Sold off to the next suitor 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. All copies must be of the complete document. ©2014 Asstr.org accepts donations if you’re feeling rich or even if you’re not.

Luv Karen

Jules left the lawyers with the key to the London house in his pocket. He thought he could adjust to life without having to worry where the next meal would come from. Not that he’d had a life that was penniless you understand but to be able to eat what he felt like rather than what his funds would stretch to was a definite improvement. The sun was shining, two pretty maids out for a walk smiled on him, no life was looking up. He paused and looked at his directions once more. Cadogan Place that was the right one, as he looked up he saw a sobbing maid struggling with a heavy bag as she came up the steps from the servants entrance. “Is something the matter?” He enquired, “Is summat the matter, oh no only I’ve been turned off without a reference.” She started to sob more loudly. “Well that’s soon cured I’m looking for staff and you’re available I take it?” The sobbing stopped abruptly. “You ain’t having me on is you?” “Certainly not, Jules Elphinstone at your service, I’ve just gain possession of a house in Cadogan Place and I need staff.” She looked at him suspiciously “Straight up, no slap and tickle?” “Straight up cross me heart.” “Right then you’re on. I’m Miss Emily Talwin but you can call me Em.”

They stepped up to the front door of a fairly large imposing four story house and Jules fished the key out of his pocket. As they stepped inside Em murmured “Coo big ain’t it? How many staff you got then?” “Just the one.” Emily looked puzzled for a moment, “You mean its just me for all this lot?” Jules nodded “Unless you’d like to find me some more staff? Four six foot footmen and a cook would cost me £250 a year.” “Do I get to measure them and take my pick then?” “You are hereby appointed housekeeper so you get to hire the staff.” “Do you care about references?” “Not especially just as long as I get served good food, my clothes and the house are kept tidy and clean. Now then I’ll give you a spare key off you go and sort some staff out for me. I think I’ll take a stroll and find something for my lunch.” He handed her some coins to enable her to buy the essentials.

Dinner that evening was nothing special but well cooked, Jules was content he curled up with a book in the library and a glass of claret he’d picked up near the tavern where he’d had lunch. Next morning he was awakened by the patter of tiny feet running on the floor above. He rose and descended to the kitchen to enquire about breakfast where he was met by a sea of faces and an open fire for cooking. “I’ll fetch you some eggs, bacon and kidneys in the dinning room directly. Would you like ale, tea or coffee to drink?” He thought about it for a moment or two, well he could afford coffee now, why not. “Coffee please and afterwards perhaps everyone could join me in the parlour.” As he left there were glances back and forth. Breakfast was fine, he squeezed out two cups of coffee from the jug then felt up to interviewing his new staff.

He looked round and saw nearly twenty staff, one or two looked visibly enceinte “I was under the impression that I needed four or five staff?” Emily spoke up “Well it’s a big house that needs lots of dusting and polishing and there are a lot of maids who need work. The total is less than £250 a year, Jessie did the sums three times to check.” “Jessie?” “She can read and write and do sums so we need her for the books.” A visibly enceinte Jessie stepped forward and curtseyed. “I think you’d better all sit down somewhere, now then first if Jessie has done her sums right you all have a job.” There was a sigh of relief round the room. “I take it that many of you don’t have references?” There was a stiffening of backs, “It doesn’t matter to me, but if you’re with me for a six months or more we’ll find you written references if you leave.” The atmosphere become a little more relaxed. “Now it looks to be as if we have a number of young ladies who are expecting.” There were looks of bafflement until Jessie said “Oh you mean us in the club?” Jules nodded. “So do we have some one knowledgeable who can keep an eye on them?” Jessie spoke up, “Well my elder sister is here and she’s had two and knows a few things.” Jules looked over towards the sole male. “And your speciality?” “Toby sir, Jessie’s brother-in-law as you might say, I’m a driver by trade but I’m handy and the wife thought if we both were working here she could keep a better eye on Jessie.” “Hence the patter of tiny feet this morning.” “I’ll keep them quiet honest.” “No matter its difficult keeping children under control in the city. Since I own a house in the country that might be better for them and it’ll be cheaper food as well. No does anyone have any knowledge of horses?” One maid raised her hand, “Right then take Toby with you and buy me half a dozen solid farm horses and something for me to ride, nothing special I’m not intending to go hunting.” “I could get them better and cheaper at the farm that raises them.” “Off you go then, and Toby I expect you to find me a suitable wagon that can carry everyone to the country. Now then can anyone sew?” A few hands went up, “Good I could do with a few new shirts, right then I’ll leave you to get on with your dusting or whatever.”

