Bloodlines by Karen Blayne

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 if they are not suitable for you 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 ©2013 is retained by the author. Asstr.org accepts donations if you’re feeling rich or even if you’re not.

Luv Karen

Sir Wilfred looked fondly at his wife, she might be bubble headed but she'd brought a fortune with her dowery. Certainly enough to allow him to keep a mistress in relative comfort. Unity was well educated and a pleasure to talk to. It had started before he got married and he'd had every intention of marrying her himself but two years of bad crops had put that out of the question when Mr. Taylor, his banker, called him in for a little chat. Sir Wilfred had borrowed to rebuild the watermill, buy a stallion and to make some improvements to the estate. They'd pay off in time but time as Mr. Taylor mentioned time was a luxury sometimes. It was pointed out to him that although horse and cattle raising were very profitable in good times in bad times they were much more risky. If people had money, they'd buy a new matching pair for their curricle. If they didn't, they would make do with their old unmatched pair. It was so risky in fact that Mr. Taylor reluctantly would have to call his mortgages in as there was increasing demand for loans and the price of estates wasn't what it was. By the by, he knew a Mr. Ramsbury, a nailmaster, who had a marriageable daughter and that might be a solution. He'd even arranged an invitation to dine with Mr. Ramsbury that evening.

Mary Anne had decided she liked the idea of a title. He went and talked it through with Unity and it was she who had talked him into it for the sake of the estate. He must confess he liked Mr. Ramsbury's ideas. “A horse that is intelligent and gentle will always find a market. There's too much competition to breed the best hunters and what happens to the ones that aren't good enough? Now have a look at this.” He held out a screw. “If I can make them cheap enough to sell profitably there's a market but at the moment its hand-sawn slot in the top then cut the threads by hand with a file.” He pulled out another. “Now this one looks like a screw from the top but it's really a nail in disguise. Sells very well though. That's why we call a hammer a Birmingham screwdriver. Now then lad Birmingham is growing quickly. There's a market for bread and cheese at a reasonable price. My workers can't afford beef every day. Individually they haven't much to spend but taken in total there's so many of them that feeding them will be profitable.” So using Mary Anne's dowery he'd brought up three nearby estates and switched them from cattle to crops. It was only two months after his wedding that Unity mentioned she was with child following their last meeting before his wedding. “I've plenty of brass so how does a farm with servants sound? It'll have to be some distance away at least ten miles or so?” “But you'll come and visit me sometimes?” “Well I'm sure I'll have business matters to attend to in London and if it's on the way what could be more convenient?” He'd brought a fairly large farm and installed a steward for her. He would stop by on his way to London. It wasn't ideal but there it was, life had a way of not being perfect.

Then he sat down with his head groom. “Instead of trying to breed hunters like everyone else I thought we might switch and try to breed a gentler ride. Not quite a farm horse but the same characteristics.” “Sell the breeding stock and set up a new breeding line to raise horses for riding and curricles?” Sir Wilfred nodded. “The squire will take our stock off our hands for a good price. Hunting mad he is. We could hang on to Onyx though. He's intelligent and gentle. Besides he's my favourite.”

Mary Anne introduced a few changes to his home. After an increase in salary Snowley, her dresser, agreed to accompany her to the country but since there was less to do amused herself by taking on an assistant, teaching one maid at a time the duties of being a lady's maid. One or two vases of flowers were to be found in the hall and drawing room but otherwise life continued much as it had before.

Unity presented him with a son, Hugh. She then daringly suggested that he could bring her to satisfaction with his mouth. She'd heard about it from a friend of a friend and he could do the same to him which would lower the risk of becoming with child as one who arrived before she did in the neighbourhood she could explain but another would be far more difficult. It was two years later that Mary Anne gave birth to Timothy who would be heir to his title. He took after his mother in many ways and although he was pleasant and charming Sir Wilfred had his doubts about how the estate would go on under his care. Mary Anne thought he should be taught at home by a private tutor and she was allowed to have her way. With Unity's son he took care to be known simply as Unity's trustee and he arranged his education at a local nonconformism grammar school.

