a kiss and a funeral

[Mirela Camden]

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[attr="class","ctopline"]if you dream a thing once or more

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❀ it is sure to come true ❀

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[attr="class","clyrics"]

tag ● Tobias Knightly
notes ● excited for this!

[attr="class","cbody"]

Mirela often had a plan. And her plans . . . seldom landed her success .But never the less, she was determined and not one to quit. The latest advice she had been given in her attempts to woo and seduce her superior was centered around jealousy. With the rising popularity of her column, Mirela was being given attention she never had been in the past. It was both riveting and unsettling, but mostly the former. Women sought to speak to her and men looked at her. Actually, looked at her. It was flattering to say the least and Mirela would not trick her mind into believing otherwise. During such, attentions one particular gentleman had wished to take her for a ride in his phaeton. He was a handsome enough fellow but romantic interest was not what drove her, so to speak. Jealousy. Advice given was that in order to gain the attentions of a man one was interested in . . . was to gain and give the attentions of another. Through promenades or in this case, rides through the countryside. Surely Mister Knightly would find out about this -- he seemed to know about all going ons in the city --and it would surely, elicit a reaction from him! Yes. This was indeed the plan.

So that early afternoon, Mirela was dressed in one of her nicer dresses. With her growing income she was able to purchase a few nicer dresses and she wore it today, with her hat where the ribbon was tied under her chin to keep it in place, gloves to cover her hands and a pair of shoes that were fairly new. She was waiting near the park, a neutral location for him to pick her and though she knew the odds were low of seeing Mister Knightly, here gaze lingered every so often, more eager to see him than the man she was set to spend the afternoon with. She wanted Mister Knightly to see her like this, and she wanted Mister Knightly to see her with Mister Cooper. Much to her disappointment, Mister Cooper came first and Mirela's lips curled into a grin knowing that if nothing else, she could at least enjoy his company for a little while. After all, it would be nice to spend time with someone who showed an interest in her, romantic or not.

The ride had started pleasantly. The weather was most agreeable and they were journeying further and further from the city and into the countryside. The conversation was polite and amicable and Mirela found herself genuinely enjoying his company. But as they drew further from the city and into the less populated countryside, things took a turn. Mister Cooper started to make . . . unwanted advances. It started with a hand upon her knee which she promptly pushed away by "accidentally" brushing it off. His advances, became less subtle. He increased the speed of the horses until the phaeton was racing forward. She preferred phaetons in comparison to carriages for at least one could see their surroundings however . . . the speed of the horses caused her fears to re-emerge as she practically begged him to stop. He refused until she allowed him a kiss. A kiss?! Most certainly not! She did not wish to be kissed . . . by anyone right now! But he was stubborn, and kept persisting.

Taking advantage of his gaze in front of him, Mirela quickly untied her hat so that it blew off of her, exclaiming with panic that her hat was back there. It still did not convince him to cease the horses to a halt, but rather, made her promise that if he stopped to retrieve it, then she would allow him to properly kiss her. Mirela feared of what it would lead to . . . but right now, was in more fear for her life! And so, she agreed with having no intention of keeping to her word. When the horses finally stilled, Mirela felt herself out of breath from the sheer fear of what had just happened, her heart racing in her chest and yet, she would not waste a single moment. She practically leaped out of the carriage and ran back to retrieve the hat, holding it in her hand and walking past the phaeton. She could hear Mister Cooper call her a lying hussy, yet she refused to make eye contact with him. He followed behind her, making demands that she get back inside and she continued to outright refuse.

Her stubborn nature causing her to continue forward. Fortunately, he seemed to not think it worth it any longer and disgruntled with not getting his way -- or perhaps her wounding his pride -- he eventually rode past her, leaving a trail of dust which caused her to cough and wave it out of her face. She picked up a rock and threw it after him, though it did not even get close, yelling at him out of the anger and . . . fear she felt. Though she knew, she did not think this through. For the city was incredibly far and her shoes . . . were not designed for such long walks. Yet all she could do was move one foot in front of the other. Her dress was dirtied, her cheek stained with the same dirt and dust, her hair not as tamed as was when she left and her feet starting to blister from the long distance where there was seemingly no end in sight. This entire plan . . . had utterly failed.

[attr="class","cred"]MADE BY VEL OF WW + ADOX 2.0

[googlefont=Dancing Script][newclass=.cbg]width:400px;background:#000000;padding:30px;[/newclass][newclass=.cbgtop]width:400px;height:120px;text-align:left;[/newclass][newclass=.cimg]float:left;width:100px;height:100px;padding:10px;border:1px #aaa solid;[/newclass][newclass=.clbox]float:right;height:100px;margin:15px 5px auto auto;text-align:justify;width:257px;[/newclass][newclass=.ctopline]font-size:9px;letter-spacing:2px;text-transform:uppercase;font-family:verdana;color:#aaa;[/newclass][newclass=.cscript]font-size:23px;margin-top:-3px;font-family:Dancing Script;color:#e5b2ad;[/newclass][newclass=.cscript span]color:#ccc;[/newclass][newclass=.cline]height:1px;background-color:#888;margin:3px auto;[/newclass][newclass=.clyrics]font-size:8px;letter-spacing:1px;text-transform:uppercase;text-align:justify;font-family:verdana;color:#999;[/newclass][newclass=.cbody]font-family:verdana;color:#999;font-size:10px;text-align:justify;line-height:14px;letter-spacing:0.5px;[/newclass][newclass=.cnotes]font-size:9px;letter-spacing:1px;text-align:center;opacity:0.8;[/newclass][newclass=.cred]text-align:center;font-size:6pt;color:rgb(132, 132, 132);letter-spacing:1px;font-family:verdana;[/newclass][newclass=.cred a]color:rgb(132, 132, 132);font-size:6pt;letter-spacing:1px;font-family:verdana;[/newclass]

[Tobias Knightly]

There were some pleasures that Knightly enjoyed just for himself. While his paper took most of his time and energy, he had learned there were things that helped clear a stuffy mind so that one could think better. One such minor thing was going for a brisk ride. He did not often take advantage of this, however on a warm day it seemed everyone was taking advantage of the sun. Something he prided himself on suggesting in his paper--that with the warm weather more people should be out.

