Prospects and Perspectives

[Psyche]

Simon sat sulkily in the back seat, legs crossed and head propped grimly against a tightened fist. Lackluster eyes stared out at the grey streets surrounding their cramped vehicle, and he sighed.

"This time is disgusting," he announced to no one in particular. Had he been inclined, he might have carried on about the lack of elegance in the township or the class of its inhabitants (a sharp glare at Taylor), but he supposed the current comment would suffice to convey his displeasure. It wasn't as if it would matter any way.

This stranger had gotten them all into some mess, and now they were stranded here. He didn't even want to imagine how long... He wasn't sure Taylor even knew. Nora sat in the passenger's seat across from her former lover, exchanging idle conversation, and Simon straightened up abruptly, knocking long legs against the seat in front of him.

"And such a fitting carriage for a gentleman of esteem..."

Andrew sat wide-eyed beside his elder brother, taking in the scenery with an enthusiasm that was not to be equalled. To his right sat Ann, at whose presence he was equally thrilled.

"I don't know what you're talking about Simon," he exclaimed, oblivious to the real object of his brother's derision. "This place is fascinating! Look at that!" He pointed presently to a large dome-like structure with such passion that Simon was forced to flinch out of his way in order to avoid contact with the careless hand. Simon glared at the boy for a moment before returning to his former gloomy posture.

"Yes. Probably a shelter to protect this warmongering generation from whatever godforsaken violence they thoughtlessly decide to inflict upon one another. Brutes."

"Look at that!"

"Andrew!" Simon seethed. The anger in his voice unnerved him. "Would you please stop."

Surprised by the strength of the rebuke, Andrew fell into momentary silence. He glanced at Ann, who immediately restored a glimmer to his features.

"Ann, you're so lovely," he spoke with a genuine smile. "I'm beginning to think everything here is better." Simon rolled his eyes.

Taylor interrupted to announce that they had arrived, and Simon exited immediately, stretching to relieve his muscles of the burden of long endured frustration. He folded his arms and adopted a stern expression of disinterest, which was somewhat betrayed by the quick steps he took toward Nora as they moved forward.

"Wow!" Andrew said to Ann, whose side he had not acquitted since she had joined their party that morning. She had been introduced as a friend of Taylor's, and he had been more than desperate for the company. Even at home, he had not had the pleasure of a companion his own age, and the atmosphere around the others was unbearably dreary. Ann had been a godsend. He didn't bother to hide his interest in her. "Look at all these people!"

It was their second day in the future. Apart from their incoming journey, they had seen little more than the inside of their host's living quarters, and Andrew was already finding himself restless. After all of the excitement of Taylor's story, he was stifled by the sudden stillness awaiting them. When Ann had arrived suggesting a trip, he had been a most avid proponent.

The building loomed over them and crowds of all sorts teemed in every direction. Simon alone seemed unaffected by the excitement. His eyes watched Taylor darkly, constantly assessing the distance between the man and his mistress, all but begging for a chance to intervene. He had been none too happy about the idea of an excursion.

He had thought that the whole reason they had been forced to flee their home in the first place was to evade capture. He cast a glance out over the masses, before returning his gaze to Nora. This hardly seemed the place to go in order to avoid suspicion. He was beginning to doubt the stranger's motivations (well, at least now he had some grounds on which to stand). Maybe all Taylor wanted was to separate Nora from her protector, her home. Maybe he just wanted them vulnerable. Perhaps it had all just been some story to strand them here while he took advantage of them.

Simon looked to Ann, with whom his younger brother was pleasantly chatting, and overheard a bit of the conversation, in which Andrew was lathering the girl (and the place) with praise.

"Andrew," he said, growing tired of the shameless belauding. "What I don't understand is why, if this place is so great, its residents insist on leaving... and taking what doesn't belong to them." He slipped ungraciously between Nora and their host, and--putting his hand gently on her shoulder--gestured to a store to their right.

"Here, Nora," he said, his voice suddenly void of its earlier acidity. "Why don't we try this one?"

