North and South Story (add a few lines)

[merry]

Add them, mim!!

A return to Harley Street is GOOD!

[mimosa]

..."Oh, John, please...I can't anymore...I need you, my love!" John smiled his soft smile slyly and felt like winner who got his award and now used it how he wanted. He turned her face and kissed her very deeply...

Without letting go, mouths plundering and deepening, Margaret managed to turn herself around. She wrapped her arms around John's neck. John grabbed her by her thighs and lifted her up to straddle him, wrapping her legs around him while sliding downwards onto the seat....



Go on now...take it away, folks...

ME

[Forsteriaana30]

..."Oh, John, please...I can't anymore...I need you, my love!" John smiled his soft smile slyly and felt like winner who got his award and now used it how he wanted. He turned her face and kissed her very deeply...

Without letting go, mouths plundering and deepening, Margaret managed to turn herself around. She wrapped her arms around John's neck. John grabbed her by her thighs and lifted her up to straddle him, wrapping her legs around him while sliding downwards onto the seat....



Go on now...take it away, folks...

ME

Very good, mim. I like where it goes, but unfortunately they will need to stop it how I don't want it. I really would love to let them go, but no, not yet. They will need to wait!

They still deeply kissed and touched each other until Margaret felt his hand slide under her dress and touching her most hiding place through her stays. She was wet and John liked it. Margaret moaned and while he more made his mistrations she started to move her hips back and forth in his lap. John felt his manhood reacted to it and he understood that they need to stop it if he didn't want to be in mess front of his love of live. He liked what she did, but this wasn't time for it and he knew that maybe she didn't understand what she's doing to him.

"My love, please, we need to stop or I couldn't control myself!" Margaret opened her eyes and watched to him in confusion. Was she did something wrong? John saw it and rushed to explain it.

"No, Margaret, don't worry. You didn't do anything wrong. It's me who can did, but didn't. It's hard to explain now, but in our wedding night you will understand. Please, don't feel guilty about this, because you are not. It's only me. I love you, my love!" Margaret smiled and nodded her head in agreement. Then both stood up and clear up the mess they made in compartment.

[mimosa]

Haha, Fossy!

I am in the middle of editing this...I didn't think it would go on...but the story wasn't really done.
But I thought I'd start anyway.

We can keep it as long as we want.

ME

[Vandraren]

So we can still add things to this story, right? Here is my little contribution

They finished their tidying just in time, for they could hear a conductor move down the train, talking to passengers in every compartment. Finally, he arrived at the door to their compartment, it was shoved open and a sour-faced conductor announced unceremoniously:

“Passengers who can afford the fee of 15 shillings may procure a room at the local inn “The Swan” for the night. The inn has 11 rooms available, if you wish to procure one of these rooms, you must do so at once.”

John did not hesitate. If he could offer Margaret any comfort he would. The nights had turned rather chilly recently and he had no desire to see her freeze.

“We will take a room!”

“Very well sir, you may take your things and exit by the rear end of this compartment. There will be someone there to point you in the right direction. If the train should be able to depart before 8 o’clock in the morning, you will be notified.”

With this the conductor left Margaret and John to collect their things from the overhead rack and find the person that their informant had mentioned. There they were instructed to cross the field they were standing on, follow the dirt road to the left, make a right turn at the cross by the great oak and then head straight into the village of Collinbrook. The Inn was one of the first buildings on the main road and could not be missed.

Margaret and John set off on their little countrywalk towards Collinbrook and both of them walked in anticipation of how they would act once they had to face the inkeeper. Unimaginable as it was, neither of them felt that taking separate rooms at the inn was a desirable option. It was inconvenient also, since fewer passengers would have the opportunity of procuring a room. But neither Margaret nor John felt they could address the matter and this face the reality of their situation. They were soon talking of Margaret’s childhood in the country paradise of Helstone and the question of separate or shared bedrooms was quickly forgotten.

[mimosa]

YAY, Van! Thanks!



ME

[dianakc]

Loving this!

[Philipaholt]

Hurrah VAN!!!!

[Forsteriaana30]

Wow, Van, this is amazing and I love it.

Only I feel like beginner with my writing in front of your writing. You're writing is so professional while me is so beginnish!

[Vandraren]

Wow, Van, this is amazing and I love it.

Only I feel like beginner with my writing in front of your writing. You're writing is so professional while me is so beginnish!

