The Artful Dodger

1.03 Risk

I sighed as I closed yet another book. Nothing. No answer. No signs that my idea can be even remotely right. With a groan I threw the book onto my desk. Medicine is not that hard to understand. It is not that hard to memorize. Practicing it is another story, but I have memorized dozens of books, learned things that most surgeons wouldn't even begin to thing about being possible. But the one thing I need to learn about and understand, not a darn thing. No trace of anything anywhere.

I looked out my window, hoping to catch a glimpse of the birds -- or any animal being themselves really, but that isn't what I was met with. Outside it is almost dark out. The sun is just an hour away from being fully set, and darkness loomed over the sky. I hadn't even realized that I was working for this long.

I stood, going to the bell chain, giving it two sharp tugs. I don't plan to sleep just yet but I should at the very least get dressed so Charlotte can retire for the night. I clasped my hands together, resting them where my dress begins to fluff out at. It took my maid a minute to get to me. "You were fast. Far faster then I expected" I complemented. "I was waiting for your call, you have been up and hard at work all day. I knew that you would be ready to get ready for bed" she replied.

I laughed lightly at her response. She instantly came over and began helping me. I unbuttoned my jacket, removing it properly. My skirt fell to the floor as soon as it was Charlotte had it untied. I stepped out, placing my jacket on the chair on my way towards my bed. I braced myself on the bed so I could take my heals off. Once my heals were off, I unclasped my corset. Charlotte came over, taking both the heals and the corset and put them away properly. She walked back with a night gown for me. I took my undergarments off, placing them on my bed before sliding my nightgown over my head.

Once my gown was on properly, I moved back over to my desk. Charlotte was moving around my room for a few minutes. I didn't pay too close attention to what she was doing because I knew she was cleaning up and likely setting some things up for the morning too. I didn't even bother to check what she was doing. I trust her with what she's doing. So, I just focused on a new book, skimming for keywords of anything that relates to infection or carbonic acid.

"Do you need anything else M'lady?" Charlotte asked, breaking my concentration. I looked at her, giving a smile. "No, I'm alright. Thank you, Charlotte" I said softly. She gave a curtsy before leaving. I watched as she closed the door. I was expecting her to talk more to me. She tries to check in with me, learn all the details, at least once a week. But this time she just left. With a small shrug I went back to my reading.

I spent another hour or so reading, making it through another book and a half. "What are you reading, darling?" I heard making me jump. I turned to see Jack standing a few feet away. He was peering over my shoulder to my book. "What the bloody hell, Jack" I hissed. "I knocked and called your name" he defended. He held up his hands in a mocking surrender.

I rolled my eyes at him as I turned back to my book. "It's a medical journal. I have been through six of them today. And nothing about what I have been researching. Nothing" I huffed, answering his earlier question. "You've been doing this all day?" he asked. I bit my lip lightly. "Yeah" I whispered. I felt his hands on my shoulders. "Do you know how late it is?" he asked.

I leaned my head back to look up at him. He has the smallest look of concern on his face. I smiled at him lightly. "It got dark not too long ago" I defended. "It has been four hours since sun set" he told me. My eyebrows furrowed. There is no way. It has only been an hour, hasn't it?

I looked forward once more. "Oh" I whispered softly. "Let's get you to bed" he said. I shook my head. "I'm fine, Jack. Besides, I know you came here for something. My sleep mustn't be it" I said. I continued to skim my current read. No luck yet, but there is still a few hundred pages to go.

It was quiet for one minute before Jack's hands disappeared from my shoulders. I was picked up making me squeal in shock. I did my best to keep quiet, the last thing I need is for mother to wake up and find Jack in my room this late at night. Especially not with me thrown over his shoulder. Jack tossed me onto my bed. "Hey! I was working" I complained. I tried to get up but he pushed me back to lay down.

I huffed as he threw the blankets over me. I watched him as he walked around to the other side of the bed, taking his extra layers off and laying them on the chaise at he end of the bed. He stopped long enough to strip down to his undergarments before sliding into bed with me.

I raised my eyebrow at him. "And just what do you think you're doing?" I asked him. "Making sure you go to sleep" he answered. "So that means you have to sleep in my bed?" I questioned teasingly. "I never claimed to be going to bed" he argued. With a sigh I turned to face away from him. I felt him pull me into him. I licked my lips, trying to clear my mind. If I don't go to sleep, I fear being this close to him will encourage me to do something I shouldn't.

I scooted closer to him, stopping when my back hit his chest. I could feel Jack kiss the back of my head. Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes. I pray that I can sleep soon. Being in Jack's arms and receiving his attention is like a drug. Something I crave more then anything. It is electrifying even. Jack shifted behind me, trying to find a comfortable position no doubt.

I wonder how he's doing money wise. He was struggling for so long and barely managed to keep his hand until I... oh god. Is he here to get things for money. "Jack" I whispered. "Yes, darling?" he asked. "If I find anything missing, I will see to it that you have a very hard time" I mumbled. His chest vibrated as he chuckled. "Yes, M'lady" he teased. Jack kissed my head once more. Perhaps he is just here to see me. He would have had some comeback to say if he were to be taking anything from my home. Most likely how I needn't worry because I am surrounded by wealth and am far beyond comfortable in life. The amount of times he mentions my wealth in comeback to being frustrated is annoying. So he is definitely only here for me and not my things. With a scenes of complete comfort, I let the darkness of the night take over, knowing I would be just fine with Jack here.