Hat Trick

by Morris Fenris

  Elisabeth bit her lip. She did know, of course she understood what happened between a married man and his wife, but she was not married and had not experienced any of these affections beyond a kiss.

  “Elisa, are you telling me you have not…” Adelaide trailed off knowing she had hit an uncomfortable topic. She swished her skirt and stepped off the platform. Filing through the items on the rack she fished out a gown they had been working on in the beginning of the week, it was pale blue and had a long fitted bodice and a flared hem. It reminded both women of the mystical mermaids painted on the boathouse walls.

  “Here,” she thrust the dress towards Elisabeth. “Put this one on so that I can admire you as you do me.”

  “What, no Adel it is fitted for you, I will never be able to button the closure.” Elisabeth pushed it back towards her.

  Adel grew stern. “Elisa this is my home you are my guest and I wish to see you in this.” she softened, “please?”

  Elisabeth could not resist. In truth, her mind was still locked in the feeling of the kiss from the previous night and she wondered why Adelaide was not discussing it. She took the dress and began to slip out of her own skirts and blouse. Adelaide watched as she wiggled into the tight form fitted fabric. Elisabeth caught her breath when she felt the coolness of Adelaide’s fingers begin to pull the closure and push the matching fabric covered buttons through each embroidered buttonhole. She sucked in her breath and tried to flatten her abdomen more, but was surprised to find the dress fit her like a glove with little to no effort.

  The couple stood on the fitting platform together, arm in arm, each looking at the reflection before them. One petite and blonde adorned in aqua, the other dark and statuesque in the pale blue of the morning sky. They were a vision, equal in appearance, sisters in beauty, neither belonging to any station, simply two girls standing in a mirror.

  “Elisa, you are beautiful. You must have that dress.”

  “Oh no, Adel it is for you. Robert picked it out as one of your garments.”

  “That is correct, it is mine and I will do with it as I please and it pleases me to give it to you. Besides, after seeing you in it I could never measure up.”

  Elisabeth shook her head knowing full well Adelaide was far above her own handsome looks. Adelaide reached up to place her hand to Elisabeth’s cheek, turning her face and her form to face her on the platform. “I want you to have it.”

  Her eyes were sincere and Elisabeth could do nothing but nod her head. Adelaide brushed her lips over the fullness of Elisabeth’s mouth as she continued to hold her face. Elisabeth felt the returning warmth in the pit of her stomach from the night before. Adel’s mouth continued to massage Elisa’s lips. Her tongue traced over the full line of her mouth. The kiss tasted better than any sweet chocolate could ever feel in her mouth. She allowed her hand to mirror Adel’s, finding her porcelain cheek, stroking the flawless skin with the pad of her thumb.

  As they kissed, their breathing became shallow, Elisabeth glanced to the mirror watching the reflection of Adelaide now kissing her throat. It was surreal, their images entangled in one another, dressed in silk and organza. Adelaide turned and smiled at her reflection. “Exquisite.’

  The same cool fingers, now warm, that had buttoned the dress on Elisabeth’s frame now worked them free of their fastenings. She edged the fine blue silk off Elisa’s shoulders following the fabric with the warmth of her mouth. She kissed and nipped at the collar bones of the girl. Elisabeth engrossed with the scene in the mirror, dared to touch the exposed shoulder of Adel’s body. She thought she would burn her fingertips, surely Adelaide’s skin would be as hot as fire and she was shocked by the coolness of her flesh.

  Adelaide’s mouth found Elisabeth’s once more and her tongue danced in the hollow of her mouth. Elisabeth’s body twitched with growing excitement like she had never known. Adelaide licked her lips, and then kissed her cheeks, her nose, and her forehead. Elisabeth responded by stroking her bare arms, drawing her closer so that she could feel the slight curves of her body against hers. Adelaide moaned in her embrace.

  “Adel what is this, what if someone comes?”

  Adelaide pressed a finger to her lips. “Shh, the door is secure. I find you so attractive Elisa. I want to be with you.”

