Melissa’s Season by Karen Blayne

Oh by the way the red tape first.

Be warned these short stories contain mature content or naughty bits and as such may corrupt you if you’re under 12, 16, 18, 21 or 25 depending where you live thus they are not suitable for you so put them back on the shelf and let them age for a year or two.

They were sort of scribbled for fun. They were first posted on asstr.org. If you’ve paid money for this book just be aware the author has not received any payment. In fact no one has permission to charge money for this book and copyright is retained by the author. All copies must be of the complete document. Asstr.org accepts donations if you’re feeling rich or even if you’re not.

Luv Karen

Maud looked round the cottage, well that was that then. She’d sold what she and Helen couldn’t carry to the neighbours and now it was time to go and seek her fortune. Helen looked a bit bewildered but took her hand and together they left the cottage behind them. They walked to the big house and spoke to the new owner who was sitting in the front garden. “Maud and Helen?” He queried. “Yes me Lord. Both our parents were carried off by the fever.” “I’d better find you somewhere to stay then hadn’t I, come with me.” He walked them through the front door and down into the kitchens. “Mrs. Beecham could we find room for these two somewhere? I suspect they’d like to share a room for the moment so perhaps the old nursery room?” He turned back to the girls, “Can you read and write?” Maud nodded “I can but Helen hasn’t started her letters yet.” His eyebrows raised “Well I was thinking we needed a school for the estate anyway so I’d better get organised hadn’t I? For the moment I think your duties will be to look after your sister and we can see where you will best fit in later. I’ll leave you with Mrs. Beecham.” He wondered back towards the stables and thought about his new inheritance and responsibilities.

“He seems nice.” Maud offered to Mrs. Beecham “Well he’s more considerate than the last one I’ll give him that. Now then when did you two last eat?” Helen perked up and showed an interest in life. “Aren’t we saying grace?” Maud asked. “You can if you like but it's not the rule here and the other maids will pinch the best bits whilst you’re saying it. With the old lord it was family prayers with all the servants every day but the new one just says prayers should be private. You’ll still be expected to go to church or chapel on Sundays mind either for the morning service or evensong.” “I’d heard it used to be very strict and no chapel.” “It was, we had four maids leave when he said there won’t be any family prayers each day. They weren’t going to work in such a heathen place. The atmosphere has been much better since they left. Now have another spoonful of jam and a spot of butter on that last spot of bread.”

Michael sat down with his steward, “Well yes we’ve done well with corn but aren’t we a bit dependant on one crop? Are we farming the right mix? With the war on the demand for grain has been high so we’ve probably sown a lot of marginal land same as everyone else but with the war over now I think the demand will sink. People won’t be able to afford it. With the new corn laws and high prices the estate may do well but I doubt everyone on the estate and nearby towns will be able to afford bread. What about the Irish crop, potatoes? I know they don’t travel well for trade and they only last nine months or so but they could provide food locally and if we don’t need them we can always feed them to the pigs.” His steward nodded, well best keep on the new lord’s best side, after all he’d given the go ahead to more repair work and improvements in the last month than he’d been given permission to spend in the last ten years and you can only take out so much from an estate without putting anything back into it. “I daresay there might be early and late varieties of potatoes as well as the main crop, onions will last the full year and we can encourage the cottagers to grow peas, parsnips, turnips, swedes, green beans, broad beans, beetroot, and carrots as well as fruit. Gooseberries do well locally but there are others and we can always deliberately plant blackberry bushes in the hedges. The cottagers and tenants can either reuse last year’s seeds or I could buy some newer varieties from the seed merchants. I have to make the trip to buy that new clover seed you suggested anyway.” He crossed his fingers. He’d suggested the estate should build a few new well-built cottages but he’d been vetoed. “Repair what we can and throw up shacks and hovels for the moment, if we have a good year then perhaps next year. At the moment with all the unemployment after the war we’ll do well to house as many as we can.” Michael nodded his agreement to buying new seeds, and a few new fruit tree seedlings and hoped the steward knew his business. “Oh one last thing there’s a bit of poaching going on at the moment, we could do with a gamekeeper to control it otherwise we’ll see gangs of poachers roaming the estate.” Michael had had enough to think about so replied “We’ve covered a lot of ground today so we can deal with it another day.”

After dinner he was sitting by the fire side lost in a book when Maud slid through the discreetly opened door. She pulled the door too behind her and hesitantly walked across and sat herself on his lap. “Hello.” She threw her arms about him then kissed him on his lips. “What’s this all about then?” “Well Lizzy what’s in service told me that every house she’s been in the master kisses the maids and fondles them. She said one of them even went as far as to put her finger up her rude bit and wiggle it round. She said she liked that if she gets just fondled for a moment or two she says it just leaves her feeling uncomfortable. She says that the master's hands are soft so I thought I’d see what kissing you was like. Oh and she said she had to touch their rude bits with her tongue, but I think she was having me on.” He slipped his hand round to cup her breast then kissed her this time slipping his tongue in between hers. “Oh it feels all funny.” She gasped. “Wait until you have a young man then it won’t feel so funny. Whilst you’re working here you don’t need to touch me or kiss me or be fondled by me.” “Don’t you like me then?” “No, it's not that it's just easier if we don’t have that sort of relationship.” He tapped her on her behind, “Now off you go to bed.” “Wot yours?” She slipped away before he could tap her backside again.