Crampton smiled benevolently at Miss Lavinia. She'd turn heads that one in her London season. It was a pity that her father had died nearly two years ago just before she was due to be presented. Her mother had been very depressed by the death and had followed her husband to the grave. Still her new guardian would be here in person soon and he was sure to take her off for her season. If he didn't arrive then it was only six months until her majority and she would come into her inheritance formally.

Walter waltzed in through the door and kissed the nearest maid fully on the lips before patting her on the backside. “I'll see you later me dear.” Crampton stepped forward “May I announce you sir?” “Walter will do fine me lad. You'll be wanting to see my credentials no doubt.” He pulled out a letter from the lawyers. “Now where's me cousin.”

After a fine dinner and mentioning to Lavinia she'd have to wait another year for her season Walter picked up a bottle of white wine and headed for the library scooping up four maids who were in the hall. He closed and locked the door behind him. “Right you'll have a glass of wine each with me.” The maids looked at each other, well unusual to say the least. After their full glass of wine he kissed each one in turn pushing his tongue into their mouths. “Right now I likes to look and watch so get your clothes off.” They hesitated “All of you if you know what's good for you. Remember I'm allowed to beat my servants and no one will question my right to rip your clothes off so if you want to preserve them dresses get them off.” Nervously they undressed before him. Mortified they held their hands to cover their nakedness. “You lie back on the carpet and touch yourself. You lie back on the carpet with your legs towards me and you darling are going to lick the insides of her thighs.” He turned to the last one “Knee besides me and give me a hand job as I watch them.” Judith did her best curtsey putting her hands down at her sides. Walter laughed and cupped her mound with his hand. “Not damp yet but you will be.”

He watched their inexpert fumblings. Still, he had six months to train them. Six months of getting them to do his bidding and the estate was paying him a thousand pounds to watch over his cousin. Power over them, that's what he had. Why leave these poor darlings all alone in the country and waste time with the season. The one who was playing with herself seemed to have curled up but she had a delightful blush to her. “Not just your breasts but down in between your legs, rub your nub for me.” This was the life, real emotion going on not just the practised whores that he usually frequented wearing a touch of rouge pretending to blush innocently. No this was real. “Push your tongue higher up into her crotch, lick her pubic hair.” There was another turning pink. “Go gently on my prick.” God the girl blushed at the word, what an innocent she was. Still her gentle fingers had their own special light touch as she ran her fingers low under his balls whilst the other hand's thumb brushed over his tip. The maid lying on her back started to moan as the second maid's tongue did its work. “You girl, go and fondle her breasts.” The pink faced girl who'd been playing with herself did as she was told. The moans grew louder. “Turn round and lower your quim over her face.” That was better three girls working themselves up, he turned and deeply kissed the girl who was giving him a hand job and slipped his finger deep inside. God she was wet. He came and the maid caught his sperm on her face. She looked so surprised, anyone would think no one had relieved themselves over her before.

Crampton and the senior staff had a hurried conference. Shortly after daybreak any maid under the age of thirty-five was dispatched to Sir Wilfred's abode where Hervey arranged for any of his maids that were older than thirty-five to be returned to Crampton.

“Hervey, am I in the right house?” “One would hope so sir.” “It's just we seem to have an influx of new maids and some of the older ones have disappeared.” “There were some problems with the younger maids and Miss Lavinia's new guardian.” “Didn't like the existing staff?” “Quite the opposite. He liked them rather too much so Crampton and I thought it would be best if he had some of our more experienced maids and we looked after his less experienced maids for a few months.” “Ah, now I understand.”

Later that morning in the library Ellen, the recently promoted senior house maid, brought in a batch of the new maids to be introduced to him. “Welcome and I hope you'll be happy here. The general idea of being introduced is so I might recognise you and more importantly you'll be able to recognise me in future so if I make a request of you you'll know who I am.” Ellen introduced each by name and gave both him and them a brief description of their duties.