Knightly liked the power it gave him. Suggesting warm rides in his paper and going out to see everyone doing just that. Slowing his horse down, he looked over the hills and grass as some people rode about, and some paused to talk. The park would be filled to the brim too, but for times when he wanted to be alone and enjoy the silence, the county side was best.

Pausing as one young bucking fool road quickly past Knightly glared at him. Damned idiots did not know how to drive! He took note of the name and driver before trotting on. He's let Whistledown take care of him, but if need be then he would tell his own gossip columest know to drop the name. Coming abreast of some people he knew, Knightly exchanges some pleasantries, and they even commented on the man's driving. Knightly agreed, and said as much to them; which then prompted them to say something that changed his mood. 'I had thought Dear Miss Mirela was with him.' -- that was what people tended to call her as she grew in popularity. Calling her by her column's title rather then by her name of Miss Camden. He encouraged it as it made people feel connected to her and thus want to read her writing and even write to her (which in turn fueled her writing) . . . and in turn made people read his paper.

But it was not the nick name what made him hesitate and then jerk his head around toward where the driver had gone. She was with HIM? Or had been. "She was riding with that foul driver?" He asked in a demanding and annoyed tone. He knew she was attempting to woo some poor sap but Cooper?! Surly she could set her sights higher than that! Cooper was an idiot. Granted he knew almost nothing about the man but he could still be sure the man was an idiot!

Then another dreadful inkling came out him, and he jerked his head back to the couple. Fuck he was daft! "Was?" Where the bloody hell was she now?! That idiot was returning toward the city alone. Had she joined someone else?

Spuring his horse toward the direction Cooper had come from. Something in him just knew that she was out there and not some place safe and sencable! At one point during his search which seemed more chaotic than his normal organized methods of doing everything--he even yelled her name to see if she would answer. Yet nothing was called back.

Knightly had to ride for a bit looking over the landscape before he happened to see a lone figure walking in the distance. He knew. He just knew it was her. He had gone looking for her just to be fore she was safe, because something in him just HAD to make sure. Something had twisted in his gut as he looked for her, and now that he found her he wasn't sure what he felt. A boiling relief that she seemed to be standing, and a rage . . . a rage that she was walking.

Kicking his horse into a gallop, he rode toward her as fast as he could. Getting to her, he slung one leg over his horse before it had come to a complete stop, which make him ungracefully stumble slightly in his haste as he began sharp and quick steps toward her. She was filthy. Ragged and dirty and . . . . and Cooper was dead. Knightly was going to kill him.

Reaching his hand out he touched her arm, needing to feel she was alright too. Needing to hear it! "What the bloody hell happened?!" He demanded, knowing that yelling at her wouldn't get him anywhere! And he wasn't sure if he wanted to be here with her, or killing the man, or here with her . . .

^{Mirela Camden}

[Mirela Camden]

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[attr="class","cimg"]

[attr="class","clbox"]

[attr="class","ctopline"]if you dream a thing once or more

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❀ it is sure to come true ❀

[attr="class","cline"]

[attr="class","clyrics"]

tag ● Tobias Knightly
notes ● excited for this!

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Mirela felt her steps slow and become more drawn out. While her determination was there, her energy levels were declining rapidly. Her arms hung by her sides, her shoulders slightly slouched. She knew her brother was going to be enraged when she finally returned home and right now, all she could think of was cleaning herself and curling up into her bed to remain undisturbed after todays ordeals. Yet . . . in order for that to happen, she had to get to her destination which, seemed impossible at this pace. There was no end to the road ahead though she was well aware that it had to eventually yet. It just seemed, endless! She did not even have the strength to think of words. Rather ironic considering her paid occupation. She had thought herself crazy when she heard the sound of a horse approaching. Fear immediately captured her upon the chance that it was Mister Cooper to, to finish what he attempted to start. Daring to turn around, she blinked a few times to see that it certainly was not Mister Cooper. Despite the distance -- and the considerable speed at which he was approaching -- it was Mister Knightly. No matter how far he was to her eyes, she would always recognize him. Though this, was a moment she was not prepared to see him.

She quickly turned her head forward again, straightening her shoulders and quickly wiping her cheek of whatever dirt was there, unable to even see if it was to any avail. She ran her hand over her hair, feeling the ribbons she wore in having loosened. She was a mess! And he was going to find her in this state. Perhaps he would not actually see her for she certainly had not even considered the thought that he was looking for her. And yet, this place was without any other population. Swallowing, she kept walking and walking until she heard him approach and take her arm. It prompted her to turn though her gaze was downcast, avoiding his as she braced herself. His touch was a far more welcoming one but in this moment . . . she was not even thinking of such a thing. Despite the immediate comfort that coursed through her body to feel him, and have him near. Slowly she raised her eyes to meet his, attempting to gather whatever semblance of pride was left after what had happened. Though they darted from him, to the side, looking at the same nothingness she felt as if she was looking at for ages. "I . . . " Her voice came out in a slightly squeakier and more strained tone than she would have liked.