Later that week he saw Colonel Rycroft storming up the drive. “Colonel Rycroft what can I do for you?” “Damned poachers are out again. My gamekeepers saw one take one of my birds on your land but he lost them in the chase.” “It might have been one of mine?” “Not a chance you don’t raise game birds such as pheasants, no no it must have been one of mine that flew onto your land. I’d see the lot of them hang never mind this idea of just transporting them for seven years.” “I’ll see my steward and see what can be done.” “The hunt’s meeting next Tuesday fancy a day’s sport?” “I don’t own any hunters I’m afraid.” “I could lend you one.” “Thank you for the offer but I’d be worried about the horse if I took a fall.” “Oh well I’ll be off then, let me know if you change your mind.” “I’ll be sure to.” Still annoyed with Colonel Rycroft he walked round past the stables intending to have a sit and calm down in the rose garden when he caught sight of his steward and one of the under gardeners hanging on to a subdued farm worker. “Anything interesting?” “No we just caught Billy here poaching rabbits so with your permission I’m hauling him off to the magistrate's milord.” “Shot gun or ferret?” “Ferret milord.” “Well at least he’s less likely to shoot someone with a ferret.” One of Colonel Rycroft’s guests had accidentally shot one of his estate workers only the previous week. “Well you were saying we needed a game keeper, Billy you’re hired, five shillings a week, but you’re to supply each cottage on the estate with a pair of rabbits each week and however many my cook requires.” “But he’s a poacher.” “Not if he’s working for me on my land. Oh and whilst I think about it we need a dozen pheasants, partridges, and a dozen grouse on the estate so see to it.” “Are you intending to have a shoot then, three dozen birds won’t last long.” “No but at least the Colonel won’t be able to say any birds taken on my land must be his.” Billy stood grinning hardly able to believe his luck.

Michael went down to the kitchen. “I want to invite all the tenants and their wives plus any craftsmen and their wives in other words those who have an impact on the estate. We might want to invite any sensible members of their families as well. I want to make some changes but I want their expertise. I need someone who can organise things, a widow perhaps who has some education. Can you draw up a list and suitable food and let’s see if we can manage a dance afterwards to keep the wives and daughters happy.” “You’ll need someone to act as hostess.” “I’m sure if you give it some thought you’ll think of someone.” “How many should I invite?” “How many can we sit if we use the largest room? Perhaps the house keeper can give us some idea of how many place settings we can manage. I’d rather err on having too many that miss someone critical. Oh we‘ll need the senior indoor and outdoor staff as well.” “We could roast an Ox and eat it outside in a buffet style? That way their children could come as well.”

“Right you’d been fed and now you have to sing for your supper. Well not sing exactly but I’m after ideas. I’m not a farmer so I don’t know quite what to do for the best. We’ve won the war but that means thousands of solders no longer have a job. The government has cancelled lots of orders to make guns and other equipment from the manufacturers which will mean more unemployment. I’m happy to fund any apprenticeships we can manage but the apprentices will have to attend school one day a week to learn how to read, write and do their sums. I’d like to set up a school for anyone to attend that will need organising. We can start by using one of the rooms in the house. The new corn laws mean high prices for bread but with so many unemployed many won’t be able to afford it. If we import grain from Europe then they would have money to buy our manufactured goods which would mean more employment but we can’t at the moment. The estate has been enclosed fairly recently which means many people have lost access to common land. If we have a good corn harvest for the next three or four years, we’re fine, but one or two bad ones and we’ll all suffer. I understand a lot of land that wasn’t previously considered fit for corn has been brought under cultivation. Perhaps we should grow something else on it? Finally we have a stream on the estate that could power a mill. If we built a spinning mill we could keep our local weavers supplied and cloth sells for a better price than wool. For the next four years the rent money will be ploughed back into the estate but where should it be spent? New farm implements? Fertilizers and seeds? New teams of farm animals? I’d rather spend money on smaller projects than larger ones so have a think about what you’d like to see and then we can set some priorities.” He held his breath as the debate began. His head gardener was the first, “Does this mean that the flower gardens are to be ploughed over?” “No but it does mean that I expect you to hire more staff and teach them how to grow plants. You have expertise that could assist us in developing better varieties and if you were to take farm apprentices one day a week besides their reading and writing day I’m sure you could teach them more on growing a wider range of crops or how to extend the season.”

Eventually the main priorities emerged but it took a week or more before everyone had their say. Some were too shy to speak in public but had sensible ideas. Two teachers were hired and the school was set up in two rooms of the manor house. Many of the pupils were overawed by their surroundings for the first few days, but it seemed to work. Colonel Rycroft dropped by to express his views and was listened too politely before being sent on his way. The Vicar dropped by to express his views on education for the masses but after being reminded that it would enable them to read their bible went away placated, saying he intended to give each pupil their own copy of the New Testament when they finished school. Things seemed to be settling down and Michael decided it was time to journey to London to confer with his business colleagues.

