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. Asstr.org accepts donations if you’re feeling rich or even if you’re not.

Luv Karen

Copyrighted Karen Blayne 2001-2009.

The Manor of Upper Wapping

     So are you sitting comfortably? Then cast your mind back to the England around 1780.

     For those who aren't history addicts a bit of background might help. Coins used originally to contain roughly their value in the metal they were made. Gold was used for sovereigns, silver for coins from threepence to a crown, and copper for less valuable coins.

     Next a tiny bit of maths: four farthings made a penny, twelve pennies made a shilling or bob, and twenty shillings made a pound. A tanner was sixpence, a florin was two shillings, a crown five shillings.

     Now you may begin.

     Luv Karen

    I heard the scream and looked round. There in the river below a small boy was floundering, if it were Johnny I swore I'd tan his hide. I dived in and swam up to him and grabbed the little blighter by the scruff of the neck then headed for the shore. He was heavy and spluttering but I managed to drag him onto the sandbank in the middle of the river. Johnny came running along the bank, if I hadn't saved Johnny who on earth had I saved? My fingers touched velvet, Quality. “Johnny run up to the big house as fast as you can and tell them I've just dragged a boy in velvet from the river.” Quality, you never knew with quality you'd best stay away from them me mam always said. We sat there shivering, he was coughing so I laid him flat and thumped his back like I would with Johnny and prayed I wouldn't be transported for hitting him. Soon two riders came splashing through the river.

    ”Right girl, throw him up to me!” Throw him, I could barely lift him but it was enough for the rider to bend and grab his arm and pull him up onto the horse. “Young varmint. Come on Jed drop that one and bring the girl, she's soaking wet as well and we don't want to lose either to a chill now do we?” Johnny was dropped on the bank and I was hauled up and placed in front of the rider. “Reckon you can hang on tight lass? If so we'll see how fast this horse can run and raise the alarm proper up at the house.” I nodded and threw my six-year-old arms round him and clung on for dear life. Jed went across country and we were on a big hunter. Hedges flew by underneath us. I closed my eyes when we came to cross the road. I felt us fly into the air, we touched the road then we flew off again across the hedge on the other side. I opened my eyes, “Good girl, now just hold on tight.” One of his arms was round me the other held the reins. We clattered into the cobbled stable yard. “Here Rob catch this un. Take her into the kitchen. Thanks to the girl 'ere the heir's alive, should be 'ere shortly but I'm off for the doctor.” He clattered away across the cobbles.

    I was carried into a huge room much bigger than our entire cottage. It had smooth square tiles on the floor, our floor was a mixture of whatever flat stones we could find mixed in with a few bricks. It were my job to sweep the cottage floor but this one looked a real beaut, dead easy to sweep clean. “Right young miss out of them wet clothes, Alice grab a towel and get her dry.” She turned to me and said, “You've the look of one of the Forester family am I right?” “Yes mam Joseph Forester is my father.” “Good man that. Rob run down to the Forester’s, they're one of the tenant farms towards the village, and tell them young” She paused for a moment, “Becky, Mam” “Tell them young Rebecca is up at the house, no harm done and we'll send her home once she's dried out.” “Yes Mrs. Sanders right away.” I was wrapped in towels and fed a bowl of broth. I was impressed not even supper time and I was given broth. Then the other rider came in with the boy. “Here you are Mrs. Saunders, reckon he'll be as right as rain in a day or two.” He looked down at me; “beat us to it then did you? Reckoned you might, but I reckoned I'd be better to take the longer route and not jump any hedges with his lordship.” The little boy looked up “They flew over the hedges Martha, two of them, her and Jed on one horse they flew over the hedges.” Just then a taller elegant lady came into the room I felt sure she must be the lady of the house. “And just what you have been up to on my half day off young master?” “Hello Rose meet” he paused and once again I supplied my name. “I went looking for birds’ nests and fell in the river. Becky saved me. She can swim, Rose and she flies over hedges with Jed.” “A remarkable young woman I can see.” “I thought it was my brother who had fallen in you sees Mam, so I grabbed him by the scruff of the neck and dragged him out. I only thumped his back to get the water out, they won't transport me for that now will they mam?” Her eyes sparkled and she laughed “No they won't transport you for that of that I'm quite sure. Now then off to bed with you young man.”

    They found a dress for me that was much finer than anything I had and dressed me in a coat as well. Then a tall man led me into his office. “Now my fine young lady what would you like as a reward?” Reward as well as being called a lady and a fine dress? “Reward, anything in the whole world?” “Anything in the whole world within reason.” “I'd like to fly again please.” “Fly again?” “Yes a horse please so I can fly over hedges.” “I'm not sure you could handle a horse.” “Well only a small one, I saw one in the stables when I arrived.” “Come on then and show me.” I showed him the foal I'd seen when I'd first arrived. She was so pretty, with huge feet. “Oh that one, well I did say anything. Trouble is Daisy's a Shire and Shires come in pairs.” He looked at me. “Now you wouldn’t want to break up a pair now you?” I shook my head. “Shall you give her a slice of apple?” I nodded and a quarter apple was laid on my hand. “Now hold it out flat.” Daisy came over and tickled my hand as she searched for the apple. “Now Dobbin as well.” Another quarter apple was laid on my outstretched palm; another tongue licked my hand then my nose. “He's got warm breath hasn't he?” “Good girl standing firm now let's go and see what your dad has to say about Daisy then. Jed, Rob load the old plough share in the back of the wagon and you'd best fetch young Daisy and Dobbin and hitch them on the back as well.”

    Soon I was riding in a wagon, me on the front seat, me in my fine new dress. Trouble was there wasn't really anyone to show off to. When we got home the tall man lifted me down and I ran into the house looking for me dad. “Dad the man says I can have a foal if you'll let me keep him.” “What would you be wanting with a foal?” “She's ever so pretty.” “Hold hard, I'd best come and see.”

    Me dad came out to meet the tall man. “Mr. Forester, Alfred Metcalfe estate manager, Your young un ere dragged the heir out of the river so she's due a reward. She likes the look of young Daisy but I told her Shires come in pairs see. So if you'd like them they're hitched to the back of the wagon. Thought I'd throw in an old ploughshare as well but it will be a year or two before they're ready to pull it mind. Oh they're a breeding pair so Dobbin will cost you the first foal.” “I don't know.” Me mam came out. “Joseph just you stop looking a pair of gift horses in the mouth. Rebecca can see to them and I'm sure they'll come in useful at ploughing time or harvest time.” “You're right there mum, and I can probably put some tree root pulling and log pulling your way as well.” “Well that's that then. Now just you come in and have a mug of ale with us, my own brew.”

    I got my hair ruffled and told I was to report to the stables up at the big house to find out how to care for my horses. Dad and I unhitched the two foals, Dobbin was older than Daisy and rather larger, and we let them out in the pasture with the cows. Then I settled down to have tea with my brothers and sisters and told them all about the big house, the wonderful floor and how the tall lady in the fine dress had spoken to me.

    Next morning I was weeding in the vegetables when one of the stable lads came looking for me. He spoke with me mam and the long and the short of it was I was to help Martin learn to swim in the river. Martin it seemed didn't mind trying if I was there since I'd saved him once already. Then Rose, his governess had the bright idea that Martin should help me learn to my letters and numbers. So soon I was sharing his lessons in the mornings. Martin apparently didn't like his schoolwork but would learn so he could help me. Rose thought it was fun to have me walk round the room with a book balanced on me head. Mr. Grimshaw the butler was heard to murmur he didn't know what the world was coming to when quality started mixing with the rabble but I didn't mind him. Two years later I was better at spelling than Martin but he was better at numbers so I practised my numbers. Mr. Metcalfe helped by letting me add up his ledgers and working out how much feed the horses needed. As an incentive he told me if I was short Daisy would go hungry and if I spent too much then he wouldn't be able to afford to hire my dad to haul logs. Talk about motivation but it worked. Daisy didn't go hungry and dad was kept busy hauling logs when the farm could spare him. I went along, sometimes with Martin, and walked by Daisy and Dobbin's heads. Feeding them the odd carrot or apple from time to time. Martin pointed out that I was never going to go flying over a hedge with Daisy but somehow it didn't seem to matter, Daisy was Daisy and if I had Daisy I didn't want to go flying over hedges.

    Mr. Metcalfe used to have pamphlets and books lying round his office talking about new ways of doing things. Three crop rotation and using clover to restore the goodness in the soil. I asked him if he was going to use them on the home farm but got told no. His highness didn't hold with new fangled notations. I asked if I could talk to my dad about it. Mr. Metcalfe said he'd got some of the new clover seed if dad wanted to try it. Strange it was me mam who got me dad to agree. She said what harm could it do and it were best to stay on Mr. Metcalfe's best side. So we did. Daisy and Dobbin ploughed up the pasture; we put in root crops where we had been growing wheat and clover where the root crops had been. That year the crop was one of the best. Dad reckoned it was the weather but I knew the home farm hadn't had such a good year or at least as good as ours.

    At the stables I was allowed to exercise the wagon and carriage horses. Under supervision at first but Joe reckoned I had a way with horses and when he was short staffed I was allowed to exercise them by myself. I was paid in feed and shoes for Daisy and Dobbin. Later on I was taught how to hitch Daisy and Dobbin up to the various wagons around the stables and how to control them. Then one day the dowager, Lady Hazleton wanted to visit one of her friends for tea but no carriage horses were available, or grooms either so Joe had me hitch Daisy and Dobbin up to her ladyship's coach and we drove her ladyship in style. I think she liked the idea of having a girl drive her and Daisy and Dobbin were certainly great talking points with her friends. I liked the real farthings we got paid each time.

    It was about that time I was in the village with me mam when we met up with Rose, Martin's governess, on her day off. She thought that me mam should be proud of me learning to read and write. Mam said that was all very well but what would it lead to pray? She didn't like to offend the big house, which is why she'd let me go but she couldn't really see the use of it. Rose put her head to one side like she does when she's thinking. “Lists.” “Lists?” Yes next week each time you think of something you need from the market tell Rebecca and she'll write it down. Then take her with you when you go to market and she can remind you when you get there what you need.” Just then the mail coach arrived. Me mam looked up when the guard told her she had a letter, she took it from him and looked at the address then handed it back shaking her head when he asked her for the money. Rose offered to pay but I stopped her, then mam and me led Rose to the village pub's garden where we sat and had our weekly cup of tea out in style. Mam explained that there was no need to pay for the letter since there was nothing in it anyway. Her sister was housekeeper in one of the big London town houses and once a quarter she would write an envelope so that me mam knew she was all right. She knew that me mam couldn't read but could recognize her writing so that's how they kept in touch.

    That week at market I had my slate with its list of shopping. Me mam said afterwards it was the first time she'd managed to remember everything and we'd seemed to get through the shopping a bit faster as well. Next week we met Rose in the village again. She put her head to one side again. “So how was your trip to market?” Me mam shook her head. “How did you know?” “I didn't, I just know what I do when I go shopping.” Me mam sighed. “Well it would be useful, I talked about it in the village with one or two but I'm too old to learn now.” “Oh I don't know, we could start a sewing circle in the village church on my evenings off, they have a board and slates there from the Sunday school. Rebecca could give you a hand on the quiet as well.” And that's how me mam learnt to read and write. First with lists then one day Rose put her head to one side again. “Which house does your sister work at?” “Lord Fairfax’s.” “Every month we send a package of estate papers up to the London town house, I think we could arrange an extra letter to go to London and the kitchen lad to be sent round with it.” Me mam's face lit up. “I could tell her about the twins and Rebecca an’ all couldn't I? She doesn't even know the twins exist yet.”

    The next month a whole page letter was sent, I did a note from me then me mam wrote on the other side. For as Rose said paper was expensive and not to be wasted. A month later a real letter arrived via Rose and the big house. Two whole pages filled with news there was even a separate sheet for me and the others telling us about a park where the fine ladies used to ride in their carriages everyday and you could feed the ducks alongside the nobs.

    It were an idyllic life but all good things come to an end as they say. It started with Martin's mother losing a child in childbirth. She died two weeks later. Martin's dad started drinking heavily. The two things combined seemed to break the dowager's heart and she went into a decline and died two months afterwards. The dowager's staff were dismissed, no more farthings for me. Then Martin was to be sent away to school. Rose was no longer needed and was given notice; good references but notice never the less. Mr. Metcalfe seemed down, I think he was sweet on Rose. I overheard him tell her when things looked up and he could afford to support a wife he'd send for her. The harvest didn't look good on the estate and Mr. Metcalfe had to tell dad he couldn't cut any more logs or clear any more tree stumps without his lordships say so and he was having difficulty even getting him to authorize the buying of seed for next year’s crop. Rose walked down to our cottage to tell us the news that she was intending to leave the following week and go to London to find work. Me mam wanted to know how she was intending to get there since the stage was so expensive. Rose said she had no choice so for once me mam put her head to one side and looked at her and told her not to buy her ticket just yet. When dad came in from the fields she led him into the parlour and shut the door.

