The Silk Mercer 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 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. ©2014 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

Joshua looked down at his cards and decided with a high card of the knave of spades they weren’t worth playing so placed them face down on the table to signal he was out of this hand, the play was getting too deep for him even though he’d held his own so far. Behind him he could hear the dice roll as England’s male members of the ton sought their excitement. Many were soldiers discharged after Waterloo looking to forget the battle scenes where so many had lost their lives. He’d been lucky. Eleven years earlier on leaving Manchester Grammar School at the age of fourteen he’d started work at the mill. He’d done just about every job there and caught the eye of the owner. He’d an eye for innovations and improving profits which had in turn meant he’d been taught more about the business side of the mill.

“I’ll see you and raise £20,000, here’s the deeds to my estate.” An envelope came out of Lord Becker’s inside pocket and was placed on the table. “You’re bluffing. I'll cover it.” The player on his right Lord Tamworth, a chance acquaintance, who brought him here, laid down a Royal Flush in Diamonds, the player on his left one in Spades, which by the house rules took the game. There was silence as the other players took in the amazing fact that there were two Royal Flushes on the table. “My pot I believe.” Before the money and IOUs could be scooped up, Joshua spoke up. “Could someone explain why there are two knave of spades in the pack?” he quietly turned over his discards. “You’re accusing me of cheating? Name your seconds!” demanded the player who placed the deeds on the table. “Am I? I didn’t think I was, it’s just the game is new to me and I hadn’t realised we were playing with two packs of cards.”

The military gentleman sat opposite was blunter. “No but I will. I’ve lost a fair amount of money tonight and I’d like to see the contents of your pockets.” He nodded to a couple of friends and the cheater was lifted from his chair and on forcibly having his pockets emptied they were found to contain a number of aces and face cards. “Enough said I think.” He waved to the servants to throw the man out. Lord Tamworth was dividing the money on the table between the players in rough proportion to what had been lost when a shot was heard outside. One of the soldiers went to the door to find Lord Becker had shot himself. Everyone agreed it was the only honourable thing he could do in the circumstances. Joshua found himself carried off by Lord Tamworth who insisted that he enjoyed his hospitality for a few days. “No no I insist, the family fortune is preserved and anyway although it’s only the start of the season it’s my sister’s ball tomorrow night so anything male in a dinner jacket will be more than welcome. Nothing the women folk like less than to sit out a ball as a wallflower in their finery, so you’ll more than earn your keep.” He was curious so allowed himself to be persuaded.

The next morning as he came down to breakfast, he overheard a conversation between Lord Tamworth and his sister. “But who is he? I know he saved the family fortune and I’m very grateful, but how am I to treat him? Is he worth cultivating I mean more than £30,000?” “I don’t believe so but he’s certainly respectable.” “Oh respectable, I was only hoping he might have some redeeming feature to compensate for no title.” He paused for a moment and let the topic of conversation change before walking into the breakfast room. “Good morning.” Lady Clarissa smiled her social smile at him “I understand you did something frightfully clever and saved us all from the debtors’ prison last night.” He shrugged his shoulders “Mere chance, but perhaps your brother could help me in return. I’d like to purchase a horse perhaps this morning?” “Well there is Tattersalls I suppose.” “Do you want something showy or would an old war horse do?” asked his sister. “You mean Ricky’s mount? He’s an ugly looking thing but he served my brother well in Spain. I’ll show you after breakfast if you like.” “Now to get down to more serious business, my brother has indicated that you are willing to make up the numbers this evening. At the beginning of the season it’s vital to make a good impression and that means not being a wallflower for every dance, once a girl gets the tag then her chance of success diminishes drastically. So we have to create the illusion of eligible bachelors even if they don’t exist to encourage others onto the dance floor. To do it successfully you’ll have to mix wallflowers in with society diamonds and even sit out say two dances otherwise it looks too obvious.” She looked at Joshua questioningly. “You’ll do it, how marvellous. Now I’ll get Marge to put your name down on the first dance and Melanie on shall we say the sixth? They’ll be your two diamonds. Now that’s the important bit sorted out you can go off and play at buying horses all day as long as you are here in the dining room by eight.” Lady Cynthia took herself off out of the breakfast room. “One track mind as far as balls are concerned, mind you we could have done with a bit of her strategy against Napoleon rather than praying for more rain until reinforcements arrived. I know it’s fashionable to say he gained a famous victory but to my mind if we’d had a few days of sunshine before the battle we would have lost.”

Joshua looked at Clodoveo as he showed his steps in the stable yard. “He’s a bit out of condition; he hasn’t been ridden other than the stable lads taking him out occasionally. To put it mildly he’s a brute of a horse, not a fashionable shape but he’ll carry you for longer than any other mount. My brother brought him back from Spain but unfortunately he died from his wounds a few months ago and we haven’t really sorted out what to do with him, have we old fellow. The lads tell me he can be a bit of a handful but try him and see how you get on. “ Joshua fed Clodoveo a couple of carrots and an apple then using the soft tones he used with the heavy draft horses at the factory he mounted up and rode gently around. Clodoveo seemed a bit nervous at first but Joshua’s slight weight on his back didn’t worry him too much and soon Joshua and Lord Tamworth were riding in Hyde Park fortunately well before the hour of the five o’clock parade.

“How much would you like for him?” “If he suits, you he’s yours. He’s only been eating his head off here anyway and I’ve been worrying what to do with him.” “Well if you’re sure.” “I’m sure. I think he’ll find a good home with you and that’s what my brother would have liked.”

By ten o’clock he was in the ballroom, taking a breather from dancing when he overheard a conversation between two girls. “Well my aunt swears he’s £33,000 on two legs, so what if he’s a bit elderly, we ought to get in before the rest find out.” He resolved to stay very quiet about how much he was worth. Turning he espied a well dressed young lady quietly sketching the ballroom dresses. She looked up as he approached and hid the pad in her skirts. “You don’t quite look like one of them so I hope you won’t give me away.” She spoke softly with a light French accent. “One of them?” “The titled milords. I‘ve been watching you dancing with shall we say a variety of young ladies. You had me fooled for a few moments when I saw you dance with not one but two of the diamonds as well but then I realised you hadn’t been near them before your dance, almost as if someone else had entered your name on their card. “ She added speculatively. “Shall we dance and lower the speculation levels on both of our behaviours?” He led her out onto the floor. As they waltzed round the room she let slip, she was a French dress designer, an émigré who was looking to set up in London but there were so many problems, she needed to get a feel for what was being worn which was why she’d sneaked in tonight, that and to get some free food, it wasn’t difficult you understand in one of her own designs to slip in behind a party of guests, but to make her mark she would need a protégée someone like the girl who was holding herself half hidden behind the palms over there. The one with good bones but who still had to dance her first dance this evening. This one she could transform with her creations but how to achieve it was beyond her. Did he have a sister perhaps? Joshua studied her dress carefully, “Is this really your own creation?” “Every stitch, I can’t afford seamstresses you understand.” He nodded and as he escorted her back to the sidelines he scribbled a few notes and an address on the back of her dance card. “If you were to be at this address at noon tomorrow and present this to Philip it might be to both our advantages.” He murmured, and left her to hunt among the palms.

He slipped his arm round her waist and taking her other hand guided her out onto the dance floor before she had even realised what was happening. “Do you really want to dance with me or have you been sent by my aunt to rescue me?” She asked, “By your aunt of course.” He replied teasingly as he swung her round in a circle as the dance decreed. “No, you weren't. You don’t even know who my aunt is.” She flashed at him. “You’re right of course I merely wanted to meet you and this seemed to be the conventional thing to do.” She raised an eyebrow. “I admit it I’m ineligible, no title and no claim to a fortune you would consider respectable. Perhaps you could pretend to relax a little and enjoy the dance?” “Oh you mean put a social smile on to attract the titles as my aunt would say. Hardly worth it as I’m not at all the simpering miss they all seem to think is so fashionable. Besides this gown really doesn’t flatter me.” He laughed and she grinned back.

He left her at the end of the dance and continued to work his way gently through the wallflowers mixing in one or two prettier girls with the rest to allay suspicion about what he was doing. He was pleased to see once they had been displayed on the floor one or two had further dances. At supper he led his partner into the supper room only to be kissed on the cheek by Lady Cynthia, “You’re doing wonderfully.” She whispered in his ear before leading him and his partner back to her table and drawing his partner out conversationally.

