Disclaimer:  The characters of Legacy belong to Chris Abbott.  All other characters belong to the author.  Please contact the author if you would like to use any of the original characters.
 
                                        PART ONE

Lexington is experiencing the worst heat wave in decades.  As the temperatures rise, so do passions…

It is an unbearably humid day, in the middle of July, and sweat is slowly dripping down the middle of Sean’s back.  He takes off his hat and wipes his brow with his forearm.  "There is not a breeze to be found," Sean says with a sigh.  On his way back from town he decides to take a different route through the woods.  His horse needs to be watered and he knows where there is a cool brook that bears off of the river.   The brook is located in a very remote part of the woods.  Folks rarely come this way.  Sean dismounts and leads his horse to the brook.  Sean is walking towards the clearing and stops dead in his tracks.  "What in the world…" There is woman is swimming in the brook – a colored woman and she is naked.  The woman stands up in the water but her back is to Sean.  Sean can see the top of her buttocks.  The woman reaches up and loosens her chignon.  Her lovely reddish-brown tresses flow gently down her back.   Sean knows that hair.  He has touched and smelled that hair.  The woman is Marita.  The naked, shapely woman swimming in the late evening sun is Marita.

The next day at the Logan breakfast table…

"Clay how can you eat like that?" Alice asks in disgust.  "It is too hot to even think about eating a heavy meal".   "I’ll just have juice".  Jeremy looks at Alice and smirks, "Men must eat to keep their strength up"!  Lexy smartly adds, "Jeremy, where are these men that you are referring to?"  Alice almost chokes on her juice from laughing. "Hah!  Good one Lexy!"  "Hardy har-har" Jeremy adds as he and Clay both help themselves to more eggs.  Ned laughs at his daughter and just shakes his head.  "Jeremy you opened yourself up for that one."  "What did Lexy say?" Sean asks smiling.  Lexy looks at Sean, " You’re late."  "I know.  I overslept." "As a matter of fact, I did not sleep very good last night," Sean says yawning.   "I have to go to Louisville with Mr. Clancy for a few days."  "Will you be back in time for the masked ball?" Ned asked wiping his mouth with his napkin.  "When it is?" Sean asks taking a bite of food.  "In three days -- Saturday at 8:00 at the old Pierson place. "Sean I told you about Mr. D’Amecourt.  The Creole gentleman from New Orleans  -- he just recently settled here.  He was kind enough to let us have the ball at his home.  He has completely restored that place – including the ballroom.   The money that the ball raises is going to the Children’s Benevolent Society".  "I saw Mr. D’Amecourt in town yesterday.  He is quite tall and very charming," Alice dreamily says.   "Oh really?" Jeremy looks at Alice suspiciously.   "Well, I need to run.  I am meeting Mr. D’Amecourt at the Jockey Club to discuss the business details of the ball,"  Ned says as he checks his watch.  Lexy gets up from the table to kiss her brother.  "Sean, would you bring me something back from Louisville"?   "Sure sweetheart."  Clay finishes his breakfast.  "I’ll have to do a quick training session today.  "I have an appointment myself – at 3:00," Clay says as he winks at Alice.  "Um-umh, I’m sure."  Alice gives Clay a suspicious look.  "This wouldn’t have anything to do with Vivian, would it?" "You mind your own business Alice," Clay snaps.  "Aren’t we touchy"?  Sean chuckles.  "Well I wish I could stay and referee but I have more important things to deal with," Sean says as he pushes back from the table.  Sean is walking towards the door when he sees Marita sitting at his father’s desk.  "Good Morning".   Marita beams, "Hi".  Sean looks at Marita with a flirtatious grin, "how do you manage to stay so fresh looking in all this heat".  "It’s a gift." Marita says as she shakes her head and laughs.  Sean narrows his eyes, "that mouth of yours sure looks inviting!" "Can I sneak a kiss?" "No you may not Sean!  Someone might see you".  Sean fakes a hurt look and pouts.  "Spoil sport".  "Don’t you have some where to be?" Marita asks.  I know – I’m going – I will be back on Friday.  Will you miss me?" Sean asks blowing a kiss to Marita.  "You know it"; Marita says catching his invisible kiss.    Sean mounts his horse and says to himself,  "I can’t get what I saw yesterday out of my mind – I wouldn’t dare tell her I was at the creek – she is so incredibly beautiful".  Sean sighs, puts his hat on and rides off.
 
Morning at the D’Amecourt residence…

Armand D’Amecourt is a French Creole from New Orleans.  He cuts a dashing figure…he is well over six feet with dark brown hair, aquamarine eyes and dimples.  He looks younger than his thirty years and his boyish charm has been turning quite a few heads since he arrived in Kentucky.  A very beautiful woman of color, with café au lait skin, hazel eyes and dark golden hair, bumped into him on the Rue Domaine three years ago.  Armand had almost knocked the gorgeous stranger to the ground but managed to save her fall.  He had no idea that this was the woman he was destined to love.

"Liselle", Armand shouts from the foyer.  "Please have old Pierre bring the carriage ‘round front.  I am going into town this morning." "Oui monsieur".  "Are you going to have tea with Miss Peters this afternoon?" Armand asks reaching for papers on the large secretaire.  "Yes.  I will finish her dress as well."   "Oh my goodness, je creve de chaud.  I am sweltering and it is only 9:00 in the morning." "Mon Cherie, please you must try to speak English.  How will it ever improve?  Please remember we are no longer in New Orleans.  The culture is different here.   The Kaintucks do not understand our language."  Liselle laughs and blushes. "Yes Armand, I will try harder.  You know – you should not refer to the townspeople as Kaintucks.  It sounds so common.  They are Kentuckyans." Liselle said with a big smile.   Armand grabs his satchel from the bureau, "I know mon cherie." "It is not so nice.  I must go now."  Armand whispers in Liselle’s ear, "enjoy your afternoon my love."  "I’ll see you at supper", and with that Armand grabs Liselle with his free hand around her waist and gives her a great, big kiss".  "Armand, please!  The servants will see."  He kisses her again and puts her down.  "My love you think they don’t know about us?  "We don’t have to put on a show for them Armand, Liselle says playfully hitting Armand.  "You are so sweet", Armand says with a laugh.  Liselle waves to Armand.  "Bonne journee".  Armand turns around in the doorway and looks at Liselle with mock disapproval.  "Oh, I am sorry.  I know -- speak English.  Have a good day!"