[Stockmon]

Taylor came, left, came back, and brought Nora, Andrew, and the ever pleasant Simon to the future. Nora was having trouble being around Taylor but at least his young friend Ann was a ray of sunshine. Andrew seemed immediately taken with her, and Ann was very happy to have him around. She’d brought Nora a bag of clothes and helped her pick an outfit for the next day before insisting on a shopping trip. No one wanted to borrow clothes, right? Nora assumed Taylor wouldn’t want to and they all agreed.

Taylor had offered Simon and Andrew some clothing. Of course Andrew accepted it and Simon rebuffed the offer with a scowl. The host was of sadly lacking in surprise. Andrew took the clothing for both and Taylor noticed with a subdued smile that Simon ended up in the borrowed outfit. Although Simon seemed to hate Taylor no less, Taylor felt a bit better about Simon after the talk they’d had the evening before.

Nora had enjoyed her sleepover with Andrew but woke up early and confused, panicking quietly before she remembered what all had happened. Taylor was awake early sitting in the kitchen and had awkwardly shown his ex how to work the shower. Luckily the Victorian lady had been far more interested in the mechanics than standing in a shower near her ex. He gladly left her to getting clean and made breakfast. The most awkward meal of his life. Taylor was having trouble not staring at Nora and she was luckily oblivious, but Simon hadn’t seemed so nice. Nora had on fitted jeans, the tightest pants she’d ever worn, boots, a tan button up shirt tied in the front and a scarf. He remembered how beautiful he thought she was and eventually left the meal early to find himself a hoodie and call Ann.

Ann happily arrived on time, with dangly blue flower earrings, a v-neck button up blue sweater, loose jeans, light makeup, and a cream coat. She told Andrew he looked very nice and immediately started making cheerful conversation with her fellow teenager. Taylor found it endearing, and Nora found it calming. They were like baby birds chirping about how wonderful the world and each other was. Simon couldn’t be bothered to enjoy anything.

“This time is disgusting,” Simon said in a beautiful display of camaraderie. Nora sighed in the front seat and tried to ignore him. Ann hardly heard him, she was so much more interested in telling Andrew about all the particular streets and landmarks. Suddenly Simon kicked the back of Taylor’s chair and said, “And such a fitting carriage for a gentleman of esteem…”

“Simon,” Nora said in a sad and distracted tone, “Please…” she said. She didn’t want to argue with Simon or defend Taylor. It was a foreign mode of transportation, with a cheerful pair of teenagers, and an irritable or depressed group of adults.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about Simon, this place is fascinating! Look at that!” Andrew said, pointing at a dome which Ann explained to be an aviary and asked if he wanted her to show it to him later.

“Yes. Probably a shelter to protect this warmongering generation from whatever godforsaken violence they thoughtlessly decide to inflict upon one another. Brutes.”

Nora sighed and saw Taylor’s grip tightening on the steering wheel. “Simon, please stop,” Nora said again.

The boys bickered a moment before Andrew turned his praise to Ann, who enjoyed every moment, “Ann, you’re so lovely, I’m beginning to think everything here is better.”

The young woman blushed a little and smiled, “Aw, thank you. Your presence is making things here even better,” she said coyly, not paying attention to anyone else. Nora just smiled in the front seat.

“Andrew,” Taylor said as he cleared his throat, “I hope you know how to back up that flirting,” he teased lightly. He wasn’t sure if Andrew knew what flirting meant, or how to back it up, but he found it cute and a viable distraction from the sulking and whiny Simon. “I’d warn against making out back there,” he said, knowing it was beyond Ann and assuming it was beyond Andrew, “but we’re here… and Simon is there…” he said, then ignored the small smirk Nora had on her face.

Nora stepped outside the car and looked around at people awkwardly. Simon moved over to her quickly and she relaxed slightly, smiling a little at him. He was horrible and sulking and felt the need to make a bad situation worse, but at least he was familiar and he was Simon.

“Wow! Look at all these people!” Andrew said enthusiastically. Ann smiled at him and explained to him briefly about the government being so strict and if they weren’t a lot more people would be out shopping. Then added how she didn’t mind less people because Andrew was pleasant enough.

