By Wit & Whitby - Completed threads

Like Father, Like Son [Streets, Yards, and Homes]

Sat, 12 Apr 2025 13:33:21 +0000

John sat in the kitchen of his parents home. A place he had been very familiar with when growing up. The fire crackled in the open range that his mother would cook on. The kettle sitting neatly in its holder slowly boiling away as John gazed at the flickering flame in the dark kitchen.

The two letters he had recieved sat on top of the table. The one on top was what was causing his mind to wander. It was what he had not expected to recieve. He had been told when he was sailing home he would be sent to the recruitment depot battalion to train new recruits as he recovered from his injuries but typical army fashion it was changed. He knew his mother would break down when she found out. John once more was returning to the field of battle. This time with the West Yorkshire Regiment.

(Acting) Captain William St. Claire had wrote to him directly asking him to join the company of whitby men he was assembling. This wasn't what caught John of gaurd. The captain had put his neck on the line to keep John out of military prison.....but also had written to request John to be his acting Sargeant Major of the company.

Reunion [Doctors, Constabulary, and Magistrates]

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 19:22:05 +0000

Tobi sat on the edge of her seat as her father squeezed her hand. "I think this is the place." The cab drew to a stop and they got out of it. Tobi had a basketful of things for Pippa, namely some things to keep her occupied including art supplies. She hoped her best friend was alright. They reached the door and her father rapped upon it, glancing over to his anxious daughter as they waited for soneone yo answer. "I am very glad for you both that you may see her today." She nodded and squeezed as well.

The Next Day [Streets, Yards, and Homes]

Sun, 01 Dec 2024 19:31:10 +0000

It started with a letter she wrote to her brother in the dark of the night. Pen was tired and weary, the gravity of Pippa's situation as well as her own having finally convinced her it was time to go. She knew she had overstayed her welcome even as justified as her actions were in her mind.

She had left it on his desk while he slept but kept mostly to Pippa's side, even sleeping on the floor on her bedding so she could be there. Somebody needed to and even as improper as it was to have done what she did, morally speaking, Pippa's intended had the right to see for himself because it was their choice lawfully considering nobody was her guardian in truth, her brother was only her employer, legally speaking.

It was the next morning that she woke up, stiff from her night on the floor but uncomplaining. She checked and Pippa was still sleeping off the medicine she had been given. The coolness of her skin relieved Pen, so she quietly took herself off to tidy herself up enough for dignity, and she quietly took herself to the kitchen.

She put together a simple meal, pieced together with bakery items because bread was not something she felt up for making. She threw a few eggs and a ham slice she divided. Tea was brewed and all was soon on the table except for a bowl of reheated soup for Pippa and some of the bread and tea.

She took that up and Pippa ate gratefully while Pen went back downstairs to eat, letting the girl have some quiet.

Quote:Brother,

As inappropriate as my actions were, I did what I felt in my heart was the correct thing to do. That being said, I am only sorry that the price was hefty, possibly losing you. Pippa needed to be held and is paying her heavy price for that and I have to even applaud her for the grace with which she has accepted her consequences. She once told me that the child could not go to somebody else, a child gave unconditional love and it wasn't their fault they were conceived.

Added to that, she only has us and neither of us understood the impact upon her. So it is with respect and love that I write this to let you know that I will be elsewhere once she is better. I am sorry, truly, brother, for hurting you as a consequence of doing what I thought I had to.

All My Love,
Nel

Ugh, aglow? [Streets, Yards, and Homes]

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 20:53:59 +0000

Things were settling down, though the amount of people who still shot her awful looks saddened her. After one such incident, a snide remark made under the breath of a vendor even as he took her money. She had the basket of wares in the crook of her arm, some food, a gift for Joe, and stuff for sewing baby clothes, though it was covered aside from the bread. With stooped shoulders, she made her way from the market and walked a good ten minutes or so, not going fast.

She gagged at the sudden scent of refuse and shuddered, no longer looking about for anyone but rather, a private place.

The story of a lifetime [Streets, Yards, and Homes]

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 09:10:48 +0000

Gareth’s rooms were on the second floor of a building on the far end of Church street. The sitting room John was shown into looked out over the bustling street below. Through a narrow gap between the houses across one could just make out a narrow stretch of the harbour with its silver reflections in constant motion. On the far right a steep path led down to Tate Hill pier along the slum dwellings on that side of town. That unfortunate view alone probably decreased the value of the rooms, but for a reporter with a thirst for drama those rooms were practically a box seat.

