A Grand And Awful Time: The Vendetta (currently text-only)

[Captain Dee]

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Edited July 11, 2022 by Captain Dee

[Captain Dee]

.

Edited July 11, 2022 by Captain Dee

[Captain Dee]

[Continued from previous]

   A half-hour before suppertime, Jay arrived alone in the middle of the main foyer, looking rather dapper in his best black suit. He checked his appearance one last time in one of the tall mirrors and then busied himself straightening the flowers in one of the hanging baskets. Finally he sat down at the piano and began to quietly play a slow piece. A few minutes later he heard gentle footsteps, looked up, and saw Olivia and Elise slowly approaching from above, hand in hand.

   He immediately switched to a lively tune as they slowly descended the main staircase and approached him. As he finished playing they daintily curtsied and slowly stood to face him.

   He stood, bowed, and quietly walked a circle around them, inspecting them. They were both wearing flowing white dresses with red accents, and had obviously spent some time styling their hair. A delectable whiff of perfume lingered in the air. Neither of them moved and he came to a stop facing them. Finally he broke the silence by saying, "Madam de Lafayette, you look... positively stunning."

   The girls glanced at each other out of the corners of their eyes, and Olivia finally said, "Thank you, Sir Dee."

   "I was talking to Elise," he smiled, and the child immediately blushed and murmured:

   "Thank you."

   Olivia smiled knowingly. "Yes, Jay, of course."

   He chuckled. "And as for you, madam..." his voice trailed off as he addressed her. "You look nothing short of exquisite."

   She smiled, delighted. "Thank you. And you look rather striking in that lovely suit."

   "Oh, don't say that," he admonished. "It will just go straight to my head."

   She laughed and he extended his arm. "Ladies, shall we retire to the dining room?" he asked cordially.

   Olivia took his arm, and he extended his other to Elise, who grasped his hand as they started down the corridor. Upon reaching the dining room, he released them both, opened the large doors and motioned for them to step inside. The tables sat unprepared except for the one he had requested, which was concealed under a thick tablecloth and glowed from the light of the glistening chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. A bouquet of flowers perched in the center of the table. He assisted them both into their heavy chairs and sat between them, facing the kitchen. Olivia looked at the variety of plates and smiled at Jay in anticipation.

   Presently one of the staff approached the table pulling a small cart with several bottles of wine, a teapot, and a pitcher of water. "Ladies, Sir Dee," he acknowledged them. "Perhaps you will delight yourselves with a fine Sauvignon Blanc to start the evening?"

   Olivia stared, wide-eyed, but quickly composed herself and quietly said, "Yes, please."

   He poured her glass and turned to Elise. "And you, Miss?"

   She looked up at him, smiled brightly, and said, "Please." He poured a half-quantity into her glass, finished it with water, and looked up at Jay.

   "And you, Sir?"

   "Naturally," Jay smiled and nodded.

   "Naturally," the server smiled in return and filled the glass. Then he poured them each a cup of tea and water, and placed the pot and pitcher between the girls before excusing himself.

   Jay lifted his glass toward the girls. "Ladies, a toast to a delightful evening," he offered. They touched their glasses together and sampled the wine. After a moment of quiet contemplation he looked to Olivia and said, "What do you think of it?"

   She looked down at her glass for a moment, looked back up at him with teasing eyes, and then shifted her gaze across the table and said, "Elise?"

   With both the adults watching her, Elise went through the process of sniffing the wine, swirling it around the glass, sniffing it again, and slowly taking another sip. She tasted it thoroughly, slowly swallowed and tested the finish. Finally she looked at Jay and said calmly, "The nose displays aromas of lime, peach and herbs, with hints of pineapple and pink grapefruit, leading to a crisp light palate and a tart lingering citrus finish. Stylish and expressive, balanced, with good complexity."

   Amused, Jay smiled as she talked and began to laugh silently as she finished, whereupon she looked shyly down at the table. Olivia wasn't impressed. "Jay, what could possibly be so funny?" she asked, sounding offended. "Perhaps you redcoats don't appreciate your wines, but where we come from, a good wine is part of a good life."

   "Olivia, please," he protested, still smiling broadly. "I mean no disrespect. I am thoroughly impressed with her abilities. In this case, taster and tasted are very nearly the same age, and our prodigy could probably compete with the local sommeliers. I'm thoroughly impressed," he repeated.

   "Jay, that isn't noteworthy," Olivia continued and shook her head. "It is to be expected of any cultured blue-blood. She could properly rate a wine when she was four." She paused. "I suspect he was exaggerating, but father always said that when Isabella and I were born, we emerged from the womb discussing the merits of the Pinot Noir mother had the evening before."

   Jay chuckled. "I don't doubt it."

   She wasn't finished. "And I mean no offense by saying this, but... what you redcoats call a sommelier is what we call an ignoramus. You redcoats drink your wines, but we prefer to experience ours."

   "I'm going to disagree with you there," he protested. "Perhaps my palate isn't as refined as either of yours, but at no point have I merely drunk my wine. I always attempt to experience it properly. There's no need to be snobbish."

