(You don’t need to do that, just write in the way that makes you most comfortable. My posts usually aren’t this long, I’m just in a detailed post kinda mood lol. Your writing is great!)
“When is the party?” Theodosia inquires, raising her brows as she wonders how much time she has to prepare. “Tomorrow.” Well, that’s certainly not much time at all. Her lips pull back in a thin pressed smile. There are a lot of preparations to make for the party and she’s just now hearing about it? Everything is going to be so rushed. “We may stay overnight so pack a bag. Dominic and Jane will be coming with us,” Richard informs her, not looking up from the letter that he’s busy writing. She once more stifles a sigh. At least Jane, her handmaiden, will be with her. Anyone is better company than Duchess Pembroke. It’s a horrible thought but she can’t help it. The other woman is dreadfully boring and very rude. “Excuse me, Richard, I need to go pack and make preparations for the party. I shall be in our bedchamber in you need me,” She politely informs him before standing up and brushing off her dress. This is met only by a grunt of acknowledgement. She pats her leg in order to summon Addie before heading up the stairs.
Of course, Dominic thought. Richard rarely went anywhere without Dominic, but at least he would be close to Lady Theodosia. He turned only to see Debby, with her hands on her hip and a frown on her face. "I won't do anything." He raised his hands in defense. It was almost like Debby could read his mind. "Anyway, she barely knows I exist. I'll be the only one who watches the other." Dominic knew he had no chance. Before this life he was a poor lowly commoner. That would turn anyone women away. These days they only wanted rich men, even if that meant they wouldn't be loved. The sound of scraping was heard when he stood pushing the chair back. "Thank you for the meal. I must be going now." Fixing his shirt, he made sure he was presentable. He walked out the door with a wave. Quickly he moved up the stairs and into the room where Richard was. If anything happened to him while Dominic was gone, he would definitely be punished. First he knocked on the door, since it would be rude to just walk in.
Theodosia pulls a suitcase out from underneath the dresser and sets it on top of the bed. The next few minutes are spent finding outfits for both herself and Richard and packing all of it into one suitcase. It falls on her to pick out the proper outfits for different situations that they might find themselves in. She also needs to arrange for a carriage, purchase a ham and some wine from the market as a gift, write thank you letters, and a million other little things. It may seem like much but having to cram all of it into such a short timespan will be difficult. "Jane!" She calls out, suddenly remembering that she needs to inform the handmaiden of the plans. A tall brunette hurries into the room a few moments later. "Please go pack a bag. It appears as though the Pembroke's plan for us to stay overnight." She then briefly explains the situation before sending the other woman on her way so that they can both get their tasks done.
Richard sits at a desk in the parlor, writing up a letter for King John. The two men are in the midst of planning something big. "What is it?" He calls out sharply, not wanting to be bothered unless it's a life or death situation. The chances of that being the case is low so he's less than pleased.
"Sir, it's Dominic. Did you want me to come?" Usually he was always beside Richard, but with the tone of his voice it sounded as if he didn't want to be bothered. Please say you don't need me. Dominic took a breath hoping his pray would come true. If he didn't need him, Dominic was about to do something bold, but stupid. Maybe it would be worth it though.
(Sorry it's short, I wasn't sure of what else to write.)
"No. I'm busy, go make yourself useful elsewhere," Richard snaps harshly, definitely annoyed now. That was far from a life or death situation. He scoffs and goes right back to writing his letter. It's a lot of information to try and pack into one letter so he needs to concentrate. Besides, this letter is confidential and his life currently isn't in danger so he doesn't need his guard with him. He can survive a few hours by himself.
(It's totally fine!)
Dominic ran a hand through his hair and smiled. A gleam of hope in his eyes. Now, this wasn't allowed in any household, but Dominic was just a tad crazy. He ran up toward Richard's and Theodosia's chambers. He passed by many workers, including Debby. Quickly she grabbed his arm stopping him. "Don't. She said in a firm voice. Debby looked after Dominic like he was her own child. "I'm sorry, just one conversation. I only want one." Even Dominic knew though that one conversation was one too much. He yanked his arm away and continued on. Once at the door he fixed his hair and clothes and knocked one the door. His heart was pounding.
Theodosia gets everything neatly packed away in the suitcase before closing it and hauling it over to the side of the room. Now she needs to head to the market and purchase the ham and wine or she needs to write the letters. She decides to go with the letters. Debby or Marissa can pick up the wine later since they need to go to the market today anyhow. She glances over her shoulder upon hearing the knock on the door. It takes her a moment to snap out of her thoughts and actually go over and open the door. "Yes?" She asks with a polite smile as she faces Dominic. They don't talk very much since he always accompanies Richard but she does know who he is and a couple of things about him.