Everyone on the estate was anxious about Melissa’s season, they all knew that the estate could barely afford one season for her and it had to be a match with someone with enough money to turn the estate round. Everyone on the estate knew how essential that was after her father’s predecessor. Her father had inherited the estate unexpectedly after an accident in the hunting field. There were those who thought it might not have been an accident at all but a disgruntled local who couldn’t afford the increased rents his old lordship had been demanding to maintain his London lifestyle who’d caused his lordship’s horse to shy. The family have left for London but on arrival found due to a misunderstanding the one string of pearls and the few jewels that did exist had been left behind. Sally, a trusted servant, had been dispatched back for them.

She now sat quietly waiting for the coach to arrive. Pinned around her waist under her dress were the jewels her mistress had left behind, by her side were two burly grooms who had escorted her to the inn. One would continue on with her to London to ensure the jewels safety. Was that the new Lord Tamworth entering the inn she asked herself, an unassuming man who didn’t stand out as gentry he had more of the look of trade about him which she’d heard he’d been involved in, something to do with manufacturing? Still his estates were said to be worth an income of £5,000 a year, not one of the really wealthy ones but not to be totally ignored as the barmaid was doing. He was trying to catch the barmaid’s attention to ask for a bite to eat. If it was he, it was important to stay on his good side. The great fear was that Melissa would be a wallflower so any lord even was merely a minor baron with connections in trade who processed evening dress and could dance could be invaluable. She nudged Jed to gather him in whilst raising her eyebrow and with the ease of an upper servant who was used to commanding the best attention for her mistress soon had a servant girl standing in front of her ready to meet any demand the gentry might have. Jed led him back to their table and the servant girl immediately reappeared with a platter of cold meat and bread. “Perhaps you’d care to share with us?” She hoped he wouldn’t think her impertinent but his outstretched hand towards the food reassured her. Tom got a sharp elbow in the ribs to remind him he wasn’t hungry for more than a handful.

“Would you be travelling up to London then milord?” He looked round then suddenly realised that she was addressing him. “Well yes, I’ve only recently come into the title and I have to visit my man of business and thought to spend a day or two in London to see the sights. I’d prefer it if you didn’t milord me by the way.” Perfect, outside a horn blew as the stage coach pulled into the yard and the horses quickly changed. Sally scooped up the remaining food into a serviette she’d pulled from her bag and they dashed through the rain and puddles into the coach. Sally was squashed in the middle between Lord Tamworth and a farmer. She thought it preferable to let Lord Tamworth have the window seat. Jed climbed up on to the roof for one of the cheaper seats outside. She didn’t envy him at all but with Melissa’s season and the estate needing funds for long neglected repairs every penny counted. She let her thigh press against Lord Tamworth’s “Do you have enough room?” he asked, “Yes I’m fine if you don’t mind me pressed up against you.” They chatted to pass the time as the coach rumbled slowly along the turnpike road.

Many hours later as they crossed Hounslow Heath Sally was awoken by the cry of “Stand and deliver!” That wasn’t going to happen. “Everybody out!” Sally dug out the duelling pistol that had been weighing her reticule down and hid it in her right hand behind her skirts. As she dismounted she deliberately hitched up her skirts to give a glimpse of ankle below before stumbling into his lordship, who put his hand out to steady her. As soon as the highway’s attention was on his lordship the pistol was raised and the highwayman winged. A second shot rang out as Jed dropped his waterproof sheet and using the other duelling pistol shot the second highway man in the back as he whirled his horse round at the sound. Jed as always was pragmatic and snatched up the blunderbuss at the guard’s feet and let fly showering both men and horses which caused them to take off.

Sally pressed the smoking gun into his Lordship’s hand and cried loudly how brave he was. Jed meanwhile had reloaded his pistol and tucked it in his jacket. He wasn’t convinced that the driver and guard were completely innocent, especially when the guard talked about misuse of company property. Lord Tamworth chose to be amused and take the credit for driving off the robbers. The driver and guard certainly hadn’t been in a position to see exactly what had happened and his thoughts ran along the same lines as Jed’s did. Could the guard really not have noticed anything before it happened and as Sally whispered in his ear he’d have much fewer problems explaining things to the magistrate should they become involved.

That afternoon at the bustling London inn Lord Tamworth found it difficult to find a cab, Jed with his superior size soon had one at the curb. He’d planted Lord Tamworth’s bags inside as well as their own bags of fresh produce from the home farm before Sally even looked at his Lordship “Do you have somewhere to stay arranged?” “Not exactly.” “Well then I suggest you come back with us and we can ask Blenthorpe for suggestions.”

Sally motioned Jed to knock at the front door when he looked as if he might dive down the steps to the servants’ entrance. Jed hesitated for a moment wondering which would be worse Blenthorpe’s raised eyebrow or Sally’s tongue lashing. Well you never know your luck Blenthorpe might not answer the door. He raised the door knocker and let it fall and being a coward hurried back to pick up the bags. A footman opened the door and stared at the three of them lifting bags out of the hackney cab. Blenthorpe himself came to the door when he saw the footman gaping. He raised his forbidding eyebrow at Sally as she approached, “Lord Tamworth, let me speak to the family first.” She motioned with a small movement of her head. Blenthorpe caught his cue and motioning footmen to assist with all the bags he personally herded Lord Tamworth into the hall.