Noo, don't worry Fossy! I have been practicing in secret for years, but I still feel like a beginner too And we are all here to practice I am very self-critical, which I am sure you are too. That's why nothing I write has ever seen the light of day So you are much braver than me, publishing stories even though you feel like a beginner. That is the best way to practice! But I am trying to follow your example It feels a bit like showing someone my diary, since N&S has always felt so private to me. I mean, no one I know irl has even read North and South. Anyways, thanks for the encouragement, Fossy and friends! I hope someone takes up the thread to this story, it could go on for ages still

[Forsteriaana30]

Wow, Van, this is amazing and I love it.

Only I feel like beginner with my writing in front of your writing. You're writing is so professional while me is so beginnish!

Noo, don't worry Fossy! I have been practicing in secret for years, but I still feel like a beginner too And we are all here to practice I am very self-critical, which I am sure you are too. That's why nothing I write has ever seen the light of day So you are much braver than me, publishing stories even though you feel like a beginner. That is the best way to practice! But I am trying to follow your example It feels a bit like showing someone my diary, since N&S has always felt so private to me. I mean, no one I know irl has even read North and South. Anyways, thanks for the encouragement, Fossy and friends! I hope someone takes up the thread to this story, it could go on for ages still

Wow, that's a very surprising, 'cuz you really write like professional in English. Whereas mine writing in English is really like beginner, 'cuz I still learning to write in it which is very hard. I first writing in my native language which is Latvian, then I editing in it, then I translate in English and again editing and only then I posting. So my writing process is more longer like yours, I assume.

I'm not so very self-critical, but only a little about my writing. But that's all.

You see, I'm writing almost 20 years since I was 13. It was like hobby which now I want to make like a little business to next to my main job. But it's still is my favorite hobby and I enjoying it very much. So I also want to write a book like Diana and I want to write about N&S too like she.

You're welcome, Van.

I also hope that this story will continue and we will keep it write, 'cuz I love it so much!

I forgot to add that this fragment in this story I wrote without writing in Latvian and translation. I wrote it in English at once!

[AnnabellaGrace]

John was uncharacteristically nervous getting ready for the dinner party. He knew he would not have a single friend there - except perhaps for one... He felt he would know from the moment he saw her whether her feelings for him had changed...

He dressed with much care, though he knew it would do little good and Margaret's relatives would not like him no matter what he wore - but he was dressing himself for her, he wanted to look nice for her. Though maybe it was too late - Henry had been so triumphant - did he have reason to suppose Margaret might look upon his, Henry's, suit favourably?

At 7 pm sharp he found himself knocking at the door of the house whose address Henry had given him.

A butler opened door and let him enter in house. He immediately hear his beloved Margaret's voice, but there was another one and John didn't have to guess who was it. He already feel his jealousy rise up, but when he entered in sitting room, he saw how Margaret talked with biggest enemy Henry and she laughed at something what he told her. John's heart sank. Has she really forgotten him? Does she really belongs to this London barrister now? And does her feelings not changed? In this moment John wanted only one - leave and never come back here. He fell how tears bursted out, but he needed to take himself in his hands, cuz he was invited and if he could not get Margaret back, then he will waiting when this evening will end, and will fast return to Milton and not see his love of life anymore.

He stood there for a moment to collect himself, and then walked over to Henry and Miss Hale.

"Miss Hale, you are looking well."

"Mr. Thornton, thank you, and you look quite handsome." Margaret took in his face hungrily. His hair had a dusting a gray along his temples, but Margaret thought him as devastating as ever. She offered his hand and he lifted it to his lips. He brushed a lingering kiss on her knuckles. Margaret felt her knees grow week and her breath quicken.

He was everything and more to her. He was her heart and she had missed him so!

Henry had never regretting anything more than extending the invitation to Thornton to dine at Harley Street this evening. He cleared his throat to remind Thornton and Margaret that they were not alone.

John extended his hand to Henry and thanked him for the invitation.

Margaret turned to Henry, "Please excuse us, but Mr. Thornton and I have much to discuss."

She led him to a quiet corner and when they sat down, she did not remove her hand from his arm. He could scarcely believe what was happening.

"Mr. Thornton, I realized that we left some things unresolved between us."

John smiled, and encouraged her to go on. "Yes, Miss Hale?"

Margaret, suddenly very nervous and overwhelmed by his nearness said in a voice husky with emotion, 'I have missed those I cared for in Milton."

John was disappointed. Was she speaking of the Higgins family?

"I can assure you that Nicholas, Mary, and the children are all well, Miss Hale. In fact, I have a letter you from Nicholas in my pocket. I can give it to you after dinner if you like." John did not want her to let go of his arm, and she would have to if he retrieved the letter from his pocket.

