Spinster of this Parish Regency Historical 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. ©2013 Asstr.org accepts donations if you’re feeling rich or even if you’re not.

Luv Karen

George had concluded his business to his satisfaction, perhaps a few days off to look round the sights of London town, then he heard his name called out and looked round. Drat, Lord Henry, the viscount’s youngest son and it behove him to stay on the viscount’s best side. “We’re off to dine out so toddle along.” He was with a group of fellow young bucks and was swept off with them. “Who is he?” “Oh just a cit, but a good-natured one, and worth more than my father I can tell you.”

At the restaurant George drank little but listened and good naturedly picked up the tab for Lord Henry who was fairly tipsy by this time, well you never know when he might need a favour, then onto the club. Lord Henry and his friends sat down to gamble and George watched silently until Lord Henry slumped to the floor. “Can’t hold his liquor still we need a fourth. Come on man sit down, the servants can deal with Lord Henry.” George had a feeling they took him for a flat and he was about to get fleeced still he took Henry’s seat and picked up his hand. He’d noticed an odd pattern on the back of the cards just enough to spot the high cards and aces. Looking at the hand in front of him and at the other hands he saw his pair of jacks actually was the highest on the table. He bet a little high thinking the others would fold their hand in but no they continued as well. When they eventually showed their hands his pair won a considerably amount of money which mentally he thought should be Henry’s since it had been his hand originally.

“I’ll be putting this aside for young Henry like.” He declared in a strong northern accent. The cards were dealt once more but this time he managed to drop his and knocked his wine glass as well so that wine split on the dropped card. “Dear me, I don’t suppose we’ll want to play with a red wine spot on the back of an Ace. Waiter, best have a new pack if you please.” He held out a florin to pay for the cards. George had the advantage of being a little more sober than the others plus he’d found his head for figures useful in his manufacturing and trade work and besides compared to making up a whist table opposite grandmother who fought hard for every point these young lords were babies. He played conservatively losing a few hands then winning some. IOUs were carelessly scribbled and tossed on the table and even George was feeling the effects of drink by the end and lost track of what he’d won or lost. Eventually he laid down his two pairs and gathered up his winnings.

Lord Henry had woken up and when presented with his winnings was kind enough to give him a lift back to the hotel in his carriage. The next morning before lunch a man of business came to call to present him with the deeds to a town house and an estate in the country in return for two IOUs. “But surely I can’t have won that much?” “If it hadn’t have been you it would have been someone else. Much as I regret to say it my lord intended to fleece you last night. His valet mentioned he was most disgruntled about his lucky pack of cards being ruined by having wine split on it. No, all in all it wasn’t such a bad night as it could have been. I suspect that losing to a cit. as he terms it will serve as a check on him enough to put him off gambling for a while, and as for his lucky pack of cards if what his valet mentions in confidence was true it would have seen him banned from society forthwith if it had been dealt with in any other way. No his father was well satisfied with last night’s work and sends his thanks, not that he’d acknowledge you in public you understand. That particular estate is run down as it is and to be honest the folks there will be relieved that someone sensible has come into it. In fact when I compare the expenses to the other estates we deal with they seem high and the returns are considerably lower than they should be so you might want to inspect the books and the estate closely. Oh and I noticed they’ve been renting teams of horses so you might want to buy some instead. Anyway shall I escort you to the town house now?” George nodded and thought he’d better escape the hotel before Lord Henry awoke and attempted to lead him off the straight and narrow once more.

The town house was a tall elegant building and he was impressed by the hall when they entered. “Where are the servants?” “They haven’t been paid for the last two quarters so may have left once they heard the family no longer owned the property.” “Well thank you then.” George saw the man of business out then explored the house.

The furnishings had been left behind, some were a little old fashioned but generally the house was in good condition. He worked his way up the house eventually arriving at the sparsely furnished servants quarters in the attics. Ella peered out of her shared room. He found her an attractive girl, definitely pleasing to the eye. “Hello are you to do with the new owner?” “I am the new owner.” “Oh I’m Ella, I’m afraid all the other servants have left.” “Why haven’t you?” “Well Mr. Grimshaw had us all gathered up in the hall and announced a cit. had won the house over a game of cards and that as he wouldn’t lower himself to work for one he expected the rest of us would prefer to work for a title as well, then everyone packed their bags and walked out except me.” “Well why didn’t you?” “No money, I haven’t been paid yet, and besides it’s close to the end of the season so no jobs for inexperienced between maids such as the likes of me.”

“You could work for me?” “But then I’d have difficulty working for a title again. Terribly snobbish the ton’s servants are. Besides are you married?” “No.” “Well there you are then.” He looked at her blankly. “My reputation, I couldn’t possibly work for a single gentleman. No one would employ me afterwards, they’d think I was immoral.” “I need a valet, so if you look after my clothes I’ll pay you a normal valet’s salary.” “Straight up?” “Straight up.” “For that kind of money I’m your man, or should I say gentlemen’s gentleman?” He looked in at her room, “Oh I see you have a single room at least.” “No I shared with Grace, it’s a narrow bed but we topped and tailed, which is why it has pillows at both ends. I suppose you’ll be wanting to hire more servants?” “Not for the moment, I don’t intend to entertain much, a secretary to keep track of my paper work might be nice. Think you could find me a coffee or something to drink?” They set off downstairs.

George stepped into the library. A pleasant room that overlooked the street and Ella arrived shortly afterwards carrying a tray with a jug of coffee, one of hot milk and a cup and saucer. George poured himself a cup and taking out some business papers he settled back in an armchair to peruse them. Ella on looking out of the window suddenly dashed out of the room and across the road.

“No seriously he’s looking for someone.” “Even someone without references?” “Catch the master’s eye did you?” “No even worst, the mistress’s younger brother and she caught him trying to kiss me, as if I would, the slimy toad.” “Well you can always come and talk to him, talk is cheap.” Miss Armstrong allowed herself to be persuaded and followed Ella back into the house. “Mr. Bradshaw? Ella tells me you’re looking for staff. I offer reading, writing and grammar instruction in both English and French, needlework skills and mathematics, so useful for verifying the household accounts, as well as history and globe work.”

George was mystified. “Why would I want to hire a governess?” he asked. “You have children I presume and surely their education must be your primary responsibility.” “Ella?” “She can read and write. You said you wanted a secretary. She has ever such nice penmanship. She wrote all the invitations at her last place.” “But she’s female, next I suppose you’ll be suggesting I hire a female land steward as well.” “And so am I, if I can be a valet why can’t she be a secretary?” Miss Armstrong looked bemused. “Are you a valet?” “As of this morning, I’m his valet.” “So you don’t have any children?” “I’m not even married.” “But he’s paying me a proper valet’s wage.” Miss Armstrong looked up at this. “Overlooking the need for a chaperone for the moment what would you require in a secretary?” George explained the need for someone to sort out his correspondence and keep an eye on the accounts etc.

Miss Armstrong looked thoughtful then smilingly declared “You know it really is such a lovely day I think we should all go out for a walk in the park. Ella is there some bread suitable for ducks in the kitchen?” Before he knew exactly what was happening George was being propelled down a path in the park. Flo set him at his ease and gently interrogated him on his likes and dislikes but with such a light touch soon he was holding forth about his favourite subject, himself. He thought Flo to be a remarkably intelligent person with excellent conversation skills even though she contributed barely one word in ten to the conversation. He was recounting his time at grammar school, his had been a progressive one that not only taught Latin grammar as they had originally but a wider range of subjects such as mathematics and geography when Flo drew him to a halt and introduced him to Miss Fellows and James. He was a bit muffed at being stopped mid-sentence but was polite enough to ask Miss Fellows how she liked the park whilst Flo mentioned to James that Ella had bread but didn’t know where the ducks where to be found. “I’ll show her.” “Take her by the hand then so she doesn’t get lost.” James and Ella were dispatched towards the lake.

“I think it’s the only part of London I like. It reminds me of my old home in the country.” “When her father grew ill Grace ran her father’s estate for more than six years.” “That must have been interesting?” “It was really, it started when I took over the accounts and found the estate wasn’t being very productive. In six years we turned it round and doubled the income. Unfortunately when father died we were just in the middle of a big drainage scheme so that had mopped up all the available money so being practically penniless I ended up a governess for my sins. My second cousin to whom the property was entailed thought it all a waste of money and decided that dairy farming was the way to go as it was successful where he came from, so my ideas were ignored being a mere female you understand. The dairy farming was not a success, we were too far from any markets and the land wasn’t really suitable. You need to mix things up on an estate so that if one crop fails another or the sheep or the cattle will carry you through.”

George glanced at Flo and shrugged his shoulders as if to say enough. “Mr. Bradshaw is looking for a land steward at the moment.” “Oh good I might be able to earn a penny or two by giving him a few pointers on how to interview them and what to watch for then.” “Would you be interested?”

Grace looked taken back. “But I’m female.” “I had noticed but I’m only prepared to pay the same as a man not a penny more mind you.” “Is he joking?” “I don’t think so, he took Ella on as his valet, and we talked about me becoming his secretary but I need a chaperone and you came to mind.”

“I wouldn’t want to interfere with young James’s education though.” “Know very much about breeding sheep dogs? Generally speaking you breed them for intelligence. His mother is a beautiful woman, as was his grandmother neither were renowned for their intelligence. Trying to teach James is like walking through molasses leaving him behind won’t break my heart. When would you like me to start?”

Flo replied “Tonight would be ideal.” “Tonight it is then. Have a hand cart by the kitchen door at ten minutes before six o’clock and my trunk and I will be there.” Just then James came flying back, “We fed all the ducks and I’m starving, is it time for tea yet?” Ella thought this was a good time to raise the matter of their own evening meal. “If you have a florin handy, I could arrange food to be delivered to the kitchen.” “A florin, seems a bit expensive.” “But it is to feed the four of us. You can dine in the dining room but I fear the cost would be a crown.” “Well I’d rather pay two shillings than five so here you are and I shall expect it to be top quality for that price.”

