The Poor Relation

Oh by the way 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. ©2018

Luv Karen

Dot kissed her officer husband on the cheek. “Off you go I'll be fine at cousin Alice's. Just come back safely to me.” She watched him ride down the drive a proud member of the Royal Engineers. She wasn't too sure exactly what he did but hopefully since he wasn't in a front line fighting unit he'd be safe. Now all she had to cope with was being enceinte and she had her second cousin who was also enceinte to help her through.

Helen was born three months afterwards, the day before Keith's son was delivered. His wife Alice died from excessive bleeding shortly after childbirth and Keith took the news badly. Fortunately a wet nurse was available and Barnard was a healthy child. Dot picked up an infection and died a month later. When asked what was to become of the baby girl Keith shrugged in a disinterested way and said “She's family so she'll share Barnard's upbringing.” So Helen shared Barnard's wet nurse.

Eleanor stood at the front door waiting for someone to answer. Eventually a footman opened the door and a very young girl looked out at her. “Hello, you must be the new governess.” She welcomed Eleanor. “Come in and follow me. John can you bring her bag?” Bewildered Eleanor followed her charge to the first floor where she was led into one of the guest rooms. “I've always thought this bedroom to be the nicest. Do you like it?” “Well yes but I'd thought to report to the master first.” “I think he's out riding this morning but he'll be back for dinner. Hello Hoskins I thought this room?” “Just so Miss.” Eleanor looked bewildered. “The master lost his wife when Bernard was born, which was the day after Helen.” “So I'm the eldest.” said Helen grandly. “And he seems to have lost much of his interest in life since so I suggest that you settle in and make yourself comfortable. I've assigned a maid to you. She's new but willing to learn so if you'll train her to be a lady's maid then that should work out well. Let me know if she doesn't give satisfaction.” With that Hoskins bowed himself out taking Helen with him. Eleanor had barely sat down in a chair to recover when the door opened and a very young maid carrying a tray with a tea pot and cakes entered the room. “If you please Miss I'm Nora and Hoskins said I was to look after you.”

It was four days before she met her employer Mr. Curtis, quite by chance in the garden. She stepped forward to introduce herself. “I'm Miss Mead your son's new governess.” He looked taken back “Good heavens is he that old? I supposed he must be, best see about a pony for him and the other one.” Later she spoke to Nora “Nora, Mr. Curtis didn't seem to be aware I'd been hired. Who made the decision please?” “I'll fetch Mr. Hoskins.”

Hoskins when he arrived seemed not the least put out. “An important decision like that would be taken by a member of the family, certainly none of the staff would take it upon themselves.” Eleanor felt he wasn't saying something. “Which member of the family?” “Miss Helen of course. Whenever the steward or myself need direction we find it most expedient to explain things to Miss Helen but it is Miss Helen who formally authorises things.” “And how exactly did my being hired come about?” Hoskins turned red. “It was after attending a children's birthday party that Miss Helen mentioned one of the other guests had a governess and wondered if she and Bernard should have one as well.” Eleanor closed her eyes for a moment. “It's all quite above board. Since Mr. Curtis's wife died he hasn't taken much notice of what goes on so we take direction from another family member. If you wouldn't mind taking your evening meal in the formal dinning room that would be appreciated as some of the newer members of staff have yet to serve at table and Mr. Curtis takes no interest in his food.” Nora's eyes lit up. “It would be a pleasure to see you dressed up and think what an example it would set the children.” “I only have the one evening dress.” “Oh well Mrs. Curtis brought up some lovely material she was planning to make up after the baby but she never did. I could make it up for you.” “I couldn't possibly without permission.” “I'll ask Miss Helen on your behalf then.” Replied Hoskins and Eleanor could see the matter was settled in the servant's eyes.

“If you please Miss the carriage is here to take you to morning service.” Eleanor was surprised and assumed that she was expected to attend with the master but no when she stepped out the front door the door on the gleaming was held open for her to step in and she could see no one else was present. “Am I to attend by myself?” “The villagers like to see someone from the big house and the staff will attend the evening service so they can prepare Sunday lunch.” “Where do I sit in church?” “The footman will guide you to the family pew.”

