Photo by jpm uk-image. Posted with permission

 

Contrary to appearances (& popular belief) I'm not just standing around... I am waiting patiently at a safe distance as the driver of 9F 92214 squeezes the coupling before going under to unhook the loco and train.

 

I am also thinking "I haven't turned the steam heat off"! Hence the steam escaping down the train. Before going under I did just that letting the pressure dissipate before uncoupling the steam heat bags.

90003 stands in platform 4 at Nuneaton in the pouring rain on 9th October 1988. The 90 had been dragged from New Street via Water Orton by 37230 which, by the time I'd got to the front, had been unhooked and was away. Our day was rounded off with haulage from 37xxx which dragged 86234 on our Liverpool bound train. For the record 58010 and 31106 were observed at Saltley depot.

After the brilliant sunshine of Glan Conwy, the arrival into Blaenau Ffestiniog of No. 40145 with the 'The Whistling Slater' was a really soggy affair. In pouring ran the crew prepare to unhook the locomotive prior to running round for the return, which will head for Holyhead. This is Pathfinder Tours 'The Whistling Slater', 1Z51 0536 Bristol Temple Meads - Blaenau Ffestiniog on 4th June 2005. Copyright Photograph John Whitehouse - all rights reserved

All birds frequently clean and groom their feathers in order to remove dust, dirt and parasites. Owls, like most other birds, use their beak and talons to do this. The two outer talons on the owls feet are the "feather combs". The sharp medial edge of these outer talons enables them to clean their heads.

 

Flight feather barbs have tiny barbules that lock the barbs together, making the feather into a single continuous surface. These barbules often become unhooked during harsh flying conditions or collisions. A bird will use its beak to realign the unhooked barbs and restore the feather to peak condition.

 

There is small gland called the uropygial, located at the base of the tail, that produces a thin oily liquid. This gland is stimulated by the beak, which is then used to transfer the liquid to the feathers to provide them with a protective coating.

Shit. Shit. Shit……

I hate Coruscant, I always have but I hate it even more now that the Empire is in charge. I know two of the troopers fell to my rifle, I didn’t see what happened to the captain, but I’m pretty sure he will be waiting for me, on the plus side I can see my contact, Fulcrum from my position. Which reminds me how am I going to get down from here without being taken out. I asses my options I can either drop forward and risk being shot at further or I can drop backwards and be covered by the ledge but I fall into the sludge of Coruscant’s lower level sewers. Damn I hate Coruscant. Neither option looks real good, but neither does staying here, hanging from the ceiling. I think I’ll risk being shot at the moment it looks like a better option not by much though. Alright then, here goes. I release the nose of my riffle and unhook from the chain. I land roll forward and put the Storm Trooper captain in my sight, he shoots first and luckily for me he misses. I don’t. That was a little to much excitement for me, I must remember to be less obvious next time around. I signal to Fulcrum. He signals in reply, and taps the security deposit box before walking off. Great I think to myself, looks like my time on Coruscant isn’t quite done yet.

 

Taken at Brown's Family Farm and Market near Ross, Ohio.

 

As I was walking around the farm yard, I quickly became aware that they had more tractors than I would have expected a farm of some 300 acres to have. Without actually counting, I'm sure they had at least 10 of various sizes most of which were Internationals. One of the employees told me that all were at least 50 years old although I don't know enough to question his statement. Another told me (in jest?) that they were lazy farmers who don't want to constantly have to hook and unhook various implements to a few tractors, but preferred to leave a specific implement attached to a specific tractor. Regardless, I think the owner is a collector and I'm glad he is.

Took a photo then realised that this moth was in a bit of a predicament having become impaled on the burdock bud!

Spent a good 5 mins trying to free him! He was desperately trying to get onto my finger. Managed to unhook his underwing, and then his legs, but was concerned about the damage to the underwing. I placed him on some lucerne to feed up and when I returned about 20 mins later, he was gone! So hope that he was ok!

Venus Pool - Shropshire

For sure ther'are many differences between European and North American railroads, sometimes I'm simply amazed from the ease that overseas operators show in using their network and reources.

Here a CSX Gp38-2 is making anabout-face... with its whole, 45 cars long, train!

Arrived from Toledo alone, this shunter made a quick intrusion on the NS Fostoria yard to pick-up some empty autoracks to be transfered in Michigan.

Coming back on CSX network it first crossed the former B&O main line going southbound on the line to Columbus, then came reversed on the local diamond, taking up the eastern part of the main line tracks just before resuming its forward motion being able to come back to Toledo without never unhook its train!

Here we can see the last part of this operation with the train leaving northbound just behind the CSX Fostoria crossing tower. (8/6/16)

  

Goods Galore 2017. Visiting NYMR-based British Railways Standard 4 2-6-4T 80136 after arrival at Leicester North station and prior to running round and taking 2B05, the 09.50 train, back to Loughborough. I had just unhooked and grabbed a shot.

I You were tagged by me please see why in the comments Chronicles of lifting Light C (The Reception Game)

The alternate version of Chronicles of lifting Light B ( Bridesmaids) - Album

 

“The wedding was a little over the top. The bride wanted her girl’s dresses to be something they would wear out again. A nice thought, but the gowns she found were a little too long for anything but formal evening wear, according to our girls who were asked to be part of the bridal party. The maid of honor wore a red silk version; the six Bridesmaids wore theirs in black satin.”

 

“A few years ago, “Ginny” was watching some type of show when I heard her squeal out. Our Golden Retriever ‘Sam’ meandered back in to see what all the fuss was about? I obediently followed. Ginny pointed out to me a model who was wearing fetchingly a long black satin gown, That’s m’ gown Ginny exclaimed, you remember, the one I wore at “Sheila’s” wedding, the one where my necklace was.., But at that point her attention was diverted back to her program. Squirrel I teased as Sam and I watched with her.

 

It was a gown strikingly very similar in colour, cut, and material to the one worn by Ginny ( and me sister) at a chums wedding years before ( and winningly worn several times hence I might add). It is a pretty thing to behold my charming Ginny sporting it, and in its time, it has born witness to a few goings on that most ladies wearing a gown like that would never encounter…….”

 

Chronicles of lifting Light C

*************************************** **************************************** *****

This story is true, and is really pretty much told as it happened.

What we did may sound daft, but read and understand the circumstances, plus realize we all were pretty well lit up with drink.

 

I have enhanced certain aspects of the story, but not as much as on my first draft, for that one came out sounding more farfetched than it should have.

 

For indeed, truth can be stranger than fiction… and coincidences occur, both sweet and bitter….. as I’m sure someone once said.

 

So here goes it….

 

My twin sister and our friend “Ginny” were invited to join in a school chums bridal party. The groom didn’t have enough to go around so my sister’s boyfriend “Brian” and I were pressed, not unwillingly, into service.

 

At the reception my Ginny made a comment about the flimsy clasps on the rhinestone jewelry they were wearing. My Sister, touched her necklace, told her, “ no worries, luv, no one would nick them anyways, they are only rhinestones”. Except my ring isn’t, said Ginny looking down at the ruby ring she was wearing on her pinky. My sister, thinking a minute, retorted “Then one never knows… “ , It looked like she was going to add something, but at that point the band restarted, and we joined the swarm of fancy gowns, silky dresses, suits and tuxes heading to the dance floor.

 

As we headed off, I was still perplexed about what had been going on in Sis’s head that made her come out with that reply, and I swear she had stolen a look at me while saying it. But as I had watched her pull at an earring to emphasize how loose the sparkling jewel was, a seed was planted in my head about a subject I myself had always found fascinating, pickpocketing jewelry!

 

Much later that evening, found Brian, me sister, and I alone, and probably more than a little drunk (always a precarious time with us). As Sis and Brain chatted on about a topic I had lost interest in, I started to watch Ginny, who had been asked to dance by some twit with shifty eyes in a red silk shirt, (open colored), who had rudely cut in on us. As I watched Ginny’s swishing gown move and flutter about in quite an interesting exhibition, I found meself mesmerized by the manner in which her healthy display of rhinestones were sparkling about( as they had been all evening). I looked back at my sister, and her own show of jewelry, sparkling up nicely against a black satin backdrop.

 

Still not being able to shake me twin’s earlier comment, nor its answer, out of my head about nicking jewels, I finally chanced asking my twin about her comments. She looked at me, having to think back a bit about the question, ( As I said, we were more drunk than sober by then), placing a nicely ringed finger to her lips, while regrouping her thoughts. Got it, she exclaimed proudly remembering what had triggered her memory, and started to explain.

 

When she was a tyke of about 7, there was a show that she had seen on the tele that centered on this group of people trying to reform a thief. Believing that he had turned a new leaf, they threw a fancy dance for him in honor of his new ways. During the dance, he cut in and danced with each of the three ladies who had been trying to teach him the errors of his ways. From one he slipped off her long diamond earrings, from a second her diamond necklace was lifted away, but me sister was unsure what the scoundrel took from the third. Sis thought that the earrings and necklaces that she and Ginny were wearing that evening, looked a lot like the ones from that show.

  

Now, as me twin described the thief’s antics, certain emotions awakened, rearing their tantalizing heads; my mind began wandering in some deep waters, pulled bout by some deep personal emotions. Cause I had been sitting on the couch with her, when as quite young children, we had first seen that episode.

 

As it happened my sister had been outside earlier playing dress up in on of mum’s old party gowns and was still wearing it, along with a set of costume pearls. Suddenly, that day, I wanted nothing more in the world than to lift the pearls she was wearing. I simmered over it for the rest of the program, getting to the point of actually laying my arm on the back of the couch, inching my fingers towards the clasp of her pearls laying there upon the back of her throat. But then the show ended, and I got no closer to stealing anything more than a touch of a really soft old evening gown. After the show ended, I warily suggested we go back outside and play Robin Hood (my sister has always been into his story).

We did, and as Sir Robin led her to his hideout, conveniently located through a thicket of Hawthorne’s, the pretty Maid Marion’s pearls mysteriously melted away.

  

That is when I had I had my epiphany, hitting me like a brick wall! Waiting till sis finished her story, I pointed out to Ginny, and asked the pair, If Ginny had been the third lady he had danced with, what jewelry do you think he would have lifted from her while dancing?

  

Brian , always the more pragmatic of the group, snorted, that’s stuff that only happens in stories and movies. I said I would bet it can be done, a quid says I can lift a piece of Ginny’s jewelry with her never noticing. Sis chimed in, you wouldn’t dare, but she was looking at me like she knew the answer already. Brian caught her tone, and took me up on it, betting me the quid that I couldn’t get away with lifting her necklace,( I liked his choice, it had been a necklace that “Sir Robin” had first lifted from me sisters neck that day in the woods long past).

  

At this time the music ended, and Ginny swished back to rejoin us. We drank and talked for a bit more, and I’m was all but certain Brian and my sister had all but forgotten the wager. But I hadn’t, nor had I been able to keep my eyes from studying the rhinestones Ginny had wrapped around her pretty throat. When a slow song started up, I rose and asked Ginny to a dance. I caught Brian’s eyes, and read the dare reflecting in them, so we were still on with the wager. Leading Ginny to the dance floor, we embraced, and danced to the pretty song, a slow one. Ginny was absolute pure heaven in my arms, and I found me self so entrapped that I never made an attempt upon her lovely rhinestone necklace.

  

As the song was ending, I caught a look from Brian across the dance floor, noticing that he smugly was looked at Ginny’s throat. I did not want to lose me quid on principle (I swear), so as the dance ended I held onto Ginny, waiting. Soon a second song started, disappointedly a more fast paced one with a Latin beat. I spun Ginny around onto the floor before she had time to catch a breath, we danced, like the song says:

 

And we… danced like a wave on the ocean, romanced

We were liars in love and we danced

Swept away for a moment by chance

And we danced, danced, danced

 

And dance we did, hot, furious and fast. A couple of times I spun Ginny around, and the poor girl already a bit tipsy, fell against me, giggling. About the third time I spun her, she stopped, and dropped backside into me and began to do this sort of gyrating move, slithering up and down my front side, with her hands held high above her head, her longish ginger hair had fallen over one shoulder, exposing her necklace in all its fine brilliance. As her warm, sweaty figure slipped up and down against mine, I watched the back of her throat, eyeing the necklace as it sparkled brilliantly in the dim lights. Studying intently the sparkly chain with it’s the hook in eye clasp.

  

She brought her hands down behind me back, crossing them behind me waist. My right hand went to the front of her waist, holding onto her squirming, satin slippery figure, pressing it tightly against me. My left hand went up to her shoulder, gliding along the glossy slick fabric of her black satin gown, until I reached her necklace. It only took seconds for my fingers to lift, and slip off the hook from its”eye” , letting the shimmering chain slither down the front side of Ginny’s satin clad breasts. My right hand left her waist, and travelled nimbly, tingling, all the way up the front until my fingers grasped the dangling chain. My left hand let go, and the necklace whisked down the front of her perking bosom, tightly covered by the glossy black satin bridesmaid gown. The whole bit of thievery took me only a few chords of the music, but it seemed a lot longer in the process. We finished out the song, me basking in the fact that my gyrating partner was innocently unaware that her shiny necklace was absent from around her throat, and now resided in her dance partners vest pocket.

  

We made our way back to the others, Brian had a smug look on his bearded face, I knew he was up to something. As I sat down, he whispered double it or nothing mate, that she notices it’s missing before we leave. I nodded, taking him up on it. So, the game was still on, and for the last two hours that we stayed at the reception, Brain waiting for Ginny to notice her missing necklace, I tried to distract her as much as I could, even with me sister constantly played with her necklace whenever she held Ginny’s attention, but the poor creature never caught on that her necklace had been lifted.

  

We finally left the reception after midnight and made our way along the ten city blocks back to the hotel where Ginny and my sister shared a joining room with Brian and meself. Ginny walked calmly with us, unaware of the devils that were us, keeping pace beside her. As were making our way through a short cut in a wooded Provincial park, we stopped in a small isolated glen and circled around Ginny. Sis was grinning as she asked poor unawares Ginny, So luv, whatever did happen to your necklace? Gin’s reaction was absolutely, rewardingly priceless.

  

Ginny, a relatively innocent soul, who is prone to believing most anything told to her, started, and her hand went to her throat, feeling about fruitlessly, as her rustling glossy gown and remaining jewels glistened dark in the full moons’ light. “M’ necklace, why it’s gone? , where did it go!, she pleaded helplessly, her thought patterns and speech a little slurred by her rather intoxicated condition. We than got into it, playing dumb along with her, and tried to figure out the “mystery” I said the last time I saw it was when that seedy bloke cut in, and I ran my hand up her back, feeling the shivers going down her spine, did the blighter touch you like that, then luv. No she said, then thought hard, no she repeated, he couldn’t have, he was a proper gentleman, and it was only rhinestone, like your sister said. My sister commented that the bloke may have not noticed no difference, and she held out her own necklace, I’m glad the bloke didn’t ask me to dance. No, Ginny shook her head, her long earrings flickering a frenzied fire out from her hair, no one could have lifted them like that, I’d have felt it….

  

She looked desperately around at us, then seeing the look on upon our faces, Ginny froze with the realization that we had all been up to something, and, then a smile of relief showed up on her pretty face, as I held up her necklace, sparkling in front of her eyes. A sly look of understanding that we had been up to something crept into those dazzling green eyes , as she told us now to spill it out.

  

We explained the whole tale as sis helped Ginny place her necklace back on. Ginny, with her usual good humor, said she had never noticed a thing, and it probably was a good thing we weren’t real thieves, because if her necklace had been real, it would have been worth a small fortune. And shame on us for having her believe it was that poor blighter in the red shirt.

  

We wouldn’t’ make very good thieves I agreed we drink too much. She just smiled, a curious gleam creeping up into those witchy green eyes of hers. Let’s get going before we meet a real thief then, urged my sister, all this talk about someone thinking our jewels are real is giving me the chills.

  

Our drunken little group then merrily, if not a little more guardedly, made our way home..

 

This next bit is my favorite.

 

We rode the elevator up to the boy’s room, as the girls called our room, where we drank beer, danced to music and talked on a bit about the reception. The girls stayed in dress and I happily soaked up the pretty picture the pair of admirably attractive girls presented with their long sheets of straight hair just hanging down, their diamonds sparkling and all other assorted frills enticing. About two hours later found Brian and myself sitting on the couch in kind of a hazy stupor while holding onto our beers. Ginny and my sister were standing directly in front of us, holding beers of their own and giggling over some girlish nonsense, the swaying of their long glossy black satin gowns slowly putting me to sleep.

  

Brain, draining a beer, got up to get another, bumping against my sister and playfully grabbing a handful. My sister started giggling at him as he sauntered off grinning, turning her figure so the brooch at the center of her gowns’ waistline almost hit me on the nose. Half asleep I reached over and lifted it up.

Looking up at the girls I saw that neither was paying no never mind towards me. Ginny, however, laid a hand on my twins shoulder, drawing her close so she could whisper some girlish secret about Brian. I continued on, and was able to undo the brooch, and slip it carefully off without notice. I slipped her jewel into my pocket; until I could think of what it was I was going to do with it to tease me twin sister.

  

Brian stopped on the way back and reset the music, a slow song. Sis went to him, and the pair started dancing. I rose and taking Ginny by the hand, followed suit, leading her to the bit of a dance floor we had cleared. She was again, pure heaven in my arms as my hands slipped liberally up and down her smooth, slinky gowned figure. Ginny smiled, I knew that smile, and realized that something was going on behind her pretty green eyes. She flicked back her sheet of ginger hair, and leaned against me. I saw you, she whispered, her voice putting a tickle in my ear. Saw me I asked, not getting it. I saw you lift that dame’s diamond brooch, Ginny said in a sultry voice as she looked over towards where my sister was dancing, (no, she was actually swooning), in Brian’s arms. You see that one over there, in the black dancing with the bearded gent? I looked over, as she continues, look at ‘er necklace, I have a fancy for it, and if you don’t want me to call security, I suggest you get it for me, darling, she said, like she was some old time actress in a movie. I loved the devilishness of Ginny’s role play idea and threw me whole heart and soul into it.

  

Check out the Sonia clip shortcut at the end of my tale( recommend viewing)

  

Now wide awake, I got fully into Ginny’s game. As we continued dancing my eyes watched Brian and me sister, taking careful inventory of all her sparkling jewelry. Sis turned, and caught my eyes looking her over, she blushed, and not knowing what was really going through my mind, smiled at me. As I smiled back, my eyes drinking her fetchingly attired figure up, I was imagining that all of her ample collection of rhinestones so prettily positioned on her figure, were real diamonds. And that I was an actual thief after her lovely sparklers. I looked into Ginny’s eyes. You have a deal miss, I whispered, making my voice deep and throaty, as I imagined meself as Humphrey Bogart type character in some shadowy film noir movie.

  

The song ended and a second, even slower one began playing. Brian and my sister were still locked into each other’s arms, but I felt that the time to make my move was now. Throwing Ginny a wink, I went over and cut in, Brian looked drunkenly at me like “whattsup chap,” but Ginny was right behind and swirled him away before he could properly react.

  

And as I took the pretty, wide eyed with innocence looking “dame” into my arms I found it exciting that she was oblivious to my intentions. Naïvely unaware, that in indifference to her own words earlier, someone did now want to nick the jewelry so merrily dangling from her svelte figure. Don’t forget at this point she was no longer my sister, but my sweet victim, and I was nothing more than a thief hungering after her bright baubles, albeit, a slightly inebriated thief!

  

I bided my time, appearing to look into my twins half opened eyes ( she was really lit by this time, as we all were) , my mind was working overtime on how to best approach my objective.

  

Employing the same method that the thief had used in the Gilligan’s Island episode to remove his dance partners necklace, I began to compliment my twin on how devastating her and Ginny looked both looked that evening (no lies), slowly moving my one hand up the slick material of the gown covering her back until I reached the dangling part of her hook and eye necklace with its’ glittering row of single “diamonds”. She ate it up, blushing and closing her eyes, tilting her head down, exposing even more of the back of her throat, and laying bare the chain of her “diamond” necklace. As she fawned over my words of (not false) praise, I subtly lifted up the chain of her necklace, holding her ever so her tightly around the waist. As I felt the heat emanating from her figure, I used my free left hands’ fingers to unhooked the clasp, and let the necklace fall over her one shoulder. Sis never felt it hanging, or noticed it as I peeled it off her chest (whisking along smooth as silk) and pulled it over her gown’s satin shoulder till it slipped sparkling down behind her. I held it hanging behind her back for a few turns, still pouring out the compliments, until I pocketed it, letting it join her purloined brooch.

  

Meanwhile, Brian had left Ginny to go to the loo, and I saw Ginny, who had been watching all of it, give me a wink. Then she turned and stole out the apartment door, her longish slinking gown slipping through behind her as she closed the door. I made ready to make some excuse to break away from my sister and head after her with my loot.

  

But just as I opened my mouth to make that excuse , Sis pulled her arms behind me head, and laid her own head back on my shoulder and closed her tired eyes, getting into the music’s deep beat. One of her longish rhinestone earrings just hung there sparkling, mocking me to touch it, and like Gingers diamonds, was ripe for the picking.

  

With the prize within my grasp, I momentarily forgot about the departing Ginny, and I made my move. I found meself trembling a bit, as I reached up and placed my hands gently alongside her ear, her eyes still shut, my victim smiled. The rest of the maneuver was surprisingly easy, as I glided my fingers down and slipped it off the earring in one effortless motion. The sparkling beauty came away from her sweaty ear as smoothly as an ice cube moves along a steaming hot grill ( I actually did have a thought like that). I held it in one fist for a bit, watching my victim, she had not felt so much as a tickle on her earlobe, as I had taken her earring. Relishing in my success, I looked at it dangling and shimmering in my hand behind her back. Then I secured her diamond away. I thought about trying for the other, but thought better of it, knowing Ginny was just waiting on the other side of the door.

  

I finished out the dance, taking my sisters hand with its dazzling bracelet and rings, and admired them while I kissed it. I’d better be off after Ginny I said, and then let go of her hand. Nice doing business with you I said, bemused as I watched the puzzlement creep into her eyes. That is how I left her.

  

However it was my turn to look puzzled as I went out, Ginny was nowhere to be seen. I quickly looked around, then headed to the elevator and rode down in it, alone at this early morning hour, to the lobby.

  

I arrived there, and at first the lobby appeared deserted, cept for a lonely desk clerk with her head buried in a novel. Then breathed a sigh of relief, there, around a corner, Ginny stood talking to some older lady wearing a garish grey pant suit, with this blue tinted helmet of curly hair covered by a large silk head scarf, and carrying an overlarge purse. I suddenly realized that now my anxiety had gone, another urge had taken its place. Ginny looked up, and smiles happily at me, and I smiled back, indicated that I had to go for a minute, and headed meself to the loo.

  

Coming out after I finished, I saw that the lobby was actually now really empty, not even the desk clerk was visible. Thinking Ginny may have gone back upstairs, I first went to the hotels double doors to chance a look outside onto the street below. I just caught sight of a wisp of black gown moving just out of sight past the stairs, on the now smoggy sidewalk below.

  

I headed out, and there was Ginny walking with the Blue haired stranger, they appeared to be looking for something. I started wondering if Ginny had invited this stranger to go on out walk with us? But no, apparently the blue haired lady in the unfortunate grey pantsuit had discovered her keys were missing, and thought they had dropped somewhere after getting out of a taxi just around the corner. And Ginny, bless her kind heated soul, had offered to help the distressed lady look for them.

  

As Ginny was telling me all this after I had caught up, the blue haired older lady , her cheerful face now stern, had started rummaging in her large shoulder bag, I sneaked a peek over her shoulder and saw that is contained quite an amazing assortment of items , ( no wonder it had to be so big). Suddenly she uttered an exclamation, found them she said, triumphantly pulling out an interesting assortment of skeleton type keys on a small ring. Happily smiling at Ginny, she pulled her into an enveloping hug for her efforts, before quickly leaving, but not without first giving me a sidelong glance with a disapproving look from her now pursed–lipped mouth as she passed. But I at the time put it down as her just being stressed out from believing she had misplaced her keys.

  

I am so glad she found her keys remarked Ginny, taking up me hand. That lady was ever so nice, she wanted to know where I had been dressed up all pretty like I am, and when I told her about the wedding, she said it must have been lovely. Then she admired me dress, and rhinestones. Then asked if me ruby ring was a gift from the bride. Liked your ring huh, I asked Ginny, my mind clearing up a little. Oh yes she said, lifted my hand, looked at it an everything!

Then the poor dear missed her keys, and asked if I could be a dear and help her look outside, and that was that until you showed up. (Looking outside for keys at 2:30 in the morning? I thought to myself) As I said ti Ginny, it is a pretty ring, and taking her arm, we started down the block together.

  

My mind, now somewhat attuned to the reality of things, went back to the blue haired lady and her large shoulder bag. Among some of various items I had seen had been a penknife, a length of old silk sash cord, small bundle of lacy handkerchiefs, and a small torch! Then add in the odd assortment of keys on her “misplaced” keyring, and put it all together, it all began to sum up to a new, slightly more sinister meaning of her intentions, in my take on the episode.

  

As we walked, I said nothing in reply to the happily chirping, richly attired girl walking beside me , as for the first time, and not the last, I wondered if something had been afoot with the Blue Haired, pursed mouthed lady that Ginny had seen as a kind older lady needed help, like the bird with a broken wing she had tried to help a few days past( a blue jay!). So was the blue haired lady, with the silk scarf and wearing a rather unisexual pantsuit, acting out the part of a “blue jay”, using her “broken wing” as a ruse to lure my Ginny safely away for her own nefarious reasons?

  

Surreptitiously, I carefully checked over Ginny from head to heeled toes as we walked, to make sure nothing was amiss. Her rhinestones were still safely all in their place, but I did not see the ruby ring, and me heart went still, and chills prickled down my spine! Bullocks! I swore under my breath, that pucker faced tart walked away with it. Ginny, I said, a little choked, she swirled facing me, her green eyes questioning, as she raised her hand to her perked breasts, and there it was, the small, but rather pricey, ruby ring she so loved wearing, the glittery darling had turned around on her finger so it was hidden from my view

.

 

I breathed a heavy sigh of relief, I just wanted to say how lovely you looked this evening my lass, I said saving myself. She smiled winningly, giving me a deep hug for my words. We walked on, as my beating heart slowed down, I convinced myself that maybe the incident of lost keys had all been harmless, and I was just being a worry-wort. I apologized silently for what I had called the fashion challenged blue haired lady in my mind. But I was still beginning to feel like ever a fool to have let Ginny, handsomely decked out as she was, out of my sight at this early hour of the morning.

  

I opened my mind and let all such thoughts flee my head, for the world was now ours, as we made our journey together, hand in hand. We ended up making a very long stroll in the Provincial Park, and reentering the same isolated, secret glen we had been in earlier, proceeded to continue acting out the role playing game we had started at the apartment.

  

Ginny went to the middle of the clearing to wait, pretending she was smoking, like a moll from a gangster movie. I circled and watched her sparkling figure, black in the glens shadows, move about a bit.

  

And as I did, my thoughts wondered a bit, and I remember reflecting ( not for the first time) how in the older black n whites, the heroine, or villainous, is always wearing gowns, elegant long gloves, and jeweled to the sparkling hilt. Then she walks alone to and then waits in some dark alley or other desolate spot for her contact, or hero to show up, much like Ginny was acting out now. So how is it that those fancy dressed and well jeweled unescorted dames, always manage to get to those spots, and are able to wait around in them alone, in those movies, and nary ever meet a ruffian who strips them of those pricy looking sparklers they are flaunting about? Just saying!

  

Saying a brief prayer that my thoughts were not tempting a fate of that type to occur to us now that I had been thinking it, I came out of the shadows and approached Ginny. Keeping my left hand in my pocket like I was carrying a heater. Hey sister, I said, been waiting long? No, she whispered, did you get the goods. Hot as ice I said proudly, producing the necklace and earring I had liberated from the dancing “dame”.

  

As I showed Ginny my take from “the dame”, she squealing over the fact I was able to take one of her diamond earrings, bonus she chanted. We laughed over what the “dames” reaction would be when the jewels were discovered missing. As we snickered, Ginny caught my eyes and then we got off on a tangent about jewel thieves in love, and ended up reenacting the “lure” scene from the movie ‘To Catch a Thief” ending up producing fireworks of our own making as Ginny lost all her jewels as well as her “innocence”.. We then made our way back home, as the cock crows, receiving a few odd looks from the occasional early morning lorry drivers.

  

And above all, I still remember feeling pretty bloody cocky as Ginny and I had sauntered our way to the park. And why not, I ask? Cause not only did I get to stroll about with the most captivating ginger haired lass, sparkling in fancy dress around, But I also had totally scored a hat trick in the jewelry lifting department, collecting two Quid to boot, and that’s what life is all about for us boys, winning the game, isn’t it?

 

So ends my story, of which I have written 2 versions.

My question is now this:

Which version, if one reads both, do you believe to be the truer?

Please leave a comment at the end of the story you believe is..

In appreciation,

Thank You

 

*************************************** ****************************************

In Appraisal

 

Tis story may be unique in its nature, but if not we would love to hear about it. Please leave a comment or drop an email ( or both) about you own experience.

Thank You

 

The Sonia clip shortcut ( recommend viewing)

youtu.be/HAZdjhNVjxk

The Washwood Heath warehouse workers begin to unload as 56078 is unhooked from the train to stable outside, ready for the final run tomorrow.

Construction equipment(scoop),Cobb's Hill Reservoir,Rochester,NY.

 

"C'mon....I see COBRA. We must hurry Morgan!" Geoff pointed towards the subway entrance of the city.

"I'm going to kill every one of them. For my people!" Said a determined Morgan...getting her Katana ready.

"Don't let your emotions cloud your judgment, Morgan! That is how you get killed. Be smart!" scolded Geoff.

"Don't tell me how to think or how i should feel. Your people were not slaughtered like animals. I will show no mercy to any of COBRA." refuted Morgan.

Geoff unhooked his katana knowing that this battle will determine the outcome of wheather the Joes can defeat their sworn enemies.

  

Morgan is wearing from GABRIEL:

 

Gacha items:

"Katahaori 2020" Aisome

"Koshikimono" Aisome

"Wa-bra" Aisome

 

"Lace-up Boots Sandals"

maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/GABRIEL/133/135/23

 

[monso] "Ikki"

maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Sweet%20Isle/196/107/21

#KA# "Samuray Dragon Color Sleeves Tattoo"

no longer available

 

toksik "Isolate Katana"

maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Rapture/101/76/106

 

Geoffrey is wearing :

 

::GB:: Cyber Ashura Robe *RARE

 

::GB:: Cyber Ashura Pants / Black

 

::GB:: Cyber Ashura Sandal (Light blue)

 

::GB:: Cyber Ashura Katana Belt (White)

 

::GB:: Cyber Ashura Necklace (Light blue)

 

All those GACHA items by GABRIEL are at Neo Japan Event September 2020 round

maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/GABRIEL3/127/185/502

  

-S E V E N - Angelo Hair

(Not avalabile anymore)

  

Morgan's Pose:

Bauhaus Movement - "Flying Daggers"

maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Dangerous%20Waters/112/129/26

 

Geoffrey's Pose:

Bauhaus Movement - "Caterina"

maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Dangerous%20Waters/112/129/26

   

Thank you to all who have been following this tale, and the pictures...

For this is the final end of both.

 

Just a reminder

 

The pictures that accompany this Tale tell a story of their own, and not one that matches the Tale being told in words.

 

A Wicked Turn

Acte 29

 

Lilly Unmasked

 

She stood hovering over him, smiling happily.

She intentionally was close enough that her brooch, and breasts, were teasingly hitting his nose!

“I had Supposed my friend, that I had given you ample enough lead!

He looked up at her questioningly

She reached down and played with her bright broach, hanging from her gown, positioned between her (very) perked breasts!

“Enough opportunity that you would have had this also from me! Imagine my surprise to still feel it prickling in its place untouched !!”

She held it glittering in front of his eyes...

She could see, that and despite his predicament, he wanted it!

Smirking she reached behind the brooch and unhooked it.

Then she leaned over, and placing her hands around his head, gently moved it forwards so that his mouth was touching the brooch.

She then moved up, making his mouth pull up the brooch till it came away from her gown and landed in his lap.

She twittered as she took in in hand, and slipped it down inside his pants, brushing along a now very wilted ‘John Thomas’

“There!”

She said, rising…

“That jobs done! I’ll retrieve it later Mr. Burglar!”

She went to the side of the room, as his eyes followed, and pulling out his full leather pouch from underneath the bed, picked it up and carried it triumphantly to the table.

He swore, chastising himself under his breath…

He had been just that close to reclaiming Mariette’s Jewels! But he still harboured hopes of a second chance reclaiming them before the light of daybreak!!

“So quite nice of you to bring me poor Mariette ’s jewels, my sweet burglar.”

She ran her fingers under his chin, tickling with her long fingernails, coloured to match her gown!

She purred evilly…

“How did you leave her then?

Hopefully, you stripped her of everything, then left her tied up and struggling!”

Despite himself, his ‘John Thomas’ began to prick up at this, something Lilly noticed!

“Good, Mariette deserved for that to happen!”

Lilly shivered with delight while saying this as she opening the pouch and began to rummage through it!

She selected the silvery case that had been collected from the master bedroom from inside the leather pouch!

Opening the case in front of his nose, he saw the shimmering pile of white diamonds and red rubies twinkling from inside.

She sat the silver case down on the table and reaching again inside his leather pouch, retrieved the antique jewelled mirror.

Saying as she admired herself in its reflection.

“I’ve always admired this mirror; glad you were able to steal it away from poor Mariette!”

Using the mirror, she put in the dangling earrings of the ruby stoned set, admiring their reflection in the mirror as she did so, with a sidelong glance to make sure her prisoner was watching!

He most decidedly was!

His drooling eyes were as wide as a deer caught in headlights!

Next, she pulled out the long glittering ruby necklace and faced him, the jewels dangling daringly in her hand…

She held up the necklace of rubies…

“You like these sir? I could tell!

she said enticingly waving the jewelled piece in front of his masked face, before elegantly fastening it around her throat, where they cascaded down in a most beckoningly manner.

She admired their shimmering reflection in the ornate silver jewelled hand mirror, smirking to herself!

Yes, he thought drooling over the enticing sight, he did like them, quite a bit actually, and would take as much great pleasure in recovering them from her as he had taken them from hapless Mariette!

He squirmed in his seat at the thought, causing Lilly to giggle!

She murmured…

“Poor Mariette!” Must ‘ave been devastated when she finally realized you weren’t that prat Gaston, and discovering the ending of her fine little game altered against her!

So, she knew he thought, and pondered what was in store for him now?!

Still prattling on about poor Mariette, Lilly continued to pull out the other ruby-encrusted pieces of the matching set.

Saucily dangling each piece tauntingly in front of his masked eyes…

Before slowly, carefully adorning her svelte brown satin clad figure with the fiery red glamorous little buggers!

 

When she had finished, Lilly stood before him and gave him her full attention.

He in return stared at her, keeping his expression poker-faced and unreadable

“I’m so sorry Mr. Burglar, did you still want these?”

She leaned over him, teasingly playing with jewels so that they flickered in the candles basking soft light.

He most certainly did want them, and his cuffed hands moved, his fingers flexing, itching to reclaim them from that deliciously lovely soft figure!

His mind’s eye quickly played out how he would have his revenge upon that pretty figure!

If only he could get his hands free, and he did so try very hard to do so at that moment!

