Prenote
This story is rated M for a reason, (ie, it will eventually contain Smut...) If that is not something you are comfortable with, or you are under the legal age, then I must advise you not to continue reading. I'm mentioning this now because, 1. I don't want to put a warning on every Chapter, as I as a reader, enjoy the surprise and like to follow the story without knowing what's ahead, that way it is a more immersive experience! & 2. The M rated warning should have already warned you that this story is for Mature audiences.
With that being said, and supposing you are still reading, please, do enjoy!:)
Dancing was one of the very few things Glinda still found herself able to enjoy. She had loved it ever since she had been a small girl, and Beecham would let her dance atop his feet. Tonight, however, the Baroness could not move as freely. She would have liked to blame the inability to keep in time with the music, on her partner, a portly middle-aged Duke, who did not seem to know where her waist was, but the truth of the matter was, that Glinda's mind was elsewhere.
She had spent some time with Nessarose and Nanny in the past few weeks. The youngest Thropp Sister had written immediately, after Glinda's departure of her home, to apologise for the way the afternoon had turned out. The two of them had begun to exchange letters daily afterwards.
Different to the Nessarose that Glinda saw in person, the girl who wrote her, had an awful lot to say. Nessarose, whilst not as politically minded as her Sister, held strong beliefs and would defend her cause with all she had. The younger woman was able to word her opinion in such a way, that Glinda was able to understand, even though she did not agree with the majority of her thoughts (Nessarose's political alignment veered much further to the right than her own), she did understand where her contemporary was coming from.
The two women had discussed the matter of faith, as well as politics, and Glinda was surprised to learn the Thropp children had been brought up as Unionists and their Father had been a travelling preacher. Nessarose was the only one of the siblings who still held onto her religion, she divulged that Shell- who as Glinda suspected, was only nineteen- had been experimenting with, what she referred to as 'the Pleasure Faith'. Glinda did not have a clue what that was and she didn't really want to know, apparently their Father wished to send Shell to live with their Grandfather, at Colwen Grounds, after he had been caught in what Nessarose described as, a 'compromising' position.
Miss Elphaba on the other hand, seemed to be a complete Atheist. The way she was described to her on paper, made Glinda believe she was some sort of anti-establishment, activist. She had learned that the green woman had often been troublesome in her youth, due to her devising not-so-legal Animal rights campaigns. That could possibly explain Elphaba's reaction to her mink (or Mink) coat. Explain but not excuse. Glinda did not let Nessarose know she had ordered all her furs to be disposed of after she had done some research on their origins. There was no need for that sort of information to leak back to Miss Elphaba and allow her to think she had been the one to open Glinda's eyes.
After writing one another for over a week, the two women (and Nanny of course) had decided to visit Glinda's favourite dressmaker. They had both received an invite to the engagement ball of the Duke of Phan's daughter. The old socialite that was Galinda Arduenna, would have been thrilled to receive such a scandalacious request, but Glinda was much less enthused at being surrounded by every nosey, busy body in the Emerald City.
The Duke of Phan had just received his title, before then, he had been a moderately successful importer of Munchkinland goods to Gillikin. He was never in direct line for the Dukedom but a fire that had broken out in Phan hall had killed his Cousin and his two Sons, who were the Duke and his Heirs at the time. Much gossip and rumour surrounded said fire and Glinda suspected, everybody who was anybody would be at the new Dukes, Daughters celebration, just to see if they could find any truth.
The only thing that led Glinda to accept, apart from the fact that she was to see Nessarose, Nanny and possibly Avaric, was the fact that the scandal surrounding the Phan family could possibly cover the gossip that followed her.
Speaking of Avaric, the petite blonde had not seen the Margreave since that afternoon at the Thropp's. She had thought of him often and missed his company more than a little. The secret of Miss Elphaba's relationship with the married Fiyero had also been a weight on her mind. She still saw emeralds and soldiers at night when she closed her eyes, but now the two seemed to intertwine.
