“Millie. You really should marry again. You’re much too young to let that body go to waste.”
She lifted her hair over her head, securing it with a clip. “No. I’m done with that.”
“Don’t you want someone to take care of you? Don’t you want children?”
“Your family takes care of me. I take care of you. Then one day, I’ll take care of your children.” She went to the tub, touching the water. “This is marvelous. Hurry up and get in.”
“You first.”
“No, my dear. You’re the lady of the house. I’ll wait my turn.”
I’d have to bathe quickly. I didn’t want her to sit in cold water. “Fine.” I hurried to remove my underthings, tossing them over the chair. A fire blazed not more than four feet away, warming the room. I got in and grabbed the soap, washing myself vigorously.
“You needn’t rush.”
I dunked under, my golden hair floating in the water. I used a chamomile and glycerin concoction, scrubbing my scalp aggressively. Millie rinsed the lengthy tresses, pouring water from a jug. I wrung the strands out, throwing them over a shoulder. “I’m done.”
“You’ve not even relaxed.”
“It doesn’t matter. Get in. I’ll sit by the fire and get the tangles out.”
“You don’t have to be so nice to me.”
“Pish!” I dried off, feeling wondrously clean. “Let me know when you want me to rinse your hair.”
She settled in the water. “Ooohh, this is wonderful.”
“It is. Isn’t it?” There was a knock on the door. “Yes?”
“Do you need more towels?” asked a female voice. It was Isabelle.
“We do.”
“Might I come in?”
“Of course.” Millie worked herself with the soap, unfazed by the interruption.
“Here are a few more.” She placed them on a chair. “Isn’t indoor plumbing a miracle of modern invention?”
“It is,” I agreed. There was something entirely likeable about my future sister-in-law.
“I’ll comb your hair, if you want.” She wore a light blue dressing gown. “Edmund’s gone to his club. It’s only the girls in the house.”
I was slightly disappointed that I had not been able to spend more time with my fiancé, but we would be on the train tomorrow, and the trip would afford us days together. “That would be nice, Isabelle.” I sat before the fire.
She dragged a chair over and sat behind me. “It’s like a private ladies only party.”
“In the bathroom,” quipped Millie.
“Should I get your hair?” I asked.
“Yes, please.”
“I’ll be back.” Obtaining water from the sink, I poured it over Millie, rinsing the shampoo out. Then I sat by the fire, while Isabelle untangled my tresses.
“We should have a party,” said Isabelle.
“We’re not dressed, and my hair’s wet.”
“Edmund bought me a music box for Christmas. Let’s listen to it.”
“I love music boxes,” said Millie.
“It’s settled then. I’ll go get it. I’ll meet you in your room.”
After she left, I glanced at Millie. “She’s fun.”
“I do approve of that one.”
“I know you don’t care for Edmund. I’m glad you like his sister.”
“He’s overbearing.”
“Millie! You shouldn’t be speaking so ill of my husband to be.”
“I’m honest, Sarah. I won’t lie to you.”
“But you think all men are overbearing.”
“Indeed.”
I sighed. “So it doesn’t matter who I marry. The choices are bad and not so bad. I’ve settled for not so bad.”
“You’re a darling,” she laughed. “You a silly girl.”
I pointed a finger at her. “You’re a seducer and a corrupter.”
She gasped, “Sarah!”
“I speak the truth too. The things we’ve done together have changed me. I think about it all the time.”
A peculiar light shone in her eye. “Think about what?”
“You know. The intimacies we’ve shared. The things we’ve done. I know how nice those things are. I really like our secret lessons.”
“We must keep that quiet. You mustn’t tell your husband. He wouldn’t understand.”
“It’s our secret.”
“Good.”
“Ladies!” called Isabelle. “The party is ready.”
I glanced at Millie. “When are you getting out of the tub?”
“Now.”
“Good. I want to hear the music box.”
“Go on. I’ll be there in a moment.”
I tossed the nightgown over my head. “Don’t loiter or you’ll miss all the fun.”