“Lady Mary’s great-niece.” She explained later, and Lady Mary has a lot of influence over the dowagers. Finally he took himself to bed at two am, the music still continuing to play below.

The next morning over a late breakfast he mentioned to his host that he would like to take out a young lady for a drive and was pleased to hear one of the Earl’s open coaches would be put at his disposal. Of course the top-hated liveried coachman knew where Lady Ingham lived and discretely pocketed the golden boy that had been slipped into his hand. He’d be discretion itself no fear.

At Lady Ingham’s he was shown into the salon and offered small talk and tea. Her daughter would be delighted to take drive with him, so refreshing to be outside on a day like this, she’d be with him as soon as she was changed. A maid was nodded at and quietly went to relay the message. “Wake up sleepy head. Your mother says you’ve a beau wanting to take you for a drive so get a move on.” “What time is it and who is he?” “Barely after lunch and I didn’t catch his name but it’s a gleaming carriage with liveried servants outside so your mother will want to know the reason why if you’re not down immediately.” Polly laid out a suitable gown as Melissa scrabbled out of bed and into her clothes. Polly gave her hair a quick brush through ignoring Melissa’s protests as the brush tugged her hair. “It’s more than my jobs worth miss if I don’t get you downstairs immediately.” Polly chivvied her charge out the door. “But I haven’t had anything to eat.” “When you get back miss, when you get back.”

“Ah here’s my precious daughter now, look after yourselves and enjoy the drive.” Melissa looked daggers at her escort from behind her mother’s back but quickly plastered her social smile on as her mother turned to admire her daughter. Joshua hustled her out of the house and into the open Landau carriage where she sat next to him with Polly her maid in the rear facing seat. “Two weeks in London and all I get is one dance and one caller who I’ve already established is completely ineligible. I was comfortable tucked up in bed and what happens. Hustled out like a performing whatever, without even a bite of breakfast.” She glowered at her maid. “He must have borrowed the carriage, why I don’t know.” She turned and narrowed her eyes, “I think you’re in trade or something not quite respectable.” She said this as if being in trade was the lowest thing that a man could be.

Joshua smiled at the maid, “Is she always like this?” “She’s usually not so grumpy after she’s been fed.” “Oh well I’d better admit I’m in trade then hadn’t I?” “Really? What’s it like being in trade? I mean I only said it to provoke you.” “Let me take you to one of my warehouses so you can see for yourself and I undertake to feed you once there.” A few minutes later they rolled to a stop outside a warehouse and Joshua alighted and handed Melissa down. He guided them into see the rolls of material that stood shelved along the walls. “Philip has our other guest arrived?” Philip nodded and went to fetch her.

“I recognise you from the ball last night; I remember being so envious of your gown but why are we both here?” “Ah the opportunity of Lady Melissa and a warehouse full of material.” “Opportunity, I’m not certain I like being called an opportunity.” “I have a proposal to put you. Madam is a French fashion designer who needs someone to wear her fashions so she can establish a name. We think you can carry it off and would show off her designs to best advantage. I’m prepared to give madam a line of credit for shall we say £100 for material from my warehouse, madam will invest her time and you will gain a wardrobe of haute couture gowns.” “What and have to go round saying I got this made up at Madam’s dress store. No thank you.” “Non, non nothing so crude, it is better if you say nothing, and your maid lets slip the name reluctantly in return for a petite pourboire.” Madam produced a sketch of a ball gown and Melissa and Polly both looked it over. Madam waved to Philip and he returned with a roll of silk. “Now something like this I thought would show your form off better than the ruffles and frills of the gown you wore last night.” “We arrived a little late and most of the better modistes were already full of orders. Besides funds were limited and mother didn’t think gowns were that important but it seems so dishonest and I don’t like the idea of being looked upon as a charity case.”

Polly stared at her mistress. “Selfish that’s what you are. Madam needs work. Mr. Bentley needs to sell his material and what about me. If this works, I’ll be in high demand next season as a dresser and they command very good money indeed. That was my dream in coming to London to make my mark as a dresser, I was hoping with your beauty and a few nice gowns I could make a difference but no you have scruples. Well scruples won’t find you a husband.” “I’m not certain I want one who only looks at my gowns and ignores my intelligence.” “No but without the gowns they won’t come and talk to you to discover your intelligence.” “Is your maid always so outspoken?” “We grew up together so she’s more friend than a maid I suppose. Well if to be a fashionable dresser is what you want then who am I to stand in the way, though heaven knows what mother will say.” She added resignedly. “Just leave your mother to me.” Replied Polly.

“So when is your next ball?” “This evening, the Slater’s do.” Joshua looked towards Madam. “Impossible. I would need six seamstresses and where would I get them in time. In two or three weeks time when the orders are completed and everyone loses their jobs for the summer it would be possible but for today no, impossible. Besides I don’t have a workplace yet.” Polly offered to help with the sewing, “I doubt we could manage it even with the two of us.” “But if you were to offer employment all year round?” “Mais oui, within the hour I would have assembled a team of the best seamstresses in London.” “Have you looked at the house next door yet? I brought it when the owner died mainly to expand the warehouse yard, it has a couple of good sized salons one north facing and several bed rooms upstairs that could accommodate your seamstresses.”

The entourage led by Philip with the keys entered the house next door, Madam looked round the largest north facing salon, “A few carpets, suitable furniture, paint and it will do but they can come before the little season. Eh bien, if you have the money for the seamstresses we can do it.” “Philip add Madam’s six seamstresses to the pay roll for the warehouse on a weekly salary but keep track of how much we pay them and send the boys in to madam so she can round up her seamstresses.” “A salary and accommodation Monsieur is most generous with those terms they will be clamouring at the door within the hour. “ She took out her tape measure and shooed Philip and Joshua out the door “Now you are not required so wait outside please.” When she had finished “Bon you must return by eight p.m. and by then the dress must be ready. Perhaps I can coax Estelle to show Polly how your hair must be done this evening but now you must go and leave me to my cutting out.”

At ten to ten Melissa and her mother were announced and Joshua made his way to her to enter his name on her dance card for the next dance. “You look charming tonight.” “Looks as maybe they decided they didn’t have enough time for buttons so they sewed the gown round me. I’ve been warned not to sit down as the seams weren’t finished off either, but you’re right about the evening dress it’s quite the loveliest gown I’ve ever worn and with this new way of wearing my hair I don’t feel quite so dowdy this evening.” As he returned her to her place after the dance, Lord Tamworth arrived, “My sister sent me along something to do with a duty dance with a protégée of yours so you’ll have to point her out to me but you can do that after I’ve had the pleasure of taking the floor with this delectable young lady first whom I’m quite certain I haven’t had the pleasure of seeing so far this season. New in town are you?” Melissa looked up at him and battered her eye lids, “I think I’m your duty dance.” “What nonsense, well this dance will be pure pleasure so I’ll claim the supper dance as my duty dance then we can get to know each other better over supper.”

Three dances later Joshua was stood watching the dancers next to Melissa’s mother. “Like sheep aren’t they, first they all ignore my darling, and now suddenly she’s all the rage with a full dance card just because she’s wearing a different dress. Were they blind before?” Joshua just nodded his agreement.

The following morning Joshua came down for breakfast and was surprised to find Lady Clarissa there before him. “So I want to know all about her.” He feigned surprise “I sent my brother along as arranged after he made it quite clear it was agreed to only under protest and when I saw him later didn’t even moan about how frightful she was and he always does that whenever I ask him to dance with someone. Therefore he must be in love and I want to know all about my future sister-in-law.” Joshua was saved by the arrival of Lord Tamworth who looked in a particularly good mood. “Morning all.” He kissed Lady Clarissa on the head as he passed her. “I was thinking of leaving you shortly, I think London is too lively for my tastes.” “Oh I'm sorry to hear that but allow me to pass you the deeds to Lord Becker’s estate and a letter of introduction from his man of business to Traffers his butler down there. It's more than likely it's been run down and not worth anything like the £20,000 he claimed but it might be worth something. I didn't mention it before until my solicitor had done his work but you have clear title as the deeds were staked on the table and I won't take no for an answer. It was a bit of a shake up call nearly being swindled out of £20,000 or possibly even more. I'm resolved to keep my bets down to £25 maximum in future and you never know but I may even have found another interest in life.”