Sally slid into the living room and quietly addressed her ladyship. “I’ve the new Lord Tamworth in the hall, he assisted us when highwaymen attempted to steal the family jewels and has nowhere to stay tonight.” Lady Greythorne swept to her feet her husband close behind. Lady Greythorne knew every entry in Debrett’s Peerage by heart and whilst Lord Tamworth was below her mental line in the list of eligibles at the start of the season even ineligible eligibles were useful to encourage the rest.

“My dear Lord Tamworth, I understand we have to thank you for saving the family jewels.” Lord Tamworth looked puzzled. “Sally was carrying them under her dress when you ran those nasty highway men off. How can we ever thank you enough? You must certainly stay the night, Blenthorpe will arrange a comfortable room and you must have a bath after having had such a harrowing long hard eventful journey. Dinner is in an hour.” Blenthorpe guided him upstairs to the green room where already maids were carrying cans of hot water into the room and readying the copper bath. Meanwhile Sally, Caroline, the pretty parlour maid and Lady Greythorne made plans in the small drawing room. Lady Greythorne was as blunt as ever “How long is he around and how can we make best use of him?” “His plan is a short visit London to see his man of business and take in some of the sights.” “Can we somehow extend this visit but where will he stay? It would look to odd if he stays more than a night with us.” Caroline preened herself “If he would be content with Lord Kinston’s mistress’s abode I’m quite certain I could persuade him to stay on a few days, make himself available and take in the sights if you can spare me?”

Sally waited until Lord Tamworth had his bath then slid into his room followed by Blenthorpe and Caroline. “Now you’re here it seems a pity not to take in at least part of the season. Although practically any house with a good address has already been taken Blenthorpe thought perhaps, you might like to stay in Lord Kinston’s smaller home. It’s centrally located though not quite the best address and since he died this morning we could probably arrange something very quickly.” “But surely his widow...” “No she has the town house and his opera singer left yesterday with a new protector. The house itself is a gem, and the staff are very discreet. Oh there isn’t a valet on staff so Caroline kindly volunteered to go with you and attend to such matters.” Lord Tamworth glanced at Caroline, he could easily be persuaded by her smile, blue eyes and very shapely figure. He hesitated since he felt as if his life was being organised for him but Caroline was enough to bring the balance down on the side of agreeing. “Thank you my lord, I’ll go and make the arrangements immediately. It is not generally known but the housekeeper’s niece is housekeeper there and I’m certain she’ll make every effort for your comfort.” Blenthorpe turned on his heel and left the room closing the door behind him.

Caroline turned the key in the lock and turned back to face Lord Tamworth swaying her hips as she walked across the room and sat down in his lap and kissing him firmly on the lips. “I hope you don’t mind that there isn’t a male staff member available to act as your valet but I’ve had some experience acting as a lady’s maid and it can’t be that different, can it?” She then knelt in front of him lifting the towel off his lap and running her fingers up and down his hardening rod. “What Caroline is trying to say my Lord is that Lady Greythorne’s daughter is coming out this season and we would appreciate your escort from time to time so she doesn’t appear to be a wallflower.” Sally leant over and kissed him on the lips as Caroline’s lips hovered over the tip of his rod, he could even feel her warm breath as she exhaled. “I do hope we can come to a mutually satisfactory arrangement.” Caroline cupped his testicles in her hand. “Just agree then we can move on.” She smiled up at him and Caroline’s smile was a very potent weapon. “Well it would seem churlish to refuse.” Caroline’s head lowered slowly and her lips engulfed him. Sally contented herself with stroking his neck and shoulders.

He came quickly as Caroline intended, there would be time for more enjoyable more leisurely teasing later on. At the moment the pressing need was to get him dressed in his evening wear and down to eat with the family.

Sally slipped downstairs to where the family had gathered before going into dine leaving Caroline to help Lord Tamworth get dressed. She whispered quietly into Lady Greythorne’s ear that Lord Tamworth would be delighted to offer his escort to the ball that evening but was uncertain about whether he would be welcomed without an invitation. Lord Tamworth thought Melissa looked well enough but was either too insipid to hold an opinion or too wrapped up in how beautiful she was.

“My dearest Alicia I simply knew you wouldn’t mind if I dragged along Lord Tamworth this evening, the poor bachelor knows absolutely no one in London yet so I felt certain you’d take pity on him.” The two ladies exchanged kisses in the air, they both understood the hostess was certainly not going to turn away an eligible titled male with her own daughter and two cousins to fire off.

Michael stood up with Melissa for the first all important dance so it would be seen that she wasn’t a wallflower then as he returned her to her mother Sally approached him quietly with a discreet tap on the elbow. He raised his eyebrow being surprised to see her. “Oh I’m helping out tonight but we need to help Jane at the moment.” She murmured quietly guiding him to Lady Nicholson. She dropped a curtsy “Lord Tamworth my lady” she turned to Michael “Lady Nicholson was saying how closely you resembled the old Lord Tamworth in his youth.” She curtseyed again and faded away into the furniture. Lady Nicholson pulled herself together “Yes, yes I remember him well as if it was only yesterday, tall man with dark hair but enough of my memories do meet my daughter Jane.” Michael took pity on Lady Nicholson and forbeared mentioning at five foot four his cousin twice removed could hardly have been called tall. He asked Jane if he could have the honour of this dance and with sparkling eyes she agreed.