She had taken up the opportunity to dance, in order to look for Avaric but she was failing miserably in her attempts. She knew Nessarose and Nanny were seated over by the punch bowl. Her husband was off in an anti-room playing a game of cards. She had seen Fiyero dancing with his wife and had hoped to see the Margreave of Tenmeadows nearby, waiting to speak with his friend, but there was no sign of the handsome blonde.
She wished the man dancing with her, would be the one to make himself scarce. His wandering hands were really starting to bother her now! As she felt his fingers inch even lower, she disentangled herself from his clutches and murmured something about needing some air, before making a quick escape off the dance floor.
She decided to go in search of the powder room, she could feel the sweat on her brow and if she were to run into Avaric, she did not wish to look a complete mess. A passing maid was able to direct her and she went up some stairs and along a long corridor before reaching her destination.
She looked upon her reflection. She did not love what she saw but she didn't loathe it either. Her dressmaker had outdone himself, she had to admit. A wonderfully camp man who spoke with a thick Quadling accent, he was the very best that Oz had to offer. Her gown was a pale, pink silk, atop a modest crinoline. The silk was far from simple, depending on the light it shimmered various shades, from coral to fuchsia. The cut of the neckline was not too low, but still, she did not feel one-hundred-percent comfortable that a considerable amount of cleavage was showing. Pikney was terribly envious of the dress and Glinda wondered if maybe that was the reason her maid had laced her corset much tighter than usual.
Master Crope (the dressmaker) had been thrilled when she'd brought him a new customer, that was until he had met Nessarose. The girl was terribly fussy. She refused any frills or embellishments. Darker colours were necessary and neither her arms or legs could show any skin. Crope had been rather annoyed at having to make something so simple but his creation did suit Nessarose perfectly. The bodice was made of layers of navy chiffon and had beautiful floating sleeves. The skirt was not unlike Glinda's, it was a beautiful, deep navy silk, atop a crinoline cage. The younger Thropp really was quite striking. If she wasn't so shy and standoffish, Glinda believed she would have a flock of admirers. She had the same angular features as her Sister, although slightly softer, and her eyes and hair were only a few shades lighter than Elphaba's deep chocolate.
That was where the similarities ended. Where The 3rd Thropp Descending was stick thin, her Sister had moderate curves. Whereas Elphaba had virtually no bosom, Nessarose had the perfect handful. Glinda was slightly jealous of her. Nessarose's figure was enticing, whilst hers a little too plump.
She righted herself in the mirror, touching up her lipstick and concealing the tube again in her purse. Here she was, daydreaming about the figure of a woman, when she'd much rather think of Avaric's!
She had come to the conclusion, that she found Lord Tenmeadows attractive, and whilst she was a married woman and he was her friend, imagination never hurt anyone, right?
She left the restroom and began to traverse her way back to the ballroom. A door that was not fully closed on her left, caught her attention. She stopped and tried to peer in. All she could see in the gap, was the faint light of the moon streaming through a window. She edged her way in.
The room was deserted but a grand piano on the far side, gave her a thrill. She loved music and the piano was her most favourite sound. She had taken lessons as a girl and had found herself to be rather accomplished. Chuffrey did not much care for the arts, so he refused to install one at their home. It had been a long time since Glinda had played and she longed to caress those ivory keys. Just a few notes, no one would ever notice.
Even though it was terribly frowned upon, to go meandering through someone else's home, without their knowledge or permission, she couldn't help it. The piano was calling to her like a mermaid to a lost sailor.
The first note sent a shiver up her spine. Glinda was lost in it. Her fingers began to play without her knowledge. A familiar tune. She began to sing.
The song a robin sings,
Through years of endless springs,
The murmur of a brook at evening tides.
That ripples through a nook where two lovers hide.
That great symphonic theme,
That's Stella by starlight,
And not a dream,
My heart and I agree,
She's everything on this earth to me.
"What on earth are you doing"?
Glinda jumped to her feet, the lid of the piano slamming none too softly! She had been so entranced in the music, she had not heard anyone come in. The voice didn't come from where she'd expected, the door she had entered through. There in front of a door off to Glinda's left stood the last person she wanted to see. It was Miss Elphaba.