Joshua thought it prudent to slip away before Lady Clarissa interrogated her brother on this very interesting statement so he quietly took the deeds and letter of introduction and returned to his room to pack just a saddle bag. He left instructions and a pourboire with a footman that his other belongings should be left at his warehouse, before descending to the stables and setting forth on Clodoveo.

Dressed much as a trader might be, he and his horse took his time. Travelling slowly and stopping frequently to admire the view, or take in a market they eventually arrived at the estate just before lunch time. Joshua climbed down from the saddle and leaving the reins trailing on the ground he knocked on the door. “The tradesmen's entrance is round the back.” A rather haughty butler instructed him. Joshua just handed him his letter of introduction gathered the reins and led Clodoveo round to the stables where a groom relieved him of his charge. He entered the kitchen and asked Molly one of the maids for a drink and perhaps something to eat. “It'll be water from the pump and fresh bread with cheese I'm afraid. Her ladyship keeps both the tea and coffee under lock and key and Kenny hasn't brought the new barrel of ale up from the cellar yet. Come far have you?” She asked inquisitively as she served him at the scrubbed wooden table. She looked up, “The coal man's here again I'd best fetch her ladyship. Just sit quietly behind the door and she won't even know you've there.” There was a patter of feet as various personages passed through the door and back again then Molly was back once more. “Right now she's had her backhander we can all settle down, so tell us the news from London town. Is it really true that the fashionables are wearing shorter skirts these days that even show a glimpse of ankle from time to time without being thought fast and have you seen this new German dance where a couple actually have their arms around each other?”

Joshua told her all he could remember about the latest fashions. Molly was enthralled by his tales of Lady Clarissa's hats and bonnets. “If only I could visit there one day and see it all, in my dreams I have a ball gown of my own to wear in the latest fashion. It would be so wonderful to wear it to the assembly and have all the men lusting after me.” The bell rang and Molly jumped up and ran up the stairs. She came back breathless “Old Traffers is in a panic. Lord Beckers has shot himself and the new owner is here but no one knows exactly where he is. I'm to call in all the grooms and gardening staff into the main hall for inspection whilst Traffers looks for him.” She scampered out the door across to the stables. On her return she paused “I'm not sure I can let you stay here with no one around.” “That's not a problem I'll come up to the hall with you.” Molly had this terrible thought and closed her eyes. “Oh God don't tell me. No really don't tell me I don't think I want to know.” She guided him up the stairs to the grand hall where the servants were all lined up.

“Ah there you are sir. I must apologise for the misunderstanding.” Joshua shrugged his shoulders. “I'd like to just say a few words, Lord Beckers lost the manor at the card table and he died shortly afterwards. I don't have much knowledge of the land so I'm here to look you over to see what's here then I'll probably be inclined to sell to someone else who knows more about running estates that I. So I recommend you carry on much as you have been but I may have some questions to ask you later. The first one is where can I find a bed chamber when I have the answer then thank you, you are dismissed.”

The housekeeper sniffed, “Mrs. Beddoes sir. I can show your valet a suitable room.” Joshua glanced at her and raised his eyebrows. “Thank you Mrs. Beddoes but you can show me yourself.” The room he was shown to was spacious but obviously a lesser guest room. He spent the next two weeks wandering round trying not to get in people's way. Molly sneaked into see him and sorted out his washing for him. He spent some time in the library looking through the books. He hadn't realised that the estate needed quite so much expensive maintenance nor that the estate had to buy in eggs, he was quite certain he'd seen hens out beyond the stables. He raised his eyebrows at the salary being paid to the French chef. He’d quietly peeped into the kitchen as he passed through to the stables one day and saw the chef labouring over a tray of éclairs and petite fours. In the stables he was met with a more gracious reception than in the house, probably because they recognised the quality of Clodoveo and they were working men, a little more like himself. When he questioned Molly about whom the éclairs were for, she went red then whispered the housekeeper’s name.

He was mulling over quite what to do when as he entered the library he spied one maid sneak up behind another and nibble the back of her neck, the second one put her hand back and held the first one’s hand, before turning and kissing her on the lips. That was behaviour that would get them both turned off if Mrs. Beddoes caught them at it. He knew firing Mrs. Beddoes would almost certainly turn the neighbourhood against him but if she could be persuaded to resign that was quite different. He had an idea that a number of families with daughters were taking an interest even with his low profile. Something a little scandalous might well protect him from marriage schemes. He stepped back out of the doorway before stepping back in more loudly and shutting the door firmly behind him. The two maids separated to start dusting adjacent shelves. “Mrs Beddoes seems to think I really ought to have a valet. Do you think if I paid you a valet's wage you could look after my clothes for me? I'd expect you to sleep in my suite of course. I thought if we moved a bed into the dressing room?” “Yes.” Came the wide-eyed reply from the second maid. “You'd be better off with Rose.” “Rose?” “She lives at Summer Hill Farm up the lane, unfortunately she's been unable to get work because of her looks.” He looked puzzled, “Well sir, would you put temptation in a husband's way unnecessarily?” “Oh good looking is she? Well my offer to you two still stands if you're agreeable but I'd like to inform Mrs. Beddoes of the change in my own way first perhaps tomorrow and I'll see what can be done about Rose.” He left them went for a walk up the lane to have a look for Summer Hill Farm.

“What on earth made you mention Rose?” “You want him to stay don't you? What man is his right mind, could resist her? Besides I think he saw us and just wants to shock Mrs. Beddoes.” “Yes but you've practically sold Rose into his bed.” Marge shrugged “She's old enough and still at home for heaven's sake, we were both working by the age of twelve and better him than the old steward which is probably what she'll have to do to save the farm. I know which I'd prefer if I didn't have you.”

It was a good half hour's walk uphill so when he got there he had little difficulty in obtaining a glass of water. Rose certainly was easy on the eye. Her father had broken his arm just before ploughing time and was berating the fact that if he didn't get his seed in the next week or so the crop would be lost. Ploughing was too heavy for the women else they'd do it between them. He'd offer Joshua work but had no money to pay him until the crop was in nor for the hire of the team either, Rose smiled imploringly at him behind her father's back. Joshua wondered aloud if he'd approached the steward about getting help. Rose broke in with, “Oh he'll help all right once I jump into his bed. The way things are going if I don't we'll lose the farm and if I do I'll end up in the club. Heads I lose, tails I don't win.” “Rose did you say your name was?” “Aye.” “The name rings a bell, I was talking to one of the maids, Marge I think it was, she mentioned if I saw you, she could arrange work for you at the house if you were to see her this evening. Still I'd better be on my way, looks like rain to me, will your roof hold out?” “Maybe I've been complaining about it now these three years but nowt has been done.” “Perhaps I'll see if I can get hold of a team tomorrow morning, I'm no ploughman but if you could guide me we might get your seed planted yet.” He turned and walked back down the farm track the collie who'd greeted him earlier trailing him until he was off the property.

Walking downhill was easier than uphill and he soon caught up with what appeared to be a governess struggling with a heavy bag. “Going far?” He greeted her. “Down to the village to hire a ride to catch the stage.” He picked up the bag easily and they walked down together. She'd been turned off as a governess without a reference because her employer's husband had caught and kissed her when she was unprepared. Her employer had seen them and dismissed her on the spot without a reference so she was going to catch the stage down to London and look for work. “Do I take it you teach maths?” “And writing, needlework, geography...” “Stop, you are obviously well accomplished, would you consider a job as a steward?” “A female steward, who has heard of such a thing?” He told her how much a steward earned and that if she stayed three months he’d pay her fare on the mail to London if she wanted to quit. She seemed uncertain but agreed to give it a try so he left her with the gardener giving her a tour of the hot house.

Well it seemed the time was ripe for a confrontation, he first spoke to Molly’s young man, a footman by the name of Dawles, and commanded the travelling coach to be brought to the front door in half an hour, and to arrange for any spare grooms to come to the front door to help with the luggage. Next he rang the bell and requested the presence of Mrs. Beddoes.

