The Scavenger Hunt by Karen Blayne

Oh by the way red tape first.

Be warned these short stories contain mature content or naughty bits and as such may corrupt you if you’re under 12, 16, 18, 21 or 25 depending where you live thus they are not suitable for you so put them back on the shelf and let them age for a year or two.

They were sort of scribbled for fun. They were first posted on asstr.org. If you’ve paid money for this book just be aware the author has not received any payment. In fact no one has permission to charge money for this book and copyright is retained by the author. All copies must be of the complete document. ©2015 Asstr.org accepts donations if you’re feeling rich or even if you’re not.

Luv Karen

 

Nash, Lord Arborn handed his mount over to the groom, who was a little hesitant at taking the horse's reins, and strolled over to the kitchen door. “Hello and what are you doing here?” He asked of a young girl who was hesitating before knocking at the door. “I’m looking for work sir.” “Can you read, write and do sums?” “Yes sir.” He opened the door “Tindale get yourself here at the double man, I’ve got you a new Q.” He turned to the girl “Tindale will look after you.” She curtsied please to have found work but not really understanding what a Q was. Tindale came dashing up. “But she’s a girl Captain.” “So?” “We’re an all male household it wouldn’t be right.” He turned to the girl, “Can you find me another maid preferably someone who can cook?” “Yes sir.” “Right in the meantime enter her in the books as a footman Mr. Whatever her name is until we have two.” Does that mean I get paid footman’s wages?” “Well I’m not paying you a penny more than a footman, same wage for the cook maid. There should be a couple of rooms in the attic spare or you can share one together if you’d feel safer.” “No no I’m happy with my own room.” “Right I’ll leave you with Tindale who’ll sort you out.

Eve blinked “So what’s a Q then?” “Quartermaster’s serjeant or the person who sorts the bills out. I’m no hand at paperwork and the bills are piling up. We have to do summat or the tradesmen won’t supply us no more and that means the captain doesn’t get his breakfast and the captain without his coffee and breakfast first thing doesn’t bear thinking about. I’d only seen it the once and he had the French to take it out on then.” “Do we have money?” Tindale picked up a satchel and shook it, “Plenty of that but I’m not much for this reading and writing stuff so I’ve no idea if they’d charge me right.”

Eve sorted the bills into piles and then with Tindale as escort carrying the satchel they made their way to the various shops. Eve would look through the bills on the counter and read out to Tindale what was billed and he’d nod his agreement. Once he remembered a leg of lamb at the butchers that wasn’t on the bill so they added it on anyway. “Right you are Miss, sorry about the misunderstanding earlier but I never thought girls could read and write.” Eve kicked him gently in the shin.

Two days later she’d found a kitchen maid who was willing to come and cook especially at a footman’s wage and Lord Arborn’s life settled down once more. Tindale explained that the captain felt he’d had more than enough excitement in the recent war and these days he was content merely to curl up with his books and relax. “And all the staff who look more like soldiers?” Tindale straighten his shoulders “95th Regiment of Foot, Rifles.” He announced proudly, “We followed the captain through thick and thin, he never let us down. Well that is to say all except Mark who was in the 60th Royal American Regiment but he’s not a bad shot with the Baker rifle and we adopted him when he got wounded. He talks a bit odd but he’s a good lad besides which he's the only one who knows one end of a horse from the other.”

On her half day she went to visit her sister who was employed as a debutant’s maid and to discuss the strange all male household she was employed at and marvel at the dresses her sister had been given after they had been worn only once or twice. “I mean can you believe it we all eat together, apparently the officers of their regiment ate with their men quite unlike the other regiments and so the Captain still does.” That evening she thought she’d give the lads a treat so she dressed up in an evening gown that had been passed along by her sister. “Mr. Barlow” Mr., Eve had to think quickly before realising the Captain was addressing her. Well with the plunging neckline she’d have thought he’d noticed the difference by now. “I’d like you to look into market gardening for me. We have plenty of labour, discharged soldiers, there’s plenty of manure going cheap in London, and there’s lots of demand for fresh vegetables and flowers. I’ve brought up a manor house with greenhouses that’s close to the city so can you get it organised for me? Get hold of the gardeners, Tindale will escort you, and make a list of what they’ll want and what they can grow and we’ll take it from there.” So much for the evening dress she thought. Afterwards Mark approached her and complimented her on her dress, well at least someone noticed even if he was a colonial.