"Yes, Mr. Thornton, I will remind you to give it to me before you leave."

John asked in a hopeful voice, "Are the Higgins family the only ones you have missed Miss Hale?"

"No, Mr. Thornton, they are not." Margaret hesitated and noticed Henry hovering nearby, watching them.

"I am missing someone else as well."

John's heart was racing. Could it be that she missed him?

"Miss Hale..."

Edith announced dinner and there was no more time to talk. Reluctantly, he stood and escorted Miss Hale into dinner, but they were not seated next to one another. Henry had that honor. During dinner, John noticed Miss Hale's easy manner with Henry and how he made her laugh.

He had never made her laugh, no he had only brought her sorrow. Defeated, somehow he got through dinner. He would leave as soon as he could politely make his excuses.

She had said that they had unresolved matters between them, but what could they be? He offered, she refused, and now she was living in this grand house and Henry Lennox never let her out of his sight.

He sighed bitterly. It was too late, she was lost to him forever.

[mimosa]

OKAY...

The other day I was mucking around with the story getting into one place and starting the editing process, which is tricky when there are many writers. And the little discord chat we had about it last week.

I think I have found where we have left off without too much confusion. And so I might have a Take 1 and a Take 2...

I'm doing the first run through to get the grammar right. I'm half way through that. (I just do it whenever.) It needs some time. I am making the suggestive edits in a google doc so that I make the "final" or almost "final" decision later...time to percolate.
Then I have to make it sure it flows from one writer to another, even though we can see the difference in story style. And that's okay.
Then it needs to be reread to make sure I've caught it all...in my experience, it takes several readings and also time between readings...because you catch things later. We all know how that works.

In addition...the story is not really done. It has come to a nice place as per Van. They are walking to the inn from the stopped train. And it can stay there, although it does still have a "things left hanging" feel to it. At this point they are just walking and chatting toward the inn.
Is that where the story stays?
What happens when we get them to the inn?
How do we let them spend their night together? as in either "with propriety" as much as can be or "sexually"?
Do they get married there the next day? or do they get home? and get married right away or later?
Do we transition after Van's part back to Harley Street and play with that for awhile and come back to J&M?
Do we have them meet up/or not?
I guess that depends on the people writing wherever they take it.

In short, it's not ready for publishing. Not yet, anyway. There are obvious changes to it, but we have to try not to change it so much that the essence of sharing the writing disappears. I hope I can figure that out.

I can keep everyone updated. When the document looks more decent, then I will share the file so everyone can read and comment.

So knowing that all, I hope you are all agreeable to that. The goal is to put it on the Weavers if it turns out well enough, because we all contributed to it. Or it's the fond hope, regardless.

ALSO:

I'm going to add Van's ending for now because that's where the story is at. BUT, I believe we all need a refresher for the story, whether you participate in it or now. Usually we add a line or two, a paragraph or two or three...kinda sorta...and leave it in a good place or a suspenseful place to help the next person. Once I get a good grasp on it and have sent through the file...it'll be easier to get the story in one shot. I just don't want to wait for it before writing this post. Just to give us all a poke in the butt...

Here's the summary:
John writes a letter to Margaret about the latest.
Margaret tells him to visit.
John rushes to London without the address and visits Henry Lennox.
Thornton comes to dinner (well...I have timing issues, but...he's invited, but not on a certain date, and Lennox invites him, so it's unexpected).
J&M see each other.
John misunderstands, Margaret intervenes, notes get passed.
J tells M that he's at such and such hotel.
She goes to visit him clandestinely.
They plan to leave London together.
The train gets stuck because a tree falls on the tracks.
It is winter? (I have to double-check that one)
Things get hot in the coach...details suggest that things won't happen till they're married, but they're still cleaning up a mess...so what actually happened...lol)
They are walking to the inn.
...and then can start up whatever we want, thinking about the suggestions I wrote up above.

So we can still add things to this story, right? Here is my little contribution

They finished their tidying just in time, for they could hear a conductor move down the train, talking to passengers in every compartment. Finally, he arrived at the door to their compartment, it was shoved open and a sour-faced conductor announced unceremoniously:

“Passengers who can afford the fee of 15 shillings may procure a room at the local inn “The Swan” for the night. The inn has 11 rooms available, if you wish to procure one of these rooms, you must do so at once.”

John did not hesitate. If he could offer Margaret any comfort he would. The nights had turned rather chilly recently and he had no desire to see her freeze.

“We will take a room!”