   "Jay," Olivia continued slowly, "there is no such thing as snobbery among true wine lovers."

   He stared at her and went through the process of tasting the wine again. While holding her gaze he thought for a moment and announced, "Aromas of nearly-ripe white peach, ripe grapefruit, fresh grass and aromatic herbs. Savory texture and dry acidity on the palate; crisp, refreshing, lingering finish. A lovely aperitif." A trace of a smirk crossed his face as he finished speaking.

   Olivia stared at him and lifted her glass, determined to give him the authoritative, the definitive, the ultimate description, but the server suddenly reappeared with three small trays of bread and croissants and a cheese trolley. He first placed the bread for each of them and then turned to the trolley. "Might I interest you in our selection of cheeses, madam?" he asked Olivia. She quickly glanced at Jay, and before the server could name the cheeses she announced quietly:

   "I would like to try them all, please."

   The server's eyebrow twitched but he nodded and began to slice into the cheeses and topped her plate. Olivia looked at Jay, who was inquisitively staring at her, and she flashed a wide teasing smile at him. Elise watched them exchange looks and promptly ordered the same, whereupon Jay looked down and stifled a laugh. "And you, Sir?" the server finally asked Jay.

   "The same, please," Jay nodded nonchalantly. Olivia thought she saw him flash a quick wink, and the server fought to suppress a grin.

   The server reached for another bottle of wine. "Please," he smiled broadly, "the cheese pairs wondrously with our finest Cabernet Sauvignon." Then he poured them each an additional glass. When he was finished, he addressed them all and said proudly:

   "I will now fetch the caviar."

   As he walked away from the table Olivia looked at Jay and whispered in amazement, "Caviar? What next?"

   He smiled and murmured, "Wait and see." After a brief pause he smirked and said teasingly, "You girls are a couple of pigs. Whoever heard of sampling every cheese on the trolley?"

   "Jay..." Olivia said slowly, one eyebrow arched high, "it appears... that you will be rooting in the same trough."

   "Yes indeed," he laughed, and said, "Oink." Elise giggled quietly.

   "Father would be proud of us," Olivia smiled, "but mother would say one should never request more than half the cheeses on the trolley. This being private, I'm not ashamed to try them all."

   "Unabashedly so," he teased, and they all began to sample the selection before them.

   "Oh, this sharp cheddar is just... scrumptious," Olivia exclaimed upon taking a bite.

   "Yes," he agreed. "It's one of my favorites." After taking a drink of the Cabernet, he said, "Ah, lovely. But 'tis a pity we don't have a wine to pair with each of them." After trying another cheese he turned to Elise, who was quietly eating. "Which do you prefer, little miss?"

   "The gouda is my favorite," she smiled.

   "The gouda is quite good, yes," he grinned in agreement.

   They ate emmental, asiago, provolone, munster, camembert, brie, and several others, and Jay made sure to vociferously voice his opinion of each, if only because the girls politely wouldn't!

[To be continued]

Edited June 3, 2019 by Captain Dee

[Captain Dee]

[Continued from previous]

   The server returned to the table a few minutes later, a small container in hand. "Caviar, milady?" he asked Olivia.

   "Please, and thank you," she smiled, and he carefully served her a generous portion before moving across the table to Elise.

   "And you, Miss?"

   She smiled shyly. "Yes, please." He likewise served her and turned to Jay, who was intently staring down upon the glass of Cabernet in his hand.

   "Caviar, Sir?" he asked, but he already knew the answer.

   "No, thank you," Jay peered up from underneath his eyebrows. The server smiled, nodded knowingly and turned his attention to the girls.

   "You simply must pair the caviar with a good Champagne," he announced, and upon producing a bottle, he poured a small amount into yet another glass for the two of them. Olivia lifted a hand to her mouth in surprise and then looked up at Jay, who flashed a wide smile but said nothing as the server excused himself.

   "You aren't having caviar, Jay?" Olivia asked once the server was gone.

   "Not if I can help it," he replied calmly.

   "But... you don't like caviar?" she asked, incredulous.

   "No, not quite, Olivia," he said with a grin. "But you are free to enjoy all you want."

   She regarded him coolly. "Sissy," she teased.

   He chuckled but said nothing, and the girls quietly turned their attention to the delicacy before them. He watched them eat, and eventually Olivia looked up at him and teased, "You silly redcoat. You don't know what you're missing."

   "Oh, yes I do," he grinned. "I prefer my fish fully grown, thank you. Although I wouldn't mind a glass of that Champagne."

   The server returned a short time later with fresh truffles and warm butter. Olivia stared, astonished, but graciously accepted when they were offered. After everyone was served and he left the table, she looked at Jay, shook her head in disbelief and smiled laughingly.

   "Olivia!" he exclaimed, trying to sound offended. "What could possibly be so funny? Perhaps you don't appreciate truffles, but..." he paused and grinned. "How did you say that, again?"

   She giggled. "Jay, you're serving too many delicacies! Not that I'm complaining," she quickly added.

