The Slayer & The Poet

 

Stanza the 7th

 

By Sailor Lum

 

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Disclaimer: The characters from Buffy the Vampire Slayer belong to Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy. Same goes for any characters from Angel that should appear. Any other characters are mine and may be used for other fanfic (Just note that they’re mine if you use them.)

 

Content rating note: This fic is rated NC-17.

 

Continuity note: Follows Stanza the 6th. This story takes place in an AU season 6, in which Buffy didn’t die at the end of season five. This is only important to know for Buffy and the girls’ state of mind since this is set in 1880. Spoilers for “Fool for Love” and a little “Lies My Parents Told Me.”

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1

 

Underneath William, Buffy stirred and opened her eyes. He was still snoozing soundly above her and hadn’t moved an inch. His cock was even still halfway inside her. Buffy smiled and sighed contentedly and with relief. It was undoubtedly very late, and it would have been understandable if he’d gotten up and went home. But he didn’t.

 

He didn’t, Buffy thought as she snuggled him and kissed his shoulder. Then she relaxed, sighed again, and began playing with the hair at the nape of his neck. William made a small noise and began to stir.

 

William could smell her all around him and feel her body underneath his. It was intoxicating. He moaned a little as he tried to come to his senses. Coming to his senses only made him moan a little more as he took in the sensation of being naked on top of his Miss Buffy. He could feel all the blood rush from his head and into his prick, as it was apt to do whenever she was very close to him at all.

 

Oh, no~ Don’t do that, he thought, as he lifted his head up and moaned, loudly this time.

 

Buffy gasped as she felt him getting hard inside her and her pussy responded by getting very wet. “William~!” she exclaimed, her voice breathy.

 

“I b-beg your pardon,” he said in a wavering voice and attempted to get up. Buffy wrapped her legs around him and pulled him back swiftly. They grunted as he was plunged all the way back inside her.

 

“Miss Buffy, I-”

 

“We have to take advantage of that,” Buffy said grinning and holding him close with her legs.

 

William blinked. “And- and you don’t mind that I’m obviously a horribly randy man??”

 

Buffy laughed uncontrollably as she suddenly had a vision of William as Austin Powers on a circular rotating bed. Do I make you* randy*, baby?

 

“As long as you’re only horribly randy for me, I love it,” Buffy said, still laughing.

 

“Oh~, jolly good, then~!” William said, before giggling.

 

“Yes! Jolly good!” Buffy exclaimed, squeezing him with her legs and cunny.

 

“Oh, yes!” William cried. “God, yes!”

 

Buffy moaned and began working her inner muscles around his cock creating waves of pressure. “OH! OH! OH!” he chanted as his hips jerked into her on reflex. Buffy continued moaning and tossed her head to and fro as she lost control and went into orgasm. William threw his head back and let out a couple of high-pitched cries as he came for the fourth time that night.

 

William slowly sunk down on top of Buffy and let his weight rest on her once more. He turned his head to the side so that he could get a little more air. “Shud I rull ovr?” he mumbled.

 

“No. Stay,” Buffy replied, panting. “Is the bed spinning?”

 

“It spins,” William answered.

 

“Not just me, then. Good,” she said.

 

“Oh, how delightfully it spins~,” William said, dreamily.

 

Buffy giggled. “We’ll…we’ll just rest here for a bit, then. Just ‘til the bed stops spinning,” she said.

 

“Most sensible,” William said.

 

And then they drifted back to sleep.

 

 

2

 

Tara hummed a cheery tune as she cooked breakfast. She prodded at the sizzling eggs and bacon with a smile on her face.

 

“Mmmmm, smells good, honey,” said Willow, coming up behind Tara and giving her a hug and a nuzzle.

 

“Thanks,” Tara said. “I’m fixing a little extra this morning for our Miss Buffy. Surely, she worked up an appetite,” she added with a wink.

 

“I know~! I’m surprised William was able to walk out of here,” Willow declared.

 

“Well…he did forget his sketchpad and supplies.”

 

Willow looked over at the coffee table and sure enough, there they were. “Hm, we’ll have to make sure he gets them when we see him today. Should I wake Buffy up?”

 

“I think we can let her sleep a little longer. Breakfast isn’t quite done yet,” Tara replied.

