hey this is my first fanfic! i'm not the best at spelling or grammer but please enjoy and review
Prologue
They were born under the roof of luxury, not 15 miles outside of New Bedford. The two story manor was small mind you compared to some others, six bedrooms in all. Most of which housed the servants, but there was no doubt that it was a home filled with love, especially on the night of December 23rd when their infant cries pierced the Christmassy air.
Charlotte Wilder, a deaf girl who had come from Ireland and was the chamber maid of Lady Griffin could not tend to her ladyship because she herself was also giving birth to a child she had conceived out of wedlock. Because the child was sprung from a sin they named her Jezebel.
A few rooms away Lady Griffin was left to the care of her husband and the family cooks Mrs. Stone. This child was to be named Katrina.
Thus, because of Charlotte's deafness the two babes would sleep in the same cradle, so that Lady Griffin could tend to Jezebel as well as her own child. The two girls, though so very different would remain inseparable.
Even as the years past the girls shared a sisterly bond that none could break; yet Charlotte constantly reminded her daughter of her place.
Jezebel who was later nicknamed Jeze had an eagerness to learn from an early age; following Katrina to school until she was old enough to take her mother's place as housekeeper.
Jeze sat in the stable reading silently as she delicately let her hand run up and down a sleeping pup beside her. A sigh came from her full parted lips as a strand of gold hair hung upon her face. Her mother stood in the door way looking upon her daughter.
Her daughter was a beauty in every way imaginable; her mere presents conjured up the image of a warm country home in autumn. She was not delicate looking but stunningly soft all the same. Her face, and summer-sky-blue eyes that sparkled like polished diamonds against black velvet that bespoke an innocence that was both loving and open. Her pink lips were full and inviting especially when she chanced to smile. She herself was sisterly, daughterly and motherly all at once. Even in her sternest moments she seemed to radiate warmth and gentility. She was good, good and pure of heart and mind, a shy, sweet, bookish girl who was known as a "socially awkward" ragdoll. Thin but undoubtedly shapely (though it was slightly hidden by her brown rags)with sunny blonde waves cascading like a waterfall halfway down her back. Her cheek bones were high under milky, white skin.
Charlotte then shook her head and with a clap of her hand her daughter stood tying on her apron and set off to her work.
After milking the cows, feeding the chickens and being upon hand and knee scrubbing the stone floor until her fingers were numb and a bright red, Jeze retired into the house where she was face to face with a young man who had been her childhood friend, almost as long as Katrina. Wesley Summit was stepson to the famous Archibald Summit who was known for his glorious wine vineyard; which of Lord Griffin invested in first hand. The Summit lived just up the road and visited often enough for the girls and Wesley to become playfellows at the age if six and remain friends since.
Wesley's hair was a coal black with a well-trimmed mustache above his lips, his features were dominantly intriguing, and his hazel eyes had an unmistakable come hither gleam.
"Hello sir!" She greeted warmly. "How many times must I tell you?" he chuckled. "I am Wesley to you." "I'm sorry…Wesley." She humbly replied. "I was not expecting you for another week." The man smiled straitening the lapels on his cream colored coat and responded. "I needed to see if the barn is still holding up." Jeze gave him a docile confirming grin, the light from the sun blazing outside the window gave her almost a glow... "I just come from there it still stands as sturdy as the day you built it last summer." She replied. "I must go now and help Katrina ready herself. I will tell her you are here." Wesley shook his head. "That will not be necessary Jeze, but thank you." With an exchanged of smiles and friendly farewells Jeze disappeared up the stairwell.
Wesley retrieved his hat and cane and proceeded to the grand double doors. "But sir." The doorman quizzed. "Don't you wish to see the man or lady or even the daughter of the house?" Wesley just smiled knowingly to himself. "The intent of my visit has been fulfilled." He said content as well as pleased with the event prior. He looked back before exiting at the spot where the young maid once stood. "She is quite lovely, isn't she?" he remarked to himself
"Will I see you soon dearest Katrina?" Asked her most recent lover, while climbing out her window. "Yes, yes!" she hurriedly replied buttoning her blouse. Katrina was also a beauty, with the finest lipsticks and blushes upon her face. She wore the finest of dresses. Katrina rushed to her vanity and pulled out a flask of port and held it inches from her lips.
While Jeze had the look of a lovely candle ever burning in the still darkness, Katrina's beauty was that of a vibrant red rose in full bloom. Katrina knew she was beguiling and was proud of it, not to the point of arrogance but proud. Her full painted lips always held a saucy, impish smirk that ended in dimples. Her emerald, almond-shaped eyes were ever smoldering behind thick lashes. Her brunette (almost raven) locks were piled high upon her head with ringlets framing her olive skinned face. To her every curve her fine gowns clung. She was busty, outspoken and had a nature that was untamable, she was every sailors wildest fantasy come true, a European goddess among men.
There was a knock upon the door. "It is only me Katrina." Jeze called gently as she entered. Katrina sighed in relief as she watched her friend place a tray of food on a table beside her bed. "Good morning!" Jeze smiled. "Great night!" Katrina laughed. "Speaking of which, where were you?" Katrina asked as she sat at the table eyeing the food. "Reading!" she replied. "How many times must I tell you?" Katrina nagged. "You cannot make love to a book." At this Jeze heaved a sigh. "Who says that I wish to make love?" Jeze inquired as she made the bed. "I do!" Katrina sheepishly grinned, waiting for Jeze to finish. "I am to get you ready for church." Jeze stated anticipating Katrina's answers. "Tell mother that I am ill." Katrina smiled before taking another swig of port. "You have said that so much, your mother knows that you are not truly ill." Jeze remarked. "I know! Why don't you come with me today, we are going to the lake." Katrina offered playing with her hair. "I enjoy church, I am grateful that your mother lets me accompany her from time to time, it is the only time that I am looked upon as more than a maid." Jeze laced up Katrina's corset. "Yes I am sure mother is grateful to have you pose as her proper Christian daughter to the people who do not know her!"