    The next day for the first time she walked up to the big house and round to the stable yard. There she asked her way to Mr. Metcalfe's office. I never really found out what was said but the upshot of it all was me dad and I were to go to London taking Rose with us. Me mam and dad explained to me that things were looking bad and with twelve mouths to feed things would start to become difficult at the cottage. I was to go to my Aunt's to be trained as a maid. London, the grand park with ducks and ladies, I was ever so excited. We would take the big cart from the big house, harnessed with Daisy and Dobbin, loaded with as much fruit, vegetables, eggs and produce as we could find crammed on board, plus a few baskets of chickens tied on below, for everyone knew that London paid the very best prices and with luck we might even make a bob or two for our load. Me mam thought we could drive a herd of geese as well so we made it known throughout the neighbourhood that we were looking for geese.

    We set off on a Monday morning at daybreak, dad not holding with Sunday travel or working if the vicar could see us on Sunday. So it were load the wagon up quietly on Sunday evening after evensong ready for travelling at first light on Monday. We made really good way the first day, fifteen miles, further than I'd ever been from home before. Mr. Metcalfe had sent along Brutus, one of the wolfhounds from the stable, for our protection. Protection he was as soft as could be with me. He could look fierce though and me dad said that's what mattered. We had Clover, our collie, with us as well to drive the geese. Rose had one of her lists, all the towns that we were to travel through so we knew what to look for at the signposts. Since dad didn't hold with reading it was Rose and I who had to read the signposts and work out the route. I worried about dad finding his way back but he reckoned he'd recognize the road after being on it once. We had bread and cheese to eat the first day, by Thursday morning though the bread was finished so I bartered some of the eggs we had for more bread. I was surprised that Rose kept up so well. Being a country girl I was used to walking Brutus at my heels alongside Daisy and Dobbin talking to them or singing to them as we went along. Dad walked alongside the wagon, sometimes he or Rose would ride for a mile or so but really I suppose we walked to London. Rose said she didn't mind and although it was twice as long as taking the stage coach it helped her save her money and she had plenty of time to spare.

    We slept under the wagon so we could make sure no one ran off with our goods or the geese, not that anyone would with Brutus and Clover about anyway. Occasionally they'd wonder off and come back with bloody mouths. Me dad said to wipe it off in case anyone accused us of poaching which of course is something we would never do. Mind you if me dad happened to come across a snare that had some poor animal suffering well now that was different weren't it. Often he'd go for a little walk just before bedtime and another just before we moved off. Anything he found just got tossed in a bag on the wagon, and if I happened to ride the wagon and skin the odd rabbit to pass the time it was just to pass the time you understand. Rose had a fair hand with the stew pot but the odd time we had one of the chickens we were carrying in a basket slung below the wagon I had to ring its neck. She didn’t mind sitting on the wagon and plucking the feathers off though. We saved them in a bag and after a day or two I had a feather pillow to sleep on at night. Brutus and Clover did well on rabbit that trip.

    We got onto the toll road the next day. Daisy and Dobbin found the going much easier and the road surface much smoother. Sometimes we left the toll road and took byways around the tollbooths. Sometimes me dad paid the toll. I was surprised because I hadn't realized he had that much money but Rose reassured me that there was some servants and furniture to come back from the town house which was being rented out as part of the cutbacks so her Mr. Metcalfe had given me dad the toll money. We made over seventeen miles that day. Even with pulling a stagecoach out of the ditch where some young bucks had managed to steer themselves into mind you that paid us a silver coin or two. I managed to barter a dozen eggs for two loaves of bread at the village bakery whilst Daisy and Dobbin were pulling the coach out of the ditch.

    Thursday night me dad came back after walking to into the village for a glass of ale. “They reckon yon common tomorrow often sees a robbery or two. But I don't think we'll be tempting enough for them. Mind you might be better if you both were to wear something rather plain.” Then he handed over one of the old shotguns he had stashed under the wagon. We were going to cross one of the dangerous commons outside London; he rode with another in his lap. Even Brutus kept a weary eye open as he rode on the wagon. We were soon overtaken by a coach and four that rattled its way past us as it shot by, horses flat out, at three times our speed scattering the geese. After we had gathered them up again we saw in the far distance ahead two riders dash out from behind a tree. They shot the coachman and roughly hauled the passengers out. They grabbed their valuables and stuffed them in a bag then one entered the coach and came out and stuffed more items in the sack. Rose climbed up onto the wagon and took the reins. I cocked the shotgun. The two men galloped away in our direction as they came upon us me dad raised his gun and pointed at the first. I pointed mine at the second. Without looking round me dad spoke. “You're in the presence of a lady, Rebecca take his hat off for him.” I fired and the hat flew. He looked startled, I don't think he'd seen me. Probably didn't know I went poaching with me dad and that shot was expensive. “Now we'll have you off the horses on bended knee slow like.” “Right lie down.” There was a pause “Gather the horses Rebecca.” I moved in very carefully keeping myself out of the path of me dad and the men and gathered in the horses and led them to the back of the wagon and tied them there. The sack was still tied to one of the horses. Rose got down and bound each ones wrists together behind their backs and took their pistols and other belongings. Then we left them face down in the road with a warning not to raise their heads. We set off once more and soon caught up to the coach where two gentlemen were administrating to the coachman.

    We stopped along side of the carriage. “Morning.” They looked up. “Found a pair of horses and an old sack back up the road don't know if you're interested.” The youngest of the pair stood up and walked across to us. He looked at the horses tied on the back and at the sack then shook his head. “I don't know how to thank you.” “The usual coin of the realm will do fine sir. It were me daughter, you understand, took a shot at a crow like, well them two knights of the road seemed a bit nervous about a gun in a woman's hands as yer might say.” Me dad grinned at his own joke and then grimaced as I kicked him hard on the shin. The fine gentleman put his hand into the sack and pulled out a purse. Then he drew out a hand full of sovereigns for each and gave them to us. “I'd prefer it if you were to take the horses as well. Someone might think we've stolen them and I'd prefer not to hang this week if you don't mind.” I unhitched the two saddle horses and tied them onto the back of the carriage. We travelled the rest of the common together; the wagon and geese in front thinking there was safety in numbers.

    Rose asked “But won't it have been more profitable to keep the sack?” Me dad looked at her, “Well yes but there were always the chance we'd get asked where we got it from and it’s a hanging offence if they don't like your answer. No best play straight with the nobs.” We reached my aunts late Friday night. We’d got a very good price for the geese at a market we found on the edge of the city. Not to the first dealer though, he was one of those shifty characters who look you straight in the eye. I found another one having a glass of ale, he was pointed out to me so I approached him and asked if he was interested in some geese. He came out to look and made his first offer. Rose looked offended and said she couldn’t possibly part with Ella, Steven, and Sophia for such a paltry sum. The dealer asked if she knew them all by name and Rose walked through the entire flock giving a different name to each bird. I was impressed, the dealer was too. It were as good as a play as me dad used to say to watch them, one pretending they didn’t want to buy and the other pretending she didn’t want to sell. Me dad thought it might be worth while driving a drove the following year, I thought Rose’s patter and her looks probably had a good deal to do with the price we got. My Aunt was delighted to see us and suggested we pulled the wagon into the stables. Nothing was too good for Rose. No one had been near the town house for a year or more so Rose sleeping for a few nights in one of the guest bedrooms wasn't going to hurt anyone. She was sorry about the lack of staff but besides Alice all the rest of the staff had been let go and Alice was just a girl she was training to be a maid not really staff at all. So if we didn't mind eating in the kitchen. We didn't mind.

    Next morning Aunt suggested we might get a better price if we knocked on a few kitchen doors across the square. We hitched up and entered the back alley. Me dad stayed with the wagon whilst I did the door to door. No luck at the first house but at the second I was still haggling at the back door with the cook when a young buck came weaving 'is way into the house. “You're new.” he greeted me slipping his arm round my waist. “You leave her alone young master she's not staff so not so used to your ways. Selling vegetables she is.” He turned to me and slid my dress right off my shoulders exposing my boobs. “They look good to me.” He moved his right hand and covered my breast, “feel firm as well.” He put his hand in his pocket and drew out a handful of change. “Here we are we'll buy the lot. No need to worry about the money, I won at the tables last night Ginny, Oh hello Sally come to put me to bed have you and you still dressed, we'll soon change that.” And off he went leaving me behind pulling my dress straight. I looked down at the handful of change. There was at least five golden coins mixed in there. “Well that's the young master for you. Don't suppose there's any chance of you refusing his offer.” She looked hopeful. I turned “Dad, we've just sold the lot.” I turned back “Where did do you say you wanted it?”

    Me aunt swapped the sovereigns for florins, two half crowns, a handful of crowns, few bob and some tanners. All of which I rolled up with material and stitched so they wouldn't rattle. If found with sovereigns or even trying to change them I reckoned me dad would either be hauled up in front of the beak or someone would be breaking into the house. A florin or half crown or even a crown whilst unusual wouldn't arose such interest. Tanners and shillings were not that uncommon. Then I stitched the rolls to the inside of me dad's waistcoat. We gave him a bath in front of the kitchen fire despite him protesting he’d had one that month already. I knew that but I wanted him to feel not too uncomfortable on the trip back when I sewed the waistcoat on me dad before letting him set off with strict instructions to stay away from everyone and not to take his waistcoat off for any reason. He set off taking Daisy and Dobbin back with him, I walked with him to the town house and helped him load up. There was a groom to go back with him and I thought with the two shotguns, Clover and Brutus they would probably be all right. The money he had there would be enough to tide the family through a rough harvest or two.

    I kept a few coins for myself. Rose kept her sovereigns. I settled into a routine with my aunt. Apparently the owner was in the country and rather ill. Most of the town staff had left rather than stay on at board wages. My aunt kept the place running by taking on unpaid girls and training them to become domestic staff. They had their food and lodging and for many a country girl regular food was almost enough. Some stayed a month or two most stayed about six months or so. I rather liked the house; I could lose myself in the library and imagine myself the heroine that some dashing knight in armour was coming to rescue. My aunt let me burn a real candle in there, it was heaven, light but practically no smell at all, quite unlike the rushes soaked in pig fat we’d used at the cottage. Mind you I had a difficulty in finding employment, my face. I never thought it a disadvantage before. Aunt thought I was really too pretty to be employed as a maid by any woman with sense. I did notice that the plain girls seemed to find jobs more quickly, perhaps if I was trained as a parlour maid? I trained as a parlour maid, I was trained to pour out the perfect cup of tea just in case madam didn't feel up to pouring her own. My Aunt kept the tea locked away and only herself and I were allowed to drink the expensive brew. When doing my letters and numbers with Rose she'd taught me to say my vowels correctly now aunt reinforced this. I was quite a good mimic and soon I had off the elegant accent and turn of phrase that could be heard in the salons and stores of London town. “I hear the servants are actually wanting a whole day off a week these days.” Don’t you just love them letter Hs and the way Hactually is pronounced? Though why folks can’t just talk same as us I’ll never know. Oh I had some work, the large houses were forever lending each other servants or hiring extras for a ball or some other grand social occasion and since I was trained to fill practically any role I worked in many of the grand houses. Sometimes in the kitchens, sometimes polishing beforehand rarely was I allowed places where I might be seen during the event.

    We settled into a routine, I even managed to escape the cleaning out fireplaces each morning and the endless dusting. Aunt's eyes weren't as good as they used to be so I did the accounts under her supervision. She arranged for me to work in the kitchens of the house three doors up under the Grand Pierre. He you understand was no mere mortal who cooked. Pierre prepared experiences. I started preparing the vegetables, peeling mountains of potatoes; carrots did my hands no good at all. Then came a break, I was put onto shelling peas. The grand Pierre came looking for his petite pois and my memories of Martin and our French lessons came back. “Ici Monsieur”. I replied, only to be met with a stream of highly excited French. I could do the books as well as speak a little French, Pierre was in heaven. Soon I was accompanying him to the markets, recording what was ordered and the price. Could I get employment as Pierre's assistant? In my dreams I became Pierre's right hand but I knew that my French wasn't good enough and I wasn't sure I could cope when things didn't run smoothly at Lady Cantors. We'd reached November, Pierre was bemoaning the weather in London and getting depressed about the fog. Lady Cantor had forgotten to mention to Pierre that she was inviting a dozen guests until two hours before he was supposed to produce a suitable dinner. I'd played least in sight and was now back at Lord Fairfax's house curled up with a book and a cup of chocolate in his library next to a roaring fire listening to the sound of the pouring rain against the windows outside. Well the estate paid for our food and chocolate was food wasn’t it? Even if with the amount I drank it would have been cheaper to pay me a proper wage.

