20. Chapter 20

Chapter 20

More Going Out the Door

F red went back out to the stables. “Abel? Horace?” He heard or saw no one. Fred threw up his hands in utter incredulity. “Must I discharge the stable staff as well?”

The Maxwell’s coach door opened. “My lord, we are in here.” Fred walked over to the coach to observe what they were doing inside the coach.

“What is it inside the coach requiring both of you?”

“Since the Maxwells, most likely, will not be needing the coach for a few days, I thought it a good time to reupholster the seats. They have been worn for some time. I ordered the material, but they used the coach often enough that it prohibited my ability to do the job. So Horace and I thought, rather than sit idle, I told him to help me get this done.” To Fredrick, Abel’s answer sounded matter-of-fact, rather than defensive. It pleased Fred.

“May I look? Most coachmen don’t have this type of expertise. Where did you learn this particular skill, Abel?” He looked in. What they had completed, so far, looked professional.

“Tufting?”

“Yes. Tufting is a hard skill to learn. You could obtain a job making much more money working for a company that required that particular expertise.”

“Yes, my lord. I tried looking for a while. Unable to obtain a position, I fell back on a skill that I had a better chance of obtaining. I am grateful for Lord Maxwell hiring me.”

“Yes, but if you had the opportunity to work in upholstery, would you pursue it?”

“That would depend on a number of things. The pay, the owner, the hours, and the distance from home. One thing I am most unhappy about is being unable to live or…sleep with my wife. Sending her my pay and seeing her a few hours a week is hard on both of us. I would love the opportunity to be with her. It would be wonderful, but, as I said, it would depend.”

“What if you could work five to seven days a week, working eight to twelve hours a day?”

“Do you know a person who owns a business who would require my upholstering skills?”

“Yes, I do.”

“Well, do they have a good reputation? Is the owner as good and fair as is Lord Maxwell?”

“I believe he is.”

“Then I would entertain the possibility, although I would never leave this family without a good and decent replacement. They are going through such a difficult time and I would hate to leave them under these circumstances.”

“I understand, Abel. You are a good man.”

“My lord?” Fred walked back toward the house when Abel requested his attention.

“Yes, Abel?”

“Perhaps I might be able to interview for the position. If I explain the situation here and they still want my employment, then I could assist in finding the family another coachman. Do you think you could arrange an interview?”

“You just had one,” Fred answered with a smile. “I can promise you two things. One, you will make more money. Two, you will be able to sleep with your wife at night.”

“Are you the owner, my lord?” Abel looked agog.

“They say I am. From time to time, I wonder. Start looking for a replacement.”

With exuberance. “Oh, yes, yes, of course, my lord.”

As Fred walked up to the door, a stranger opened it. “Are you Lord Windham?”

“My heavens, yes I am. And you are the new butler, I hope?”

“I hope so, my lord.” The man smiled, but not too much. “I am prepared to learn as much as I can from an excellent mentor.”

“And what would your name be?” Fred smiled at him; he wanted the man to feel comfortable.

“Mr. Owen, my lord.” Calvin, who stood behind the new butler gave a thumbs up. Fred nodded.

“I think we are going to be a little better since Mr. Winston found Mr. Owen.” Calvin held his mouth tight. Fred understood the source of Calvin’s disquietude.

“A little?" Mmm . "Did you find Mr. Winston? Is he on his way? ” Calvin was unsure as to Lord Fredrick's concern. “He said he would be down directly. He is perturbed. The house has been neglected. There is too much work to be addressed.”

“I shall find him, my lord.” Mr. Owen bowed, then left Lord Fredrick in the drawing room.

Fred, with concern, asked Calvin. “You made a face at the back door and yet you gave me a thumbs up on Mr. Owen. Was your grimace concerning the new butler?”

“Oh, no, my lord. I think Mr. Owen is going to be an excellent addition to the Maxwell house. My grimace had to do with Mrs. Springer and the lower maids. Without the Lord or Lady Maxwell active in the household, they feel accountable to no one. I have concerns for both Mr. Winston and the new butler. I fear they might both leave with this continued upheaval.”

Mr. Winston entered the drawing room. “My lord, have you met the new butler?”

“Yes, I have. I’m sure if you hired him, he is going to be an excellent butler. Please have him come in for this meeting as well.” Mr. Winston quickly stepped out and returned with Mr. Owen. “Now you are here, I want the three of you to have a seat.” The three sat down.

Mr. Winston sat, back straight with hands on his lap. Mr. Owen looked at Mr. Winston and quickly emulated his behavior. “Yes, I wanted to ensure that Mr. Owen had his new position secured before I alerted you to the issues with the housekeeper, but from this meeting, I assume Mrs. Springer has run out of time. Am I correct?” Mr. Winston inquired.

