The Duchess Part 2

Slide 2: 

"Travel problems, mmhmm, right. I daresay they are all quite sick of me, that is why they have not come! How long can it possibly take for a group of Simselves to cross the Simlantic? Lark made it in time, yes indeed...and Jamie, though I suppose the Simlish Channel is a bit shorter. But what about Gin and Di, they should—” So…I see my paranoia gene has gone to you, eh, Cee?

Slide 3: 

"CAIT! Oh good heavens, how good to see you! It has been ages! I am ever so lonesome here, Cait. There is nobody to talk to anymore!“ What about Jeremy? Lark, Jamie, the entire population of Simshire? Hell, I bet even ZombieGarrett would be up for a grunt or two. Yes, yes, but most of my companions have yet to arrive! I miss them.“ It appears they are bringing a few extra friends, give it time. "Really?! Oh how marvelous . . . Was there something you wanted?“ Yes, now you mention it. I know it has been a while since you last did this, but I wonder if you wouldn't mind catching us all up with the Austen family? "With pleasure!"

Slide 4: 

“Let me see, when we last left our Austens, Alice had been informed that she could no longer bear children. After the birth of Mr. Henry and Miss Isabella, she was put on bed rest for her health. Knowing Alice, it should not have come to a surprise to anyone that she soon threatened mutiny if Frank didn't let her out of bed. He eventually relented, only with the understanding that if Mrs. Austen wanted to socialize, people had to come to her.”

Slide 5: 

“My dear friend Miss Lark took her daughter Marian home as soon as it was clear Alice could function properly alone. Lark wasn't exactly happy about going leaving; she enjoyed her stay at the main house. At least now she has a workable relationship with the Austens. Anything could happen, right Cee?” One can dream.

Slide 6: 

“Mr. Robert and Mr. John have what Cait calls a love-hate relationship. For instance, Robbie loves having someone to pick on, but hates that his younger brother sometimes gets in the way when he is ‘creating.’ I am certain little John only wanted to play with the paints, and meant no harm whatsoever, but Mr. Robert has quite a temper.” You can say that again. “Mr. Robert has quite a temper.” Very mature, Cee. “Thank you.”

Slide 7: 

“Though Alice is still a little weak, she is at least well enough to care for her children. This comes as a great relief to Frank—Mr. Austen, I should say—because he has been having a very difficult time indeed caring for the twins alone.”

Slide 8: 

“Cait?” Yes? “Wherever did the Austens find such brightly painted feeding bottles? I have only seen plain pewter bottles and pretty ceramic pap boats…but never the concept combined.” …Er, good question. Why don’t you ask them the next time you call? “Mm.” Is there anything else you have observed about the family? “Just one thing.”

Slide 9: 

“Alice often speaks about how difficult it was for her to have been away from her babies so quickly after their birth, but she tries to make up for lost time. She says she is thrilled at having a daughter, someone to dress up and play with and take to balls and...well at least she isn't the only female in the house anymore!” Oh the horror. “I am ignoring your sarcasm, if you don’t mind. As I was about to say, Mrs. Austen sometimes wonders how life would be different if her mother-in-law had lived just a little longer, and I confess that I wonder the same thing. You should notice, however, that the family has finally come out of their mourning period.”

Slide 10: 

“Ungh. “What’s this, Surilie, where are you going?” “Ungh…Cee…” “I am behind you, turn around!”

Slide 11: 

“Ungh…pretty!” “Er…thank you, Mr. Surilie. How very kind.” Thank you for your assistance, Cee. Have a lovely time with Garrett, there. “Do not sound so unpleasant, he really has improved after his…ordeal!” Whatever you say. Later! “Farewell! Now, Mr. Surilie…what say you to a nice, hot, very scented bath?”

Slide 12: 

"No, John! Haha, stop splashing, will you? You are getting Papa all wet, little sir.“ "Do you need any assistance, my love?“ asked Alice as she came into the room behind them.

Slide 13: 

"Mama!" John had finally learned to talk, and he was just so stinking cute when he did.

Slide 14: 

"No, we are all done here. Are we not, John?“ "Done, done, done!“ Alice smiled at her husband and son. "Very well, are you taking him to bed?“ "Yes, I think so. Are we sleepy, John?” “No!” the little boy declared before letting out a huge yawn.