Liselle Dupree was a woman who was destined for the "arrangement".  After all her mother is a placee – and her mother before her.  Liselle did not want to go to the infamous quadroon balls.  To be paraded around like a piece of meat disgusted Liselle, but it was the custom.  It was known that the only people who were allowed to attend the quadroon balls were young, free women of color and affluent white men. The more white blood the woman had in her family…the more desirable she was considered.   Some of the other octoroons had said that a placee’s greatest hope, though many will not admit this, was to produce children light enough to pass into white society.  Liselle thought it all nonsense – she was who she was and she was not ashamed of her "dark blood".  One particularly warm, spring evening the ball was in full swing at the Salle D’Orleans on the Rue Rampart.  All the young ladies dressed in their silk finery and all of the young gentlemen in their best waistcoats.   Liselle was receiving many admiring glances and nods, but she remained aloof.  Until the handsome Creole man, with eyes like the ocean, the one who almost knocked her down on the Rue Domaine, approached her for a dance…
 
 
 

 
A secret picnic at the river…

"Vivian are you coming in?  The water is great", Clay yells as he shakes water from his hair.  "No Clay, it’s not proper…" "Vivian would you forget "proper" – it’s 100 degrees out here – now that’s not proper."  "Look, Vivian we are supposed to be having a picnic and a swim." "Let’s have some fun".  "Vivian, I have seen women in their corsets before.  You don’t have to be so modest.   Come on – the water will cool you off."  "Clay, I am not the one who needs cooling off."  "Vivian, if you don’t get in this water right now, I am going to throw you in myself." "Clay you wouldn’t dare!" "Oh. Wouldn’t I?" Clay runs out of the river and grabs Vivian.  "Clay…don’t please… Clay…I’ll scream…Clay, I’m warning you…DON’T!" Vivian screams and laughs.  "This is war Clay Logan!" she shouts and splashes water toward Clay.  Clay picks up Vivian and threatens to dunk her but stops and gazes into her eyes.  "Miss Winters, may I kiss you?"  "No you may not".  "Okay" Clay quickly kisses Vivian and drops her under the water and runs to the blanket.  Vivian gets her bearings and quickly follows and sits down on the blanket.  Clay hands Vivian a towel and her bath coat.  "Vivian, do you have an escort for the ball?"  Clay asked while putting fruit on a plate.  "No, Clay I don’t.   Of course, mother is not letting me forget that fact.  Clay she would never allow me to go with you, but I could meet you there."  "Clay you were thinking about asking me, weren’t you".  "Clay laughs and hands Vivian her plate.  "Yes, I thought about it.  But if it is going to cause problems between our families it is probably best that I do meet you there."  "Will you dance only with me?" Clay asks with an impish smile.  "Well now, I can’t promise you that.  But I will certainly try.  I have a surprise for you.  Do you think we can slip away from the ball – without your family sending for the sheriff?"  Clay’s interest is piqued.  "I think so, what is the surprise?"  Vivian laughs.  "Silly, it would not be a surprise if I told you what it is.  You are quite adorable Clay Logan."  Clay gets very quiet.   "Clay, why are you looking at me like that?"  "Because I have an incredible urge to hold you in my arms and gaze into those beautiful eyes".  "Well, why are you wasting time talking about it".   Clay lays Vivian down on the blanket and lies next to her.  Vivian puts her hands in his hair and pulls him to her.  Vivian giggles. "Kiss me you fool!"
 
 

At Miss Boone’s office…

Ned stops in to see Megan on his way home from the Jockey Club.  "Ned what a wonderful surprise.  Please come in", Megan says kissing him on the cheek.  Ned removes his hat.  "Megan would you do me the honor of accompanying me to the masked ball on Saturday?"  "Well now, Mr. Logan, I will need to check my calendar – it is a possibility that I can squeeze you in."  Megan smiles mischievously.  "Ms. Boone, please – it would be shameful if I were to beg, I know you don’t want to see a grown man get down on his knees," Ned says as he puts a hand on his heart.  "No Ned, there is no need for begging.   It seems I have an opening, Megan says with a girlish grin".   "Great"  "Our carriage will promptly pick you up at 7:30 p.m."  Megan says with a gleam in her eye, "I will be waiting with baited breath".  Megan slips her hand in Ned’s arm and walks him to the door.  Ned quickly turns to Megan and kisses her passionately.  "Ned Logan"!  "I am sorry Megan…I just could not help myself…please forgive me…you just…you look absolutely stunning today".  Ned tips his hat, turns and walks away leaving a stunned but excited Megan Boone.  "Oh my" Megan says to herself.  "I thought I was too tough of a lady to get the vapors but I think I feel a spell coming on".  "What I am thinking – I don’t have time for the vapors – I must get a dress that is going to put a pep in Ned Logan’s step.
 