“Mrs. Beddoes, come in. You’ll be pleased to know that I’ve taken your comments about my lack of a valet to heart so I’ll be reassigning Margret and Maggie to act as my personal valet forthwith. I’ll be moving into the master suite and they will sleep in the dressing room as is normal for a valet.” Mrs. Beddoes seemed to grow red in the face before she exploded “It’s out of the question! I’ll not have it at a house where I’m the housekeeper!” Joshua let her run on and when she had finished he replied “If that is your wish then so be it. I’ll be sorry to see you go but quite understand and accept your resignation. I will of course pay you until next quarter day.”

Treffers came in to see what all the fuss was about. “He’s just dismissed me, after twenty two years of loyal service.” Exclaimed Mrs. Beddoes, “Eh you can’t do that.” “I’ll not be told what I can and cannot do, I’ll accept your resignation as well. You’ll be paid until the quarter day.” They both protested and Joshua shrugged. “Either you resign or I’ll bring the magistrate in, Mrs. Beddoes there is a small matter of the purchase of expensive eggs in the household accounts when we have our own hens, and Treffers six dozen bottles of port that were purchased a month ago in the accounts but don’t appear to be in the cellar and I’m quite certain Lord Beckers wasn’t here to drink them.” He called out to Dawles and when he entered told him Mrs. Beddoes and Treffers would be in the coach in twenty-five minutes time. He’d like Mrs. Beddoes’s keys and that they were to be escorted whilst they picked up their belongings, and could he send in the steward.

“Good afternoon Mr. Grange, according to entries in the estate books we’ve replaced more roofs than we have cottages in the last two years. Not only that but I’ve seen no evidence of any new roofs on my walks around the estate. You appear to be reluctant to assist one of the tenants unless his daughter sleeps with you. I’ll accept your resignation now and you’ll be paid until the quarter day or you’re fired and I don’t really care which. The coach will be at the door in twenty minutes you will be on it, or I’ll have you kicked off the estate. Dawles see that Mr. Grange is escorted to collect his belongings and is ready for the coach within twenty minutes please. Thank you.”

Mr. Grange looked shocked and wrung his hands “It’s a just a misunderstanding sir.” “Sign this letter of resignation for personal reasons now and take the pay until the quarter day or have your say and I’ll fire you on the spot if it doesn’t completely exonerate you.” Mr. Grange signed. Joshua closed his eyes for a moment then descended into the kitchens. The staff whispered quietly amongst themselves. “Jacques I’m afraid the estate has just lost its housekeeper and unfortunately I’m unable to afford a French chef. You aren’t dismissed but I’d like you to look round for another position where you can display your talents to a wider audience within the next quarter. An alternative would be I’ll back you to open your own restaurant in London and take 30% of the net profit in return for my investment. I’ll give you a letter for Philip and he can sort out the details with you if that is acceptable. Take your time to think it over there is no rush for you to leave immediately.” The chef’s eyes lit up and he shook Daniel’s hand vigorously as a stream of French broke forth from his lips.”

Daniel spotted the girl Molly had mentioned loved to cook. “You’re now promoted to cook, and it’s my clean up day for problems. I’ll have a coffee or know the reason why but first I must mention the estate can’t afford to provide so much fuel for cooking. Simon is taking the coach down to London in a few minutes and I’d like you and Molly on it. Pick out a suitable closed range whilst you’re there and we’ll see if we can cut back on the wood we’re burning.” Cook tore off her apron, “I’m dreaming, Meg get him a coffee.” Joshua handed the house keeper’s keys to Molly who was stood there open mouthed, “You’re the new house keeper by the way.”

He had Molly search Mrs. Beddoes’s person and go through her belongings. He let her keep five of the eighty-two guineas discovered in addition to her pay. Treffers was allowed to keep the same amount out of the thirty-seven guineas found in his luggage. Mr. Grange was allowed a single guinea out of his four hundred and seventy-six. The rest went back into estate funds.

Joshua handed the coachman a letter to be given to Philip on arrival in London. He handed cook and Molly up into the coach so they could get the best forward facing seats first. His chef was standing expectantly having thrown up his bag onto the coach. He looked at the three dismissed senior staff before climbing onto the bench seat next to the driver. The three dismissed senior staff followed Molly and cook into the interior of the coach. “I’ve given instructions for Philip to purchase a wagon and horses to carry the stove on the return trip. With two of you to drive on the way down I’d think about driving as long a day as possible and eat on the move. You’ve money for accommodation but if you don’t need it then half is yours to split between you. Now don’t forget Simon if any of the three cause you, cook or Molly any inconveniences or problems whatso ever just leave them behind and they pay for their own meals and rooms if need be.”

As the large heavy travelling coach slowly started up down the drive with the staff lined up to watch them go, he instructed a footman to fetch Miss Crimple from the hot house. “Sorry to abandon you like that but I had one or two things to attend to.” Miss Crimple looked round “Yes so I understand.” “The estate books are through here in the estate office. What we really need to do is go through the estate which has been neglected and prioritise the work that needs to be done. Some is short term, some longer term. Some will give us a return on investment some will make our tenants life easier. So we’ll need to balance the needs against the resources. One of the tenant farmers has a broken arm but is quite capable of guiding you in the list of things that he’d like doing but I’d like you to listen to the women as well and now if you’ll come this way I’ll introduce you to the staff.”

“Stevens, can you assemble all the staff including the stable hands and gardeners in the main hall please.” He waited until all the staff was assembled, the outside staff stood just inside the front door with doffed caps not wanting to wear their muddy boots inside. Mrs. Beddoes, Treffers and Grange have decided to resign for personal reasons.” “Good riddance.” Came a muffled comment from near the back. “Miss Crimple here will take over the post of steward, and as a temporary measure Molly when she returns that of housekeeper, Dawles as butler, although I have every expectation of confirming them in these posts should they wish to continue. I expect you all know your jobs so you shouldn’t need much supervision and I’d like you to offer your support to these three in their new roles. There will be some changes, for example you will no longer be expected to face the wall when I am present, I see no reason why work should stop just because I’m there. Miss Crimple will be the person to take any problems that you would normally take to the house keeper in Molly’s absence but I would hope your good sense will resolve them beforehand so we don’t scare her away with too many problems. I will be moving into the master suit Meg and Marge will be acting as my valet between them so sleeping in my dressing room which Mrs. Beddoes was uncomfortable with. If anyone else would like to leave now is the time to say, you’ll be paid until the next quarter day.” He looked round questioningly. Work was scarce so there were no takers apart from Miss Crimple who asked mischievously “So if I quit today I get paid for the entire quarter?” “Miss Crimple I will deal with you later.” He said sternly trying to hold back his smile “Now are there any other questions?” A young tweeny stepped shyly forward, “Sally sir, if you please sir will we be having a Midsummer Ball with all them ladies in their beautiful dresses like wot me sis told me about?” He smiled, not the question he had been anticipating. “Well we have six weeks to get organised so we’ll have to see what can be arranged.” An evil glimmer crept over him as he turned to look at Miss Crimple “In fact Miss Crimple would be the ideal person to organise it so I’ll look to you all to ensure she stays.” He slipped away to the stables for a quiet gallop across the fields on Clodoveo.

He found that although he could handle firing the staff and hiring Miss Crimple at the time afterwards he needed a bit of quiet time to himself whilst he calmed down inside. Clodoveo was glad to stretch his legs and together they bounded across fields down as far as the river where he viewed a horse drawn barge making its way slowly upstream in the distance, before returning back up the hill to the stables both a little tired from the physical effort.

He dropped down from the saddle and was a little startled to see Clodoveo start across the yard and bump a stranger who was talking to Miss Crimple in the back. He turned around then greeted Clodoveo by name and made a great fuss of him. “I see you know my horse at least.” “Last time I saw this old warrior was in Spain, same as Miss Annie here. Sergeant Stubbings hopefully at your service, as you can see we’re looking for work.” Joshua raised his eyebrow at Miss Crimple. “Oh I know the entire motley crew from my father’s regiment, I spent two years in Spain before father was killed and I came home. Sergeant Stubbing’s wife was my unofficial governess, nursemaid and anything else I needed.” “Well we’ve fields that need drainage tiles, cottages that need roofs, new cottages that need building so we may need some extra help, but I won’t be making the decision on hiring you. I may see you later after you’ve discussed the matter with my steward.” Sergeant Stubbings looked downhearted at these words and was about to trail Joshua inside when a voice stopped him. “Oh didn’t I mention I’m now the steward here? You’re all hired. Where is Marsha by the way?” “I left her with her sister down in London.” As Joshua entered the house he called back over his shoulder “As soon as you’ve grabbed a bite to eat in the kitchen Stubbings come and see me in the library I’ve an errand for you to run.”

