Then there was Elisabeth, fresh and new and naïve. She wanted to show her the world she lived in. Shower her with the same affections Robert had graced her with in the beginning of their courtship. She reached for Elisabeth’s hand over the table. “I cannot wait to show you the sites.” She flexed her fingers around Elisabeth’s and smiled.
While the men packed up the items, the two females enjoyed a running game of tag in the field; exercising their legs to fatigue, so that they might not feel the effects of being enclosed in the carriage for the remainder of the journey. Robert shielded his eyes from the glare of the sun and called to them, that it was time to set out once more. Once all occupants were situated, the girl’s cheeks colored by sun, fresh air and exercise, the driver set the wheels into motion. It did not take long for the rocking motion and the lateness of the day to pull the two ladies into comfortable positions on the one velvet seat. Robert sat across from them and watched as they were both soon sound asleep, smiles on their lovely faces, and Elisabeth’s head lying comfortably against Adelaide’s breast.
Robert surveyed the sleeping couple with mixed emotions. It was evident that Elisabeth’s company brought Adelaide joy and that, in turn brought Robert pleasure, but he was not as certain of Elisabeth without Adelaide. His devotion was only to his wife, not her seamstress. As much as Adel would like her to feel she was part of their circle, Robert could not let it pass by that she was not. He would be a fool to make believe as his wife did. They had stations to maintain.
The girl’s breathed in unison, seemingly merged in their slumber. Adelaide so petite and fair flowed into Elisabeth, who was dark haired and olive in skin tone. Behind her eyelids lay dark night sky colored eyes. Her form was broader and her hips wider then Adelaide’s. She was not an unattractive woman, Robert thought any man would be fortunate to marry her, but she was not to his liking. He had become obsessed with his wife’s appearance and all others were flawed in comparison. As much as he desired her only, he knew that in order to keep her, he had to be enamored with what she found pleasurable as well and that meant liking Elisabeth.
The carriage pressed on and he began to smell the familiar salted sea air. They were close to his summer home and his spirits lifted more the closer they got to the summer manor. It was what they needed, he and Adelaide. They had spent several weeks here after they wed and he hoped to regain that feeling once more while they spent the next two weeks together. The driver tapped on the window to alert Robert of their impending arrival.
* * *
Chapter 6
Elisabeth stood in awe of the enormity of the stone house that stood before her. It was three times the size of the homes she knew of in London. “This is your summer home?”
Adelaide laughed. “This is Robert’s summer home. It had been in his family for ages, He spent his boyhood here every summer. Can you imagine?”
Elisabeth could not. She watched as servants carried the steamers and bags into the manor. The ground sprawled out in all directions and the air had the scent of the sea. A breeze tousled her hair and ruffled her skirts and she felt as if she had entered a dream.
“We won’t bother to change for tea, let’s simply wash up and convene in the parlor. I am positive cook has made something scrumptious for our pallets. She makes the most divine morsels. A girl can hardly keep her figure when staying at the summer manor. Isn’t that right Robert?” Adelaide linked her arm through Elisabeth’s and led her up the front steps into the grand foyer.
Inside there was more to absorb, and Elisabeth’s head spun with all the luxury. How could one family have so much? Why would they need it? She watched as Adelaide popped a piece of chocolate into her mouth from a crystal dish that had been placed on the round table at the center of the foyer. “Robert’s mother was always one for sweet treats.” She held the dish out for Elisabeth, “Raspberry cordials from Germany.”
The chocolate melted in the warmth of Elisabeth’s mouth followed by a bitter sweet explosion of fresh berry flavor. Decadent was the only word she could think of to describe the treat. Not only the chocolate, but the whole scenario, the Lovelace summer home was magnificently decadent. Elisabeth thought back to her own small room back in London, three of her rooms could fit into this foyer and still have room to spare. How different their lives were. It made her feel small and insignificant. Her aspirations were minimal compared to what was offered here. Perhaps she should be asking more for her services.