    I heard the knocker on the front door so got up to answer it. A completely soaked through gentleman giving a remarkable imitation of a wet rat was stood on the doorstep. “Lord Fairfax.” “I'm sorry he's in the country at present so not receiving.” I started to close the door. “Nonsense girl I am Lord Fairfax, now if you value your wage you'll let me in.” “Certainly sir would you care to just wait in the hall way whilst I fetch Mrs. Saddins?” I took his dripping wet hat and coat and hung them up. I left his small bag by the front door, “Oh begging your pardon sir but I don't get no wage.” I bobbed a curtsey and scurried down to the housekeeper’s room. “Aunt there's a gentleman who says he's Lord Fairfax in the hall.” “I'd best come at once.” “Master Richard how good it is to see you. I take it your father has passed on?” “Two weeks ago, I've come down to deal with the London solicitors. Two days and nights on the mail coach I've been travelling with food snatched when I could.” “You have your own carriage now Master Richard.” “The mail was faster.” “Well I think you need a bath. Would you mind taking one in the library?” Rebecca has a fire going in there already ready and we don't have any footmen just at present to take the hot water up to your room.” She turned to me “Becky can you bring the bath through from the kitchen and set Millicent to heating water.” I heard his voice as I disappeared. “No wages Mrs. Saddins this girl tells me she's paid no wages? I think we should do something about that.” I ran to the kitchen and brought the copper bath up containing a dozen thick towels back with me which I spread out in the library to protect the carpet. “If you would care to step this way my Lord.” He followed me into the library where I had placed the bath in front of the fire and started to undress.

    I carried the cans of hot water from the kitchen as fast as Millicent could pour them out and carry them to the door. Soon I had enough in the bath that he could start to soak himself with a few cans by the side in case he wanted the water warmed up. “Scrub my back.” He commanded. A real lord, me touching a real lord's back? I felt weak at the knees at the closeness of him and all the power he represented. I'd scrub his back and anything he wanted as well. I talked to the other maids; the pinnacle of life was to be set up as a mistress. Even the girls who'd been seduced talked about their soft words, hands and expertise. I walked across and closed the door. Aunt was upstairs I knew lighting a fire in the master bedroom, removing Holland cloths and would be busy making his bed up for the night, besides she knew the score. I undressed in front of the fire, not too cold at least. He looked at me. I shrugged my shoulders. “My lord I have but two dresses, one has been on the line outside drying for three days now. If this one was to get wet I'd have nothing at all to wear.” With that I picked up the soap and started on his back. His skin was fine but I could feel the muscles beneath. His hair needed trimming, I soaped the backs of his arms and then his feet as he lifted them out of the bath in turn for me. Even the soles of his feet were soft unlike mine. I washed his hands marvelling how much larger they were than mine but how soft they were as well. Then he stood up whilst I soaped and washed the rest of him. I paid special attention to his rod and sac, it harden under my fingers, power, me bringing a lord to attention, then I washed his bottom, not quite as soft as a babies but his rod stiffened even more when I put my soapy finger up between his cheeks. Finally I washed his hair for him before rinsing him off and standing with a towel waiting for him to get out.

    ”When was the last time you had a bath?” What? “Last month end my Lud same as every month.” “In you get then.” “What?” “In you get. The waters quite warm and there are two more cans of hot water. You're undressed already so in you get.” I knew better than to argue so in I got. “Now then bend forward so I can wash your back for you.” Those hands had a magic touch as they caressed my back and shoulders. “Stand up girl.” Soon my whole body was being washed by an English lord something I'd never dreamt would happen. He stood behind me and when he washed my chest I felt my nipples harden under his touch, then his soapy fingers moved lower down to my hairy patch. I don't think my bottom had ever been so thoroughly washed in all its life before. Then he stood behind me and soaped his fingers through my hair at the tops of my thighs. I felt his thumb caress my bud, then his finger penetrated me and wiggled inside. My legs turned to liquid and I leant back into him for support. His finger crept a bit further inside me then came to halt. “Full of surprises aren't you?” He changed his attention to my bum then this time it was his soapy finger between my cheeks. I was beginning to think I should never have started this game. I was a complete mush all I could think about was him, his hands, his nibbles on my ear, the sound of his voice, then he stopped. I almost begged him to go on but before I could he had poured a can of warm water off me to wash away the suds.

    ”Now then I think we're even don't you?” What had he done to me or rather not done to me. Me mam's warnings came slowly back into my head, but she hadn't prepared me for this. I was beginning to understand what the other maids had talked about. He towelled me dry and I got dressed recovering my composure at the same time. “Now then I supposed I'd better go and settle down in the master suite. Good night.” Good night, I wondered if he had any clean clothes for morning? I looked in his bag. Nothing clean except a handkerchief in there. Oh well no sleep for Millicent and I tonight. I gathered up all his soiled clothes and walked down to the wash house. Millicent put her head round the door. “Wot all this way and no valet and no clean clothes? Expect he'll be wanting it all freshly ironed by morning?” I nodded. We started scrubbing. Then we had to iron them all dry even his socks. It was 4 am before I sneaked them into his room and hung them up. I was so tired. I just thought I'd lie down on a corner of his bed for a second or two but I must have dropped off like a log.

    The sun was streaming through the window, the wrong side. I looked about, “Good Morning.” Heavens I was about to be turned off for certain. “Let me guess you came to keep my bed warm last night? Would you like the position of mistress at let us say 200 pounds per year?” “Beg pardon sir but I fear I must have been a little sleepy after doing your washing last night.” “Really? Didn't I have anything else to wear? How remiss of me.” “No matter my lord you have freshly laundered clothing ready for you to wear this morning.” I opened the wardrobe door to show him. “Will your valet be arriving later my lord?” “Valet? I suppose I really should have one now I'm titled. Could you do it do you think, save me the bother of interviewing people.” Me his lordship's valet? Valet's made good money. “Certainly sir, I'll appraise Mrs. Saddins and have her alter my wages accordingly.” “Good now that's settled, be a good girl and warn them I'll be down for breakfast shortly.” I scurried downstairs. Me aunt was already up, Millicent had been sent to Lady Cantor's to obtain fresh rolls and whatever else could be found for his lordship's breakfast. I made coffee and took it through to the breakfast room. Then had a thought could his lordship dress himself? I dashed upstairs and knocked before entering his chamber. “Do you require assistance my lord?” “No no I'll do fine, but you'd best move your things into the dressing room so you'll be on hand when I need you.” I gulped, the dressing room, well I suppose it was normal for a valet but somehow I didn't think ours was going to be a normal relationship. “Ask Mrs. Saddins to have the books ready for me after breakfast please in the library.” “Yes my lord.” I set off to do as I was bid. As soon as I heard him enter the breakfast room downstairs I dashed down to serve him.

    He looked up. “Have we no other staff?” “The house has been shut up for some time my lord but since you're here now perhaps you can discuss your needs with Mrs. Saddins after breakfast. Now would you prefer tea, coffee or chocolate? We have some slices of ham, eggs perhaps a little kidney for this morning, by tomorrow I would hope we should be able to provide something more to your tastes.” He had the coffee, ham, eggs and kidney.

    After breakfast he entered the library where me aunt had the books ready for his inspection. I had to find the entries and do the explaining where he wanted explanations but on the whole he was satisfied. “But how do you come to be still here since you are obviously educated?” “My looks my lord.” “But I see nothing wrong.” “Precisely my lord. What woman would want someone with my looks in their house.” “Oh I see so if I were to only hire pretty maids they would be more than willing to work for me?” “Yes my lord.” “Except for a French chef could we run the house with an all female staff?” “Depends on how much entertaining you intend doing.” “Fair enough. Mrs. Saddins I expect to see at least a half dozen pretty new maids by the end of the week.” He looked at me. “Get your coat we're going shopping.” “Yes sir.” I bobbed a curtsy and retreated to get my coat. He looked at it in disgust, “New coat as well I think.” We walked outside and he hailed a handsome.

    ”110 Bond Street.” I had a feeling this was going to be embarrassing but how do you tell a lord that? We arrived at a modiste's establishment. We entered and were shown to a set of chairs where his lordship sat down. I stood behind. “Non non, the colour it is all wrong madam.” “How dare you tell me I'm wrong in choosing my daughter's dress material. Jeanne I demand you dismiss this impudent girl at once.” A pretty weeping girl came from behind the red velvet curtain past us. I touched her arm as she went by, “Attendez moi dans la Rue.” Then she was gone. The proprietress came forward. “What can I do for you?” she looked at Lord Fairfax. “A dress or two for this young lady I think.” “I think you have come to the wrong shop sir. I regret but it is not possible, I do not make dresses for servants.” This was said in a haughty voice. I touched his arm, “Come my lord if I had known what you had intended I myself would have warned you away.” Lord Fairfax raised himself. “Madam the House of Fairfax has used your services for many a year. The association is now at an end.” “Oh you must be the new Lord Fairfax, I'm sorry my lord a misunderstanding. The maid is the same size as your wife perhaps?” He turned and walked out, I followed.

    Outside the girl was waiting. “Would you like a job as a seamstress in a private house?” “Oh I don't know, I have dreams of setting up my own establishment and dressing young ladies of fashion.” “Well I need some dresses and you need a job, so for the moment?” “Ah oui, pour le moment, bien. Je m'appelle Louise de Cuffe.” “I'm Rebecca Forester and this is Lord Fairfax who will be your employer.” “Oh I will, will I?” “But of course my lord, now we merely have to purchase material and Louise can make it up for us, much cheaper than your modistes.” “She is right you know.” Louise looked at me. “She has good colouring this one, we should go I think to the silk warehouse and choose some material that would suit.” Lord Fairfax summoned another Hackney. “If we could just pause for a moment on the way my lord I had arranged to meet with Rose on her half day off.” “And Rose is?” “Miss Sanderson my old governess or rather Martin's old governess whom I shared.” “So shall it be.” Rose was waiting for me at the front of the house. Lord Fairfax opened the door, “Miss Sanderson? We are to visit a silk warehouse and since it is my opinion that most young ladies enjoy shopping I trust you will agree to accompany us?” Rose looked taken back but then saw me, “Hi Rose may I present Lord Fairfax, Lord Fairfax may I present Miss Sanderson who taught me to read and write.” They exchanged greetings and Rose squeezed into the carriage. Louise asked Rose if there were any young ladies doing the season in her house. Rose replied “Just the one but I don't think her season is a great success at the moment.” “Bon then for you I will make the dress, she will be most impressed and I will have a customer whom I can transform and my name will be made.”

    When we reached the warehouse I was surprised by the wide variety of silks and other materials. Rose and I went on ahead leaving Louise and Lord Fairfax behind paying the cab driver. Louise had strong ideas about what she wanted for Rose's day dress and had Rose stand by the window with first one material draped over her shoulder then another. Eventually they settled on two, one chosen by Rose and one by Louise. Then whilst Lord Fairfax sat back in a chair that was brought to him by an assistant, Rose, Louise and myself debated which material we should purchase for myself and the other maids. I thought that the silk was too fine but Lord Fairfax when appealed to simply said add it to the pile. Then I saw a delicious dark green silk, Lord Fairfax saw my face and it was added to the growing pile. I couldn't think when I'd wear it but I just lost my heart to it. Finally he asked Louise if she had picked out something for herself. Soon that was added to the pile as well. Then Louise started picking out fine cottons and muslins suitable for petticoats and night rails. A roll or two of ribbon was added to the pile until finally even Louise was satisfied. I think by this time I was just overcome by all the money we had spent. As I looked at the pile a thought stuck me. I'd never seen so much cloth in one place before. The market town where we went to the drapers might have a dozen bolts of cloth if we were lucky but nothing like the selection available here.

    ”Finished?” “Yes my lord.” I curtsied. “Good now I think I saw some coating over there. I assume you can tailor a coat?” Louise dipped a curtsey in agreement. The woollen material was draped over my shoulders, then Rose's, then Louise. Lord Fairfax arose from his chair and addressed the assistant who stood behind him. “Fairfax, my card, please arrange delivery this afternoon and bill me at the same address.” A bow and we left. Louise was amazed, “Never have I seen them give credit so easily.” Across the street was a shoemaker, Lord Fairfax led the way. Inside there was barely room for us all. He had a pair of half boots that fitted me, and I browsed round, but Louise drew him to one side and had a conversation. My feet were traced and leathers were inspected and chosen. As we left Louise very pointedly said “My lord since it is Miss Sanderson's only half day off of the week and there is a book shop just up the road why not leave your purse behind with me, Rebecca and myself will join you in the book store. From what I overheard at the dressmakers this morning there is a new publication by Miss Austin that I feel sure that Miss Sanderson will enjoy.” Rose's face looked animated as she smiled up at my lord. My lord, now where had that thought come from? She took his arm and guided him away. He managed to pass a purse back to Louise first.