The market garden project was very successful but Flo the kitchen maid cook noticed that in the wholesale market labels were sometimes switched so that although both suppliers were paid for carrots the better quality ones which fetched the higher price would be marked down to the other supplier. One of the ex-soldiers took a job as a porter in the market to see what was going on. It appeared if the wholesaler was trying to demonstrate to a new farmer they could obtain a better price, labels would be switched. He also recognised one of his old comrade's widow as she brought flowers at the market to sell by the bunch on the streets. She was directed to the Captain’s house in time for their evening meal. “So Captain if we brought one wagon directly into the stable, then the flower sellers could buy them direct, they get a better price and so do we.” Every other morning a wagon would turn up at the stables and Eve would keep a tally of how many flowers each girl took out. Vegetables were discreetly sold directly to the nearby kitchens and their requirements fed back to the gardeners.

There was a knock at the kitchen door and a very obviously lady's maid stood there and asked to speak to Eve. "I was wondering if you could do the flower's for our ball?" Eve looked a bit startled, "Well I suppose so, how many would you need?" At the puzzled look she volunteered to come and inspect. When she arrived she was introduced to Mary, a debutant whose lawyer guardian seemed to have very little idea of how much a season cost and insisted on preserving her dowery. "So you see we have the family mansion, with a ball room but very little money to decorate it with or hire extra staff and the hundred and one things you need for a ball. Oh if only my brother hadn't got himself killed fighting the French." "Who was he?" "Lieutenant Morledge, he could afford to buy a commission with the Hussars or a dashing cavalry regiment but no he had to join a foot regiment would you believe. Not only that but some new fangled regiment that my great uncle says didn't even fight in proper columns and lines like they should and they used some odd gun that took twice as long as a musket to load." "Sounds a right motley crew." "Oh they were, my brother used to eat with his men not in a proper mess at all." Eve suddenly had a thought about the motley crew she knew where the officer ate with his men.

"Tindale have you ever heard of a Lieutenant Morledge?" "Why yes, one of ours he was, a bit green though he was in the wrong place at the wrong time trying to get one of his wounded men to safety and died for his troubles." "His sister wants some flowers for her ball, and I suspect she could do with a few footmen as well." "I'll speak to the Captain about it." Eve returned to her books to track down an elusive shilling.

The next day Tindale wanted her to accompany him to the Mansion round the corner. "I spoke to the Captain and he says we're to do our best to help and he's even willing to find a case or two of wine but he draws the line at attending himself." Two days later Mary was fascinated by the sight of a dozen ex-soldiers lined up in the hall being taught the rudiments of being a footman by their butler whose softly spoken suggestions were echoed rather loudly by Tindale. She turned to Eve "What on earth?" "They're from your brother's old regiment, the 95^th and we're to do all we can to make sure your season is a success. How many vases can you press into service?" Eve even lent Mary the gowns that her sister had been given. They were subtly altered before being worn and Mary demanded to know who her sister was maid to, "If only so I can confess before she recognises them."

Mary's ball was a success. Eve and Flo worked hard in their kitchen beforehand to help prepare the food with Tindale ensuring there was solid food as well as he put it not just this finger bite stuff. There were certainly dishes of different cheeses, pickled onions and pickled eggs, and apple pie that the gentlemen made positive comments about as well as more delicate foods more to the ladies's tastes. The Captain unearthed a few dozen bottles of champagne as well as a few vintage reds and whites which with plenty of circulating footmen meant everyone could drink their fill. A barrel of Flo's Best Ale was available set up on a discreet table near the refreshments which Tindale privately thought was a waste of good ale. The next morning when the household arose they discovered three gentlemen sleeping off their excesses in the garden.