  Elisabeth was confused, her mind fought with the urges of her insides. She wanted Adelaide, wanted to be with her as married couples were with one another. She was breathless. Her hands pulled the fabric from her body and laid the dress aside, allowing Adelaide to watch her stand before her in her corset and stockings. “Kiss me again.”

  Adelaide stepped from the platform and closed the short distance between them, her lips met Elisabeth’s and she kissed her deep as she walked her backwards to the settee. Her small hands pressed the top of Elisa’s shoulders. “Sit.”

  The dark haired girl sat back against the woven fabric of the fine settee. Adelaide lifted the aqua organza so that she could freely kneel upon the floor before the Elisa’s stocking cad legs. She placed her palms flat against her knees and easily parted her thighs. Adel moved between her legs and nimble fingers worked the ribbon garters, releasing the demure cotton stockings from their clasps. Adel’s hands rolled the soft stockings downward, feeling the supple curve of Elisabeth’s calves. She bent forward and kissed her knees, letting the tip of her tongue lap at the inside of the angle. Elisabeth closed her eyes and stroked Adel’s hair. The kneeling petite blonde dared to kiss the seamstress; inner thigh. Elisa used all her restraint not to tense and capture Adel’s head between her legs. Her body was a mass of surging vibrations.

  Adel lifted her form up and half laid her body against Elisabeth’s. She cupped her face and kissed her mouth with eager seduction. “I will be with you as often as possible, Elisa.”

  Both women jumped when there was a soft rap at the outside double door. “Ma’am, are you finished with your tray?” It was Margot.

  Elisabeth jumped and struggled into her skirts and blouse. Adelaide stood there grinning.

  * * *

  Chapter 9

  “You were insatiable last night, my love.” Robert was standing behind her looking with adoration at her reflection in the dressing mirror as she brushed her hair and twisted it up off her neck into a loose bun atop of her head. She pinned the lengths and then freed several curls to tickle the sides of her face.

  “You bring it out in me, dear husband.” she beamed.

  “Your mood has changed for the better I see.”

  “That it has, indeed.” Adel added a hint of blush to her cheek with a soft horse hair bristled brush. She penciled a light pink to her lip and puckered, blowing her husband’s reflection a kiss before turning to face him in her seat. She was still wearing her dressing robe and had allowed it to fall open at the breast, revealing a fine sheer lace.

  “What are your plans for today?’ he asked sitting on the edge of the bed and holding her delicate hands.

  “Elisabeth and I are going to finish the last bits of accoutrement on the remaining evening gowns and then perhaps enjoy a game of tennis before tea, and yourself?”

  He frowned, “Do not be upset with me, but I have some business matters to attend to.”

  Adelaide was not upset, but she did give him a playful pout. “You will be missed.”

  “I will try to attend dinner this evening.”

  Adel brightened suddenly. “Dear do you remember the cabin? The afternoons we spent there after our wedding?

  Robert chuckled and blushed. “How could I not. The day it rained and we were soaked from head to foot.”

  They both laughed.

  “Do you think we could find it again?” she asked.

  “I imagine so, if it is still standing.”

  “Let’s lunch there tomorrow, just you and me. I will have cook make us a picnic lunch, complete with pastries and wine. Please say you will.”

  Robert kissed her hand. “I do wonder if it is still standing.” He stood up from the bed, kissed her chee
k and turned to leave.

  Adelaide starred at her reflection in the dressing mirror and watched as he exited the room leaving her without a commitment and feeling abandoned. How had their morning taken such a drastic turn about?

  Elisabeth adjusted the intricate brocade of the delicate collar of her blouse as she made her way down the stairs to the sitting room to meet Adelaide. They had plans. Adelaide was going to teach her tennis after they had completed the last of the evening gowns together. She was excited to see her after their encounter in her sewing room. Her heart was pounding so fierce she was certain anyone within a few feet of her would hear it. It thumped in her ears as she made her way into the prescribed room.