Eleanor looked over the material with Nora and Helen. She'd looked through Helen's wardrobe and noticed there wasn't much choice. “I think we ought to make up one or two dresses and skirts for Helen as well she announced.” Helen looked taken back until Nora pointed out that Eleanor was her governess and she should follow her orders. So Helen helped sew up both new dresses for herself and Eleanor.

Nora knocked gently on the school room door. “If you please Miss your presence is required downstairs. Dora has volunteered to supervise in your absence.” Dora one of the downstairs maids curtsied as she slipped in behind Nora. Eleanor couldn't think what had happened so followed Nora along to her room. “We'll just get you changed first Miss and then we can collect the youngsters and go down to the stables.” On the bed lay a riding habit. Eleanor looked towards Nora, “We thought you'd better look the part Miss.” Eleanor was helped into the riding habit with Nora fussing saying she hadn't quite got the hem exactly level but it would do for today. “Go and collect the children then and I'll meet you downstairs.” Eleanor gingerly picked up the loop to hold the train and made her way downstairs.

She waited by the kitchen door until the children arrived then together they walked to the stables to find both Jem and Alfred with two ponies and mare with a side saddle awaiting them. Bernard and Helen were overjoyed. Eleanor never having ridden before wasn't quite so overjoyed. “Mr. Curtis hopes you'll find them suitable. You have ridden before haven't you?” Eleanor shook her head. “Well then you can all learn together. I suggest an hour a day after lunch and I'll have a groom exercise this young lady each morning to take the fidgets out of her. Now for the present you'd better make friends.” He pulled out an apple from the barrel and cut it in slices with his pocket knife. “Hold out your hand flat and lift it so they can snaffle the apple.” Afterwards he asked Eleanor if she'd been taught to drive a gig and hearing she hadn't said he'd give her lessons so she could take the children about occasionally.

When the steward mentioned that no-one had visited the tenants since Mrs. Curtis died Eleanor found herself not only governess but gently thrust into becoming the lady of the manor which she did with Helen in attendance during the afternoons when Bernard went off exploring on his pony. Eleanor managed the gig after a few lessons. The horse being an experienced one was easy to control. Eleanor found that Helen had a bigger thirst for knowledge than Bernard who was more interested in riding his pony.

Helen's father died in a battle in some far off place, it was three months before a letter arrived with the news. It didn't seem to change very much, Helen had never met him although he had written from time to time.

As the children grew older Eleanor feeling that Mr. Curtis really ought to take more interest in his son at least mentioned to him that it was Bernard's birthday. “So it is. I'll arrange a tutor.”

Phineas knocked on the front door and asked to speak to Mr. Curtis. Hoskins blinked “Could you state your business with him sir?” Helen and Bernard were passing with Eleanor in the hall and she peered round expectantly. “I'm Phineas Davis, the new tutor.” “Why would we want a tutor? Eleanor knows everything.” “Not quite I daresay his maths skills at least are better than mine.” Bernard make a sound that implied what he thought of maths. Helen made a face, “Hoskins he'd better have the Green room and unless he has a valet already Bert had better look after him.” “Yes Miss.” “I suppose I'd better hand in my notice.” “Certainly not Miss. I've received no instructions on the matter and until I do you'll be expected to attend church on Sundays, visit the sick and see to Miss Helen's education in the still room and with Bert looking after Mr. Davis we'll need to train a new footman to serve in the dining room.”

Eleanor knew when she was beaten so led Phineas upstairs to the Green room where Bert appeared shortly. “It seems a very odd household.” “Oh it is but it seems to work. You don't mind not working for a title do you?” “Well the pay is better.” “We dine formally each evening and Hoskins will expect you to wear a diner jacket.” “The children?” “Helen is more academically inclined, Bernard is more hands on and practical.”

Bernard looked at the sums he'd been set “What's the use of sums in real life I'll never have to do them.” Phineas exchanged a look with Eleanor. “Right downstairs we go, into the library.” As they went down he spoke to Hoskins and asked him to have the housekeeper and steward bring their ledgers to the library.

He placed the steward's ledger in front of Bernard. “Now then add up the entries and see if your steward is correct.” Bernard looked appalled “There's pages and pages.” The steward grinned, “Isn't there just but your tutor has the right of it. How do you know if I haven't fiddled the books and given myself a thousand pounds?” “Stewards don't do they?” “Before your time it was but Lord Benkin's steward ran off with nearly twenty thousand pounds he'd salted away over time. So if you want to make sure I'm not fiddling you you need to be able to go through those books.” Helen had been grinning as well until the housekeeper's ledgers were placed in front of her. “You too young lady and if you can spot the three farthings I was out the week before last you'll be doing well.” Helen groaned.