In the bedroom, Isabelle handed me a champagne glass, which was a surprise. “Let’s celebrate.”
“What’s the occasion?”
“Our adventure.”
She would join us on the trip to California. “I’ve had adventure already.” I sat on the bed.
“So I’ve heard.” She sat next to me. “Your encounter with the train robber. What was that like?”
“He stole my engagement ring.”
Her mouth fell open. “What a blackguard.”
“He would’ve taken my locket, but I…talked him out of it.”
“Rightly so. One should never underestimate the female power of persuasion. My mother always said I could talk myself out of a box.”
There was something trustworthy about her, and my guard slipped by several degrees. “I had to kiss him.”
“What?”
“He made me kiss him. He said he wouldn’t take the locket, if I kissed him.”
“What a scoundrel.” She seemed thoughtful. “Was he pleasing to look at?”
“Yes.”
“Was he well dressed?”
“No.”
“Did he smell like horse manure?”
“No,” I laughed. “He was clean. He was handsome in a sort of reckless way. He certainly wasn’t someone I could take home to dinner.”
“How was the kiss?”
“Very nice.” I clamped my lips together, realizing that I had said too much. “I mean, he was…um…respectful.”
“I hardly believe that. If given the time, he would’ve seduced you.”
“Oh, no. I doubt that.”
Her look was shrewd. “Has Edmund ever kissed you?”
“Of course.”
“But not the mouth?”
“No.”
“So he took liberties your fiancé wouldn’t dare.”
“Yes.”
“And you enjoyed them.”
Panic set in. “You think the worst of me now.”
“Not at all. I like you, Sarah. You’re spirited and lovely. You’re charming and vivacious.” Her smile fell. “I don’t think Edmund would make you happy. He’s pompous and droll.”
“But you would say that. He’s told me how you don’t get along.”
Her hand covered mine. “Let’s not talk about Edmund. He’s not worth a minute of my time. Have champagne. I’ll wind up the music box.”
Millie had joined us; her face was pink from the heated water. “What’s that?”
“Champagne,” said Isabelle. “Have a glass.” A pretty melody filled the room. The bedroom was decorated in dark, heavily carved furniture and flower patterned wallpaper. Isabelle returned to the bed. “I love champagne.” She downed her drink. “It makes me happy all over and do things I ought not.”
I buzzed warmly. “What kinds of things?”
Her hand brushed against my knee. “Edmund will be gone for hours.” I glanced at Millie, recognizing the look in her eye. Pinpricks of pleasure rushed up my spine. “I can keep secrets. I’m not an angel.” Her touch on my leg grew bolder. She whispered, “This is what I miss about school. We used to play naughty games, and no one was the wiser. A woman isn’t allowed to seek out pleasure. Even if sh
e’s married, she’ll hardly find that.” Her smile was coy. “But, if you have lady friends, and if things happen in private. No one needs to know. There’s nothing wrong with friendship and pleasure.”
“Millie,” I said, feeling as if I’d just solved a riddle. “She’s like you. She likes other women.”
My chaperone nodded solemnly.
Chapter Seven
Isabelle smiled. “There’s something about you I can’t quite place, Sarah. I sensed it when we first met.”
“My upbringing was unconventional.”
“Yes, I’ve heard about Africa. Your family is adventurous. I’ve read all about your grandfather, Author Tennent. His travels in the jungle are well documented by the Royal Geographical Society. It’s fascinating how he managed to live among those fearsome natives. You were there too and survived.”
“You live with the Indians,” I countered. “I’ve heard they can be just as dangerous as the Azande.”
“They’re not to be underestimated. The Calvary has its hands full keeping us safe. I’ve heard some things…unpleasant things I don’t agree with, but…we can discuss them tomorrow.” She smiled enticingly. “There are other matters I’d rather contend with.” Her hand was on my thigh. “Wouldn’t you say?”
