Author's Note:
This is the first part of my new project, Henry Lecair's Legacy. The main story, Return to Me (a multi-chapter story,) takes place in 1914, though this part, L'ingenue (two chapters,) starts in 1909 (with a tiny flash forward to 1911.)
I have never written for this fandom before. It has been great fun to dip into new territory of a TV show that I greatly enjoy. The actors who portray Agnes Towler and Henri Leclair are amazingly talented and inspirational. They have truly given their characters both a face and a soul. I have tried to stay true to Agnes' and Henri's characters, how they speak, and how they behave. Henri Leclair, as a Frenchman, often speaks without contractions, something which I have been cognizant of when writing this story. He also now and then speaks French. With the exception of endearments (and the occasional short sentence or exclamation,) I will not attempt to write in French (even if I do speak it to some degree) since I think it will be harder to read. I can't imagine that a conversation between Henri and Valerie (that on the show would have been in French) would change much if in English instead.
Lastly I'd like to say that I have not been working with a Beta for this story. Since the fandom is so small, it is hard to find someone to proof it for me. My current Downton Abbey beta has not seen Mr. Selfridge and therefore politely declined to proof it since she doesn't know the characters or the premise of the show. If you would like to work with me (grammar, plot, character development etc.) feel free to send me a message. In the meantime I have tried to catch spelling errors and glaring grammatical errors, but as a non-native English speaker I will make mistakes. I have lived in the United States for many years so my spoken English is (according to others!) very good. Ever a perfectionist, I constantly worry about my written English.
…
L'ingénue
Part One of Henri Leclair's Legacy
Chapter 1 – Moonlit Awakenings
New York, December 1911
Henri Leclair was a changed man. The time spent in America had been a wakeup call. At first it had been exciting, a new adventure. New York truly was a fascinating city. Henri had taken great pleasure in discovering just what this huge metropolis had to offer. With new discoveries came the sense of alienation, of being different and it did not take long for the novelty to wear off.
Valerie had of course welcomed him with open arms the moment he stepped off the boat, and they had picked up where they left off as if nothing had happened. It was nice and familiar, but it was not the same.
One dark winter evening, Henri was leisurely reclining in bed, slowly taking one drag after the other on his cigarette, while carefully evaluating the choices he had made. A fire was crackling in the fireplace and Valerie was curled up next to him, smiling that way she always did after they made love. Cigarette secured between his lips, he leaned on his elbow and touched her hair, twirling a lock around his finger, admiring its beauty. The mix of cold light from the moon outside, and the warm light from the fire crackling in the fireplace brought out the many shades of her hair, from pale gold to dark umbra. He wondered for a moment when the golden locks of her childhood had darkened. For the life of him, he could not remember.
Valerie plucked the cigarette from his lips and took a slow drag, exhaling to the right, not to blow smoke in his face, as she watched him intently. He took it from her, extinguishing it in the ashtray on the nightstand.
"I want a family."
She chuckled and took his hand, placing a kiss on his palm. "I know you do."
"Oh?"
"But not with me."
"Valerie, you make no sense."
He pulled away from her and sat up, resting his arms on his knees. She sat up behind him, her chin on his shoulder as she wrapped her arms around him.
"Mon chèr, I know you miss her."
"You know nothing."
"Perhaps." She placed a kiss on his shoulder. "I can see it in your eyes, Henri. You haven't forgotten her. She must truly be special this girl."
"She is."
"I think you need to go back, mon chèr. You need to see her again. Perhaps she wants the same."
"I can't."
Valerie rolled her eyes. "Of course you can. I've seen the letters, Henri. Selfridge has been writing to you. He wants you back, doesn't he?"
"Yes, but it's not that easy." He let out a heavy sigh. "Besides, she's not there anymore."
"Non? Where is she? Don't tell me she got married?"
"No, not that I'm aware of." He turned and faced her. "She's in Paris."
"What?" Valerie burst out laughing. "Paris? You must have made one hell of an impression on the girl, Henri."
He huffed and pulled away, easing out of bed. She leaned back, watching him.
"I left because it was the right thing to do – for her."
"And I suppose you told her this? And she agreed?"
"No."
"I didn't think so." She patted the bed next to her. "Come back to bed. It will all seem clearer in the morning."
He nodded and slipped between the sheets. She settled in next to him, her arm across his chest.
"Thank you." He kissed the top of her head and pulled her closer.
