The Now Former Lady Deveroux Ch. 05

Esther kisses her, sweet and quick, and rests her arms around her neck. "I shall do whatever it takes." 

Samantha takes her chin into her hand, raising it up to meet a serious glimmer behind her eyes. She smiles, proudly and excitedly, and says, "Then I will see you upon my doorstep tonight." 

-- -- -- 

She wraps the red dress upon herself, deliberate in each movement like a soldier preparing for a march. Her hair is placed up into a masterful top braid, spiraling in amongst itself while two carefully placed strands fall down on either side of her face. She paints her face with makeup, thoughtful with each stroke, and she feels the practiced efforts of dozens of galas and balls and social visits take hold of her, adorning her in the privileged light of the gentry. 

And she waits by the door, having set up the living room exactly as she'd need it. A fireplace crackles against the wall. A long, fluffy blanket covers the floor before it. Candles flicker on a scattered array of shelves, adding a scent of vanilla and lavender to the room. 

Esther knocks upon the door; timid, but sporting her usual sing-song rhythm. Samantha waits a teasing few moments before deigning to open it, careful to hide the bursting excitement inside of her. She stands in the opened doorway tall and proud, with as much elegance and power as she can muster, and beams down at Esther. 

Esther, the gorgeous girl who kneels before the door like Samantha, was her alter. Esther, her darling love who has removed the collar of her habit so that the top of the robes tease out some of her cleavage. Esther, a woman who Samantha could never resist, who holds in her outstretched palms a burning candle, offering it as though Samantha was a goddess requiring tribute. 

"A gift for you," Esther bows her head. 

"I wouldn't dare refuse."