The way the candlelight danced off her face made her look beguilingly beautiful. Her expression was predatory, yet seductive, which I found arousing. Men were hardly as forward, with the exception of that roguish train robber. But…that had been exciting, and just thinking about the way he had looked at me made the muscles in my pussy clench. The kiss we shared was singed in my memory, and it brought back every feeling, every nuance, including the way he had smelled. I could almost pick up the scent right now, leather and musk.
“She’s thinking about something,” murmured Isabelle. “She’s flushed completely.”
“That’d be the handsome outlaw,” laughed Millie. “What was the bandit’s name? Brack? Ah…Brack Corbett. I think he stole more than her engagement ring.”
“Oh, hush.”
“Is that so? I’ve heard of the Corbett Gang. They’re in the papers often.”
“He…he was a scoundrel.” I bit my lower lip, and Isabelle gazed at my mouth hungrily. “It doesn’t matter. He can choke on the ring for all I care.” Her hand massaged my thigh, which sent a rush of flutters to my tummy.
“We could play act, if you want,” murmured Isabelle. “I could be the robber, and you could be my victim.” Excitement suddenly animated her features. “That’s it!” She got to her feet. “Stay here. I’ll be back.” She fled the room.
“What’s gotten into her?”
“You didn’t have to mention that train robber, Millie. It wasn’t necessary.”
“He’s on your mind.”
“No, he isn’t.”
“Oh, yes he is. I saw the way you kissed him. I was there.”
“I had no choice.”
“Ha!”
I squared my shoulders. “Are you jealous?”
“Of gutter trash?” She snorted. “No.”
“I think you are.”
“I can’t leave you alone, ever. I turn my back, and you’re being molested. You weren’t putting up much of a fight.”
“Stop judging me, Millie. You’re one to talk about molesting. What about the first time you tried to—” My breath caught in my throat. In the doorway stood Isabelle dressed in trousers, boots, and an overcoat. There was a wide-brim hat on her head. “Good lord.”
She held a revolver; the weapon was pointed at me. “Don’t worry. It’s not loaded.”
Millie’s hand went to her mouth. “Oh, what a sight,” she laughed.
“What on earth are you doing?” It was then that I realized I adored Isabelle. She was as spirited and fearless as I wished to be. Either that, or she had completely lost her marbles. “Why, I never…”
“This here is a train robbery.” Her voice was low and gravelly. Hand over your money and jewelry.” She pointed the gun at me. “Go on, young lady. I know you’re hiding your valuables. Remove that dress.” Millie shook her head, clearly entertained. “I won’t be sayin’ it again.” It sounded as if she were trying to accent her voice as well.
Seeing the hat and the gun brought back a flood of naughty memories. I decided to play along. “I won’t, you scoundrel!”
She stalked towards me, her boots sounding hollow on the wooden floor. “Take off that dress or I’ll rip it from you. Don’t think I won’t.”
“But…that’s unseemly.”
“I don’t care nothin’ about decorum. All I want is what you’re hiding on your person. Take ‘em off.”
“She’s a wonderful train robber,” quipped Millie.
Isabelle pivoted, pointing the gun at her. “You hush, woman! You’ll be next.”
She held up her hands in defense. “Oh, my goodness gracious. You’re truly the worst sort of train robber. You should be ashamed of yourself for terrorizing the regular folk.”
“Just sit there, and be quiet.” The gun was pointed at me again. “Take ‘em off, little lady. I won’t say it again.”
“You’re a big, mean man.”
“Off. Now!” Her tone was low and threatening.
“Oh, fine.” I lifted the nightgown over my head, tossing it on the floor. “Are you happy?”
“Where are you hiding your valuables?”
“Nowhere, as you can see.”
“Those breasts are sinful, Miss.”
“Really?”
“You’re committing several crimes with those.”
I crossed my arms over my chest, laughing, “You don’t say.”
“I’ll have to examine you thoroughly to find what I’m looking for. Lay on the bed.”
“I’m being robbed! Help!”
Isabelle’s eyes flew wide. “Shush! Not so loud!” Her regular voice had returned. “The servants will come running.” Laughter filled the room. The situation was ridiculous, yet highly diverting. She cleared her throat. “Now, do as I ask, and no one will get hurt.”
