A/N: Thank you for the reviews. GG is making me as moody as a pregnant woman. Sometimes I quirk myself up and say that I have been through worse and then I read/ hear some spoilers and down goes the mood. I want to seriously write some angst-relieving FF on the present state of the show but every time I decide to do so I change my mind. It's sad that a show that made me obsess over it is now in this position. It's gone under a million, actors/writers of the show don't give a crap about it- it's like nobody cares- and it just makes me sad.

Disclaimer: My research for this story was really limited. If you are looking for a story with perfect historical facts and details- then this is not it.

Genre- Historical

Main characters: Blair and Chuck

Timeline: 1835

Disclaimer: I may own many things- Gossip Girl is not one of them

R&R

…

Lady Blair sat demurely at the living room. Her skirts were arranged in neat fold around her, her feet were perfectly straight and at regular intervals she took a discreet sip of her tea. Her mother would be proud, she reasoned inwardly. Her eyes were moving across the room, examining the possibility of any further improvement. She was the personification of poise and grace.

"I assume you have heard from Lady Eleanor?" Lord Bart asked as he took a break from interrogating his son.

"Yes, I have received several letters from her. She is doing well and inquires about your health."

"I am all too well, my lady." He said and then as always, in spite of his efforts, he seemed at a loss to continue his conversation. It seemed that Bart Bass had no idea how to converse with young ladies.

"I shall inform her of it, my lord"

Her voice was perfectly stable and she was calm and controlled as she answered Lord Bart's questions. There was no evidence that she had cried herself dry that afternoon. Her mother had taught her how to keep her emotions in check. Yet, when she felt her husband glance at her in concern, she could not help the smile that she answered him with. His face relaxed at that and he nodded somberly.

She looked up to see Bart watching her with an indulgent smile.

"Do you play the piano, Lady Blair?"

"Only when I wish to give offence, my lord" she replied quickly

Lord Bart looked confused and Chuck laughed.

"I am surprised you have withhold playing for us for so long then..." he said with a smirk

"Charles..." Bart began indignantly

Blair felt herself answer with an arched brow "I shall have to remedy that sometime."

It was almost strange how quickly she was falling back at ease with him. Chuck stood up with his signature smirk as he motioned to the piano with his hand.

"No time like the present, Lady Bass"

Blair read the challenge in his eyes and gave in. She stood up and turned to Lord Bart.

"I apologize in advance for my mediocre performance, my lord."

She walked towards the piano. She paused for second as she was walking by her husband. His fingers brushed against hers lightly. It made her heart skip a beat. Blushing, she looked down and he murmured softly.

"I 'm glad you are feeling better."

…

"I am not sure I can allow you to go there."

The words incensed Serena more than any her fiancé had ever spoken. She looked at the constantly mulish countenance of Lord Rose and spoke clearly.

"I was not asking for your permission, my lord. I was informing you of my whereabouts next week."

Lord Rose stared at her, his brows furrowing.

"I do not wish to offend you, Miss Serena. But the Empire suffers from a notorious reputation and I cannot risk my betrothed to be ruined by association to debauchery."

Serena lifted her chin defiantly, staring at the man she would have to marry, with almost hatred.

"Lady Blair is my dearest friend and my childhood companion. You cannot stop me from meeting her."

Lord Rose stood up and moved closer. "Actually I can. I am to be your husband and it is your duty to obey me."

"Well, I seem to be destined to fail in my duty, my lord." She stood up and flounced to the stairs effectively dismissing His Lordship.

Before she knew, sharp fingers had dug onto her skin and turned her around. She cried out in pain as he pulled her towards him. "Do not cross me, Serena. I am a kind man but if you continue to disobey me, I would have to become ruthless towards you. We live in polite society and any association with Lady Blair taints you so you will not see her. Do I make myself clear?"

Serena struggled against his hold; she could not believe the normally boring and awkwardly polite man was behaving in such a despicable manner. She shook hard as his eyes bore into her again.

Someone cleared his throat and they both looked up. Lord Rose released him abruptly as Serena saw Mr. Humphrey glare at him.

"I hope I am not interrupting anything."

"Who are you?" Lord Rose asked rather abruptly

"I am Daniel Humphrey. I am here to meet Lord Van der Woodsen." Dan said slowly, his eyes never leaving Serena's.

"The lawyer, eh?"

"His Lordship is in his study, Mr. Humphrey. I shall take you to him."

They walked in silence until they reached the study. Then Dan turned to her and inquired gently.

"Are you alright, Miss Serena?"

Her eyes darted to his with surprise. "That's the first time you have called me by my Christian name."

He colored. "I am sorry, Miss…"

"No, don't be. It almost makes up for the unpleasant incident you walked into." She gave him a smile and walked away. He sighed loudly as he knocked on the door.