After Stubbings had quickly munched his way through a lump of bread and some cold beef, he entered the library where Joshua was awaiting. “Now my travelling coach left here an hour or two ago on its way to London. Take Clodoveo and a groom with you to bring the horses back. They should be waiting for you at the stables. I want you to catch Simon, my coachman, up and travel down with him. Simon will recognise Clodoveo. Just tell him to make room for you. If need be throw an unwanted passenger or two out, he’ll know what I mean.” He pushed a bag of guineas across the table. “Take this and I’ll give you a letter for Phillip to advance you more if need be. I want you to buy a pair of barges and draft horses in London then bring them back, nothing fancy but serviceable mind. I’ve a mind to expand the quarry and transport the stone by barge hence the need for the barges. We’ll need to build a short canal to connect the quarry with the river so with your contacts you should be able to find me a pair of engineers, ordnance officers I think they are called, ideally someone who made maps for the artillery but any artillery officers will do. They’ll need assistants to hold the surveying staff but I don’t think you need two arms for that so if you know of any sensible family men who have a limb missing hire them. If you come across anyone with experience in explosives, we’ll need a couple for the quarry. I’ve added instructions to add to the material that Simon is to bring back in the carriage. Sort out with him who is travel in the carriage and who or what is to come back by barge. The seamstresses, officers and silks are to come by carriage but the closed oven can come by barge. You may have a bit of spare room left in the barges so you can fit in a few wives and belongings. We can probably use another dozen or so men to build the canal etc. So if you know of anyone suitable bring them back even if they have to walk alongside the barges. Keep enough money back to keep your passengers in food on the way back.”

Stubbings looked hard at him for a moment or two. “You won’t regret it sir, you won’t regret it. I’m on my way.” He turned and was about to dash out the door just as Miss Crimple arrived. “I think Stubbings should rest for a day or two first and get some good food down him before starting, surely no errand can be that important.” “Off you go on your way Stubbings now. Now then Miss I rather think it’s my decision about whether Stubbings is fit to run a little errand or not.” Miss Crimple turned her back and stormed out to burn her energy in finding places for the ex-soldiers to sleep.

Rose carrying a bundle of all her spare clothes down to the big house eventually found Marge and hopefully told her about the man who had come by saying Marge knew about a job. “What was he like?” Rose described Joshua to a tee. “Oh well then you’re hired. Come up and see our room. It’s ever so nice.” She took her up to the master suite and showed her the bed that she and Meg would share. Rose put her bundle down in a corner and was exploring her new surroundings exclaiming on having a fire burning in the grate when there wasn’t even frost on the ground when Joshua arrived. “Hello Rose, settling in are you? Has Marge told you you’ll be working directly for me basically as a valet sharing the duties with Marge and Meg. You’ll get paid a Lady’s maid wage.” Rose eye’s opened wide, this was very high pay indeed.

“Meg can you run down to the kitchen and get some slices of bread for toasting and see if there are any crumpets available. I suspect the housekeeper had them every day but she won’t be needing them now. Oh butter and two types of jam as well, please.” He turned to Marge “I’m tired of lukewarm food and tepid water to wash in so hopefully things will change now.” “Begging you pardon sir but it will, Mrs. Beddoes gave special orders that lukewarm was to be the order of the day, hoping you’d leave and we could serve a proper title.”

When Meg returned carrying everything on a tray including two toasting forks, Joshua set Rose by the fire toasting crumpets. Marge buttered the first crumpet and Rose glanced at it longingly as she toasted the next one. “Pass me the fork and feed him this one. Go on sit in his lap and raise the crumpet to his mouth.” Rose looked shocked at the idea but Joshua held out his hand so she persuaded herself to do as Marge had commanded. “We’ll share, so you take the first bite.” Rose hesitated at first but then the smell of the crumpet overcame her scruples. A look of pure pleasure came over her face. “Is this the first time you’ve had crumpets?” Rose nodded, “There’s a bit of butter dripping down from the corner of her mouth perhaps you could lick it clean?” Marge spoke out daringly. She would never have dared to voice an opinion when Mrs. Beddoes was in charge but she sensed she might when it was just the four of them together in private. Joshua nuzzled up to Rose and licked the butter from her chin. She fed him a bite of crumpet.

“No one ever told me that servants got to eat toasted crumpets before.” Said Rose naively. “Not all servants get fed crumpets. Only very special ones. It’s a secret between us and not to be told to anyone. What happens in this room stays in this room. Understand?” Marge replied Rose nodded. “Am I special then?” Joshua licked another drop of butter from Rose’s lips, this time she opened her mouth slightly and their tongues entwined. Meg nudged them to feed them more buttered toast with jam and more crumpets. Marge smiled to herself, Rose was tempting him nicely. With any luck at all he’d stay, thank heavens Rose could stand kissing boys, she found the idea rather nauseating, Meg was much nicer.

When all the crumpets and toast were finished Meg threw the crumbs out the window for the birds and Joshua announced he’d like a bath before dining in the small store room next to the kitchen, that way they wouldn’t have to carry the water up and down the stairs. “I’ll put my dressing gown on and read a book in the library whilst you fill the bath. Make sure there are a couple of extra pails of hot water in case the water cools.”

Marge had a footman carry in a carpet for the floor first, which she covered with towels where the bath was to be placed in the small store room with the high windows. This was followed by the copper bath itself. Meanwhile the kitchen staff set about heating water to be transported in pails when hot. “Wouldn’t it be nice to have a pump that pumped out hot water instead of cold?” queried Meg to no one in particular as she worked the kitchen pump handle to fill yet another can. “Or better still some magical tap that you just turned?” “Yes but you’d be out of a job then.” Returned the more practical Marge, who even had some doubts about bathing downstairs rather than up, what would all those unemployed footmen do for work for a start?

Finally Rose was dispatched to the library to tell Joshua his bath was prepared. It seemed strange to her not to have a bath in the nice warm kitchen in front of the fire but as long as the dibs were in tune whatever he wanted was fine by her.

Joshua lay back in his bath and decided to have a little fun at Rose’s expense. “Right now get undressed.” She looked at him. “Well I want you to scrub my back and if you do it with your clothes on they’ll get all wet won’t they?” She nodded. “Well then take it off and put it over the back of the chair.” She looked at Marge who nodded smilingly. Off came Rose’s clothes, Marge thought she’d better see if they couldn’t find her some more respectable looking underwear or should it be better looking less respectable underwear. Rose picked up the soap and lent across to wash Joshua’s back. “Best do his front and hair as well.” Marge added. Rose embarrassed washed gently away even washing between his toes when he lifted them out of the water. She was going to wash the other thing that surfaced but remembered what it was from her memories of the farm and watching the sheep to make sure they were all covered by the ram so the lambs would arrive in the spring. Once one had been covered it was her job to move them across to the other fold using the dogs.

“Right Rose time for you to have a bath, in you before the water gets cold.” “But sir I’ve had my birthday bath not three months ago.” “You’ll bathe once a week here.” Rose gawked, clearly the upper classes had some strange ideas. “If you say so sir.” She stepped gingerly into the copper bath. It was deeper and much more luxurious than the one on the farm. Joshua took the bar of soap from Meg and worked up a lather before washing her left breast with his hand. Rose turned pink, “Right you can finish yourself off. There’s more hot water in the pail if it’s too cold, I expect Meg and Marge to follow.” Rose nodded and took the soap. Much softer than the type they had at home. Perhaps she’d save a bit and pass it to her mother when she had her half day off. Joshua rinsed his hands off in the bath water and dried himself with the warm dry towels Meg had provided. “Meg send word to Miss Crimple to join me for dinner this evening so we can discuss estate business.”