"Do you need any help with anything M'lady?" If Richard wanted him to do something then he would, he would be Lady Theodosia's guard for now, until Richard wanted him back. He gave her a smile, one that usually charmed the lady workers, but he wasn't sure if it was going to work on Theodosia. A little bit of flirting isn't bad, right? He could almost see Debby slapping him for his indecency and rudeness. She was beautiful, even more so up close. He wanted to get to know her better, even if he knew nothing was going to come of it. Although Dominic wasn't going to lie, he wanted something to happen between them. A romance between a masters wife and a worker, it was dangerous, but it would be exciting. Dominic mentally slap himself for even thinking that way.
“Yes, I do, thank you.” Theodosia steps back to allow him to enter the room. She’s much too distracted to notice his charming smile or the fact that she probably shouldn’t let him in here. “The Pembroke’s are throwing a party tomorrow and I need to pick up a ham, some wine, and maybe some sort of pastry. Arrangements for a carriage also need to be made and I need to go ahead and write thank you notes,” She lists off the tasks that still need to be completed. “The suitcase has already been packed and it just needs to be loaded into the carriage when it arrives tomorrow.” At the very least, she managed to complete that. “I feel as though I am forgetting some but I cannot think of what for the life of me.”
Dominic reached out to touch her shoulder, to comfort her, but he held back. "If you don't mind, I have an idea." She needed out for a bit, stressing over everything wasn't good for her, if he had to he will take all her stress for her. There was nothing more her wanted. Am not in love with her of course Dominic thought as if he was talking to Debby and she was scolding him. It was just a small crush, he'll get over it.
Theodosia brushes a few strands of hair that had escaped from her bun away from her face as she takes a deep breath to calm herself down a little. "What do you have in mind?" Any help she can get would be great. She looks down at the feeling of something pawing at her leg. It seems as though the dog is begging for attention. She kneels down and carefully scoops her into her arms before straightening up. Addie cuddles up to her, her tail wagging like crazy.
"I believe you need some fresh air. So, how about you and me take the thank you cards to a town bakery and have some lunch while writing them, and Debby and Marissa do some shopping. That way you are getting out, I can protect you and get the shopping done at the same time." He watched her facial expression to see if she liked that idea or not. Richard was too busy to even notice anyway. It was a win-win for everyone, especially Dominic. He smiled again hoping she would agree. When Theodosia picked the dog, Dominic really wanted to pet it, but held back. "We can also take this little guy if you want." It was strange, Dominic hadn't even noticed they had a dog.
Theodosia blinks at the suggestion, considering it. She would love to get out of the house but she doubts that Richard would approve of that. "It would help get everything done…….." Scratching Addie behind the ear, she bites lightly at her lower lip. The dog could use some exercise as well so maybe it isn't such a bad idea after all. "Just give me a moment to grab my shawl." She knows that Richard is in the middle of working so he there's a good chance that he wouldn't notice her absence as they as they're quick. Looking around the room, she spots the soft white shawl draped across her bed. She shifts Addie to one around before picking up the article of clothing and pulling it over her shoulders.
"I'll go grabbed Debby and get the carriage ready." He bowed, not being able to hide his smile. He backed away and went to go get Debby, and luckily for him she was waiting just around the hall for him. She couldn't just leave him to a stupid idea he had. "Debby! Get ready we are going into town." Before she could question he was gone. Dominic ran down the spiral set of stairs and out the door. "You, get a carriage ready." Immediately the young boy bowed and ran off. This was all going better than he thought it was going to, which only made him think something at some point was going to go wrong. Dominic then waited outside the door for Debby, Marissa, but most importantly Lady Theodosia. Breath, you don't want to look stupid. Taking a few breaths he calmed himself down and stood up straight.
Before she gets a chance to properly respond, he's gone. She sets Addie on the bed before retrieving a sweater for the dog. It's cold outside and she doesn't want the dog to freeze. She pulls the sweater onto her precious pup before picking her up. "Come on, darling." Once ready to go, she heads down the stairs and makes her way through the house before stepping outside. A cold breeze greets her instantly. Winter is a tough time but it freshly fallen snow is beautiful. She offers a small appreciative smile to Dominic, Debby, and Marissa. "Thank you all for agreeing to come on such short notice." She feels horrible for dragging them away from the warm house just because her husband neglected to tell her that they needed to attend to a party. "This should only take a short while and I understand if any of you decide not to come."