Although the space was modest, great care had been taken in its furnishing, although its success was a matter for debate. The lower half of the room had been wainscoted with a dark frame and lighter panels. Above the wainscot the walls had been covered with a rather dizzying Morris wallpaper. The heavy, blue and straw coloured curtains, draped around the windows and doors were reminiscent of tapestries with yet another flowery Arts and Crafts design. The wooden floor was only partly covered by carpets, which offered some relief to the weary eye. There were small tables, a low sofa with only the seat and arms upholstered, so that the intricate woodwork of the backrest was visible, and two deep armchair with some of the similar woodwork showing in the feet and multiple rails under the armrests. There were flowers, ferns, oriental vases, oriental fans, and copies of famous paintings. On one side of the room stood a heavy bookcase, generously filled with bound volumes – novels in English and French, and one or two Latin and Greek works; dictionaries; books on grammar and literary analysis – to finish the parade.

“Have a seat,” Gareth offered. “I’ll be just a moment.” And he receded to his bedroom to wash his face and inspect his injuries. “Fuck you,” his voice came from behind the door when he inspected his jaw in the mirror.

He returned half a minute later. “Drink?”

New Surroundings [Streets, Yards, and Homes]

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 21:13:15 +0000

She was so tired from her emotions that she slept for a good few days, only getting up to take care of her needs and then turn around and go back to sleep. By the third day, she felt somewhat better and awoke while he was doing his job. She took a bath from that point, relaxing in the tub, still worn out enough that the thought of making food was a daunting task. With a sigh, she let herself relax for a time longer, at least until the water had taken on a distinct chill and she was not interested in replenishing. She took care of the bathwater after getting dressed and then went to the kitchen to familiarize herself with her surroundings.

At some point, she began to start supper. She only worked with a few ingredients and kept the fare simple, finding some cheese and the stuff to make bread, and what looked like dried beef. She made that into some beef and brown gravy, letting it simmer for a while not only to hydrate the beef but to meld. By the time he should have been home, she was just setting the table while the stew was set aside to cool.

Rule Breaker [Streets, Yards, and Homes]

Sat, 21 Sep 2024 17:20:10 +0000

(CW just in case)

She had just finished the soup, her belly rumbling at the smell of it. It wasn't as good as what she tasted, so she adjusted until it tasted acceptable, not knowing if Pippa would even care at this point. She could not say what was missing but it would be figured out another time. As far as the bread went, she burned her last attempt so she had simply bought enough for the next few days. It would be just fine in soup when stale.

She put the lid back on the pot and went upstairs to the attic to check on Pippa, who she found deeply asleep and she wasn't about to disturb the girl. Once she got back to the kitchen, she began to serve a bowl to herself along with some bread.

Answering Questions Only For More[Hotels, Pubs, and Accommodations]

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 21:48:01 +0000

Tobi paced back and forth in her room, anxious to hear anything at all about her best friend. The letter about the murderer was folded neatly on the table in her room along with the legal letters from the solicitors back in the states. Pippa was legally right for what money was left after the estate had burnt to the ground, the funds no longer locked from her use.

She sighed and sat down, the young teenager that served as her companion when her brother was occupied elsewhere knocked and came in, "Come on, Miss, ye should really eat somethin affore ye catch the vapors. I am sure yer friend wouldn't like knowin' ye fainted on her behalf." The girl tutted like a mother hen and linked her arm with Tobi's to take her into the common room to eat.

Tobi did pause to grab the old newspaper that had come with the package. She shook her head as she peered down at the likeness of the man who killed the Danes family, hanged for his crime some months prior. Poor Pippa...

The Scarlet Letter [Streets, Yards, and Homes]

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 20:02:10 +0000

Ruth was just finishing her work for the day, an unopened missive in her apron pocket. She had left Jacob with Pearl for the week so she could take time to herself. She missed him but she wanted very much for him to get to fall in love with his aunt's and uncles, and Pearl insisted she take care of the boy.

After carefully putting things away, she headed into the hallway. She pulled the letter out and finally looked at it and then realized she recognized the name as the one who was hired by Edward's family. Taking a deep breath, she slowed to a hault and then carefully opened up the missive.

She started to read, then put her hand over her suddenly fast heartbeat as the words jumped out at her... Bigomy.... She was never Angus' wife in truth.... He'd married more than a handful of women in order to procure funds... He had only used her.

Part of her wanted to feel so very angry at the snake of a man, but she was giddy with relief and dare she feel, joy? She was gasping and laughing, and sobbing, but mostly laughing.

It was then that she took off at a brisk pace, letter clutched tightly in her shaking hand. She found the library and didn't knock, she never needed to anymore... If he was in there, he was in there, or he was in the garden, or somewhere. She would find the man and ignore anyone who asked questions.

The moment she found him, she gasped his name, "Edward, you must see this..." and offered the wrinkled paper. And wherever he was found, she still sunk to her butt, covered her face and wept.

