Passing as Elias - By Kate Bloomfield Page 0,47

raised eyebrows, though she did not look pleased at all, ‘I guess you will not be needing my help then.’

‘Well, you already came all this way.’ Elizabeth said hurriedly, ‘Would you like a cup of tea?’

‘Thank you, Sir.’

Elizabeth busied herself in the kitchen, making tea. She prepared a plate of cakes and biscuits for Merrill, and then rejoined her in the sitting room.

Merrill smiled, ‘How nice.’ She said when she saw the tray of cookies and cakes.

Elizabeth placed the tray on the table before them, and sat next to Merrill. Their arms brushed, and a shiver ran through Elizabeth’s spine. Merrill helped herself to cake, and tea.

Conversation flowed as usual, and Elizabeth’s stomach churned uncomfortably as she thought about why she had wanted Merrill here in the first place. Had Elizabeth really turned into such a man, pursuing young girls at her own leisure? She was ashamed, and exhilarated at the same time. She could not help but stare at Merrill as she sipped her tea. This did not go unnoticed.

‘Are you all right, Sir?’ Merrill said, placing her cup and saucer upon the table, ‘You seem odd.’

Elizabeth cleared her throat nervously, ‘I-I am just thinking.’ She said.

‘What are you thinking about?’ Merrill asked.

Elizabeth wanted to be honest, however she felt it was too soon, ‘I am thinking … it is nice … In your company.’ She said.

‘Thank you. I enjoy your company too, Sir.’ Merrill said pleasantly.

Elizabeth considered this for a moment before blurting, ‘Do you still think about that day … in the meadow?’

Merrill stared with wide eyes, ‘I was under the impression that I was not to speak of it.’

Elizabeth sighed, ‘I have to be honest with you Merrill. I have trouble thinking of anything else.’

Merrill did not answer, but merely stared at Elizabeth with wide, gazing eyes.

‘I … I think,’ Elizabeth took a deep, steadying breath, ‘I think about it all the time.’

‘Me too.’ Merrill said softly, ‘Mostly I am embarrassed.’

‘I cannot get it out of my head.’ Elizabeth said, rather frustrated.

Merrill seemed afraid, ‘You are not thinking of dismissing me, are you sir?’

‘No, nothing like that.’ Elizabeth reassured.

‘Thinking good things, Sir?’ Merrill said hopefully.

‘Very good things.’ Elizabeth confirmed.

‘Tell me.’ Merrill said in a soft voice.

Elizabeth swallowed. Merrill had gotten quite close in the last few seconds.

‘I think … I think about how I should have reacted that day.’ Elizabeth said quietly, ‘I think about what might have happened.’

‘Do you think about kissing me, Sir?’ Merrill said bravely.

‘Constantly.’ Elizabeth breathed, ‘I think of little else. Every time your skin brushes against mine, it is like torture.’

Merrill was staring, transfixed.

This is it, Elizabeth thought to herself. She wanted to tell Merrill that she fantasized about the two of them together every night.

Elizabeth’s limbs felt like lead, but after a moment’s silence she reached out and took Merrill’s hand firmly. Merrill stared at their hands briefly, before focusing her eyes upon Elizabeth.

‘Mister Searson.’ She breathed.

Elizabeth felt a pang of jealousy against her alias, but ignored it as she reached out a hand to cup Merrill’s face. She wished dearly that it had been her own name that had escaped Merrill’s lips.

Elizabeth leaned forwards and kissed Merrill gently, allowing her eyes to close, and to sink completely into the sensation of being close to another woman. It was bliss. Sinful bliss. Merrill opened her mouth, and Elizabeth swirled her tongue against Merrill’s. They kissed slowly, and gently, savoring every moment.

It was as though time may end at any moment, and they would not get another chance for a lifetime. Merrill placed a shaking hand to Elizabeth’s chest, and attempted to undo the buttons of her vest.

Elizabeth whispered, ‘No,’ through their kiss, and Merrill dropped her hand. She did not want to get carried away. The thought of Merrill discovering her secret would be deeply upsetting for both of them.

Merrill shook from head to toe due to nerves, and the forbidden nature of lust for her employer when she had been betrothed.

Elizabeth tried to rationalize her actions but her brain was overcome with a strange new feeling. It spread from the pit of her stomach, and caused her heart to swell twice the size. It flooded her brain until all rational thought was eradicated, and she was left with nothing but a burning desire for Merrill.

They broke apart, and Elizabeth pressed her forehead to Merrill’s. She inhaled Merrill’s scent and allowed the beating of her heart to return to normal. Merrill was breathing hard, and her shaking hands were upon