London, England, 1909
Agnes was amazed that her hand did not tremble as she applied lip gloss to her mouth. Her heart was beating so loudly her temples were pounding. Putting the little container down, she left the sanctuary of the bedroom and returned to the parlor. Her breath caught when she saw Henri by the dining room table, regal as ever, smiling that way that made her stomach flutter every time.
Ever the gentleman, Henri had refused her help and instead encouraged her to have a seat. The small sofa bounced a little when he sat down next to her, close, yet with enough room to spare not to crowd her. She appreciated it. Her reaction to him was so strong; she needed the space to recollect herself. She declined his offer of a cigarette. Against better judgment she watched his lips close around the cigarette as he lit it, her throat closing a little at the sight, instantly remembering how they felt when she had kissed him in his studio. Quickly thinking of something to distract her thoughts from the temptation of his mouth, she asked about the music.
A story. Plays. Was he trying to write her story? The thoughts bounced around in her head. So far, her story had been one filled with pain and sadness, worry and humiliation, all blended into one big mess. How could he possibly see beauty in it? Yet when he kissed her, she felt it. His lips were warm, tasting of his French cigarettes. For some reason she did not mind. Instead she tried to pull him closer, as if it would satisfy this burning need in her. She almost protested when he pulled away to extinguish his cigarette, but when he a moment later touched her hair to let it down, she understood that he was not pulling away at all.
"You want this? You're sure?"
Henri's questions spoke of the respect he had for her, and the tenderness in his voice almost made her weep. The young men she had briefly walked out with would not have hesitated to pursue what they wanted, leaving it up to her to object. Not Henri Leclair. He looked her in the eyes, and she could tell that he was serious, that he meant every word. I will not take, only give.
"Yes I do."
Somehow she had managed to deliver her answer in a steady voice, meeting his gaze full on, confident, serious, and as honest in her response as he had been in asking her.
He stood then, and held out his hand to her. Without hesitation she placed her hand in his, allowing him to help her up. Holding on to his hand she followed him to the bedroom. First then did he let go of her hand, but only so that he could cup her face, kissing her softly.
"Henri," she gasped as his kisses made her head spin. "I've never…"
"I know, ma chérie. You are so pure in your heart, Agnes… une ingénue." He smiled at her and stroked his thumb over her cheek. "That's why I asked your permission."
She looked down, a blush spreading over her cheeks. Of course he would know. She was not as worldly as the women he had known, or nearly as confident. She was not Valerie Maurel.
"I see."
He gently tilted her head up and the corner of his mouth curved into a smile.
"It makes me feel very special, Agnes."
"It does?" Her eyes widened at this revelation.
"Mmm hmm." He twirled a lock of her hair around his finger. "You have no idea how beautiful you really are. It has been such joy to experience the world through your eyes these last couple of months. You find beauty in everything around you, Agnes, and you see things others don't. You make me see things that have long been clouded by professional experience. That you will allow me to share your discovery of passion is beyond a privilege, Agnes. It's an honor and a gift."
She bit her lip, trying not to cry. His words were so beautiful. No one had ever spoken like that to her.
"You speak about me as if I am a heroine in some kind of novel. I'm not you know. I'm nobody."
"But you are." His smile widened. "You're at the very beginning of a wonderful story. Just wait, Agnes Towler, and treasure every step, ma chère, because the journey is half of the wonder."
She giggled a little and shook her head. "I suppose. Will my journey include any more kisses?"
He burst out laughing and pulled her against him. She laughed against his chest as she wrapped her arms around him. He felt warm and alive under her hands; their bodies only separated by the thin fabrics of his shirt and waistcoat. She pulled back and looked up at him. He was still smiling and she made a face at him, which only made him smile more. Feeling bold, she leaned up and pressed her lips against his.
The kiss was just as lovely as the ones they had shared before. Agnes fisted the silky fabric of Henri's waistcoat when he caressed her hips, and a sigh escaped. When her lips parted, he lightly dipped his tongue into her mouth. Her eyes widened in surprise, but the feeling was not unpleasant so she allowed it. A moment later his tongue stroked over hers and she started to tremble. She had never felt anything like it.
Henri reluctantly let go of her lips, noticing how they were fuller than before. He smoothed her hair away from her neck and undid the first button on her dress. She swallowed nervously and he smiled at her. One by one the buttons came open until he could push the garment over her shoulders. The dress fell to the floor, pooling around her feet, leaving her in her corset and petticoats. He placed his hands on her shoulders, marveling at the softness of her porcelain skin.
"So beautiful."
She blushed and looked down.
