take off his lab coat.
“Now let’s see about these pants.” She undoes the laces of his pants and gently slides them down over his hips kneeling down as she does so. He steps out of them gently and playfully kicks them away. His shirt is so long that it actually covers him front and back.
“I think we’re going to try a bit of an experiment,” she says as she slides her hands up his legs. She takes his manhood carefully in her hand places her mouth over him and studiously goes to task.
“My dear, ahh, that is, uuh, wholly unnecessary,” Dorian stammers.
“Do you want me to stop then?”
“Oh, no don’t do that. I just meant that you needn’t.”
“Oh good, then shhhhh,” she says with a giggle.
Dorian is wholly unused to this sort of behavior and only gives Faith a few moments before he grips her by her shoulders and hauls her up to kiss her soundly on the mouth.
“Hey, I wasn’t done with you yet,” Faith says impishly.
“You are now; I can’t restrain myself any longer.” He pushes her back into the settee and removes her remaining garments. He stops for a moment to gaze at her.
“Cat got your tongue?”
“A momentary lapse, I assure you,” he says as he bends his head deftly to her breast and bites her. Any protest from Faith is silenced by his mouth covering hers. He guides himself to her opening and placing his hand behind her stops.
“Are you certain you want this?”
“Yes,” Faith says breathlessly as she lifts her hips and pulls him into her. Moving together in perfect harmony this time, Faith and Dorian climax in union and sink into the settee together, fitting together perfectly.
“I didn’t know it could be like that,” she says breaking the silence.
“How do you mean?”
“Beautiful and harmonious.”
“Ah yes, well it isn’t always like that I don’t think. I would like to think the dancing helped,” Dorian says with a smile.
“You’re right. It has never been like that for me. I bet the dancing did help.”
Dorian is already asleep, though. Faith extricates herself and covers Dorian. She heads upstairs to her own bed with a storm of emotions going through her.
In the morning, things appear to be normal. At least Dorian is trying to act like they are for Faith. He knows that one of her walls came down last night and he doesn’t want to push her too fast.
“So what now, fearless leader,” Faith asks at breakfast.
“I am unsure if I will ever get used to the way you talk.”
“That’s ok. I probably won’t ever get used to how you talk, either. I don’t think I will be here long enough for that.”
Dorian is once again heartbroken. He thought for sure this time something was different. He has to draw a line between them so this doesn’t happen again.
“Oh, well. Then I suppose we should continue in a more professional capacity, wouldn’t you say?”
“I suppose so, yes,” she replies. Inside she is railing at herself for shutting down again. She just can’t help it.
“We should begin our preparations for tomorrow’s festival. Everythin
g needs to be in order before we leave for our evening’s entertainment.” He leaves the table quickly before she can see the hurt show on his face.
“Dorian I’m…” she starts as he walks stiff-backed out of the room, “sorry,” she whispers as she drops her head onto the table berating herself for her callousness.
Faith sits at the table holding her head in her hands for a long time, wondering at the mess she’s in. Deep down, when she’s not lying to herself she knows she’s beginning to have feelings for Dorian – feelings she’s never had for any man. And that, quite frankly, is more terrifying than the idea of seducing the mind-controlling megalomaniac to save the town tomorrow night.
1881 is so much more complicated than 2081.
Timenapped 1881
Book 2
Faith Tempts
Morgana Patrick
Copyright © 2016
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