Before We Turn to Stone | NC17 | Bleak House

[ubiquitousmixie]

Title: Before We Turn To Stone
Summary: The progression of love between a maid and her mistress.
Fandom: Lady Dedlock/Rosa, Bleak House
Requested by: kitnkabootle
Rating: NC17
Word Count: 20K
Disclaimer: Not mine. Wish they were. Please don't sue.
Author's Note: This story is my baby. I really was terrified to receive this prompt because, well, it’s a little

Comments

[dragonwine]

Although I had no prior knowledge of my beta’ing fandom, reading and working with this story quickly hooked me. I love your characterization, attention to detail, and dialogue of all of Dickens’ characters, but especially Lady Dedlock - a woman whom upon first introduction piques all senses. Her gradual evolution throughout “Before We Turn to Stone” was cunningly crafted and intriguing to witness. I enjoyed seeing Rosa crack LD’s stony veneer bit by bit--and what happens next between the mistress and her maid is nothing short of delicious!

The taboo affair under Sir Leicester’s nose injects a lot of intensity when I least expected it-in particular: the moment where LD is freeing Rosa from the wardrobe and hears her husband stir behind her. Close call! Sir L. is expressive and a generally likable bloke who would, unfortunately, make a better friend and ally to his wife than a mate. I liked his charisma and his willingness to listen and devotedly defer to LD at key moments throughout the story. Makes his demise an even more poignant event.

You kept the plot humming along at a sweet pace while LD and Rosa fell dangerously in love to the climatic scene of Sir L’s stroke and the hopeful aftermath of LD showing up at Rosa’s door. Quite an emotionally-driven ride!

And Rose is a mischievous imp; I loved her boldness and her strong sense of self. Having those sides of Rosa play out in her span of sex scenes with her mistress was pure yum. *It’s raining long grain wild rice* What I like most about your rendition of Rosa is that she nonchantly proves that having material wealth doesn’t necessarily equate to a fulfilled life.

The Victorian eccentricity of this period spills beautifully into every corner of BWTtS and sweeps the reader directly into that classic time. I’m sure that your thoughtful homage to that period undoubtedly matches the themes explored in the book and mini-series. Thanks for giving us unfamiliar readers a sense of those original mediums. BWTtS is a nice blend of Victorian social norms, stark tragedy and honest intimacy in one well-balanced gift! Entertaining and memorable writing, LemonZest!

Double thanks for the thoughtfully selected fan mix to accompany the tangible world of Bleak House!

[ubiquitousmixie]

thanks for the kick ass comment, boo...even though you had already read the story and told me your thoughts. :D

also: i effing LOVE your icon! LOL!