Sensing his frustration, and maybe realizing what tiger she had by the tail, she smiled teasingly….

And backed away, taking her quite fetching figure and frenziedly sparkling jewels vexingly out of reach...

She went on….

“But they now belong to Lilly don’t they, my sweet burglar ?… However, there is something I can give you my dear…”

Then, looking once again ever like the cat eyeing the canary in his cage, Lilly unzipped her satin gown and let it slip down liquidly down from her figure.

She was now standing before him naked, her figure clad only in her jewels!

She reached over and pulled up and lifted off the black burglar’s mask, smiled deviously into his eyes, causing him to feel more than a slight prickling discomfort from down below as his ‘john Thomas’ rose to new eclectic heights!

She spoke with a whimsically foxy look spreading along her face as she pulled her long red hair up.

“So, Mr burglar? Did you like me better as a blonde?”

 

He sagely shook his head no, smiling into his wife Lilly’s hazel eyes!

she whispered deliciously to her husband, tickling him under the chin with ringed fingers, ….

“Game, Set and Match.. my darling role-playing thief!”

(Mariette/Lilly ) looked with sweet innocence down upon Michael, her husband (Mari in French), costumed as the cat burglar whom she had been calling Gaston/Mr. Burglar all evening!

He found the look upon her sly smiling face with her foxy grin, to be quite most enchanting… as it was, it always was!

Then Michael, with an even wider grin, spoke aloud for only the second time thus far this evening…

“The note luv, how did you know I was going to leave you there like that, and …where did you ever come up with the silly name of Gaston for me?”

“You’re a man my love, and like most, an easy predator to read!”

She tickled under his chin, then continued

“The names Gaston and Mariette? Got them all from the same place; from that old movie, we saw some time ago, where the thief claimed to be reformed in order to steal their jewel’s! Did you forget dearest? But then, you may have had other things on your mind tonight my darling!”

Lilly twittered as she rubbed a hand alongside his face, rings and bracelet delightfully shooting out blazing sparks.

He started to rise but was held firm by the handcuffs, damn he though, forgot about them, this was her part of the role play now, toying with the captured burglar!

Regaining his composure, he smiled and retorted

“Must have forgotten luv?

She squealed happily…

“So, you don’t remember the movie!”

“So you thought from the note, that Lilly was just going to be a second jewelled victim in the game needed to be robbed by the daring burglar!?

Lilly Scolded,

“No no no my sweet”…

“Lilly in the movie was a thief also, just like Gaston! Should have paid more attention to the movie Luv, and less to what your wife was wearing tonight naughty lad!”

And she tickled him underneath the chin in playful rebuff, Before going on...

“History always repeats itself my luv, and you should have been on the lookout for a trap from Lilly!”

Still trying unsuccessfully to recall the flick, he asked…

“So Gaston was taken in by Lilly in the also movie then?”

Lilly looked down upon her husband with a sly grin…

“He certainly was! And like tonight the thief Gaston” was successfully lured to his doom! “

As his wife explained, Her eyes had taken on a lustful glaze, and she bent down to him, her necklace swinging as provocatively as the expression on her face!

Wholeheartedly she kissed her husband as he tried unsuccessfully to raise his arms to her.

Giggling, she broke off and stood back, cheekily studying the bound “burglar” before her with a quite becoming self-satisfied smirk upon her charming face!

Then, again playing with the necklace, she smugly whispered down to him…

“But unlike poor Mariette, this necklace is safe from your clutches, as are the rest of my jewels!”

Shaking his head clear, trying to focus on how the game was turning against him, wondering how he could buy time to still get his hands on his wife’s jewels and come out, ahem! on top…

Then Michael tried to buy time by asking …?

“How did you slip out of here, get the pouch, and sneak back inside without me catching you then luv? Was that part of the movie also?”

He thought to himself that he needed to find the name of the movie to watch it again, and check his wife’s story about what had transpired….

He looked up at his wife’s smug face as she appeared to be about to answer his question…

“My secret!” she purred scrunching down…

“When your Lilly does not want to be caught, she won’t be... Words to the wise ‘Mr burglar’ …..and now that I have caught you my pet…..The game is up, and the last move will be mine!”

“La reine checmates son roi “

she whispered, in French, into his ear!

Bringing her jewels up close, whence they teasingly started sparkling radiantly in his eyes, like cascading rainbows of fiery colours , causing him to squint…

a zipper is heard being slowly pulled down

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Please allow me the break the fourth wall here...

Swiftly, if not modestly, the tales’ scene now cuts to the outside of the moonlit glen with the stone cottage in view. The candle is still flickering in the window… The difference is that now a pair of shadows can be seen moving about indecipherably inside the window’s view of the room…

If one moves closer, stealthy like a thief in the night, and listens in, the silence is quietly broken inside by a male voice asking,

But what was the name of the Movi….?

The last word is cut off abruptly with a heartfelt grunt and what may be described as a suckling noise can be heard!

 

Soon followed by male moans intertwined by the sounds of a girl’s deliciously mischievous giggling, a bit muffled like she may have something large in her mouth!

And, giving the couple inside their bit of privacy…

The story fades out here and ends!

 

Acolyte

 

The Prologue:

Julie had come alone. Having missed her ride with a friend to deal with some pressing servant related issues, she had taken her father’s roadster out and had driven the curving, often bumpy road into the city by herself. Parking it, she had made her way to where the festivities were already in full swing.

She now stood at upstairs entrance, allowing herself a minute to unwind from her driving to breathlessly take it all in. As she stood to one side, allowing the swarming mass of guests to pass uninhibited by her as they headed downstairs to the party chambers below, her eyes grew wide with the splendor below.

Julie still possessed some of the awkwardness of youth, and it showed by the way she carried herself. From her constantly gawking eyes, to her nervously moving hands, down to the high heels on her feet that occasionally still tripped her up as she walked. But despite all that, she still managed to present a total picture of elegance and grace, the result of years of etiquette being forced down her pretty throat.

Now, anyone down below who happened looked up at the entrance, would have given Julie a second look, and they did.

With that second look the following would have been taken in; long brown hair hung down in silken masses past her shoulders. The hair framed an oval face, with large, innocently wide, eyes, heavy with the mascara that always gave her face a perpetually surprised look. Resplendent in a long soft gown that seemed to pour down forever over her quite perky youthful figure, a purple satin sheet of flowing liquid, broken only by the black bolero jacket with its shimmering ornament. The hem of her gown almost covered the pointed toes of her coal black high heeled shoes.

A diamond necklace blazed in rippling fire hung from Julie’s throat, its brilliance matched by the long diamond earrings that peeked in and out as they swayed vibrantly, like a twin beacons. A sparkling diamond brooch with swinging sapphire’s that matched the colour of Julies eyes , had been placed high on one side of her black satin bolero styled jacket. She wore no gloves, and her bare fingers were home to a rather lively assortment of gem encrusted rings.

Soon two ladies also broke away from the crowd and joined Julie in her observation, as they commented to one another about the scene below. They then asking Julie if she agreed, as if the strangers and she were old acquaintances, Julie gave them both the once over as she reluctantly agreed with them.

Both Ladies were red heads, although the younger one, with pretty hazel eyes, was more of a ginger ( like Julies maid), Julie finished giving both a swift appraisal before turning her attention back to the crowd, looking for an opening to make her escape. The ginger, a young miss stunning in a gown of deep green brocaded satin with silken emerald frills, apologized for the intrusion, then let out a small squeal, commenting on how adorable Julie’s jacket was, as she lifted it up, of Jules of Paris( Pariee is how she pronounced it), and your gown, it’s of the house of Yevonne, is it not, the young lady asked? No Julie said, starting to shake her head, which made her earrings sparkle even more erratically, as the other lady continued admiring Julie’s satin jacket, momentarily covering the bright brooch from view. At the same time the other lady, a bit older ,becomingly clad in a fine gown of red wine colured Taffeta, placed a hand on Julies other shoulder, asking the now disconcerted girl if she knew how late the orchestra was playing, Julie continued shaking her head, as she looked into the older lady’s deep green eyes, mesmerized as they just oozed kindness , No, sorry ma’am she answered obediently . The younger one finished her admiration of Julie’s s attire by patted Julie’s shoulder, well nice meeting you, and with a cheerful tootles, both women left, melting ahead into the crowd.

Julie watched them for a few seconds as the pair swished downstairs, straightening her jacket as she did. Suddenly all thoughts of the two ladies were pulled from her mind as she realized something was amiss. It took her but a second to realize the brooch her maid had pinned onto her jacket was now absent. Bother she said under her breath as she looked around her on the empty floor, it must have fallen off in the roadster! Under her breath she chastised both the roadster, and the road, remembering the way the vehicle had lurched to and fro on the bumpy roadway in her haste to reach the city. She must have words with that maid of hers for not fastening it properly, that brooch was simply too valuable for her to be so careless... Julie then puts the brooch out of her mind; she decides she will have the maid search the roadster for it in the morning.

And she makes her way out into the stream of guests and begins her descent, carefully as her high heeled feet negotiate the stairs…..

***

The Tale

Dazzling!

This was the word that best described the vision enclosed within the massive chamber that evening. Filled wall to wall with a seemingly endless swarm of guests, presenting an endless sea of colourfully be gowned, be gloved, and bejeweled ladies, escorted by a small army of tuxedoed and top hatted male chaperones. The crème del a crème of the huge cities finest citizens were there, displaying a good portion of what their all the hard cold pounds and guineas could buy.

The guests had entered via a large double stair case that led down into the sub street level chamber. On the east end was a mammoth stage, which stood about 4 feet above the dance floor, easily holding the 30 piece orchestra with room to spare. The music that was played was as diverse as the guests in attendance, appealing to every age group present.

Couples and singles milled about talking merrily, just a low murmur heard just below the music. A jazz number was being played and a number of the “young bright ones” were on the floor dancing earnestly with various random moves.

A stream of fresh guests had entered, making their way downstairs, gaining the attention of a few of those already in attendance. Jewels sparkled radiantly as many a satin gloved hand was raised in greeting, many a female head was turned to point out someone they could spread gossip about, and in the process exposing a multitude of jeweles in various sparkling colours.

One of those newcomers, a raven haired, black eyed woman with a dark features, possessing an almost feline like beauty, came onto the upstairs landing. She was probably aged in her mid-twenties, surprisingly alone and unescorted. She was waved to by no one, pointed out to by many. Looking around she suddenly spied something down below that made her smile, a wide Cheshire cat like grin that quickly spread across her wickedly pretty face. She scurried down the stairs, pushing, not gently, a young miss in in a purple satin gown and black jacket, who had been moving slowly ahead of her, wobbling in her high heels, the poor girl fell against the wall, clutching it for support with well ringed fingers.

The raven haired beauty parted several more pairs of guests as she made her way down, moving too slow for her, without a word of apology. At the middle landing, she shoved her way past a pair of ladies, moving slowly as they regarded the pretty scene being played out below in the well lite chamber. One was red head wearing a tailored wine coloured taffeta gown that made a swishing noise as the lady passed, and her companion, about the same age as the intruder, (a kid sister, or cousin of taffeta gown?) was dressed in gown of deep green brocaded satin with silken emerald frills, her long hair done up in a high bun, held by dangling rows of rhinestone ropes. She looked at the lady who was unexpectedly cutting between them, but said nothing; as the lady paid neither one no never mind. The raven haired lady continues down, and still never uttering a word or wearing even the slightest look of apology, trips up yet another lady, clad in a long pure white satin gown, with emerald bracelets dangling from her white gloved wrists, who actually had started to fall, and would have if the pair of red headed ladies in wine and emerald gowns had not caught and steadied her, and in the process an emerald bracelet is lost to sight.

The raven haired, dark beauty finally landed onto the chamber floor and began snaking through the crowd, licking her vibrant red lips as her eyes darted about searching for any distractions to avoid keeping her from her selected designation, (and prey)! Her long thin figure was sleekly covered by a lengthy body-hugging black satin sheath, her heavy mascara, and long flowing hair matching the dress. She wore opera length satin gloves, red as her lips. Her jewels were all white diamonds, earrings, necklaces bracelets, and a large brooch hanging from the low cut of her gowns neckline. She wore a number of fancy rings, one of which was a large diamond cocktail ring on her left hand, while her right, gripping a red satin clutch purse, was home to 3 smaller versions of the same ring. She slowed down suddenly, and opening the purse pulled out a long telescoping holder, and opening a gold (14k) case extracted a long white cigarette and inserted it.

She than bee lined and circled around, flanking a young miss wearing(limply) a long pretty satin dress of pink coral, white pearls hanging expensively down from her ears and neckline. She wore white wrist length satin gloves, with a diamond merrily glittering from a long slender finger on her left hand. She was talking to a rather handsome youth her own age, dapper in his tails and top hat, a precision trimmed Saxon style beard, and a face with solid Welsh features, and hazel coloured twinkling eyes. A long gold chain and fob held a solid gold engraved pocket watch to his chest (all 14 k) and he wore a ruby pin in his black ascot.

As she stole behind the back of the poor princess in coral, she gave her a venomous gaze, which quickly changed as she touched the young man on the shoulder, as he turned to her, the raven haired beauty, whose name was Lilith, eyes were now brimming with contrived admiration.

Hello darlings Lilith said, in a syrupy low voice, addressing them both, although she did not even glance at the girl. Both hoarsely said hello back, and the boy took the offered hand and kissed it, her large ring shinning, blindingly in his eyes. Would you be a dear then? She asked, waving the cigarette holder in front of his face. He obligingly lit it, and she let out a puff of smoke, aimed directly in the girls face, who started coughing Lilith smirked, panting her on the back, sorry dearie, mind if I borrow him for a bit, and she led the young gentleman away, before the pretty girl in coral and pearls could regain whatever composure she had left. Charles! Be a dear and buy me a drink please Lilith asked him, and he (with proper breeding of the titled) led her off without question, abandoning the young miss who watched them trot off with tears brimming in her blue eyes.

 

The drinks came, and Lilith sat her cigarette holder down next to them, dance with me Charles, and she took his arm and led him off to the dance floor, just as his fiancé in the coral gown and borrowed pearls had managed to catch up.

 

Charles held Lilith in his arms, as one might hold a cold blooded serpent. She moved close, appropriately hissing in his ear. Why are you wasting time with that silly Ginny creature, don’t you know her parents are about to lose all their money, and that Ginny’s only interest was in his title, and his parents fortune, silly bean. Charles looked warily at Lilith, than over at the forlorn Ginny, just standing there. He genuinely liked , maybe even loved, Ginny, even had given her a friendship ring, signifying his desire to become closer , But there were the rumors of her father being swindled of his fortune, and if his parents ever found out!. He looked back into his dance partners beady black eyes, they held a seductive fire which played immensely to his vanity. She was smiling winningly at him, she had made her selection, and although it would never show in her eyes, in the back of her devious mind, she was starting to think how the letter would go that his parents would anonymously be soon receiving concerning Ginny, the little pipsqueak, Lilith called her silently in her mind.

***

Meanwhile the pair of red haired ladies who had had the cheekiness to stop on the middle landing of the grand staircase, impeding Lilith’s progress, were now walking the perimeter of the mammoth chamber, meandering, taking in all of the sparkling and shininess of the surroundings, their eyes missing very little as they talked. The young, ginger haired one, pretty in her gown of deep green brocaded satin with silken emerald frills, seemed a little peeved about something, and her companion noticed that her grey eyes had turned a certain shade of green, always a sign of something amiss. She stopped her and asked her to please spill it out.

Oooh how I despise that witch, a seething Lydia said to her companion in the wine coloured taffeta gown, spitting out each word like a hissing cat, even Lydia’s back was arched a little like a feline. Her friend, whose longish flaming red hair was lying over her left shoulder, hanging down in a picturesque manner over her full bosom, was surprised at Lydia’s reaction. Who dear? Asked her friend, Angie. The lady in white satin Angie asked? No, spit out the usually collected Lydia, not her, she was really fuming. Angie continued, I was going to say, if it was, than taking her emerald bracelet should have been revenge enough, Angie stated, then continued. So just who are we talking about Lydia?

 

That one!, Lydia snarled, nodding her head, the witch in black who rushed through us on the stairs and went that way! Angie stopped, looking off in the direction Lydia had nodded. Oh her, she said, the one in black satin. Lydia just glared, and Angie knew she had gotten it right. She asked Lydia, does this witch have a name? Lilith! Lydia spat it out like a swear word, followed by a gushing tirade. She is a backstabbing creature who can charm any man into submission while making a girl cringe and wince with the merest of glances. She is a gold digger extraordinaire with two ex-grooms who couldn’t see her for her true colours until they had been gutted by her gilded claws!!

Really exclaimed Angie, her green eyes becoming brighter! Two of them? Yes, Lydia went on, both wealthy, both became available when their parents received anonymous poison letters about their then betrothed.

I’d give anything to knock her down a few pegs, Lydia continued through clenched teeth.

Angie mulled it over; realizing anything more she said would just add fuel to Lydia’s fire. She decided to let her simmer down on her own, and then perhaps they could get on to their business. She suggested a drink, and they moved off, passing a forlorn young lady in a limp coral coloured gown, wearing a nice display of pearls, who seemed to be staring off in the distance at something with tear filled eyes.

Skirting the dance floor, they soon attained the lounge and settled in……..

 

***************************************************

It had now been four years since Angie had taken the charmingly talented young Lydia under her wing.

She had encouraged her blossoming skills, abilities that Lydia herself had self-taught by playing games with her siblings, until she encountered a professional she could learn from. That professional had been Angie. Lydia now possessed the little dog eared ancient pamphlet that had been the secret to Angie’s success as a light fingered lady pickpocket, focusing mainly on the fine jewels worn out and about by rich girls and women in society.

 

(Please visit our albums section and peruse the various Angie Albums for more background stories on Angie and her “light fingers” the Eds.)

 

It had cost Angie a necklace to acquire the pamphlet, and it had been worth it. It had cost the younger, ginger haired Lydia her brooch and ring for a chance to do the same. Lydia caught on quickly, mastering certain moves in half the time it had taken Angie, and for which Angie gave her high praise.

 

But sadly it was now less frequently that they worked as a team, each after a time branching off on their own paths.

 

Lydia was a different creature than Angie in the respect that coming from a wealthy family she was supported, even though most of the family lands, money and titles would go to the heir, Lydia’s twin brother. For her lifting items from her wealthy friends and relations had started out as an edgy game. Now it had evolved into a challenging pastime, a trophy hunt of sorts where she collected jewels like her father collected animal relics. Some of her lesser trophies were passed onto Angie, who had the connections to dispose of them, turning them into ready pound notes.

 

Whereas Angie had been born to impoverished English parents who had immigrated to Canada. They made her, their only child, an orphan at age 6 upon their untimely deaths in an epidemic. At the crowded orphanage the nuns taught her a little about manners, how to act properly for a lady, and the rest she had learned on her own, what she needed to say to please them and avoid the “floggings” that they administered to those who refused to “fit” in. She fled the orphanage when she was 14 and forged her own, often lonely path in the years that followed. For her lifting a ladies valuables was a means of lively hood as much as it brought her thrills. And she had accomplished it all without Lydia’s advantages, which had been a pair of a willing accomplices, AKA a sister and brother, to practice on!

 

But the pair remained in constant touch and it had been at Lydia’s beckoning that Angie had met her in London a few days prior. From London they had travelled by rail to attend this once a year function, and to attend the various balls and other affairs that were the natural outgrowths of the Gala.

 

It had been an eventful journey, the train ride had proven to be even more profitable than usual for the two light fingered ladies.

 

Lydia had written Angie a letter (to Angie’s solicitor who she saw at least one a month) telling her about the upcoming gala, and how would she would like Angie to join her in for the hunt. Their plans were to attend the gala and its outgrowths, then spend a few months of the upcoming party season continuing Lydia’s education. They had met at the London station, and after checking their bags found themselves with a little time to kill before boarding. Now outside the station there was a sprawling green where several vendors had set up their wares, a haven for those possess a light fingered touch. The two ladies meandered, catching up on what had been happening in their lives since they last time they had been together.

 

Now as they walked the green, they also kept their eyes open, and it was the second time they had passed a group of small benches, across a path from where an organ grinder was performing with a pet monkey, which they stopped, giving some serious attention to something they had both glanced at the first time in passing.

 

There was a trio of young ladies by one of the benches. Later they learned the trio were three sisters awaiting for the arrival of their parents and older brother. All three wore eye catching outfits, the younger 2 siblings in silk dresses of canary yellow and butterscotch, the elder sister was in a long flowing black skirt with a glistening silver coloured ruffled satin blouse. The jewels the three were innocently wearing in public were also worth a second look. The youngest (12) wore a pretty selection of silver, the middle (14) wore gleaming pearls, their older sister and chaperone (19) was wearing gold bracelets, a fine collection of rings and (probably unwisely) an expensive sapphire brooch at her throat.

 

Now the first time they had passed the oldest was seated at a bench reading a magazine, while her siblings played on the lawn. They had stopped to watch the sisters, under the pretense of watching the crowd around the organ grinder and his monkey. They watched both groups with some interest, but were distracted when Lydia pointed out a pickpocket working the crowd across the way. Angie spotted him immediately, he was chatting to a pair of ladies wearing fashionable day gowns of shiny damask. It looked to be a wealthy mother and her younger sister. As the grey top hated gentleman thief engaged the mother in conversation, he was reaching around and gingerly lifting the silver watch of the younger sister, her attention being paid out to her two young nephews. They watched until he had pocketed the watch, his skill level about average for the type, before Lydia and Angie headed off for the far side of the green.

 

The second time around they saw that the oldest had fallen asleep, sitting on the bench and the younger two were sitting on the grass, watching the monkey from across the way. The grey top hated man who had relieved the lady of her watch, was now lurking on the scene, eyeing the two sisters sitting on the grass, their dresses splayed out, making the small glistening pools that had probably been what first caught his attention, before noticing their jewels, which were ripe for the picking now that their chaperone eyes were closed.

 

Lydia and Angie, without a word between them, moved in for the kill. Lydia went straight to the younger sisters, while Angie made a wide circle, cutting in front of the top hatted gentleman, who nodded to the pretty, clever faced, red head. Angie than seated herself on the far end of the bench, primarily to keep the grey top hated man and any other opportunist who may also have designs on the sound asleep older sister’s jewelry, at bay.

 

Lydia meanwhile had come up behind the younger pair of sisters, laying a hand on the older ones shoulder as she chirped a happy hello to them. Asking them if they would give some coins to the monkey for her, they got up and allowed Lydia to lead them across the path.

 

The girls called to the little monkey and handed him their coins, while they all laughed at the tricks he performed for them. The younger one was looking up at Lydia who handed her another coin; she scrunched down, and gave it to him, as they waited for him to perform again. Lydia placed her hand on thy older sister’s silken covered shoulder, than her fingers quickly slid up to the necklace of pearl, and with two fingers, flicked open the hook and eye clasp, and pulled away the pearls in one motion. She then moved back, leaving the younger siblings to play with the monkey and melted back into the crowd,

 

Watching all this, Angie made a noise after Lydia had vanished from sight, waking the sleeping lass, who immediately looked around for her wayward sisters. Spying the pretty red head sitting at the end of the bench, she smiled (girls always felt more at ease around other women), Angie smiled back, and looked towards the monkey, and the sister also looks, and spies her siblings. She calls out to them, and as they come back Angie sees with satisfaction that Lydia had been busy. The sister also notices something amiss; the middle one is missing her pearls.

 

They begin to look, with the concerned red head kindly offering her” a hand” in their search. After a fruitless 15 minutes spent searching through the crowd of huddled people watching the organ grinder and his monkey, the nice red headed lady gave her apologies’, saying she must leave to make her train. The pretty lady takes her leave, holding the girls hand as she earnestly expresses her hopes that the pearls are found. She holds out her arms, and is given a hug for helping by the grateful older sister. Angie places a hand on her shoulder, looking her in the eyes, as her other hand reaches up and unhooks the sapphire brooch from the sisters satin blouse, palming it effortlessly.

 

As Angie disappears in the crowd the search goes on in earnest, It is not much after the red headed lady had swished her way through her crowd towards the train, that the older sister discovers she is wearing on less ring! As she in bewilderment places a hand to her silk covered chest, her fingers feel nothing, and start to feel around fruitlessly for her brooch, her sapphire brooch, its gone, not even so much as a tear on her satin blouse where it had been pinned by her maid that morning. The older sister feels a hand placed on her shoulder, she looks up into the smiling eyes of a dapper gentleman in a grey top hat, I something wrong my dear? He asks her, showing genuine concern in his smiling eyes.

 

As the gentleman in the grey top hat was giving his upmost attention to the young lady Angie had been “helping”, Angie entered the train, and walking to the end of the last passenger car, settled into the seat next to Lydia.

Lydia Turned towards Angie, and speaking in French, Commented:

La levée de suite les bijoux d'une jeune femme est comme une plume prise !

Dear, Angie said in an almost motherly tone of voice, I really wish you would not go about quoting that Arsène Lupin wretch, as a pickpocket the man is a butcher.

Angelica, Lydia teasingly chided, you say that about all men with light fingers, like our gray hatted friend back there.

Honey, Angie smiled, most men like that are serpents, and Lupin is still a butcher.

Lydia watched Angie settle back in her seat with a secret smile. She did not know too much about Angie’s past, but there was something there about Monsieur Lupin, (whose exploits had been made into print, tickling her young girls fancy, as she poured over them), that seemed to get at Angie’s goat. A lot about Angie’s past life was a secret to Lydia, but she knew well enough when to let sleeping dogs lie..

Lydia than settled in as the train lurched forward, taking them safely away from the London park, along with the sister’s “trinkets “the pair had obtained.

 

A little later, it became Lydia’s turn to show her mettle.

 

An hour after leaving London Station, the train stopped at a fashionable suburb. Lydia watched with half opened eyes, the disembarking passengers, and the new arrivals now walking to and fro along the wooden platform. Suddenly her eyes opened wide, and she made a small noise. Angie looked up from her book with interest, immediately spotting it too.

 

A young couple was walking past their window. He was wearing a 3 piece suit, walking stick, a silver timepiece, and a small brown derby. It was his wife, though, upon which the ladies interest lay. She was sporting a slinking satin frock, pretty in itself as it lay along her voluptuous figure, but it was her necklace that stole the show, and as she walked it was noticed by more than a few of the people she passed. It was a buoyantly bright gold drop necklace that encircled her neck, with a large stone ruby in the center of the drop that lay along her bare throat. The necklace really vexed Lydia’s interest and she watched it, and the lady who wore it for as long as she could before finally losing sight and settling back in the seat with a long sigh.

 

Only a few short minutes later she her heart leapt in her throat. The couple had entered their car, probably heading for one of the private cars at the end of the train she reasoned, as her eyes took in every detail. But no, the couple stopped at the empty seat just before the one Angie and Fiona occupied.

 

Now Lydia and Angie had the end seats in the car, their back was to the cars wall, and directly across from them was a small storage room, , so the seating across the aisle started up about three rows, which meant that basically no one could see them unless they were walking past. Lydia continues to watch with interest as the couple settled in, the wife taking the window seat, in front of Lydia a. Angie just kept her nose buried in the book she was holding; this was all Lydia’s show. Lydia watched the lady as she sat back, her and her necklace reflected in the windows, The ladies shoulders were just above the seat, and after she had settled in, she made a show of doing up her long hair in a bun, giving Lydia ample time to study the valuable necklaces gold box clasp, and plan her way to it.

 

After listening to the few sharp words the lady gave her husband, Lydia decides this elegantly coiffured lady was somewhat a prima donna. Her husband tries to place his arm around her, but is chased off. They both finally fall off to sleep, and as the twilight outside takes over, Lydia sees her chance and seizes it. Lydia reaches over, and after licking her fingers, plays with the man’s ears. He groggily wakens, still aroused now that he thinks his wife is also now amorous, he reaches over and pets her affectionately. She wakens, angry and pushes the husband away. But Lydia is prepared, as the wife leans towards her husband, and away from the window, Lydia’s fingers have already flicked open the box clasp and whisked of the gold necklace from the opposite direction, towards the window, where she catches its reflection as slips over the back of the ladies seat and curls up in Lydia’s open palm.

 

Lydia and Angie now had private, “front” row seats for when the wife’s loss was discovered. It was always a performance that Angie never tired of watching when she could chance it. And Lydia? Sticking around and watching her victim’s reaction at being pickpocketed was one of the reasons she started lifting jewelry in the first place. Neither of them was disappointed on this occasion.

 

Now wide awake, the wife settled back down to read her book, playing with a strand of her hair that had fallen while she was chastising her husband. As she did her fingers brushed her neck, she stopped reading, and carefully felt around her throat, before letting out a yelp that woke her husband, and several of the other passengers ahead of her. She cried out (in a heavy Italian accent) my jewels, La mia collana , è svanito, it is gone? In panic she rose and started to look around, her hand to her throat, giving everyone watching a nice display of her pretty figure in its shiny dress and of her remaining jewelry. Angie, Lydia, a Stewart and the couple two seats ahead got up and helped in the fruitless search. Her necklace had somehow mysteriously vanished.

After things finally settled down Angie and Lydia made friends with the husband, but his wife remained angry and distant….

The rest of the trip had been uneventful, mainly because Angie and Lydia had had their fill of their appealingly pretty little games for the time being.

*******************************************************************

Angie suddenly perked up, letting go of her thoughts. She looked over at Lydia who was nursing her drink, her eyes looking a little less peeved. Did you see her, she asked? Who? Answered Lydia, Lilith? No answered Angie patiently. Not the Girl in the coral gown and pretty pearls, that one looked miserable enough without our help, stated Lydia? No, not her, but Angie reflected, Her pearls were nice, I almost suggested a go at them, but glad we didn’t, your right she did seem sad enough as it is. No, I mean that one over there, and she threw her eyes over to the entrance of the lounge.

Oh, Lydia exclaimed, I see what you mean. In the corner just outside the enclosed lounge area stood a lady in teal velvet, carrying a purse, her silver satin gloved wrist and fingers, home to a rather nice set of blazing emeralds and diamonds, matching those around her throat and hanging from her ears. Lydia looked over the situation.

 

The new mark wearing the teal velvet, was idling looking around, obviously trying to spot someone. Lydia looked at Angie, her Hazel eyes turning green with anticipation. Who gets her, she asked sweetly. Angie nodded,( wanting something to take Lydia mind off …..) she is all yours princess ( a nickname that Angie sometimes used on Lydia, and about the only person in the world Lydia could tolerate calling her that).

And watch her movements, added Angie in an instructing tone, See how she jumps up to peer over the crowd? Try and use it to your advantage. Lydia smiled and watched, licking her lips in anticipation.

 

Now Lydia’s forte was lifting necklaces, so that whenever it was Angie’s turn to be the spotter, she would always be on the lookout for Ladies wearing necklaces that would be within easy reach of Lydia’s talented fingers. Likewise Lydia, when spotting for Angie, kept an eye out for brooches. So, when Angie told Lydia the mark was hers, it was her emerald necklace that received close study first.

 

Lydia waited until the lady had her back to them, and she rose and carefully threaded herself through the maze of tables to the entrance of the lounge, her gown rustling against any object it touched. She came up on the lady in teal. Violet she cried out, as she raised one arm, wrapping around it around the girl’s back, while the other gripped the girl’s arm as Lydia drew the lady up against her figure in an embrace..

 

The girl tried to turn, squirming in Lydia s clasp, and as she did so, Lydia’s hand had already snaked up to the studied necklaces clasp, popping it open. I’m not Vio…. the startled girl tried to say, but as she turned around, Lydia exclaimed, you’re not Violet, oh I ‘m so sorry she said, asking for forgiveness sweetly,( undoing the clasp of the necklace and lifting up one end) I thought you were my cousin violet, Lydia apologized profusely, while her one hand squeezed the girls arm, finger bails digging in, as the other one holding the end of the necklace on her shoulder, moved down behind teal velvets back, slipping away the fiery necklace with it.. As Lydia balled up the necklace in her hand, she begged her leave, expressing regrets that she did not have time to chat with her new friend, have to find where Violet wandered off to she explained, squeezing the girl’s arm.

 

The mark was only too glad to accept the pretty stranger’s apology at not being able to stay and chat. The lady watched Lydia swish off into the swarming crowds. Her eyes slightly puzzled, before she remembered that she was also looking for someone, and went off, soon forgetting the entire incident ( and later, when the loss of her necklace was discovered, her brief encounter with Violet’s confused cousin was not even thought of)!

 

As Lydia sauntered off she stowed away the emerald necklace, and then meandered about the chamber, taking her turn to spot fresh victims, whose jewels were doomed to disappear under Angie’s talented fingers.

 

Meanwhile across the Ballroom another scene was being played out…..

********

Lilith was now holding court at the edge of the dance floor; her second straight dance had ended with the young gentleman she was leading to believe fascinated her. She was busy continuing chatting him up, expressing her utter delight at the wonderful dancer he was, when Ginny timidly approached. She drew near her erstwhile boyfriend, asking him for their dance, as she desperately tried to keep her lips from trembling. Lilith’s eyes lit up in false apology (Ginny could see that all too well), darling! Lilith exclaimed, could I borrow your young man for a bit more, he promised me a drink. She placed her arm around him, isn’t that right darling? The overly polite boy, choked up a bit, unsure of what to do, his breeding not letting him wanting to hurt either Ginny, or Lilith, despite what his true desires actually were, and that was to be alone with Ginny! Although the seeds of doubt that had been planted in his mind by Lilith were beginning to take root and he was starting to have worries about what if future with Ginny would become an actuality.

 

Ginny, Charles started, faltered, than tried again, Ginny, the band is going to play The Charleston, you know how you like to dance to it, why don’t you go and I’ll catch up with you soon, promise. Yes darling, Lilith chirped maternally at poor Ginny, It will be just a quick one darling, and taking Charles by the arm, led him off, leaving Ginny standing there, wilting away as the Lilith’s words and actions burned through to her very soul. The music stared, and she reluctantly, if not a little obediently, did as Charles wished. Three dances later, he still had not shown up as promised, and Ginny danced on, a burning hole opening ever wider in her heart.

**********

Meanwhile, as poor Ginny started dancing to her second of three solo dances, we visit another end of the chamber, where Lydia is found talking merrily with three girls around her own age that she had collected around her. She had lured them into her web by engaging the considerable charm, elegance and sophistication that had been bred into her by her parents pretty much since birth.

 

Three pretty maids all in a row, overloaded with a multitude of dripping jewels, and Lydia was waiting for Angie to make an appearance and lighten their load! A blond haired lady in shiny red satin, a brown haired maiden in bright blue, and a tow headed damsel in silky gold. As Lydia was chatting up the three girls, her eyes, discreetly and unobtrusively, take an account of their jewels, their placement and their value.

 

Amongst the jewels the lady in red is wearing the most valuable is a necklace of small diamonds and a ring around her right hand’s pinky that is a large diamond cluster that shimmers spectacularly as she plays with a locket of her lion’s mane like blond hair.

 

The pretty maiden in blue was displaying a nice collection of gold jewelry, braided chains with small flecks of silver woven in. But above her left breast, was her only jeweled piece, pinned with a simple c-clasp, a gold brooch with a center stone of blue topaz surrounded by dazzling ½ caret diamonds.

 

Then there was the damsel in the pretty gold coloured gown, woven of some type of exotic, overly expensive, material that just shimmered in the massive chandelier’s light. She was also wearing opera length gold satin gloves, from which were dangling a pair impressive jeweled bracelets, their stones a multitude of rainbow coloured gems. She also wore a long pair of dangling diamond earrings, held loosely by rather ancient hinge clasps. Although her many other jeweled pieces were pretty valuable, these two twin sets were by far the most valuable pieces that anyone in the group was wearing.