She bit her bottom lip for a moment as if to silence her voice until having some control over its tone. Oh this was not the plan at all! He was meant to see her looking well presented and sitting next to another man! Not . . . so disheveled and disarrayed while trudging through the road. This was humiliating! Turning back to him, she just stared wide eyed at his expression. "I am walking." Obviously. Which, he clearly knew and . . . she was attempting to understand what she saw in his expression for it was quite unfamiliar to her as was his raised tone. Was he angry at her?! Mirela was quite accustomed to being around angry men. Perhaps it was deserved but it was, none the less, utterly embarrassing. "There was . . . " A man who had tried to touch her and kiss her and . . . "I did not enjoy my previous company," she admitted to him, hating to admit it for it had been her choice. And a choice meant to capture the attention of the very man who stood before her. But, certainly not in this way!

[attr="class","cred"]MADE BY VEL OF WW + ADOX 2.0

[googlefont=Dancing Script][newclass=.cbg]width:400px;background:#000000;padding:30px;[/newclass][newclass=.cbgtop]width:400px;height:120px;text-align:left;[/newclass][newclass=.cimg]float:left;width:100px;height:100px;padding:10px;border:1px #aaa solid;[/newclass][newclass=.clbox]float:right;height:100px;margin:15px 5px auto auto;text-align:justify;width:257px;[/newclass][newclass=.ctopline]font-size:9px;letter-spacing:2px;text-transform:uppercase;font-family:verdana;color:#aaa;[/newclass][newclass=.cscript]font-size:23px;margin-top:-3px;font-family:Dancing Script;color:#e5b2ad;[/newclass][newclass=.cscript span]color:#ccc;[/newclass][newclass=.cline]height:1px;background-color:#888;margin:3px auto;[/newclass][newclass=.clyrics]font-size:8px;letter-spacing:1px;text-transform:uppercase;text-align:justify;font-family:verdana;color:#999;[/newclass][newclass=.cbody]font-family:verdana;color:#999;font-size:10px;text-align:justify;line-height:14px;letter-spacing:0.5px;[/newclass][newclass=.cnotes]font-size:9px;letter-spacing:1px;text-align:center;opacity:0.8;[/newclass][newclass=.cred]text-align:center;font-size:6pt;color:rgb(132, 132, 132);letter-spacing:1px;font-family:verdana;[/newclass][newclass=.cred a]color:rgb(132, 132, 132);font-size:6pt;letter-spacing:1px;font-family:verdana;[/newclass]

[Tobias Knightly]

For a moment he assumed she's cry. Why he thought she would do something normal he did not know, but her first sound held the vulnerability that he thought was about to come out. He was used to theatrics from his actress mother, and he how to handle a woman in tears---yet she did no cry. She bit her lip (which he noticed a little too much in this situation) and told him she was walking.

Walking.

Like she had tried to walk away from him when he found her, as if this was her plan all along! Knightly lifted his free hand up to pinch the bridge of his nose, and while taking a deep breath so not to use the same hand to reach out and shake her out of the bottled rage, concern, and now frustration. While he was growing used to her antics, this was not the time for her to try to be cute!

Lifting his face back to look at her he spoke very slowly, attempting to control the competing emotions in his chest so that he did not take his anger for Cooper out on her, when he was trying to show her concern for her well being--ONE OF THEM might as well act concerned for her well being! "Miss Camden." he said, his fingers unintentionally gripping her shoulder a little tighter; though still making sure not to hurt her. "As much as I appreciate pridfulness,--" lie "--I have been frantically looking for you for over an hour or more. You are not taking a stroll . . . you were missing."

Reaching over he put his other hand, on her other shoulder, so that he now held both of her shoulders and could keep her facing him. "So I ask again. What happened? Are you harmed in any way? Do you need a doctor?" It was all he could do to keep his voice was yelling again, as it came out tight, clipped, and deep. Because he needed to ear her say she was unharmed. He needed her to say it, and mean it, because if she was harmed then he wasn't sure what he would do. He wasn't sure what he was capable of doing. For her. To her. To Cooper.

^{Mirela Camden}

[Mirela Camden]

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[attr="class","cbgtop"]

[attr="class","cimg"]

[attr="class","clbox"]

[attr="class","ctopline"]if you dream a thing once or more

[attr="class","cscript"]

❀ it is sure to come true ❀

[attr="class","cline"]

[attr="class","clyrics"]

tag ● Tobias Knightly
notes ● excited for this!

[attr="class","cbody"]

It had been many years since Mirela had felt the comfort of any man's hands on her. And the last time she felt safe with a man, was her father. Her brother was . . . well, her brother. And men's attentions were not something she was accustomed to, or at least to the point of touches. Mister Cooper's own had certainly been unwanted, but Mister Knightly's was not. It made her feel grounded. Secure. Safe. And in all her attempts to seduce him, right now was not one of them. Right now, she just felt genuine appreciation that he was here even if she did not look presentable. Even if he should be the last person here, she felt better with him here. Perhaps later tonight or tomorrow the magnitude of his words would sink in where he had told her that he was looking for her. The flattery of them, the idea that she was important enough to him for him to look at her -- her naivety believing that this concern exceeded whatever profit she provided in the success of his lucrative paper. But for the moment, for right now . . . she just wanted to allow herself to feel safe.