Taylor could feel the judgment from Simon’s direction and groaned. At least Andrew was happy, until Simon interrupted with “Andrew, what I don’t understand is why, if this place is so great, its residents insist on leaving… and taking what doesn’t belong to them.” Then he stepped between Nora and the nearby Taylor, a hand on her shoulder. She relaxed at his interaction and listened as he suggested a store.

“Oh… sure, I think Ann would be better directing us, but that looks reasonable…” she responded sadly, feeling worn down by everything. Then Nora walked in that direction, followed by Ann who was describing that store to Andrew.

“I don’t think we’ll stay here long, they only sell lingerie and nightgowns here, but I’m sure Nora could use something to sleep in. Oh! And swimwear, we can find her some of that. Do you like to swim?” Ann asked enthusiastically so only Andrew heard.

Taylor grabbed Simon by the arm, looking irritated but keeping his tone calm, “Look, I didn’t take Nora, I got her in trouble, and I am doing my best to fix it. But if you can’t handle the manners your era should have taught you then I will do some errands and you can maybe stop reminding Nora how unhappy she is,” he said, let go of Simon’s arm and handed Ann a card to charge things with. He gave some excuse that Nora’s didn’t buy for a moment but said nothing about and made his leave. It was now just Ann, Andrew, Nora, and Simon.

“Simon, come on, we need to find something for Nora,” Ann said sweetly, turning her kind manners on Simon and hoping to involve him in the group. When the door opened for them to enter racks of lingerie and a few mannequins dressed in lace and colorful silk were visible within. Nora's face visibly stilled and she blinked, but since Ann was verbally pushing Nora inside both girls stepped into the store and Nora just waited to be directed, overwhelmed and blushing as she stared at the floor.

[Psyche]

Simon glared at the back of Taylor’s head as if to burn holes in it. Outwardly, he pretended to ignore Nora’s rebuke, but he felt his blood boil at the fire of this betrayal. His instinct was to snap at her for defending the man who had so merciless brought this nightmare upon him, but repressed it just in time as reminded himself of the identity of the speaker. Though his posture was no less menacing afterward, he kept his mouth reluctantly closed. He gazed at her glumly. The talk of Andrew and Ann was all but non-existent to him. His mind was a dichotomy of hatred and longing without the capability of being occupied by much else.
His younger brother’s mind was similarly transfixed. The arrival of Ann had cleared away any last misgivings he had felt, and even his sympathy for the trials of the group had been dampened by the awe he felt for this young woman and their exotic surroundings. When Taylor had interrupted their excitement, he looked to Ann in confusion. Although he was generally able to convey the sentiments of his new friends, sometimes their dialect was completely foreign to him.
“What?” he asked, truly confounded. It had sounded like a warning, but their host’s tone was congenial, so he allowed it to pass without further investigation. The mystery was shortly interrupted as they slowed to a stop. He poured out of the vehicle, restraining his excitement only long enough to keep from clambering over his companion in the haste and made his way toward the throng of people with unparalleled fervor. He watched the people with wide-eyed wonder, and recognizing that the action was taken by many of the couples surrounding them, slipped his hand into Ann’s with a friendly smile. He tried to ignore the quickening of his heartbeat.
Simon walked stiffly at the side of his mistress, avoiding contact with the herd of strangers and meeting gazes with a scowl. When their eyes finally met, Nora’s smile took him by surprise, and he almost stumbled in his haste to look away, a deep blush tinging his features. He gradually forced himself to recover and continued at her side, a little more relaxed from her friendly acknowledgement. He followed her every expression with an anxious watchfulness, and discontinued his attacks on Taylor when he saw how much it upset her. He followed weakly, contenting himself simply with being near her.
As they entered the store, Andrew looked about in wonder at the skimpy articles of clothing decorating the mannequins and Simon’s face flushed crimson. Before he had time to explain his mistake and turn the group in a different direction, Ann took command. Andrew nodded his head emphatically at the question, though, in truth, he had never been. He engaged Ann in conversation about how much fun he thought it would be as the rest of their group broke off in separate conversation.
Simon was alarmed by the sudden intrusion on his person and met their host’s introduction with a glower as he tightened his body against the man’s grip. He listened to the rebuke without word, and frowned at Taylor so as not to betray his embarrassment. When at last the stranger released his arm, Simon stepped angrily away. He tried to hide look look of amazed pleasure that crossed him as Taylor handed something to Ann and took his leave. Once he was out of sight, a quiet smile overtook his feature and he stepped up to Nora in considerably higher spirits.
Ann addressed him, and he nodded amiably, having never really considered the words. He was reminded of his embarrassment as they entered the store. Nora, too, was mortified by the venture, and he looked around wordlessly, knowing he was expected to offer input yet stunned into silence. Andrew alone seemed to be browsing the merchandise without self-consciousness.
“Ann, what’s lingerie?” he asked aloud, making his brother’s heart thud heavily.
“Andrew, be quiet,” he hushed, more horrified than angry. He had noticed faces turn their way, several sporting amused grins. Andrew looked to his older brother and obeyed the command, if only for a moment. He had never seen the like of some of the items, though, from the mannequins, he could gather their purpose. He realized Simon’s modesty and proceeded with more caution.
“This one looks nice,” he said quietly, motioning to a red night-dress. He brushed the material with his fingers and looked to the others for approval. “Are you going to buy anything?” He asked Ann, for the first time feeling the others' embarrassment.