 

 

3

 

Buffy’s eyes shot open. Crap! I fell asleep! Buffy looked around the room trying to discern what time it was with no luck. Her room had no windows and no clocks, so it was anybody’s guess. Damn. Well, it has to be late, she thought. Mental note: Buy a wall clock.

 

She exhaled and then began to shake William awake. “William~, William~, wake up,” she said.

 

William mumbled something incoherent and snuggled closer.

 

“William, it’s late! Wake up! Your mother is going to flip out!”

 

William gasped and pushed himself up, eyes wide. “Oh my goodness! We fell asleep!”

 

“Twice,” Buffy added, holding up two fingers.

 

William sat up and looked around the room frantically.

 

“I don’t have a clock in here. Let’s just assume it’s very late.”

 

“What if it’s morning?! Mother will be beside herself!”

 

“Oh, I’m sure it can’t be morning,” Buffy said, sliding off the bed. “I mean, Willow and Tara are always up at the butt-crack of dawn, knocking on my door and telling me to get up,” she added as she threw on a night gown and robe.

 

“The what-crack of dawn?” William asked, giving her an incredulous look.

 

“Okay, do ya wanna talk about my language, or do ya wanna get dressed?” Buffy asked.

 

William looked down at his nude form briefly and then blushed. “Good point. Quite right. Should get dressed,” he said, scooting off the bed.

 

Buffy laughed. “You’re still so shy. Although, at least you let me look.”

 

“Well, if you wish to look, I’m not one to deter you. Although, I don’t think I’m anything special,” William said gathering up his clothes.

 

Buffy laughed again. “Do you honestly not think you’re attractive?”

 

“No, it’s not that I think I’m unattractive,” William said, continuing to put on his clothes. “I take good care of myself and my appearance. I come out fair enough. It’s just that…I don’t think I’m anything special…in that area. I must not be.”

 

“Why must you not be?” Buffy asked, frowning.

 

“W-Well, if I was, then women would notice me. And they don’t,” William said, tying his cravat. “E-Except for you,” he added with a small smile.

 

“Well they don’t notice you because they’re stupid. All they see is Mr. Unfashionable. If they were enlightened, like me, they would be all over you like white on rice. You’d have to beat ‘em off with sticks.”

 

William chuckled.

 

“Now, if they saw you naked, I don’t see how they could miss it. I mean, really! Have you seen you naked?”

 

William laughed and blushed further. Then he gave her his adoring intense look. Too sincere to be called seductive, even though it was. “I could write poetry about you, Miss Buffy. Reams of it.”

 

Buffy flushed and got that melting feeling. “Well now, you can’t read that kind of poetry in front of the others. You’ll have to give me a private recitation,” she said, pouring on the flirtation. William leaned against the bedpost and looked at her. She could see the passion, the fire, behind his eyes.

 

Buffy shook herself to her senses and said, “But right now you have to go, because your mom, she’s going to freak.”

 

“Oh! Right!” William exclaimed, and snapped to his senses. He moved his hand up to adjust his glasses…but they weren’t there. “Oh! My spectacles!” William turned around and spied them hanging over the headboard by the post. He picked them up and looked them over. They were bent as hell. “Oh, my…”

 

“Here,” Buffy said, “I’ll fix them.” Buffy twisted them easily back into shape then put them on William’s head and adjusted them further. “Good?” she asked.

 

“Yes, quite. Thank you,” he replied adjusting them out of nervous habit.

 

Buffy smiled and grabbed his hand. “C’mon, let’s get you home,” she said, leading him to the doorway and opening it.

 

They kept each other’s gaze as they walked into the main room of the flat, and then the brightness of the room caught their attention and they turned their heads forward. Catching the sight of Willow and Tara kissing by the stove. Buffy and William gasped and stopped dead in their tracks. Hearing the gasps, Willow and Tara broke their kiss, turned to see the other couple, and gasped in return.

 

“You’re Sapphists!” William exclaimed.

 

“You’re still here!” exclaimed Willow and Tara.

 

“They’re what?! I thought they were lesbians,” said Buffy.

 

“Sapphist is another word for lesbian,” explained Tara. “It’s after the Greek poet Sappho, who was not only a lesbian romantic poet, but the first modern poet as well. You might have heard more about her if almost all her works hadn’t been destroyed.”