Debby shook her head and smiled. "This is no trouble at all." Debby always liked Theodosia, she was a kid d girl, but she also though she deserved better. Dominic opened the carriage door for Theodosia, while a separate carriage was there for Debby and Marissa. Technically they weren't allowed in the same carriage as her, and usually Dominic didn't either, but since he was her guard it was allowed. "There's an extra blanket in here for you as well." He wanted to make sure she was as comfortable as possible.
Theodosia once more profusely thanks them. She knows that it’s rather risky to leave one’s station while Richard is around. The man could care less for excuses and jumps right to harsh punishments. She’ll have to make sure that no one gets in any trouble for this. It never made sense to her why he was always so cruel. Everyone who works for them is a wonderful person who doesn’t deserve the treatment that they get from him. “Thank you, Dominic,” She says with a polite smile as she climbs into the carriage and takes her seat. “Please feel free to use the blanket as well if you are cold.”
"No, no. I wouldn't dare." Dominic slightly shook his head as he hot in. It was bad enough he was riding in the same carriage as her. But using a blanket for himself, while she's cold, it was simply something he couldn't let happen. "Please, if you don't use it, at least use it for your puppy." He smiled a watched her every move. The way her hair bounced with the movement of the carriage. The way she pet her puppy with such gentleness. And her smile could light up a whole room. If only she wasn't married. That was the only thing he could think since she entered this home. Quickly he looked away so it seemed like he wasn't staring. Dominic wasn't sure if she caught him staring, but he hoped she didn't.
Theodosia presses a light kiss to Addie’s nose before she settles her down on her lap. The dog’s tail wags like crazy as she curls up with a happy little bark. She pulls out the blanket and spreads it partially on top of Addie before offering the other half to Dominic. “Please, I insist. There is no reason for you to be cold and miserable.” She would feel horrible if he got sick because he didn’t want to share a blanket. That would put him out of work and get him in trouble with her husband. Glancing over to him, she offers a gentle smile. Richard may not approve of her actions but he’s not here to witness them. What he doesn’t know won’t hurt him. That’s what she likes to think at least.
A slight bluSh rose to his cheeks, but he hoped that she would mistake it for the cold. Dominic took a bit of the blanket and looked out the window. "Thank you." He said, not able to look at her. It was so cold that you could see your breath, and white snow covered the ground. Dominic couldn't wait for spring to come, that was his favorite season. Plus, love blossoms in the spring. He took a short side glance towards Theodosia. He was acting like a child, and knew it, but he wanted all of her attention. Richard didn't deserve her. "I can see the town Milady." Dominic said, as he looked out the window. It looked beautiful. Freshly fallen snow on the roof tops. Smoke from fire places. Even though spring was his favorite, Dominic always loved how it looked during winter. "Do you have any favorite bakery you would like to go to toaday?"
Glancing out of the window, a smile pulls at her lip. Freshly fallen snow blankets the entire area. The trees and rooftops are dusted with the white powder. Even now, delicate little snow flakes lazily drift down from the sky. It looks like a winter wonderland from a children's story. To her surprise, and great delight, she manages to catch a glimpse of a deer bounding across a white field. Her eyes light up as she takes in the passing scenery. Winter may be a tough time but it’s truly beautiful. Her smile grows when the town comes into view. A couple of children run in the streets, laughing and throwing snowballs at each other. Friendly neighbors exchange fresh bread and steaming tea. Their faces are all flushed a rosy red from the cold. She shifts her attention back to Dominic when he speaks. “Mr. and Mrs. Hughes have a lovely bakery.” The food their is wonderful and the couple has young twin girls who are the sweetest little things. She often pays a visit when she needs a smile.
(Sorry, I was just about to respond.)
"Ah, yes that family is very kind." Dominic wasn't sure about how much Theodosia knew about his past, but the Hughes family helped him a lot in the past. Especially when his mother was sick. And the twins were adorable, although they probably wouldn't remember him. The carriage stopped, making Dominic jerk a little. "We're here." Dominic took off the blanket, which made his legs a bit cold, but he wanted to be the first out to help Theodosia. He quickly opened the door and hopped out. Holding his hand out he smiled, offering to help her down. It was only until now the Dominic realized he forgot his jacket at home. Even though he was freezing right now, Dominic kept on a brave face. It was still a walk to the bakery, since Mr. Charly stopped right outside the town.