 

 
In the study of the Winter’s residence…

"Mrs. Winters, have you had the opportunity to look at the figures for the worker’s housing deal?" John Turner asks.   "Mr. Turner, you do not need to concern yourself with that.  William will handle that," Georgina replies without looking up.  "Of course", John says with a sly smirk. "Mrs. Winters, have you decided if you were going to attend the masked ball.  It is for a worthy cause," John says as he sniffs a fresh cigar.  "No, I have not made a decision yet.  I am not thrilled with the idea of being in the same room with Ned Logan".   John looks at her quizzically.  "The Pierson place is huge.  It is a good chance that you won’t run into Ned."  "Why Mr. Turner, would you like to be my escort for the evening?"   John makes a slight bow and reaches for Georgina’s hand. "It would be an honor madam".  Georgina takes off her glasses and eyes Mr. Turner with icy disdain.  "I am flattered Mr. Turner, but just because I’ve decided to allow you escort me to the ball doesn’t mean that I have forgiven you for sabotaging the duel.  All is not forgiven". "Yes ma’am", John says with a self-satisfied look on his face.  "Do you happen to know who is going to escort Miss Vivian?"   Georgina says with a huff, "No I do not.  To my knowledge she has not expressed an interest in going to the ball.  Her behavior has been dreadful lately.  What man would want to put up with her nonsense…talking about figures and business all the time…why I never.  Why are you so interested in who will be escorting my daughter to the ball?"  "Mrs. Winters, I was just making polite conversation", John says with a slight laugh.  "Well, go earn the money that I pay you – you are beginning to get tiresome."  John bows and walks backward toward the door thinking, " treat me like the common servant if you will Georgina, but I will have the run of this place sooner than you think.  Especially after I seduce that lovely daughter of yours…and that poor excuse of a son is no match for me…all in good time…all in good time."  John composes himself.  "Yes, Georgina, I mean Mrs. Winters."
 
 

Later that day in the stables…

"Jeremy, Jeremy where are you?"  "I know you’re in here.  I saw you walk in.  You better not try to scare me.  I’ll clobber you if you do."  Jeremy jumps from the loft and gently tackles Alice in the hay.  "Jeremy"!  Alice screams and hits Jeremy with her fists playfully.  "I gotcha"! Jeremy caresses Alice’s face.  "Umm…come here".   Alice is trying to move away.  "Jeremy what are you doing?"  Jeremy looks Alice straight in the eyes.  "I am trying to kiss you but you won’t stop talking long enough so that I can."  The kiss is chaste and innocent but then turns intense.  Jeremy reaches up to take Alice’s hair down.  "Jeremy…no…no…we…have to...we have to stop before someone comes.  Pa will be back soon and I have to make sure supper has been started."   Alice pins her hair back up.  Jeremy looks dejected.  "Okay"  "Hey Alice" "Yes Jeremy" "May I escort you to the ball on Saturday?"  Alice playfully looks Jeremy up and down.  "Maybe – I’ll think about it.  I do have other invitations to consider, you know".  Jeremy suddenly looks alarmed.  "What other invitations?"  "Never you mind Jeremy".   Alice turns to leave the stables and then pauses.  She turns around and gives Jeremy a side-glance, puts her nose in the air.  "Maybe…maybe not."  Jeremy smiles and shakes his head.  "See Alice…I always knew deep down inside that you were really a snob".  Alice licks her tongue out at him.  Jeremy stands and brushes hay off.  "That’s it…I am gonna get you!"  Alice screams and runs.  Jeremy chases her to the house.

 
Back at the D’Amecourt residence…

"I love the style of this bodice.  You are very talented Liselle.  I can see why ladies come all the way from Boston for your dresses.  I really do appreciate you helping me.  This is my first masked ball – or any ball for that matter", Marita says to her new friend.  Liselle laughs.  "You Kentuckyans are so funny.  We do not call a masked ball a "masked ball" – we simply call them "masks".   They’re also called "masks" in Paris.  Liselle beams and says, "What does it matter? You are going to be stunning!"  Marita becomes unusually quiet and pensive.  "You are in love, mon cherie, non?"  Liselle asks with her lilting French New Orleans accent.  Marita’s eyes never leave the fabric that she is stitching.  "Does it show?"  Marita smiles.  "Only to those who are head over heels themselves."  "Let me guess, that Logan boy, I believe Sean is his name."  Marita looks at Liselle with wide eyes.  "How did you…" Liselle gives a little laugh.  "Nothing in particular…I just notice these things…the way you two look at each other when you think no one is watching".  "Oh" Marita says as she laughs.  "Marita, did you know that I was placee and that Armand is really my protector?"  Marita drops her pins on the floor.  "No Liselle. I had no idea.   I thought that you were…" Liselle suddenly looks sad.  "I know, cherie, you thought that I was his housekeeper.  That is the guise that I must go under."  "I must pretend that I am Mr. D’Amecourt’s maid, when I am really his lover."  "Marita I want to share something with you but you must promise me you will never repeat this tale."  Marita touches Liselle’s hand.  "I will never tell a soul."  "Three years ago, Armand was set to marry a young, white heiress by the name of Cecile Langlois.  She was from a very old, Creole family.  He broke his engagement to his fiancée when he realized that he really loved me.  Can you imagine the scandal?"  Marita was dumbfounded.  "Armand told his family that he was not going to marry a spoiled, starched shell of a woman whom he didn’t love – and who was his third cousin to boot!"  "Well his family did not stand for it and threatened to disown him.  Armand told his family that he loved me – and only me.  He said that his family was not going to tell him whom he could love or marry.  He said that if he couldn’t marry me then he would live with me and provide a home for me."  "He came to me that night and told my mother and me what he had done.  Well, of course, I told him that he had made a terrible mistake and that he must go through with the marriage.  I told him that I would never be able to be a proper wife to him.  I could only be his lover…his mistress.  He said that he did not care – and that he loved me and that I was his life.  "Marita do you understand the system of placage?"  "Only a little…only bits and pieces", Marita says.  "It is a very old system that started in Louisiana in the late 18th century to allow white men to have relations with free women of color. Many of these men were French and settled in Louisiana without their wives and children.  The beauty of the Negro women made them very desirable and the sheer abundance of these women made their union with the Frenchmen inevitable.  A "placee" was a special term used for women of a distinctive class.  Generally, placees possessed no more than one-fourth or one-eighth Negro blood; they were of striking beauty and were highly cultured.  Early in their childhood, such girls were rigorously trained in the social graces, music, art, literature, dancing and conversation.  Many of the girls were well educated, some of them even going abroad.  All were raised in chastity and protected until the day that they found a "protector."  When these girls reached maturity, the quadroons or octoroons were introduced into society at the celebrated quadroon balls.  When a young lady’s charms had won her an admirer, who was acceptable to both her mother and herself, a mutually satisfying agreement was reached and a placage was signed.  This contract set forth the terms in which the gentlemen would provide for the young woman and her future children.  As long as the placee remained true to her lover, family and friends held her in high esteem. Daughters were reared as their mothers had been reared, to become mistresses of cultured gentlemen.  "Marita, that is what I am.  This is what I come from."  Liselle says with a sigh. "It sounds all so complicated.  I never knew the complete story of the life of a placee."  "It sounds so sad when you talk about it", Marita says.    "But mon cherie it could be worse.  There are worse things." Marita nods her head in agreement.  "Marita, you know you and I…we are not so different.  We both fell in love with men that people think we should not love.  That is our tragedy Marita, but we must endure.   Love has turned out to be very bittersweet for us."
 