He sent Jessie off to buy some material for half a dozen shirts, “Take the others with you and pick out some dress lengths and coating as well I dare say they’ll come in useful.” Then he took himself off to explore what London’s book shops had to offer, it was still a novelty having enough funds to actually buy a book. In the event he couldn’t quite make his mind up which to choose so brought a dozen. That evening he wondered round the house and decided that the kitchen with its open fire really needed sorting out and if the builders were coming in he’d prefer not to be there. He spoke to Margaret who was remaining behind and asked her to reorganise the kitchen with at least a new stove whilst he was away. Then he curled up in an armchair and started on the first book.

Toby was a day or two collecting the horses. Eventually they set off in the wagon at daybreak but even so it took them three days of travel before they arrived at Little Hampton and found their way to the house. Jules mounted the front door steps and opened it with the key the lawyer had supplied only to be greeted by a puzzled look from the butler. “Reece I assume.” The butler nodded, “I’m Jules Elphinstone the new owner. I’ve a letter here somewhere from the lawyers.” He groped around in his pockets before producing a slightly battered envelope. “Now my servants will need their accommodation sorting out.” “Mrs. Disher will attend to them sir.” He looked back at the maids climbing down from the wagon several looked to be in the family way, he stepped back to confer with Mrs. Disher and the steward who had been taking tea in the housekeeper’s room. “It appears the new owner has brought his mistresses with him. At least they look as if they’re in the family way to me.” “No matter I’ll dismiss them.” Mrs. Disher stepped forward. “You girls get back in the wagon you’re not putting step over this doorway.” “Why not?” Asked Jules in a deceptively quiet voice. “This is a respectable house and we’ve servants enough.” “That’s the opinion of the three of you is it?” The three nodded. “Right then I’ll have your keys off you and you’re fired.” They looked at him in shock. “Anyone else doesn’t like the way I work? Speak up now and I’ll have Toby run you down to the coaching inn.” He turned back to Emily, “Go and explore upstairs and sort out rooms for every one and get them settled.”

The girls spread themselves out and soon things had settled down. Apart from the highly paid French chef who was dismissed in preference to simple English cooking. Emily took great relish in his dismissal. Being in the country the maids marvelled at how long the polished brass lasted compared to London, where it needed to be polished practically each day. A pack of cards and a set of markers were discovered and soon each evening was spent in endless games of Black Widow when imaginary fortunes were won and lost of an evening. Jules asked the maid who knew a little about horses to talk to the tenants as the lawyers had supplied him with the legal document to enclose the land and he wanted her to raise the matter with them to sort out any problems or address their concerns.

Jules explored the library, it didn’t have all the latest novels but certainly it had a few he hadn’t read yet. Rebecca had worked in a tailor’s shop, hidden well away from the customers but she could fashion a jacket and a pair of trousers. She decided to try her hand at making him another pair of trousers which turned out rather well she thought. Then feeling he ought to be a bit smarter she attempted an evening dress suit. Jules wasn’t quite so sure he’d need one nor was he enamoured of time spent standing whilst Rebecca put a pin in here and adjusted a hem there but eventually it was finished. Down in the village the gossips were scandalised by the stories that came out of the big house. Someone new had dismissed the senior staff and the French chef and if the gossips were to be believed installed his immoral maids, and wild gambling took place with fortunes won and lost of an evening. Soon there were expectations of illegitimate children. The vicar called and was offered a glass of ale rather than wine which shook him rather. He asked if Jules hunted at all to which Jules replied he rather thought it was too energetic for him. Hints were dropped by the Vicar about his being free for dinner during the week, Jules just let them lie. When asked about his visit by the squire of the neighbouring village the Vicar thought that Jules wasn’t quite his sort of person, which the squire’s wife and youngest daughter found disappointing, they were hoping for at least someone of the right sort with money, perhaps even a title might not be out of reach.

Jules had just finished his lunch and was sat in the library trying to make some sense of the estate books when a young girl quietly slipped in through the door and closed it to behind her. She eyed him speculatively before stepping across to the arm chair in which he lounged. “Hello I’m Winifred.” she said boldly. His lips twitched “You’re not one of my maids are you?” “No the daughter of one of your tenant farmers and I’ve come to talk to you about the enclosures.” “I’m not very well up on that subject I’m afraid.” Jules looked down at his books once more. “No I thought you might not be.” She sat herself down on his lap and kissed him lightly on the lips. “What are you up to?” “Oh just getting your attention.” She covered his hand with her own and moved it to her breast that was only lightly covered by a thin muslin gown. Jules groped her lightly causing her nipples to harden, he deepened the kiss and felt her melt in his lap. “Now what’s the real reason you’re here?” he enquired. She blinked for a moment then looked back at him. “Sheep and cattle?” He looked puzzled “Your steward whom you dismissed replaced all the cattle with sheep but the sheep don’t like the course grazing so you’d be better off with Welsh Black cattle.” “So sell the sheep and run cattle instead on the moorland?” “Sell the sheep anyway and replace them with better breeds. The ones round here are skinny compared to lots of others.” Jules shook his head “You mean there are differences?” Winifred looked at him, “You’re really innocent aren’t you.” She lifted up her reticule and pulled out a sheet of paper. “This is the estate, and these bits are your arable fields and those are only good for cattle and sheep but to get the best crops you need to rotate them and use the sheep and cattle to manure them.”