"I know it's not much…"
"Shhh, ma chère." He gently touched her lips. "You are truly lovely, no matter what you're dressed in."
"Thank you." She chanced a look at his face and was relieved to see only sincere honesty in his eyes.
He took her hands and placed them on his chest. She laughed a little nervously and he kissed her.
"Undress me."
Her fingers only trembled a little as she undid the buttons of first his waistcoat, then his shirt. This she had done before. Not recently, but the feeling of a man's shirt was still familiar. Her brother often got the buttons wrong and she had made it a habit to help him button his shirt before school or work.
Henri shrugged out of his shirt and then his trousers, after first toeing off his shoes. Once in only his undershorts he knelt by her feet reaching up under her petticoats to find the clasp to her stockings. She gasped as he touched her bare thighs where the stockings ended, and he smiled reassuringly up at her. She grabbed his shoulder when he lifted her foot to remove the boot and stocking. Eventually he pulled at the string holding her petticoats together and they fell to the floor leaving her barefoot in her corset and chemise. Averting her eyes, Agnes quickly unhooked her corset. He gently took it from her, hanging it over the top of the silk dressing screen behind her.
"Like a flower."
He pulled her close and she sighed at the feel of him. When he bent his neck she eagerly leaned up, meeting his lips in a heated kiss. She stepped over her clothes as he led her to the bed.
Henri tossed back the covers and she sank down on the soft bed. A moment later he joined her, again taking her in his arms. Agnes trembled with excitement as he caressed her body. He was kissing her again, stroking his tongue over hers. She tried to mimic it and almost laughed when he groaned with pleasure. She did it again and his grip on her hip tightened. In that moment, she realized, for the first time in her life, her power as a woman. Agnes felt the excitement course through her body, filling her with a newfound boldness. Tangling her fingers in Henri's hair she pressed against him. His hands moved again, stroking her legs, cupping her bottom. She moaned softly when he squeezed her there.
It surprised her that he was only touching her and kissing her. She had after all heard stories about what happens in the bedroom. Nothing detailed, of course, nothing that she could really use and draw knowledge from. What she had heard was that the man would be on top of her and do the business quite fast, if she was lucky. It seemed as if the act was more for the man's pleasure than the woman's. She remembered lying awake late into the night after overhearing one of the neighbors telling a friend about how frightened she had been on her wedding night. The young woman had cried as she told her friend how painful it had been. The other woman had assured her that it would get better.
Sensing that something had changed in Agnes, Henri pulled back and touched her chin.
"Is something the matter, ma chère?" She shook her head, and then nodded a little. "Tell me."
"I don't know if I can." Her cheeks flushed again. He smiled and wiggled his eyebrows. She giggled and put her head on his shoulder. "Is it very painful?"
He pulled her close and stroked her back. "There might be a moment, right at the beginning, but it should be very brief." He tilted her head up again and smiled at her. "When it happens you will be ready. Why do you ask? Are you worried?"
"A little. I've heard stories."
"Ahh." He made a face and sighed. "Of beastly husbands forcing themselves on their young and inexperienced wives?"
She nodded. "It's not like that?"
He shook his head and kissed her softly. "I'm not like that. A woman should be worshipped. The man should take his time discovering her, not simply rush to relieve his need."
She giggled at his bold words. He caressed her cheek and she looked up at him. "Thank you."
He nodded and then kissed her again. To her surprise the kisses were not the same, and she missed the taste of him. Tentatively touching her tongue to his lip she smiled when he moaned softly as his lips separated to let her in. She dipped deeper, touching her tongue to his. She shivered when he sucked gently on her tongue. He rolled her over a little and his hand settled on her stomach. She smiled against his lips as he stroked over her. Then she felt his hand on her breast and her eyes flew open in surprise. She whimpered when he rubbed his fingers over the nipple. The feeling was so new and so very exciting. She felt warm and tingly all over. He broke the kiss and she mewled in protest, but then gasped when his lips closed around her nipple, instantly soaking the thin fabric as he sucked gently on the hardened tip.
When he inched her chemise up, she was too busy processing these new feelings to really notice at first. His lips were still around her nipple, doing some incredible things. Not until his warm hand touched her bare stomach did she realize that she was half naked. He leaned back and smiled at her.
"May I remove this?"
"But…" Her face turned pink. "You would see…"
"That's right."
"It doesn't seem proper."
"Ma chère, your body is a beautiful gift to your lover, one that he will cherish. Please let me show you. I know you will enjoy it much more without your chemise."