The mail arrived. The ironmaster had passed away leaving half his fortune to his grandchild, the other to his daughter. Mary Anne was with child and when she heard the news she collapsed into a chair. “But he can't, he was so young. He's always been there.” She looked lost. Sir Wilfred helped her up to her room so her maid could attend her. He was concerned she wasn't as young and resilient as she had been and a pregnancy at her age was risky. He sent for the doctor to be on the safe side. His son quietly rejoiced. Now he had the funds to really cut a dash. He'd go for a fast drive in his curricle. He'd challenge Michael to a race down the curving hill road to town.

Michael thought it a great idea and soon the two were dashing down the hillside side by side until Michael lost his nerve going into a bend when he couldn't see the road ahead. There was a flock of sheep hidden round the bend being driven to market. Tim tried to avoid them but was travelling too fast. The curricle spun out of control and plunged into a tree. By the time Michael reached him Tim was dying. The shepherd and Michael managed to make him comfortable but he died within the hour and Michael had the difficult task of breaking the news to Tim's parents. Mary Anne took it badly and went into premature labour two hours later and both mother and child died despite the doctor's best efforts.

After dinner Ellen thought to distract Sir Wilfred by bringing in the last four into the library and closing the door behind her. “If you please sir these are the trouble makers.” “I'm sure you mean temptresses. Welcome, I trust you'll be happy here but I'm curious as to what happened did he attempt to rape you?” “Not exactly Sir.” “Why don't you tell us what happened that was so terrible?” “I don't think I could sir.” “But you could show him?” Prompted Ellen. There was a nod from one of them. “It started when he made us drink a glass of wine.” Ellen walked over to the sideboard and poured out five glasses then carried the tray and gave one to each of the four. She motioned for them to take a sip. “This is nicer than what he give us.” “Then what happened?” Hester blushed, then stepped up to him and sat in his lap. She raised her lips to his and kissed him gently. “Surely not that gently?” Commented Ellen. “It was more like this.” Replied Hester opening her mouth as she kissed him and letting her tongue probe in between his lips. She pulled away from him with a slightly dazed expression. “Very different.” She whispered so only he could hear.

Then she stood up and took her clothes off. Not the hurried way she'd taken them off last time but more unhurried taking her time as she held his attention until finally she lay back on the rug naked holding her hands strategically. It took a moment or two before Sir Wilfred realised her fingers were moving at all. Ellen caught his eye. “And the rest of you did. You do the same?” The next girl swallowed the rest of her wine then sat on Sir Wilfred's lap and kissed him. After the first tentative kiss she returned for a second one again parting his lips with her tongue and moving his hand until it was covering her breast. When she got up, she stood still for a moment or two then she looked pointedly at a third maid then blushing she removed all her clothes and stretched out on the carpet covering her most private parts with her hands.

The third maid hesitated and exchanged a look with the second who nodded at her in encouragement. Ellen walked across and turned the key in the lock. The glass of wine was swallowed in one and the third girl approached Sir Wilfred. “Come my dear I promise not to bite.” She put her tongue out at him, then realised what she'd done and looked at the floor. “Is it a kiss first?” He asked encouragingly. She nodded and sat in his lap and very tentatively kissed him before looking to the second maid who nodded encouragement again. She lent in and kissed him in a deeper way almost as if she was trying to build up courage for what was to come next. She arose a little unsteadily then undressed and lowered herself so her head was between Amy's thighs. She kissed each in turn then very gradually worked her way up until her nose was brushing Amy's pubic hair. Ellen drew her breath in. She'd thought to brighten Sir Wilfred's day after all he'd been through but this. This was positively indecent. She glanced down at her master still he seemed to be paying attention and it had taken his mind off other things. Bronwyn looked down at the others. If they could kiss the master, she was sure she was going to have one as well. She gulped down the rest of her wine. Then she stepped up to Sir Wilfred and sitting in his lap she boldly kissed him on the lips wiggling her tongue between his lips and exploring his mouth with it. “Now did you get undressed and lie down on the floor?” He asked. She shook her head but stood taking off her dress and underthings thinking she really ought to make some new ones up. Then she knelt besides him and wiggled her fingers past his buttons until she could massage his maleness. “I had to stroke his thingy whilst he watched the others.” She raised herself to whisper in his ear that he'd spurted all over her face. Sir Wilfred looked on as Hester's fingers had become more active and she was gently moaning. Amy he could see was well away under Gwyneth's tonguing.