At a quarter to six George guided by Ella was standing in the shadows behind the kitchen when Grace arrived followed by two footmen carrying her trunk. “Just put it on the hand cart.” She smiled sweetly at them and gave one a kiss on the cheek. Then the three of them set off back to George’s new home.

“I thought it was customary to give notice?” “Well I asked for an interview with her ladyship and suggested that since they would be returning to the estate at the end of the week they entrust James to Mary from the vicarage and I just happened to hint it might avoid future problems with his lordship if I was to simply slip away whilst in London.” “Have there been any problems with his lordship?” “With other members of staff yes but with me currently it’s just a gleam in his eye. She gave me a reference and paid me to the end of the quarter in any event and mentioned I probably could pick up a new post more easily in London.” “This evening we dine at seven in the kitchen by the way. Can you cook?” “Sir you dare ask your land steward if they can cook?” “Well put like that I suppose it may not be your strong point. I hope we can find someone soon, perhaps an agency tomorrow or better still I’ll ask Flo to organise something since she’s my new secretary.”

They arrived back to find Flo had covered the kitchen table with a cloth and was busy laying the table with china plates and cutlery from the housekeeper’s room. “The old housekeeper didn’t stint herself did she?” she posed the question to Ella. “Heavens no, I did hear upstairs complain once about the food not arriving hot, something about they didn’t expect the same standard as she got but they would at least like it hot.” Ella disappeared out the kitchen door.

George turned to Flo “Any idea what we are about to eat?” “Well confidentially I understand that ever since the Earl next door forgot to mention to his French chef that he’d invited a dozen cronies to dine, and hence not enough food was prepared, next door has standing orders to prepare a meal for a dozen each day no matter what and today his valet mentioned he will be dining out. So rather than throw the food out Ella has arranged for its disposal here.”

Ella returned carrying two pots followed by two young ladies. The second gave the appearance of some sort of maid but the first looked more self assured. She looked round and placed her pots on the closed range before inspecting it closely. It seemed to meet with her approval as her next task was to lift a ladle down from its hook and stirring the contents of the first pot first she ladled out the soup handing it to her assistant to pass round the table. Then she took her place at the table with the others.

George was impressed by the soup and basket of fresh French bread that had been placed on the table. As the second course was served Ella slipped down the cellar stairs and returned shortly afterwards with a dusty bottle of red wine which she presented for inspection to the self-assured cook. At a nod she passed it to George together with a bottle opener. The bottle was practically empty by the time each person had had a generous glass and the conversation started to flow. Grace kept them amused with stories from her time in the country, Ella told a number of dubious on-dits which she swore must be true as they came directly from her ladyship’s own maid. George slipped away downstairs and came back with another two bottles which quickly followed the first. Everyone seemed relaxed round the table and George couldn’t remember a meal he’d enjoyed more.

“Superb, absolutely superb, Flo find out how much we need to pay to get next door’s French chef.” He was surprised to see the two girls make a curtsey and then a thought hit him and he buried his face in his hands. “No tell me it’s not true.” Flo heard him say. There were some rapid speeches in a language he didn’t understand but feared was French. “May I introduce Chantal and her assistant Marie who prepared your meal this evening? Chantal’s uncle is the French chef next door but this evening was his evening off so Chantal, whom he has trained, prepared your meal.”

George shrugged, he knew when he was beat. “How much would she like?” Chantal’s eyes had been following this conversation back and forth. Flo spoke in French once more and Chantal’s eyes opened wide. She turned her back on the table then very carefully inspected the kitchen once more. She listed her demands, a new set of pans, Marie would be her assistant, at least one dinner party every month so she could practise her skills. George nodded to each one as Flo translated but still Chantal hesitated.

“Ask her what the problem is.” George was beginning to fear a small child might come as part of the package. Chantal spoke again reluctantly, her cousin had fled from France and had written from Dover that she would be arriving in London shortly would it be possible for her to share Chantal’s room until she got established? What was one more female in a house full already, George agreed then being bored simply suggested a salary Chantal couldn’t refuse to bring the matter to a conclusion.

The next morning Ella brought him two croissants with his coffee and mentioned that Flo wished to speak to him about hiring staff. “Tell her to go ahead whatever she thinks will do fine.” “I think she was wondering if you’d mind pretty maids rather than plain. They’re cheaper since they are less in demand.” George looked sceptical. “Most maids are hired by the lady of the house, pretty, or even worse beautiful maids, are temptation to husbands and husbands must be saved from temptation.” “Can’t we just hire them then pay a little more than market rates? I’ve always found that works well. Happier work force, reduced turnover, lower training costs, cheaper in the long run.” “Unfortunately in this case they’d assume the higher pay rate meant additional unrelated duties if you know what I mean so they’d refuse the work.” George shook his head, life was so much easier with his clerks, perhaps he should think about hiring some female clerks, after all they did as well as the men at his school. “Whatever she can sort out, but make up for the lower wages with better food, beds and anything else she can think of.” He dismissed Ella with a wave of his hand.

Later after going through the newspapers he felt in need of refreshment and remembering there was no staff as of yet refrained from pulling the bell cord and walked down to the servant’s hall where he found a large number of would be servants gathered. Their clothes were for the most part darned and he recognised the gaunt hungry look in many eyes. “Are these the new staff?” “We only need six out of the twelve we have here.” “Can any read or write?” He looked round and saw heads shaking. “What’ll we’d need that for?” asked a voice. “Well any who can’t get sacked on the quarter day for a start.” A look of fear spread amongst the would be maids and one or two edged towards the door. Even Flo looked disturbed.

“Still since Grace doesn’t start her duties until we get to the country she can run classes in the meantime. If we need six maids full time that means we need twelve if they are learning to read and write half the day. Have you arranged personal maids for yourself, Grace and Chantal? Chantal will need more help in the kitchen so she can train someone. Oh and they get a day off every week or two half days I leave you to sort out the details but I think there should be work enough for the lot of them. Give some thought to a couple of footmen to answer the door, though how they’ll cope with the maids I don’t know. Now can someone find me a coffee?” he added in an exasperated voice

George retreated to the library and was curled up with a good book. He was rather enjoying his holiday but it wouldn’t do to totally neglect his business interests, once Miss Armstrong had got the staff sorted out he’d explain some of his business workings to her and she could carry some of the load. There was a knock at the door and Miss Armstrong slipped in and closed the door behind her. “I have two potential footmen but thought you’d like to just give them the once over first. They were sacked for kissing at their last place.” “Doesn’t sound a sensible idea with all our pretty maids.” “No you misunderstand me. They were kissing each other.” “I see so I doubt if we’ll have any problems with maids being seduced then.” “Precisely.” “Talking of maids I have a warehouse full of material so perhaps we might sort out something for new uniforms some time, anyway let’s have a look at these two, wheel them in.”

Miss Armstrong wheeled them in for inspection. “This is Henry and Walter.” George looked them up and down “I must inform you that any mention of kissing or attempted seduction of any of the female staff will result in instant dismissal.” Henry shuddered at the idea “I think I can speak for both of us when I say you can rely on us never to attempt such a thing. I’m surprised we aren’t being interviewed by the head footman or the butler. In fact I’ve only glimpsed female staff so far.” Flo spoke next “I’m afraid we’re rather short of space in the servants’ quarters so you won’t mind sharing a room and a bed?” Walter looked horrified at the idea but Henry merely glanced at Walter before saying “I think they’re onto us.” Walter replied “I do believe we’re the token males in the house.” George smiled at this. “Well yes I believe you are. Still as long as you behave when guests are around I don’t think the rest of us will mind too much. Henry would you object to the title of head footman?” Henry beamed, “and Walter would you object to the title of butler? There no extra pay or duties attached to either position but the titles are available if you’d like to puff yourself off at the Running Footman. Well I suppose we could stretch to a pound a year each to go with the titles.” George relented.

He summoned Grace and recanted what he knew of the estate. “So we should look around and take a couple of teams of farm horses with us, I suspect London will offer a wider choice than the country but I know my limitations and I’m not a good judge of horse flesh. Do you know anyone we can trust?” “Myself perhaps? However the most important auctioneers, Tattersalls, is rather male dominated however if I wear breeches or perhaps trousers, a long coat and muffle up with a scarf and nudge you when to bid I’m certain we could pull it off, especially if we took our token males and stood in a group.” “No time like the present is there. A not too spirited riding horse for me. I'd say two teams of four draft horses, plus a couple of riding horses for you and Miss Armstrong.”

They were fortunate in that it was a cloudy drizzly day so not that many buyers were out. Grace carefully chose draft animals that weren’t showy but were similar in size, and drew up a list including the riding horses complete with a high price for each which she handed to George. George had no problem with the auction. Walter and Henry did the bidding based on nods from George. Based on his commercial instincts they managed to buy the first few draft horses on the list for a reasonable price but the first three riding horses Grace had picked out as being suitable for George they were outbid on. The mood of the crowd was to get it over with quickly and get away from the drizzle and as the crowd thinned the prices dropped. Grace was well pleased with the well-mannered mares she managed to pick out for herself and Flo at bargain prices. The skies started to open and the auctioneer looked a bit damp to say the least and tried to hurry things along. Grace almost laughed aloud with amusement when the auctioneer looked pointedly at George and remarked the idea was for people attending an auction was to make bids not merely to amuse themselves so George half heartedly indicated an opening bid on the four matched carriage horses that were just coming into the ring at the moment and to everyone’s surprise found them quickly knocked down to him.

He mentally totalled up the draft and carriage horses he’d brought and picked up four more to give four teams of four horses being a round sort of number for as Grace said you could only work a plough team half a day so two teams made sense and as she whispered in his ear at these prices they’d be bound to make a profit on them if they sold them.