“Would it cost much to change everything?” Winifred named a sum well within his power to provide, “But it would be an investment and double the return on your lands.” Winifred crossed her fingers. “Sounds good to me, and can you calm the tenants down whilst you’re at it?” “Well that would mean a few new cottages, repairing some, and probably giving them some new pigs and sheep.” He looked at her “You’ve enclosed the common land where they used to graze their one sheep or pig so you ought to give them something in return. With better cottages you’ll attract the better tenants and workers who’ll be more efficient and can afford to pay more rent. I’ve drawn in the best locations for clusters of new cottages on the map giving them two acres of land each since you’re enclosing four hundred and sixty nine acres of common land.” “Any one we’d want to get rid of?” “Oh the Gates family I suppose.” “Well then they’d better have their roof repaired hadn’t they.” It was Winifred’s turn to look puzzled “Strip their roof off then leave it not quite done before putting the thatcher onto a more urgent job.” Winifred grinned “That’s naughty.” “Perhaps but that way it doesn’t seem like I’m a soft touch.” He reached down and pulled the bell pull. When Emily put her head round the door he asked her to send in Toby.

“Ah Toby can you round up all the sheep and cattle we have and take them to market with Winifred here?” “But aren’t farms supposed to have sheep and cattle?” Toby asked perplexed. “Ours are not the most fashionable and since we won’t like to be seen behind the times Winifred will pick out more fashionable ones for us sometime.” Winifred gave him a look, “Oh and Toby you’d better take a purse so the young lady will have something to spend when she gets there.”

The squire’s youngest, Diana, had caught the eye of Sir Tobias Thwaite and her parents were anxious that nothing should stand in the way of this most desirable of matches. She had dreams of taking her place in London society perhaps not the upper reaches she knew her limits but she’d be quite content with an invitation to a fashionable rout or a ball or two. Her dresses would be made only by Madame Moreau of course. He had accepted an invitation to dine with dancing afterwards and Alice, Bianca’s maid was determined that the eldest daughter would have an escort. She racked her brains trying to think of someone when she bumped into one of the maids from Jules’s house. “So what’s your new master really like? I heard the vicar hasn’t much time for him.” “Pompous old twit.” “The vicar or your master?” “The vicar of course, bet he didn’t like only being offered a glass of ale rather than the glass of port he was expecting. The master is all right. Not as formal as you might wish but none of the staff will hear a word said against him, especially as none of them had references and he still hired them.” “Go on he never did.” “As long as the house is clean and tidy and his food is how he likes it he’s content not like some always finding fault with whatever you do.” “Do you think he could be persuaded to come to the squire’s dinner party as escort to Bianca?” “Well I’m not too sure, Rebecca made him a set of evening dress so he’s got the clothes, Winifred seems to be able to coax him into doing things about the estate, best talk to her about how to coax him into it.”

Alice returned home and decided the only thing to do was to go and see Winifred but it was too far to go on foot and she daren’t ask a groom to take her in the gig. She went down to the stables, “Jed I can see your busy but we’d like Midnight and the gig please, I can lead him round to the front to save your time.” She crossed her fingers behind her back but Jed was obliging as usual. She led midnight out of the stable yard then feeling very daring she clambered up on to the gig. What did Bianca do next? She tried a tentative “Walk on.” And Midnight walked slowly down the drive. She’d asked for Midnight as he was the most placid horse in the stables for the gig.

She panicked as Midnight came up to the road which rein did what to make him turn? Midnight though had his own ideas and turned to the village as he normally did picking up speed to a smart trot as Alice gripped the reins tightly in a death grip. Gradually she relaxed and talked gently to Midnight as he trotted along as she’d seen Bianca do. As the village approached she tried to remember what Bianca did to slow down but Midnight had everything in hand and slowed first to a walk as they approached the village then came to a complete halt outside the draper’s store. “Walk on.” she tried again, Midnight turned his head to look at her for reassurance then started out hesitantly but after some reassuring words from Alice he picked up speed once more as they left the high street behind them.

