Picture of Sir Sevêren Gosling

The girl that rushed past me was nothing short of a goddess. Her long brown hair flowed behind her as it dangled, brushing lightly on her small round behind. Her creamy skin was flawless, and smooth, sending electric waves of shock through my body from where our skin touched for a split second. She must not have noticed this, because she kept on walking, pushing the heavy doors which led to the backyard of the estate open, while she carried a basin with her.

I quickly followed after her, forgetting that I had been on my way to see my love. My earlier desire to kiss her lips was gone as I pursued this foreign girl in the manor.

I found her bent over, fetching water from one of the many well built in the backyard. The black sleeveless dress she wore did nothing to cover her beautifully shaped legs, if she bent over any further, I was sure to see the colour of the underwear she had on. I groaned, unconsciously jerking forward against the slightly opened door where I stood. I watched her lift the basin filled with water and place it on her head before turning towards the door. She looked surprised to see me staring at her when she finally noticed me, with her green eyes glittering with astonishment.

I stepped back, holding the door open for her. Slowly, she made her way towards me with timid steps. I observed how her hips swayed with every step she took. She was beautiful. I observed.

"Thank you". Her angelic voice coupled with the smile she sent my way nearly knocked my breath out of me.

I smiled at her and nodded, unable to find my voice. Turning, I watched her take the back stairs towards the second floor. She was heading for Franklin's chamber then, I realized. I began to wonder why she was fetching water for the earl. Unless she was a maid. Even if she was, why was she not in a uniform?.

"Sevêren?". The familiar voice of my beloved called to me from behind.

I turned to find her smiling broadly at me before she run into my arms. I embraced her, kissing her hair and inhaling her familiar scent. I then kissed her lips, biting gently on her lower lip.

"By god, I missed you". I groaned, lifting her and pinning her against the wall as I continued to kiss her feverishly.

"I missed you too Sevêren. You have been gone for long". She heaved.

"Forgive me my love. It was not my intention. The earl-".

"Shhh..". She hushed me, placing her forefinger on my lips. "I understand. Come". She winked suggestively, before dragging me into the nearby storeroom and locking the door.

*****

If I thought the maid to be plain before, I was mistaken!. Perhaps I did not wish to see past the water soaked uniform and timid look in her eyes. The maid's uniform certainly did not do her curvy body justice, I now noticed.

I was just about to pour myself another glass of whiskey when I heard a knock at the door. I commanded the person in only to find myself gasping at the temptress who walked in. If not for the basin on her head, I would have mistake her for someone else. The red in her eyes were gone, only to be replaced with beautiful green orbs. The colour in her skin had returned and the slight wetness in her long brown locks only served to compliment her innocent look. If I had not met her earlier, I would think she had planned to seduce me. The black dress she now wore in place of her maid's uniform barely covered her creamy thighs and lifted each time she moved. Her full breasts nearly spilled out of the dress, with her hardened nipples poking through the thin fabric.

I watched as she made her way into the bath chamber. Only when she was out of sight, did my senses and breath return to me. I wanted to fuck her!.

Placing the glass down, I followed her into the bath chamber and watched her bend over to drain the old water out. Then she poured the fresh one into the tub and turned to leave, suddenly startled to find me watching her.

"I shall return with a rag to wipe the floor". She squeaked, hurrying past me and out of my chamber.

Never have I been so entertained by a maid filling my tub before. This was her fourth round and I still remained standing at the entrance of the bath chamber watching her and hoping she would bend lower anytime she leaned in to pour water into the tub.

"I am done your grace. Thank you for your patience". She informed me, while picking up the rag she had cleaned the wet floor with.

"What is your name?". My question seemed to alarm her.

"Sir?". Her green eyes threatened to pop out.

"Your name". I repeated, taking a step towards her.

"Evangeline sir". She answered while she tried to swiftly walk past me out of the bath chamber.

