Stars
I don't own Upstairs, Downstairs. Inspired by Hudson's recounting of the first time he met Lady Marjorie in "A House Divided".
"Haven't you ever wondered what it's like to kiss someone?" Lady Marjorie asked Angus Hudson as they tramped through the woods at Southwold. It was only a few days after her seventeenth birthday, and she had insisted that she show Angus the grounds. The eighteen-year-old footman had only been at Southwold a few weeks, hardly time to learn the estate, and she felt that he must have a tour.
"I mean, novels and magazines talk about it all the time," she continued, "but I've always wondered if it really felt like the way they are described – with stars and music and an overwhelming passion. What do you think, Angus?"
"I'm sure I don't know, milady," he said, blushing slightly.
She stopped walking and he did too.
"Do you want to find out?"
"I suppose one day, milady," he stammered.
She laughed, a beautiful, musical laugh. "No, I mean right now."
"Now, milady? With whom?"
"Why, with me!"
"Oh, I mustn't," he said, his blush deepening.
"Why ever not?"
"Because you are a lady, milady," he said, looking down at his feet.
"Angus, look at me," she commanded, and he did as he was told. "I want you to kiss me. Please. I won't tell anyone, I give you my solemn, sacred promise." She took his hand and stepped closer to him. "No one need ever know," she whispered, wrapping her arms around his neck. He slipped his arms around her slender, corseted waist, bent slightly, and kissed her.
It was heaven. She was so beautiful, so desirable, so wonderful – and he could not believe that he was kissing Lady Marjorie! The daughter of the Earl of Southwold! But then a slight moan slipped out from between her lips and he stopped thinking. Finally, however, they broke apart, and he resumed his role as footman.
"I'm sorry, milady," he said, looking down at his feet.
"You needn't be, Angus – I asked you to kiss me."
"Was it..." he stopped.
"Was it what? Tell me, Angus."
"Was it, well, enjoyable?"
"Oh, yes," she said, smiling, "quite enjoyable. The stars were there."