Next they marked out a field and carefully sowed one section by seed drill, another by hand then repeated the experiment with seed purchased from the seed merchant. Noting down how much seed they had used and which type it was.

Phineas spoke to Burnley, the steward. “If ever they are to understand the value of money they need to have their own allowance from the estate.” “Aye five pounds a quarter to start with no need to bother Mr. Curtis he can approve it when he checks the books.”

Jem stood at the kitchen door with his cap in his hands. “I'd best speak to Mr. Hoskins as soon as.” “Do you want to come in?” “No its best I stay here you don't want the horse muck on my boots stinking the place out.” Hoskins came. “It's Mr. Curtis sir, he's been found floating face down in the river. I'd have the lads lift his body on to a hurdle and bring him up to the house. No doubt he slipped in from the riverbank with all the rain we've been having.” “No doubt at all Jem. I'll see to things from now on.” He stepped back into the house. Unsaid was his master had been depressed since his wife died. He might have slipped but how hard he'd tried to escape was another matter. Still he'd have to speak to the vicar about his funeral and burial.

The other problem was what did the will say? Was there a guardian? What would happen to Miss Helen? He could ask the London solicitor to come up and read the will or he could visit himself. He would travel down to London himself to see how things were. He could have the travelling coach put to or travel by mail. On balance he thought the mail was the right choice but should he take a footman with him? Bert had a good head and could bear witness, he and Bert would travel down on the next mail. He conferred with Phineas and Eleanor and the upshot was at Eleanor's suggestion both Phineas and Bert would accompany him to see the solicitor and they'd take the travelling coach driven by Jem.

The London solicitor was surprised by the deputation but concluding the estate was in good hands he read the will out to all of them including Jem and gave them a fair copy. Everything had been left in trust to his son, half the estate's annual profit was to be his on his nineteenth birthday, all the annual profits were to be his from his twenty first birthday, and the full estate would become his on his twenty fifth birthday. Until then the solicitor would act as guardian but seeing how sensible they seemed he expected his interest would be purely nominal. Hoskins decided against mentioning Helen's presence as the will didn't make any mention of her.

After the funeral, Mr. Curtis, being given the benefit of the doubt, was buried in the church's consecrated ground and life went on much as before. The yields in the marked off field was were carefully measured and cost calculated which involved knowing how large the plots were.

Bernard took one look at the sums about the Pythagorean theorem and squares of triangles and declared it couldn't possibly have any relevance to real life. He was challenged to draw the plans for a cottage but his plans weren't square at the corners. “Show me.” he declared. The steward was summoned and with Helen's help the plans were drawn up. To ensure the building corners were square pegs and lengths of string were used together with Pythagorus's theorem to work out the lengths of the bits of string which led of course into studying how to keep the cottages dry and provide good accommodation at a reasonable price. Bernard wanted to see how it all came together practically so they built their first cottage. Then he was interested in building something bigger. “We ought to have a dower house.” He exclaimed. Helen seemed to get stuck with the mundane checking the ledgers but she with Eleanor entered into the spirit of building a dower house for the estate and made sure sufficient storage and the latest range were included. It was only when the house was complete that Helen mentioned “We ought to have someone live in it. Phineas, I'm sure you have something to ask Eleanor so I'll leave you two to it.” She whisked herself out of the door. Eleanor's face was red with embarrassment but she turned and faced Phineas anyway questioningly. He stuttered the words out and she answered him with a kiss. Helen tapped on the door after twenty minutes and looked in. Eleanor looked throughly kissed to her. “Oh good you've decided then. I think Nora has already picked out which room she'd like and the kitchen maid is looking forward to having her own kitchen although we'll still expect you to dine with us in the evening.”

Lord Benkin's heir was horse mad and soon Bernard was spending time with him learning about high strung horses and how to get the best out of them. One day he'd been in the village inn watching the card players when he noticed his hero come down the staircase quietly and slide out the door.

