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Torn
Jul 18, 2010 16:46:15 GMT -5
Post by fallingn2ct on Jul 18, 2010 16:46:15 GMT -5
*Disclaimer: I will try & make sure to keep up with historical accuracy, but for story reasons, I may not.* *This is a new idea, if you like it let me know * Some people might think that growing up rich and in the South is something that every girl wants. Balls to attend, parties, teas, lunches, dinners, the list could go on. The talk of civil war was at the time, just that, nothing but talk. The O'Sullivan family owned a large plantation in Charleston, South Carolina and were known as one of the most affluent families. Again, anyone may consider this knowledge to be something of value. But to the younger of the O'Sullivan children, Abigail, it was something hated.
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Torn
Jul 18, 2010 17:20:18 GMT -5
Post by fallingn2ct on Jul 18, 2010 17:20:18 GMT -5
"Abigail, let's go!", he sister Melinda called to her.
"In a minute," she shot back through the closed door. The ribbed corset was bitingly tight and she was trying to figure out how she was supposed to breathe. Not to mention the overly puffy pink & white dress her mother insisted she wear,"Another stupid party", she grumbled. She much rather preferred to spend time in the stables or out in the orchards reading a book. Letting her mind wander to places of fantasy. But at the age she was it was "high time", as mother put it that she start taking her head out of the clouds and start looking for a suitable man. She sighed and looked at her profile in the mirror. Her hair was a dark brown that was nearly black, her eyes a watery blue. She looked nothing like her sister for which she was greatful. Melinda had taken after their mother, Madeline, with fair hair & eyes. Both attributes that tended to attract suitors.
"Abigail Meredith, now young lady!", she heard her father Sean's voice coming from the stairway.
"Coming Papa!", she took as deep a breath as she could and made her way out of her room.
"We are going to be late", he scolded as she came down the stairs.
"I didn't mean to take so long", she kissed his cheek.
"You do look lovely my little one."
"Papa, I am not so little anymore", she laughed.
"This may be true, but you are still my youngest."
"And most spoiled", Melinda said primping her hair in the mirror.
"Shut your mouth Mel", Abigail said quickly.
"Sorry, did I upset you," she said patronizingly.
"Girls, not tonight", Sean said," Here's your mother."
"Are we ready", Madeline smiled at her two daughters and her husband.
"We are", Sean said casting a quick glare to the girls,"You look beautiful Maddy."
"Thank you", she gave a small curtsy.
"Let's be off then", he said leading them outside,"John if you could please see to it the girls are picked up at nine o'clock, their mother and I will follow shortly after."
"Yes sir", the butler said holding the carriage door open and helping the ladies to take their seat.
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Torn
Jul 18, 2010 18:36:36 GMT -5
Post by fallingn2ct on Jul 18, 2010 18:36:36 GMT -5
Lights twinkled from the inside of the house as the carriage approached. Small lanterns lit the drive up to the front door. Carruages were lined up as people poured out and around the house. The cool autumn evening was crisp and fragrant. The changing season created a warm, spicey breath of air. The home belonged to Sean's brother Michael. The party was for his wife Briana's birthday. Women sat with their shawls in the rocking chairs that lined the wrap around verandah, cups of hot tea in their hands. Men held conversations off to the side while smoking cigaras & cigarettes. Politics, always a hot bed of the topics.
"Nine o'clock girls", Sean said as he helped his wife & daughters out of the carriage.
"Yes, Papa", they said in unison.
"Melinda!", Called a young man as he crossed to their carriage.
"Paul", Melinda smiled at the young man.
"May I escort you in?", he smiled with twinkling blue eyes, his brown hair hidden beneath a cap.
"Papa?", Melinda looked to her father.
"Paul, good to see you lad", Sean shook the young man's hand," You may indeed escort my Melinda into the party."
"Thank you", he offered his arm to her.
"I'll make sure the horses are properly taken care of", Abigail said trying to hide the disgust in her face. Men falling over her sister made her nautious.
"Abbie, the driver can do that, really," Melinda scolded,"I'm sure that dashing Keith is looking for you somewhere."