Baron Kirby rubbed his hands with glee. Two new replacement maids and not bad looking either. "You've done well this time Strong even if you did have to go a little further afield. Now me dears step inside and let me get you a little something to warm you up from the long carriage ride." A couple of glasses of fortified wine inside them and they'd be easy. The first couple of times he'd get them drunk before he fucked them after that they'd soon get the idea that no one else would employ them locally and he'd make sure they had no money to catch the stage anywhere and let's face it dressed in the way he preferred his maids to be dressed they wouldn't have the gall to even go outside anyway. There was a lot to be said for indecently low cut necklines and skirts that were slashed up to the waist. You never knew he might be lucky, Beth had taken nearly two years before she fell in the family way and had to be abandoned in the nearest town. Still it was time to settle down, last time he'd raised the rents two tenants had left which left him with less money coming in than before he'd tried to raise the rents. No he'd find himself a nice heiress, well if the dibs were in tune he didn't care too much what she looked like she'd be living in the country anyway whilst he lived in London and spent her money.

"Well he makes me uneasy if you know what I mean, her mother is pressing her, if she goes through with it and marries him she'll expect me to go with her and I'm not sure I trust him." "I wonder if the Captain would look into it for me?" "If you could ask him sister dear." The chance would be a fine thing, only speak if you're spoken to wasn't the easiest when you had something to say but for the sake of her sister Eve would think of a way. She didn't want to raise the matter over the kitchen table and elsewhere the general rule was don't speak unless spoken to. It was quiet in the afternoon and often he had a little doze in the library.

She first smoothed her skirts and glanced at herself in the hall mirror before stepping quietly into the library. She dusted a few books but soon realised she wasn't going to get his attention that way so stepped closer. She took a deep breath then kneeling before him lightly brushed a crumb from his newfangled trousers which didn't show off a man's calf quite so well as breeches but looked more practical. A second imaginary crumb followed the first a little higher up his thigh. Above her a pair of eyes opened slowly. "Am I in need of being dusted down?" He enquired gently. "Just one or two crumbs." She replied lightly, then unfastened his belt and trousers. An eyebrow went up. "Have to make sure I find all the crumbs." she said as her deft fingers explored his body. She caressed his hardening rod running her thumb over the sensitive end as her sister had mentioned. He shivered as her long hair caressed his groin and her fingers slowly explored his testicles. She was enjoying herself feeling her employer was totally in her power, then she had a sudden thought she'd be the one who had to clean up afterwards, all that extra washing didn't bear thinking about. At the back of her mind was the outrageous idea that one maid had once mentioned to her, "I put his thingy in my mouth." she hadn't believed it at the time but it seemed practical if it saved washing spunk from clothes. She lowered her lips and licked the tip with her tongue until he came with a shudder.

Afterwards he scooped her up into his lap. "Now young lady what's this all about?" "If you please sir servants are taught not to speak unless spoken to." "I see so what's so important?" "It's about my sister." "Needs a job does she?" "On no sir, she's done well for herself and she's a proper lady's maid to a debutant." "The source of the evening gown no doubt." So he had noticed after all, Eve felt a little glow inside her. He looked at her expectantly, "The fact of the matter is that her young lady has accepted a proposal from Lord Kirby but my sister doesn't like the look of him and certainly doesn't want to end up in his household and subject to his whims and fancies." "Couldn't she just obtain another post?" "Well yes but her present young lady is a pleasant to work for and she does feel a certain sense of responsibility for her since she is a heiress." "What would you like me to do?" "Could you do some discreet checking on him for me?" He nodded and passed her a crown from his purse. "I think you've just added some additional duties to your work."

"Tindale I want you to do some digging for me on a Lord Kirby." "What am I looking for?" "Financial status, gambling habits, how does he treat his servants, how profitable is his estate? That sort of thing." "You want to marry him?" "No but that's the sort of check I'd like running on him." "Right I'll start with our man of business and send Alf to have a dig round his estate."

"What have you found so far?" "Well his staff apart from some heavy called Strong no one has been paid for six months but that's not that unusual with the toffs. He frequents a few shady gambling hells and doesn't win that often except when he's playing with youngsters just up from the country." "A shady character then?" "That would be my guess but we'll know more when Alf returns. He's in the hands of the percenters by the way." "So he needs a heiress badly." "Don't we all?" answered Tindale dryly.

"Ask your sister to come and see me on her half day." Eve gave a curtsy in acknowledgement and on her sister's next half day returned with her sister. The captain explained what he'd found out so far but Mercy, Eve's sister thought that Lord Kirby had made too good an impression on her mother for them to take any notice. "Does she have a Godmother who might take her part?" "Lady Morledge, she doesn't think much of Lord Kirby." "Good that means I have an idea that might work to get rid of him." "Eve thought you were good, how can I ever thank you." Eve closed her eyes for a moment she knew exactly what was coming. She knelt forward and undid his trousers once more glancing at Mercy as she did so. "Well you did ask." she said in an exasperated way. Soon the captain had two pairs of hands caressing him and two tongues slurping their way up and down his hard rod. "Gently girl, let's make him last."