Mags, the inn keeper's daughter, was stood at the top of the stairs watching him slink off. She caught Bernard's shocked expression and motioned him to come quietly upstairs. “Sit.” She commanded before disappearing behind a screen. He could hear sounds of her washing then drying before she stepped out. “Tea?” He nodded and she picked up the kettle that had been steaming on the fire and poured it into the tea pot. Next she lifted two china cups down from the shelf. “Milk?” Bernard nodded, he was surprised at the sight of china cups. She handed him a cup and saucer then peered at him over the top of hers. “So your hero has got clay feet being interested in girls?” Bernard nodded. “And not just any girl but one not of his station?” Bernard looked even unhappier. “Well you've seen horses being serviced haven't you?” Bernard's eyes opened in astonishment. “You mean?” he stammered. Mags nodded. “With men its done for pleasure.” “But he can't be courting you?” “No just rutting me.” She laughed at his expression.

“You've heard of the pox?” Bernard looked puzzled. “When you have sex then you can pick up diseases such as the clap which can leave you infertile. Not able to have children.” she clarified. “It's more common in towns than the country and if its two virgins then its very unlikely you can catch it. So Gibbs ruts me and doesn't catch anything.” “But you might make a child?” “Well he pays me quite well and there are ways to lessen the risk of getting with child. You can put it in one of three holes.” Bernard looked mystified, “In your mouth, up your bum or the other place. In your mouth and up your bum don't put you in the club but its an idea to put a bit of oil up your bum first.” Bernard looked shocked. “But if you did get with child?” “If you rinse everything out afterwards that lowers the risk and a slice of lemon if you can get some helps as well. Besides if I did Lord Benkin would look after me.” “Why?” “Well he wants grandchildren and he's paying me a thousand pounds to look after his heir.”

“Can you trust him?” “Well he is my dad after all.” Bernard looked totally confused now. “My natural father. I was born two months after my parents got married and he gave them the inn as a wedding present.” “But that means it's incest and that is wrong.” Mags smiled, “Lord Benkin's steward cooked the books and got Lord Benkin to sign a big mortgage on the property then ran off with all the money. His wife came with a large dowery and he first met his wife on their wedding day and Biggs was born three months later.” “So he isn't really Lord Benkin's son?” “But the money came from his wife who died in childbirth.” Bernard shook his head “Life is much more complicated than I thought.” Mags stood up and held out her hand “Come and give me a hug.” Bernard stepped across and Mags hugged him and groped him gently. “See now you've got an erection, soon you'll be taking an interest in girls as well. Off you go. I'll just check the coast is clear and you can slip out by the stables.” She slipped downstairs then motioned him to follow. She kissed him on the cheek then patted his bum lightly as he stepped by.

“Mags what are you up to?” Called her mother. “Just explaining about the birds and the bees to Bernard.” “Well as long as its just talk that's alright Lord Benkin wouldn't want you doing anything else with him. Just remember Sam is looking forward to the new stables and wing on the inn.”

There was an outbreak of fever in the next village. They kept close to home, even Bernard saw the sense in staying at home and playing cards. Helen and Eleanor dropped off food parcels to those villagers in need at their gates but didn't enter their homes. Unfortunately Lord Benkin succumbed to fever and Gibbs, as the new Lord Benkin, took off for the delights of London town with all the cash on hand. Mags was pleased to find out she'd been left an annuity of two hundred pounds a year even though there was lots of gossip about why she'd been left it. “I mean to say she's never been up to the house as far as I know and as for his Lordship well its not as if he drops by the inn everyday is it? Knows his place does his lordship which is more than can be said for some. Still it's a tidy little sum and she's an age with your Tom isn't she. Time she settled down that's what I say.”

“I heard Gibbs is really cutting a dash in London and having a good time. I wish I could.” “Well he has a title so that makes him more acceptable to the ton.” “Sounds daft to me you're someone because your great-granddad bashed someone over the head. Why couldn't mine have bashed someone?” “I think he did but it was on your mother's side.” “I can't wait until I come into my inheritance, I'll show them how to cut a dash!” Helen cringed inwardly. That evening she was playing cards with Burnley, Eleanor and Phineas when she had a thought. “Didn't the will say Bernard was to receive half the estate profits this year?” “That's right.” “We've been investing quite a lot in cottages, new seed drills, improved stock over the last few years.” “You mean if we continued to find things to invest in and can keep the profits down to a thousand or so same as the last few years he wouldn't have enough to go off to London?” “Well its either that or teach him to play cards.” Eleanor looked innocently at her husband, “How far did he get with probability theory then?” Phineas glared at her which sent her into fits of laughter. “Sounds as if we need to cut back on the fertilizer then or find something expensive to invest in.” “We could dig a canal down to the river.” “Well long term it would be a good investment and cut our costs to market.”