It was only when they returned to the stables that he realised they had no grooms to look after them but fortunately there were a few maids from the country who knew how to work with horses and were pleased to do so. He asked Flo to hire a few more to make up the numbers. Grace found herself teaching George how to handle a coach with a team of four and she gave him pointers on his riding.

In fact they’d just come back from an early morning ride when on entering the kitchen door to slip into the house George noted a harassed Miss Armstrong and a mass of female faces he didn’t recognise. “Chantal’s cousin Colette has just arrived with some half a dozen seamstresses from France.” “Monsieur, I call myself Colette, a modiste, recently escaped from France with my girls. Perhaps you can suggest some lodging for my seamstresses?” George’s mind worked rapidly “I’m certain we can accommodate them within the house.” He looked at Flo’s look of horror “The servant’s quarters are full.” “So move Chantal, Grace and yourself down to the guest chambers, they’re empty and we aren’t expecting guests. Put your assigned maids in the dressing rooms and shuffle everyone around. If you get really stuck I’ll let you share my bed.” He turned quickly and slipped through the door before Flo had time to react.

When he descended once more, everyone had been assigned a room at least. “Could you assemble both the staff and Colette’s team of helpers with the exception of Henry and Walter?” He waited until everyone was assembled in the hall. “I think many of your uniforms have seen better days so this morning we are going shopping to a warehouse that is about a mile away. Since there are so many of us we’ll walk, so don’t dawdle and get lost, if you’d like to follow me.” He led the way along the street with the girls following on in twos and threes behind.

They entered his warehouse and he introduced them to Harry, his warehouse manager. “Now with Colette’s assistance I want you to choose six dress lengths each.” Ella’s jaw dropped, she’d only ever had three dresses, one her Sunday best and the other two her work ones. Colette asked “Are we allowed to choose any material?” “It’s the end of season so yes but choose something practical, six silk dresses won’t work very well for everyday wear. Shall we say two respectable issue normal servants' dresses for when we have visitors but the rest should be pretty ones and easy on my eye.” The girls gathered round and inspected the different fabrics. Harry was bombarded with questions from all sides. As Flo looked through the selection available she glanced up to see Annette approach George following a short conversation with Colette. Being both nosey and curious she drifted closer to overhear what was being said.

She’d somehow stumbled and was being held upright in George’s arms. “This is a terrible northern country. Your weather here it is so cold. A girl could freeze waiting for a man to put her arms round her. She needs a warm cloak or a redingote to keep her warm.” “I take it you’d like a length of wool for a redingote?” George asked dryly. Annette positively beamed. “And perhaps some muslin or silk for the unmentionable garments to be worn at night?” She fluttered her eyelashes at him. Flo was fascinated having never seen anyone be quite so blatant before. George called across to Harry, "Add on a length of wool for a cloak or redingote per girl plus add in a couple of bolts suitable for ladies unmentionables.” Annette looked quite put out that it was to be made more general but Colette beamed her approval. Ella tried to remember if it was her birthday.

George motioned Colette across, “Additionally make sure Miss Armstrong, Miss Fellows, Chantal, yourself, and I suppose Annette have say three evening gowns each, and I’d like riding outfits for Miss Armstrong and Miss Fellows, divided skirts I think since they are more practical. Now I’ll set up an account with Harry for you, say a credit limit of £150 and 180 days to pay.” Colette hugged him which for Colette was very forward. “You are being very generous Monsieur.” Annette came forward and gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek. Flo noticed it would have been on the lips if George hadn’t turned his head to one side.

Harry pulled out his shears and was about to cut the bolts up into dress lengths when Colette stopped him. Annette spoke quietly to George and said they’d prefer to have longer lengths and cut them themselves. George mystified agreed, giving Flo a questioning look. She explained that sometimes with a length that was enough for six dresses it might be possible to cut out seven or even eight dresses and if you mixed the panels in the dress it may even go further. She pointed towards a pile of bolts that looked as if they had very little material on them. “Those are just remnants Miss.” She gave a pleading look towards George who nodded and directed that they should be added in as well. As they eventually made their way home, many of the girls were chatting excitedly, precious bolts of silk were being carried nursed in their arms, the less valuable stock would be delivered later in the day.

Later that night George was surprised to find Miss Armstrong slip into his bed wearing a warm flannel nightdress. “Don’t get any ideas I’m merely following your instructions when you said if I ran out of beds I was to share yours. Besides which I’m staking my territory out before Annette arrives.” “Surely you don’t think?” “I wouldn’t put anything past her. Now since I forgot to bring my stuffed rabbit I’ll have a good night kiss from you instead please.” The kiss started lightly but deepened into something else until Miss Armstrong retreated. “Perhaps that wasn’t such a good idea.” She exclaimed before pointedly turning her back on him which George found amusing.

It was shortly after midnight that George awoke to hear the bedroom door opening. He kept his head on the pillow and silently watched the female form dressed in a tantalisingly sheer nightdress, carrying her candle, approach the bed until she could make out the two heads on the pillows. He could see the garlic shrug of the shoulders before Annette turned and glided away into the night.

The next day George started to explain the books to Miss Armstrong, he was quite surprised how quickly she picked up double entry book keeping, whilst upstairs material was laid out and different options for cutting out were discussed before the all-important final decisions on precisely where to cut were made.

For the next few days the house seemed very quiet to George, wherever he went he found groups of maids hand sewing. Eventually he stepped out into the stables and came across a ragamuffin sat cross legged industrially polishing one of the horses’ brasses. “Hello and who are you?” “I’m Sally, do you fink this is shiny enough?” She asked in a serious voice. “It looks perfect to me.” “It has to be perfect to go with a perfect horse. What do you do and why do you speak funny?” “Me, I just live here and I come from up north, Yorkshire way. Yourself?” “I’m from round here. I has a real job now ‘n all my grub from the kitchen door but its real hard work. I has a real list of duties stuck up on the wall there but I can’t read them yet ‘n that’s the real hard bit. I has to learn to read and stuff, ‘n do sums so I can figure out how much to feed horses. Can you do sums?”

When next he encountered Miss Fellows he asked “Sally?” “Well the tack room over the stables wasn’t being used and she’s better off there than on the streets.” “Reading and rithmitic lessons?” “She sits in with the maids and when the maids explain it to her it reinforces what they’ve learnt.” “I’m certain other London houses have urchins scraping a living in their stables but why oh why does mine have to be female? Clothes?” “As we speak a new practical set of clothes is being made for her upstairs. When they’re done she’ll get a hot bath with a good scrub in the stables, not a word to her about a bath beforehand mind or she’ll escape to the streets, after the bath her new clothes, and a bed above the stables. No point in doing it before they’re ready or all the creepy crawlies will just join her in the bed. We’ll burn her old clothes. Ready for your next riding lesson?” George was beginning to feel he really didn’t have that much control in his life over what went on around him.

Grace thought he was doing better on horseback and told him so “But don’t expect to follow the hunt just yet.” Feeling flattered and in a good mood he returned into the house and after changing descended to the sunny drawing room. There he recognised the young girl from next door in her shift surrounded by Colette and an army of seamstresses. Ella holding her fingers to her lips to show he should remain silent shooed him from the room before he was spotted. “Lady Cecily is expecting an offer at one of the last balls of the season.” She explained “But the modiste whom she was depending on for something special has delayed her order in order to accommodate one of her more prestigious clients and Colette has been called in to do something. If she manages to create something by this evening special enough to bring him up to scratch it will be the making of her.”

George had an idea that perhaps it should be the girl who was being offered for not the dress but thought it might be tactful to remain silent on the point. He caught sight of two of the new maids together. They seemed to have some sort of dislike of each other, he watched as one put her tongue out. He remarked on the fact to Annette who happened to have approached. “Perhaps not, I’ve been watching them too and I think they like each other rather too well if anything.” “Should I do anything?” Colette bent forward and whispered in his ear. The grin on his face quickly disappeared when he noticed Miss Armstrong approaching carrying one of the ledgers with a questioning look on her face.

Eventually working together they tracked down the missing two shillings, a bit of misread penmanship. There was an excited feel to the house when they sat down to dine for Chantal had outdone herself in her experiments. She liked to try one new dish a week and they could be superb or they could be flops, sometimes the second attempt was better. Annette seemed to think that Lady Cecily’s new dress must turn the trick, Colette was quieter but there was a confidence about her that spoke its own message.

When Ella brought him his morning coffee in bed at six am she could hardly contain herself with excitement. “I thought it’s such a beautiful day that you’d want to be up enjoying it.” George groaned under the covers. “What on earth is the time?” “It’s after six o’clock and only five hours ago Lady Cecily received her proposal, so romantic.” George, who in general was not a demonstrative man, threw a pillow at his valet and ordered her from his sight before snuggling back down under the covers again. Ella left him and returned to the kitchen where she reported he wasn’t in a good mood that morning so everyone stayed out of his way until he’d eaten breakfast for as Flo said what did Ella expect on an empty stomach?

George looked up from the parliamentary report in the paper as the door opened and there was a rustle of skirts as Flo, Grace, Colette and Annette entered the room in evening gowns and twirled round in front of him. “So what do you think?” demanded Annette. The four girls looked expectantly at him waiting for compliments. For a moment he was speechless until Flo approached “After all our hard work we’ve decided we’d like some male attention and since you promised Chantal to hold a dinner party each month we think this evening would be ideal so the names of three single bachelors, preferably titled whom we shall permit to admire us this evening. I’ll write the invitations I just need the names and surely you have three suitable acquaintances?”

“Lord Jason, Lord Henry, and Simon I suppose. Simon isn’t titled but he’s rich enough. I don’t think they’ll thank me for this though they may think it’s simply a marriage trap.” “It’s not marriage we’re after, just pure and simple admiration besides Chantal wants to show off.”

