Here are the first three chapters of the story, please note there isn't much sexual shenanigans going on yet -- this is more setting the background and the character. Please leave any (constructive!) criticism!
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Chapter 1
Mr Thomas Lefone surveyed the assembly room with a familiar disappointment curling in the pit of his stomach. The same preened gentlemen, powdered ladies and flirtatious girls spread before him throughout the great hall, the same as he had seen at every ball this season, and every season before. The same, he though with a resigned sigh, that he would see in every season to come. Luckily, this was the last ball of the London season. Unluckily, every member of society had joined together in this one place for the final celebration. The heat was suffocating. The smell of mingled perfumes insufferable.
At one and thirty years old, and heir to a modest fortune that left him with highly enviable ability to choose his own occupation, Lefone was a catch that left many mothers nagging their husbands to make his acquaintance. His ability to keep much of his less desirable experiences between himself and his encounters left his reputation untarnished. Held in such high esteem, he could scarcely make a day through to sundown without some un-married spinster daughter being introduced to him. His dry wit, serious character and devilishly good looks broke the hearts of young girls vying for his attentions, and left wives questioning the sanctity of their wedding vows from one glance of his deep brown eyes framed by dark eyelases. His black hair had a slight curl, cut to the fashionable length just above his collar, looked deshevelled in the best possible way. His lips, although not thick, had the pleasing plumpness that begged all to test their kissability. His lean, toned body, fit from sports and riding, stood at a little over 6 foot, which whilst not imposing, left him shoulders above many of his peers.
"What say you, Lefone? Why, you've scarcely said a word since we entered!" Lefones thoughts were interrupted by his closest friend George Tilney. Snapping his attention to the grinning face framed by a shock of golden waved hair, he took a large swig from his silver goblet.
"I say this is getting tedious" Lefone answered simply. "Why must you insist on dragging me to these insipid gatherings?"
"Because, dear sir, it's the only way I can be sure to save your purse from the gambling table" Tilney chuckled, placing a hand on his back and gently guiding his friend deeper into the throng. "Come! I insist you have a dance. Take more drink, it'll ease your skepticism somewhat...if such a thing be possible!"
"Damn you Tilney, you try my patience" Lefone chuckled, a few ladies nearby swooning at the rare sight of his drawing smile and white, strong teeth. Finishing his wine, he set the empty goblet at a nearby table, nodding his head politely at the ladies seated there. Turning away, he had time to hear their giggles before moving to the side of the hall in sight of the dance already underway.
"Take a look around you, Lefone. So many enchanting ladies, so little dances!" Tilney smiled as he rubbed his hands together. "I've already decided on my prey, and I insist you find yours!" Bowing his leave, Tilney disappeared into the crowd. Lefone watched as he approached a girl who couldn't have yet reached her 17th year. "Oh Tilney, when will you learn." He signed inwardly. "She will have decided you are going to propose before the evening is out".
Having seen his share of assemblies, Lefone had already learned each character and how to spot them. The debutantes freshly out in the season, desperate to fall in love with the first person to show them attention. The spinsters, already being nagged by worried relatives that they will be a burden on their finances, desperate to find a husband to ease them of guilt. Those that he called 'un-marriable' -- the unskilled, uneducated and highly stupid. Lefone was a man who did not tolerate fools gladly, and these included silly girls with nowt in their heads but dresses and feathers.
Lefone folded his arms and leaned his back against the coolness of the window. He scanned the room half-heartedly, already knowing a great many of the faces that would be looking back at him. Sure, there were pretty girls, but inside he already felt too tired to speak to them. He knew their conversations, their pre-prepared answers to the normal questions asked in polite society. He knew their flirtations, and he was bored.
He thought back to the morning, of a letter he had received from his great-uncle inviting him to stay at their Surrey home once the Season had finished. Lefone smiled, he cared a great deal for his uncle, and the break from city life to the quiet country would be pleasing. He had already sent his reply in the affirmative and to expect him forthwith, and had left his valet instructions to have everything packed and prepared ready to leave the very next morning. Tilney had been quite aghast at the idea, "Leave London? Good heavens man have you taken leave of your senses? And to the country of all places?". Good old Tilney, Lefone smiled. He really was a city-boy at heart.
Out of the corner of his eye he caught sight of a whispering lady dragging what seemed to be a highly timid and bespectacled daughter towards him. This was one too many. Lefone immediately moved and with surprising agility escaped out of the assembly room and out into the street. Calling for his carriage, he left a brief note for Tilney,
"Cannot stand anymore. See you in the Spring. L."
Chapter 2
The ride from London to Surrey was not long, and was easily passed in a day. Lefone rode ahead of his carriage on horseback, cantering the many miles until the choking dirt of London slowly turned into the deep green of the countryside. He passed through many villages on his way, but stopped only for luncheon and to water his horse. He made good time, and soon entered the land that belong to the Wright estate -- that of his Uncle. So vast was his land, that was another hour at least before Lefone had stabled his horse and bounded up the welcoming stairs to the large oaken front door, already open with a beaming Mr Wright stood within.
"Thomas, my lad! So good of you to come so soon!" Wright took his hand and enthusiastically shook it. Lefone smiled back and removed his hat, "It was very kind of you to invite me Uncle. I couldn't pass up such an offer."
"Well come ye in lad, you've time to get yourself prepared for dinner. Your aunt is here but your cousins are away at relatives over the summer, but I'm sure you won't mind. A young man can do without children pestering him daily."
Lefone chuckled and shook his head, "They do no harm Uncle" he replied softly. Part of him was sorry that the two young girls, aged 5 and 7, would not be there. Lefones softness and perchant for childish games shone when he was with his beloved cousins, and they in turn delighted in his games and attention. Wright never ceased to be amazed at the change in his straightly serious nephew when surrounded by laughing children. He would make an excellent father he thought, but onto that subject at dinner.
Wright handed his nephew to a maidservant who in turn showed Lefone to his room. Lefone was pleased to see his luggage had arrived and a manservant was already in the process of putting his clothing and belongings neatly away. Lefone undid his neckachief and threw it onto the huge four poster bed, swept with velvet curtains, silk tassles and thick blankets, before disrobing his waistcoat and shirt. Kicking off his leather riding boots, he stripped down naked and eased himself gently into the warm water.