She nodded silently, unable to speak. He helped her sit up and then slipped the chemise over her head. She felt as if she should cover herself, but fought the instinct and instead stretched out on the bed, her face slightly flustered as she looked up at him. He was smiling. Mustering up some of the courage from before she took his hand and placed it on her stomach. He inched closer to her, resting on his elbow.
"Stunning."
Her eyes fluttered shut as he caressed her; stomach, side, hip, thigh, stomach again, higher… higher… breast… She gasped when he rolled her nipple between his fingers. He had been right. This was better, so much better.
"Henri." She whispered his name as his lips closed around the other nipple, her fingers again finding their way into his hair.
Agnes head was spinning, and her body was shivering as he loved her breasts. No one had ever told her how much pleasure a man could give her solely by touching her breasts. A new feeling started to build in her lower body and she swallowed a little nervously at the soft throbbing. When he moved his leg to rest between hers she was mortified at how her body seemed to buck up against his on its own devise. She could feel him smile against her breast and she bit her lip.
"Oh Agnes." He placed kiss after kiss on her soft breasts.
She whimpered as he drew the other nipple to a hard peak. His hand moved again and she shivered when he slipped his fingers under the edge of her knickers. Her mouth fell open as he cupped her, pressing against her intimately.
"Oh God!"
He pulled back; watching her face as he very gently parted her folds. Her silky wetness instantly coated his fingers and he inhaled sharply. His response made her open her eyes and he kissed her firmly as he stroked over her. She let out a high-pitched whimper and bucked under him. He leaned back, watching her again.
"Does it feel good?"
She nodded, unable to speak. He kept stroking her a little longer before removing his hand.
"Why..?" Her brow furrowed and she looked at him, confused as to why he had stopped touching her.
"I think it's time to remove these. Okay?"
"Oh…" She bit her lip and nodded.
Henri knelt next to her and tugged the closure open before sliding her knickers down her legs. She raised her hips to help him.
"My beautiful darling." Henri smiled at her, his hand resting gently on her thigh.
"What do I..?"
He gently slipped his hand under her knee, raising it up. Moving so he was kneeling between her feet, he pushed her legs further apart. Agnes' eyes widened and she jumped. He stroked her legs and smiled at her.
"I'm not going to hurt you, I promise." She nodded, though her brow was still furrowed. "I will ask you again before we take that step."
"Alright."
He stroked the soft insides of her thighs, inching closer and closer to her sex.
"A woman's intimate place brings a lot of joy to both the man and the woman," he explained. "He can touch her with his fingers." He lightly ran his index finger along the edge of her sex. "Sometimes the thumb feels better, softer." He rubbed his thumb over her sensitive little nub and she mewled in response.
"Oh God."
"But what brings most joy to both… is when he loves her with his mouth."
Her eyes widened as he leaned down and pressed a kiss to the top of her mound. Her jaw fell when he stroked his tongue over her, swirling it around that sensitive spot. Instinctively she pulled her knees up further, giving him better access.
Henri stretched out on the bed. He held her legs open as he kept loving her with his mouth. Kissing a woman intimately had always been a favorite of his. He knew how much pleasure it would give her, and to watch her passion soar was as incredible each and every time. He could tell that Agnes enjoyed it; her little sounds were beautiful to listen to.
"I… I… oh please, Henri."
She was shaking now. Agnes could feel each flick of his tongue as a sharp bolt of hot pleasure coursing through her body. Something was changing. Her body became warmer, and that feeling that had started to build seemed to be reaching impossible heights. She clutched at the sheet, whimpering and gasping. Then suddenly it was as if her body lit on fire and she saw white hot burst behind her eyelids. She cried out and whimpered his name.
Henri watched her experience her first ever orgasm. He could tell that it overwhelmed her a little at first, but that she very much enjoyed it. When she finally shuddered and relaxed he moved away. In a quick move he tugged off his undershorts before taking her in his arms, holding her as she gasped for air. He kissed her forehead while stroking her hair.
"Did you enjoy that, ma chère?"
She nodded against his chest. Finally able to talk she looked up at him, her eyes wide with wonder.
"It was incredible."
He chuckled and kissed her. She blushed and licked her lower lip. He grinned and kissed her again.
"A lovers' kiss, my beautiful Agnes. It's quite exciting, wouldn't you say?"
"It was lovely… what you did."
"And now?"
He pulled her closer and first now did she realize that he was completely naked. She blushed and kissed him.
"I want this, Henri. I really do."
"Do you trust me?"