Slide 15: 

Alice followed Frank into John's room. He'd been moved out of the nursery when the younger twins arrived, but he didn't mind. How could he? He probably didn't even notice, and he wouldn’t be in a crib much longer anyway. "Sleep well, John. We love you.“ John grinned at his parents, yawned again, and zonked out.

Slide 16: 

"You really are adorable when you're with the children, Frank. Who would have thought that you of all people would make a good father?“ "Certainly not I, for even to this day I feel like a child myself.”

Slide 17: 

Alice took her husband's hand. "You do not look like a child to me," she purred. Frank looked into Alice's eyes, and saw the longing there. He had to stop this. Immediately.

Slide 18: 

He yawned dramatically, and Alice raised an eyebrow. “I say, I am tired,” he said. “Are you not? I think I will just retire for the evening."

Slide 19: 

"Shall I come with you?" The way she said it made Frank's heart sink. She looked desperate.

Slide 20: 

Oh! Who do I think I am kidding? I am just as desperate for...for...that. Frank groaned, and made his decision. That part of our marriage is over, I've got to control myself. "No, no, dearest, you go and rest.” "...Very well,” Alice agreed after a moment’s pouting.

Slide 21: 

Alice leaned in to kiss her husband goodnight, but before she got the chance he was pecking her on the cheek. "Goodnight, sweetheart, " he said.

Slide 22: 

And then he was gone.

Slide 23: 

The light of the new morning streamed through the window and Alice woke up in her bed, alone. Normally she would start at the idea that this was Frank's mother's room, but she supposed it really was hers now.

Slide 24: 

She stood and moved to the nursery, still in her nightclothes. She wanted a few moments with her babies while they were still babies. If they were growing up today and they were the last infants she would get, there was a lot of cuddling to fit in.

Slide 25: 

Alice picked up Isabella first. "Poor little girl," she said. “Three brothers, where will you fit in?" A thought pricked at Alice's memory. "Oh! And a sister as well, that is a pleasant thought. We cannot forget Marian, can we, dearest?"

Slide 26: 

"Of course we can," said Robbie entering the room. "Good morning, Mama.“ "Good morning, Robbie,” Alice replied automatically. She then added, “Do not try to fool me, young man. I know you love Marian, you just won't admit it.“ "Hn.“ "In fact, she loves you too, you are just too similarly ill tempered to have it known." Alice laughed at her son's responding grimace.

Slide 27: 

"Er, anyway..." the heir mumbled, shuffling his feet in embarrassment.

Slide 28: 

"Oh, come, Robbie...we all know you are a lovely boy underneath it all,” Alice chuckled as she placed Bella back in her bed. "Mama loves you, darling." Bella's gurgling response made Alice tear up a little. She never would have imagined liking motherhood so much, but Alice really was going to miss having infants about.

Slide 29: 

She turned back to her eldest child. “Why do you not go and ask your Papa to play chess, hmm? I will go down and make a nice breakfast for all of us. What say you?“ "By nice breakfast I do hope you do not mean porridge. Rotten stuff,“ Robbie grumbled. Again, Alice laughed. "Of course not. I will see you in a moment.“ "Hn," was all Robert muttered before he tore out of the nursery.

Slide 30: 

Frank Austen licked the yogurt from his fingers. "No porridge this morning, my love?“ "Mr. Austen, you pretend as if that is all I ever serve!“ "Is it not?" He said, dodging the bit of strawberry his wife flung at him. "Only kidding, darling!"

Slide 31: 

"Good. Now that you have insulted my cooking, what is it you have on your schedule for the day, my dear?“ "I suppose I must go to town, I have some business to be taken care of."

Slide 32: 

"Oh, Papa! Take me with you! I should like to visit Simdon!“ "Perhaps when you are older, Robert, when I can put you to work!“ "I, work? But I thought I was meant to go to university and then—” "Yes, of course you will my son. However I believe it is important for us to remember that just because we have been born to a certain life, that we should not simply lounge about sipping tea all day long.“ "Hmph."

Slide 33: 

"And you, Mrs. Austen? What will you do?“ "If our son is still amenable, I have invited Marian—do not look like that, Robert—and Miss Lark to join us in the gardens for a walk. I know you think I will collapse if I go outside, but I declare I cannot look at the drawing room for another minute.“ "No, no, you are right, of course. I believe you are well enough for a stroll. Will they be staying with us for the little celebration later?“ "I believe so."