“Your assumption is correct. I pride myself on my word, however, she is not deserving of the agreement we made; the agreement Calvin and you witnessed.” Fredrick stood with his hands behind his back and collected his thoughts. “Mr. Winston, can you share with me what you have observed regarding Mrs. Swindler’s work behavior for the last three days.” Fredrick knew Mr. Winston would have a full accounting.

“She sleeps late, retires early, and eats enough for three people…that might be four.” He smiled. “In all honesty, my lord, it is my recommendation that Mrs. Springer and the two lower maids be discharged without recommendation. You know I have the ads written already. I wanted to wait to deliver them to the newspapers. I can have Calvin deliver them now, with your approval, of course, my lord.”

“Add at least one upper maid to the advertisement.”

“I have already written it, my lord.”

“I suppose we best get this Mrs. Swindler taken care of first. Calvin, after this is taken care of, I want you to take her wherever she wants to go in London, take the ads and drop them off, then return to get the other two miscreants.”

Calvin rubbed his hands together and had a huge grin on his face. “Beg pardon, my lord, as soon as you give me the order.”

“So, where is Mrs. Blubber Mouth?” He looked at Mr. Winston and Calvin.

“More than likely my Lord, she is still downstairs, reading a book and eating another plate of food.” Mr. Winston answered Fredrick’s question, unable to mask his disgust.

“Alright, Calvin you go tell her she is expected upstairs within ten minutes. When she comes up, you start packing her things. Mr. Winston, I need you and Mr. Owen to witness the discharge. By the time I have discharged her, Calvin, you should have her things packed and ready to go.”

“I shall tell Abel to hitch up the coach before I tell Mrs. Springer to come back upstairs.” Calvin kept smiling.

“Calvin, Abel is in the middle of something with the coach. It will have to be the small carriage.” Fred even begrudged providing her with a ride out of their home. “Tell him to hitch the carriage. I know he is busy out there right now, but this is more important, at the moment.”

“He is a hard worker. He jumps in and does what needs to be done. I will tell him first, my lord.”

“Calvin, go now.”

“Yes, my lord.” He stood and walked out the door.

Fred paced the room and shook his head, speaking to no one. “I am here to end this fiasco. It baffles me that Lord and Lady Maxwell put up with such slackers.” He attempted to understand their mindset of ignoring employees’ poor working practices. He saw no instance where this would be acceptable.

“Calvin mentioned that the lord and lady feared to discharge them.” Mr. Winston shook his head.

“Well, I hate to say it, but you need to stay at least another week.” Fred had his hands on his lapels as he continued to pace around the room. “The Maxwells are here, but will be emotionally absent.”

“Mr. Owen and I will do what we can to reduce their emotional pain, my lord.”

“Mr. Winston, you are a good man. You should tell your boss you deserve a raise.”

Mr. Winston, hands behind his back, contained his smile. “My employer pays me well. I would be embarrassed to ask for more.”

“When you feel you should have more, all you need to do is ask. I’m fairly sure your boss would be lost without your help.”

“Thank you, my lord.”

They stepped into the hallway and entered the kitchen. “Cook! How are you faring?” She had been with the family a long time.

“Aye, well, mi laird. I’m verra good.”

“How is the housekeeper faring these days?” Fred winked at Mr. Winston.

“Leisg boireannach feumaidh a dhol! Tha I uamhasach!”

“Elspeth, no one has any idea what you are saying. Now, tell me.” Fred tried to focus on her mouth. He hoped to be able to understand her by paying closer attention. It failed. Fred enjoyed the hell out of her.

“I cannae say, in the English, mi laird. She is boggin’.”

“She’s terrible?”

“Aye, an-còmhnaidh ag ithe.”

“Elspeth, I have no idea what that means.” Fred had his hands on his hips, frowning down at her, fighting as best he could not to get tickled at Elspeth’s rampage. Fred nodded his head at her, which only encouraged her.

“Chan eil math. No good!” Elspeth made one hand in the form of a plate, the other hand as a fork stabbing at something, and putting it in her mouth. She did that repeatedly.

“She is always eating?” Fred squinted his eyes as if that would help him to better understand.

“Aye, an- còmhnaidh ag ithe. We dinny feum, uh…uh, need her! We dinny need her, mi laird.”

He walked over and hugged her. “You are so right, ‘we dinny feum her.’”

“Aye! Now, ye’re wantin’ to ithe – eat, mi laird?”

“Aye. I think after I am done, we will all want to have a bit of lunch, Elspeth.” She smiled up at him and gave him a squeeze. “Now, I need you to stay in this kitchen until I am finished with my job. Alright?”