Flo quickly got changed and wrote out the invitations then wanting to ensure they arrived safely she donned on her pelisse and taking a maid as escort she ventured out into the sunlit city. At Lord Henry’s rooms she smiled so sweetly at his valet that he promised faithfully Lord Henry would be delivered on time. That was of course after ensuring that George didn’t have a sister in residence and no debutants had been invited. “For I don’t mind telling you Miss it would be more than my job’s worth if I delivered him on a platter so to speak.” Obviously Lord Henry was not into young ladies then. At Simon’s she had merely to mention that George had a new French chef that he’d like Simon’s opinion on. Simon’s chest puffed out and he said he’d be delighted. Perhaps she had time for a glass of Madeira? Flo beat a hasty retreat. Simon obviously had an interest in young ladies.

Finally she arrived at Lord Jason’s mansion and as she was about to knock on the door an elegant young lady escorted by both maid and two six foot tall footmen carrying packages came up behind asked “Can I help?” “I was just about to deliver an invitation to Lord Jason.” The young lady raised an eyebrow. “Oh dear no, it’s not from me, it’s from George Bradshaw, I’m his secretary so I’m just delivering it.” The eyebrow was raised once more. “Really, you’d better come in and tell me all about it.” She led the way in, then turned to her maid, “Tea and cakes in my room Sally if you please. It wouldn’t be correct to use the formal drawing room, besides someone might come in and disturb us. I’d heard a rumour that he’d hired a female secretary but hadn’t given it any credibility until now, you simply must tell me how you came to apply for the post but not here, wait until we’re ensconced upstairs.” She led the way upstairs and ushered Flo into a sumptuous bedroom.

Sally came in with a tray and was told to close the door. “Now I can feel we’re going to be the best of friends. I’m Agatha by the way.” She looked at Flo expectantly. “Flo.” “First what do you know about Lady Cicely’s gown last night. Sally and I were in Madam Odette’s establishment yesterday morning and heard her tell Lady Cicely that unfortunately her order hadn’t been completed on time. Sally overheard a shop girl say it was because a more prestigious client had wanted a dress for the same ball at the last minute. Not only that but when Sally and I inspected George Bradshaw’s warehouse last week we saw some unusual silk that I’m certain I recognised in Lady Cicely’s dress. There must be a connection since they live next door to each other, so tell the tale. Sally thinks he’s hiding an unknown French modiste in the attics but that can’t be right can it?” “She’s called Colette and she’s in one of the guest bedrooms, but I’m not certain she wants everyone to know about her.” “We’ll keep her secret, if only so I can get her to make me a few dresses up. Last night’s creation was one of genius. I couldn’t even see the buttons or fastenings anywhere.” “Well it was so short notice that it was sewn directly on her. One of the footmen from next door let slip to one of our maids whom he is sweet on that the whole house had been thrown into panic about the dress. She mentioned it to my maid then we decided to invite her round and see what Colette could put together. Colette saw it as an ideal opportunity so seized it with both hands and the result is as you saw.”

“Now how on earth did you manage to apply for a job as a secretary?” “I didn’t. I thought I was applying for a job as a governess but Ella managed to convince both myself and George that I was perfect for the job and so far it seems to have worked out well. Ella is his valet by the way and I’ve no idea how he came to have a female valet.” They talked some more, Agatha confessed she was worried about her brother’s gambling and thought a quiet evening with good food and conversation would be good for him. “You wouldn’t have someone who could make cow’s eyes at him have you? It has to be less expensive than gambling after all. I’ll make quite certain he arrives by dropping him off on my way to Almack’s but I’m depending on you to keep him there. Now I think it’s time to give you a ride home. Since officially I can’t visit a single gentleman’s home for some silly reason Sally ask them to get the small closed nondescript coach that the housekeeper uses for shopping sometimes made available in the mews. I suppose it had better be that dreadful black pelisse I swore I’d never be seen dead in with a veiled black bonnet. If we go directly to the stables at the rear we can have a discussion with Colette about a few new dresses without anyone being any the wiser.”

All in all Flo was pleased with the responses, Colette was thankful to receive an order even for a few dresses since it was the end of season. Annette had been fussing about the seating and other things in the library and the all-important question of who would be placed next to whom at dinner.

When the guests arrived they were a little startled at first by the sight of the evening gowns but soon relaxed as George introduced them to his secretary, new steward and resident modistes. Simon ran his hand over Claire’s butt as she carried a tray of drinks around, much to the concern of George but Flo stopped him whispering. “Let her handle it.” He watched as Claire pushed her bum out and wiggled it against his hand, “Oh I like it.” Simon red faced dropped his hand and Claire moved away. “I don’t understand?” By this time Claire put the empty tray down and was stood to one side of George. “If you put your hand on Claire’s butt you’ll see what I mean.” Mystified he did as he was bid. Claire moved towards him more to cover his actions up than anything else and stood with her legs slightly further apart. “Found the slit yet?” George fondled Claire a little more then found that her skirt had parted beneath his fingers. Still she made no comment. His probing fingers found her petticoat was slit as well and soon his fingers were stroking her between her thighs. “Claire is only one of the maids who had Colette design them like this in the hope that you might slide your fingers in just such a fashion. Don’t you dare slide your fingers out, the poor girl is probably sopping wet, a rich authority figure with soft hands is paying her attention in public, she is probably having all sorts of fantasies at the moment so just continue sliding your fingers in and out of her until she comes and give her something to dream about at night.”

A little while later Claire gave a little shudder then pulled herself together. She turned, gave him a warm smile before curtseying and slipping out of the room.

“Now watch an expert at work. Annette is after Lord Jason.” “But she seems to be ignoring him?” “There’s ignoring and ignoring. Placing yourself so close to him that he must touch you if he moves is ignoring?” Grace seemed to have settled in a conversation with Simon about sheep and the advantages and disadvantages of the newer breeds. Colette was discussing the changes taking place in France with Lord Henry. Flo was pleased with the way that the dinner party was proceeding and relaxed enough to ask George what he thought about London as a city rather than just a place to do business. “Oh you mean the theatre and such, you know I really must try and visit whilst I’m here. I take it you wouldn’t be averse to going?” Flo fluttered her eye lashes at him in reply.

Chantal had surpassed herself and with the wine flowing freely flirting and conversation flourished. Eventually George tapped his glass and suggested they adjourn to the library where they found four comfortable leather arm chairs arranged around the fireplace. Annette led Lord Jason over to one and sat him down then curled up on his lap. The other girls followed suit with their partners. “Well I must say dinning here this evening is quite different than one of the normal ton affair packed with debutants.” remarked Lord Henry. “I hope you don’t mind but I have a little domestic matter that needs attending to.” declared George. “Go ahead old chap.” “We can keep ourselves amused for a moment or two.” “Did someone say something?” Lord Jason returned to kissing Annette.

George asked Claire quietly to have Annie bring him his riding crop, and Mary fetch him a jug of warm honey from the kitchens. When she returned to say they were on the way he motioned to the two eiderdowns that were rolled up against the wall. “Would you unroll them, one on top of the other and spread the sheet over the top please?” Claire liked his requests with please on the end, it made you feel as if you had a choice and some control over your life, not that she would ever dream of not obeying one instantly.

When the two maids arrived George directed one to hand the honey to Claire and took the riding crop in hand. “Now you two are being a nuisance putting your tongues out at each other and disrupting the smooth running of the house.” “Weren’t me sir it were her.” “Just get undressed, both of you.” The two maids looked at him in horror. “Just remember since you’re my servants legally I can thrash you. Now do you want help undressing?” The maids quickly stripped off and stood with their arms crossed over their breasts and a hand at their crotch much to the entertainment of George’s dinner guests. “Now Annie lie down with your head on the pillow.” Once Annie had lain down he commanded Claire to pour a little honey over her breast. Mary looked confused. “Now Mary let’s see you pull that famous tongue out again and lick up the honey before it runs off and reaches the sheet.” He struck the carpet sharply with his riding crop and Mary leapt to do his bidding.

“The other breast now Claire.” Annie was blushing furiously as Mary’s tongue lapped her second nipple. Mary carefully examined Annie’s breast to make sure she’d licked it clean of honey. “Her lower tummy next.” Annie moved her hand to protect herself and the honey ran onto the back of her fingers. “Fingers first.” George commanded. Each finger was licked clean over its whole length, Annie wasn’t so certain if it might have been better not to get them involved. “Now there are a few drops in her tummy hair so tongue out again.” Mary very carefully lightly licked Annie’s hair trying not to notice that Annie was by this time breathing more heavily and her chest was becoming flushed. “Legs apart, there seems to be a couple of drops just at the top of her thighs.” “Oh I don’t think that’s honey.” “Honey or not it needs licking up, perhaps just a drop more first Claire.” The room was silent. Annie realised what she was being asked to do and everyone heard the whispered “Sorry Annie but I has to do it.” Then Mary’s mouth opened wide and she lowered it to cover Annie’s mound.

When she raised her head George motioned Claire to pour even more honey over Annie’s snatch. Mary decided the best thing to do was to get this whole embarrassing thing over as quickly as possible. She wondered if she could get Annie to the mystical whatever, with this in mind she concentrated her efforts on getting there as quickly as possible. She felt Annie shudder beneath her then relax, she felt a sense of awe that she’d managed to bring Annie to such a state. She got up slowly, “Well now after all that effort I’m sure you’d like a lie down.” George motioned her with his eyes to the pillow. “Its Annie’s turn now to tongue you.”