Helen was quietly reading in the back sitting room when Hoskins arrived with both the estate steward and Lord Benkin's steward. She looked up “A deputation perhaps? Hoskins I'd better have some tea to sustain me through this. Now then Burnley what are you after?” “Well it's Mr. Butterworth that has the problem.” Helen was starting to enjoy herself. “Well then since it isn't our problem we don't need to worry do we? But whilst we're having tea why doesn't Mr. Butterworth describe his problem?”

“Lord Benkin has emptied the coffers to enjoy life in London and he wants another two thousand in cash this year and seven thousand next year. My instructions are to double the rents and if that doesn't do it sell off a bit of land.” Helen's eyebrows rose. “And how many farmers do you have left?” “That's the problem, three have said they're leaving so I've three farms going fallow.” “Which means a dozen families without work.” “So what do you suggest?”

Burnley spoke up “If we planted a crop then harvested it that would keep everyone working.” “And if we get caught?” “Well Lord Benkin will be up in London town and who is going to tell.” “Couldn't Mr. Butterworth do it by himself?” “I've no money at all, not even for seed.” “And money is one thing we do have.” “If I might make so bold we need to keep Bernard away from London so if the estate makes a thousand or two profit that won't be quite enough to set him up in London Town.” “Fudge the books?” “No not fudge but we could invest money on capital things that will pay back over time. That way the amount of cash we have on hand won't be too great.” Helen looked at the ceiling “We'd better do it then. Burnley we'd better invest in more seed drills and such to improve the yield on the new fields, if we're going to do it we might as well do it right.” “What about the workers? Who will pay them?” “Burnley we have hedges that need to be laid don't we?” “Well yes.” “So we pay them a wage for doing our hedges for an hour a week. We can find them food and the basics to keep them going that won't show on the books. Oh and I suppose we'd better find two thousand and buy some of his land. Burnley I depend on you to see we aren't over charged and we'll buy land with a tenant on for preference and lower their rent.” The stewards were dismissed but Burnley hovered. “Well?” “If you have a spot of pin money you could pay for the seed.” “So?” “The profit would be in your name. Might be nice to have a bit of independence.” “How much?” “Well I’ve ordered too much so anything will do.” “Burnley you’re rascal but yes we’ll do it and hope we don’t get caught.”

Hoskins hovered. “What other dubious deeds would you have me do now Hoskins?” “Not dubious, Miss possibly not what the gossips would say was strictly kosher but certainly not dubious Miss.” “Well let's be having it.” Hoskins walked to the door “I'll be back directly Miss Helen.” He returned with a girl who looked most out of place, closing the door firmly behind him when he entered the room. “This is Molly Miss Helen. Her dad's a labourer who worked for one of the tenants who quit when Lord Benkin raised the rents.” “And?” “I was thinking if Bernard has something to distract him besides a new horse he might accept the fact there isn't quite enough money for him to go to London Town and kick up his heels as Lord Benkin has.” “You mean let him take liberties with my body. Not bloody likely!” Helen looked taken back as well. “Molly if you could be granted one wish what would it be?” “Well if we're talking daydreams get married above my station, a shopkeeper would do me nicely.” “To do that you'd need to be able to read and write, do sums and be able to bring a dowery of fifty pounds to the marriage.” “Yea right and that's never going to happen is it?”

“We'd need to clean her up and a few new dresses for a start. Eleanor could teach her to read, write and do her sums and fifty if we saved a few thousand by him not going to London that wouldn't be unreasonable.” Molly's draw dropped, new dresses. “Well I dare say if you put it like that and I don't end up in the club I might let him take a few liberties to distract him for his own good of course.” “Can you sew?” Asked Helen practically. “Me sister's better.” It was decided that Molly and sister would be paid fifteen pounds a year and an additional pound a year per Bernard liberty.