“Aye, mi laird. Mi’ll be doin’ that for ye.”

“Elspeth, do me a favor and continue with the Scottish English. That way, I have half a chance to understand you.”

“Mi cannae do it when ah’m barmy, mi laird. Sho is boggin’ – Sho is awfie!”

“That is alright, Elspeth. I am going to take care of it if she ever comes up from her fifth or sixth nap of the day.”

Fred began to pace in the kitchen. Mr. Winston put his index finger to his lips as an indication for Mr. Owen not to disturb Lord Windham when he paced. Calvin stood there making an eke-ish face. “Calvin, go back down there and tell that drouthy hen that she has two… two minutes to get up here or I will go down there and drag her up here by her nasty, greasy hair.”

“Yes, my lord.” Calvin suppressed a grin.

“And if she gets up, you stay there and throw her belongings in her dirty bedclothes. Tie them in a knot. I will deduct the bedclothes from her pay, although I doubt she is owed a farthing based on her work schedule.”

“Y- yes, my lord.” Calvin disappeared down the backstairs. Gone more than two minutes, but –

Elspeth, Mr. Winston, and Mr. Owen heard her heavy footfalls dragging up the stairs. The three observed that Lord Fredrick had become more impatient by the moment. “Mrs. Swindler. I have waited for you to get up here for over twenty-five minutes.” He enunciated precisely. “Do you know what I do when someone wastes twenty-five minutes of my time?”

“N-no, my lord.” She stuttered. She could see the pendulum swinging.

“My name is Lord Windham. Say it!” He reminded her – spitting mad.

“Lord Windham.”

“You are discharged. Completely and utterly discharged without recommendation. Henceforward, if I see you on the street, near a shop, on the road, you best run as fast as those fat hooves of yours can carry you because I might be, no – I will be inclined to lose control of my carriage and run you over. More than likely, you would destroy my carriage, but with luck, I would find you lying under it. And remember one thing, Mrs. Swindler, I am a Marquess, a lord of the realm. And I can run you over any time I wish without consequence. Calvin is packing your things. If you attempt to return downstairs for any reason, I will have Abel hook you up to the coach and drag you down the street.”

“You have no rig – “ Her arms were down by her side with her hands in fists.

“I can do whatever I please, and it pleases the shite out of me to rid you of this house. Now, Mr. Winston, did you keep track of her working hours for the past week?”

“Yes, my lord, I did.”

“And!” Lord Fredrick barked.

“She may have worked five hours, my lord.” Mr. Winston glanced at the housekeeper who appeared to be ready to explode.

“What!” Fred roared as his voice raised another octave.

“Yes, my lord. And I believe that is being generous.”

“You told me you would give me a week.” She stomped her foot.

Fred looked down at her foot. “You are jesting. I am sure you are jesting. As far as the week agreement goes, based on what you have done so far, I don’t believe the last day or two will make a whit of difference.”

“Well, I get paid by the month, Lord Windham.” Mrs. Swindler indignantly announced.

“I tell you what I am going to do for you. I am going to pay you two pounds. I had Abel hitch the horses to take you anywhere in London, but since you are such an arrogant piece of lard, you can use your hooves.” Her hands still in fists, she stepped toward him.

“You can’t do this to me.” She shouted.

“Calvin! Get up here right this minute.” They could hear Calvin running up the stairs.

“Apologies, My lord, she had a lot of – “ He looked over at Mrs. Springer, then quickly, back to Lord Fredrick, “a lot of things. I had to ensure she would not leave with anything belonging to the Maxwells. I found a lot of things they had been looking for.”

“Give her those things you have in the bedclothes.” He pointed to the bedclothes filled with her belongings. “Now, Mrs. Swindler, get out of here, before I call Bow Street and have you arrested for theft.”

She didn’t move. “I want my two pounds.” Her same obstinate behavior.

“I changed my mind. Mr. Winston, you have the ads?”

“Yes, my lord.” Mr. Winston briskly walked to the butler’s room, picked up the ads, and returned, handing the ads to Calvin.

“Calvin, you may as well take her as far as the newspapers. You are going there as it is. Calvin, grab her and get her out the door before I grab her by that nasty, greasy hair and drag her out of here..”

Fred had his hands back on his hips and blew out a breath. He stopped in front of Elspeth. “Elspeth, have I made you happy now?” He gave her a big grin. “In English or Scottish slang, but no Gaelic, please.”

“Aye.” She pinched his cheek. Only she could get away with that. “Ah’m verra happy, mi laird. Thank ye.” She put on a stern face. “Now, get out of ma kitchen if ye’re wantin’ to ithe…uh…eat.”