Mary looked at Annie’s dream like state and decided since she was already aroused the best thing might be to simply have Annie start between her thighs so she pointed to her lower region when Claire was about to pour the honey over her. She’d never dared admit even to herself before that she found the idea of Annie touching or licking her to be so very arousing. She just melted inside and arched her back as Annie found exactly the right spot. She flipped back and forth between holding back and just letting herself go, eventually she had no choice and with a low moan she felt herself reach her plateau. Exhausted she lay back on the pillow and hugged Annie to her body.

“I think it’s time for bed for you two but first one last tongue exercise, I want you to kiss open mouth and put your tongue in the other’s mouth.” They looked at each other with horror but conditioned to obey they obeyed without question. The kiss was light at first but slowly deepened, both girls were looking very flushed now as they stepped away from each other embarrassed by the round of applause that came from George’s dinner guests. “I’ve had your things moved to the room next to Walter and Henry’s.” They looked at each other in alarm, “But it’s only got a double bed.” Mary blurted out. “Keeps the need for coal down in winter.” Claire picked up their clothes and guided them from the room.

The room was quite still. George whispered in Flo’s ear “Perhaps you and Annette next?” Flo put her tongue out him them realised what she’d done. “I’ll ask Claire to bring up some more warm honey shall I?” “Don’t you dare, remember I’ve been through your books and know exactly how much you’re worth and just think of all the matchmaking mothers who’d give their eyeteeth for that information if they knew just how rich you are.” “I remember when employees used to be loyal to their employers interests not the treacherous blackmailing sort I seem to have hired these days.” She smiled sweetly at him and batted her eye lashes.

Lord Henry was the first to speak, “I hadn’t realised it had got so warm in here.” Lord Jason turned to Annette who was perched in his lap. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen two girls actually kiss on the lips before, I always thought they kissed each other in the air on each cheek.” “What a sheltered life you must have led, perhaps you need a French young lady to broaden your horizons and teach you the language n’est pas?” “By Jove George I never thought of you as a matchmaker. Is there another bottle of something, and do I see a plate with some of those chocolate thingamajigs at the other end of the table.” Simon was renown for thinking of tummy first.

All in all everyone agreed it was a memorable evening, the girls voting Simon’s chocolate thingamajigs were the best, the guests the steak in mushroom and wine sauce.

It was about a week later when Flo received a note from Lord Jason’s sister asking her to call. The household had settled down and it seemed that even George had run out of urgent business meetings to attend. Grace was looking forward to visiting the estate after looking through the books, it seemed that every cottage had had its roof replaced recently and the estate should be in perfect repair.

“Oh I’m so glad to see you, I’m a bit concerned about the company my brother has got into and whether he’s gambling too much. Colette’s creations are perfect by the way and I have great hopes for this evening but only if Jason doesn’t cause any scandals. You couldn’t arrange another dinner party could you? I thought perhaps if Honey was to work her wiles on him that might distract him.” Flo looked confused. “Honey? I thought he spent the evening in Annette’s company.” “Well I asked him how his dinner party was and he remarked that the steak in wine and mushroom source was superb and then stammered something about maid called Honey. I could spare a five pound note from my pin money if that would help, actually if she could kidnap him and keep him in the country for a week I could spare twenty.”

Then it clicked with Flo what Jason had meant by Honey. She went red faced and giggled covering her mouth with her hand. “She wasn’t called Honey, oh dear how can I possibly explain.” Then she got up and made sure the door was closed before explaining about the two maids who had been pulling their tongue out at each other and how George had dealt with it. “Oh dear and I was so hopeful when he stammered and went red when mentioned Honey. I don’t suppose Annette?” “I could try.”

When she returned she sought out Annette and explained what was required. “These bits of paper are really worth something? I mean a gold sovereign contains twenty shillings worth of gold but a bit of paper is just a promise to pay.” Flo undertook to exchange them for sovereigns. She knew George kept a number in the safe and he’d be happy to have paper money. “We will go for the week’s kidnapping I think. Get Grace to suggest we leave for the country estate tomorrow morning early and as a boon to Chantal have one last dinner party tonight.” “How will you get Jason to agree to visit the country?” “That will be my secret, but it’s important we don’t have to stop overnight on the way. Can you organise that?”

Grace was eager to help and soon approached George. “I’d like to visit the country estate if possible.” “When would you like to go?” “Tomorrow at daybreak, that way we might complete the journey in one day and save having to stay overnight at an inn.” Flo knew how to appeal to his business instincts of not paying unnecessary expenditure. “Just arrange it.” “Oh and shall I arrange another dinner party this evening to keep Chantal happy?” George just nodded already lost in the latest market reports.

The entire household set to work with a will, already it was growing warmer and the summer smells from the river Thames were becoming unpleasant, definitely time to migrate to the country for the summer.

Chantal complained about the short notice for the dinner party but was soon flattered into believing she was up to the task. The carriages were loaded up so all that needed to be done was to have everyone climb aboard at first light. Chantal was to provide a picnic breakfast and lunch that could be eaten as they travelled.

Flo carefully wrote out then dashed around delivering the invitations. Everything was set. When the dinner guests arrived Lord Jason was found to have brought along a Captain Flint, whom he assured everyone was a great gun and they intended to go on to a hell afterwards if anyone would care to join them. Ann quietly approached Flo and mentioned she’d rather not wait at table this evening as Captain Flint was a procurer for a notorious London brothel and a girl from her home village had been lured away by him eventually to be thrown out on the street when she was too large and pregnant to be of further interest.

Annette overheard the conversation and hearing her twenty pounds might be at stake decided to take a hand. Simone was summoned and the situation explained to her in rapid French. “Pas de problème.” She announced “I will take care of him personally. You have the handkerchiefs?” Flo produced a pair and Simone tucked one under each breast to enhance the effect of her low-cut neckline. She spoke quickly to Henry then approached Captain Flint who was sat at the table. “Tonight I am your very personal waitress. I have for you a very special bottle of wine from my country, a Saint-Julien from the village where I was born.”

George looked up, he wasn’t very happy about Captain Flint, he didn’t look the sort of person he liked to deal with normally, and doubted if he really could claim the title Captain. Flo leant across and whispered quietly, “Don’t worry Henry refilled one of your bottles from last week with a cheaper wine, he’s the sort who won’t know the difference.” He could see something was going on but wasn’t sure what. He decided to ignore it for now. Simone was certainly distracting the Captain from the general conversation for which he was only too glad. Simone kept Captain Flint’s glass well filled and paid him lots of attention, caressing him at every opportunity. No one really noticed when he slumped after the second course and just assumed he couldn’t hold his wine, who would suspect it had been adulterated with a few drops of knock out.

Henry and Walter helped him out of the room, Simone followed. Again no one really paid any attention. In the kitchen they stripped off his jacket and boots then loaded him onto the hand cart. Simone put a worn cloak round her shoulders and became a wife trundling her poor drunk husband home. Escorted by Henry and Walter who had two staves hidden on the hand cart in case of trouble they soon reached the River Thames. “Turn your back please.” Simone quickly stripped the rest of his clothes off and slipped him into the river turning over him so he was face down in the water.

On their return she sought out Flo and motioned Annette across. In French she explained she’d only meant to toss him into the River Thames but somehow he’d ended up face down. Annette took charge, perhaps Flo could visit his lodging and see if there were any of Lord Jason’s vowels there? Flo mentioned the other guests wouldn’t they notice something was wrong? Simone snorted “If they had one girl kissing them on the lips, one licking their balls and two their special weapon they wouldn’t notice if we plunged a knife into him at the table. Warm them up first with a bare-breasted Annie led by Mary on a dog lead and collar and give them a taste of honey from her breast, everything else will pale into insignificance.” Annette nodded her concurrence. Flo motioned to Claire and explained the part she was to follow Annette’s lead with Lord Jason. Flo curled up on George’s lap and whispered in his ear. “Captain Flint has had an unfortunate accident, nothing that need concern you but I need to tidy up a few loose ends. We need to distract the others so Claire will take my place and expects to be fondled.” She gave him a quick peck and hurried off down to the kitchen where she found Lord Jason’s coachman having his own plate of Chantal’s offerings. “We need to retrieve a few things from Captain Flint’s lodgings you don’t know where they are do you?”

Upstairs Annette announced a wine tasting, the gentlemen would be blindfolded then they had to detect which wine they were being served. Each had whispered in their ear first not to be too hasty as there were no prizes for being first. Annette took a small mouthful of wine then transferred it to Lord Jason in a kiss. The other girls followed her lead.

Henry and Walter stood guard by the door as Flo went through his rooms. Eventually she decided the best thing was for all his belongings to simply disappear into the night as if he had done a midnight flit. She left a small leather purse on the table for his man containing five sovereigns. Well she reasoned more than a quarter’s pay would make him less likely to raise the alarm. Lord Jason’s driver mentioned he thought his man drank at the pub on the next street over. It was the work of a few minutes to slip a crown into the hand of one of the nightwalkers in the pub and ask them to give him a really good time since it was his birthday. “Don’t go flashing that much round here luv. That one you say, oh for five bob we’ll give him a night to remember all right. For that much he can have both of us. You don’t mind if he has a hangover in the morning do you?” They were given an extra sixpence for a good bottle of wine to soften him up first.

Back at the house Flo gathered up all the money and vowels she’d found and carried them off to the library. Then she took all the clothes and boots into the stables and woke Sally up. “If I give you half a dozen sixpences can you arrange for these clothes to get sold without anyone noticing?” Sally got up and looked through the clothes and sorted them. “There’s four pair of good boots here wiv plenty of wear left in them. Wot you gorn and dun, dun for him then? I has to know cause then I spreads them out more.” At Flo’s look of innocence she blurted out “Cor blimey. Come to the right gal here ain’t yeah. Is the flit still on for first thing in the morning? Right then I’d best get these across to Roger. Two tanners will do fine, he’ll eat like a king on this lot for six month and don’t you worry about being traced back, it’ll be different nippers selling one article here and one there for their mams all over the place.”