Helen rode down to the inn. “Smithers I've a list of Lord Benkin's workers here who will be out of work.” She handed over a purse, “That should cover ten pints of ale per man per week for the year and its not to be mentioned to anyone. They've just been told they can put their beer on the slate.” Smithers “Just these on the list?” “Just those.” “Right you are then.”

Next she visited each family in turn. “You'll be squatting but no one will turn you out. If you come up to the kitchen you'll be found food.” “We don't want no charity.” “It's not charity we need to work the fields so Burnley will provide the equipment and seed for the crop but Mr. Butterworth has no money. So you'll be working for me doing a spot of hedging for cash. I've set up a slate at the inn for ale that's good for ten pints a week but its to keep you going until the harvest time. Officially as far as Lord Benkin is concerned the fields will be left fallow as the tenants have left.” “Bloody hell. So if we see a weed in passing like we just happened to pull it up?” “Right and the harvest will pay off the slate and for the food. There should be enough to keep you going the following year as well.”

Betty turned to her sister “It doesn't seem right to tease a man like this.” “Pays well though.” “True enough but Sally and Laura are better at leading boys on than us.” “I'll talk to Miss Helen.”

Molly smoothed her new dress down. It certainly became her and gave her confidence, she thought she'd never looked better. Now for Master Bernard. She set his glass of ale on the small table besides his chair then sat herself down on his lap. “Hello new here are you?” “Yes sir.” “I don't normally get young maids sitting in my lap. Not that you're not welcome.” “It's part of the new economy campaign designed to keep you warm whilst burning less wood in the grate.” Molly kissed him lightly on the lips to give him a bit of encouragement.

The next morning her sister Betty took his cup of coffee into Bernard and awakened him with a kiss. “I like that way of being woken up.” “I'll let your valet know then since I'm only filling in for him this morning as he's not feeling well.” Bernard put his tongue out at a laughing Betty as she slipped out of the room. Later that morning Molly asked Helen to add sitting on lap, and allow fondling to the list of things that paid an extra pound a year.

“We seem to have a lot of new maids?” “Lord Benkin has dismissed all the indoor staff and doubled the rents so three farms are unlet. That means a dozen families are without work so I thought we could employ a few extra maids.” “Their families?” “I thought we'd provide them a bit of work and food enough to get them through to harvest time. Just be careful they don't end up in the club.” Bernard looked puzzled for a moment until Helen indicated with her hands over her tummy. “Oh right. I heard the squire has a bay for sale I think I'll ride over.” “Take Alfred with you he may not say much but he'll help you get a better price.” Bernard who had become indignant that he couldn't choose a horse without Alfred's help suddenly realised his groom's dour outlook would be enough to bring anyone's price down.

That afternoon Bernard was practising quietly in the billiard room when the four new maids came into dust. Molly ran her feather duster lightly over his crotch. “You can go away I'm not playing today.” “Suit yourself then. We don't need you for a bit of excitement any road.” Sally suited her words by turning to Molly and kissing her deeply. Bernard was shocked at the sight of two girls kissing. He was even more surprised when Laura stepped behind Molly and fondled her breast through her dress. “You should be taking notes you know.” Murmured Betty as she hiked her skirts up and ran her fingers through her hair. The buttons to Molly's dress were undone and Molly stepped out of it letting it pool to the floor. Her shift came next. Laura and Sally took one breast each and caressed it before suckling it gently.

“Oh God, I can imagine just how that must feel. They know all the sensitive bits.” Bernard could hardly believe his eyes. He'd heard tales of what the sluts in London town would do for money but never thought to see two girls working together on a third. Betty eyed his hardening rod before closing her eyes and imagining what it would be like to have the likes of Bernard rutting inside her. The thought was enough to melt her insides and she felt herself gush. Scooping a fingerful of moisture she stepped across to Bernard and wiped her finger across his tongue to give him a taste of what he was missing as he sat mesmerised watching Sally lower herself between Molly's legs and surely she couldn't be but nothing else made sense.

Laura undid the buttons on Sally's dress so both girls were now naked on the rug. Then she turned to Betty and buried her head between Betty's thighs. “No” resisted Betty at first but Laura's clever fingers and tongue soon had Betty's legs splayed apart as Laura decided she'd show young Bernard just how much they needed him for satisfaction. Bernard wasn't sure whether to watch Laura's fingers working their way in and out of somewhere that Betty was obviously enjoying very much or at the other two who now seemed to be tonging each other in a very unnatural way both were head to crotch almost lying upside down to each other. Whatever they were doing both seemed to be glowing.