“Let the house staff get your things in order first and then I will show you to your suite, personally.” Adelaide was in her glory. Robert noticed it, as did Elisabeth.
“If you will excuse me ladies, I have a few items to attend to before tea.” Robert excused himself, but not before Adelaide could give him a quick embrace.
“Don’t be long, dear.”
He was gone before the last word was out of her mouth.
“It always takes Robert a few days to unwind fully and relax here.” Adelaide took Elisabeth’s hand and led her through the lower rooms of the manor. She took it all in with a creative eye and knew that she would find plenty of inspiration during her stay.
“Tomorrow we will go to the shore with a picnic lunch, just you and I. You will swoon, it is so precious.” Her enthusiasm was contagious. “Mmmm, do you smell that? Honey cakes!” Adelaide pulled her along like a child at a party. “They are delicious.”
Robert joined them for tea as promised and the three dined on meats and potatoes, scones, and marinated dates and honey cakes. As they ate Elisabeth watched, collecting the differences in their varied mannerisms. When she lifted a cup or scone, she would look to see that Adelaide only used a few fingers, three to be exact, and she would tuck in her last two, mimicking Adelaide. Spoons were laid differently, never left in a dish or cup, napkins were placed just so and sweets were consumed last, although Elisabeth would have eaten two honey cakes, they were that delicious.
After the china had been collected and the meal began to digest and settle Adelaide decided it was time to head upstairs to their assigned suites. “You must be tried after all that distance and I am certain a hot bath and an early retirement could be used by all. I have asked Margot to attend to your bath and turn down your bedding.”
Elisabeth was stunned. She had never had someone attend to her needs before, it felt odd and she became uncomfortable with the fact that she was not taking care of this on her own. “Adelaide, there is no need for all this fuss. I am capable of doing for myself.”
“Oh pish posh, you are a guest in our home and I won’t have it.” Adelaide stood outside a set of double doors, tall and stark white with flourish designs at the top and bottom edges. She grasped the handles and opened both doors with a grand gesture, revealing the inside of a beautiful room.
A four poster bed filled the space. It had been adorned with embroidered coverlets and crisp white sheets, and an ample amount of pillows. A copper tub sat near a fire place, a low flame burned in the hollow of the hearth. An older woman was setting out towels and tested the water.
“Elisa, this is Margot, she will attend to anything you may need. Ring the bell anytime and she can assist you.”
Elisabeth nodded, her tongue tied in sheer amazement.
“Thank you Margot, we can manage from here.”
“Yes Ma’am.” Margot folded her hands beneath her apron and left the room closing the doors as she did.
On the floor at the foot of the bed, someone had set the trunk and her bag. There was a dressing table and a bureau of drawers, a clothing rack and a small round table and two chairs placed by the window for writing or morning tea. To their left was another ornate, white door. She eyed it and Adelaide took notice.
“Come, it is the sitting room, but I have had it redone especially for you.” She again took Elisabeth’s hand and led her through the door.
This room was smaller than the bedroom, but still larger than her room back in London. Adelaide stood with a wide, pleased grin on her lips. Elisabeth did
not think she could be stunned any more than she already had been. She was wrong. The room had been transformed into a sewing room unlike any she had seen. There were racks, and machines, trays of notions, tables and utensils, all for her use. The windows had been left wide open and free of any drapery beyond the breezy sheers, to create the perfect light. Cushioned chairs and a matching settee sat together surrounding a fitting platform. On every table there were vases of lilies, arranged in hues of pinks, lavenders and creams.
“Oh Adelaide, I don’t know what to say.”
“Will it do?”
Elisabeth looked at her in wonderment. “Will it do?” she could not help but begin to laugh and as she laughed the tears fell from her eyes. “Adelaide. It is too much; you should not have done all this.”
“Do you like it?”
Elisabeth turned and hugged Adelaide. “I love it, right down to the lilies. They are my favorite.’