Inside the dining room she noticed all four gentlemen were still blindfolded and Claire’s head bobbing back and forth over George’s crutch, Annette was doing the same to Lord Jason. Lord Henry and Simon could hardly be seen under various maids. Flo closed her eyes and escaped to the library where she sorted the various vowels into names, the money she just put into bags. Then she wrote out envelopes to each name, stuffed in the vowels and after recording the total against each name she wrote personal on the back and sealed the envelope with sealing wax. Eventually she heard sounds of movement as the guests decided that even they had had enough and started to wend their way home. All except Lord Jason that is, she caught sight of Annette smuggling him through the wall-papered door onto the servants’ staircase.

Eventually she crawled upstairs to bed and slipped in besides George. “I hope Claire didn’t spoil you too much?” “No no not at all she was very restrained.” Flo wondered what he thought an unrestrained Claire would do before turning over and going to sleep.

It seemed only a short time before Ella was in the room opening the curtains to show the first signs of lightening of the sky. She dug George in the ribs when he grew amorous and reminded him of the cost an inn if they had to stay the night. When they went downstairs, sleepy servants were already piling into the two waiting carriages, one of the maids climbing into the second coach looked rather tall to Flo’s inexpert eye. Grace had already set off leading two teams, she’d meet them half way so they could switch. George took the reins on the first coach, one of the country maids on the second and away they went with a wave from a sleepy Sally, who was wedged in the luggage on the roof, leaving a skeleton staff and Flo at the house.

Flo slipped her coat on and hurried to the Duke of Bermondsey’s residence. Entering by the kitchen door she joined the queue of liveried servants in the dining room. Each morning before the ton arose one servant from each establishment would come here and walk round the table, dropping off letters and invitations under the appropriate name. When everyone had finished they would collect their own letters and carry them off home. Flo remembered it from her previous employment and how better to return the IOUs anonymously than in envelopes addressed to their wives, sisters or mothers deposited on the table with personal written across the back.

She carried the final envelope to Lord Jason’s sister herself. She knocked at the kitchen door and spoke to Lady Belinda’s maid. She was ushered into Lady Belinda’s bedroom with her morning chocolate. “A present for you.” She handed over the envelope and waited as his sister looked through all the vowels with his signature on. “How much is the total?” “A little over thirty-seven thousand pounds.” “How on earth?” “Captain Flint left London on last night’s ebb tide and is not expected to show his face again.” “Do I want to hear the details?” “No but Annette was behind it and we recovered these from his rooms.”

Belinda looked thoughtful. “How presentable is Annette?” Flo’s eyes opened wide. “Well we ought to do something for her and mater and pater would be delighted if Jason would get married. Did I mention my Earl finally came up to scratch last night?” “I must congratulate him when and if I meet him.” “Where is Jason by the way? My maid mentioned he didn’t make it home last night.” “I think Annette has kidnapped him dressed in maid’s clothing and he’s being pampered by Annette on the way to George’s new country estate.” “Mater and I will visit escorted by Jason’s valet and if Annette looks even possible I feel sure we’ll welcome her into the family. I’m certain it must be on the way to somewhere or we have friends nearby.” “But what about her acceptance by the ton?” “Captain Flint didn’t have anyone else’s vowels par hazard?” “I’ve already sent them back anonymously, their wives should get them with their morning chocolate.” “But I know you well enough to know you have a list of names and the amounts. Hand it over.”

Flo dug in her reticule and pulled out the list and passed it across. “Well it looks like I have a few morning calls to make. Acceptance by the ton with these ladies in support won’t be a problem, in fact Almack’s might even be possible. Lady Hester, for example if I just mention she might have 17,843 reasons to assist would I’m certain be delighted to help. Now which ship or boat did you say he left on?” “I don’t believe there was one involved.” “Oh well we’ll let someone else invent the precise details. Now how about yourself? Do you fancy your chances with a season? I’m sure it could be arranged.” Flo blushed. “Oh dear sweet on George are you well never mind anything I can do to bring him up to scratch just let me know. Are you quite sure you wouldn’t prefer a title?” Flo demurred and made her escape.

Returning to George’s town house she donned on her split riding skirt and took off towards the country estate leading two riding horses behind, intending to switch saddles from time to time to see if she could manage the entire journey in a day, something that really wouldn’t be possible using a side saddle.

Grace’s journey went smoothly apart from a few cat calls as she went through various towns and villages. She helped to switch the fresh teams in on the carriages then let Rebecca, one of the maids from the country lead the tired carriage horses onwards whilst being rested she took over some of the driving from George. They discussed the state of the land as they drove. George noted “Well the London solicitor must have been wrong, look at the cottages, they look well maintained and the fences in good order.” “I have a feeling we aren’t on your land yet.” They passed a boundary fence and it was obvious that the estate was being neglected. Grace mentioned that Rose cottage in the books as having been rebuilt recently was falling apart, as was Woodbine Cottage.

It was Grace who was driving the coach up the drive to the house when someone furtively walked from the front door down the drive. George hailed him and asked after the steward. “I haven’t seen him today sir.” George motioned Henry and Walter to detain him. When the door was answered he asked the question once more. “Why sir he’s stood over by your footmen.”

Henry and Walter assisted the steward into the estate office where George pulled open the ledgers. Grace searched quickly through cupboards and drawers until she found a second set of books. “According to the first ledger Rose Cottage was rebuilt six months ago.” “In the second ledger there is no mention of it.” “I can explain.” “I can’t be bothered this evening, secure him in the stables and give him a horse blanket I’ll deal with him in the morning.”

“Good evening sirs, I’m Mrs. Holly, the housekeeper, here are my keys.” “Ah Mrs. Holly I’m delighted to meet you, perhaps you could show me the two dozen pairs of sheets you brought last quarter?” Mrs. Holly looked taken back but led the way to the linen cupboard. “Some are on the beds sir.” George looked at the sheeting, it looked very low quality and worth perhaps a quarter of the amount that had been entered in her ledger. He doubted that there would be two dozen pairs as well. Still for the moment he was satisfied and a look of relief came over Mrs. Holly’s face at his acceptance.

Downstairs there was some sort of disturbance and hurrying down the stairs he found what appeared to be the cook holding forth about whom she’d allow to set foot inside her kitchen. George by this time was feeling tired and grumpy. “Assemble the all staff if you please including the outside staff.” Eventually they all arrived.

“Right I’m George Bradshaw and the property is now mine. I’m not titled and I expect honesty and competency. Lord March is responsible for your wages up until two weeks ago but as a gesture of good will I’m willing to pay you a quarter’s wages. Miss Armstrong will see to the matter and the rates will be as she determines. I need staff so there are positions available for many of you. Miss Armstrong will also sort this out. I prefer a peaceful household so your housekeeper and cook will be leaving this evening.” “What have I done?” “I’m a linen draper madam and know precisely how much those sheets you showed me should cost. Either you were dishonest or were incompetent when you brought them, either way you’ll not work for me.” The staff was silent.

George took Grace with him down to the kitchens where Chantal was looking in horror at the open cooking fires. He took one look and remarked “Let Grace know the name and model of our closed range in London and she can send a letter to my warehouse manager to arrange delivery and installation as quickly as maybe arranged. See what you can come up with for tonight, I can send Walter down to the inn or bakers if need be to see what can be purchased locally.” Grace translated and he saw Chantal’s face light up. A stream of rapid French with gestations towards the kitchen spoke their own language. “Send a groom with the letter to the nearest coaching inn that the London mails stop at forthwith.” He always thought life was supposed to be quieter in the country.

Next morning he walked down to the stables with Henry and Walter. “So explain.” He pulled on a pair of gloves and picked up a staff that was lying around, “You know I used to be handy with one of these, I wonder if I’ve still got the knack? I don’t object so much to the money that’s missing but I do very much object to the workers suffering from leaky roofs and so forth.” His first blow landed on the steward’s leg. “You were saying?” The steward tried to say it was all a misunderstanding that he was about to start work on the roofs. “You know until now I’ve never seen the need to beat a servant but now I do. Trouble with fists is one blow in the wrong place and you’d killed someone besides hurting your knuckles. The nice thing about one of these is you can cause all sorts of bruising.” By the time he’d finished the steward was in a foetal position on the floor. “You’re fired by the way. If I find you around here again it’ll be before the magistrate and transportation for you. Right lads carry him down to the inn. He'll be catching a coach out of here.” He turned and spoke quietly to Walter and passed him a purse. “Put him on the coach to Plymouth, a guinea to the guard if he arrives in Plymouth, five guineas to be left with the innkeeper for a month for the guard if he can say he’s been taken up by the press. Five bob is to be given to him on arrival at Plymouth, and five bob is for the innkeeper’s role in this. There’s money for an outside seat as well. Fill him with gin before he catches the coach if need be, now off you go.”

He entered the house and had breakfast. Grace, Flo and Colette were already there breaking their fast. “Fancy a ride round the estate to see just how bad it is?” They nodded and Colette asked if she might accompany them for a bit of fresh air. They went north for a while then cut across to the east, no matter where they went the tale was much the same, neglected housing, hedges, and poor looking crops. At the boundary they were struck by the difference in their neighbour’s land. “We could go and call and ask for advice.” Suggested Grace. “But they won’t know who we are.” “You’re in the country now, I bet they could tell you who you are and what you had for breakfast.” “Lead on.”

They rode up to a comfortable manor house. A groom came forward to take their horses round to the stables. At the front door an elderly butler took their hats and gloves “Good morning Mr. Bradshaw, if you and your guests would care to follow me.” He led the way to the drawing room and announced them. As they entered, he murmured “I understand you prefer coffee in the mornings sir, I’ll have some brought directly, there is tea available for the ladies.” George looked at Grace who simply shrugged.