Her wide eyes continued to look at him, stiff in position. She inwardly cursed when she could feel her vision become misty, as her eyes moistened with tears though managed to keep them from falling. He was asking her a direct question . . . a few questions. In a tone that she dare not sidestep the response again. Yet, how much truth should she provide? "N-No," she told him when he asked if she needed a doctor. Her pride was wounded. Her honor. She felt so foolish! Perhaps the only markings would be the blisters but other than that, all damage was internal. "He was . . . " She looked away again suddenly feel overwhelmed by everything. The ordeal, and the exhaustion starting to take over which was seeping into her emotional state. "I was . . . " Her voice holding that same ridiculous squeak as it was earlier, continuing to try and swallow back everything. But, she could not.

"I was riding with him and we were talking and suddenly he wanted a kiss and his hands were on me and I didn't know what was happening and I told him to stop, and he would not stop and I made my hat blow away and I promised to kiss him if he let me down but I did not get back on the seat and he grew angry and he rode off and I threw a rock at him!" Everything had come out all at once, suddenly, practically in one breath, as she shakily exhaled. A single tear fell down her cheek and hearing it all out loud, made her feel even more embarrassed. Made her feel more foolish. Everyone would think she was foolish for this! "And now . . . I am walking!" With that, she shifted her body to loosen from his grasp enough to make attempt to walk past him. Because whether she would admit it or not, she was too ashamed and humiliated to look at him and to see how he would react to her answer to his question.

[attr="class","cred"]MADE BY VEL OF WW + ADOX 2.0

[googlefont=Dancing Script][newclass=.cbg]width:400px;background:#000000;padding:30px;[/newclass][newclass=.cbgtop]width:400px;height:120px;text-align:left;[/newclass][newclass=.cimg]float:left;width:100px;height:100px;padding:10px;border:1px #aaa solid;[/newclass][newclass=.clbox]float:right;height:100px;margin:15px 5px auto auto;text-align:justify;width:257px;[/newclass][newclass=.ctopline]font-size:9px;letter-spacing:2px;text-transform:uppercase;font-family:verdana;color:#aaa;[/newclass][newclass=.cscript]font-size:23px;margin-top:-3px;font-family:Dancing Script;color:#e5b2ad;[/newclass][newclass=.cscript span]color:#ccc;[/newclass][newclass=.cline]height:1px;background-color:#888;margin:3px auto;[/newclass][newclass=.clyrics]font-size:8px;letter-spacing:1px;text-transform:uppercase;text-align:justify;font-family:verdana;color:#999;[/newclass][newclass=.cbody]font-family:verdana;color:#999;font-size:10px;text-align:justify;line-height:14px;letter-spacing:0.5px;[/newclass][newclass=.cnotes]font-size:9px;letter-spacing:1px;text-align:center;opacity:0.8;[/newclass][newclass=.cred]text-align:center;font-size:6pt;color:rgb(132, 132, 132);letter-spacing:1px;font-family:verdana;[/newclass][newclass=.cred a]color:rgb(132, 132, 132);font-size:6pt;letter-spacing:1px;font-family:verdana;[/newclass]

[Tobias Knightly]

No? No to which? No she wasn't well or no she did not need a doctor? The difference was important! Thankfully he did not need to ask her again, because she seemed to finally begin to get the story out. She had gone riding with him. He demanded a kiss. She'd gotten clever and lost her hat. He had left her there. And now she was walking.

The tear fell over her cheek and he lifted his hand to wipe it away, before cupping the back of her neck softly and pulling her into his chest. He had thought that tears would be better, more normal. Though the moment they appeared on her cheek he knew that to be a lie. She's always been strong and lively. Seeing her frightened and crying broke through the anger. Broke through him. In a way that he couldn't explain with words, only actions. "You're safe now, writing girl," he told her softly, wrapping his one arm around her and letting the other rest on her arm. He knew it wasn't proper to hold an unmarried woman like this, but how could he not? He did not think his will power strong enough to not hold her. Not when she had looked just so.

It was best not to think about how right she felt tucked under his chin. How perfectly the shape of her fit when held to him. Not just physically. She was for another, and had been working tirelessly to win this man's favor--and it damn well better not be Cooper. He would be a missing person by morning. Knightly already knew a man who could help him arrange things. He would be visiting his friend swiftly once he knew she was safely at home.

In his mind he was already thinking how everyone had saw the lad riding recklessly, and it would take little effort to pose a riding accident. Or a drowning. That was more stratifying.

^@

[Mirela Camden]

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[attr="class","cbgtop"]

[attr="class","cimg"]

[attr="class","clbox"]

[attr="class","ctopline"]if you dream a thing once or more

[attr="class","cscript"]

❀ it is sure to come true ❀

[attr="class","cline"]

[attr="class","clyrics"]

tag ● Tobias Knightly
notes ● excited for this!

[attr="class","cbody"]

How ironic life was. So many times Mirela dreamed -- more often that she should probably admit -- how it would feel to be in his arms. How it would feel for her to be pressed against his chest in a strong embrace. It had after all, been a rather focused goal of hers. But now that the moment was here, she had nearly forgotten about all her previously failed attempts. Those same feelings of comfort and security grew stronger and her shoulders once stiff, now relaxed as she leaned against him, his strength becoming her pillar. She closed her eyes and let out a heavy breath, resting her face against him while trying to ensure she did not stain his clothing with her tears. Tears served as no purpose right now and . . . she really should not have been crying! But whatever she did feel, all that shame and embarrassment, that fear and panic . . . ebbed away while she felt his arms around her and his reassuring words saying that she was safe now. It was all she needed in this exact moment. And she selfishly allowed herself to indulge in it for as long as he would offer it.