"I was just...well, I was only...", Elphaba stared at her waiting. Glinda would not allow herself to be intimidated, it didn't matter that her legs were shaking. "I was on my way back to the ball and I noticed the piano in here but I do not see what that has to do with you?"
The other Woman sniggered at her. "I'd have thought, even you would have realised, how rude it is to be in someone else's private space, nosing around."
"I was not 'nosing around'!" This awful woman, how did she have the gall to stand there questioning her on social etiquette, when she was the epitome of impropriety. "I'm not the only one who is somewhere they shouldn't be, am I?"
"Is that the best you've got to offer? You really are a silly, little girl, aren't you?"
"According to you!" Glinda was seething now, she was afraid she might say something ridiculous. "What are you up to anyway? I wouldn't happen to find Fiyero in the next room would I?"
If Glinda looked angry, then Elphaba looked livid! Glinda laughed, "yes I know about that! You see, I'm not as ignorant as you may think. I wonder if he's managed to put his trousers back on? Are you not upset that he's scarpered, and left you to carry out the walk of shame?"
She took several long strides towards her, she was toe to toe with her. Glinda looked up, ignoring her fright. She could see Elphaba's eyes glinting like glass in the moonlight. The light, or lack thereof, gave the green woman a mysterious air.
"How dare you!" Elphaba growled.
"How dare I?" Glinda screeched. "I'm not the one cavorting with a married Man! Right under his Wife's nose, no less. Have you no shame?"
"You have no idea what you're talking about, you imperious, stupid Girl!"
"No", replied Glinda. "It is you who has no idea. Have you stopped and thought what your little dalliance could do to those poor boys? Not only, is Fiyero married but he has a family and you are nothing but the selfish whore".
For a minuet Glinda thought the other woman might strike her. Perhaps, she had gone too far, she didn't know why, but the thought of Fiyero and Elphaba, engaged in a sexual relationship, made Glinda boil. Luckily, no slap came, instead, a shrill cackle echoed around the- all of a sudden- too small room.
Elphaba took a step forward, she stepped back. Elphaba took another and another, until she had Glinda pressed up against the wall. There was no escape for her. "Are you jealous Baroness? Does it break your heart, that a Man has chosen a woman with green skin, over the blissful, blonde, beauty that is, Lady Glinda?"
This woman was ridiculous! She held no interest in Fiyero! None at all!
"Perhaps you are curious as to what a man like that would want with a Woman like me, hm?"
"I know exactly what he wants with you." Glinda's voice was gruff, she could feel adrenaline pulsing through her veins. "He wants nothing more that sex. And you have no need to worry, I have no desire for your foolish lover".
Elphaba's arms landed either side of her head and she moved even closer, if that was at all possible. "You don't desire Fyero? What is it that the Lady Chuffrey desires, then?" That last part was whispered and Glinda's face had to be hot enough to fry an egg by now. Images from her late-night dreams flooded Glinda's mind and she desperately tried to shoo them away, but they were awfully persistent. She could not remember the last time she had been this close to another person, it had been over a year since Chuffrey had shared her bed.
The tall woman laughed and she felt the breath at her ear. One of Elphaba's hands fell to the exposed skin of Glinda's shoulder. She gasped. The Womans fingers were cold and surprisingly soft. "Perhaps you like something a little...rougher?" She felt sharp teeth nip her earlobe and she moaned in pain. Except the bite was not sore.
The hand that was on her shoulder moved inwards now, toward the centre of her chest, leaving gooseflesh in its wake. Elphaba was looking into her eyes. Glinda shifted onto her toes, her breathing was coming short and fast.
"What makes you scream at night Glinda?"
Before she knew it, Glinda had raised her hand and delivered a sharp blow to the green woman's cheek! Her palm stung and Elphaba stepped back holding her jaw, looking at her with surprise. Glinda could not name this feeling. Her face was flushing. Her pulse was rushing. Her head was reeling.
She did all she could do. She gathered her skirts in her fists and ran! She left that room. She left the oldest Thropp. Down the stairs, she saw a Footman. She told him to deliver a message to her husband, telling him she had been taken unwell and was returning home. She rushed outside where her car was waiting and threw herself in.