“Yes, ma’am. We only wish to make you a verra happy, Elspeth.” Fred said as he armed the two butlers and walked them, once more, into the small drawing room.

“Mr. Winston, now you can go downstairs and discharge the lower maids. They did nothing at all. Have you written the ads for them?”

“I gave those to Calvin as well, my lord. Is there anything else you need?” Mr. Winston looked at Fredrick. “How did they get this house to run at all?” Winston’s question was rhetorical. Fred shook his head – beyond perplexed at the disarray in the Maxwell house. He sat down in the small kitchen chair and looked up at Mr. Winston. “We are fast in taking steps to rectify this mess, my lord. I think you could use a scotch, my lord. Shall I get the decanter for you now?”

“It is eleven o’clock. Mr. Winston, you are correct, I want a scotch.” He looked over at the liquor decanter, “But, I sure don’t need one; too early and I must return home.” He reached back to massage his neck. “I would like to leave before the family wakes. Honestly, I’m surprised they are still asleep.”

“I think Lord and Lady Maxwell are awake. I’m not sure if Lord Maxwell has taken his wife into Lord David’s bedchamber yet.”

“I need to go. I hope you can hire a housekeeper soon. The Maxwells will soon learn how much you can do in their house.”

“Should I be flattered, my lord?” Mr. Winston gave Fredrick a mischievous smile.

“Yes, I believe you should.” He smiled back at Mr. Winston. “I’m away.”

“Ye’ll nae laive. Ye’ll sit doon an eht.” Little Elspeth would not be crossed.

Little but mighty. Fred thought he might as well. He had hoped to take care of the family’s needs as best he could and leave before Margaret came down. He wanted to see her, hold her, but he realized her interest lay elsewhere. He continued to be confused over how she had reacted to him. He thought perhaps he had only been an experiment or part of some kind of silly research that a curious, headstrong lady like Margaret might try.

You know that is not true. You started both of those encounters, not her. But she could have stopped me. She did not. Because you did, you fool. Make up your mind. That is exactly what she said. Oh, shite. He did not like sitting idle. When busy, he only thought of her every other minute or so. But now, he had completed his mission, she had taken possession of thoughts.

They did not need him for anything here. Sitting, all he could do was think about her, emerald eyes and the smell of jasmine. How he ached for the feel of her. Her luscious lips. How she could titillate him with her alluring strut and sultry voice. He had never been so captivated in his life.

Where Did They Find These People?

“My lord?” Fred looked around to see Mr. Winston. He looked up. “My lord. Would you discharge the lower maids?”

“I told you to do that, Mr. Winston.” He turned back to the table. He had eaten more than enough. He finally sat long enough to woolgather.

“My lord. That would be true under normal circumstances. These two ladies refused to leave under my dismissal.”

“Where is Calvin? Get Calvin and then call Abel in from the stables. Then come back here.” The utter arrogance of these wastrels amazed him. He got up from the table and stood, waiting for Calvin and Abel. Mr. Winston returned.

“I called out to Abel. He is on his way. Calvin left to deliver the ads. He should be here soon.”

“I can assist, my lord.” Ah! The mysterious Howie. “I have been getting furniture out of storage, cleaning it, and putting it in the spare bedchambers. I found a chaise for Lord David’s bedchamber as well.”

“Thank you, Howie. Alright, we three are going downstairs to get those two squatters out of this house. I’m unsure what they may have belonging to them, but I want you both to pack up whatever they have and put it in a bag, a case, or their bedclothes. If they are still downstairs when I am done, escort them out. If they go out, make sure you give them anything belonging to them, but make sure it is out of this house. Tell them they have five minutes to get off the property or I will get Bow Street to arrest them for vagrancy. So, any questions?” He stood for a second. “Alright, here we go.”

His disgust was not limited to the staff, but the Maxwells for hiring and then keeping these dullards. He walked down the stairs and wondered how he ended up managing this household. You did it all by yourself, Fredrick. I admit it. I did it for Margaret. I did it for her.

“What room are these squatters in?” Fred asked, his disgust only increasing.

“Down this way. The last two chambers on the right,” Howie responded, rather tentatively. Lord Fredrick made him nervous.

The doors stood open. Initially, he was unsure if the first room was vacant. Heavy drapes over the windows made it difficult to see. Suddenly, they heard chatter. Lord Fredrick looked into the second chamber. It was much like the first; heavy drapes were closed that made it difficult to see, but their cackling was so loud, it was obvious they were having a grand time. “Good day to you, ladies.” He said calmly. ”Howie, pick up that lantern and lit it from one of the sconces.” Without a word, Howie picked up the lantern, stepped out briefly, and returned, holding the lantern for Fredrick.

They stood, wide-eyed. “Good day to you, my lord.”