[Stockmon]

Wasn’t it delightful? Living with your ex-girlfriend, her protective stalker butler, your own good friend, and her new… well interesting companion. Taylor would have felt the burn of Simon’s glare had he turned around, but as it were he could still feel the loathing. It was enveloping him in a general state of discomfort. Oh well, it wasn’t as if he hadn’t dealt with similar things before. He had dealt with discomfort, it was just that this one was so close to home. This was so very near to his heart, but Simon was relentless. It was as if any happiness Taylor experienced was a threat, and any attention Nora showed Taylor beyond utter disdain was a slight to Simon. Taylor wondered at one point how a man could be so very selfish, then reminded himself that he did not know Simon. He could see the trust Nora put in the other man, and so Taylor would bite his tongue, mostly.

Nora could also feel Simon’s gaze on her. Was it ever anywhere else? Did she truthfully want it somewhere else? She most certainly would not have voiced these feelings aloud, even if she could put them into words. She couldn’t know what it was like to have him ignore her. He took her for granted at times, and expected that as she snuck around in private she would remain she same, certainly, but did he ignore her? Could he? Could she handle it if he did? He was familiar, like an overwhelming heat, but by now she was accustomed to it. The idea of that heated presence turning its attention elsewhere seemed cold and lonely, and unwelcome. She knew she wanted him close, just not how close. Besides, she could hardly reach out and touch him, that was improper, not because of their society, but because she had no idea how to do that.

Ann was not quite as aware of Andrew’s fixation with her as Taylor though. In part this was due to her own innocent curiosity over the strange man, and general inexperience. The man she’d had a crush on for a while was Taylor, but it was something innocent and naïve. She knew better now, but that didn’t mean she was all too sure on how to return or recognize a man’s attention. She realized Andrew was into her though, just didn’t notice every little thing he did to that end. She would have been more than happy to be change that though.

At Taylor’s teasing that they’d best not make out in the back seat Ann blushed and got quiet, though she remained smiling. Andrew didn’t seem to understand, but Ann offered a quick “Taylor, you know I wouldn’t do that anyway, shush.”

Andrew got out of the vehicle with quick enthusiasm and Ann stayed close by his side. He was a bit like an over-excited puppy she might need to keep a close eye on, but more so she simply enjoyed being near him. Suddenly, surprisingly, he slipped his hand into hers and she blinked rapidly as her cheeks lit up. She was curious as to why he would do such a thing, but far from complaining. Almost to her own surprise she didn’t let go and just willed herself to not get clammy and nervous and distracted. Well, if he was such a puppy, at least she could keep him closer now. Not that this was even remotely part of her honest motivation.