Over the first hot dinner he’d had since arriving Joshua suggested to Miss Crimple that the following day they pay a visit on the local squire and see if his wife would act as hostess. “The local gentry are far more likely to accept if she sends out the invitations than if I do for I’m afraid the tale of me having female valets will have spread across the county by now, which is fine if I wish to avoid matchmaking mothers but not if Sally is to have her ball.” “But will she even let us through the door?” “If you wanted to be able to impress your neighbours by telling them with exactly what happen here yesterday I think we’ll find curiosity will at least open the door. After that we’ll try bribery to keep it open.” He looked at her shocked face. “Nothing blatant but if you had a daughter that was going up to town for a season won’t a practise ball in the country give her some experience first? We’ll go for a formal morning visit at say two in the afternoon. We can at least run to a highly polished coach and liveried footmen on the back even if our personal dress might not be quite so impeccably formal. Could you look through your gowns and see if you can find anything suitable? The staff might even be able to uncover something suitable if we mention it to them.”

Next morning at daybreak Joshua slipped out to the stables and remembering his work with the draft animals at the mill harnessed a pair of Clydesdales to pull a plough. It was quite light by the time he arrived and Rose’s dad came out to meet him. “I recognise Tick & Tock there didn’t the steward have anything to say.” “Oh he quit yesterday and I don’t think the new steward will notice or mind.” He said casually and under the farmer’s direction he soon had the plough turning the heavy sod back. They chatted about the new modern farming techniques that had arrived in some parts of the country boosting yields and profits. At 9:30 the farmer’s wife brought them out a glass of ale and a bit of bread and cheese. All in all Joshua found it relaxing to be working with his hands again with a responsive pair of horses. Well it was until just about noon when he saw Miss Crimple come storming across the field with a groom in tow. “Looks like I was wrong about the new steward not minding.” “When you’ve quite finished playing ploughman we do have a morning visit to make!” “Allow me to introduce the new steward, Miss Crimple.” “John take over that team and since they’ve been working all morning take them back and bring up a second team to finish the job!” Joshua exchanged looks with the farmer and spread his hands palms upwards. “Well looks like John will finish the job soon enough. Goodbye, it’s been nice chatting to you.” He turned to Miss Crimple “It’s time for lunch anyway and since we haven’t announced our visit yet it won’t matter if we are five minutes late.” Miss Crimple threw him a killer look then set off back down the hill with Joshua trailing behind.

Back at the house Joshua slipped upstairs to change. His team of valets swarmed all over him and stripped him of his clothes before he could blink an eye. He looked at the bed to see formal dress laid out which he didn’t recognise. “We found some in one of the wardrobes and adjusted the fit according to one of your jackets. Try it on.” He tried it on, a little long in one leg but Meg soon had it pinned then rehemmed. “Right off you go.” Downstairs in the hall Dawles and one of the other footmen where dressed in their full livery and being fussed over by two maids and Miss Crimple to ensure everything was exactly as it should be but eventually they set out. The two footmen travelled inside until they grew close to the squire’s home to keep them from getting too dusty and when Miss Crimple knocked on the roof and the coach ground to a halt so the two liveried footmen could gain their perches at the rear of the coach. The coach set off again sweeping up the drive with the footmen hanging grimly on. The carriage door was swung open and they stepped out in their finery. As they mounted the steps, the two heavy wooden front doors were opened wide and a manservant took Joshua’s proffered card. He bade them wait whilst he ascertained if his mistress was at home. Miss Crimple crossed her fingers behind her back as he strolled back and bade them follow him into the salon.

Lady Juliana poured their tea impeccably and offered up the weather as conversation. Her daughter burst into the room “It’s true. The scandalous pair really are here.” Then she blushed and said to herself “Oh dear. I didn’t mean it. It’s just that mother mentioned...” Her words petered out. Lady Juliana smiled “You must forgive my daughter Anne she’s at an age when she’s somewhat impetuous.” Miss Crimple laughed behind her serviette and Joshua added “Well at least she’s honest. I take it you are referring to Miss Crimple being turned off for not running fast enough when her employer’s husband wished to kiss her and to my domestic arrangements.” “I suppose so.” Stammered Anne. “Well I was in two minds whether I should be at home or not myself, after all to lose a housekeeper might be considered careless but to lose a housekeeper, a butler and a steward all in one day does make one wonder. I even heard that your cook had taken herself off to London.” Lady Juliana fished for more details. “They all resigned of their own accord.” “And probably would have been fired if they hadn’t.” Added Lady Juliana dryly. “As you say but I have at least found a replacement steward in Miss Crimple.” Lady Anne’s mouth opened wide with astonishment “But surely you’d want a man for that job.”

“I think not. Miss Crimple can add up a column of number better than my old steward could or at least balance the books correctly and I have every confidence she’ll sort out these new methods of farming in time but to move onto other subjects. I have a problem that I hope you may be able to assist me. Sally, the tweeny, mentioned that she was looking forward to having a large formal ball at the house at midsummer. The rest of the staff have expressed their support for the idea but lacking an experienced hostess, housekeeper, butler etc. it maybe a little difficult so I’ve come to ask your aid in acting as my hostess. I’d cover the expense of course, the ballroom just needs polishing, the cellar still has enough wine, and I’d thought of hiring in musicians from London.” Lady Juliana looked doubtful until Miss Crimple mentioned perhaps it might serve to give Lady Anne a little experience of a formal ball before her season. Lady Anne looked towards her mother expectantly. “Perhaps you could come and look us over Madam and discuss the matter with my staff. Besides that I have another favour to ask, being a silk mercer amongst other things I know of a group of seamstresses that would like to sell their wares next season that will be arriving shortly with some remnants from my warehouse perhaps they might practise on Lady Anne, there would be no charge of course other than to give be your honest feedback on their efforts.” Lady Juliana said she’d think about it, there was no rush as it was still some weeks to midsummer.

They took their leave and returned to the coach. “Well?” Queried Miss Crimple. “I very satisfied with the way things went.” “Are you really a silk mercer?” “Yes, amongst other things it will serve to establish me as being not quite top drawer hence it should divert the local matchmaking mothers.” “And the seamstresses?” “Francine would prefer to be called something grander but we’ll let Lady Anne and Juliana discover that for themselves. You’re looking abstracted?” “I was merely thinking how little I know about you.” He twirled his moustache “Are you suggesting we should become more intimately acquainted me dear?” Miss Crimple got up and pointedly moved to the bench seat opposite, giving him a hard stare. “One lives in hope.” He murmured forlornly, at which she grinned back at him.

The travelling coach drew to a halt outside the front door. It seemed to those staff who had found an excuse to be at the front of the house or dusting something in the grand hall to be of more interest than normal, Molly was seen to be on the bench next to the coachmen. There were other passengers on the roof, and clinging to the back where the footmen might be expected to travel. Baskets and bags seemed to be tied on haphazardly wherever a rope might be attached.

Joshua accompanied by Miss Crimple stepped down to greet the newcomers. Molly looked very cheerful. “I take it cook found a closed stove.” “Oh yes sir, I’ll be the envy of the neighbourhood when it arrives. It’s coming by barge but cook didn’t trust them with it so decided to travel back with her new stove. I thought I’d better race back so to make sure your meals were cooked properly. London’s all very well but how a person can be expected to sleep with all them horses and coaches going by at all hours of the day and night I’ll never know.”

The coach door was opened and a very elegantly dressed young lady stepped out, followed by six or seven females not quite so elegantly dressed who stretched themselves almost as if they had been crammed inside the coach for far to long. “Ah Francine did you have a good trip.” “We are all here, certainement but it was little cramped in the coach. We have brought some material in the boot and more will follow with Marie-Jacques sur les barges.” “Molly, can you sort out accommodation for Francine and her seamstresses? I suggest three or four of the spare guest chambers as I suspect our ex-soldiers are everywhere else and talking of which.” He turned to address three ex-army officers who were climbing down from the roof. “Welcome to Hailstone Hall, I take it you are my new engineers. Molly see if you can find yet another room or two. I trust you won’t mind doubling up. We are a bit crowded here at the moment.” “As long as I don’t have to share a bed with the other two I’m fine.” “I think the first step is to sort out where best to build some cottages and mark out the site then I’d like to connect the quarry to the river by canal if makes economic sense.” “In other words the cheaper we can plan out it the more chance it will be done.” “’Twas always thus. We’ll see what can be done.”