   "Olivia." He stared at her. "Permit me to say... that you are a delicacy. Now eat." She blushed faintly and did as she was told.

   A moment later the server returned and proudly announced: "The lobster and crabs will soon be ready."

   Olivia once more looked at Jay, astonished. "Lobster, again?" she asked. But before he could reply she arched an eyebrow and said teasingly, "I'm not sure I want to eat lobster again after the last one you served..."

   He laughed. "Ah, but I'm not serving it tonight."

   She smiled. "No, no, I jest. But you do surprise me."

   He smiled in return. "That is the idea, Olivia."

   They quietly finished eating and drinking the appetizers. A short time later the server returned with an armload of plates and triumphantly announced, "Dinner is served," and placed before each of them an impressive display of lobster and stuffed crabs paired with steamed asparagus, glazed baby carrots, and fingerling potatoes. Then he refilled their glasses and excused himself.

   "Jay, this looks... nothing short of exquisite," Olivia murmured.

   "One must always pair the meal... to whomever will be consuming it," he smiled, "and therefore, only the best will do."

   "Why thank you," she said graciously, and then teased, "Or were you speaking of yourself?"

   He laughed and then said, "Ladies, let us partake of the finest this island has to offer." They ate in relative silence for a few minutes. Finally he looked up at Olivia and asked, "Is the lobster to your liking?"

   She finished a bite, smiled, and said, "Yes, the lobster is excellent, Jay. Simply splendid."

   "Good, good," he nodded. "I'm glad to hear it. And perhaps it is... better than the previous one?"

   "Considering the circumstances, yes, it is much better," she agreed.

   "Naturally," he smiled.

   "In fact... it just might be one of the best I've ever eaten," she mused. "And the stuffed crab is divine, if I may say so."

   "Divine," he repeated. "Yes, it is."

   "Everything is, Jay," she said with a smile. "Everything."

   Presently the melodious sound of violins could be heard coming from the corridor. The girls turned toward the sound of the music, but Jay ignored it and continued eating. Finally he looked up to Olivia's satisfied smile. "A little music to complement the meal," he offered with a wink.

   "Canon in D major," she smiled upon recognition of the tune. "A lovely composition for a lovely meal."

   "Almost, but not quite," Jay shook his head. "Canon in D major in Dee Manor. And yes, a lovely composition, indeed."

   She laughed. "Yes, of course. Perhaps your favorite."

   "Oh? Why do you say that?" he asked in feigned surprise.

   "You play it every chance you get," she smiled.

   "Olivia, my dear, that's because it's one of my favorites," he teased.

   "Yes, Jay," she laughed and nodded.

   They continued eating quietly as the music flowed softly onward. Jay smiled at Elise, who, like any proper child, had spoken barely a word. "Enjoying the evening, little miss?" he asked.

   She smiled shyly and replied, "Yes, thank you."

   "Perfect," he nodded. "Perfect."

   As they were finishing the entrees, the server returned and began clearing items from the table. "For dessert," he announced, "we will be having fresh fruit and our most gorgeous dark chocolate cake."

   The girls glanced at each other and then looked at Jay, who pretended to ignore them while sipping from his wine. When the server was gone, Olivia murmured, "Dessert? Who can possibly eat dessert after all that?"

   "You heard him," Jay replied. "'Our most gorgeous dark chocolate cake.' It is, quite frankly, irresistible. It can't be resisted, Olivia. You can't resist it. It's irresistible."

   She laughed. "Yes, Jay, I understand." When the server returned, her eyes grew big upon seeing the rich display of chocolate decadence.

   "A slice of cake, madam?" he asked her.

   She hesitated, unsure of how to respond, and finally said, "Yes, a very small piece, please."

   "Certainly," he nodded and expertly shaved off a thin slice that threatened to topple onto the table as he carefully placed it on her dessert plate.

   Elise requested the same, but Jay couldn't resist and asked for a full slice. When the server left to fetch the fruit, Olivia took a small bite, smiled delightedly at Jay and said, "You're right. It is irresistible."

   He gazed at her and said, "Most gorgeous. But I must confess I don't have much of a sweet tooth. I typically prefer the fruit."

   "That settles it," she teased. "If you prefer fruit over chocolate... then you are completely and irreparably mad."

[To be continued]

[Captain Dee]

[Continued from previous]

   The dark of night had settled in around the manor by the time they finished eating dessert. Olivia drank the last of her wine, took a sip of water, and dabbed her mouth with her napkin one last time. "Jay, this has been a most pleasant evening," she said softly. "Thank you."

   "Perhaps," he said slowly, "it might compensate... at least a little... for the prior occasion..." his voice faded off.

   She held his gaze and murmured, "Yes. Just a little."

   After a pause he said only, "I have a lofty goal?"

   "Yes. Lofty," she repeated.

   "Quite lofty?"

   "Quite," she said firmly.

   He nodded, and Elise looked back and forth between them, thoroughly confused, for Olivia had told her only that they had gone early to the plantation "to fetch something Jay left behind."