"Enjoy your time with Paul, but watch out the McNeilly boy may get jealous," she turned on her heel and made her way to the stables. That would teach her sister to suggest she be escorted by a boy she considered to be an annoying brother. She watched as the driver unhitched the two horses. She bid him leave and took to brushing the animals.
"You look awful fancy to be brushing horses", came a voice from the other side of the stable.
"Who's there", she stopped quickly.
"Sorry love, didn't mean to scare you", a man stepped from the darkness.
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Torn
Jul 19, 2010 12:29:06 GMT -5
Post by fallingn2ct on Jul 19, 2010 12:29:06 GMT -5
"You....you didn't scare me", Abigail said avoiding his eyes.
"You just seem slightly over dressed to be out in a stable brushing horses", he couldn't help but marvel at the beauty in front of him,"You should be in the big house with the others."
"No I shouldn't", she shook her head,"Why are you out here?', she finally met the cool icey eyes in front of her.
"I work for Mr. O'Sullivan, I am head stableman, Ryan Kelly's the name."
"I'm Abigail and trust me I do not belong in there", she smiled. His accent reminded her of her father and her uncle. She with held her last name to avoid any issue being made.
"What makes you say that?', he held out a hand for one of the brushes.
She smiled and handed it to him as they both brushed the two horses,"Men tripping over my sister, the same senseless conversations about war. My mother trying to pawn me off to one man or another. Just not for me."
"You'd rather be in a smelly stable?", he laughed
She shrugged and stopped,"I feel at home with the horses," she patted the sturdy mare's neck,"No expectations, or pretenses" ,she turned to look at him,"What about you? Mr. O'Sullivan usually allows help at the parties."
"Not this evening," he sighed,"Have to make sure all the horses are set and kept cooled off after the drives."
"Lucky for you, I'm not much into parties."
Ryan laughed,"Lucky eh?"
"Yes, see you have to look after the horses and there are a lot of them. Therefore, I can help."
"Sure you want to get that", he gestured to her dress," all mucked from the stalls?"
She groaned,"I hate this thing, my momma made me wear it. I can barely breathe in it."
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Torn
Jul 20, 2010 18:19:37 GMT -5
Post by fallingn2ct on Jul 20, 2010 18:19:37 GMT -5
"You certainly don't talk like the ladies that are usually here", he chuckled.
"Improperly speaking, I know", she cast him a smile," My Papa always gets onto me for it, but I just don't find a reason to be that way."
"It's a wonder a lad isn't escorting you this evening."
"Well, maybe you could", she said boldy,"We have brushed the horses, we could take a walk."
Ryan laughed to himself, this Abigail was indeed unlike the other,"Well Ms. Abigail if you would like", he gave a mock bow which sent her into a peel of laughter, one which was mucis to his ears.
"I would be delighted", she gave a curtsy and put her hand on his offered arm,"Such a lovely evening and not too cold."
"If you do get cold I have mmy jacket," he said.
"Why thank you, very kind of you."
They walked in the moonlight, both at ease with the other's company. The silvery fingers of the moon cast a soft glow lighting their path.
"Where are you from exactly?", Abigail asked.
"Northern Ireland," he replied,"Very small village."
"How is it you came to be here in America?"
He paused,"Suppose I wanted to see the world, and I heard coming to America was a good start."
"My father came from Ireland too, when he was a young boy. After my grandaddy died he took over the plantation. I've only ever lived there, but we travel into the main city sometimes."
"I can tell ya about my village sometime, if you'd like", he stopped as they neared the front of the house.
Abigail felt herself color slightly,"I would like that."
"Abigail!", she heard her father's voice.
"Oh no, what time is it?", she looked at Ryan.
He pulled an old slightly bent pocket watch out," about nine thirty."
"I have to go, I'm sorry," she began to turn.
"Can I see you again?', he asked quickly.
She thought," I can meet you tomorrow, in the barn again."
"I'll be there in the morning, usually early."
'I'll be there as soon as I can get away", she smiled and quickly strode to the front of the house.
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Torn
Jul 21, 2010 16:27:04 GMT -5
Post by fallingn2ct on Jul 21, 2010 16:27:04 GMT -5
"Where did you get off to?", Sean looked at his daughter.
"I was just, walking around. I mean I was fine Papa, forgot the time," she answered.
"You're mother was worried and she's gone home with your sister."