“She hadn’t mentioned anything of the sort you know but I’m certain you knew that. Now why did you, of course now I see the hand of Melissa’s maid in this. Why didn’t I see it before of course it must be because you have to dance with a society diamond as well as Melissa or they’ll suspect.” “Suspect?” “Oh that you’re being used to encourage the others to dance with Melissa of course.” She smiled at him “Oh what fun to watch the machinations at first hand.” They were parted by the movements of the dance. As the dance came to an end, he led her back to her mother. “Why what a coincidence my second cousin is there already.” She smiled at him. “Now meet my cousin Angela and I’ll write you in for the supper dance.” “Perhaps Melissa will require my presence for the supper dance.” “Oh don’t be so stuffy, Angela will arrange her escort won’t you Angela?” “Of course now you simply must have the supper dance with Jane, I shall simply mention to one of my admirers how nice it would be to have supper with Melissa and the deed is done.” Angela was definitely a diamond of the first water and Michael felt hesitant in asking her to dance. “Now my Lord are you going to take pity on the poor girl in front of you who doesn’t yet have a partner for the next dance?” She asked with a twinkle in her eye, Michael knew his duty and asked for the privilege of the next dance. “I thought you’d never ask. Oh you’d better sign my card for the first waltz as well.” She offered her empty dance card to him. “Well if you dance twice with me then it adds to Melissa and Jane’s consequence in that you’ve also danced with them and I adore my cousin Jane. Besides it’s not so obvious as nudging my partners in their direction.”

Michael spent the evening dancing with first one young lady then another. It seemed to be that whenever he returned one girl to her chaperon another second or third cousin would just happen to be there chatting. He enjoyed drawing Jane out over supper seated with Angela and Melissa although the more general conversation at the table spilled into their conversation at times. As he left the supper buffet Sally who had been clearing plates from nearby tables drew him to one side and mentioned when he was ready to leave Jed would be available with a carriage after two a.m. so to just call for his carriage when he was ready.

It was 2:30 a.m. by the time he managed to escape his hostess’s thanks for his part in making her daughter’s ball such a success. Her “If ever I can be of service just let me know.” Floated down the staircase after him. Outside he found Jed and a carriage awaiting, Sally was sitting inside. “I thought you could give me a ride home. How did you like your first taste of the London season?” “I found the girls a bit insipid, all they had to talk about was hunting, fashions and on-dits, I felt I didn’t dare raise the subject of corn, canals, manufacturing or anything interesting at all in case I shocked them.” “Speaking of which in order not to shock the ton Jed is returning you to your new home rather than Lord Greythorne’s abode so I hope you enjoy it.” They dropped Sally off first then proceeded to Michael’s new home where Caroline was curled up half asleep in an armchair in her night attire awaiting his arrival. “The rest of your staff is asleep. You can meet them in the morning. Sally gave Jed a list of your partners so he’ll arrange for suitable flowers to be sent to each before you do your morning calls after lunch. Now it’s time to get you upstairs and into bed.” “You needn’t have waited up for me.” “It’s not so much you as your clothes, the sooner I get them hung up the fewer creases they’ll have in them.”

She led him upstairs to the master bedroom and helped him undress, folding his clothes away nicely. His nightshirt was laid out on the bed. He turned his back on her, quickly dressed then slid in between the sheets. “No warming pan?” She slid in next to him “It’s a small staff so you get me snuggling up, and only snuggling up until you’re warm, besides its fewer sheets to wash.” She blew out the candle and quickly fell back asleep.

It was ten o’clock the next morning before Michael awoke to find Caroline dressed holding out a cup of coffee to him. “Breakfast is now being served downstairs. I could bring it up, or you could eat in the breakfast room.” “I prefer my food hot, is the kitchen out of bounds?” “What a revolutionary idea, I suppose provided we don’t have company it could be arranged.”

She helped him dress then together they descended down and into the large basement kitchen. “Lord Tamworth your entire staff.” They looked up hesitantly and rose to their feet. “No no sit down and continue your meal just find me a plate and place at table. I prefer to eat in the kitchen.” The two maids raised their eyebrows. The female cook turned back to her closed range. Caroline walked across and pointed to the bacon and held up her fingers to indicate how many rashers of bacon his lordship would like. “Is she deaf?” “French, his late lordship liked his food and Chantal likes to cook. Unfortunately his mistress’s French maid left with his mistress so now it’s pointing time.”

Well his kidneys, eggs and bacon were done to a turn. The bread was long and thin, crusty and delicious but not quite what he was used to. Chantal pointed to the clock at the end of the kitchen and then at a large dinner plate, with gestures, much effort and goodwill they managed to indicate the meal times. Michael was quite exhausted by the time he left the kitchen and entered the study. Caroline trailed in behind him carrying a tray covered with envelopes and a list of names and addresses. “These arrived this morning, I opened them, they’re invitations so you’ll need to answer at least some of them. Here’s the list of morning calls you need to make this afternoon, Jed’s already sent flowers round.” Michael looked horrified “Can’t I just go and see my man of business and perhaps a few canal builders?” “To get Melissa launched you must not only dance with her and so forth but you must also appear to be a man about town.” Michael winced so Caroline unbuttoned his flies and reminded him of just how good it felt to feel her lips around his Mr. Big.