I lay on the bed, my legs dangling off the end. “Oh, fine. Search me, you filthy bandit.”
Isabelle approached, a hint of a smile playing around her lips. “You’re not scared enough of me, I’m afraid. I better rectify that.”
“I have the strength of the Lord to fortify me. I fear nothing with Him on my side.” A peal of laughter escaped Millie.
“You’ll be screaming His name when I’m done with you.” I trembled and buzzed everywhere. It felt as if all my nerve endings had risen, saluting her. The slight breeze from the partially open window hardened my nipples, the pink buds pointing upwards. She leaned over me, her face half hidden by the hat. “What’s your name?”
“S-Sarah.”
“You’re a pretty virgin.” She thought for a moment. “Are you a virgin?”
“I think…so.”
“Why the hesitation?”
“I’m not sure.”
“You ever have a penis in you?”
“No, ma’am, I mean, sir.”
“Then you’re a virgin.”
“I guess I am.”
“Do you touch yourself?”
“That’s none of your business.” The gun was pointed at me. I trembled slightly, thinking that, if it were loaded, it would indeed be dangerous. “I…might’ve.”
“I see.” She placed the weapon on the bed. “I’ll need to search you, Miss. Now, you lay nice and still for me, and no one will get hurt.”
“But…w-what’s your name?”
Isabelle smiled. “I’m Brack Corbett. At your service.”
“You are a scoundrel,” I breathed.
“You don’t know the half.” I felt flushed from my waist up, the heat searing me. Dampness registered in my pussy, and, as she leaned over me, I began to shiver. Her hand was on my belly. “You’re quivering.”
“Only my husband should touch me.” My voice was hardly above a whisper.
“He ain’t he
re to recue you.” She tossed the hat to the floor. Her hair was held back in a ponytail. “Now then. I’m gonna have to check every nook and cranny for those jewels. You better not move.”
Thinking of her as the lusty train robber had an unusual effect on me. I vibrated with arousal, my nerve endings screaming with the possibility of pleasure. Her hand was on my tummy, and the gentleness of the touch had me arching my back slightly, thrusting my breasts out, the milky globes spilling across my ribcage. Millie sat in a chair, not more than five feet away; her amusement was tempered with interest.
“You’re lovely,” breathed Isabelle. She’d used her own voice. “I should be jealous.” Our eyes met, and passion flared. “There’s something so beautiful about the female body. It’s a shame to have to hide all of this under layers and layers of clothes.” She grasped my breasts, pressing them together. “I’m gonna have to check these carefully, ma’am,” she rasped in her play voice. “These look suspicious.”
She rubbed her face against my burning flesh, her tongue flicking over a nipple. “Oh!” I nearly sprang off the bed from the feel of my firm little buds in her mouth. My eyes rolled into my head, my mouth opening, as my lips formed an O. I gratefully succumbed to what was happening to me. Her face was soft, so unlike how the bandit had felt. As she suckled, I envisioned Brack’s lips on me. I could almost feel the roughness of his beard. “Oh,” I breathed. “You’re a bad…bad bandit.”
Her hand skimmed lower, drifting to my mound. “You’re very wet ma’am. I’ve heard ladies like to hide things here. I’m gonna have to check you carefully.”
My clitoris was in such a state, that, when she pressed against it, I could feel it shifting. “Brack!” The sound of his name on my lips, uttered in a moment of sexual excitement, was scandalizing.
“Say my name again,” she grated.
I tossed my head from side to side. “Oh, no, no, no, no.”
“I think you’re hiding something, Miss. I don’t think it’s jewels either.”
Chapter Eight
I lifted my head off the bed to stare at her. I caught sight of Millie on the chair. Her nightgown was bunched around her knees, and her hand was in her crotch, presumably fingering the inner recesses of her cunt. Knowing that we had affected her in this manner added yet another level of wantonness to this already depraved scene.
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