"I really am sorry Papa", she pulled at the extra material on her dress," I can stay the night here and come home tomorrow. I'm sure Aunt Briana wouldn't mind."
"And have you wandering off worrying them, I don't think so", he took her by the arm as their carriage approached.
"I can walk", she tugged her arm away. The carriage ride home was silent between father and daughter. Once at home they entered the quiet house.
"Go and apologize to your mother", Sean ordered.
"Yes sir", Abigail answered quietly climbing the stairs. She sighed as she stopped at her parents bedroom door," Momma, it's Abbie."
"Come in", Madeline called softly," Where did you disappear to Abigail? I was worried sick"
"I know Momma and I'm sorry", she said standing by the large bed," I was perfectly fine, I lost track of time."
"Were you with a boy?"
Abigail laughed,"I am not like my sister and sneaking off with this boy or that one. I was just walking and spending time in the stables with the horses."
Madeline looked at her youngest daughter," You know there are a lot of very nice young men out there Abigail."
"Can we please not have this conversation Momma, I am really tired."
She chuckled lightly," Go to sleep my dear", she gave her hand a squeeze before allowing her to leave.
Abigail sighed heavily as she closed the door to her bedroom door. What had she been doing walking with a man she had just met? Why was she excited at seeing him the next day? Thoughts and questions swirled through her mind as she changed from her party dress and into her night dress.
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Torn
Aug 7, 2010 7:05:52 GMT -5
Post by fallingn2ct on Aug 7, 2010 7:05:52 GMT -5
Ryan finished his breakfast of soda bread and hot tea as he prepared to start his day in the stables. The small shanty which he called home was warm and lit simply by the small fire in the stove and an oil lamp. He placed a worn cap snugly on his head and slipped on his jacket. The crisp morning air greeted him as his breath came in small puffs of smoke. Fall leaves crunched under his feet as he made his way to the stables, he let his mind wander to the dark haired, blue eyed girl of the night before. He wondered if she would indeed try to meet him. He smiled as he thought of how bold and seemingly out spoken she was, something not looked highly upon in this country. In Ireland, that is how women were, something he had missed since coming to America. He had known from the dress and shiney earrings that danced and she spoke that she came from money. Money meant place in society and expectations. None of which mattered to him, but knew some how, some way it would matter to her. He breathed in the all to familiar scent of hay and horses when he opened the door to the stable,"Morning beauties", he greeted the animals going into the tack room to begin preparing their feed. He hummed to himself as he poured the grain & oats mixtures into the different buckets. He didn't hear the quiet foot steps that approached behind him.
"Good morning", Abbie said loud enough to be heard over his humming.
Ryan stopped and smiled without turning around,"Good morning Abigail," he resumed filling the buckets.
"I thought if I was early enough that I could perhaps give you a hand," she said standing next to him.
"Thank you for the offer, but these feed buckets can get heavy," he cast her a sideways glance.
"I think I can handle it", she said lifting one of the pails in her hand feeling the strain,"See, no problem."
He laughed", Not heavy at all?", he looked at her face growing redder.
She placed the bucket back on the ground,"Fine, it is some what heavy, but I was proving a point."
"Point taken", he laughed,"Glad you were able to come", he led the way to the stalls.
"It took a bit of work, but momma finally agreed that I could ride over here. I told her I would not be gone for too long," she followed him and took the empty buckets.
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Torn
Aug 8, 2010 13:01:17 GMT -5
Post by fallingn2ct on Aug 8, 2010 13:01:17 GMT -5
"I'm afraid what I do is not very exciting", he said wiping sweat from his brow with a small kerchief from his pocket.
"I spend enough time in these places, believe me. Do you know what I would be doing right now if I wasn't here?"
"Do tell Ms. Abbie", he smiled as they replaced the buckets and brushes in the tack room.
"Well for starters, I would be studying something horribly boring and feminine such as cooking or sewing. Following that would be lessons in penmanship, I personally think mine is fine. In the afternoon my momma has a woman's knitting circle, mostly they just gossip."
"You enjoy such gossip?", he teased.
"I assure Mr.Kelly, I do not", she smiled,"I tend to slip away unnoticed and take a stroll through the orchards."