By the time they had arrived at Winifred’s family farm Alice didn’t know if she was elated on having got there safely or petrified by the idea of Midnight wandering off by himself if she stepped down. Winifred stepped out from the kitchen door into the farm yard. “I didn’t know you could drive a gig Alice.” “I didn’t either but it was important I came and saw you so I took my courage in my hands and Midnight brought me safely here.” “Let me lead him round to the paddock.” Alice smiled her agreement and Midnight was led off to the rear. “Now then what is so important?” “Sir Tobias Thwaite has been invited to dinner with dancing afterwards.” “And you want a Prince Charming so that Bianca doesn’t appear to have an escort all evening. I could offer you my brother? No I wouldn’t want him either, someone with evening dress who won’t make cows eyes at Diana all night.” “I understand Jules up at the house has evening dress.” “I don’t think he’s accepted any invitations yet.” “Perhaps if I ask him nicely? Sally said you were very successful at persuading him to do things.” Winifred looked at her, “That Sally talks too much, still nothing ventured nothing gained, let’s go up to the house and see what Em thinks.”

They consulted Emily and Rebecca and decided to brave the lion’s den. “A deputation I see with a strange face should I be worried?” “Certainly not. Next Friday is cook’s afternoon off so we’re arranging an invitation for you to dine at the squire’s.” “That’s the one with two unmarried daughters the youngest of which has far too many flounces, frills and furbelows on her gowns? It’s not to be thought of. Anyway how would I get there in evening dress with no carriage for a start?” “Rebecca will take your evening wear over during the day, you can ride there and I’ll sneak you up to a guest chamber for you to change when you get there.” “Sounds much too complicated to me, there’s always the village tavern you know.” “I think he’s going to need a lot of persuasion.” murmured Alice. Winifred took a step closer and knelt down before him. “I’ll show you how I managed to get him to agree to the first new cottages.” Her fingers moved swiftly to his fly buttons. “Stop right there.” commanded a shocked Rebecca, “That’s no way to undo those buttons let me.” She lent forward and gently eased the buttons undone. “Do it like this, it’s no wonder I keep having to sew them on again.” Winifred fished him out and and lowered her lips to his rod which stiffened beneath his attention. “All you have to do is sort of gently lick the end and run your lips up and down its length.” Alice knelt besides her and attempted to follow Winifred’s actions with her lips. First one girl would kiss and give his hard rod their attention then the other. Alice came up for air “So how do you convince him then?” “Oh that part is easy, you wait until he’s all pink in the face like he is at the moment then ask him if he’d like to attend and for you to finish him off.” “For god’s sake just finish me off, I’ll go to your damned dinner.” “Now you just take him in your mouth and run your tongue around him and swallow.” Alice did as she was bid and almost gagged when he ejaculated. “He surprised me, I wasn’t expecting that.”

Midnight managed to get Alice home safely, well it was supper time at the stables and it was all very well to go out during the day but a bucket of oats was a bucket of oats when all was said and done. Jed was surprised to see her on the driving seat but said nothing. The last thing he wanted to do was ask questions or know what was happening, if he didn’t know anything then he couldn’t be blamed could he. Next morning Alice found a slate and practised writing out Jules name. Then she carried it down to the list of invitees and noticed that her slate had the name printed but the list had the letters joined up. In desperation she found Bianca and asked her to add Jules’s name to the list. “Why bother he’ll never accept. He hasn’t accepted a single invitation sent to him yet that I know of.” “You add his name on the list and I’ll make sure he’s present, if he’s not he’ll get a right tongue lashing from me.” Bianca walked over to the desk and pulled out a pen, dipped it in the ink pot and added his name to the list. Then she drew out an invitation and wrote his name on it. “There get it to him before mother realises what we’ve done.”

Alice led him down to the drawing room and pressing a glass of sherry in his hand guided him towards Bianca who smiled on his approach. “It’s very good of you to come.” as she looked on his put upon face, “Did they blackmail you?” “Not quite, my instructions are not to leave your side. Don’t your staff tell you what to do?” “Well not quite but they have strong opinions sometimes and often get their way. I hear you’re building new cottages with two acre gardens.” “From your tone you feel that two acre gardens aren’t quite the thing?” “No I think they are a very good thing but many landlords have much smaller garden plots though how cottagers are suppose to survive with smaller plots I don’t know.” “It was Winifred’s idea and she has a very persuasive tongue, along with new stoves for the cottages would you believe.” Diana seeing a new male to enslave came up with her beau and begged an introduction. She was most put out when Jules turned the conversation back to turnips rather than the latest assembly or London fashion and took herself off in a huff. “You haven’t fallen instantly at her feet?” “Happens often does it? One glance at all the flounces and furbelows and they collapse in laughter?” Bianca had difficulty holding her mirth in check and they went into dinner well pleased with each other. Over port Sir Tobias pronounced that the port was quite good but not of course to be compared with that that his wine merchant supplied. “Perhaps I might give you his direction?” Bianca’s father looked pleased with Sir Tobias’s condescension. Privately Jules thought him a fashionable prig and that he and Diana were well matched but he was polite and just murmured politely when his opinion was sort. Afterwards he took Bianca to one side and asked if Sir Tobias was real. Bianca replied tactfully “He has a very good opinion of himself certainly but since he may well become my brother-in-law I’ll refrain from expressing my thoughts about him being a man-milliner.”