    Louise steered me into a store that was filled with unmentionables. “Lord Fairfax would be very much in the way in here I think.” She muttered as we entered through the grand wooden doors. My legs were measured and two dozen silk stockings produced. Then I was measured again for foundation garments. Louise explained that I would need them so she could get my measurements. Louise purchased a half dozen pairs of silk stockings for herself and three pairs for Rose, which she had wrapped in a small parcel. Finally we were done. We followed Rose and Lord Fairfax into the bookstore only to be greeted by Rose “What have you finished already? I've barely started going through the poetry section. Still it's probably time for a cup of tea and a cake do you think? That is since we have our own personal banker with us today.” “Do I get the impression that all you’re interested in is my money?” “My Lord how can you think us so mercenary? It’s your escort as well. Besides Gunters is only a short stroll down the road and we can admire the ton's dresses and look at their disgust at us having such a handsome gentleman with us.”

    Gunters needless to say were pleased to welcome us, as they were anyone with money. Their patrons seemed to have mixed views, several ladies with marriageable daughters I could see were torn between having to acknowledge our presence and the idea that they might strike up a conversation with the very marriageable Lord Fairfax. We took a corner seat and I enjoyed watching the rest of the café as they frankly stared at such low company in their presence. When we left Lord Fairfax was reminded by several that they were depending on him to attend their musical evening, Venetian breakfast, ball or other social event. To all he answered with a noncommittal reply.

    We took a Hackney home, it was a bit squashed and somehow I ended up on Lord Fairfax's knee. Rose when we let her off thanked him profusely “I don't think I've enjoyed a half day off more for many a year and if you are serious about letting me lose in your library you'll see me at your door next week kind sir. Thank you once again my lord.” When we arrived home I was feeling exhausted by the day's shopping but when we entered it was to be met by our parcels which had managed to arrive home before us. “Now that is what I call a useful day. If only I had a French chef to prepare my evening meal I would be content.” He looked at my Aunt, “Not that your cooking isn't extremely good you understand, I quite enjoy English cooking two or three times week but you have other jobs to do around the house I'm quite sure.”

    That evening I sat and talked to Louise as she was cutting out some of the new material on the floor. She had a book of sketches opened in front of her. She'd moved out of the servants quarters into one of the smaller guest rooms to give her room to work. I asked her if she had any ideas about what to do with the kitchen but she was too wrapped up with her plans for dress making, in fact I soon found myself undressed with material pinned round me whilst Louise designed an evening gown on me. Next morning I had a brief chat with my Aunt asking her to dispatch Louise to the market to do the kitchen shopping whilst I walked across to Lady Cantor’s to see Pierre and tell him this would probably be the last time I could accompany him to the market since Lord Fairfax's presence would require more of my time. We walked round the market together and strangely enough bumped into Louise who was having difficulties with the list my aunt had given her since she couldn't recognize the English names of some of the vegetables. I had merely to introduce them then my presence was superfluous. Soon they were talking rapidly back and forth in French, Pierre insisted on taking Louise round the market personally and choosing the very best vegetables for her.

    The following Thursday was Louise's half day, Pierre was waiting at the kitchen door for her. Friday morning there was great hammering on the front door. Lord Fairfax was in his study and put his head out of the door to see what was going on. I opened the door to find Pierre standing there. “I have come to interview Lord Fairfax” he announced as he walked in to the hall. Oh dear I thought. “If you will wait here sir I will see if he is available.” “Nonsense, where is his study? If he is not there then his library, you go find him for me.” A voice came from the study, “Best show him in.” I showed him in but stayed just inside the door. “I will give you three month's trial, but I must oversee the kitchen changes, I must have a water closet for my staff to prevent the disease you understand, you may have another for yourself. I will have Rebecca to do my books. Now then how often do you entertain? How many do you entertain? If it is more than six people I will get a day's notice at least. These are my conditions.” Then I heard Lord Fairfax's reply. “Conditions for what?” “You need a French chef non? Louise tells me this and that the kitchen it needs the ideas. You have eaten at Lady Cantors so you know my cooking is superb. Bien, I go start, now in fact, we will discuss my salary at the quarter day, after you have grown used to my creations.”

    I talked to Louise afterwards. She wasn't certain but knew that Pierre coveted Henri's closed range and thought he was going to ask Lady Cantor for one that morning. “It looks as if he was unsuccessful.” “The water closet?” “It is similar to a privy but indoors and healthier, he thinks it will prevent the poisoning of the food.”

    Lord Fairfax started to spend more time in the house rather than going off to his club each evening. Louise had finished the first of my new uniforms; it was made of silk and actually fitted me. I twirled round when I first put it on, I could hardly believe it was really me. Rose's dress was completed. Anne-Marie, Louise's elder sister, had moved into Louise's room to help with the sewing. Workmen arrived to fit the new closed range, looked and made suggestions to which Lord Fairfax replied if it met with Pierre's approval it met with his. They ended up putting in two new water closets, and the very latest in baths, complete with taps and water pipes that ran from an outside boiler. Lord Fairfax had a tap put in the wash room as well. He took a bath two mornings a week, and me Aunt drew up a roster so the rest of the staff had a weekly one as well, I got two. He purchased a pair of matched bays, which he drove with a light closed carriage and a black riding horse with white socks for parading through the park at 5 p.m. Ralph his new groom was hanging round Tatters looking for a job with horses so was hired on the spot to lead his Lordship's new riding horse home.

    We'd sort of settled down into a routine. I looked after his clothes but that still left me some time to read a book from the library from time to time. I still served his evening meal to him. Pierre used to wait at the door when I removed the plates and dishes to see what had been eaten and what had been left to get a better idea of what pleased his lordship.

    Emma arrived one evening at the back door looking for work having heard on the grapevine that we didn’t mind pretty maids. She had the sort of long blonde hair that I admire and the looks to go with it. She'd been working as a ladies maid but her charge had run off to Gretna Green with a half pay officer, she'd been dismissed on the spot without references. “You're hired but one step wrong and out you go.” Me Aunt could sound right fierce sometimes. Louise tilted her head a little when she met Emma, looked at her then brought out her tape. We were practically identical in height and build. “Lord Fairfax would like a matching pair I think.” She made up two identical black silk dresses. I had a bath then dressed in my new silk stockings and garters for the first time. Louise produced a pair of high-heeled shoes and then I tried mine on. I noticed that both the corset she had put out and the dress left my nipples exposed. Louise waved her hand dismissively, “Oh you want to have his attention do you not, why do you not admit it? Oh well this evening a piece of lace across your breasts, Voila.” I looked in the mirror; the lace just covered enough. The skirt though was simply four panels that hung from the waist. If I moved my legs I gave glimpses from my ankles to my stocking tops. It seemed a little short to me as well exposing my ankles to view. Emma was provided with a piece of lace to match mine. We went downstairs and bobbed to Lord Fairfax as he entered. Emma poured him a glass of sherry whilst I signalled down to the kitchen.

    There was a knock on the door. Emma turned and answered it. “Lord Fairfax if you please, tell him it’s Lord Ollerton.” “Geoffrey my dear fellow what on earth are you doing here?” “Come to dig you out old chap, come to dig you out. Haven't seen you at the club for ages, even had to go to the hells by myself last week and you know I need you along for luck. Come to see what's keeping you away. Haven't run out of the ready have you old chap?” “No no not at all. I was just going to have a bite to eat, come in old chap and take potluck, Rebecca a sherry for his lordship.” I scurried to obey. “So what's new, let me guess coming into the title has changed your way of life.” “You know I think you're right.” They entered into the dining room catching up on each other's news. Emma came up to me and murmured “Coo I don't half fancy that Geoffrey, just listen to his deep rich voice, sends shivers all down me spine it does. I'll have him. He can set me up in a little house in Kensington village any time.” I wasn't quite sure what to say, I'd never been to see the village of Kensington.

    Pierre sent up French onion soup, that was much admired by Lord Ollerton, followed by Dover Sole. When they'd finished Lord Fairfax motioned to Emma, “We'll have the next course now, could you remove the fish?” Emma reached across and removed my fiche. “Is that better my Lord?” she asked innocently whilst I tried to cover my exposed breasts. Lord Ollerton lifted up his monocle; “I say dashed improvement that.” I reached across and plucked Emma's fiche out as well then turned and removed the empty plates from the table. “Rebecca, come here.” I turned back and bobbed a curtsey “Yes my Lord.” “Is that a dress I haven't seen before?” I bobbed another curtsey. “Yes my Lord, Louise thought you might like this style.” He reached out and ran his hand on my thigh then his fingers brushed my leg as his hand slipped between the panels of my skirt. “You may tell Louise I very much approve.” “Thank you my Lord, I'm certain she will be pleased. Now if you are to finish your meal before it gets cold and not incur the wrath of Pierre I suggest you let me bring on the next course.” “Certainly, you may continue.” The evening took on a more relaxed air. Emma paid special attention to Lord Ollerton and I to Lord Fairfax. After coffee was served I suggested that Lord Ollerton might like to hear Louise sing. “What treating me to a musicale evening Richard, still the servants I’ve seen so far look very interesting.”

    A very formal looking Anne-Marie sat down at the piano, wearing a long formal dress I hadn’t seen before. Lord Ollerton held his hand out to Emma and pulled her down onto his lap. I looked enquiringly at Lord Fairfax then curled up in his lap as well. Louise came out wearing an evening gown and started to sing in French. I was surprised at the quality of both the playing and the singing. I’d listened to the choir singing in church before and we used to sing at home in the evening but Louise’s voice was quite exceptional. Anne-Marie’s accompaniment was very good as well. Lord Ollerton applauded “You know I feel like dancing. Do you think we could make up a set?” Louise replied “Well if I may just get Pierre I think we might manage a small set.” Lord Fairfax nodded his agreement. Louise disappeared then came back holding Pierre's hand. “A triple minor Anne-Marie?” she suggested. Louise led us through the dances first just walking, then we danced the dance through afterwards with Anne-Marie playing. We danced Old Mole, Maiden Lane, and Jenny Plucks Pears. The latter a dance that Lord Ollerton taught us he told us came from Bath from Mr. Playford's assembly rooms. He mentioned a favourite dance of his called Newcastle but we needed four couples for that one. I was surprised at just how well Louise and Pierre danced. Then Anne-Marie struck up a waltz, I'd never danced it before but Lord Fairfax guided me round. I'd seen it danced before at some of the balls I'd waited at but it was quite different being held in a man's arms and being waltzed around. I could understand the comments I'd overheard from the chaperons about it being fast. We had two more waltzes then ended the evening with some more wine and songs mainly from Anne-Marie though I sang one or two of my simple country songs which were well received. As he staggered through the door Lord Ollerton was invited back the following evening.

    The next evening Pierre produced yet another masterpiece. Emma and I had the Lords Fairfax and Ollerton alone in the dining room. Louise and Anne-Marie were eating with my Aunt. I arrived with the final course, strawberries and cream. I placed the tray down on the sideboard and Emma placed the china bowls in front of the Lords. “You don't want to use china bowls, absolutely not, save the washing up.” cried Lord Ollerton “Here sit on the table and lift your skirts. Now off with those drawers.” I obeyed, what else could I do? Lord Ollerton took the jug of cream and poured it where my thighs met. He cut up two strawberries and placed them in the cream. “There you are try that Richard and don't forget to lick up all the cream. Lord Fairfax lowered his mouth to the cream and strawberries and started to lick. I'd never dreamt about eating strawberries and cream like this. God I was in heaven. I noticed Emma sitting on the table in Lord Ollerton's place and she was given the same treatment. I leant back and let the sensations wash over me then felt so sleepy. Lord Fairfax scooped me up in his arms “Ready for bed?” I nodded. I looked back over his shoulder at Emma. She was on her knees with her head bopping up and down. I looked more closely, she couldn't be doing what I thought she was doing could she? We reached his lordship's bedroom and he lay me on the bed undressed me then started to undress himself. Mother's warnings came back to me, but Oh how much I wanted him. Maybe if I followed Emma's example? I reached out for his rod and licked the end lightly, well I certainly had his attention. I carried on licking then experimented putting it in between my lips. I felt powerful as I watched this Lord succumb to my humble lips and tongue. I felt him tremble and then I knew what was coming, what to do? I daren't let it get on the sheets and leave him a damp patch to sleep in, my dress was too valuable to be used. I drank in his spunk and swallowed it in desperation.