My cock was standing erected and I did not care that she noticed. Moving to block her path, I smirked at her, raising a brow at her. I saw her visibly gulp, her fear of me quite evident. I found it amusing. What was she thinking?. I would never take a woman without her permission. I found no pleasure in that. I only desire to ask her a few questions.

"How long have you been working here?".

"Four days your grace". She began to fidget with her fingers.

"Do you belong to any one?". My curiosity perked.

"Your grace?". Her face flushed.

"Are you wedded or betrothed?". I pressed.

"No your grace". She shook her head, averting her gaze from mine.

I sighed, relieved to hear that she belonged to no one. I could easily pursue her for myself and make her my mistress. I stepped aside for her to pass but grabbed onto her arm to stop her again when remembered another question. I needed to know where she was from but her reaction however startled me.

She shrieked in fright, yanking her arm away from me. I let go of her immediately, causing her to fall backwards onto the carpeted floor of my bed chamber, while I watched her in confusion. She was genuinely frightened of me. I could see it in her eyes. I began to wonder what I had done to instil such fear in her.

"What is wrong with you?. Why did you scream like that?". I bawled.

She looked confused herself as she gathered up herself and stood. "I thought... I thought". Tears welled up in her eyes as a look of shame over came her.

I frowned, understanding what she meant to say even though she had not said it. "You thought I would force myself on you?. Why in blasted heavens would you think I would commit such an abominable thing. Have you not respect for me?!". I was furious. What did she think of me?. How dare her think I would stoop so low to commit such an act!.

"Forgive me your grace. I should not have-". She began to speak but I wanted her out of my sight. Her presence suddenly irked me.

"Get out!". I cut her off.

"Your grace, I am-".

"Get out. Now!". I grabbed her arm, dragging her out of my chamber and closing the door.

I was furious. No one had ever insulted me in such manner. It might not have been intentional but it still irritated me to have a woman think I was capable of bedding her against her will. It was not my way!. My mother taught me well and I will be damned if I should bring shame upon her name by forcing intercourse upon a fragile being such as a woman.

*******

Evangeline had never been so ashamed of herself in her life. How could she have been mistaken?. She had seen the lust in his eyes, his erected manhood, the way he looked at her. She was certain he was going to abuse her just as the duke had done. Perhaps her fear of being raped again had made her paranoid. She hoped and prayed the earl would not have her sent away for her behaviour.

The sight of a couple frolicking had Evangeline turning away quickly. She should have used the back stairs, she scolded herself but she had been lost in thought so she did not realize she had used the front step. The couple had however not noticed her as they continued to kiss and touch each other in a compromising way.

Turning quickly in order not to be caught, Evangeline hurried back up the stairs towards the second floor to use the back stairs.

"Stop!". The word made Evangeline freeze mid-stride. "Come here". The female voice commanded.

Turning, Evangeline made her way to the were the couple stood on the first floor.

"Who are you?".

The elegantly dressed lady hissed at her once she stood infront of her. Evangeline took in her appearance. Her swollen red lips, fluttered cheeks and disheveled hair. This woman was clearly enjoying herself. She looked to the man. His short her was dark as night with piercing blue eyes and a lanky structure. He looked amused to see Evangeline while the female looked as though she wanted Evangeline dead.

"My name is Evangeline milady". I curtsied.

"What are doing here?. Do you work here?!". She snapped.

"I am a laundry maid milady". Evangeline bowed.

"Laundry maid?. Dressed like this?". She hissed in vexation. Clearly not pleased.

"My uniform..-".

"Silence!". She cut Evangeline off from her explanation. "Were you coming from my husband's chamber?". She gasped dramatically.

That was when it dawned on Evangeline. This woman here, kissing another make, was Master Franklin's betrothed. She wondered who the male was that she had been boldly comprising herself with.

"I went to attend to the master, milady". Evangeline eyed her. This woman clearly was not a lady. For some reason, Evangeline was suddenly irritated by the woman's betrayal.

"Attend to him?!". She took a step forward, taking in Evangeline's appearance. "Attend to him in what manner, dressed like this?!". She bellowed.