Laura thought she'd better take pity on poor Bernard when all the others were sated. She slipped across and undid his flies then stroked his rod running her thumb over the very tip were she could feel the lubricated stickiness. She lowered her mouth and soon was showing Bernard just what a poor maid could do to give satisfaction without getting pregnant. As he came in her mouth she motioned to the others to leave. “Well we'll leave you all alone now to practise your billiard shots.”

Bernard just sat back trying to recover. Hoskins felt the same way when he saw the list of things that paid an extra pound a week grow in the servant's hall. Laura caught sight of him looking at their list. “I could do a you a cheaper rate if you like.” She spoke flirtatiously, “I hadn't realised you maids could be quite so creative and I must maintain discipline.” “Oh now there's an idea. Betty bent over a chair. I think she'll do it for a fiver.” She mused intending to shock Hoskins in which she managed quite well and Betty who overheard the conversation by chance and thought well a fiver was a fiver after all. Perhaps she should have been charging her dad for disciplining her all these years.

Bernard came charging up the drive in his new curricle driven unicorn-style, with one leader and two wheelers. Helen's jaw dropped when she saw him. “So what do you think of my new team?” “It looks highly dangerous.” “Sudden death they call it but if you know what doing you're a skilled driver it’s very fast and corners well.” “Take them round to the stables and put them away.”

Jem shook his head when he saw them arrive in the yard in front of the stables. They were too lively and young for a randem tandem and Bernard wasn't as skilled a whip as he thought he was. Still you're only young once and wanting to cut a dash so it was only to be expected.

Bernard was thrilled with his new team and having three horses to pull his lightweight curricle his was the fastest transport for miles around. He pulled out his watch, time for a new record. Alfred gloomily said that with the damp roads it wasn't a good day for setting a record. Bernard ignored him, Alfred was always dour and gloomy. He waited until the church clock rang the hour then they were away, scattering chickens as they flew down the high street, they took the curve at the bottom of the hill then flew up the hill. This was the life, he'd show them just how well he could drive. Alfred closed his eyes and hung on for grim death. They were stretched out in a gallop now along the flat they slowed slightly as they took the next hill but then disaster a slow moving cart was unseen just over the brow of the hill. The leader shied, Alfred jumped and Bernard was thrown as the two vehicles collided.

The carter had been walking alongside his waggon so was unhurt. He hurried to Alfred who was nearest and whose leg was jutting out at an odd angle. “Be you all right?” He asked. “I'm not dead but check the master.” Came Alfred's reply. Bernard didn't look in good shape. He was bleeding badly. “I'd best go for help but the horses need sorting out.” “You could ride?” Suggested Alfred. “I could try and get you up on one of the carriage horses?” “The left wheeler is the most sensible one cut him free and lead him over here.” Somehow Alfred managed to climb on Ebony and together they limped home. Jem set out with Phineas to see what could be done. Helen and Eleanor fussed over Alfred and gave him three glasses of brandy to deaden the pain whilst the doctor arrived.

Bernard died in the night and Jem was sent down to London to see the solicitor to see what was to become of the estate. This time the solicitor came in person. “Well he really should have made a will but I think in this case because he didn't come into his inheritance until he was twenty five then we have to fall back on Mr. Curtis's will which of course left everything to his son.” “But what about Helen?” Asked Eleanor. The solicitor peered over his glasses. “Do you have any male relative my dear?” Helen shook her head. “Oh dear most unfortunate. You know of course that he had formally adopted her.” Helen looked surprised. “I see he hadn't mentioned it to you. This happens quite often, sons are kept informed but daughters even adopted ones aren't always given the full details of their finances.” Eleanor by now was becoming agitated so Phineas asked the pointed question. “Has she any funds?” “Well of course she has, being the only child albeit an adopted one she becomes the beneficiary of Mr. Curtis's estate and then of course there is the marriage portion that her mother left her together with a share in her grandfather's company.” “So she isn't penniless?” “Certainly not far from it. I'm just concerned that there is no male relative who can look after her interests.” “I think I'll be able to mange with the help of my old tutor and his wife.” Said Helen dryly “It seems a pity I was kept in ignorance for so long.”