The captain arose from the armchair and Eve finished buttoning him up. "Right we have plans to lay." He called out for Tindale and as the man came scurrying into the library he was instructed "Find me a decent set of clothes for a formal call and Eve you'll attend me in parlour maid's outfit."

Lady Morledge's butler looked at the man at the door who wasn't quite dressed in formal Weston tailored style. He was about to deny anyone was at home since Lady Morledge had indicated she wasn't at home to callers this morning before he recognised Eve standing behind in her formal parlour maid's outfit. "Lord Arborn, in person, to see you madam." Lady Morledge thought quickly, the new Lord Arborn hadn't been sighted in society yet. Mary was unofficially engaged, they were just waiting until Lord Steedmond's family were informed before placing the announcement in the papers. How very intriguing and why hadn't Woodward denied her, that was far more intriguing. As he entered the room followed by Eve everything became clearer. "I take it you served with Lieutenant Morledge in the 95^th?" The captain smiled. "So in what way can I serve you?" After closing the doors the captain layed out his plans before her and Lady Morledge made one or two suggestions of her own, suggesting a house party which she offered to arrange at his country home when she saw from his expression he wouldn't know where to start organising such a thing, finally an accord was reached whereby she would supply the expertise and he the funds and the captain took his leave.

"Leighton Lord Arborn will be hosting a house party in about a weeks time. Take Valiant with you and arrange everything, I have a letter of authority here for his staff such as they are, you'll need to add to them. When you get there I'll need to know how many bedrooms there are so I know whom to invite. You'll take the mail to Bedlow then hire what you can to reach his home." Leighton bowed and stepped down to the kitchens where he had Valiant her ladyship's cook pack a valise quickly before they both set forth to take the mail. "A week to bring a household up to scratch and host a house party." "I'm sure you'll manage it Mr. Leighton, I'm more concerned about the state of the kitchens. You say Lord Arborn hasn't even visited the place since he inherited it?" "That is my understanding Mrs. Valiant." They both lapsed into thought.

The housekeeper stood behind the footman as he answered the door. The staff were curious, without anyone in residence visitors were rare and especially these two upper servants. Leighton handed his letter of authority to the footman who passed it to the housekeeper who nodded her acceptance. "Assemble all the staff if you please indoor and out." Staff rushed to gather the others together. "How many guest bedrooms do we have?" "Fifteen Mr. Leighton." "It will have to do." As he inspected the hall one of the maids thought perhaps she could have done a better job that morning of the dusting.

Finally they were all gathered. He looked them over, "Lord Arborn will be hosting a house party here for twenty guests in a week's time including young ladies and gentlemen." The staff looked at each other in dismay. "I'm Lady Morledge's Majordomo Mr. Leighton and with me I have Mrs. Valiant who will assist in the kitchens. I understand Lord Arborn has not experienced the comforts of a country estate recently and I'm sure you'll appreciate the importance of seeing to his comfort and that of his guests in the hope that he'll establish himself here. Now I need at least two dozen extra maids, preferably experienced but I'm willing to accept sisters, cousins and whoever else you can think of. Even married ones who can assist for a few weeks will be acceptable. I need experienced footmen, we'll need extra grooms to help out with the stables. We'll need extra gardeners so I suggest you take the afternoon off and visit to see whom you can come up with." The staff drifted off chattering amongst themselves. He turned to the housekeeper "I'll inspect the kitchens first with Mrs. Valiant to see she has everything she'll need then the bedrooms afterwards. I'll need a groom to carry a letter to London with my report once I've looked things over."