…

It was the softest of touch.

One that could easily be thought to be a part of a dream...

It trailed down her eyes and cheeks to come to rest at her lips. She savored the fresh fragrance permeating the air even in her slumber. And then it was gone and Blair stirred slowly seeking the soft icy touch. Her eyelids fluttered as she felt the same touch on her neck. She sighed happily until a warm finger replaced the former touch. She shivered involuntarily, feeling something tighten within her. Her eyes fluttered open and she saw Chuck staring at her tenderly. He was dressed in his night clothes, his hair was tousled and he held a dark pink flower in his hand.

She smiled.

He smirked at her.

"Good morning, beautiful"

A rosy flush covered her cheeks as he leant over and placed his lips on her neck. He trailed open mouth kisses down her neck, his hand seeking hers.

He intertwined their fingers as Blair pushed against him.

"Did I say that you were allowed to touch me, my lord?"

He lifted his head and smirked at her. "Your eyes did."

Blair flushed hard and sat up. "No, they did not, my lord."

He followed suit and curled his finger around a stray curl. He reached down and unclasped her clip, causing her curls to tumble down. He leant down and buried his face in her hair. Blair stiffened at the gesture. On one hand she knew that he was being too intimate with her. Yes, they had forgiven each other, but that did not mean that they could suddenly be intimate. And yet she was finding it difficult to push him away. His touch was so gentle, so loving and invoke so many unknown feelings. Pulling her last ounce of control she leaned away from him.

His eyebrows furrowed at her gesture. She shook her head firmly.

"We decided, my lord, that you would claim me only when I beg you to..."

His Lordship chuckled as he pressed his knuckles on her cheek. "If my intention was to ravish you, my lady, you would find yourself in a much more compromising and pleasurable situation..."

Blair felt her color rise yet again. She glared at her husband, who seemed to enjoy her glare.

"I was just coming to wake you up and then was overcome with the desire to touch you..." he said, slowing trailing his finger across her neck. " And then to taste you.."

Blair felt her mouth go dry and scooted up to narrow her eyes.

"My lord, it is hardly proper to talk to me so..."

Chuck laughed.

"How I missed your etiquette lessons, my dear? But pray tell me, if it is improper to talk to my bride so, on whom should I direct such attentions to?"

Blair smiled at hearing him laugh. It was so rare that the sound rang out that she wished to cherish every time it happened. But then the smile vanished as she imagines Chuck professing the desire to touch and taste other ladies. She felt a sudden, irrational anger rush through her.

Throwing her hair back, she said in her haughtiest tone "Is there any particular reason why you decided to disturb my sleep?"

Chuck looked taken aback by the sudden turn of the mood and nodded slowly. He reached down and pulled a bunch of fresh hydrangeas. She took them with a smile and inhaled deeply. Their fragrance- the fragrance she woke up to- made her close her eyes. She traced the petals and smiled at her husband.

"They are beautiful, my lord"

His eyes seemed to be burning onto hers as he replied slowly. "They signify perseverance."

"My lord..."

"I thought they were most fitting to our circumstances."

Her eyes flew to his, a million questions in her mind. The answers leading to further questions but as she stared at his eyes, she knew instinctively, what he meant.

…

It was evident in her smiles, that much was true. If the weeks past Lady Blair had been nothing but a beautiful picture of gloom, this week her glowing skin and sparkling eyes told a different story. Every morning Dorota found a smiling Blair placing a fresh bouquet of hydrangeas in the vase. Every day she chose her gowns carefully and took great pains to look her very best, keeping her directions to Rose very specific.

"Push the braid a little higher." Blair said as she examined herself in the oval mirror. Rose hid an impish smile as she set her hair. She stood away and watched as Lady Blair scrutinized herself again in the mirror. Finally she smiled and thanked Rose.

She walked down to the breakfast room and greeted her husband and father-in-law. Chuck smiled at her and on an impulse she sat down next to him. No one commented on it and she busied herself with breakfast. She vaguely heard the conversation going on her right, catching onto the subject of a new mill and certain political matters.

The conversation came to an abrupt end when Graham produced the mail that had arrived. He presented Lord Bart with two letters and to her surprise one for her. She quickly scanned it and smiled excitedly. It was from Serena, who would be calling on her the next day. She quickly turned to tell her husband. However, Lord Bart interrupted her before she spoke:

"Why on earth would Dowager Countess De Bourg request to meet me? I thought you had solved the awful matter with De Bourg?"

Chuck groaned inwardly but sat up straighter. "Yes, I did stop them from calling each other out, Father. I do not what it could be in relation to."