“I remember.”
Elisabeth stood an arm length away. “What do you mean, you remember?”
“You are not the only one who pays attention to detail when it comes to something you are passionate about.” Adelaide’s lips turned up slightly and her silver eyes sparkled with a knowing mischief.
Elisabeth could not get over the lengths that Adelaide had gone to. Was this normal for her to do for all her guests or was there something more? She soaked in the steamy fingers of the hot bath. Her body was tired, but her mind kept moving. She wanted to explore the new surroundings, she wanted to create and she wanted to spend more time with Adelaide, but first she needed to sleep.
The bed was like a lying in a cloud and it took only a moment to get situated and feel drowsy. The smell of the lilies from the sitting room had permeated the bedroom as well and she inhaled deep. Adelaide had thought of everything.
* * *
Chapter 7
“Ouch.” Elisabeth sucked on the pin prick in her fingertip. She had been preoccupied as she worked on the beading of the bodice of one of Adelaide’s gown. It was done in the aqua organza that Adelaide had fought for. The two had secretly been designing a gown that was sultry and alluring for Adelaide, and neither had told Robert of their design. She held the piece up and admired her work; the bodice boasted an asymmetrical neck line. A single shoulder strap and boning gave it the structure to hold the weight of the dress up. It was far different than the style of the day, and she believed that is why Adelaide loved it. It suited her tastes.
Her fingertip throbbed, but was not bleeding. She set the dress down on the settee and moved to the window, drawing back to the sheers and looking out over the vast lawns. Gardeners were out trimming hedges and planting flowers. A table was being moved into place for the afternoon luncheon. Adelaide had planned for them all to lunch together and then play croquette. Elisabeth brushed her finger across her lips as she thought of Adelaide.
She had purposely had her breakfast delivered to her room this morning, claiming she was fully engaged in work and needed to be alone. No one questioned her motives. If they had, they would have seen the indecision in her eyes. She wanted to sit and have the morning meal with Adelaide, but she needed a moment, a solitary minute not to be under the woman’s natural spell.
Her time at Lovelace manor, thus far, had been a whirlwind of activity. Between working on the gowns every day with Adelaide, her afternoons were filled with lawn games and strolls along the shore line. Evening were always an event, everyone dressing as if a grand party were to be taking place. They dined on quail, pheasant, duck and goose, meals of fish and crab were served, and Yorkshire puddings with roasted meat, Elisabeth now understood why Adelaide said no woman could maintain her weight while staying here. She was beginning to feel the darts stretch on her own clothing and let her corsets be tied in a lose fashion before each meal so as to give her lungs more breathing room. After dinner they would meet in the parlor and play cards or charades, Adelaide would fall into fits of laughter at the antics of Robert as he tried in earnest to act out operas and classic novel titles. As the hours progressed the trio would settle and share wine, sherry or spirits. Robert would regal them with stories of his childhood and the two would cuddle close to the fire as he spoke, laying in comfort on the oversized cushions. Robert would flatter them with how attractive they appeared day and night, water and oil. He would jest about sewing them together into the complete superior woman. Adelaide would wind her fingers into Elisabeth’s and smile with great mischief playing in her eyes as she gazed at her husband.
Elisabeth felt that there was a secret between the three of them; it burned to be spoken though none of them dared to speak it. Robert would gaze at them with a longing in those evening hours and Adelaide seemed to flourish in that gaze. Their connection was clear, but Elisabeth wondered where and how she fit into their lives? She was their seamstress. Was this normal?
It was when she alone with Adelaide that she felt the most comfortable. Adel was easy to respond to. She felt that she could speak freely. Adel would often hold her hand as they conversed in the salon or in her sitting room. Robert was not around to interject or place himself between them. Adelaide had quickly grown accustom to coming to Elisabeth’s rooms at various points in the day, unannounced. She would help Elisabeth dress or brush out her hair. She often stopped to say good night, and one evening brought her a book from her private collection so that they could discuss it over the course of their stay. Their friendship had grown quite close.