All that time of longing . . . now seemed to be when she needed it the most. Her arms felt limp as her body sought his support, feeling as if she could sleep in this moment despite her standing position. It was incredible how comfort could overtake one so quickly from distress. "I'm sorry," she breathed, barley audible. Had it been her plan, she would not have apologized for the thrill of knowing that he had been looking for her and worried about her. But as authentic as the ordeal was, she felt that pang of guilt for worrying him. The genuine tone of his words revealing as much. She was unsure of how much time had passed but knew that she had to ease from this needed moment, as she titled her head upward a little to look at him, keeping the close distance between them. "Can you please, take me back to the city?" He could not take her home. She could not risk her brother finding out about him. The city would do. It would rest her feet and allow her to walk the rest of the distance home. Compared to this walk, it would surely be nothing.

[attr="class","cred"]MADE BY VEL OF WW + ADOX 2.0

[googlefont=Dancing Script][newclass=.cbg]width:400px;background:#000000;padding:30px;[/newclass][newclass=.cbgtop]width:400px;height:120px;text-align:left;[/newclass][newclass=.cimg]float:left;width:100px;height:100px;padding:10px;border:1px #aaa solid;[/newclass][newclass=.clbox]float:right;height:100px;margin:15px 5px auto auto;text-align:justify;width:257px;[/newclass][newclass=.ctopline]font-size:9px;letter-spacing:2px;text-transform:uppercase;font-family:verdana;color:#aaa;[/newclass][newclass=.cscript]font-size:23px;margin-top:-3px;font-family:Dancing Script;color:#e5b2ad;[/newclass][newclass=.cscript span]color:#ccc;[/newclass][newclass=.cline]height:1px;background-color:#888;margin:3px auto;[/newclass][newclass=.clyrics]font-size:8px;letter-spacing:1px;text-transform:uppercase;text-align:justify;font-family:verdana;color:#999;[/newclass][newclass=.cbody]font-family:verdana;color:#999;font-size:10px;text-align:justify;line-height:14px;letter-spacing:0.5px;[/newclass][newclass=.cnotes]font-size:9px;letter-spacing:1px;text-align:center;opacity:0.8;[/newclass][newclass=.cred]text-align:center;font-size:6pt;color:rgb(132, 132, 132);letter-spacing:1px;font-family:verdana;[/newclass][newclass=.cred a]color:rgb(132, 132, 132);font-size:6pt;letter-spacing:1px;font-family:verdana;[/newclass]

[Tobias Knightly]

He let her take the time she needed, and just held her. In truth, holding her calmed him down as well. While it did not remove the thoughts of holding the other man's head under water until the little bubbles ceased to pop on the surface, it did remove the urgency. He could deal with Cooper once he had made sure she was well, safe, and taken care of.

At her own time, she pulled back and he forced his hands to let her go. He noticed the temperature seemed to cool instantly when she took her heat from his. "Miss Camden, it is not you who should be sorry." And the other man would be sorry. For anyone who forced a kiss from her, and then abandoned her here would be sorry. Stepping closer to her, he bent down to catch her gaze and make sure she was looking at him. "It is not your doing. He should be horse whipped for leaving a woman out here." Horse whipping sounded goo too.

She asked to be taken the to city, and he nodded but made no movement to get on his horse first. Instead he held his hand out for her to take so that he could lead her toward the mount and help her climb up. Granted she was wearing a dress, so she'd have to sit sidesaddle, but it would be manageable if he held her again. A thought that should not have been so quick in his mind. "You live with your family, do you not? I will help explain this to them so they know the cad will be dealt with." He did not wish them to wonder why she was returned so dirty and unkempt. He knew her reputation would be in shreds if anyone found out.

It also did not occur to him that her brother should be the one to do it. He would see it done. She after all his. HIS writing girl, and employee that was.

^{Mirela Camden}

[Mirela Camden]

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[attr="class","cbgtop"]

[attr="class","cimg"]

[attr="class","clbox"]

[attr="class","ctopline"]if you dream a thing once or more

[attr="class","cscript"]

❀ it is sure to come true ❀

[attr="class","cline"]

[attr="class","clyrics"]

tag ● Tobias Knightly
notes ● excited for this!

[attr="class","cbody"]

Hearing him say that she should not be sorry for this further provided her with some comfort. For he was a fairly straightforward man; surely he would not say it if it were not true . . . or if he at least did not believe it. She gave a slight half smile when he suggested that the man be horsewhipped. "It is well and good that he did," she stated looking up at him. "For I would rather be here than anywhere near him." She had rather he leave her out here, than force his hands or lips upon her. She took his hand and moved towards the horse, staring at the beast. She was, not entirely comfortable on horses and carriages gave her enough of a fright. Though she was well aware that she had little other choice, and it would be the only way back to the city. Trying to mentally prepare for it, she slipped her foot into the stirrup and hoisted herself up with his assistance, moving her legs over to one side and tying the ribbon under her hat to keep it in place. He then spoke of taking her home and offering to help explain the situation. "No, no," she quickly responded, perhaps a little too adamantly.

"I just . . . what I mean to say that I do not think my brother will understand," she elaborated. And he would not. He would not understand her going off with a man, and he would not understand her coming home with Tobias Knightly. "I thank you for your offer," she added on gratefully. "But perhaps if you can drop me at your printing press, I can make it home from there." It was not too far of a walk and it was a neutral space. Feeling the horse slightly move, she sharply inhaled, her hand gripping the saddle or whatever part of it she could reach. As he also got onto the horse behind her, she felt a little bit more comfortable with some support, though was still struggling to still the nerves in the pit of her stomach. Though immediately distracted as a thought entered her mind. It was something that he had said; something that suddenly occurred to her and curiosity flickered in her gaze as she turned her head a little in attempt to face Tobias. "What do you mean dealt with?" Mister Knightly had said the cad will be dealt with . . . what did he mean by that?!