He looked across at Ellen who by now was looking openly shocked. Ellen voiced her thoughts that nothing could be more decadent. Well it was a challenge that he couldn't resist. “Ellen get undressed please.” He made the request in a tone of voice that brooked no refusal. Twenty-five year-old Ellen still had a good body and entertained hopes of becoming closer to Sir Wilfred so she provocatively undressed before him. “Now form a ring with your head between another girl's thighs.” He waited until they were so formed. “Two florins to the first girl who can bring her partner to a climax, and one per climax thereafter.” Gwyneth looked puzzled at first then started to glow as Ellen started to probe her with her tongue. Amy was practically there when she remembered she was supposed to be licking Hester. You could see the mental effort she was making to try and resist Gwyneth's tongue and concentrate on Hester.

Eventually all the girls except Ellen had managed to earn their florins. He stood up and approached Gwyneth lying down with his head on her parted thighs. “Amy and Hester I want you to suckle her breasts whilst I attend to the lower parts.” Amy and Hester did as they were bid and Sir Wilfred started to lap gently. It took fifteen minutes of gentle lapping with Hester and Amy working hard to arouse Gwyneth before she showed signs of a climax but then to the girls amazement Sir Wilfred continued to lap gently away until Gwyneth seemed to move into a state of continual climax. Sir Wilfred's jaw started to ache as he lifted himself up and looking at the dazed Gwyneth he scooped her up into his lap as he sat down on the chair. She peered up at him like a small kitten would. Besotted with the attention he'd paid her and quite aware it was unlikely anything quite like it would ever happen again. “Does that happen every day?” She asked hopefully. “I think it would be best if you all forgot what has happened here this evening.” Gwyneth thought silently to herself she'd never manage that. Amy suggested provided they each got a hug and a kiss each day she was sure they'd try to forget. “Only if there is no one else around. Now off you all go to bed, and no not mine.”

“Where's them maids that was here last night?” “The staff in training? They've gone on to their next assignment. Six months with us, then six months with another local family, it helps them broaden their experience. Now I understand the steward is desirous of having a word with you this morning.” Walter nodded better get it over with.

“If you just like to authorise the expenditure for a pair of ploughs and five of the cottages need reroofing.” Walter looked at him. “Find me the ledger where we pay the labourers.” The ledger was brought forth. “We're paying them a bloody fortune. Sack any who aren't cattlemen that'll save buying new ploughs and reroofing the labourers' cottages and if they don't know cattle hire some that do. Cattle sell for a good price and need fewer workers. Let's make this estate profitable. Oh and I brought a new herd on my way here should be here by the end of the week.” Crampton when he heard this wondered how much of a backhander he'd received for the cattle.

Sir Wilfred suddenly found himself with a new farming workforce which was fortunate as the older cattle farming hadn't needed quite so many men.

“So a nice little set up you have here. How much are they giving you to handhold the heiress?” “A thousand so not bad for six months plus a few backhanders.” “The estates worth ten thousand a year income I heard, a thousand is peanuts. Now if she was to marry me, I'd pay you twenty thousand.” “I don't think she'd agree.” “Nothing to it, I've a special license in my pocket and a penniless curate waiting my orders in the inn down the road. A few drops of this in her morning tea and she'll agree.” He held up a small bottle. “If she's reluctant, I'll bed her first.” “Twenty-five thousand you said?” “I didn't but yes I can stretch that far.” “Done.” Outside the drawing room Crampton stepped back quietly. This was serious and the fewer people who were involved the better. He stepped outside the kitchen door to see the scullery maid talking to her brother who was handing her some clothes to darn. “Susan I want you to take a change of your brother's clothes up to Miss Lavinia. She's to change into them without a word to anyone then lead her down the backstairs to the paddock.” He turned to her brother. “I'll get a set of reins from the stables and put them on the horse in the paddock. Then you are to ride with Miss Lavinia without a saddle up to the shepherd's hut by the tarn. Leave her there. Go and see Mr. Hervey and only speak to him. Tell him I need his help to make Miss Lavinia disappear for six months and she's at the shepherd's hut. Then bring the horse back and leave the reins by the stable before going off home.” He offered the boy a coin. “No need sir if it's to help Miss Lavinia.”