 

 The day before the mask…outside of Marita’s house…

"Marita, I can’t stand this…I hate not being able to escort you to the ball."   Sean and Marita are standing in front of her door.  "Sean, I know how you feel but we must be careful.  It will be okay.  I am happy to help Liselle and Mr. D’Amecourt.   Even if it is to hang wraps and serve champagne.  It won’t be so bad.  It should be fun.   I can’t remember the last time I got dressed up."  Sean looks at Marita.  "Fun for who?"  "How I am going to be able to control myself – seeing you – dressed like the goddess that you are – and not able to touch you like this."  Sean pulls Marita close and kisses her gently.  He kisses suddenly become more urgent and he gently pulls on her bottom lip.  Marita loves it when Sean does this.  Marita runs her fingers through Sean’s hair and then down his back.   Sean loses himself in their kiss.  He reaches up and gently cups Marita’s breasts.  "Sean.  Sean…please my Pa is right inside."  Sean pulls away.  "Marita…Marita I am sorry…I don’t know what came over me.  I just lost…" Marita can see that Sean is physically aroused.  Marita smiles and straightens out her dress.  "Sean it’s alright.  We just need to be careful.  I want to be with you like that too…but I want to do it the right way…not standing on the front porch of my house.  I better go in before my papa comes out here."  "You know he is leaving in the morning to go to Ohio for a few days".   "Is that right?" Sean says with an interested look on his face.  "Maybe we can sneak out of the ball without being noticed.  After all, there will be over 200 people in attendance." Marita says lowering her eyes.  "We could rendezvous".  "Rendezvous – and what does that mean?" Sean asks knowing full well the meaning of the word.  Marita gives Sean a quick peck and runs in the house.  "Good night Sean."  "Night" Sean mounts his horse.  "I need a long swim in the cold river badly…I am losing all control…control of my mind and control of my hands," Sean laughs to himself.  Marita walks into the house and falls against the door.  "Marita!" Isaac yells from the living room.  "Yes, papa?" "You’re late.  I have already eaten."  "You cooked?" Marita says with a little laugh.  "Well someone had to.  Are you hungry?"  "No.  I just don’t feel like eating much.  I’ll clean up the kitchen and then head up to bed."  "All right, sweetheart.  Goodnight.  Don’t forget to pack some food for my trip.   "I won’t.  ‘Night papa."  Marita briefly sticks her head in the living room.  "Papa do you think that this heat is making folks act strange?"  "Maybe sweetheart, maybe." Isaac says, his eyes never leaving the book he is reading.  Marita finishes the dishes and languidly walks up the stairs to her bedroom.  "Marita is sitting in front of her mirror brushing her hair.  "It is getting hard each day to maintain my composure around Sean.  I do not know how long we can keep this up.  She smiles to herself and decides that she is not going to wear her nightgown to bed.  It is just too damn hot and she likes the way the sheets feel against her skin.
 

 In the parlor of the Logan’s residence…

"Pa, why can’t I go to the Benevolent Children’s Society Masked Ball? Lexy whines.  "Sweetheart you are just too young.  You have plenty of time for cotillions, parties and balls."  "But Pa I don’t like Mrs. O’Reilly – her breath smells funny.  "Lexy"!  Well it does, Lexy says sheepishly.   "Lexy, don’t tell stories," Alice says giving her a stern look.  "Lexy mind your manners", Ned says trying his best to force back a smile.  "I’m sorry – it’s just that I think I’m too big for a sitter", Lexy says with a loud huff.  "You are not too big, you are only ten years old.  Besides, we will only be gone for a few hours", Ned says as he kisses his daughter on the head.   "Oh my God!"  "What is it Alice, Ned says looking at his daughter with concern."   Marita walks into the parlor.  "Marita, please help me find my mask – it’s custom made to go with my dress – I have to have it!"  "Calm down Alice we will find it", Marita says assuringly.   Jeremy hears the commotion.  "What’s going on?"  "Alice is having a fit because she can’t find her stupid mask, Lexy says rolling her eyes.  "Do I have to wear a tuxedo?" Jeremy asks Ned painfully.  "Yes you do young man," Ned says laughing …remembering how Jeremy complained about the fit of his suit during Henry Langston’s visit.   Alice and Marita return to the parlor smiling.  "We found it", they both say in unison.  "The mask was upstairs on Alice’s dressing table.  Well I should be going.  I have to be at the Mr. D’Amecourt’s home very soon to make sure everything is ready."  "Marita, I can’t wait to see your dress.  I know it will be lovely."  Marita kisses Alice on the cheek.  "I hope you will like it.   I will see you all later."  Sean and Clay walk into the house just as Marita is leaving.  "Hey Marita!" Clay shouts.  Marita gives Clay a strange look and a smile.  "Hi Clay, bye Clay."  Ned comes into the hall.  "Clay please be ready by 7:00 – we have to pick up Miss Boone.  "Okay Pa."  Marita turns to look at Sean.  "Clay is certainly is in a good mood.  You think it has something to do with Vivian?" " I think it does."   Sean grabs Marita’s hand.  "Did your Pa leave?"  "Yes"  "I will be coming to the ball later -- that way I can have the carriage all to myself.  Tonight we rendezvous, Sean says with a lusty look in his eyes."  "Yes Sean…I can’t wait."  "Neither can I."
 