Nora noticed their unusual closeness, but dismissed it easily. She toyed with the charming little bracelet Ann had given her. It had a watch. Maybe if she stared long enough she would be home. She just wanted to do something with her hands, so she just fidgeted with the watch a moment. It only took a moment to remember herself and stop. Besides, Simon was acting strange all of a sudden, looking away and acting his usual, albeit always confusing, self.

Ann was pleased to hear that Andrew liked swimming, even though he didn’t actually, she didn’t realize that. He said it sounded fun, “Oh yes, I agree. We should all go sometime.” Then she glanced at Simon a moment while Taylor was pulling him aside. “Do you think your brother would enjoy that? I’d hate to suggest something he will just… endure, and it would be sad to leave him at home. If…” she blushed slightly, and remembered she still had his hand in hers, “well maybe we can do something without him, if you wanted, but I mean, not everyone, ‘cause that would just be unfair, and he could… um, sit with Nora. He seems to prefer that.”

Nora was near enough she heard her name, and had seen the glance at Simon. She wasn’t fully sure what Ann was saying, but it made her clear her throat quietly and glance around, mostly in her own head. Soon enough Taylor left, after whatever it was he said to Simon, and Nora waited, almost hopefully, for Simon to return to her general area. He seemed angry at first, but then he was pleased to have Taylor gone, of course. Her shoulder’s relaxed slightly when Simon came back over.

“Ann, what’s lingerie?” Ann heard Andrew asked that and she coughed. “Andrew, be quiet” Simon insisted immediately. Nora had never exactly gotten the association with these items as Ann did, but she was able to realize what they were for. She’d hypothetically heard some interesting rumors of things to be worn on a wedding night, but in this context she was honestly just staring. Her dark eyes moved from lace to something altogether too shiny, and then jumped to Simon when he hushed his brother. She blinked slowly, as in generally amazed that he could speak.

“Lingerie is, um… for making guys find you more attractive I suppose. Eye candy?” she asked. Somehow the term seemed a bit too much like slang for the boy. If he had to ask what lingerie was, she decided to explain it better, “I just mean it is to wear and take off. I mean, um…” she was immediately flustered and blushed slightly, her hand squeezing slightly in a show of nerves, “Also for sleeping in.”

“This one looks nice. Are you going to buy anything?” Andrew asked.

She sighed, “No, I’m sure I don’t need any. I mean, I don’t…” have anyone who will be looking at them… oh goodness, don’t say that! “need them. But Nora sure seems to have attention.”

“I what?” Nora asked, choking slightly. Her eyes moved to Simon, before immediately back to Ann, who didn’t seem to understand what she’d done.

“I just mean… well, anyway, we can find you a nightgown, we ought to. It’s better than sleeping in one of Taylor’s shirts or something. And you’ll need bras and underwear of your own. I promise they have simple ones, not just ones to look at,” she said with a small smile. Nora looked slowly blank. She simply couldn’t react to that. She put her hands in her pockets firmly and just nodded. But Ann still felt like helping, “I’m sure the boys can wait somewhere else for that, if you’d like, I mean, if you don’t want them to see that.”

“That would likely be best,” Nora said, hardly audibly, still blinking slowly, certain this was a completely impossible situation.

[Psyche]