    Afterwards he collapsed into bed with me. I still felt so sleepy that I curled up on his shoulder all nice warm and snug. The next thing I knew was Emma coming in with a tray with his Lordship's coffee and two cups. “Beg pardon for the lateness sir but some of the staff wasn't at their place in the kitchen first thing this morning.” She said looking at me. “That's quite alright Emma she had other duties to attend to for me.” Emma shrugged her shoulders as if to say that's a new word for it and went off back downstairs pausing only at the door to say “Lord Ollerton felt he couldn't make it home last night so I helped him to the Yellow Suite.” I wondered where Emma had spent the night.

    The following day Lord Fairfax decided to spend the evening at his club. Ralph the new groom came into the kitchen carrying his cap in his hands twisting it as he spoke, a bit fearful like. “I can curry a horse or ride a horse dead easy but I've never yet driven a coach and pair in London traffic.” I took pity on him. “Find me a coachman's coat and top hat and harness up the horses, you get the job of polishing his lordships boots.” “Well that I can do at least.” He looked incredulous that I could drive but found me the long coat and hat as I'd requested. He took his place on the step at the back and we came round to the front of the house. He opened the carriage door and Lord Fairfax entered the coach. Once we had arrived at the club I drew the carriage a little way up the road and we sat and chatted inside I wrapped the carriage rug round my legs to save it from getting cold for his lordship you understand. He told me about his lifelong wish to work with horses but coming from the London stews it had been difficult getting a job. He'd just been there and held Lord Fairfax's horse at Tattersall's when his Lordship had gone to purchase his pair. Asked if he wanted a job he'd agreed and had followed Lord Fairfax home on foot leading his riding horse. He'd never had any proper training or anything. Then a whistle sounded by the doorman at the club. “Lord Fairfax's carriage” came the shout. I climbed back onto the top and drove up to the door. I had to wait until Sir Waverley pulling hard on his horses, a showy team, cleared the entrance. Ralph told me who he was the following day. Ralph popped off his perch at the back and opened the door. “Let me give you a lift home old boy, it’s no trouble just a few yards out of the way” “Didn't know you had two stable staff” “Strange that I didn't either, must be seeing double tonight. Now don't forget Friday next you're to come round to dine with the rest of them.” He looked up and our eyes met, then he clambered in. Later that night in bed he rolled over and peered at me. “You know something very odd happened tonight.” I snuggled closer to him. “What my lord?” I could have sworn you were driving my coach this evening.” “Oh is that all my Lord. That's simple Ralph had never learnt to drive.” “Good God, you mean to say I hired a groom who can’t drive? Well it’s too late to ask him now. I suppose there are people who could no doubt teach him at the livery stable, and I suppose I didn't really ask him first did I?” “Dunno my Lord” I said sleepily and rolled over to fall fast asleep.

    Wednesday evening Lord Kirkwell came to dine. Emma and I were restrained and wore our respectable garb. I recognized him as the gentleman from the common but I don't think he recognized me then, like most gentry, servants are invisible. Once more Anne-Marie played after dinner. He seemed very relaxed.

    Friday night we had a formal dinner party. Meryl and Millicent helped out Emma and myself and we all were dressed in respectable maid's outfits for a change. I recognized Sir Waverley. As I served sherry I heard snippets of the their conversation. “What do you think of this man John Wood designing cottages?” This came from Colin, a plainly dressed man, who wasn’t addressed by title. “Thought he did a terrace in Bath not cottages.” “No no, my man brought a set of his cottage plans says the tenants rather liked them. Not that I let the estate replace more than a few cottages a year you understand, a man can go too far.” “Might mention it to my estate manager see what he thinks.” “Waste of time if you ask me tenants are quite happy enough in their hovels as it is, no point is spoiling them.” “So tell us more about this manor you won in a game of cards Sir Albert. Valuable is it?” “Well my man of business thinks not, brought in just a hundred pounds last year in rents. Still soon put those up, the manor of Upper Wapping will just have to pay its way. There’ll be none of John Wood’s hundred pound cottages in Upper Wapping I can tell you. I find all the details rather boring now why don't I tell you about the team I picked up last week at Tattersall's'“ The manor of Upper Wapping, home alarm bells went off in my mind. Sir Waverley the new owner? Oh Martin you idiot why did you have to gamble with people’s lives? I switched off for a moment as these thoughts ran through my mind, only to hear Sir Waverley boasting about his new team and demanding to be sponsored for the four hands club.

    ”No one has a better eye for horse flesh or can drive to an inch better than myself.” “I could” I murmured standing next to Lord Kirkwell. “Did you dare speak girl?” “If you please sir, I merely commented that even I could do better than Sir Waverley.” Sir Waverley spluttered. “Turn the girl off speaking to her betters like that.” Sir Roderick at the end of the table raised his drunken head. “No, need a bet to prove you are better than she.” Then he collapsed back on the table. Lord Kirkwell pronounced a bet it shall be then. I'll back the girl with a pony. I looked puzzled I needed a team of horses for this bet, not a single pony “five hundred pounds my dear.” “Well I don't have that sort of money but I'm willing to bet myself for a year.” I heard Lord Fairfax splutter at the end of the table. I unbuttoned my uniform and pulled out a firm breast and offered it to Lord Kirkwell to suckle. He looked at me then a gleam of recognition lit up his eye, before he pressed his lips to my breast. “I'm sure Lord Kirkwell will vouch for these being firm and soft. My own Lord will vouch for me being a virgin. How about putting up that manor you won last week against my fresh young body for a year sir?” Lord Kirkwell put his head up, “Rather nice in fact. There's no need to go betting you know to gain an income of a hundred a year. I'll pay you three hundred a year to be my mistress.” I heard sputtering from the head of the table. “Thank you my Lord but I think this is a matter of principle.” Sir Roderick looked up “Bad things principles, get in the way of all sorts of fun. Three fifty a year by the way.” I looked at the end of the table to Lord Fairfax, he was looking quite in a state of shock, poor man.

    Sir Waverley looked thoughtful. “Right the bet will be who can buy the best team at Tattersall's next Thursday for let us say” he looked thoughtfully at me “no more than a thousand pounds for the team and then the race is on to the Red Bull in Brighton the following Monday. One passenger each will be carried to ensure fair play.” I think he thought by setting the amount so high he could simply eliminate me. “Agreed.” I heard myself say, was I out of my mind? I noted that he thought no ladies allowed to bid at Tattersall’s would stop me and where was I to find a thousand pounds? Then a thought struck me so I turned to the head of the table. “I trust my lord will be agreeable to advancing my wages for five years?” He spluttered again as the implications struck him then nodded. “To make it more interesting the winner wins the other team?” I added. Heads nodded in agreement. I lifted Lord Kirkwell's head from my breast where his tongue was doing interesting things to my nipple, tucked it back in my dress and smiled at him. “Could you loan me your curricle please sir, and make my bids at Tattersall’s? Perhaps I could offer you a lift to Brighton on Monday?” He smiled his agreement.

    After the meal Anne-Marie played and Louise sang. She sang a mixture of simple French folk songs and some rather warm ditties also in French. Later Louise and Anne-Marie took a glass of wine with Lord Fairfax's guests. I noticed Colin conversing with Anne-Marie in French, Louise with Lord Kirkwell. They seemed to be far more at ease than I would be talking to such exalted male creatures.

    That night in bed Lord Fairfax turned his distracting tongue loose on my thighs. Eventually sanity returned and I rolled away just as he was positioning himself over me to enter. I reminded him of the bet and that I was supposed to be a virgin if I lost that he reluctantly stopped. I think I was even more reluctant than he.

    Saturday afternoon Lord Fairfax had gone to do whatever sporting things men do on Saturday afternoon and we were relaxing round the house. About two o’clock the doorbell rang so Meryl answered it only to find Colin on the doorstep inquiring if Miss Anne-Marie would care for a drive. Meryl curtsied and left him at the door, and came into the library where I was lost in a book of poetry. She quickly explained, left him at the door, heavens he might change his mind. I came out and greeted him. “If you'd care to wait in the library for a moment or two sir I'll enquire.” Enquire the girl would be mad not to be available. As soon as I was out of sight of the library I ran up the stairs, breathless I gasped out to Louise and Anne-Marie that Anne-Marie had an admirer downstairs, one of the gentlemen from last night, would had come to take her for a drive. “Which one?” Louise as practical as ever replied “Does it matter? They all have more money than we do since we left France.” “Are his intentions honourable?” “Can any of us afford to be choosy? Why not go. It's the first invitation you've had since we arrived in England.” “Yes but could I wear?” We all exchanged looks. She would need an air of respectability at least. Then inspiration arrived as Louise looked down at the day gown she was sewing for Rose. “It's your colour, and you're much the same height.” “But it’s not finished.” I rang for the others and soon three pairs of hands were sewing her into it. I left Louise brushing her hair whilst I went down to keep Colin entertained.

    I put my head round the door to the kitchen and explained to Aunt what was happening could she serve some tea shortly. Then I rinsed my hands and face with cold water composed myself and did my best imitation of Rose. I sat down and indicated to Colin that he should sit down as well. “Anne-Marie will be down in a few minutes, she just wished to get changed into something suitable first. I trust your horses will be alright for a few minutes?” “My groom will walk them if need be.” A groom well he certainly had some money. “Did you enjoy your meal last night?” “Yes and was captivated by the young lady's piano playing. Is she a relative of Lord Fairfax?” I crossed my fingers “I'm afraid not sir, she's recently escaped from France and is uncertain what the future holds for her. Mrs. Saunders the housekeeper got to know her and arranged for her to stay a few days. Lord Fairfax likes to hear her play the piano after dinner, and he likes to hear her sister Louise sing. So at the moment she is staying with us but as I said her future is uncertain.” I hoped I hadn't over done it but if it brought out a protective streak in him it would be worth it. Just then my aunt arrived carrying the tea tray. I bent forward to pour, “Cream, sugar?” I inquired? My aunt stood admiring my tea pouring technique. If she'd poured the number of cups that Rose had made me pour she'd have been perfect too. Colin took one of the tiny tea cakes that normally graced my aunt's sitting room for afternoon tea. I wondered if he realized how honoured he was, not even Lord Fairfax was supplied with afternoon cakes. “My I'd forgotten how pleasant it is to have a cup of tea and tea cakes, my compliments to the cook.” “You may tell her yourself in a moment or two, Anne-Marie made them.” She had as well that morning when she'd come down to help out in the kitchen and take a break from sewing.

    I'd glanced out of the window when I'd come in to see what sort of team he had. I made admiring noises about his team and after a few encouraging words from me he was telling all about the stud farm he'd purchased them from and how he'd trained them practically single handed. It's so nice to sit back and just watch men get so animated about their horses and who has the better team. I was just reflecting back on Daisy and Dobbin and keeping the conversation going by murmuring “How interesting.” whenever Colin paused for breath, then he paused rather longer than normal. I turned and saw Anne-Marie in the doorway. “How do you do sir. I hope you haven't been kept waiting long.” I don't know how they had managed it but she looked breath taking certainly enough for Colin anyway. They strolled down to his carriage Anne-Marie twirling a parasol I'd seen lying around in one of the upstairs bedrooms. They were staring into each other’s eyes. Cakes, if cakes he liked cakes he should have, especially if it kept him in Anne-Marie's company for a few more minutes. I dashed down to the kitchens and started to mix a fresh batch of cakes. Just in case he had time for tea and cakes when he returned you understand.

    It was about four thirty when Lord Fairfax strolled into the salon to find me sat on the sofa pouring tea in the manner of the best society hostesses with Colin and Anne-Marie sat in chairs opposite. Colin was wolfing his way through a plate full of tiny cakes with a slice of Dundee cake on the side. I thought we were for it, servants sitting down in the salon with guests. However he smiled at me, sat down beside me and exchanged greetings with Colin. He took a plate and filled it with cake and sipped the cup of tea I poured him. “You know I haven’t had cakes like these since I used to sneak into the housekeeper’s room at home. I wonder why they aren’t available normally.” I could have told him that the food that any housekeepers eat was generally a cut above what the family ate in many establishments but some things you simply don’t mention to the gentry. He lent closer and murmured in my ear “Why has Colin brought a young lady here and who is she?” Colin and Anne-Marie were wrapped up in each other so I quietly murmured back. “Probably because she lives here my Lord and Colin was kind enough to take her for a drive this afternoon.” “Pon my soul, you’re absolutely right. Marie-Anne isn’t it? One of the French young ladies, I don’t remember that dress though.” “Anne-Marie my lord.” “Pardon?” “Anne-Marie is her name not Marie-Anne my lord.” He reached for the bell pull. “Emma Millicent please ask Louise to come down.”