Before the festivities…

Marita arrives at the D’Amecourt residence and she is absolutely radiant.    Marita is wearing a rose-colored dress made of figured silk.  The dress is swooped low on the ripe swell of her bosom.  Her mask is black velvet outlined with tiny pearls.  It was a gift from Liselle.  "Ah.  Marita, you are luminous", Armand says while kissing her hand.   Marita blushes profusely.  "Merci beaucoup Monsieur D’Amecourt, you are too kind".   Liselle comes into the foyer.  "Pardon moi, monsieur but don’t you have things to tend to like making sure that the musicians have Haydn in their repertoire?"  Liselle asks with her hands on her hips. Armand laughs heartily.  "You are very bossy but very beautiful -- that is what I love about you."  Armand lowers his voice to a whisper.   "Will you meet me tonight at the usual place?"  Liselle whispers back.  "Yes – now go -- you can flirt with Marita later".  Liselle turns to look at Marita.  "What am I going to do with that man?"  "Marita, you look so beautiful.  Let me get a good look at you."  Marita spins around and laughs.  "Oh thank you Liselle – I am so grateful to you.  If it weren’t for you this would not be possible."  "And the seamstress who made your dress – she is a genius, non?"  Liselle laughs with mock modestly.  "It is a shame that we won’t be able to dance with our beaus…but it is okay…tonight is another story." But really, does it bother you – not being able to dance with Armand – seeing all those women around him?"  "No, because he will be in my bed tonight – not theirs. "Liselle you are shameless!"  Marita says knowing what Liselle said was right and true.  "Marita, the air feels strange – it is as if pretenses will be put aside and the masks will come off…figuratively speaking and true feelings will be shown.  I can feel it.  It is in the air.  Passion is in the air." Marita smiles slightly.  "I feel it too.  Liselle, you sure you don’t mind covering for me when I sneak off with Sean?"  "Cherie, don’t give it a second thought.  I would do anything to help you and Sean spend time together.  You just have to ask."  Marita gives Liselle a big hug.  "Thank you."  "Now, that we have taken care of love, let’s make sure there are no disasters in the kitchen", Liselle says with her beautiful laugh.
 
 

The Unmasking begins….

The guests are starting to arrive at the Pierson place and Armand is playing the excellent host by greeting everyone.  All of the escorted young ladies of Lexington are sneaking glances at Armand.  "He is extraordinarily handsome", Marita thought.  "And Liselle loves him so much".  Vivian, Georgina, William and John Turner make their grand entrance.  "Bonsoir – welcome to my home", Armand says with a bow.   "Georgina how wonderful to see you again.  Hello Vivian, how are you?" "Good evening, Mr. D’Amecourt.  Armand, may I call you Armand?  I’ve heard that you’ve done wonderful things to this place – will you take me on a tour?"  Georgina flirtatiously asks all the while giving Armand a full view of her bosom.  "Certainly madam.  Please go in and have a wonderful evening".  William and John look at Armand with obvious suspicion and envy.  "Oh no I think that I am going to be ill, Vivian quietly says as she watches her mother make a fool of herself.  "These are some of the best-dressed servants I have ever seen," Georgina comments to Vivian. "I also find it strange that Monsieur D’Amecourt would allow his head housekeeper to have her own seamstress business."  "Mother, Liselle is free and earns her wages.  She has a talent for sewing and she uses it.  There is nothing wrong with a woman earning her own money," Vivian says with utter annoyance.  "Well I am sure she makes more money with her dresses than what Mr. D’Amecourt pays her, Georgina says looking around the ballroom.  "Why do you care mother? It is none of your business."  "What did you say?" Georgina asks Vivian in disbelief.  "Nothing, I am going to get a glass of champagne.  I am not going to let that woman ruin my night.  I am going to laugh, dance and flirt.  I may even get drunk off of champagne – just to spite her.  I can’t believe she picked out that gown for this evening – she looks like a Parisian strumpet.   Her breasts are thrust so high in the air that they are almost on her head.  She is totally ridiculous.  I am going to mingle.  I need to relax – where on earth is Clay"?