Andrew let go of Ann’s hand to wander off, perusing the items on nearby shelves, a mission to make himself useful. When she questioned him further about going to swim, he turned his attention on Simon, who looked surprisingly relaxed, and shrugged his shoulders.
In truth, he thought Ann’s worries were fairly accurate. “Endure” was a thing Simon did well. It was very rare that he seemed interested in anything at all. He couldn’t be sure, though.Their interactions for as long as he could remember were unusually formal. Simon seemed almost on the brink of disowning him when he had started appearing around the Ashton household. It wasn’t exactly as if they were sharing bosom secrets of late, and his older brother had a way of surprising him.
“I don’t know. He might enjoy it,” Andrew said optimistically, though he suspected Simon would spend the whole evening, arms crossed, thinking of ways to murder their host. At that, he noticed Taylor’s disappearance. He was surprised the lightening of the atmosphere had not clued in him earlier.
At Ann’s explanation, Andrew smiled in understanding and returned his hands to his pockets where they would not get him into trouble. When she admitted she was not buying any, Andrew lost all remaining interest. She seemed flustered trying to explain.
“No, of course,” he said sweetly, playing upon her definition as if it all made sense. “You wouldn’t need to make yourself more attractive.” At the mention of Nora getting attention, he saw Simon turn abruptly away. A snicker burst from him, and the threatening glare that Simon gave to silence the outburst made him erupt into uncontrolled laughter. Ann diffused the situation somewhat, but his eyes were still watering with mirth when she dismissed them to wait in other part of the store. Simon seemed grateful for the escape.
”You are a cretin,” he informed his younger brother when they were alone.

[Stockmon]

Ann was easily interested in other people’s lives, so despite not necessarily buying anything for herself, she was happy to help Nora. It was no problem for her. She also liked the idea of window shopping a bit in this store. Maybe if she ever had someone to show off for, it would seem more viable to buy things, but as it was, she was just here for Nora. Well, not that Andrew wasn’t taking a lot of her attention.

“I don’t know. He might enjoy it”

“Well if he will, we’ll definitely have to do that,” Ann said, smiling at Andrew. She didn’t know enough about Simon to fully imagine him crossing his arms, sulking in a corner like a lanky toddler, but somehow the image wouldn’t have surprised her as much as it probably ought. She rubbed her hands together thoughtfully when Andrew’s hands went to his pockets. It was strangely unfortunate, but she supposed that was normal.

“No, of course. You wouldn’t need to make yourself more attractive,” Andrew said. Ann just blushed bright red. As if she were not already embarrassed. Nora could slightly sympathize with the girl. Who gave outright compliments like that? And in the context of this store? Really, Andrew? Nora would have shaken her head at his comment, but she was busy being highly frustrated with him. At Ann’s comment Simon looked away. Why would he act that way? Of course he was attached to her, but it wasn’t like he would ever care to see her in any of these things. That is, if she were in the habit of wearing these things. He’d seen her in a nightgown, wasn’t that enough? Wait, what? Of course that was enough. It was more than enough, wholly inappropriate. She knew that much.

Andrew, sparing no one’s embarrassment, started snickering, and then laughing. Really, truly laughing. Simon’s energy was threatening, but he did not seem to be having any impact on the younger Lockwood. She just sighed in defeat and went with the teenage girl. It was better than standing in the stew of hilarity and outrage the brothers seemed to have about them.

“So, Nora is a pretty name,” Ann said when they were away. Nora arched an eyebrow at her. Simple flattery. He first impulse was to scoff at it and dismiss it as if Ann wanted to butter Nora up for something. It never worked, and often times he replied with a humble I’m aware in regard to almost all compliments, or something similar. In this case though, Nora knew the girl sounded sincere, and did not work in the same ways that Nora was prepared for.

“Thank you, as is Ann. Simple and pleasant. You seem that way,” Nora commented. Perhaps that wasn’t entirely complimentary. She meant it in that way though, to be complimentary. She had no strong familiarity to the girl, but she appreciated her energy and her help. She wanted to ask about Nora getting attention but it was not a topic she wanted to face.

Ann pointed out that her name was actually Andromeda, and they got into a highly enthusiastic discussion of literature. Apparently Ann could actually speak to some of Nora’s interests, and it made Nora, for the time being, relax. It was calming to discuss. Nora could pretend that they were not in a different time, she could pretend her heart had not been broken, could stop imagining her future devoid of happiness. Nora was allowed to not think of the glares or the venomous comments coming from Simon of late. She could even pretend that some young woman named Ann was not handing Nora laced braziers and asking if she knew her size. No. What? No. Nora could ignore those things as she found that their discussion of literature, at least between the two of them, was timeless.