"Milady. I was only filling his tub with water". Evangeline tried to explain.

"Enough. If you think I will sit back and let a maid take what is mine you are mistaken".

"Evangeline fumed at the accusation. How could this woman think she would throw herself at the master!.

"Milady please. Tis not what you think. I fell in the tub and I had to change-". She tried to explain once more.

"Shut up!". She hissed at her. "You maids never know your place!".

Just then Mrs Clarkson began to make her way up the stairs. She had heard the commotion from downstairs and decided to come see what the situation was, for herself. She glared at Evangeline when she saw what she was wearing. She would make sure to give the girl a proper scolding. Her attire was inappropriate. Giving Evangeline a disapprovingly glare, she turned to bow at Lady Valencia, noticing immediately her flushed cheeks and swollen lips.

"Lady Valencia, shall I assist you with anything?". She asked as if she had not noticed Evangeline being the center of the situation.

"Yes. Look at what this maid is wearing?!. Is this how servants are allowed to dress in this respectable household?!". She glowered.

"I assure you lady Valencia, I do not allow maids to walk around the house like this".

"I do not mind maids walking around the house like this if they have a body like that. The lanky man who had been standing quiet all this while finally spoke. He still looked amused about the whole situation.

Lady Valencia hissed, turning sharply towards him. "Anthony. This is not the time for your jokes!".

"What is the commotion about little cousin?. I am certain the poor girl has an explanation". He shrugged.

"I do not care!. Mrs Clarkson, I want her relieved of her duties".

"Lady Valencia I do not think that-".

"You are not paid to think!". She hissed rudely at Mrs Clarkson. "Do as you are told!".

"Yes. Immediately milady". Mrs Clarkson gritted through her teeth. Master Franklin was a kind soul, how then did he end up picking such a despicable woman for a bride, she thought to herself.

"No. Please. I have no where to go. I will fetch my uniform this instant please". Evangeline begged as she began to cry.

"Please remove her immediately, the last thing I need is for a maid to become my husband's mistress". She huffed, flipping her hair and walking away, down the stairs to the ground floor, with Anthony following behind her.

You did not have to go that far. Relieving that poor girl if her duties was extreme

Hush now Anthony. She saw us kissing. If she stays here she might gossip and the earl will find out about us. Who is to say he will not call off the wedding

You could have given her a warning note. This poor girl probably has not where to go to".

"Are you on my side or hers?. Maybe it was a good idea to get her fired. I do not want her to end up in your bed.

Anthony laughed. You should worry about your husband. I see no other woman except you. That maid is in no way more beautiful than you are.... except of course for her beautiful legs and mesmerising green eyes". He taunted.

Valencia turned sharply to glare at him only for Anthony to capture her lips in a passionate kiss, just as they descended the stair.

*****

Ella was crying and so was I. There was no way I could return to Castor. The duke would certainly give me a beating before having his way with me and I could not picture myself surviving that kind of pain. Mrs Clarkson looked irritated and sad at the same time as she handed me my wage. I did not know which of the emotions she displayed was mine.

"Here". Sara handed me a bag of gold coins. "You can hire a carriage to Westbrook. Hopefully you will find work there. All the best of luck". She rushed me before embracing me briefly.

I nodded. "Thank you". I said, picking up the bag of food and clothes she had also packed for me.

Ella suddenly rushed into my arms and embraced me. "I will miss you dear friend. Do write to us okay?". Ella snipped, before releasing me from the tight embrace.

"I will". I told her, as I made my way out of the servants quarters.

*****

Sevêren found himself looking towards the servant's door as he and Master Franklin, along with Valencia and her cousin Anthony ate lunch, to see if the maid goddess would walk through. He had only met her for a few minutes but he found himself yearning to see her again. To speak to her. To get to know her.

All Franklin wanted to do was finish his meal and retire to his chamber, away from Valencia and her squeaky voice. The woman was beginning to irritate him and they were not even married yet. Now, she was complaining about the taste of the food. In beginning she had said it was not rich enough for her standards, then she said the second course was too spicy. Taking in deep breaths, he tried to refrain from strangling her.

