Elizabeth Bennett (wit_and_sword) wrote in madisonvalley, @ 2018-09-27 18:11:00 |
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Who: Elizabeth Bennet and Lexa
What: talking before bed
Where: Their lodgings
When: backdated to monday Monday evening
Warnings: references of post-rape trauma
Status: Closed/completed gdoc
Elizabeth’s wages at the smithy weren’t going to make her a wealthy woman, but she wasn’t a poor one either. They trusted her with the accounts and orders, and keeping the place in order. Perhaps not any of the larger projects, but smaller and more practical ones, those she could do. Either way, she was proud of her work and the life it afforded her; simple, but free.
That didn’t say she wasn’t glad to undress and relax at the end of the day. Being only one of two women in the shop, she and Lexa shared lodgings to cut cost, and she had to admit, it was a blessing to have female companionship in a building where everything else had to be guarded. Plus, the saved expense allowed the occasional indulgence.
Said indulgence a small parcel that was placed on the shared table in their room, while she herself started to take her outer garments off to prepare for bed.
****
Lexa was grateful every day for being allowed to work at the blacksmith shop. For one, she simply could not see herself enjoying any other type of work and for another it allowed her a change to forgo petticoats and corsets for something of the more “manly” variety. Of course, this type of dress was only afforded during times when she was working with the metals and not simply handling accounts or taking payment, but any time in which she did not have to confined to skirts and bodices she was quite relieved.
With the work day finished up for the evening, Lexa had headed home, alongside her coworker and roommate, Elizabeth. The day had been a bit more eventful as Lexa’s unapproving father had shown up and while it had been civil, the exchange had made Lexa uncomfortable to say the least. It was not as if Lexa did not love her father and mother, but they wanted her to be married, have a family, and never truly have a life of her own. Lexa simply could not live that way and when she was old enough, convinced the local blacksmith to hire her. At first, they had used her only for simple accounting and taking of payments, but eventually they had taught her some of what they knew and Lexa was a fast learner. When her parents evicted her from their home, she was lucky enough to find a place with another woman.
Those were things she did not like to think about though and as the night crept upon them, the brunette tugged her hair free from her customary bun, determined to relax. Of course there were other reason why Lexa refused to live as her parents wished; Lexa did not <i>like</i> men or at least, not in the manner that came to end in marriage and a family. She found, quite soon into her teens, that she had a preference for those of the same sex. However, it was something that was frowned upon, if not a death wish, and Lexa had to conceal those thoughts. Unfortunately, they came quite to the forefront as Elizabeth stripped of her work garments in favor of those she wore to bed.
Flushing, Lexa turned from the sight of her roommates form and focused instead on stipping of her cloths in favor of her nightgown. “It was a long day today, wasn’t it?” An attempt to conversation in the hopes of keeping her thoughts from drifting to anything improper.
***
Elizabeth considered herself fortunate. Coming from a large family, the notion of any of them marrying well was a constant strain, and while the thought of either her or her sisters working turned their stomach, it would take off the strain; better to work and save up for a dowry, then to end up old maids and dependant or worse, having to make a living in the brothel. Working at the blacksmith seemed the lesser of the evils, and even less so when it was found another woman working there.
She made a slight motion with her head as she undid her clothes and changed into her nightgown. Another side effect of living with a lot of sisters, she saw little need in having to hide herself infront of another woman she lived with-they were both female after all. “It was productive, I agree.”
Once comfortable, she went to the parcel at the table. “Not so busy I didn’t have time to do a little shopping afterwards. Look at this,” She opened the box and took out several lengths of lacy, colorful ribbon. “What do you think? I’m hoping to spruce up my sunday bonnet.”
On the job, it was strictly utilitarian only, but on their own time, even Lizzie could appreciate frills.
***
Lexa wished she came from a large family; perhaps then her parents would not have put so much pressure on her to marry wealthy. It didn’t matter now; her ties with her family were thin at best. Lexa pushed the thought aside and pulled her nightgown over her head and carefully buttoned up the front. She was on her own pretty much and really that was perfectly fine with her.
Elizabeth was dressed when she turned around and Lexa felt relief at that; she obviously possessed self-control, but that didn’t mean her mind and body did not have a mind of their own at times. She knew Elizabeth was perfectly fine with dressing and undressing in front of her because they were both women and Lexa could agree, but Lexa was also what most people would look at in disgust because of her “feelings” regarding the same sex.
“‘I’m not surprised you managed to fit it in,” Lexa replied, offering the other woman a small smile. Elizabeth knew how to organize her time well; it was a definitely a wonderful skill to possess. She watched the other woman opened the parcel, showing off several lengths of ribbon. Lexa had to admit it was beautiful in color.
“It’s beautiful, Elizabeth. You’re bonnet is going to look like new.” Lexa reached out to gently touch one of the strands. “Well made too.”