"Aye," he said,"I tend to do the same after the morning feedings. There is a little creek that runs down near the property edge in the back. I will take one of my books and read for a bit."
"You read?", she asked.
"You seem surprised", he led the way out of the stables.
"Not surprised", she felt as though she had insulted him,"Just......interested."
"I see", he nodded,"Would you like to have a cup of tea with me? Perhaps we could then walk to the creek."
"A cup of tea would be lovely," she said shyly,"But I will have to leave after that."
"I see", he said quietly,"My shanty is this way," he motioned with his hand.
"Please Ryan," she placed a hand carefully on his arm,"It's not that I don't want too, I just have to be home."
"It's okay Abigail", he placed his hand over hers and cast her a warm smile,"I understand, your family may not approve of you spending time with a simple stable boy so to speak."
"I don't care for their approval on everything", she said as they made their way to his home.
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Torn
Aug 13, 2010 0:53:54 GMT -5
Post by fallingn2ct on Aug 13, 2010 0:53:54 GMT -5
"I will tell you that my home is not much", he said as they walked together.
"Matters not to me", Abigail said assuredly,"As I have said before I am not typical."
"I have to remember that", he laughed," here we are", he pointed to what looked like nothing more than a small shack, small windows on the front and side barely showed a small glow coming from inside,"Come on in."
Abigail smiled to herself, it was exactly as she pictured this man living. Simply, everything in it's tidy place, she saw a tea kettle set on the stove, and bread in a basket on a table that held two chairs,"This is quiet cozy."
"Which means it's tiny," he laughed closing the door and moving immediatley to the small stove to build the fire back up.
"No, it means it means it's cozy and perfect," she smiled.
"May I take your shawl for you?", he offered.
"Thank you", she said as he pulled it from her shoulders,"You told you me you would tell me about your village in Ireland."
"Aye, I did didn't I?", he placed the tea kettle on the stove to allow it to boil,"What would you like to know?"
"I don't know", she said sitting in one of the chairs and the small table,"What would you like to tell me?"
"Well," he said sitting across from her,"It's a small place, nothing like what I have seen in America. To come into the village you have to cross this small bridge and under that bridge runs a small creek. In the spring when it rains, you have never smelled anything so sweet."
"Sounds lovely", she said resting her chin against her palm,"What else?"
"There is a palce we go climbing called clover hill, it is so green. Again in the spring, right after winter. Looks like a thousand emeralds have rained down from heaven and are resting just waiting to be found. Music is very big in my village of Moy, fiddles, lutes, violins, a guitar, spoons. Anything that will make a sound, we make music out of."
Abigail sighed,"It sounds aboslutely magical."
"That it is", he said reluctant to pull his eyes from hers as the tea kettle began to whistle loudly.
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Aug 15, 2010 21:42:27 GMT -5
Post by fallingn2ct on Aug 15, 2010 21:42:27 GMT -5
Abigail watched Ryan as he moved around the small stove pouring the steaming water & tea into two small tin mugs. His shoulders were broad and proud, his hands appeared rough from work, but she recalled the way they felt when they held hers. Nothing, but warmth had surged from them.
"I only have a small amount of sugar if that is okay?", he said placing the mugs on the table.
"That's fine", she answered wrapping her chilled hands around the warm cup,"How is you came to work with horses like you do?"
Ryan thought for a moment,"By accident I suppose, before I came to America I helped with horses of a wealthy family in the village. I loved the animals, but not the people."
"And you like it here?"
"Very much", he smiled over the rim of his own cup before taking a sip,"Tell me about you Abigail, what made you desire to be so different from the other girls."
"I just find little joy in the mundane", she answered,"I want to know what else is out there. To meet interesting people, experience life. I want to be educated, not in cooking, sewing, or penmanship, but in history and the world."
"Do you like music?"
"Very much", she smiled.
"Then tomorrow night, you should come to a gathering. Down by the creek, some other folks and me self are going to have a nice fire, some good drink, and music. Not as stuffy as the party last night."
Abigail felt the pull at her want to say yes to him, she wanted to see him again, but fear nawed at the pit of her stomach. Fear of what her family may do if they found out she was sneaking away to see a man below her stature, she took a quick in hale of air,"I would like that a lot."