Joshua stood in front of the assembled female staff. “As you may be aware, the midsummer ball is dependent on Lady Juliana accepting to act as hostess for the evening. She’ll be coming to inspect you shortly. I’ve noticed that some of your uniforms are not as pristine as they could be and I do understand that the customary Christmas present dress lengths so you can sew your own new uniforms have not been handed out for the last two years. I’ve arranged for some remnants to be sent down from one of my warehouses.” There were some loud sniffs at that, “But as I cannot allow you time to make up your own dresses this close to the midsummer ball I’ve arranged for some immigrants to come up from London so you’ll make yourself available to fit their schedule. Do I make myself clear? Nothing other than my breakfast is to prevent you from presenting yourself when required to do so. Margret, Rose, Meg and Miss Crimple will present themselves first and Molly will draw up a list of names that will be done in rotation. Thank you.” He turned and left a bubbling mass of conversation behind him, “not trusted to make our own gowns indeed, just who does he think he is?” was one of the comments that came floating to his ears.

Annie knocked on the door and on hearing “Entrez” stepped into the room. “But you’re French.” Francine smiled “Mais oui Mademoiselle.” “He mentioned immigrants and remnants.” “Well yes, we are immigrants and I raided his warehouse before I came and brought with me all the rolls that looked interesting. Some had had a dress length or two cut off them so you could say they are remnants. I think he has been a little naughty our Mr. Bentley. You are Miss Steward I take it, so for you the list is tweed jackets, two ball gowns, two split riding skirts, day dresses, night-rails, evening gowns.” She paused “Your Mr. Bentley drew the list up himself.” “But I don’t ride.” “But Sergeant Stubbings himself selected your horse and is even now bringing him here. Let’s make a start by taking your measurements and you can look through my designs. You can harangue Mr. Bentley later, I can see you are dying to do so, interessant.” Annie let herself be measured and spent an enjoyable hour looking through the designs and materials that Francine had to hand.

Then she went hunting Joshua. She found him in the library looking through the estate books. He looked up as if he had been expecting her. “No one mentioned anything about a horse?” She started innocently “Oh well I thought as steward you ought to have something to ride round the estate and it seemed more economical than a gig. Sergeant Stubbings thought he might be able to pick something with four legs for a reasonable price.” She crooked an eyebrow, “Immigrants and remnants?” “Well Francine is an immigrant from France and the material is merely what is left over at the end of the season in my warehouse. Thinking of which could you arrange a note to be sent to Lady Juliana? Francine will no doubt wish to see what can be done for her daughter.” She left feeling she was missing something vital but didn’t know what. Joshua seemed to take delight in confusing her.

Three days later she heard one of the big farm wagons make a noisy arrival in the stable yard so went out to see what the fuss was about. Cook was supervising the unloading of a heavy closed range from the wagon, threatening them all if there was as much as a single scratch on it she’d have their guts for garters. Sergeant Stubbings was there with his arm round his wife and nuzzling him was the prettiest bay she’d seen. “Here you Annie, feed her an apple or two and get to know her.” Annie lifted one from the barrel and held it out. “Joshua led me to believe you were looking for something with four legs? I can’t believe this beauty was a reasonable price.” “Well within budget, she’s pretty but a bit of handful. Some Earl’s daughter wanted to show off her new riding outfits but she didn’t have the seat to stay on. This was in Hyde Park during the afternoon parade before everyone mind you, so I got her for a very reasonable price. One of the lads had been taken on as a groom in the stables and knowing how well you can ride and that I was on the lookout for a mount for you let me know within the hour that she was available. She’s fairly docile at the moment since she’s been helping pull the barges up river.” “Barges?” “Oh himself wanted a couple and had a few things to bring up from London. He let us bring wives and children and there are a fair number of the regiment as well. They’re back with the barges at the moment on guard but we’ll soon collect them with the wagon.” “I don’t know where we’re going to put you all. You could have my room for the moment to give you a bit of privacy and I can sleep on the floor in the estate room until we all get sorted out.” Sergeant Stubbing’s wife blessed her and hugged her husband once more, pleased to be reunited with him.

A few days later things had settled down. The engineers were planning where to put the new cottages, and how to get the stone from the quarry to the site. Inside the house glistened as the staff had worked hard to make it presentable for Lady Juliana’s inspection of Lady Anne’s new gown. Even the tweeny had been pressed into service hemming the bottom edge to get everything completed in time. Lady Anne herself hadn’t seen the final gown. Meg had stood in as the dressmaker’s dummy being the same size and shape as Lady Anne had modelled it for her maid who now waited with bated breath to see what her Mistress would say, or more to the point what Lady Juliana would say.

Miss Crimple greeted her guests and invited Lady Juliana to take tea whilst Lady Anne tried on the new gown. Dawles himself delivered the tray, assisted by Margret, dressed in a new parlour maid’s outfit, who carried the stand of cook’s cakes. Annie took great care to hold the tea pot just so as she’d been instructed by the Colonel’s wife as she poured the tea. “I must say the house seems to glow today or is it just the light in here?” “I think the staff is on tender hooks my Lady hoping you’ll agree to get involved in the traditional midsummer ball.” “The cakes are good, no doubt my own cook will be wanting a closed range soon as well but the expense of them is quite shocking. I’m surprised at Mr. Bentley indulging your cook. It never does you know.” “I understand it was to do with the amount of wood the fire was burning that he wished to economise but there again it may just have been a male toy thing. Do you know he’s actually ordered two water closets?” “Really well Lady Kerstan was telling me they’ve made an enormous difference since she’s had them installed. The staff are so much healthier and of course so is little Jonathon which was the object of the exercise after all. I mean one wants the heir to survive rather than have the lands revert to the crown. They really should have had a spare but what could she do when she was widowed so young.”

Lady Anne stepped through the door followed by her maid and Francine. Lady Juliana looked up. “Will it do? I think it’s the most perfect dress I’ve ever tried on.” Blurted out Lady Anne, Lady Juliana frowned at the outburst “Turn girl.” She beckoned her closer and inspected the gown more closely. “You’re the dress maker?” Francine curtsied “La modiste, Oui Madam.” Lady Juliana’s eyebrows rose. “And just what is la modiste doing buried in this part of the country?” “M. Bentley has invited me and my staff to vacation with him for the summer and perhaps do a little sewing in return for assisting me setting up my new London salon.” Lady Juliana turned to Miss Crimple. “And what pray is his price for creating a wardrobe for Lady Anne? I assume of course that was the idea in producing the first one for free?” Miss Crimple looked down at the last remaining dregs at the bottom of her cup of tea “I understand he wants to build a canal across your water meadow and put drainage tiles in to drain the water down to the canal. So I think that’s the price, plus your support for the ball.” “Sir Jeffery will have to agree of course but I’d better make a tour of inspection just in case then hadn’t I?” Lady Anne knowing just who made the real decisions clapped her hands and threw her arms around her mother’s neck. “Oh wonderful.”

Joshua, sneaked off upstairs out of the way followed by his two female valets. Upstairs Rose dressed herself in her new silk nightdress and was admiring herself in the full length mirror when Margret, Meg and Joshua entered the room. Joshua closed the door quietly behind him. “The sin of vanity.” He shook his head sadly “What is to be done to save her?” Margret’s face lit up. “You could beat the evil out of her.” Rose started in alarm “It was only a tiny peek in the mirror.” Meg shook her head, “From small beginnings...” “We’d better prepare her.” Announced Margret, “Perhaps if you could give her a kiss?” Joshua intrigued did as he was bid. Rose felt breathless that he was giving her so much attention. “A little deeper?” Meg was motioned to caress Rose’s breasts. Margret began a series of light kisses up the insides of her thighs. Joshua eased the silk nightdress higher so he could fondle her left breast. Meg eased it up over her left breast and started to suckle Rose’s nipple. Margret’s knowledgeable tongue relentlessly drifted ever higher. Rose wasn’t at all certain what was happening she only knew she didn’t want it to stop. Her hands caressed both Joshua’s and Meg’s hair as she gave small moaning noises. Margret played her expertly, taking her almost to the brink then backing off until she was finally convinced that Rose was prepared. She popped her head up “I think if you were to put her over your knee and spank her hard now she’s ready.” Joshua pulled Rose into position and spanked her firmly. Rose cried out loudly, she wiggled but on the second stroke the stimulus was enough to push her from pain into orgasm and she cried out once more before subsiding. Outside Miss Crimple who was passing nearly forced herself through the door but thought better of it, she’d investigate a little first. Margret had Joshua cuddle Rose whilst she recovered.