***
“A lucky shot,” She beamed. “They were closing shop soon and I was able to get some on the cheap.”
There was some joy in being able to buy small purchases just for her own pleasure, not for any man or husband. She set the box aside and settled on the small bed. “Perhaps I should’ve taken a position at the tailors or dressmaker, but the pay at the smithy was better.”
The feel of rough fabric against her arm made her hiss, and she cursed herself for running out of tea tree tincture to set on it. The burn on her arm wasn’t bad, certainly nothing that would leave a scar, but it still hurt. “I don’t suppose you have anything for burns, I must’ve run out without realizing it.”
***
“Very lucky indeed,” Lexa agreed, nodding. Everything closed pretty promptly in Madison Valley when it was supposed to so Elizabeth managing to make it in time before they locked up for the night was definitely luck; finding the lovely ribbon was obviously a wonderful bonus. Lexa knew at some point she should fancy up some of her own clothing, but she simply didn’t care for dresses or bonnets in general which made wanting to make them look better difficult for her.
A hazard of working at the smithy was obviously burns and Elizabeth looked to have suffer a decently bad one. When the other woman hissed in pain, the sensitive skin running over the rough fabric the culprit of irritation, Lexa frowned. She hated to see someone she cared for in pain and before Elizabeth had asked, she was already looking for some of her own tea tree tincture for the young woman to use. “I do and of course you are welcome to it,” Lexa assured her, digging through her nightstand drawer, and a finding it quickly. Standing, she held it out to her friend. “Here.”
***
“Thank you. ” She accepted the small tin, setting it on her own nightstand before rolling up her sleeve. In truth, the burn was hardly serious and nothing that wouldn’t heal within a few days, but it still hurt and she didn’t want it to get worse.
She rubbed some of it on her arm, frowning from the smell even as it soothed her skin. “I don’t even recall how it happened, perhaps I was too close to the forge and just forgot to wear gloves.”
It wasn’t the first time it happened of course. Accidents happened, so long as they weren’t disfiguring or fatal, there was no sense being troubled about it.
***
“Of course,” Lexa replied, giving the woman a small smile as she accepted the tin. Unfortunately, the smell was rather disgusting, but it handled burns well and that was what counted. Both Elizabeth and Lexa were use to the smell by now, but it was still repugnant to the nose for sure.
At the comments, Lexa frowned. “It happens. You know I had one just a few weeks ago myself. It’s very hot and just being near it with bare skin can cause irritation,” she replied, shaking her head. “As long as it is not too bad, there isn’t anything to worry about at least.”
***
Of course, burns of this sort were just something they had to put up with, but that didn’t mean they were enjoyable.
She sighed and collapsed on the bed, wondering if her schedule might allow her to visit any of her family tomorrow. Her eldest was expecting her second child and she did wish to make certain her mother wasn’t driving everyone else mad. Her father once let it slip he almost envied her decision to move in and live near the shop.
“If I were to tell you something,” This had been in her head for some time now. “Do you promise to never let it leave this room? Or I really will ensure you become burned.”
Not that her secret was terribly scandalis, she didn’t think, but gossip in town traveled worse than fire in a drought. Were word to really get out, she might really have to hide herself at home.
***
Once Elizabeth had finished treating her burn, Lexa retrieved the tin and placed it back in her night stand. She made sure to check the amount in case she had to buy more; given their line of work, it was imperative they always had some on hand. There was still a good amount and Lexa tucked the tin away,shutting the drawer gently and looked over at Elizabeth.
The woman was collapsed upon her bed and Lexa heard the unmistakable sound of a sigh escape her lips. Lexa felt like that too sometimes, but a lot less since moving away from her parents. They were the cause of the majority of her stress...that and her feelings she should not have at all. Keeping them to herself was difficult, but necessary for her safety and for those who knew her too.
At the words, Lexa took a seat upon her bed and looked over at Elizabeth, watching her carefully. She found it difficult to believe it could be that bad or dangerous, but Elizabeth was not one to kid around either so Lexa nodded. “I promise it does not leave the room,” Lexa replied honestly. “I’d prefer to avoid a burn.”
***
“Just this,” Elizabeth turned on her side so she was facing the other woman. “The only reason my father let me take this job was because I told him I was trying to save enough to supliment a dowry for when I marry.” Well, that and her father was contrary by nature. “But that’s only what I told my family. At some point, when I do think I’ve saved enough, I’m turning in my notice and leaving this town for good.”
Because what was there for her. Sure, she could marry, there were a number of good men in town, but what else was there? Besides, most of the available ones worked hard, unskilled labor, and how could she be expected to raise a family on those wages. Perhaps if she inherited her own shop, or married a man who was willing to let her work in his own, that would be different, but she couldn’t see either being the case. Better to start in a new life in the city where no one asked questions.