They were sat round the supper table, "Right lads so the plan is to make it look as if Emma has been carried off to Gretna Green, Stan you'll drive the carriage, Mark you'll be inside with Eve wearing Emma's cloak and the others will ride in front and behind for protection since I think there's a good chance Lord Kirby will come after them. Can you see any problems?" Stan could, neither Mark nor Eve could never pass themselves off as quality to any inn servants they spoke to. Still he'd sort something out. Bert spoke up slow like. "Can we just go over that bit about riding. Captain most of the lads have never ridden a horse in their life." Flo snorted "It's dead easy, I used to exercise the horses with my brother when he was a groom." The Captain smiled, Bert mistrusted that smile he'd seen it before. "Right Flo will go with you to show you how to ride." He knew his men, they'd not like to be think they could be beaten by the likes of a mere girl. Flo wondered whose breeches would best fit her, riding all day side saddle wasn't her idea of fun, she'd only tried it the once and that was enough.

Stan tapped into the servant gossip network and came up with the name of a family from York whose niece and nephew were visiting and likely to return to York shortly. After a few words at the kitchen door and the maid assigned to Miss Regina Milbank was mentioning that Lord Arborn was sending a special courier to York in two day's time and she felt certain that for a yellow-boy or two she and her brother could travel in style rather than the cramped stage coach they'd travelled down on. Regina knew exactly how much more the stage coach had cost than the fare more than they had expected. "Is he respectable?" "Well the courier is a maid travelling by herself, I expect she'd prefer to have another female travel with her. Lord Arborn, I've never heard a word said against him." "I'll talk to Robert."

Regina looked in awe at the large elegant travelling coach with liveried postilions that drew up at the door. "I didn't think our yellow-boys would stretch to such elegance." "Eve stepped down from the coach "This is just to carry us to the other smaller travelling coach. Pray step inside."

"Emma my dear just step inside the coach for a moment." Emma looked up to see her Godmother sitting in a small coach. "Hello Godmother." She stepped into the coach and her godmother tapped the roof with her stick and the coach drew away. "Godmother we've left my maid behind." "Well of course we have my dear. Now let me introduce you to Lord Arborn, we're on the way to his estate for a house party. Emma laughed "Godmother you can't just carry me off to a house party." "Of course I can." She handed Emma a list. "It's a Scavenger Hunt and I'm quite determined to win." Emma burst into laughter as she read the list. "You can't kidnap a heiress from the streets of London, never mind an unmarried Lord." "But I just have." Emma laughed again "Oh lord I hope my maid can explain what's happened, what am I to do for clothes pray at his house party of yours? Or maid for that matter. Godmother although I love you you're ridiculous sometimes."

Flo looked over her troop of riflemen. "Now riding a horse is easy, all you have to do is mount." She demonstrated swinging herself up into the saddle from the mounting block. "I know we've been through thick and think together but I never thought I end up on a horse." "Oh is that what they are? I did wonder." "Stop complaining at least we can keep up with the carriage this way rather than running along like footmen behind." "At least I'd know where we're going and how to start and stop." The first ex-soldier managed to mount up with difficulty. "It's a long way down." The second's horse wandered off as he climbed onto the mount. "Hold the reins." She commanded. "You bunch of softies, I could put you all on leading reins if you'd feel better." "Yes please." She shook her head in horror and led them at a walk out of the yard, then put her horse to the trot. "Bloody hell it's not very comfy is it?" She looked around the road was fairly clear so moved them up to a canter so they'd have a smoother ride. They saw the large travelling coach pulled over to the side of the road and Flo drew her troop in behind. The smaller plain coach drew up and the two coaches exchanged their passengers. The larger one set forth for Lord Arborn's estate, the smaller one followed the Great North Road. Since it was chilly Eve suggested to Regina that she wrap a blue cloak she had with her round her shoulders. They stopped for refreshments in Barnet and changed horses once more at Hatfield.

Meanwhile Mercy returned to the house alone to find Lord Kirby waiting to take his fiancee out for a drive in the park. He called to her to fetch her mistress. "I'm sorry sir but she is not at home." The butler looked down his nose at her but Emma's mother demanded to know where she was. Mercy looked down at the floor, "She was taken up in a closed carriage with a man in it, an ex-captain I believe, they were heading towards the Angel." "Oh God not the Great North Road how could she do this to me." "Never fear I'll stop them. What was she wearing?" "Her blue cloak my Lord." Lord Kirby dashed from the house to return to the stables to grab a fresh horse and give chase up the Great North Road. As soon as he departed on horse back, Tindale gave the nod to the bailiffs to move in.