Upstairs Susan put her hand near Miss Lavinia's mouth then gently shook her awake. “Mr. Crampton's orders. You're to come away with me now dressed in these. You're not to speak to anyone including your maid.” Lavinia nodded and dressed quickly following the scullery maid down the back stairs. They walked across to the paddock and soon the horse was walking silently away. Susan returned to the kitchen and pulled out the paillasse she slept on. There would be eruptions in the morning.

Hervey looked down at the farm worker who stood before him. “Shall we step out into the garden?” Susan's brother nodded then quietly told him about Miss Lavinia's guardian's plans to marry her off for money in the morning and that Crampton had asked for his help. “Right lad leave it with me. The shepherd's hut by the tarn you say?” He got a nod in reply.

Walter would be furious and have the law on his side. Best add a bit of confusion then. Mark, one of the grooms, had a sister who was a maid in the house. He sent for them and gave them a letter to be delivered post haste to an address near York. “You'll take the master's racing curricle and we'll dress you up in one of his older coats. You young lady will ape your better's accent on the road, I know you can mimic them for I've heard you. You'll dress in one of her ladyships gowns with one of her coats over the top. You'll leave tonight and straight up the Great North Road. Here's a purse to command the finest cattle on the road and you'll start with sir's own pair. Don't skimp at the inns.” “Anyone would think we're eloping.” “That's exactly what they're supposed to think. You'll spend a few days at Hillsworth then come back slowly in a week or so.”

Mark and his sister set forth late that night trailed some distance behind by a groom who would return with Sir Wilfred's pair. “Should we go so fast through the village at night?” “We want to be noticed don't we? Besides with the odd lamps in the village I can see the road better than in the country.” “If it was daylight, I could show off my fancy coat.” “Best put some distance in first before we stop.” They stopped at a wayside inn and Margaret putting on an affected manner declared to the landlord “I shall require a private room and breakfast for two then rooms for my brother and I and the assistance of a maid to help me undress. Wake us at noon.” The landlord looked at the smart curricle in the yard and decided to overlook the absence of a maid. Eloping if he had his guess still every little penny counted and no doubt there would be someone coming after them who would be generous in wanting to know where they were. He looked overhead, they were in for a good soaking this morning but it would clear by noon.

At daybreak pairs were set off armed with letters to butlers and housekeepers around the country by coach, sometimes a footman and a maid, sometimes two maids together. Hervey had sent a note off to the squire's and his housekeeper had seen to it that another three maids were set forth on journeys.

At eight o'clock there was a hammering on the door. Walter together with the local magistrate was there demanding to search the house for Miss Lavinia. Sir Wilfred rose from his breakfast and demanded “What's the meaning of all this disturbance. Don't you know the house is in mourning?” It was explained to him that it was feared Miss Lavinia had taken refuge in his house. “Really? Hervey is she in the house?” “Not to my knowledge Sir but I feel it would be best if her guardian and the magistrate searched the house throughly to satisfy themselves.” Sir Wilfred turned to the magistrate “I really feel you should search the house from top to bottom. Station your men on the landings then search each floor in turn. I'll go and finish my breakfast.” Walter just wanted to just leave but Sir Wilfred taking his cue from his butler insisted on the search to clear his name. “The horses you're taking down to London will be ready in the stables after you have eaten Sir.” Sir Wilfred blinked then turned back to his coffee.

Later he stood next to Hervey. “Should I ask what's going on? And why am I riding and not taking my curricle?” It was quickly explained that Miss Lavinia needed to disappear for six months until her majority and his curricle was on its way along the road to York. “I thought of Dobyn's farm Sir.” “Does everyone know of Dobyn's farm?” “Certainly not but I remembered the purchase some years ago. I'm quite certain no one else knows of it.” “Where is she?” “The shepherd's hut by the tarn, it's on your way and I arranged for two horses to be saddled.” “Sidesaddle?” “My information is she'll be riding astride.” “Can she be traced to the hut?” “She rode there and the horse was returned so no not even his bloodhounds will find a trail.” “Wish me luck.” Sir Wilfred mounted up and led a sting of horses out of the stable one of which had a saddle on its back.

