A Victorian tale part two. (Not indiscrete yet.)

All that she could manage to to was arrange her self in a modest fashion.  Although she knew from above her bodice was far from modest. This was a pleasing thought but she was concerned that Samuel would not approve.

Her head swung toward the door as she heard the latch click open. It seemed an infernal length of time for the door to swing open by the time it did her blush had spread across her chest.

“Oh my, Miss Charlotte. Did you fall?” Came the almost shrill voice of Alice her young house-maid. She did not see her, but instead had fixed her eyes on the sight of Samuel standing in the doorway. He cut a dashing figure in his charcoal grey pin-stripped trousers and his green waistcoat and black tail coat. He filled his clothing well giving an air of wealth and desire.
Samuel stepped forward. “May I assist you in Standing Mrs. Mendel?”
“Yes, Mr. Rider that would be kind of you” Charlotte replied.
Samuel stepped around the piles of fabric of her skirts. He bent and she could feel his warm breath near her ear. He placed one hand under her elbow. Causing him to lean forward she could see from the position of his head he was noticing the cut of her bodice. She could feel warmth growing again in her skin this time focused on her exposed collar bones. It was a blush of excitement. She He next placed a hand on the small of her back. Even through the layers of fabric and boning she could feel the warmth of his hand. It caused her to feel weak in her knees. She had not been touched by a man in three years and daydreams of Samuel’s touch made this almost more than she could bear.

Here knee not working The lack of cooperation from her knees made the impression on her maid and Samuel that she had come to be on the floor because she was weakened due to some ailment.

“Oh Miss I will make some tea to help revive you,” Alice spoke quickly exiting before Charlotte could be put on her feet.

Laying her on the divan “Charlotte, I think we should post pone our picnic and stay in instead.” added Samuel.

Charlotte sat up and laughed in the center of the divan with a laugh, a laugh of a woman who was not used to being demure and proper around the opposite sex. “Mr. Rider, I had not fallen I was getting used to the movement of my new dress and found it difficult to rise unassisted and my legs failed me when you helped due to the time I had been on the floor. I am a fiercely independent and had yet to ask for Alice’s help.”

Samuel laughed looking both relieved and relaxed at the same time. “Charlotte, You must always call me Samuel when we are alone. I cannot have it any other way. For I am most fond of you candor, directness and honesty.”