    Louise entered the room. He turned to me. “Now if you don’t mind I have something that requires attention in the library if you’ll be kind enough to step this way.” Louise had brought some sewing with her so she sat in the bay window for the light, playing chaperone. When we entered the library Lord Fairfax closed the door behind me, oh dear I thought now I'm for it. “Now then tell me about Anne-Marie, who is she pray?” “She’s the sister of Louise and as far as I know they both escaped from France and the guillotine with what was on their backs a few months ago. I know their parents and brother perished. Anne-Marie is quieter than her sister and today is the first day I’ve ever seen her smile, my Lord.” “So educated as a lady then?” “Well yes her needle work is very fine, much better than mine my Lord.” “Titled?” “I assume so but she’s never used it in my presence, my Lord.” “I wonder? Yes I think she’ll suit Colin very nicely.” “But will Colin suit her my Lord?” “Do you know I really don’t know.” “Pray my Lord what can you tell me about him?” “Colin, well Colin is Colin. Quiet chap, played a good game of rugger at school. Think he has a small estate somewhere but his real money comes from his uncle’s wool factories. Nice enough chap but not the sort you’d want your sister to marry, no title and a touch of trade about him you see. Mind you I like the fellow, like to see him happy and all that but not quite Almack’s if you know what I mean. It would probably be quite a good match for both I think. I wonder if they can both dance?” “Dance my Lord?” “Well if they are to have a courtship it had better be respectable. You said Anne-Marie escaped with just the clothes on her back?” “Practically my Lord.” “So to promote this match she would need clothes?” “So it would seem my Lord.” “Arrange for Louise to purchase material. I didn't notice any female coats hanging in the hall when I came in. I suspect if she is to go driving around the streets of London without catching a chill a good winter coat will do no harm either, so you'd better arrange for the rest of my staff to have winter coats or capes as well.” Just when I'd made my mind up he was going to come the heavy employer he has to do something generous, would I ever understand this man? “By the way what is the name of the young lady in Rose's establishment?” “Lady Mary Hamilton my Lord.” He strolled to his desk and wrote some short notes. “Drop these two off at the Albany, then deliver this to Lady Hamilton's mother as soon as can be arranged and tell Pierre to expect nine for dinner this evening. I'd take the small carriage as I suspect Rose and possibly Lady Mary will be returning with you.”

    I left and went down to the stable. Ralph and I took the small carriage out and with me handling the pair we soon arrived at Sir Hamilton's home. I left Ralph holding the reins and mounted the steps. The front door was soon answered by a very superior footman who looked down his nose at me. I proffered the letter “Lord Fairfax's compliments, this is to be delivered to Lady Hamilton and a reply is expected.” “I'm sure he does miss and I'll bring it to her ladyship's maid's attention in the morning.” I saw a movement behind the footman. “Thank you James, I'll attend to the matter.” “Very good miss.” Rose was in the hallway. She took the letter “Step inside, James will show you to the small drawing room to await a reply.” I heard voices in the other room I sat quietly and listened carefully. “Madam this may be of interest.” “Lord Fairfax? Do you know a Lord Fairfax Mary?” “No mother.” “Are you quite certain you've never met him?” “I don't think so.” “Rose fetch me the peerage and my list of eligibles.” “I don't think I need to madam he's in the top ten of eligibles those whom you thought were not worth while pursuing.” “But why then is he requesting the honour of escorting Lady Mary and myself to Lord and Lady Campbell's ball next Tuesday? We haven't even received an invitation.” “Perhaps I may read the note madam. It would appear he has some remote French cousin staying with him presently and seeks your assistance in chaperoning this young lady at the ball. He is proposing to make a party up which includes both yourself and the two young ladies if that is acceptable to you.” “But I don't even know the man. What possible connection could there be?” “Perhaps if you ask the messenger to come in they may be able to explain.”

    Oh my, that was me. I stood up straight and walked to the door. A footman guided me into the salon. “Rebecca can you cast any light on this request?” “Rebecca? You know this girl?” “Yes madam she was one of my charges once.” “Explain yourself girl.” I started to speak. “Well I owe my present post as Lord Fairfax's secretary” I crossed my fingers behind my back. “To Miss Sanderson teaching me alongside the family heir.” “Martin seemed to accept his lessons more easily that way.” interjected Rose. “Lord Fairfax has met Miss Sanderson once on her half day off when I was assisting him with some shopping. From what I know of Lord Fairfax I think he knows that his French cousin has a suitable suitor but wants to provide a suitable environment for a courtship with as little inconvenience to himself as possible.” “Typically male” came the comment. “The season offers opportunities but without a respectable chaperon it is a little awkward for his cousin. He has a number of family members whom he could invite but that would take some time to arrange. I suspect he has faith in Miss Sanderson and assumes any family she would work for must be respectable at the very least hence the request.” “Well it seems highly irregular to say the very least, a ball invitation coming because of a governess.” “There are two invitations the first from Lord Fairfax for the ball, the second from an Anne-Marie for Lady Mary and myself to dine tonight to meet them before the ball. Perhaps we should attend tonight and discuss tomorrow if the ball is a good idea.” “Well Rose there's sense in what you say. I think the invitation to dine tonight from Anne-Marie is simply a fiction. I doubt if she even knows the invitation has been issued.” I did to. “Still Lord Fairfax could hardly invite an unmarried girl to dine at his house could he so we will accept the fiction. Best take James and Anthony with you then if this Lord Fairfax is simply a rake then they can escort you back. Here take my whistle.” She looked at her daughter. “I suppose you'll be wanting a new ball gown.” I looked at her as well. Surely she couldn't have chosen the dress she was wearing herself. Not with all those frills and bows. The colour was completely wrong for her and made her skin look pale. Rose had mentioned she didn't seem to be taking but her clothes didn't help. “Excuse me madam” I heard myself saying. “But Anne-Marie has a French relative staying with her who sews all Anne-Marie's clothes perhaps she might be permitted to produce a ball gown for Lady Mary? I'm quite certain Lord Fairfax would stand the cost of the material.”

    Finally it was settled, Rose and Lady Mary rode inside the carriage, I drove back with Ralph beside me and the two burly footmen on the steps at the back of the carriage hanging onto their straps. I was so tempted to take a corner a little fast but thought I'd better be good, spraying the highway with footmen might not be considered being polite. I still wasn't quite sure what his lordship had intended. When we returned I stopped at the front door and let Ralph lead the carriage and pair round to the mews at the back. I led the way in through the front door. Me using the front door, I trembled at my action. Still the alternative of leading Lady Mary in through the kitchens was not to be considered. In the hall Louise greeted me “Alors we are to dine in thirty minutes.” Me dine with his lordship and guests? Still who was I to question his orders? She looked behind me, “Lady Mary I presume?” Lady Mary nodded. Louise took a long appraising look and shook her head. “Lady Mary this is Louise who may be able to make you a ball gown.” “Mais not for tonight, upstairs let us see what one is able to contrive.” I led the way upstairs to Louise and Mary-Anne's bed chamber, well it was the only one really big enough for us all to fit in.

    Louise went through their wardrobe and eventually came out with a simple pale blue silk gown. She offered it to Lady Mary to try on. Mary looked doubtful but on Rose's nod offered her back for me to undo the tiny buttons. The pale blue silk was cut lower than her chemise. I was sent to bring back a chemise I'd brought but not yet worn. Soon Lady Mary was looking enticing in front of the mirror. “Oh I like the effect, but it’s so low cut on the front.” “Low, not at all, you should make the most of your assets. Low non, if you were married we could go another four inches lower and still be respectable.” “Well it certainly looks better than my pink.” She turned to Rose; “Do you think mummy would approve?” Rose spoke the voice of wisdom, “Mummy's not here this evening why not try it out then you can change back before we return?” I looked at the clock, heavens only ten minutes left, I had to change, and do my hair. It would take time to do Lady Mary's hair as well.

    I dashed to Lord Fairfax's room. “Ah there you are, I knew my valet would be along to help me dress for dinner.” “Yes my Lord, but if you wish your valet to be at the table with you, you may have to assist your valet to dress.” “Turn round then and let me undo your gown.” I turned my back on him and his practised fingers soon had me standing naked. “Any problems collecting Lady Mary?” “No not really oh for the record I'm your secretary by the way not your valet or at least as far as Lady Hamilton is concerned.” “Are you wearing” “No I'm to be respectable tonight, or at least until we come upstairs.” “Pity, still come here whilst I just give your nipples a kiss.” Here was me trying to get dressed and all he could think of was my body. Then I had my nipples kissed and practically all I could think about was my body and the effect he was having. He kissed me on or should I say in my lips, it was only when he lifted me up in his arms and deposited me on the bed that I managed to gasp out the words, “We can't we've got guests waiting downstairs.” The words seemed to have a calming effect. I wondered how many times those words had been used in the past. He seemed to enjoy dressing me making sure my corset was just right, adjusting my stockings and garters God one more stroke from those fingers and I was going to be hauling him into bed.

    We came out of the bedroom together and had a narrow escape, Lady Mary came out of Louise's room looking like perfection. Thirty seconds earlier and she would have seen us coming out of Lord Fairfax's room together. As it was we were at the top of the stairs when a hammering was heard on the front door. When Millicent opened it she was pushed back to one side. “Where is he?” “What does he mean by commanding our attendance this evening.” “Has he gone mad, come dine and bring your dancing shoes.” We descended “Harry, Keith how nice it is to see you.” “What on earth do you mean, nice to see us. We get a note hinting of blackmail and terrible retribution if we aren't here at eight o'clock, and to bring our dancing shoes, good god man I thought it was from my Aunt Augusta who had some terrible deb she wanted to show off not my friend Richard.” By now Richard and I were on the ground floor, the first man addressed me. “I say you aren't some terribly plain deb are you?” I was saved from answering by a soft voice that came drifting down the stairs “No but I am, did he really have to resort to blackmail to get you to come and see me?” As an entrance it was superb, Mary was a delight to see as she came gracefully down the stairs. Harry and Keith were just struck dumb. It was practically as good as the theatre. Harry recovered first. “Just disregard everything my friend has just said my angel. Lord Harry Fitzwilliam at your service, Harry to my friends, you must simply call me Harry.” “Oh no, we must simply defeat his evil plan, perhaps if we weren't to say another word to each other all evening he'd give up trying to foist terribly plain debutantes on you poor ill treated gentlemen?” She fluttered her eyelids.

    Keith woke up “I say no, not the thing, not the thing at all. Just ignore my ramblings and let me lead you into dinner.” He proffered his arm. Harry moved forward. “I say old chap I rather believe that I out rank you so it's my arm the lady should take.” “But as host it's my privilege to lead Lady Mary into dinner.” Lady Mary placed her hand on Lord Fairfax's arm and we proceeded into the dining room in pairs, Colin and Anne-Marie behind Lord Fairfax, then Harry with Louise, and finally Keith with Rose. I thought of myself a bit of a hostess so let the others have their escort. I took my place on Lord Fairfax's left hand, Lady Mary was on his right. Mary seemed to thoroughly enjoy the meal flirting with both Keith and Harry. After we had eaten Lord Fairfax ushered us all through to the small ballroom at the back of the house where he asked Rose to play. We started with a few country-dances in long ways sets. These I knew well and then he moved us onto Newcastle walking us through the dance before we danced it through twice. I felt very elegant as we circled and worked our way through the dance. Then Anne-Marie taught us Nonesuch. When we walked through it I thought I'd never remember all the steps with the jumping in and nods and bows but with Lord Fairfax as my partner I managed very well and afterwards we were so pleased with ourselves for having danced it we broke into applause.

    Rose looked up “Madam's pumpkin will be arriving at the door any moment now.” Lady Mary pouted. “You'll be able to ignore these pair once more at Lady Campbell's ball.” “Oh no these gentlemen wouldn't demean themselves by going to a ball. Would you?” “Lady Campbell isn't she your Great Aunt Richard?” “Would you like me to arrange invitations and meet up here first for dinner then go as a small party?” “Dinner first eh, first rate meal by the way, first rate. I should think we could manage that eh Keith?”

    We managed to get Lady Mary upstairs and back into her pink monstrosity. “Thank you all so much. I hadn't realized how much difference a gown could make. Mummy always picks mine out for me. You know I can't remember when I've had so much fun.” “Tomorrow when you return and we will create a ball gown for you.” “Do you really think you could? Oh that would be delightful, shall I bring mummy?” Rose replied “I think she might be busy tomorrow morning, shall we arrange for you to change here and give her a surprise on the night of the ball?” “It seems so deceitful, let's do it.”