Later as Rebecca was circulating with refreshments during the dance Bianca spoke quietly to her “I could take you home in the gig in the morning if you like.” Rebecca smiled in agreement. With Jules to lead her out for the first dance, and Diana concentrating on Tobias, Bianca found herself on the floor more often than previously which she found most pleasing. Daringly Diana asked the musicians for a waltz, and Jules claimed a second dance with her. “I hadn’t realised you were such an accomplished dancer.” she murmured in his arms, “I wasn’t, Emily, Rebecca and Winifred have been taking turns to have their toes trampled on this last week.” “Proper hen pecked aren’t you?” She grinned at him, “I’ll be revenged somehow but this evening is turning out better than I’d thought it might do.” “Thank you?” She hazarded “The lobster patties are quite delicious.” Bianca missed her step and managed to tread on his toe. “It’s your own fault you shouldn’t make me laugh whilst dancing.”

It was late next morning by the time Bianca had woken up and got dressed. She breakfasted with her maid and Rebecca in the kitchen well away from the breakfast room where Diana and Tobias were having an intimate breakfast. When they arrived in the stable yard Bianca took the reins and the three of them crowded onto the bench behind Midnight.  Once out of the stable yard Biana drew the gig to a halt and passed the reins to Alice. “Let’s see how you get on then.” Alice took the reins “Who told you.” “No one, I glanced out of the window at the wrong time. Now off we go.” “You don’t mind too much do you?” “Not in the least, father always says that lady drivers are gentler on the horses and the equipment and if you’re good enough you can drive one of the hay wagons at harvest time.” “Wot me drive a team of them four big horses.” Midnight gave a snort as Alice slackened the reins. “Well a team isn’t much different to Midnight and we’ve plenty of time before harvest time to get you trained, it’ll be fun.” Biana gave gentle pointers to Alice as she drove along and in no time they rolled up to the kitchen door of Jules’s house.

“Can I invite you in for some refreshment?” “Certainly not, a lady doesn’t call on a single gentleman’s home, quite out of the question, but if you should offer to escort me on a stroll that would be quite acceptable.” “Do you require my presence my lady?” Asked Alice, “No we’ll stay in sight of the house but perhaps you could bring me out a glass of lemonade if there are any lemons available?” Alice dipped a curtsey and accepted her dismissal. Toby led Midnight to the pasture so he might graze. “So how are your plans for the estate coming on?” She enquired as she took his arm and they strolled slowly from the house. “I’m not really sure, the lawyers told me that the enclosure act had finally gone through, and Winifred knows far more than I about the estate. I hadn’t imagined that the humble turnip was so important to the profitability before Winifred mentioned it.” “So you weren’t brought up in estate management.” “God heavens no. My parents sent me to a nonconformist school since it was handy and the fees were reasonable so I was taught those skills needed for manufacturing since nonconformists can’t hold public office. I attend the local church as you know but some family members are dissenters.”

She looked down at the ground before coming out with “I think you ought to do the right thing by Winifred.” He stopped dead in his tracks and looked at her in shock, “Oh no I didn’t mean marry her I was thinking if she is acting as estate steward then you should appoint her as steward and pay her the rate for the job. I wasn’t thinking she was a member of your harem at all.” “Harem?” “Well you do have a large number of maids in an interesting condition as my mother would say.” “Oh those, nothing to do with me, Emily hired them in London.” “As in they were in that condition when they were hired?” “I hired Emily on a whim when I was walking down the street, she’d been fired without a reference for kissing the mistress’s brother. Though in Emily’s words she couldn’t be paid enough to kiss the slimy toad. I gave her the budget for staff thinking perhaps four footmen and Emily hired the girls, not one reference between them but they’ve worked out very well.” Bianca turned to kiss him on the cheek but caught the corner of his mouth instead.   “Are you trying to seduce me?” he asked with a touch of wistfulness in his tone. “Certainly not, that was just for being nice to those unfortunate maids.” Alice arrived carrying a tray with refreshments on it including a glass of lemonade for Bianca which brought the conversation to a halt.