  Her footsteps froze when she spied the back of a taller gentleman standing at the hearth, his hand resting on the pearl handle of a cane and his other holding a photograph up to his face, admiring Robert and Adelaide on their wedding day. She cleared her throat to make her presence known. The man took his time to replace the frame and turn to see who had joined him. His eyes went wide when he realized she was not someone he recognized.

  “Good morning, Sir.” Elisabeth curtsied.

  “I apologize. I was expecting the Earl or his wife.” his voice was firm, strong, but not threatening.

  “They are still indisposed I assume. Are they expecting you, should I go and call for them?” Elisabeth was uncertain of her position here. Was she a guest or was she a hired acquaintance in this situation?

  The man aided her in her indecision, offering his hand as he approached her. “I am a business associate of Robert’s and a friend, Thomas.” He held her hand waiting for her to give her name and association.

  She curtsied once more. “Good morning Thomas, I am Elisabeth, Adelaide’s seamstress and house guest.”

  “Hmmm. A true pleasure to meet you Elisabeth.” He bowed his head and kissed her hand. “It seems my friend Robert is taking time with his bride, please would you come sit with me until they arrive?

  Elisabeth tucked her skirts beneath her and sat on the edge of the settee, Thomas opted to sit with her instead of in the more appropriate seat, the chair beside her. His smile was disarming and she fidgeted beside him.

  “How long have you known the Earl and his wife?”

  “I have worked for Adelaide over four years. I only met the Earl after they were engaged.” Elisabeth focused on her hands as they lay in her lap.

  “So you are aware how suddenly they married?” his questions struck her as odd.

  “I do know that they married rather at a swift pace, but many do when they are in love. Couples, such as them, do not like to wait.”

  “Couple the likes of them? Do you mean couples insuring their fortune?”

  Elisabeth’s jaw went slack, stunned by his insinuation. “I am certain I do not know what you mean, Sir.”

  “Oh forgive me. I thought you were close enough with the cunning Adelaide to know she married to insure the fortune of her husband.”

  Elisabeth’s defenses for her friend were high. “I assure you the Countess married for love. She adores her husband with or without his estate.”

  This brought deep laughter from Thomas. “That is quite a story.”

  She stood up abruptly and the tall, blonde man snapped his lips shut. “I have offended you. Oh I am sorry if the truth is unpleasant, but Robert made a wise choice with Adel and she is fortunate that he did, regardless of what she tells her seamstress.”

  “If you will excuse me please Sir, I have matters to attend to.” She left him sitting alone and waiting for Robert. Her intentions were to go to Adelaide straight away and tell her they should both forego the remainder of the vacation and leave the two men to their own devices.

  Adelaide was not in her rooms. Margot said she had left for the sewing room to see to the finishing of a dress. Elisabeth found her there, sitting. She looked up with a gentle smile when Elisabeth entered.

  “Elisa good morning, I’ve been waiting for you.” She stood up and reached for Elisabeth’s hands pulling her close and placing a kiss to either cheek. “How did you sleep?”

  “Well thank you.” She nearly forgot about the man downstairs, Adel was so warm and welcoming to her. “Adel, there is a man to see Robert downstairs.”

  “Oh good, Thomas is here, that will give Robert plenty to do while we go about our day. He of course will join us for dinner.”

  Elisabeth did not know if she should bring up his vile accusations. It seemed as if Adel was familiar enough with Thomas. She had to know his demeanor. Elisabeth decided against any words on the subject. “Then he will be staying here at Lovelace manor as well?”

  “Mmm, he does on occasion. Never for too long, the man craves London like a child craves sweets.” Adel had not released Elisabeth’s hands and she absently stroked her skin with the softness of her fingers. “Shall we work or go have a game of tennis?”

  They decided to work for a while and then changed for their match. Elisabeth enjoyed the fresh air and the exercise, but in the end she had determined tennis was not her forte and she would leave that game for Adelaide and Robert from now on. She was distracted and not by the rules or the scoring, but her thoughts kept drifting to Thomas. Why would a man who was supposedly a friend have such a warped opinion of Adelaide? It upset her the more she thought about it and the more upset she got the harder she hit the tennis ball until every stroke was finding the ball far out of bounds and Adelaide tired from chasing after it.