 

Lydia feasted on the show her three marks jewels were displaying as she won them all over, soon bringing them into fits of giggling and laughter as they started to talk about the things most groups of women by themselves talk about, men! Out of the corner of her eye Lydia spied Angie coming up and around to see what’s up. She circled past each of the girls, slowly, nonchalantly, attracting no notice from the others in Lydia’s little group.

 

As Angie passed behind the blond in red satin, Lydia adjusted one of her rings, like it was bothering her, the motion caught Angie’s eye. Then Angie passed behind the gold gowned miss, and her eyes darted to Lydia, who lifted up her hair, exposing her ears, than absentmindedly started playing with a bracelet. Then Angie went behind the little blue gowned miss, and saw Lydia suppressing a cough, patting her chest to stifle it, her fingers splayed just above her left breast. Nodding, as much to herself as Lydia, Angie melted back into the crowd, and made a wide circle before approaching Lydia’s side.

 

Angie touched Lydia on her shoulder and she swirled, delighted that her “new friend” had shown up. (for whatever the reason, it always makes the mark(s) more comfortable when a pair of newcomers are related or are friends, Gaston Monescu, page 15 paragraph 2), Lydia excitedly introduced Angie to her three new chums, explaining to them how Angie and her had met on the train and had bonded, and how nice Angie was, and how very interesting a life she had led, along with other bits of flummery.

 

Angie’s first formal introduction was to red satin, Jessica. Whom Angie took by the hand, then reached around and hugged her, receiving a warm embrace in return. After the embrace, Angie clasped Jessica’s right hand in both of hers, praising Jessica on her pretty gown. As Jessica looked down, lifting a portion of the gown’s skirt with her left hand to show it off better, all eyes looked down. As everyone’s attention was diverted for that fraction of a second, Angie released Jessica’s right hand, slipping off from Jessica’s satin clad pinky, the large diamond clustered ring. Angie discreetly passed off the ring to Lydia, who was standing close to one side.

 

Then Lydia introduced Angie to the elegantly gold gowned young lady, Abby. Angie raised one arm, wrapping it around Abby’s back, while the other gripped her wrist, flicking open the jeweled bracelet‘s safety chain, as she drew the gold gown wearing Abbey up against her figure. The girl tried to turn, squirming in Angie’s embraces. Angie’s hand patted the girl on the back as the girl halfheartedly did the same, feeling Angie’s face bury itself in her shoulder. Effectively blocking from view the hand the held her wrist, which was picking open the bracelets clasp. Angie pulled away, looking the young miss in the eyes, everyone else eyes were also on Angie, which is what she was aiming for. And as she told the sweet young thing that it was her pleasure, she patted the ladies wrist, squeezing open the bracelet, slipping it off and into the slightly open purse at her side. As she does, her other hand goes up to the lady in gold’s dangling earring,( all eyes follow this movement) admiring the earring openly, taking its clasp into consideration for possibly an attempt later if they meet somewhere outside after hours. One never knows.

 

The last one to be introduced was the pretty Miss wearing the blue gown, Meria. Lydia, laughingly teasing her about being last, led her by the elbow and pulled the Meria towards Angie, and while she was turning, Angie took a small step forward and made sure her left side would bump against her. As Angie drew her in for an embrace, her right hand right hand was on the brooch while Angie’s left was grasping Meria’s left shoulder. Performing a move so familiar and well-practiced it was almost second nature, her middle finger pushed the c clasp out of its hook releasing the brooch into Angie’s palm. Pulling her hand down, she deposited the brooch into her purse, as she enveloped the girl in a hug. Then she stepped back, and began chatting with all three, soon winning them over like Lydia had done, keeping them distracted from themselves and their missing fine trinkets. Angie told them a quick, funny story about a man she had met on the train recently, which soon had them all giggling.

 

Angie took her leave after about 5 minutes, making an excuse that she needed to freshen up, she again took each ladies hand in goodbye, including Lydia’s, whom Angie slipped off a ring from her finger, so if things got sticky, she would be one of the victims also.

 

Lydia stayed behind to keep the three darling ladies occupied. She noticed one by one the missing jewels of each girl. The three shimmering silken lambs had been most professionally sheared, the most expensive of their jewels disappearing in such a manner that requires a ladies touch, no mere male, not even the talented Arsène Lupin, could have done better in the same scenario. As she looked them over, Lydia mused that with the mass quantities of jewelry each of the three were wearing, it would be some time before any of them realized some were missing.

 

********

 

Meanwhile across the ballroom, as Angie had been introduced to her last of the three ladies and their jewels that Lydia had lined up; another scene had started being played out…..

 

Lilith had just finished her second drink with Charles, while the third song of a five song set had just started, fast and one meant for singles (favored mainly by the ladies, one of who was the wretched Ginny). Lilith looked at Charles, and suggested he should join the gentlemen up in the smoke room (she had seen him watching them mass exodus of gentlemen heading that way when the current set of songs had started). Charles hesitated, I should really see about Ginny, he cautiously stated, not sure of Lilith’s reaction. Lilith smiled, licking her re lips, don’t you worry yourself over the poor dear, I will go and keep her company until you return, she promised happily.

 

Defeated, Charles wearily accepts her suggestion, and Lilith watches him depart, then smugly looks in the direction of the dance floor, and exultantly plucking the fag from the gold holder, squashes it down quite hard in an ash container. She snaps closed the telescoping holder, and with a positively wicked grin, leaves her seat with a pounce and heads onto the dance floor, her hips swinging her black satin gown with a fluid motion, not unlike like a black cat making a move against a frightened mouse, or perhaps a snake slithering towards its victim.

 

It is a known fact that in the wild herding animals will avoid any member who is ill or dying. This may explain that, with Ginny’s 3rd dance of the 5 song set, she was still alone. It was like her wretchedness was felt by others and so kept their distance, leaving poor Ginny alone in her own empty circle, dancing at a far end of the chamber. This is also why she was not hard to spot by one who was now specifically seeking her out.

 

Ginny jumped as a hand grasped, not softly, her shoulder, and a voice said her name, with an evil hiss into her ear…

 

Ginny turned to face Lilith, whose look of utter hatred made that she gave the poor girl, made Ginny cringe as she backed away, dancing was now the last thing on the poor girls mind.

 

Darling, Lilith said spitting out the word as she looked around to make sure no one else was listening in, I have some very bad news….

 

Lilith launched into a tirade filled litany of reasons of why “Her” dear Charles would simply never be able to have anything more to do with her. Starting with her jewelry( really dear, you had to borrow them?) jumping to her moneyless parents( penniless in-laws, really darling it just isn’t done ), her now lowered position in society, (not to worry though , after she(Lilith) and Charles were marred she would find Ginny a maids position somewhere). And finally, that Charles was leaving because he was angry with the jealous way the sniveling Ginny had been acting.

 

With each sentence that was thrown in poor Ginny’s face she stepped back, the hateful words (some of which she knew had truth in them) slicing like a knife into the already tormented girls soul.

 

Finally she could take it no longer, and openly weeping she turned and tried to flee, looking fruitlessly around for Charles, but Lilith was quick, and grasped the poor girl before she could make good her escape..

 

Oh, you poor darling, I haven’t hurt your feelings have I spat Lilith in mocking tones, her , and she drew Ginny to her in a tight embrace, feeling the girl squirming in her arms, much like a mouse would squirm under a cat’s clawed paw, or perhaps wrapped in a serpents coils( both scenarios fit Lilith). Lilith finally released the poor thing, who fled recklessly away.

 

Lilith stayed and watched Ginny bolt, an indulgent smile creeping upon her face. She started to move in rhythm with the music, extremely pleased with herself, her sleek, slinky black gown and gloves flowing down along her devastatingly pretty figure making her appear like some slithering serpent rising up from the bowels of some glittering hell….

It was no more than 2 minutes later that a hand was placed from behind on Lilith’s shoulder.

********

As Charles headed off to relish his cigar, and Lilith headed off to relish tormenting Ginny; Lydia was continuing to entertain the three young ladies, while biding her time until the next conquest of the evening.

 

Suddenly Angie appeared from the crowd, again behind the three unsuspecting girls still under Lydia’s spell. Angie gave her a subtle signal, indicating that she has spotted fresh prey in dire need of being shed of her jewels, and needed Lydia’s help with the shearing. Lydia encourages the three ladies to meet her a little later, she sees a gentlemen (winking) whom she had promised a dance. They let their friend go, thinking she should wait for a slow dance, the music being played now was no way to dance close and personal, but they unknowingly were quite wrong.

 

After leaving the 3 young ladies, Lydia soon reached Angie’s side by the edge of the dance floor. Angie turned and nodded her head indicated one side of the floor, is that Lilith? She asked Lydia’s eyes followed Angie’s nod, soon eyeing the solitary lady in black standing at one end talking with the girl in coral and pearls.

  

Yes it is she answered, why? Attend, said Angie, and Lydia listened as Angie laid out her plans before her, as Lydia watched her witch, and the diamonds she wore that flickered around her black encased figure like so many evil tongued serpents. Suddenly she saw the girl in coral whose pearls the ladies had admired earlier, suddenly turn and flee, crying. Still up to your dirty tricks, are you Lilith!, Lydia thought spitefully.

Ready, the pair of scheming red heads than made their move.

*********

Lilith turned to see whose hand it was, half expecting to see Ginny, she checked herself quite nicely when turning, when she saw Lydia’s beaming face.

The two ladies dance in step for a few seconds, than Lilith gushes, why Lydia dearest, I hadn’t noticed you were here. Perfectly lovely darling, then Lilith added, but who brought you this evening? She asked, appearing very casual.

 

Lydia stayed silent on the subject; she wouldn’t give Lilith the satisfaction of knowing that she had not found anyone since Lilith had stolen Lord St. Claire, her longtime Beau, from under her nose.

 

Instead, Lydia praised Lilith, her lovely figure and gown, false praise, and Lilith knew it. They both continue dancing, almost sparing like a pair of fencers, with sharp eyes, and tongues rather the swords.

 

***********

Having been pre-warned by Lydia that the situation would become volatile very fast, Angie had come up behind Lilith very quickly, and started to dance behind her, coming ever closer, unnoticed by Lilith whose guard was totally centered on Lydia.

 

Angie saw her chance and tripped on Lilith’s Gown, sending her into Lydia’s waiting arms. Angie’s hands at the same moment had flew up to clasp of Lilith’s diamond necklace, unsnapping it, and sending the necklace falling into Lydia’s hands as she pushed away Lilith, who was in the process of turning and rounding on the person who dared ruin her expensive gown. As she spat at Angie, reprimanding her for her careless ness, Lydia moved in between, flicking the clasp of Lilith’s diamond broach in the process. Pushing the pair apart, Lydia apologies, as her right hand neatly slipped of the opened broach from Lilith’s satin gown, saying it was her fault for dancing so close to Lilith that she had backed poor Lilith into the lady.

Lydia took Angie’s hand, apologizing, slipping her the necklace and broach into Angie’s half open purse in the process. And with that, Angie turned and went on her way, never looking back, Hearing Lilith saying something to Lydia about the clumsy bitch, as she left.

 

************

 

Later that evening found Angie walking through the lounge of an upscale hotel, having joined in with the spillover from the fancy dress ball that had gathered there. She had stashed in her hotel room the shimmering collection of purloined jewels that Lydia and her had lifted while attending the Ball proper.

For the past half an hour she had been having an enjoyable conversation with the sparkling (both in personality, and attire) tow headed lady in silky gold that Lydia had introduced her to at the ball, and who still had not noticed she was shorn of a one of her bracelets from her gloved wrist,. Angie had come across the damsel sitting alone by the bar, her friend (The pretty maiden in blue who had been displaying the nice collection of gold jewelry- less one brooch) had left her to party on with a male friend of hers.

Angie had just left the pretty ladies side, also leaving her without the bother of placing her earrings and one of her twin bracelet in the hotel safe that evening. She as of yet failed noticed that now her dangling diamond earrings that had been loosely held by their ancient old fashioned clasps, had gone the same route as her Bracelet. Angie had slipped off the earrings while giving her a generous hug of greeting after watching and waiting for her to be alone.

 

*******************************

 

Lighting a cigarette Angie left through the lobby and headed into a late night pub. As she nursed her first scotch, neat over ice, a familiar figure approached and slid onto the empty stool next to her. Thought I’d find you here, chirped a much happier Lydia. Just wanted to pop to give you an update, She waited and made small talk until after the bartender had taken and served her drink (a whiskey Soda) then began to fill in Angie.

So what was her reaction when you pointed out her jewels were missing, Angie asked Lydia with great expectations of what had happened? Well when I pointed them out, instead of thinking you (Angie) had been the culprit, Lilith assumed they had been taken by” Ginny” (the sad one wearing the coral gown and pearls) when Lilith had been hugging her. That little toad, Lilith had spat out to Lydia, and turned to hunt Ginny down.

Poor dear, said Angie, felling a small pang of sorrow for the little Ginny creature. No, answered Lydia, not really, and she continued…

Lydia had followed, realizing that Lilith was out of control, worried that someone innocent may be hurt.

And she was correct, because Lilith approached Ginny and lit into her something fearsome.

Lilith literally grabbed Ginny and started shaking her, demanding that she give them back. The girl was petrified, and Lilith started calling her some pretty nasty names.

A crowd started gathering.

Then all of a sudden this bloke wearing a gold pocket watch, cuts through the crowd and rescues the poor girl from Lilith’s clutches. Like a white knight Angie commented. Well he was in black tails, and boy was he angry with Lilith, he held the girl in coral tight as he looked at Lilith lividly, his face the reddest I have ever seen on an angry young man.

Lilith finally, collected herself, and I saw all fire drain from her face, and she turned around and stormed out of the chamber. I don’ know, nor care what became of her, stated Lydia.

 

Feel better now, princess? Angie asked Lydia.

 

Lydia smiled perking up, actually for the small bit of solace it may have been worth, it had made her feel better now that she had thought about it.

 

She smiled at Angie, producing a necklace of pearls, it seemed easier to do when she was so happy, Lydia confessed. So you do feel better Princess, Angie stated happily.

 

Lydia smiled, and the pair finished their drinks in thoughtful silence.

 

Lydia was the first to leave, smiling she bade Angie a good night, and began walking away.

Lydia had only gone a few feet, when she turned, and looked at Angie who had been watching her.

Lydia, a sly smile brightening her face and eyes, happily quoted “Assistez à un oeil de demoiselles dans vos s , chatouiller les dames de fantaisie avec une main”

Angie finished Lupin’s quote quote with a faraway look in her eyes

“tout en soulevant ses bijoux avec l'autre”

Till the morrow, Princess, Angie said in parting.

Till Tomorrow answers Lydia, turning with a skip, her gown flowing out behind her as she, now in very good humor, leaves into the smoke swirled darkness of the city to walk the few blocks to her hotel.

*****

The Epilogue:

Late afternoon of the next day, after attending an early afternoon Garden Soiree, Lydia and Angie are strolling through a park, both still dressed in their party dresses, both still wearing their fancy day jewels, (worn so they would fit in with the well to do female attendees), and both with secret pockets holding jewels lifted from some of said female attendees.

Lydia looks back at Angie, Lifting that silver dragon brooch with the ruby eyes and diamond scales was a nice move on your part Angie, she praises.

It was a lot easier with your help Lydia, Angie responded.

Lydia turned her head back onto the path, her pony tail whipping around, the pearls she had woven into it shining a bright white.

Angie said to Lydia’s back, that girl in the crème satin dress, you know I was going to go for her gold braided necklace, then you came out of nowhere and beat me to it.

Lydia just smiled satisfied to herself, I know she responded,, I wanted it to be my coup, she did not turn back to look at Angie’s reaction., but continued.. you laid down the gauntlet ,(or in this case satin glove) Angie when, as you commented on how pretty the necklace looked as it slithered along the front of her crème satin dress, you said it would take extremely deft fingers to slip it off her throat. Although I though her sisters pearls were a better score.

Angie, still walking behind her now had a secret smile on her face, and her eyes had glazed over as if her mind was drifting a million miles away from that quite park in the English countryside where the pair were now walking.

The two pretty red heads continue to walk on a bit, both in the silence of their thoughts.

Angie, Lydia asks, plopping down on a bench.

Yes dear, Angie says, her train of thought broken.

Lydia pulled out a long her gold braided necklace and was admiring it. The lady in the Crème satin dress who wore this lovely thing,; her sister, the one wearing the emerald silk gown and the pearls I fancied, you said she reminded you of a story you promised would tell me sometime? Could you tell me it now?

Angie smiled, Princess, you certainly are an inquisitive one! Let me think a minute…

Angie settled down next to her, and after mulling it over a bit, finally began…

It was during my first time in Monte Carlo, I had left the states soon after I had scored a major haul, and decided to ply my trade in new waters. It was during the fall of…

Lydia interjected, It was because of your haul at that politicians daughter’s wedding, (see album Angie being receptive)

Yes princess, that and a few other functions helped fund that trip. Angie confirmed, then went on…

I had met this pretty young like in an emerald silk gown, positively dripping in gold jewellery with rubies and emeralds…

Lydia cut in again, please start at the beginning; we have the rest of the day all to ourselves.

Angie smile, very well, I will start at the beginning: …….

 

( We will post in the album’ Angie “holidays” in Monte Carlo’ the rest of the tale stated in the epilogue. Once the story we recently unearthed in previously unknown chronicles of Angie’s life have been modified …The eds)

  

The lifting away a young lady’s jewelry is as a feather taken

La levée de suite les bijoux d'une jeune femme est comme une plume prise

 

Editor’s Notes:

Our Thanks to Mr. J. Gardner for pointing out the existence of Mr. Monescu’s 1826 guide

If you enjoyed our little story, please like and leave a comment.

And if you wish, describe what intrigued you the most about it…

Thank You

 

And last, but not least,

Kudos to the Light Fingered Lady who planted the seed of the flower that became Lydia

 

Courtesy of Chatwick University Archives

 

This is one of those shoots, an embarrassment of riches, I tell ya.

 

Had actually planned on posting a different shot from this day, but took a quick look, just to make sure, and...it's frustrating! I like them all! They are all my wonderful perfect children!

 

And then I saw this one and hated the rest instantly and here we are.

 

This morning, leaving the house, someone lowered this little upper gate thing that's been...not-lowered for a good two years. No reason to expect it was suddenly unhooked. But it was. So now I only have half a surf rack on my car for a week or so.

 

Which...that is also frustrating. So the picture I was gonna post, Brittany smiling, a bit relaxed, maybe even a bit goofy, that's not fitting my mood. Right now I want that strong pose, perhaps a hint of defiance, perfectly centered, lit oh so well (if I do say so myself) by the afternoon sun that only Los Angeles can provide.

 

Every time I post, it's about finding the shot that matches what I'm feeling, or what I want to say...and even though it's mostly old photos, there's a process involved that's still engaging. What to say, how to contextualize the photo.

 

We got so much, that day. A full spectrum of emotions, compositions, really, as I like to say, explored the space.

 

A photo for every feeling, it turns out!

EN

Functional quality, of course :). Radar in tow that turns in all directions. The 2 small folding jacks when the trailer is unhooked. (A radar not horizontal, when the trailer tilts, it works much less well!)

 

Radar on the roof of the vehicle which rotates 360 °. I really thoroughly styled this 2nd radar with sensors everywhere and tried to keep "the best spirit" with the 2 round transparent things.

 

FR

Qualité fonctionnel, bien entendu :). Radar en remorque qui tourne dans tous les sens. Les 2 petits vérins dépliables quand la remorque est décrochée. (Un radar pas à l'horizontal, quand la remorque bascule, cela marche nettement moins bien ! )

 

Radar sur le toit du véhicule qui tourne à 360°. J'ai vraiment stylisé à fond ce 2ème radar avec des capteurs partout et tenté de garder "au mieux l'esprit" avec les 2 trucs transparents ronds.

======================================

 

FLICKR

FACEBOOK

BRICKLINK

LEGO IDEAS

Please forgive me for revisiting this saga so soon. For the thoughts of that witnessed moment in time which planted a seed for a story, still remains, still ticklingly entices my imagination..

And I think most of us know what a bugger an inkling like that can be...!

And the Chatwick in me had a yearning, actually no, a compelling, need to appease, so to tell the same story in a bit different take on the observed actions of the young lad I called the Hugger Mugger… had to be forthcoming post haste …

 

And So we Have.....

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

The Importance of paper mache Princesses

Lucidity of Providence

 

I first noticed the lass whom I came to call the paper mache princess, as she slithered and swished about in the quite devastatingly pretty gown she was so winningly wearing along her youthful, but yet well appointed figure.

 

The gown was dyed the shade of fresh spring lavender, the satiny material, probably soft as a new borne downy chick, freshly shimmering and glistening as she stunningly exhibited it whilst wriggled in from the serving room.

 

My fancy was tickled by this, for my Sister had once worn a very similar dress , and I carried quite pleasant memories of the fun we had had shared that particular evening…..

 

But I only noticed this new lass’s apparel briefly though, for once I had her properly in my sights, her adorning jewels(rhinestone?) totally commanded my full and undivided attention.

 

For, see in my humbled opinion, it was silly for one so obviously saturnine, so quite gullibly young, to be wearing such shimmering sparklers! Though to truthfully admit, I had no real issues along those lines!

 

The sparkling jewels consisted of a thin silver plated necklace, matching dangling earrings and a thin bracelet worn around her satin gloved clad wrist.. , all were set with the fiery brilliance of (rhinestone?) diamonds.

 

Twas a pity someone darkly moody like that would be in possession of jewels so pretty.. She obviously had no inkling or care about em, in my observation of her, she probably could care less that she was wearing them, and probably had whined miserably about putting them on!

A hallowed mockery of all that is truly feminine.

 

An aloof paper mache princess who deserved to look more of a pauper in me own personal opinion...!

 

And that thought, I found to be quite enticingly entertaining on a personal level! Admittedly though, at that time, I was finding a great deal of my surroundings to being quite vexing.

 

But there was also a reason for my interests, for I will have to admit to possessing a bit of a rascally bird like, Magpie keen, interest in all things shiny!

 

And my curiosities had already been at peek height due to several other observations I had made upon my first arrival at the wedding reception: Including one subject in particular!

 

First off, the wedding was definitely upscale, and the wealthy Bride had chosen a rather unique venue for her reception.

 

Located in a rather daringly wrong side of the tracks area. The place was the site of an old brick, eel tinning factory that someone had cunningly restored and was princely offering as a uniquely posh reception venue for those rich enough to pay out the nose for something out of the ordinary. To me it looked like someone had extravagantly decorated up an old slummy red brick alleyway.

 

And as to why I was there..?

Well my friends, that’d be another whole tale in the tellin....

 

So, only tellin one tale at a time then......

 

Anyhows, there I was, dressed up in my best, and starting to do a bit of visually opportunistic prowling about amongst the well heeled guests who were making merry in the venues’ rather dubious surroundings…. When I saw him...

 

Him, the laddie, a young male of about 13, scampering happily about at the reception hall .

 

Something about his mannerisms drew my mind to him, so I discreetly asked around.

 

I soon found out he was the son of a single mother, both the bride’s sister and maid of Honour. So he was pretty much being left to himself, which explained things a bit.

 

The lad was also obviously across the threshold of young puberty: as was witnessed by some of his antics, not only with the touchy teasing of the younger girls present, but also in the way he was treating certain poshly dressed adult females, especially in sneaking up and giving his darling grandmother hugs from behind.

 

She though, thought it was cute and just laughed, and squealed happily, “look another drive by hugging”, or “thanks for the warm hugging honey, just lovely”, encouraging to no end the youth to keep his voyeuristic advances up.

 

But the grandmother was a short lady, his size, and I knew what was going on, even if the silly twit didn’t have a bloody clue.

 

The Lads arms, as he hugged his grandmother’s warm figure before running off, were brushing just under her perk breasts, molded nicely by the tight fitted mother of the bride gown she was attired in.

 

I also knew that , along with copping a titillating feel, he was also enjoying the tingling sensation from the slick thicke material of the lengthy, swishing gown the rather youngish ,stylish grandmother was wearing…

 

I watched, the lad as he performed this trick several times, holding onto the warm sweaty figure of his still perky, grandmother, before I would finally admit to the fact, I was jealous!

 

Jealous, for she was wearing some rather pretty jewelry of diamonds, real ones too judging by the fiery pinpricks of flashes they was giving off. Grandad must have spent a bloody mint on them.. For an Anniversary or an apology? There laid the rub..

And I would have given anything for a closer gawk at the ladies finer points, if one gets my drift, eh ?

Nudge, nudge... as they say...

 

It was while watching the lad yet again going and performing his hugger mugger routine from a bar stool, that my I first laid my eyes on the young paper mache princess in the lavender gown and wearing her own set of diamonds( rhinestone?). I don’t know when she had entered the reception’s proverbial stage, but she was one of the last lot to be leaving the room where the food service was laid out.

 

She was all of 16 years old, probably bitter sweet, and most definitely, caustically, immature!

She was with a second girl, 14 years I would guess, possibly a younger sister, clad in a thin dress of red silk that poured out dancingly below a matching jacket of velvet. She was wearing a glistening set of, faux?, pearls, and a (rhinestone?) brooch on her jacket, the bauble shaped like a colourful humming bird set with coloured gemstones.

 

They both stopped at the doorway, watching the dance floor with a peaking interest .

 

The live band had started up, and a group was upon the floor, swishing and swirling about in a quite pretty display of both colour and glitter that was being caught up in the dim incandescent lighting of the olde re-imagined factory.

 

I allowed my interest to follow this action for a bit, before curiously allowing my eyes to again seek out the pair of lasses.. Sneaking in close by the bar for a better, keener look over as I did so.

 

When I found them I saw that they had been joined by the huggy strap of a lad. He was standing close to them, and I caught him gingerly sliding his hand up behind the paper mache princess , chubby fingers tentatively rubbing along the waistline of the slick lavender gown being worn so winningly by the vixen of a sixteen year old.

 

She giggled and turned to him, her eyes giving an “oh, its you” look to the lad. Oblivious to the look, he started talking the pair up, and I saw them both shake their heads no at whatever he must have been suggesting.

 

Both girls petite earrings’ swaying in the light as their heads moved side to side . The Paper Mache Princess’s inset diamonds of her earrings sparkling madly, while her smaller friends bobbling earrings of Faux pearl gleamed a glistening pure white.

 

The pair turned dismissively back to the dance floor, and he stared them down from behind their glimmery sleek dresses for a few seconds, before he walked away, head bent down like something of an admonished puppy!

 

I felt sorry for the young git, red faced, as he was walking away,.

 

Then I suddenly realized that his course was taking him right past me.

 

Not sure why at the time, but suddenly I wanted to capture this lad’s attention. For I was Bored and feeling peevishly mused to try and do something to quell those copious desires I had been mulling..!

 

So I played it by ear... Something which in my profession that I tend to do a lot of!

 

Now, since, sleight of hand and misdirection are a couple of me talents, I reached into my pocket , thoughtfully fingering one of my ever-present coins of the realm.

 

As the lad , sad head down, sauntered droopily by me, I caught his attention by dropping a penny.

 

He obligingly retrieved it for me, and as he handed it back, I turned down my wrist, then took my hand to his ear, appearing to change the penny into a twenty pee piece… Which I handed the coin to the amazed lad for keeps. Thereby also gaining his full and undivided attention.

 

“Want to see another?” I asked, and he shook his head yes eagerly. I pulled out an also ever-present deck of cards, and had him ruffle them up a bit. Talking it up to him as I did.

 

The simple card trick would allow me to banter and hopefully my words would thus stoke the id of his sexually driven impulses whilst the ego thoughts in the lad’s head where following the cards. With my intents to flaring up the lad’s super – located in the deep recesses of his mind were certain male thoughts are often guiltily , forcibly, kept alone to themselves.

 

The first trick was an easy one that had him picking his own card from a group laid out on the bar. It was as I went through the motions, and watching his focus on the cards, I mentioned how pretty I had thought some of the dresses worn by the girls here were.

 

That opened him up royally...

 

I soon had him chatting away, eating out of my hand as I told him a subtly suggestive story of my youth, centering around the true enough episode where I had danced with my sister who had been wearing a dress very similar to the one worn by the paper mache princess....

 

A tid bit of a description that I knew would send his little pubescent desiring mind whirling .

 

I then, also with casual finesse, asked him quite a few questions about himself, about the reception, and particularly centered around finding out a bit more about the paper mache princess.

 

He readily came out with the fact that the paper mache princess, the one I had truthfully said was dressed like me sister had been , was nothing more than his cousin. He also volunteered tid bits about her that led me to believe that she could be a bit fey, but liked to pretend and daydream.

 

He also chimed in that he liked to play games like hide an seek with her and her friend’s, when she allowed him to!

 

Not playing now I asked? Seeing a light opening up at the end of a certain tunnel of my thoughts.

 

No he said, she said that she did not want to get dirty, her friend either.. Too interested in acting like proper ladies, dancing and watching, he added sadly..

 

“Quite boring.. he also added quite drearily ..”

 

That was all I needed to hear! So, agreeing with the boring part, I drew him close in the confidence of a co-conspirator.

 

Tells you what kiddo, let me explain how we used to play tag games when I was your cousins age.

I bet she will change her mind to play this version with you today! ( Actually, I know she would have no choice but to play his game once we were done with her!)

 

Really, he said, his eyes wandering and latching onto the two swaying young vixens, looking them up and down as I spoke.

 

Certainty ‘Mon garçon’ I said, and began to explain, taking certain inventive liberties with the details to ensure capturing this young man’s burgeoning lusting fantasies !!

 

I explained that as lads we would play tag by having the crooks steal something, then the person who was robbed would chase us like a copper until we either got away, or placed in “prison”

 

Cops and robbers see.. ever hear of the game.?

 

He nodded his head assuredly that of course he knew the game..!

 

I could also see I had grasped a craving interest within him, so I then happily continued on

 

“Now, the girls in our group would sometimes dress up and wear ‘cheap’ play jewelry, like your cousin and her friend over there. “ I lied convincingly.

He turned to watch the pair of proper appearing princess wanna-bees, both with eye appealing resplendence in their gowns, jewels and fine frills..

 

“Then us boys would sneak up and try to distract them, so we could teasingly come away with some of their play jewels without them catching on to what we were on about.

 

Then we would point out their loss after a bit, and the girls would give chase to us trying get them jewels back !”

 

He smiles, liking the idea.

 

I could see he was chewing on my words while still Drooling over the two pretty young lasses and their shiny frocks and ample shimmering jewels.... rather convenient having the real thing in sight when telling my stories I devilishly thought.

 

I had captivated his interest, and could see that he was earnestly watching his cousin ( whose necklace I should mention, was quite invigoratingly rippling small sparkles of fire around her throat as she was swaying to the music.)

 

I began with renewed relish, allowing the seed I had planted to grow, by explaining in detail how to draw his pretty lass of a cousin into the “Game”!

 

Both his and mine!

 

Using as an example, a story on how I had played this same game I was proposing on, while dancing with me own lavender gown wearing sister for reference. Actually it was a true enough story, only the young lass I had played it out on had not been me sister, and the gown, which most definitely had been soft as a new borne downy chick, had been of a shiny ripe peach colour!

 

I explained in simple detail how to approach his cousin, and what words would work best in convincing her that a dance was in order.

 

Then once they were into the dance, I explained in easy detail, the next steps to be taken to ensure his cousin would be a player for the next phase of the game, namely the catchy, touchy, tag part of it.

 

I could see the laddie was doing quite well, grasping the rudimentary idea of it all. And as he shook his head vigorously yes when I asked if ready. I gently pushed his back, propelling his quite noticeably Horney figure loose towards his innocent victim.

 

Go get em tiger....

 

I watched with growing anticipation as the lad moved in, eagerly approached his victim, then again sliding a hand on along her waist, successfully prying and fully capturing his cousins attention away from the dance floor. He started talking affably and I could see her dart a look back to the dancers,then to her 14 year old friend, then finally back to her cousin. Her jewels nicely sparkling in the low lights as she carried out this performance.

 

Then, bless the faux pearl laden pixie, for as I watched, the paper mache princess’s young friend most advantageously helped out our cause. Chirpily chiming in her two cents worth. saying something excitedly as she tugged at the cousins dress whilst pointing to the lad and the dance floor!

 

And ‘Bob’s your uncle!’ a few minutes later the pair of them were on that polished wooden dance floor, looking exceptionally cute as a couple, as they danced to a romantic slow tune whose name has since slipped my mind. The young darlings mimicked the adults around them by embracing closely against one another.

 

I waited and watched with baited breath, so many things could go wrong, and there was no good reason they shouldn’t. I began to think my ideas had been quite folly. Draining my drink, I made my plans for a quick get away to avoid any attention and have to answer rather awkward questions if things went awry.

 

But they didn’t!

 

As he had been directed, he bided his time, no hurry.

 

I watched with baited breath as finally his hand cunningly started the process of snaking up along the back of her sensuous dress, a bit quick perhaps, but maybe his partner was feeling his hormones actively running wild and was responding in kind.

For she had no issues dancing close, and no notice of the shenanigans of the creeping male fingers nimbly reaching up her back. I could see that her own gloved hands were firmly grasping her dance partners waist. The diamonds on her thin bracelet merrily winking back at me!

 

She seemed so happy, her eyes closed shut as she was into what ever fantasies young sixteen year old paper mache princesses, wearing pretty gowns and flashy jewels, have going on!

 

But I was also fairly certain that those fantasies of hers did not dwell any where’s near the reality of what was being played out on her in real life at that moment!

 

I looked around, Nor were any of the adults paying the pair any heed..

 

Even the Sixteen year old’s young Faux pearl wearing pixie of a friend was watching something away from the dance floor, her own fingers idly playing with the shimmery rhinestone brooch on her velvet jacket as she, with no shyness, was ogling a bloke in a tux snogging with one of the bridesmaids in a secluded corner!

 

I perked up, setting my empty glass down, casually picking out a handful of pub nuts from a jar at my elbow, I thought, this trick may actually bloody work!!

 

His fingers finally reached the victim’s primed objective, the one I had suggested, namely the thin gem studded necklace. The pretty jewels that laid flickering around the high, glossy neckline of his victims gown. That fiery necklace had been dangling and moving about with an easy sliding fluidity along down the smooth satin of its’ wearers gown, making it a fairly easy pluck for any amateur’s game!

 

The gem stones were set in a finely woven silvery chain, there should be no telltale snagging, no matter how jerky the chubby fingers were in making the attempt the lift them!

 

Obviously I had been thinking this through as I had been carefully watching my pretty paper mache princess. And just as obviously I was now vicariously living those day dreams through the lads antics!

 

So it was with an unabashed delight, that I watched as his fingers glided along the pretty baubles chain till the necklaces hook in eye clasp was located, and pulled up ever so lightly!

 

He did fumble a bit with the clasp,( his first time after all) but I saw him carefully peeking over her shoulder for a better look, and using one hand he managed to delicately unhook the two ends on his second attempt.

 

The fraternal twin ends lay loose there, glimmering for a few seconds, as they hung freely unclasped down her back. His fingers slipped back over her shoulder and slyly lifted a sparkly end up.

 

He then methodically began to slide the long necklace up along the front of his dance partners rich, lubricious, satin gown! It was easily slipped away, slither inly over her shoulders’ satin sleeve and free fell down behind her back where it dangled for a few precious seconds in his chubby fingers, before the lad secreted the shimmering thing of beauty into his pocket ..