   He finished his wine, twirled the glass briefly in his fingers, and slowly placed it on the table. "I am afraid," he finally said, "that there has been a sudden change of plans."

   "Oh?" Olivia regarded him coolly.

   "You may recall I promised we would make a weekend trip to the plantation," he said slowly.

   "And?" she asked.

   "Unfortunately, we will not be able to make the trip," he said flatly. She looked at him suspiciously and he added: "It has come to my attention... that our presence is required... in Quinnsville, via the wagonway from King's Harbour."

   Both girls smiled widely. "I knew it!" Olivia exclaimed. "I knew it!" Meanwhile Elise looked at her and giggled in nervous anticipation.

   "You have a very lofty goal, Jay," Olivia smiled, "but I think a solid week will fulfill it. Two, certainly."

   He laughed. "Time will tell, madam. Time... will tell."

   She thoughtfully studied his expression. "I believe... that I like the sound of that," she smiled. And then she suddenly yawned.

   "Tired?" he asked.

   "I suddenly feel... rather drowsy," she admitted.

   "You've had a... slightly longer day than usual," he conceded.

   "Yes. Slightly."

   "Perhaps... you would like to retire early?" he asked.

   "Yes, I think I shall," she agreed.

   "And seeing as I am responsible... perhaps you would permit me... to tuck you in for the night?" he suggested.

   She smiled. "Perhaps."

   "And you, Elise?" he asked.

   "Yes... but only if you read us a story first," she smiled.

   "Agreed," he chuckled, and then motioned toward the door. "Ladies, let us be excused." He rose to his feet and pulled their chairs as they stood up from the table. Then he offered them each an arm and they departed the bright dining room into the soft glow of the chandeliers in the main corridor.

   Jay escorted the girls to their room and excused himself to the upper balcony while they prepared for bed. Several minutes passed in silence as he peered out into the starry darkness, studying the constellations, and while he watched a shooting star streaked its way brilliantly across the sky. The glimmering galaxy swirled overhead like a giant silken curtain, and toward the horizon the rising moon shone brightly.  He turned toward the northwest and murmured, "Sweet dreams..." and then turned abruptly and walked briskly into the manor.

   Upon returning to the bedroom he knocked lightly on the door, and Olivia's voice could be heard from within. "Come in." He eased the door open and peeked in to see both girls in their nightgowns, sitting up in bed with the sheets pulled up around them. He regarded them for a moment, walked slowly across the room and pulled up a chair between the two beds, storybook in hand. The vibrant bouquet of wildflowers he had given Olivia that morning was perched in a tall vase atop the nightstand, and when he leaned over to take a sniff he immediately sneezed twice.

   After he composed himself he looked suspiciously at her and said teasingly, "I notice you sprinkled them with pepper."

   "Yes," she played along, "to keep the pests away. I believe it's working." He laughed, and she smiled and said, "No, I have done nothing to them. Perhaps you are allergic... to the finer things?"

   "You little devil," he chuckled. "If that was true, I wouldn't be able to tolerate your presence." She smiled playfully but said nothing. "Now, are we all ready?" he asked as he took his seat on the chair.

   "Yes, Jay," Olivia replied. "All ready."

   He looked around the room briefly, turned back to Olivia, and said, "The room... looks a bit different... in full light."

   "Everything looks different in full light, Jay," she murmured and stared intensely at him. "Everything."

   While he beheld her gaze, her left eyebrow slowly lifted high, challenging him, daring him to bodily look at her. The moment grew rather tense until he suddenly looked down at the storybook he was holding.

   "What's the matter, Jay?" she asked in a teasing, taunting tone. "There's nothing to see... remember?"

   He blinked a few times and looked back up to meet her unwavering stare. After another tense moment he obliged her with a long lingering look over her figure, after which he again met her gaze and announced:

   "Perhaps I should... have my eyes checked."

   "And your head examined," she offered.

   "Both," he nodded.

   "Yes, both," she agreed.

   "You little devil," he murmured with a smirk and then turned his attention once more to the storybook. "Ah, yes, now where were we?" he asked no one in particular. "Oh, but of course. Story time. Will a fairy tale do, little miss?" he asked Elise.

   "Yes, please," she smiled innocently. 

   He began to read an old tale of majestic castles and noble kings and brave knights and beautiful ladies and conspiring villains and raging dragons and flying fairies and wondrous wizards, and when he was all finished he wrapped everything up by saying, "and they all lived happily ever after." He exchanged smiles with Elise and turned to face Olivia. "Isn't that right, Olivia?"

   She regarded him coolly and said, "You're the one telling the story, Jay."

   "Yes. And your own story will end happily ever after, if I have anything to say about it," he said with a smile.

   Her expression softened and she smiled in return. "Thank you," she murmured.

   "How about another?" he asked her.

   "I don't know, Jay," she sighed. "I may fall asleep on you."

   "How about something short, say, a poem?" he suggested. "A limerick, specifically."

   Olivia gasped, wide-eyed. "A limerick? How naughty!"

   "Olivia!" he teased. "How dare you? This is a children's book! You should be ashamed of yourself!" After a pause he said, "What do you know about limericks being naughty, anyway?"