“Here’s the keys to the cottage, and I think fifty pounds a year?” Winifred blinked “Are you sure, wouldn’t a cottage somewhere else be more discreet?” as she started to undo her dress. Jules looked puzzled “Why are you getting undressed when I’ve offered you the estate steward’s job?” Winifred went bright red and started to do buttons up again. “Sorry I misunderstood.” She mumbled “Although my first idea would probably shock folks less round here. Did I really hear you offer me the job of estate steward?” “Well yes, it was Bianca’s idea and besides it saves me having to look for a new one. You seem to have a great deal of interest and knowledge about the subject, you certainly have enough ideas.” “But I was just trying to make life easier for the people on the estate.” “I’m sure you’ll manage to prepare the books and that’s about the only thing you haven’t done until now.” “I hate to think what Harold will say.” “Harold?” “A farmer’s son I’m walking out with.” “I’m sure you’ll sort something out, I can always give him the tenancy of one of the farms. I’m sure the Gates’s farm tenancy won’t be renewed.” “And if I have children?” “Well we have quite a few already here so one or two won’t make any difference, if you have a couple of maids to do the cooking and housework I’m sure you’ll manage. Perhaps we should start a school, could you arrange it?” Winifred thought about it for all of two seconds, no more dusting for a start or slaving over a hot stove. She’d do it, and if she couldn’t talk Harold into having a wife who earnt more than he did well he wasn’t worth having anyway. A proper education for her children and for others on the estate was irresistible. “I accept.”

Diana knew she had to work quickly as Sir Tobias was only visiting for a month, but some how she managed to be at hand no matter where he turned up or visited and a mere three weeks later she asked him the fatal words “Was that a declaration sir?” as she fluttered her eyelashes at him and Tobias found himself engaged to be married before he realised exactly what was happening. A few carefully chosen words from Diana soon had him convinced that the proposal was really his own idea and he felt quite clever about it. Diana’s mother was in raptures, Sir Tobias had family connections in London’s society so nothing would do but a large Society wedding. Bianca was passing in the hall when she heard her parent’s voices “But she can’t get married before Bianca.” “A mere detail my dear, I’ll dower Bianca with £10,000 and accept the first offer I have for her hand. You just go ahead and plan the wedding for the end of the season and I’ll ensure that Bianca will be married well before then.” Bianca panicked, she knew her parents were ambitious for a title but to be sold off like this with no say in her choice of husband was too much. She dashed upstairs and quickly changed into her riding habit. Quickly she ran down the backstairs and into the stables. Within minutes she was galloping away from the stable yard. When she arrived at Jules’s home she jumped down and hammered on the front door. “You’ve got to marry me I’m desperate.” He guided her inside after motioning to one of the maids to lead her mount round to the stables. “Come in and sit down. I’ll ring for tea.” “No there’s no time, Sir Tobias has offered.” “But surely you could refuse?” “He offered for Diana.” “So?” “I’m the eldest and it would be a disgrace if she married before me.” “Really in this day and age people still think that way?” “My parents have decided to dower me with £10,000 and accept the first person who offers for my hand in other words I’m to be sold off to the next suitor. The gossip is you’re broke since you’ve had to dismiss all your senior servants and sell all your sheep and cattle so I thought it would at least buy a few cottages for your tenants and workers.” “ And you come as part of the package of course.” She smiled at him sheepishly. He looked thoughtful for a moment. “Stay here until I get back.”

He cantered over to the Squire’s house feeling a little annoyed with him for valuing his elder daughter so little. Perhaps he should have brought a thoroughbred for dashing to the rescue of damsels in distress but it wasn’t really his style. He took a few calming breaths when he dismounted, handing the horse off to a groom who appeared from the side of the house, and requested if the Squire was available. He was led to the squires study and a very interested group of servants found small jobs to do in the hall so they could hear every word. Downstairs was awash with tales of how Bianca was to be sold off, and bets were placed on the curate, who was thought to have the best chance, and other members of the gentry who were widowed, some with young children who really needed a nursemaid than a wife, but no one other than Alice had given a thought to Jules so Alice had placed her whole quarter’s wages on Jules.  

“I’ve come to ask for your eldest daughter’s hand in marriage.” “Really a bit presumptuous aren’t you? What prospects do you have?” asked the Squire pompously, “Oh a run down estate, but I thought we could live off her dowery for a day or two.” The squire looked as if he was about to have an apoplexy attack and he was left speechless. “I take it that’s a yes then shall I?” Jules picked up his hat to leave and the Squire seeing the interested servants through the open door knew his words of “he’d accept the first offer for her hand” had come back to haunt him. He nodded his reluctant agreement, and hoped his wife would be thinking of Diana’s upcoming society wedding rather than the new totally unsuitable son-in-law who kept a harem by all accounts.