Slide 34: 

And so they did. Lark, Alice, and the children had a lovely day going about the grounds at Austen Park, and when 6 o' clock came around, they joined Frank in the dining hall to watch as the youngest Austens blew out their candles. Marian and Robbie had had a lovely day, despite initial reluctance. They fought a lot, but they really did like each other.

Slide 35: 

It was obvious that Isabella was an Austen. She had her grandmother Edith’s midnight black hair, her great-grandmother Ginny’s green, almond-shaped eyes, her great-great-grandfather James’ brow and mouth…and she was gorgeous. Her family could already tell that she would become something of a social butterfly. Not two minutes after being placed in her new dress Bella crawled around to everyone and demanded they praise her.

Slide 36: 

Henry was not as outgoing as his sister, but he was certainly energetic enough to make up for it. Throughout the evening, Frank had to chase the toddler around for he simply refused to sit still. The little boy was also clearly of good Austen stock. He had his grandfather’s curly hair, though it was red, and the Austen brow. Like his twin, he too was exceptionally adorable.

Slide 37: 

When everyone had gone, the children were put to bed. "Sleep well, little ones! Happy birthday, my babies,“ Alice cooed.

Slide 38: 

Again, Frank feigned extreme exhaustion and went to bed after a quick kiss for his wife.

Slide 39: 

The following night was more of the same. A small gathering of family joined one of the Austen children, this time John, for a birthday party.

Slide 40: 

Everyone fussed over John and his adorable new haircut and coat to the point of him being very alarmed indeed. They then had a bit of cake, socialized, and departed.

Slide 41: 

Once again, after saying goodnight to their children, Frank headed to his own bedroom with a mere peck on his wife’s cheek.

Slide 42: 

Alice lay in her bed for hours, unable to go to sleep. Damn that man, he KNOWS he is avoiding me. Can he not at least kiss me goodnight properly? For heaven's sake. I cannot believe he will never lie with me again… I know it is for my safety, and I can probably handle celibacy, but Frank? No. He shall go positively mad.

Slide 43: 

Mrs. Austen wasn't far off the mark. Frank could not sleep either, and he knew why. He peered under his blanket at himself, and whimpered. How long has it been since the last time? Long enough for a full pregnancy and for the twins to start walking? Good lord, I may as well be a priest... . . . Get a hold of yourself, Frank, you can handle this. You WILL handle this.

Slide 44: 

He wasn't handling it.

Slide 45: 

At all. Frank had gone to Simdon with a few of his brothers-in-law for a night out while their wives entertained themselves at Austen Park. The other gentlemen were having a brilliant time, but Frank? Frank was just trying not to 'hoo the next woman who spoke to him.

Slide 46: 

"You're a sorry excuse for a romancer, Austen. You're a man, be a man! Sow your seeds, as it were.“

Slide 47: 

Frank snorted as the barman passed him his drink. "This coming from you, Legacy? I'm fairly sure you've never strayed once from my sister's bed. If you have, do not speak of it; I should have to kill you."

Slide 48: 

"Yes well it is different for Cate and I. She keeps me, er...busy."

Slide 49: 

Frank grimaced. "Do you have any inclination whatsoever as to how much I did not wish to hear about such a thing?“ "Truly, Stanley. Frank and I do not enjoy hearing bedroom tales about our sisters. It is rather disturbing, you understand,” said Tom as he chugged down the remainder of his whiskey.

Slide 50: 

Olie grinned wickedly. "I guess that means you guys don't wanna hear about freaky little Gwen. Man, she—” “No.” Stanley and Olie exchanged a look, and the latter continued to egg the Austen men on. “What’s the matter, Tom? Don’t wanna hear about the time I ripped her—”

Slide 51: 

Knocking over his stool, Tom leapt up and glared at Olivet. "Say one more word, O'Leery and I swear to all that is holy...I SHALL break your jaw. Am I understood?“ "Heh. Ok, ok, fine.” "Good.“ "...“ "..."

Slide 52: 

"She really is hot, though.“ "That is it, O’Leery! OUTSIDE!"