   "As children, we were taught that good little boys and girls don't read naughty little limericks," she said firmly.

   "Perhaps they are naughty where you come from," he grinned, "but these are suitable for all ages. Now where were we? Ah, yes." He cleared his throat for effect and announced:

   "There was a brave knight named Sir Jay

   Who rode his horse backward they say.

   He was oh such a sight

   When he rode forth to fight

   That his enemies died laughing all day!"

   Elise giggled as only a small child can, and Olivia flashed a wide smile but didn't actually laugh. "Olivia," he said and leaned toward her, extended a finger and playfully poked her in the ribs. "Don't laugh," he teased.

   "Jay!" she laughed and instinctively flinched away from him.

   He chuckled, sat the storybook aside, and with a mischievous look on his face he launched into another impromptu verse:

   "There is a girl lovely and fair

   With bright eyes and shimmering hair."

   He stopped and gazed at Olivia with an unwavering, unblinking stare, until a hint of color began to show in her cheeks.

  "And her name is Elise,

   But lo, hold your peace!

   For none other may ever compare."

  "Olivia!" Elise giggled gleefully, for despite her young age she understood exactly what had transpired.

   "Why Olivia," Jay said in mock surprise, "what's this?" And he gently caressed her cheek with a finger.

   "What?" she demanded with large questioning eyes.

   "There is a peculiar crimson radiance illuminating thy countenance," he said with a smirk.

   "Olivia is blushing!" Elise teased in a sing-song voice.

   "Oh stop it, both of you!" Olivia laughed.

   He laughed once again and continued:

   "There is a fair maiden named Olivia.

   And now for a quick bit of trivia:

   Just to gaze on her beauty

   Is everyone's duty

   And even her shadow is envious!"

   "That doesn't quite rhyme," she laughed, "but thank you all the same."

   "That's as good as I can do, madam. If you can think of something that rhymes," he said with a grin, "then do tell me, and I'll rephrase it."

   She thought for a moment, shook her head, and said, "I can think of nothing."

   "Neither could I," he smiled. There was a brief silence. "I would love to go on, but it's getting late, and neither of you will ever be a sleeping beauty unless you actually go to sleep," he admonished with a wink. Then he rose to his feet and blew out all but one of the candles before turning to the girls. Elise snuggled down into her bed as he gently pulled the covers up to her chin. "Good night, little miss," he smiled and kissed her on the forehead.

   "Good night," she smiled back up at him.

   He turned to Olivia. She likewise reclined from her upright position until her head rested on the pillow, and she turned to face him as he tucked her in. "Jay?" she murmured. He lifted a questioning eyebrow but said nothing. "Thank you," she smiled.

   "You're welcome... you little devil," he smiled warmly in return, leaned over, and kissed her on the forehead as well. "Good night."

[To be continued]

Edited June 14, 2019 by Captain Dee

[Captain Dee]

[Continued from previous]

   Olivia expected Jay to blow out the last candle and leave the room, but instead, he walked over to one of the windows, pushed it open, and peered out into the starry darkness. After a minute of silence he began to sing:

   "Far beyond the fading sunset, far across the flickering sea,

There's a place I call my homeland, though its beauty I can't see.

As I look to that horizon, still I know they do the same,

They who yearn for my returning, they who long to call my name.

Though I stroll o'er distant places in this land where yet I roam,

Still my heart is always longing for the land I call my home.

 

  "Far beyond the dimming sunset, far across the darkening sea,

There is one who is now waiting, though her beauty I can't see.

As I look to that horizon, still I know she does the same,

She who yearns for my returning, she who longs to call my name.

Though we stroll o'er distant spaces nevermore may love yet roam,

For my heart will then be leaping when I clasp her for my own.

 

   "Far beyond the glowing sunrise, far across the glistening sea,

Gaze upon the gleaming homeland and its beauty ever see.

Then ignore that vast horizon, for all others do the same,

Who rejoice at my returning and delight to call my name.

Stroll upon familiar places evermore to call my own,

And at last my heart is soaring o'er that land I call my home."

   As the last note sounded he quietly closed the window and turned to leave. In the light of the one remaining candle he could see tears glistening in the eyes of both girls. "Jay, that was beautiful," Olivia murmured.

   "Hmph," he muttered under his breath. "Glorified caterwauling."

   "No it wasn't. That was beautiful," she repeated. "I didn't know you could sing."

   He ignored her, gently blew out the last flickering flame and whispered into the darkness, "Sweet dreams to you both. Now go to sleep." And then he turned and quietly left the room.

   Olivia stared up into the darkness for a moment, lost in thought, and then finally closed her eyes and was almost asleep when Elise spoke out quietly. "Olivia?"

   She opened her eyes and replied, " Yes, Elise?"

   "May I sleep in your bed with you?" Elise asked gently.

   "Why, child?"

   Elise was quiet for a moment and when she finally spoke she sounded as if she was about to cry. "I miss mother and father, and Isabella, and Michael and Matthew." It was the first that she had mentioned any of them in quite some time.