"Grand!", Ryan said excitedly,"Shall we meet here then? We can walk down together."
"That will be fine," she nodded. They talked for a bit more and finished their tea,"Thank you for the tea Ryan, I had a wonderful time."
"As did I, Abigail", Ryan said placing her shawl over her shoulders.
"I will see you tomorrow evening", she found it hard to move her eyes from the piercing ice color of his.
"Until tomorrow", he said bringing her hand to his lips and placing a gentle kiss.
"Goodbye", she gave a slight curtsie before turning to leave.
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Torn
Aug 25, 2010 19:09:06 GMT -5
Post by fallingn2ct on Aug 25, 2010 19:09:06 GMT -5
Abigail's head swam as she made her way back home. Suddenly the air held a different crispness to it, the fall had made its descent over Charleston. Ryan Kelly was a perfect gentleman and unlike most young men that she was associated with. She was used to being showered with nonsense compliments and over indulgences from interested suiters. Most of the time they had no idea that she was rolling her eyes and counting the minutes until they would leave. With Ryan she didn't feel that way, he wanted to talk to her. He seemed to take a delight in talking about his village back in Ireland. The way he had described it was like a song. The only fear that that plagued the back of her mind was the secrecy she would be forced to keep her family in. Ryan was below the stature that her family associated with. He was in his own words " a simple stable boy". A profession that she envied him for. She thought of her sister already practically betrothed to Paul, and of the life they would have together of money, a house, children. All of seemed warm and welcoming, yet completely unappealing to her. She allowed her mind to wander as she thought of Ryan, her life with him would be a simple one. They could keep horses and a small farm, either here in Charleston or maybe even sail back to his village in Ireland. She laughed to herself,"Don't fool yourself Abigail", she said out loud.
"Fool yourself about what?", said a voice behind her.
Abigail turned shielding her eyes from the sun, a top a large chestnut mare sat her father,"Papa", she smiled.
"You mother said you had gone to your Uncle's house," he dismounted from the horse taking the reins in his hand.
"Just for a bit, I wanted to get some fresh air," she said as they walked.
"You could have come out to the fields with me, see the crops coming in."
"Papa, you always say the fields are no place for Melinda or myself."
He laughed,"So you do listen when I talk."
"Yes sir", she smiled," Is it okay that I left for a while? I wasn't gone long."
"It's fine", he nodded,"You should have taken one of the horses though, with tension building I do not need one of my daughter's to go missing or get hurt."
She nodded,"Yes sir, next time I will."
"Did you see your Uncle at all?"
"No sir," she answered,"I went to see his horses and to walk near the creek."
"I see, well we are going to be planning an engagement party for your sister. I wanted your aunt to help your mother with planning and your uncle to help me with the business side."
"Paul finally asked her?", she stopped as the walked past the large pillars that marked the entrance to the plantation.
"Asked for my blessing last night and came to call on Melinda this morning."
Abigail swallowed thickly,"I am happy for Melinda, she will finally have what she has been looking for."
"Next is your turn Abbie", he gave her a wink.
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Torn
Sept 6, 2010 23:39:40 GMT -5
Post by fallingn2ct on Sept 6, 2010 23:39:40 GMT -5
"It's not going to be my turn any time soon", Abbie said to herself as she climbed the stairs.
"Oh Abigail!", Melinda exclaimed as she nearly flew down the stairs," Have you heard?
"Yes Mel, I have", she smiled expectantly," Congratulations to you."
"Look at my ring!", she held her hand out to show the sparling stone on her delicate finger.
"It is something", she admired the ring and allowed Melinda to babble on about how romantic and proper Paul had been about asking for her hand.
"Are you even listening to me?"
"Of course Mel", she said," You are just talking so quickly, that's all. Plus I am just returning from Uncle's house, it was a long walk."
"Very well, I have to go and speak with momma anyway. We are planning a party for Paul and I."
"So Papa said", she feigned a yawn," I will be in my room if needed" she climbed the rest of the way to her room. A good thing to come out of the engagement would be her ability to spend time with Ryan. The mere thought of his name sent her blood racing through her veins. She suddenly thought of what she may want to wear,"This means finding something", she laughed to herself as she went through her wardrobe.