“Very well sir, you may take your things and exit by the rear end of this compartment. There will be someone there to point you in the right direction. If the train should be able to depart before 8 o’clock in the morning, you will be notified.”

With this the conductor left Margaret and John to collect their things from the overhead rack and find the person that their informant had mentioned. There they were instructed to cross the field they were standing on, follow the dirt road to the left, make a right turn at the cross by the great oak and then head straight into the village of Collinbrook. The Inn was one of the first buildings on the main road and could not be missed.

Margaret and John set off on their little country walk towards Collinbrook and both of them walked in anticipation of how they would act once they had to face the innkeeper. Unimaginable as it was, neither of them felt that taking separate rooms at the inn was a desirable option. It was inconvenient also, since fewer passengers would have the opportunity of procuring a room. But neither Margaret nor John felt they could address the matter and this face the reality of their situation. They were soon talking of Margaret’s childhood in the country paradise of Helstone and the question of separate or shared bedrooms was quickly forgotten.

And I will add it to my burgeoning document (it's 14 pages at this point). Now we need a purple dancing elephant and a group hug.



ME

[DaisyNinjaGirl]

Ooh, this is coming back. Well done, Mim and Van!

[Violet83]

And I will add it to my burgeoning document (it's at 14 pages at this point). Now we need a purple dancing elephant and a group hug.



ME

How fun! I look forward to reading it sometime

[mimosa]

And I will add it to my burgeoning document (it's at 14 pages at this point). Now we need a purple dancing elephant and a group hug.



ME

How fun! I look forward to reading it sometime

This is how we get you to write...you add a line or two...that's how I got started. Because I was NOT a writer. Well, first I suggested a couple of ideas. Then nobody was doing anything, so then I finally added my very first writing ever... In the end, I just planned to somehow get out of the "heat" and move it in a different direction, but apparently the heat stayed and got hotter. HA!

I'll even show you...
"John...please..." she whispered through her parted pink lips. John smiled and continued to kiss her there, but he knew he needed to stop. He couldn’t make himself stop…his fingers paused at the top of her blouse and shifted the fabric carefully to the one side as he pressed his lips to the bare skin between her breasts. Slowly his lips worked their way back up to the side of her neck, peppering it with small kisses and licks along the way until he reached just below her ear. He clasped her more closely to himself reveling in the feel of her.

Suddenly the train whistle blew and began to slow down, jolting the carriage…

This is a little bit more than a couple of lines, but there were those who really did add a line or two. The trick for everyone adding to the story is to pretty much decide to just do it and not think toooo hard about it or take too long to do the next one or even get it perfect, because it's just a very short piece (well, there are some longer ones). Or announce it if you need a day or two...otherwise you could be running concurrent pieces.

Anyway...I'm glad you're looking forward to reading the story. It feels like a schmozz right now...

ME

[merry]

Ohhhhh mim! and Van! I can't tell you how pleased I am to see this moving again.

WELL DONE!!!! I love you both so much for this (and other things)

[Violet83]

How fun! I look forward to reading it sometime

This is how we get you to write...you add a line or two...that's how I got started. Because I was NOT a writer. Well, first I suggested a couple of ideas. Then nobody was doing anything, so then I finally added my very first writing ever... In the end, I just planned to somehow get out of the "heat" and move it in a different direction, but apparently the heat stayed and got hotter. HA!

I'll even show you...
"John...please..." she whispered through her parted pink lips. John smiled and continued to kiss her there, but he knew he needed to stop. He couldn’t make himself stop…his fingers paused at the top of her blouse and shifted the fabric carefully to the one side as he pressed his lips to the bare skin between her breasts. Slowly his lips worked their way back up to the side of her neck, peppering it with small kisses and licks along the way until he reached just below her ear. He clasped her more closely to himself reveling in the feel of her.

Suddenly the train whistle blew and began to slow down, jolting the carriage…

This is a little bit more than a couple of lines, but there were those who really did add a line or two. The trick for everyone adding to the story is to pretty much decide to just do it and not think toooo hard about it or take too long to do the next one or even get it perfect, because it's just a very short piece (well, there are some longer ones). Or announce it if you need a day or two...otherwise you could be running concurrent pieces.

Anyway...I'm glad you're looking forward to reading the story. It feels like a schmozz right now...

ME

Mim! This definitely stayed in the heat!

I really don't put myself in the same category as all of you wonderful writers, but I can see how if it's only a line or two, it can be rather easy to join in on a group story. Perhaps you'll convince me to give it a try....