She was still panting and tears had begun gathering in the corners of her eyes. Thankfully it was dark and her chauffer thought her ill. She didn't think she could speak, even if she wanted to.
Once the car stopped outside her townhouse, she made her way to her rooms, as quickly as was humanly possible. She waved Pikney off and managed to convey the order that she was not to be disturbed.
In her room, she discarded her shoes and tried desperately to undo the zip at her side that held her dress in place.
Everything was too tight!
Everything was too hot!
She got the dress off and began removing the crinoline. Her stockings were next. She stood in nothing but her corset and underwear.
The rough lace was irritating her breasts. She could feel it scraping her nipples. She could not breathe.
She pulled and pulled, trying to unlace her damn corset. She didn't know what she was doing. All Glinda knew was that she needed to be free from the confines of all her clothing.
She couldn't get it off.
She went through to her reading room. There was a pair of scissors in her bureau. She sliced her corset in the middle.
As her breasts escaped their confines, she moaned and grabbed them. They were incredibly sore and tender. Her nipples were hard from the chafing of the lace. She attempted to massage her breasts, to soothe them, but it only seemed to heighten this feeling, this feeling that Glinda was unable to explain.
She didn't know why, but suddenly she knew that a cool bath was what she needed. She called for one to be drawn and again told Pikney she didn't want her assistance.
As soon as she sat down in the cool water, she let out a great breath she had not known she was holding. What the hell had just happened? Her body had never reacted this way, not ever. It had to be something to do with Miss Elphaba. Or her words at least.
After trying to calm herself for over ten minuets Glinda started to examine her body. She was sticky with sweat. Between her legs was uncomfortably sensitive. Had she had some sort of adrenaline rush? She had heard of occurrences, where a person was in fear for their life and therefor, experienced a strange physical reaction, but she didn't think Elphaba wanted to seriously injure her, did she?
Glinda must have spent over an hour in that bath, before she got too cold. Instead of her usual nightgown, she tied her silk robe around her waist and climbed into bed. Frightened to close her eyes, she hummed the tune she had been playing earlier until she fell asleep.
The song a robin sings,
Through years of endless springs,
The murmur of a brook at evening tides.
That ripples through a nook where two lovers hide.
XXX
When she awoke the next morning to Pikney asking if she wished for Doctor to be called, it took Glinda a few moments to come to. The memories of the previous night came flooding back, was it just a nightmare perhaps? She could still feel the sharpness of something tickling her ear lobe and those residual feelings returned. It was all real then.
She had to keep herself busy today. There was no way she wished to hide away and replay what had happened, what if those strange feelings came over her again?
She told Pikney a Doctor would not be needed, that last night had just been a blip, a migraine. Her ladies maid assisted her with her morning routine and she dressed in a simple cream skirt and sky- blue blouse, before heading downstairs.
She asked for her morning tea to be brought to her in the conservatory, where she tried to plan out her day evenly.
She could visit Nessarose and Nanny? If she did that, there was the chance of bumping into Elphaba. Nessarose and Nanny were out of the question then.
Yesterday, she had been so desperate to find Avaric but since her meeting with Elphaba, he had vanished from her mind. Would it be too improper for a Lady to call at his home alone? She knew the answer to her own question was a yes, but for some reason, she failed to care. She could just say she had a previous appointment with the Margreave and pray to Lurline that he was home. She deduced it was probably not the best idea to call on her friend so early however, the clock had just struck noon.
Since she had been having trouble sleeping, Glinda had re-taken a childhood habit. When she was a young girl and a storm, or even the wind, frightened her, little Galinda had snuck her way downstairs and into her Fathers library. She enjoyed his books about old Gillikineese architecture, there was a particular one about the University town of Shiz that she found especially fascinating. There were pictures of ancient, gothic buildings and stories about their origins. All of this had been terribly exciting to a young girl, who had seen nothing but her rural Hometown and the briefest glimpses of The Emerald City.
She still had that book, tucked away under her pillow, and she had read it thrice, cover-to-cover, in the last month alone. Time for something new perhaps?
An hour later she and Pikney were entering a quiet bookstore. The maid looked horribly aghast at the place her mistress had brought her to. She ran a gloved finger down the spine of an old tome and wrinkled her nose at the residue of dust it had left.