 

“Which is a shame because her poetry is astoundingly beautiful,” said William, seemingly unfazed by the latest turn of events. Then he sighed. “Such a pity,” he added.

 

Wow, William. You’re taking this whole lesbian thing better than I did when I first found out,” Buffy said.

 

“Yeah, you freaked out a little bit. But I did kind of spring it on ya,” said Willow.

 

“Uh, Hello~! I’d say this situation is pretty sprung too!” said Buffy.

 

“I- I’m actually relieved,” said William.

 

“Huh??” the girls said, staring at him dumbly.

 

“C- Considering my own situation, I’m quite relieved. Sh- Surely it means that Miss Willow and Tara believe in love like I do, and- and w-won’t condemn me for…for still being here. Surely they…they won’t think ill of me and forbid me to call,” William said, looking up at them hopefully.

 

“Of -Of course not~! We’re just relieved you don’t think ill of us!” Willow and Tara exclaimed, smiling and on the verge of a laugh.

 

“Whoa, whoa, back the carriage up here! William, are you saying that you’re totally okay with the whole lesbian thing? Or are you just okay with it because you know that they know what we did last night, and if they won’t pitch a fit, you won’t?” asked Buffy.

 

“Um, well I don’t think I understand what you just said, but I think I understand what you mean,” said William. “And I…I think that it’s all right, if two people love each other. After all, how can a love like Sappho’s be wrong? Her love is just as beautiful as a man’s is for a woman. I don’t think love should be denied, even if society condemns it.”

 

“So…you’re okay with it because of Sappho,” Buffy said, giving him a look.

 

“In- In a way. It was she that opened my eyes to it,” William said.

 

“So, are you just okay with lesbians, or are you fine with homosexual men too?” Buffy asked.

 

“Men too,” he answered. “If two men are in love, then that’s all right, I think. I don’t understand it, because I’ve never fancied men, but I think it’s all right, if it’s love.”

 

“So…love rules all?” pondered Buffy.

 

“Well…it should,” William replied.

 

“Yay! Go love!” said Willow. “Oh, I’m so relieved! I was so worried what would happen if you found out that Tara and I are lovers! I mean, I know you’re liberal, but I didn’t think you were this liberal, and I thought that it would be the end of our friendship and it might ruin your relationship with Buffy, and-and- I’m just so glad!”

 

“And- And now we can be completely open with each other. No one has to hide anymore,” Tara said, smiling and clasping her hands together.

 

“And you’re not mad that we hid it from you, right?” Willow asked.

 

William bent his head and looked up at her. “Um, uh, I can hardly throw stones,” he replied.

 

“Yeah, but you only had to keep having sex with Buffy a secret for one day. We’ve been keeping our secret since we’ve known you,” Willow said.

 

William blushed, first at the boldness of her speech regarding the subject matter and then for another reason. “How- How did you know that it was m-more than this one time?” he stuttered.

 

“Girls talk,” Willow said.

 

William’s eyebrows shot up.

 

“Best girlfriends tell each other everything,” she continued. And then noting William’s look of horror she added, “But not always everything! We just knew that she loves you and wanted to do it with you and that you’re really good at doing, um, stuff.”

 

William’s horror changed to red-faced shock.

 

“Oh, my God- Willow!!!” Buffy yelled, red-faced as well.

 

“Something’s burning, I’d better take it off the stove,” Tara said, excusing herself from the conversation.

 

“I’m sorry~! I panicked!” Willow exclaimed. Then she turned back to William. “She didn’t give details on stuff! Really! We just know you’re a good kisser and about the hand kiss thing and that you’re good in general with the-”

 

“Stop talking!! Stop talking now!!” Buffy yelled.

 

“It’s all complimentary! She just wanted to share her joy at finding such a good man! Wouldn’t you want to share a little of it with your best friends, too?” Willow asked, still hoping to diffuse the situation.

 

William thought about it and said, “If I had any other best friends, besides you ladies, I suppose I might if they could be trusted.”

 

“And aren’t you flattered that Buffy says you’re really good?”

 

I am going to *kill* her, Buffy thought.

 

William looked a little dazed with embarrassment, but nodded his head yes.

 

“See,” Willow said to Buffy. “No worries.”

 

Buffy narrowed her eyes.

 

“But you’re still mad at me, aren’t you?”