It was the mornings that proved more difficult. Often Elisabeth would find Robert at the head of the table, Adelaide’s chair drawn close to him and his fingers intertwined so tightly in his wife’s fingers, that she seemed to wince in discomfort. She had come down the other morning to overhear them in a minor spat. There whispers loud enough for anyone to pick up upon.
“You allow me to come to at night, but I cannot enter in the morning, since when, Adel?”
“I was not properly dressed, Robert?”
“I am your husband, I have seen you undressed.”
“Shh, do you wish the servants to hear?”
“You are different, Adel.”
“Hmmphhh, perhaps you are.”
Elisabeth tip toed back to the stair way and made ample noise, as if she were just descending the steps for the first time that morning. Their words stopped and she heard the soft clinks and clatters of china and silver.
Again Elisabeth’s fingers traced over the line of her lips. She was aware there was something happening, but it was last evening’s incident that had kept her in her rooms this morning, mulling all this over. They had enjoyed a hearty meal, and several glasses of wine, sat by the fire as Robert read to them from Howell’s Indian Summer. The comedic romance had them all giggling and fantasizing about true love’s playful game.
When Elisabeth yawned and her eyes began to drop, Adelaide took her hand and announced they were going upstairs to retire for the evening. She placed a kiss to Robert’s cheek and whispered in his ear. His cheek filled with color. Elisabeth thanked him, as always, for a delightful evening and begged his pardon at her need for rest.
“No need for all that now. Good night Elisabeth.” He smiled politely and continued to sit and read his book beside the fire.
Adelaide walked up the staircase with Elisabeth and stopped just outside her double doors. “Elisa, are you enjoying yourself here?”
“Oh my yes, thank you so very much for asking me, it has all been a spectacle I won’t soon forget.” She fidgeted at the doorway. She wondered if she opened the door if Adelaide would follow her into the room. Thoughts of her joining her on the big, plush bed brought a heated blush to her insides and onto her throat and cleavage.
“What are you thinking?”
Elisabeth shook her head and looked at her feet, quite embarrassed. Adelaide lifted her chin. Although Elisabeth was a few inches taller than her counterpart she felt tiny under Adelaide’s glaze. Her eyes focused on the bow of Adelaide’s lip. Without thinking the two women met in
a sensual kiss. It was not the good night kiss of two dear friends. Their mouth were slightly open, their lips soft, and the kiss lingered like that of fresh lovers. A light clatter from the kitchen brought them back to their senses and Elisabeth slipped into her room shutting the door before anyone could spy the look upon her face.
Her fingers still lay upon her lips, they tingled at the memory. Had she initiated it, or had it been Adel? She wasn’t certain. Perhaps she should leave what if Robert found out? Her thoughts were jumbled. She should approach Adelaide and discuss the meaning behind it. She would, after she had finished her morning sewing. The sound of her door being opened brought her to the present time, Adelaide stood in the doorway between the bedroom and the makeshift sewing room.
“Good morning, Elisa.”
* * *
Chapter 8
Standing on the platform, Adelaide looked into the mirror. She traced the unfinished beading of the bodice. “You are talented, Elisa. Only you can create something so beautiful, so fitting. You know me well. Look at how these sparkle and light up my eyes. You have truly out done yourself this go round.”
Elisabeth smiled under the weight of the flattering words. “It does not take much effort to add to your beauty, Adel.”
They used the shortened versions of each other’s names with affection.
Elisabeth fluffed and primped the bottom of the dress, letting the organza billow out around Adelaide’s slippered feet. “Robert won’t know what to do with you in this.”
Adelaide laughed a sarcastic laugh. “Robert always knows what to do with me.” She gave Elisabeth a deviant, delicious grin and it made the seamstress blush a deep red.
“Adel, please.”
This modesty brought another fit of laughter. “Don’t behave as if you don’t know.”
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