A Labyrinthine Affair: The World of Taboo

In the Beginning - Part 2

It wasn't 'til he turned eleven that he sensed something different in Zilpha. She had always been a bit aloof and callous. Lately, she seemed tender and protective. She drew more into herself and wouldn't meet his gaze as readily as before. Even her natural scent had changed. James sensed her metamorphosis even if he couldn't yet name it.

They became secretive about their jaunts in the forest. Zilpha's governess, became more vocal about the need to deepen her studies, in order to become a proper young lady. Father reminded her of learning the rigors of maintaining a household, for in a future looming closer than she could see, she would be someone's wife.

It wasn't that Zilpha, now thirteen, eschewed the notion of family life. But she couldn't yet see it with her young eyes. She preferred her life in the wild with James; playing, foraging for wild fruit, resting in the loose swirl of the breeze and now, learning to hunt. Sometimes she even dreamt of becoming an artist, in the vein of sweet Nan.

James had already caught rabbits, squirrels and opossum on their outings. He always wanted to bring them home to be skinned and roasted for supper but she forced him to release them back into the forest. There was no way that all of the servants would keep quiet about his catch and therefore their exploits. Father wouldn't blink an eye at James, but if he knew Zilpha participated, James would face Horace's wrath.

Today, James promised to teach her to use his bow and arrow; a precious and secret gift he received from Nan. She'd wanted to slip out of the house at noonday, but James convinced her that it was better to leave later in the afternoon.

"More creatures roam about once the heat of the day is done," he confided. She didn't doubt him. She simply wanted more time away from the heaviness of the house.

Another perfunctory Sunday dinner passed. Zilpha feigned needing a nap upstairs while James bolted off, supposedly to play by the banks of the Thames. The staff proceeded without much notice of either one of them and Father rested in his own parlor before preparing for an evening of chamber music with society folk.

Then there was the persistent ping of pebbles against her window and she, changing into less delicate clothes, descended the stairs to the first floor, creeping quietly, with a small satchel across her chest and a canister of water in one hand. They were off. Full of nervous excitement.

"James, what if Brace realizes we're gone and decides to tell?"

Zilpha's concern only made him laugh.

"He'll have to punish me. It was me that convinced you, yes?"

He turned around and winked at her. She let out a small laugh. He was her James. Fearless and wanton and full of adventure. Growing taller and more restless by the minute. Even now, she was shocked at how well she knew him.

When her monthly cycle came, she wondered if it was time to resign herself to household things. She was frightened of the bright red blood flowing from her loins, accompanied by cramps and an uncontrollable moodiness. The blooming buds that were her young breasts still felt awkward and out of place. Before, blouses and petticoats hung loosely against her chest. Now they were snug, threatening to become tight as her eager nipples and round flesh poked against the fabric. Every so often she would catch James staring at her. She, initially feeling repulsive and strange, would find comfort when his dark eyes warmed over her. He marveled at her transformation, admiring the soft curvature of her body and its contrast to his own linear physique.

They followed the well-worn path into the forest, came upon their clearing and then crossed the low lying waters of the creek to the other side; a denser patch of wild lying before them. She shed her petticoat and her skirt, revealing a loose top and slacks, allowing for greater ease of movement. James removed his shoes, convincing her to do the same.