“Did my man, Mr. Winston, come down here and discharge you?” He tried to remember to remain calm.

“Well.” They looked at each other. The chubby one on the right spoke. “Well, we don’t work for him, so we figured he weren’t allowed to do that.”

“Yeah.” The chubbier one spoke, supporting her colleague.

“So, ladies , I am here to confirm that Mr. Winston, indeed had the right, but as you deemed him invalid, I have come down to personally inform you.” He thought to himself, be calm, be calm, the hell with that. He yelled. “Get. The. Hell. Out. Nooow!” The two dullards were so frightened, one peed on the floor. “Are you deaf as well as stupid? Get out. Howie, Abel, do you have their things?” The two discharged were still frozen, but the one that peed started crying.

“I have one done.” Called Abel from the first room.

“Howie, are you finished?” It certainly looked like it. “I am going to count to two and you had better be out by then.” He could not restrain himself. Too tired for restraint. “One – Two.”

They both screamed and ran. “Follow them out and make sure they are off the property.”

“Y-yes, my lord.” Answered Howie, taking the lantern with him. So Fred walked out of the chamber with the piss on the floor. Walked into the first chamber, put his back against the wall, and threw his head back. Dark and quiet – at long last. “Good heavens. This house is enough to make anyone crazy.” He let out an audible breath.

“So now you have discovered my excuse.” Margaret walked in and leaned against the door.

He continued to lean against the wall. “Margaret, What. Are. You. Doing. Down. Here?” He had not slept since he left with Edward to bring David home.

“I heard a madman yelling and thought, ‘I know we have a house full of crazies, but they don’t generally yell. Oh, or have male voices.’ That is what I thought.”

“I hate to inform you, but you no longer have a house full of crazies, at least not the servant kind. I think I discharged the last of them right before you wandered down here.” He looked toward the door but was only able to see her silhouette. “You know, this is not all that bad. I’m so tired, I could probably sleep standing up.” Dark – cool – quiet.

“Lord Fredrick, have you not slept since you took Papa to Eton? Fredrick. You…What? You have gotten rid of all the hired help?”

“You caught that, did you? I keep telling people you are smart.” He managed a weary smile she was likely unable to see.

“Oh, Fredrick. No more Boardback?”

“Gone.” His head was still supported by the wall.

“No more Mrs. Springer?”

“You mean, Mrs. Swindler? Gone.”

“And those two lower maids, I know they are gone.”

“Like I said, you really are smart.” Sarcasm oozing from his words.

She ignored the sarcasm .“Fredrick, thank you so much for doing what my parents would not. I’m sure they will be grateful, too, when they finally notice. Which might be a while. Papa is handling it better than Mama.”

“Oh? You should have been with me on the way back from Eton.” He probably should not have said anything.

“Oh…” She seemed to be struggling for something to say. Fred wanted her, but she cared for Henry.

“I’ll be gone. So you will miss your chance at Lord Addams. My apologies. Of course, there are still the low-season balls.”

“Fredrick.” She almost whispered.

“Hum?”

“Fredrick.”

“Hum?” His eyes were closed. He did not want to look at her. Besides, his exhaustion left him too tired to argue and it seemed to be either passion or argument. He should not think of the passion between them. Their passion in the carriage the night of the near robbery – wonderous. The most passionate, erotic experience. His friend below began to wake up. Frogs, mud, that fat stupid Mrs. Swindler, Margaret’s gorgeous bosom.

“I’m having a difficult time with David.”

“I understand completely. It has to be difficult.”

“But I still cannot help thinking about you.”

“Oh, Margaret, why tell me such? You told me you were interested in Lord Addams. So why tell me such a thing? You wish to continue to hone your talent? Let me tell you now.” He finally opened his eyes, pulled his head off the wall, and looked at her silhouette. “You don’t need any more lessons. Henry will think he died and went to heaven.”

“Fredrick.” She walked over to him. She put her hands on his chest. “I want you . I want you to hold me, Fred. Please.” He hesitantly put his arms around her. He rested his cheek on the top of her head and took in a breath of jasmine. He would be happy to sleep right here, holding her in his arms, resting his head on the top of hers, and taking in the hypnotic scent of jasmine.

“Fredrick.” She pressed up against him. “I want you.”

“Margaret, 'tis only because you are emotional. It is understandable given the circumstances the family finds itself in right now.” Hard as stone already!

She looked up to try and see into those handsome eyes of his. “I understand about being upset about David. And thank you for hiring Mary. But Fredrick, I know the difference between being upset about David and my crazy desire for you.”

He finally looked down at her. “Margaret, you are so beautiful. You are like a siren. Tired as I am, you make me crazy.” He put his hands on the sides of her face. “I’m going to kiss you, Margaret.”