 

“Breakfast is ready and on the table,” Tara said in her cheeriest voice. “Why don’t we all sit down and have something to eat. I set a place for you too, William.”

 

“Oh, th- thank you,” William said still feeling momentarily stunned. Then he gasped and put his hand to his mouth. “Oh! Mother! She’ll be beyond worried sick! Whatever will I tell her?! Oh my goodness!”

 

“Yeah, Holy cra-* crackers!” said Buffy, realization sinking in.

 

“W-Why don’t you have breakfast, and we’ll help you think of something,” Tara said.

 

“Yeah, your mom’s gonna be worried no matter what at this point, so you might as well have a good excuse ready for when you get home,” Buffy said.

 

“Oh~, I’m going to have to fib a good deal~,” William moaned.

 

“Yep, ‘fraid so, kimosabe,” said Willow.

 

“Beg pardon?” asked William.

 

“Never mind, William,” said Tara. “Just have some breakfast.”

 

William looked down at his food and raised an eyebrow. “This is what you have for breakfast?!” he asked.

 

“Of course. What’s more breakfasty than eggs, bacon and pancakes?” replied Willow.

 

“Well, in my household we just have toast with jam and tea. Not that this doesn’t look and smell delicious,” William said. Then he picked up his fork and began to eat.

 

“You’re getting an All-American breakfast today, William,” Tara said smiling. “Do you like it?”

 

William nodded his head yes and continued to eat. He was famished.

 

 

4

 

After they finished breakfast, Willow cleared the table and then they all sat at the table to discuss William’s situation. William fretted and looked around the table, hoping that someone would have a good suggestion.

 

“Hey, William, you’re from the suburbs, right?” Willow asked.

 

William nodded his head and said, “Yes.”

 

“Why don’t you just tell her you got lost in the city, then?” Willow suggested.

 

“I have done that before but…why wouldn’t I have just hailed a carriage?”

 

“Hmm…maybe…maybe you forgot. Maybe you started daydreaming and walked out of here not paying attention to where you were going.”

 

“But would his mom really buy that?” asked Buffy.

 

“Actually, I have a history of daydreaming and not paying attention to where I’m going, so that could work,” William said.

 

Excellent. Then that’s your story,” said Willow.

 

“And then you can say that you found your way back here and we gave you breakfast,” said Tara. “If someone sees you leaving here this morning, it’s best to have good reason.”

 

“Ah, a most sensible suggestion. Thank you, Miss Tara,” William said.

 

“Great! Then William’s all set with his story,” said Buffy brightly. “And while we’re hovering around the subject of the city and its dangers…I would really feel better if we all knew some martial arts. Even if there aren’t a lot of vampires, there are still muggers and other assorted nut jobs out there.”

 

Willow and Tara groaned.

 

“Martial arts? That sounds very interesting!” said William.

 

“See~ William’s on board,” said Buffy.

 

“But where would we learn such a thing?” asked William.

 

“From me, of course.”

 

“You know martial arts? Real martial arts from the Orient?”

 

“Yep. My Wha-, er, mentor and family friend, Mr. Giles, taught me. He traveled a lot and thought I ought to know how to defend myself in the big bad west,” Buffy said with a self-satisfied grin on her face.

 

You’re worried about Angelus and Darla, aren’t you? sent Willow.

 

Yes. And anything else that goes bump in the night. I know we haven’t seen hide nor hair of them, but they could still be out there. I’ve been wanting to get William to learn self defense for months now, so play along and learn too, dammit, Buffy sent back.

 

Fine, sent Willow, getting a sly look on her face.

 

“Maybe we should learn some other stuff too,” Willow suggested.

 

“And what else might we learn?” William asked, his eyes gleaming with enthusiasm.

 

“Yoga and meditation!” Willow said. “Tara and Buffy know both and could teach you and I, William. Although I know some meditation. Just not yoga meditation.”

 

“Hey, that’s actually not a bad idea. Kind of complementary to the martial arts,” Buffy said.

 

“Yoga? Is that where one contorts oneself into odd positions?” asked William.

 

“Yes. It’s a great way to keep fit. So is martial arts,” Buffy replied.

 

“Yes, I bet Buffy’s really bendy,” Willow said, giving William a sly look.

 

William raised an eyebrow in confusion. “Bendy?” he queried.