[attr="class","cred"]MADE BY VEL OF WW + ADOX 2.0

[googlefont=Dancing Script][newclass=.cbg]width:400px;background:#000000;padding:30px;[/newclass][newclass=.cbgtop]width:400px;height:120px;text-align:left;[/newclass][newclass=.cimg]float:left;width:100px;height:100px;padding:10px;border:1px #aaa solid;[/newclass][newclass=.clbox]float:right;height:100px;margin:15px 5px auto auto;text-align:justify;width:257px;[/newclass][newclass=.ctopline]font-size:9px;letter-spacing:2px;text-transform:uppercase;font-family:verdana;color:#aaa;[/newclass][newclass=.cscript]font-size:23px;margin-top:-3px;font-family:Dancing Script;color:#e5b2ad;[/newclass][newclass=.cscript span]color:#ccc;[/newclass][newclass=.cline]height:1px;background-color:#888;margin:3px auto;[/newclass][newclass=.clyrics]font-size:8px;letter-spacing:1px;text-transform:uppercase;text-align:justify;font-family:verdana;color:#999;[/newclass][newclass=.cbody]font-family:verdana;color:#999;font-size:10px;text-align:justify;line-height:14px;letter-spacing:0.5px;[/newclass][newclass=.cnotes]font-size:9px;letter-spacing:1px;text-align:center;opacity:0.8;[/newclass][newclass=.cred]text-align:center;font-size:6pt;color:rgb(132, 132, 132);letter-spacing:1px;font-family:verdana;[/newclass][newclass=.cred a]color:rgb(132, 132, 132);font-size:6pt;letter-spacing:1px;font-family:verdana;[/newclass]

[Tobias Knightly]

Knightly put his hands on her hips and helped lifted her on to the horse, while ignoring her 'no no' protest about her brother. He wasn't not sure why she did not want him telling her brother, but he was assuming that she knew her brother would call a duel. She need not worry about that, Knightly wouldn't let he come to such a public display. He'd let the man disappear in an accident.

The mount side stepping in a nervous gesture with her not settled well balanced on it's back. Knightly put his foot in the stirrup and pulled himself to sit behind her and balance them both better. He again noticed how perfectly she fit. It felt easy to have her back tucked into his chest. "Delt with, as in dealt with. He will not be allowed to treat you like that and not have repercussions." He explained, wrapping one arm on each side of her so he could hold her from falling and be able to move the horse.

Tapping his feet to the sides, the horse began to talk at a quick but easy pace. There was a slight bounce and he forced himself to swallow the groan from feeling her slide more against him in just the right way. Again he had to remind himself that she was trying to seduce the man she loved and that it was not him. "Despite your concerns over your brother, he needs to know why you are being returned in this state. That he need to challenge Copper to a duel." Looking down at her, he meant to make sure she was in agreement, and noticed the way her dress swelled over her chest. Looking back up quickly he urged the horse a little faster.

^{Mirela Camden}

[Mirela Camden]

[attr="class","cbg"]

[attr="class","cbgtop"]

[attr="class","cimg"]

[attr="class","clbox"]

[attr="class","ctopline"]if you dream a thing once or more

[attr="class","cscript"]

❀ it is sure to come true ❀

[attr="class","cline"]

[attr="class","clyrics"]

tag ● Tobias Knightly
notes ● excited for this!

[attr="class","cbody"]

With him having mounted the horse and his rather strong arms on either side of her . . . she had to admit she felt a bit more secure. A bit more stable. And the unwavering feeling of safety. She found herself leaning closer to him for that extra stability. Had she been in a better frame of mind, perhaps she would have recognized that this was a perfect opportunity to continue her attempts to seduce him. And had she not been so distracted by the movement of the horse, and the topic of her brother finding out -- and the way that Tobias' scent helped soothe her -- then perhaps, she too would have noticed the small indications of his own brief glances and subtleties. But alas, circumstances prevented her from advancing towards her ultimate goal and instead, she felt something strange. The only man who ever sought to protect her was her father. And since then, she was unfamiliar with the notion of a man wishing to protect her, whether it be physically or protecting her honor. To hear Tobias speak with such conviction that his actions shall not go without consequences was . . . intriguing. And she had to shamefully admit to herself, thrilling. As the horse continued forward she found herself closing her eyes, her hands gripping the saddle tightly so that she would not fall.

But something made her feel reassured, that he would not let her fall. "I . . . cannot allow such a thing," she told him. A duel. Her brother would never challenge the man to a duel, but rather punish her! And she feared he would disallow her from ever leaving the house again. "Please. He can not know. I fear the shame it would bring and what may happen as a result of him finding out." Not to Mister Cooper, but selfishly, to herself. "I will tell him I was lost. Or that there was an accident of sorts. But please, do not tell him of what happened." She was practically begging him without revealing the details of why. Being general enough while hopefully offering sound logic and well, the pleading in her tone rather genuine. She let out a small gasp at the bump and her hands instinctively went from the saddle to his shoulders, somewhat wrapping around her neck while she nested against his chest. Oh if she only realized indeed, how this would be such an opportune moment for her plan. But her mind was lost to everything else as she focused on the best way to find ease in this moment.