"Mrs Clarkson". Valencia spoke began to speak again, causing bother Sevêren and Franklin to groan. They wondered what her next compliant was.

"Yes milady". Mrs Clarkson answered, her eyes trained on the maids as they served the last course of the meal.

"I am certain by now you have done as I had instructed?". She glared at the woman.

Franklin noticed this and frowned. She did not like how Valencia addressed Mrs Clarkson. The woman had been his nanny since child birth, and now she was the governess of the estate. She was more of a mother to him and he would be damned if he let anyone disrespect her.

"Yes milady. I sent her away". Mrs Clarkson answered.

"Sent who away?. Sevêren frowned.

Valencia eyed him while ignoring his question as she proceeded to continue with her meal.

"Answer the question woman!". Franklin hissed at her. She was she rude he could not stomach it.

"It is nothing to concern yourself with". She focused her gaze at Severen as she said this.

"This is my home. I must know of anything that happens here". Franklin hissed. "Clara, who did you send away?".

"Clara". Valencia cut in. "Go away from here, I can handle my husband".

"Do not speak to her in that tone. And address her properly. I am the only one allowed to call her Clara". Franklin bellowed, startling the woman who clearly looked taken aback buy his sudden anger.

"Mrs Clarkson please tell us". Severen pressed. For some reason who had a bad feeling about the whole thing.

"Lady Valencia instructed that I send miss Evangeline away". Mrs Clarkson confessed.

"Miss". Valencia scoffed. "Why do you address that whore of a maid as miss?!". She spat.

"Valencia!. Mind your language". The Earl hissed at her. He was fuming with rage. "And why would you dismiss a maid without my permission?". He directed his question to Mrs Clarkson.

"As your future wife, I did not think it necessary to seek permission before doing what is needed for this house hold!". Valencia rudely cut in.

Franklin shut his eyes, trying his best to remain calm. He had never raised his hand on a woman before but Valencia was pushing him to make her the first.

"Future wife Valencia!. We are not yet married!".

"Franklin, do not speak to me in such tone". She feigned sadness but the earl could see right through it.

Sevêren rolled his eyes at how dramatic she was being. At the back of his mind, the thought of never seeing Evangeline again irked him.

"Lady Valencia, please pray tell, what did Evangeline do wrong?". He gritted through his teeth, placing his cutlery down at the sudden lose of appetite.

"Nothing". Anthony, who had been enjoying his meal all this while spoke. "My cousin just did not like the idea that the maid was more attractive than she was". He chuckled, causing a smile to crack at the corner of Sevêren's lips.

"Anthony how dare you!". Valencia seethed.

Anthony laughed. "Oh come off it Valencia. You did not even allow the poor girl to explain why she was not in her right attire".

"She was dressed like a brothel worker!". Valencia snapped at hiker cousin.

"What is the meaning of this?!". Franklin was beyond rage.

"My love". Valencia attempted to soothe him by running her fingers through his hair but he batted her hand away. "She is a promiscuous woman. Her attire-". She gasped dramatically.

"Do not call her names Valencia!". Franklin warned. He suddenly felt the need to protect Evangeline.

"But she intentionally took off her uniform and wore that flimsy dress to seduce you!. I can not have that. What would people say if you slept with a maid or worse, made her your mistress!".

"Do not be absurd woman!". Franklin huffed, even though both thoughts had already crossed his mind. "The poor girl was drowning in the tub when I got to my chamber earlier on!. If I had not gotten there on time she would have died. Did you expect her to walk around in her wet clothes?!".

"Oh dear lord?. She nearly drown?". Mrs Clarkson gasped.

"Yes. Thank heavens I decided to go to my chamber for a bath at that time". Franklin shook his head. A maid dying in his tub was not the kind of welcome back home he would want.

"Surely she could have worn a new uniform". Valencia stated nonchalantly.