Jules turned for home and thought about the changes his new status would bring, he’d best call at the vicarage and have the banns read. When he returned as he stepped down from his horse Bianca was there anxiously waiting the news. “You’re safe.” “You mean he just agreed?” “Well not quite, he asked me about my expectations so I told him I had a run down estate but we could live on your dowery for a day or two.” “Good grief, I’m sure that didn’t go down to well.” “He was speechless, but with all the servants crowded in the hall he could hardly go back on his word to give you away to the first person who asked now could he? I called at the vicarage and asked for the banns to be read so we can be married in a little more than two weeks time if that suits you, unless of course you’d like a society wedding like your sister?” “No no a quiet wedding will suit me fine. Did he even ask you if you’d asked me first?” “There was no mention your wishes being taken into account. I suppose I’d better ask you formally hadn’t I? Will you marry me?” She wrinkled her nose, “I suppose I have no choice do I after compromising myself by coming to your estate unattended. So yes I’ll marry you.” He bent down and kissed her lightly on the lips.

When she returned home Diana mentioned she thought someone possibly unsuitable had offered for her, father would know the details. When asked her father said yes, she was to be married to that Elphinstone follow then changed the subject to what they were having for dinner that evening. Bianca got the feeling that she and her views were not important compared to the idea of Diana marrying above herself, so she kept away from her family as much as she could for the next two weeks. Jules on the other hand found that his staff were very interested in the upcoming wedding. Emily, Rebecca and Winifred all took their turns in ensuring Jules knew just how to treat a lady, how to get her aroused, what to look for and which bits were the most sensitive and how to tell if she was ready for penetration. “I never thought I’d see the day when I’d be paid to have a man’s tongue lapping me out between my legs, it seems unnatural who would ever had thought it up?” The idea had come from one of the maids in an interesting condition. “Yes but a satisfied mistress is much easier to work for.” “Oh is that why you keep him hard at it practising?” Rebecca put her tongue out which had them all collapse with laughter.

They were married quietly on the Monday morning following the last reading of the banns by an apologetic curate, the Vicar had urgent business elsewhere. Bianca wasn’t surprised, the local hunt was meeting that morning, in fact she was half expecting her father would have had urgent business as well. The wedding was quiet, although all of Jules’s staff were present and Toby’s small daughter was delighted to be her bridesmaid. Jules side was filled with his staff, tenants and estate workers. Her side of the church had just her immediate family. After the service they walked back to the estate and had a banquet with just the staff, tenants and workers.

“I suppose we’d better go to London and prepare for your sister’s wedding.” “Prepare?” Bianca didn’t want to leave her nice warm comfy bed, her mother had instructed her to close her eyes and think of other things when her husband would demand his rights. It hadn’t been like that at all, perhaps she should discuss it with her mother but no mother just didn’t talk about such things. Bianca hugged herself and thought she must be lucky with such a husband. “Well you’ll need a new frock for the wedding if we aren’t to disgrace your sister too much and I dare say they’ll be a society reception in the evening. Besides it will give you chance to look over my house in London.” They travelled by mail coach together with Rebecca and Alice. Bianca was quite convinced it would have been cheaper to travel on the normal stage coach but Jules suggested she put her ideas for economy to one side for the moment for the new mail coach service meant a journey of barely a day instead of the three days it had taken with the wagon.

 “I hadn’t realised your town house was quite so large.” “That’s what Em mentioned which is why she thought we needed more than one person to dust it. They did very well, it’s still relatively dust free now.” Margaret, one of the maid’s who had remained behind, curtsied “If you please Sir, Jean François the chef from across the street designed the kitchens and supervised all the work and Mr. Gillbanks, the butler from three doors down, asked to borrow the ballroom for his debutantes ball when their other arrangements fell through. I didn’t like to say no to a butler so I agreed and he mentioned he’d come down and work something out with you. It was so successful that he asked three times more. The ladies were ever so pretty in their evening gowns.” “Best run along and tell him we’re in residence then so the ball room won’t be available.” “Unusual?” “Oh no Miss, the ton families often lend their staff and so forth for a large ball. Mr. Gillbanks saw to all the arrangements and the extra staff needed. We’re still eating the last of the food in the servants hall now.” “Go and let Mr. Gillbanks know we’re in residence.” Margaret curtsied and dashed off.

Bianca was exploring the house when Gillbanks arrived in his very formal dress. “The family very much appreciate the facilities that were made available and if there is anyway they can reciprocate they would be more than willing to assist.” Bianca stepped down the stairs, as Jules replied “My sister-in-law is getting married shortly at a formal wedding in London so my wife is in need of a couple of formal frocks. Perhaps you have a maid or dresser who might be knowledgeable about what might be suitable and who might assist?” Gillbanks replied “Hébert will attend in the morning, I hope she will be acceptable.” bowed and took his leave. “Jules I have no intention of going to some fancy London mantua maker spending a fortune on a dress that I’ll only wear once, I’d much rather buy you a prize pig.” Gillbanks overheard these words on his way out and thought it prudent to advise Hébert accordingly. They dined in the kitchen with the staff on food that had been purchased down the street but Bianca was determined that the next day they would have a properly prepared meal.