In the drawing room a young lady dressed in far too many frills was holding forth about how triumphant she would be in her upcoming London season. How many dresses she had had made so far and how the finishing touches to her wardrobe would be added by a genuine French modiste when she reached the city. She barely paused at the butler’s announcement a mere Mr. being far beneath her notice. Her audience was a shy looking girl who sat by her mother. Eventually Lady Emma’s fifteen minutes for a formal call was up and she departed.

“Ah Mr. Bradshaw I have a bone to pick with you causing unrest in my kitchens.” George looked puzzled. “Did you or did you not send a groom off last night for the latest in closed ranges?” “Well yes.” “Didn’t you realise my cook along with half the neighbourhood’s kitchen staff are now demanding one as well.” George looked rueful. “I really dropped by to see if you had any ideas about the estate.” “Jonathan take this man off to the estate office and show him your plans whilst Sophie and I grill the ladies about the latest London fashions.”

George followed Jonathon out of the room accompanied by Grace. “Don’t you want to talk fashions my dear?” “I’m his estate steward believe it or not.” “I’d heard a rumour but didn’t believe it. Now my steward and I have been waiting for the estate to come on the market and have long made plans for its improvement but corn prices are down, and I’d like to give Sophie her season if I can though it won’t be quite as lavish as Lady Gayle’s so I don’t have the cash to hand but you’re welcome to the plans.” He unrolled a map of the estate which showed each field and its strength and weaknesses. “It really needs money invested in it of course. For example drainage on these two fields would work wonders.” “What about the present tenants?” “Worthless lot, they’ve run the soil into the ground, if I had the money I’d get rid of them and farm it directly myself.” “Grace?” Grace started to ask many questions about the best breed of sheep to run, what demand was there for dairy products etc. When he’d answered her questions he looked up. “She knows her estate management all right. Now in answer to your questions on rebuilding the cottages I’d put them over here on higher ground so they won’t be flooded so easily.”

In the drawing room Flo attempted to answer the questions posed to the best of her ability. Colette strangely enough was silent and looking at Sophie contemplatively. “You wish for a London season but are a little afraid I think?” “The cost is a big factor, a new kitchen range or a London season and Lady Emma tells me that all the best modistes are booked solid and the best houses have already been rented out.”

“Stand up and walk across the room.” Colette commanded Sophie. “Turn, sit on that chair, stand up, walk back, turn full circle for me.” She looked thoughtful and turned to Flo. “I think she will do but if I dress her for the first circles she will need an address and sponsorship.” Lady Helm looked puzzled “Could you explain a little please?”

Colette drew out her sketch pad and proceeded to sketch the latest current designs floating around London which she thought would suit her daughter. “Mais London usually follows Paris for fashions by a year.” She sketched again “So this is what I expect the fashion to be in the little season this year. I’m a modiste de Paris but the quality of my work is not recognised in London yet so I need a show piece and I think your daughter would work. Nothing ungenteel you understand your butler might let my name slip his lips for a small pourboire. Lady Emma, that one, couldn’t carry it off besides having no dress sense. You would need a proper French maid to look after your clothes and such, Véronique perhaps, she is more a ladies maid than a seamstress but we would need her agreement. We would need sponsorship. Lady Belinda might help for a gown or two. A good address, George’s new town house would be ideal if he is agreeable. Let me sketch it for you.” She quickly sketched the front and drew a plan of each floor. “The ballroom is smaller than one might like for a really large affair but it makes it more exclusive and exclusive is the impression we need to achieve.”

“And how much would this all cost?” “The wardrobe, nothing, it’s an investment on my part, besides my seamstresses have nothing much to do at the moment. George is a linen draper I think you call him so the material is not so expensive and I have some with me. To make the most impact we need secrecy so no mention of anything to Lady Emma. It would be best if Sophie was to visit me, meet Véronique and we assemble the wardrobe there. Lady Belinda I don’t know, perhaps you still have some useful contacts? George’s town house again I don’t know if it would be possible but sometimes Flo’s little finger works well.”

Lady Helm drew in her breath “I don’t know what to say. Sophie what do you think?” Sophie slowly smiled “It would be so nice to be better dressed than Lady Emma and to have a real French maid Ooo-la-la. Could we Mama just for once?”

George came back into the room, “Well I don’t know how to thank you enough. I think your plans will save us a lot of hard work. I’m really in your debt, now how is the fashion talk progressing?” “Quite well but remember your concern about leaving the town house empty during the little season?” Flo exchanged a look with George who picked up his clue. “Surely it would be asking too much for them to oversee it for us, but if it’s not inconvenient it would make my mind easier.” Lady Helm beamed “I’ll settle the details with your wife shall I?” George and Flo started to speak at the same time. Flo let him speak first. “Miss Armstrong is my secretary rather than my wife.” “Oh I’m sorry you seemed to have such a rapport that I made an assumption but how very odd, a female secretary, whatever next.” Sophie dashed for her habit then joined them on the way back where she was besieged by seamstresses measuring her up.

Grace and George rode round the tenants and at each one introduced themselves. George’s speech ran along the lines of “I’m afraid the income from the estate isn’t what I expect. In four years time I expect it to be four times today’s income so if you wish to remain as tenants you can expect a substantial increase in rent. If you wish to move then Grace is empowered to negotiate compensation for any crops not yet harvested or any improvements you might have made.” With that he would smile and bid them farewell. Since the entire country side knew how the previous steward had been dealt with he had acquired a reputation as a hard man to deal with and by the morning following all the tenants had expressed an interest in moving on rather than renewing their leases.

“So do we try to get the workers on side? Explain to them what we want to do?” George, Grace and Flo were sat round the dining room table after lunch. “We could involve Chantal, perhaps Colette and a few staff who know the estate for their input.” “Something for the children perhaps, Sally might have some ideas?” George nodded his agreement and various members of staff were brought into the room. “Take a seat we’re looking for ideas. First let me explain we’re thinking of farming the land directly. The first year will be more making improvements than anything else including new cottages but we’d like to have the support of the locals if we can manage it. I’d prefer to keep workers with local knowledge rather than have the best leave us because of uncertainty.”

“So a summer fair with games for the children and a dance in the evening?” “Possibly an Ox roast?” “Could we spare some dress lengths for the younger members before the dance?” “Make it more general but save the dress lengths etc. just for those who live on the estate?” “A formal dinner party for the gentry before the dance?” The ideas bounced back and forth. “Should we announce it formally or let it slip out over time?” Eventually it was decided that Flo would organise things and they’d let odd bits slip out over time.

Flo drew up a list of eligible young ladies who lived on the estate and had Sally sneak round to visit each one to discreetly bring them in one at a time to see Colette to discuss dress lengths and dresses.

Colette arranged for an ox to be butchered so it would be hung just long enough before being roasted. The outdoor staff were joined by various farm workers in gathering enough wood to roast an ox. George sent off for ribbons, more material and other bits and pieces to either sell at the fair or to give away as prizes.

Grace invited the workers' wives to tea, which they served in the ball room to accommodate the numbers. There she described the plans for the next two years to rebuild the cottages on higher ground and gave them some idea of the budget per cottage and the options. An indoor pump for the kitchen was a very popular option.

It was Thursday before Lord Jason’s mother and sister just happened to drop by. There was a quiet panic whilst Ella found his clothes and carried them into Annette’s bedroom. She counted the number of legs and divided by two before deciding it was only Annette and Jason tumbling around in bed. “You have visitors, Lady Belinda and her mother have arrived. Your valet is in the next room and here are some clothes so you can look respectable when you appear before him.” Lord Jason scrambled out of bed and slipping into the minimum of clothes he scurried into the next room so he could dress and greet his family. Annette stretched. “Please arrange a bath for me and perhaps mention to Véronique I need a little of her magic.”

It was three quarters of an hour later becomingly dressed before she arrived at the salon door where Flo, and Lord Jason’s family were taking tea. Lady Belinda’s voice came floating through the air. “I heard of the most delightful heiress, £37,000 to her name, and quite unknown to society yet.” Annette was not amused. She slipped quietly into the room and took a seat possessively next to Lord Jason. Flo introduced her, and to her amazement Lady Belinda seem positively friendly. “What charming pearls you’re wearing.” “They were my mother’s but she passed them on for my debut.” Lady Belinda looked puzzled. “I was at Colette’s for a fitting wearing them with my maid when one of our grooms rushed up on my favourite mare and told us that the mob had arrived and taken my family away to meet madam Guillotine.” Annette sobbed for a moment. “Fortunately Colette decided to quit Paris within the hour and Véronique and I came along disguised as seamstresses. It helped that I had an English governess and thus knew the language.” “How utterly terrifying for you.” “At least we are alive.” Lady Belinda turned to her brother. “I thought a quiet wedding here at the local church would be appropriate.” Lord Jason looked horrified for a moment, “You mean to your new heiress?” His mother interjected, “Well you can hardly expect to compromise Annette and risk her becoming enceinte by spending two days and nights in bed from what I hear without at least offering her marriage.” Annette spoke, “Oh but I was very careful not to do it in the dark, only during the daylight. There is no risk I think of ” She paused not wanting to say the word but placing her hands over her tummy. Lord Jason’s mother shook her head in despair.

“Well it’s either that or I return your vowels to Captain Flint totalling the magic £37,000 and you can redeem them from her.” “Take the money.” Murmured Flo in Annette’s ear. “How much is £37,000 in real money?” asked Annette. George who had wondered in and picked up a small cake absently gave the value in francs. Annette’s eyes widened. “So much, I could live comfortably without a husband, or with such a dowry even Monsieur Bradshaw might make me an offer?” She looked enquiringly at George. George absently picked up another cake and nodded. “I might well do.” Annette fluttered her darkened eyelashes at Lord Jason. “Dash it all if anyone’s going to have my £37,000 its going to be me.” “How romantic, my first proposal. It was a proposal was it not my darling?” Jason red faced nodded. “How wonderful, I accept.”