***
Lexa had never considered Elizabeth to be a rash sort of woman, but her statement changed all of that in an instant. Leave town? For the city? It sounded crazy; leaving Madison Valley meant braving the wilds until you did somehow end up in another town and there were indians around these parts and none too friendly as Lexa recalled from her father. Elizabeth would never make it unless she left with someone else, a party of some sort, but she doubted anyone would want to leave Madison Valley. It wasn’t the worst place.
And yet, Lexa could understand her reasoning. The life she would have here would not be her own. She would be stuck marrying and while it wasn’t the worst, it definitely sucked up the last bits of freedom a job like this provided. For Lexa, there was no chance of marriage; her father had disowned her pretty much and no man would touch someone without family or a dowry. Lexa had her own money, but marriage was the last place she wanted to spend it. Besides, she didn’t care for men in that way and the thought of being forced? It left her miserable.
“I can-I can understand,” Lexa replied after a moment. She waited a second more, biting her lip in thought before she continued. “Perhaps-Perhaps I’ll go with you.”
***
She frowned. Elizabeth always prided herself on being straight with what she was saying, nothing like the supposed hesitance and playing coy like the rest of her sex; she always figured Lexa was of the same nature, they had to be within their line of work. Yet, something in the girl’s voice told her she wasn’t exactly telling all.
“Perhaps,” She supposed she could save enough for a second train ticket, and with any luck she might be able to find work and lodging through the paper. “You are not certain? This isn’t something to be taken lightly. I’ve been saving up for just over a year now, and have been writing and asking around for possible lodgings.”
This wasn’t exactly an impulsive dream on her part. This had and still was requiring a lot of planning.
***
Lexa could never be completely honest with anyone about herself. Her feelings towards members of the same sex kept that an impossibility. Elizabeth, unfortunately, fell into this category; it wasn’t so much as she did not trust her as she didn’t want to burden her with her secret. Plus, there was always the side of Lexa that believed if Elizabeth knew, she would feel uncomfortable around Lexa and want to leave. Obviously, she had just made it clear she was leaving regardless, but this was a thought that the brunette had always had.
“I have savings as well. Perhaps not nearly as much, but I could leave if I wanted. Finding work could prove difficult, but I could manage. I always have,” she replied softly. Lexa was aware it wasn’t something that could be accomplished on impulse alone, but she was always not one to shy away from a challenge...at least, not one like this.
***
“I’ll consider it,” She said, still thinking. “I was…” She sighed. After working and all but living with Lexa, she could only be honest with her. “I was hoping to take cousin Ella and her son with me. It’s been over a year since it happened and the town still treats her like a leper. Of course, she’s also still so scared to leave the farmhouse for long, or even a short while, so she would probably refuse if I asked.”
Not that Lizzie could blame her. Ella was such a kind, gentle soul, any ruffian might see her sweetness for an invitation, and then she was too mild to be firm enough to fight back. The resulting pain and shame over it would certainly be too much to bear. “Even if a new start might do her and her son some good. If she had the will, she could make up a dead husband and start a fresh.”
People here might scoff and scorn an unmarried mother, but on the same coin, there was a reluctant admiration for widows, especially those with children. “I’ll have to think on it. How much do you have saved?”
***
When Elizabeth said she could consider it, Lexa nodded. It wasn’t as if she needed anyone to leave town with. It would be good to start over with a familiar face by your side, but not necessary. Then she mentioned Ella and her son and Lexa understood. To give Ella a chance where people wouldn’t look down on her was a wonderful idea, but like Elizabeth said, Ella rarely left the farmhouse nowadays because of everything that had happened to her. Elizabeth would be hard pressed to get her to leave, but it was a good idea and kind one too. “It would be a wonderful opportunity for Ella...if she took it,” Lexa replied honestly.
The thought of Ella lying didn’t seem plausible to Lexa. The other woman was simply too kind to make something up even if it was in her best interest to do so. Anything that could potentially harm someone else bothered her. “I don’t see Ella lying though,” Lexa added with Elizabeth finished. “It isn’t in her nature even if it would help her out.”
At the question about how much she had saved, Lexa thought for a moment before replying. “A decent amount. I don’t spend much other than what I need to live.”
***
“I’ll stop by the farmhouse this week to ask, but I will also consider it for you as well. Traveling with a second person is always safer than going by one’s self.” Even she knew that. For all she considered herself as daring, that wasn’t the same as fool hardy.
“We should probably think this over tomorrow. It’s getting past late,” And they both had to be at the shop early tomorrow.”Good night.”
She pulled the covers over her, mindful of her arm, and tried to settle into sleep.
***
“It is,” Lexa replied, nodding. Whatever happened, she would adapt to it. Lexa was capable that way; she was a survivor in her own right even if her father never recognized it within her. She was different, but that did not make her weak by any means.
As her roommate turned over to sleep, Lexa did the same and snuggled beneath the blankets. They did have an early day tomorrow. “We will think it over tomorrow. Good night,” she returned before closing her eyes and attempting to sleep for the night.
***