 

I released my breath not realizing I had been holding it.. He had gotten away with it, pretty as one pleases. His fantasizing, gorgeously dressed cousin, hadn’t a bloody clue as to what had just transpired as she and her glittery necklace were naughtily being parted!

 

And just as important, no one else had noticed my little hugger mugger in action either!

 

His victim still had her eyes blissfully closed, and was leaning her head back in what can be best described as dreamy happiness.

 

Her earrings and bracelet sparkled on, as noticeable in their positions, as the place her necklace had been, now was not!

 

Her male partners eyes were wide, and darting around. I was worried that he may end up alarming the girl, so I rose, and managed to catch his gaze, and smiled giving a thumbs up. This made him grin, and settling down a bit, grasped his partner close and twirled on.

 

I smiled, feeling rather excited meself, for watching the lad in action had been like reliving the somewhat similar, long past, incident that I had used as an example, lying to him that I had played the game on me sister!

 

^^^^^^

 

Well , they finally finished the dance, it seemed like an eternity, but it was thrilling to try and catch glimpses of the cousins’ now bare neckline!

 

Finally they broke apart and he walked off with her to the opposite edge of the dance area from where they had started. I held my breath again, but he seemed to inherently realize that as part of the game, he didn’t want her suspicions raised by being quick to leave. God bless his natural budding adult male like deviousness!

 

When he finally left her and came over , he was grinning ear to ear like some Cheshire Cat.

 

“Well done lad, you played that brilliantly! Fun Like I said it would be” I praised and questioned?

 

He nodded , quite pleased with himself, and that pleasure was evident in more places than just his face!!

He most definitely was getting a “titillating feel” for the playing the game. A feeling I could very well understand from me own personal experiences!

 

I turned him around to face his cousin, his back now to me.

 

The young paper mache princess was back to aloofly standing, watching, on the outer rim of the dance floor. As we watched, we saw her young friend returning, regaining a position up alongside her

 

I gripped my hand upon the lads shoulder, speaking into his ear as he conveniently faced away from me..

 

I explained that he needed to go up and do next ..

 

Sneak up and hug his cousin from behind( I could tell he liked that!) , then as you tickle her a bit, say something like “now catch the tickle thief” , and then, see that door just off the loo?

 

He turned his head over to where I was pointing.

 

I knew that the door was an exit, leading upstairs, then outside to a small park.

 

“Break away before she can catch you,, and RUN! through that door, then out into the park .”

 

I turned him back around to face me , I wanted to really drive home the last bit…

 

I was smiling mischievously in his eyes, which brightened up as he warmed up to the ideas I was planting.

 

“Then in the woods you can hide and touch tag as she tries to get her necklace back!”, and I tapped his pocket with my free hand, jingling the contents.

 

“But remember laddie, the trick is not to show her what you took. Make her chase you, and if she finally catches you, make her search you for it, or have her cry Uncle before handing it over!”

 

“And as she is so occupied, try for an earring or bracelet to keep the game on. Or if her friends is close enough then snatch…..”

 

But I stopped, I could see all too well in his wide eyed glazed over look, that he had caught onto the gigs gist, and there was no need to say more with out risking my hugger mugger to become too prematurely excited before playing it out.

 

I looked up over his head to make sure the stage was still set…

 

I suddenly stiffened....

 

Ere now, look lad, I think your game is beginning, she is noticing the loss.

 

We both looked, the young friend of the sixteen-year-old was pointing to the paper mache princess’s bare throat. No need to hear the question.

Then as We both gawked ,the cousins gloved hand shot immediately up to her throat ,fruitlessly feeling around as her face contorted up in a horrifying gasp.

 

“Now lad I said turning him back around so he was facing the dance floor., quickly toddle up behind and give your cousin that hug to start it off! That’s a good lad!”

 

“I guarantee you she is going to play into your game now.” I said, sending the words off after him as he scurried stiffly off.

 

He was definitely carrying off with him a quite “hard” vested interest in the game at hand.

 

He approached the pair, both of whom were now looking about their feet for the missing necklace.

 

I saw him readily grasp, then pull up his Cousin into a slippery hug..

She jumped a bit ,alarmed!

But no blaming the sullen looking lass. Worries about her missing necklace combined with someone unexpectantly grasping her from behind, then feeling something hard being pressed up against her, would cause a bit of inherent distress for any poshly attired damsel!

 

Startled as she was, she stood stiffly in her fast waning shock, as her male cousin whispered into a bejeweled ear, then letting her go, the lad dashed off towards the exit as planned.

 

The two girls looked at each other questioningly, the pixy was holding her faux pearled necklace, the cousin a hand to her bare throat. They then stared at the fleeing cousin, before, in a shimmering, swishing, fluttering, flurry, taking off after the escaping lad.

 

I turned away and watched as he disappeared through the exit door by the loo.

 

The female cousin and her similarity dressed young friend, were following almost upon the lad’s heels, gowns whirling , and they too slipped through the closing door. I, probably for the last time, admired her taunting bracelet, as it flashed and sparkled, while she gripped to hold open the closing exit door..

 

All three had now disappeared from the venue without anyone a noticing.

 

I believe free booze, and the length of drinking time that the adult guests had been imbibing played a rather big part in that the trio of escapees were not paid any heed!

 

Babes in the woods, going beyond the security of the pale. I thought, making my way through the thronging crowd of merry guests .

 

I headed out towards the main exit located on the opposite side of the building from the restrooms.

 

Just before taking my permanent leave I looked around the venue again. The dim lighted red brick lined walls of the old ell tinning factory did indeed resemble an olde alleyway. And one can just imagine the types of mischief that would be going on in olde alleyways!

 

Reaching the outer walk I forced meslf to meander on till I had safely gained some distance, stopping as I came up to a patch of woods.

 

Where, next to an ancient Wytch Elm tree with its grotesquely reaching branches, started a thin path leading off amongst the trees towards the other side of the olde eel tinning factories building..

 

I stood there, and after checking around me, Pulled a chrome flask from a vest pocket.

I took a good long swig of ginger brandy in celebration of the moment!

 

“The path less travelled today mate! .”

 

Replacing the flask, I reached a hand in my suit coats pocket for me pipe and tobacco, .

Feeling as I did the now cold hardness of the quite genuine, quite expensive, diamond necklace that I had so quite easily lifted from the youths jacket pocket ( pickpocketing - another of my skills)

 

As I packed my pipe and then cupped my fingers as I struck a match to get it going, I allowed my mind a quick remembrance….

 

I played out how pretty that young lass had been in her peach satin gown. We both had been around 14 years, socially awkward as youths that age can be.. She had suggested the dancing, and I was amazed at the feel of her in my arms. Never had I felt anything so warm, so incredibly soft. And how sparkling her necklace had been. As we danced, and as I secretly admired her necklace, I remember meself subtly lifting the pretty thing up from her throat. Then it had suddenly unclasped, and I found meself pulling it off from around her throat and stuffing it in a pocket. She had had no clue, and I and me mates had used it’s loss to tease her before giving it back.

 

It had been a most satisfying newly acquired feeling for me at that age.... Which I had gambled would be the same feelings my young hugger mugger lad would also feel.

 

With a wry smile I wondered what my hugger mugger lad’s reaction would be as he would finally was made to give back the necklace. And what the overall reaction of the group would be when instead of the paper mache princess’s pricey diamonds in his pocket, he finds the small bits of pub nuts I had switched out with the necklace.

 

What I would have given to be able to witness that moment in time I thought , as I threw away the match and began puffing smoke from the lit pipe. I imagined what the three youths puzzled, gasping expressions would be like..!

 

Indeed, whose game had they been playing at?

 

I wondered if anybody would ever figure it out, or would it remain a mystery?

 

After a few puffs I looked in the direction of the park.. where I imagined the three were have gleeful adventures, for a bit anyways., and hopefully no further mis adventures...

 

I gave another long , thoughtful pull at me pipe...

Now, Just down that path would be that very park where at that very moment, a young lady clad in sleek lavender satin and sporting the remains of her dazzling collection of expensively brite sparkling diamonds ,was running about willy nilly in the woods.

 

Her eye catching gown and glistening, baiting jewels unsuspectingly openly exposed to the wilds outside, and fully unprotected by any observable means...

Not to mention there is also a spare, herself fetchingly attired in red silk and velvet. Herself wearing spiffen faux pearls and a glistening rhinestone hummingbird brooch!

 

It could very well be like taking away the proverbial candy from silken clad Babes...

 

Hmmm, a rather treasure trove of an opportunity indeed!

 

After a few minutes ponderings, I finally Let out an exasperated puff of smoke, as I regrettably shook my head NO..., no teasing my recently bestowed acte of providence, not by this Bloke.... and certainly not this evening !!

 

One in hand, I scolded meself ..

 

So, let it be Cheerio, I thought nodding down the side path of the woods towards the park in a solemn’ fare thee well’ salute..

 

And walking out into the glooming twilight of the evening, strode down the side walk to disappear into the misty aire..

 

Taking the smoking pipe from me mouth, I began Whistling the tune ...

 

‘Who put “Bella in the Wytch Elm”?

 

After all, who does not like coming up across a mystery?

 

“vade ad victor spolia”

 

Fini

 

I press the news app on my phone.

 

"...sighted yet again after another robbery in central Star City. Authorities have now issued a manhunt for the vigilante, calling him or herself "The Green Arrow". We have been told that the robbery was just a small job, and was led by a person in a red hoodie. Police are telling us not to worry."

 

I switch off my phone and put it in my pocket. Putting on my mask, I turn to my partner.

 

"Okay. Let's make our Mommas proud."

 

I spin around and unhook my gun from my back.

 

Then we burst through the doors.

 

"..and so the Green Arrow was spotted on..."

 

"HELLO, STAR CITY!"

 

My partner fires a bullet into the air, forcing the news presenters to duck. One of the security guards pulls out their gun to shoot me, but I blindly fire a few bullets into him first. I walk up to one of the women crouching behind the desk.

 

"Get up."

 

She shakily gets up, raising her hands above her head.

 

"Please don't hurt me."

 

She doesn't make eye contact.

 

"Don't worry." I say, raising her chin with my gloved hand.

 

"I won't."

 

I motion for my partner to shoot her.

 

After she falls to the ground, I pull up another presenter and roll the desk away. My partner goes to grab the camera that's filming the live news.

 

"Point it over here."

 

He turns the camera to me, where I'm grabbing the man by the collar.

 

"Hello, Star City."

 

I wave with the gun in my hand.

 

"I've heard a lot about this city, and how people come here to make a name for themselves, like the Queens, for example. Now, you people don't seem to think I'm very dangerous. I'd like to tell you that I am VERY, VERY dangerous."

 

I force the man to his knees, and walked around him, gun pointed at his head.

 

"Anyhow, I'm here. I'd like to say hello to your protector, or, the Green Arrow, as he or she likes to call him or herself. It's honestly really sad that you think of him or her the way you do. Now, I am calling him or her out, so hopefully you're watching the news, Arrow. I am going to be planting a bomb a week from today, and you're going to find it, disarm it, and be cheered on as a hero. I'm here to help."

 

I move over to the side of the man and stand still.

 

"BUT, I will keep planting bombs until this city is in ashes. Why? Because I want to!"

 

I point my gun at the man's head.

 

"So, there's my plan. Happy hunting!"

 

The man is whimpering heavily.

 

"Oh, by the way, I don't think we've been formally introduced, Star City."

 

The man begins to cry.

 

"I'm Anarky."

 

I shoot the man in the head.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

I'm really glad this series is turning out the way it is. I have a lot more planned, so hopefully this app for vol. 2 gets accepted :). Comments and critiques are always appreciated!

 

~ Zach

Riggers stand by as the crane operator turns this temporary casing over on the ground. They will unhook that piece from the crane. Next, the concrete pump pipe will be laid down and also unhooked from the crane.

Cavendish Mews is a smart set of flats in Mayfair where flapper and modern woman, the Honourable Lettice Chetwynd has set up home after coming of age and gaining her allowance. To supplement her already generous allowance, and to break away from dependence upon her family, Lettice has established herself as a society interior designer, so her flat is decorated with a mixture of elegant antique Georgian pieces and modern Art Deco furnishings, using it as a showroom for what she can offer to her well heeled clients.

 

Today however we are at Glynes, the grand Georgian family seat of the Chetwynds in Wiltshire, and the home of Lettice’s parents, the presiding Viscount and Countess of Wrexham and the heir, their eldest son Leslie and his wife Arabella. Lettice is visiting her family home for Christmas. She motored down to Wiltshire with her old childhood chum, Gerald, also a member of the aristocracy who has tried to gain some independence from his family by designing gowns from a shop in Grosvenor Street. His family, the Brutons, are neighbours to the Cheywynds with their properties sharing boundaries. That is how Gerald and Lettice came to be such good friends. However, whilst both families are landed gentry with lineage going back centuries, unlike Lettice’s family, Gerald’s live in a much smaller baronial manor house and are in much more straitened circumstances.

 

It is Christmas Day 1922, and we find ourselves in the very grand and elegant drawing room of Glynes with its gilt Louis and Palladian style furnishings where the Viscount is indulging in his favourite activity as lord of the manor on Christmas Day, handing out the gifts that have been stacked beneath the splendidly decked out Christmas tree to his family. At his feet, Lettice’s elder sister Lalage’s (known to everyone in the family by the diminutive Lally) children Harrold and Annabelle, squeal with delight as noisily, beautiful wrapping and carefully tied fat satin bows are torn asunder hurriedly to reveal wonderful toys. Lady Sadie sits in her usual armchair next to the fire, dressed splendidly in a pastel coloured crêpe de chine day gown with ropes of pearls about her neck and cascading down her front, not unlike Queen Mary, sipping champagne from a fine crystal flute, enjoying playing hostess to her family. Charles, Lally’s husband sits in a matching armchair diagonally across from Sadie, watching his children with delight as they open their presents, nursing a brandy in his right hand. Lettice’s eldest brother Leslie is snuggled up with his new wife Arabella on one of the two facing Louis Quinze sofas, whilst Lettice and Lally sit on the sofa opposite them, closest to the Christmas tree. The Viscount’s younger bohemian artist sister, Eglantine (known lovingly by Lettice and her siblings as Aunt Egg), always a restless spirit, wanders the room, smoking her favourite Black Russian cigarettes through a holder, never quite settling as she thinks her own thoughts whilst also engaging sporadically with her family when it suits her. None of the family’s faithful retainers are present, as the tradition is that servants are given Christmas Day off after breakfast until the late afternoon, when they return and prepare to serve the family’s Christmas dinner in the Glynes dining room.

 

“Ho! Ho! Ho!” booms the Viscount jovially as he withdraws a long parcel wrapped in holly patterned paper tied up with a gold ribbon. “What have we here?” He shakes it slightly, making the contents rattle metallically. He squints as he reads the tag attached to the bow. “A present for Master Harrold from Auntie Tice!” He smiles magnanimously at his grandson and rubs his hair lovingly as he hands the parcel over to Harrold.

 

“Ripping!” cries Harrold as he opens Lettice’s gift and finds two beautifully painted jousting lead knights on horseback. “Thanks ever so, Aunt Tice!”

 

“You’re welcome, darling!” Lettice says from the gilded sofa next to the Christmas tree, accepting the big hug and kiss he bestows on her, carefully holding her glass of champagne aloft.

 

“Careful Harrold dear!” Lally chides her son softly as sitting beside her sister, she indicates to Lettice’s glass. “Auntie Tice doesn’t want her champagne to go all over Grandmamma’s sofa.”

 

“No indeed, she does not!” quips Lady Sadie crisply, champagne flute poised to her lips.

 

“Oh don’t be crabby Sadie,” scolds the Viscount with a crumpled brow as he settles back into the high backed gilded salon chair embroidered in petit point tapestry by his mother. “It’s Christmas!”

 

“Christmas or not Cosmo, my father gave us this set as part of my dowery.” Sadie retorts, sipping the champagne in a superior fashion in her glass.

 

“And don’t we all know it!” Cosmo rolls his eyes as he replies.

 

“I didn’t Pappa,” Lettice admits. “Until last Christmas, when we were decorating the tree in here and Lally told me so. And now I know why you like the Christmas tree in here to be decorated to match the furnishings.”

 

“Oh you girls! What nonsense!” Lady Sadie scoffs, but the awkward way she goes noticeably silent and turns to gaze into the roaring fire in the white marble fireplace tells everyone present that that that is the exact reason why she has the tree dressed in gold and cream every year.

 

“Here, hold this.” Lettice hands her glass to her sister before proceeding to envelop her eight year old nephew. “You’re welcome darling boy! Merry Christmas!”

 

“Merry Christmas!” he replies joyfully. “How did you know that I wanted some knights, Auntie Tice?” Harrold asks, his voice full of enthusiasm as Lettice releases him and he sinks back down to the floor where he sets the jousting knights up.

 

“Oh, I keep an ear out.” she replies knowingly, giving him a mockingly serious look that makes him laugh.

 

“You can’t say anything around your Aunt Tice without her paying attention to it.” laughs Lally as she hands Lettice back her champagne flute. “She’s always been the most observant of us, hasn’t she Leslie?”

 

“Always.” Leslie agrees with a smile.

 

Turning to her sister Lally adds, making her own adroit observation, “Harrold’s getting a very nice collection of lead soldiers and the like between gifts from you, Pappa and Father Christmas.” She looks with an indulgent smile at the other cavalry lead soldiers her son has been given as he sets them up amongst the detritus of discarded brightly coloured paper and ribbons.

 

“Ho! Ho! Ho!” booms the Viscount with gusto as he delves beneath the branches of the tree. “Who’s next then?”

 

“It was good of Pappa to put up a Christmas tree in the entrance hall for Harrold and Belle this year.” Lally remarks to Lettice as she smiles watching her father fossick through the beautifully wrapped gifts.

 

“Well, he could hardly refuse, could he?” Lettice replies. “With you joining the chorus from the children after we let it slip last Christmas.” She giggles as she puts her glass to her lips. “I don’t think Pappa could stand the din.”

 

“When the carol singers came up from the village last night and Pappa invited them in for brandy and to warm themselves by the fire in the entrance hall and enjoy the big Christmas tree all covered in tinsel, baubles and lighted candles, it was just like the Christmases before the war.”

 

“Yes, it was rather.”

 

“Oh! This is for Belle from Auntie Tice!” the Viscount announces.

 

“For me, Pappa?” Arabella pipes up, popping her head up queryingly from her husband’s shoulder where she has been contentedly snuggled next to him.

 

“No, not you, Bella,” Leslie says with an indulgent smile and a calming pat to her hands, encouraging her to lower her head back to where her had been snuggling lovingly against it. “Belle.” He nods in the general direction of his niece.

 

“No! It’s me, Auntie Bella!” exclaims Annabelle, spinning around excitedly in her pretty pale yellow Jean Lanvin* lace trimmed frock. “It’s for me! For me!”

 

“It really is too awful of you, Leslie, marrying a girl with a name so similar to Annabelle.” laughs Lally good heartedly.

 

“Oh, sorry Lally darling. I’ll pick a more appropriately named wife next time.” Leslie replies, the apology rewarded with a kittenish slap to his forearm from his giggling new wife who accuses him playfully of wanting a second wife when they have been married barely a month.

 

“They do look happy.” Lally remarks to Lettice as she leans in conspiratorially towards her. “I’m glad that Leslie finally decided to marry Bella.”

 

“Yes, as Gerald said at the wedding,” Lettice replies looking over at her brother and his new bride so deeply in love on the sofa opposite. “They are both country folk. She loves riding and is interested in, and I quote, ‘animal husbandry and all that awfully dirty estate business’.”

 

A peal of laughter erupts from Lally’s lips. “Oh Gerald does have a way with words. Is he up at the Hall?”

 

“Yes, with his parents and Roland.”

 

“Oh, that will be a rather dour Christmas I suspect. That wastrel Roland is almost as bad as Lionel.”

 

“And thank god Lionel isn’t here for Christmas, in spite of Aunt Egg’s protestations.” Lettice observes quietly. She looks to her beloved aunt drifting distractedly about the room, leaving a trail of cigarette smoke curlicues in her wake, her aqua satin gown cascading round her elegantly as she moves.

 

“And he didn’t create any more potential scandal whilst he was here, mercifully.” adds Lally, taking a gulp of champagne from her glass at the mere thought of their horrible sibling, detested by the whole family except for Aunt Egg.

 

“At least Leslie and Bella’s wedding seems to have taken the pressure off me, for the time being at least.” Lettice whispers quietly to Lally. “With so much attention on the wedding, Mater has hardly had time to focus on little old me.”

 

“Oh poor you!” mocks Lally sarcastically, her eyes glittering with mirth. “How are things going with the dashing young Selwyn?”

 

“Oh, you know,” Lettice answers, shrugging her shoulders. “Fits and starts.”

 

“You know,” Lally says kindly. “If the love isn’t there, you shouldn’t try and force it, no matter what Mamma says or wants. I’ve given her several grandchildren, and no doubt Leslie and Bella will add to the brood in no short amount of time.”

 

“Oh it isn’t that.” Lettice assures her sister. “Selwyn and I are very fond of one another.”

 

“There peals the chime of an unfinished thought.” Lally remarks knowledgably.

 

“A teddy!” squeals Anabelle shrilly in sheer delight, breaking the conversation between the two Chetwynd sisters.

 

Tearing aside the shiny gold paper the Harrod’s toy department Christmas wrappers had so carefully stuck around the soft caramel coloured bear, Arabella pulls out the large, floppy limbed toy and holds him up, scrutinising his smiling embroidered face and shiny amber glass eyes, before enveloping him in the embrace of her chubby arms and planting loving kisses on his cheeks and stitched mouth.

 

“Oh! What a grand choice, darling!” Lally approves. “You will be the favourite with both my angels today.”

 

“Oh what a lovely gift, Lettice,” Charles remarks from his armchair where he cradles a glass of port. Looking at his daughter cuddling the stuffed bear almost as big as herself he says, “What do you say to Auntie Tice?”

 

“Thank you Auntie Tice!” Annabelle says.

 

“You’re welcome darling! Merry Christmas!”

 

“I‘m sure Auntie Tice deserves a cuddle for such a splendid gift, Belle.” her mother adds.

 

“A perfect choice. I don’t know how you do it.” Charles remarks as Lettice is enveloped by her niece who gives her a big hug.

 

“It helps when you live around the corner from Harrods, Charles darling.” Lally remarks, looking to her husband. “Then you don’t have to rely on the Army and Navy Stores** catalogue.”

 

“My mother did perfectly well for Christmases for us out of the Army and Navy Stores catalogue when we lived in India!” Charles defends his choice of present sourcing.

 

“But we don’t live in India,” Lally laughs. “We live in Buckinghamshire, which is far more civilised, and within reach of London by rail. And anyway, nothing the children actually wanted was in that wretched old fashioned catalogue.” Turning back to her sister she continues. “And I’m very grateful for all your help, Tice, organising my requests for Christmas gifts for the children.”

 

“It’s my pleasure.”

 

“Ho! Ho! Ho!” says the Viscount. “Who’s next?” He delves into the slowly diminishing pile of gifts beneath the tree. “Oh! It’s for Grandmamma from Grandpappa!” he says jovially as he passes over a small square gift wrapped in red paper tied with an ornate cascade of white ribbons to his wife.

 

“Oh Cosmo!” Lady Sadie gasps, her face flushing with embarrassment at suddenly being the centre of attention as she gratefully accepts his gift from his extended hand.

 

“Merry Christmas my dear.” the Viscount replies kindly, giving her a discreet wink, which causes her to blush even more.

 

“Oh Cosmo! It’s beautiful!” Lady Sadie gasps as she removes an eye catching diamond spray brooch from a blue velvet lined box within the wrapping.

 

“Oh Mamma!” Lally exclaims admiringly.

 

“Oh, put it on Mamma!” Lettice adds enthusiastically.

 

“I… I don’t think I can. My hands are shaking too much.” her mother replies. “I’ll be all thumbs.”

 

“You put it on her then, Tice,” Lally prods her sister. “You’re always better at sort of thing than me. You have the right eye for how things look.”

 

Lettice gets up and crosses the thick old floral carpet, dropping to her knees before her mother, the russet coloured silk georgette of her day gown pooling about her. She takes the expensive bauble from her mother’s trembling hand and looks closely at it. Sparkling diamonds in platinum settings wink and glint in the drawing room chandelier’s light. She notices that the design is of pretty asters with elegant stems and leaves shaped in gold. “What a treasure Mamma!”

 

“Oh Cosmo!” Lady Sadie puts her fingers to her trembling lips as tears of delight create a sheen across her eyes.

 

“You never cease to be full of surprises, Pappa.” Lettice remarks as she unhooks the c-clasp on the back of the brooch and considers the floral pattern of her mother’s frock.

 

“So that’s why you had to go up to London that day last month.” Leslie remarks. “You old devil! Banking matters my foot! More like Asprey’s*** I’d say! What cheek! Leaving me to fend for myself, whilst you run off and get something for your lady love!”

 

“And you did admirably in my absence, my boy.” the Viscount replies proudly. “You’ll be taking over the estate sooner rather than later, and then you’ll need to always have your wits about you.”

 

“There!” Lettice says with a satisfied sigh, sitting back and admiring the sparking jewelled brooch now affixed safely to her mother’s left bosom. “Go and look in the mirror, Mamma!”

 

“Should I?” Lady Sadie gathers up her skirts after receiving an encouraging nod from her daughter, and with the soft rustle of silk she glides across the room full of joy and delight where she admires her new piece of jewellery in one of the gilt framed Palladian style pier mirrors on the wall.

 

“Come on Pappa,” Lally commands. “There are still plenty of gifts beneath the tree. Hopefully,” She looks to her husband. “There might even be one for me by the time you’re through.”

 

Charles merely smiles enigmatically in reply, but says nothing.

 

“Oh!” the Viscount announces grandly. “This is for Lettice,” He pauses for effect. “From me!” He chuckles and hands the large square parcel wrapped in pretty holly sprig patterned paper topped with an ornate red satin bow to his youngest child.

 

Lettice hands her champagne flute to her sister again. “Thanks awfully Pappa.” she replies, her voice thick with emotion as she accepts the gift from her father.

 

“Merry Christmas darling girl.”

 

She places it on her lap and runs her hands reverently around the parcel’s edges and momentarily toys with the bow.

 

“Well don’t just look at it, Lettice,” Charles cajoles from his chair. “Open it up!”

 

“That’s not Tice’s way.” his wife replies. “Not only is she the most observant of us all, she is also the one who perhaps appreciates her gifts the most.”

 

“We’d have torn all our presents free of their paper long before Tice had even opened half of hers.” Leslie adds.

 

“Rip it open! Rip it open!” squeals Annabelle excitedly, jumping up and down with exuberance.

 

“Belle!” Lally gasps. “Don’t scream and jump up and down like that. It’s most unladylike!” She shakes her head admonishingly. “Grandmamma will think we live in a zoo with you behaving like a screaming monkey.” She quickly adds before her mother can quip about the fact that she does think that or something else disparaging, “This is Auntie Tice’s gift. She can open it how she sees fit.” She eyes her young daughter. “I know you’re anxious to open your next gift, but you must be patient.”

 

“What do you think it is, Auntie Tice?” Harrold asks, peering with mild interest at the gift in her lap as he sits at her feet.

 

“Well,” Lettice lifts the present and inspects it closely as she turns it over in her hands. “It’s very heavy, so it must be that crystal chandelier that I want for my drawing room in London.” She gives her nephew a conspiratorial smile and screws up her nose in amusement as he chuckles at her absurd guess.

 

“A chandelier!” giggles Annabelle as childish peals of laughter burst forth from her upturned mouth. “It can’t be Auntie Tice! It’s too small.”

 

Lettice considers the parcel again. Looking directly at her niece, she replies, “You’re absolutely right, Annabelle darling! Of course, it’s far too small to be a chandelier. How clever you are. Silly Auntie Tice!”

 

Annabelle smiles proudly at her aunt’s admission that she is right, raising a finger coyly to her mouth.

 

“Oh, just open it, Tice!” Lally finally gasps in amused and intrigued exasperation. “Or I’ll do it for you. Don’t be a frightful tease, darling!”

 

Carefully removing the red satin bow, she runs her fingers under the lip of expertly wrapped paper, severing the tape with her well manicured nail like a letter opener. With a rustling sigh, the paper falls away, revealing a beautiful lapis lazuli blue leather book, decorated with ornate gilded tooling.

 

“Oh Pappa!” she gasps, taking the book out of its bed of paper, which Lally quickly whisks off Lettice’s lap and onto the floor where it joins the other tattered remnants of Christmas wrapping. “How lovely. Egyptomania…” she reads musingly as she run her hands over the title picked out in a striking red, made even more so by the deep blue and rich golds of the binding surrounding it. “Is this from Mahew’s****?”

 

“Where else my girl?” the Viscount settles back in his seat comfortably, a satisfied look on his face. “See Leslie. It wasn’t just a visit to Asprey’s I took in whilst I was up in London.”

 

“Which also explains why you didn’t visit me whilst you were there, Pappa.” Lettice realises.

 

Pointing at the book, the Viscount continues, “I remember your Great Grandfather Chetwynd talking about the Egyptomania***** that gripped the world after that Frenchman first deciphered hieroglyphs using the Rosetta stone. The illustrations in that book will put you in good stead for the next wave of Egyptomania coming. Everyone is going to want an Egyptian style drawing room.”

 

“Do you really think this renewed interest in Egyptian style will carry on past Christmas, Pappa?” Lally asks. “It’s just a passing phase, surely.”

 

“There hasn’t been a discovery like the boy king’s tomb****** in living memory, Lally. This ‘phase’, as you put it, will be a mania that will last. A symbol of the 1920s. You mark my words.” He taps his nose knowingly.

 

“That’s so thoughtful of you, Cosmo.” Eglantine says standing behind Sadie’s chair, taking a long drag on the Sobranie Black Russian******* through her amber and gold cigarette holder. Blowing out a plume of acrid, yet at the same time exotic, blue smoke, she adds. “A book like that will help Lettice keep ahead of the fashionable trends in design.”

 

“Don’t encourage her, Eglantine!” hisses Lady Sadie, flapping her hands as much in an effort to silence her bohemian sister-in-law as to drive away the cloying cigarette smoke enveloping her. “You’re as bad as Cosmo!” She shoots an accusing look over her shoulder at her husband, but he is too absorbed watching his youngest daughter’s rapturous enjoyment of his gift to notice her annoyance. “All this interior design nonsense.”

 

“Why shouldn’t I, Sadie?” Eglantine replies, folding her arms defiantly across the metallic thread embroidery of the bodice of her elegant reformist Paul Poiret******** gown. Staring the seated matron down with a steely and haughty look, she adds, ‘Someone must support the talent of your daughter, since you are obviously too blinkered to nurture it. Cosmo and I can champion her cause since you refuse to.” She smiles over to her older brother in his seat, still looking at his daughter. Turning her gaze to her niece she adds, “She is my favourite nice, after all.”

 

“I’m sure you say that about all our female cousins, Aunt Egg.” Lally laughs.

 

“And I keep telling you and your sister that you are all my favourites, Lally. However,” She lifts the long opera length strand of creamy white pearls between the fingers of her elegant left hand and toys with them thoughtfully. “You will never know until after I’m gone.” She laughs raspily. “For then the truth will be exposed through the disbursement of my jewels. To my favourite, or favourites, go the spoils!”

 

Lost in the beautifully engraved and hand coloured illustrations from the old Victorian volume, Lettice allows the conversation to wash over her, unaware that it centres around her.

 

“I wouldn’t wonder that Lettice is your favourite, since you are both such awful teases!” Lally laughs good naturedly. “Here Tice. Take your glass back darling. Pappa has more presents to dispense.”

 

“Before I do,” the Viscount clears his throat as he stands and starts walking across to the gilded table in the centre of the carpet upon which stand two bottles of champagne in wine coolers. “I should like to make a toast.”

 

He takes up the open bottle of champagne and proceeds to top up all the adults’ glasses, except for Charles who continues to nurse his brandy.

 

“What is your toast, Pappa?” asks Leslie as he and Arabella join the others in standing.

 

“To a very merry Christmas, one and all!” he replies, raising his glass.

 

“Merry Christmas!” everyone else replies enthusiastically, charging their glasses.

 

*Jeanne Lanvin (1867 – 1946) was a French haute couture fashion designer. She founded the Lanvin fashion house and the beauty and perfume company Lanvin Parfums. She became an apprentice milliner at Madame Félix in Paris at the age of 16 and trained with Suzanne Talbot and Caroline Montagne Roux before becoming a milliner on the rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in 1889. In 1909, Jeanne joined the Syndicat de la Couture, which marked her formal status as a couturière. The clothing she made for her daughter began to attract the attention of a number of wealthy people who requested copies for their own children. Soon, Jeanne was making dresses for their mothers, and some of the most famous names in Europe were included in the clientele of her new boutique on the rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. By 1922 when this story is set, she had just opened her first shop devoted to home décor, menswear, furs and lingerie. Her gowns were always very feminine and romantic.

 

**Army and Navy Stores was a department store group in the United Kingdom, which originated as a co-operative society for military officers and their families during the nineteenth century. The society became a limited liability company in the 1930s and purchased a number of independent department stores during the 1950s and 1960s. In 1973 the Army and Navy Stores group was acquired by House of Fraser. In 2005 the remaining Army & Navy stores (the flagship store located on Victoria Street in London and stores in Camberley, and Chichester) were refurbished and re-branded under the House of Fraser nameplate. House of Fraser itself was acquired by Icelandic investment company, Baugur Group, in late 2006, and then by Sports Direct on the 10 August 2018.

 

***Founded in 1781 as a silk printing business by William Asprey, Asprey soon became a luxury emporium. In 1847 the business moved to their present premises at 167 Bond Street, where they advertised 'articles of exclusive design and high quality, whether for personal adornment or personal accompaniment and to endow with richness and beauty the table and homes of people of refinement and discernment’. In 1862 Asprey received a Royal Warrant from Queen Victoria. They received a second Royal Warrant from the Future Edward VII in 1889. Asprey has a tradition of producing jewellery inspired by the blooms found in English gardens and Woodland Flora. Over the decades jewelled interpretations of flowers have evolved to include Daisy, Woodland and sunflower collections. They have their own special cut of diamond and produce leather goods, silver and gold pieces, trophies and leatherbound books, both old and new. They also produce accessories for playing polo. In 1997, Asprey produced the Heart of the Ocean necklace worn in the motion picture blockbuster, ‘Titanic’

 

****A. H. Mayhew was once one of many bookshops located in London’s Charring Cross Road, an area still famous today for its bookshops, perhaps most famously written about by American authoress Helene Hanff who wrote ’84, Charing Cross Road’, which later became a play and then a 1987 film starring Anne Bancroft and Anthony Hopkins. Number 56. Charing Cross Road was the home of Mayhew’s second-hand and rare bookshop. Closed after the war, their premises is now the home of Any Amount of Books bookshop.

 

*****Egyptomania refers to a period of renewed interest in the culture of ancient Egypt sparked by Napoleon's Egyptian Campaign in the 19th century. Napoleon was accompanied by many scientists and scholars during this Campaign, which led to a large interest after the documentation of ancient monuments in Egypt. The ancient remains had never been so thoroughly documented before and so the interest in ancient Egypt increased significantly. Jean-François Champollion deciphered the ancient hieroglyphs in 1822 by using the Rosetta Stone that was recovered by French troops in 1799 which began the study of scientific Egyptology.