[attr="class","cred"]MADE BY VEL OF WW + ADOX 2.0

[googlefont=Dancing Script][newclass=.cbg]width:400px;background:#000000;padding:30px;[/newclass][newclass=.cbgtop]width:400px;height:120px;text-align:left;[/newclass][newclass=.cimg]float:left;width:100px;height:100px;padding:10px;border:1px #aaa solid;[/newclass][newclass=.clbox]float:right;height:100px;margin:15px 5px auto auto;text-align:justify;width:257px;[/newclass][newclass=.ctopline]font-size:9px;letter-spacing:2px;text-transform:uppercase;font-family:verdana;color:#aaa;[/newclass][newclass=.cscript]font-size:23px;margin-top:-3px;font-family:Dancing Script;color:#e5b2ad;[/newclass][newclass=.cscript span]color:#ccc;[/newclass][newclass=.cline]height:1px;background-color:#888;margin:3px auto;[/newclass][newclass=.clyrics]font-size:8px;letter-spacing:1px;text-transform:uppercase;text-align:justify;font-family:verdana;color:#999;[/newclass][newclass=.cbody]font-family:verdana;color:#999;font-size:10px;text-align:justify;line-height:14px;letter-spacing:0.5px;[/newclass][newclass=.cnotes]font-size:9px;letter-spacing:1px;text-align:center;opacity:0.8;[/newclass][newclass=.cred]text-align:center;font-size:6pt;color:rgb(132, 132, 132);letter-spacing:1px;font-family:verdana;[/newclass][newclass=.cred a]color:rgb(132, 132, 132);font-size:6pt;letter-spacing:1px;font-family:verdana;[/newclass]

[Tobias Knightly]

He noticed that he was again asking him not to tell her brother. "He should know so he can best protect you from any rumors from today." Not that he thought there would be any, but you knew never what people found out and spread. If she kept pressing though he knew he would respect her choice. He just needed her to be sure. If her brother would not protect her, then he would. He would protect her with anything in his power.

When she pushed deeper into his chest, he wrapped his arms around her to hold her tighter. It noticed the way her head fit just under his chin, and if he leaned down slightly (which he did) he could feel her hair on his face. "Tell me, were you trying to win Copper over?" He asked, knowing he was calling the man by the wrong name. He did it on purpose. If she loved that man, he was not going to be pleased. Surely she could do better. Hell, he could name a dozen men better then Cooper. Still, none of them seemed right for her.

It was odd how he had not taken notice of her as a woman. He had known she was a woman, but never looked at her as a man looking at a woman. Had never had thoughts about pulling her into his office and locking the door until she began this chaotic search for a husband. Whomever the man was . . . Knightly was coming to envy him.

^{Mirela Camden}

[Mirela Camden]

[attr="class","cbg"]

[attr="class","cbgtop"]

[attr="class","cimg"]

[attr="class","clbox"]

[attr="class","ctopline"]if you dream a thing once or more

[attr="class","cscript"]

❀ it is sure to come true ❀

[attr="class","cline"]

[attr="class","clyrics"]

tag ● Tobias Knightly
notes ● excited for this!

[attr="class","cbody"]

A brother's protection. How utterly unfamiliar. She could not fathom was it was to have a brother's protection. Not in this way. She supposed that he was protecting her by allowing her to remain in his home rather than sending her to a convent or letting her fend for herself on the streets. Though she did not like to, she did question his incentives . . . whether it was to avoid shame upon his family for disowning a younger sister, or if it was because he had any care for her at all. While Mirela knew it was impolite to argue to such an extent, especially to her employer and a man of such power and position . . . this was not something she could so easily let go. "I would truly prefer he did not know," she softly pleaded. Without having to give him details of her home life, or the strained relationship between her and her brother. She was not one to complain and she would not burden Mister Knightly with such things.

"At least not right now." A fair compromise she hoped, that perhaps down the road she would tell it . . . much, much, much further down the road. His next question caused her to pause, bringing her back into her feelings of humiliation and foolishness though they did not wane. They just, had been temporarily numbed. "Mister Cooper?" She asked, trying to stall for a brief moment so that she could find the proper words to say. "I . . . did not wish to marry him. Not even before all this." Before finding out his true, despicable character. "He asked to take me for a drive and I, thought it a good idea." To make Tobias jealous. Which, had clearly backfired. Yet she decided to use this opportunity, while they were on the subject, to do a little research. Opening her eyes she remained close but raised her gaze to him. From this angle, their bodies were so close, the closest perhaps she had ever been to him. How exhilarating. How torturous. "Have you ever become jealous before?" Was it truly the way to gain a man's attentions? To elicit the feelings of jealousy? He seemed like such a strong, stoic man. She found herself enviuos of any woman who was able to make him jealous.

[attr="class","cred"]MADE BY VEL OF WW + ADOX 2.0

[googlefont=Dancing Script][newclass=.cbg]width:400px;background:#000000;padding:30px;[/newclass][newclass=.cbgtop]width:400px;height:120px;text-align:left;[/newclass][newclass=.cimg]float:left;width:100px;height:100px;padding:10px;border:1px #aaa solid;[/newclass][newclass=.clbox]float:right;height:100px;margin:15px 5px auto auto;text-align:justify;width:257px;[/newclass][newclass=.ctopline]font-size:9px;letter-spacing:2px;text-transform:uppercase;font-family:verdana;color:#aaa;[/newclass][newclass=.cscript]font-size:23px;margin-top:-3px;font-family:Dancing Script;color:#e5b2ad;[/newclass][newclass=.cscript span]color:#ccc;[/newclass][newclass=.cline]height:1px;background-color:#888;margin:3px auto;[/newclass][newclass=.clyrics]font-size:8px;letter-spacing:1px;text-transform:uppercase;text-align:justify;font-family:verdana;color:#999;[/newclass][newclass=.cbody]font-family:verdana;color:#999;font-size:10px;text-align:justify;line-height:14px;letter-spacing:0.5px;[/newclass][newclass=.cnotes]font-size:9px;letter-spacing:1px;text-align:center;opacity:0.8;[/newclass][newclass=.cred]text-align:center;font-size:6pt;color:rgb(132, 132, 132);letter-spacing:1px;font-family:verdana;[/newclass][newclass=.cred a]color:rgb(132, 132, 132);font-size:6pt;letter-spacing:1px;font-family:verdana;[/newclass]