"Bonsoir Ned!"  Armand says while extending his hand to Ned.  The Logan family arrives – looking exceptionally handsome as usual.  "Bonsoir Armand, allow me to introduce Miss Megan Boone."  "Enchantee Miss Boone"  "Hello, I am delighted to finally meet you Mr. D’Amecourt – I have heard so much about you.  I am interested in doing a story on you discussing your philanthropy."  "Sure, we can discuss the details later.  For now please just enjoy yourselves – and give generously."  "Armand, you have done an incredible job – just look at this place – it is absolutely breathtaking, Ned says looking around.  "Come, I will give you a tour.  Oh wait…who is this beautiful swan?" Armand says looking at Alice.  "You remember my daughter Alice?"   Alice blushes.  "It is nice to see you again, Monsieur D’Amecourt."  Alice is a vision – she is wearing a gown of white-on-white figured silk with a very low cut bodice and her mask is white satin outlined in lace.  Ned thought that the dress was too mature for Alice but of course she insisted.  Alice made it quite clear that she was a woman and should be able to choose suitable dresses for herself.   Jeremy does not appreciate Armand’s flirtatious manner and steps up to take Alice by her elbow.  "Good Evening Mr. D’Amecourt".  "Hello Jeremy.   Welcome to my home.  I hope that you will enjoy yourself this evening."  Jeremy forces a smile.  "Thank you sir, I will certainly try." Alice and Jeremy walk into the ballroom.  "Jeremy, you’re jealous – you’re jealous of Armand D’Amecourt – admit it."   "Alice please.  I am not jealous of that overstuffed peacock."  Alice has to cover he mouth because she is laughing so hard.  "You are so cute when you are jealous."  Clay joins Alice and Jeremy.  The guests are talking and walking about the house.  Couples are waltzing in the ballroom. "This house is incredible – and look he has a small orchestra," Alice says in disbelief.  Clay spots Vivian talking to her brother and John Turner.  "I absolutely hate that man," Clay says to himself.  Vivian sees Clay and starts to walk in his direction.   "Hello Clay, you look very handsome tonight."  Clay blushes.  "Thank you Vivian.  You look beautiful as always." John, William and Georgina walk over.   "Mrs. Winters." "William" "John".  There is certainly no love lost between the Logan clan and Georgina.  John Turner suddenly grabs Vivian’s hand.  "Would you care to dance, Miss Vivian?"  "I guess so," Vivian answers with no enthusiasm in her voice.  William is standing by watching all this with a stupid grin on his face.   "Our family will be making a generous contribution to the Children’s Benevolent Society, what about the Logans?"  Clay looks at William.  "Don’t talk to me William.  I am not going to stand here and pretend that I like you."  William laughs.  Marita walks up with a tray of hors-d’oueuvres.  "Hi Marita, look at you.  You look so pretty tonight." "Thank you Clay.  You look very nice yourself."  "Hello Marita."  My, my, my -- don’t you look ravishing."  "Hello Mr. Winters."  "Marita, Please call me William."  "I’d rather not," Marita answers coldly.  Jeremy, where’s Alice?  I want to see her dress."  "She’s dancing with Jeremy.  Marita has Sean arrived yet?"  "I have not seen him.  There are so many people here – it’s incredible.  Isn’t this house grand?  It is like something out of a fairy tale.  You should see the view from the huge back terrace.  You can see the river.  And there is also a gazebo on the grounds.  You should have a look, Marita says excitedly.  "Thanks Marita.  I will take the tour."
 
The orchestra takes a brief intermission and the dancers move to the steaming silver platters of food.   Vivian and John walk over to where Clay, Marita and William are standing.  "Clay would you like to come with me to get some air – the air has finally cooled off and there is a nice breeze."  "Yes Vivian, I would be honored.  Would you like something to eat"?  "Not at this moment – maybe a little later."  "Vivian, I thought that we were going to take the tour of the house?" John asks looking like the cat that swallowed the canary.  "Maybe later John," Vivian answers forcing a smile.   Vivian takes Clay by the arm and walks away.  "So Clay has a little crush on Vivian – this should make my conquest even sweeter," John says to himself while lighting a cigar.   "John have you seen Alice?"  William asks John.  "I hear that her womanly endowments are quite nicely on display".   John looks at William with total contempt, doesn’t say one single word and walks away.

Vivian and Clay walk out to the terrace.  "It is a lovely night – isn’t it Clay?"  "It’s even lovelier now that I have you in my arms."  "Clay are you ready for your surprise?"  "Vivian what are you up to?" Clay asks smiling.  Vivian leads Clay around to the front of the house.  "Let’s go."  "Miss Vivian, are you leaving? asks Old Pierre."  "No Pierre, we are going to take a ride to the river – we will be back."  Clay hands Vivian up to the carriage and gets in.   "Vivian were are we going?"  "Don’t worry Clay we are going to my house."
"Your house? Clay asks looking at Vivian as if she has lost her mind.

"Sean what are you doing in here – in the kitchen?" Marita asks looking completely surprised.   "I had to see you.  Clay said that you looked so pretty – that was an understatement.  I am speechless Marita."  "Thank you Mr. Logan.  Now go before the servants start gossiping."  "Only if you let me kiss you."  Sean lightly kisses her lips.  "I will see you later," Sean says as he puts on his black satin mask.  "Bye Sean".  "That man is incorrigible," Marita laughs.

Ned and Megan are strolling on the grounds in back of the Pierson house. "This property seems to stretch for miles.  It is so beautiful out here Ned."  "Yes it is.  You are beautiful."  "I bet you say that to all the girls", Megan says grabbing hold of Ned’s arm."  "Would you like to walk closer to the river?  I am sure the breeze is even better there."  "Sure."   Ned and Megan walk a few yards and find a concrete bench.  "Megan can I…" Megan is suddenly kissing Ned. "I have been wanting to do that ever since I stepped into the carriage." "You little fox – come here."  Ned takes Megan in his arms and looks into her eyes and kisses her again.  The kiss is different – it is more enticing.  "Ned maybe we should stop…I would love to have to come to my home after the ball but it would not look right to your children, Megan says wiping the corners of her mouth.  "You are right, sweetheart.  Let’s plan a trip to Louisville soon.  I can conveniently go there to look at horses, Ned says with a boyish grin.  "And I can plan to research a story or something."  "We will think of something", Megan says standing up.  "Yes we will", Ned says giving Megan one last kiss before they join the other guests on the terrace.  "You know Megan – there must be at least twenty unoccupied rooms in Armand’s house… do you want to find a room and "get lost"? Neds asks with a big silly grin.  "Ned Logan you are relentless!"
 A private housewarming…