She asked the clerk behind the counter where she might find his section on architecture and he led her to a few rows of books, laid out near the door. "I'm afraid this is all we have, My Lady. Not really a popular subject round these parts". She couldn't help being slightly disappointed. There were only maybe two-dozen for her to choose from. She thanked the man and began to browse.
She found a rather heavy book, pertaining to Munchkinland and when she read the page of contents, she was instantly intrigued. It seemed there was a section on Colwen Grounds. The Thropp's ancestral estate. She told herself she was only buying the book because of her passion for architecture and the fact she knew very little of Munchkin design. But if she was honest with herself, she couldn't resist finding out more about the mysterious family.
Quite happy with her choice, if a little conflicted, she made a move to step away, when an emerald leather caught her eye. The title was printed in faded gold, and read; 'Statues of The Saints'. It was a rather thin book, compared to the one she already had in hand, but she decided, to take it on impulse. She remembered, she was named after a Saint and she didn't know the 1st thing about her namesake.
She paid for her purchases and looked around the shop for Pikney. It wasn't a very large establishment but the high shelves and cluttered nature, made it hard to see anything but books. She caught sight of the girls' light-brown hair, near the back wall and headed to retrieve her. She tapped Pikney on the shoulder and her maid let out a loud yelp.
"My Lady! I do apologise but you startled me." In her fright, Pikney had dropped the book she was looking at. Glinda bent down and picked it up. She saw the cover and the image made her blush. No wonder Pikney had been so embarrassed at being caught viewing such material.
A muscular, shirtless man with a woman in his arms. The look in the couple's eyes made Glinda feel as though she were witnessing a moment she ought not to have seen. Was this how it was between Fiyero and Elphaba? She tried to imagine the green woman looking so wanton with lust. A shiver went down her spine and thankfully, at that moment, Pikney chose to snatch the book out of her hand.
"I happen to enjoy a nice romance", she whispered, "please do not think any less of me My Lady."
Glinda shook her head, "of course I won't", she paused and then decided to continue, for how could the situation become any more awkward than present? "I would like you to tell me about it though".
The other Woman's eyes bulged! "My Lady?"
She felt silly and childish but the thought of knowing what excited her maid so, made her curious. "I've never read such a Novel. I've heard whispers and have a vague interpretation of what they contain but I'm really, quite in the dark when it comes to it."
"But you're married!" Pikney said in surprise.
What did her marital status have to do with the matter? All Glinda wanted, was for Pikney to teach her why so many women enjoyed such reading material.
Her silence must have told the girl something, for she took Glinda by the arm, paid for her book (blush still intact) and left the shop. Once outside, waiting for their car, Pikney whispered to her, "It's not really something one can understand unless you already have some experaince. It's also not something I can teach you. Perhaps if you ask the Baron?"
What was she talking about? Ask Chuffrey what? Was it something to do with romance? Did she have to be in love to understand it? If so, her Husband was definitely not the one to help her!
Avaric was quite the Womanizer. Maybe she could ask him?
XXX
The Butler that led her into the sitting room of The Margreave's large Townhouse, looked disbelieving when Glinda said she had a prior appointment with his master. Still, she was thankful he chose to say nothing and even more thankful that Avaric was home.
It was almost the 17th hour of the day and Glinda had presumed this would be the best time to call, as most people would be readying for supper.
Avaric strode into the room, with an air that she couldn't quite place. He didn't look angry at her unannounced visit but he didn't look too pleased either.
"Lady Glinda, to what do I owe the pleasure?"
She didn't know what to say. Here, she had been itching to see him for days and now her mind chose to go blank.
Avaric looked over his shoulder, as if to check they were alone, he then sat down on one of the lemon material couches and motioned for her to do the same.
"Look, Glinda, about what I told you. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have allowed my judgement to become so clouded with my own irritation. It was spiteful and stupid of me and I never even considered your thoughts on the matter. Can you forgive me?"
Had he been avoiding her because he thought she would think lowly of him for spreading a bit of gossip?