[Tobias Knightly]

She asked him again not to tell her brother, and he sighed in a annoyed manner, but one that they both knew he was going to do it for her. He might not like it, but he would in deed not tell her brother. It was also not the first time he wondered about the mysterious man. About why she was so precarious about some things when it came to her older sibling. He had no reason to think ill of the man, but there was something off setting about a woman who did not trust her family to take care of such matters. Either her brother was elderly or weak and she feared for her brother; or there was something else.

Knightly was distracted by the thoughts of her saying she was not seeking Cooper for her love. The knowledge that she had only gone because she thought to enjoy the air or something, eased a tightness he had not known was in his gut and chest. It was in this moment that the begin to turn the horse just enough so they would enter the city a bit more south that he had planned. If she would not let him make sure her brother was there to care for her, he would do it. Or well, ask his mother to do it.

When her chin lifted and her face look up at him, Knightly straightened his spine so that he was no longer letting his face softly touch her hair and appeared normal. He glanced down at her, but her face was so close that he quickly looked back up. Bloody hell. Then she asked him if he had ever been jealous, and he looked back down at her face. Yes. Hes he could understand that emotion. Both from his childhood when he had been jealous that his father returned to his other family to dote on them, and now when she was seeking another. He had not even thought about what that meant.

It was too new. Too unprocessed to admitted too, even to himself. Looking back up and away from her face, away from the eyes and seemed to see into him, and spoke. Trying to remain toneless, but not coming out quite right. "I suppose I have felt it a few times." It was then he realized why she was asking. "Was that what you intended? To let this man you love see you with Copper--" he was not calling him by the right name on purpose "--and see if it inspired anything in him?" That man was a fucking idiot to not see her. Apparently it was something he and this man had in common.

^{Mirela Camden}

[Mirela Camden]

[attr="class","cbg"]

[attr="class","cbgtop"]

[attr="class","cimg"]

[attr="class","clbox"]

[attr="class","ctopline"]if you dream a thing once or more

[attr="class","cscript"]

❀ it is sure to come true ❀

[attr="class","cline"]

[attr="class","clyrics"]

tag ● Tobias Knightly
notes ● excited for this!

[attr="class","cbody"]

He had felt jealous before? She wanted to ask him details. She wanted to know what made him jealous . . . but in order to feel jealous, one had to hold affections for another. And she knew, that this was an area she still required work in. For him to develop such affections for her. She knew that he clearly cared for her, this present situation evident of that. But she longed to be something more to him. Something more than just a foolish writing girl who was attempting to seduce a man with nothing but failures to show for it. "And, how did you react to it?" She inquired, wondering if that was reaching. If she was prying too deeply into his past or emotional states. For a man so stoic, she wondered if it was easy for him to speak of feelings . . . but she had to at least take advantage of this moment and try.

And in return, she owed him honesty to her question. Though the inquiry made her gaze drop from the continued embarrassment she felt. "Y-Yes," she shamefully admitted. "I thought it would gain his attentions." And, it had in a way . . . but not the way in which she had wanted it to. He found her not when she was looking her best, but perhaps at her worst. "But it was foolish, for it did nothing of the sort," she admitted in defeat. "Would you ever feel jealous if a woman you desired was in the company of another man?" Is that what ignited his jealousy? She doubted she would try this again anytime soon but . . . it was indeed a curious thing. To learn the minds of men in such matters.

[attr="class","cred"]MADE BY VEL OF WW + ADOX 2.0

[googlefont=Dancing Script][newclass=.cbg]width:400px;background:#000000;padding:30px;[/newclass][newclass=.cbgtop]width:400px;height:120px;text-align:left;[/newclass][newclass=.cimg]float:left;width:100px;height:100px;padding:10px;border:1px #aaa solid;[/newclass][newclass=.clbox]float:right;height:100px;margin:15px 5px auto auto;text-align:justify;width:257px;[/newclass][newclass=.ctopline]font-size:9px;letter-spacing:2px;text-transform:uppercase;font-family:verdana;color:#aaa;[/newclass][newclass=.cscript]font-size:23px;margin-top:-3px;font-family:Dancing Script;color:#e5b2ad;[/newclass][newclass=.cscript span]color:#ccc;[/newclass][newclass=.cline]height:1px;background-color:#888;margin:3px auto;[/newclass][newclass=.clyrics]font-size:8px;letter-spacing:1px;text-transform:uppercase;text-align:justify;font-family:verdana;color:#999;[/newclass][newclass=.cbody]font-family:verdana;color:#999;font-size:10px;text-align:justify;line-height:14px;letter-spacing:0.5px;[/newclass][newclass=.cnotes]font-size:9px;letter-spacing:1px;text-align:center;opacity:0.8;[/newclass][newclass=.cred]text-align:center;font-size:6pt;color:rgb(132, 132, 132);letter-spacing:1px;font-family:verdana;[/newclass][newclass=.cred a]color:rgb(132, 132, 132);font-size:6pt;letter-spacing:1px;font-family:verdana;[/newclass]