Eventually she did have to tend to the clothes. Ann found Nora a cute nightgown similar enough to one of Summer slips, and ones more like a large t-shirt, which was still a concept that confused Nora. She half imagined something falling into the oversized blouse object and would have winced had Ann not already put her mind somewhat at ease. There were a few other outfits for nighttime use as well. They figured out her bra size, delightfully enough, and bought enough undergarments to appease Ann. That meant seven of each.

At one point, after purchasing all the other necessary items, Ann found a certain corset. More so, surprisingly, Nora noticed it. It was red down the front strip, with black around the rest, and clear black lace at the bottom. She noticed it and touched the soft fabric.

“Do you like these? Corsets?” Ann asked. Nora snorted slightly, explaining that the corsets she was accustomed to were far less flashy, but she did like corset’s at least. “Oh, well in that case!” Nora picked up the red and black object. She bought it without a second thought. Nora couldn’t imagine she really needed to wear it, but she didn’t question the girl.

Once they got back to the company of Andrew and Simon, who Nora was glad to see had not murdered each other in the time being, Nora let herself adopt a somewhat grateful smile, mostly directed at Simon. It could have been directed at Andrew, no doubt, were she to look at the boy. Ann looked from Nora to Simon for a moment, and then happily trotted over to Andrew.

“Well, we should go to a general clothing store next. Unless you guys want underwear. But that should be at one. Because guy’s underwear just isn’t as pretty at girl’s. Anyway!” she said, trying to carry over her enthusiasm, “We can also get some swimwear if… Simon, do you like swimming?”

Since Ann didn’t often actually address Simon, Nora looked at Ann for a split second, and then back to Simon. She was curious on what he would say. At least they had just walked out of the lingerie store. It was nice to not have that context lingering around.

[Psyche]

Andrew and Simon waited dutifully outside the store, the former engrossed in exotic sights and people while his elder stared sullen at the shop for any sign of his mistress. He complained to himself about the length of time they were taking and worried about the discomfort Nora must feel. Though he hardly admitted it to himself, he tried to imagine what the two might be picking. He thought of some of the displays and blushed in a combination of shame and guilty interest. He knew that Nora would hardly choose some of them on her own, but under Ann’s influence, he wasn’t sure what would result. With some difficulty, he forced his imagination into less risky territory. They were taking quite a while, though…
Just as he was about to sate both his curiosity and his impatience, the women appeared, loaded down with straps on each arm. He held out a hand, a gesture to relieve them of the weight. He offered Nora a friendly smile as the packages were being transferred and noticed the embarrassment playing across her features. In spite of his sympathy for her position, he was amused at the show of modesty and silently promised to forgo the subtle glance he had hoped to take at their purchase. Andrew helped himself to half of the bags, and they fell in formation behind Ann, who was glad to lead the way.
The next shop was larger and decidedly more relaxed. Andrew took to surveying the possibilities immediately, and Simon trailed his mistress with a more casual air now that his competition was gratefully elsewhere. His younger brother flitted about from aisle to aisle, dominating Ann’s attention and holding out various items for her opinion.
”How’d it go?” he asked, once he was sure the two were out of range. ”She seems nice enough.” Several yards away, Andrew was holding up what appeared to be a women’s blouse with obvious enthusiasm. He could see the girl shake her head with some amusement and steer him toward a more appropriate section. The hint of a smile pressed Simon’s lips as he looked down at Nora. For a moment, he felt he could almost be happy here. His brother’s frolicking was almost cheering, and he couldn’t recall the last time life had felt so simple. It was freeing to simply be one in a crowd. Here, there were no second glances, no condescension, no expectations. He was one in a million, no different from anyone else. No one cared about his relationship or his status. He had never dreamed of the power in anonymity. There was no shame in his feelings for her, no social hurdles to overcome. Without Taylor to dampen the mood, he was almost jolly.
It wasn’t long before they rejoined with the group, Andrew finally corralled under Ann’s direction. Simon stood beside Nora with a familiarity he would not have dared in their time and smiled at her whenever their eyes met. He picked aimlessly through the racks, pretending to be at work while the others chose outfits for him. Occasionally, Ann would hold up articles for him and call on the others’ input. Andrew emphatically agreed with her every suggestion, and Simon brushed her compliments off with embarrassment when they came. With every vote, he glanced to see Nora’s reaction before putting in his final decision.
It wasn’t long until the cart was full, and Simon had to wonder how exactly the bill would be handled. Not to mention the chore it would be carrying it back to the vehicle… The younger pair seemed unconcerned, so he contented himself with watching the three with quiet amusement. He was glad to see that Nora’s stress seemed to have diminished. He wished that they could simply stay that way. He mused to himself that he had never been more in love with her.