Ryan carefully set up a pile of wood to start the fire by the creek. More people were starting to show up, but no sign yet of Abigail. The evening was cooler than it had been. He made sure the fire was burning strong as music began to flow from fiddles & lutes. Abbie made her way towards the music and laughter coming from the creek. Heavy wood smoke filled the air creating a sweet, woodsy scent, mixed with the cool breeze. She smoothed her hands over the simple blue frock that she had chosen. She carried a warm, brown jacket across her arm. She tried to keep her heart from beating too fast as she approached the circle of people. She watched as they drank and talked merrily.
"You made it", came his voice from behind her.
"A little late I know, but I made it", she turned giving him a smile. The black jacket he wore accented the ice color of his eyes, his cap was pulled down low.
" Would you like something? We have drink, some bread and cheese. I can introduce you to a few people."
"Something to warm up a bit would be nice", she said.
"Let me help you with your coat, you must be cold", he took the jacket from her hand and slipped it over her shoulders,"Better?"
"Yes, thank you", she said as his hand slipped into hers.
"Abbie, this is Damian, a young house servant. He works in the house and is tutored by Mrs. O'Sullivan."
"Hullo", said the young man holding up his mug of tea,"Nice to meet you."
"You as well", she smiled as they moved around to the different people. She met another young man named Neil who had sweet blue eyes, a young woman by the name of Celine and many more whose names began to blend. As the evening wore on the music got more up tempo and ale was being poured and consumed quickly.
"Having fun?", Ryan asked as he handed Abbie a mug of ale.
"This is wonderful!", she cast him a glowing smile.
"You're warm enough?", he said gently caressing her hand with his thumb.
"Between the ale and the fire I am indeed", she didn't want to say that it was his proximity to her that truly made her warm.
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Sept 7, 2010 14:14:32 GMT -5
Post by fallingn2ct on Sept 7, 2010 14:14:32 GMT -5
"I'm glad you were able to come," he said before taking a pull from his own mug.
"It was quite easy with everyone buzzing over my sister's engagement", she answered.
"So it is to your advantage to have them occupied", he gave her a wink.
"Not only mine", she laughed as a new song started, a fast pace reel brought people to dance around the fire light.
"Would you like to join them?", Ryan said placing his mug on a near by log.
"It's been a long time since I have danced", she shook her head.
"Probably because you haven't had a good partner", he plucked her drink from her hand and pulled her towards the music.
"If you end up with a broken foot I take no responsiblity", she said as his arm came around her waist and he held her other hand firmly against his chest.
"Just follow my lead", he said starting them into the already spinning group.
Abbie laughed and spun along with Ryan. He held her tightly to him, even as others exchanged dance partners, he still held her close. Being in his arms made her feel as if she were floating above the ground. He smelled of the wood smoke and the sweet night air, his eyes danced in the glow from the fire. Ryan enjoyed the way Abbie's hair became dishelved as they danced. Her laughter was like a song, the scents of the night clung to her and drove him mad each time her hair would settle against her shoulder. It took all of his will power not to simply partake in the ever inviting mouth and perfect lips. The song for him ended all too soon.
"Now I need something to drink" Abbie said breaking the spell that Ryan appeared to be under.
"Come on", he said pulling her away from the other people back to where they had left their beverages.
"I didn't realize you could dance so well", she said as they sat side by side.
"Comes naturally" he shrugged.
"So modest", she laughed catching her breath,"Thank you for inviting me tonight. This is the most fun I have had in a long time."
"I'm glad that you are enjoying yourself Abbie", he said taking her hand and moving closer to her,"There are still things I want to know about you Abigail, I don't even know your last name."
This caused her to avert her eyes as she tried to rack her mind for an answer,"It's not a big deal", she answered hoping to fend him off.
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Sept 10, 2010 16:48:33 GMT -5
Post by fallingn2ct on Sept 10, 2010 16:48:33 GMT -5
"Shall I guess youre last name then?", Ryan said pulling her closer to him.
" Why is it so important? It's only a name" Abbie smiled.
"As a proper gentleman interested in a proper young lady, a last is of high importance."
"And what, sir, will you do once you have learned my last name?"
He thought for a moment,"I could shout it as loud as possible, or simply enjoy the way it sounds when spoken. Or perhaps call on you properly."
