Chapter Two – Bewildering Enticement

Sparks hypnotically floated as Serena added the new wood to the embers that still burned from the fire the night before. She tried to be as quiet as she could trying not to wake the sleeping figure behind her. After adding the final piece she glanced behind her to see the brunette woman still at rest, under ample amounts of luxurious fabric and down, her face highlighted by the growing fire was tranquil. Serena wondered what she was dreaming about, dreams had always mesmerized her. She wondered if the dreams of someone with much more wealth and stability in her life had similar dreams as she. Serena figured nightmares among Blair were few and far between compared to the reoccurring ones she had. Making her way out of the room quietly she unconsciously thought of how radiant and serene the brunette was, continuing her morning chores.

….

Blair awoke to the crackling of a fireplace. She folded the jacquard fabric of the duvet to the empty side of the bed as it was becoming warm in the bedroom. She stretched and yawned as she looked over to see her maid bringing in her breakfast.

"Here you are Mrs." Serena said as she sat down the server tray in front of her. The tray was filled with a variety of scones, lavender honey, jam, a couple boiled eggs, bacon, and kedgeree.

Serena poured the tea into a gold-rimmed teacup, "Would you like sugar or cream in your tea Mrs.?"

"Yes, two cubes would be satisfactory and cream also." Blair answered.

As Serena prepared the cup, Blair remembered parts of her unpleasant dream that she had been having before she awoke. Serena interrupted her thoughts and handed the cup to Blair carefully as the cup was full and the tea was hot. "Careful Mrs. I wouldn't want you to burn yourself."

Blair gave a slight smile to Serena, "Thank you". She appreciated that her maid cared enough to warn her, as other maids she had in the past would not have always been so considerate.

"Ring the bell, when you are ready to get up and dress." A bell was on the tray that also possessed the breakfast spread.

Serena made it out of the room to allow the lady her privacy.

Before Serena was able to leave the room Blair interrupted. "Serena?"

Serena turned around quickly, "Is something not to your liking Mrs.?"

"No, no everything is quite satisfactory."

A puzzled look took to the young maid's face.

Blair motioned for her to come back to the side of the bed.

Serena walked back to Blair, "Yes, Mrs.?"

"Do you dream much while sleeping?" She said in a whisper.

"Well, yes of course Mrs." Answered Serena.

"Ever had any night terrors?" Blair questioned.

Serena thought back to just the past night, she barely slept due to the dreams that haunted her. "Yes, Mrs. I have."

"Alright that is all for now." Blair motioned her hand to the door.

Serena made her way out the door more confused than she was when she reentered.

Blair started at her petite feast that was in front of her as she continued to try and understand her dream, and contemplate if she should share it with her maid.

...

Serena heard a ringing in the distance, as she was gathering and sewing pleats in the maroon jacquard fabric, creating the bustle, for Mrs. Blair's overskirt. Serena got up from the sewing table and quickly made her way to Blair's bedroom. Blair was standing in front of her full length mirror, waiting to be dressed.

"Ready to be dressed, Mrs.?"

Blair nodded, "I would like to wear the olive green today, Serena."

Serena retrieved all of the components of the dress and she hung them up on the hook next to the mirror. Blair raised her hands above her head so Serena could get the nightgown over her head. Serena grabbed the bottom of the nightgown and gathered the fabric until she reached the fabric by Blair's waist and gently pulled the delicate outfit over Blair's head. Blair's porcelain skin was exposed to Serena for the first time; Serena had not witnessed anything more perfect. In fact, she thought, this was the first time she had ever seen another woman's disrobed body besides her own. Serena felt her stomach flip. She was not prepared for the overwhelming emotions that waved through her body. The young maid quickly and nervously grabbed the undergarments. Blair slipped her legs into the soft cotton fabric of the drawers as Serena pulled them up and buttoned the back. As Serena did this she observed dark purple spots that adorned Blair's backside. She now slipped the chemise over Blair's head which fell down to Blair's knees, yet still let her collar bones shown. She noticed now that these bruises were also on Blair's arms, but Serena figured it wasn't her business. And she needn't to produce any solecism. The corset slipped on easily as Blair once again rose her arms over her head. Tightening it was a harder cause. Serena had Blair grab a one of the four posts of her bed so she could brace herself as the young maid pulled hard on the corset laces. Blair exhaled some air that sounded like moans. Serena's stomach ached some more, as she felt some sort of enjoyment out of this process. She forced the thoughts out of her head as she was not sure what she kept feeling, but she felt as it was sinful. Serena tied the corset laces in a bow and grabbed a petticoat and slipped it up Blair's legs to her waist, Serena's eyes laid upon the doing of the corset, and it was never the less successful as Blair's breasts were pushed high. Serena's eyes darted away as she continued dressing the lady. Several petticoats were layered on, each one added more volume, and each time the maid had a harder time staring at the shorter woman's décolletage. Her ignominious actions bemused her further. What was she to do? And more importantly why was she doing it. She slipped a camisole over Blair's head and then finally the olive-colored gown. Serena grabbed a new pair of gloves out of the drawer for Blair to wear.

Blair now sat at her cherry wood dresser, allowing Serena to pin her hair up in a proper bun. Blair looked back to Serena from her mirror. "I think I want you to stay in the room that is connected to mine." Blair said. She continued, "Since I feel that I can trust you around all of my items, I will allow you to stay there. As that room is for that purpose anyways."

"Of course what ever you prefer Mrs." Serena answered.

"I have been having terrible night terrors lately and I would like to have you there if you are needed." Blair stated while still making eye contact using the mirror.

"That will not be a problem Mrs., I have had an awful time sleeping lately anyways. And I shall be at your beckon call." Serena said while she pinned Blair's chocolate brown hair.

Serena thought that there was no other place that she rather be, but she still wasn't sure why.

A/N : Finally a new chapter! I hope you all enjoyed reading!

I would love to hear some feedback, it is always encouraging! :)