He looked at all the invitations and thought of the problems in trying to keep track of them all. “Just find me a secretary who speaks French whilst I go and do the pretty.” He looked out of the window and seeing Jed had brought the carriage round he picked up his hat and cane in the hallway and set off for his morning calls. Inside he found Sally had left notes on whom he was to call.

Caroline wrote a note to Sally and dispatched it with one of the maids. Then she retired to his lordship’s bedroom to inspect his clothes and see what new ones he would require to pass muster. She seemed to recall one of the debutants had eloped and her French maid had been dismissed without a reference. She wondered if she could be found, she would at least speak French. Keeping track of his invitations won’t be difficult, Sally would know which to accept and where he should be appearing to be of most benefit to Melissa.

By the time he had returned Caroline had his evening dress laid out. “Would you like a lie down before this evening? Oh dear consider that unsaid, I’ll have to be more careful with my words won’t I? By the way this is Chantal who speaks French.” Chantal curtsied. “She looks more like a lady’s maid to me than a secretary.” “Well she was until her charge eloped.” “Dismissed no doubt without a reference?” “You need some more clothes and Chantal has some experience tailoring, it would be cheaper than Weston would charge you.” “Let’s give her a try then. Since I’m well aware that Weston would charge me an arm and a leg does she need an assistant or two? I assume they could probably run up Melissa a frock or two as well? I’d budgeted £100 for new clothes so we’ll say £30 each for Chantal and two others for a year of service and £10 for material to start with.” He drew out his purse and counted out the money into Chantal’s hand. Chantal curtseyed her agreement whilst Caroline looked on in shock. “Just how much is your income from the estate?” She gasped at this largesse. “This year I hope for a thousand or so after I’ve spent some money on repairs. Don’t worry I won’t outrun the constable. I take it we have some room for them in the attics?” Caroline nodded then wondered about working for him directly especially if he was paying twice the going rate.

Later at the Greythorne’s town residence the family, together with Sally and Caroline were holding a council of war. “So how are things looking?” “It’s very early to say at the moment but at least two of Melissa’s dancing partners who also made morning calls are on our list of eligibles.” “Lord Tamworth mentioned he only expected to see an estate income of a £1,000 or so this year whilst he dealt with a backlog of repairs.” Lady Greythorne drew a line through his name on the list. “Pity he seemed such a nice boy.” “But we can still make him welcome can’t we?” Asked Melissa, “Of course we need him to add to your court but we need money to put the estate back to rights after your uncle neglected it and an income of a £1,000 a year isn’t going to go very far.” Caroline interrupted “He has just hired three French seamstresses to make him some clothes but made the suggestion that they could run up one or two frocks for Melissa as well.” “One will need to attend some of the balls and routs to see what are the latest fashions, Sally can you arrange it with Blenthorpe. He has mentioned that those houses who are entertaining often need temporary staff on the night of the ball.”

Jed mentioned to Sally that since Melissa had a good seat going for a morning ride in the park might attract some suitable suitors. The next morning Jed arrived at Lord Kinston’s abode with a suitable hack for Michael to escort Melissa in the park. Michael looked taken back. “I don’t think I’ve ridden more than a few times in my life.” Jed grinned and switched horses “You’d best take mine then, he’s a bit quieter.” Michael still looked hesitant, “Off you go.” Grinned Caroline “We can lick your wounds for you when you get back.” At this Michael mounted Jed’s mount and under Jed’s tutelage rode back to accompany Melissa around the park.

“I’d prefer a gentle walk rather than a trot or canter.” Melissa looked at him “Let me guess you don’t hunt?” Michael gave her a look, “Does it show that much?” “Don’t worry its not a requirement of the ton scene in London. Besides walking means we can talk and I don’t seem to get much chance these days.” “How is your season going so far?” “Well my uncle ran the estate down and placed a mortgage on it. We talked about the options at home and there is no hope of getting the money together to pay off the first mortgage by the time it is due, so father took a second mortgage out and that’s financing my season. If all goes well I can find someone with say £10,000 which will pay back the second mortgage and leave enough money to make improvements and sort out the estate so we can eventually pay off the first mortgage.” “And if it doesn’t?” “Well we won’t be any worse off than if father hadn’t inherited but we’ll lose the estate so we’ll be back to a cottage I expect, what a gloomy subject.” “Could you marry someone in trade?” “If I wasn’t the only child and had a brother then he could marry someone in trade. Their daughter would get the title you see and it would also give them a chance to have their views aired in parliament since all the laws are made by landowners rather than people in trade but I’m not, so no title to their son if he marries me. No it has to be one of the ton, Sally thinks either Lord Followell or more likely Sir Randolf Forward might come up to scratch. Both made morning calls yesterday and both have about the right amount of money.” “Right amount?” “It sounds so mercenary doesn’t it but if they are too rich then there would be too much competition from girls with better doweries, too little and the mortgages don’t get paid off.” “How would you spend the money for improvements if you had it?” “Oh my dream, a new bull, and a new ram, I’d buy in seeds for better yields, then there are newer farm implements such as improved ploughs, a pair of Shire horses.” She looked at him saucily “What women doesn’t like to go shopping?” “So would any bull or ram do?” “Certainly not, you have to consider the type of land and grazing and how hardy you need them to be, you’d better not get me started on which breeds are best.” She laughed “It’s nice being myself, I daren’t speak out like this to any of my suitors, it's all hide your knowledge and look up to them. I can’t imagine what Sir Randolf Forward would say if I expressed my ideas out loud. How are you enjoying the season?” “It’s interesting I suspect I’ve only been invited to so many events because of your family.” “Have you thought about wedding a heiress or someone in trade? Many are keen on a title.” “The heiresses are keeping away from me and those with trade connections are not at the ton events, no for the moment I’m enjoying the entertainments, and my French cooking, although having no French working out what to ask for is difficult sometimes. I’m well looked after by Caroline.” When he returned he noted down the improvements that Melissa had suggested.

