Allow Me

Plot With Me

The Photography Studio of Georgie Bancroft

December 26th, 1883

London, England

The low light of winter's sun had reached its peak, casting the studio in yellow rays that illuminated every dust particle in the open, airy room.

Every dust particle, the chaise, and Adelaide.

She stood in the center of the studio in her robe, beneath which she wore only her thinnest chemise and corset. In front of her, Georgie fiddled with the camera - a much lighter, newer version than the one that she used to have. Adelaide and Georgie had spent hours together, with Adelaide modeling so that Georgie could practice her craft.

In a cynical way, perhaps Adelaide had been practicing her craft, as well. She just had not known it yet.

Only one other person was in the room with them, though he had not even glanced Adelaide's way since stepping inside the studio. Indeed, Gregory stood facing the door, his arms crossed over his chest. At Adelaide's behest, he'd agreed to act as security, should Theodore figure out where she was and decide to try and stop her.

"Is he going to spend the whole time pretending we are not here?" Adelaide whispered to Georgie.

Georgie halted her work to look over her shoulder at her husband, then turned back to Adelaide with a roll of her eyes.

"He is being absolutely absurd," Georgie grumbled as she returned her attention to the camera. "Ever since I asked if he stepped out on me, he refuses to even look at a woman. The housekeeper has been deeply confused all day."

"That is quite sweet," Adelaide said, trying to hide the wave of despair that threatened to destroy her composure. What might it be like, to have a husband who loved her so deeply? Envy gnawed at her, though she knew it was unfair to Georgie.

"It is silly," Georgie corrected.

"Yes, but at least he is silly for you."

Adelaide had not meant to sound chiding, but Georgie snapped her mouth shut nonetheless. A few seconds of strained silence ensued, followed by a soft, "You are right."

Adelaide thought about trying to backtrack on her words, but ultimately decided against it. In the end, she meant what she'd said. It was time for her to start saying the kinds of things that she really meant, even if it was uncomfortable.

"Alright," Georgie said eventually, pushing herself up with a groan. Her stomach was not protruding in an obvious way yet, but Adelaide could see the toll that the extra weight was starting to take on her.

"Are you well, love?" Gregory asked over his shoulder, keeping his eyes averted.

"Fine," Georgie grunted, taking one last look at the camera before straightening and looking Adelaide in the eye. "Are you ready?"

Adelaide nodded, consenting to proceed with something that she had no real understanding of. How did one create pornography, exactly? Not that she had any moral quandaries about it - she was friends with Georgie, after all - but she had never envisioned herself in this position. Ergo, she had no idea what poses might be effective.

"Go for it, then," Georgie encouraged, kneeling down until her head disappeared behind the camera.

Adelaide swallowed. Go for what, exactly?

She had to get rid of the robe, first. That much was obvious. Untying the knot around her midsection, she started to shuffle it off.

"Wait," Georgie instructed. "Let it slide off your shoulders a bit, then hold it still."