   Olivia sat up in bed, bit her lip and wiped her eyes, and turned to face Elise in the faint moonlight that spilled through the large windows circling the room. "Yes, I know," she tried to sound reassuring. "And I miss them, too. Come here."

   Elise slid out of bed and her small silhouette seemed to float across the room, accompanied by the faint sound of her footsteps on the floor, and she climbed into bed beside Olivia, who immediately enveloped her in a warm embrace. Elise clung tightly to her in return and tearfully whispered, "Olivia?"

   "Yes?" Olivia whispered back.

   "I love you."

   Olivia smiled into the darkness. It was always special to hear it, unprompted, from a small child. "I live you too, Elise," she whispered and kissed her. "Now let's go to sleep." Together they slid beneath the sheets and pulled the covers up to their chins. Elise snuggled against Olivia, and Olivia placed an arm around her, and within minutes they were both peacefully asleep.

* * * * * * * * * *

   Olivia stirred and blinked into the soft light of morning. As she moved she suddenly became aware of something pressing on her chest, and upon opening her eyes fully she was amazed to see a giant bouquet of fresh roses, their thorns removed, tied and neatly tucked under her arms up to her chin. She glanced down at Elise, who yet slept beside her and embraced a similar bouquet. A lone rose was pressed into the child's hair, just above her ear, and Olivia instinctively reached up and felt one above her own ear as well. She sniffed the lovely fragrance of the flowers, smiled and rested her head against the pillow.

   Suddenly she sat up and looked around the room in amazement. Circling the bed were dozens of vases of flowers, and behind them dozens more perched atop small pedestals, and behind all of this a veritable wall of flowers rose halfway to the ceiling. She gasped in delight and eased out of bed, taking care not to disturb Elise, and only when she was on her feet did she notice a small note attached to the bouquet of roses she was holding. It read:

Please accept my apologies. Enjoy the flowers. - J

P.S. Ring for breakfast and dress to travel. King's Harbour awaits.

   While clutching the roses she excitedly danced across the floor to the closet and began picking through her dresses. Finding one she especially liked, she gently placed the bouquet before one of the tall mirrors and began to get dressed. She was combing her hair and humming softly when Elise finally awakened.

   Astonished, the child looked around the room at the wall of flowers that surrounded the bed and exclaimed, "Olivia! Look!"

   Olivia glided across the room to face her and said, "Yes, Elise. Aren't they beautiful?"

   "Yes! But... where did they come from?" Elise asked.

   "Jay brought them," Olivia replied with a smile.

   "Why?" Elise asked, confused.

   "Because..." Olivia hesitated. "Because... because he is a gentleman," she finally said.

   "Does he love you?" Elise asked innocently.

   Olivia gasped. "Don't be ridiculous, child!" she exclaimed. "Of course not!"

   Elise looked down, embarrassed, but Olivia said, "Elise, hurry and get dressed. We're going to King's Harbour!"

   The child's eyes widened. "We are?" she asked excitedly. "Today?"

   "Yes, today. Now hurry and get dressed. I'm going to ring for breakfast!"

[To be continued]

Edited June 6, 2019 by Captain Dee

[Captain Dee]

[Continued from previous]

   The girls were dressed and ready to face the day when breakfast arrived at their room. Olivia graciously took the large tray and retreated to the bed, which she had made up while Elise had dressed herself. "Elise, if you promise to be very careful, then we'll eat on the bed," she said as she placed the tray atop the covers. Then she smiled and added, "But you mustn't tell anyone." Elise smiled and quietly nodded, and they gently sat down facing the flowers and ate in silence. Finally Olivia said again, "Aren't the flowers beautiful?"

   "They smell so good," Elise offered. "I wish we could eat them, too."

   Olivia laughed. "Well, I suppose you can eat them if you want."

   When they were finished, Olivia neatly replaced the items on the tray and slid off the bed. "Bring your bouquet, and please fetch mine," she ordered as she placed the tray by the door. After accepting the roses from Elise, they stepped out into the hallway and headed toward the upper staircase, hand in hand.

   Jay was standing at the front door in the main foyer, staring out into the soft light of morning at the flowers and fountains along the drive, waiting for the girls. As they descended the main staircase behind him, he saw their reflections in the glass, and when they had reached the floor and walked halfway toward him, he suddenly turned to face them. They stopped and stared at him, wordless.

   "Good morning, ladies. You're both looking lovely," he said as he looked them over. He glanced at the roses and teased, "I see you raided the gardens."

   Elise giggled, and Olivia stifled a laugh and played along. "Yes. And in the middle of the night, no less."

   "Tsk, tsk, tsk," he shook his head. "I don't know what I'm going to do with either of you." The girls laughed, and after a pause he asked, "Did you sleep well?"

   "Yes, beautifully," Olivia smiled. "And you?"

   "Ah, well... eventually, yes," he said. "I had a rather bizarre night. I dreamed I was sleepwalking among the flowers, and I awoke this morning smelling like roses."

   "I wonder why," Olivia said coolly. He laughed heartily, and the girls laughed with him.

