The Viscount and The Traveler|| Anthony Bridgerton

3

Addison

Drear Diary,

Today was a successful day. My lady's maid is really sweet and she took me to a place which seemed to be a market. I was looking at the things different vendors were selling, although they call it something different here. I skipped my horse riding lessons to attend the market since I don't get out half as much as I would like. Don't get me wrong, I love horse riding... just on my own terms. I'm excited to see Eloise again, hopefully much sooner. And I find myself being a collector of pearls... Anyways I still haven't found any portals to getting back home. 

After I put my journal back into its hiding place, I went downstairs to find Lady D about to leave. I don't know where or how long she'll be gone though so I decided to ask because dark will be here in the next half hour. 

"You're headed out?" I asked smiling 

"Yes my dear, although it's obvious" She said looking down at her appearance to which I now noticed she's a bit smart casual. Well in this century what would be considered smart casual. 

"May I ask where to?" I questioned

"Do you think it's right for you to question me young lady?" She asked walking closer to me with her can supporting her

"I-I I'm s-s" I began to stutter 

"No need to be scared, you're lucky I'm fond of you" She whispered with a perfectly arched eye brow "I won't be back no time soon dearest" She cupped my cheek "Please... I don't want anyone thinking I'm soft when it comes to you, so IF you do something against my wishes... I just might have to make an example out of you" She said loudly so the few maids around could hear then she winked at me. "Seriously, bath and then bed" She said turning on her heels 

After she left, I walked back up the stairs and was about to draw my own bath, when a knock came at the bathroom door. Sighing I opened the door only to see my lady's maid there with a knowing look on her face. She looked as if she wanted to say something but I noticed others in the corridor. 

"Katherine, would you please come and assist me in my room please?" I asked as she nodded 

When we got back to my room, I entered and told her to come in and when she did I closed the door behind her. She stood near the closed door that led to my balcony. As I held my ear against the door to ensure nobody was around or listening. 

"Permission to speak?" She whispered as I nodded giving her the go ahead 

"Did you find it?" I ask

"Yes mistress I did" She nodded pulling out a trousers from under her dress making me giggle in excitement 

"I love you Katherine" I whisper yelled getting a surprised reaction from her "Sorry" 

"No no it's okay I promise you" She chuckled "I never had anyone say those words and meant it except for my mother" She sighed 

"Well I do mean it" I smiled intently "Did you already take a bath?" I asked as she looked at me questionably shaking her head no

"Well good, we are about the same size" I smiled at her "You can choose any night gown you'd like and then let's get you bathed and we can swap clothing" I said to her

"Why are we going to do such a thing mistress?" She asked 

"Well, you'll be spending the night in here" I said gesturing in my room as she looked at me with a frantic look 

"I'm doing no such thing" She said 

"Come on, please?" I asked 

"Me? Here... while you are in my room? The maids would surely notice" She said

"I'm going out tonight" I reminded her

"Wait... what? I thought you were joking" She said

"Come along and let's go take baths... I'll explain once we're both washed up" I told her as she nodded in agreement

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After our baths and we successfully made it back into my room, I took off my night gown as Kathrine took off her uniform and folded it neatly before putting on my night gown. I stood in my undergarments while trying to figure out how to hide my medium sized boobs. I took a corset and tightened it around my bust area so it was flattened enough to not be noticeable. Kathrine then took a cloth and further wrapped me before helping me into a shirt. The trousers fitted a bit loose which was a good thing. My curves would not be standing out. As I was taking out my earrings, Kathrine started up a conversation. 

"Your hair might just give you away" She chuckled looking at how we pinned it to make it look a bit shorter 

"Hopefully not, because I'm  really interested in buying land" I said to her

"Mistress... I know the folks talk about how you're DIFFERENT "she said not knowing if she was out of line or not but I nodded letting her know it's okay to continue "But isn't your husband supposed to be the one providing everything?" She asked 

"Well, I'm not married yet, and we can both have assets of our own. As for me being different I wish I could tell you all but just know my intentions are pure" I sighed 

"I know that much" She beamed "You look rather... handsome" She gave a slight smirk 

"You look rather... Lovely" I smiled kissing her cheek " I must be on my way down before someone see's me leaving and assume you're well I'm ruined" I chuckled as she nodded 

"Be safe, people say that Mr. Hargreeves is a different man and he's been a bit strange lately." She said as I nodded

"Well, he must be leaving if he's selling land and properties don't you think?" I asked her

"You're right. But again be safe, you might see men with different statuses and some even of the higher class" She said 

"Wait really? I am dressed as a low class man!" I exclaimed

"Most people find Mr. Hargreeves to be a strange man. People find it odd to affiliate with him since the passing of his late wife" She said waving me off

"Well, I'll be happy to interact with him" I grinned

"You we're always a strange one" She chuckled hugging me

"My room is yours, nothing is off limits" I told her as she opened the balcony door 

"He lives 4 miles from here, Jacks is already prepared for the journey" She said helping me off the balcony onto the ledge. I climbed down the side of the house and snuck my way to the barn where Jacks my horse was. I ensured my monies were all in my pockets and headed on my way. Thank goodness most of the grounds keepers were having their dinner. 

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