“What about the damned tabbies in the ton?” asked Jason. His sister smiled, “That won’t be a problem. Captain Flint was quite discerning about whom he accepted vowels from. I’m quite certain many members of the ton are well aware of the debt they owe Annette.” “What happened to dear old Flint by the way?” There was a deadly silence and finally Flo spoke “He was last seen leaving London on the ebb tide I understand never to return again.” Lord Jason’s mother turned the conversation to wedding plans and the others quickly joined in. Colette must be given time to create the perfect wedding dress. Annette approached George. “Père fearing the political situation in France had forwarded funds to his man of affairs in London to purchase an estate for us in England but stupidly I cannot recall his name. It was something very English so difficult for me to remember, Brun or something? Would you know of him?”

George tried her with the names of men of business in the city that he could recall. Eventually they settled on three possibles and George said he would set forth enquiries about Annette’s family’s estate.

Lady Belinda slipped onto the sofa besides Flo. “So are they the honey ones?” She asked whilst looking at Mary and Annie as they cleared away. Flo nodded, “But how can one girl possibly satisfy another?” “I’ll arrange for a picnic lunch tomorrow, remain behind and I’ll arrange for them to show you.”

“Your choux à la crème my lady.” Lady Belinda looked up to see Mary holding a tray with cream puffs, a jug of chocolate and a dish of whipped cream whilst Annie was busy turning the key in the lock. They approached the bed, “Chantal wants you to try a new drink you may not have come across before called chocolat. It was introduced to Paris from Spain and is rather luxurious. She gave us a spoonful to taste and if you don’t adore it we’re more than happy to ensure there are no traces left.” She added the last on a hopeful note. Lady Belinda sipped the proffered cup. “Different, I could come to like it I think.” When she had drained the cup Annie made her next request.

“Before we start could you raise your hands above your head?” Lady Belinda stretched out accordingly only to find her wrists tied to the corners of the bed by silk scarves. “This isn’t quite what I was expecting.” She exclaimed indignantly. Annie bit off half a long cream puff and slipped it between Lady Belinda’s teeth. Next she wriggled up her nightgown until her breasts were exposed then covered each nipple with a spoonful of whipped cream. Annie took one nipple in her mouth and Mary the other, after a few minutes Annie raised her head and innocently asked “Was this more what you had in mind?” Before lowering her lips once more and caressing Lady Belinda’s tummy with her fingers gradually moving lower and lower eventually she was stroking Lady Belinda in a very intimate manner; gently she slipped her finger in and out of the well-lubricated channel.

Annie arose, much to Lady Belinda’s protests, and picked up a long thin cream-filled chou and inserted it between Lady Belinda’s thighs. “Time for your cream chou Mary.” Mary looked at her in horror. Annie expected Mary to eat a cream chou from between Lady Belinda’s thighs, what would her ladyship think? A quick tap on her bottom and her tongue was wrapped against the chou, lapping the cream that oozed out. Every tiny movement of her tongue sent quivers through Lady Belinda’s body. “Waste not, want not, I want to see every trace of cream licked clean.” Mary licked industrially away. Each pubic hair was carefully sucked to ensure none of the delicious cream was left clinging. Annie bent down and disregarding her conditioning about never touching the upper classes kissed Lady Belinda on the lips. Tentatively at first then more deeply as she felt a response, teasing her nipples with her fingers as she did so.

Finally Annie sensed Lady Belinda had reached an orgasm by the changes in her nipples and breasts. She motioned to Mary to stop what she was doing kissing Mary and stroking her before undoing the silk scarves that tied Lady Belinda to the bed. She curtsied “Will that be all my Lady?” Lady Belinda nodded and rolled over for a short nap. Outside the room Mary looked at Annie and whispered in an awed voice, “I know that Miss Armstrong told us to do it but I never thought I’d live to tell the tale. Think we can sneak off upstairs now I feel rather warm between my lower limbs. Oh by the way I saved you one of those long thin cream chou things.”

Flo was pleased with the way the picnic had gone but dying of curiosity about Lady Belinda. She tapped on her bedroom door and slipped inside. “Well?” “Well, I think I may hire two new maids.” “You don’t think you’ll have any problems persuading them to work for you?” “Certainly not I’ll just double their wages. I might even attempt to hire your French chef as well, that drink he sent up was divine. No my new fiancé might be an earl but he’s old enough to be my father if not a little older. Those two will be much more acceptable to him than having my own private groom and to me as well. I mean to say you can’t really take your groom upstairs to a warm bedroom you practically have to do it in the open air. A wet soggy grassy bank in the middle of January isn’t my idea of civilisation. What do you think?” She cocked an eyebrow at Flo. “Well George has grown attached to his female chef and I don’t see your earl accepting the idea of a female chef. I could get her to teach Mary how to make your drink, chocolate I think it’s called if it’s the same thing as Grace and I shared a cup of once. I’ll leave you to recover in bed shall I?” She ducked out of the door and hurried up to the servants attics.

“Aren’t you two supposed to be working?” “Yes Miss, right away Miss.” The two girls leapt up from the bed. Flo closed the door behind her, “Relax for a moment, Lady Belinda was so delighted by your performance this morning that she is going to offer you permanent employment at double your wage so as of now you are promoted to lady’s maids at £20 per year. That means when Lady Belinda doubles your wage you’ll be on £40 each.” “But that’s a housekeeper’s wage.” Flo smiled “If you can keep Lady Belinda and her husband happy it will be worth it. Her new husband to be is a little elderly and may not be able to satisfy Lady Belinda fully, better she has you two than some oversexed groom. Now then, Mary you’ll be in charge of preparing Lady Belinda’s chocolate each day so see Chantal and get her to train you to make it properly. You can start in the morning by bringing her a cup when she wakes up. I’ll speak to her maid so no toes are trod on. Now let’s go down to the library and see if Mr. Bradshaw is available.” She turned and left the room the two maids intrepidly followed.

She knocked lightly on the library door then entered. After ushering in the two maids she locked the door. George raised his head from his accounts. “There is a small matter of staff training sir that I hoped you could assist us with.” George looked enquiringly “Lady Belinda has expressed an interest in hiring these two young ladies.” Young ladies, Mary and Annie exchanged glances, the gentry had some right funny ideas. “And I think they require a bit of specialised training before commencing their new duties.” “Sorry I’m lost here, I’m perfectly happy with these two maids why should I wish to train them to become Lady Belinda’s servants?”

“You have a warehouse full of material you’d like to sell?” George nodded. “So you need Lady Sophie to take, showing off Colette’s gowns and your material and Lady Belinda is key to her success.” “These two?” “Lady Belinda’s husband to be is not in his first flush of youth, so in order to ensure Lady Belinda doesn’t stray these two as you so delicately put it...”

“I get the idea, now what is my part in all this?” “Well I wondered if you could just step out of your clothes and lie on the sheep skin rug whilst Annie runs her tongue over your private parts? If you could think of the problems of getting your wool down from Yorkshire safely at the lowest cost at the same time that would give Annie the same amount of difficulty as she’ll experience with Lady Belinda’s new elderly husband.” George did as he was bid. Would it be cheaper to haul his wool to the coast and bring it down by ship or would one of the new canal boats be more reliable he pondered? Flo undressed and lay back on the long sofa and indicated to Mary she should apply her tongue between Flo’s thighs. Annie grew frustrated at the total lack of response as the distracted George mentally balanced his factory’s weekly output against the optimum load for each method of transport. Momentarily Annie thought about digging her nails into George’s scrotum hard just to get his attention but then prudence made her patiently continue to lick, tenderly stroke and move her head so her hair glided over Georges thighs.

Flo started to moan on the sofa as Mary’s tongue and fingers worked their magical spell. She hadn’t thought of herself as homosexual before but confessed to herself that one reason for the training exercise was to experience for herself what the two girls and Lady Belinda found so satisfying. Annie noticed that George was attuned to Flo’s moans and she felt some stirrings between her lips until finally she had a sense of triumph as George finally became fully erect.

Flo’s voice took on its governess’s tone. “Now in real life having got both Lady Belinda and her Earl aroused we need to get them to couple to produce the heir. So Annie when you sense he’s about to ejaculate you’ll have to stop what you’re doing whilst Mary gets Lady Belinda to squat over the Earl. If he ejaculates too early them take a couple of fingers full of sperm and work them into Lady Belinda taking care that none lands between your thighs or Mary’s come to that.” “How will I know when he’s about to come?” “Practise makes perfect, and I’m certain Mr. Bradshaw will make himself available for you to practise on.”

“If only Annette wasn’t being married from a bachelor’s home the tabbies wouldn’t have a thing to dig their claws in.” Lord Jason’s family were having a family council on how best to present Annette to the world. “I’ll ask him to get married first shall I?” replied Lord Jason with just a hint of sarcasm in his voice. “Well I think it’s the least he could do considering all the trouble we are going to promote Chantal’s prodigy not to mention all the material I’m buying for my new wardrobe.” George wondered into the room and just caught the last part of the discussion. “What is the least I could do?” “Get married before Annette so she isn’t seen to be getting married from a bachelor’s home.” “Anyone in particular you’d like me to marry perhaps?” He asked innocently. Lady Belinda looked at him directly “Yes, and that’s all you’ll get from me.” He retreated thoughtfully.

The following Sunday in church and Flo was daydreaming about George when Grace dug her in the ribs “Congratulations.” She whispered. Flo looked puzzled, “Right after the banns for Jason and Annette the vicar read them for you and George.” “I’ll kill him.” “But you’ll marry him first?” “Perhaps, he could have asked or warned me first so I could at least have put on a new dress. I mean can you imagine the questions I’ll be asked when we leave and I have to run the gauntlet of curious old biddies in the church yard?”