Slide 53: 

Frank jumped up quickly to keep Tom from breaking Olie’s jaw. "Oh, come now, Tom. He is only trying to get a rise out of you, and it's worked. Leave it, eh?“ Olie just sat back laughing while the vein in Tom's forehead pulsed.

Slide 54: 

Once Tom calmed down, the men got up and went outside. Olie took a deep breath of night air. "Where to next?“ he asked.

Slide 55: 

“We could try that new establishment down Price Street, the Delhi Den?” Frank suggested. Tom shrugged. “I’ve been. It is rather enjoyable, though the prices are mad.” Stanley shuddered. “Catherine would never forgive me for going without her. I’ll have to smuggle her in as a man, mark my words.” The men laughed. "Hmm, we could go to one of the clubs I suppose,” Olie put in. “Anyone up for gambling?"   The men looked around at each other, each nodding their consent.

Slide 56: 

Except Frank, who was pouting.

Slide 57: 

Stanley punched him in the arm. "Frank, old boy, what is it?“ "Alice loves gambling..."

Slide 58: 

Tom, Olie, and Stanley shared quick glances, before starting on a round of hysterical laughter. "What? Stop it, the lot of you! It is not funny!“ "Yes, it is. It is very funny,” Stanley choked out. “We must get you a woman, and fast.“ "Absolutely not! I am faithful to my wife."

Slide 59: 

One could almost see the light bulb go on in Olivet O'Leery's head. "Yes, fine, but have you ever tried...doing it yourself?"

Slide 60: 

Frank blinked. “What?”   Olie rolled his eyes, sighed, and then said, “Spanking the monkey.  Stroking the one-eyed trouser snake?  Playing with Rosie Palm and her five sisters...do you get it now?” He looked around at his friends’ confused faces, and snorted.

Slide 61: 

None of the other men said anything, and then Tom peered at him curiously. “Is this some sort of game where you are from?”

Slide 62: 

Olie’s jaw dropped. “Ugh!  Come on, guys!  Are you telling me that none of you has ever masturbated before?”

Slide 63: 

“Olivet Cendre O'Leery!  How dare you insinuate that I—that we—I can't even bring myself to say it!   “How can you be so vulgar?  If my sister ever found out, I fear what she would think!” Tom chimed in.

Slide 64: 

“Um, so note to self: tossing the pot is not a good topic in Simshire, I guess…”

Slide 65: 

Frank gaped at him. “You mean it is acceptable where you are from?  Does it not cause blindness and insanity? Or epilepsy?”

Slide 66: 

Olie laughed at his friend’s lack of knowledge. “I mean we don't go walking down the street jacking off but yeah.  No one goes nuts or blind from a little self-service. And it's better than contracting the clap from a prostitute.”   “At least there you are correct,” Stanley muttered.

Slide 67: 

“Not that this isn't a most enlightening subject.  But might we talk about something else? I, er, I thank you for the thought, O’Leery, but this is my burden; I must work out a solution on my own.”

Slide 68: 

A few moments awkward silence, and then Tom cleared his throat and spoke. “So! Have I told you gentlemen about the most marvelous little phaeton I recently acquired?”

Slide 69: 

Back in Simshire, the Pleasure sims of generation four were enjoying a game of cards, as they often did when their husbands traipsed off to town.

Slide 70: 

"I still say they should have let us join them!“ Catherine Legacy exclaimed as she tossed her cards into the center of the table.

Slide 71: 

Philadelphia Austen began dealing a new hand. "Cate, certainly you do not wish to follow the gentlemen between opium dens and pubs! I daresay you would not be allowed, regardless of your opinion—” "Which is utter nonsense!“ "Perhaps, yes."

Slide 72: 

"Why can everywhere not be like Simmacks?” Mrs. Legacy murmured, taking a peek at her cards. “They've got the right idea, I tell you. Women ought to be allowed to enjoy themselves as much as those...those...those men.”

Slide 73: 

"Are you not enjoying yourself here, Sister? I am hurt,” Alice teased as she flicked one of the brightly colored chips around the table. "Oh! No, Alice, of course I am.“ "Good, now enough about our silly husbands. Philly, Frank tells me your dear Miss Austen shall soon be leaving for school at M. Bennet's. Is this so?"

Slide 74: 

"It is so! Though I must say I am surprised at her wanting to, she never seemed to have much interest in educating herself before."