"Vivian, where are you taking me?" Vivian shushes Clay.  "We are on your family’s property, aren’t we?" "Yes Clay".  Vivian and Clay have left the ball – she took the carriage that John and William rode in and have come back to her home.  Walking a few yards, they come to a dwelling.  Vivian takes the key out of her purse and opens the door.   It is the Winters’ old carriage house but it isn’t in a shambles anymore.  It has been restored into what looks like a small home.  "Surprise! Do you like it, Clay?"  "Yes, but how did you have this done without your mother knowing?"  "I have my ways."  The house is simple but beautifully decorated.  The floors have been polished and there are several oriental rugs on the floor.  On one side of the room there is an old credenza with a beautiful lace tablecloth on it.   A few silver bowls are filled with strawberries and fruit imported from the West Indies.  Shrimp gumbo and rice and game hens seasoned with rosemary are in serving trays placed in the middle of the small dining table for two.  And of course there are bottles of ice cold champagne.   "This is our place Clay.   We can be together here – in complete privacy."  "Are you sure you want to?" "Yes".  Vivian suddenly gets nervous.  "Would you like some food…champagne?"  "No food, but I’ll bring the champagne.  Let’s go upstairs."  Upstairs there is a room with a bed, nightstand and reading table.  The room is nicely decorated in dark blue.  "This is nice."  "Thank you.  I did it all by my lonesome."  Clay sets the bucket with the champagne down on the little table.  Vivian sets the lantern on the far side of the bed.  She starts to take her hair down.  "No, let me do it."  Clay walks over to her and gently lets down her hair. He cups her faces and gently kisses her lips.  "I’m in love with you Vivian…I know I have never said it before but I was scared…I was scared of all these feelings."  Vivian places her fingers on Clay’s lips.  "Don’t…you don’t have to explain.  I love you too.   I have loved you for a long time Clay and I was afraid to say it too."  "I’m a little nervous Clay.  I have never been with a man before."  "Vivian we don’t…" Vivian puts her hands on Clays face lightly grazing his lips with her fingers.  "I want to, Vivian says kissing Clay."  "I need to feel relaxed -- I will drink some champagne – will you join me?"  "Yes."  Vivian pours champagne into two glasses and hands one to Clay.   They toast each other and sip.  Clay releases a disgustingly loud belch.  "Clay!"  "I am so sorry Vivian – I am not used to drinking this stuff."  Vivian has fallen on the bed and is howling with laughter.  "Oh goodness.  My side hurts".  Vivian is still laughing.  "Oh it’s alright Clay – that’s what I love about you – you’re so honest and unassuming".  "I am totally embarrassed."  "Don’t be.  Come let’s t try to get comfortable."  Vivian motions Clay to the bed and looses his tie.  Clay is watching her intently.  "You know Vivian, I have never heard you laugh like that before…you sounded so unburdened and so carefree".  Vivian regains her composure.  "I feel carefree when I am with you Clay…carefree and loved.  Clay begins unbuttoning Vivian’s gown but hastily pops off several of the buttons.  "Oh no."  "Don’t worry about the buttons Clay – they can be sewn back on."  Clay finally gets to the last button loosened "Okay turn around."  "What?"  "You heard me Clay – turn around."  "Alright" Vivian stands and allows the dress to fall to the floor.  Clay takes off his shirt and pants.   Vivian finishes undressing and slips under the coverlets.   Clay joins Vivian and takes off his drawers while under the coverlets.  Vivian is holding the coverlet up to her body.  "Clay would you put out the candles?"  "No Vivian.  I want to look at you."  Clay takes the coverlet out of Vivian’s hand and pulls it down.  He caresses Vivian’s arm with the back of his hand.  "You are lovely Vivian.  Do you know that?"  Vivian is watching Clay’s hands.  The hair on the back of her neck is standing up.  Clay gently pulls Vivian closer and kisses her.  Vivian hesitantly places her hand on Clay’s chest.  Clay takes her hand and kisses each fingertip.  Clay then lays Vivian back on the bed and snuggles up close.   "I love you Clay…please be gentle with me."  "I will…I promise."
 The Rendezvous…

Sean has Coco, Armand’s maid, pass Marita a note.  The note says, meet me out front at 12:30 a.m.  Marita asks Pierre what time it is and he says it is 11:55 p.m.  Marita walks into the kitchen and sets down tray with champagne glasses on it.   Liselle is placing canapes on a tray.   "Have a wonderful night, Marita", Liselle whispers. Marita smiles and blows a kiss to Liselle.