 

“Flexible,” Tara explained.

 

“Ah,” William said nodding his head. Then he shrugged and said, “I suppose she would have to be if she has mastered the art of yoga.”

 

The girls chuckled and made the ‘Whoosh!’ motion over their heads. William gave them all a puzzled look and Buffy told him to never mind.

 

We haven’t gotten up to anything bendy, yet, she sent to the girls.

 

“There’s one other thing I think we should make a point of studying…And by ‘we’ I mean Willow and Buffy,” said Tara.

 

The other girls exchanged a look.

 

“Etiquette,” Tara finished.

 

“Ah, I thought you might be working on that. That’s why I told Mother to give you some time, before I have you over,” said William.

 

Willow and Buffy gave him a sour look. Then Buffy stuck her lip out in a pout. “You mean…you’re ashamed of me?” she asked.

 

“What?! Oh, no, no, never ashamed~!” William exclaimed, taking on a panicked look. “I- I- just thought that- that you would- would want to im- impress her. And- And I want her to like you immediately. But- But that doesn’t matter. I’ll take you to meet her right now if you like!” William finished, standing up from the table and bumping it in his haste.

 

“Oh, now I feel kinda bad. I was just teasing you a little, William,” Buffy said as she tugged him back into his seat.

 

“But- But I did offend you,” William said, still twitchy with panic.

 

“I would say ‘concerned’,” Buffy replied. “But you can still make it up to me, if you like,” she added with a grin.

 

William nodded his head yes quickly. “Anything,” he said.

 

Buffy scooted her chair right next to his, slipped a hand onto his shoulder, and whispered in his ear, “Well, if you really want to make it up to me, you could make wild passionate love to me real quick before you leave.”

 

The shock and flush on William’s face did not go unnoticed by Willow and Tara. And they had the distinct feeling that William would be venturing into Buffy’s bedroom once more before returning home.

 

William looked at her, mouth opened. He blinked then arched an eyebrow and said, “That seems like more of a reward for me.

 

“Well, making up isn’t about punishment. It’s about showing someone how much you care and then the other person showing how much they forgive you,” Buffy said, sultry and sweet.

 

“Oh…” he said, shooting a glance at Willow and Tara, who promptly turned the other way. “Well…” he said, eyes flicking back to Buffy. “I…I could do that.” Buffy moved to get up and he stopped her, adding, “O- Only, I…need you to bring me my sketchpad first.”

 

“You want to draw me first??” asked Buffy, giving him a look.

 

William shook his head no slowly and bent his head down, looking at her through his eyelashes. Buffy frowned and then looked down. It was then that she noticed the telltale bulge in his pants and smiled. “Oh,” she said and got up to retrieve the sketchpad. She handed it to him and he held it in front of his erection as he got up from the table, eyeing the other two girls cautiously. They continued to be turned the other way, much to his relief.

 

Then Buffy whisked him away to her bedroom and closed the door.

 

 

5

 

William sat the sketchpad down on Buffy’s dresser while she closed the door. Then she led him over to the bed, undid the metal clasps on her robe and tossed it aside. She put her arms around his neck and pressed her body to his, eliciting a lusty look. He wrapped his arms around her and pressed open-mouthed kisses to her lips. Buffy caressed the back of his head and neck and returned his passion with her own.

 

William gasped for air, burning with desire. “Are you ready, my love?” he asked.

 

Buffy was in a saucy mood and before she could think to censor herself said, “Why don’t you put your cock in between my legs and find out.”

 

William was stunned for the briefest of moments, but ultimately her bold language only increased his passion. Never had vulgarity sounded so appealing, so erotic. William growled and grabbed her hips, lifted her up slightly and toppled her onto her back on the bed. He was startled by his own sudden wildness, but before he could think to become self-conscious, Buffy giggled and lifted her legs, rubbing the sides of his body with them, and easing his mind.

 

William stood up to undo his trousers, all worries flying away. She wanted him. Wild. Passionate. Quick. Now. And, oh, how he wanted her. William released himself and then pushed her gown out of the way. Then he fell upon her and thrust into her madly, moaning and calling out her name. Buffy cried out in ecstasy and urged him on with her legs and clutched at his shoulders. She gasped and mewled and watched him move over her, his cravat hanging down and swaying with the motion of his body. Finally, she threw her head back and screamed in orgasm. William looked down at her, gripped the sheets hard as her quim clamped around him, and screamed his own orgasm as the clamping became pulsing. Then he buried his face in her shoulder and cried out as his body shook and his knees buckled.