Next morning at staff breakfast before Joshua arose, Dawles addressed the assembled staff. “Well you know what it was like with an absent landlord, this one is doing very well by the estate by my calculations. He’s pouring money into the estate, new cottages, new roofs, a midsummer ball with all the opportunities that affords us for financial rewards from guests, not that we should solicit them you understand, a closed stove that is the envy of every cook for miles around. I want you to think hard about what we can do to keep him physically here. Not just false smiles but see if you can anticipate his needs, make him feel comfortable, just remember what a difference he’s made, we all need to do our best to keep him here.”

The following day Miss Crimple encountered Rose as she was helping polish the woodwork in the salon in preparation for the upcoming ball. “Did I hear you scream out yesterday?” “Oh I’m sorry about that but the master was beating me.” “What did you say?” “Well I suppose you could call it spanking, but it was ever so nice. I’m trying to think of something that might provoke him again.” Rose added wistfully. Miss Crimple stormed out Rose had a sudden thought perhaps she could have phrased it better, she hoped she wasn’t going to get into any trouble or there again...

Miss Crimple stormed into the library “How dare you beat that poor girl yesterday.” Joshua looked up from his book and grinned inwardly, she was beautiful when she was passionate. “So, she’s my servant, and I’m allowed to beat my servants. In fact...” he rose from the armchair and took a step towards her, Miss Crimple dodged round the back of the sofa, “You wouldn’t dare.” “Oh is that a dare?” He took another two steps towards her but she rushed out through the door and took refuse in the estate office locking the door behind her. Joshua simply returned to his book. Whilst polishing the banisters Margret had been fascinated by these exchanges and was trying to see if there was any way she could turn them to her advantage. Surely there had to be a way to keep Joshua on the estate. Rose was good but was she good enough? Perhaps it was time to go a little further and show Rose ways to satisfy a man without joining the club. When she’d first heard it whispered about she found the idea of putting her mouth near any man distasteful but she thought Rose might enjoy a feeling of power, time for Meg and herself to put on a show.

They’d got into a routine of having crumpets and toast about four o’clock, well supper wasn’t served until seven and even that was considered early. She had Rose and Meg change into their new silk night rails and together they awaited his presence.

“Am I missing something? I thought it was bedtime after dinner?” “We adore our new night rails so much that we thought we could wear them in the privacy of your suite, but if you’d prefer us to wear something less revealing and more respectable we could change. Meg thought if we just threw an apron over the top when toasting the crumpets that would save them from any sparks.” Joshua thought it best not to look a gift horse too closely in the mouth although he had his suspicions that something out of routine was about to happen.

Being the youngest Rose had to wait her turn with the crumpets. When she had the last crumpet finally in her hand Rose buttered it and added a dollop of honey. Margret shrugged off her apron and night rail then dripped honey down onto her breast. “Meg could you come and clean me up?” she asked innocently. Rose watched open mouthed as Meg applied her tongue to the proffered breast. Joshua took the crumpet and fed it to Rose so she didn’t miss any of it. By now Meg’s night rail was off as well. It looked to Rose as if Margret’s breast was licked clean of honey. She had an evil thought and took up a spoonful of honey and dribbled it first over Margret’s private parts followed by Meg’s. “There that should keep them quiet for a minute or two.” She said with satisfaction. She glanced at Joshua who gave every appearance of never having seen two young girls in a 69 position before. He looked totally occupied. She undid his breeches, no reaction, he was still staring at the show Meg and Margret were giving. She shrugged and picked up a spoonful of honey again and dribbled on his exposed hardening cock. When Margret had told her about putting his thingy in her mouth she’d sensed Margret had trouble even talking about it. Still it couldn’t be too bad with a bit of honey could it, I mean her mother always used to give her younger sister her medicine with a bit of honey if there was any to spare.

Rose thought she ought to make Joshua last whilst the two girls were putting on their show so she alternated between licking, sucking with her mouth and tongue and just laying content there feeling comfortable next to him and feeling his hardness in her mouth. Joshua’s senses felt over burdened as they took in the visual stimulation of Meg and Margret both with very aroused blushing chests licking away like there was no tomorrow whilst Rose did delicious things with her mouth to his penis. Eventually his load shot into Rose’s mouth who wasn’t quite expecting it. She gallantly swallowed every last drop of his semen, well as she thought practically it would be her job to clean up his breeches afterwards should any spill and it wasn’t a job she looked forward to.

Miss Crimple was curious about Joshua. Perhaps if she sneaked a look into his room, she might discover something of interest. She waited until Rose had left to visit her family taking Margret and Meg with her then slipped in through the door closing it behind her. She found his personal dairy and was engrossed in finding out more about him when Margret and the others slipped in silently through the door. Rose turned the key in the lock and Miss Crimple looked up with a guilty look on her face. “Hello Miss Crimple come to warm the master’s bed have you.” Miss Crimple jumped to her feet and prepared to make a dash for the door. The girls were faster though and quickly grabbed hold of her. “I’ll scream.” Threatened Miss Crimple “What and lose what little reputation you still have. Somehow I don’t think so. Since you’ve obviously come to warm his bed I think we really should help you change into your night attire.” Joshua’s valets efficiently removed her clothes and had Miss Crimple undressed before she quite took in what was happening. Rose handed her a sheer silk night gown that was held together by ribbons tied in two bows the front. Miss Crimple might possibly have considered it for her wedding night. Miss Crimple reluctantly put it on then closed her eyes rather than look at herself in the full length mirror. Margret nodded to Rose to fetch Joshua.

Rose knew her place and it was only to speak when spoken to. She braced herself then interrupted his reading of the paper with a curtsy. “If you please Sir, Margret requests your presence upstairs at your convenience.” Joshua was amazed, Rose was the last person he’d expect to interrupt his paper reading. He looked at her carefully “I’ll be up when I’ve finished the Times, say a quarter of an hour so keep whatever problem it is under control until then.” Really the staff had no sense of priorities.

“He said keep her under control until he gets here or summat like that.” “What an excellent idea.” Margret led her to the bed as Miss Crimple realised her predicament. She daren’t scream or say anything or her reputation would be completely lost as in her excitement she’d entered a man’s bedroom unaccompanied. Margret picked up the cord of his dressing gown and secured one wrist to the bed head. Meg found another and secured the other wrist. Rose picked up the jar of honey that had been placed by the fire to warm so it would spread easily on their crumpets. Meg undid the ribbons and moved the night rail aside. Rose dribbled a little honey on each breast then on her pubic hair. Miss Crimple was terrified of what might happen next.

Rose and Margret took a breast each, Meg dived between her legs. “Now remember his words keep her under control so don’t let her come.” Miss Crimple was puzzled come? What on earth did they mean. When Ellis entered the room some twenty minutes later he was surprised to see Miss Crimple tied to the bed looking very flushed indeed Rose left and came to help him undress. “What’s happening?” “Oh we found an intruder looking through your diary so we tied her to the bed to await your pleasure.” Rose knelt in front of him and undid his pantaloons and found it only took a merest brush of her lips before he was hardness itself. Meg looked up, “She’s certainly ready for you sir.” Ellis knew he shouldn’t but really did Miss Crimple realise just how tempted he was. Rose led him to the bed. “You could try just one kiss sir.” He did, then deepened the kiss, before he knew it he was positioned over her and Rose was guiding him inside. Miss Crimple cried out in pleasure and Meg and Margret undid her bonds. Rose nodded to the other two and they slipped out of the room into the dressing room. “What have we done?” Asked Margret timidly. “Well with luck he’ll get her with child, then marry her since she’s above a maid’s station in life.” “So how does that help us?” “Well given the choice would you bring up a child in smoggy town or in the country?” “So he’ll stay.” “And besides members of staff looking through private dairies deserve correction.” Margret spoke quietly but firmly, the words seem to echo round the room.