I can't help falling in love with you [Streets, Yards, and Homes]

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 19:56:15 +0000

Nudity

She stood at the window of her room, now devoid of the things she had gathered in the time she had spent living with the doctor. Her things were neatly tucked into a trunk at the ready for her to leave. It was sad but good in a way. She had calmed greatly since her Russian lover had set sail possibly never to be seen again. She had accepted her fate. Her hand moved to touch the swell of her belly - she was in her underwear so she was not quite hanging out the window so others could see her delicates, mind you... She had stopped bothering with the corset for the time being.

The trauma of losing her family would forever be a part of her but she had to find a way to get better for the sake of the very little one who fluttered restlessly enough to cause her to feel discomfort. It was still early enough in the morning that she had time to think, the idea of getting dressed was simply exhausting.

She sighed softly and padded over to the mirror, pulling off the shift so she stood only in her knickers and stockings, looking at herself and the now noticable swell. She might not be happy with the hand she helped to deal to herself, but she couldn't help but stare in wonder at the way she was starting to fill out. Her tender breasts were heavier than they had been, her face was starting to fill out too and she was glowing in a way she had never noticed before.

The babe might not have asked to exist, but she loved him or her beyond something fathonable. Her eyes traced each new definition to her body; wider hips, heavier breasts, shinier hair, and other subtle changes she was starting to notice over time. She thought about lying back down, but she did not know if Tristan would be alright with her taking the extra day off considering there was a tight ship to run. She was starting to clean to the point of near perfection, spending more time noticing the things around the house that needed attention. She made it a point to stay out of the study, she did not wish to cause another fight between the two of them...

It was then that she heard a knock on her door... It sounded dainty, like that of a feminine hand, and it was a familiar rap. She pulled her dressing gown over herself and cinched it tightly under her breasts. She then moved to the door and peeked out.

Penny smiled at her softly, having grown fond of the young woman. She said, "I thought I would come check on you... You have been hiding a bit more, darling, are you alright?"

Pippa gave a wan smile and said, "I am just a bit tired. I feel as though I need sleep a lot more."

"Perhaps you should let Tristan take a look at you. You look radiant but you also look a bit strained. Have you been eating alright? Would you like for me to spoil you for once, dear? You do so much for Tristan and me..."

Pippa blinked in surprise and backed into the room with the door in tow, inviting her friend into her room and watching the other woman enter the room and glance about with a frown when she noticed that most of Pippa's belongings were tucked away in the trunk that sat open for the time being.

"Are you leaving, Pippa?"

"It's for the best as I am sure you understand. I'm a ruined woman unless I marry someone before the baby comes. I cannot be here to bring scandal on Dr. Wells' head." Pippa moved to sit down on the end of her bed, grabbing for the brush that she had sitting on the bed while she was getting ready for the day.

"But you cannot go out there on your own, can you? I know you've already done as much by coming here to Whitby. Pippa, I worry about you, don't you know that?" Penny moved to her and took the brush, gesturing for Pippa to move further back onto the bed so she could move behind her and start brushing her friend's hair.

Pippa closed her eyes and relaxed into the soft movement of the brush, her sigh was a nice, comfortable one.

"That's it, dear, just relax for now. Would you like me to braid your hair and pin it up for you too? I wouldn't mind." Pippa gave a nod and a murmur that sounded like an affirmative... After several minutes of silent hair brushing, Penny soon put Pippa's hair up in a charming braided coif, allowing for the air to touch her friend's neck.

Pippa soon started to doze. Penny helped her out, moved to tuck her in and then, once she knew her friend was sound asleep, she crept out of the room and headed off to find her brother...

Books Against Boredom [Market, Shops, and Spas]

Sun, 02 Jun 2024 17:24:27 +0000

Autumn was on its way and Catherine Ennington still wasn't as much as engaged. Now all interesting men, the ones with titles and land, had left Whitby to go back to doing whatever they did outside of summer, and Cathy was faced with the prospect of being stuck in this town the entire winter with nothing to do except charity work, calling on their small circle of equals, and shop. (She wouldn't be caught dead in anything sold in Whitby.) The doctor did not deem her well enough to go back to school, or, which was worse, to travel far.

Some books might bring some relief from boredom, though she could not read long without developing migraines. At least browsing for books filled some time. And so on a sunny afternoon, the carriage drew up in front of the book shop and Catherine stepped out, dressed in a fine blue dress with fashionably puffed sleeves. She told the footman to wait in the carriage and not to disturb her until she was done.

The bell rang overhead as she stepped in.

The Secret Garden [Streets, Yards, and Homes]

Sat, 01 Jun 2024 23:27:07 +0000

Pearl had just spent time finding the time to make a safe haven for her young sister-in-law in the parlor of their house. She set up a lovely and whimsical tablescape with a soft but worn table linen, wildflowers arranged artfully among copious treats and sandwiches, a fancy tea set with a few chips from hurried moving was set about, a frayed piece of cloth left from the things she had sold in order to start her new life.