 

******On the 4th of November 1922, English archaeologist Howard Carter and his men discovered the entrance to the boy king, Pharaoh Tutankhamun's tomb in the Valley of the Kings, sparking a worldwide interest in all things Egyptian. The craze he started became known as Tutmania, and it inspired everything from the architecture of public building and private houses alike to interior design and fashion. Famously at the time, socialite Dolores Denis Denison applied one of the earliest examples of getting the media of the day to pay attention to her because of her dress by arriving at the prestigious private view of the King Tut Exhibition in London, dressed as an Egyptian mummy complete in a golden sarcophagus and had to be carried inside by her driver and a hired man. Although it started before the discovery of the tomb, the Art Deco movement was greatly influenced by Egyptian style. Many of the iconic decorative symbols we associate with the movement today came about because of Howard Carter’s discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb in the Valley of the Kings.

 

*******The Balkan Sobranie tobacco business was established in London in 1879 by Albert Weinberg (born in Romania in 1849), whose naturalisation papers dated 1886 confirm his nationality and show that he had emigrated to England in the 1870s at a time when hand-made cigarettes in the eastern European and Russian tradition were becoming fashionable in Europe. Sobranie is one of the oldest cigarette brands in the world. Throughout its existence, Sobranie was marketed as the definition of luxury in the tobacco industry, being adopted as the official provider of many European royal houses and elites around the world including the Imperial Court of Russia and the royal courts of United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, Spain, Romania, and Greece. Premium brands include the multi-coloured Sobranie Cocktail and the black and gold Sobranie Black Russian.

 

********Paul Poiret was a French fashion designer and a master couturier during the first two decades of the Twentieth century. He was the founder of his namesake haute couture house. In 1911, he introduced "Parfums de Rosine," named after his daughter, becoming the first French couturier to launch a signature fragrance. Poiret's designs were groundbreaking and reformist for the time, and were sought after by fashionable avant garde women of society. He was the first designer to introduce trousers for women, producing harem pants in 1910. However, he was also responsible for the ‘hobble skirt’ which restricted women’s movements to a mere hobble (as the name suggests) by restricting movement of the ankles with the use of an exceedingly narrow hem. Despite his incredible vision, Poiret did not see the change of fashion that came after the Great War, being on the brink of bankruptcy by 1919 thanks to simple sleek designs of new Couturiers like Coco Chanel which he refused to adopt. In 1922, he was invited to New York to design costumes and dresses for Broadway stars, yet he hated America and returned to Paris within the year. In 1929, his fashion house was closed, its leftover stock sold by the kilogram as rags.

 

This fun Christmas tableau full of festive presents and wrapping may not appear to be all you think it is as first, for it is made up of pieces out of my miniatures collection.

 

Fun things to look for in this tableau include:

 

The Chetwynd Christmas tree, beautifully decorated with garlands, tinsel, bows and golden baubles is a 1:12 artisan piece. It was hand made by husband and wife artistic team Margie and Mike Balough who own Serendipity Miniatures in Newcomerstown, Ohio. Margie and Mike Balough also made all the beautifully wrapped Christmas gifts gathered around its base.

 

The beautiful teddy bear with his sweet, if slightly melancholic, face, the box of lead soldiers and knights jousting all come from Kathleen Knight’s Doll House Shop in the United Kingdom. The lead cavalry and knights have been painstakingly painted by hand with incredible detail and attention paid to their livery.

 

The discarded blue and gold Christmas wrapping on the carpet of the drawing room are in reality foil wrappers from miniature Haigh’s Chocolate Easter Eggs.

 

The gilt salon chair is made by the high-end miniature furniture maker, Bespaq, but what is particularly special about it is that it has been covered in antique Austrian floral micro petite point by V.H. Miniatures in the United Kingdom, which makes this a one-of-a-kind piece. The artisan who made this says that as one of her hobbies, she enjoys visiting old National Trust Houses in the hope of getting some inspiration to help her create new and exciting miniatures. She saw some beautiful petit point chairs a few years ago in one of the big houses in Derbyshire and then found exquisitely detailed petit point that was fine enough for 1:12 scale projects.

 

The three piece Louis XV suite of settee and two armchairs was made by the high-end miniature furniture maker, JBM.

 

The Persian rug on the floor has been woven by Pike, Pike and Company in the United Kingdom.

A Curious Vigilance p1

Grammarly another role play story idea

 

A Curious Vigilance

Part One of Two

 

A Watchman Cometh

  

“If you can’t take the heat, don’t be tickling dragons !”

 

Acte 1

 

Ginny and I had, several weeks ago, received invitations to a fellow student's upscale, formal evening wedding.

 

Since we both love to get dressed up, it was a no-brainer to accept. Even though we really weren’t players in her circle.

 

Probably just wanted the gifts. The git.

 

So I borrowed my twin brothers antique roadster, drove up the road a short way, and picked up Ginny.

 

As she walked up to the car I couldn’t help but think how we both were dressed for the kill.

 

I had on my smart purple silk dress with the long pleated slinky knee-length skirt and spaghetti straps. The dress came with a cuffed long-sleeved, waist-length, black satin jacket with rhinestone buttons.

 

I had put in a diamond pin on one side of the jacket. It was in the shape of a bursting star, giving off a pleasing shimmer.

 

My other jewels consisted of my silver v shaped necklace. The v was set with small round rhinestones with 3 kite shaped sapphires set hanging down the center of the V. I also had in the necklaces’s matching semi-long earrings. Also worn was my diamond tennis bracelet on my right wrist, while gracing my left was a wide rhinestone bracelet. One ring, diamonds surrounding a gold rose(my best ring) gracing the ring finger on my left hand, completed the look.

 

Ginny?

Well, our Ginny girl was smashing.

 

She had poured her lithe figure into the sleek satin high shoulder sleeve sheath dress she had bought to wear in a play she acted in last spring. It was midnight black with a brite lime green inner lining and tight lime green Lycra pants. The only decoration on the elegant dress was a glittery silver rhinestone Dragon, with green slanted eyes and a red fiery tongue. It was embroidered crawling up one side of the dress, grasping claws reaching around up towards her bosom.

 

“Naughty Dragon.”

 

Ginny had green mascara above her eyes, around which she drew lines of black mascara to give them a slanted look. The whole effect looked a lot like Shirley Jackson did in the Michael Caine movie Gambit. Right up to the solid gold headpiece in Gunny’s reddish hair.

 

Ginny also had in her emerald drop earrings, along with her wide emerald bracelet loosely dangling along an otherwise bare left wrist, and a fancy emerald cocktail ring flashing from the pinkie on her left hand.

 

But it was her necklace that stole the show.

 

The opulently handsome necklace was the estate auction won, long pendant that had neatly set her back a month's wages. We both had opened bids on it at the same time, with me immediately backing off so she would win it.

 

It was a very shimmery piece of jewellery, with its long rhinestone encrusted chain hanging past her breasts, ending with a dangling pendant which held a birds egg size synthetic oval-shaped emerald, surrounded by long rhinestone fringes that resembled the silver beard of the dragon on her dress.

 

It was a very striking effect, especially when it stopped swaying and hung straight down, appearing just out of reach from the grasping front rhinestone claw of the gem greedy dragon.

 

^^^^^^^^

 

The church and reception hall was only about a 60-minute drive away green m our village.

 

We arrived in the city where it was located early and stopped at a pub for a glass of wine, which we drank outside at a garden table.

 

We then left, arriving at the church with plenty of time to walk around and soak in the surroundings.

 

Acte 2

 

The wedding Proper was pretty normal, with the usual pomp, circumstance, and rigid schedule only the upper class seem to achieve with nothing atoll coming close to being original and new.

 

The reception was more of the same. Ginny, per normal, snagged more time on the dance floor than me. Though I was

by no means being ignored. The bar was free, so we made good use of that.

 

By around 7:30 we were a pair of happily well-fed, well-partied, and well-liquored-up young ladies.

 

The reception for the most part was the usual fun and the usual routine flow that goes on at such affairs.

 

There was only one incident of note, well actually I guess, two, that have a bearing on my story.

 

The first was this:

 

A young girl was wearing what must have been a previously worn, hideously yellow, satin bridesmaid gown. She also was wearing a nice set of real diamonds. Ginny was really impressed with the jewelry she was wearing. As the party went, and the more we drank, the more Ginny prattled on over different ways someone could try lifting some of those diamonds from the lady.

 

Sensing there may be trouble soon brewing, I was getting tired of holding Ginny back from her obsession, that I suggested we should be heading out.

 

Then I was asked to dance, and lost track of her. When I found her, she was chatting up the lady in yellow satin and diamonds. The lady was holding up Ginny’s shimmery pendant, and I saw that Ginny had a hand placed lightly on the lady’s wrist, next to her diamond bracelet

 

Telling myself:

“Enough of that missy!”

I went up and pried Ginny away.

 

“Don’t be tickling that Dragon, even if you were thinking of doing it as a prank.”

I scolded.

 

My twin brother is always saying “If you are not prepared to take the heat, don’t tickle a dragon!” In other words, don’t invite trouble if you are not sure you would welcome the outcome.

 

I started suggesting to her we might be heading home soon.

 

“Stop at our pub(The Poet & Peasant),” I suggested.

 

Ginny said we should do one better…

 

We could stop at the old cemetery where we liked to role-play various games of both pickpockets, and jewel thievery. Sometimes combining the two. There she could nick my jewels to her heart’s content.

 

I admitted that sounded promising.

 

Then came the second incident on the heels of her suggestion.

 

Ginny said pleasantly, if we’re not doing the pub, then we should take something to drink with us. That way we don’t need a pub.

 

Suspiciously, I asked my grinning childhood friend.

“What’s you on about? “

 

“I mean Cade, nick a bottle while I distract the bartender. He’s working over there alone for a few minutes.”

 

I sighed, but it may be fun, so game on….

 

We pulled it off. It was far easier than it should have been.

 

As Ginny flirted with the young man tending the open bar, so I kept moving till his back was to me, and I ended up sitting on the far end.

 

I took a deep breath, scurried around and grabbed a bottle from the supply bin on the floor, and walked straight out the nearest exit.

 

I circled around the building to the lot and found Ginny at the roadster waiting.

 

She had placed her black beaded purse, opened, on the bonnet of the car and was bending over to put lipstick on using the car's outside mirror.

 

“What did you snag luv?”

 

Breathless, I looked at the bottle for the first time. It was a bottle of Penderyn.

 

Slightly disappointed, I would have preferred wine over a single malt. But it would do.

 

Meanwhile, I was standing between Ginny and the roadsters’ bonnet.

 

I handed the bottle to her, and as she looked I reached out behind me and dipping my fingers into her purse pulled out her wallet.

 

Holding it behind, suppressing a desire to laugh, I circled around to the right side and got into the driver's seat.

 

Ginny put her lipstick inside her purse and snapped it close with one hand still holding the bottle. Then picking up the purse and got inside the passenger’s seat.

 

She never noticed her wallet was gone, and by then I had it inside my own purse.

 

Still totally clueless, Ginny asked as we drove away :

 

“Do you think we should include your brother in with us?”

 

I said he was practicing darts with Brian(my boyfriend) and their friend, teammate, and one of our fellow players, Derrick.

 

Ginny giggled, hoisting up the bottle.

“More for us then.”

 

Acte 3

 

We arrived at the cemetery with plenty of light left in the evening. Parking in the open lot, we made our way past the open wrought iron gates.

 

The almost 40 Hectares square-shaped cemetery is no longer in use, its main gates are permanently opened to the public, but besides us, only very few ever visit it. Judging by the dates on the gravestones, the last burial was not too long after the Victorian age officially ended. No way of truly establishing when its first burial was.

 

It lays along a lane called Abbots Chase.

 

Where a highwayman by the name of Craig Abbot used to roam several hundred years ago. It is said he is buried here in this very cemetery. Though most of the old stones are so blackened the names are not legible.

 

My dad is a direct descendant of Craig Abbot, and much to the chagrin of my mum’s Irish catholic family, my twin brother was named after him. Destiny?

 

The other end off Abbots Chase lane, west of the cemetery goes past the large old manor house some 5 kilometers away from the cemetery. The manor is now a private men’s seminary college.

 

^^^^^^^^^^^

 

We hung out at the cemetery and its interior, and surrounding woods, as kids, walking the 2 Kilometers along from the east end of the lane, where the local village was.

 

Both Ginny and I grew up in houses located on the opposite side of the village.

 

We use this private cemetery for our role-playing game adventures. We had the run of the area. Not only because of its solitude, and lack of visitors, but also because there were no roads in it. Only narrow overgrown horse-drawn cart paths. And a few cobblestone footpaths. Both of which are blocked by fallen gravestones.

 

The games have evolved. But they mostly are based on pickpocketing and other forms of thievery. Mainly related to lifting or the nicking of jewels that the one portraying the victim is wearing. We take turns being one or the other.

 

Originally there were just the 3 of us, Ginny, my twin brother, and myself. We would bring various costumes, play jewelry, and other various items. Backpacking them in from our homes.

 

We have since added four more “players” to our group, though only a few times have we all met here in force.

 

There are also times as we grew older that we have stopped to play after being somewhere dressed up. The motivation can be anything from too much to drink, or something that evening triggered the idea.

 

Like tonight, with Ginny taking a fancy to a young lady’s diamonds.

  

Acte 4

 

Ginny and I entered through the main gate and walked the 75 meters up to the marble pagoda sitting on a small hill.

 

In years long past, this pagoda would have served as the last service area for the deceased being buried here.

 

There is a set of steps leading up to the platform which is eye level. On the ground, flanking the steps are a pair of long marble benches. With old wrought iron ones scattered about surrounding the octagonal platform.

 

As per normal, no sign that anyone had been here in a while. Though we did have a bit of a jump when a fox ran out from underneath the pagoda, giving us the evil green eye before slipping off into some tall grass.

 

I had brought a blanket which we laid on the stairs. We put down our purses on one of the marble benches.

 

Sitting on the stairs, Ginny opened the bottle and took a small sip. Followed by a bigger one.

 

“Whew, that burns going down.”

She exclaimed passing it to me.

 

It smelled strong.

“Should have brought some water to cut it.”

I said taking a hit, feeling it burn warmly.

 

We each took several more sips before getting down to business.

 

I place a hand on Ginny’s arm, looking her in the eyes.

 

She starts to giggle. As do I also, both of us falling into each other’s arms, hugging as our figures are being racked by our uncontrollable laughter.

 

Meanwhile, I was busy. My hand running down her arm, I reached her her emerald bracelet and nimbly opened the clasp, easily pulling it off and cuffing it in my fist, moving that hand to her backside, using it to hold her quivering figure close.

 

Finally, we broke away, settling down. As I stroked her sleek backside with my hand, I say:

“Ok lass, are you ready to lift some of my diamonds?”

 

Taking a belt from the bottle ( it was not a sip, nor a gulp, somewhere in between)

Ginny nodded her head, earrings sparkling with intensity, like the look in her eyes just before she said:

 

“Let’s dance.”

  

Acte 5

 

I went over and pulled the cell from my purse, seeing a text from my brother asking if:

“Us girls were having fun?”

 

I sent one back:

“Smashing fun, wish you could be here, now I have to go and see a lady about doing a lift on some jewels she is wearing…”

 

That should make him stop in his tracks and ponder. I would imagine his own game now being off all of a sudden.

 

Giggling mischievously, I laid the cell in front of my purse on the marble seat, I selected “And we danced” by the Hooters.

 

Ginny was already on the platform, strutting her stuff. I went to the stairs, grabbed the bottle, took a swig, and ran up to join her.

 

She bumped into me with her hip, then went behind me, her hands running along my figure, then pulling me against her she ran her hands down along the satin sleeve of my jacket. I only felt it because I knew it was coming. After all, as her hand slipped along my wrist, she expertly whisked off my diamond bracelet.

 

I pushed her away using my hinney, then turned and began dancing close to her, wriggling up against and away from her figure. Her eyes had been opened quite wide, from the thrill of the bracelet lift, but she closed them as I rubbed my figure up along hers.

 

I had been eyeing her dazzling dripping jeweled pendant. My arms went up behind her back. Pulling down the clasp I unhooked it and reaching my hands up, pulled it away from her gown’s rhinestone dragon’s clutches

 

I had it pocketed before she reopened her eyes.

 

The music ended, and arm in arm we went back to the stairs, passing the bottle to each other.

 

We were becoming quite happily intoxicated by now, giggling at everything.

  

Acte 6

 

Ginny sets down the bottle, then stares at her bare wrist.

“I don’t suppose this bracelet fell off on its own?”

 

I chuckled, looking at where her necklace should have been dangling, picking up the bottle.

“No, it had a bit of help, I felt inside my pocket and pulled it out, replacing it as Ginny held up the bottle and asked:

 

“Another round?”

 

We both took several swigs before I decided it was time to have a bit more role play.

 

I place a hand on Ginny’s chest...

“Give me a lead luv…”

 

Ginny thinks a minute, long enough for us to take another swig each from the fast becoming 3/4 full bottle.

 

Looking me over, she tells me.

“Take a walk..”

I stand (maybe a little wobbly), and manage to do so, taking the path around the pagoda.

 

She comes up behind me, putting her hands over my eyes.

 

“Guess who Abigail?”

 

I answered...

I’m not Abigail?”

 

The voice behind me, as the hands are lifted from my eyes and reach down to my chest..”

 

“I’m so sorry, of course, your not, my bad.”

 

I turn around to face Ginny…

 

Placing a hand on my chest( lifting off my broach from the lapel of the jacket) Ginny says:

 

“I’m so sorry, I can’t believe I made a mistake like that. “

 

I feel her placing the broach in my pocket, as I say(thinking that counted as two lifts)

“That’s ok luv, we all make mistakes.’

 

Quite pleased with herself Ginny went back to the steps.

 

She thought I was following as she talked to me.

 

I did not, rather I hid in the bushes and watched her.

 

Ginny picked up the bottle and took a swig, handing it to me…

 

It was then she realized I wasn’t there.

 

“Where are you, you silly ninny?”

She called out, then began to walk back the way she had come.

 

I jump out of the bushes behind her my hand in the satin jacket's pocket( I can feel the cold necklace inside. I point my fingers In the pocket like I am ‘ packing heat’.

 

Prodding my finger in her back I say

“Stick 'em up, pretty lady!”

 

Ginny giggles,

 

“Speaking of sticks. Is that one or are you just happy to see me?

 

“Funny lady, now turn around. “

 

She did and gave a fake gasp, hand to her mouth, ring sparkly.

 

“There you go, now be a good Lass and hand over those jewels around your wrist and finger. ”

 

She lifted her wrist and undid the bracelet, then slips off her ring. As she hands them to me:

 

“My this bracelet is popular with thieves this evening.”

 

She then pulls out her gold hairpiece, shaking down her hair as I take it:

“Here thief. The thing was starting to pull on my hair and bothering me anyways.”

 

I smirk:

“Thanks, lady !”

 

We both have a laugh over this latest sequence of events, while I give her back the bracelet and ring.

 

I lead her, as her laughing satin clad figure leans into me, over to the steps.

 

But as we approach, Ginny stops and grabs my arm, her, heavily mascara’d eyes suddenly bugging out, placing a hand to her mouth, she really Gasped.

 

“Cade,Look, over by the gate!”

 

I did, feeling the hairs on my scalp rise by what I saw!

 

To be Continued…

 

To be Continued…

Here's Chapter 1 of my 'Rise of the Empire' Expanded Universe story-driven series! Let me know what you all think of the build and the idea. Depending on how this goes over, expect to see some more in the future! ;D

 

(Tagged some people who might be interested)

 

/start/

 

“Incoming!”

 

A thermal detonator flew over our heads and exploded behind us, sending bodies flying. I activated my lightsaber, a bright blue beam emitting from the hilt with a low hum.

 

“Let’s show these Imperial dogs what we’re made of! Charge!” I bellowed, leading the rebel militia out of the woods and towards the Imperial garrison.

 

I vaulted over a fallen tree and ran towards the garrison, deflecting blaster bolts back at the stormtroopers who were firing at me. Closing the gap between myself and the Imperials, I leapt into the air. I channeled the Force, and landed on the ground, punching it, sending out a shockwave tossing the nearby troops into the air. I threw my lightsaber to the left, the blade arcing across three of them as they stood back up, before I caught it and thrust it into another, the beam piercing his chest and exiting out of his back.

 

The rebels came charging past me, heading into the base. As I dealt with the remainder of the Imperials outside of the base, I could hear screams and blaster fire coming from inside. The comlink on my wrist chirped as I deactivated my lightsaber.

 

“Sir, you’re needed inside,” said the voice on the other end.

 

“Alright, I’m on my way.”

 

When I got to the lower levels of the base, I found a group of Imperial officers held at gunpoint by the rebels.

 

“These ones said they had some information that you’d want hear.”

 

“Thank you Captain, I’ll take it from here.”

 

Captain Daagh led his men from the room, posting two of them at the door.

 

I sat on the ground with my legs crossed, opposite from the officers, who were sat on the ground with their hands and feet bound.

 

“I hear you have some information to share?”

 

All but one of them avoided my gaze.

 

“It’s about the Sith in the woods!” He spoke quickly. “We found out where he was, and High Command allocated us more troops to go and kill the pretender. You blasted traitors stopped us from doing that!”

 

“Wait, more troops are being sent here?”

 

Before he could answer, an explosion shook the base. My comlink crackled to life.

 

“They’re all over the place! We have to get out of here now!”

 

“Hold on Daagh, I’m coming!”

 

I shouted at the two guards as I ran past them.

 

“If they get down here, kill them!”

 

When the lift reached the ground floor, the inside of the garrison was alight with a firefight. Daagh sprinted up to me, firing his blaster behind him as he ran.

 

“There’s a back way out of here, but without a distraction we won’t be able to make it!”

 

I unhooked my lightsaber from my belt and activated it.

 

“Run. I’ll see you back at the base.”

 

“May the Force be with you, Maydar.”

 

I took off running towards the encroaching Imperial forces as Daagh led his men from the garrison. I jumped onto a crate and begun deflecting all the blaster fire directed at me, taking down many of Stormtroopers who were entering the hangar. I looked behind me and saw the last rebel escaping turn towards me.

 

“Look out!” he shouted.

 

As I turned back, an AT-ST fired right in front of me, the blast sending me flying across the room.

 

/end/

CN M33131 28 backs into Paris West with CN 5688 - BCOL 4650

An American in Gladstone

“Innocence abroad “

  

Acte 2

 

After leaving the New Year's Eve party, I had walked a couple of blocks east when I reached an open pub, a steady flow of people going in and out made for a perfect cover.

 

I stood in front so it looked like I had been inside, then hailed a passing cab.

 

I got inside and had the driver drop me off in front of a hotel two blocks from the one I was staying at. He drove off in a hurry so once the cab was out of view, I walked on to reach my actual hotel.

 

Once in my room, I emptied the loot acquired from the party, emptying my purse, and pockets. I hid the items securely in a suitcase. Except for the shimmering broach. Once I was able to stop admiring it, I put it inside my purse.

 

I sat on the bed, pulling off my fox head broach, pondering it as I thought about my next move.

 

Now on these types of schemes, once I learn where my potential victims are staying, if I had a choice, I prefer them to be staying at a hotel. Which they usually are in these types of affairs. The American couple I had met certainly would be.

 

Hotels are preferred, for I can take a cab, and stay dressed up like I am, in order to blend in to look like a returning guest. Then after I do the burgling, I can pass off as a leaving guest.

  

Once I’m in, I can easily nip into the rooms where my victims will be passed out by a combination of their drinking, and worries over items of value they had lost earlier( like in tonight’s case, a fur coat, money, and a diamond broach).

  

Passed out, my victim's remaining items of value will be easily found. Plus I would already know some of the items I’m looking for, having already seen them wearing said items at the party.

 

But for a house job, I like at least a week of surveillance, then employ my friend Emilee to help me do the job when the time is ripe.

 

Tonight if I elect to burgle the house, I will not have that luxury. If I sense anything wrong, then I’ll call it off quickly.

 

I realized as I had that last thought, my inner mind already decided for me to green-lite the attempt.

 

With a sigh, I tossed my gold broach into my small jewel case and finished packing.

 

Then I changed into my black spandex outfit, picked up my leather pouch already packed with my mask, gloves, and burgling tools, and headed down the staircase to the back parking lot where my lotus sportscar was waiting. I put the case Into the boot of my sports car and then headed back upstairs.

 

Gathering the rest of my things I put on the sable jacket, then headed downstairs and checked out of the hotel.

 

I went back outside and stowed my luggage into the back jump seat. Then hopped in and fired up the engine.

 

I slowly pulled out and took my time driving the 45 minutes down to the rich family’s home.

 

Finally reaching the street, I went down it looking at the houses that had been built along its length.

 

It definitely was a wealthy neighborhood, with the large houses spread out and isolated.

 

The rich family’s stone manor was the end house on the west side of the street.

 

Past it, the road curved up into a wooded park.

 

The park was deserted this New Year's night. I pulled into a side parking lot, got out, and walked cautiously back down the the road where the house I planned on breaking into was.

 

But before reaching that point, I discovered that I had missed an inconspicuous road-sized path that led to a rubbish pile.

 

I doubled back, got into my car, and backed it up the path, making it invisible from the road. It felt more comfortable than leaving it out at a public lot, no matter how deserted the park was.

 

Then I again left my Lotus and made my way to the house. I had taken off the sable, and exchanged it for my leather jacket. I did not put on my mask and gloves. Not yet.

 

Reaching that road I stayed on the inside edge of the woods and made my reconnoiter of the area.

 

The house definitely conveyed the wealth of the family who lived there. A small stone manor of about 8 bedrooms, and two wings, with at least six individual rooms on the first floor.

 

There was a long backyard with a 3-car stone garage in the far back. Two rooms above the garage denoted where the servants slept. Which meant the family would be alone in the house. And wealthy enough to have servants. This house may be worth another visit in a year or two.

 

It looked like a perfectly fine setup for a late-night prowl.

 

I cautiously reconnoitered a full circle of the house then made my way back to a vantage point where I could see the garage and a full back view of the house and a partial front street view.

 

Looking at my watch I noted it was now 12:10 am. I stretched, then settled in for the long wait.

 

^^^^^^^^^^

 

It was well after 1:00 when I saw headlights coming down the road. It was the first one I’d spied on since starting my vigil.

 

The auto, a long black limo, pulled into the driveway of the house I was watching.

 

Pulling up the opposite side of the house, in front judging by the headlights.

 

Keeping in the shadows I moved for a look. Thinking that the pretty family had not stayed long after the new year had been rung in.

 

Once in my new position, I saw that a chauffeur was d helping the family disembark.

 

After they went inside the chauffeur got back into the limo and drove the long car off, heading back down the road.

 

It had been a rental. A very welcome sign I felt. For the chauffeur had appeared to be a formidable type.

 

The lights first went on downstairs, then in a couple of rooms upstairs.

 

About 15 minutes later the downstairs lights went out. Then one of the lights went out upstairs. I figured a parent had been the last one downstairs and it was the master bedroom light that was put out as the parents went to bed.

 

The second room, the one I pegged as the daughters, stayed on for about a half hour later before being turned off.

 

I kept my lookout. By my watch, for 45 minutes. Nothing stirred inside.

 

I turned and slowly made my way to the spot I had hidden my auto. Reaching it I pulled my leather pouch out, donned a mask and gloves, and closed the boot.

 

I was now committed.

 

I carefully made my way back to where I had been watching the house. Then waited there for 15 more minutes, my pulse racing as I did.

 

I lectured myself:

“Just in and out luv. Hit only the two bedrooms. Jewelry and cash only. Be smart, not greedy Lass!”

 

Feeling like a horse from the gate, I finally moved from my hiding spot and staying in the shadows as much as possible, made my way to the side of the house.

 

The area I selected had a metal trellis, roses growing up its length, that reached just under one of the upstairs bedrooms, one of the ones that had not been lit up.

 

Testing the trellis I found it securely attached to the house. I began to climb

 

^^^^^^^^

I reached the window at the top and using a thin bar, popped open the up latch. Slowly raising up the window I peeked inside. In the dim lit I could clearly see an empty made-up bed.

 

Turned on my thin round torch and swept the room.

 

Just an empty guest room. Prim, proper, and not a speck of dust, so I presumed they kept in a maid. Hopefully one of the rooms above the garage is where she was.

 

On the soft treads of my shoes, I carefully negotiated myself across the room without hitting a creaking floorboard.

 

I carefully opened the door, then stepped out into the hallway. A flickering night light helped me see along its length.

 

I went to the room that I figured was the daughter's. The house was quiet. The floor with its’ heavy carpet betrayed no sounds.

 

Reaching the door I slowly opened it and looked inside. I could hear heavy snoring from a bed in the room’s centre.

 

I put on my torch and swept the area around the bed. The beam of my light illuminated something curious. It made me move the beam from it to the bed.

 

It was obvious what had been going on, from what I saw of the sleeping girl on the bed.

 

That the daughter, still in her gown, still wearing her diamonds, had been pleasuring herself to sleep.

 

Judging by how her luxurious gown was pulled up, panties on the floor lay next to an object that had pretty obviously fallen from her hand and rolled off the bed.

 

An object that certainly was not the thin, ribbed green stout rubber cucumber it resembled.

 

I giggled to myself, clamping my hand over my mouth to stifle it.

 

Then I let my torch beam get back to work.

 

The bottom drawer of the vanity next to her bed was ajar, an old skeleton key hanging from the keyhole

 

Was this where she kept her toys locked from prying eyes? Where other treasures hidden inside.

 

“Let’s see..”

 

I carefully knelt next to the naughty toy( though who am I to call a kettle black)

Then holding the torch in my mouth, bent over the drawer.

 

I opened it slowly then reaching in I happily discovered 3 cases. I carefully extracted them.

 

Opened the first and I was blinded by an array of gemmed ruby set silver jewellery. I slipped the case inside my pouch

 

The second case contained a single dazzling diamond bracelet. It matched the diamonds she wore out this evening. The ones she was still wearing. I let the bracelet slide out of the case into my pouch, then put it back inside the drawer.

 

The third case, a velvet-covered one slightly larger than the other two, had a collection of pearls: two necklaces(single and double strand), 2 sets of earrings, a bracelet, and a broach.

 

I happily stowed That away in my pouch.

 

Then I grabbed her small beaded purse from the tabletop as I turned to fade the bed.

 

Still avoiding the moist toy, I scooted over to the bed. She was dead to the world asleep. I eagerly eyeballed the diamonds she still wore.

 

I moved in.

 

Daringly I lightly caressed my fingers along her tinglingly lovely dark brown heavy satin dress that tightly outlined the sleeping rich girl’s figure, my fingers, though thinly gloved, relishing the softness of it all.

 

I watched her sleeping form as I did. My eyes were soaked in her flashy diamonds that were just beckoning me to lift from their unconscious mistress.

 

She had had her pleasured game, so now it was time for one of my own. Under my mask, I licked my red lips feeling a wicked deliciousness.

 

Going in for the dazzling necklace first.

 

I had no problem unhooking it, then carefully slipping it off from around her neck, like a coiling snake it came into my hand, then into my pocket.

 

Earrings next.

 

After I gently caressed out the second of her lovely earrings, she started murmuring

 

“Thank you, Alden, That feels lovely, mmm tickles. “

 

I could see her breasts becoming fuller, perking in her wet dreams with Alden.

 

Though still fully asleep, she moved her hands up and covered her breasts. Rings and bracelet, both flashing invitingly in the light of my torch.

 

Evilly I thought to myself as I reached for her fingers.

“Oh Alden, it would be a pleasure if you held my hand, oh yes please caress my fingers. Like my rings Alden, they are pretty. Pretty expensive.“

 

I carefully lifted each finger that held a sparkly ring and worked them off her still-sweaty fingers.

 

Then I slipped her diamond bracelet from around her wrist, and as I held it watching its wriggling sparkles, I let it caress her breast.

 

She moaned happily in her dreams.

 

^^^^^^

I had played around enough here.

 

I did not see a case for her day jewels, but I decided to forgo it to save time.

 

Especially with the way she was dreaming this chick may wake, desiring round two with her toy.

 

Anyhow, I had already plucked this fine chick of enough.

 

With events that were to occur a short time later, I would come not regret passing on spending extra time to search her room.

 

So I backed my way out carefully. She began to stir a little and I saw her hand again move, this time with a searching, semi-conscious motion, reaching down to between her legs.

 

I moved back in. With my gloved hand, I gingerly picked up the toy from the floor and placed it within reach between her legs.

 

“Time to go …”

 

I cut my light and slipped to the door, closing it silently behind me.

 

I turned to face the closed door at the end of the hall.

 

Now onto the next big prize.

 

^^^^^^

 

I crept down the hall and reached the door to the master bedroom and carefully opened it, then stuck my head around the corner.

 

Hearing a pair of loud guttering snores, I flicked on my torch.

 

By the thin beam of my torch, I could see a trail of the parent's discarded clothes leading to the satin-sheeted bed in the centre of the master suite.

 

The Parents were out cold upon it, the room smelling of booze, sweat, and stale sex.

 

So the daughter of the house wasn’t the only one having her desires met this evening. Maybe it’s a new years tradition in the family?

 

I went to the trail of clothes and locating the husband's pants I lifted his fat wallet. Placing it inside my pouch. In a side pocket of the pants, I came across a gold money clip with a healthy wad of cash. That too joined the wallet.

 

From the floor, I also lifted the mum’s designer purse and placed that inside my pouch.

 

I moved along the trail of expensive clothes, reaching the end.

 

It was as I approached the king-size bed with its satin sheets that my torch light caught a family photo.

 

I froze. And silently lectured myself under my breath...

“This is why girl you need to take care

 

For there were five in the family photo. To boys, much older than the daughter were hovering over the other 3 in the background.

“Where the bloody hell were they?”

 

Better make haste, no wasting time here.

 

I quickly went to work.

 

I then shown my light over the passed-out figures on the bed.

 

He was butt naked. His John Thomas looks like the head of a tortoise partially retracted inside a shell. She was wearing sleek purple satin lingerie. Her jewellery had all been taken off.

 

I let my beam sweep the room and jumped when from a corner something flickered with an intensity that had me taken by surprise.

 

I followed the beam over. It was the vulgarly big diamond ring, surrounded on the table by her precious array of pearls.

 

I eagerly scooped up the lot. Then quickly looked around.

 

On the opposite side of the bed, a jewel case sat on a mirrored vanity.

 

I circled over and opened it. A few jewelled pieces minutely flickered out at me, along with some gold and silver jewellery. I scooped out what appeared to be of the most value, which was pretty much all of her collection.

 

I then put my beam on the walls and looked for any hidden safes.

 

Nothing.

 

It was then I heard coughing behind me.

 

I killed my light and knelt.

 

It was the lady of the house, coughing in her sleep.

 

Then she suddenly sat up.

 

Suddenly on a flurry of purple satin, she rose and ran to the bathroom

 

Definitely, time to go!

 

Still kneeling I moved to the nearby door and made it out before she started loudly praying at the foot of the porcelain god.

 

Cutting my losses I slipped back down the corridor to the guest bedroom where I had entered.

 

I reached the window and looked out, then ducked down beneath it.

 

I had spied a car coming down along the road, in the direction I had first driven down myself.

 

I peeked over the sill

 

Cops?

 

^^^^^^^^^^^^

 

No, I breathe a sigh of relief.

 

The car, a black Mercedes, had 3 young’uns, all three appeared to be younger than the daughter of this house.