[Stockmon]

Exotic was something the lingerie store offered, but everything was exotic and foreign to the Victorians. Nora was happy to be near Andrew and Simon again, and Ann was surprisingly more pleased at being with Andrew again. She seemed to take any opportunity to touch his arm or just smile at him. Nora found it highly unusual. They were in public, and Ann was so clearly flirting with Andrew by now. It was all light and innocent, but it was noticeable, it baffled Nora. However when she looked at Simon and he seemed to surprisingly relaxed, Nora couldn’t worry as much.

She still felt uncomfortable with Simon holding that bag of lingerie. Really. He should not be holding it. It had been nice of him to offer, but she kept eyeing the bag periodically and them him, making sure he wasn’t looking at it. He did not need to have that mental image. He had enough image of her from the nightgown day that he could picture her in those, she supposed. Not that he would. That was absurd. She thought more highly of him that to suppose he might do that. Okay, no, she didn’t. She didn’t know how men’s minds worked, but they grew up together. Why would he imagine her of all people, like that? He was… attractive enough, and he had comforted her before, but really, it was absurd. At least he was smiling more often lately.

The next store was larger and far less uncomfortable for Nora. Andrew was definitely the happiest about all things. Ann was a close second, guiding him and telling him that several items would no doubt look very good on him, then adding something about “but you probably look good in everything anyway.”

“How’d it go?” Simon asked as the children were off playing their shopping game. Nora blushed and sighed.

“It went… fine. I mean, I doubt you would get that much interest in my undergarments, so just know it went fine.”

“She seems nice enough.”

“Oh, she’s… very nice. Andrew seems quite taken with her. Perhaps that’s good, as she seems highly interested in your brother. It’s sweet… to just be able to relax that was,” Nora said thoughtfully.

The groups came back together and Ann seemed determined to embarrass Nora. Nora had never realized something would be embarrassing until she could not avoid it. Ann would direct everyone’s attention to something Simon might wear, and seemed bent on asking Nora’s opinion each time. It was exhausting. “Don’t you think he’d look good in this?” “Would he be more handsome in this or that?” General questions. Once she simply asked “What do you think Simon would look like in this?” And she always asked so that Simon was close enough to hear the answer.

Nora calmed herself from the onslaught of questions and attempted a very neutral, “I imagine he would look very attractive in that. He seems to do that naturally enough.”

One point in time Ann had outdone herself. Nora started to think that the delightfully bubbly young woman had a game plan. She had talked Nora into trying something on, and what she handed the woman was mortifying. Ann insisted that it was not strange around there to wear such things, and in an attempt not to call more attention to her general displacement, Nora went along with it. She was put in a pair of plaid converse shoes, denim short-shorts, and the red and black corset. She had never believe she would show that much skin, ever, but it had happened. That wasn’t enough though, not for Ann.

“Simon, what do you think?” she asked casually when she convinced Nora to step out for a few seconds. Nora stood, waited for the answer, and ducked back inside gracefully. The grace of someone still mortified at dressing that way, but at least hiding it. Eventually all the clothes were collected and Ann went to the cashier and paid with Taylor’s card.

Nora hung back near Simon, “I apologize for… all of Ann’s questions. She seems to be quite interested in us, for some reason. You’ve been quite good natured about it though. It’s been a nice day,” she sighed finally. Ann brought the clothes and made a call to have Taylor come back and pick them up. She made sure to talk excitedly with Andrew as they waited, and Nora, though much quieter, did make some conversation with Simon as they waited. Once Taylor arrived they all loaded up and went back to the house.