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.
Romance (O/O @Second-rate-Illy)
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.
(Bump…….)
(Sorry, I was just about to respond.)
(It's fine! : ) )
"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.
Theodosia pulls off of the blanket, neatly folds it, and sets it aside. With a small smile, she takes his hand and climbs out of the carriage. She shivers the second the cold breeze hits her. Holding Addie close to her chest, she tightly wraps her shawl around the both of them. "Goodness, it is rather cold out here." Coming from the warm carriage right into the cold and the snow is a bit of a shock. Her cheeks are flushed a rosy red and she can see her breath. It's only the beginning of winter so the weather is sure to get colder. Standing out here will only result in one of them falling ill so she's eager to get inside. Based off of where they are, they still have to walk for a few minutes to get to the bakery. Though not excited to be stared at by the townspeople, she knows that they should get going. "Shall we?" She asks with a smile.
"We shall." He takes her arm and starts to lead her down the street. Everyone seemed so happy, kids were playing in the snow and freshly baked bread filled the air. It was strange but around this time everyone seemed more joyful. It made Dominic smile, seeing everyone happy made him happy. "We'll be headed off!" Debby yelled. Dominic turned a waved quickly before turning his attention back to Theodosia. "You know, you look very beautiful today." He figured Richard didn't say anything like that today or ever, so Dominic thought he would. It almost felt like a date, and just thinking that made his heart skip a beat. No, she's married.
Keeping a gentle smile on her face, she follows after him. A bunch of adorable little kids are running around, playing with each other and having a snowball fight. It's fun to watch. The adults of the town are milling about, talking and shopping. Despite the hardships that come with winter, everyone is always in such a good mood during the first snow fall. Her entire face turns cherry red at his words. "Thank you, Dominic," She says, appreciative yet flustered. Compliments don't come off so she's never really sure how to handle one when they do come. Richard used to compliment her left and right while they were courting but only in the presence of her parents. He was trying to charm them, not her. She sees that now. At least she only has to see him for a couple of hours out of the day. That narrows down the abuse time frame.
"Look there." Dominic gestured to two twin (Girls?) Running around in front of store. "Looks like we're here." The walk seemed shorter than usual. George stood outside watching the girls while Mary was inside cooking. "Come, let's get you inside." He passed by George with a wave, it's been awhile since he saw them. Dominic took Theodosia. With all the baking, it made inside the store warm. "Are you feeling warmer." Dominic asked pulling out a chair for her. Mary, watched everything and smiled. "Miss Theodosia welcome, it's been awhile." Dominic shook his head, he didn't want Theodosia to know about his past, at least not not yet.
Theodosia waves at the adorable twin girls. The two can't be more than five years old but they are the politest and most energetic children that she's ever met. To be fair, she hasn't met very many children so her standards aren't that high but they're still lovely. "Yes, I am, thank you," She replies with a smile as they enter the bakery. The inside of the store is warm and toasty due to the constant use of fire. She thanks him once more before sitting down and placing Addie in her lap. The dog curls up contently and steals her owner's body heat. "Hello, Mrs. Hughes. It's wonderful to you again. How are you and Mr. Hughes and the girls?" She asks, smiling.
"The girls have a lot of energy and can be a bit much, but we are all doing fine. How are you Dominic?" Mary covered her mouth when she noticed his named slipped from her mouth. Dominic's face fell into his hands. "Sorry," She whispered. Oh well, if Theodosia turns away when she finds out I used to be a commoner boy, then oh well. She didn't seem the the type of girl to do that though. "I'm good, thanks Mary." George and the girls came back inside and immediately the girls started running around. "Girls please!" Mary shouted and went after them while George took over.
Theodosia looks over to Dominic, surprised when Mary says his name. The two clearly aren't strangers. She knows that Richard doesn't like to mingle with anyone below his status so it's unlikely that he would come here enough for Mrs. Hughes to know Dominic by name. That must mean that he knows them some other way. "How do you know the Hughes'?" She asks him curiously as she pulls out the thank you notes and begins to get set up to write them. She sticks to the basics, only scribbling down a personal touch when she deems it necessary. The Pembroke's really aren't people that she gets along with so she finds it hard to write anything polite and personal.
"I used to live here when I was young, with my mother. The Hughes help quite a bit when my mom and I were going through hard time." Mary finally got the girls to settle down and the players with their dolls in the corner of the room. With a sigh Mary walked over and put her hands on the boys shoulders. "Let's not talk about this anymore. Are you alright with that Theodosia?" Mary asked, sending Dominic was getting a bit upset, even if he was hiding it well. "Mary, I'm fine really. If Lady Theodosia would like to know more about me, it would actually make me quite happy." He looked up and smiled. He wanted her to know more about him, even if it hurt. "Ah, I see." Mary gave him a wink and walked away. He blushed slightly, but smiled. "You don't have to feel bad," One of the little girls ran up to Theodosia and smiled. "Do you like dolls?" Her curled blonde hair bounced when she tilted her head and looked up at Theodosia with her big blue eyes. Thanks for interrupting kid.
Theodosia pauses in her writing in order to give him her full attention. She hadn't known that about him. Having a sick mother while having low fund must have been incredibly difficult for him. She comes from a wealthy family so she doesn't know of the hardships that many people super. It's a privileged but very sheltered way to live. Before she has a chance to say anything, Mary is coming over and putting an end to the conversation. "That is quite alright," She agrees at once, not wanting anyone to be uncomfortable. Glancing between Dominic and Mary, she can't help but wonder what that wink was all about. Had she missed something obvious? Probably. Social cues go over her head a lot of the time. She looks over to the little girl and smiles. "Yes, I do like dolls. Do you and your sister like to play with dolls?" She asks, her eyes bright. The child is absolutely adorable.
"You look like my sisters doll." The girl turned towards her sister and waved her over. "Brea, come here. Show her your doll." Brea shook her head not wanting too, unlike her sister Brea had long straight brown hair with large blueish/gray eyes. "Sofie, leave me alone." Ah, Five year olds. Dominic thought. Brea pouted and her face turned red. "Alright girls, go to your room, I won't have you fighting in front of customer's. The girls picked up their things and headed up stairs. The Hughes's house at the bottom was a bakery while the top half was their living space. "Sorry about that, Brea is a bit shy, while.. Sofie is not." Dominic just laughed and grabbed some cards. "Would you like my help, I may be a commoner, but, my handwriting is pretty good." He gave her a playful wink. "I need to be helpful in some way."