Marian was looking back and forth at both Anne and Ann as they came in and out of Shibden Hall, carrying items of Ann’s.
“Anne I-“
“Not now Marian.” Anne said holding a bag; Marian huffed and rolled her eyes watching Anne rush up the stairs.
“Oh um, excuse me.” Ann said meekly.
Marian looked at her and noticed she was standing in the way, she shook her head and moved out of the way and stood still with her hands on her hips.
“A few items she’ll be bringing, more like the whole of bloody Crow Nest.” Marian muttered to herself, she knew she wouldn’t get a word from Anne right now so Marian went in search of one of the maids.
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“You know I could have gotten help to move all of this.” Anne said wiping the light sheen of sweat off her forehead.
There really wasn’t much left of Ann’s to bring into the house, they had spent the past day packing things up so they could move everything in today.
“I know that Anne but I wanted it to feel like we did this together, this was ours to do its silly really.”
“It’s not silly.” Anne said standing in front of Ann, she bent down slightly so she could meet Ann’s eye level and she smiled at her.
“My beautiful wife.” Anne said quietly, Ann grinned, her eyes shined with happiness and she gazed down at their hands where the rings were.
“There’s only one load left, I’ll bring it in. Why don’t you explore the grounds? I’ll come and find you once I’m done.” Anne said.
“I’d love to.” Ann said already eager to go and explore.
As soon as Anne was walking off, Ann went off and her first encounter was the stables. She’d heard Anne talking about her horses every now and again and whenever she did talk about them, there was excitement filling her voice so it made Ann want to meet the horses even more. The horses were even more beautiful than she imagined and they were well looked after, Ann approached the stables and took a few minutes to just observe them. She felt a nudge followed by wetness on her hand she glanced down and laughed, it was the Lister’s dog Argus.
“Am I not paying you enough attention?” Ann said and Argus made a soft noise, she smiled and patted the dog.
Afterwards Ann stepped away from the stables and carried on walking, the land was big, very big and wonderful to look at. The sun was shining, the grass was green and Ann wondered if she might come this way again, it would certainly make an excellent painting.
Ann felt the air fill her lungs, it felt better, a lot better than it previously did especially being stuck in Scotland! It actually didn’t hurt to breathe anymore, looking at Shibden at all of its wonders Ann knew she had made the right decision, she had followed her heart and this was right where she wanted to be.
“I’m sorry I got caught up just now!” Anne said striding towards Ann.
“It’s Marian asking me a thousand questions; well that’s what it felt like anyway. It’s infuriating really.” Anne said shaking her head.
“Oh is it my fault? Maybe I shouldn’t have moved in so quickly?” Ann asked worried.
“Nonsense, Marian knew as well as everyone else you would be coming here to Shibden to live. Marian just likes to be difficult.” Anne said rolling her eyes.
“It’s not one of her best qualities.” She added and Ann laughed softly.
Anne spread her arms out and smiled.
“So what do you think of her? Of Shibden, beautiful isn’t she?” Anne said.
“Truly wonderful, I was thinking of painting here, the view I love it. See I wouldn’t do it justice but I’d at least try.” Ann said and Anne tutted.
“Do it, paint it, I’ll love it and hang it up in the hall.” Anne said grinning.
And just like that Ann felt instantly better about herself and her painting, it was Anne, it always was she bought out the best in her and she knew it. If a doubt came along it was gone within minutes. The two of them spent some more time outside together, Anne would occasionally hold Ann’s hand and stroke her fingers and honestly, Ann just wanted more.
“I think you’re doing that on purpose.” Ann eventually said.
“Hm?” Anne said idly.
“Teasing me, touching me, I can’t think of anything else right now apart from your mouth.” Ann said bravely.
“My darling Ann if only you knew what you do to me, I want nothing more than to kiss you but we must wait.” Anne replied with longing.
Ann understood though it didn’t stop her from yearning for Anne and they didn’t spend too much time outside after that. They made their way back to Shibden and once inside, they were met by Anne’s Father Jeremy, Aunt Anne and Marian all sitting around the table. Two empty chairs were next to one another and Anne extended her arm and let Ann sit down first.
Marian looked at the two of them with disinterest which made Anne aware that she was still in a funny mood so she looked at her Aunt Anne who smiled at her.
“It’s so nice to have you here Miss Walker.” Aunt Anne said and Ann shyly smiled.
“I’m so thankful that you’re letting me stay here, Shibden really is something.” Ann said.
“Maybe we’ve found someone who will anchor this one here; it’ll be wonderful knowing where you are and knowing you’re safe.” Aunt Anne said.
“Aunt you always know where I am though you’re quite right for now we’re not going anywhere, a trip in the spring perhaps.” Anne said glancing at Ann who nodded with a smile.
“I thought Christmas here would be quite acceptable, don’t you think?” Anne said and Aunt Anne looked joyous.
“Oh joy.” Marian said sarcastically.
“What?” Jeremy said and Aunt Anne repeated what Anne had said about staying for Christmas.
“Very good, very good.” He said.
Food was served and eaten in an orderly manner, conversation flowed mostly Aunt Anne asking Ann questions and if she became uncomfortable at any point Anne jumped in to save her.
It was getting later and later and both Anne and Ann decided they would go upstairs, Ann’s belongings were brought in but they hadn’t been sorted out yet.
“I’ll give you some time to rummage through your belongings and find what you need, I’ll be in my study.”
Ann nodded.
“Oh and I’ve made you some space on the dresser table should you need to put anything on there, we’ll figure out the rest tomorrow.”
So thoughtful and kind, Ann thought. She closed the distance between them and knowing there was nobody around she quickly kissed Anne.
Anne closed her eyes for a moment then opened them and saw Ann’s bright eyes staring at her, she smiled and held her hand.
“I won’t be long.” Anne said.
“I’ll be waiting.” Ann replied.
Anne went into her study and opened the drawer pulling out her diary; she picked up the quill and began to write.
Anne closed the book looking pleased with herself; she put it back in the drawer and stood up leaving the room. She opened her bedroom door and saw Ann gently putting some cream on her arms and Anne walked up to her and stopped her.
“Let me.” Anne said and she rubbed her hands together to make them a little warmer, sat down to the side of Ann and carefully started to massage the cream into her skin.
“Our first night together at Shibden.” Anne whispered and Ann moaned quietly.
Ann turned slightly to face Anne and reached out for the buttons on her shirt, she hesitated then with a nod from Anne she started to undo them.
“You’ve done enough for me today; let me take care of you.” Ann said and Anne couldn’t think of anything else she’d rather be doing. She felt those nimble fingers upon her chest, Ann’s wedding ring glistening at her and she smiled a confident smile.
GENTLEMANJACKSEASON 2 TRAILER «If I were a man, and thank heaven and providence that I’m not, would you even think to question my ambition? I fear you have built me up in your mind to be all manner of things I am not…and some that I am.»