She met his dark eyes, noticing the tenderness there, and nodded.
"I do."
She smiled when he touched her again, sighing happily when he circled that spot between her legs that made her tingle so pleasantly. He moved to settle between her legs and she felt him against her, warm, and firm. Her eyes flew open and she blushed when she realized that he was watching her. She pulled her leg up a little when he pressed against her thigh. Her eyes widened when she felt him stretch her as he pushed inside. She focused on his eyes, touching his face. Her brow furrowed as she felt the first discomfort. He stopped instantly, allowing her to adjust. She whimpered and he pulled back a little. Agnes let out a sigh of relief as the pressure eased off. Then he pushed forward, breaking through. She cried out, her mouth open in surprise at the sharp pain.
"Oh God." She clutched at his shoulders, pressing her forehead against his neck. She tried to hide her discomfort from him, not wanting him to see that he had hurt her.
He held still, stroking her side and her arm, gently easing her grip around his neck so he could lean down and kiss her.
"Try to relax, ma chère."
She returned the kiss, almost desperately, trying to take her mind off the throbbing pain between her legs.
"How?" she whispered.
Henri caressed her left breast and thumbed the nipple. She smiled a little tentatively and he felt her relax. Taking this opportunity he entered her further. Agnes whimpered and clutched at his shoulders. He kept whispering little words of endearment in her ear, trying to comfort her.
"Please Henri."
He kissed her softly on the lips, then on her cheeks, tasting the saltiness of her tears.
"Just give it a moment, chérie. Your body will adjust."
"Can you touch me… there?"
He smiled at her flushed cheeks, touched by her brave request.
"Of course."
Inching away a little he pressed his fingers against her. She sighed and smiled. He kept circling with gentle fingers and soon she was relaxing around him enough for him to move. He kept his strokes slow, building her up again. Soon she was breathing faster and he could see the flush spread to her chest. When he felt the first flutter within her he removed his hand and moved faster, changing the angle a little. He almost laughed at the look of sheer pleasure on her face as her mouth formed an 'o' as she gasped.
"Oh my God! Henri. Oh God, oh God, oh God."
She was tossing her head from side to side, clutching at the sheet and his arm.
"Pull your knees up and put your legs around me," he gasped.
She did and he groaned as she tightened around him. Moving a bit faster now he tried to make her spend first. She was close, he could tell.
"Oh God. So good…"
"Let it happen, ma chère."
She whimpered and gasped and he could tell that she wanted to. He bent down and kissed her nipple, drawing it to a firm peak, nipping gently before letting go. She cried out and clamped down hard on him. He grunted and moved faster, delighting in the feel of her release. Feeling his own approach fast, he tugged at her leg for her to let him go. Not understanding what he wanted, she instead tightened around him, unknowingly sending him over. He cried out and burrowed himself as deep as he could, filling her completely as he spilled his seed. They remained like that for a long moment; him holding himself up above her, her arms around his neck and legs curled around him. Eventually she moved her legs and he eased away. She let out a soft whimper at the loss.
Henri held her tightly as he pulled the covers up over their cooling bodies. She nuzzled against him like a kitten. It made him smile, relieved that the experience had been rewarding for her. He kissed her forehead and stroked her hair.
"Chérie?"
"Can we stay like this? Forever?"
He laughed at her cheeky words. "Certainly. Though I think they might come looking for us at some point."
"I don't care." She looked up at him and smiled. "That was lovely."
"I'm glad. I'm so very sorry for hurting you. Your little flower gave up more of a fight than I expected it to."
"You knew what to do to make it better." Her eyelashes fluttered as she looked down. "I didn't, but you did." Her eyes met his again. "I never thought that anyone would know my body better than me, but you do."
He smiled and stroked her cheek. "Only with this. And now that you've experienced it, you know what you enjoy, and you can tell me." He ran his fingers over her shoulder and down her arm to play with her fingers. "Making love is much like experiencing art. With the help of someone who has knowledge, and who can show you a variety of beautiful things, you will have a better chance to find out what you truly like and appreciate."
"I enjoyed it all, Henri," she said with a wide grin. "I tingle just thinking about it."
"Give me a moment, and I'll be happy to show you more."
"More?" Her eyes widened.
"We have barely begun the discovery, ma chère. There is so much more for you to experience."
"I can hardly wait."
They looked at each other and burst out laughing, holding on to each other as their bodies tangled together in a comfortable closeness.
To be continued…
…
.
Thank you for reading. Please feel free to drop me a line or share some feedback. I love hearing from readers!