Abbie laughed,"There you go being proper when not necessary."
"If you don't wish me to be proper then you will not be upset when I kiss you", he said a low husky tone.
Abbie's heartbeat accelerated rapidly as his icey grey eyes bore into hers. She had been kissed before, but she knew this kiss would not be the musing of young love, but a passion that would be unleashed, untamed, and as wild as the flames that danced in the fire,"Are you asking permission then?"
"That would be too proper", he said taking her face in his hands bringing his mouth down to hers softly and slowly. He could taste the ale that they had been consuming, her mouth was warm and inviting as her lips moved against his. Her hands came upon his chest as he wound his fingers into the thick locks of hair that cascaded well past her shoulders.
Abbie felt as if something inside if her had been suddenly awakened. Where there had been a chill was now a raging inferno. Ryan's gentleness had nearly brought tears to her eyes. The way his fingers had caressed her face and made their way into her hair. Her thundering heart echoed in her ears and she feared that the others would hear it. She was not upset by his forwardness, she was intrigued and pleased,"O'Sullivan", she breathed.
"What?", he said as he feathered kisses over her jawline and down her neck.
"My last name, it's O'Sullivan", she was shocked by the sudden chilled air left by the gap that was now between them.
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Sept 12, 2010 9:48:33 GMT -5
Post by fallingn2ct on Sept 12, 2010 9:48:33 GMT -5
"Are you related to Michael O'Sullivan?", he asked nearly holding his breath.
She nodded,"He's my uncle, my father is Sean O'Sullivan", she watched as he took a deep breath and closed his eyes,"Is that a problem?"
"Oh Abigail", he sighed shaking his head,"You must know how much they will never approve of anything between us."
"Why do I need approval? I am old enough to make my own decisions."
"I will not come between a family. I enjoy your company and value your place with your family."
"What shall I do then?", she stood up and began walking away from the well lit circle. Anger coursed through her body heatedly. This had been the reason she didn't want him knowing, now it had changed everything.
"Abbie wait, please", Ryan jogged after her,"Don't leave angry."
"This is exactly why I did not want to tell you", she turned to him,"I get to be torn between what my family expects of me and what I want for myself."
"What do you want me to say", he said crossing his arms,"Mr. O'Sullivan will fire me on the spot if he finds out. And your father, I have no idea."
"It's fine, I can see where you're taking this," Abbie said as she swallowed back the sob aching to escape ,"Thank you for the last few days, I'll take myself home."
"Please let me walk you, I would never forgive myself if something happened to you," he objected.
"Very well", she conceded as they fell into step with each other. She kept her arms crossed keeping a distance from him. Being close to him made her ache to have his arms around her. She was hurt and confused and wanted him to know it. She had been ingnorant and mentally kicked herself for assuming her class and stature meant nothing. It scared Ryan and she knew she should not be surprised by that fact, and yet here she was losing her battle piece by piece.
"Please know that what I feel for you is not a fleeting moment", Ryan began,"I am not one to simply kiss a girl and walk away."
"Please Mr. Kelly", she stopped him,"I do not wish to discuss this any further. You have your duties and I have mine. We need not make issue of this."
Ryan stood in front of her forcing her to stop,"Be as thick as you want Abigail O'Sullivan, but know that this is real", he grabbed her arms pulling her against him. He wanted her to know that he was as hurt and upset as she was. He kissed her fiercely not allowing her to move.
"Do not play with my head, Mr. Kelly", her breath came ragged as she tried to break his grasp on her, his hands were like iron vice grips.
"Tis not my intention", he said holding her until she stilled,"Can we keep this secret?"
Abbie wanted hit him, scream, yell, and push him as far from her as she could and yet all she could do was gaze into the eyes of the man that held her, she dropped her eyes and sighed,"I don't know."
"Abigail, if you don't know if you can keep secret about us, then I don't know how we will make this work", he said taking his hands from her.
"I will keep it as long as I can", she said rubbing her arms where she knew marks would show the next day.
"I didn't mean to be so rough", he said with concern,"Did I hurt you?"
"No, "she said softly,"Startled me a bit."
"I'm sorry Abbie", he said softly as he took her hand.
"I'm fine, really"
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