Eventually Walter escaped back to Lavinia's home. Ernest had the hounds sniffing round looking for her trail but there was nothing other than a few false scents in the rose garden where she tended to spend the mornings. Her maid had been questioned and after a very through search declared none of her clothes were missing. The scullery maid was seen crossing herself and saying it wasn't natural if she hadn't walked away or taken any of her clothes. One of the grooms had been dispatched to see if any females had caught the stage. “At least eight of them sir, three in veils, and one of the coachmen says he passed a curricle heading north with two people in it.” “Someone's playing silly buggers. We can't chase them all so I'll put my money on an elopement and the curricle heading north.” “We could send for an investigator?” “Don't be silly it would take two or three days to get to London and two days back the trail would be cold by then. No our best bet is that curricle heading north.” They saddled up and chased after it.

The skies opened up and it started pour down. Not being dressed for the weather Ernest and Walter were soon drenched. The weather cleared about noon but they'd lost time and eventually found the inn where brother and sister had caught a few hours sleep mid-afternoon. Ernest reluctantly paid for new dry clothing and a pair of smelly oiled capes to keep the worse of the rain at bay should it start up again. They left their wet clothing at the inn with instructions it should be cleaned and they'd pick it up on the way back. Needless to say the once the weather had cleared it stayed clear and the smelly capes weren't needed. They knew they were only a few hours behind the curricle but what they weren't aware of was the groom's habit of tipping well from his master's purse to ensure anyone asking after them would be given the pick of the stables, in other words the most troublesome or slowest horses available.

“A curricle with a boy and a girl in it you say. Why you've only just missed them, not a quarter of an hour has gone by since they left. I get you the fastest pair in the stables.” Walter felt cheered, they catch them now before York. Ernest handed the groom a couple of pennies for the information and then they galloped out of the yard. “A right pair of tightfisted bastards ain't they?” Mark handed the groom a crown. “I'm surprised they got here as fast as they have.” “Looking at these pair I'm surprised they got here at all.” “You know them then?” “Why bless you, Trooper here bolts at the least thing and Allegro has won more money coming in last than you've had hot dinners.” Mark and his sister continued north until they came to the turn off for Hillsworth.

Mark drove round to the stables and produced his letter of introduction to the butler. Minutes later their expensive clothes tucked away Mark became just another groom and his sister just another maid. The horses were turned out in the paddock and the curricle hidden away in the coach house under a pile of sacking.

“Well they haven't been seen at the last two inns. I think they've turned off. Didn't we see an estate back there?” Walter approached the front door where he was greeted by the butler himself. “I'm in pursuit of an heiress who's been kidnapped.” Robins looked down his nose “If you'll follow me sir I shall enquire.” He led them to a drawing room. “The gentlemen are enquiring for an heiress.” “Please fetch our collection Robins.” Walter and Ernest looked at each other and shortly afterwards two delightful young ladies stepped into the room. “Darlings these gentlemen are looking for an heiress.” Lord Bowles turned to Ernest and Walter “Would either of these do?” He enquired. “Papa they're a bit smelly.” “I daresay they'd clean up well enough and it would save the expense of a season.” Pippa put her tongue out at him. “I'm sorry gentlemen but our heiresses do not think you'd suit them much to my disappointment.”

“It can't have disappeared for the face of the earth, a curricle of that class and a team of four.” Walter and Ernest spent another three days looking for traces of the curricle before they gave up. A week later Mark and his sister drove up to York one day to marvel at the minister. His sister couldn't resist buying one or two things to take back home as souvenirs for as she told her brother the chances of her ever travelling more than ten miles away from home in the future were remote. This was truly the journey of a lifetime for her.