 

They drove by slow enough that I could make out the occupants. A tux-clad male was driving, and in the back were two girls. Two very dressed up young ladies wearing some rather intensely flickering sparklers.

 

The car drives off into the wooded area.

 

I wait. The long minutes ticking by. Inside the house, all remained quiet as death. After 5 minutes I did not see any sign of the car returning.

 

I rose and crawled out the window and climbed back down the metal trellis.

 

Reaching solid ground I made my way back to where I had parked my car.

 

Curious as to what I was going to find going on in the woods once I reached it.

 

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

 

When I reached my sportscar I could hear the three of them clearly enjoying themselves. They had parked in the lot and they were up to who knew what?

 

Listening in as I opened the boot to stow away the goods I had nicked from the manor, I decided a closer look was in order.

 

Just hoped it wasn’t some kind of orgy, sexual shenanigans appeared to be a New Year's Tradition in these parts.

 

I moved through the woods as silently as I could. Not that it matters for the late night, actually early morning now, New Year's partiers we’re totally oblivious to anything going on around them.

 

Finally, I reached a spot that gave me a view of the parking lot.

 

The Mercedes was parked sideways, a stone's throw away from me.

 

The three youths were a little ways off sitting on stone benches, passing a bottle around, having a gay olde time of it.

 

The young male was dapper in a fitted grey tux with a white shirt and satin ascot. In the ascot was set a diamond pin. He was wearing a gold Rolex watch and a gold signet ring.

 

He was telling his companions a story about a servant he had recently belittled before dismissing, for that is after all what one does to servants.

 

His words, certainly not mine… I took an immense dislike to this bloke

 

His two young female companions were no better.

 

The two girls listened intently to their male companion. , and I could tell agreed with him on his way of thinking. For then they both chimed in with similar tales of distressing servants they had dismissed, on a whim it appeared.

 

I focused my attention on the pair.

 

One girl was a stunning redhead, wearing a green satin high cowl necked blouse, black pleated skirt, and a fitted black satin jacket with rhinestones button. Her pricey attire nicely outlined her generous bosom. She was loaded down with a very nice collection of emeralds and diamonds that sparkled and glistened with a stunning brilliance in the moonlit park.

 

The other girl was a brunette whose long hair was up and held by diamond pins. Exposing her long diamond earrings which glittered down alongside her face like twin crystal waterfalls.

She was wearing the sleekest satin gown I had seen in some time, dyed a sky blue. It poured down from underneath the full mink coat she wore. I could see a diamond necklace peaking up from the mink’s collar. Diamonds glittered from the bracelets she wore over her long blue satin gloves and from well-ringed fingers.

 

My fingers itched as I made a careful study of the trio. Robbing these three rich young snobs was now not even a question.

 

Just too bad I had never been a servant, it would have made a fine story for revenge.

 

But, I will admit to being extremely satisfied with the events of the evening so far. I had actually convinced myself not to take any more risks.

 

I just wanted to say I had snuck up and was able to get a good look at these three errant partygoers and mentally tag them before slipping back to my coupe and leaving.

 

But after hearing these wealthy pups disparaging others they felt were not in their class.

 

Well, one couldn’t just walk away.

 

Besides as I looked them over, studying their flagrantly displayed wealth, an all too familiar overwhelming urge began surging up from deep within me. A hot flash of desire that is my provocation for being a thief in the first place.

 

In other words…..a provocation that did not need an outside stimulus, like say.. a sex toy, to obtain a satisfactory outcome.

 

So I waited, thoroughly enjoying the show as my heartbeat began racing….

 

Biding time for the opening I was sure would be coming up, an opening that would allow me the opportunity to thoroughly give these three young whelps a most deserving comeuppance.

 

It was quite the enticing show, sparkling jewels flashing along sleek attire. Watching as the level of the alcohol in the bottle they were passing around quickly dropped. Giddy drink victims just asking to be lured off and robbed. And the lured-off part was already done without my help.

 

Finally, the break I’d been hoping for materialized as the girls rose from the stone bench and went into the woods to relieve themselves.

 

The male cheekily offered to go with them. But they just giggled and the invitation was not extended.

 

The pair disappeared as the lad plopped down on the bench and nearly drained the remains of the bottle in one long, lonely gulp.

 

By then I was already in motion.

 

I had slipped out of the woodlands’ shadows to the blindside of the car and had unscrewed a tyre’s valve, pressing down to let the air out. The tyre was more than halfway down when the male finally realized what he was hearing and exclaimed loudly (and so bloody eloquently )

“What the F…”

 

I slipped a ways back into the wooded shadows as he approached the Mercedes and found the flattened tyre.

 

Swearing up a drunken storm that would have made a sailor step back, he hurled the nearly empty bottle into the woods in a fit of rage.

 

I had to duck it came that close to me.

 

The prig went to the boot and opened it, searching inside, angrily pulling out a spare.

 

By that time I had retrieved the discarded bottle and was out of the woods sneaking up around behind him.

 

I stuck the nose of the bottle into his black.

 

“Hands up laddie!”

 

He froze, not raising his hands. I could see him tense up and knew the twit was going to go for me. Probably mistook me for a servant.

 

I flipped the bottle in my hand so I was holding the neck, and raising it, neatly clipped him in the back of his thick skull, just hard enough to knock him out.

 

Maybe a wee bit harder?

 

At the same time I feel, inside my glove, one of my nails breaking. Bollocks.

 

He fell forward, the top half of his body laying inside the boot.

 

I dropped the bottle and searched his unconscious figure. From a back pocket, I pulled a solid silver flask, half full. Which I stowed away. Then I felt for and removed, his gold signet ring, Rolex watch, calfskin wallet, and diamond pin. Actually I then pulled off the whole satin ascot.

 

He was still breathing, just out for the count. He was already starting to stir.

 

Using forward leverage, I lifted his legs and dumped him unceremoniously inside the deep boot, closing it.

 

The car keys were still in the lock, I left them there.

 

Quickly I moved past the empty stone bench, going in on the path the girls had swished down.

 

I came upon them smoking cigarettes as they were gossiping amongst themselves. From snippets of conversation, I figured out that the potty break had been a ruse to escape the overbearing lad for a bit.

 

It was obvious by my trained eye the sloshed happily giggling pair were going to be easily manipulated by the approach I was going to take to rob them blind.

 

I pulled out my torch and turned it on as I stepped out of the shadows blinding them with its beam. Diamonds sparkled intensely as I did.

 

The blonde spoke out, nervously giggling.

 

“Not very funny Reginald. You're giving us both a fright like that. “

 

“I’m not Reginald, my partner is taking care of him. I’m here to take care of you pair.”

 

Both girls have a very satisfying reaction.

 

“They both jumped and gasped, jewelled fingers flying to gaping mouths.

 

I let the beam of light from my torch slowly run along their alluringly attired figures.

 

Damn, if these two weren’t a delicious treat for a thief to come across.

 

I walked up, holding out my hand with the open satin ascot now draped over it.

 

“All right my lovely twits. Drop your purses, then I’ll be having your lovely jewels handed over.

 

Both purses plopped to the ground.

 

“That’s good, children. Obey properly and this will be over in no time.”

 

I put my torch beam on the redhead.

 

“Red, your first. Start by peeling off that pretty jacket and tossing it to my feet.”

 

Unhappily the redhead obeyed. Pulling the satin jacket off, her fine breasts puffed out, her emeralds flickering.

 

As the elegant jacket fell from her hand, I grabbed the hand and looked over her emerald bracelet and rings.

 

“Your emeralds then missy, pile them nicely up on this. “

 

I held up the ascot and she miserably obeyed. The brunette just stood there, frozen as she watched her friend begin to remove her jewelry,

 

The redhead, with upper-class obedience, began slipping off her rings, then undoing her bracelet and placing them all gently on top of the satin ascot coveting my palm.

  

Then reaching behind her neck, she unclamped and lifted off the shimmering emerald and diamond necklace that had looked so pretty laying along the black satin cowl neck top she had on, which nicely outlined her rounded youthful breasts.

 

The necklace curled up nicely on top of the rings and bracelet. Then she reached up in her hair first on one side, then the other as she unhappily removed her beautiful earrings.

 

She stepped back looking wretchedly at my open palm holding her shimmering jewelry.

 

I turned my beam of light from her, then onto her haughty companion.

 

“That’s lovely, now you miss. I’ll have your mink first. Drop it here.”

 

I let my light drop down to the black satin jacket, laying shiny upon the ground at my feet. Soon it was covered by the mink.

 

The brunette was also looking down at her mink, acting like I was finished with her. Some persuasion was going to be needed with this one.

 

I pointed my beam along her incredibly beautiful, sleek blue gown, fully exposed to me for the first time. I let my light stop at her dangling diamond necklace.

 

“Necklace first luv, then those bracelets and your rings. Make it quick now. “

 

I kept my beam on her, enjoying the show as with trembling fingers she undid her necklace, pulled it off, and added it to the gleaming pile in my open palm. Then off from her blue satin gloves came her bracelets, followed by her five jewelled rings.

 

My hand really began to feel the weight of the glittery pile it held.

 

“Let’s have those Earrings, then those pretty clips and we’re almost done here, aren’t we?”

 

She obeyed, pulling off each of her long cascading diamond earrings. Placing each one on top of the shimmering pile.

 

“That’s just lovely, as are your fine hair pieces.”

 

She whimpered as she pulled out those glittery clips. Her hair falls in straggling curls. She started to step back.

 

“Hold on my pretty lass..”

 

I ordered her while jamming the jewel-laden ascot into my pocket.

 

She stopped. Looking questioning at me with sad large eyes.

 

“Your gown. My partner took a fancy to it and was wondering, Is it Yves Saint Laurent?”

 

Despite the stress of being robbed, her social class came out. She corrected me like I was silly not to know.

 

“No it’s a Dior …”

 

I chuckled:

“No matter. And I’ll admit I agree, it is a lovely thing. Too lovely to have you going on wearing It. Off with it now twit.”

 

She hesitated.

 

“No quibbling, off with it or do I need to have my friend come and do it?”

 

With a choked gulp, She undid it, then slipped it off, exposing the heavy blue silk full slip underneath. Her bra-less breasts, high and pointed, poked out from underneath.

 

I grabbed its slinky length and dropped it onto her mink

 

“Go join your friend.”

Once they were together I then pointed my beam of light to their shiny footwear.

 

“Kick them off, then turn around. “

 

They obeyed my command.

 

With my light pointed up on their sleek backs I sharply said.

 

“Now start waking away, count 50 steps, stop, and count to one hundred before turning back. Now go!”

  

They stumble off as I move up and picking up the pumps and high heels, chucked them off into the woods

 

I called out after them.

 

“By the way. Ruddy bad form you three. You see, some of the best people my partners and I know would be of the servant class. And speaking of which, we put your friend in the trunk. Better let him out before he chokes on his words.”

 

I picked up their designer purses, the mink, and the satin jacket, bundled them all with the Dior gown, and headed back.

 

Going back past the bench I hear thumping going on from inside the trunk.

 

Tapping on it as I pass, I then head straight back to my sports car with their valuables.

 

Putting everything in the boot on top of my other loot, I hop in start the engine, and slowly pull out back onto the road.

 

As I drive past the house I see a light on in the daughter’s room.

 

Probably getting out in the Nick of time I told myself. Not that I was sweating it, but I scolded myself …

 

“Girl, you did some serious relying on luck this first day of the new year.

 

I enjoyed the roar of my lotus’s powerful motor as I sped away along the first highway I came to. It match the exhilaration I was feeling as I drive on.

 

I ended up driving straight for the next 2 1/2 hours, fast enough to put almost 250 Kilometers, 3 highways, and 2 counties between the stone manor and myself.

 

I was still in the countryside, the sunrise just peaking over the horizon, when I decided to pull off.

 

I knew this area. A few kilometers down the road was an inn that served a nice steak and kidney pie. They would be opening in a couple of hours and I should be able to get a room to finally have a much-needed Kip.

 

The husband and wife owners were a lovely, discreet couple who knew me as a well paying, friendly, If not mysterious, guest. They treated me like a Grandchild whenever I slipped in.

 

But for now, I just needed a place to pry my knuckles from the leather-encased steering wheel and take a break from driving.

  

Off to the side of the road, I spotted the old ruins, overlooking a lake.

 

Reaching them I pulled over, then backed down into a grove of trees.

 

It was chilly in the early morning foggy mist. So I went to the boot of the car and looked at my recent acquisitions. Deciding the sable would be warmer than leather, mink, or satin.

 

I pulled it out and put it on.

 

I then quickly rearranged things so what needed to be hidden, was. With my luggage layin' inconspicuously on top. Then I picked up my purse and closed the boot.

 

I walked to the ruins and sat down. Feeling at long last that I could finally breathe easy.

 

Opening my purse I pulled out the broach I had plucked from the dancing daughter.

 

Looking it over my mind goes to the girl’s bedroom and has a bit of fantasy over what the daughter may have been thinking as she was pleasuring herself.

 

I knew what things I fantasized over that helped me bring out a similar prickling pleasure, for I also owned ribbed playthings.

 

I laid the brooch on a flat piece of the old wall, then reaching back inside my purse pulled out a large victory cigar, along with the male prig’s silver flask.

 

Reaching for a lighter I saw the heavy silver one lifted off the American husband George King.

 

I had a clear look at it for the first time. It was solid gold with the inlaid head of a bearded king. A very nice piece. So happy I had lifted it.

 

While still admiring it, I reflected on the dance we had had…

 

I lit the cigar and began sending satisfying puffs of smoke which curled up and were soon lost to the rising mist coming off from the still waters of the lake.

 

Then screwing off the top of the flask, had a good sip of a very fine old scotch.

 

I raised the flask to the rising red sun, now cutting through the hazy mists, and properly saluted in the new year.

  

Fini

The Oceana Sirena was docked next to our hotel and wanted to leave but there was a small problem!

 

The ship was ready to depart but there was no one from the port there to unhook the gangway. There was an official looking lady there and from what I could gather she was either unwilling or unable to push the button to draw the gangway back. She and the crew were having a pretty heated discussion with the crew gesturing for her to push the button and her waving her hands in a "it's not my job" motion.

 

I watched this play out for about 15 minutes then someone finally showed up who could push the button and did so. The Sirena started pulling away the second the gangway was off the ship and I'm surprised the Captain didn't give the city a couple of departing horn blasts!

 

I had my little 24mm pancake lens on at the time since it would go down to f/2.8 and I had been previously trying to get some city night shots.

The story below has it threads from a daydream I had on our way home to wales, two days after our family attended a formal do in Scotland.

 

My twin brother and I were just 16.

 

Mum had me dressed up in a brown satin gown that mimicked her green one.

 

I was wearing rhinestone jewellery.

 

Mum was wearing her expensive diamond earrings, which I alone felt received far too much attention from strangers. Or was I just jealous?

 

Then I had the unsettling experience of my fancy rhinestone bracelet vanishing from my wrist under, what I alone had felt, were suspicious circumstances.

 

But thoughts like that are what goes with the territory of the pickpocketing games my twin brother and I like to role-play at home.

 

Though my bracelet was found and returned the next day, the events at the posh dance in Scotland, added with the vivid circumstances of what I dreamed that evening the night I lost it, along with my speculation over what caused my bracelet’s loss, remained firmly entrenched in my imagination.

 

And yes, at the dance, there was one sly-eyed lady who attached herself to our family. A far too slick talking stranger who I felt uneasy around and did not trust from the getgo.

 

So, with all that said:

 

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

 

Dirty Rotten Scoundrel

(I preyed till the end)

 

A female pickpockets perspective

 

I do love a good, ultra-posh gathering, especially when I’m not invited and have to crash it.

 

This evening I was able to slip in with a group of chirpy young ladies.

 

Easily entering the establishment and orchestrating an even easier bumping lift of a fat leather wallet from the dangling purse carried by one of the taffeta-gowned ladies in my surrogate group.

 

It all give me a tingly feeling of good things to come as I went to the lady’s washroom just off a hall by the main exit.

 

There, in a stall, I emptied the wallet of notes, £200, and discarded it under a linen-covered table piled high with small towels on my way out.

 

I left the powder room, now hungrily on the prowl as I explored my new patch.

 

I meandered around. Admiring, to myself, the glamorous gowns, dresses, and delicious jewels the ladies were wearing.

 

Gleamingly smooth pearls, glittery diamonds, and stunning pieces set with every colour of gemstones imaginable.

 

All are displayed in abundance along mouth-wateringly well-fitted velvet, satin, taffeta, and other sleek backdrops of an expensive ladies' attire.

 

My eyes also eagerly took in the plump bulges of pockets holding thicke wallets and shiny gold and silver watches being worn by the regulation-required tuxedo-clad males who accompanied some of the ladies.

 

Myself? I was dressed in a tight-fitted, soft velvet frock, perfect for squirming in close and also carrying a shoulder purse. Not too large, I needed to fit in with the primarily clutch purse-carrying ladies. Which, aside from wearing only 1/4 carat stud diamonds in my ears, I somewhat did.

 

It was a most titillating experience, moving in and out of the crowded main room, casually looking over the well-dressed guests. Hunting for an opportunity.

 

Which I soon found, an early twenties male, succulent in a black tux and hand-tied bow tie sporting a gold watch chain around his waist. Along with the noticeable bulge( no not that kind) of a thicke note-filled wallet in his jacket pocket.

 

I walked by, gathering his attention. His eyes followed and I stopped and pulled a cigarette and round lighter from my purse.

 

I carry two lighters a square one I use privately, and a round one that has no fuel.

 

I unsuccessfully tried to light my cigarette.

 

Soon a hand was extended with a lighter. It was my mark. He lit it, and as I bent over my hand went to his chest, reached in, and nimbly lifted out his long fat wallet, deposited it in my purse, along with my lighter.

 

Successful pickpocketing is all based on how well one pulls off distracting your mark. The move I just pulled off by drawing away attention using an empty lighter is one I use a lot in crowded pubs. Successfully I might add, on both men and women.

 

I was chatting with him a bit before making an excuse and pulling away. Far too many other opportunities around to waste time chatting with a pickpocketed mark.

 

I again went to the powder room and inside a stall, extracted £850 from the wallet.

 

I heard someone come in but did not enter a stall.

 

After a few minutes of fumbling noises, I heard the water running and splashing.

A female voice was talking.

 

On silent feet, I carefully opened the stall door and slipped out. Around the corner where the sinks were located, a voluptuous lady in lavender velvet was washing her face.

 

She was talking to herself, thinking she was alone. She appeared to be having issues with contact lenses by the way she was damning them.

 

I looked around her figure. A pricey necklace glittered reflecting in the mirror.

 

On the side of the sink, facing me, we’re long matching lavender satin gloves.

On top of which was a shiny pile of jewels, rings, gold bracelets, and a Rolex ladies watch with diamonds circling the face.

 

With her eyes closed, she had turned away towards the linen-covered table and was reaching blindly for a towel.

 

I threw the empty wallet under the table.

 

As she was distracted by the noise, I reached over with my other hand and picked up the jeweled timepiece. Then I slipped out the door before she turned back to face the mirror.

 

I headed back out the hallway, finally letting out my breath, with the intention of getting a drink and taking a well-earned break as I decided what to do next. This patch was a gold mine, but have I had my run?

 

That would be a big No, to my run of luck being over….

 

For, as I walked out the door, I fell in step behind a pair of exceptionally well-dressed middle-aged teenagers maybe 16-year-olds, brother and sister, so possibly twins?

 

Both had soft red hair and adorably large hazel eyes.

  

The sister’s soft hair flowed silkily down back in a thin downy feathery fall to just below her shoulders. And just as her hair had an almost fluid spill, so did the ultra-soft expensive gown she wore. As I walked behind them, my mark ran her hand, ring and bracelet rippling with rich sparkles, along her hair, pulling it forward over her shoulder so it was hanging down in front, exposing her neck to me.

  

She was deliciously sumptuous in a long flimsy thin silk gown of dark chocolate with rhinestone trimmings. The slinking gown was a wide shoulder halter top, with a slight flare at the bottom, sweeping over the top of silver sandals. I was admiring how the dress fell, gently affirming with tight lines, her youthfully graceful figure.

 

The tuxedo-wearing brother appears to be overly protective of his sister.

 

And of no surprises why…

 

They reached a table and he actually seated her like a real adult male.

 

I circled for a better look, my eyes not believing what they had glimpsed.

 

She was indeed wearing some pretty valuable jewellery for one of her age.

 

A silver, wide chocker-style necklace filled with precious diamonds blazingly encircled her neck. It was something one expected a royal to wear.

A pair of amazing chandelier-style earrings twinkled down from her ears.

A wide diamond bracelet lay elegantly around one of her heavy cream-coloured satin glove-clad wrists.

A mouthwatering ring with a large centre diamond graced her right pinkie.

She also had a brilliant eye-catching broach, small, but set with obscenely valuable diamonds, dangling provokingly between small firm breasts, set in the v of her sleek gown’s neckline.

 

As I had been following I was able to observe the simple clasps of both necklace and bracelet. My fingers itching the whole time.

 

I sat myself down at a nearby side bench along a side walkway leading to the hallway down which were the washrooms.

 

From my perch, I watched them, while pretending to watch the dancers on the ballroom floor across to the far side of the room. I was close enough to catch snippets of their conversation. I had a side view of the brother, a delightfully frontal view of his deliciously pretty twin sister.

 

I marveled over how I hadn’t been here 30 minutes and aside from already making several nice lifts, had stumbled across a wealthy young chick wearing real diamonds, playing peekaboo along her delightful figure. The whole display just cried out to a thief:

“Here I am,naïvely displaying jewels ripe for the plucking!”

 

I had my eye on her dazzling necklace as my preferred target. I began making a full study of it. As she was innocently sitting there chatting with her brother, I wondered if it had ever entered into her wildest dreams that the jewels she was wearing were ever at such a risk of being stolen.

 

Probably not, and all I had to do was watch and wait for opportunities, with which I had several methods to deal with.

 

One of which I made ready by reaching down and undoing my right open-toed shoe strap, then, trap set, sat back and waited, watching my chosen mark.

 

Oh, The right shoe strap because I am

left-handed. Now just needed my red-haired mark to use the lady’s loo.

 

I soon found that where I sat was indeed in a good location.

 

Lots of potential prospects were passing me by. But none yet had on targetable jewellery as the diamonds the sumptuously chocolate-gowned red head fetchingly wore, especially around her throat.

 

I kept refocussing my attention on her.

 

The brother was bored.

 

He was trying to get his sister to join in on some type of adventure. But she told him they were both too dressed up to play.

 

I thought to myself:

“Listen to your brother luv, It would be delicious to stumble across you pair outside, alone, looking for adventures.”

 

I then took my eyes off the savory diamonds around the young girl’s throat, because an older red-headed version of the girl had joined them.

 

Their mum I correctly surmised. Watching her son help seat her. Wish it was me seating her as I would use that opportunity to lift valuables from her fine figure.

 

The mother was elegantly dressed in a shiny green satin number. It had a knee-length skirt with quarter-length sleeves and a playfully low scooped neckline.

 

The dress, like her daughter’s gown, showed off every bump and curve of her still youthful figure.

 

And she, like her daughter, was also expensively wearing diamonds. But my lord, what a decadent collection of jewels.

 

A set of sparking ‘ice’ that included stunningly long diamond earrings, diamond bib style necklace, and a flashy diamond-filled bracelet. She also wore two gemmed cocktail rings on the bare fingers of her right hand. A wedding band and diamonds on her left’s ring finger. Flashing out from the V on her shiny dress was a large emerald broach, the same green color as her eyes.

And to literally top it all off, perched on her head like a crown, was set an actual dainty diamond-encrusted tiara!

 

Perhaps they were (very) minor royals after all?

 

I would have loved to see her daughter wearing a tiara also. Not sure how I would have gotten it off her head without notice. But I would have been game for a try.

 

The mother appeared to be alone. No husband for whatever reason seemed to be with them, judging by body language. A language I have become an expert in deciphering.

 

So the 16-year-old male was apparently the only security that lay between me and lifting some precious diamonds from either the females at the table with him. Though I still favored lifting jewels from the more susceptible sister sitting there dressed like a princess.

 

So this young watchman could probably easily be led astray long enough for me to plan out an approach.

 

This made things quite interesting. As I pondered over how to accomplish luring him off, I listened in some more, soon learning:

 

The father was not with them, I was right about that.

 

With the father gone their fetchingly attractive, well-dressed, very wealthy mother was open game to many interested males asking her to dance.

 

Hence her two kids were bored and tired of being alone so much, the fact of which appeared to go over their mum’s diamond shimmering head.

 

I licked my lips, it would seem that opportunity was going to be knocking at my door if only the mother would leave her children alone again so they could hopefully become open targets.

 

I was hell-bent on acquiring the daughter’s appealing necklace once the mum, then her brother, were both finally out of the picture.

 

But it was then that a lady walked by, holding her young toddler. She swished her way right past where I was sitting. Too aloof apparently to notice me. And I had to do a double take on what she wore around her throat.

 

She was expensively dressed in satin, with a double row of smooth, valuably matched, pearls around her throat. Her long hair is conveniently up. I watched with salivating interest as she made her way past me to the powder room, a child clinging to her shoulder.

 

When that Lass disappeared, my eyes went back to the table with its diamond-wearing Lass.

 

The lad was still trying to talk his balking sister into doing something, anything.

 

She was engagingly adjusting an earring, listening to him with an enchanting smile.

 

Their mum was idly smoking a cigarette, her eyes on the dance floor, her mind a million miles away.

 

Then the young mum wearing the pearls came out from the powder room hallway, and my attention was once again drawn away by an opportunity I simply could not allow myself to pass up.

 

Out of the corner of my, I saw her approach my bench, her gown flicking pleasingly along her figure.

 

I reached down and fumbled with my loose strap.

 

As I heard her approach, I look up and ask her if she could help me fasten my heel strap.

 

Her pearl necklace was magnificent.

 

She chirped politely, “Pleased to help you miss…”

Not sounding aloof in the least as she sat her toddler down. The child was adorably dressed in white satin and looked at me with wide-eyed wonder.

 

As her mum scrunched down I look around. Coast was clear for lift off…

 

Dipping my left hands' fingers in and locating her now dangling necklace of pearls’ clasp, I easily undo it, then in one motion lift them up and out from around her neck.

 

Her swinging ropes of pearls are in my purse before she finishes redoing my loose strap and stands up.

 

I hear the child giggling and I stroke her satiny attire as the mother stood straightening her dress.

 

She politely twittered “There you go, so happy I could help .”

 

I smiled back:

“So was I, beautiful child.”

 

Happily housing up her child, she left, not noticing she was a few pricy kilograms lighter around her throat.

 

I watched her move safely off, still admiring the way her gown moved. Mulling over in my mind if I could have lifted a diamond tiara that easily?

 

With those succulent imaginings I eagerly look back over at the table I had been keeping an eye on.

 

It was empty…!

 

My potential mark was gone, that quickly. Had the young twins gone out? We’re they with their mum? I was cursing myself. The pearls were a nice haul. But had I let real diamonds slip from my fingers!

 

I sighed, rising, straightening my dress, and began to move off, thinking to grab a smoke outside to settle my now overly excited nerves.

 

Then I spotted a young lady attired all in black satin, consisting of a long dress and bolero jacket.

 

She was sitting alone three tables away from the one where the twins had sat. Two empty cocktail glasses were at her elbow, a half-full one in front of her.

 

She was smoking the last vestiges of a cigarette. A thin necklace valuably set with a single row of diamonds flickered up around her throat as she blew a wispy stream of smoke. With one hand she brushed back her long wavy hair, exposing an expensive diamond tennis bracelet that blazed up from her wrist as she did.

 

“She’s trying to attract attention.” I thought, wondering if she had a clue as to whose attention she had just attracted.

 

I quickly moved in and took the seat next to her.

“Mind if I sit here a few minutes to catch my breath?”

 

She obviously did mind, but nodded politely, saying nothing, but started looking around.

 

I could tell she was on the prowl, and by noticing her ring finger was bare, she was available.

 

I began the conversation.

“Cannot believe how crowded this party is, and the number of men here.”

 

She nodded, opening her purse and pulling out another cigarette, and holding it up, like a beacon. She smiled at me weakly. Her face had the same sharp moody features of the sultry actress Jean Harlow.

 

“Yeah, it’s been alright, but a lot of ladies also. Been a struggle finding anyone to dance with. But that’s what I get for coming alone.”

 

I smiled, pulling out a cigarette myself, along with my round lighter. I reach over with it and say:

“Here allow me.”

 

I could see in her eyes, that she was disappointed that no male had spotted her and offered to light it. But as my lighter failed to light I saw relief in her eyes and she looked around for a male hero.

 

It was at this point my free hand reached down to her wrist and neatly flicked open the clasp of her diamond-studded bracelet hanging down loosely from her wrist. Slipping it off her wrist and in my purse before she could blink her long eyelashes twice at a suitable male for which she was desperately searching.

 

She gave up her vigil, and turned to me saying :

“That’s ok, You need a lighter that works.”

 

As the girl with the long eyelashes and bare wrists giggled, I replied :

“Oh, it works, sometimes.”

 

With a sigh, she finally pulled her own lighter out and lit both hers and my, cigarettes.

 

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw my tux boy come back, with his sister, slinky gown swirling, in tow. Both giggling over something. It was twinging as it struck me how fetchingly pretty his sister was when she was happy.

 

And I was equally happy to see her come back.

 

Instantly my mind turned toward her brother.

If I could just lure him away for a bit. With him out of the way, I should have an open shot at lifting the bloody beautiful necklace his sister was wearing.

 

I had no real plan yet but figured once the young watchman was out of the picture, I could come up with something on the fly.

 

My table mate sighed.

“You know, I may just as well blow this joint. Waste of my time getting dressed up tonight.”

 

I looked away from the lad, back at her, puffing away on her cigarette. An epiphany popped up in my head.

 

Smashing out my half-smoked cigarette, I opened my purse and from the wad of cash I had taken from my first mark, I peeled off £100 in notes of the realm.

 

“See that lad over there? Well before you leave it would be worth this…”

 

I laid the notes on the table

 

“For you to have a couple of dances with. Him.”

 

She looked at the pile of cash, speaking.

“Why would you want to pay me this for taking him dancing?”

 

Her eyes went from the cash on the table to face me with a questioning look, I answered:

“It’s just that his sister, the redhead next to him, had a rather personal question to ask me. And is unable to do so with her brother hovering around.”

 

I could tell she knew I was lying, her eyes looked over the girl head to toe, then dropped to the designer clutch purse at her elbow.

 

“Nice purse that.”

 

She figured that it was her purse I was after. Worth about £400 at a pawn. but she didn’t seem to really care, as neither did I.

 

Scooping up the notes she put them in her purse, a knock-off designer number.

 

Smashing out her cigarette, she rose and bid me an uncaring farewell.

 

I watched as she went up to the table, placed a hand on the lad's shoulder, and said something I was too far away to catch. But he got right up as the lady nodded to his sister, I saw her eyes traveling up and down again, closely drooling over her sumptuous attire.

 

She then led the lad off.

 

As I again found myself becoming mesmerized by the shimmering necklace that lay around his sister’s throat, as she was watching her brother being led off.

 

I shake my head clear, looking away to rationally think.

 

As I did, my elbow hit something, looking down, I found myself staring at the 1/4 full cocktail glass.

 

Speaking of plans on the fly.

 

I picked up the glass and quickly circling, came up from behind to reach my red-headed mark, sitting there with all innocence.

 

As I passed I said:

“Watch it..”

Then let the drink slip from my hand and land in the silken lap of her gorgeous dark chocolate gown.

 

She jumped up immediately, and I was ready with my handkerchief.

 

As I apologized profusely. I Placed one hand on her shoulder and with the other reached down and began sopping up the wet area of her luxurious gown(making sure my fingers reached titillatingly well down along inside her pantyliner to maximize the distraction.

 

All the while the darling girl was confused, becoming aroused, and apologetic all at the same time.

“It’s ok miss, my fault I’m sure, must have startled you, didn’t I!”

 

As she spoke, she looked down watching my hand wiping her, long red hair falling into her face, my hand left her quivering shoulder, and locating the clasp of her necklace, flicked it open. Then I pulled it off from around her neck and dropped it neatly into my open purse on the floor.

 

She pulled her hair up to see, and I grasped her wrist with my now free hand, easily unsnapping her diamond bracelet, where it soon joined its purloined mate inside my purse.

 

“Do you have a handkerchief luv?”

 

She nodded her head no. Chandelier Earrings swing out, wickedly flashing their many tiers of pricy diamonds.

 

“Let’s get you to the washroom and clean you up a bit.”

 

As she lifted the hem of her wet gown I took her by the scintillating silk gowns covered waist and led her off.

 

As she was preoccupied with holding and studying her soiled gown, my fingers holding her waist worked over and unhooking her exceptionally valuable diamond brooch, easily lifting it off. Then I curled my fist around it into a ball.

 

I open the door to the washroom, then as she went in, deposited her brooch in my purse.

 

I handed her a towel, which she took and began wiping off her slippery wet gown

 

As she was bending over to clean down her front, her hair kept again falling down over her face.

 

Here luv, I said taking her soft hair and pulling it back. I laid my fingers cupping her ears. As she was busy wiping off wet spots, I was busy wiping off her ears with a stroking motion. Pulling out her handsomely jeweled earrings in the process.

 

I stood back, dropping the sparklers inside my purse as I watched her bending over to clean up, her slinky thin gown tightly outlining her figure

 

As she finished and stood up, I apologized:

 

“I am so sorry.”

 

Smiling weakly, she hugged me, saying with her head pressed to my shoulder:

 

“That’s s ok accidents happen.”

 

She twittered it pleasantly enough, and I hugged her back.

 

Pulling away I looked her over.

 

“Look you missed a spot.”

 

I lifted her hand and laid it upon the wet area just below her breasts, my fingers tickling. Giggling, she put one hand on my waist for support, and as the other began to wipe her wet spot, I myself wiped off the ring from her slick glove-clad finger.

 

She was now pretty much cleaned up, and thoroughly cleaned out.

 

If only she had been wearing that diamond tiara!

 

I walked back through the exit door as she stayed behind to take care of her business. The excitement, mixed with anguish, made her have to use a stall.

 

I head off down the hall intending on turning towards the exit once I reach it.

 

From what had become a habit, I looked towards the red-headed damsel in distress’s table. Brother is not back yet… but…

 

The wealthy mother, whose glittery diamonds would put a Tiffany’s display case to shame, is back at the table. Gullibly alone. Tiara is glittery like a bloody bright beacon. She is holding an unlit cigarette, a lighter on the table by her purse. She is watching her son on the dance floor.

 

I said thoughtfully to myself knowing the song was almost through and the lady would be dropping him like a hot potato when it was done:

“In for a penny…”

 

Licking my lips with expectations, I pull out my round lighter as I walk up to the twin’s richly attired mother…

“May I? “

 

I lean over as she turned to me, and placed the cigarette in between her red lipstick-covered mouth. Up close, her earrings and tiara flashed into such provoking life it made me blink.

 

As I clumsily knock her overly expensive purse to the floor with my elbow, I tell her:

 

“Can never get these bloody things to work.”

 

Fini

 

I’m not really wicked, just written that way

 

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Postscript:

 

The dance venue in Scotland had a washroom with a linen-covered table stacked with towels.

 

It was underneath where cleanup found my rhinestone bracelet.

 

Yes, I had used the wash.