Mercy would have slipped away upstairs but Emma's father guided her into the library. "Now then let's have the real story." "Real story my lord?" "I've never seen any maid whose charge has eloped look so unconcerned." "Her Godmother was also in the coach my Lord." They heard the front door open to admit two morning callers. "My dear have you heard the bailiffs were at Lord Kirby's door this morning?" "Where is your daughter Emma this morning?" Emma's mother looked overwrought and looked up gratefully for support when her husband entered the room. "Emma? She's with her Godmother doing something or other." His wife looked at him and was reassured by what she saw. Mercy was dispatched the following morning with Emma's wardrobe in the small coach that the house keeper generally used for shopping. With the coach laden down with trunks Mercy found herself sitting on high next to the driver praying it didn't rain although the driver did mention he had a spare set of waterproofs if she needed them.

Lord Kirby questioned the grooms at Barnet and soon set off in pursuit of a young blonde lady wearing a blue cloak with a young man. He galloped pass Flo and two of her flock, the other two were riding in advance of the carriage. He drew along side the coach and glanced in to see a blue cloak he recognised and shouted to the driver to stop. Stan ignored him until a pistol was pointed towards him when he reluctantly drew the coach to a halt. Lord Kirby still holding his pistol in one hand hurled open the carriage door. There was a very loud explosion and smoke filled the coach. Lord Kirby staggered back, shot in the shoulder. Stan having tied the reins up soon dropped on top of him and the two outriders lent their presence in order to subdue him. "I do apologise about firing the pistol in an enclosed space but it seemed necessary at the time." Eve placed the large horse pistol back in her oversized reticule and stepped out of the coach with her ears ringing to see what assistance she could offer with Lord Kirby. She dived in her reticule and soon was wrapping up Lord Kirby's wound. In the process his card case, and purse were slipped into her practical skirt's pockets. Stan picked up what was happening and deftly removed his lordship's signet ring. "I suppose we need a magistrate now." Suggested Regina's brother Robert as he saw just how competently the would be highwayman had been dealt with. "I think there's a inn ahead should we put him in the carriage." Regina looking at the blood thought that it was best not to get blood on the floor. So he was set up on the most sluggish of the saddle horses, the rider was more than glad to take a seat next to Stan. Flo took an apple from her pocket and took a bite out of it before feeding it to his high breed stallion. She talked quietly to it then mounted and the little procession set forth to the next village to pause at the inn for directions to the nearest magistrate. "Isn't it fortunate those riders came on us so soon." Remarked Regina, Robert didn't like to say anything as he'd noticed them earlier when they'd last changed horses.

The squire came out to meet them. "I hear you've caught a dangerous highwayman?" Looking at Lord Kirby on his sorry horse. "It's all a pack of lies, I'm Kirby and inside the coach is a kidnapped heiress." Regina stepped down from the coach. "I won't say I'm pleased to meet you Mr. Kirby but it's the first time my dowery of a mere thousand pounds has been called anything other than respectable. As for being kidnapped I'm sure my brother who is travelling with me can vouch that I haven't been kidnapped." The squire looked taken back. "Do you have any proof of who you are?" "My card case is in my waistcoat pocket." The squire nodded to his servant to search him but no card case was found, nor a purse either. "I've been robbed!" came the cry. "Yes well no doubt you can write a letter and get someone to vouch for you, meantime I think we'd better bind you over for the quarter sessions. Now the rest of you I'd better have your sworn statements as to what has occurred."

The travelling carriage continued its journey north. This time more closely escorted by Flo and her troop. "You were expecting something of the sort?" Enquired Regina of Eve. Eve had the grace to blush. "We needed a believable heiress in the coach, I could never carry it off, it needed to be someone of quality so that the inn servants would say the right things to Lord Kirby if he enquired. Servants seem to be able to sense Quality. If it helps you have helped a heiress escape marriage to that man and I'm sure her family will be very grateful to you in the future." "I thought two yellow-boys was too good to be true." "Well we could hardly offer to pay you could we?" Regina nodded thoughtfully. "Lord Arborn is having a house party currently I'm sure he'd be delighted if you'd like to attend and a carriage will be available to take you home afterwards." She said blithely committing the Captain. Regina nodded her agreement, a house party at a Lord's country home there might be possibilities there. Eve slid open the panel to speak to Stan. "We've changed our minds, the Captain's country estate if you please."