  “Are you excited for dinner?” asked Adelaide with her hand tangled into Elisabeth’s as they walked up to the house from the courts.

  Elisabeth felt that she was missing something. “I suppose I am, is there something more happening that I am yet unaware of?”

  Adelaide smiled, “Other than Thomas joining us, no.”

  Elisabeth cringed. “Do you like that man?”

  “I find him entertaining and very pleasing to look at and he keeps Robert entertained.”

  Elisabeth nodded. “Of course.” she would support her hostess and be civil.

  The foursome sat at the enormous table, Robert at the head, Adelaide to his right with Elisabeth beside her and Thomas to his left. They had opted to have wine with dinner this evening instead of their usual routine of drinks by the fire afterwards. Thomas had plans to depart that evening for the return trip to London, his business requiring him to be available in the morning hours. The wine was taking effect and had loosened their tongues to comment freely and without hesitations. It had also lowered Adelaide’s inhibitions and she dared to hold Elisabeth’s hand under the cover of the table. At first Elisa bristled against this gesture, she gasped and practically spilled her wine. After the moment of shock subsided she relaxed and played the game of stroking fingers and pressing palms together on each other’s thighs.

  The men did not seem to take notice as they discussed business and finances. “I am certain the Countess will not complain at the added notes to your bank account.”

  Both men laughed and Elisabeth bristled. “I believe the Countess has far greater interests than the figures on the bank ledge, Thomas.” she interjected.

  All three faces looked to her, but it was Adelaide that smiled.

  “Thomas did not mean it in an offensive manner, Elisabeth. My Adelaide knows there is jest behind his words.” Robert reached for his wife’s hand.

  Adel did not release Elisabeth’s fingers from beneath the table. She stiffened under Robert’s touch. “Even in jest a husband should defend his wife. My dear friend did.”

  Robert looked hurt and the evening turned south from there. The dinner was finished in near silence with the foursome finishing off the wine and the gentlemen excusing themselves to the smoking room and the ladies to Elisabeth’s room.

  Adelaide lay down on the coverlet of the four poster bed. “Thomas is harmless Elisa, you must know that.”

  Elisabeth nodded. “I do not like the way he speaks of you, Adel.”

  “He speaks of everyone like tha
t. It makes him feel adequate in his lonely life.”

  Again Elisabeth nodded and climbed up beside Adelaide on the bed. “He’s lonely?”

  It was Adelaide’s turn to nod. They snuggled into one another and soon the effects of the wine had then silently sleeping wrapped up in the coverlet together.

  * * *

  Chapter 10

  Laughter filled the foyer. The girls were enthralled in their chit chat as they entered the manor. Robert was on his way down the staircase. He stopped midway to observe their interaction. The two had been spending a lot more time together. It was true he had been occupied and Adelaide was used to having attention, but it seemed that she preferred Elisabeth’s attention these days.

  The other morning he found himself with some free time and when he went to find her, she was no longer in her suite. He ventured over to Elisabeth’s room. The doors had been closed and the girls were secluded within. He could hear them, there muffled voices sounding joyous and light. He opted to leave his wife be. When they finally emerged for tea, both women looked as if they had been windblown and their skin warmed to a glow, their moods airy.

  “You two look as if you have been busy.” he said as he sipped at his tea.

  “We have.” giggled Adelaide.

  Elisabeth nodded and blushed.

  “Those dresses should be near complete with all the time you are spending together.”

  “Mmm, nearly.” smiled Adel.

  “Elisabeth,” started Robert. “Do you think it possible to excuse my wife from your company this afternoon?”

  “Oh, yes of course.” Elisabeth’s brow furrowed. “Is everything okay? I do not want to interfere with any of your plans.” A look of worry clouded her eyes and she looked in question to Adelaide.

  “Robert, love what is this all about?” questioned Adelaide, taking his hand over the table.

  He smiled, not wanting to strain their tea time. “Nothing dear, I only thought that perhaps we could go for that stroll to the cabin this afternoon.”