As the season continued Sally grew more organised, frocks were dispatched to Chantal, adjusted then exchanged with frocks from three or four other girls who were doing the season after a discreet word with their maids, augmented by others that Chantal and her coworkers made up. Melissa only knew that her wardrobe seemed to have an endless supply of frocks suitable to the occasion and decided not to ask too many questions as to where they came from but she did suspect she saw one or two of her old ones with new trimmings were being worn to some balls. Michael escorted her to the theatre, once to the opera and often to a rout or ball, tactfully disappearing when her suitors arrived on the scene.

The season was winding down and Melissa waited anxiously for one or other of her suitors to declare himself. Finally as they sat down to dinner Lord Greythorne announced “Oh by the way Sir Forward has requested a meeting tomorrow morning, I assume to ask for your hand in marriage. Shall I accept him?” Melissa flashed a look at her father, both knew there was little choice. “He’s acceptable.” She sighed a sigh of relief, after everything they’d done it had all worked out well. Well tonight she’d celebrate by curling up with a book. Tomorrow could take care of itself.

Across town Michael was sat back relaxing after eating a superbly cooked meal. Caroline was curled up in his lap gently nibbling his ear and caressing him. He could get used to life like this but he had a pang of conscience about the estate and what would be best for his workers. The life of an idle man about town wasn’t really for him. Opposite him in the other armchair Chantal relaxed with a glass of wine. “So are you going to let her get away?” She asked. Caroline slid off his lap and knelling before him ran her fingers over his thighs unbuttoned his flies. “Do I really want someone who has her own point of view and doesn’t immediately agree with me no matter what I say?” Caroline’s head started to bob up and down. “So she hides her intelligence, but at least it will last unlike Caroline’s beauty.” “She’s two acceptable suitors after her hand at the moment. She’s already said she considers me safe and not to be considered husband material.” “The gambling knight and the Lord with strange tastes.” Michael looked at her. “I heard about the gambling but the strange tastes?” “He has two French maids who tie him up then cane him. It’s the only way his rod becomes hard. Not even someone like Caroline can get it hard any other way.”

“All right tomorrow I’ll go and try my luck.” He closed his eyes and concentrated on Caroline’s expertise. “You know I think we should teach you a few words of French.” Michael opened his eyes “At a time like this?” “Certainly there is no time like the present is there, an English expression n’est pas? Besides it is part of your education.” Caroline stepped back and Chantal led the way upstairs. “Lie down on the bed in the middle.” Michael did as he was instructed “Caroline lie down with your crotch at his head and your lips on his penis.” “Now you pleasure each other.” Michael looked baffled. Chantal slipped out of her dress “Off the bed Caroline.” She lay down “Now put your head between my cuisses.” She placed her hands on his head and guided it between her thighs. “Extend your langue, ah tongue I think you call it and lick.” “A little more to the left, the knob is very sensitive.” Gradually Michael brought Chantal to her orgasm. “Juliette you must lie down as well, he needs more practise.” “Caroline fetch Marie and afterwards he can finish you off nicely.”

In the morning when he came down to the kitchen, he found Caroline in a state of shock with a note in her hand. “What’s wrong?” She passed him the note. Lord Denny’s new stallion, a skittish bit of high strung prime blood, had cornered him in his box and trampled him to death before the grooms could get him out. The gambling knight had gone out with his friends to celebrate his forthcoming betrothal, drunk too much and lost his estate in a card game. “Well the gambling knight is a shame but how does Lord Denny affect things?” “The domino effect.” “Go on.” “Lord Denny was about to declare himself to one of the well-dowered beauties of the day. So she’ll lower her sights, which in turn means some other young lady will be looking for a suitable husband and so it goes on until you reach those with small doweries.” “You mean Lord Followell will suddenly become more attractive.” She nodded. “According to the servant network Miss Portia Catesby has already been seen riding with him first thing this morning and has accepted an invitation to a house party at his estate on Friday.” “The servant network?” “Gossip if you like, it's not only the fresh food that gets brought at the markets at daybreak but gossip gets exchanged so that it can be served with morning chocolate when the ton awakens.” “So this gossip will be all over town by now?” “Certainly, and the morning callers will be at Lady Greythorne’s gloating and offering false sympathy.” He looked up to see a livered footman carrying an envelope. “I’m to await your reply milord.” He broke the seal and glanced at the contents “Yes that’s most agreeable. I’m in Mr. Williams debt.” He scribbled a quick note on the bottom and returned it together with a gold coin. “If you could deliver them to my man of affairs with the note, I’d be grateful. Place it directly in his hand.” The footman left. “Now breakfast first, then I’ll need a carriage, which of our neighbours has one I can borrow for the morning?” He lifted a five pound note from his wallet and passed it over. “The young lady next door has one?” “She won’t be around before noon but her staff will be, I’ll arrange it directly with them.”