Slide 75: 

Gwendolen O’Leery chuckled. "How fascinating, for my own daughter has also decided to go away.“ "Apolline? Really?“ Alice asked, surprised. "Yes, her brother Bleu as well, though that is to be expected of a son. I do wonder at my daughter's choice, though…and did you hear? Leonora Trimble has also decided to attend the seminary. I believe she left last week.“

Slide 76: 

Alice picked up the deck and shuffled. "Yes, dear Eliza did mention it the last time we spoke,” she replied. “I must admit it came as a bit of a surprise to me, for just like Miss Austen and Miss O’Leery, I always took Miss Trimble for the ribbons and dancing type.” Philadelphia nodded. “I know that out dear sister Charlotte's daughter, Miss Blackthorne, left this morning, but I was expecting that. She is just like her mother, though perhaps a little less...amiable.“ "'Tis true that Mary Jane has a bit of a temper, but that is nothing good schooling will not fix,” Gwendolen added. Catherine sighed. “The Howard boys and Ham Blackthorne have gone to Pemberley, as well. My Timothy shall join them shortly."

Slide 77: 

Mrs. Legacy looked around at her sister and sisters-in-law. "Oh! It does make one feel old, does it not?“ Alice grinned at her. "Speak for yourself! My children are still far too young for any of that.“ "Yes, yes, pour salt into the wound."

Slide 78: 

It was very late when Frank finally returned home that night. He guessed that his children and Alice would be asleep, so in the interest of not waking anybody he silently ascended the stairs to his bedroom.

Slide 79: 

As he had done for quite some time, he readied for bed and laid down alone. He couldn't sleep. Frank could not help but think about what Olivet had said earlier outside the pub. "Yes, fine, but have you ever tried...doing it yourself?"   “What?”   “Spanking the monkey.  Stroking the one-eyed trouser snake?  Playing with Rosie Palm and her five sisters...do you get it now?”

Slide 80: 

Frank leapt from the bed and moved to stare at his reflection in the mirror. For several minutes he contemplated his options.

Slide 81: 

Option 1: Remain completely celibate and faithful to Alice. At this he grimaced, for it was already proving to be exceedingly difficult and they had at least two more decades of marriage ahead of them. Impossible.

Slide 82: 

Option 2: Take a mistress. He shuddered at the pleasurable thought, then mentally slapped himself. Not bloody likely. Option 3: Call upon the services of a prostitute for my needs, while risking contracting innumerable diseases, but at the same time hurting Alice less because there will not be emotional attachment to them whatsoever. Plausible. Option 4: ...Service myself. ...

Slide 83: 

I can do this. According to O'Leery, this is perfectly normal. Nothing to be ashamed of, no need to worry about brain damage... Then why do I feel so, so...I do not know what. Something. Excited, scared, guilty? Guilty is certainly one of them. Frank glanced over at the bed. Perhaps it will ease my mind if I am lying down.

Slide 84: 

Hands shaking, he began to unbutton his breeches. He froze. Slowly, his head turned and he spoke. "M-Madam, do not look at me like that.“

Slide 85: 

Like what, Frank? Like I'm trying not to crack up at this very amusing situation? "Yes, like that!" he said with a scowl. "Avert your eyes, if you do not mind.“ Actually, I do mind. It was YOUR idea to have me around more while you were the head of— "Look away!“ Somebody's embarrassed... "Madam. Please.”Frank waited for a moment, but there was no more of the whispery voice in his head. He finished removing his clothing and dropped it on the floor before moving to the bed.

Slide 86: 

He sat down on the bed and pondered his nakedness for a long time. How do I do this? I'm quite sure that I need to be stimulated for this to do any good whatsoever, but here I am, nude as the day I was born...and nothing. I look rather ridiculous just sitting here. If only Alice... Frank found himself picturing his beautiful wife, her soft, pale skin, rosy cheeks, magnificent blue-green eyes...

Slide 87: 

He sighed as he pushed himself further onto the bed. He closed his eyes and imagined how Alice's face would light up at the sight of him, how she would find excuses to get him alone, or how she would push him down on their favorite settee and kiss him until he couldn't breathe. A shiver ran through his body, though he was exceptionally warm. Briefly he opened his eyes, and he saw that he was very, very aroused.