Bart snorted. "I suppose I have to sit down and listen, yet again, how my son had corrupted Lord De Bourg and destroyed any familial compatibility that ever existed between them." He stood up in disgust "Tell me, Charles, would there ever be an end to difficulties you insist on piling upon me?"

"I do not insist anything of the sort." Chuck retorted quickly. "I would handle the Dowager Countess on my own if you would please..."

Bart shook his head "I would be surprised if she would even allow that. You are dragging the Bass name to dirt, Charles."

He left with that. Chuck felt the familiar stings of pain rolling on his chest. He gritted his teeth, barely controlling his anger. He pushed his chair back and stood up.

Blair, who was stunned by the encounter, stood up with him.

"My lord..." Her voice was soft, hesitant and tinged with an emotion he could not really name. Her eyes were fixated on him and he could not bear to see her pity him so he left. He strode out to the stable, barking instructions at the stable master.

With a few strides, he entered the last stable and reached to pat Chestnut. The old horse nuzzled against him. He closed his eyes and rested his head against the fine hair.

"My lord..."

He turned to find his bride staring at him. Her eyes darted around; as though she was remembering the last time they had found themselves there and then onto Chuck himself. She took in the way his hand grasped at Chestnut's mane and she knew that Chestnut meant a lot to her husband.

He tore his eyes away from her.

"Blair, I have some business to take care of. Why don't you go inside?"

Her heart sank as he refused to meet her eyes. They could not be back there- they just could go back there. She marched onto him and he looked disgruntled.

"Blair, I do not have time for this"

She refused to listen to him or even let him wallow in his sorrow. She wanted to see him smile again and instinctively she reached up and kissed him. She had never known how to take charge of a kiss, so she brushed her lips against his again and again until he groaned and kissed her-until his fists loosened and he pulled her against him. She moaned against his mouth as he nibbled on her lower lip. His hand moved upwards molding her body to his. She gasped at the sheer feel on his hard body against her soft curves. He took the opportunity to slip his tongue in her mouth. Slowly but hungrily, he explored her mouth, every part he could reach. She moaned loudly as she ran her fingers through his hair.

She had been kissed before but never before had she ever felt such need. It was as though he was burning her and she ached to be closer to the fire. His mouth finally left hers, giving her an opportunity to breathe.

"The Dowager Countess is bitter woman who lives to stir up trouble." She said panting slightly. The words were ready on her mouth as she had prepared herself to say them since he left the table.

His eyes darkened slightly as traced her pulse point on the neck.

"Is that so?" His voice was husky as he lowered his mouth to her neck and gently bit her pulse point. She whimpered and clutched onto him tightly. His mouth trailed open mouthed kisses on her neck as he fingers traced circles around her back.

"Yes" she said arching her neck, giving him greater access to kiss her. His fingers tangled in her carefully set hair as he kissed and sucked on her ivory neck. It took several moments to gather her wits but she finally pulled herself to speak again. "She once accused Serena and me of ..."

She trailed off with a moan as he nipped her neck playfully. Cupping her chin he silenced her moan with his mouth. He pressed a chaste kiss on her lips.

"Of loosening the wheel of her carriage..."

His fingers ran across her bare arms as he whispered "And did you?"

Blair leaned back and glared at him "Of course not, I am a proper lady. I made the stable boy do it."

Chuck laughed loudly and Blair found herself memorizing his laugh. She smiled at him tracing the panes of his face. His eyes darkened again and he leaned to claim her lips.

She stood back laughingly "I thought you had business to attend to."

"I thought you wanted my attention" He said lunging forward.

She stepped aside and shook her head. He caught her in his arms firmly and kissed her hard. She leaned against the stable wall to accommodate his body against her own. When they came up for air, he pressed his forehead against hers and smiled.

She smiled back "It is a fine day. I think we should go out riding."

"I would rather ride you."

"My lord..." She asked in confusion

He chuckled and nipped her chin.

"Chuck..." He commanded, his eyes drilling onto hers.

"Chuck..." She said with a blush. He caressed her cheek, savoring the feel of his name against her lips. He kissed her yet again- he seemed unable to stop- and stepped back.

"We should go riding. There is a beautiful spot further down. You would love it." He said catching her hand in his as started to exit the stable. He stopped to pat Chestnut.

Blair stood next to him watching the sight. His eyes met hers and he looked away. Blair reached forward and slowly patted the animal she had brutalized in her anger.

"Did he- Did he belong to Lady Evelyn?" she asked

He looked up sharply "He was her favorite horse before I stole him for her."

Guilt struck her with full force. She could not believe she always ended up violating his mother's memories.

"Chuck. I am so sorry..."

"Its forgiven" he replied quickly "You acted out in anger. I did the same. We were not in our senses that day."

He laced his fingers with hers. "Let's not taint this day with the past."

His words felt oddly prophetic.

….