"Of course, I forgive you. In fact, there is nothing to forgive! I'd totally forgotten about the matter." Well that was a great lie!
Avaric seemed to relax at that, and sat back comfortably. "Then I repeat my earlier question, to what do I owe the pleasure?"
"I had been hoping to see you at the Phan ball yesterday and when I didn't and was passing by, I guess I thought I could pay you a call. I have missed a friendly face to talk to." Part truth, she was getting better.
Avaric didn't look as though he believed her but he played along anyway. He rang for tea to be brought in and they chatted mindlessly for a while. It transpired that he had been in Gillikin visiting his Mother for the past week and had only gotten back this morning, so even though Glinda hadn't looked that hard, she would not have found him yesterday night.
She didn't want to broach the subject of Fiyero, instead they talked about his time at home. She was quite happy to learn that he had come through Shiz on his return journey. She did not disclose her secret love of the place but it was nice to hear someone who had experienced it first-hand.
The thoughts of Shiz, drove her to think about architecture and that caused her to remember her conversation with Pikney, outside the bookshop.
She didn't know how to raise the matter, so against her better judgement, she decided to just come out with it.
"Avaric, you are a man".
He laughed, setting his teacup down. "I'm glad you've noticed."
"Well, I was wondering if you could teach me what it is that makes romance novels, so..arousing..."
She'd embarrassed him. "Glinda, I..."
"No, please. Hear me out. Lately I've been experiencing these longings, well I suppose they've always been there but I've been noticing them a lot more, as of late. And well, I find you to be a handsome man and if rumours are to be believed, then you are also quite experienced in such situations. So you see, as I want to learn and you obviously know, I'd like for you to teach me?"
She had spoken very fast. She wasn't sure he could have heard all of what she said so she prepared to open her mouth again but Avaric held up his hand.
"Glinda, I don't think you quite understand what you're asking from me."
He thought her stupid. Well she wasn't! Not entirely anyway.
"I'd like for you to kiss me." Well that was forward. She had never said such a thing to anyone before but she found the words quite liberating.
She was glad the Margreave was sitting down. He looked as though he might faint.
"Why are you asking me this Glinda?"
Why was she asking him? It seemed Miss Elphaba's actions had started an unknown, and uncontrollable chain of events inside of her. "Because, I find you attractive."
She had expected him to at least look a little flattered. He didn't.
"You are a beautiful woman Glinda."
She blushed. See! This was how one was meant to react to flattery.
"But I cannot kiss you."
"Why?" She didn't sound too disappointed. What had gotten into her?
"Not counting the fact that I do not believe you have really thought this through..."
But she had, hadn't she? "I have!"
"No, you haven't!' He was slightly irritated now. "You are experiencing desire and I am the only man you feel comfortable with! You do not want me romantically but you feel able to turn to me".
That sounded about right. How had he understood her when she had not understood herself? "Perhaps."
"You're my friend Glinda. And things like this, well they ruin friendships. I think you and I need friendship more at the moment, don't you agree?"
She nodded and then burst out laughing.
"I can't believe you are a rake!"
He laughed as well. "Oh, but I am. I do enjoy my time with women. The rumours do not lie', his tone turned more serious now, "but I value you more than that."
XXX
AN:
So... That was something. I'm not quite sure what to say but this chapter was fun to write and I ended up powering through it in one night alone!
Elphaba comes across as rather harsh here but I want to point out the fact that Glinda mentioning her transgressions made her feel ashamed and allowed her to question her actions, I think it may be a sort of, 'No Good Deed' moment...idk, I'm rambling now.
The song Glinda sings in this chapter is 'Stella By Starlight' by Ella Fitzgerald. Other artists, like Frank Sinatra, have also covered it but it was Fitzgerald's version that inspired me.
I hope you enjoyed this chapter, I know I said I'd be updating on a weekly basis but I guess I couldn't wait. I'm almost finished writing Chapter 9 and I've realised this story is going to be longer than I had originally planned. It could end up at around 13 Chapters, or so.
As always, reviews are welcome and much appreciated, you can also follow me on instagram ohlookitstomorrow as I am usually always active on there.
Catch
Chapter edited on the 24th of September 2018.