“Please, Fredrick.” Invitation accepted. He ached for her. He craved the fullness of her lips. He traced their fullness and she welcomed him in. He slid one hand around her back and the other moved down to her ample breast he caressed. She moaned.

As he pulled his lips from hers, he whispered into her mouth. “Margaret, we cannot do this. You are too overwrought over your brother and I would only be taking advantage of your emotions.”

“Fredrick – you don’t want me? Why?” She kept her hands on his chest and tried to move her body even closer; her voice low and sensuous.

“Good heavens, Margaret. You must be crazy! He took her hand, kissed the palm, then guided it down to his fall. “Do you still believe I don’t want you? Does my cock feel like a man with no desire for you? Heavens, Margaret. I want you madly. Desperately. Only. Which is vexing, but true.”

“Then kiss me. Kiss me.” He finally caught the light of those emerald eyes. They said so much. Pain. Passion. He sealed his lips to hers; her mouth opened, wanting, demanding more from him. He became rapt in this woman; oblivious to all but this woman and his aching need for more of her. She had her hand on his cock and began to run her hands over it.

He pulled away from the kiss and pushed her away from him. “What did I do? Did I do it wrong, Fredrick? Please.” He stepped over and slammed the door. The room now, so dark. He took her hand and pushed her with her back to the bed; his mouth pressed to hers. He desperately wanted more. He put his hand on her breast and gently moved his thumb across her nipple. Even through her clothes. he could feel her nipple peak.

She moaned. “Fred, I want more…of you – I want you, Fredrick. Please.” She pressed her chest closer to him. He moved his mouth from hers, he nibbled down the side of her face, to her ivory neck, to the soft spot between her shoulder and neck, and stayed there. She dropped her head back for him to feast. As his one hand remained to coddle her voluptuous breast, his other hand reached down and raised her dress until he felt the very object of his ultimate desire.

“Lay down.” She responded to his behest. He released her skirt as she lay down. Fred removed his topcoat, then laid down with his body covering hers. He kissed her and she pressed her pelvis to him. Again, his lips traveled down her neck, landing on her breast. Through her dress, his mouth surrounded her nipple. He took quick, little bites. She groaned as she continued to thrust her pelvis; to feel his cock between her thighs. He got on all fours, crawled down to the end of the bed, and stepped off. He took her ankles and pulled her to the end of the bed. He got down on his knees.

“What are you doing, Fredrick?” He could imagine her face turning a light color of pink. On her elbows, she raised her head to try and look at him. It was so dark.

“Lay back and enjoy it, Margaret. I’m going to give you what you want.”

“I don’t understand.” Her body ached – she craved a release to ease the overwhelming desire for what – she did not know.

“Lay back, Margaret.” He put her legs over his shoulders and began kissing her inner thigh. It made her squirm. Fredrick smiled as he continued kissing up her thigh until he reached the core of her. He sighed. “You want me, Margaret?”

“Yes, yes, Fredrick. I want you desperately.” She answered, breathlessly. This was so erotic.

He ran his thumbs up the creases, finding that gorgeous pearl. It engorged. “You are beautiful, Margaret.” He ran his tongue up to tickle that lovely pearl. “This is mine, isn’t it, Margaret.”

“Yes, Fredrick. Please.” He put his mouth over it, then licked it.

He took his mouth away and blew on it. “Say it, Margaret. Tell me this cunny is mine.” He put his mouth on it again and let his tongue slide up and down her clitoris.

“It is yours, Fredrick, please, now please.” She moaned.

“Tell me what is mine, Margaret, tell me your cunny is mine.”

“Yes, Fred, my – my cunny is yours. All yours. Please.”

He reached up to put one hand over her nipple. He laid his mouth over her lovely pearl, then licked until he could feel her quiver, then he inserted a finger.

She stiffened. Cried out, Her whole body quivering in release. He raised his head as she rode out her orgasm. He gently removed her legs from his shoulders, stood over her, leaned down, and kissed her sweetly. Embarrassed at her taste on his lips, she covered her face with her hands.

“Margaret, take your hands down, please. I loved it – the feel of you. You are wonderful.” He stood and pulled her up toward the head of the bed. He put his arms on either side of her head. He laid his long body on top of hers and thrust his pelvis into her. It felt hard against her and she moaned. He crawled down her again. “I want you to come on my mouth again. I want you to call out my name when you come.” He began to lick her cunny again, this time she had so much more desperation in her voice.

“Fred – please, make me come again.”

He blew on the engorged pearl. “Tell me – you want only me, Margaret.” She was moving her pelvis. “Tell me.”