When he arrived at the Greythorne’s town house, everything was in panic mode. Blenthorpe was going to deny him entrance until a golden guinea was slipped into his hand. Well there wouldn’t be any more of those coming for a while. “Can you get Lord Greythorne into the library to see me?” Blenthorpe nodded and led the way into the library, returning shortly with Lord Greythorne who was looking ashen. “I’d like to marry your daughter.” Lord Greythorne nodded his consent then poured himself another whisky. Michael stepped back into the hall, another coin exchanged hands, “If you could escort Miss Greythorne and her maid immediately back to the library I would be most grateful.” Michael opened the front door and signalled the cleric who was standing by the carriage to enter the house. A few minutes later Melissa arrived in the library and rushed to put her arms round Michael. “Have you heard, it's so awful.” “There there my sweet it will all come out fine.” “It will?” “Trust me, now your father has given me permission to pay my addresses and the Reverend Benson has the special license so you’d best marry me.” He looked down hopefully at her. She raised herself on her toes and kissed him on the lips. “Yes of course if you still want me.” Michael nodded to the cleric and minutes later they were wed. “Now I don’t want to keep the horses waiting so we’ll be off. We can sort out about your belongings later.”

“Lady Tindale and Lady Hyde.” Announced Blenthorpe as he opened the door then returned to fetch the tea tray. “My dear have you heard that poor Sir Forward’s valet found his body this morning. He’d not only lost all his money at play last night but shot himself afterwards.” “Wasn’t he paying court to Miss Greythorne?” chimed in the other one. Lady Greythorne tried gamely to distance Melissa from him by saying “Oh no Melissa only danced a few dances with him, there was nothing formal.” “I understand Lord Followell is giving a house party and Miss Portia Catesby will be there, has Miss Greythorne been invited?” Blenthorpe entered carrying the tea tray. “Are we to see Miss Greythorne this morning?” Blenthorpe gave a discreet cough. “Lady Tamworth is at home with her new husband.” Ears perked up. “Lady Tamworth?” “Miss Greythorne was married in a very quiet ceremony this morning.” “A mere £1,000 a year income has he not?” “I understand the rent roll is £5,000 but he has been investing much of it this year on bringing the estate back up to scratch.” Obviously it was essential to be the first to spread this bit of delicious gossip before anyone else. “Oh my is that the time we really must be on our way.” Blenthorpe ushered them out of the door then returned. “Blenthorpe is it true my daughter was married this morning?” “Yes madam it was a rather rushed affair but your husband and I were present.” “And is his rent roll really £5,000 a year?” “So I understand but he also has some income from trade.” “Well we needn’t talk about that need we.”

“Your man of affairs Milord.” Announced Blenthorpe at the library door. “It’s about the mortgages I suppose? Well then man let’s hear the worst.” “The person holding the mortgage is requesting some variations to the documents.” “He’s not foreclosing then?” “Only if you don’t agree to the changes.” “Well then what are they?” “First the interest rate is to be lowered to 1%, and the term extended to twenty years. Second the amount is to be increased by £10,000 but you must implement the following changes within one year. The details aren’t important but basically they are aimed at restoring the estate.” Lord Greythorne looked down the list, “Much the same as my steward has been suggesting for some time. Well I suppose with £10,000 cash in hand we might even manage a few. Where do I sign?”

“I’ve invited a few business associates round for dinner this evening, I trust you don’t mind? They’re all in trade I’m afraid and now I’m titled they want me to raise one or two issues in Parliament.” “No not at all. I was going to ask you about that, you mentioned before becoming Lord Tamworth unexpectedly you were in trade. What did you do?” “Oh I’m just a corn merchant so we’d best keep it quiet since I still own the business.” “So it’s a side line sort of thing compared to the estate?” “The estate rent roll is around £5,000 a year which is respectable, the corn merchant business is worth some £300,000 a year so I ought to keep a quiet eye on it. I have an idea though that the estate will be absorbing money for the next few years.” Melissa felt faint. There was a knock at the door and Caroline entered carrying an envelope on a tray. Michael picked it up and broke the seal. “Here you are my love, my wedding gift to you.” He handed over the documents. “But these are the mortgages on the estate.” “It appears they have been sold on a number of times. Once it was obvious that your uncle was letting the estate run down the mortgages lost their value since the estate was worth less. Sir Forward brought them up for less than their face value but lost them together with his estate last night. Mr. Williams who you’ll meet tonight was present and knowing my interest offered £10,000 for the mortgages and the deeds to Sir Forward’s estate sight unseen and the offer was accepted since by then everyone in Whites knew that your suitors had fallen by the wayside so the mortgages were practically worthless and it saved the unpleasantness and expense of foreclosing on the mortgages. They were quite a bargain really and I’m sure with your expertise we’ll soon improve them and get the rent rolls back up again.”