The next morning Hébert arrived and introduced herself. “To whom is your sister getting married to and where is the wedding and reception?” She sat silently whilst Bianca gave as much information as she could. “Bien, I could suggest some suitable how do you say it mantua makers or perhaps you wouldn’t mind the services of Élodie, a French girl I know, who could come to your maison?” Élodie sounded less intimidating to Bianca so she agreed to this suggestion.

Diana looked a picture as she walked down the isle. Bianca felt comfortable in her new fashionable gown, when she first saw it she thought she might be overdressed but looking round her in the church she saw that Élodie had judged it just right. Besides her Jules was smartly dressed and she felt proud of him and to be at his side. Although the wedding was held in the middle of the day one of Sir Tobias’s exalted relations had arranged a formal ball with many of the ton invited as a reception in the evening.

Hébert helped her dress, “Non non, it is acceptable as a married lady to show a little more décolletage, it will help keep your husband by your side and away from the card room.” Bianca bowed to the French maid’s superior knowledge of the ton.

They waited nearly ten minutes in the queue of carriages before they quickly stepped down onto the red carpet that led to the door and kept the ladies’s dresses from getting dirty, under the awning which kept the drizzle off. Bianca was nervous, she didn’t belong here, she was sure she’d make some type of faux pas and let her sister and family down. Jules placed his hand over hers in a reassuring gesture, “Chin up and into battle.” “But I won’t know anyone and Sir Tobias will look down on me, can’t we turn round and go home?” He smiled at her “I’m with you and refuse to let Sir Tobias look down on you.” She smiled weakly at him. “Let’s get it over with then.” They approached the double door and the butler grandly announced them. “Lord and Lady Asheley.” Bianca looked startled at Jules, “He got our names wrong.” “Don’t be silly butler’s never get titles wrong, I don’t usually use it but I am in fact the Earl of Asheley which makes you as my wife the Countess of Asheley.” They stepped forward towards Sir Tobias and his new wife. “My aren’t you the quiet one, Countess of Ashley indeed and dressed unmistakably in one of Madame Moreau’s creations who was too busy to make anything for mere me.” “No no, you must be mistaken, Élodie made this up for me.” “Élodie is Madame Moreau’s first assistant, tall girl with blonde hair only speaks French.” Jules led Bianca away, “I think your sister needs a little time to collect herself.” “But even I’ve heard of Madame Moreau, she’s the most sort after mantua maker in London, she can’t have been involved can she?” She added weakly.

Jules didn’t answer. “Lady Ashley, I must thank you for the use of your ballroom for my daughter even if I suspect that Gillbanks was terribly naughty and didn’t quite ask permission properly. We were going to use the ballroom of a close friend but there was a death in the family barely three days before and we were quite desperate. I’m Lady Fisher, this is Lady Rochdale, and finally Lady Rochester.” “Pleased to meet you.” “You realise that half the ton will hate you?” Bianca looked blank “Well unmarried earls are not that common and to find one in the country and sneakily marry him will have put a lot of debutant’s and their mother’s noses out of joint.” “I hadn’t even realised he was an earl until five minutes ago.” Bianca glared at him. “How delicious you must tell us all, let me guess you thought he was marrying you for your dowery?” “My younger sister had captured the attention of Sir Tobias but my parents wanted me married off before the wedding so father dowered me with ten thousand with the intention of accepting the first person who offered. In desperation I asked Jules to marry me thinking he needed money to restore his estate.” “On that’s rich, you know he owns four estates, a coal mine and his income is at least twenty five thousand a year?” Bianca looked to Jules for confirmation. He shrugged “I’ve no idea where debutant’s mothers get their information but I suspect she’s right.” “So when are you having your own ball? We thought about next week as the season is coming to an end.” “I haven’t the staff or anything to get something done that quickly, nor do I know whom to invite.” “Just leave it all to Gillbanks, we’re all more than happy to contribute footmen and such.” “And for the dinner before hand Jean François mentioned your kitchens were beautifully laid out and I’m sure he’d love to work in them again. Shall we say Thursday next week? Invitations won’t be a problem come round tomorrow say about three pm and we’ll put our heads together.”

“Oh by the way Gillbanks mentioned you have an interest in pigs, I’m breeding Tamworths and Gloucester Old Spots if you’re interested, each have their good points but we can talk about it tomorrow.”