“You are all I want, please Fredrick, Please.”

“You are even wetter than the first time.” He put his mouth over her clitoris and began a constant rhythm of moving his tongue back and forth. As he continued, he reached up with both hands until he found her nipples and pinched them, hard. She came undone.

“Je – sus – Fre – drick.” Her orgasm was more intense than the first one. They were both breathing heavily.

“Margaret, I want you.” He sat up on his knees, unbuttoned his fall, and he reached down and pulled his cock out. “Touch me, Margaret. Like you did when we were against the wall.” She reached down. It was much larger than she had ever imagined. “Stroke it, like this.” He put his hand over hers and showed her. “Oh, Margaret. I want to fuck you so badly.”

“Then take me, Fredrick. I want you to. Please.”

“Keep stroking me. I’m going to come wishing I was inside you. Then I’m going to make you come again.” He had her tighten her grip around his cock. “Faster, Margaret.” She pumped his cock. She felt his head fall back. He let out a loud grown. and she felt warm, wetness on her hand. “Wipe your hand on the bedclothes.” He told her as he crawled down her again.

He pulled her down to the end of the bed again. Put her legs over his shoulders. “I’m going to put my finger inside you, fucking you with my fingers.” He stroked over her pearl with his thumb. “You are so wet for me. Only me. Only ever me, Margaret.” He moved his finger in and out of her. He put his mouth on her pearl again.

When he covered his mouth over her clitoris and licked, it drove her mad. “I could come again right now.” She was barely audible.

“Go ahead. Come. I’m not done with you yet.” He continued to lick and inserted a second finger.

His fingers felt her clinch as she had her third orgasm. He smiled to himself. She would never want anyone but him. “God, Margaret, you are so tight. Fucking you will be carnal bliss.” He stroked his fingers in and out of her cunny as he lashed her with his tongue. “I can feel you, Margaret, you are going to come again.”

She could hardly breathe. His voice, so deliberate, so demanding. She could do nothing but come again. “Y-y-es. Ohh. Y-y-yes.” He hooked his finger and stroked the belly wall of her pussy and she screamed. Her hips raised off the bed.

“Margaret, I could do this to you for days.” He wanted to fuck her – he could think of nothing else.

“Oh, Fredrick. I never dreamed. How did you – of course, you would know how to do all this.”

He put her legs down, leaned back on his heels, and stood. He sat down behind her, picked her up, and put her on his lap. “Kiss me, Margaret.” She put those full, beautiful lips to his and he thought he would spend again only thinking how those lips would feel wrapped around his cock. “We best get up or I may very well lay you down and eat you again.”

“Eat me?”

“Yes, Suck you until you come again and again. You are the most sensual creature I have ever beheld.”

“Fredrick, you can barely see me. I could have been anyone – in the dark like this.”

“Oh, no, my sweet. I know those lips, that smell of jasmine, the feel of those breasts, like no other. I know who I was pleasuring.” Now she was outside the throws of passion, his words embarrassed her. “We best get up before someone comes looking for us.” He buttoned his fall. “Let me help you.” She stood, only to sit down again. She felt drained, almost dizzy. What a moment! She had never experienced anything so breathtaking – so erotic – so wonderful in her life.

How could such an act cause such an amazing feeling? She stood again and looked up at him. He had turned away from her. He found the door and finally, the light streamed in. They both had to squint at first to see. “We probably need to do something with your hair “

“Fred, will you not look at me?” He stood tall and looked at her. “Are you going to tell me again that you should not have done that?” Those emerald eyes – they expressed everything.

He walked toward her, put his hands on her arms, looked into those emerald eyes, and kissed her passionately. He held her close as he pulled his lips from hers. “I know I acted the fool – I shan’t make such a mistake again…” He turned his head from her and cleared his throat. “Margaret. I cannot make you any promises.” He stepped away from her and pursed his lips together – contemplating something. “Do you want me to help you do something with your hair? I love it down, but I don’t know that it would be a good idea under the circumstances. Would you not agree?”

“I agree.” She looked down.

He hooked his finger under her chin. “Are you alright?”

“Yes, yes.” She gave him a weak smile.

He lowered his head to kiss her once again. The kiss surprised him with its affection and tenderness. He was doing so many things he never thought he would do. With her. For her. “Go on and get your hair done. You need to walk out of here first. I’m sure Elspeth will have something to say.”

“Oh, gosh. Elspeth. She will. You don’t think she will say anything to Mama or Papa?” Her face, so adorable. Her eyes became large and bright and she froze for a moment.

“Don’t worry about Elspeth. She is thrilled I rid the house of all the wastrels.”