    It was only when I was curled up in bed lying in his arms that Lord Fairfax finally talked to me about what he was up to. He thought that Lady Hamilton would give an air of respectability to Anne-Marie. Her daughter he had suspected would ideal material for Louise, in fact he had been depending on some sort of transformation for Lady Mary to keep Harry and Keith entertained. He'd needed Rose to play the piano since he'd wanted to see if both Anne-Marie and Lady Mary could dance before escorting them to his Aunt's ball. His aunt had demanded that he arrive with Harry and Keith to keep the numbers of eligible young men up at her ball. His only concern at the moment was me and Rose. His first was to keep me out of Sir Waverley's evil clutches, the second he felt Rose should do something more with her life but he wasn't sure what and he couldn't wave a magic wand for everyone.

    Wednesday morning I dressed in Ralph's Sunday best after washing them through thoroughly. Then we went to inspect the horses due to be auctioned the following day. On Thursday Lord Kirkwell came with Lord Fairfax and myself to ensure fair play. I drew a list up of some eight horses that had soft mouths, looked as if they had stamina even if they weren't the fastest. I looked for ones that greeted me nicely. Then the day of the auction came. One of my horses was on first so I asked Lord Kirkwell to bid 140 guineas first bid. He did and the bay was knocked down to me without any other bids. Now I had 812 guineas left. I wondered if Sir Waverley would remember we were bidding in guineas so he only had 952 to bid with? The next horse up was a rather showy animal that looked a bit short of stamina to me, I thought it might appeal to Sir Waverley. I bid 50 to see if I could tempt Sir Waverley to make a bid, he did and we raced up in 10 guinea bids until I let him have it at 280 guineas. Then I saved my bids. It had soon become apparent that Sir Waverley was flushed with success at winning and the rest of the crowd pushed up his bids occasionally. Soon he had three matching bays. I picked up two more horses one black with white stockings, one practically white with two brown patches. I paid rather more than I should have but they were friendly horses, I still had 116 guineas left, if I done my sums right Sir Waverley had only 115 guineas. Would he be tempted to go over the limit? Would he be tempted to bid confusing pounds with guineas? We were coming to the end of the auction and most people had left. Three horses, the first was a riding horse, no good for my purposes, he went for 90 guineas, then came two more carriage horses, both bays, the first, was the last one on my list, the last a rather wild looking horse that looked difficult to manage. I bid my 116 guineas straight off, Sir Waverley looked at me and then started to raise his hand, unfortunately his man of business placed his hand on Sir Waverley's arm and stopped him bidding. There was a putting together of heads and showing of a scrap of paper then a shaking of heads. I'd brought myself a team. Sir Waverley picked up the last horse for 50 guineas but I didn't really care.

    Thursday evening we harnessed them up to Lord Kirkwell's curricle. Hopefully they would run smoothly as a team. I put on some leather gloves and gingerly took them out of the stable yard. Lord Kirkwell was at my side. “A more odd looking bunch I’ve never seen but I dare say you know your business.” “Thank you my Lord.” “Monday when you race don't go flat out at the start, you've the South Downs to climb.” I hadn't given any thought to the route. When we returned we went into the library and Lord Fairfax and Lord Kirkwell sketched out the route for me. It was fairly apparent that I wasn't much good at map reading but Lord Kirkwell said it didn't matter. If I would be guided by him on the route and when to save the horses and when to run them flat out all would be well. Thursday we practised a little more. Lord Kirkwell thought we should change the horses round and try them in different places in the team. Eventually they were all settled in. Then we rested them and fed them oats before the race.

    On the day of the race I wore a peak bonnet to protect my face and the coachman's long coat. I'd talked to Pierre and had him put together a picnic basket, which was tied on the back. All finger foods that could be eaten as we drove along. Lord Kirkwell arrived and we drove slowly to cross the river Thames to the appointed meeting place. Sir Waverley was there before us. “Oh showed up then did you?” His team were harnessed to a high perch phantom and he looked down at us from his great height. Lord Kirkwell and Sir Roderick inspected both teams to see they were the horses we’d purchased at Tattersall's. I think they were since one of Sir Waverley’s wheelers took a snap at Sir Roderick.

    Sir Roderick climbed aboard the high perch phantom, Lord Kirkwell climbed into the curricle, Colin pulled out a pistol and shot into the air. I had hoped Lord Fairfax would be there to see me off but he wasn’t. I thought it might be a bit early in the day for him. We were off, I led the way at first more to provoke Sir Waverley than anything else but soon he whipped up his horses and sailed by. “Steady girl steady there’s forty nine more miles to go and he won’t keep that pace up for long.” I watched him tear away ahead of us only to catch up a few miles further along the road behind a lumbering stage as it climbed slowly up a hill. Lord Kirkwell gave me the nod not to drop speed and following a blast on his horn and we swung out and sailed past both Sir Waverley and the stagecoach. Lord Kirkwell was lighter by at least a stone than Sir Roderick and I was considerably lighter than Sir Waverley, that combined with the fact he’d been pushing his horses made overtaking easy. I was elated, we sailed down the other side and soon had left the stage coach far behind. Unfortunately one of the horses picked up a stone as we ran through the village of Purley. I pulled up only to see Sir Waverley dash by his horses at full gallop scattering hens and small children as he sailed by.

    Soon Lord Kirkwell had dealt with the stone and we were off once more. Then we got caught up in a flock of sheep being moved from field to field. If only I had had Clover with us. We sped up shortly afterwards and from the top of the next hill caught sight of Sir Waverley pulling into a pub in Reigate for lunch. “That looks like a good idea” came a voice on my left. “I wasn’t intending to stop but if you’d like to open the hamper under the seat there should be some refreshments we can eat as we go along.” I slowed the horses down as we came to the village and steered through a back lane so we didn’t pass directly in front of Sir Waverley’s pub hoping he won’t notice us as he indulged. Soon we were through the village and away. I hoped that by not stopping for lunch we could make up enough time to win. After that we just kept up a steady pace walking up the hill coming into Red Hill, cantering on the flat and flat out downhill. I had one bad moment when I came round a blind corner and very nearly ran into a pair of farm carts that seemed to have stopped just after the bend. Not the place I'd have chosen myself in fact it was only a man waving at me to slow down before the bend that meant I hadn't gone full tilt into the wagons. Soon we reached Brighton and thence the Red Bull. We drew to a halt, my hands felt sore even with the gloves on. I ached, my outfit was covered in dust, I must have looked a proper sight and there waiting to lift me down was him. I just cried and he held me in his arms stupid man. Didn’t he know it would take me ages to get the dust off his jacket. Why couldn’t I have stopped just outside Brighton and had a wash and change. Why couldn’t he have just waited until I was cleaned up?

    Still I pulled myself together and walked round to my team. I petted them all, then called for oats and a good rub down, they’d done very well indeed. We walked into the Red Bull and Lord Fairfax steered me to a room where in Louise had already organized a bath for me. Louise bathed me and found me a freshly ironed day dress. Soon I felt almost civilized. We walked downstairs to find Lord Fairfax had taken a private dining room and Lord Kirkwell was already sat by the fire with a glass of wine in his hand. “Well done Miss Forester well done. I don’t believe Sir Waverley has arrived yet.” Just as he spoke I heard the clatter of horseshoes on cobbles as a rider arrived in the yard. Moments later in walked Sir Roderick.

    ”Ah thought you might be here already, looked out of the back window at lunch time and thought I saw you slipping by. By the way Sir Waverley sends his apologies and he won’t be able to make it this afternoon. Well that is to say after we left the village pub after lunch he stopped to ask a group of road workers if you’d passed on ahead when he found out you were half an hour ahead he whipped up his team and we started after you. Took a couple of bends on the wrong side right enough but then ditched it coming through a double bend, these high perch phantoms are a bit top heavy going round bends sometimes don’t you know. Still I managed to jump clear which is more than he did. Think he’s broken a leg, still the teams alright Miss Forester you’ll be pleased to know. Though three of them are well enough and look good together that last blighter. Well bit of a hand full in fact I think he shied on seeing a rabbit coming into the second bend. In fact if you’ve a mind to sell I’ll pay you what Sir Waverley paid for them. Never know find a good fourth bay and they’ll make quite a good team.” I thanked him for his offer and accepted. Lord Kirkwell then offered me two thousand for my team. “But they’re not matching my Lord what would you want with them?” “Not matching or not everyone will recognise them including Sir Waverley, won’t be able to look out of the window at Whites than he’ll chance seeing them my dear. The look on his face will be worth every penny.” I accepted of course. “Oh by the way here’s the deeds to the Manor and Lord Fairfax’s cheque for one thousand pounds.” Lord Kirkwell offered me two envelopes. “Well I suppose you won’t need to become my mistress now will you?” I fluttered my eyelashes at him, “Why my Lord aren’t you up to satisfying a mistress, getting too old are you, you poor thing. I dare say Sir Roderick…” Sir Roderick perked up. “No trouble at all my dear no trouble at all.”

    If looks could kill Lord Fairfax looked ready to commit murder, Louise took pity on him, “I’m sure some arrangement could be made my Lord. Shall we retire and talk?” The three of us returned to my chamber. “Now my girl, you have what looks like an income for life what are you after besides?” “Well you may have guessed the manor of Upper Wapping is where I was born. I know the Manor well and if it only produced 100 pounds income last year something must be seriously wrong and I think I know what it is. To put it right needs money.” “Shall we start with Sir Roderick’s offer of three hundred and fifty pounds, I’m sure with the fireworks I see whenever you two meet you’d be willing to match that my Lord for five years?” He nodded, “Perhaps a reasonable dress allowance? And because she is so delicate should you bed another within the five years she gets to keep the money with no further obligation?” “Louise stop you’ll bankrupt the poor man.” “The best time for negotiations is before the bedding not after.” “You’ll be asking him for a dowry for Marie-Anne next so she can marry Colin.” “Colin doesn’t need Marie-Anne to have a dowry I’m afraid we both bet rather heavily on your winning” “How much did you win?” “Five thousand each.” “What I do all the work and you win 5,000 pounds?” I glared at him. He handed me four cheques. “The first is for 2,000 pounds that’s five years at 400 a year to be my mistress. The second is for 2,500 pounds half my winnings, the third and fourth are for 1,250 pounds each, knowing you I thought you might like to make a small present to Anne-Marie and Louise of one each. That way Anne-Marie can marry Colin without thinking she brings nothing to the match although I’m certain Colin would accept her anyway.” Men what can you do with them.

    He’d already made up his mind and there was no need for Louise to haggle over my body. I looked at Louise and passed her the two smaller cheques. “But how will I explain this to Ann-Marie?” “The truth?” “D'accord, Anne-Marie will have her dowry and I will have a little something either for my dowry or to start my business. On behalf of my sister and myself I accept your kind offer. With this one I can do nothing, a mistress should be selfish and make demands it is expected no? One final thing you must not bed her until we return to London and I can buy the lemons.” I looked at her. “Lemons why do we need lemons?” “Voyons, to stop the babies, you now a mistress and you not know this thing? You take a cloth soaked in lemon juice and insert it to kill the sperm before they arrive. Do not they teach you English girls anything at school?”

    We returned downstairs and I broke the news to Sir Roderick that I wouldn’t be needing a protector at the moment. He looked crest fallen “Remember if Richard's unsatisfactory in any way because of his old age etc. you can rely on me to rise to the occasion.” Lord Fairfax ushered me out the door. He had a closed carriage waiting and soon we were on the road back to London. We stopped overnight at the village of Purley. When we were on the road he asked me “Would you like your own establishment or would you be content to live as my valet in the London house?” “I'd prefer to be your valet my Lord, that way I can snuggle my feet up against you and warm them up at night.” I got soundly kissed for my impertinence. Thought must be impertinent more often.

    When we returned to the house the next afternoon I slipped out to visit Rose. I met her coming back from the park where her charge had been sailing his boat. “Rose would you mind working for me?” She cocked her head. “Doing just exactly what pray and how much do I earn?” “Well it's like this I won the Manor of Little Wapping in a bet and I need someone to act as manager. I've got a considerable sum”, I took out all the cheques and showed them to her “that I'd like to use to get the estate back into shape and I've jotted down a few ideas. Oh and we need at least two lemon trees but I'll explain about those later. Do you think we could get back Mr. Metcalfe?” Rose smiled to herself “I could send for him, telling him I was now in a position to support a husband do you think?” We both grinned at each other. Suddenly I had a thought it was Tuesday the night of Lady Campbell's ball. I rushed back to perform my valeting duties. I didn't want my Lord to look less than impeccable now did I? I dashed back and made sure he would be impeccable. Tonight I would eat in the kitchen whilst he ate with his guests in the dining room. I think I preferred it when we had our own private dance at home. I wasn't sure I trusted him at a ball without me. But being realistic about it Lords didn't take their mistresses to balls. I couldn't wait until I got him home safe and in bed, then I'd show him he didn't need other women. Millicent and Meryl would have to work the table by themselves, there were drawbacks to driving his carriage as well as valeting. I waited until the sweet course was served then went out to the stables. Ralph helped me harness the team up. I put on my coachman's long coat and tricorn hat and brought the carriage round. There was nothing for it I was just going to have to teach Ralph to drive in traffic.