 

Buffy rained kisses on his head and held him tight while he lay on top of her like a puppet with cut strings, whimpering. She whispered his name rapidly while she arched her back and writhed with an aftershock or two. William moaned weakly and wondered if a man could die from rapture. He had nearly floated into unconsciousness when there was a knock at the door.

 

“We hate to disturb, but William really should be getting home now,” Willow called out. She had lost the rock-paper-scissors battle with Tara to decide who would dare disturb them.

 

Buffy sighed and called out, “Okay, just give us five more minutes~.”

 

“All right, T-minus five minutes and counting,” Willow replied.

 

William lifted his head and then struggled off of Buffy, stumbling backwards and falling on his butt with a thump. “Are you okay?” Buffy asked, stifling a chuckle. William was chuckling softly and nodded his head yes. Buffy smiled and got up, walked over to him and squatted in front of him between his legs. She reached out her hands and he took them, allowing her to pull him up. Then she tucked him back into his pants and buttoned him up. He was practically asleep on his feet. “Well, at least you won’t have to pretend to be sleepy when you get home.”

 

William smiled and looked at her through half closed eyes. “Yes, I definitely feel I could take a nap.”

 

Buffy looked him over to make sure he was all together right, then handed him his sketchpad and led him out the door. Tara was waiting by the door with his pencil set and handed it to him.

 

“Thank you, Miss Tara,” he said, sleepily.

 

“G-Good luck with your mom,” Tara said, patting him on the shoulder.

 

“Yeah. See you tomorrow, William,” said Willow.

 

William nodded his head and bowed slightly. “’Til tomorrow, ladies.”

 

“’Til tomorrow, Sweet William,” Buffy said, caressing his face.

 

William gave her a sappy grin and whispered, “’Til tomorrow.”

 

The girls waved him goodbye and he entered the hallway, willing himself to stay alert. It seemed to take forever to get down the stairs and out of the building. He hailed a carriage and when he sat down in the seat, he sighed, slumped to the side, and fell fast asleep.

 

 

6

 

“Sir. Sir,” the carriage driver said, as he prodded William, attempting to rouse him from sleep. “We’ve arrived at your destination, good sir,” the driver said, prodding William again. The young man finally stirred, much to the driver’s relief. “Are you all right, lad?” he asked.

 

“Hmmm? Yes, very well, thank you,” William replied dreamily. Then William fished out his purse, handed the driver several quid and stumbled out of the carriage.

 

As William walked up the steps and to the door of his house, he had the desire to just drop where he was and curl up and go to sleep. He felt drained and satisfied. Spent, he thought, letting out a short giggle. But he needed to make it to a couch or a chair, at least. So he pressed on and opened the door and made his way to the parlor. On the way he passed Lucy.

 

“Master William!” she cried, setting her feather duster aside and following him into the parlor. “Master William, your mother has been worried sick!”

 

William sighed and sat his pencil set and sketchpad down on the coffee table. He felt a stab of guilt but was really too knackered to deal with it. “Give her my apologies and let her know I’m home,” he said as he lay down on the cream colored couch. Then he mumbled, “Got lost. Breakfast at Miss Buffy’s. Tired…Taking a nap…G’night…” And then he was snoozing soundly.

 

Lucy shook her head and tsked. Then, before Lucy could fetch Mrs. Brighton, she appeared at another entrance to the parlor and rushed over as fast as her cane would allow her. After Lucy told what she knew, Anne Brighton bade her to fetch some knitting needles and thread, and then looked down at her son.

 

Anne shook her head. Half of her wanted to hug him kiss him and tell him how happy she was he was safe, and the other half wanted to scold him to within an inch of his life. She was glad her son was safe, but most annoyed that he had allowed himself to daydream his way into trouble, yet again. He had worried her half to death and it couldn’t have looked good to Miss Buffy. A woman wants a man with his feet on the ground at least a little bit, she thought.

 

When Lucy brought in her knitting supplies, Anne sighed and sat down on the couch across from William’s. She picked up her knitting and waited, watching her son sleep, resolved to keep her firmest look of disapproval in place.