   "Thank you for the flowers, Jay," Olivia smiled. "They're beautiful. And you even removed the thorns from the roses."

   "Yes, of course," he replied. "Otherwise you might've moved in your sleep, and pricked yourself. Wouldn't that be a rude way to be awakened?"

   "Yes, certainly. Thank you," she said again.

   "Enjoy breakfast?" he asked.

   "Yes, Jay, it was lovely," she replied with a smile.

   "Good, good. Are we all set to travel?" he asked.

   She regarded him for a moment. "Perhaps. But we haven't packed anything..." her voice faded off.

   "No need," he shook his head. "With some help from Marianne, I've already made the proper arrangements."

   "I noticed several of my dresses were missing," she said, eyebrows arched high.

   "Please forgive the intrusion," he bowed. "But I tried to pick your favorites. And yours, too, little miss," he smiled at Elise.

   "Suppose... that I don't want to wear those?" Olivia challenged him.

   He chuckled. "Good try, you little devil."

   She smiled. "No, no, I jest. You picked very well. And if everything is packed, then yes, we're all ready to travel."

   "Excellent," he said and opened the front door for them. They stepped out into the warm morning air and quietly made their way toward the main staircase.

   As they walked, Olivia turned her head to face Jay and said, "You surprise us. We both thought we were going to King's Harbour this weekend."

   "Olivia, it is the weekend," he replied. "You both slept quite soundly indeed. Must've been the wine."

   She laughed and shook her head. "Yes, Jay. Whatever you say."

   "I knew you would agree," he chuckled.

   "Will Marianne be returning home with us?" Olivia asked thoughtfully.

   "Yes, she's returning home," he answered. "She's already aboard and patiently waiting."

   Olivia abruptly stopped walking when the carriage came into view. "Jay... it's the Gilded Coach!" she exclaimed excitedly and exchanged enthusiastic glances with Elise. Before them the gleaming white coach and its delicate gold-colored trim glowed in the soft light of morning.

  "Unfortunately, yes. I'm afraid I couldn't find anything better," he smiled and grumbled teasingly.

   "Well," she retorted playfully, "I'll try not to complain too badly."

   "I can tell you're both terribly disappointed," he teased.

   After they reached the bottom of the stairs he led them to the carriage and said enthusiastically, "Ladies, welcome aboard the Gilded Coach!" He assisted them both aboard and they gently settled down into the soft velvet seats that crossed the full width of the carriage. Elise sat beside Marianne in the rear, facing forward, and Olivia sat in the front, facing them.

[To be continued]

[Captain Dee]

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Edited July 11, 2022 by Captain Dee

[Captain Dee]

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Edited July 11, 2022 by Captain Dee

[Ross Fisher]

Finished it! Now where's my medal? Kudos to you for smashing out a serious work of fiction in such a short space of time. Hoping you'll add images soon?

[Captain Dee]

On 6/7/2019 at 2:16 AM, Ross Fisher said:

Finished it! Now where's my medal? Kudos to you for smashing out a serious work of fiction in such a short space of time. Hoping you'll add images soon?

You read the whole thing? Thanks.  But I'm afraid I don't have any medals to give out...

Technically I wrote this last fall and winter, and made a few little modifications as I posted it. 

It will be a while longer until I add any images. I'm terribly busy otherwise, and will be for a while. 

To anyone who read this: Does it read well? Does it make sense? Does the dialogue sound natural? Do the various clues about the prior events add up to something sensible? Etc.

[Ross Fisher]

@Captain Dee it was good! I thought it was really well written and I got hooked. Kept looking forward to the next installment. I know a few writers online who have tailed off between episodes and left me hanging. So glad you didn't do that.

My only worry is that you pushed Jay too far into "utter bastard" territory. I agree that it makes him more believable, but it makes the reconciliation between him and Olivia a little bit hard to swallow. 

[Kai NRG]

I also read the whole thing and liked it in the main, Ross may have a point with pushing things a little too far--given that Olivia was clearly not handling it well.  More specifically, although he wasn't cruel objectively, he seemed utterly careless as to what she was feeling--strange given his subsequent conduct.  If she had expressed it less it might have been more believable that he wouldn't let himself see that what he was doing went beyond the bounds of a mean joke.

A couple of the last few installments felt a little slow or maybe it was just that I didn't appreciate all the references to pineapple when there wasn't any in the house for me to eat.   Also if this is ever meant to be stand alone you need just a sentence or two at the first mention of the girls making it clear that Olivia and Elise are Jay's guests (it's a little confusing to be unsure of the relative positions for several segments), and then at some point an explanation of why they're his guests instead of someone else's, and lastly a sentence or two somewhere toward the end which makes it clear why going to King's Harbour is a pleasure for the girls - I assume either they have relatives there, or are going to take a ship to meet relatives - a joyful exclamation from one girl to another could explain. 

[Captain Dee]

3 hours ago, Ross Fisher said:

@Captain Dee it was good! I thought it was really well written and I got hooked. Kept looking forward to the next installment. I know a few writers online who have tailed off between episodes and left me hanging. So glad you didn't do that.