    I dropped them off then Ralph and I drove along the street a little to a brazier that was burning nicely and a group of other drivers where gathered. We got down and walked across to the brazier to warm our hands. “Good God a woman driver. Come to keep us all warm then darling.” “Well I would but you might have a heart attack.” I'd lived around the stables too long to put up with his cheek. “Clear off you old cow.” “Core stone the crows, someone must have heard you Alf look wot's coming down the road.” We all turned to look. There running down the road was a young girl dressed in her underwear or rather the sort of underwear a harlot might wear being pursued by a group of men. They caught up with her just as they reached the group of drivers.

    ”Help me” she cried. I backed up to the carriage and brought out an old shot gun I carried out of force of habit hidden under the seat… Well you never knew when you might see an injured peasant did you? as me dad would say. “You don't want any part of this gents, this here whore belongs to one of Black Jake's houses you best just look the other way.” I point the shot gun and cocked the hammer “Put the gun down, you aren't going to use it. It's probably not loaded and let's face it you'd never get out of here alive if you did anyway.” “Back away from her.” “A woman, another one for the pot Alf.” What was I going to do? I really didn't want to shoot anyone. Maybe if I lifted someone's hat? I fired and took off the largest lout's hat. “Single barrel shotgun so that's all over then.” He stepped forward and swung me over his shoulder. The other girl was picked up by one of the other men. “See you lads.” and with that we set off down the road. There was me all set to become a mistress and I'd been kidnapped for a brothel even before I started my career.

    I screamed, what was really frightening was I was totally ignored except for my porter. “If yer don't belt up I'll belt yer one so as to make yer.” We turned a corner leaving Ralph and the others behind, where was my knight in shining armour when I needed him. “I'm right sorry to get you involved like this.” Sorry, not half as sorry as I was. “I'm Maggie by the way. Oh I should have stayed on the farm but the harvest was poor and I'd always wanted to see Lundon. Caught a lift with a carrier and when we got to Lundon there was a helpful woman at the pub where we arrived this morning. Did I want job like? Like a fool I said yes. She was pleasant enough until we got to the house, then it was get yer clothes off and have a bath. When I got out of the bath this was all they gave me to wear.” She swept a hand down her clothes. To be honest it would make me blush to wear them and I'm supposed to be a Mistress. “You don't really think some geezer would put it in against my will?” I'd only been in London a short time but I knew that the likes of Sir Waverley not only would but pay extra from the privilege of being one of the first, even more if he knew who I was. After a couple of months neither of us would have any sparkle in our eyes left. We turned another corner, all hope of rescue was fading fast. Then I heard the clatter of horse shoes coming up behind. “Don't even think about screaming again or I'll knife yer.” It's wonderful how my mind stopped thinking.

    I heard the sound of horses shoes mounting the pavement in front. More horse shoes came up behind. My savours my knights in shining armour. There was the crack of a whip and the man carrying me stopped in his tracks. “You know me Al, normally I'd look the other way around Black Jake but seeing the girl do her party trick with shotgun and the hat made me realize who she is.” “So who is the cow that's she's so important?” “Lord Fairfax's that's who.” Lord Fairfax's, what not even Miss Rebecca Forester? “So what's one doxy more or less to him?” “It's the one who beat Sir Waverley in the race to Brighton.” “Here Alf wasn't that the gal Black Jake made all that money with the bets?” “Yer he was right pleased with her seeing as she won fair and square and we didn't have to use the farms carts to run Sir Waverley off the road after all, an yer know the punters is less suspicious when the favourite isn't nobbled.” “Made a few hundred off her already he has.” I thanked the dear Lord that I hadn't been the favourite after all somehow I got the impression that the warning before the bend wouldn't have come, my blood ran cold. “That's the problem you see. She's famous so Lord Fairfax can't just abandon her to Black Jake now can he?” Another voice cheeped up “Not only that but if it ever got out that we were there when she was taken and did nothing we'd all lose our jobs without references.” And there was me thinking they had come to save me. Still self interest worked for me if only I came out of this unhurt. “Think about it, we represent a dozen nobs, each nob can call on a dozen footmen and grooms. If we picked up a couple of those fancy red waistcoats they could guide us well enough to destroy all Black Jakes houses even if we didn't get the girl back.” Even if, I was beginning to feel indignant. “Well put it that way she's a heavy old cow and she's brought us in a fair bit already.” Heavy old cow, I almost opened my mouth to say something the thought better of it, if I managed to get out of this he could call me whatever he wanted to. I got dumped to the ground. “Best let us have the other as well or she'll only create trouble.” The girl I'd been trying to save was dumped by the side of me. I whispered to her “Quick in the coach before they change their minds.”

    Soon we were back at Lord Fairfax's coach. I dug out the second coachman's heavy coat from under the seat and handed it over. We were getting far too much attention as it was dressed as she was. It started to drizzle, the girl besides me started to cry. It was practically all I could do not to cry myself. Here was me planning to seduce his Lordship tonight, the rate I was going on I'd be a frozen sodden mess. A footman came out with a tray of mugs of hot chocolate. I blessed him and who ever sent the chocolate out for servants. All the servants had a cup when we woke at Lord Fairfax’s home but that was quite the exception, Louise had started the fashion and the rest of us had followed. I was feeling much more the thing when the cry came “Lord Fairfax's carriage”. Lady Mary and her mother came down the staircase looking in high sprits, Anne-Marie with Colin followed looking as if they might fall over if they didn't stop looking into each other's eyes. His Lordship I was pleased to see was looking bored but his eyes brightened up when they met mine. “Don't tell me, let me guess I've just acquired a new maid?” The sound of his Lordship's voice drifted up to me as he entered the coach. Who was I to disagree with him. “Of course my Lord, introductions later perhaps?” he mounted the step into the coach, I gave a flip of the reins and we were off. I turned to Maggie “Looks like you've a new job if you've mind for one.” “Wot work for the likes of him, coo he could have me any time for free.” “I think he has a mistress who might object.” “Well she won't have to know now would she?” “I'm his mistress.” “Oh well hands off I suppose but a girl can still dream can't she?” “Yes a girl can still dream.” How long ago was it I had dreams, a little house, children, a husband and a cat sat by the fire? It seemed so long ago. We stopped and let off the Hamiltons. Then we arrived home. Lord Fairfax picked me up and lifted first me and then Maggie down, Ralph led the team into the mews. “Now tell me all about how this young lady was being persuaded down the street by a bunch of brigands and you saved her.” “Well almost but not quite.” I told him what had happened. He told me to go and buy a double barrelled shotgun and charge it to the household accounts for next time, sometimes he's just too thoughtful for words.

    We entered the house and I got Millicent to show Maggie a bed for the night. Thank heavens we only had half the normal staff so at least we had a bed each. Then Louise arrived and ushered me upstairs. I felt, oh I just don't know how to describe it. I'd been provoking this man of mine for over a month now after I'd decided I was going to have him. This was the night. “I have here for you the nightdress.” I looked, two silk handkerchiefs tied together at the corners would have been more substantial. I got undressed and tried it on. I swirled in front of his lordship's full length mirror, definitely not the thing to do if you wanted to remain decent. Decent well it sort of covered the basics if you didn't mind your nipples poking through the material and your pubic hair showing a little through the silk. Made of fine silk it was designed to look as if it would fall apart if you so much as breathed on it. It was slit from shoulder to hip. You could call it thigh length if you were being kind, it just about covered the tops of my thighs. The front was two halves held together by two ribbons tied in bows. Two more ribbons tied on my shoulders. I thought about it looking in the mirror, well it did make my body look good and I was supposed to be a Mistress after all. There was a knock at the bedroom door and Lord Fairfax came into the room.

    One look at his face and Louise waved bye to me and slipped out of the door. One look at his face and I forgot everything except a lover who was definitely aroused and walking towards me. It was a very heady feeling. I helped my master undress as all good valets should then he picked me up as if I was as light as a feather. At ten and a half stone I'm fairly light but still to be just scooped up as if I was nothing and then placed on the bed made me feel that I was going to be powerless to stop anything at this point in time. Not that I wanted to you understand I was just memorised by his strength as I ran my hands over all his muscles that I could find. My night rail didn't quite fall apart as soon as he breathed on it, but shortly after when he grew impatient with the ribbons it was torn off. Oh well Louise was clever with a needle. My body ached for his, I wanted to touch all his body with mine, I felt his thing start to probe my body so I slipped my hand down to get him in the right place. I could feel my body full of lubrication ready and waiting for him. Then his tip rubbed between my legs and I arched my body to bring him inside. As we lay on the bed afterwards I had this vague feeling I'd forgotten something, but then he leaned across and kissed me once more distracting me from my thoughts. Next morning I awoke in bed and saw the lemon on the side table. Oh well you can't get pregnant the first time can you? You can. It was a bit of a struggle being valet and pregnant at the same time but I managed. Colin proposed to Anne-Marie and was accepted, mind you if she'd said anything else but yes I think both Louise and I would have slapped her to bring her to her senses. Jennifer was born nine months later. Maggie made a first class nursemaid for her. Life settled into a routine once more. Following Lady Mary's transformation Louise's skills as a dressmaker where becoming known and I remembered to use the lemon juice. Jennifer was a delight though.

    London was all very well for bringing up a child but by the age of two she was into practically everything. I wanted to show her off to my parents and friends at Upper Wapping so Lord Fairfax agreed we should go to Upper Wapping for her third birthday. I wrote to Rose to warn her. Lord Fairfax decided a rocking horse was the perfect gift for Jennifer for her birthday so it followed us in a special carriage after the baggage carriage. We travelled in style, with a couple of armed grooms in front borrowed from Lady Hamilton. Lord Fairfax had sent two teams of horses on ahead so we had our own fresh horses to change to, to ensure our comfort when we stayed at an inn overnight staff were sent on ahead with our linen and Pierre travelled with them so that his lordship could have his French cooking for his evening meals no matter where he was. Pierre moaned about the kitchens at the inns we stayed at but he still managed to produce his normal wonderful meals. Lord Fairfax rode alongside the carriage. I envied him the fresh air. When we came to the brow of the hill that looked down at Upper Wapping I signalled for the carriage to halt and climbed out. Lord Fairfax dismounted and stepped besides me. I pointed out the manor house, the home farm my parents house and the village. He had an odd look on his face, I don't think he realised before just how extensive the manor of Upper Wapping was.

    The carriage drew up at the front door. I stepped out of the carriage and took Jennifer’s hand, more to give me courage than anything else. Perhaps I should use the kitchen door as I always had before but there’s a first time for everything so I took a deep breath and exchanged looks with Jennifer then we marched up the front steps and entered the hall, Lord Fairfax coming in just behind me. All the staff were lined up to greet us. As we passed the butler I heard Grimshaw say “First a female manager now the whore comes to stay.” I wasn't going to have my child listen to such. I turned to Thomas and James the footmen behind Grimshaw and smiled at them. “Thomas, James how pleasant it is to see you again. Could you be kind enough to escort Mr. Grimshaw first to the estate office and then to the village to catch the stage coach to London this afternoon?” Grimshaw looked at me “Why would I want to go to London?” I smiled at him “To look for another job of course, after you've collected what the estate owes you you're fired. I'm not having you upsetting my daughter.” I turned to James and Thomas and smiled once more “Just make sure he's on the coach please. I don't care too much what condition he's in just as long as he is on the coach.” James hesitated, Rose's voice came across the hall. “Grimshaw doesn't pay your wage, Madam does.” Thomas spoke up “If you'd like to step this way sir.” Grimshaw was removed. It was good to see Rose with Albert besides her. She addressed the rest of the staff. “As you know Madam here” I almost looked round to see if someone had stepped in behind me,” is the owner of the manor and I'm certain many of you remember her. I expect you will want to join me in welcoming her and her guests today, I’m sure anyone who has any doubts can join Mr. Grimshaw on the London stage.” The staff suddenly looked much more welcoming. I took the opportunity to say a few words. “I would like to thank you all for the transformation you have made to the estate, especially all the indoor staff who assisted Alfred in getting the crops sown even though it was late and many of the repairs done when he first came back.” The staff looked pleased with themselves and they truly had done a wonderful job to turn the estate round so quickly. Rose’s letters had told me about the transformation as it happened. Lord Fairfax looked round the hall and whispered in my ear. “Very impressive, you must show me around the estate tomorrow, I mean to say I need an heir and no one could fault me for marrying the mother of my child especially when she came with such an estate.” Men, still Lady Fairfax did have a nice ring to it, and who ever would have thought I could have risen so high by dragging Martin out of the river.