A Victorian tale part one.

 I have written this piece as a prelude to a scene that got into my head last night. I am going to pick up a note book or 2 today to keep by my bed side so I can write them out. I wanted to start with this so that If I have readers with more 'delicate' sensibilities they would have a choice to skip the more 'bodice ripping" second and/or third part.

She had been waiting for this moment. Meeting Samuel for a picnic lunch in the park, alone. This was their first private meeting.

She had met Samuel at her wedding. He was dashing and handsome and so much more than her husband.

Her husband came from a strong family and as a second son he was an officer in the army. He was a dolt. He had left for India 2 months after their wedding and his boat never made it. She was not heartbroken she did not love him. Her only sadness was that he never knew that she was with child.

Fortunately that her dowery and his fortune had kept her and their child in comfort. As a 23 year old widow she had little recourse for social outlet and she was lonely. One day Samuel had seen her walking her daughter, Sophie, in the perambulator with the nurse and asked about her well fare on many occasions. He had given her books to read and she has given him and embroidered handkerchief. She had carried it for a month before her had found her in the park again.

Sophie was 2 years old now and the nanny took most of her days. A widows sewing group had given her a social outlet. The older women had encouraged her to write Samuel whenever he was away on business. They had begun to exchange letters. They had gained a level of intimacy through them. Now today she would meet him. She longed to be with him and dreamed of his touch.

She had a new dress made It was of the new fashion and the corset was tighter than she expected. She needed to practice standing and sitting before he came. She had just sat on the floor of the lounge when she heard he house maid answer the door. The bright spring day would not require an over coat so she had no chance or getting to her feet before she would let him into the room. She could feel the blush in her face and her breathing rise at the same pace as the steps coming down the hallway.