My only worry is that you pushed Jay too far into "utter bastard" territory. I agree that it makes him more believable, but it makes the reconciliation between him and Olivia a little bit hard to swallow. 

I'm glad you liked it - and I was a little concerned with those very things, myself. I think having the prior story fully written out would help quite a lot; plus she hasn't yet forgiven him, so they aren't quite reconciled. See below for a more thorough explanation.

3 hours ago, Kai NRG said:

I also read the whole thing and liked it in the main, Ross may have a point with pushing things a little too far--given that Olivia was clearly not handling it well.  More specifically, although he wasn't cruel objectively, he seemed utterly careless as to what she was feeling--strange given his subsequent conduct.  If she had expressed it less it might have been more believable that he wouldn't let himself see that what he was doing went beyond the bounds of a mean joke.

A couple of the last few installments felt a little slow or maybe it was just that I didn't appreciate all the references to pineapple when there wasn't any in the house for me to eat.   Also if this is ever meant to be stand alone you need just a sentence or two at the first mention of the girls making it clear that Olivia and Elise are Jay's guests (it's a little confusing to be unsure of the relative positions for several segments), and then at some point an explanation of why they're his guests instead of someone else's, and lastly a sentence or two somewhere toward the end which makes it clear why going to King's Harbour is a pleasure for the girls - I assume either they have relatives there, or are going to take a ship to meet relatives - a joyful exclamation from one girl to another could explain. 

You're just too sharp. 

This wasn't meant to be a stand-alone story, and therefore it doesn't work well by itself: it happens about midway through my sigfig's BoBS storyline (the rest is only partially written) and obviously leaves lots of questions unanswered that would have otherwise already been explained. I first thought to give a brief explanation up front, then decided not to in order to maintain some intrigue and surprises; but I suppose I really should follow up with enough of the other details to clear up any questions or misunderstandings. (Writing the full story purely chronologically obviously is the best approach, but I was getting impatient...) I'll edit the necessary biographical info into the first installment. The visit to King's Harbour at the end is simply a trip into town and the excitement that comes with it.

For sure he was going too far. The first few installments were supposed to show how seriously he took his hunting; otherwise I could've left that out altogether. I was hoping the one phrase he kept using ("...no one interferes...") would help keep his actions in context -- he's just dead serious about this stuff, and he was just trying to make her upset with all the comments in an attempt to get even, but she is a proper lady and therefore doesn't really react to his liking, so he just keeps it up until she does react sufficiently -- although perhaps that isn't all obvious in the story...

Besides that: Olivia questioned/challenged his, shall we say,  "mental status" a few times. Did you?

You see, there are two recurring statements in this story. The first ("you little devil") is just a light-hearted nickname and is sprinkled throughout; the second ("some things are not for you to know") will eventually explain the tragic part of the story. "Life isn't fair" in some great way -- and it might be affecting him... 

Yep, the last few installments are pretty "slow," and intentionally so. I wanted a pleasant unwinding of all the prior madness, er, action. And I like good food. So sue me.  (But I don't really know much about wines!)

Overall, you have a really good eye for the details. 

Edited June 13, 2019 by Captain Dee

[Kai NRG]

3 hours ago, Captain Dee said:

(Writing the full story purely chronologically obviously is the best approach, but I was getting impatient...)

I know the feeling! 

3 hours ago, Captain Dee said:

Besides that: Olivia questioned/challenged his, shall we say,  "mental status" a few times. Did you?

Yes?  Or sort of.  I mean Jay seems sane but not when it comes to deer.   And yes, I am very curious as to the tragedy in his backstory and I can see how that could explain a chunk of his behavior.  But at the end he *seems* reasonable enough, so it would be easy to take his deer vendetta as partly humorous, partly natural annoyance and a bit of Dee Doggedness, if it weren't for the extreme length he was at to punish Olivia for her interference.  That is, I could totally see Jay in his role as angry hunter dragging her along and even forcing her to kill the deer herself, but he was more verbally brutal than I would have expected, given that in all other contexts he seems to care somewhat...

3 hours ago, Captain Dee said:

The visit to King's Harbour at the end is simply a trip into town and the excitement that comes with it.

Hmm, I had taken for granted that it was a lot more significant, but partly because I have no idea if the logical goal built into Olivia and Elise's background would take them back to their (extended?) family or not.

It's always tough to know how much biography to explain at the beginning, since you want to keep some for later but at the same time not confuse the reader!  On the whole, for starting in the middle of the story this was remarkably cohesive.   for that!

Edited June 13, 2019 by Kai NRG

[Captain Dee]

@Ross Fisher, @Kai NRG, and anyone else who read this: I rewrote a portion of this installment. Perhaps it reads a little better now? 

And they were supposed to be making a special trip to Quinnsville via the wagonway from King's Harbour, instead of simply visiting King's Harbour. The latter would be a regular destination, and hardly special or unique. I'm not sure why that wasn't originally included...  I likewise edited that portion of the story.

Edited June 15, 2019 by Captain Dee