Sean brought the carriage to the front of the house and nervously looks around.  Marita puts her mask on and leaves out the back entrance and walks to the front of the house.   "Hi" "Hurry" Sean hands her up to the carriage and gets in.  Sean is going so fast.  They both laugh hysterically.  "Sean, slow down – I want to get to my house in one piece."  Sean and Marita arrive at her house.   Marita unlocks the door and they both go in.  Sean picks Marita up in his arms and carries her to the bedroom.   Candles have been placed all around her room and she lights each one.  Sean is looking at Marita, his eyes full of passion.  Marita walks toward Sean.  "No…stand there for a moment.  I just want to look at you.  You were the most beautiful woman at the ball tonight.   I saw men looking at you.  They were just as captivated by you as I am right now."  Marita blushes and looks down.  "Sean, you say the sweetest things."  "I am only being honest.  Don’t you know how really beautiful you are…how precious you are?" "I do now," Marita says smiling. Sean starts undoing his tie and walks toward Marita.  "And you…Sean Logan…looking so handsome…so debonair.  I know you caused many a heart to flutter this evening."  Sean kisses the palms of Marita’s hands and then kisses her lips. "Marita right now all I want is to be with you…to love you…fully…totally.  I need to show you exactly how I feel.  My love for you cannot be formed into words."  Marita looks into Sean’s eyes.  "Sean, I love you so much…sometimes when I look at your or when you are close to me…like this…it is hard…it is hard for me to catch my breath. "Marita".   Sean and Marita embrace.  Sean kisses Marita with such abandon.  He searches out for her tongue and gently sucks on it.  Marita lets out a little moan.  Sean then starts slowly kissing Marita’s neck and the tops of her breasts.   Marita suddenly shivers but it is not because it is cold – her skin has come alive with Sean’s touch.  Marita turns around so that her back is to Sean.  He starts unbuttoning her gown and with each button undone, he lovingly kisses her neck.  Marita absolutely loves this.  Sean gets to the last button and pushes the gown off of Marita’s shoulders.   Marita steps out of the dress and pushes it aside.  Sean starts to undo her corset and with each string pulled, he tenderly plants kisses down her back.  Sean can feel his manhood growing.   He turns Marita around so that she is now facing him.  He cups both of her breasts and sweetly licks both nipples until they become erect.  "Sean you make me feel so good, Marita purrs.  Marita starts unbuttoning Sean’s shirt.  She marvels at his beautifully chiseled chest.  "You are my Adonis."  Sean lets out a shy, little laugh.   Marita softly bites his nipples.  Sean moans.   Marita reaches for Sean’s pants but he grabs her hands and leads her to the bed.  He slowly takes Marita’s stockings off and then her garters.  Marita is now propped up against the pillows of her bed…completely naked and waiting.  Sean moves to the front of the bed and continues to undress.  He never takes his eyes off of Marita.  She is enjoying watching him undress.  He finishes undressing and crawls up between Marita’s legs and kisses her.  Sean looks hungrily into Marita’s eyes.  "I love you so much…I am going to take my time tonight…I want to kiss every single inch of you…can I do that Marita?"  Marita gives a slight nod of the head.  Sean is so overcome with love and passion for the beautiful creature lying on the bed, that it takes everything he has to fight back tears.   Sean moves down the bed and suddenly picks up Marita’s right foot. He ever so tenderly sucks on each toe.  Marita is watching Sean intently…she is hypnotized by his touch.  She desperately wants to moan…needs to moan but does not for fear she might miss something…a look…a gesture.  Each time Sean sucks on a toe he looks up at her for a reaction.  He begins kissing the tops of her feet, her ankles…slowly making his way up her thighs.

 
Sean gently lifts Marita’s leg and nibbles at the place where the back of the thigh meets the buttock.  He nibbles the length of her thigh and licks the spot behind her knee.  He does the same to her other leg.  He stops and sticks his tongue deeply in her mouth.   Marita sweetly sucks on his tongue.  Marita takes Sean’s hands and puts each finger in her mouth and slowly sucks on each one while looking in Sean’s eyes.  "Oh…God."  Sean is about to go completely mad with desire.  Sean then spreads Marita’s legs open.  Marita is aching with anticipation.  Sean places kisses on the insides of Marita’s thighs.  Marita throws her head back on the pillows and lets out a guttural moan.  She is completely overwhelmed with desire.  She is gripping the sides of the bed so tightly that the coverlets are coming loose.   He reaches her belly and kisses and nibbles there.  Sean stops what he is doing and looks at Marita.  He can see that she is ready to receive him…he has almost driven her to the brink.  "Sean…please", Marita is pleading…begging.  She cannot wait another moment.  She needs Sean now.  Sean places himself between Marita’s legs and props himself up on his elbows.  He looks at her…asking her…with his eyes.   Marita’s breathing has become more rapid.  He sweetly enters her.  "Ooh Marita".  Sean can’t believe how wet, warm, and wonderful she feels.   Marita starts to close her eyes.  "Don’t…I want to look into your eyes…please."  Sean reaches down and cups Marita’s buttocks as she wraps her legs around his back.  He wants to go deeper.  Marita brings her hips up to meet him.  Sean’s stroke is slow and sweet.  Marita’s breathing is labored. Sean…I…love…you…so…much…so much…love you…love you…oh…my…God…oh my God…Sean…yes…oh yes…yes…oh yes…yes…oh God yes."  Marita cannot believe how much pleasure Sean is giving her.   It is almost spiritual.  Marita feverishly plants kisses on Sean neck and face.  "Marita…love you…you…you…are my love…you are my soul…I need you…I love you…love you so much…so very much."  Sean has never experienced this kind of pleasure – pleasure combined with deep, boundless, eternal love.  It is almost as if they are letting go of all the frustrations of not being able to express their love out in the open -- to the world.   Letting go – releasing.  Sean and Marita’s lovemaking is so delicious -- they both revel in it.   They don’t want it to end.  Without missing a stroke, Sean gently rolls Marita to the side so that she is now on top of him.  She doesn’t know exactly what she is supposed to do, but she follows Sean’s lead.  Marita bends down and licks Sean from his navel to his chest.  She kisses him with her tongue.  Sean puts both hands on Marita’s hips and starts to gently push her back and forth…back and forth…back and forth.  "Ohh Sean…I can feel you…feel you…oh God…yes…ohh yes…oooohhh." Sean is so deep in Marita he can feel her waves coming.  She is almost there.  "Ohhhh Sean" "Marita…Marita…Marita…Marita".   Sean and Marita climax together – their union transcended this earthly plane.  Marita collapses on Sean’s chest and her breathing slows down.  Sean is planting kisses all over Marita’s face.   Marita lays her head on Sean’s chest and he wraps his arms around her.  They quietly hold each other for awhile.   Marita lifts her head to look at Sean and he brushes her hair out of her face.  He has perspiration on his face and tears in his eyes.  "Oh honey…baby", Marita says as she wipes away Sean’s tears.  He does not have to speak…he does not have to say anything.  Marita knows exactly what Sean is feeling.  "I love you too."
 
 
The passion will continue…
 
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