 

But what if it had gone like this:

 

An observers viewpoint:

The mum is wearing real diamonds in her earrings. Therefore reasonable to assume her daughter’s bracelet must be real diamonds also, and a young lady is usually the easier pick.

Bracelet is acquired, discovered not to be real, not wishing to be caught with a nicked bracelet of just rhinestone, the evidence is tossed.

 

I mean really, it could have happened that way?

 

“Le chat mangerait du poisson, mais ne se mouillerait pas les pieds”

 

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

 

the cat would eat fish, but would not wet her feet

 

Le chat mangerait du poisson, mais ne se mouillerait pas les pieds

 

A Tea for the Tillerman

Acte 3

 

Tea Party Shenanigans

 

The next hour and generous half were spent in a blur of social mixing, handing out and receiving compliments alike.

 

Most of which were genuine. For there were some rather pretty outfits being worn and equally pretty baubles. Ginny held her own against them, while I sometimes felt the pauper.

 

We had made a full circle before finding ourselves at the tea table standing next to mum, as we finally partook of the refreshments now fully laid out.

 

Mum was not much company, however, as the seemingly never-ending stream of guests, making their way in line, stopped to talk with her first.

 

Ginny and I, sharing a knowing look, grabbed ourselves a goblet of red wine each and fled to the sanctuary of the back garden for some relief and solitude over being social butterflies.

 

<<<<<<<<<<

 

Ginny and I go into the garden drinking from our goblets of wine. These were not our first drinks of wine, plus what we had had at the pub, and I’ll admit we were both a bit light-headed and giggly at this point.

 

Cleo, the neighborhood cat, is sunning himself by the small pagoda. Ginny gives me her goblet and bends down to pet the lazy fat bugger who probably last caught a mouse some 3 of his lives ago.

 

As she petted the scoundrel, Ginny’s dangling pendant was dripping in its’ display of brilliant, gloriously fiery cascading sparkles.

 

As I stared at the mesmerizing show of her necklace. I became aware of giggling young girls close at hand.

 

Ginny was still absorbed in petting the loudly purring Cleo, so I went off to find the source. without saying anything to disturb the pairs' bliss.

 

In the very backside of the garden, there is a white wrought iron bench. This was in the area I called the secret garden since it was surrounded by shrubs on the house side. My brother and I played many a game in this area, and in the wooded acres on the other side.

 

That was where I pinpointed that the giggling was coming from.

 

Feeling it was a time to be clandestine, I snuck up and peered through a gap in the shrubs…

 

There were three of them.

 

Twelve-year-old Estella, little Claire, and oddly enough, the “Wood Bead lady”. There was no sign of Mrs. Shannon or Gabrielle.

 

Apparently, the trio was playing a game of keep-away.

 

Claire was running between the other two as they tried to catch her. She was holding the wood beaded necklace that the “Wood Bead Lady” had been wearing. Estella soon captured the squirming tyke and taking the wood beads from her, gave them back to the waiting adult. Then Claire squirmed free and was hoisted up by the “Wood Bead Lady”. Estella then went to the bench, facing away from the pair.

 

“Wood Bead Lady” then put Claire down and pointed out Estella.

 

Giggling, Claire went over to Estella and pulled at her dress, holding her arms up to be held. Estella bent down, her black and white striped taffeta dress shimmering, and picked her up. Claire ran her arms up and hugged Estella.

 

As she did, the little nymph nimbly unhooked the rhinestone necklace and let it fall away from Estella’s throat.

 

Indicating she wanted down, she ran back behind Estella, scooped up the necklace from the grass, and went to the waiting “Wood Bead Lady” who pick her up, tickling the squealing child.

 

An odd game I thought, but at least the lady was keeping the toddler (and Estella)out of mischief.

 

I debated going back to gather Ginny and show her for a laugh, when I realized a sudden, undeniable urge, to go potty was making me tingle.

 

I slinked away, not wishing to disturb the happily playing group.

 

I go back and see that Ginny is still sitting on the pagodas’ steps petting Cleo.

 

I hailed her.

 

“Hey luv, I need to freshen up”

 

Ginny, sitting comfortably, hesitatingly asks if I need her to come along.

 

I laugh, coming up alongside the steps.

 

“No. I'm a big girl now...

 

I pick up her now empty goblet and walk away, saying…

 

“I’ll bring us back some refills”

 

I whip back around, giving Ginny and smirking eye…

 

“You just stay here and play with your pussy.”

 

Giggling, I dodged the pebble she threw at me, and lifting my skirt with my free hand, scurried off as quick as my heeled shoes would let me.

  

Heading back onto the green of the party area, I was soon waylaid by one of the guests, Cassie, who was a friend of Ginny’s mum.

 

I had not realized she was coming, for it was her first time here at one of our teas.

 

She was smashing in the looks department. Her long brown hair was tied in the back with a fancy pleat. Cassie was wearing a midnight black taffeta high-necked top with 3/4 length sleeves. A gold pleated satin skirl fell swirling from her waistline.

 

She was strikingly wearing a lovely gold necklace set with real diamonds and garnets that lay sparking along her downy soft top’s neckline, a very pretty thing I thought it was. Matching drop earrings, bracelets and rings completed the show.

 

After greeting her( shaking my leg in discomfort) she coincidentally asked me where the ladies' room was.

 

We had some rentals set up behind a hedge near the house for the guests, so I offered to lead her there.

 

Reaching them, Cassie asked me if Ginny was here today. Answering yes, I told Cassie where I had left her, giving her quick directions before apologizing that I really had a pressing errand. And that I would meet her there.

 

I circled the house, entering by the front door. In my room, I opened the drawer where I kept the case for my better jewellery. Lifting the lid, I pulled off both my rings, undid the bracelet, and laid them all inside. Making it to my bathroom in the nick of time.

 

I was in there, indisposed, for a long while.

 

Once I was finally through I freshened my makeup and headed back through the kitchen. Weaving my way amongst noisily working caterers.

 

Just outside the back door, I was intercepted by mum, who was still by the tables, calling me over.

 

She asked me to locate the reading glasses that she had left in the sunroom.

 

I go to the sun room searching, finally finding them by Papa’s wet bar.

 

Smirking to myself, I poured a shot of ginger brandy, and happily downed it.

 

Feeling rather warm inside, I picked up the errant reading glasses.

 

As I picked them up I could see out the long side windows Mrs. Shannon talking to some friends. Gabrielle was with her, the necklace glistening. I did not see Estella.

 

A silly game they had been playing I remember thinking to myself.

 

I scurry back outside, handed mum her readers, and listened in polity after she introduced me to the ladies with whom was chatting.

 

I broke away, snatched up full goblets of wine, and began my journey through the gauntlet of guests to collect Ginny.

 

It was then I remembered I had left my rings and bracelet inside my open jewellery case. I hesitated going back for them before deciding not to, I had left Ginny alone long enough.

 

It was then I spied Claire being carried by her new friend, the “Wood Bead Lady”, followed by that sly Estella.

 

They were approaching a 30-something lady, standing alone like she was waiting for the return of friends.

 

She was winningly wearing a long, very sleek, very tight, purple silk sleeveless dress that appeared to have been poured over her figure.

 

Claire was set down as the two ladies began chatting, with Estrella standing off to one side listening in.

 

As I passed I saw out of the corner of my eye that Claire had reached up her arms and the lady in purple silk was bending over to pick her up. The sapphire and diamond gemstones of the crescent moon-shaped silvery necklace she wore around her throat rippled flashily in the sunlight.

 

I passed them without a second thought, my mind focused on not spilling wine, as I made my way to rejoin Ginny.

 

I reached the pagoda where I had left her but found it deserted. Not even Cleo remained.

 

I went to the secret garden area, but it too was now void of anyone.

 

I started to walk the long way around the gardens trying to find where Ginny had gotten off too.

 

I had just passed one of the trimmed hedges when a hand is placed on my shoulder and I hear Ginny's voice from behind me, and see her arm reaching for one of the wine goblets I was holding

  

“Lost my pussy, didn’t I luv, then lost you ?” She giggled in my ear as she came up along sides me.

 

“Got bored waiting for you to come back, didn’t I? Been looking for you.” She said to me as a way of explanation.

 

We stand there drinking our wine as we watch the moving crowd of guests spread out upon the green lawn. Sun shining up in a cloudless blue sky. A perfect day.

 

“Lovely wine this “ Ginny said.

 

I turned to her smiling, meaning to ask if Cassie had found her.

 

But she had read my mind apparently, for she started to tell me that she had seen her mum’s friend, Cassie, holding Claire, talking to the odd lady we had met, the one wearing that turban. I didn’t want to interrupt them, you can guess why. So we will have to seek her out later…. What’s the matter?”

 

Ginny stopped her story, seeing the look on my face.

 

For, as I had faced Ginny, I had frozen, not really hearing My friend's words.

 

I brushed my fingers upon the vacant front of Ginny’s dress, just above the rhinestone dragons' clutching claw.

 

“Ginny, Where's your necklace?”

 

Eyes opening wide in horror, her hand shoots to her bare neck, feeling in vain around her throat.

 

“Buggers, it’s bloody gone!”

 

Next up the last Acte 4

 

A Most Curious Conclusion

 

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Sharing your home with a dog is a blissfully rewarding experience. You share your closest memories with them, that no person will ever be able to understand. All the times you danced around in your kitchen, pretending no one was watching - well they were. They were there, slapping their tail against the ground and basking in your joy. The times you sat on the floor, sobbing over your day with their head in your lap. They were there; licking your hand in a way to let you know you weren’t alone. Through every struggle, every new move, every phase of your life; they were there.

You gladly held onto their leash, keeping them safe but also keeping them near you. Because, their nearness was your source of comfort so many times before. So, it’s hard to imagine the day that comes when you have to unhook that leash, lay it down, and let them know it’s alright to move on without you. No more pain, no more IV treatments, no more coughing until they can’t breathe. They can cross the bridge and be free. You look into their eyes then close yours trying to capture the last moments in your memory before you have to say goodbye.

As many of you know my dog has been battling congestive heart failure for a year and a half. Last week, her kidneys started to go into kidney failure. My sweet Annie has a date with Jesus next week. My only hope is that she feels the love we will pour over her in her final moments, and that when she gets across the bridge and looks back she will feel peace. I will remember her when Im dancing in the kitchen, when I’m painting and have no one laying on my feet, and when I miss her I will blow a kiss in the wind knowing she is watching over me.

 

May Angels Lead You In.

I finally had a chance to wear the Maya Brooke dress that I purchased at J C Penney's a few weeks ago and take some pictures of me wearing it. I wore it around the house most of the day but did get to make one quick trip outside in it when my dog's lead got caught and I needed to unhook it so she could come in. No interaction with any other humans so I didn't violate the 6' separation rule.

Well yeah, Duh. What a silly slogan.

Seen in Lakeville, MN while waiting for the crew to get done unhooking some boxcars.

Complain to one who can help you. (Yugoslavian proverb)

 

Monofilament fishing line is a strong, durable material that does not degrade or decompose, so one tangle can stay in an area for months or years, threatening birds and other wildlife every day in many ways.

 

mrrp.myfwc.com/

www.seabirdsanctuary.com/Unhook_A_Bird.html

www.tampabaywatch.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=content.home&a...

 

EXPLORE - September 6, 2012

EF 300mm 2.8 L II

My son is visiting from Denver for a few days, so today we decided to take in some of the sights in northern San Diego. This is at the Torrey Pines Gliderport, which usually has good winds and its fun to watch. Unfortunately, the winds were not cooperating while we were there and this person finally gave in and unhooked everything.

Class 56, No 56051 'Isle of Grain' has just arrived at the northern end of Seaforth Container Terminal with 6Z21 ex Tinsley SS 'Steel Slab' train. The shunter has already unhooked and now give the driver the all clear to move forward. In the background is the Allied Mills grain terminal. 10th August 1995.

Copyright: 8A Rail Collection (D.4126)

www.8arail.uk

EF 300mm 2.8 L II

Springs Branch Fowler 4F 44490 works past Edge Green & Golborne Colliery sidings box with a rake of 16 ton mineral wagon empties. Once clear the guards van will unhook and with gravity set back over the crossover. The signalman will then set the road for the 4F to propel its train beyond the shunt peg before detaching, drawing forward and setting back downhill under the bridge. It would then traverse a set of points with a crossover for the then Crompton branch (now Hanson) before coming back up hill to attach to the brakevan for the return journey.

I saw this manoeuvre performed scores of time when I was a boy.

* I acquired a 1962 WTT for the line quite by chance at the Llangollen Railway and this working was 9T58 10.17 Partington - Edge Green. Other similar workings were from Glazebrook West sidings.

TEST REPORT

Product: Ground Sonar Device Type IV-modified.

Contractor: Acme Corp. Space division.

test date: 19-2 2020

test Location: Aurora VII-B

Test pilot/driver: J.J. 'RedTop' Simmons (test driver Benny II had dental appointment to have some fillings re-installed after the first test)

test standard: sff-45D 1979 sdf

 

Preliminary notes (based on previous test with additional notes):

Detachable pulse unit needed:

check!

 

Vibration dampening for operator:

Being able to unhook and move away from the Pulse Unit, together with the new balloon tires works well enough. Slight bouncing after Pulse, but no more than 3 metres in any direction, and never bounced higher than 1 metre.

NB: seatbelt might be handy.

 

Vibration dampening for listening device:

Solved differently; Listening Device is now separate unit that gets nailed to the ground, works well enough. Getting the listening device out proved a bit harder, but two more pulses from the Pulse Unit were enough to shake it loose.

 

Remote control:

Remote control was a bit of a surprise; this was no Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, not even radio controlled.

The Autonomous Remote Pulse Button Pusher Drone worked as planned. Its autonomous mode allows beyond line of sight control, and it is nice to have a mountain between de Rover and the Pulse Unit.

NB: An off-button on the ARPBPD might be nice, it is a bit unsettling to drive around with a live Drone behind ones back. It has a tendency to back-seat driving.

 

A Curious Vigilance

Part One of Two

 

A Watchman Cometh

  

“If you can’t take the heat, don’t be tickling dragons !”

 

Acte 1

 

Ginny and I had, several weeks ago, received invitations to a fellow student's upscale, formal evening wedding.

 

Since we both love to get dressed up, it was a no-brainer to accept. Even though we really weren’t players in her circle.

 

Probably just wanted the gifts. The git.

 

So I borrowed my twin brothers antique roadster, drove up the road a short way, and picked up Ginny.

 

As she walked up to the car I couldn’t help but think how we both were dressed for the kill.

 

I had on my smart purple silk dress with the long pleated slinky knee-length skirt and spaghetti straps. The dress came with a cuffed long-sleeved, waist-length, black satin jacket with rhinestone buttons.

 

I had put in a diamond pin on one side of the jacket. It was in the shape of a bursting star, giving off a pleasing shimmer.

 

My other jewels consisted of my silver v shaped necklace. The v was set with small round rhinestones with 3 kite shaped sapphires set hanging down the center of the V. I also had in the necklaces’s matching semi-long earrings. Also worn was my diamond tennis bracelet on my right wrist, while gracing my left was a wide rhinestone bracelet. One ring, diamonds surrounding a gold rose(my best ring) gracing the ring finger on my left hand, completed the look.

 

Ginny?

Well, our Ginny girl was smashing.

 

She had poured her lithe figure into the sleek satin high shoulder sleeve sheath dress she had bought to wear in a play she acted in last spring. It was midnight black with a brite lime green inner lining and tight lime green Lycra pants. The only decoration on the elegant dress was a glittery silver rhinestone Dragon, with green slanted eyes and a red fiery tongue. It was embroidered crawling up one side of the dress, grasping claws reaching around up towards her bosom.

 

“Naughty Dragon.”

 

Ginny had green mascara above her eyes, around which she drew lines of black mascara to give them a slanted look. The whole effect looked a lot like Shirley Jackson did in the Michael Caine movie Gambit. Right up to the solid gold headpiece in Gunny’s reddish hair.

 

Ginny also had in her emerald drop earrings, along with her wide emerald bracelet loosely dangling along an otherwise bare left wrist, and a fancy emerald cocktail ring flashing from the pinkie on her left hand.

 

But it was her necklace that stole the show.

 

The opulently handsome necklace was the estate auction won, long pendant that had neatly set her back a month's wages. We both had opened bids on it at the same time, with me immediately backing off so she would win it.

 

It was a very shimmery piece of jewellery, with its long rhinestone encrusted chain hanging past her breasts, ending with a dangling pendant which held a birds egg size synthetic oval-shaped emerald, surrounded by long rhinestone fringes that resembled the silver beard of the dragon on her dress.

 

It was a very striking effect, especially when it stopped swaying and hung straight down, appearing just out of reach from the grasping front rhinestone claw of the gem greedy dragon.

 

^^^^^^^^

 

The church and reception hall was only about a 60-minute drive away green m our village.

 

We arrived in the city where it was located early and stopped at a pub for a glass of wine, which we drank outside at a garden table.

 

We then left, arriving at the church with plenty of time to walk around and soak in the surroundings.

 

Acte 2

 

The wedding Proper was pretty normal, with the usual pomp, circumstance, and rigid schedule only the upper class seem to achieve with nothing atoll coming close to being original and new.

 

The reception was more of the same. Ginny, per normal, snagged more time on the dance floor than me. Though I was

by no means being ignored. The bar was free, so we made good use of that.

 

By around 7:30 we were a pair of happily well-fed, well-partied, and well-liquored-up young ladies.

 

The reception for the most part was the usual fun and the usual routine flow that goes on at such affairs.

 

There was only one incident of note, well actually I guess, two, that have a bearing on my story.

 

The first was this:

 

A young girl was wearing what must have been a previously worn, hideously yellow, satin bridesmaid gown. She also was wearing a nice set of real diamonds. Ginny was really impressed with the jewelry she was wearing. As the party went, and the more we drank, the more Ginny prattled on over different ways someone could try lifting some of those diamonds from the lady.

 

Sensing there may be trouble soon brewing, I was getting tired of holding Ginny back from her obsession, that I suggested we should be heading out.

 

Then I was asked to dance, and lost track of her. When I found her, she was chatting up the lady in yellow satin and diamonds. The lady was holding up Ginny’s shimmery pendant, and I saw that Ginny had a hand placed lightly on the lady’s wrist, next to her diamond bracelet

 

Telling myself:

“Enough of that missy!”

I went up and pried Ginny away.

 

“Don’t be tickling that Dragon, even if you were thinking of doing it as a prank.”

I scolded.

 

My twin brother is always saying “If you are not prepared to take the heat, don’t tickle a dragon!” In other words, don’t invite trouble if you are not sure you would welcome the outcome.

 

I started suggesting to her we might be heading home soon.

 

“Stop at our pub(The Poet & Peasant),” I suggested.

 

Ginny said we should do one better…

 

We could stop at the old cemetery where we liked to role-play various games of both pickpockets, and jewel thievery. Sometimes combining the two. There she could nick my jewels to her heart’s content.

 

I admitted that sounded promising.

 

Then came the second incident on the heels of her suggestion.

 

Ginny said pleasantly, if we’re not doing the pub, then we should take something to drink with us. That way we don’t need a pub.

 

Suspiciously, I asked my grinning childhood friend.

“What’s you on about? “

 

“I mean Cade, nick a bottle while I distract the bartender. He’s working over there alone for a few minutes.”

 

I sighed, but it may be fun, so game on….

 

We pulled it off. It was far easier than it should have been.

 

As Ginny flirted with the young man tending the open bar, so I kept moving till his back was to me, and I ended up sitting on the far end.

 

I took a deep breath, scurried around and grabbed a bottle from the supply bin on the floor, and walked straight out the nearest exit.

 

I circled around the building to the lot and found Ginny at the roadster waiting.

 

She had placed her black beaded purse, opened, on the bonnet of the car and was bending over to put lipstick on using the car's outside mirror.

 

“What did you snag luv?”

 

Breathless, I looked at the bottle for the first time. It was a bottle of Penderyn.

 

Slightly disappointed, I would have preferred wine over a single malt. But it would do.

 

Meanwhile, I was standing between Ginny and the roadsters’ bonnet.

 

I handed the bottle to her, and as she looked I reached out behind me and dipping my fingers into her purse pulled out her wallet.

 

Holding it behind, suppressing a desire to laugh, I circled around to the right side and got into the driver's seat.

 

Ginny put her lipstick inside her purse and snapped it close with one hand still holding the bottle. Then picking up the purse and got inside the passenger’s seat.

 

She never noticed her wallet was gone, and by then I had it inside my own purse.

 

Still totally clueless, Ginny asked as we drove away :

 

“Do you think we should include your brother in with us?”

 

I said he was practicing darts with Brian(my boyfriend) and their friend, teammate, and one of our fellow players, Derrick.

 

Ginny giggled, hoisting up the bottle.

“More for us then.”

 

Acte 3

 

We arrived at the cemetery with plenty of light left in the evening. Parking in the open lot, we made our way past the open wrought iron gates.

 

The almost 40 Hectares square-shaped cemetery is no longer in use, its main gates are permanently opened to the public, but besides us, only very few ever visit it. Judging by the dates on the gravestones, the last burial was not too long after the Victorian age officially ended. No way of truly establishing when its first burial was.

 

It lays along a lane called Abbots Chase.

 

Where a highwayman by the name of Craig Abbot used to roam several hundred years ago. It is said he is buried here in this very cemetery. Though most of the old stones are so blackened the names are not legible.

 

My dad is a direct descendant of Craig Abbot, and much to the chagrin of my mum’s Irish catholic family, my twin brother was named after him. Destiny?

 

The other end off Abbots Chase lane, west of the cemetery goes past the large old manor house some 5 kilometers away from the cemetery. The manor is now a private men’s seminary college.

 

^^^^^^^^^^^

 

We hung out at the cemetery and its interior, and surrounding woods, as kids, walking the 2 Kilometers along from the east end of the lane, where the local village was.

 

Both Ginny and I grew up in houses located on the opposite side of the village.

 

We use this private cemetery for our role-playing game adventures. We had the run of the area. Not only because of its solitude, and lack of visitors, but also because there were no roads in it. Only narrow overgrown horse-drawn cart paths. And a few cobblestone footpaths. Both of which are blocked by fallen gravestones.

 

The games have evolved. But they mostly are based on pickpocketing and other forms of thievery. Mainly related to lifting or the nicking of jewels that the one portraying the victim is wearing. We take turns being one or the other.

 

Originally there were just the 3 of us, Ginny, my twin brother, and myself. We would bring various costumes, play jewelry, and other various items. Backpacking them in from our homes.

 

We have since added four more “players” to our group, though only a few times have we all met here in force.

 

There are also times as we grew older that we have stopped to play after being somewhere dressed up. The motivation can be anything from too much to drink, or something that evening triggered the idea.

 

Like tonight, with Ginny taking a fancy to a young lady’s diamonds.

  

Acte 4

 

Ginny and I entered through the main gate and walked the 75 meters up to the marble pagoda sitting on a small hill.

 

In years long past, this pagoda would have served as the last service area for the deceased being buried here.

 

There is a set of steps leading up to the platform which is eye level. On the ground, flanking the steps are a pair of long marble benches. With old wrought iron ones scattered about surrounding the octagonal platform.

 

As per normal, no sign that anyone had been here in a while. Though we did have a bit of a jump when a fox ran out from underneath the pagoda, giving us the evil green eye before slipping off into some tall grass.

 

I had brought a blanket which we laid on the stairs. We put down our purses on one of the marble benches.

 

Sitting on the stairs, Ginny opened the bottle and took a small sip. Followed by a bigger one.

 

“Whew, that burns going down.”

She exclaimed passing it to me.

 

It smelled strong.

“Should have brought some water to cut it.”

I said taking a hit, feeling it burn warmly.

 

We each took several more sips before getting down to business.

 

I place a hand on Ginny’s arm, looking her in the eyes.

 

She starts to giggle. As do I also, both of us falling into each other’s arms, hugging as our figures are being racked by our uncontrollable laughter.

 

Meanwhile, I was busy. My hand running down her arm, I reached her her emerald bracelet and nimbly opened the clasp, easily pulling it off and cuffing it in my fist, moving that hand to her backside, using it to hold her quivering figure close.

 

Finally, we broke away, settling down. As I stroked her sleek backside with my hand, I say:

“Ok lass, are you ready to lift some of my diamonds?”

 

Taking a belt from the bottle ( it was not a sip, nor a gulp, somewhere in between)

Ginny nodded her head, earrings sparkling with intensity, like the look in her eyes just before she said:

 

“Let’s dance.”

  

Acte 5

 

I went over and pulled the cell from my purse, seeing a text from my brother asking if:

“Us girls were having fun?”

 

I sent one back:

“Smashing fun, wish you could be here, now I have to go and see a lady about doing a lift on some jewels she is wearing…”

 

That should make him stop in his tracks and ponder. I would imagine his own game now being off all of a sudden.

 

Giggling mischievously, I laid the cell in front of my purse on the marble seat, I selected “And we danced” by the Hooters.

 

Ginny was already on the platform, strutting her stuff. I went to the stairs, grabbed the bottle, took a swig, and ran up to join her.

 

She bumped into me with her hip, then went behind me, her hands running along my figure, then pulling me against her she ran her hands down along the satin sleeve of my jacket. I only felt it because I knew it was coming. After all, as her hand slipped along my wrist, she expertly whisked off my diamond bracelet.

 

I pushed her away using my hinney, then turned and began dancing close to her, wriggling up against and away from her figure. Her eyes had been opened quite wide, from the thrill of the bracelet lift, but she closed them as I rubbed my figure up along hers.

 

I had been eyeing her dazzling dripping jeweled pendant. My arms went up behind her back. Pulling down the clasp I unhooked it and reaching my hands up, pulled it away from her gown’s rhinestone dragon’s clutches

 

I had it pocketed before she reopened her eyes.

 

The music ended, and arm in arm we went back to the stairs, passing the bottle to each other.

 

We were becoming quite happily intoxicated by now, giggling at everything.

  

Acte 6

 

Ginny sets down the bottle, then stares at her bare wrist.

“I don’t suppose this bracelet fell off on its own?”

 

I chuckled, looking at where her necklace should have been dangling, picking up the bottle.

“No, it had a bit of help, I felt inside my pocket and pulled it out, replacing it as Ginny held up the bottle and asked:

 

“Another round?”

 

We both took several swigs before I decided it was time to have a bit more role play.

 

I place a hand on Ginny’s chest...

“Give me a lead luv…”

 

Ginny thinks a minute, long enough for us to take another swig each from the fast becoming 3/4 full bottle.

 

Looking me over, she tells me.

“Take a walk..”

I stand (maybe a little wobbly), and manage to do so, taking the path around the pagoda.

 

She comes up behind me, putting her hands over my eyes.

 

“Guess who Abigail?”

 

I answered...

I’m not Abigail?”

 

The voice behind me, as the hands are lifted from my eyes and reach down to my chest..”

 

“I’m so sorry, of course, your not, my bad.”

 

I turn around to face Ginny…

 

Placing a hand on my chest( lifting off my broach from the lapel of the jacket) Ginny says:

 

“I’m so sorry, I can’t believe I made a mistake like that. “

 

I feel her placing the broach in my pocket, as I say(thinking that counted as two lifts)

“That’s ok luv, we all make mistakes.’

 

Quite pleased with herself Ginny went back to the steps.

 

She thought I was following as she talked to me.

 

I did not, rather I hid in the bushes and watched her.

 

Ginny picked up the bottle and took a swig, handing it to me…

 

It was then she realized I wasn’t there.

 

“Where are you, you silly ninny?”

She called out, then began to walk back the way she had come.

 

I jump out of the bushes behind her my hand in the satin jacket's pocket( I can feel the cold necklace inside. I point my fingers In the pocket like I am ‘ packing heat’.

 

Prodding my finger in her back I say

“Stick 'em up, pretty lady!”

 

Ginny giggles,

 

“Speaking of sticks. Is that one or are you just happy to see me?

 

“Funny lady, now turn around. “

 

She did and gave a fake gasp, hand to her mouth, ring sparkly.

 

“There you go, now be a good Lass and hand over those jewels around your wrist and finger. ”

 

She lifted her wrist and undid the bracelet, then slips off her ring. As she hands them to me:

 

“My this bracelet is popular with thieves this evening.”

 

She then pulls out her gold hairpiece, shaking down her hair as I take it:

“Here thief. The thing was starting to pull on my hair and bothering me anyways.”

 

I smirk:

“Thanks, lady !”

 

We both have a laugh over this latest sequence of events, while I give her back the bracelet and ring.

 

I lead her, as her laughing satin clad figure leans into me, over to the steps.

 

But as we approach, Ginny stops and grabs my arm, her, heavily mascara’d eyes suddenly bugging out, placing a hand to her mouth, she really Gasped.

 

“Cade,Look, over by the gate!”

 

I did, feeling the hairs on my scalp rise by what I saw!

 

To be Continued…

_JET9824

We have arrived at Leicester North with the 15.00 ex-Loughborough and Pete is about to squeeze the couplings on Stanier 8F 2-8-0 48305 so I can unhook the loco from the train prior to running round for the return journey.

 

48305 looks pretty smart but it rattles and bangs like a bag of bones, the injectors play up, the regulator is very stiff and it won't roll easily. Still, musn't grumble, it steams well & it's just great to be on the footplate.

Daddy wants my sissy faggot body, he wanted me to be at his house while his wife was away for a long weekend. He asked me to wear his wife's bra and panties, he thinks I look much sexier than she does in them! He wants to make love to me in their bed and I will be unable to stop him, which excites me even more! I can't wait to go down on him, feeling his penis grow hard in my mouth, as he caresses my breasts through the bra, mmm! Then he unhooks 'my' bra, it falls on the bed. He leans down and takes my breasts into his mouth one at a time as I hold the back of his head lovingly feeling him engulf my entire breast in his mouth, his tongue swirling against my nipple and I moan as I feel him become ready to take me. He lays me on my back, pushes my legs high in the air and smells my sexiest pew thru his wife's panties, his nose pushing the nylon fabric of her bikini panties into my ass (so yummy!) before he slips them off me. He spits into my asshole to lube me, then I feel his big dick pushing into my tight stink, slowly at first, then picking up speed as I moan in delight! I look up at him, wrap my arms around him to pull him closer and then we hold hands as I feel him bending lower to kiss my lips, then feel his tongue reaching for mine as I enjoy his huge penis fucking me in the ass, oh god this feels so good, I just can't wait to feel his seed in me! I position myself to allow him to go as deeply as possible in me, as I want to feel him explode his creamy load directly into my belly! "Oh Honey, it feels so nice, Baby I want you to cum in me, yes baby, I want you to make me pregnant, oh honey please, Mmmm, so good, oh babe cum inside of me, oh please, Oh Please, Oh God PLEASE!!!" Knowing he would be cumming in me instead of his wife made me feel more excited! Soon I felt the inside of my belly getting splashed with his yummy cummies, then he pulled out and once again held my legs in the air, this time so he could enjoy the view of his creampie dripping out of me!

The Big Freeze - London, February 1991

At the beginning of February 1991, a bitterly cold spell of weather brought heavy snow to eastern and central England. Temperatures remained below zero in these areas continuously between the 6th and 9th of February and maximum temperatures were between -3 and -5C. During the night of the 7th the snow became heavy and persistent in London, bringing 20 cm in central London and 25cm in boroughs such as Croydon and Bromley, the deepest snow since the winter of 1962-1963.

 

This brought the rail network into chaos, Heathrow was forced to cancel flights and Gatwick and Birmingham airports were closed. On the 8th of February, the snow was lighter and started to ease. However, the cold spell and the snow lasted for several days. More information here:

www.weathercast.co.uk/nc/weather-news/news/article/heavy_...

 

and here: www.netweather.tv/forum/topic/34026-winter-1990-91-the-gr...

 

Everyone likes a bit of rail chaos - especially when you were a basher in the 1980s-90s!

Another time capsule from the Big Freeze of Feb 1991. A massive Class 56 is seen here at Dartford station, waiting to drag a pair of 4-EPBs on a local NSE service to Charing Cross. An extremely rare event indeed and I couldn't believe my luck, as I'd just had a Crompton drag out from my home station of Lewisham. However, my hopes were dashed when a fitter came along to unhook the Grid!!! Apparently, the driver hadn't been trained up on 56s :( I was at least treated to a replacement in the form of a Crompton all the way into Charing Cross - massive ;) UPDATE - Just found my original log book and the Class 56 PUSHED the EPB sets from London Bridge to Dartford!!! Hence the red lights still showing :)

 

Taken with a Nikon F-501 SLR camera with 75-200mm lens.

 

You can see a random selection of my railway photos here on Flickriver: www.flickriver.com/photos/themightyhood/random/

Ava is here, but I troubled about whether or not to debox her.

 

Well... of course, I was going to, but she's a Platinum doll. My very first. And her box is so preeeeeeeetttyyyyyyy.

 

I didn't want to ruin it.

 

So I did my very best to remove her without ruining the box. I did pretty well too!

 

The doll is attached with elastic band at both hands. They are easy enough to release.

 

Thread holds her hair to the plastic shell behind her head, as does one of those plastic loop thingys around the waist. I cut the threads, careful not to cut her hair. If you push - at least 2 - of the plastic shell tabs through the back, you can reach behind the shell and unhook the loop thingy and remove it from around her waist.

 

She is also attached at her feet, with elastic bands -- one foot through a plastic loop thingy and one through a hole in a hard plastic tab. Remove her shoes and the elastic bands and you can slide her feel out. (I just cut the hard plastic tab because I was impatient.)

 

To position her back in the box, I just wrapped her waist and ankle in the loop thingys and she stayed. I was being lazy about it, but if I put in the time, I could have looped the plastic thingy around her waist and under her shirt like it was originally.

This is an image of Clara's Grandfather, Leslie Burt delivering milk in the Batavia, NY area around 1914.

Shortly after this image was taken he was caught between two railroad crossing barriers. He was trying to unhook the horses to get them out of the way when the train hit. The wagon was destroyed one of the horses was killed and he was seriously injured.

According to the Batavia newspaper archives the railroad was sued, the wagon was replaced, an undisclosed sum was paid for the horse and Leslie Burt got $5,000 dollars, a princely sum at that time.

 

Chronicles of lifting Light C (The Reception Game)

The alternate version of Chronicles of lifting Light B ( Bridesmaids) - Album

 

“The wedding was a little over the top. The bride wanted her girl’s dresses to be something they would wear out again. A nice thought, but the gowns she found were a little too long for anything but formal evening wear, according to our girls who were asked to be part of the bridal party. The maid of honor wore a red silk version; the six Bridesmaids wore theirs in black satin.”

 

“A few years ago, “Ginny” was watching some type of show when I heard her squeal out. Our Golden Retriever ‘Sam’ meandered back in to see what all the fuss was about? I obediently followed. Ginny pointed out to me a model who was wearing fetchingly a long black satin gown, That’s m’ gown Ginny exclaimed, you remember, the one I wore at “Sheila’s” wedding, the one where my necklace was.., But at that point her attention was diverted back to her program. Squirrel I teased as Sam and I watched with her.

 

It was a gown strikingly very similar in colour, cut, and material to the one worn by Ginny ( and me sister) at a chums wedding years before ( and winningly worn several times hence I might add). It is a pretty thing to behold my charming Ginny sporting it, and in its time, it has born witness to a few goings on that most ladies wearing a gown like that would never encounter…….”

 

Chronicles of lifting Light C

*************************************** **************************************** *****

This story is true, and is really pretty much told as it happened.

What we did may sound daft, but read and understand the circumstances, plus realize we all were pretty well lit up with drink.