At the shepherd's hut Lavinia was quickly mounted and they slipped away, riding across country rather than down highways for the first part. Lavinia didn't complain but she wasn't used to riding so far and at such a pace. Food was snatched in the saddle or as they transferred from one horse back to another. By late afternoon they'd reached Dobyn's farm where Unity listened incredulously to the tale. “You'd best press on. It's important you stay the night at an inn so people don't suspect she came with you and she's here at the farm. Lavinia will stay with us of course but I'm afraid she will be closeted in the house. I can vouch for the servants but if anyone sees her or she attends church it'll get back.” Sir Wilfred looked glum, he'd been looking forward to spending some time with Unity and looked like he was going to say something when she stopped him with a look. “On the way back you can stay a day or two.” They stripped off the spare saddle and soon Sir Wilfred was on his way once more.

He spent an uncomfortable night at a major inn with his horses tucked away in the stable. Still he was recognised by one or two of the ton as he had his breakfast. One offered to buy one of his horses for his daughter since she enjoyed riding in her new riding outfit but needed something a bit steadier. Well it would be something that would stick in people's mind so he agreed to let the daughter have her pick for a little more than his normal price.

Her father discussed bloodlines with him whilst she compared her new riding habit against their colour and smilingly picked the best match. Her father winced at this way of choosing a horse but Sir Wilfred was quite content. The horse seemed happy with her and if it boosted her confidence there would be other daughters wanting the same.

Back at Dobyn's farm Lavinia was shown the second-best guest room. The best one being reserved for Sir Wilfred visits. Hugh helped pump the water for her bath which she had in the kitchen on account of the farm had only a few servants. A dress was found for her and when she'd eaten she felt almost human again.

“I think it best if you stay inside and hide away if we have visitors. I've warned the staff to say or admit nothing but if pressed we have a young officer's wife here for a few months.” “You mean...” Lavinia's hand flew to her mouth and Unity nodded. “I dare say High will escort you riding first thing in the morning, as long as you stay on our property you should be safe enough.” Hugh interrupted with “Do I have to?” “No but if you don't then I'll escort her which means there won't be a horse for you to ride.” Hugh bowed towards Lavinia “I would be delighted to escort you whenever is convenient to you.” “Since I daren't get Mrs. Birks in to make you up a few dresses, you'll have to make do with what material we have in stock and whatever we can sew ourselves.”

Lavinia had always wondered what it would be like to live without a maid. She certainly ended up with her share of the household chores. Still it was only for six months and once you got the hang of it making your own clothes wasn't that difficult. Even Hugh wasn't so bad once she got to know him. He was good for a game of backgammon in the evening at least and once he found out she could ride he described her as not a bad sort in front of his mother. Most of the day he spent his time with the steward learning the steward's trade as he hoped one day to earn his living as one. “Or at least my trustee thinks it is a good idea.” As he remarked one day as they lay down on the grass after a picnic by the river, Lavinia pondered the idea of Hugh becoming her steward, perhaps with an adjoining bedroom. She lent over and lightly kissed him on the lips. He looked at her with a puzzled look. “I just wanted to see what kiss would be like. What do you think is for tea?” She got up quickly and stepped out of reach. Hugh dashed after her and standing behind her slipped his arms around her waist nibbling the back of her neck until she slipped away again and mounting quickly galloped off to the farm.

The six months soon slipped by and the day after her birthday Sir Wilfred arrived. “I trust you haven't missed me but I thought it best to stay away. Walter called in an investigator who has been discreetly following me around. I think I gave him the slip by riding to the market town then catching the next coach out from the coaching inn with a spare inside seat.” “He's still after her then?” Asked Unity. “Him and Ernest. She won't be safe until she's married.” “And even then an accident might happen to her husband. I think you'd better marry her.” “Me? I'm far too old for her. Besides it looks as if she has a fondness for Hugh.” “But if Hugh marries her Ernest is mean enough to shoot him and no one would say a word, but shoot Sir Wilfred I rather think not. So call on the vicar and get him to read the banns. After the wedding she can return to with Hugh as her steward and I can move in with you as your housekeeper. Hugh's child would inherit the title then as well.” “My grandson the future baron.” Hugh looked up “You aren't just my trustee, are you?” “No he's your father. There were financial reasons why we couldn't marry and if we had then it really would have been living in a cottage. This way your son will carry the title and there has been money for both of us.”