“Oh, yes. I need to thank you as well. I think Mama and Papa will be happy.” She finished her hair, walked back over to him, and gave him a quick kiss. “I hope Mama and Papa stayed in the room with David. If they see my face, they will instantly know what we have been doing down here.”

“Avoid them. Now, go.” She turned to leave. “Margaret?”

“Hum?”

“You make me crazy.” She kissed him again and left the room. What the hell has come over me? I need to…I don’t know what I need to do – something. That incredible piece of flesh is making me crazy.

“I Failed to Think This Through.”

Fred woke up to a new day. He had taken a nice long bath. While he soaked, he made a mental list of things he had yet to do. He wondered about the Maxwell family. How they were holding up, dealing with the trauma of David. He kept thinking of Margaret’s beautiful cunny. He smelled her on him all night. He had no idea what to do about her. But he had more pressing matters.

He went into his study, looked at the stack of paperwork piled up on his desk, blew out a heavy breath, then sat down and started to work. He realized it was dark outside when he had to turn his lamps up. He must have been working for over eight hours, but it relieved him to have gotten so much accomplished. He reached for his desk bell to page Mr. Winston, having temporarily forgotten he had his butler working elsewhere. Frustrated, he walked into the kitchen to see Mildred making scones for breakfast for the morrow. “Mildred, I forgot to eat a noon-day meal. Can you fix me a plate of something?

“Surely, my lord. What is your pleasure?”

“Mildred, anything to fill this gullet.” He smiled at his humor. “I’m going back to the study. Bring a tray for me there. And tea, if you would.”

“Of course. I will have it to you shortly, my lord.”

“He turned back to her. “Do you know where Daniel is?”

“Yes, my lord. It being quiet in the house, he went out to help Billy and Ben clean the Concord.”

“Ah, yes. Of course.” He pulled his watch out of his key fob. After seven o’clock. “Have him come in with Ben. Give them a yell through the kitchen door.”

He walked back to his study, sat down, put his elbows on the desk, and ran his hands through his hair. Within minutes, Ben and Daniel entered the study.

“You asked for us, my lord?” Daniel asked. Both of their hands were filthy.

“Yes, first, Ben, what did Max find out from Mr. Winston?”

“He said he had many responses to the ads today. Many, is exactly what he said. He hoped to have someone hired within two days.”

“Good heavens. I fear this house will be in disarray by the time he returns.” He leaned back in his chair. He sounded petty, but the more he thought of it, his first thought might have been correct.

I can see I failed to think this through sufficiently.

“We will have to make do. Daniel, remember to respond to the front door. And make sure I receive my mail.” Fred put his head in his hands.

Mr. Winston’s Stay Extended

Fred continually thought of Margaret, although he thought it solely due to his concern for the family’s emotional welfare. Only occasionally his thoughts wandered to her voluptuous bosom, curvaceous figure, and that sultry look of hers – so damn seductive. Good heavens, Fred. You cannot keep thinking about her that way. We have already gone way too far and in the Maxwell home, of all places. With them there! Good heavens. You will never get rid of your cockstand.

Mr. Winston had finally hired a housekeeper, Mrs. Allen, who came with stellar recommendations. Winston hired her along with her two daughters. Mrs. Allen’s previous employer, Lord Digby Mackworth, had passed away after a lengthy illness, so his wife decided to close up the townhouse and travel to their country estate. But she wanted to keep the townhouse, hoping her son would return from India. He hired one upper maid and needed to train both the maid and Mr. Owen on the expectations of an upstairs maid.

Mr. Winston stayed at the Maxwell’s for another two weeks to best ensure the staff ran smoothly. Fredrick had not heard from the Maxwells directly but had been given updates from Abel via his communication with Max. Together, the two were looking for a coachman who would be a good fit for the Maxwell house. A replacement would mean Abel would be free to work for Lord Windham’s coach company.

Based on the information Max was able to glean from Abel, there had been no change in David. They had hired a night caregiver. The family greatly appreciated Mary Magillin. It was confounding to Fredrick, but he truly missed Margaret. Not only her body, her sensuality, the feel of her, but her. He thought after their rather sensuous encounter in the servants' quarters his interest would wane. He continued to desire her – even more. He also missed their banter. She kept him on his toes. He liked her.

Fred continued to work on the search for Glenda’s daughter, Little Stevie girl. He finally spoke with George, the jarvey that took Glenda to and from work. George said that Glenda had been riding in his hackney for several years. They bartered for the rides. He brought her to and from work and she performed fellatio on him for payment. George thought it a pretty good deal for both of them.

He remembered Glenda talking about a daughter once or twice. She may have even told him where the daughter resided, but he had no recollection of where. He did say that he would take Glenda to the post office once a week. She would come out with a handful of letters but she never read them to George.