Slide 88: 

Smiling to himself at his triumph, Frank once again visualized his ginger-haired wife; She was stepping into the room wearing nothing but a gauzy dressing gown.

Slide 89: 

The dreamlike woman had a rather suggestive expression on her face as one of her delicate hands moved to the ribbon at her waist and pulled.

Slide 90: 

The garment fell to the floor and the imaginary Alice moved even closer to the heavily-breathing man on the satin bedspread.

Slide 91: 

As if it was a mere reflex, Frank's hand was caressing its way down his chest, lower and lower until it found its target. The man took a ragged breath, and sighed out, "Alice, Alice..."

Slide 92: 

She let out an embarrassed giggle. "Mr. Austen, what in heaven's name are you doing?“ "Mmm, waiting for you...“ "...?“ Frank was irritated. This was his dream, shouldn't she be doing what he wanted?

Slide 93: 

He's eyes whipped open. How did she get her gown back on so quickly? "Oh!" he exclaimed, hastily sitting up and covering himself with his hands. Blast it all. “You’re…you are really there!”

Slide 94: 

Alice stood next to the bed for a few moments with a puzzled expression. As she did, Frank took the opportunity to relocate his breeches.

Slide 95: 

Once he was slightly less out in the open, Frank approached his wife again. "My love, I am sorry. I did not know you were awake. When I returned home, it was so late and I—” Alice only shook her head and continued to try and comprehend the situation. Her feminine innocence forbade her from understanding such a thing, but she was trying her damndest to use her imagination. When she first saw her husband sprawled across the bed in a state of dishabille, she thought he'd fallen asleep before dressing in his night shift. And yet she was sure that was not the case, for why would he look so guilty if it were? HIs expression made her rather nervous. "Mr. Austen, you have not yet answered me. What are you doing?"

Slide 96: 

Frank lifted his hand as if to stroke her cheek, but thought better of it and instead left his arm swinging like a pendulum. He stood there, dumbfounded, trying to decide just what he would say. The truth? Certainly not!

Slide 97: 

Something fell into place inside Alice's mind. She gasped and took a step back. "No!" she exclaimed.   "Alice, my dear, I can explain!”

Slide 98: 

"I do not wish to hear it!” She whimpered, covering her eyes. “This is no fault of yours, it is mine and mine alone! Oh, Frank...Frank, I am so sorry. To think that I have driven you to such madness! How did I, how could I...?!"

Slide 99: 

Frank wrapped his bare arms around his wife. "Shh, there, there. All is well.“ Alice was trying not to cry as she rested her head on Frank’s shoulder."Could you not have come to me instead?“ she whispered.   “Alice, you know we can never—”

Slide 100: 

Alice pulled away as she interrupted him. “I would rather risk bearing more children—risk my own death—than have you lower yourself to such a state! I'd rather—I'd rather die. My frailty need not punish you!""You are not frail…"

Slide 101: 

Alice did not respond. Instead she took a deep breath and settled herself on the bed. “Mr. Austen, I think you should take a mistress,” she muttered. Frank’s face went blank and drifted toward the floor as the silence dragged on.  A mistress…?

Slide 102: 

"Frank? What do you think of that?”   "I cannot. I love you too much, and I have tried so very hard to be a good husband, to be loyal to you."   "I know, and I love you for it, dearest.  But…"

Slide 103: 

"But now..." He trailed off thinking of that horrible night when he'd waited up next to Lark waiting for news of his wife's health.  He didn't know what he would have done if the simself hadn't been there.

Slide 104: 

“I would have broached the subject with you at some point; I've been pondering it for quite some time. However tonight has made me sure that it is the right course, and I...I really think...Lark would be a fine candidate.”

Slide 105: 

Frank’s head snapped up, and he stared into Alice’s eyes, half-waiting for the punch line. There was none. “You cannot be serious! Have you completely lost your senses? Alice, you know how much I love—cared for her!”

Slide 106: 

Alice smiled sadly. “That is exactly why I see this as the perfect solution.”

Slide 107: 

And that’s the end of Part 2! Look out for Part 3 shortly, because I don’t have the excuse of filling in for a turn at the BPRRL this time, do I? I hope you enjoyed it, even if it seemed a little short. Before I go, here are the stats for our youngest Austen kidlets. Isabella – 4/9/4/4/6 Henry – 4/3/10/4/6 Until next time, happy simming!