 

I have enhanced certain aspects of the story, but not as much as on my first draft, for that one came out sounding more farfetched than it should have.

 

For indeed, truth can be stranger than fiction… and coincidences occur, both sweet and bitter….. as I’m sure someone once said.

 

So here goes it….

 

My twin sister and our friend “Ginny” were invited to join in a school chums bridal party. The groom didn’t have enough to go around so my sister’s boyfriend “Brian” and I were pressed, not unwillingly, into service.

 

At the reception my Ginny made a comment about the flimsy clasps on the rhinestone jewelry they were wearing. My Sister, touched her necklace, told her, “ no worries, luv, no one would nick them anyways, they are only rhinestones”. Except my ring isn’t, said Ginny looking down at the ruby ring she was wearing on her pinky. My sister, thinking a minute, retorted “Then one never knows… “ , It looked like she was going to add something, but at that point the band restarted, and we joined the swarm of fancy gowns, silky dresses, suits and tuxes heading to the dance floor.

 

As we headed off, I was still perplexed about what had been going on in Sis’s head that made her come out with that reply, and I swear she had stolen a look at me while saying it. But as I had watched her pull at an earring to emphasize how loose the sparkling jewel was, a seed was planted in my head about a subject I myself had always found fascinating, pickpocketing jewelry!

 

Much later that evening, found Brian, me sister, and I alone, and probably more than a little drunk (always a precarious time with us). As Sis and Brain chatted on about a topic I had lost interest in, I started to watch Ginny, who had been asked to dance by some twit with shifty eyes in a red silk shirt, (open colored), who had rudely cut in on us. As I watched Ginny’s swishing gown move and flutter about in quite an interesting exhibition, I found meself mesmerized by the manner in which her healthy display of rhinestones were sparkling about( as they had been all evening). I looked back at my sister, and her own show of jewelry, sparkling up nicely against a black satin backdrop.

 

Still not being able to shake me twin’s earlier comment, nor its answer, out of my head about nicking jewels, I finally chanced asking my twin about her comments. She looked at me, having to think back a bit about the question, ( As I said, we were more drunk than sober by then), placing a nicely ringed finger to her lips, while regrouping her thoughts. Got it, she exclaimed proudly remembering what had triggered her memory, and started to explain.

 

When she was a tyke of about 7, there was a show that she had seen on the tele that centered on this group of people trying to reform a thief. Believing that he had turned a new leaf, they threw a fancy dance for him in honor of his new ways. During the dance, he cut in and danced with each of the three ladies who had been trying to teach him the errors of his ways. From one he slipped off her long diamond earrings, from a second her diamond necklace was lifted away, but me sister was unsure what the scoundrel took from the third. Sis thought that the earrings and necklaces that she and Ginny were wearing that evening, looked a lot like the ones from that show.

  

Now, as me twin described the thief’s antics, certain emotions awakened, rearing their tantalizing heads; my mind began wandering in some deep waters, pulled bout by some deep personal emotions. Cause I had been sitting on the couch with her, when as quite young children, we had first seen that episode.

 

As it happened my sister had been outside earlier playing dress up in on of mum’s old party gowns and was still wearing it, along with a set of costume pearls. Suddenly, that day, I wanted nothing more in the world than to lift the pearls she was wearing. I simmered over it for the rest of the program, getting to the point of actually laying my arm on the back of the couch, inching my fingers towards the clasp of her pearls laying there upon the back of her throat. But then the show ended, and I got no closer to stealing anything more than a touch of a really soft old evening gown. After the show ended, I warily suggested we go back outside and play Robin Hood (my sister has always been into his story).

We did, and as Sir Robin led her to his hideout, conveniently located through a thicket of Hawthorne’s, the pretty Maid Marion’s pearls mysteriously melted away.

  

That is when I had I had my epiphany, hitting me like a brick wall! Waiting till sis finished her story, I pointed out to Ginny, and asked the pair, If Ginny had been the third lady he had danced with, what jewelry do you think he would have lifted from her while dancing?

  

Brian , always the more pragmatic of the group, snorted, that’s stuff that only happens in stories and movies. I said I would bet it can be done, a quid says I can lift a piece of Ginny’s jewelry with her never noticing. Sis chimed in, you wouldn’t dare, but she was looking at me like she knew the answer already. Brian caught her tone, and took me up on it, betting me the quid that I couldn’t get away with lifting her necklace,( I liked his choice, it had been a necklace that “Sir Robin” had first lifted from me sisters neck that day in the woods long past).

  

At this time the music ended, and Ginny swished back to rejoin us. We drank and talked for a bit more, and I’m was all but certain Brian and my sister had all but forgotten the wager. But I hadn’t, nor had I been able to keep my eyes from studying the rhinestones Ginny had wrapped around her pretty throat. When a slow song started up, I rose and asked Ginny to a dance. I caught Brian’s eyes, and read the dare reflecting in them, so we were still on with the wager. Leading Ginny to the dance floor, we embraced, and danced to the pretty song, a slow one. Ginny was absolute pure heaven in my arms, and I found me self so entrapped that I never made an attempt upon her lovely rhinestone necklace.

  

As the song was ending, I caught a look from Brian across the dance floor, noticing that he smugly was looked at Ginny’s throat. I did not want to lose me quid on principle (I swear), so as the dance ended I held onto Ginny, waiting. Soon a second song started, disappointedly a more fast paced one with a Latin beat. I spun Ginny around onto the floor before she had time to catch a breath, we danced, like the song says:

 

And we… danced like a wave on the ocean, romanced

We were liars in love and we danced

Swept away for a moment by chance

And we danced, danced, danced

 

And dance we did, hot, furious and fast. A couple of times I spun Ginny around, and the poor girl already a bit tipsy, fell against me, giggling. About the third time I spun her, she stopped, and dropped backside into me and began to do this sort of gyrating move, slithering up and down my front side, with her hands held high above her head, her longish ginger hair had fallen over one shoulder, exposing her necklace in all its fine brilliance. As her warm, sweaty figure slipped up and down against mine, I watched the back of her throat, eyeing the necklace as it sparkled brilliantly in the dim lights. Studying intently the sparkly chain with it’s the hook in eye clasp.

  

She brought her hands down behind me back, crossing them behind me waist. My right hand went to the front of her waist, holding onto her squirming, satin slippery figure, pressing it tightly against me. My left hand went up to her shoulder, gliding along the glossy slick fabric of her black satin gown, until I reached her necklace. It only took seconds for my fingers to lift, and slip off the hook from its”eye” , letting the shimmering chain slither down the front side of Ginny’s satin clad breasts. My right hand left her waist, and travelled nimbly, tingling, all the way up the front until my fingers grasped the dangling chain. My left hand let go, and the necklace whisked down the front of her perking bosom, tightly covered by the glossy black satin bridesmaid gown. The whole bit of thievery took me only a few chords of the music, but it seemed a lot longer in the process. We finished out the song, me basking in the fact that my gyrating partner was innocently unaware that her shiny necklace was absent from around her throat, and now resided in her dance partners vest pocket.

  

We made our way back to the others, Brian had a smug look on his bearded face, I knew he was up to something. As I sat down, he whispered double it or nothing mate, that she notices it’s missing before we leave. I nodded, taking him up on it. So, the game was still on, and for the last two hours that we stayed at the reception, Brain waiting for Ginny to notice her missing necklace, I tried to distract her as much as I could, even with me sister constantly played with her necklace whenever she held Ginny’s attention, but the poor creature never caught on that her necklace had been lifted.

  

We finally left the reception after midnight and made our way along the ten city blocks back to the hotel where Ginny and my sister shared a joining room with Brian and meself. Ginny walked calmly with us, unaware of the devils that were us, keeping pace beside her. As were making our way through a short cut in a wooded Provincial park, we stopped in a small isolated glen and circled around Ginny. Sis was grinning as she asked poor unawares Ginny, So luv, whatever did happen to your necklace? Gin’s reaction was absolutely, rewardingly priceless.

  

Ginny, a relatively innocent soul, who is prone to believing most anything told to her, started, and her hand went to her throat, feeling about fruitlessly, as her rustling glossy gown and remaining jewels glistened dark in the full moons’ light. “M’ necklace, why it’s gone? , where did it go!, she pleaded helplessly, her thought patterns and speech a little slurred by her rather intoxicated condition. We than got into it, playing dumb along with her, and tried to figure out the “mystery” I said the last time I saw it was when that seedy bloke cut in, and I ran my hand up her back, feeling the shivers going down her spine, did the blighter touch you like that, then luv. No she said, then thought hard, no she repeated, he couldn’t have, he was a proper gentleman, and it was only rhinestone, like your sister said. My sister commented that the bloke may have not noticed no difference, and she held out her own necklace, I’m glad the bloke didn’t ask me to dance. No, Ginny shook her head, her long earrings flickering a frenzied fire out from her hair, no one could have lifted them like that, I’d have felt it….

  

She looked desperately around at us, then seeing the look on upon our faces, Ginny froze with the realization that we had all been up to something, and, then a smile of relief showed up on her pretty face, as I held up her necklace, sparkling in front of her eyes. A sly look of understanding that we had been up to something crept into those dazzling green eyes , as she told us now to spill it out.

  

We explained the whole tale as sis helped Ginny place her necklace back on. Ginny, with her usual good humor, said she had never noticed a thing, and it probably was a good thing we weren’t real thieves, because if her necklace had been real, it would have been worth a small fortune. And shame on us for having her believe it was that poor blighter in the red shirt.

  

We wouldn’t’ make very good thieves I agreed we drink too much. She just smiled, a curious gleam creeping up into those witchy green eyes of hers. Let’s get going before we meet a real thief then, urged my sister, all this talk about someone thinking our jewels are real is giving me the chills.

  

Our drunken little group then merrily, if not a little more guardedly, made our way home..

 

This next bit is my favorite.

 

We rode the elevator up to the boy’s room, as the girls called our room, where we drank beer, danced to music and talked on a bit about the reception. The girls stayed in dress and I happily soaked up the pretty picture the pair of admirably attractive girls presented with their long sheets of straight hair just hanging down, their diamonds sparkling and all other assorted frills enticing. About two hours later found Brian and myself sitting on the couch in kind of a hazy stupor while holding onto our beers. Ginny and my sister were standing directly in front of us, holding beers of their own and giggling over some girlish nonsense, the swaying of their long glossy black satin gowns slowly putting me to sleep.

  

Brain, draining a beer, got up to get another, bumping against my sister and playfully grabbing a handful. My sister started giggling at him as he sauntered off grinning, turning her figure so the brooch at the center of her gowns’ waistline almost hit me on the nose. Half asleep I reached over and lifted it up.

Looking up at the girls I saw that neither was paying no never mind towards me. Ginny, however, laid a hand on my twins shoulder, drawing her close so she could whisper some girlish secret about Brian. I continued on, and was able to undo the brooch, and slip it carefully off without notice. I slipped her jewel into my pocket; until I could think of what it was I was going to do with it to tease me twin sister.

  

Brian stopped on the way back and reset the music, a slow song. Sis went to him, and the pair started dancing. I rose and taking Ginny by the hand, followed suit, leading her to the bit of a dance floor we had cleared. She was again, pure heaven in my arms as my hands slipped liberally up and down her smooth, slinky gowned figure. Ginny smiled, I knew that smile, and realized that something was going on behind her pretty green eyes. She flicked back her sheet of ginger hair, and leaned against me. I saw you, she whispered, her voice putting a tickle in my ear. Saw me I asked, not getting it. I saw you lift that dame’s diamond brooch, Ginny said in a sultry voice as she looked over towards where my sister was dancing, (no, she was actually swooning), in Brian’s arms. You see that one over there, in the black dancing with the bearded gent? I looked over, as she continues, look at ‘er necklace, I have a fancy for it, and if you don’t want me to call security, I suggest you get it for me, darling, she said, like she was some old time actress in a movie. I loved the devilishness of Ginny’s role play idea and threw me whole heart and soul into it.

  

Check out the Sonia clip shortcut at the end of my tale( recommend viewing)

  

Now wide awake, I got fully into Ginny’s game. As we continued dancing my eyes watched Brian and me sister, taking careful inventory of all her sparkling jewelry. Sis turned, and caught my eyes looking her over, she blushed, and not knowing what was really going through my mind, smiled at me. As I smiled back, my eyes drinking her fetchingly attired figure up, I was imagining that all of her ample collection of rhinestones so prettily positioned on her figure, were real diamonds. And that I was an actual thief after her lovely sparklers. I looked into Ginny’s eyes. You have a deal miss, I whispered, making my voice deep and throaty, as I imagined meself as Humphrey Bogart type character in some shadowy film noir movie.

  

The song ended and a second, even slower one began playing. Brian and my sister were still locked into each other’s arms, but I felt that the time to make my move was now. Throwing Ginny a wink, I went over and cut in, Brian looked drunkenly at me like “whattsup chap,” but Ginny was right behind and swirled him away before he could properly react.

  

And as I took the pretty, wide eyed with innocence looking “dame” into my arms I found it exciting that she was oblivious to my intentions. Naïvely unaware, that in indifference to her own words earlier, someone did now want to nick the jewelry so merrily dangling from her svelte figure. Don’t forget at this point she was no longer my sister, but my sweet victim, and I was nothing more than a thief hungering after her bright baubles, albeit, a slightly inebriated thief!

  

I bided my time, appearing to look into my twins half opened eyes ( she was really lit by this time, as we all were) , my mind was working overtime on how to best approach my objective.

  

Employing the same method that the thief had used in the Gilligan’s Island episode to remove his dance partners necklace, I began to compliment my twin on how devastating her and Ginny looked both looked that evening (no lies), slowly moving my one hand up the slick material of the gown covering her back until I reached the dangling part of her hook and eye necklace with its’ glittering row of single “diamonds”. She ate it up, blushing and closing her eyes, tilting her head down, exposing even more of the back of her throat, and laying bare the chain of her “diamond” necklace. As she fawned over my words of (not false) praise, I subtly lifted up the chain of her necklace, holding her ever so her tightly around the waist. As I felt the heat emanating from her figure, I used my free left hands’ fingers to unhooked the clasp, and let the necklace fall over her one shoulder. Sis never felt it hanging, or noticed it as I peeled it off her chest (whisking along smooth as silk) and pulled it over her gown’s satin shoulder till it slipped sparkling down behind her. I held it hanging behind her back for a few turns, still pouring out the compliments, until I pocketed it, letting it join her purloined brooch.

  

Meanwhile, Brian had left Ginny to go to the loo, and I saw Ginny, who had been watching all of it, give me a wink. Then she turned and stole out the apartment door, her longish slinking gown slipping through behind her as she closed the door. I made ready to make some excuse to break away from my sister and head after her with my loot.

  

But just as I opened my mouth to make that excuse , Sis pulled her arms behind me head, and laid her own head back on my shoulder and closed her tired eyes, getting into the music’s deep beat. One of her longish rhinestone earrings just hung there sparkling, mocking me to touch it, and like Gingers diamonds, was ripe for the picking.

  

With the prize within my grasp, I momentarily forgot about the departing Ginny, and I made my move. I found meself trembling a bit, as I reached up and placed my hands gently alongside her ear, her eyes still shut, my victim smiled. The rest of the maneuver was surprisingly easy, as I glided my fingers down and slipped it off the earring in one effortless motion. The sparkling beauty came away from her sweaty ear as smoothly as an ice cube moves along a steaming hot grill ( I actually did have a thought like that). I held it in one fist for a bit, watching my victim, she had not felt so much as a tickle on her earlobe, as I had taken her earring. Relishing in my success, I looked at it dangling and shimmering in my hand behind her back. Then I secured her diamond away. I thought about trying for the other, but thought better of it, knowing Ginny was just waiting on the other side of the door.

  

I finished out the dance, taking my sisters hand with its dazzling bracelet and rings, and admired them while I kissed it. I’d better be off after Ginny I said, and then let go of her hand. Nice doing business with you I said, bemused as I watched the puzzlement creep into her eyes. That is how I left her.

  

However it was my turn to look puzzled as I went out, Ginny was nowhere to be seen. I quickly looked around, then headed to the elevator and rode down in it, alone at this early morning hour, to the lobby.

  

I arrived there, and at first the lobby appeared deserted, cept for a lonely desk clerk with her head buried in a novel. Then breathed a sigh of relief, there, around a corner, Ginny stood talking to some older lady wearing a garish grey pant suit, with this blue tinted helmet of curly hair covered by a large silk head scarf, and carrying an overlarge purse. I suddenly realized that now my anxiety had gone, another urge had taken its place. Ginny looked up, and smiles happily at me, and I smiled back, indicated that I had to go for a minute, and headed meself to the loo.

  

Coming out after I finished, I saw that the lobby was actually now really empty, not even the desk clerk was visible. Thinking Ginny may have gone back upstairs, I first went to the hotels double doors to chance a look outside onto the street below. I just caught sight of a wisp of black gown moving just out of sight past the stairs, on the now smoggy sidewalk below.

  

I headed out, and there was Ginny walking with the Blue haired stranger, they appeared to be looking for something. I started wondering if Ginny had invited this stranger to go on out walk with us? But no, apparently the blue haired lady in the unfortunate grey pantsuit had discovered her keys were missing, and thought they had dropped somewhere after getting out of a taxi just around the corner. And Ginny, bless her kind heated soul, had offered to help the distressed lady look for them.

  

As Ginny was telling me all this after I had caught up, the blue haired older lady , her cheerful face now stern, had started rummaging in her large shoulder bag, I sneaked a peek over her shoulder and saw that is contained quite an amazing assortment of items , ( no wonder it had to be so big). Suddenly she uttered an exclamation, found them she said, triumphantly pulling out an interesting assortment of skeleton type keys on a small ring. Happily smiling at Ginny, she pulled her into an enveloping hug for her efforts, before quickly leaving, but not without first giving me a sidelong glance with a disapproving look from her now pursed–lipped mouth as she passed. But I at the time put it down as her just being stressed out from believing she had misplaced her keys.

  

I am so glad she found her keys remarked Ginny, taking up me hand. That lady was ever so nice, she wanted to know where I had been dressed up all pretty like I am, and when I told her about the wedding, she said it must have been lovely. Then she admired me dress, and rhinestones. Then asked if me ruby ring was a gift from the bride. Liked your ring huh, I asked Ginny, my mind clearing up a little. Oh yes she said, lifted my hand, looked at it an everything!

Then the poor dear missed her keys, and asked if I could be a dear and help her look outside, and that was that until you showed up. (Looking outside for keys at 2:30 in the morning? I thought to myself) As I said ti Ginny, it is a pretty ring, and taking her arm, we started down the block together.

  

My mind, now somewhat attuned to the reality of things, went back to the blue haired lady and her large shoulder bag. Among some of various items I had seen had been a penknife, a length of old silk sash cord, small bundle of lacy handkerchiefs, and a small torch! Then add in the odd assortment of keys on her “misplaced” keyring, and put it all together, it all began to sum up to a new, slightly more sinister meaning of her intentions, in my take on the episode.

  

As we walked, I said nothing in reply to the happily chirping, richly attired girl walking beside me , as for the first time, and not the last, I wondered if something had been afoot with the Blue Haired, pursed mouthed lady that Ginny had seen as a kind older lady needed help, like the bird with a broken wing she had tried to help a few days past( a blue jay!). So was the blue haired lady, with the silk scarf and wearing a rather unisexual pantsuit, acting out the part of a “blue jay”, using her “broken wing” as a ruse to lure my Ginny safely away for her own nefarious reasons?

  

Surreptitiously, I carefully checked over Ginny from head to heeled toes as we walked, to make sure nothing was amiss. Her rhinestones were still safely all in their place, but I did not see the ruby ring, and me heart went still, and chills prickled down my spine! Bullocks! I swore under my breath, that pucker faced tart walked away with it. Ginny, I said, a little choked, she swirled facing me, her green eyes questioning, as she raised her hand to her perked breasts, and there it was, the small, but rather pricey, ruby ring she so loved wearing, the glittery darling had turned around on her finger so it was hidden from my view

.

 

I breathed a heavy sigh of relief, I just wanted to say how lovely you looked this evening my lass, I said saving myself. She smiled winningly, giving me a deep hug for my words. We walked on, as my beating heart slowed down, I convinced myself that maybe the incident of lost keys had all been harmless, and I was just being a worry-wort. I apologized silently for what I had called the fashion challenged blue haired lady in my mind. But I was still beginning to feel like ever a fool to have let Ginny, handsomely decked out as she was, out of my sight at this early hour of the morning.

  

I opened my mind and let all such thoughts flee my head, for the world was now ours, as we made our journey together, hand in hand. We ended up making a very long stroll in the Provincial Park, and reentering the same isolated, secret glen we had been in earlier, proceeded to continue acting out the role playing game we had started at the apartment.

  

Ginny went to the middle of the clearing to wait, pretending she was smoking, like a moll from a gangster movie. I circled and watched her sparkling figure, black in the glens shadows, move about a bit.

  

And as I did, my thoughts wondered a bit, and I remember reflecting ( not for the first time) how in the older black n whites, the heroine, or villainous, is always wearing gowns, elegant long gloves, and jeweled to the sparkling hilt. Then she walks alone to and then waits in some dark alley or other desolate spot for her contact, or hero to show up, much like Ginny was acting out now. So how is it that those fancy dressed and well jeweled unescorted dames, always manage to get to those spots, and are able to wait around in them alone, in those movies, and nary ever meet a ruffian who strips them of those pricy looking sparklers they are flaunting about? Just saying!

  

Saying a brief prayer that my thoughts were not tempting a fate of that type to occur to us now that I had been thinking it, I came out of the shadows and approached Ginny. Keeping my left hand in my pocket like I was carrying a heater. Hey sister, I said, been waiting long? No, she whispered, did you get the goods. Hot as ice I said proudly, producing the necklace and earring I had liberated from the dancing “dame”.

  

As I showed Ginny my take from “the dame”, she squealing over the fact I was able to take one of her diamond earrings, bonus she chanted. We laughed over what the “dames” reaction would be when the jewels were discovered missing. As we snickered, Ginny caught my eyes and then we got off on a tangent about jewel thieves in love, and ended up reenacting the “lure” scene from the movie ‘To Catch a Thief” ending up producing fireworks of our own making as Ginny lost all her jewels as well as her “innocence”.. We then made our way back home, as the cock crows, receiving a few odd looks from the occasional early morning lorry drivers.

  

And above all, I still remember feeling pretty bloody cocky as Ginny and I had sauntered our way to the park. And why not, I ask? Cause not only did I get to stroll about with the most captivating ginger haired lass, sparkling in fancy dress around, But I also had totally scored a hat trick in the jewelry lifting department, collecting two Quid to boot, and that’s what life is all about for us boys, winning the game, isn’t it?

 

So ends my story, of which I have written 2 versions.

My question is now this:

Which version, if one reads both, do you believe to be the truer?

Please leave a comment at the end of the story you believe is..

In appreciation,

Thank You

 

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In Appraisal

 

Tis story may be unique in its nature, but if not we would love to hear about it. Please leave a comment or drop an email ( or both) about you own experience.

Thank You

 

The Sonia clip shortcut ( recommend viewing)

youtu.be/HAZdjhNVjxk

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Courtesy of Chatwick University Archives

 

A Tea for the Tillerman

Acte 3

 

Tea Party Shenanigans

 

The next hour and generous half were spent in a blur of social mixing, handing out and receiving compliments alike.

 

Most of which were genuine. For there were some rather pretty outfits being worn and equally pretty baubles. Ginny held her own against them, while I sometimes felt the pauper.

 

We had made a full circle before finding ourselves at the tea table standing next to mum, as we finally partook of the refreshments now fully laid out.

 

Mum was not much company, however, as the seemingly never-ending stream of guests, making their way in line, stopped to talk with her first.

 

Ginny and I, sharing a knowing look, grabbed ourselves a goblet of red wine each and fled to the sanctuary of the back garden for some relief and solitude over being social butterflies.

 

<<<<<<<<<<

 

Ginny and I go into the garden drinking from our goblets of wine. These were not our first drinks of wine, plus what we had had at the pub, and I’ll admit we were both a bit light-headed and giggly at this point.

 

Cleo, the neighborhood cat, is sunning himself by the small pagoda. Ginny gives me her goblet and bends down to pet the lazy fat bugger who probably last caught a mouse some 3 of his lives ago.

 

As she petted the scoundrel, Ginny’s dangling pendant was dripping in its’ display of brilliant, gloriously fiery cascading sparkles.

 

As I stared at the mesmerizing show of her necklace. I became aware of giggling young girls close at hand.

 

Ginny was still absorbed in petting the loudly purring Cleo, so I went off to find the source. without saying anything to disturb the pairs' bliss.

 

In the very backside of the garden, there is a white wrought iron bench. This was in the area I called the secret garden since it was surrounded by shrubs on the house side. My brother and I played many a game in this area, and in the wooded acres on the other side.

 

That was where I pinpointed that the giggling was coming from.

 

Feeling it was a time to be clandestine, I snuck up and peered through a gap in the shrubs…

 

There were three of them.

 

Twelve-year-old Estella, little Claire, and oddly enough, the “Wood Bead lady”. There was no sign of Mrs. Shannon or Gabrielle.

 

Apparently, the trio was playing a game of keep-away.

 

Claire was running between the other two as they tried to catch her. She was holding the wood beaded necklace that the “Wood Bead Lady” had been wearing. Estella soon captured the squirming tyke and taking the wood beads from her, gave them back to the waiting adult. Then Claire squirmed free and was hoisted up by the “Wood Bead Lady”. Estella then went to the bench, facing away from the pair.

 

“Wood Bead Lady” then put Claire down and pointed out Estella.

 

Giggling, Claire went over to Estella and pulled at her dress, holding her arms up to be held. Estella bent down, her black and white striped taffeta dress shimmering, and picked her up. Claire ran her arms up and hugged Estella.

 

As she did, the little nymph nimbly unhooked the rhinestone necklace and let it fall away from Estella’s throat.

 

Indicating she wanted down, she ran back behind Estella, scooped up the necklace from the grass, and went to the waiting “Wood Bead Lady” who pick her up, tickling the squealing child.

 

An odd game I thought, but at least the lady was keeping the toddler (and Estella)out of mischief.

 

I debated going back to gather Ginny and show her for a laugh, when I realized a sudden, undeniable urge, to go potty was making me tingle.

 

I slinked away, not wishing to disturb the happily playing group.

 

I go back and see that Ginny is still sitting on the pagodas’ steps petting Cleo.

 

I hailed her.

 

“Hey luv, I need to freshen up”

 

Ginny, sitting comfortably, hesitatingly asks if I need her to come along.

 

I laugh, coming up alongside the steps.

 

“No. I'm a big girl now...

 

I pick up her now empty goblet and walk away, saying…

 

“I’ll bring us back some refills”

 

I whip back around, giving Ginny and smirking eye…

 

“You just stay here and play with your pussy.”

 

Giggling, I dodged the pebble she threw at me, and lifting my skirt with my free hand, scurried off as quick as my heeled shoes would let me.

  

Heading back onto the green of the party area, I was soon waylaid by one of the guests, Cassie, who was a friend of Ginny’s mum.

 

I had not realized she was coming, for it was her first time here at one of our teas.

 

She was smashing in the looks department. Her long brown hair was tied in the back with a fancy pleat. Cassie was wearing a midnight black taffeta high-necked top with 3/4 length sleeves. A gold pleated satin skirl fell swirling from her waistline.

 

She was strikingly wearing a lovely gold necklace set with real diamonds and garnets that lay sparking along her downy soft top’s neckline, a very pretty thing I thought it was. Matching drop earrings, bracelets and rings completed the show.

 

After greeting her( shaking my leg in discomfort) she coincidentally asked me where the ladies' room was.

 

We had some rentals set up behind a hedge near the house for the guests, so I offered to lead her there.

 

Reaching them, Cassie asked me if Ginny was here today. Answering yes, I told Cassie where I had left her, giving her quick directions before apologizing that I really had a pressing errand. And that I would meet her there.

 

I circled the house, entering by the front door. In my room, I opened the drawer where I kept the case for my better jewellery. Lifting the lid, I pulled off both my rings, undid the bracelet, and laid them all inside. Making it to my bathroom in the nick of time.

 

I was in there, indisposed, for a long while.

 

Once I was finally through I freshened my makeup and headed back through the kitchen. Weaving my way amongst noisily working caterers.

 

Just outside the back door, I was intercepted by mum, who was still by the tables, calling me over.

 

She asked me to locate the reading glasses that she had left in the sunroom.

 

I go to the sun room searching, finally finding them by Papa’s wet bar.

 

Smirking to myself, I poured a shot of ginger brandy, and happily downed it.

 

Feeling rather warm inside, I picked up the errant reading glasses.

 

As I picked them up I could see out the long side windows Mrs. Shannon talking to some friends. Gabrielle was with her, the necklace glistening. I did not see Estella.

 

A silly game they had been playing I remember thinking to myself.

 

I scurry back outside, handed mum her readers, and listened in polity after she introduced me to the ladies with whom was chatting.

 

I broke away, snatched up full goblets of wine, and began my journey through the gauntlet of guests to collect Ginny.

 

It was then I remembered I had left my rings and bracelet inside my open jewellery case. I hesitated going back for them before deciding not to, I had left Ginny alone long enough.

 

It was then I spied Claire being carried by her new friend, the “Wood Bead Lady”, followed by that sly Estella.

 

They were approaching a 30-something lady, standing alone like she was waiting for the return of friends.

 

She was winningly wearing a long, very sleek, very tight, purple silk sleeveless dress that appeared to have been poured over her figure.

 

Claire was set down as the two ladies began chatting, with Estrella standing off to one side listening in.

 

As I passed I saw out of the corner of my eye that Claire had reached up her arms and the lady in purple silk was bending over to pick her up. The sapphire and diamond gemstones of the crescent moon-shaped silvery necklace she wore around her throat rippled flashily in the sunlight.

 

I passed them without a second thought, my mind focused on not spilling wine, as I made my way to rejoin Ginny.

 

I reached the pagoda where I had left her but found it deserted. Not even Cleo remained.

 

I went to the secret garden area, but it too was now void of anyone.

 

I started to walk the long way around the gardens trying to find where Ginny had gotten off too.

 

I had just passed one of the trimmed hedges when a hand is placed on my shoulder and I hear Ginny's voice from behind me, and see her arm reaching for one of the wine goblets I was holding

  

“Lost my pussy, didn’t I luv, then lost you ?” She giggled in my ear as she came up along sides me.

 

“Got bored waiting for you to come back, didn’t I? Been looking for you.” She said to me as a way of explanation.

 

We stand there drinking our wine as we watch the moving crowd of guests spread out upon the green lawn. Sun shining up in a cloudless blue sky. A perfect day.

 

“Lovely wine this “ Ginny said.

 

I turned to her smiling, meaning to ask if Cassie had found her.

 

But she had read my mind apparently, for she started to tell me that she had seen her mum’s friend, Cassie, holding Claire, talking to the odd lady we had met, the one wearing that turban. I didn’t want to interrupt them, you can guess why. So we will have to seek her out later…. What’s the matter?”

 

Ginny stopped her story, seeing the look on my face.

 

For, as I had faced Ginny, I had frozen, not really hearing My friend's words.

 

I brushed my fingers upon the vacant front of Ginny’s dress, just above the rhinestone dragons' clutching claw.

 

“Ginny, Where's your necklace?”

 

Eyes opening wide in horror, her hand shoots to her bare neck, feeling in vain around her throat.

 

“Buggers, it’s bloody gone!”

 

Next up the last Acte 4

 

A Most Curious Conclusion

 

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Es una escultura en bronce colado que se alza elegante en la avenida Roncesvalles, mirando en dirección hacia la emblemática Plaza de Toros de Pamplona.

La obra congela en un instante la carrera de los mozos perseguidos por los toros, con una atrevida habilidad y un acertado equilibrio de fuerzas que dejan entrever la angustia constante y el valor.

La paradoja del “dinamismo congelado” se muestra ante nuestros ojos, y parece como si los morlacos quisieran salir de su disfraz de bronce para recorrer una vez más las calles de Pamplona tras los valerosos mozos antes de volver a su molde perpetuo.

 

Un impresionante monumento concebido para ensalzar el mítico encierro de Pamplona. Representa con un realismo impactante el momento de mayor excitación para los corredores; ese en el que pueden sentir el aliento de los animales tras de sí. 11 mozos, en frenética carrera, tratan de conducir a la manada compuesta por 6 toros y 3 cabestros.

El escultor bilbaíno Rafael Huerta ha conseguido plasmar gran equilibrio y movimiento a su obra gracias a la compensación de volúmenes hacia un lado y otro de los puntos de apoyo. Todos los mozos trasmiten con su pose, y con su gesto, la misma emoción que se vive cada mañana de las fiestas de San Fermín. La angustia, el valor de los mozos y la potencia de los morlacos reflejan la constante lucha vivida con intensidad.

 

El encierro nació por la necesidad de trasladar a los toros desde los extramuros de la ciudad al coso taurino, y la costumbre de los mozos por saltar al recorrido y correr delante de las astas hizo que el encierro se incluyera en el programa. Tiene lugar del 7 al 14 de julio y comienza en los corralillos de Santo Domingo cuando el reloj de la iglesia de San Cernin marca las ocho en punto de la mañana.

Tras el lanzamiento de dos cohetes, las reses salen en tropel para recorrer tras los mozos 825 metros en un tiempo medio de entre tres y cuatro minutos, aunque en ocasiones excepcionales la carrera se prolonga por quedar “descolgada” de la manada alguna de las reses. La rapidez, el caos y un estallido de sensaciones culminan en la Plaza de Toros. A partir de ahí, más distendida, la fiesta continúa…

 

turismo.navarra.com/item/monumento-al-encierro-pamplona/

 

It is a cast bronze sculpture that stands elegantly on Avenida Roncesvalles, looking towards the emblematic Pamplona Bullring.

The work freezes in an instant the run of the runners being chased by the bulls, with a daring skill and an accurate balance of forces that hint at constant anguish and courage.

The paradox of "frozen dynamism" is displayed before our eyes, and it seems as if the bulls want to emerge from their bronze disguise to once again run through the streets of Pamplona after the valiant runners before returning to their perpetual mould.

 

An impressive monument conceived to extol the mythical running of the bulls in Pamplona. It represents with striking realism the moment of greatest excitement for the runners; the moment when they can feel the breath of the animals behind them. 11 runners, in a frenetic race, try to lead the herd made up of 6 bulls and 3 steers.

The Bilbao sculptor Rafael Huerta has managed to give great balance and movement to his work thanks to the compensation of volumes to one side or the other of the support points. With their poses and gestures, all the young men convey the same emotion that is experienced every morning of the fiestas of San Fermín. The anguish, the courage of the runners and the power of the bulls reflect the constant struggle lived with intensity.

 

The encierro was born out of the need to move the bulls from the outskirts of the city to the bullring, and the custom of the runners jumping onto the course and running in front of the horns meant that the encierro was included in the programme. It takes place from 7 to 14 July and begins in the corralillos of Santo Domingo when the clock in the church of San Cernin strikes eight o'clock in the morning.

After the launching of two fireworks, the bulls troop out to run after the runners for 825 metres in an average time of between three and four minutes, although on exceptional occasions the race is prolonged because some of the bulls get "unhooked" from the herd. Speed, chaos and an explosion of sensations culminate in the Plaza de Toros. From there, more relaxed, the fiesta continues...

 

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

 

This bridge was built from railway lines to allow horse drawn barges to change towpaths without being unhooked from the barge