She now dressed more like her new family, keeping a few of the older gowns for working, a nice gown for Sunday best, but now she was clad in simpler garments with simpler colors. Her hair was pinned up the way she had seen matrons wear, a high bun that sort of defied the pins so stray wisps of hair seemed to frame her face.

She had filled out some, her clothes had needed adjustment anyhow, letting out. Added to that, she had missed her menses again. She hadn't told Joe yet of it, but she was fairly certain she was expecting beyond doubt. She had spent hours on her masterpiece.

There was no shortage of good cooking in the house as Pearl took delight in spending time with Lottie. In fact, Lottie might even find she had more time on her hands with Pearl taking up the helm on chores without needing instruction. She was in love with her whole family. Her chosen family.

A Proposition [Hotels, Pubs, and Accommodations]

Sat, 03 Feb 2024 10:28:34 +0000

[CW: reference to child neglect]

Ruth tried to hide her nervousness as she sat in the private saloon in the back of Mrs. Howard’s tearooms, waiting for this Miss Penelope Wells. She had left her white kid gloves on to hide her sweaty hands. Booking the private saloon, a place she had only heard of before, was scary enough. She had never had tea in a tearoom, let alone in a private one. But Mrs. Howard’s daughter had asked no questions. Ruth had been dressed the part and had money to wave around. But she doubted dropping her children in the care of this Miss Wells would be as easy. She imagined more questions would be asked and Ruth had no idea how real toffs made these childcare arrangements. God, a regular school girl had corrected and copied her letter in a neater hand. She was on thin ice here.

But if she did manage to find a decent person to look after her children, she could cut ties with her family. She had dropped Sam and Lucy off at her parents’ place when she had started working at the Pony and even when she had moved into the delightful cottage that Magnus had arranged for her, she hadn’t picked them up. Magnus didn’t know about them and she wanted to keep it that way. Even Tilly didn’t know. But with each day her children remained in that filthy Tate Hill slum, the chance increased that the two worlds met. She’d still go and see her children, dressing down and hoping Tilly wouldn’t notice, avoiding questions from her father about how much she was earning and whether she couldn’t help out more, snapping back at insults instead to distract him. She couldn’t keep up this game much longer. And she hated seeing her children in that place. She wondered how she had managed it. Once she could find a place for her children, she’d never look back.

And so this morning, she had picked them up from her parents’ home – only James had been there to look after them, for fuck’s sake, but at least her father wouldn’t ask questions – had handed James some money for sweets in exchange for standing guard, had washed and changed her children with growing rage at her family’s incompetence, and had put them in the new sailor suit and dress she had brought. James had asked questions about her fine clothes and jewels and the clothes she had brought for the children. Ruth had told him to run away from home. A haircut and de-lousing session later, a perfectly groomed pair of children sat on the floor in the corner of the room fighting over a wooden toy train. “Stop that,” Ruth told then, which went completely ignored.

Packing life into Boxes [Street, Yards, and Homes]

Fri, 29 Dec 2023 03:04:09 +0000

Cerise was too tired to leave the house, her eyes heavy quite a lot as of late as her pregnancy progressed. But there was packing to be done while he worked, her friend from the tavern coming by to help her for a time. She was trying very hard in order to keep her spirits up, but it felt rough.

She decided that she would sell back the clothes at cost to her if she had to, though she would simply have to try and work off the ones she wore. Perhaps the dressmaker would let her do some work in order to make up for the gowns she had wasted her time on.

She was still sort of angry at him, but she was able to get passed it enough to have forgiven him enough to stay with him, though that did not mean she liked that she was now wrapping trinkets up and placing them in crates. She had made a home, short lived as it was.

Give Me Your Worries, I Will Add Them To My Own [Streets, Yards, and Homes]

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 22:03:13 +0000

Elijah walked with Rose at her own pace to her cabin. It was hard to see her so sad, she'd been happy about marriage. They seemed a good match and he was happy for her. Were all the Wards doomed to misery? Were all the people of Whitby? He just sighed and cast off such thoughts as he went to the home and let her inside before following her in. He offered again to help her with the basket or to offer a handkerchief for her tears.

"I can't believe he's done this to you. You were both happy once." He immediately decided to fix his phrasing. "I mean.. I believe he has, I just mean.. I can not understand why. You are such a lovely woman and have been so much like a beloved sister to me. Even when we've had our problems, it was never anything that would cause this sort of issues.. But please.. sit and talk about it. Do you want me to make you some tea or something?" He asked wanting to help in some way. He had been nothing but useless lately.