Tindale rode on ahead to warn the house that they were coming and what to expect. He looked at the suite of rooms prepared for the captain but warned them not to stand on ceremony. "He normally eats with us and discusses any issues arising so I'd expect him to do the same here including the senior staff." He looked round, the breakfast room, "and since I can't see the guests accepting staff at their breakfast table it had better be the servants hall."

Flo groomed the stallion then fed him talking to him all the while getting him used to her. She gave orders that no one was to do anything with the stallion and that she alone would see to his every need. One of the grooms murmured lucky stallion when he heard the news.

"This is Ann, Vi, and Joan. They'll be your chaperons during the house party." "Chaperon? Why on earth would I need a chaperon?" "Some of the young ladies invited are no better than they should be and will no doubt attempt to compromise you." So hence the chaperons?" Eve smiled to him, "And who will keep up with me if I wish to go for a gallop?" "That will be Flo, she's gentling a horse at the moment." "Will she be able to keep up with me or will I be restricted to a trot?" "If you recall the stray stallion she found by the side of the road that she's spending time with to make it feel at home I think she'll be able to keep up with you." Lord Arborn nodded his agreement.

That evening Vi was curled up in Nash's bed on the left side warming the sheets for him when the door opened slowly and she heard someone tip toe in. She rolled over and pulled the sheet down. "Can I help you at all?" "Oh you gave me a shock, I must have come to the wrong room by mistake." "Would you like me to guide you back to your own room?" "No, no I can find my own way."

"Who's been sleeping in my bed." "I was only warming the sheets sir." "Does this mean you're here to warm my bed?" "If that means what I think it does I'd be delighted to, I assume if I fall with child you'll marry me?" Nash's amorous intentions seemed to disappear quickly. "I'll just move over to the other side of the bed then shall I?" Vi asked. "Do I really need a chaperon at night?" "Well you did have a young lady guest in her earlier in her night attire, apparently she found her way back to the wrong room." "But didn't we put all the female guests in the other wing?" "Well she might not have noticed the two flights of stairs." Nash leaned over and kissed her before turning his back on her and going to sleep, much to Vi's disappointment.

The house party was a great success due to Lady Morledge's staff organising ability and her knack of mixing people together. Since she'd deliberately invited more gentlemen than ladies and organised them with plenty to do the addition of Regina and Robert cause only the slightest disturbance as guest rooms were shuffled to accommodate the unexpected guests. The food was of the highest quality, picnics were organised, informal dances with the local gentry invited. Since no one had been shooting over the land for other than a few poachers game was plentiful. In the relaxed atmosphere there wasn't so much pressure on to make a match as there was in the London balls and routs. The household followed Eve's lead in welcoming Macy's Emma to the house. If the gardener happen to spot her walking in the garden he would point out items of special interest. Emma relaxed especially away from her mother and was interested to meet her maid's sister who seemed to hold some position of importance in the household and it was pleasant the way that the staff went out of their way to look after her.

Lady Eliza did try to compromise Lord Arborn by running him to ground in the estate office then asking Emma to fetch a pale blue shawl she'd left in her room which would have left Lord Arborn alone with her but Eve merely rang the bell and asked Ann who arrived at her summons carrying Lady Eliza's shawl over her arm to fetch Lady Eliza's shawl. Eve raised a questioning eyebrow and was told later that Ann had been suspicious when Lady Eliza had hidden the shawl behind the sofa in the drawing room. Lady Eliza later complained to her mother that it was impossible to get the Earl alone he seemed to guarded by a small group of maids. "Really mama, even when we went riding there was one along with us. I mean how could I possibly fall off my horse and be alone with him with her along."

Lord Arbon suitably chaperoned by Eve strolled in the gardens escorting Emma. "Nash, you know your home is very comfortable, and the gardens are a delight but when is my stay here to end?" "Your stay here may be as long as you wish." "I accept." She stepped closer and kissed him on the cheek. At his puzzled look she clarified "Well the only possible way I could stay here without comment for any length of time would be as your wife, so obviously you were proposing and I've accepted." She beamed at him. Eve tried to keep a straight face as Lord Arbon glanced at her, still it would mean she'd be with her sister. He nodded his acceptance to Emma, looking forward to a much closer relationship with Marcy and her sister.