 

 

7

 

William stirred a few hours later. He sat up, blinked his eyes, and then his mother came into focus. She looked quite put out. William bit his lip, and got a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. He was in for a scolding, most definitely.

 

Anne set her knitting down with a click. “I do hope Miss Buffy hasn’t changed her good opinion of you,” she said.

 

William gave her a blank look and then a puzzled one. “Why would she?” he asked.

 

“Wandering around in the city all night with your head in the clouds (and worrying your mother half mad, I might add) are not very reassuring signs to a lady. Did the ladies find you outside the building then and invite you in? I’ll have to be sure and send them a thank you note for their kindness. Lucy said you mumbled something about a breakfast there,” Anne said, resisting the urge to soften.

 

William swallowed. “Y-Yes, they found me outside and invited me in” (it sounded good as any excuse) “a-and they didn’t seem to think ill of me. They even said that they looked forward to seeing me tomorrow.”

 

“Well, that’s fortunate then,” she sighed. “But William~ Honestly~ You had me worried half to death! I was beside myself~!” Anne said, eyes beginning to brim.

 

“Oh, I’m sorry, Mother~!” William cried as he leapt off the couch and rushed to kneel in front of her. “I’m very sorry~! I didn’t mean to worry you~!”

 

“I can’t help but worry~. One of these days you’ll walk out in front of a carriage and be dashed to bits~!”

 

“No I won’t! I promise~. I’ll be more careful, Mother. Honestly~! Can you ever forgive me?” he asked.

 

Anne sighed. “Of course I can, darling. Always. I just worry about you,” she said stroking his hair. “You must keep your head, in the city. It’s dangerous to do otherwise. I don’t wish to have the constable at our door, telling me I have a son to bury.”

 

William’s gut sank further. “I’ll keep my head, in the city. I promise,” he said in a hushed voice. He would have to make sure he never stayed overnight at Miss Buffy’s again (although he could never regret last night). He didn’t want to send his mother into a nervous hospital and hated to think of her worrying about him every time he went into the city.

 

Anne hugged him and kissed his head saying that all was forgiven. William gave her a nod, relieved that the confrontation was over. Mother never held grudges and would probably not worry about him as long as he arrived home on time tomorrow night.

 

Anne sighed with relief. She hated confrontations and was glad to put it behind them. Now she could focus on happier things. “So…do you have a drawing to show me?” she asked smiling with anticipation, emotions turning on a dime.

 

“Oh, yes. Of course!” William said, turning around and grabbing his sketchpad off the coffee table. He opened it to the right page and handed it to her.

 

“Oh, aren’t they all lovely~!” Anne exclaimed. She cooed over the picture, as she looked it over. She wondered which one was Miss Buffy. As if reading her mind, William named each girl, finishing with Miss Buffy at the end. Then Anne lifted her head and said, “Why, she’s even lovelier than that Addams girl, if I do say so myself.”

 

William smiled. “Yes, she is, isn’t she?” Then he told her all about his visit, leaving out the scandalous bits.

 

“And I’ve saved the best for last, Mother. You recall me telling of the picture that Miss Tara drew of me? Well, Miss Buffy claimed it and hung it in her very bedchamber!” William finished, eyes shining.

 

“Oh~!” Anne gasped, clasping her hands to her chest. “In her bedchamber? Surely that is one of the highest honors a lady may bestow on a gentleman! My goodness!” she exclaimed. “You mustn’t hesitate to offer her a proper photograph, then.”

 

“Really, Mother? Do you think so? Perhaps I’ll have a new one made?”

 

“I think Miss Buffy would like that,” Anne said smiling warmly.

 

“Should I ask her first or should I make it a surprise, do you think?”

 

“Ask first. Give her something to look forward to.”

 

William tilted his head bashfully. “All right, then.”

 

“But before you do anything else, I think you should have one of the servants draw you a bath. You’ve been running around in that filthy city all night.”

 

“A capital suggestion, Mother. I’ll go do that straightaway.” William stood, exchanged a nod with his mum, and then walked out of the room whistling. Anne watched him go fondly, then she turned back to the drawing on her lap, studying it awhile longer before she sat it aside and resumed her knitting.

 

 

--- To Be Continued . . .

 

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